We developed a method for measuring airway resistance (R(aw)) in mice that does not require a measurement of airway flow. An analysis of R(aw) induced by alveolar gas compression showed the following relationship for an animal breathing spontaneously in a closed box: R(aw) = A(bt)V(b)/[V(t) (V(e) + 0.5V(t))]. Here A(bt) is the area under the box pressure-time curve during inspiration or expirat...

We present the design, theory and experimental implementation of a low modal volume microlaser based on a line-defect 2D-photonic crystal waveguide. The lateral confinement of low-group velocity modes is controlled by the post-processing of 1 to 3microm wide PMMA strips on top of two dimensional photonic crystal waveguides. Modal volume around 1.3 (lambda/n)(3) can be achieved using this scheme...

After decades of neglect, the resurgence of tuberculosis in the United States between 1985 and 1992 renewed interest in the use of upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to interrupt the transmission of airborne infections. More recently the bioterrorism threat and the appearance of new pathogens with the potential for airborne spread, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), ha...

OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility, safety, and early results of awake lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) performed under thoracic epidural anesthesia by a new nonresectional technique. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA So far, resectional LVRS under general anesthesia and one-lung ventilation is the more frequently used technique, but procedure-related morbidity has been considerable. METHODS The...

The fourteen kinds of pressure-transmitting media were evaluated by the ruby fluorescence method at room temperature, 77 K using the diamond anvil cell (DAC) up to 10 GPa in order to find appropriate media for use in low temperature physics. The investigated media are a 1:1 mixture by volume of Fluorinert FC-70 and FC-77, Daphne 7373 and 7474, NaCl, silicon oil (polydimethylsiloxane), Vaseline,...

The present article is devoted to the analysis of structural elements of a room prepared for comfort living. A new variant for minimizing the space in a room for comfort living is shown on the example of a studioapartment in two levels on an attic floor. An overview of the apartment is shown, as well as layout plans of floors with furniture. Favorable transitory elements between zones in the ro...

Simultaneous measurements of the curves for wear versus distance, wear rate versus distance, and coefficient of friction versus distance were performed in situ to distinguish the transition from severe running-in wear to mild wear. The effects of the initial surface roughness on the severe running-in wear volume were investigated. Disk-on-plate friction and wear tests were carried out with SUS3...

BACKGROUND Despite a previous meta-analysis that concluded that central venous pressure should not be used to make clinical decisions regarding fluid management, central venous pressure continues to be recommended for this purpose. AIM To perform an updated meta-analysis incorporating recent studies that investigated indices predictive of fluid responsiveness. A priori subgroup analysis was p...