Generation of broadband 17-µJ mid-infrared femtosecond pulses at 3.75 µm by silicon carbide crystal.

In this contribution, we report the generation of 17-µJ mid-infrared (MIR) pulses with duration of 70 fs and bandwidth of 550 nm centered at 3.75 µm at 1-kHz repetition rate, by a two-stage femtosecond optical parametric amplifier utilizing 4H-silicon carbide crystal as the nonlinear medium. The crystal is selected as it processes orders of magnitude higher damage threshold than traditional MIR nonlinear crystals, and it supports extreme broad parametric bandwidth. With its distinguished features such as MIR central wavelength, ultra-broad bandwidth, self-stable carrier-envelope phase, and potential for energy scaling, this kind of MIR source holds promise for new approaches to extreme short isolated attosecond pulse generation as well as MIR spectroscopy applications.

[Digital evaluation of breast symmetry with 3D scanning technique].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a standard method for digital evaluation of breast symmetry with 3D scanning technique. METHODS: From January 2009 to July 2010, 167 patients received 3D scanning before breast augmentation. The coordinate system was established and the 3D reconstructed breast models were analyzed by software. The discrepancy of nipple level, the distance between nipple to midline, inferior mammary fold location, breast width, breast projection, breast volume and anterior chest wall projection were measured. RESULTS: The mean discrepancy of nipple level, the distance between nipple to midline, IMF level, breast width, breast projection and anterior chest wall projection were (4. 8 +/- 3.9) mm, (4.5 +/- 3.4) mm, (4.6 +/- 3.7) mm, (4.8 +/- 2.9) mm, (5.4 +/- 3.9) mm and (4.8 +/- 3.3) mm, respectively. The mean difference of breast volume was (51 +/- 44) ml. The incidence of significant asymmetry was 73% (122/167)in nipple position, 95% (159/167)in breast shape, 38% (63/167)in anterior chest wall projection. CONCLUSIONS: 3D scanning technique can provide an accurate 3D measurement of breast. A thorough and objective evaluation of breast symmetry can be achieved.

[Risk factors of renal failure in the early post-liver transplantation period].

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors of renal failure in the early post-liver transplantation period. METHODS: 92 consecutive liver transplantation cases were reviewed and a multi-factor analysis of presumed risk factors of early post-transplantation period renal failure was conducted. The factors analyzed were total bilirubin level, prothrombin activity, onset of structural renal disease, onset of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, whether the patient underwent large-volume paracentesis, or underwent plasmapheresis therapy, needed renal replacement therapy, the operation method used, the bleeding volume during operation and the immunosuppressive agents used. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients, 29 (31.5%) developed acute renal failure (ARF) in the early postoperative period. Multi-factor analysis revealed a high pre-transplantation serum creatinine level and low prothrombin activity as risk factors for development of ARF. CONCLUSION: ARF is a frequent medical complication after liver transplantation. A high pre-transplantation serum creatinine level and low prothrombin activity are risk factors of its development.