bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellulose–Sulfonic Acid: An Efficient, Recyclable, and Biodegradable Solid Acid Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3-Aminoalkylindoles
Authors: Satyanarayana S , Kumar K Praveen , Reddy P Lakshmi , Narender R , Narasimhulu G , Reddy B V Subba
Published: June 2013

Three-component coupling (3CC) of indoles, aldehydes, and N-alkylanilines has been accomplished using a catalytic amount of cellulose–sulfonic acid under mild reaction conditions to furnish the 3-aminoalkylindoles at room temperature in short reaction times and in relatively good to excellent yields and selectivity. The use of biodegradable cellulose–sulfonic acid makes this method quite simple, convenient, and economically viable for the synthesis of 3-aminoalkylindoles.
Toward a Reusable Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Substrate by Soft-Landing Ion Mobility
Authors: Hoffmann William , Verbeck Guido
Published: June 2013

Soft-landing ion mobility has been applied to the development of a reusable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic substrate. Sections of silicon wafers were cleaved and modified with 3-(mercaptopropyl) triethoxysilane. After modification, gold was deposited using a soft-landing ion mobility system at thermal kinetic energies. It was found that 30 min of deposition provided the optimal feature size for surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and thus deposition was completed in a pressure-dependent fashion. After gold deposition, caffeine was deposited from the solution phase and checked for Raman activity. The Raman spectroscopic signature for caffeine increased as an inverse function of pressure pertaining to surface coverage of captured Au particles. After Raman spectroscopic confirmation of caffeine, the 1 Torr surface was ultrasonically cleaned in deionized water and respotted with sodium bicarbonate solution. There was no interference on the sodium bicarbonate solution from residual caffeine on the surface.
Understanding Dialect and Developing Critical Literacy with English Language Learners
Authors: Coffey Heather , Davila Liv , Kolano Lan
Published: June 2013

English language learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing population in the US schools (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2011); these students are consistently outperformed by their White counterparts on the National Assessment of Educational Progress data (NCES, 2011). While traditional English as a second language (ESL) classes emphasize building students’ knowledge of spoken and written aspects of the English language, focusing on vocabulary and grammar instruction, we propose that ESL instruction might also include a focus on more nuanced elements of the language such as dialect and register and the relation between power and language, which is critical literacy. This article defines critical literacy in working with ELLs, explores the potential benefit of understanding language/power relationships, and provides one unit plan that will enable teachers to facilitate this development of knowledge.
Income Inequality amongst Swiss Primary School Teachers in the Late 19th Century
Authors: Floris Joël , Woitek Ulrich , Wüthrich Gabriela
Published: June 2013

We examine the distribution of income across Swiss primary school teachers at the end of the 19th century. To assess income differences we use a detailed data set on the income of 14,000 Swiss primary school teachers in 1881 and 1894/95. In addition, we use annually aggregated test scores from pedagogical examinations at recruitment, to test for the impact of inequality on conscripts’ performance. Our results show that between-group inequality amounts to about 35 per cent of total income inequality, and that teachers’ income inequality does not play a role in explaining differences in the performance of conscripts in the pedagogical examinations.
Guns and Butter – But No Margarine: The Impact of Nazi Economic Policies on German Food Consumption, 1933–38
Authors: Spoerer Mark , Streb Jochen
Published: June 2013

The German population’s material standard of living during the ‘peace years’ of the Nazi regime (1933–38) is much debated. We use hitherto disregarded consumption data and the axiom of revealed preferences to test whether the material standard of living improved. We find that the food consumption bundle realized in 1935–36 must have been inferior to that of 1927–28, despite GDP per capita being much higher. Even in 1937–38 consumers were probably worse off compared to 1927–28. We conclude that increasing consumption constraints forced German consumers to diet and thus to a material standard of living that was much more frugal than national income figures suggest.
The Structure of Supercooled Water and the Mechanism of Homogeneous Nucleation of Ice Ih
Authors: Baumgärtel Helmut Gustav , Zimmermann Herbert W.
Published: June 2013

The mechanism of the phase transition of supercooled water to ice Ih at −36 ºC is discussed on a molecular level. The structure of liquid water is described by the interstitial model first proposed by Samoilov. It is consistent with the results of X-Ray and neutron scattering and the experimental results on the diverse properties of liquid water.

In order to illustrate our reflections several numerical calculations have been performed using exclusively experimental data.

From the temperatur dependence of the nucleation rate the minimum number of water molecules, which constitute the critical germ, and the volume of the critical germ are determined. The occupation numbers of the regular tridymite lattice and the vacancies of the interstitial lattice are evaluated.

The negative entropy of nucleation is discussed. It can be split in two contributions. They refer to the change of the statistics by the the transition from the protonucleus to the nucleus and the changes of the degrees of freedom of motion. Considering the simple model, the calculated value fits well to the experimental value of the nucleation entropy.

The transition state, which is a key point in the classical nucleation theory, is discussed on a molecular level. It has a lifetime of 0.57 × 10−12 s.

The nucleation volume is of the order nm3. One can expect that in this small volume density fluctuations exist in which especially the molecules in interstitial positions are involved. They are rich in energy and easily moveable. Statistical calculations deliver the deviation ±5 from the average value 23 of the number of molecules at interstitial positions in the nucleation volume. Corresponding density fluctuations have been observed by Huang et al. by very fast measurements of small angle X-ray scattering.
Theorizing Issue Selection in Advocacy Organizations: An Analysis of Human Rights Activism around Darfur and the Congo, 1998–2010
Authors: Coley Jonathan S.
Published: June 2013

Why do advocacy organizations focus on some issues rather than others? Issue selection is an important area of study given that advocacy organizations have limited time and resources and thus many potentially important issues go ignored. Yet issue selection remains an understudied question in the scholarly study of advocacy organizations. In this article, the author draws on historical data, interviews, and a database of statements by major human rights advocacy organizations to examine one particular historical puzzle regarding issue selection: Why advocacy organizations have focused on the recent conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan rather than the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, even though more people have died in the Congo. The author finds that advocacy organizations select issues not based on their severity but based on framing, political opportunities, and organizational resources.
State and Regional Suicide Rates: A New Look at an Old Puzzle
Authors: Barkan Steven E. , Rocque Michael , Houle Jason
Published: June 2013

U.S. suicide rates vary across the states and are higher in the American West than in other regions. Reasons for these patterns have eluded social scientists. This research note examines whether residential stability and population density as ecological contexts for social integration help explain the patterns. Reflecting Durkheimian reasoning, results suggest that residential stability helps explain both the high Western suicide rate and state suicide rates more generally. Final remarks address the theoretical and empirical implications of the findings.
Neurodegenerative and inflammatory biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with Cushing's syndrome in remission
Authors: Ragnarsson Oskar , Berglund Peter , Eder Derek N , Zetterberg Henrik , Hietala Max A , Blennow Kaj , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: June 2013

Objective

Patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) in long-term remission have impaired cognitive function. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are important diagnostic tools in the work-up of patients with cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to analyze neurodegenerative and inflammatory biomarkers in the CSF of patients with CS in remission.

Design

A cross-sectional, single-center study.

Patients

Twelve women previously treated for CS and six healthy subjects.

Measurements

Neurodegenerative CSF markers: total tau, hyperphosphorylated tau, amyloid beta peptides, soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha and beta, neurofilament light proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1; and inflammatory CSF markers: interferon gamma, interleukin (IL) 1B, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL8, IL10, IL12p70, IL13, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Results

The mean age (mean±s.d.) was similar in patients with CS in remission (44.9±14 years) and healthy subjects (42.3±15.7 years;P=0.726). No differences were observed in the concentrations of any neurodegenerative biomarkers between the patients and healthy subjects. Nor were the concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers different between the groups.

Conclusions

The pattern of neurodegenerative and inflammatory biomarkers in the CSF of patients with CS in remission does not differ from that of the healthy subjects. The underlying mechanisms of the cognitive deficits in patients with CS in remission are different from those observed in patients with neurodegenerative disorders and remain to be explained.
The Length of the Shortest Telomere as the Major Determinant of the Onset of Replicative Senescence
Authors: Xu Zhou , Duc Khanh Dao , Holcman David , Teixeira Maria Teresa
Published: June 2013

The absence of telomerase in many eukaryotes leads to the gradual shortening of telomeres, causing replicative senescence. In humans, this proliferation barrier constitutes a tumor suppressor mechanism and may be involved in cellular aging. Yet the heterogeneity of the senescence phenotype has hindered the understanding of its onset. Here we investigated the regulation of telomere length and its control of senescence heterogeneity. Because the length of the shortest telomeres can potentially regulate cell fate, we focus on their dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We developed a stochastic model of telomere dynamics built on the protein-counting model, where an increasing number of protein-bound telomeric repeats shift telomeres into a nonextendable state by telomerase. Using numerical simulations, we found that the length of the shortest telomere is well separated from the length of the others, suggesting a prominent role in triggering senescence. We evaluated this possibility using classical genetic analyses of tetrads, combined with a quantitative and sensitive assay for senescence. In contrast to mitosis of telomerase-negative cells, which produces two cells with identical senescence onset, meiosis is able to segregate a determinant of senescence onset among the telomerase-negative spores. The frequency of such segregation is in accordance with this determinant being the length of the shortest telomere. Taken together, our results substantiate the length of the shortest telomere as being the key genetic marker determining senescence onset in S. cerevisiae.
Possible Prevention of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Lesions
Authors: Kotulska Katarzyna , Borkowska Julita , Jozwiak Sergiusz
Published: June 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder characterized by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and growth of benign tumors. Some TSC lesions, such as cardiac rhabdomyomas and cortical tubers in the brain, occur in fetuses, and some, such as renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and skin angiofibromas, develop over years. Recently, the mTOR inhibitor everolimus was shown to be effective in the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (a brain tumor) and renal AMLs (kidney tumors) in TSC patients. We present monozygotic twin sisters affected with TSC. Since age 4 years, 1 of the sisters has been treated with everolimus; the other sister received no mTOR inhibitor treatment. After 24-month follow-up, everolimus treatment resulted in a significant brain tumor volume decrease in the treated twin. This child presents no facial angiofibroma, and no renal AMLs. The brain tumor in the nontreated sister is stable in size, but in the meantime, she has developed significant facial angiofibroma and renal AMLs. This observation indicates that early mTOR inhibition in TSC patients may prevent the development of TSC lesions and alter the natural history of the disease.
Significance of patient adherence in cardiovascular therapy
Authors: Simonyi Gábor , Kollár Réka
Published: June 2013

The appropriate cooperation of patients is very important during therapy. The term of compliance used earlier for the definition of patient´s cooperation refers to a sub- or over-ordination of the relationship betwees physicians and patients. Nowadays the term of adherence is used, which suggests a higher level of patient cooperation because it assumes an active contribution of the patient. The adherence of patients to cardiocascular medical therapy in developed countries is just 50%, and this indicates that half of the patients do not take the prescribed medication. Because of the lack of medication, morbidity and mortality are increasing. There can be many reasons for the lack of patient cooperation, which should be taken account during medical treatment. Improving patient adherence can decrease the risk for complications and progression of the disease, which can improve health condition and reduce health care and social costs. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 883–888.
Mönckeberg’s sclerosis – crystal induced angiopathy
Authors: Bély Miklós , Apáthy Ágnes
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Mönckeberg’s sclerosis is a special form of arteriosclerosis characterized by calcification and ossification of the media of medium size arteries mainly of lower extremities. Aims: The aim of the authors was to examine medium size arteries with Mönckeberg’s sclerosis in 22 amputated lower legs of 16 patients in order to demonstrate different crystals in the wall of blood vessels. Methods: The methodology was based on previous findings of the authors indicating that in different metabolic disorders many crystals remain demonstrable in unstained histological sections unlike in haematoxylin-eosin stained sections. Results: In unstained sections the authors observed rhomboid or prismatic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate and clusters of elongated narrow hydroxyapatite crystals in the wall of medium size arteries of all examined cases. Both types of crystals showed axis parallel positive birefringence under polarized light. The intensity of birefringence of hydroxyapatite crystals was weaker in comparison with that of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Occasionally, other crystals which were different in shape from both calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate and hydroxyapatite crystals were also observed. Conclusions: It seems likely that similarly to crystal deposition induced arthropathy, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, hydroxyapatite and other crystals cause fibrosis and intimal proliferation, which may contribute to progressive occlusion of blood vessels resulting in ischemic symptoms. Based on this observation Mönckeberg’s sclerosis may be defined as a crystal-induced angiopathy. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 908–913.
Novel TSC1 mutation associated with variable phenotypes in tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Kövesdi Erzsébet , Hadzsiev Kinga , Komlósi Katalin , Kassay Mária , Barsi Péter , Melegh Béla
Published: June 2013

Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disorder, caused by mutations of the TSC1 or TSC2 genes resulting in tumor predisposition. Clinical signs include non-malignant brain tumors, skin, eye, heart and kidney abnormalities. The authors report a Hungarian family with broad phenotypic variability. First, the 5-year-old boy, showing the most symptoms was examined, whose first seizure occurred at 15 months and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed numerous intracerebral calcareous foci. Except of hypopigmented skin spots, no other abnormality was found on physical examination. The mother was completely asymptomatic. Epilepsy of the maternal uncle started at the age of 3 years, of his sister at the age of 17 years and of the maternal grandmother at the age of 39 years. At the age of 52 years the grandmother developed renal cysts. Molecular genetic analysis of the family confirmed a de novo heterozygous point mutation (c.2523 C\>T) in exon 20 of the TSC1 gene. The mutation was detected in all examined family members. Despite increasing data on the pathomechanism of tuberous sclerosis, there is still little known about the genetic modifying factors influencing the broad intra- and interfamilial phenotypic variability. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 914–918.
Novel protection solutions against environmental attack for light weight high temperature materials
Authors: Donchev Alexander , Schütze Michael
Published: June 2013

The use of light weight structural materials such as titanium in transport systems like aero planes leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption. However, titanium and its alloys cannot be used at elevated temperatures above 500°C for several reasons. Today aero engine compressors are made of a mixture of light Ti- and heavy Ni-alloys. The improvement of Ti-alloys to withstand the conditions in the high pressure compressor i.e. temperatures above 500°C would enable the manufacturing of a compressor from titanium as a whole with all its associated benefits. Intermetallic TiAl-alloys are another class of light weight materials for several high temperature applications. The use of TiAl as low pressure turbine (LPT) blades in the last sections of a large jet engine could save up to 150 kg of weight. In the last sections of the LPT the temperature is quite moderate (max. 650°C). The improvement of the high temperature capability of TiAl would allow its use in hotter sections of the engine with additional weight reduction. Similarly, the response performance of TiAl-turbocharger rotors in automotive engines would be much faster compared to the heavy Ni-based alloys used today. Furthermore higher rotation speeds are possible. Due to the novel so called fluorine effect the oxidation mechanism of TiAl can be altered. Fluorine-treated TiAl-components are protected by an alumina layer formed during high temperature exposure in oxidizing environments. This effect can be transferred to Ti-base materials if they are enriched with aluminum in a thin surface zone. The concepts and the results of high temperature exposure experiments of treated Ti- and TiAl-specimens are presented in this paper. They are discussed in the view of a use for real components.
Synthesis of Novel Halogen-Free Phenol Based Polymers and their utilization as Flame Retardant in Polypropylene system
Authors: Bakshi Ruchi , Ravichandran Sethumadhavan , Kiratitanavit Weeradech , Kumar Jayant , Nagarajan Ramaswamy
Published: June 2013

Increasing awareness of toxicity of halogenated flame retardants (FRs) has resulted in stringent regulations that require the elimination of their use in plastics. Consequently, there is considerable interest for the development of new varieties of high performance FRs. Here, we report the synthesis of new class of polyphenol based FR additives. Preliminary investigations indicate that these FR materials can possibly work through a combination of radical scavenging and char-formation. The thermal stability and char yield of polyphenol samples were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thermal characterization indicated that these polymers produce significant amount of carbonaceous char upon combustion.
Electrical, Optical and Ionic Probe inside Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Bai Xuedong , Xu Zhi , Gao Peng , Liu Kaihui , Wang Wenlong , Wang Enge
Published: June 2013

In-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method is powerful in a way that it can directly correlate the atomic-scale structure with physical and chemical properties. We will report on the construction and applications of the homemade in-situ TEM electrical and optical holders. Electrical transport of carbon nanotubes and photoconducting response on bending of individual ZnO nanowires have been studied inside TEM. Oxygen vacancy electromigration and its induced resistance switching effect have been probed in CeO2 films.
Characterization and thermomechanical properties of Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy) and Nd2Ce2O7
Authors: Kawano Toshiaki , Muta Hiroaki , Uno Masayoshi , Ohishi Yuji , Kurosaki Ken , Yamanaka Shinsuke
Published: June 2013

Pyrochlore type compound Nd2(Zr,Ce)2O7 is considered to precipitate in ThO2-based fuel, that is not observed in irradiated UO2. In order to evaluate the influences on fuel properties, thermomechanical properties of the pyrochlore type compounds, Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy) and Nd2Ce2O7 were investigated. We synthesized the samples by solid-state reaction and pelletized by spark plasma sintering to make high density (≥ 90 %T.D.) pellets. The phase states and lattice parameters were examined by using X-ray diffraction and SEM/EDX analysis. The lattice parameters of Ln2Zr2O7 depended on the ionic radii of lanthanide ions. The heat capacity, thermal conductivity, linear thermal expansion coefficient, and elastic constants were also measured. It was confirmed that the thermal conductivities for Ln2Zr2O7 were lower than that for ThO2 and depended on Ln ionic radii. The values of elastic constants tended to increase with increasing the Ln ionic radii, corresponding to the thermal conductivity.
Salt as Alternative Energy Material to Fossil Fuel
Authors: Murahara Masataka , Sato Yuji , Okawara Toshio
Published: June 2013

Salt is the raw material of sodium metal, which reacts with water to produce hydrogen for power generation. Sodium metal is solid matter and its specific gravity is low; therefore, it can be stored or transported for long at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure as oil and coal can. Sodium metal is produced with molten-salt electrolysis from sea salt, lake salt or rock salt, and securely kept immersed in kerosene for preventing it from reacting with air or moisture when transported to a consumer place; where it reacts violently with water to generate a large amount of hydrogen instantly. And sodium hydroxide, which is a reaction residue obtained after the production of hydrogen, is supplied as it is as the raw material of soda industries. Moreover, fresh water, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and magnesium are generated as by-products in the processes of manufacturing sodium metal and generating hydrogen. Sodium metal can be an alternative energy material for hydrogen combustion power generation, having a far-reaching economic effect.
Sustainability in Materials Research in the EU: From FP7 to Horizon 2020
Authors: Tomellini Renzo , Benesch Johan Veiga
Published: June 2013

Environmental issues steadily receive more and more attention at EU policy level. This can for example be seen in the Raw Materials Initiative by DG Enterprise and Resource Efficient Europe by DG Environment which goes back to the theme of a sustainable economy as expressed by the Europe 2020 growth strategy. DG Research and Innovation supports related research activities. The Nanotechnology, Materials & Production (NMP) Theme in the FP7 Cooperation scheme has taken stock of this, by for example including aspects such as substitution, life cycle assessment, improved resource efficiency and better performance materials in the NMP calls for proposals. This is done with the aim to achieve a more green economy and fostering more sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Research on better performing and sustainable materials will more than ever be a pre-condition to meeting such challenges. Progress will come through the development of intelligent materials that embed and transfer knowledge into products and processes or perform certain tasks, when in use or during manufacturing. Already, some 70 per cent of all technical innovations hinge directly or indirectly on the properties of the materials employed. We have passed from the perception "materials are in the drawer" to the perception "materials are the bottleneck". The next step can be "materials are the solution".

At least 60 % of the total proposed Horizon 2020 budget is related to sustainable development, the vast majority of this expenditure contributing to mutually reinforcing climate and environmental objectives. In a resource-scarce Europe, new products must have low material / energy resource needs and high knowledge content. As stated in the Europe 2020 strategy, endorsed by EU leaders: “Europe must promote technologies and production methods that reduce natural resource use, and increase investment in the EU's existing natural assets”.

Materials can have a large environmental impact in many of its stages, from sourcing, extraction, processing, auxiliary materials and processes, use and end of life fate. The choice or design of material solutions can thus have a great impact on the technologies in which they are used. Implying that a material could be an integral part of the solution to a problem created by the use of a specific technology. Such solutions could require entirely new materials either to replace a material or be part of a new technology based on better performing materials and eco-designed products.
Synthesis of a New Class of Molecule Li+@C60O–(OH)7 as a “Cation-Encapsulated Anion Nanoparticle” by Multihydroxylation of Li-Encapsulated Fullerene
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Nakamura Yuji , Ikuma Naohiko , Kokubo Ken , Oshima Takumi
Published: June 2013

Treatment of [Li+@C60](PF6–) with 30% fuming sulfuric acid and subsequent hydrolysis gave hydroxylated derivative Li+@C60O–(OH)7. Its structure was deduced by IR, NMR, MALDI-TOF/FAB MS, and elemental analysis. Notably, the reaction of [Li+@C60](PF6–) was site-selective, giving a single major isomer (ca. 70%) with two minor isomers, in marked contrast to the case of empty C60. Furthermore, the results clearly indicate that the internal Li cation was strongly shielded by the surface dipolar hydroxyl groups, and thus it appears that the properties of endohedral fullerenes can be controlled by the external modification of the fullerene cage. Whereas Li+@C60 is relatively insoluble, Li+@C60O–(OH)7 was found to be highly soluble in polar solvents such as DMSO and DMF. The increased solubility is especially desirable for biological/medicinal assays and applications in such research fields.
Quantitative Analysis of Raman Spectra in Si/SiGe Nanostructures
Authors: Mala Selina , Tsybeskov Leonid , Baribeau Jean-Marc , Wu Xiaohua , Lockwood David J.
Published: June 2013

We present comprehensive quantitative analysis of Raman spectra in two-(Si/SiGe superlattices) and three-(Si/SiGe cluster multilayers) dimensional nanostructures. We find that the Raman spectra baseline is due to the sample surface imperfection and instrumental response associated with the stray light. The Raman signal intensity is analyzed, and Ge composition is calculated and compared with the experimental data. The local sample temperature and thermal conductivity are calculated, and the spectrum of longitudinal acoustic phonons is explained.
Micro-injection Molded Polymeric Surfaces for the Maintenance of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs)
Authors: Casey Meghan E. , Rodgers John W. , LeBlon Courtney E. , Coulter John P. , Jedlicka Sabrina S.
Published: June 2013

In this work, we take advantage of injection molding as a high volume and repeatable method to create surface areas for the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Ultraviolet lithography, combined with deep reactive ion etching, was used to generate micro-features over a relatively large surface area of a silicon wafer. The micro-featured silicon wafer was used as a mold insert for the micro-injection molding process to create polystyrene and low density polyethylene surfaces. Micro-geometry was used to alter the effective surface stiffness of the polymer substrate. Created samples were characterized via scanning electron microscopy and tensile testing. hMSCs were seeded onto samples for initial studies. Actin and vinculin were visualized through ICC to compare cytoskeletal elements. Changes in cell morphology were examined using ICC. Results indicate that injection molding of microfeatured substrates is a viable technique to produce surfaces amenable to stem cell growth.
Polarized Induced Magnetic Broadening of Photonic Activities in Fe3O4-Elastomer Composites
Authors: Ma Danhao , Hess Dustin T. , Shetty Pralav P , Adu Kofi W. , Bell Richard , Terrones Mauricio
Published: June 2013

We report a systematic study of polarization and magnetic field effects on the optical response of Fe3O4-silicone elastomer composite. The Fe3O4 particles were aligned in a silicone elastomer matrix with an external static magnetic field. Films of composites containing 5wt% of 20nm ≤ d ≤ 30nm Fe3O4 particles aligned in- and out-of-plane in the elastomer host were prepared. The optical spectra of the films were measured with the Perkin-Elmer Lambda 950 UV/vis/NIR spectrometer. We observed a systematic redshift in the optical response of the outof-plane composite films with increasing static magnetic field strength, which saturated near 600 Gauss. We obtained a maximum redshift of ∼46 nm at 600 Gauss. The observed redshift in the optical response of the out-of-plane composite film is attributed to the effect of the magnetic field. This facilitated the formation of the highly aligned particles that induced strong electric dipole in the aligned particles. Interestingly, there were no observable shifts with increasing magnetic field strength in the in-plane films, suggesting that the orientation (polarization) of the magnetic dipole and the induced electric dipole play a crucial role in the optical response.
Growth and Characteristics of a-Plane GaN/ZnO/GaN Heterostructure
Authors: Chang Chiao-Yun , Huang Huei-Min , Lan Yu-Pin , Lu Tien-Chang , Kuo Hao-Chung , Wang Shing-Chung , Tu Li-Wei , Hsieh Wen-Feng
Published: June 2013

The crystal structure of a-plane GaN/ZnO heterostructures on r-plane sapphire was investigated by using the XRD and TEM measurment. It was found the formation of (220) ZnGa2O4 and crystal orientation of semipolar (10$\bar 1$3) GaN at GaN/ZnO interface. The epitaxial relation of normal surface direction are the sapphire (1$\bar 1$02) // a-GaN (11$\bar 2$0) and ZnGa2O4 (220) // semi-polar GaN (10$\bar 1$$\bar 3$). Beside, the emission peak energy of ZnO appears shift about 60 meV in the GaN/ZnO/GaN heterostructures due to the re-crystallization of ZnO layer with Ga or N atom and the formation of the localized state.
Protons Crossing Triple Phase Boundaries based on Pd and Barium Zirconate: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Malagoli Massimo , Bongiorno Angelo
Published: June 2013

Density functional theory calculations are used to address the energetics of protons crossing “triple phase boundaries” based on Pd and barium zirconate. Our calculations show that the proton transfer reaction at these triple phase boundaries is controlled by the terminal layer of the electrolyte in contact with the metallic catalyst and gas phase. Hydrogen spilling onto the electrolyte surface is energetically favored at peripherical sites of the metal-electrolyte interface, and proton incorporation into the sub-surface region of the electrolyte involves energies of the order of 1 eV. At the triple phase boundary, the energy cost associated with the proton transfer reaction is controlled by both the nature of chemical contact and the Schottky barrier at the metal-electrolyte interface.
Associations among occupational roles, independence, assistive technology, and purchasing power of individuals with physical disabilities
Authors: Cruz Daniel Marinho Cezar da , Emmel Maria Luisa Guillaumon
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: to verify whether there are associations among occupational roles, independence to perform Activities of Daily Living, purchasing power, and assistive technology for individuals with physical disabilities. METHOD: 91 individuals with physical disabilities participated in the study. The instruments used were: Role Checklist, Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion, Barthel Index, and a Questionnaire to characterize the subjects. RESULTS: an association with a greater number of roles was found among more independent individuals using a lower number of technological devices. Higher purchasing power was associated with a lower functional status of dependence. CONCLUSION: even though technology was not directly associated with independence, the latter was associated with a greater number of occupational roles, which requires reflection upon independence issues when considering the participation in occupational roles. These findings support interdisciplinary actions designed to promote occupational roles in individuals with physical disabilities.
Nursing care based on risk assessment and classification: agreement between nurses and the institutional protocol
Authors: Oliveira Gabriella Novelli , Vancini-Campanharo Cássia Regina , Okuno Meiry Fernanda Pinto , Batista Ruth Ester Assayag
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: to verify the degree of agreement between the levels of priority given by baccalaureate nurses in care based on risk assessment and classification and the institutional protocol, and also among peers. METHOD: descriptive study, using a questionnaire with thirty fictitious clinical cases based on the institutional protocol, which is considered the gold standard, answered by twenty baccalaureate nurses. RESULTS: the agreement analysis through the Kappa Coefficient concluded that the agreement between baccalaureate nurses and the institutional protocol in relation to prioritizing the levels of severity was moderate. When the agreement among peers was evaluated, it was low, as represented by the colorimetric density in shades of light gray. CONCLUSION: in Brazil, some institutions have developed their own protocol, which makes it necessary to develop tools in order to evaluate the accuracy of professionals in relation to the protocols, highlighting the need for capable people to perform this activity, thus contributing to patient safety.
Nursing diagnoses for the elderly using the International Classification for Nursing Practice and the activities of living model
Authors: Medeiros Ana Claudia Torres de , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da , Rodrigues Rosalina Aparecida Partezani , Fernandes Maria das Graças Melo
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: To develop nursing diagnosis statements for the elderly based on the Activities of Living Model and on the International Classification for Nursing Practice. METHOD: Descriptive and exploratory study, put in practice in two stages: 1) collection of terms and concepts that are considered clinically and culturally relevant for nursing care delivered to the elderly, in order to develop a database of terms and 2) development of nursing diagnosis statements for the elderly in primary health care, based on the guidelines of the International Council of Nurses and on the database of terms for nursing practice involving the elderly. RESULTS: 414 terms were identified and submitted to the content validation process, with the participation of ten nursing experts, which resulted in 263 validated terms. These terms were submitted to cross mapping with the terms of the International Classification for Nursing Practice, resulting in the identification of 115 listed terms and 148 non-listed terms, which constituted the database of terms, from which 127 nursing diagnosis statements were prepared and classified into factors that affect the performance of the elderly's activities of living - 69 into biological factors, 19 into psychological, 31 into sociocultural, five into environmental, and three into political-economic factors. CONCLUSIONS: After clinical validation, these statements can serve as a guide for nursing consultations with elderly patients, without ignoring clinical experience, critical thinking and decision-making.
English in the nursing degree: a pending subject
Authors: Camacho-Bejarano Rafaela , Barquero-González Ana , Mariscal-Crespo María Isabel , Merino-Navarro Dolores
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: The new competence profile of nursing professionals, scientific and medical development, the free circulation of health professionals worldwide, and the increasing social and cultural diversity requires that nurses have specific abilities in spoken and written English. The objective of this research is to describe the characteristics of the English language training required for a Bachelors of Nursing in Spain. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study has been performed in forty-six Spanish universities that offer the Bachelor in nursing degree. RESULTS: In line with the directives of the European Higher Education Area, all universities contemplate the mandatory credit of a second language emphasizing English, although there is considerable variability in the emphasis: 39.4% do not include any English subject, and of the remaining 60.6% who do include it, 60% considered it an elective subject, 32.5% basic education, and 7.5% mandatory. CONCLUSIONS: The English training has different characteristics in each university, which implies a different commitment from each center for this learning. This fact questions the adequacy of the education in relation to the new competence profile required by the European Higher Education Area, which may adversely affect future professional development.
Influence of stirrup spacing on shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Murty D. Sree Rama Chandra , PapaRao G.
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the behaviour of, and evaluates the benefit accruing to, shear critical reinforced concrete beams, when provided with vertical stirrups spaced at decreasing intervals along the axis of the beam, but with the same amount of web reinforcement per unit beam length. Tests are carried out on three reinforced concrete beams, identical in geometry, flexural reinforcing, amount of web reinforcement per unit span length, material properties and test details. The only varable is vertical stirrup leg spacing along the span. The beams are loaded at half point on a simple span of 2500 mm and all fail in shear. Experimental results demonstrate that, as stirrup spacing decreases, there is a strength gain at ultimate. Besides increased carrying capacity, closer spacing of shear reinforcement results in more beneficial deformational characteristics. Transverse deflections and crack widths decrease as stirrup spacing decreases. The test results establish the desirability of using stirrup reinforcement in practice at as close an interval as possible, along the member length, keeping the amount of web reinforcement per unit length unaltered. This beneficial aspect of using closer stirrup leg spacing than the maximum permitted by codes is not found in the available national building codes for structural concrete.
Intercontinental comparison of fish ecomorphology: null model tests of community assembly at the patch scale in rivers
Authors: Montaña Carmen G. , Winemiller Kirk O. , Sutton Andrew
Published: June 2013

Community assembly is affected by environmental filtering that restricts viable phenotypes and by species interactions that impose limits on interspecific trait similarity. Relative influences of these processes should vary according to habitat features and dispersal. Species dispersion within assemblage trait space also should vary in relation to species richness, strength of competition, and the spatiotemporal scale of analysis. We examined ecomorphological diversity of two freshwater fish families (Neotropical Cichlidae, Nearctic Centrarchidae) to test theories of local assembly from regional species pools and theories of species packing within mesohabitat patches. Cichlid and centrarchid assemblages were surveyed in four floodplain rivers (two in South America and two in North America) during low‐water periods when fish densities are highest. Surveys were conducted in four mesohabitat types (submerged wood, leaf litter, rocks, sand bank) within river channels and floodplain lakes. We measured 23 morphological traits associated with locomotion and feeding. Principal components analysis was performed on the species × traits matrix, and species axis scores were used to calculate species pairwise Euclidean distances and indices of dispersion within assemblage morphospace: mean nearest‐neighbor distance (indicating similarity), mean distance to centroid (assemblage morphospace size), and standard deviation of nearest‐neighbor distance (evenness of dispersion within assemblage morphospace). A null model was used to assess whether patterns were significantly nonrandom. When data for all mesohabitat types were combined for each river, species were significantly overdispersed and the assemblage morphospace was larger than predicted at random in every case. Analysis of assemblages within mesohabitat patches of different types revealed, in every case, significant overdispersion of species in morphospace indicative of limiting similarity. The total assemblage morphospace was greater than expected for tropical cichlids, but not for temperate centrarchids. Trends of species dispersion with assemblage morphospace in relation to species richness within mesohabitat patches were not consistent among or within river systems, possibly indicating that patches were already saturated with these perciform fishes. Interregional comparisons suggest an influence from both adaptive diversification and environmental filtering at broad spatial scales. At the scale of mesohabitat patches in lowland rivers, cichlid and centrarchid assemblages revealed patterns of trait complementarity that imply limiting similarity and strong influence of biotic interactions.
Integrating Behavioral and Physical Health Services and Organizational Merger
Authors: Blakely Thomas J. , Dziadosz Gregory M.
Published: June 2013

This article describes the process of the merger of two mental health agencies with a primary care physical health provider to establish within the merged structure an integrated behavioral and physical health delivery system. The purpose of this article is to share our experience with those administrators and staff of agencies planning an integration initiative of behavioral and physical health services.
Fumarolic Activity, Acid-Sulfate Alteration, and High Sulfidation Epithermal Precious Metal Mineralization in the Crater of Kawah Ijen Volcano, Java, Indonesia
Authors: Scher Samantha , Williams-Jones A. E. , Williams-Jones Glyn
Published: June 2013

Opinion is divided over whether the fluid responsible for the formation of high sulfidation epithermal deposits is a vapor or a liquid, and whether it is entirely volcanic or of mixed volcanic-meteoric origin. Observations made at Kawah Ijen, an active stratovolcano (mainly andesitic in composition) located in the Ijen Caldera Complex in Java, Indonesia, are used to address these issues.

The Kawah Ijen crater is approximately 1 km in diameter, and hosts one of the world’s largest hyperacidic lakes (pH ~0). On the lake edge is a small and actively degassing solfatara field, which is surrounded by a much larger area of acid-sulfate alteration. This area was exposed during a phreatomagmatic eruption in 1817, which excavated the crater to a depth of 250 m, and comprises zones of residual silica, alunite-pyrite, and dickite/kaolinite. Based on the fractionation of 34S and 32S between alunite and pyrite, the acid-sulfate alteration occurred at a temperature between 200° and 300°C. High sulfidation epithermal mineralization accompanied the alteration in the form of massive and vein-hosted pyrite that contains up to 192 ppb Au, 9.2 ppm Ag, 6,800 ppm Cu, and 3,430 ppm As; these elements are invisible at the highest resolution of scanning electron microscopy, and thus either occur in the form of nanoparticles or are in solid solution in the pyrite. Condensed fumarolic gases released from the solfatara field and sampled at temperatures between 330° and 495°C contain up to 3 ppm Cu and 3.8 ppm As; the concentrations of Au and Ag are below detection. The pH of the condensed gas (water vapor) is ~−0.5.

The above observations support a model in which highly acidic gases condensed ~250 m beneath the floor of the crater. Depending on the fluid/rock ratio, the condensed liquids altered the andesitic host rocks by leaching them to leave behind a residue of “vuggy silica” (high fluid/rock ratio), by replacing the primary minerals with alunite and pyrite (intermediate fluid/rock ratio), or by converting them to dickite/kaolinite (lower fluid/rock ratio). Gold-, silver-, and copper-bearing phases were undersaturated in the condensed liquids. However, they were able to concentrate by adsorbing on the surfaces of the growing pyrite crystals, which developed p-type conductive properties as a result of the uptake of arsenic. The metals were incorporated in the pyrite either by their electrochemical reduction to form native metal nanoparticles or through coupled substitutions with arsenic for iron and sulfur. The results of this study provide compelling evidence that high sulfidation epithermal precious metal mineralization can form directly from condensed magmatic gases.
Partition Coefficients of Platinum Group and Chalcophile Elements Between Arsenide and Sulfide Phases as Determined in the Beni Bousera Cr-Ni Mineralization (North Morocco)
Authors: Piña Rubén , Gervilla Fernando , Barnes Sarah-Jane , Ortega Lorena , Lunar Rosario
Published: June 2013

The partition coefficients of platinum group elements (PGE) and chalcophile elements Au, Re, Ag, Se, Bi, Te, and Sb, between arsenide and sulfide phases (DAs/sulf) have been estimated by measuring in situ concentrations of these elements using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in coexisting arsenide and sulfide minerals from the Beni Bousera Cr-Ni mineralization (North Morocco). Previous experimental studies and observations on the distribution of PGE in a number of As-rich, Ni-Cu-PGE ore deposits have shown that arsenide minerals may play an important role controlling the distribution of these metals in magmatic sulfide systems. However to date, there is no comprehensive study quantifying the partitioning behavior of these elements when arsenide minerals crystallize either directly from a sulfide melt or from an arsenide melt previously segregated by immiscibility from a sulfide melt. The Beni Bousera mineralization represents an excellent natural laboratory to evaluate these partition coefficients because maucherite (Ni11As8) coexists in equilibrium with pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite in form of globules mostly associated with pyrrhotite, and arsenide and sulfide minerals account for the bulk of the PGE (with the exception of Pt) and chalcophile elements in the samples. The laser ablation analyses reveal that maucherite is strongly enriched in all chalcophile elements, except Se, relative to sulfide minerals. The calculated DPGEAs/sulf are the following: DIrAs/sulf = 920 DRhAs/sulf = 620, DPtAs/sulf = 330, DPdAs/sulf = 250, DOsAs/sulf = 140, and DRuAs/sulf = 50. For the rest of elements, the obtained values are the following: DSbAs/sulf = 890, DTeAs/sulf = 190, DBiAs/sulf = 50, DReAs/sulf = 6, DAuAs/sulf = 310, DAgAs/sulf = 4, and DSeAs/sulf = 0.6. These results clearly highlight the strong affinity of PGE for arsenide phases and the importance of these phases as potential carriers of PGE in Ni-Cu-PGE ore deposits.