Graphene-based electrically controlled terahertz polarization switching between a quarter-wave plate and half-wave plate.

We theoretically present a high-efficiency switchable reflective terahertz polarization converter composed of a periodic array of rectangular-shaped metal-dielectric-graphene sandwich structure on a dielectric substrate supported by a thick metallic film. Graphene sheet together with the rectangular-shaped metal patch provides tunable anisotropic hybrid magnetic plasmon resonance to obtain tunable phase delay of 90° and 180°, corresponding to a quarter-wave plate (QWP) and half-wave plate (HWP), respectively. Results of numerical simulations indicate that the proposed structure can switch functions between a QWP and HWP at a certain frequency simply by adjusting the Fermi energy of graphene.

Graphene-enabled electrically tunability of metalens in the terahertz range.

In general, the functions of most metalenses cannot be adjusted dynamically after being fabricated. Here, we theoretically propose an electrically tunable metalens composed of single-layered and non-structured doped graphene loaded with ribbon-shaped metallic strip arrays with varied widths and gaps. The combination of the different widths and gaps can provide full phase coverage from 0 to 2π, which is necessary for a plane wave to be focused.

Curcumin Downregulates Phosphate Carrier and Protects against Doxorubicin Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis.

Aim. To explore the effects of curcumin on phosphate carrier (PiC) and its role in protection against doxorubicin induced myocyte toxicity. Methods.

Clinical review: Efficacy of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in external ventricular drainage - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the efficacy of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in preventing catheter-related infections during external ventricular drainage (EVD), we performed a meta-analysis and systematic review. We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized prospective studies (NPSs) related to antimicrobial-impregnated EVD catheters were included.

Nutritional support for patients sustaining traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Background: In traumatic brain injury (TBI), the appropriate timing and route of feeding, and the efficacy of immune-enhancing formulae have not been well established. We performed this meta-analysis aiming to compare the effects of different nutritional support modalities on clinical outcomes of TBI patients.

Methods: We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until October, 2012.

[Predictive factors of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and predictive factors of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).

Methods: Clinical data of 104 patients with CT angiography-proven PTE were collected and Wells score, revised Geneva score and ECG score were calculated. Blood gas analysis, CK-MB and D-dimer values were analyzed.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after severe traumatic brain injury: a report of 6 cases.

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) after severe brain injury is detrimental to the recovery of patients. Pharmacologic management of PSH is difficult and efficacy is unpredictable or incomplete. This report presents 6 cases of PSH after extremely severe traumatic brain injury in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) controlled paroxysmal autonomic changes and posturing in the early subacute phase after limited success with conventional medication regimens.

Risk factors related to dysautonomia after severe traumatic brain injury.

Background: Dysautonomia after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a clinical syndrome affecting a subgroup of survivors and is characterized by episodes of autonomic dysregulation and muscle overactivity. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of dysautonomia after severe TBI in an intensive care unit setting and analyze the risk factors for developing dysautonomia.

Methods: A consecutive series of 101 patients with severe TBI admitted in a major trauma hospital during a 2-year period were prospectively observed to determine the effects of age, sex, mode of injury, hypertension history, admission systolic blood pressure, fracture, lung injury, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, injury severity score, emergency craniotomy, sedation or analgesia, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scales, and hydrocephalus on the development of dysautonomia.

Acute paraplegia following embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula.

Embolization therapy has been used as the initial treatment for spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) only for certain patients or in certain medical institutions due to its minimal invasiveness, but the recurrence of embolization remains a clinical challenge. The recurrent patient usually exhibits a gradual onset of symptoms and progressive deterioration of neurological function. Developing paraplegia several hours after embolization is commonly seen in patients with venous thrombosis-related complications, for which anticoagulation therapy is often administered.

Prognostic influence and magnetic resonance imaging findings in paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after severe traumatic brain injury.

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a clinical syndrome affecting a subgroup of survivors of severe brain injury. In this study, the prevalence, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presentation, influence on the clinical course in the intensive care unit (ICU), and effect on neurological recovery of PSH were prospectively surveyed in 87 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cranial MRI was performed during the first 30 days after injury.

Expression of targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 is associated with progression of human malignant astrocytoma.

In humans, the targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) is a cell cycle-associated protein, and altered TPX2 expression has been found in various malignancies. However, the contribution of TPX2 expression to astrocytoma progression is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate TPX2 expression in human astrocytoma samples and cell lines.