Wafer-scale nanofabrication of telecom single-photon emitters in silicon

A highly promising route to scale millions of qubits is to use quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs), where deterministic photon sources, reconfigurable optical elements, and single-photon detectors are monolithically integrated on the same silicon chip. The isolation of single-photon emitters, such as the G centers and W centers, in the optical telecommunication O-band, has recently been realized in silicon. In all previous cases, however, single-photon emitters were created uncontrollably in random locations, preventing their scalability. Here, we report the controllable fabrication of single G and W centers in silicon wafers using focused ion beams (FIB) with high probability. We also implement a scalable, broad-beam implantation protocol compatible with the complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology to fabricate single telecom emitters at desired positions on the nanoscale. Our findings unlock a clear and easily exploitable pathway for industrial-scale photonic quantum processors with technology nodes below 100 nm

Synergism between particle-based multiplexing and microfluidics technologies may bring diagnostics closer to the patient

In the field of medical diagnostics there is a growing need for inexpensive, accurate, and quick high-throughput assays. On the one hand, recent progress in microfluidics technologies is expected to strongly support the development of miniaturized analytical devices, which will speed up (bio)analytical assays. On the other hand, a higher throughput can be obtained by the simultaneous screening of one sample for multiple targets (multiplexing) by means of encoded particle-based assays. Multiplexing at the macro level is now common in research labs and is expected to become part of clinical diagnostics. This review aims to debate on the “added value” we can expect from (bio)analysis with particles in microfluidic devices. Technologies to (a) decode, (b) analyze, and (c) manipulate the particles are described. Special emphasis is placed on the challenges of integrating currently existing detection platforms for encoded microparticles into microdevices and on promising microtechnologies that could be used to down-scale the detection units in order to obtain compact miniaturized particle-based multiplexing platforms

Physeal sparing arthroscopic fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures : a new surgical technique

We describe a novel physeal sparing arthroscopic technique for anatomic suture refixation of tibial eminence fractures and assess the mid-term results of six consecutive patients (McKeever type II n = 2, III n = 3 and IV n = 1). The mean follow-up was 5 +/- 2 years. Five of six patients were painfree. All patients returned to their preinjury sport level. Mean passive ipsilateral and contralateral flexion was 143 degrees +/- 5 degrees. The IKDC score was A in five and B in one patients. The mean Lysholm score was 97 +/- 3%. The median Tegner score was 8 (range 6-9) preinjury and at follow-up. The mean Total Knee Society score was 197 +/- 4 points. ACL laxity (KT-1000 134 N) showed a side-to-side difference of 2 +/- 2 mm. Two of six patients underwent a tibial screw removal under local anaesthesia. No loss of reduction or grossly physeal disturbance was observed. The reported surgical technique showed excellent to good clinical and radiological results and may be a physeal sparing alternative to previously described procedures

Cost Effectiveness of Enoxaparin as Prophylaxis against Venous Thromboembolic Complications in Acutely Ill Medical Inpatients: Modelling Study from the Hospital Perspective in Germany

Objective: To estimate, from the hospital perspective in Germany, the cost effectiveness of the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) subcutaneous enoxaparin sodium 40mg once daily (ENOX) relative to no pharmacological prophylaxis (NPP) and relative to subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (UFH) 5000IU three times daily (low-dose UFH [LDUFH]). Each is used in addition to elastic bandages/compression stockings and physiotherapy in the prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in immobilised acutely ill medical inpatients without impaired renal function or extremes of body weight. Methods: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of the `additional cost for ENOX per clinical VTE avoided versus NPP' and `additional cost for ENOX per episode of major bleeding avoided versus LDUFH' were chosen as target variables. The target variables were quantified using a modelling approach based on the decision-tree technique. Resource use during thromboprophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of VTEs, episode of major bleeding and secondary pneumonia after pulmonary embolism (PE) was collected from a hospital survey. Costs were exclusively those to hospitals incurred by staff expenses, drugs, devices, disposables, laboratory tests and equipment for diagnostic procedures. These costs were determined by multiplying utilised resource items by the price or tariff of each item as of the first quarter of 2003. Safety and efficacy values of the comparators were taken from the MEDENOX (prophylaxis in MEDical patients with ENOXaparin) and the THE-PRINCE (THromboEmbolism-PRevention IN Cardiac or respiratory disease with Enoxaparin) trials and from a meta-analysis. The evaluation encompassed 8 (6-14) days of thromboprophylaxis plus time to treat VTE and episode of major bleeding in hospital. Point estimates of all model parameters were applied exclusively in the base-case analysis. Results: There were incremental costs of _1106 for ENOX per clinical VTE avoided versus NPP (_1_ ~=_$US1.07; average of the first quarter of 2003). ENOX dominated LDUFH: cost savings of _55_825 were obtained and 7.7 episodes of major bleeding were avoided by ENOX compared with LDUFH, each per 1000 patients. In comprehensive sensitivity analyses, the robustness of the model and its results was shown. Conclusions: Results of this evaluation suggest that, in immobilised acutely ill medical inpatients, ENOX may offer hospitals in Germany a very cost-effective option for thromboprophylaxis compared with NPP and a cost-saving alternative compared with LDUFH.Cost-effectiveness, Enoxaparin-sodium, Enoxaparin-sodium, Haemorrhage, Heparin, Heparin, Venous-thrombosis, Modelling, Thromboembolism

Efficacy and Side Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Menopausal Symptoms: A Critical Review

This study evaluates 23 (9 Chinese and 14 non-Chinese) randomized controlled trials for efficacy and side effects of Chinese herbal medicine on menopausal symptoms. Menopause was diagnosed according to western medicine criteria in all studies while seven Chinese studies and one non-Chinese study further stratified the participants using traditional Chinese medical diagnosis “Zheng differentiation.” Efficacy was reported by all 9 Chinese and 9/14 non-Chinese papers. Side effects and adverse events were generally mild and infrequent. Only ten severe adverse events were reported, two with possible association with the therapy. CHM did not increase the endometrial thickness, a common side effect of hormone therapy. None of the studies investigated long-term side effects. Critical analysis revealed that (1) high-quality studies on efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine for menopausal syndrome are rare and have the drawback of lacking traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis (Zheng-differentiation). (2) Chinese herbal medicine may be effective for at least some menopausal symptoms while side effects are likely less than hormone therapy. (3) All these findings need to be confirmed in further well-designed comprehensive studies meeting the standard of evidence-based medicine and including Zheng-differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine

Геологическое строение и проект оценочных работ на золото ручья Безымянный месторождения Туора-Тас – Ольчан (Республика Саха (Якутия))

Объектом исследования является золотороссыпное месторождение Туора-Тас-Ольчан (Республика Саха (Якутия)). Цель работы –изучение особенностей геологического строения месторождения Туора-Тас-Ольчан и составление проекта оценочных работ участка долины ручья Безымянный. В процессе исследования проводились шлиховой анализ проб и исследования вещества на электронном микроскопе Hitachi S-3400N. В результате исследования, на основе изучения особенностей геологического строения месторождения Туора-Тас-Ольчан, была выбрана рациональная методика проведения геологоразведочных работ в долине ручья Безымянный. Основные конструктивные, технологические и технико- эксплуатационные характеристики: применение горно-буровой системы оценочных работ.The object of study is solutionsyou field of Tuora-TAS-Alcan (Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)). The work purpose –studying of geological structure of deposits of Tuora-TAS-Alcan and a draft appraisal of the area in the valley of Nameless Creek. In the process of research was conducted heavy mineral concentrate sampling and investigation of matter in an electron microscope Hitachi S-3400N. The study, based on the study of geological structure of deposits of Tuora-TAS-Olcan, was chosen a rational method of exploration in the valley of Nameless Creek. The basic constructive, technological and technical - operational characteristics: the rock-drilling system evaluation works

Depth selective magnetic phase coexistence in FeRh thin films

We demonstrate the manipulation of magnetic phases in FeRh thin films through atomic displacements and the distribution of structural defects. Atomic scale disorder can be controlled via irradiation with light noble gas ions, producing depth-varying nanoscale phase configurations of distinct antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic, and paramagnetic regions. Here, we perform a spatial characterization of the magnetic phases and the local magnetic environment around the Fe atoms, as well as the variation of the open-volumes around atomic sites. Thus, a direct correspondence between the existence of the three magnetic phases and lattice defects is revealed. By careful selection of the irradiating fluence, we show that it is possible to produce simple and thermally stable magnetic configurations, such as uniform magnetization or a bilayer phase structure. Furthermore, the thin film surface and interfaces are observed as the nucleation sites for the transitions between the phases. These results demonstrate a sensitive nanoscale manipulation of magnetic properties, shedding light on magnetic ordering in alloy lattices and broadening the scope for applications.ISSN:2166-532

Depth selective magnetic phase coexistence in FeRh thin films

We demonstrate the manipulation of magnetic phases in FeRh thin films through atomic displacements and the distribution of structural defects. Atomic scale disorder can be controlled via irradiation with light noble gas ions, producing depth-varying nanoscale phase configurations of distinct antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic, and paramagnetic regions. Here, we perform a spatial characterization of the magnetic phases and the local magnetic environment around the Fe atoms, as well as the variation of the open-volumes around atomic sites. Thus, a direct correspondence between the existence of the three magnetic phases and lattice defects is revealed. By careful selection of the irradiating fluence, we show that it is possible to produce simple and thermally stable magnetic configurations, such as uniform magnetization or a bilayer phase structure. Furthermore, the thin film surface and interfaces are observed as the nucleation sites for the transitions between the phases. These results demonstrate a sensitive nanoscale manipulation of magnetic properties, shedding light on magnetic ordering in alloy lattices and broadening the scope for applications.ISSN:2166-532