The temperature dependence of the I-Vcharacteristics of many single-electron tunneling devices enables thermometer operation of these systems. Two normal conducting kinds of them are investigated, a) a single junction in a high-impedance environment and b) a double junction. The characteristics of both devices show a cross-over from Coulomb blockade at low temperatures to ohmic behavior at high temperatures. The related differential conductivity dip allows the determination of the temperature of the junctions. Both configurations a) and b) are expected to work at least within the range 0.5 5 BE, 10, where E, is the Coulomb energy of the system under investigation. An analytical solution for both low-and high-temperature cases of a) and b) as well as numerical results and their fit are presented, including the effect of co-tunneling in case of a double junction.
Respiratory impairment is common after general anesthesia, largely due to a reduction of functional residual capacity resulting in ventilation/perfusion mismatch and atelectasis [1-3]. Obesity, increased age, and duration of surgery are major factors reinforcing the occurrence of atelectasis [4-6]. Compression atelectasis due to increased abdominal pressure in the supine position, more pronounced when using neuromuscular blocking agents, absorption atelectasis due increased inspired fraction of oxygen, hypoventilation and upper airway collapse also contribute [7-10]. Recruitment maneuver followed by PEEP proofed to be effective in increasing functional residual capacity and reducing atelectasis and pulmonary shunting [11]. Nevertheless atelectasis within the postoperative period is still common. Thus several other factors may have a predictive value in terms of postoperative respiratory impairment and atelectasis. Residual effects of neuromuscular blocking agents or hypnotics as well as duration of surgery are well known anesthesia and surgery related predictors for lung function impairment within the immediate postoperative period and patients related predictors are as follows age, BMI and gender [12]. We designed prospective, observational, blinded study to evaluate the impact of these factors and reveal possible interactions within a large study population. Methods Study population The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Marburg (Germany), and written consent was obtained. Between 2005 and 2009 we studied 397 patients with BMI between 25-40 (ASA II-III) undergoing minor surgery (Table 1/2). In order to minimize potential factors interfering with postoperative lung function measurements (e.g. increased postoperative pain sensations) patients
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