bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Introducing the Mucosal Atomization Device for Fentanyl Use in Out-of-Hospital Pediatric Trauma Patients
Authors: O'Donnell Daniel P. , Schafer Luke C. , Stevens Andrew C. , Weinstein Elizabeth , Miramonti Charles M. , Kozak Mary Ann
Published: May 2013

Background

Pain associated with pediatric trauma is often under-assessed and under-treated in the out-of-hospital setting. Administering an opioid such as fentanyl via the intranasal route is a safe and efficacious alternative to traditional routes of analgesic delivery and could potentially improve pain management in pediatric trauma patients.

Objective

The study sought to examine the effect of introducing the mucosal atomization device (MAD) on analgesia administration as an alternative to intravenous fentanyl delivery in pediatric trauma patients. The hypothesis for the study is that the introduction of the MAD would increase the administration of fentanyl in pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

The research utilized a 2-group design (pre-MAD and post-MAD) to study 946 pediatric trauma patients (age <16) transported by a large, urban EMS agency to one of eight hospitals in Marion County, which is located in Indianapolis Indiana. Two emergency medicine physicians independently determined whether the patient met criteria for pain medication receipt and a third reviewer resolved any disagreements. A comparison of the rates of fentanyl administration in both groups was then conducted.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of fentanyl administration between the pre-MAD (30.4%) and post-MAD groups (37.8%) (P = .238). A subgroup analysis showed that age and mechanism of injury were stronger predictors of fentanyl administration.

Conclusion

Contrary to the hypothesis, the addition of the MAD device did not increase fentanyl administration rates in pediatric trauma patients. Future research is needed to address the barriers to analgesia administration in pediatric trauma patients.

O'DonnellDP, SchaferLC, StevensAC, WeinsteinE, MiramontiCM, KozakMA. Effect of introducing the mucosal atomization device for fentanyl use in out-of-hospital pediatric trauma patients. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(4):1-3.
THE MACROECONOMIC EFFECTS OF INTEREST ON RESERVES
Authors: Ireland Peter N.
Published: May 2013

This paper uses a New Keynesian model with banks and deposits to study the macroeconomic effects of policies that pay interest on reserves. Although their effects on output and inflation are small, these policies require major adjustments in the way that the monetary authority manages the supply of reserves, as liquidity effects vanish in the short run. In the long run, however, the additional freedom the monetary authority acquires by paying interest on reserves is best described as affecting the real quantity of reserves: policy actions that change prices must still change the nominal quantity of reserves proportionally.
SUBSIDIES IN AN ECONOMY WITH ENDOGENOUS CYCLES OVER INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION REGIMES
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2013

We explore the roles of subsidies in the Matsuyama model [K. Matsuyama,Econometrica67 (1999), 335–347] of growth through cycles with a Solow investment phase and a Romer innovation phase when innovation and intermediate goods production rely on existing capital. We show that subsidies to R&D investment or to the purchase of new intermediate goods can arbitrarily reduce the threshold level of capital per type of intermediate good beyond which the economy moves to the innovation phase. Sufficient subsidization can eventually eliminate cycles. For plausible parameterizations, optimal subsidies can achieve significant welfare gains equivalent to as much as 10% rises in consumption at all times.
Color Metallography and Electron Microscopy Techniques Applied to the Characterization of 413.0 Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Vander Voort George , Asensio-Lozano Juan , Suárez-Peña Beatriz
Published: May 2013

The influence on alloy 413.0 of the refinement and modification of its microstructure was analyzed by means of several microscopy techniques, as well as the effect of the application of high pressure during solidification. For each treatment and solidification pressure condition employed, the most suitable microscopy techniques for identifying and characterizing the phases present were investigated. Color metallography and electron microscopy techniques were applied to the qualitative microstructural analysis. Volume fraction and grain size of the primary α-Al were characterized by quantitative metallographic techniques. The results show that the effect caused by applying high pressure during solidification of the alloy is more pronounced than that caused by modification and refinement of the microstructure when it solidifies at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, it has been shown that, for Al–Si alloy characterization, when aiming to characterize the primary α-Al phase, optical color metallography observed under crossed polarized light plus a sensitive tint filter is the most suitable technique. When the goal is to characterize the eutectic Si, the use of optical color metallography or electron microscopy is equally valid. The characterization of iron-rich intermetallic compounds should preferably be performed by means of backscattered electron imaging.
Acquired resistance to zoledronic acid and the parallel acquisition of an aggressive phenotype are mediated by p38-MAP kinase activation in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Milone M R , Pucci B , Bruzzese F , Carbone C , Piro G , Costantini S , Capone F , Leone A , Di Gennaro E , Caraglia M , Budillon A
Published: May 2013

The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP) zoledronic acid (ZOL) inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and it is used to prevent skeletal complications from bone metastases. ZOL has also demonstrated anticancer activities in preclinical models and, recently, in cancer patients, highlighting the interest in determining eventual mechanisms of resistance against this agent. In our study, we selected and characterised a resistant subline of prostate cancer (PCa) cells to better understand the mechanisms, by which tumour cells can escape the antitumour effect of ZOL. DU145R80-resistant cells were selected in about 5 months using stepwise increasing concentrations of ZOL from DU145 parental cells. DU145R80 cells showed a resistance index value of 5.5 and cross-resistance to another N-BP, pamidronate, but not to the non-nitrogen containing BP clodronate. Notably, compared with DU145 parental cells, DU145R80 developed resistance to apoptosis and anoikis, as well as overexpressed the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and oncoprotein c-Myc. Moreover, DU145R80 cells underwent epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and showed increased expression of the metalloproteases MMP-2/9, as well as increased invading capability. Interestingly, compared with DU145, DU145R80 cells also increased the gene expression and protein secretion of VEGF and the cytokines Eotaxin-1 and IL-12. At the molecular level, DU145R80 cells showed strong activation of the p38-MAPK-dependent survival pathway compared with parental sensitive cells. Moreover, using the p38-inhibitor SB203580, we completely reversed the resistance to ZOL, as well as EMT marker expression and invasion. Furthermore, SB203580 treatment reduced the expression of VEGF, Eotaxin-1, IL-12, MMP-9, Bcl-2 and c-Myc. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate that the p38-MAPK pathway can be activated under continuous extensive exposure to ZOL in PCa cells and that the p38-MAPK pathway has a critical role in the induction of resistance, as well as in the acquisition of a more aggressive and invasive phenotype.
Fundamentals of Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization
Authors: Vana Phlipp , Storey Robson , Yagci Yusuf , Nesvadba Peter , Wayland Bradford , Moad Graeme , Goto Atsushi ,   Royal Society of Chemistry
Published: May 2013

Controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) has revolutionized and revitalized the field of synthetic polymer chemistry over the last twenty years as it is now possible to prepare a wide variety of previously inaccessible macromolecules under relatively mild conditions. Fundamentals of Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization provides an in-depth coverage of the essential chemical principles that enable and govern each of the CRP methods. The book starts with a brief historical overview of the major findings in polymer science which eventually led to the development of living ionic and living radical systems. It then goes on to introduce the main CRP techniques including their mechanistic understanding. The book also provides the information needed to select the appropriate reagents and conditions to conduct various CRP methods in a practical setting. Therefore, in addition to a newcomer gaining an appreciation for what has already been accomplished, the reader will be armed with the tools needed to begin independent research. Fundamentals of Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization provides essential insight into a rapidly growing field that goes beyond a simple literature review of the area. Written by leading experts in the field, the book is an indispensible resource for all researchers, instructors, and students in polymer chemistry.
Fundamental Aspects of Living Polymerization
Authors: Storey Robson F.
Published: May 2013

An overview of the fundamental aspects of living polymerization is presented. Topics include definition and historical development of living polymerization, diagnostic criteria for living polymerizations, and quantitative measures of degrees of livingness. Types of living polymerization systems are discussed including classical systems (all chains active all of the time) and reversible-deactivation systems, including degenerative transfer types. Specific additional topics discussed include kinetics of living polymerizations, nature of common chain breaking reactions and their effect on kinetics and molecular weight, effect of slow initiation, molecular weight distributions of classical and reversible-deactivation systems, and the concept of shelf-life and its relationship to the reversible-deactivation equilibrium.
Thermalization of rotational states of NO A 2Σ+(v = 0) in an atmospheric pressure plasma
Authors: van Gessel A. F. H. , Bruggeman P. J.
Published: May 2013

Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of nitric oxide (NO) are performed in an atmospheric pressure microwave plasma jet, operated with a mixture of He and 3% air. The fluorescence signal of NO A 2Σ+(v = 0) is measured time and fluorescence wavelength resolved. Based on the evolution of the rotational spectrum at different positions in the plasma, we determined the thermalization time of the rotational distribution of NO A after pumping a single transition, at temperatures in the range 300–1500 K. Also, a LIF-RET (rotational energy transfer) model is developed to simulate the RET and to calculate the thermalization time. The RET rate coefficients are calculated using the energy corrected sudden-exponential power scaling law. It was found that it is necessary to take the fine structure of the rotational states into account. At room temperature the results of the measurement and the simulation are consistent, and the thermalization occurs during the laser pulse (11 ± 1 ns). At elevated temperatures the measurements show a large increase in thermalization time, up to 35 ± 4 ns at 1474 K. This time is much longer than the laser pulse, and of the order of the NO A lifetime. This means that for spectroscopy measurements of the rotational states of NO A, the RET has to be taken into account to derive gas temperatures from the rotational distribution of NO A.
High precision measurements of carbon disulfide negative ion mobility and diffusion
Authors: Snowden-Ifft D. P. , Gauvreau J.-L.
Published: May 2013

High precision measurements were made of reduced mobility, lateral and longitudinal diffusion of CS2− ions in 40 Torr CS2 and a 30–10 Torr CS2–CF4 gas mixture. The reduced mobility was found to be 0.4645 ± 0.0006 cm2 atm/s V in CS2 and 0.523 ± 0.001 cm2 atm/s V in the CS2–CF4 gas mixture at STP. The lateral diffusion temperatures for these two gases (295 ± 15 K and 297 ± 6 K) were found to be in good agreement with room temperature. By contrast longitudinal diffusion temperature was found to be slightly elevated (319 ± 10 (stat) ± 8 (sys) K and 310 ± 20 (stat) ± 6 (sys) K) though given the errors, room temperature diffusion cannot be ruled out. For lateral diffusion, significant capture distances (0.21 ± 0.07 mm and 0.15 ± 0.03 mm) were measured while for longitudinal diffusion the results were not conclusive.
Prototyping a compact system for active vibration isolation using piezoelectric sensors and actuators
Authors: Shen Hui , Wang Chun , Li Liufeng , Chen Lisheng
Published: May 2013

Being small in size and weight, piezoelectric transducers hold unique positions in vibration sensing and control. Here, we explore the possibility of building a compact vibration isolation system using piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The mechanical resonances of a piezoelectric actuator around a few kHz are suppressed by an order of magnitude via electrical damping, which improves the high-frequency response. Working with a strain gauge located on the piezoelectric actuator, an auxiliary control loop eliminates the drift associated with a large servo gain at dc. Following this approach, we design, optimize, and experimentally verify the loop responses using frequency domain analysis. The vibration isolation between 1 Hz and 200 Hz is achieved and the attenuation peaks at 60 near vibration frequency of 20 Hz. Restrictions and potentials for extending the isolation to lower vibration frequencies are discussed.
Effect of ion pair formation on the structure of polymer micelles with ionic amphiphilic coronae
Authors: Rumyantsev A. M. , Kramarenko E. Yu.
Published: May 2013

We report a theoretical study of micelles from diblock copolymers with an insoluble core-forming block and an amphiphilic ionic corona-forming block. We calculate the micelle structural parameters depending on the composition of the coronal block (ratio between the non-polar and ion-containing groups) as well as solvent quality and polarity for the coronal block. We focus on the effect of ion pair formation in a low polar corona medium and predict the existence of novel micelles with ionomer-type coronae. In these micelles most part of counterions is bound with ions in polymer chains. Two consecutive jump-like first-order phase transitions between different-type micelles can take place in the solution upon change of hydrophobic/polyelectrolyte balance within the micelle corona: large micelles with polyelectrolyte collapsed coronae → large micelles with ionomer-type coronae → small micelles with polyelectrolyte swollen coronae. These transitions are accompanied by non-monotonous change in the micelle aggregation number. New insight into the role of counterions is important for design of stimuli responsive systems.
X-ray Thomson scattering measurements of temperature and density from multi-shocked CH capsules
Authors: Fletcher L. B. , Kritcher A. , Pak A. , Ma T. , Döppner T. , Fortmann C. , Divol L. , Landen O. L. , Vorberger J. , Chapman D. A. , Gericke D. O. , Falcone R. W. , Glenzer S. H.
Published: May 2013

Proof-of-principle measurements of the electron densities, temperatures, and ionization states of spherically compressed multi-shocked CH (polystyrene) capsules have been achieved using spectrally resolved x-ray Thomson scattering. A total energy of 13.5 kJ incident on target is used to compress a 70 μm thick CH shell above solid-mass density using three coalescing shocks. Separately, a laser-produced zinc He-α x-ray source at 9 keV delayed 200 ps-800 ps after maximum compression is used to probe the plasma in the non-collective scattering regime. The data show that x-ray Thomson scattering enables a complete description of the time-dependent hydrodynamic evolution of shock-compressed CH capsules, with a maximum measured density of ρ > 6 g cm−3. In addition, the results demonstrate that accurate measurements of x-ray scattering from bound-free transitions in the CH plasma demonstrate strong evidence that continuum lowering is the primary ionization mechanism of carbon L-shell electrons.
Nonlocal van der Waals functionals: The case of rare-gas dimers and solids
Authors: Tran Fabien , Hutter Jürg
Published: May 2013

Recently, the nonlocal van der Waals (vdW) density functionals [M. Dion, H. Rydberg, E. Schröder, D. C. Langreth, and B. I. Lundqvist, Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 246401 (2004)10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.246401] have attracted considerable attention due to their good performance for systems where weak interactions are important. Since the physics of dispersion is included in these functionals, they are usually more accurate and show less erratic behavior than the semilocal and hybrid methods. In this work, several variants of the vdW functionals have been tested on rare-gas dimers (from He2 to Kr2) and solids (Ne, Ar, and Kr) and their accuracy compared to standard semilocal approximations, supplemented or not by an atom-pairwise dispersion correction [S. Grimme, J. Antony, S. Ehrlich, and H. Krieg, J. Chem. Phys. 132, 154104 (2010)10.1063/1.3382344]. An analysis of the results in terms of energy decomposition is also provided.
Electric detection of the thickness dependent damping in Co90Zr10 thin films
Authors: Chen Hang , Fan Xiaolong , Wang Wenxi , Zhou Hengan , Gui Y. S. , Hu C.-M. , Xue Desheng
Published: May 2013

In this letter, we propose a dc electrical detection method for investigating the spin dynamics of ferromagnetic thin films. Based on anomalous Hall effect (AHE), the out-of-plane component of the dynamic magnetization can directly rectify the rf current into a time-independent Hall voltage at the ferromagnetic resonance. This method is applied for studying the damping mechanism in Co90Zr10 films. The thickness dependent zero-frequency linewidth and the effective Gilbert damping are related to the surface roughness and microstructure evolution. Compared with standard cavity ferromagnetic resonance, the AHE rectification is more suitable for studying the dynamic properties of local magnetic moment.
Pandora’s box: Photovoltaic energy and economic crisis in Greece
Authors: Knight Daniel M. , Bell Sandra
Published: May 2013

The Greek photovoltaic program was launched in 2006 and rebranded in 2011 as a way to repay debt and decrease national deficit. The scheme promotes new livelihood opportunities on all levels, from micro-scale home installations to macro-scale solar parks producing energy for international export. Offering potential economic stability to a nation at the fore of global neoliberal crisis, solar energy also presents an alternative to petroleum and lignite that currently dominate the energy sector. However, there are many hesitations and conflicting rhetorics surrounding the photovoltaic drive. Its success or failure as a sustainable economic pathway lies as much in understanding local nuances of social relations and historical consciousness as in governmental policy. This paper presents the findings from preliminary research that aims to “scale” all levels of the Greek photovoltaic experience and raises questions of energy policy, neoliberal rationale, and the relationship between local and global socioeconomic systems. It considers the everyday cultural complexities of implementing energy policy and assesses the contribution of an ethnographic approach to interdisciplinary energy research.
Judd-Ofelt analysis and emission quantum efficiency of Tb-fluoride single crystals: LiTbF4 and Tb0.81Ca0.19F2.81
Authors: Vasyliev V. , Víllora E. G. , Sugahara Y. , Shimamura K.
Published: May 2013

Terbium is the key element for highly efficient green phosphors and visible-near IR Faraday isolators. We have recently shown the potential of LiTbF4 and Tb0.81Ca0.19F2.81 as visible Faraday rotators. In this work, we present a detail spectroscopic analysis of Tb3+ (4f8) in these two compounds with different crystal structures. By means of the Judd-Ofelt theory, the emission branching ratios and lifetimes of the Tb3+ excited states have been estimated. These results are compared with experimental values obtained for the emitting 5D4 level, as well as with the absolute light yield measurements. Tb3+ in LiTbF4 exhibits a high quantum efficiency, and its radiative lifetime is confirmed to be 7 ms. Instead, the ionic conductor Tb0.81Ca0.19F2.81, which presents a high concentration of vacant sites, shows a lower quantum efficiency and a radiative lifetime about three times larger than estimated. Absorption and emission spectra of Tb0.81Ca0.19F2.81 are broad, so that any fine structure of energy levels can be resolved. In contrast, a detailed study of the splitting of Tb3+ multiplets in Stark energy levels is carried out for LiTbF4.
Asymmetry of spin wave dispersions in a hexagonal magnonic crystal
Authors: Montoncello F. , Tacchi S. , Giovannini L. , Madami M. , Gubbiotti G. , Carlotti G. , Sirotkin E. , Ahmad E. , Ogrin F. Y. , Kruglyak V. V.
Published: May 2013

We report a study of the dispersion of spin waves in a hexagonal array of interacting ferromagnetic nanodisks for two orthogonal orientations of the in-plane applied magnetic field, i.e., either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of first neighbour disks. The experimental data were modelled using the dynamical matrix method, and the results were interpreted in terms of the effective wave vector model. We have found that spin waves propagating in the two orthogonal directions exhibit marked asymmetry concerning the existence of maxima/minima in their dispersion curves and the sign of their group velocities.
Grain boundary composition and conduction in HfO2: An ab initio study
Authors: Xue K.-H. , Blaise P. , Fonseca L. R. C. , Molas G. , Vianello E. , Traoré B. , De Salvo B. , Ghibaudo G. , Nishi Y.
Published: May 2013

We investigate the electronic properties of HfO2 grain boundaries employing a simple Σ5 (310)/[001] grain boundary model based on the cubic phase. Our calculations show the emergence of unoccupied defect states 0.4 eV below the conduction band due to the under-coordination of certain Hf ions in the grain boundary. They also show that migration of metal interstitials such as Hf and Ti to the grain boundary is energetically favorable, turning the grain boundary region metallic. This scenario may create leakage paths in poly-crystalline HfO2 or serve as the conduction mechanism in resistive random access memories.
Dual-mode lasing in a 1310-nm quantum dot distributed feedback laser induced by single-beam optical injection
Authors: Hurtado A. , Henning I. D. , Adams M. J. , Lester L. F.
Published: May 2013

Tunable dual-mode lasing is experimentally demonstrated in a 1310-nm quantum dot (QD) distributed-feedback (DFB) laser under single-beam optical injection. The wavelength spacing between the two lasing modes is controlled by injecting the external optical signal into different residual Fabry-Perot modes of the QD DFB laser. The influence of important parameters, i.e., injection strength and bias current, is also analyzed. The simple experimental configuration used to achieve tunable dual-mode lasing and the theoretically superior properties of the QD laser offer exciting prospects for the use of these devices in microwave signal generation and radio-over-fiber applications for future mobile communication networks.
Low-power and ultrafast all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Chai Zhen , Hu Xiaoyong , Zhu Yu , Zhang Fan , Yang Hong , Gong Qihuang
Published: May 2013

We report an ultrafast and low-power all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in a plasmonic nanostructure consisting of a gold nanowire grating embedded in a polycrystalline lithium niobate layer, realized based on strong quantum confinement enhancing nonlinearity. The all-optical tunability is realized based on the third-order nonlinear Kerr effect. A shift of 30 nm in the central wavelength of the transparency window is achieved under excitation of a pump light with an intensity as low as 7 MW/cm2. An ultrafast response time of 69 ps is reached because of ultrafast relaxation dynamics of bound electrons in polycrystalline lithium niobate.
Nano-patterning of the electron gas at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface using low-energy ion beam irradiation
Authors: Paolo Aurino Pier , Kalabukhov Alexey , Tuzla Nikolina , Olsson Eva , Claeson Tord , Winkler Dag
Published: May 2013

The quasi-two dimensional electron gas formed at the interface between LaAlO3 (LAO) and SrTiO3 (STO) shows fascinating properties, such as two-dimensional superconductivity, giant electric field effect, and the possible co-existence of ferromagnetic and superconducting phases. In this work, we demonstrate that the conducting LAO/STO interface can be made insulating after short irradiation by a beam of low energy Ar+ ions. The irradiation process does neither result in physical removal of the LAO film nor produces oxygen vacancies in the STO layer. Using electron beam lithography and low ion beam energy irradiation, we fabricated conducting nano-structures in the LAO/STO interface with dimensions down to 50 nm. Such a reliable and robust method of nano-patterning may be a prerequisite for future electronic applications of the LAO/STO interface.
Tuning the Casimir force via modification of interface properties of three-dimensional topological insulators
Authors: Martinez J. C. , Jalil M. B. A.
Published: May 2013

The axion coupling in topological insulators (TI), which couples electric polarization (magnetization) with the magnetic (electric) field, is known to support a small-distance Casimir repulsion and a large-distance Casimir attraction with a zero-force stable equilibrium between TI plates. By enhancing the reflection properties of the TI interface through mirrors that introduce multiple reflections, we show that it is possible to maintain these trends while tuning the position of the zero-force point and its binding energy: the former by an order of magnitude and latter by over four orders. Moreover, surface charge on the TI allows for intermediate tuning of the zero-force point between coarse settings determined by the axion coupling.
Influence of the direction of spontaneous orientation polarization on the charge injection properties of organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Noguchi Yutaka , Lim Hyunsoo , Isoshima Takashi , Ito Eisuke , Hara Masahiko , Won Chin Whee , Wook Han Jin , Kinjo Hiroumi , Ozawa Yusuke , Nakayama Yasuo , Ishii Hisao
Published: May 2013

A tris(7-propyl-8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum [Al(7-Prq)3] film shows negative giant surface potential (GSP) because of spontaneous orientation polarization. The polarity of this film is opposite to those of tris-(8-hydroxyquinolate) aluminum films. In Al(7-Prq)3-based organic light-emitting diodes, negative GSP leads to the positive interface charge and governs the electron injection and accumulation properties. In addition, a high resistance to the electron injection at the Al(7-Prq)3/Ca interface is suggested possibly because of the negative polarization charge at the interface. These results show the importance of orientation polarization in controlling the charge injection and accumulation properties and potential profile of the resultant devices.
Bio-inspired optofluidic lasers with luciferin
Authors: Wu Xiang , Chen Qiushu , Sun Yuze , Fan Xudong
Published: May 2013

The authors demonstrate a bio-inspired optofluidic laser with luciferin, a class of light-emitting compounds synthesized by many different organisms, as the gain medium. The laser characteristics under various conditions such as solution pH value and luciferin concentration are investigated. The authors demonstrate an optofluidic fluorescence resonance energy transfer laser by using luciferin and Rhodamine 6G as the donor and the acceptor, respectively, which takes advantage of the large Stokes shift of luciferin to avoid potential cross excitation of the acceptor. Their work leads to the photonic devices using biosynthesized materials as the gain medium and optofluidic intra-cavity bio/chemical sensing.
The over-step coalescence of carbon atoms on copper surface in the CVD growth of graphene: density functional calculations
Authors: Li Yingfeng , Li Meicheng , Gu TianSheng , Bai Fan , Yu Yue , Mwenya Trevor , Yu Yangxin
Published: May 2013

The ways in which carbon atoms coalesce over the steps on copper (111) surface are ascertained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations in the context of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene. Two strategies, (1) by putting carbon atoms on and under the steps separately and (2) by importing additional carbon atoms between the ones separated by the steps, have been attempted to investigate if an over-step coalescence of carbon atoms could take place. Based on analyses about the optimized configurations and adsorption energies of carbon atoms nearby the steps, as well as the energy evolution curve of the system throughout the geometry optimizations process, we determined the main way in which graphene grows over the steps continuously: the carbon atoms, adsorbed additionally on the locations between the already existing ones which are separated by the steps, link them (these carbon atoms separated by the steps) together. The direct over-step coalescence of the carbon atoms separated by the steps is very difficult, although the energy barrier preventing their coalescence can be weakened by importing carbon atoms on and under the steps gradually. Our results imply potential applications in directing the fabrication of graphene with particular structure by controlling the surface topography of copper substrate.
Theory of magnetoelectric effect in multilayer nanocomposites on a substrate: Resonant bending-mode response
Authors: Krantz Matthias C. , Gerken Martina
Published: May 2013

Resonant bending-mode magnetoelectric (ME) coefficients of magnetostrictive-piezoelectric multilayer cantilevers are calculated analytically using a model developed for arbitrary multilayers on a substrate. Without quality factor effects the ME coefficient maxima in the four-dimensional parameter space of layer numbers, layer sequences, piezoelectric volume fractions, and substrate thicknesses are found to be essentially constant for nonzero substrate thickness. Global maxima occur for bilayers without substrates. Vanishing magnetoelectric response regions result from voltage cancellation in piezoelectric layers or absence of bending-mode excitation. They are determined by the neutral plane position in the multilayer stack. With Q-factor effects dominated by viscous air damping ME coefficients strongly increase with cantilever thickness primarily due to increasing resonance frequencies. The results yield a layer specific prediction of ME coefficients, resonance frequencies, and Q-factors in arbitrary multilayers and thus distinction of linear-coupling and Q-factor effects from exchange interaction, interface, or nonlinear ME effects.
Possible room temperature superconductivity in conductors obtained by bringing alkanes into contact with a graphite surface
Authors: Kawashima Yasushi
Published: May 2013

Electrical resistances of conductors obtained by bringing alkanes into contact with a graphite surface have been investigated at room temperatures. Ring current in a ring-shaped container into which n-octane-soaked thin graphite flakes were compressed did not decay for 50 days at room temperature. After two HOPG plates were immersed into n-heptane and n-octane at room temperature, changes in resistances of the two samples were measured by four terminal technique. The measurement showed that the resistances of these samples decrease to less than the smallest resistance that can be measured with a high resolution digital voltmeter (0.1μV). The observation of persistent currents in the ring-shaped container suggests that the HOPG plates immersed in n-heptane and n-octane really entered zero-resistance state at room temperature. These results suggest that room temperature superconductor may be obtained by bringing alkanes into contact with a graphite surface.
First principles study of polarization-strain coupling in SrBi2Ta2O9
Authors: Yang Qiong , Cao Jue Xian , Ma Ying , Zhou Yi Chun
Published: May 2013

Paraelectric and ferroelectric phase structures of SrBi2Ta2O9 were calculated using first-principles density functional theory. Berry phase method is used to study the spontaneous polarization in ferroelectric SrBi2Ta2O9. The spontaneous polarizations of SrBi2Ta2O9 experimental and relaxed structures were calculated to be 34.1 μC/cm2 and 21.0 μC/cm2, respectively, along the crystallographic a-axis. It is found that the spontaneous polarization can be improved by both of ab- and bc-biaxial tensile strains. And the polarization value shows a sizable enhancement by 45% when applying 2.4% ab-biaxial tensile strain. The strain effects on spontaneous polarization are explained in terms of the atomic off-centre displacements.
Visual Discomfort and Depth-of-Field
Authors: O'Hare Louise , Zhang Tingting , Nefs Harold T. , Hibbard Paul B.
Published: May 2013

Visual discomfort has been reported for certain visual stimuli and under particular viewing conditions, such as stereoscopic viewing. In stereoscopic viewing, visual discomfort can be caused by a conflict between accommodation and convergence cues that may specify different distances in depth. Earlier research has shown that depth-of-field, which is the distance range in depth in the scene that is perceived to be sharp, influences both the perception of egocentric distance to the focal plane, and the distance range in depth between objects in the scene. Because depth-of-field may also be in conflict with convergence and the accommodative state of the eyes, we raised the question of whether depth-of-field affects discomfort when viewing stereoscopic photographs. The first experiment assessed whether discomfort increases when depth-of-field is in conflict with coherent accommodation–convergence cues to distance in depth. The second experiment assessed whether depth-of-field influences discomfort from a pre-existing accommodation–convergence conflict. Results showed no effect of depth-of-field on visual discomfort. These results suggest therefore that depth-of-field can be used as a cue to depth without inducing discomfort in the viewer, even when cue conflicts are large.
Breaking the mould without breaking the system: the development and pilot of a clinical dashboard at The Prince Charles Hospital
Authors: Clark Kevin W. , Whiting Elizabeth , Rowland Jeffrey , Thompson Leah E. , Missenden Ian , Schellein Gerhard
Published: May 2013

There is a vast array of clinical and quality data available within healthcare organisations. The availability of this data in a timely and easy to visualise way is an essential component of high-performing healthcare teams. It is recognised that good quality information is a driver of performance for clinical teams and helps ensure best possible care for patients. In 2012 the Internal Medicine Program at The Prince Charles Hospital developed a clinical dashboard that displays locally relevant information alongside relevant hospital and statewide metrics that inform daily clinical decision making. The data reported on the clinical dashboard is driven from data sourced from the electronic patient journey board in real time as well as other Queensland Health data sources. This provides clinicians with easy access to a wealth of local unit data presented in a simple graphical format that is being captured locally and arranged on a single screen so the information can be monitored at a glance. Local unit data informs daily decisions that identify and confirm patient flow problems, assist to identify root causes and enable evaluation of patient flow solutions.
Developing a hospital travel plan: process and baseline findings from a western Sydney hospital
Authors: Petrunoff Nick , Rissel Chris , Wen Li Ming , Xu Huilan , Meikeljohn David , Schembri Anthony
Published: May 2013

Objective.
To describe the development of a hospital travel plan and report baseline findings.

Methods.
The development of a travel plan involved an assessment of organisational barriers and enablers to travel planning, auditing of the transport to and physical environment of the hospital, a staff survey, analysis of distances staff travel to work and interviews with hospital managers.

Results.
There were no significant organisational impediments to, and consistent managerial support for a travel plan. The staff survey response rate was similar to response rates in workplace surveys delivered mostly online via all staff emails (n = 804, 25%). The majority (83%) of respondents drove to work on most days during the week of the survey, and the majority of drivers (58%) said they were not trying to reduce their car use and not thinking of doing so. Half (47%) of all hospital staff (n = 3222) lived within 10 km and 25% lived within 5 km. People living 5–10km from the hospital were more likely to be active travellers than were those living less than 5 km from the hospital (AOR 2.7, 95% (CI): 1.6–4.5), as were male than female staff (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.9).

Conclusions.
The process and baseline findings described in this paper are a useful reference for Australian hospitals developing travel plans.

What is known about the topic?
Concerns about congestion, parking restrictions and a sedentary workforce have prompted interest in workplace travel plans. Organisational travel plans show promise for decreasing car use and improving employee health.

What does this paper add?
This paper describes a process and planning tools for developing a travel plan that is practical for use in Australian hospitals. It reports original data on travel modes for hospital staff, and identifies factors associated with walking and cycling to work. These include living closer to work and being male.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Australian hospitals can use the approach and process described to develop their own travel plans. The data on travel modes to work are a potential reference point for other healthcare organisations.
Gatekeepers to home and community care services: the link between client characteristics and source of referral
Authors: Vecchio Nerina
Published: May 2013

Objectives.
To identify characteristics associated with the likelihood of a client receiving a referral to the Home and Community Care (HACC) program from various sources.

Methods.
Data were collected from 73 809 home care clients during 2007–08. Binary logistic and multinomial logistic regression were used to investigate the likelihood of a client being referred by health workers v. non-health workers.

Results.
Females and clients cared for by their parents were less likely to receive referrals from health workers than non-health workers after confounding variables were controlled for. While poorer functional ability of clients increased the probability of receiving a referral from a health worker, the opposite was true for those with behavioural problems. Over 43% of the sample either self-referred or was referred by family or friends.

Conclusions.
Eligible individuals may miss out on services unless they or their family take the initiative to refer. There is a need for improved methods and incentives to support and encourage health workers to refer eligible individuals to the program.

What is known about the topic?
The absence or inappropriate referral to a suitable home care program can place pressure on formalised institutions and increase burdens on family members and the community. Factors largely unrelated to healthcare needs carry significant weight in determining hospital discharge decisions and home care referrals by practitioners.

What does this paper add?
The effectiveness of the HACC program is dependent on the referrer who acts to inform and facilitate individuals to the program. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics associated with the likelihood of individuals receiving a referral to the HACC program from various sources.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This study will assist policy makers and practitioners in developing effective strategies that transition individuals to suitable home care services in a timely manner. An effective referral process would provide opportunities for implementing preventative strategies that reduce disability rates among individuals and the burden of care for the community. For instance, individuals with unmet needs may be at higher risk from injury at home through inadequate monitoring of nutrient and medication intake and inappropriate home surroundings. Improving knowledge about care options and providing appropriate incentives that encourage health workers to refer individuals would be an effective start in improving the health outcomes of an ageing population.
Molecular species boundaries in the phreatoicidean genus Amphisopus (Isopoda : Amphisopidae) and evidence for a new freshwater isopod species from Western Australia
Authors: Gouws Gavin , Stewart Barbara A.
Published: May 2013

The freshwater isopod genus Amphisopus is one of only two phreatoicidean genera in Western Australia with wide distributions and containing multiple described species. Two species (Amphisopus annectans and A. lintoni) are known from the south-western part of the state. With recent sampling extending the known range of Amphisopus and the recorded possibility of an undescribed species, this study aimed to examine genetic species boundaries and to detect additional species diversity. Isopods were sampled from across the range, and genetic structure was examined using mtDNA sequence data from a COI fragment and data from ten polymorphic allozyme loci. While allozyme data supported the clear separation of the known species, phylogenetic analyses presented three divergent monophyletic, geographically restricted clades occurring in the western, eastern and central parts of the Amphisopus distribution. These corresponded to A. annectans, A. lintoni and an undescribed species, respectively. The latter’s status was supported by its phylogenetic position relative to the known species and by the extent of differentiation observed among other phreatoicidean taxa. As with other taxa from the region, divergence times among these three species supported aridity in the Miocene–Pliocene as a driver of diversification, and suggested the existence of wetter refugial areas in south-western Australia.
The continuing challenge of phylogenetic relationships in Terebelliformia (Annelida : Polychaeta)
Authors: Nogueira João Miguel de Matos , Fitzhugh Kirk , Hutchings Pat
Published: May 2013

A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Terebellidae and related families was undertaken. Type material of all genera of Terebellinae was examined, together with representatives of nearly all genera of remaining Terebellidae subfamilies, and representatives of the families that have been traditionally regarded as being closely related, comprising the Terebelliformia. In total, 85 species were coded using 118 subjects (‘characters’) and 286 subject–predicate relations (‘states’). The results indicate: (1) the paraphyly of Terebellidae by the placements of Trichobranchidae, Ampharetidae, Alvinellidae and Pectinariidae within that clade; (2) the occurrences of Thelepodinae as separate clades, consistent with groups ‘A’ and ‘B’ recognised by Nogueira et al. (2010a); and (3) the monophyly of Polycirrinae and Terebellinae. The previously considered subfamilies of Terebellidae are raised to familial level and a new family is described. Revised definitions are provided for: Terebelliformia, Polycirridae, stat. nov., Telothelepodidae, fam. nov., Terebellidae emend., and Thelepodidae, stat. nov., along with a discussion of character evolution in the Terebellidae.
Cervicitis: limited clinical utility for the detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in a cross-sectional study of women attending a New Zealand sexual health clinic
Authors: Oliphant Jeannie , Azariah Sunita
Published: May 2013

Background
Although multiple studies have confirmed Mycoplasma genitalium as a cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men, there is less evidence of its pathogenicity in women. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium in a sample of women attending a sexual health clinic and to assess whether there was any association between the detection of M. genitalium and a diagnosis of cervicitis in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited women who required screening for sexually transmissible infections. Endocervical swabs to detect the presence of M. genitalium were taken in addition to routine testing for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviour, clinical symptoms and the presence of clinical or microscopic cervicitis. Results: The prevalence of M. genitalium was 8.4% (n = 22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.4–12.5%) in the study sample of 261 women. There was an association between the finding of cervical contact bleeding (odds ratio OR): 5.45; 95% CI: 1.93–15.42, P = 0.001) and microscopic cervicitis (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 0.95–7.34, P = 0.06) and the presence of M. genitalium when compared with women with no diagnosed infection; however, the latter finding was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of M. genitalium was high at 8.4%, the overall lack of any association between the findings of cervicitis and the detection of M. genitalium support the conclusion that cervicitis has poor clinical utility as an indicator for the presence of M. genitalium infection.
Performance of the OSOM Trichomonas Rapid Test for diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women in Mysore, India
Authors: Madhivanan Purnima , Li Tan , Trammell Stephanie , Desai Chirayu , Srinivas Vijaya , Arun Anjali , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Krupp Karl
Published: May 2013

Background Trichomonas vaginalis is the world’s most common treatable sexually transmissible infection. Currently, wet mount microscopy and syndromic management based on vaginal discharge are the most widely used methods for diagnosing and treating trichomoniasis in resource-constrained settings. Wet mount microscopy requires equipment and trained technicians, who are in short supply. We examined the diagnostic accuracy of the OSOM Trichomonas Rapid Test for detecting T. vaginalis vaginal infection among women in Mysore, India. Methods: During July 2009–August 2010, 450 sexually active women over 18 years seeking care at an urban reproductive health clinic were enrolled in the study. Clinician-collected vaginal swabs were evaluated for trichomonads using wet mount microscopy, InPouch culture and the OSOM test. Results: Of the 418 samples included in the analyses, culture detected 68 (16.3%) positive samples, wet mount microscopy detected 56 of the culture-positive samples and four false positive samples. The OSOM test detected 60 of the culture-positive samples plus two false positive cases. Using the composite reference standard (CRS), defined as wet mount- or culture-positive, the sensitivities of wet mount, the OSOM test and culture were 83.3%, 86.1% and 94.4%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the OSOM test were 100% and 97.1% respectively. The Cohen’s kappa agreement between the OSOM test and the CRS was excellent (κ = 0.94). Conclusion: The OSOM test has high sensitivity, excellent specificity, and excellent positive and negative predictive value compared to a CRS. This simple test can improve screening and diagnosis of T. vaginalis infection in resource-constrained settings where microscopy and culture are unavailable.