bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photochemische Anwendung von Farbstoffaufdampfschichten
Authors: Böttcher Horst , Fritz Torsten , Vaupel Bernd
Published: September 2010

Advanced high‐vacuum technology enables the reproducable production of evaporated dye layers (EDL). By means of separate sources even the production of multilayers or homogeneous mixtures, e.g. dyes mixed with other evaporable organic or inorganic compounds as metal halides or oxides (“norganics”), is possible. Pure and mixed EDL's show a lot of specific electrical and optical properties which can be used in different fields of application, e. g. charge transfer and generation processes in information recording and solar storage, color microfilters and optical data storage. The survey resumes recent results of authors and literature data.
Über den Einfluß von Ultraschall auf chemische Reaktionen
Authors: Rehorek Detlef , Schöffauer Steffen , Hennig Horst
Published: September 2010

At sufficiently high intensities ultrasonic irradiation of liquids causes cavitation which leads to extremely high local temperatures and pressures. Therefore, chemical reactions may be accelerated by ultrasound. This effect is called sonochemistry. Using representative examples from both homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry, the applications of sonochemistry in synthetic chemistry are illustrated.
Synthese und Reaktionen der P‐Halogen‐phosphonium‐ylide, R2P(X)=CR2
Authors: Kolodiažnyi Oleg I.
Published: September 2010

P Halogeno phosphonium ylides are readily available reagents possessing high activity and various chemical properties. Several methods exist for the synthesis of P halogeno phosphonium ylides: reaction of tertiary phosphines with carbon tetrachloride, dehydro‐halogenation of phosphonium salts, and halogenotropic rearrangement of α‐halogenoalkylphosphines. The interaction of P halogeno phosphonium ylides with carbonyl Compounds yields [2 + 2] ‐cycloaddition products which, depending on their structure, decompose to form allylphosphonates, vinylphosphonates, organophosphorus ketens, thioketens or ketenimines. P Halogeno phosphonium ylide posses a high phosphorylating ability. Their P=C double bond readily adds different nucleophiles, containing mobile hydrogen to form phosphonium salts. The reversible migrations of the chlorine atom from α‐carbon atom to the phosphorus atom proceeding with the change of phosphorus coordination number PIV ⇌ PIII are typical for P halogeno phosphonium ylides.
Elektrochemische Gasentwicklung ‐ Entwicklung von Wasserstoff, Chlor und Sauerstoff
Authors: Müler Lothar , Heidrich Hans‐jörg , Schultz Benno
Published: September 2010

Hydrogen, chlorine and oxygen evolution processes at platinum electrodes are reviewed. The dependence of overvoltage, gassupersatuation and gas‐bubble parameters on current density, temperature, electrolyte concentration and porosity of electrode surface are discussed. An attempt is made to explain the similarities as well as the differences in the behaviour of the three gas evolving electrodes.
Untersuchungen im Wittig‐System nach einem ordnenden Konzept auf der Basis alternativer Prinzipien
Authors: Bandmann Heinz , Bartik Tamás , Bauckloh Sylvia , Behler Ansgar , Brille Frank , Heimbach Paul , Louven Johannes‐Wilhelm , Ndalut Paulo , Preis Heinz‐Günther , Zeppenfeld Eva
Published: September 2010

Our results show that the stereoselectivity of the Wittig‐reaction can be controlled by the variation of substituents in accord with the ORDERING CONCEPT OF ALTERNATIV PRINCIPLES [1] (individual pairs, known and unknown classes of alternatives). The “all‐phenyl‐Wittig‐system” having three phenyl groups on phosphorous two in ylid and aldehyd‐position was chosen as a standard for our investigations. Differentiation in ylid‐position and compensations on phosphorous and aldehyd‐position were observed by the comparison of “patterns”. Consequently, most of the selectivity rules of Wittig‐reactions can be explained by the differentiation through alternatives in the ylid‐position. Inversion or conservation of the “patterns” of measured data points to the variation in structure of starting materials, reaction rates and selectivities. Amount controls were also described in certain systems.
Ausgewählte Methoden der Korrelationsanalyse am Beispiel der Spurenelementrelationen im menschlichen Körper
Authors: Henrion Günter , Henrion René , Bacsó Jozsef , Uzonyi Imre
Published: September 2010

Selected methods from uni‐ and multivariate analysis of correlation are discussed and applied to a 3‐dimensional data array of the object‐variable occasion type. The data resulted from trace element determinations (by x‐ray fluorescence analysis) in human tissues. Special attention is devoted to 3‐way principal component analysis, partial least squares, linear characteristics and the nonparametric rank correlation coefficient by Kendall. It is shown that the correlations between interior human tissues (brain, liver, kidney) are strongly governed by a specific set of toxic trace elements (As, Se, Hg, Pb, Ni). However the relations between tissues and hair, which are of special interest in medicine, turn out to be rather weak. This results in an unsatisfactory prediction of toxic elements in tissues by those in hair.
Communication of Genetic Risk Information to Daughters in Families with Fragile X Syndrome: The Parent's Perspective
Authors: McConkie‐Rosell Allyn , Del Giorno Jacqueline , Heise Elizabeth Melvin
Published: September 2010

Parental approaches to communicating information about genetic disorders to their children may be an important determinant in how the children manage stress as well as their adjustment and adaptation to that information. We explored communication patterns through structured interviews with 46 parents of daughters who learned about their genetic risk status as minors. Three different levels of knowledge about fragile X syndrome were explored: 1) informing that it has been diagnosed in the family and is an inherited disorder, 2) informing about the possibility of a daughter being a carrier, and 3) if testing had been done, informing the daughter of her actual carrier status. Additionally, parental perceptions of their daughter's understanding of the information were explored along with frequency of discussions. We found that communication about genetic risk was initiated by the parents. Five disclosure patterns were identified with variations in style, content, and frequency of communication related to the information that was being disclosed. Aspects of resilient communication were present for all levels of disclosure; however, as the information became more personally relevant for the daughter such as disclosure about the possibility of “being a carrier” for fragile X syndrome and there was uncertainty regarding potential outcomes, the conversations included fewer resilient characteristics. Uncertainty about what and how to present information may negatively affect a parent's ability to include elements of resilient communication when disclosing genetic risk information.
More Appreciation of Life or Regretting the Test? Experiences of Living as a Mutation Carrier of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Hagberg Anette , Bui The‐Hung , Winnberg Elisabeth
Published: September 2010

Little is known about how the knowledge of being a mutation carrier for Huntington's disease (HD) influences lives, emotionally and socially. In this qualitative study 10 interviews were conducted to explore the long term (>5 years) experiences of being a mutation carrier. The results showed a broad variety of both positive and negative impact on the carriers’ lives. The most prominent positive changes reported were a greater appreciation of life and a tendency to bring the family closer together. On the other hand, some participants expressed decisional regrets and discussed the negative impact this knowledge had on their psychological well‐being. The knowledge variously served as either a motivator or an obstacle in pursuing further education, career or investment in personal health. Deeper understanding of people's reactions to the certainty of knowing they will become affected with HD is essential for the genetic counseling team in order to provide appropriate support.
Traumatic Closed Index Extensor Tendon Rupture at the Musclotendinous Junction: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Komura Shingo , Yokoi Tatsuo , Nonomura Hidehiko
Published: September 2010

This report describes two cases of traumatic closed index extensor tendon rupture at the musclotendinous junction. Both patients were injured when their work gloves were caught in the revolving parts of machines, and both were treated surgically. One of the patients completely ruptured the index extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendons at the musclotendinous junction of dorsal forearm. In this patient, the distal stump of the index EDC tendon was sutured to the middle EDC tendon in an end-to-side juncture. The other patient completely ruptured the EIP tendon and partially ruptured the index EDC tendon at the musclotendinous junction. In this patient, tendon transfer of the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) to the EIP tendon and plication of the index EDC tendon were performed. In both cases, surgical intervention enabled the patients to extend their index fingers almost normally; however, the former complained of inability to extend his index finger independently. Tendon transfer of the EDM in cases of index extensor tendon rupture at the musclotendinous junction is a good method to restore ability to independently extend the index finger. However, consideration should be given to anatomical variation in the little finger. The EDC tendon is sometimes absent leaving the EDM tendon as the only extensor tendon to the little finger.
Characterization of Films with Thickness Less than 10 nm by Sensitivity-Enhanced Atomic Force Acoustic Microscopy
Authors: Muraoka Mikio , Komatsu Shinji
Published: September 2010

We present a method for characterizing ultrathin films using sensitivity-enhanced atomic force acoustic microscopy, where a concentrated-mass cantilever having a flat tip was used as a sensitive oscillator. Evaluation was aimed at 6-nm-thick and 10-nm-thick diamond-like carbon (DLC) films deposited, using different methods, on a hard disk for the effective Young's modulus defined as E/(1 - ν2), where E is the Young's modulus, and ν is the Poisson's ratio. The resonant frequency of the cantilever was affected not only by the film's elasticity but also by the substrate even at an indentation depth of about 0.6 nm. The substrate effect was removed by employing a theoretical formula on the indentation of a layered half-space, together with a hard disk without DLC coating. The moduli of the 6-nm-thick and 10-nm-thick DLC films were 392 and 345 GPa, respectively. The error analysis showed the standard deviation less than 5% in the moduli.
Investigation on the Plasma-Induced Emission Properties of Large Area Carbon Nanotube Array Cathodes with Different Morphologies
Authors: Liao Qingliang , Qin Zi , Zhang Zheng , Qi Junjie , Zhang Yue , Huang Yunhua , Liu Liang
Published: September 2010

Large area well-aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays with different morphologies were synthesized by using a chemical vapor deposition. The plasma-induced emission properties of CNT array cathodes with different morphologies were investigated. The ratio of CNT height to CNT-to-CNT distance has considerable effects on their plasma-induced emission properties. As the ratio increases, emission currents of CNT array cathodes decrease due to screening effects. Under the pulse electric field of about 6 V/μm, high-intensity electron beams of 170–180 A/cm2 were emitted from the surface plasma. The production mechanism of the high-intensity electron beams emitted from the CNT arrays was plasma-induced emission. Moreover, the distribution of the electron beams was in situ characterized by the light emission from the surface plasma.
Large-scale Synthesis of β-SiC Nanochains and Their Raman/Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Meng Alan , Zhang Meng , Gao Weidong , Sun Shibin , Li Zhenjiang
Published: September 2010

Although the SiC/SiO2 nanochain heterojunction has been synthesized, the chained homogeneous nanostructure of SiC has not been reported before. Herein, the novel β-SiC nanochains are synthesized assisted by the AAO template. The characterized results demonstrate that the nanostructures are constructed by spheres of 25–30 nm and conjoint wires of 15–20 nm in diameters. Raman and photoluminescence measurements are used to explore the unique optical properties. A speed-alternating vapor–solid (SA-VS) growth mechanism is proposed to interpret the formation of this typical nanochains. The achieved nanochains enrich the species of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures and may hold great potential applications in nanotechnology.
Large-Scale Fabrication of Boron Nitride Nanotubes via a Facile Chemical Vapor Reaction Route and Their Cathodoluminescence Properties
Authors: Zhong Bo , Huang Xiaoxiao , Wen Guangwu , Yu Hongming , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao , Bai Hongwei
Published: September 2010

Cylinder- and bamboo-shaped boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been synthesized in large scale via a facile chemical vapor reaction route using ammonia borane as a precursor. The structure and chemical composition of the as-synthesized BNNTs are extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected-area electron diffraction. The cylinder-shaped BNNTs have an average diameter of about 100 nm and length of hundreds of microns, while the bamboo-shaped BNNTs are 100–500 nm in diameter with length up to tens of microns. The formation mechanism of the BNNTs has been explored on the basis of our experimental observations and a growth model has been proposed accordingly. Ultraviolet–visible and cathodoluminescence spectroscopic analyses are performed on the BNNTs. Strong ultraviolet emissions are detected on both morphologies of BNNTs. The band gap of the BNNTs are around 5.82 eV and nearly unaffected by tube morphology. There exist two intermediate bands in the band gap of BNNTs, which could be distinguishably assigned to structural defects and chemical impurities.
Thermal Effects and Small Signal Modulation of 1.3-μm InAs/GaAs Self-Assembled Quantum-Dot Lasers
Authors: Zhao HX , Yoon SF , Tong CZ , Liu CY , Wang R , Cao Q
Published: September 2010

We investigate the influence of thermal effects on the high-speed performance of 1.3-μm InAs/GaAs quantum-dot lasers in a wide temperature range (5–50°C). Ridge waveguide devices with 1.1 mm cavity length exhibit small signal modulation bandwidths of 7.51 GHz at 5°C and 3.98 GHz at 50°C. Temperature-dependent K-factor, differential gain, and gain compression factor are studied. While the intrinsic damping-limited modulation bandwidth is as high as 23 GHz, the actual modulation bandwidth is limited by carrier thermalization under continuous wave operation. Saturation of the resonance frequency was found to be the result of thermal reduction in the differential gain, which may originate from carrier thermalization.
Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on Vertical ZnO Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Chu Sheng , Li Dongdong , Chang Pai-Chun , Lu Jia G
Published: September 2010

Flexible dye-sensitized solar cells are fabricated using vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays that are transferred onto ITO-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates using a simple peel-off process. The solar cells demonstrate an energy conversion efficiency of 0.44% with good bending tolerance. This technique paves a new route for building large-scale cost-effective flexible photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.
A Novel Way for Synthesizing Phosphorus-Doped Zno Nanowires
Authors: Gao Jingyun , Zhao Qing , Sun Yanghui , Li Guo , Zhang Jingmin , Yu Dapeng
Published: September 2010

We developed a novel approach to synthesize phosphorus (P)-doped ZnO nanowires by directly decomposing zinc phosphate powder. The samples were demonstrated to be P-doped ZnO nanowires by using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrum, Raman spectra and photoluminescence measurements. The chemical state of P was investigated by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses in individual ZnO nanowires. P was found to substitute at oxygen sites (PO), with the presence of anti-site P on Zn sites (PZn). P-doped ZnO nanowires were high resistance and the related P-doping mechanism was discussed by combining EELS results with electrical measurements, structure characterization and photoluminescence measurements. Our method provides an efficient way of synthesizing P-doped ZnO nanowires and the results help to understand the P-doping mechanism.
Influence of Vegetable Oils on Micellization of Lutein in a Simulated Digestion Model
Authors: Nidhi Bhatiwada , Baskaran V.
Published: September 2010

Lutein and zeaxanthin are selectively accumulated in the macula of the retina, yet their bioavailability is influenced by various dietary factors. Insights regarding the effects of dietary lipids on lutein micellization that is available for absorption are limited. This study investigated the influence of vegetable oils on the relative efficiency of lutein micellization using in vitro digestion procedure. Lutein dispersed in either olive oil (OO), corn oil (CO), soybean oil (SBO), sunflower oil (SFO), groundnut oil (GNO), rice bran oil (RBO) or palm oil (PO) was subjected to simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion. Results showed that the efficiency of micellization of lutein dispersed in olive oil exceeds the other vegetable oils. The percent lutein micellization was in the order of OO > GNO > RBO > SFO > CO > SBO > PO. In comparison, the values for OO were higher than GNO (11%), RBO (18.3%), SFO (19%), CO (21.7%), SBO (30.5%) and PO (35.2%), respectively. These results suggest that OO rich in oleic acid may favor the incorporation of lutein into micelles at the intestinal level. To conclude, the type of vegetable oil in which carotenoids are dispersed is important to achieve an enhanced bioavailable lutein. The correlation between the micellizable lutein and fatty acid composition of vegetable oils are discussed.
Serum Proteome Pool Changes in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Treated with Anakinra
Authors: Koefoed Mette , Larsen Claus M. , Faulenbach Mirjam V. , Vaag Allan , Ehses Jan A. , Donath Marc Y. , McGuire James Norton , Pociot Flemming , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas
Published: September 2010

Introduction

High glucose concentrations induce the production of IL-1β in human pancreatic beta cells leading to impaired insulin secretion, decreased cell proliferation and apoptosis. Blockade of IL-1 signalling with the recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra reduces HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aims of the present study were to identify: (1) candidate surrogates for improved glycemia in type 2 diabetic patients following treatment with anakinra, (2) proteins that change serum concentration because of anakinra treatment and (3) candidate biomarkers that may predict improved glycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects treated with anakinra.

Methods

Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyse serum from 67 type 2 diabetic patients who had received either placebo or anakinra for 13 weeks. Immunodepletion with magnetic protein G bead-coupled antibodies were used to identify three proteins and Western blotting confirmed the biomarker concentration pattern of four proteins.

Results

Twelve proteins, including transthyretin (TTR) and transferrin (Tf), were identified as candidate surrogates for improved glycemia. Six proteins, including retinol-binding protein 4 (RPB4) and a protein tentatively identified as modified apolipoprotein-A1 (apo-AI), increased expression as a consequence of anakinra treatment and four proteins were candidate biomarkers that may predict improved glycemia following anakinra treatment. Furthermore, we found increased RBP4 to be associated with improved beta cell secretory function and increased TTR, RBP4 and modified apo-AI (peak at 28,601 Da) to be associated with decreased inflammation.

Conclusions

Anakinra-induced changes in the serum proteome pool associated with a decreased cardiovascular disease risk, reduced inflammation and improved beta cell secretory function.
Size of the perivitelline space and incidence of polyspermy in rabbit and hamster oocytes
Authors: Yoshida Nao , Niimura Sueo
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The size of the perivitelline space and the incidence of polyspermy were observed in ovulated and cultured oocytes from rabbits and hamsters with or without treatment by 4‐methylumbelliferone (MU), an inhibitor of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthase, in order to examine the relationship between the incidence of polyspermy and the size of the perivitelline space. The amount of HA in the medium with MU‐treated hamster oocytes was measured and compared with that in the medium with untreated oocytes.

Methods

The perivitelline space of oocytes with 1st polar bodies was measured by use of a micrometer under a microscope, and the incidence of polyspermy was observed in the oocytes after insemination. The amount of HA in the medium was examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of cortical granules was observed by staining with FITC‐conjugated LCA.

Results

In both rabbit and hamster, the mean size of the perivitelline space was significantly smaller and the incidence of polyspermy was significantly higher in the cultured and MU‐treated oocytes than in the ovulated and untreated oocytes. The mean amount of HA in the medium with MU‐treated oocytes (8.96 pg) was significantly smaller than that in the medium with untreated oocytes (21.77 pg). The distribution of cortical granules did not differ among the ovulated, cultured, and MU‐treated oocytes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the size of the perivitelline space is closely related to the incidence of polyspermy, and that the oocyte itself synthesizes and secretes the HA involved in the enlargement of the perivitelline space.
Interaction of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type I Rex protein with Dicer suppresses RNAi silencing
Authors: Abe Makoto , Suzuki Hitoshi , Nishitsuji Hironori , Shida Hisatoshi , Takaku Hiroshi
Published: September 2010

MINT‐7996852, MINT‐7996870, MINT‐7996886, MINT‐7996830: Rex (uniprotkb:P0C205) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Dicer (uniprotkb:Q9UPY3) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Predictors of Outcome Following Hip Fracture Rehabilitation
Authors: Semel Jennifer , Gray Jennifer M. , Ahn Hyeong Jun , Nasr Hany , Chen John J.
Published: September 2010

Objective

To determine the potential predictors of functional outcome after hip fracture rehabilitation in a large acute inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Design

Retrospective chart review study.

Setting

Large acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Patients admitted with a primary admitting diagnosis of hip fracture (n = 753). Patients were excluded if their hip fracture was the result of high‐velocity trauma and if their stay was shorter than 48 hours (196 patients).

Methods

Independent variables included body mass index, gender, ethnicity, smoking history, alcohol consumption, past living situation, past ambulatory status, medical history, prealbumin level, medications that increase the risk of falling, and evidence of prior osteoporosis workup and treatment. These data were entered into a password‐encrypted database. Univariate analyses were carried out to evaluate the relationship between independent variables and main outcomes, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of medical history of diabetes adjusting for other covariates.

Main Outcome Measurements

Discharge location; length of rehabilitation hospital stay (LOS); Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, which is calculated as the FIMdischarge – FIMadmission; and length of stay efficiency (LOSE), which is calculated as the FIM gain divided by the LOS, and measures the rate of FIM change.

Results

Patients with diabetes had a worse LOSE (P = .0008). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that patients who have a medical history of diabetes have a 0.33 reduction of LOSE compared with other patients. Predictors of better LOSE included younger age (P < .001), fewer medications that predispose to falls (P < .0001), and independent ambulation before fracture (P = .0003).

Conclusion

We have found several significant patient characteristics that portend a better functional outcome after hip fracture. These include younger age, female gender, absence of diabetes mellitus, independent prefracture ambulation, not living alone before fracture, and being prescribed fewer medications that predispose to falling during rehabilitation. On the contrary, one of our most interesting findings is that patients with diabetes made slower gains, had a longer LOS and were less likely to be discharged directly home from the acute rehabilitation facility. There are numerous factors that may contribute to this, and suggestions are made for future research.
The Extent of Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis in a Veterans Affairs Population Undergoing Vertebral Augmentation
Authors: Kasturi Gopi , Adler Robert A.
Published: September 2010

Objective

To investigate whether patients with vertebral fracture who underwent an augmentation procedure had pre‐ or postaugmentation osteoporosis evaluation and treatment.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

An academic, tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center with an active osteoporosis program, easy access to bone density testing by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), few barriers to treatment, and an excellent electronic medical record.

Patients

After patients who underwent vertebroplasty for a traumatic or pathologic fracture were excluded, 40 patients were identified who had the procedure during a 1.5‐year period. Most patients were older white men.

Methods

Assessment of which patients had evaluation of underlying bone disease (with DEXA and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels) and whether it was treated (with pharmacologic therapy).

Results

About 75% had a DEXA, but only half had the DEXA before the augmentation procedure. Fifty‐five percent had the diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia in the electronic record, and 60% had a serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level usually before the procedure. Those patients who were referred to a metabolic bone clinic were more likely to have diagnostic tests and therapy.

Conclusions

As with hip fracture, low‐trauma vertebral fracture treated by an augmentation procedure should lead to osteoporosis evaluation and therapy.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Cortical and Subcortical Interfacing via Retinal Pathways
Authors: Zelinsky Deborah G.
Published: September 2010

Most patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have visual and nonvisual retinal signal processing problems with concomitant dysfunctional sensory systems integration. These dysfunctions often include problems of spatial orientation, motor planning, and motor control. They are generally not visible on diffusion tensor imaging, diffusion spectrum magnetic resonance imaging, or functional magnetic resonance imaging and are not discernible by neuro‐ophthalmological, standard optometric, or ophthalmological testing. In contrast, the neuro‐optometrist, while examining the TBI patient's conscious cortical processing, puts great emphasis on unconscious ambient processing to assess the patient's ability to tolerate and adapt to environmental changes beneath conscious awareness. This often overlooked, yet potentially critical, information from both subcortical and cortical components of the visual system, sometimes combined with other sensory signals, is used to evaluate and treat patients with processing dysfunctions.
Vegetation and environmental conditions in the Doñana Natural Park coastal area (SW Iberia) at the beginning of the last glacial cycle
Authors: Morales-Molino César , Postigo-Mijarra José María , García-Antón Mercedes , Zazo Cari
Published: September 2010

Detailed reconstructions of the vegetation of Iberia during the last glacial inception are rare due to the limited number of terrestrial sites recording this period. Active retreat of El Asperillo cliff, located on the Atlantic coast of southwestern Iberia, has exposed a fossil organic level dating back to one of the early stades of the last glacial cycle. Pollen and macrofossil analyses from this site show that the Doñana area was covered mainly by steppic vegetation; temperate trees survived the coldest periods, albeit in reduced numbers. Mediterranean taxa are extremely reduced, in contrast with other dry areas of southern Iberia over this time span. This vegetation suggests cold and arid climatic conditions, in accordance with paleoclimatic reconstructions based on several Atlantic marine cores.
ONλ-STRICT IDEALS IN BANACH SPACES
Authors: ABRAHAMSEN TROND A. , NYGAARD OLAV
Published: September 2010

We define and studyλ-strict ideals in Banach spaces, which forλ=1 means strict ideals. Strict u-ideals in their biduals are known to have the unique ideal property; we prove that so also doλ-strict u-ideals in their biduals, at least forλ>1/2. An open question, posed by Godefroyet al. [‘Unconditional ideals in Banach spaces’,Studia Math.104(1993), 13–59] is whether the Banach spaceXis a u-ideal in Ba(X), the Baire-one functions inX**, exactly whenκu(X)=1; we prove that ifκu(X)=1 thenXis a strict u-ideal in Ba (X) , and we establish the converse in the separable case.
ON A COMBINATORIAL PROOF FOR AN IDENTITY INVOLVING THE TRIANGULAR NUMBERS
Authors: SANTOS JOSE PLÍNIO O. , DA SILVA ROBSON
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we present a combinatorial proof for an identity involving the triangular numbers. The proof resembles Franklin’s proof of Euler’s pentagonal number theorem.
The biological precedents for medieval impetus theory and its Aristotelian character
Authors: FRITSCHE JOHANNES
Published: September 2010

While the impetus theory is often regarded as a non-Aristotelian theory that could not have emerged within the development of Aristotelianism, I argue that it is essentially Aristotelian. Given the state of the theories of body, movement and sexual reproduction and the development of the theory of the four elements in the Latin West at the end of the thirteenth century, the impetus theory was probably developed as an application to projectiles of Aristotle's theories of the male semen and of family resemblance. In addition, the impetus theory was even a convenient expedient to simplify the Aristotelian theory of movement and prevent it from drifting into non-Aristotelian territory.
Gravity waves, scale asymptotics and the pseudo-incompressible equations
Authors: ACHATZ ULRICH , KLEIN R. , SENF F.
Published: September 2010

Multiple-scale asymptotics is used to analyse the Euler equations for the dynamical situation of a gravity wave (GW) near breaking level. A simple saturation argument in combination with linear theory is used to obtain the relevant dynamical scales. As a small expansion parameter, the ratio of the inverse of the vertical wavenumber and potential temperature and pressure scale heights is used, which we allow to be of the same order of magnitude here. It is shown that the resulting equation hierarchy is consistent with that obtained from the pseudo-incompressible equations, both for non-hydrostatic and hydrostatic GWs, while this is not the case for the anelastic equations unless the additional assumption of sufficiently weak stratification is adopted. To describe vertical propagation of wavepackets over several atmospheric-scale heights, Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) theory is used to show that the pseudo-incompressible flow divergence generates the same amplitude equation that also obtains from the full Euler equations. This gives a mathematical justification for the use of the pseudo-incompressible equations in the study of GW breaking in the atmosphere for arbitrary background stratification. The WKB theory interestingly even holds at wave amplitudes close to static instability. In the mean-flow equations, we obtain in addition to the classic wave-induced momentum-flux divergences a wave-induced correction of hydrostatic balance in the vertical momentum equation, which cannot be obtained from Boussinesq or anelastic dynamics.
Phase Doppler anemometry measurements and analysis of turbulence modulation in dilute gas–solid two-phase shear flows
Authors: LI FEI , QI HAIYING , YOU CHANGFU
Published: September 2010

Flow velocities of a dilute gas–solid two-phase flow in a vertical sudden expansion were measured using phase Doppler anemometry to study the behaviour of the turbulence modulation for the stronger shear for various particle mass loadings, inlet Reynolds numbers and particle diameters. The measurements show that the particles changed the gas turbulence by elongation of the entire gas flow field in the downstream direction, which displaced the axial profile of the section-averaged fluctuation velocity in comparison with that of the single-phase flow, and by either the particle inertia reducing the local turbulence or the wake eddy effects enhancing the turbulence. Both mechanisms resulted in an apparent turbulence modulation, which has not been referred to in the related literature, and have led to an ambiguous understanding of turbulence modulation. The elongation and inlet effects should be eliminated to estimate whether the gas turbulence was really modified. The linear relationship between the gas mean velocity gradient and the root-mean-square fluctuation velocity, which was found to be similar to that in single-phase flows, gradually disappeared as the flow developed and the shear intensity reduced. The linear relationship also varied with different conditions. Specifically, the turbulence modulation was enhanced by higher particle mass loadings and the linear relationship disappeared with increasing particle mass loading. This linearity can perhaps be regarded as a criterion for determining the effect of stronger turbulence modulation.
The relationship between temperature, oxygen condition and embryo encapsulation in the marine gastropodChorus giganteus
Authors: Cancino Juan M. , Gallardo José A. , Brante Antonio
Published: September 2010

Intracapsular oxygen availability is one of the main factors affecting embryo development of marine gastropod species with encapsulation. This is because the low solubility and diffusion rate of O2in water, plus the low oxygen diffusion rate that the capsule wall presents, reduces oxygen inside capsules. In addition, temperature affects embryo development inside capsules through its effect on embryo metabolic rate and oxygen availability. In spite of both factors being highly correlated and that a synergic effect on embryo development may be expected, there are few studies evaluating temperature and intracapsular oxygen availability simultaneously. In this work we evaluated the role of the capsule wall of the marine gastropodChorus giganteusas a barrier for oxygen diffusion and its interaction with temperature affecting intracapsular oxygen availability and embryonic development. For that, we cultivated capsules in seawater at three different temperatures, 9, 12 and 15°C, for a time to complete embryo development. Oxygen level was measured inside capsules with and without embryos, and outside capsules at all temperatures. The number of capsules successfully hatched at the end of the experiment, and early and late embryo mortality were recorded. Finally, we measured embryo metabolic rate at the three different temperatures assayed. We found that embryo mortality and abnormal morphological development were more frequent at higher temperatures. Intracapsular oxygen availability decreases at higher temperatures in capsules with and without embryos. These results may be explained by an increase in the total intracapsular embryo metabolic rate (per capsule) with temperature and an inadequate oxygen diffusion rate from seawater through the capsule wall and intracapsular fluid to the embryonic cells. Our findings suggest that encapsulation is constrained at high temperatures inC. giganetusaffecting significantly its reproductive success. This may have important consequences in a scenario of global warming.
Reproductive biology of the endemic skatePsammobatis lentiginosain the San Matías Gulf (south-western Atlantic)
Authors: Perier Raquel , Estalles Marilú , Coller Marina , Di Giacomo Edgardo E.
Published: September 2010

The reproductive biology ofPsammobatis lentiginosawas studied in San Matías Gulf (Patagonia, south-west Atlantic). A total of 1033 skates was analysed, total length ranged from 17 to 52 cm for females and from 13 to 55 cm for males. Total length–total weights relationships differed between sexes, with TW = 0.005 × TL3.02for females and TW = 0.005 × TL2.97for males. The overall sex-ratio was 1:1. In females, the L50%was 41.06 cm, in males the L50%was 41.38 cm. The mean number of yolked oocytes per skate was 4.22 (±2.41). The mean number of yolked oocytes and the length of the female were linearly related. The diameter maximum of yolked oocytes was 24 mm. The species exhibited a continuous reproductive cycle throughout the year, with a peak of egg-case production during autumn that was synchronous with maximum values of the epididymis and uterus indices. This is the first record of a reproductive aggregation forP. lentiginosain San Matías Gulf, North Patagonia. This finding together with its continuous presence around the year, suggest that this area is the main distribution area ofP. lentiginosain the south-west Atlantic.
Shell phenotypic variation in the south-western Atlantic gastropod Olivancillaria carcellesi (Mollusca: Olividae)
Authors: Teso Valeria , Signorelli Javier H. , Pastorino Guido
Published: September 2010

Phenotypic variation on shell size and shape of Olivancillaria carcellesi from four representative localities is confirmed using geometric morphometric techniques. This species lives along the entire range of the genus in subtidal soft bottoms from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) to Punta Pardelas (Chubut, Argentina). Thickness of columellar callus, length and width are the main shell differences from specimens collected at several intermediate localities: Cassino (Brazil), La Paloma (Uruguay) and Mar del Plata (Argentina). All forms showed significant differences in shell size except O. carcellesi from La Paloma compared with those from Mar del Plata. The group with larger specimens was from Cassino. Olivancillaria carcellesi from Punta Pardelas, the southernmost population, was the smaller sized group and showed allometry between size and shape and this is responsible for their relatively higher spires. The possible ecological implications of the observed pattern are discussed. It is confirmed that O. carcellesi although variable, is a clearly defined species.
Contributions of Electron Microscopy to Understand Secretion of Immune Mediators by Human Eosinophils
Authors: Melo Rossana C.N. , Dvorak Ann M. , Weller Peter F.
Published: September 2010

Mechanisms governing secretion of proteins underlie the biologic activities and functions of human eosinophils, leukocytes of the innate immune system, involved in allergic, inflammatory, and immunoregulatory responses. In response to varied stimuli, eosinophils are recruited from the circulation into inflammatory foci, where they modulate immune responses through the release of granule-derived products. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the only technique that can clearly identify and distinguish between different modes of cell secretion. In this review, we highlight the advances in understanding mechanisms of eosinophil secretion, based on TEM findings, that have been made over the past years and that have provided unprecedented insights into the functional capabilities of these cells.
A NOTE ON PERIODIC SOLUTIONS OF A FORCED LIÉNARD-TYPE EQUATION
Authors: ZHANG LIE-HUI , WANG YONG
Published: September 2010

Criteria for guaranteeing the existence, uniqueness and asymptotic stability (in the sense of Liapunov) of periodic solutions of a forced Liénard-type equation under certain assumptions are presented. These criteria are obtained by application of the Manásevich–Mawhin continuation theorem, Floquet theory, Liapunov stability theory and some analysis techniques. An example is provided to demonstrate the applicability of our results.
End-of-life care in the oldest old
Authors: Bravell Marie Ernsth , Malmberg Bo , Berg Stig
Published: September 2010

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe the last year of life of a sample of the oldest old, focusing on care trajectories, health, social networks, and function in daily life activities.

Method:

Data originated from the NONA study, a longitudinal study of 193 individuals among the oldest old living in a Swedish municipality. During this longitudinal study, 109 participants died. Approximately one month after their death, a relative was asked to participate in a telephone interview concerning their relative's last year of life. One hundred two relatives agreed to participate.

Results:

Most of the elderly in this sample of the oldest old (74.5%) died at an institution and the relatives were mostly satisfied with the end-of-life care. The oldest old relatives estimated that the health steadily declined during the last year of life, and that there was a decline in performing of daily life activities. They also estimated that those dying in institutions had fewer social contacts than those dying in a hospital or at home.

Significance of results:

Care at end of life for the oldest old is challenged by problems with progressive declines in ability to perform activities of daily living and health. The findings also highlight the need to support social networks at eldercare institutions.
Exploring the therapeutic value of hope in palliative nursing
Authors: Alidina Karimah , Tettero Ildico
Published: September 2010

Hope is a multi-dimensional concept that is integral to a dying person's needs. It is an essential resource that assists individuals with a life-threatening illness to cope during times of intense physical and psychological distress. The objective of this article is to explore and analyze the therapeutic value of hope. The phenomenon of hope will be explored through the analysis and application of Dufault and Martocchio's Multidimensional Model of Hope (MMH) to a clinical scenario. Factors determining hope in cancer patients as well as interventions that can foster hope in dying patients will be identified. Discussion includes examination of literature gaps, relevance to nursing practice, and practical strategies to engender hope and thereby enhance quality of life (QOL) in advanced cancer patients.
Patients' participation in end-of-life care: Relations to different variables as documented in the patients' records
Authors: Lindström Irma , Gaston-Johansson Fannie , Danielson Ella
Published: September 2010

Objective:

Patients' participation in care is crucial for assuring patients a high quality of care based on values such as autonomy. The patients are supposed to be actively involved in care and treatment, even though these situations are complex, as in the context of end-of-life-care. The aim in this study was to identify demographic and health-related variables‘ relation to patients’ participation during the last three months in life as documented in patients' records.

Method:

The population in the present study consists of 229 patients from 49 municipalities in a county in Sweden. Data were collected from all available documentation about deceased patients who were ≥18 years of age at the time of death and who had received healthcare services during the last 3 months of their life.

Results:

This article demonstrates patients' participation in end-of-life care as it was noted in the patients' documentation. Demographic variables such as age, gender, and residence did not differ between those who participated and those who did not. Patients with dementia and disorientation were separated from those who were not disoriented. There was no information about the wishes of the patients with dementia and disorientation and they were not described as participating in care and treatment. Cognitive intact patients were participating significant more often. These patients had also more symptom describes in the records. These results can indicate that a patient's participation depends upon either the patient's cognitive capability or the healthcare professionals' competence to communicate and provide adequate documentation regarding patients' participation at end-of-life. The documentation about the participation of patients with cognitive dysfunction is poor and needs further investigation, to achieve the goal of dignified end-of-life care for all patients.

Significance of results:

The results of the presents study call attention to the importance of finding innovative solutions to make patients with cognitive dysfunction involved in their care and treatment at end-of-life. Improvement of documentation showing patients' involvement in care is necessary, as is a discussion of how healthcare professionals can assure patients a high quality of care at end-of-life even if patients voices are not heard.
Microprobe X-ray studies of thermal spray coatings
Authors: Quinn P. D. , Mosselmans J. F. W. , McCartney D. G. , Zhang D.
Published: September 2010

Thermal spraying is emerging as the leading route for the deposition of protective coatings onto engineering components to improve operation under extreme conditions of temperature, wear or corrosion. Detailed microstructural assessment is a key element in improving coating performance, and this study demonstrates the application of microfocus X-ray techniques to the determination of elemental and structural variations in the coatings.
Anisotropy of synthetic quartz electrical conductivity at high pressure and temperature
Authors: Wang Duojun , Li Heping , Yi Li , Matsuzaki Takuya , Yoshino Takashi
Published: September 2010

AC measurements of the electrical conductivity of synthetic quartz along various orientations were made between 0.1 and 1 MHz, at ∼855∼1601 K and at 1.0 GPa. In addition, the electrical conductivity of quartz along the c axis has been studied at 1.0–3.0 GPa. The impedance arcs representing bulk conductivity occur in the frequency range of 103–106 Hz, and the electrical responses of the interface between the sample and the electrode occur in the 0.1∼103 Hz range. The pressure has a weak effect on the electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity experiences no abrupt change near the α − β phase transition point. The electrical conductivity of quartz is highly anisotropic; the electrical conductivity along the c axis is strongest and several orders of magnitude larger than in other directions. The activation enthalpies along various orientations are determined to be 0.6 and 1.2 eV orders of magnitude, respectively. The interpretation of the former is based on the contribution of alkali ions, while the latter effect is attributed to additional unassociated aluminum ions. Comparison of determined anisotropic conductivity of quartz determined with those from field geophysical models shows that the quartz may potentially provide explanations for the behavior of electrical conductivity of anisotropy in the crust that are inferred from the transverse magnetic mode.