Monolithic high contrast grating on GaSb/AlAsSb based epitaxial structures for mid-infrared wavelength applications.

We demonstrate monolithic high contrast gratings (MHCG) based on GaSb/AlAs0.08Sb0.92 epitaxial structures with sub-wavelength gratings enabling high reflection of unpolarized mid-infrared radiation at the wavelength range from 2.5 to 5 µm. We study the reflectivity wavelength dependence of MHCGs with ridge widths ranging from 220 to 984 nm and fixed 2.6 µm grating period and demonstrate that peak reflectivity of above 0.7 can be shifted from 3.0 to 4.3 µm for ridge widths from 220 to 984 nm, respectively. Maximum reflectivity of up to 0.9 at 4 µm can be achieved. The experiments are in good agreement with numerical simulations, confirming high process flexibility in terms of peak reflectivity and wavelength selection. MHCGs have hitherto been regarded as mirrors enabling high reflection of selected light polarization. With this work, we show that thoughtfully designed MHCG yields high reflectivity for both orthogonal polarizations simultaneously. Our experiment demonstrates that MHCGs are promising candidates to replace conventional mirrors like distributed Bragg reflectors to realize resonator based optical and optoelectronic devices such as resonant cavity enhanced light emitting diodes and resonant cavity enhanced photodetectors in the mid-infrared spectral region, for which epitaxial growth of distributed Bragg reflectors is challenging.

Monolithic high-index contrast grating: a material independent high-reflectance VCSEL mirror.

In this paper we present an extensive theoretical and numerical analysis of monolithic high-index contrast grating, facilitating simple manufacture of compact mirrors for very broad spectrum of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting from ultraviolet to mid-infrared. We provide the theoretical background explaining the phenomenon of high reflectance in monolithic subwavelength gratings. In addition, by using a three-dimensional, fully vectorial optical model, verified by comparison with the experiment, we investigate the optimal parameters of high-index contrast grating enabling more than 99.99% reflectance in the diversity of photonic materials and in the broad range of wavelengths.

Orthorhombic BiFeO3.

A new orthorhombic phase of the multiferroic BiFeO3 has been created via strain engineering by growing it on a NdScO(3)(110)(o) substrate. The tensile-strained orthorhombic BiFeO3 phase is ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic at room temperature. A combination of nonlinear optical second harmonic generation and piezoresponse force microscopy revealed that the ferroelectric polarization in the orthorhombic phase is along the in-plane {110}(pc) directions. In addition, the corresponding rotation of the antiferromagnetic axis in this new phase was observed using x-ray linear dichroism.

Elements of psychological support in nursing care.

The paper presents the results of a pilot study which involved 50 nurses from several departments of internal medicine of The State Clinical Hospital of the Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University in Cracow. The results are based on the Statement Response Questionnaire. They show that the most common responses of the nurses in the face of anxiety expressed by patients are cheering up the patient, collecting information about the symptom, and offering explanation of the symptom. The least common responses included expressing one's own positive emotions and showing empathy towards the patient.

Polish and British nurses' responses to patient need.

This research study explored the differences between the responses of a cohort of British nurses and a cohort of Polish nurses to a patient's expression of need. Using a vignette to elicit the responses, the study showed that the cohorts gave similar responses in terms of cheering the patient up, offering explanation and showing warmth. Differences were demonstrated in relation to collecting information, giving advice and suggestions, and referring the patient to the doctor. Both cohorts, however, rarely gave responses which demonstrated empathy. The authors conclude that better training in therapeutic communication is needed.

Students' views of training in Poland.

Psychological aspects of care figure high in the current nursing education curriculum, but how effectively are the teaching methods related to them? This small survey of students in a Polish university sought an answer, and revealed that the students felt they required more tuition on how interpersonal skills taught on the course can be directly applied to nursing practice.

[Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta complicated with a fistula into the inferior caval vein]. / Tetniak aorty brzusznej powiklany przetoka do zyly glównej dolnej.

The results of treatment are presented in three patients with a fistula between the lumen of abdominal aorta aneurysm and the inferior caval vein. Surgical operation was successful in two patients, and one patient with large fistula, operated on as urgent case, died. The results of treatment of this rare complication are influenced by: fistular dimensions, volume of blood lost during operation and good cooperation between surgical and anaesthesiological teams.

[Injuries of major blood vessels of the lower extremities as a complication of fractures and dislocations]. / Uszkodzenia duzych naczyn konczyn dolnych wspólistniejace ze zlamaniami i zwichnieciami.

Surgical treatment was applied in 46 patients with simultaneous injury of great vessels of the lower extremities and fractures of the long bones or dislocations of the knee joint. The authors have determined the best in their opinion sequence of surgical procedure. They think that external fixation gives better bone stabilization and is more favorable than internal stabilization. They also recommend lavage of the peripheral vascular bed of the ischemic lower extremity, which prevents post-traumatic insufficiency of the kidneys. They think that early fasciotomy of the crus or fibulectomy is important for the good result of the operation.