bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid transparent conductive electrodes with copper nanowires embedded in a zinc oxide matrix and protected by reduced graphene oxide platelets
Authors: Zhu Zhaozhao , Mankowski Trent , Balakrishnan Kaushik , Shikoh Ali Sehpar , Touati Farid , Benammar Mohieddine A. , Mansuripur Masud , Falco Charles M.
Published: February 2016

Transparent conductive electrodes (TCE) were fabricated by combining three emerging nano-materials: copper nanowires (CuNWs), zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-particulate thin films, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) platelets. Whereas CuNWs are responsible for essentially all of the electrical conductivity of our thin-film TCEs, the ZnO matrix embeds and strengthens the CuNW network in its adhesion to the substrate, while the rGO platelets provide a protective overcoat for the composite electrode, thereby improving its stability in hot and humid environments. Our CuNW/ZnO/rGO hybrid electrodes deposited on glass substrates have low sheet resistance (Rs ∼ 20 Ω/sq) and fairly high optical transmittance (T550 ∼ 79%). In addition, our hybrid TCEs are mechanically strong and able to withstand multiple scotch-tape peel tests. Finally, these TCEs can be fabricated on rigid glass as well as flexible plastic substrates.
Surface oxygen micropatterns on glow discharge polymer targets by photo irradiation
Authors: Reynolds Hannah , Baxamusa Salmaan , Haan Steven W. , Fitzsimmons Paul , Carlson Lane , Farrell Mike , Nikroo Abbas , Watson Brian J.
Published: February 2016

Recent simulations predict surface oxygen may be a significant source of disruptive perturbations in the implosion process of glow-discharge polymers (GDP) ablators at the National Ignition Facility. GDP material held in ambient atmospheric conditions showed an increase in mass when stored in light transparent containers, which suggests that photo exposure is a driving force for oxygen absorption. To investigate if surface oxygen is a contributing factor of disruptive perturbations during implosion, a method to imprint a periodic micropattern of oxygen on the surface of GDP was developed and used to fabricate a flat sample for empirical testing. Photo exposure using collimated blue light was used to generate micropatterns of surface oxygen on the GDP material. The periodic oxygen micropattern was confirmed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy. A SIMS depth profile showed the atomic percent of oxygen ranged from 8 at. % near the surface to 1 at. % at a depth of 2 μm in a sample exposed for 4 min. The molecular interactions formed between the GDP and oxygen molecules were characterized using Fourier transform infrared resonance (FTIR), which showed the formation of hydroxyl (O–H) and carbonyl (C=O) bonds. The FTIR enabled the oxygen mass uptake as a function of photo exposure time to be quantified (resolved to typically 0.05 at. % oxygen). This experimental protocol was then applied to produce a GDP flat part with a periodic 75 μm wavelength micropattern of photo exposed (oxygen rich) and masked (oxygen deficient) regions. The micropatterned GDP ablators developed in this work are being used to assess the effect of surface oxygen on disruptive perturbations during the inertial confinement fusion implosion process.
Heat capacity of one-dimensional chains of methane molecules in the outer grooves of carbon nanotube bundles
Authors: Bagatskii M. I. , Sumarokov V. V. , Barabashko M. S.
Published: February 2016

The heat capacity at constant pressure CP of 1D-chains of methane molecules adsorbed in the grooves on the outer surface of the bundles of closed single-walled nanotubes was measured in the temperature range from 2 to 60 K for the first time. The behavior of the temperature dependence of CP below 12 K indicates the presence of a Schottky-type anomaly originated from the tunneling between the lowest energy levels of the rotational spectra of the A, T, and E nuclear-spin species of methane molecules. The feature observed in the vicinity of 14 K is presumably caused by an orientational phase transition, in which the nature of the rotational motion of the molecules changes from libration to hindered rotation. It was found that the rotational heat capacity in the temperature range of 30–40 K is close to that of freely rotating methane molecules. An increase in the derivative dCP(T)/dT above 40 K and the feature in the CP(T) near 52 K are due to the decay of 1D chains of CH4.
SFG analysis of the molecular structures at the surfaces and buried interfaces of PECVD ultralow-dielectric constant pSiCOH
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxian , Myers John N. , Huang Huai , Shobha Hosadurga , Chen Zhan , Grill Alfred
Published: February 2016

PECVD deposited porous SiCOH with ultralow dielectric constant has been successfully integrated as the insulator in advanced interconnects to decrease the RC delay. The effects of NH3 plasma treatment and the effectiveness of the dielectric repair on molecular structures at the surface and buried interface of a pSiCOH film deposited on top of a SiCNH film on a Si wafer were fully characterized using sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG), supplemented by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After exposure to NH3 plasma for 18 s, about 40% of the methyl groups were removed from the pSiCOH surface, and the average orientation of surface methyl groups tilted more towards the surface. The repair method used here effectively repaired the molecular structures at the pSiCOH surface but did not totally recover the entire plasma-damaged layer. Additionally, simulated SFG spectra with various average orientations of methyl groups at the SiCNH/pSiCOH buried interface were compared with the experimental SFG spectra collected using three different laser input angles to determine the molecular structural information at the SiCNH/pSiCOH buried interface after NH3 plasma treatment and repair. The molecular structures including the coverage and the average orientation of methyl groups at the buried interface were found to be unchanged by NH3 plasma treatment and repair.
Experimental and computational aerodynamic investigations of very thick wind turbine airfoils
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Xingxing , Yang Ke
Published: February 2016

The aerodynamic performance of two very thick wind turbine airfoils, DU00-W-401 and CAS-W1-450, is examined by experimental and computational methods at a Reynolds number of 1 × 106. The measurements were carried out in a wind tunnel with a cross-sectional dimension of 1.5 m × 1.5 m and a length of 2.5 m. The results are compared with predictions from Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation with a k-ω turbulence model and a transition model. To eliminate the unstable effect, three runs of measurements were conducted and then the results were averaged. The lift performance of DU00-W-401 is in good agreement with a previous research result, showing the experimental method is reliable. RANS well predicts the lift performance at the linear region on the lift curve, but tends to underestimate the drag and overestimate the lift in post-stall condition. The pressure drag taking a large proportion to the total drag results in a high drag coefficient for the very thick wind turbine airfoil. A three-dimensional characteristic is observed in the experiments by comparing surface pressure at different spanwise positions.
Nanofocusing of light into semiconducting fin photonic crystals
Authors: Bogdanowicz J. , Nuytten T. , Gawlik A. , Schulze A. , De Wolf I. , Vandervorst W.
Published: February 2016

This letter demonstrates experimentally and investigates theoretically the possibility for enhanced light coupling into periodic arrays of nanoscale semiconducting fins. Using Raman spectroscopy, we show that an electromagnetic field impinging upon such periodic structures can be confined into the semiconducting regions when the ratio W/λ0 of the fin width to the incident wavelength is sufficiently small and when the incident light polarization is parallel to the fin edges. As we demonstrate based on band structure calculations and finite-element simulations, this corresponds to the availability and excitation of a dielectric-band mode of the constituted photonic crystal waveguide, i.e., a mode guided inside the semiconducting fins. The understanding of this nanofocusing behavior opens the way to a plethora of applications including the optical metrology of deep-subwavelength non-planar semiconductor devices.
On the manifestation of phosphorus-vacancy complexes in epitaxial Si:P films
Authors: Dhayalan Sathish Kumar , Kujala Jiri , Slotte Jonatan , Pourtois Geoffrey , Simoen Eddy , Rosseel Erik , Hikavyy Andriy , Shimura Yosuke , Iacovo Serena , Stesmans Andre , Loo Roger , Vandervorst Wilfried
Published: February 2016

In situ doped epitaxial Si:P films with P concentrations >1 × 1021 at./cm3 are suitable for source-drain stressors of n-FinFETs. These films combine the advantages of high conductivity derived from the high P doping with the creation of tensile strain in the Si channel. It has been suggested that the tensile strain developed in the Si:P films is due to the presence of local Si3P4 clusters, which however do not contribute to the electrical conductivity. During laser annealing, the Si3P4 clusters are expected to disperse resulting in an increased conductivity while the strain reduces slightly. However, the existence of Si3P4 is not proven. Based on first-principles simulations, we demonstrate that the formation of vacancy centered Si3P4 clusters, in the form of four P atoms bonded to a Si vacancy, is thermodynamically favorable at such high P concentrations. We suggest that during post epi-growth annealing, a fraction of the P atoms from these clusters are activated, while the remaining part goes into interstitial sites, thereby reducing strain. We corroborate our conjecture experimentally using positron annihilation spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, and Rutherford backscattering ion channeling studies.
Flexible ITO-free organic solar cells applying aqueous solution-processed V2O5 hole transport layer: An outdoor stability study
Authors: Lima F. Anderson S. , Beliatis Michail J. , Roth Bérenger , Andersen Thomas R. , Bortoti Andressa , Reyna Yegraf , Castro Eryza , Vasconcelos Igor F. , Gevorgyan Suren A. , Krebs Frederik C. , Lira-Cantu Mónica
Published: February 2016

Solution processable semiconductor oxides have opened a new paradigm for the enhancement of the lifetime of thin film solar cells. Their fabrication by low-cost and environmentally friendly solution-processable methods makes them ideal barrier (hole and electron) transport layers. In this work, we fabricate flexible ITO-free organic solar cells (OPV) by printing methods applying an aqueous solution-processed V2O5 as the hole transport layer (HTL) and compared them to devices applying PEDOT:PSS. The transparent conducting electrode was PET/Ag/PEDOT/ZnO, and the OPV configuration was PET/Ag/PEDOT/ZnO/P3HT:PC60BM/HTL/Ag. Outdoor stability analyses carried out for more than 900 h revealed higher stability for devices fabricated with the aqueous solution-processed V2O5.
Suppression of the skin effect in radio frequency transmission lines via gridded conductor fibers
Authors: Williamson Ian A. D. , Nguyen Thien-An N. , Wang Zheng
Published: February 2016

Microwave propagation in transmission lines is fundamentally limited in bandwidth and reach by the skin and proximity effects. The resultant current crowding imparts a square-root frequency dependence on attenuation, and ultimately limits the spatial resolution of distributed transmission-line sensors and the data rate of communication systems. In this letter, we numerically analyze the microwave attenuation and impedance in μm-scale gridded fiber structures with currents arranged in a checkered pattern. The checkered lattice of currents significantly mitigates both the skin and proximity effects, and exhibits an unprecedented bandwidth (in excess of 1 GHz) of frequency-flat attenuation in a relatively small physical footprint (∼0.01 mm2).
On-chip light detection using monolithically integrated quantum dot micropillars
Authors: Karow M. M. , Munnelly P. , Heindel T. , Kamp M. , Höfling S. , Schneider C. , Reitzenstein S.
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate the on-chip detection of light using photosensitive detectors based on quantum dot micropillar cavities. These microscale detectors are applied exemplarily to probe the emission of a monolithically integrated, electrically pumped whispering gallery mode microlaser. Light is detected via the photocurrent induced in the electrically contacted micropillar detectors under reverse-bias. In order to demonstrate the high potential and applicability of the microdetector presented, we determine the threshold current of an integrated microlaser to be (54 ± 4) μA, in very good agreement with the value of (53 ± 4) μA inferred from the optical data. Within this work, we realize the monolithic integration of a laser and a detector in a single device operating in the regime of cavity-quantum electrodynamics. Our results thus advance the research on microscale sensor technology towards the few-photon quantum limit and pave the way for on-chip opto-electronic feedback experiments.
Laser-assisted oxidation of multi-layer tungsten diselenide nanosheets
Authors: Tan C. , Liu Y. , Chou H. , Kim J.-S. , Wu D. , Akinwande D. , Lai K.
Published: February 2016

We report the structural and electrical characterization of tungsten oxides formed by illuminating multi-layer tungsten diselenide (WSe2) nanosheets with an intense laser beam in the ambient environment. A noninvasive microwave impedance microscope (MIM) was used to perform electrical imaging of the samples. The local conductivity ∼102 S/m of the oxidized product, measured by the MIM and conventional transport experiments, is much higher than that of the pristine WSe2, suggesting the formation of sub-stoichiometric WO3-x polycrystals with n-type carriers. With further efforts to improve the conductivity of the oxides, the laser-assisted oxidation process may be useful for patterning conductive features on WSe2 or forming electrical contacts to various transition metal dichalcogenides.
Impulse absorption by horizontal magnetic granular chain
Authors: Leng Dingxin , Wang Xiaojie , Liu Guijie , Sun Lingyu
Published: February 2016

The granular medium is known as a protecting material for shock mitigation. We study the impulse absorption of an alignment of magnetic spheres placed horizontally under a non-uniform magnetic field. The phenomenon of the wave dispersion is presented. This system can absorb 85% ∼ 95% (88% ∼ 98%) of the incident peak force (energy) under the applied magnetic field strength in 0.1 T ∼ 1.0 T. The shock attenuation capacities are enhanced by the increment of field strength. With an intelligent control system, it is conceivable that the magnetic granular chain may offer possibilities in developing adaptive shock protectors.
High Glass Transition Temperature Fluoropolymers for Hydrophobic Surface Coatings via RAFT Copolymerization
Authors: Rowe Molly , Teo Guo Hui , Horne James , Al-Khayat Omar , Neto Chiara , Thickett Stuart C.
Published: February 2016

The preparation of polymer thin films or surface coatings that display a static water contact angle >95° often requires hierarchical roughness features or surface functionalization steps. In addition, inherently hydrophobic polymers such as fluoropolymers often possess low glass transition temperatures, reducing their application where thermal stability is required. Herein, the first reported synthesis of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene (PFS) and N-phenylmaleimide (NMI) via reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT)-mediated free radical polymerization is presented, with a view towards the preparation of inherently hydrophobic polymers with a high glass transition temperature. A suite of copolymers were prepared and characterized, and owing to the inherent rigidity of the maleimide group in the polymer backbone and π–π interactions between adjacent PFS and NMI groups, very high glass transition temperatures were achieved (up to 180°C). The copolymerization of N-pentafluorophenylmaleimide was also performed, also resulting in extremely high glass transition temperature copolymers; however, these polymers did not exhibit characteristics of being under RAFT control. Thin films of PFS-NMI copolymers exhibited a static contact angle ~100°, essentially independent of the amount of NMI incorporated into the polymer.
Research on Surface Treatment of Magnesium Alloy and Its Wettability with Resin
Authors: Hu F. P. , Qin J. , Zeng Q. W. , Wang F. , Zhang X. , Zhang N. Y. , Wang S. Z. , Huang P. , Fan Z. H. , Peng X. D. , Xie W. D.
Published: February 2016

After phosphatising disposal, the micro-morphology of the AZ31B sheet was observed. The contact angle of the sheet was measured. The surface energy of the sheet was calculated. The laminated sheet was prepared, with preliminary study of its performance. Results showed that the amount and grain size of phosphate were influenced by the phosphating process, as well as wettability of materials. After 30°C/5 min phosphating, a dense phosphating film consisting of zinc phosphate was obtained, and the advancing contact angle of magnesium alloy was 58.3°. Compared with 31.5 mN m−1 of the raw magnesium alloy sheet, the surface energy of the sheet after phosphating reached 90 mN m−1. The laminated sheet of fibre/resin–phosphated magnesium alloy–fibre/resin has good bonding interface, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
Mannesmann piercing of ingots by plugs of different shapes
Authors: Skripalenko M. M. , Bazhenov V. E. , Romantsev B. A. , Skripalenko M. N. , Huy T. B. , Gladkov Y. A.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the research reported here was to establish how plug shape influences the size and porosity of hollow shells produced by Mannesmann piercing of an ingot. Ingots were cast from 6060 aluminium alloy and then pierced with a solid plug, a plug with a cavity or a hollow plug. Computer simulation of these processes was carried out using ProCast and QForm software and showed that a hollow plug should produce hollow shells with minimal porosity. However, the results of the experimental piercing revealed that the hollow plug in fact produced hollow shells with higher porosity than that of shells produced using either of the other two plugs. This appears to be consequence of the hollow plug losing stability.
A nematode microtubule-associated protein, PTL-1, closely resembles its mammalian counterparts in overall molecular architecture*
Authors: Hashi Yurika , Kotani Susumu , Adachi Takeshi
Published: February 2016

The mammalian microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), MAP2, MAP4, and τ, are structurally similar and considered to be evolutionarily related. The primary structure of a nematode MAP, PTL-1, also reportedly resembles those of the MAPs, but only in a small portion of the molecule. In this study, we elucidated the overall domain organization of PTL-1, using a molecular dissection technique. Firstly, we isolated nematode microtubules and proved that the recombinant PTL-1 binds to nematode and porcine microtubules with similar affinities. Then, the recombinant PTL-1 was genetically dissected to generate four shorter polypeptides, and their microtubule-binding and assembly promoting activities were assessed, using porcine microtubules and tubulin. PTL-1 was found to consist of two parts, microtubule-binding and projection domains, with the former further divided into three functionally distinct subdomains. The molecular architecture of PTL-1 was proved to be quite analogous to its mammalian counterparts, MAP2, MAP4, and τ, strongly supporting their evolutionary relationships.
Visual monitoring of goal-directed aiming movements
Authors: Brière Julien , Proteau Luc
Published: February 2016

Goal-directed movements are subject to intrinsic planning and execution variability, which requires that the central nervous system closely monitor our movements to ensure endpoint accuracy. In the present study, we sought to determine how closely the visual system monitored goal-directed aiming movements. We used a cursor-jump paradigm in which a cursor was unexpectedly translated soon after movement initiation. Some of the trials included a second cursor jump, and the cursor remained visible for different durations. The results indicate that seeing the cursor for only 16 ms after the second cursor jump was sufficient to influence the movement endpoint, which suggests that the visual system continuously monitored goal-directed movements. The results also suggest that the perceived position/trajectory of the effector was likely to have been averaged over a period of approximately 70 ms.
Walking reduces the gap between encoding and sensorimotor alignment effects in spatial updating of described environments
Authors: Santoro Ilaria , Murgia Mauro , Sors Fabrizio , Agostini Tiziano
Published: February 2016

Spatial updating allows people to keep track of the self-to-object relations during movement. Previous studies demonstrated that physical movement enhanced spatial updating in remote environments, but failed to find the same effect in described environments. However, these studies mainly considered rotation as a physical movement, without examining other types of movement, such as walking. We investigated how walking affects spatial updating within described environments. Using the judgement of relative directions task, we compared the effects of imagination of rotation, physical rotation, and walking on spatial updating. Spatial updating was evaluated in terms of accuracy and response times in different perspectives, and by calculating two indexes, namely the encoding and sensorimotor alignment effects. As regards response times, we found that in the imagination of rotation and physical rotation conditions the encoding alignment effect was higher than the sensorimotor alignment effect, while in the walking condition this gap disappeared. We interpreted these results in terms of an enhanced link between allocentric and sensorimotor representations, due to the information acquired through walking.
Universal convexity for quasihyperbolic type metrics
Authors: Herron David
Published: February 2016

We characterize the open sets in the sphere that are geodesically convex in any containing domain with respect to various conformal metrics.
Achieving Weight Loss and Hypertension Control Among Obese Adults: A US
Multidisciplinary Group Practice Observational Study
Authors: Ho Aaron K , Bartels Christie M. , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Pandhi Nancy , Smith Maureen A. , Johnson Heather M.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Among adults with hypertension, obesity independently contributes to cardiovascular disease. Weight loss and hypertension control are critical to reduce cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates and predictors of achieving weight loss among adults who achieved hypertension control within 1 year of developing incident hypertension.

METHODS

Retrospective electronic health record analysis was performed of ≥18 year olds with a body mass index ≥30.0kg/m 2 , who received regular primary care from 2008 to 2011 and achieved hypertension control. Exclusions were less than 60 days follow-up, prior hypertension diagnosis, prior antihypertensive prescription, or pregnancy. The primary outcome was clinically significant weight loss (≥5kg); the secondary outcome was modest (2.0–4.9kg) weight loss. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of achieving weight loss (≥5 or 2.0–4.9kg) compared to no significant weight loss (<2kg).

RESULTS

Of the 2,906 obese patients who achieved hypertension control, 72% ( n = 2,089) did not achieve at least 2.0kg weight loss. Overall, 12% ( n = 351) achieved ≥5kg weight loss. Young adults (18–39 year olds; odds ratio (OR): 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63–3.47), middle-aged adults (40–59 year olds; OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.59–3.37), and patients prescribed antihypertensive medication (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07–1.76) were more likely to achieve clinically significant weight loss and hypertension control. Age remained a significant predictor for 2.0–4.9kg weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite achieving hypertension control, the majority of obese patients did not achieve clinically significant weight loss. Effective weight loss interventions with dedicated hypertension treatment are needed to decrease cardiovascular events in this high-risk population.
Bacterioplankton community resilience to ocean acidification: evidence from microbial network analysis
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Rui , Zheng Qiang , Deng Ye , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Zhou Jizhong , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: February 2016

Ocean acidification (OA), caused by seawater CO2 uptake, has significant impacts on marine calcifying organisms and phototrophs. However, the response of bacterial communities, who play a crucial role in marine biogeochemical cycling, to OA is still not well understood. Previous studies have shown that the diversity and structure of microbial communities change undeterminably with elevated pCO2. Here, novel phylogenetic molecular ecological networks (pMENs) were employed to investigate the interactions of native bacterial communities in response to OA in the Arctic Ocean through a mesocosm experiment. The pMENs results were in line with the null hypothesis that elevated pCO2/pH does not affect biogeochemistry processes. The number of nodes within the pMENs and the connectivity of the bacterial communities were similar, despite increased pCO2 concentrations. Our results indicate that elevated pCO2 did not significantly affect microbial community structure and succession in the Arctic Ocean, suggesting bacterioplankton community resilience to elevated pCO2. The competitive interactions among the native bacterioplankton, as well as the modular community structure, may contribute to this resilience. This pMENs-based investigation of the interactions among microbial community members at different pCO2 concentrations provides a new insight into our understanding of how OA affects the microbial community.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Harvey H. Benjamin , Schaefer Pamela W.
Published: February 2016

The chapter reviews the common clinical features and imaging findings in traumatic brain injury (TBI). It presents a diagnostic imaging approach aimed at identifying clinically important findings, including intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral contusion, diffuse axonal injury, skull fracture, and vascular injury. These findings of TBI are explained using a multi-modality approach (e.g., CT, MRI, angiography), with differential diagnoses and common imaging mimics. Attention is paid to findings that require immediate surgical/medical treatment or close monitoring to avoid irreversible harm, known as “don’t miss lesions.” The chapter concludes with clinically important correlates and a high-yield list of TBI imaging pearls.
Facial Fractures
Authors: Hito Rania , Abujudeh Hani H.
Published: February 2016

The anatomy of the facial bones is described. Common fractures that present to the emergency department, including frontal sinus, nasal bone, naso-orbital ethmoid, zygomaticomaxillary, mandibular and Le Fort fractures, are reviewed, with examples. Mechanisms of injury and epidemiology of facial injuries are described. Important complications, including those predisposing to cerebrospinal fluid leak, extra-ocular muscle entrapment, and others, are highlighted, with examples.
Right Upper Quadrant Emergencies
Authors: Shenoy-Bhangle Anuradha , Gill Harman Singh , Abujudeh Hani H. , Kambadakone Avinash
Published: February 2016

Acute conditions of the hepatobiliary tree are the commonest source of right upper quadrant pain in adults. Ultrasound of the abdomen is a rapid and effective noninvasive screening tool to evaluate for causes of right upper quadrant pain, including acute cholecystitis and its subtypes; biliary obstruction or hepatic abscesses. Ultrasound may also be used for image-guided interventions such as placement of a cholecystostomy tube or drainage of hepatic abscesses. Chapter 14 describes common causes of right upper quadrant pain, their key clinical features, and detailed imaging appearances.
Ureteral Trauma
Authors: Cruz-Romero Cinthia
Published: February 2016

External violence from high-speed blunt mechanisms and penetrating stab and gunshot wounds contribute to the incidence of ureteral trauma. Damage to the ureter after external violence is quite rare, occurring in less than 4% of all penetrating trauma and less than 1% of all cases of blunt trauma. The ureter is not only injured by direct transection but by disruption of the delicate intramural blood supply and subsequent necrosis. In patients subject to extreme blunt force trauma, the ureter can be disrupted at fixed points along its course, namely the ureterovesical and, more commonly, the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). Hyperextension causing ureteral stretching or compression against lumbar transverse processes is a likely mechanism. Ureteral injury may involve contusion, partial tear, or complete disruption.
Emergencies of the Glenohumeral Joint and Proximal Humerus
Authors: Rutledge Geoffrey M. , Chang Connie Y. , Abujudeh Hani H. , Huang Ambrose J.
Published: February 2016

This chapter reviews the most important and most common traumatic injuries to the glenohumeral joint and proximal humerus, with a focus on their key imaging findings. It discusses the anatomy of the glenohumeral joint and proximal humerus, the clinical features associated with their traumatic injury, and a method to approach radiographs of the shoulder and proximal humerus, including the use of special views to highlight specific shoulder injuries. Injuries discussed include anterior, posterior, and inferior glenohumeral dislocations and their associated findings; pseudo-dislocation; and proximal humerus fractures. Key radiographic findings and their clinical significance are emphasized, including a section on “what not to miss” with each type of injury.
Emergencies of the Wrist
Authors: Bolar Divya S. , Chang Connie Y. , Abujudeh Hani H. , Huang Ambrose J.
Published: February 2016

The most common upper extremity fracture seen in the emergency department is a fracture involving the wrist. The estimated incidence is 72 per 100,000 persons per year, second only to finger lacerations when considering all upper-extremity injuries. Isolated dislocations are far less common, comprising only 0.2% of all wrist injuries. Most wrist injuries occur at home, followed by places of recreation or sport.
Cranial Ultrasound
Authors: Phewplung Teerasak , Shailam Randheer
Published: February 2016

Cranial ultrasound is an important imaging tool in neonates. The anterior fontanelle is open in neonates, which allows excellent visualization of the brain. The lack of radiation, relatively lower cost (compared with CT and MR), and feasibility of bedside examination are all reasons for ultrasound’s use. Cerebral hemorrhage is not uncommon in the neonatal period, especially in premature infants, and initial evaluation of suspected hemorrhage should be evaluated with ultrasound. Image quality is variable and may depend of several factors such as fontanelle size, scalp molding and swelling, and the skill of the sonographer. The posterior fossa structures, including the cerebellum, brainstem, and subarachnoid cisterns, are not as well seen through the anterior fontanelle because of the increased distance between the ultrasound probe and these structures. Imaging through the smaller mastoid and posterior fontanelles is helpful in evaluating these areas.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Emergency Setting
Authors: Bruno Michael A.
Published: February 2016

In this chapter we focus on the application of ultrasound (US) imaging for the assessment of acute musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in the emergency setting. US has attributes that make it a desirable tool for imaging patients in theER. First, it is minimally invasive, and requires very little of the patient in terms of positioning or stress tolerance. Second, it is relatively inexpensive and very widely available (as compared to MRI); hand-held portable ultrasound devices are now available. Third, US is able to simultaneously image bone and soft tissue and can readily detect soft-tissue foreign bodies of all types, as well as identify subtle fractures in areas that are difficult to image radiographically. Finally, US can characterize problems which are only manifest under dynamic motion, tension/stress, or in particular positions, as well as guide procedures in real-time, such as arthrocentesis and foreign-body removal. The aims of this chapter are to:
Thromboembolism
Authors: Shahid Muhammad U. , Thomas Prashant Jacob , Contractor Sohail
Published: February 2016

This chapter discusses the clinical features, etiologies, anatomy and physiology, diagnosis, imaging findings, and key features of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Acute DVT can lead to PE, venous insufficiency, and post-thrombotic syndrome. Clinical features of DVT include leg pain, swelling and tenderness, whereas PE can result in chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia and tachypnea. Ultrasound is the modality of choice for diagnosis of DVT, which is characterized by an echogenic, intraluminal filling defect resulting in a non-compressible vessel. CT pulmonary angiography is the diagnostic modality of choice for PE, characterized by an intraluminal filling defect. The mainstay of treatment of both of these conditions is anticoagulation. An IVC filter can be used if there is a contraindication to anticoagulation. Catheter-directed-thrombolysis can also be used. Catheter-based administration of thrombolytics is also a promising option for treatment of both submassive and massive PE.
Cardiac Emergency Imaging
Authors: Meyersohn Nandini M. , Abujudeh Hani H. , Prabhakar Anand M.
Published: February 2016

Cardiac pathology in the emergency setting is common and a major source of patient morbidity and mortality. Many imaging signs of cardiac pathology can be identified on non-ECG-gated chest or abdominal examinations. Coronary artery disease and intra-cardiac pathology can then be further evaluated using ECG-gated CT angiography when appropriate.
Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy
Authors: Wang Yingbing , Abujudeh Hani H. , Oza Umesh
Published: February 2016

Acute chest pain is one of the most common presenting complaints in the emergency department. While chest pain is not specific for underlying coronary artery disease, exclusion of acute coronary syndrome, defined as myocardial infarction or unstable angina, is a critical component of any clinical diagnostic algorithm. In reality, only one-third of patients with acute chest pain will have an underlying cardiac cause.
Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy
Authors: Wang Yingbing , Abujudeh Hani H. , Oza Umesh
Published: February 2016

Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder wall, usually caused by obstruction of the cystic duct or common bile duct. The clinical manifestations of acute cholecystitis can be vague and overlap with many other causes of abdominal discomfort. Because the primary treatment for acute cholecystitis is cholecystectomy, timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent complications and avoid subjecting patients without acute cholecystitis to surgery.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scintigraphy
Authors: Wang Yingbing , Abujudeh Hani H. , Oza Umesh
Published: February 2016

Gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is one of the most common medical emergencies. Although hemorrhage can occur anywhere along the GI tract, the ligament of Treitz demarcates “upper” from “lower” GI hemorrhage. Defining GI hemorrhage into one of these two categories guides further diagnostic workup and treatment.
B
Authors: Scarth Edward , Smith Susan
Published: February 2016

This chapter includes drugs beginning with the letter B, including bendroflumethiazide, bupivacaine, and buprenorphine.
F
Authors: Scarth Edward , Smith Susan
Published: February 2016

This chapter includes drugs beginning with the letter F, including fentanyl, flecainide, flucloxacillin, flumazenil, fluoroquinolones, fondaparinux, and furosemide.
I
Authors: Scarth Edward , Smith Susan
Published: February 2016

This chapter includes drugs beginning with the letter I, including ibuprofen, imipramine, insulin, Intralipid® 20%, ipratropium, isoflurane, and isoprenaline.
P
Authors: Scarth Edward , Smith Susan
Published: February 2016

This chapter includes drugs beginning with the letter P, including pancuronium, paracetamol, penicillin, pethidine, phenelzine, phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine, phenylephrine, phenytoin, piperacillin, prednisolone, pregabalin, prilocaine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, propofol, propranolol, protamine, and prothrombin complex.
Oxford Handbook of Dialysis
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: February 2016

The Oxford Handbook of Dialysis is a comprehensive and practical guide to all aspects of dialysis, and the management of patients with end-stage kidney disease and all its complications. The current edition has been completely updated, and covers all haemodialysis techniques; haemodiafiltration; home and frequent dialysis; peritoneal dialysis; plasma exchange; the medical, nursing, and psychosocial aspects of managing patients with end-stage kidney failure; acute management of renal transplantation particularly with reference to dialysis patients; palliative care in renal disease; and drug dosing guidelines. Bone disease, anaemia, cardiovascular disease, infections, pain, end-of-life care, and the widespread complications of chronic kidney disease are discussed, with practical guidance and management, presented in a compact and easy-to-use format. The book is aimed at all healthcare professionals dealing with dialysis patients from nephrologists to dieticians, pharmacists, nurses, counsellors, intensivists, and surgeons, and there are specific chapters on nursing patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and detailed nutrition and drug prescribing chapters. The current edition includes new sections on renal replacement therapies in acute kidney injury, home dialysis, new peritoneal dialysis fluids, new drugs including new epoetins and phosphate binders, and updated sections on nocturnal dialysis, dialysis monitoring, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, sleep disorders. The book is clearly subdivided, easy to read, very practical, specific, and focussed, with individual topics covered on one or two pages with room for extra notes throughout. We hope this book should have a home in every renal unit, dialysis centre, renal ward, and close to hand for every nephrologist, renal trainee, renal nurse, dietician technician, and pharmacist
Peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: February 2016

This chapter includes sections on principles of peritoneal dialysis, types of peritoneal dialysis (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis), prescribing peritoneal dialysis, catheter insertion, technique failure, peritonitis, exit site infection, complications, measurement of dialysis adequacy, assessment of peritoneal membrane function, and encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.
Nursing issues in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: February 2016

This chapter describes nursing care and nursing management of peritoneal dialysis overall, nursing care of exit site and catheters, preparation for peritoneal dialysis, patient training and education, and monitoring of peritoneal dialysis with patients.
Renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: February 2016

This chapter describes all aspects of renal replacement therapy in the setting of acute kidney injury including indications for renal replacement therapies, choices of modality, differences between continuous and intermittent techniques, technical and performance issues, filtrate and dialysates used in continuous renal replacement therapy, measuring adequacy, prescribing in acute kidney injury, anticoagulation for various forms of continuous renal replacement therapy, troubleshooting problems, psychosocial aspects, acute peritoneal dialysis, and dialysis for poisoning
Complications of ESKD: bone mineral disorders
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: February 2016

Sections in this chapter include hyperparathyroid bone disease: presentation, investigation, and management; low turnover bone disease: presentation, investigation, and management; fibroblast growth factor; vitamin D; cinacalcet; parathyroidectomy: indications and management; and calciphylaxis and its management.
Death in dialysis patients
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: February 2016

Sections in this chapter include data on survival of patients on dialysis and causes of death from registries; management of cardiac arrest; symptom management at end of life; dialysis withdrawal; end-of-life issues; and improving the quality of death.
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Presentation of Melanoma
Authors: Yamamoto Maki , Sondak Vernon K.
Published: February 2016

The incidence of melanoma has been increasing in the United States. Melanoma can affect all age groups, including children. Poor prognostic factors include male gender, older age, increased Breslow thickness, ulceration of primary tumor, and nodal metastases. Identifying patients who are at higher risk may help to identify the population requiring closer screening programs. Patients with excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure (solar or artificial), dysplastic nevi, or a personal or family history of melanoma are at an increased risk for developing melanoma. Various diagnostic tools can aid the clinical exam for primary care physicians and dermatologists, such as ABCDEs, Glasgow 7-point checklist, and the ugly duckling sign. Dermoscopy is being increasingly used to compliment naked-eye physical exam for the diagnosis of melanoma. The development of computer assisted analysis of dermoscopic images and multi-spectral skin lesion analysis can be useful adjuncts but should not replace clinical examinations by experienced dermatologists.
Melanoma Pathology
Authors: Prieto-Granada Carlos , Howe Nicole , McCardle Timothy
Published: February 2016

Melanocytes are neural-crest-derived cells that are vital in the skin homeostasis, being responsible for the protection of the keratinocytes from harmful solar UV radiation via production and transfer of melanin. Normally, melanocytes are located in the basilar layer of the epidermis following a melanocyte-to-keratinocyte ratio of approximately 1:10 with considerable variation, depending on anatomical site and degree of sun exposure. Melanocytic lesions characteristically demonstrate quite protean clinical and pathological presentations and represent a wide spectrum that encompasses an immense variety of patterns, from low-cellularity benign lesions such as lentigo simplex and benign melanocytic nevi, to atypical (dysplastic) melanocytic nevi, and finally to the malignant counterpart: melanoma.
Follow-up Guidelines for Resected Melanoma
Authors: Farma Jeffrey M. , Abdulla Alia
Published: February 2016

Dermatological surveillance can detect potentially curable recurrence, especially resectable locoregional recurrences. Surveillance laboratory tests and chest X-rays can have limited value while producing a relatively high false-positive rate. Lymph node ultrasonography is a valuable imaging modality in patients with equivocal lymphatic nodal basin physical examinations. In early stages of melanoma, the benefit of routine surveillance imaging studies is questionable; however, close surveillance with detailed medical history and physical examination is necessary, with special attention to regional recurrences every three to 12 months, depending on the AJCC stage category and the risk of recurrence. In Stage III or greater, more frequent surveillance in the form of more frequent physical examination, laboratory tests based on symptomatology, and cross-sectional imaging may be indicated because of the higher risk of recurrence in this population. CT, MRI, and/or PET/CT are often components of the overall follow-up for these high-risk patients.
Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Baksh Kathryn , Kudchadkar Ragini R.
Published: February 2016

Transformation into melanoma is thought to occur due to the accumulation of mutations in growth-regulating genes, the loss of adhesion receptors, and the increase in autocrine and paracrine growth factors; all of which contribute to uncontrolled proliferation promoting the survival of these abnormal cells. In addition, chemotherapy alone has not been able to proven to improve overall survival for patients with this disease. These circumstances set the stage for the exploration into the melanoma genome and the development of novel targeted agents to manipulate the respective molecular pathways. Further understanding of resistance mechanisms will lead to more combination trials, both with other signal transduction inhibitors and with immune therapies.
Management of Mucosal and Ocular Melanoma
Authors: Shoushtari Alexander N. , Carvajal Richard D.
Published: February 2016

Malignant melanomas account for 1–2% of all malignancies, with the vast majority of cases representing cutaneous primary tumors. In 5–10% of cases, however, melanoma arises from mucosal areas, the uveal tract of the eye, or an unknown primary site. Recently, advances in targeted kinase inhibitors and immune therapy have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma. These trials were largely conducted in cutaneous melanoma, however, and there are fewer published data regarding therapy in mucosal and ocular melanomas. Given the increasing knowledge of the distinct molecular changes underlying these various melanoma subtypes, it is increasingly important to understand the distinct epidemiology, presentation, prognosis, and treatment options for these subtypes.
Operative management of bilateral Salter–Harris type III fractures of the proximal phalanges of the great toes of a 10-year-old female ballet dancer: a case report
Authors: Csonka Akos , Sikarinkul Eakachit , Gargyan Istvan , Boa Kristof , Varga Endre
Published: February 2016

Differentiation between the normal variant cleft epiphysis and Salter–Harris type III fracture of the first proximal phalanges of the foot in children might be challenging. The authors describe a case of a 10-year-old ballet dancer girl with bilateral epiphyseal segmentation of the first proximal phalanges of the foot, unresponsive to conservative treatment. Considered a nonhealing stress-induced fracture, operative treatment with closed reduction and Herbert screw insertion was chosen on both sides. Complete union was achieved, with significant reduction of pain. The presented case suggests that internal fixation can be a viable option in the treatment of the problem.