Photonic crystal cavity-mediated improved absorptive nonlinearity of C-4-hydroxy-3-methoxphenilcalix[4]resorcinarene.

The insertion of a nonlinear material at the photonic crystal cavity leads to a strong interaction between localized photonic modes and the introduced material's electronic state, leading to exceptionally improved nonlinear optical properties at low input power. We report the enhanced nonlinear absorption and optical limiting properties of C-4-hydroxy-3-methoxphenilcalix[4]resorcinarene (CHMPCR) in a one-dimensional polymeric photonic crystal cavity. Open aperture z-scan measurements with a nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a repetition rate of 10 Hz at 532 nm from a polymeric-based microcavity demonstrate a 4.5 times enhancement in the nonlinear absorption coefficient of CHMPCR relative to its reference film. The phenomenal increase in nonlinear response could be due to the enhanced local field-assisted effective two-photon absorption arising from the interaction of CHMPCR with intensified confined light emerging from the resonant excitation at the cavity. The low optical limiting threshold and enhanced nonlinear absorption of the CHMPCR-based photonic crystal cavity make it a promising candidate for realizing cost-effective optoelectronic devices.

Bundle approach used to achieve zero central line-associated bloodstream infections in an adult coronary intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheterisation is commonly used in critical patients in intensive care units (ICU). It may cause complications and attribute to increase mortality and morbidity. At coronary ICU (CICU) of cardiac hospital, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate was 2.82/1000 central line days in 2015 and 3.11/1000 central line days in 2016. Working in collaboration with Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), we implemented evidence-based practices in the form of bundles in with the aim of eliminating CLABSI in CICU. METHODS: In collaboration with IHI, we worked on this initiative as multidisciplinary team and tested several changes. CLABSI prevention bundles were tested and implemented, single kit for line insertion, simulation-based training for line insertions, standardised and real-time bundle monitoring by direct observations are key interventions tested. We used model for improvement and changes were tested using small Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Surveillance methods and CLABSI definition used according to National Healthcare Safety Network. RESULTS: The CLABSI rate per 1000 patient-days dropped from 3.1 per 1000 device-days to 0.4 per 1000 device-days. We achieved 757 days free of CLABSI in the unit till December 2018 when a single case happened. After that we achieved 602 free days till July 2020 and still counting. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of evidence-based CLABSI prevention bundle and process monitoring by direct observation led to significant and subsequently sustained improvement in reducing CLABSI rate in adult CICU.

Trauma coping strategies and psychological distress: A meta-analysis.

The identification of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies following traumatic events has been the subject of much scientific inquiry. The current study sought through meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the use of approach and avoidance strategies (both problem-focused and emotion/cognitive focused) following trauma and psychological distress. Thirty-nine studies of coping following two types of traumatic events (interpersonal violence and severe injury) were retained in the meta-analysis. There was a consistent association between avoidance coping and distress, overall r = .37, but no association between approach coping and distress, overall r = -.03, but some important moderators existed. Implications of the results for future research regarding coping and trauma recovery are discussed.

A taxometric analysis of psychopathic personality.

Although a common assumption throughout much of the professional and popular literature is that psychopaths are qualitatively different from others, very few studies have examined the latent structure of psychopathy. Whether psychopathy is a discrete category or a continuous dimension may have implications for research on the assessment, etiology, and treatment of this disorder. This study examined the latent structure of psychopathy in a sample of 309 jail and prison inmates. Three taxometric procedures were used to analyze indicators drawn from the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (S. O. Lilienfeld & B. P. Andrews, 1996), a self-report instrument. Consistent with prior studies that used other measures of psychopathy, none of the analyses was consistent with a taxonic solution, suggesting that psychopathic personality may be best understood as existing on a continuum.