Transparent lithium niobate (LiNbO3) with thickness from 0.1–1.2 μm were made on silicon, fused silica, and sapphire substrates by the sol-gel processing. Alkoxide solutions were used as starting materials. X-ray diffraction has been used to confirm the crystallization of the films. Refractive index, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of LiNbO3 films were studied. Absorption spectra of films of LiNbO3 and LiNbO3 with doping of different amount of Fe (0.1–2.5mol%) were measured. Short-circuit photocurrent measurements revealed both transient and steady state components attributed to a pyroelectric effect and a bulk photovoltaic effect respectively. Epitaxial growth of LiNbO3 thin film on sapphire(012) substrate by sol-gel method was also obtained.

Imaging pediatric elbow trauma in the acute setting remains diagnostically challenging given difficult patient positioning, multiple ossification centers of the pediatric elbow, overlapping structures, and complex joint anatomy. Digital tomosynthesis is a technique where the X-ray source travels across a limited arc angle, obtaining a series of low-dose exposures that are in turn digitally reconstructed to produce high in-plane resolution at a relatively low overall radiation dose. Digital tomosynthesis is now more commonly integrated into standard radiographic machines and offers a new and exciting way to assess the pediatric elbow. In this review article we discuss the clinical applications of digital tomosynthesis in pediatric elbow trauma along with challenges related to technique, patient positioning and artifacts.

Yiet al. "Preparation of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3. Thin Films by Sol Gel Precrossing: Electrical, Optical and Electro-Optic Properties,” J. Appl. Phys. 64(5) 2717-2724 Sep. 88. Lines, "Microscopic Model for a Ferroelectric Glass', Physical Review B, vol. 15, No. 1, Jan. 1, 1977, pp. 388-395. Glass, et al, "Anomalous Dielectric Behavior and Re versible Pyroelectricity in Roller-Quenches LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 Glass', Applied Physics Letters, vol. 31, No. 4, Aug. 15, 1977, pp. 249-251. Mitsuyu, and Wasa, "High Dielectric Constant Films of Amorphous LiNbO3 Prepared by Sputtering Deposi tion', Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 20, No. 1, Jan. 1981, pp. LA8-L50. Kitabatake, et al., "Structure and Dielectric Properties of Amorphous LiNbO3. Thin Films Prepared by a Sput tering Deposition', J. Appl. Phys. 56 (6), Sep. 15, 1984, 1984 American Institute of Physics, pp. 1780-1784. Fukushima, et al., “Preparation of Ferroelectric PZT Films by Thermal Decomposition of Organometallic Compounds', Journal of Materials Science 19 (1984) pp. 595-598. Budd, et al., “The Effect of Hydrolysis Conditions on the Characteristics of PbTiO3 Gels and Thin Films', 63

Objective The objective was to identify a shear wave speed (SWS) cutoff in pediatric liver disease to detect fibrosis and inflammation. Methods We performed an institutional-review-board-approved prospective study of liver SWS in 41 children undergoing liver biopsy. Results In patients without inflammation, SWS was higher when fibrosis was present compared to when fibrosis was not present (average SWS 1.8 vs. 1.4 m/s, respectively, P=.02). A SWS cutoff of 1.7 m/s had 100% positive predictive value and 24% negative predictive value for detecting fibrosis or inflammation. Conclusion Point shear wave elastography is an insufficient stand-alone screening tool for liver fibrosis and inflammation in a heterogeneous patient population.

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is an uncommon but well-described form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Presentation can include fever, abdominal pain, and enterocolitis (1,2). In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon, other forms of enterocolitis, particularly Crohn disease, are more likely (1,2). We report an immunosuppressed Mexican teenager in the United States who developed enterocolitis and was diagnosed with Mycobacterium bovis ITB. CASE A 16-year-old Mexican girl with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) presented with 3 months of fever, anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain. She reported frequent diarrhea without melena or hematochezia, as well as night sweats, palpitations, and dizziness with standing. Her medications included mycophenolate mofetil, benazepril, aspirin, prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, and lansoprazole. Her SLE was well controlled and the mycophenolate mofetil dose was decreased just before the symptom onset. Family history revealed an aunt with SLE, an uncle with active pulmonary TB, and a sister with history of a positive tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) test. The patient was born in Mexico, and had received the Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine. She immigrated to California 6 years earlier and had never returned to Mexico. Her diet included Mexican soft cheeses. On admission, she appeared fatigued and pale. Her temperature ranged from 34°C to 39°C, her heart rate 150 beats/min, and other vital signs were normal. She had a normal respiratory examination and a soft, nondistended abdomen that was tender to palpation in the right upper quadrant. The remainder of the examination was normal. Laboratory tests included hemoglobin 6.8 g/dL (normal 12.0–15.5 g/dL), white blood cell count 6.1 × 109/L (normal 4.5–13.2 × 109/L), ESR >100 mm/h (normal 0–15 mm/h), and CRP 66 mg/L (normal <6.3 mg/L). C3 and C4 were normal. The fecal occult blood test was positive. Hectic fever and diarrhea continued. An abdominal ultrasound was done and appeared to be normal. Tests for HIV, CMV, and cryptosporidium were negative, and a PPD showed 34 mm of induration. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography showed inflammation of the distal ileum, proximal transverse colon, and cecum (Fig. 1).FIGURE 1: Imaging findings that support a diagnosis of either Crohn disease or tuberculosis include skip lesions (black arrow heads in A); comb sign (white arrows in A); and asymmetric colonic wall thickening (white arrow heads in B).Upper and lower endoscopy showed friability throughout the colon and blood and exudate in the cecum (Fig. 2A). Histology from the cecum and proximal transverse colon showed active inflammation with ulceration and multiple well-formed granulomas (Fig. 2B). A Kinyoun stain demonstrated acid-fast bacilli (Fig. 2C). Rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and isoniazid were started. Polymerase chain reaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in the cecal biopsy using the IS 6110l locus was negative; however, symptoms resolved with anti-TB therapy.FIGURE 2: Photograph of the ascending colon (A) shows diffuse exudate (white arrow) and ulceration (black arrow) throughout the colon. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained section of proximal colon shows well-formed non-necrotizing granuloma consisting of dense collections of macrophages with surrounding granulation tissue (B). Kinyoun stain for acid-fast bacilli shows magenta-colored bacilli in association with granulomas (C).After 7 weeks, tissue cultures from the endoscopic biopsy grew acid-fast organisms identified as M tuberculosis complex and further speciated to M bovis. Ethambutol and pyrazinamide were discontinued. She was treated with isoniazid and rifampin for 9 months and was symptom free. Her infection was attributed to ingestion of contaminated Mexican soft cheese. DISCUSSION This case describes a teenager with SLE who developed primary M bovis entercolitis. TB is largely a disease of developing countries, and rates of TB in the United States are among the lowest worldwide (3). In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3.2 cases per 100,000 people, with disease burden highest in immigrants from developing countries and lowest in children of age <14 years (4). ITB is rare in the United States, with no specific cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012 (4); however, historically, ITB in the United States has occurred more frequently in Hispanic children and is more commonly caused by M bovis than by M tuberculosis(5,6). The presenting symptoms of ITB are those of enterocolitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (1,2). Symptoms overlap with those of Crohn disease, a more common childhood illness of the developed world (1). Crohn disease and ITB are differentiated by evidence of mycobacteria in tissue or complete resolution of symptoms after anti-TB medication (1,2). Because culture of the bacteria can take several weeks, patients are often treated for TB rather than Crohn disease to avoid high-dose steroids precipitating disseminated TB (1,2). This is challenging because multidrug resistant TB may not respond to anti-TB medications and delay in therapy for Crohn disease can lead to adverse outcomes. In TB endemic areas, distinguishing between ITB and Crohn disease is a challenging clinical dilemma, driving a clinical trial to develop a scoring algorithm to separate the diseases based on clinical and laboratory findings (7). Without an algorithm presently available, epidemiological and exposure history are the main clues to diagnosis. The patient presented in this case report had a recent decrease in immunosuppressive medication and the clinical, radiological, and endoscopic findings strongly suggested an idiopathic inflammatory condition. The decision to consider other diagnoses was based on history, laboratory results, the danger of exacerbating infectious colitis with steroids, and the rarity of Crohn disease in patients with SLE (8). Supporting ITB, the patient had hectic fever, which is more common in ITB than in Crohn disease (1,2). She was Hispanic, born in a developing country, and ate Mexican soft cheeses. The size of the induration from the positive PPD test was striking given the history of autoimmunity and chronic immunosuppression. This case highlights M bovis intestinal TB. Presenting symptoms were nonspecific and a high index of suspicion based on family and exposure history was critical to diagnosis.

Computed tomography (CT) is extremely important in characterizing blood vessel anatomy and vascular lesions in children. Recent advances in CT reconstruction technology hold promise for improved image quality and also reductions in radiation dose. This report evaluates potential improvements in image quality for the depiction of small pediatric vessels with model-based iterative reconstruction (Veo™), a technique developed to improve image quality and reduce noise.

A relatively new surgical technique allows for sutureless closure of a gastroschisis defect. Immediately after birth, a long umbilical cord stump is temporarily inverted into the abdominal cavity and later retracted and used to close the abdominal wall defect. Knowledge of this entity is important since the inverted umbilical cord simulates an intra-abdominal mass on cross-sectional imaging. While this procedure is well described in the surgical literature, the imaging features of inverted umbilical cord have yet to be reported. The case presented here highlights the sonographic imaging findings of the umbilical cord during the intestinal decompression phase of sutureless repair of gastroschisis.

The chronic nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) creates a lifelong effect on the morbidity of children affected by the disease. The ability to confidently identify and characterize complications resulting from IBD in the pediatric patient is of critical importance. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is especially valuable in the diagnostic assessment of IBD; however, precise elucidation of complications including strictures can be difficult with standard MRE sequences. The recent development of faster MRI pulse sequences provides rapid, real-time imaging of the intestinal tract. In this review, we describe how the addition of cine MRE confidently pinpoints areas of stricture, aids in lesion detection and diagnosis, and provides valuable information on intestinal motility.

Low-hydroxyl organically modified silicates (ORMOSILS) were fabricated by a non-hydrolytic reaction between methyl-modified silicon halides and tertiary butyl alcohol under controlled atmosphere. The gels were characterized by DTA and TGA., FTIR,1H NMR and29Si NMR. The solutions were doped with anhydrous Erl3, which was dissolved in the sol prior to gelation. Er3+luminescence in the gels was observed at 570 nm under excitation at 488 nm.

Transparent silica gel–polymer composites have been prepared by the impregnation of porous gels with organic monomer and polymerization in situ. The relative amount of each phase was adjusted by varying the porosity of the silica gel prior to impregnation. These materials constitute a new class of transparent composites. Properties, such as density, refractive index, modulus of rupture, compressive strength, abrasion rate, and Vickers hardness, have been measured over the compositional range of 100% silica to 100% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

2-ethylhexanoic acid (2EHA) has been applied to control the YBa2Cu3O7−x sol-gel solution. The experimental results prove that 2EHA functions as a sol-gel solution structure controlling and precipitation-prevention agent. The structure of the solution can be one, two or three dimensions of the network by using different concentration of 2EHA to modify the metal alkoxides. With decreasing 2EHA concentration, the homogeneity is improved due to increasing the network connectivity. This results in: (1) ease of the formation of YBa2Cu3O7−x; (2) denser microstructure with fine grains; and (3) narrower but lower superconducting transition.

Multifunctional engineering systems made up of different material components each providing primarily a single function are well known. Frequently, even for a monofunctional application, the material component must already have an optimum set of secondary properties to fulfill that function. It would be desirable to have multifunctional material components. In this paper some known multifunctional ceramic materials, mainly crystalline and glassy oxide systems, are reviewed. These are conveniently divided into molecular, ultrastructural and integrated materials systems. Projections are made regarding the future developments of multifunctional ceramics as well as nanocomposites with both inorganic and organic components based on the sol-gel technique.

Bioactive ORMOSILS (Organically Modified Silicates) were synthesized by a sol-gel method, with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Ca(II) ions were incorporated into the ormosil monoliths by addition of calcium nitrate. The synthesized samples were examined on the bioactivity by the use of a simulated body fluid (the Kokubo solution). The Ca(II) containing ormosils were bioactive that deposited apatite during soaking in the Kokubo solution. The dissolution of Ca(II) from the sample favored the formation of the hydrated silica, which gave nucleation sites for apatite, while the effect of dissolved Ca(II) ions to increase the degree of supersaturation in the fluid could not be neglected.

The generation of undesirable ashes from municipal and hazardous waste incineration, and from coal-fired power plants has become a serious environmental problem. Ash contains heavy metals and/or unburned organics, and the disposal of this material is drawing increased concern from the public and government agencies. Since the leaching of a toxic constituent from a powder is proportional to the surface area of the powder, any method of consolidation is welcome. The interest of such a consolidation process would be greatly increased if, in addition to making this material safe, a commercially useful material could be produced. Conventional methods of heating such as oil-fired furnaces require large flows of air. They are also time and energy consuming because it is relatively difficult to heat up a powder. Microwave processing creates rapid heating and allows for the attainment of uniformly high temperatures; therefor, it is a viable alternative. However, most ashes will not easily absorb microwaves if they do not contain a phase that couples with the microwaves. Transition metal oxides are lossy materials when submitted to microwave radiation. If they are mixed into ashes in a sufficient amount, they will generate heat, cause sintering and reduce the surface area of the powder. In the present work, coal ash-derived bricks and tiles were successfully obtained. Details of processing, mechanical properties and chemical durability of these consolidated ceramics are presented

Aerogels derived from sol-gel oxides such as silica have become quite scientifically popular because of their extremely low densities, high surface areas, and their interesting optical, dielectric, thermal and acoustic properties. However, their commercial applicability has thus far been rather limited, due in great part to their brittleness and hydrophilicity. In prior work by our research group, modifying silicate gel structures with flexible, organic containing polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane imparted significant compliance (even rubbery behavior) and hydrophobicity. These materials have been referred to as Ormosils. This study expounds on our current efort to extend these desirable properties to aerogels, and in-so-doing, creating novel “Aeromosils”. Reactive incorporation of hydroxy-terminal polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into silica sol-gels was made using both acid and two-step acid/base catalyzed processes. Aerogels were derived by employing the supercritical CO2 technique. Analyses of microstructure were made using nitrogen adsorption (BET surface area and pore size distribution), and some mechanical strengths were derived from tensile strength testing. Interesting Aeromosil properties obtained include optical transparency, surface areas of up to 1200 m2/g, rubberiness, and better strength than corresponding silica aerogels with elongations at break exceeding 5% in some cases.

The sol-gel method for the preparation of ceramics and glasses has frequently been mentioned as more advantageous as compared to conventional methods. However, there are few known examples of a direct comparison for the same material. In the present work both the processing and resultant properties for ferroelectrics such as BaTiO3, KTaO3, KNbO3 and K(Ta,Nb)O3 made by both methods are directly compared. The uniformity is evaluated by high-angle x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and EDAX and the dielectric properties are compared. The advantages and disadvantages of the sol-gel method are discussed.

The protection of glass against water-initiated chemical corrosion is a significant problem. Presently, organic polymers and inorganically modified polymers are being used to protect art glass. However, the service life and durability of these coatings are not entirely satisfactory. Oxide coatings would offer much greater resistance to water penetration. Water permeability through a polymer coating is some ten orders of magnitude larger than that through an oxide coating. This, coupled with a higher scratch resistance, makes oxide coatings promising candidates for the protection of stained glass. Methods to deposit an oxide on glass at relatively low temperatures include sol-gel processing and vapor deposition. This paper compares the performance of different oxide and non-oxide coatings and presents methods for the deposition of oxide coatings at low temperatures.

The infrared transmission, and possible high nonlinear optical susceptibility of Bi(Pb)-Ca- Sr-Cu-O glasses as well as their being the precursors for high temperature superconductors make them potential materials for integrated optical fibers. In this work, the glass formation and the fabrication of glass fibers have been investigated. The properties of the glasses have been studied. The infrared cutoff of the glasses is above 7 μm, and a high refractive index (˜ 2.9) and a high density (˜ 6 g/cm3) indicate the possible high nonlinear optical susceptibility. After being heat treated at high temperatures, the glasses become superconductors which show the response to the optical radiation due to the bolometric effect. Fabrication of an integrated optical fiber system incorporating the transmitting medium, optical modulator and detectors is possible.