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High kinetic inductance materials constitute a valuable resource for superconducting quantum circuits and hybrid architectures. Superconducting granular aluminum (grAl) reaches kinetic sheet inductances in the nH / □ range, with proven applicability in superconducting quantum bits and microwave detectors. Here, we show that the single photon internal quality factor Q i of grAl microwave resonators exceeds 105 in magnetic fields up to 1 T, aligned in-plane to the grAl films. Small perpendicular magnetic fields, in the range of 0.5 mT, enhance Q i by approximately 15%, possibly due to the introduction of quasiparticle traps in the form of fluxons. Further increasing the perpendicular field deteriorates the resonators' quality factor. These results open the door for the use of high kinetic inductance grAl structures in circuit quantum electrodynamics and hybrid architectures with magnetic field requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose(1) To describe the clinical characteristics of Purtscher and Purtscher-like retinopathies, including etiologies, fundoscopic signs, results of complementary investigation, treatments, and outcomes. (2) To compare visual acuity (VA) of patients receiving corticosteroids for PuR compared with observation.MethodsSystematic review of several databases (1980-2010): Medline, EMBASE, ISI, EBSCO, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Study selection criteria included: (A) Studies of PuR with ophthalmology assessments; (B) ≥3 of 5 diagnostic criteria of PuR; (C) Quantified VA at presentation. For quantitative assessment (purpose 2), we selected only studies that reported whether corticosteroids were administered, and with vision assessments after at least 1 month.Results(1) From 670 studies initially found, 40 were included (68 cases, 110 eyes): 1 prospective, 5 case series, and 34 case reports. Mean VA at presentation was 1.3 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) (<20/200; range: 20/20-light perception). Purtscher flecken were underreported. Trauma and acute pancreatitis were the most frequent etiologies. There were six deaths, all with systemic associations. (2) There was no statistically significant difference between VA improvement for patients treated with corticosteroids compared with observation. Visual prognostic factors identified included etiology (pancreatitis and trauma were associated with higher probability of visual improvement) and male gender.ConclusionDue to limitations of case reports and series, the presented data are only useful as broad characterizations of the clinical course of PuR. Further studies, possibly including trials to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids use, and larger prospective cohort studies, are necessary, but may not be feasible to conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato plants were treated for two weeks with different concentrations of Cr(III) or Cr(VI) compounds to compare their toxic effects. The concentration of total Cr in plant tissues increased linearly with its concentration in the growth medium and Cr accumulated largely in the roots, regardless of the form in which it was supplied to the plant. All measured plant growth parameters were negatively affected by Cr, but Cr(VI) showed much more pronounced toxic effects. Leaf net photosynthetic rate (PN) was decreased by both Cr forms, and the decrease was also greater for Cr(VI). Cr(III) caused no significant effect on leaf stomatal conductance, whereas Cr(VI) reduced it. Cr(VI) also markedly reduced the variable to maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence ratio, measured in dark-adapted leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive market is currently dominated by internal combustion engine vehicles, which use non-renewable energy sources emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Hybrid cars are emerging as a sustainable alternative to minimize the problem, while waiting for futuristic solutions as solar or hydrogen vehicles. In this study, an electric energy generator prototype for a hybrid vehicle is developed, focusing on the voltage control at the generator terminals. Initially, the possible opening angles of the carburetor valve of an internal combustion engine, controlled by a servomotor, were mapped, followed by open-loop tests. This concept resulted in the identification of the system parameters, which were applied to the MATLAB software for the implementation of the PI controller, responsible for a closed-loop control of the air-fuel mixture that feeds the engine. Thus, the rotation of the shaft coupled to the generator remains almost fixed, reducing the generated voltage fluctuation, allowing safely storage of the energy that will be used to drive the vehicle wheels.

Historic artefacts are crucial to transmit history to future generations. Depending on the characteristics of their components these objects can be prone to biological attacks, chemical decay or even mechanical degradation. These three types of decay are induced by the indoor relative humidity and temperature, which are largely dependent on the characteristics of the building envelope, the outdoor climate and the number of occupants. In order to attain a proper indoor climate for the conservation of the artefacts it may be necessary to implement some types of changes. However, and due to the high heritage value of most of the buildings that house these artefacts, any type of changes has to be thoroughly studied prior to its implementation. These studies are usually carried out using a hygrothermal model of the building validated by the measured indoor conditions. The development of these models is entirely based on non-destructive procedures, which is a key factor when studying historic buildings. The yearly indoor climate of a 13th century church in Lisbon was measured and then used to develop a hygrothermal model of the church in two of the most used software in cultural heritage: EnergyPlus and WUFI®Plus. The obtained results for each model were compared against the measured indoor temperature and water vapour pressure to determine which are the advantages of the two software.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The anatomical and functional benefit of bevacizumab in the treatment of macular edema associated with Purtscher-like retinopathy" by B. L. W. Nesmith and colleagues.

A response from the author of the article "Systematic review of Purtscher's and Purtscher-like retinopathies," in the 2013 issue is presented.