bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
7. Una esperienza di formazione per operatori di SR: il progetto siciliano
Authors: Argentino Paola
Published: July 2014

Il progetto PROGRES prevedeva, laddove vi fossero state le condizioni, una fase successiva alla ricerca in senso stretto, volta a realizzare corsi di formazione per operatori di SR (fase 3), a partire proprio dalle informazioni raccolte nell'ambito della ricerca. Nella Regione Siciliana, grazie all'impegno dell'Assessorato alla Sanità, è stato possibile realizzare la fase 3 (Argentino, 2002, 2003). Il progetto di formazione si è sviluppato in due programmi, di base e avanzato. Il programma di base prevedeva l'addestramento degli operatori all'utilizzo dei principi e delle metodologie di valutazione e pianificazione descritti nel manuale per la ‘Valutazione di Abilità e Definizione di Obiettivi’ (VADO) (Morosini et al., 1998). Il programma avanzato prevedeva, invece, la possibilità per i partecipanti di scegliere tra vari modelli teorici e pratici; è stato quindi deciso, dopo una rilevazione tra gli stessi partecipanti, di orientare il programma di formazione avanzato sull'applicazione nelle SR della psicoterapia della Gestalt (Perls et al. 1951; Spagnuolo Lobb, 2001).

I corsi di formazione PROGRES sono stati articolati su due moduli: il 1° modulo di quattro giorni (32 ore didattiche) ha approfondito gli aspetti teorici, clinici e valutativi, sviluppando inoltre gli strumenti di intervento terapeutico e riabilitativo. Il 2° modulo di tre giorni (24 ore didattiche) è stato indirizzato alla verifica dell'applicazione degli strumenti forniti e alla supervisione clinica. Tra il 1° e 2° modulo è stata favorita l'attuazione degli argomenti trattati nella realtà lavorativa dei partecipanti, con la realizzazione dei cosiddetti ‘Progetti Work’. Tutte le unità didattiche, compresi i progetti work, hanno ruotato attorno al nucleo portante costituito dal “Modello Gestaltico Comunitario” (Argentino, 1997, 2001; Spagnuolo Lobb, 1997).
Capitolo 4: Servizi e pazienti reclutati
Authors: Cavazza Marianna , Civenti Graziella , Ravasio Roberto
Published: July 2014

Lo studio ha coinvolto 10 Unità Operative di Psichiatria (UOP) della regione Lombardia:

– UOP 4 di Busto Arsizio (popolazione residente 172.419);

– UOP 5 di Saranno (popolazione residente 134.029);

– UOP 30 di Crema (popolazione residente 122.043);

– UOP 35 di Vimercate (popolazione residente 154.877);

– UOP 38 di Desio (popolazione residente 218.157);

– UOP 39 di Sesto San Giovanni (popolazione residente 117.355);

– UOP 43 di Legnano (popolazione residente 202.798);

– UOP 47 “Niguarda 2” di Milano (popolazione residente 70.447);

– UOP 51 “San Paolo 1” di Milano (popolazione residente 159.421);

– UOP 53 “San Carlo 1” di Milano (popolazione residente 149.002).

Il bacino di utenza complessivo risulta composto da circa un milione e mezzo di abitanti, pari al 16% della popolazione lombarda.

Le 10 Unità Operative esprimono realtà territoriali e sociali differenziate: includono infatti servizi collocati in area metropolitana, quali quelli della città di Milano, e servizi di aree non urbane quali, per esempio, quelli di Crema, Legnano, Desio.
Capitolo 5: Diagnosi e gravità
Authors: Lora Antonio , Cavazza Marianna , Mapelli Vittorio
Published: July 2014

Gli elementi di cui si dispone per descrivere le caratteristiche cliniche dei pazienti arruolati nello studio sono la diagnosi e la valutazione del livello di gravità del paziente. Entrambe le informazioni sono rilevate dalla scheda HoNOS.

La compilazione delle schede HoNOS richiede agli operatori di riportare la diagnosi principale del paziente, adottando i codici F della classificazione ICD 10. Per questa fase dello studio, si è ritenuto opportuno fare riferimento alla sola prima cifra della diagnosi, limitandosi pertanto a menzionare i gruppi diagnostici dei pazienti arruolati.

La quota principale di assistiti arruolati (tabella 5.1), risulta essere affetta da schizofrenia (F2), rappresentando più di un terzo del totale; seguono gli utenti con sindromi nevrotiche (F4) ed affettive (F3); infine, i pazienti affetti da disturbi della personalità (F6) rappresentano l'ultimo gruppo diagnostico consistente.

Disponendo poi delle diagnosi della popolazione in carico presso le 10 UOP nel 2000 (grazie al sistema informativo regionale) è possibile effettuare un confronto per indagare sulla rappresentatività, anche dal punto di vista clinico, dei pazienti coinvolti nello studio. Dal confronto fra gli utenti arruolati e quelli in carico presso i servizi, emerge una leggera sovra-rappresentazione nel campione di pazienti affetti da patologie considerate più gravi, rispetto agli utenti in carico. Ciò a causa dei pattern di trattamento più continuativi per i pazienti gravi (come i pazienti affetti da schizofrenia), che ha portato ad intercettare un maggior numero di essi nel campione. Il fenomeno opposto riguarda i pazienti con patologia nevrotica. Per i restanti gruppi diagnostici, si registra invece una notevole sovrapposizione fra le due popolazioni confrontate.
Tipi di qualità della vita
Authors: Ruggeri Mirella , Santolini Nazario , Stegagno Marco , Imperadore Giuseppe , Dall'Agnola Rosa Bruna
Published: July 2014

Nella letteratura scientifica il tema della qualità della vita è affrontato secondo 3 prospettive fondamentali: la qualità della vita generale (general quality of life), la qualità della vita legata alla salute (health-related quality of life) e la qualità della vita legata alia malattia (disease-specific quality of life).

Secondo Lehman (1995), la general quality of life è costituita da 3 dimensioni: il livello di funzionamento globale (ciò che una persona è in grado di fare), le risorse disponibili per il raggiungimento dei propri obiettivi (ciò che una persona possiede), il senso di benessere e di soddisfazione. Queste dimensioni includono a loro volta numerose aree di vita, ad esempio la famiglia e le relazioni sociali, il lavoro, la situazione finanziaria, la situazione abitativa. Questa prospettiva “allargata” è quella che più direttamente deriva dagli studi sulla qualità della vita nella popolazione generale, dove sono state prese in considerazione anche dimensioni ed aree di vita che non sono oggetto diretto dell'intervento dei servizi sanitari.
Metodi
Authors: Ruggeri Mirella , Santolini Nazario , Stegagno Marco , Imperadore Giuseppe , Dall'Agnola Rosa Bruna
Published: July 2014

Verona-Sud è un'area che include la parte meridionale della città di Verona e 3 piccoli paesi situati nelle vicinanze. In essa vive una popolazione di circa 75.000 abitanti. I processi di immigrazione determinati dallo sviluppo industriale hanno provocato una crescita notevole della popolazione nel periodo 1951-1971, ma da allora i valori sono rimasti piuttosto stabili, con un leggero calo della popolazione totale. Il rapporto tra i sessi è tale per cui ogni 100 femmine vi sono 95 maschi; circa il 50% dei residenti è coniugato. Circa il 44% della popolazione adulta ha una attività economica, che si svolge soprattutto nel terziario (62% del settore economico).

I servizi psichiatrici a cui si possono rivolgere i residenti di Verona-Sud sono costituiti dal Servizio Psichiatrico Territoriale (SPT), da due cliniche private e un servizio per le tossicodipendenze. Il SPT è la principale agenzia psichiatrica di Verona-Sud ed è quella presa in considerazione in questo studio; ad essa si rivolge circa il 70% dei pazienti psichiatrici residenti nell'area di Verona-Sud e praticamente la larga maggioranza di pazienti con disturbi psichici gravi. Il SPT è entrato in funzione nel maggio 1978 ed è gestito dall'Istituto di Psichiatria dell'Università di Verona. I principi che stanno alla base della sua organizzazione sono quelli del riferimento ad una popolazione geograficamente definita, della continuità terapeutica dell'intervento, svolto quanto più possibile sul territorio, e della presa in carico longitudinale. Gli obiettivi e le caratteristiche dell'intervento svolto dal SPT sono descritti in vari lavori (Balestrieri, 1990; Tansella, 1991, 1993; Burti & Tansella, 1995; Tansella & Ruggeri, 1996).
Discussione
Authors: Ruggeri Mirella , Santolini Nazario , Stegagno Marco , Imperadore Giuseppe , Dall'Agnola Rosa Bruna
Published: July 2014

A nostra conoscenza, questo studio costituisce una delle descrizioni maggiormente dettagliate della qualità della vita nei pazienti psichiatrici presenti sia nella letteratura nazionale che internazionale. I dati sono stati raccolti su di un vasto campione di pazienti, che si può ritenere rappresentativo dei pazienti che frequentano abitualmente un servizio psichiatrico italiano. La percentuale di responders, pari ad oltre 1'80% dei pazienti, è da ritenersi piuttosto elevata, soprattutto se si considera la presenza piuttosto cospicua nel campione di pazienti con gravi disturbi psichici. Un limite di questi dati, come accade di frequente nelle valutazioni centrate sul paziente, tuttavia, consiste nel fatto che a rifiutare la compilazione del questionario sono stati pazienti con in media condizioni cliniche più gravi: la più elevata psicopatologia e disabilità, unitamente ad un minor numero di contatti con il servizio, fanno pensare che questi siano pazienti meno collaboranti in generale. Come ottenere informazioni su questa tipologia di pazienti, che in genere sfugge a tutte le valutazioni, rimane un problema da risolvere, che potrebbe essere in parte affrontato prendendo in considerazione le informazioni raccolte da altre fonti, quali ad esempio i familiari più stretti o l'operatore-chiave.
Strutture del Dipartimento di Salute Mentale
Authors: Amaddeo F. , Bacigalupi M. , de Girolamo G. , Di Munzio W. , Lora A. , Semisa D.
Published: July 2014

Il Dipartimento di Salute Mentale (DSM) comprende tutti i presidi psichiatrici pubblici, ospedalieri ed extraospedalieri per adulti, gestisce tutte le attività concernenti la tutela della salute mentale per adulti esistenti nel territorio di competenza e possiede un organico pluriprofessionale a direzione unica. Può comprendere o meno le attività di neuropsichiatria infantile, anche se é auspicabile che le comprenda.

II DSM comprende le seguenti unità organizzative:

1.

Centra di Salute Mentale (CSM)

2.

Ambulatorio

3.

Servizio psichiatrico di diagnosi e cura (SPDC)

4.

Day Hospital (DH)

5.

Centra Diurno (CD)

6.

Strutture Residenziali
Assessment of needs for care among patients with schizophrenic disorders 15 and 17 years after first onset of psychosis
Authors: Wiersma Durk , Nienhuis Fokko J. , Slooff Cees J. , Giel Robert , De Jong Aant
Published: July 2014

Severe and long term mental disorders, like schizophrenia, show in general a wide range of psychiatric signs and symptoms, psychological and physiological impairments and social disablement (Shepherd, 1994; Wing, 1982) reflecting a variety of mental health needs. Many studies provide only a cross-sectional view of the clinical and social problems of the patient population, for example at intake or admission to a mental hospital. Longitudinal studies following patients after discharge for some period of months or years show in general the expected improvement of functioning (e.g. Nienhuis et al., 1994), but as far as only chronic patients are concerned such a positive change is much less noted. The concept of chronicity of mental disorders would presume that after some time needs are fairly predictable and stable and do not change much over time. Our investigation on the long-term course of schizophrenia (Wiersma et al., 1996; 1997) enables us to study over a period of two years, from 15 to 17 years since first onset of psychosis, the stability or variability of needs in schizophrenic disorder. We are not aware of empirical studies on changes in needs among patients with long-term disorders.
Partial or full-time hospitalization: patients̍ preference
Authors: Schene Aart H. , van Wijngaarden Bob , Gersons Berthold P.R.
Published: July 2014

Partial hospitalization (PH) fulfills four different functions in the mental health care system. First it can be a continuation of full-time hospitalization (FH). Secondly it functions as a rehabilitation oriented day care facility for the chronically ill. Thirdly it can be an extension of an outpatient treatment for patients without any indication for FH. And lastly it can be an alternative to (sub)acute FH (Schene & Gersons, 1986). Of course a particular PH service can fulfill different functions at the same time. However, based on data from a nationwide survey in The Netherlands we found clear differences between PH services that were specialized in one of the four functions mentioned (Schene et al., 1988).

PH might be regarded as a real and useful alternative to FH, provided it adheres to the original inpatient treatment objectives and their related functions, without any loss of quality. It should accommodate the same, or at least a comparable, patient population. Only under those conditions can PH really replace FH.
Costing day hospital and in-patient care for acute psychiatric illness
Authors: Holme Sarah , Creed Francis , Tomenson Barbara
Published: July 2014

This study was primarily designed as a cost effectiveness analysis, comparing the costs and outcomes of day hospital and in-patient care for acute psychiatric illness. There are a growing number of this type of study in mental health (Knappet al., 1994; McCroneet al., 1994; Wiersmaet al., 1995; Mersonet al., 1996). The costing methodology used in such studies is becoming more consistent, but economic evaluation in mental health care is still developing and there remain several unanswered questions which will be considered in this paper. The wide variation in the costs of care of people with mental health problems is a critical factor in these studies (Grayet al., 1996).

The cost effectiveness study is based on a previous randomised controlled trial conducted at Manchester Royal Infirmary which showed the feasibility and effectiveness of day patient treatment for acutely ill patients (Creedet al., 1990). In the current study 187 patients were randomly allocated, 94 to day hospital care and 93 to in-patient care. The method and results of the main cost effectiveness analysis are described in detail elsewhere (Creedet al., 1996a). This paper concentrates on reviewing the methods used to collect cost data, and further analysis of the data exploring variations in costs.
Psychiatric case registers for monitoring service utilisation and evaluating its costs
Authors: Amaddeo Francesco , Bonizzato Paola , Tansella Michele
Published: July 2014

Psychiatric case registers are systematic health information systems of a geographically delimited area that record the contacts with designated medical and social services of patients or clients from the area. The information is stored in a linked and cumulative file so that the care of any individual or group can be followed over time, no matter how complex the pattern of service attendance (Wing, 1989). They represent the evolution of older systems for recording data of clinical relevance, such asdisease registersto which hospitals and physicians used to report all cases of a certain diagnosis andhospital-based registers, which in general are based on aggregate data concerning patients who received care by a particular hospital or clinic (Häfner & an der Heiden, 1986).

Bennett & Trute (1983) pointed out that the term “information” has substantially wider connotations than the term “data”. In order to become “information”, data have to be placed within a framework and interpreted. This is true for all medical information systems, including those that collect limited data set, such as those about births, deaths, admissions to hospital, etc. (Wing, 1986).

A WHO Working Group held in Mannheim provided an agreed definition of a Psychiatric Case Register (PCR) which resulted in the following: “a Psychiatric Case Register is a patient-centered longitudinal record of contacts with a defined set of psychiatric services, originating from a defined population” (WHO, 1983).
The importance of service level measures for mental health policy
Authors: Jenkins Rachel , Glover Gyles
Published: July 2014

The policy of any organisation is a setting out of the purposes for which it exists - its mission statement. Governments spend money on mental health services and therefore need a coherent mission statement for the use and goals to which that money is put. Moreover, the consequences of mental illness pervade all aspects of a nation's existence. Therefore a mission statement is needed to tackle mental illness and its consequences, not only by developing and using specialist mental health services to best effect, but also by using other relevant organisations as appropriate.

Mental health policy is formulated at all levels from the community mental health team to the national government and thence to the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. Indeed national and international mental health policies have generally been led by local innovative best clinical practice. At local level, the policy of a community mental health team will identify the types of patients to which it seeks to provide a service, the channels through which referrals will be accepted, the type and nature of assessment and decision making about consequent interventions which will be used and a range of quality standards within which it will seek to operate. It may set out a set of desired goals in terms of the improvement in the health status of clients and the degree of consumer satisfaction it seeks to achieve. Some adverse consequences may be set out. For example, it may seek to minimise readmissions to hospital within a specified period of time or the frequency of violent or self-destructive behaviour on behalf of its clients.
Demonstration of higher colour response with ambient refractive index in Papilio blumei as compared to Morphorhetenor
Authors: Wang Wanlin , Zhang Wang , Fang Xiaotian , Huang Yiqiao , Liu Qinglei , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Di
Published: July 2014

Multilayer structures are known to produce vivid iridescent colouration in many butterflies. Morpho butterflies are well known for their high reflectance, which appears to remain high over a wide range of viewing angles. Thus these butterflies have served as the inspiration for sensing materials. Using microscopic images and videos, we visually demonstrate that the colour response with ambient refractive index of Papilio blumei is better than that of Morpho rhetenor. This result was also verified using measurements of the reflectance for different viewing angles. The finite-difference time-domain method was then used to simulate the microscopic pictures and reflections. Finally, the relationships between the structure, ambient refractive index, reflection and viewing angle are discussed in detail.
Development and validation of dot-ELISA on modified cellulose filter paper: a simplified novel approach
Authors: Tyagi Charu , Tomar Lomas K. , Kumar Pradeep , Pillay Viness , Singh Harpal
Published: July 2014

GMA-g-CFP matrix validated for dot-ELISA exhibits specificity and sensitivity comparable to the commercial NC membrane and is relevant for mass screening in field conditions as in epidemiological studies.
Sulfonyl chlorides as an efficient tool for the postsynthetic modification of Cr-MIL-101-SO3H and CAU-1-NH2
Authors: Klinkebiel Arne , Reimer Nele , Lammert Martin , Stock Norbert , Lüning Ulrich
Published: July 2014

Postsynthetic modification can be used to introduce sulfonamide functionalities into MOF frameworks, in which a sulfonamide group is bound to the framework either by its N or its S atom.
Fluorescent supramolecular metal assemblies as ‘no quenching’ probes for detection of threonine in the nanomolar range
Authors: Kaur Sharanjeet , Bhalla Vandana , Kumar Manoj
Published: July 2014

A highly sensitive detection of threonine is realized using a supramolecular ensemble of aggregates of hetero-oligophenylene derivative 3 and Zn2+ ions. On the basis of fluorogenic response of aggregates of 3 toward Zn2+ ions and threonine, we have constructed a 2-input, 3-output sequential logic circuit at the molecular level.
Chirality-switchable circularly polarized luminescence in solution based on the solvent-dependent helix inversion of poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s
Authors: Nagata Yuuya , Nishikawa Tsuyoshi , Suginome Michinori
Published: July 2014

Poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s containing (S)-2-methylbutoxy side chains were found to exhibit chirality-switchable blue circularly polarized luminescence (CPL).
Polyoxometalate-functionalized metal–organic frameworks with improved water retention and uniform proton-conducting pathways in three orthogonal directions
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Yang Xiao , Miao Jun , Tang Qun , Liu Shumei , Shi Zhan , Liu Shuxia
Published: July 2014

Polyoxometalate-functionalized MOFs with uniform proton-conducting pathways in three orthogonal directions realized 5 orders of magnitude increase of proton conduction.
Improved green-light-emitting pyrotechnic formulations based on tris(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)borate and boron carbide
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Rusan Magdalena , Sabatini Jesse J.
Published: July 2014

Green-light-emitting pyrotechnic compositions based on tris(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)borate (TNEB) and boron carbide have been investigated.
A modular designed copolymer with anti-thrombotic activity and imaging capability
Authors: Xie Nan , Feng Ke , Chen Bin , Zhao Ming , Zhang Li-Ping , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu , Peng Shiqi
Published: July 2014

Through a modular ROMP (ring-opening metathesis polymerization) strategy, a random copolymer with anti-thrombotic activity and imaging capability has been constructed from RGD, rhodamine B and PEG modified norbornene monomers.
Stable yellow ZnO mesocrystals with efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Peng Yin , Wang Yu , Chen Qing-Guo , Zhu Qing , Xu An Wu
Published: July 2014

In this work, we present a novel and facile approach to prepare yellow ZnO mesocrystals from Zn(OH)F precursor. The as-prepared yellow ZnO shows a narrow band-gap (Eg = 3.09 eV) and visible-light photocatalytic activity, which is due to the existence of abundant oxygen vacancies and vectorially aligned nanoparticles.
The phosphorescent co-crystals of 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene and bent 3-ring-N-heterocyclic hydrocarbons by C–I⋯N and C–I⋯π halogen bonds
Authors: Wang Hui , Hu Ruo Xin , Pang Xue , Gao Hai Yue , Jin Wei Jun
Published: July 2014

Co-crystals assembled from 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene and bent 3-ring-N-heterocyclic hydrocarbons via C–I⋯N and C–I⋯π halogen bonds emit green, orange-yellow and orange phosphorescence.
Lanthanide coordination frameworks: crystal structure, down- and up-conversion luminescence and white light emission
Authors: Zhang Yi-Hua , Li Xia , Song Shuang , Yang Hong-Yu , Ma Dou , Liu Yi-Heng
Published: July 2014

New lanthanide coordination frameworks were synthesized. White light emission and up-conversion emission were realized using Gd:Tb,Eu/Gd:Yb,Er doped complexes, respectively.
Crystal engineering with 1,4-piperazine-2,5-diones
Authors: Mash Eugene A.
Published: July 2014

Piperazinediones1that incorporate three geometrically and chemically independent recognition elements can assemble predictably into a solid.
Green synthesis of nanorod Ni(salen) coordination complexes using a simple hydrothermal method
Authors: Mohammadikish M.
Published: July 2014

New one-dimensional nanomaterials, nanorods of a Ni(salen) coordination compound, were synthesized by a hydrothermal route in green solvent without any surfactant.
Thermal spin filtering, thermal spin switching and negative-differential-resistance in thermal spin currents in zigzag SiC nanoribbons
Authors: Wu Dan-Dan , Fu Hua-Hua , Gu Lei , Ni Yun , Zu Feng-Xia , Yao Kai-Lun
Published: July 2014

A thermoelectric heterojunction device based on zigzag silicon carbide nanoribbons can serve as a perfect thermal spin filter and switcher.
From two-dimension to one-dimension: the curvature effect of silicon-doped graphene and carbon nanotubes for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Peng , Hou Xiuli , Mi Jianli , He Yanqiong , Lin Lin , Jiang Qing , Dong Mingdong
Published: July 2014

The curvature effect plays an important role in the adsorption and reduction of oxygen on Si-doped carbon materials.
Low-energy-electron induced permanently reactive CO2 molecules
Authors: Davis Daly , Sajeev Y.
Published: July 2014

The low-energy-electron induced conversion of the non-reactive CO2 molecule to its permanently reactive distonic-type radical anion.
Pressure effects on the radical–radical recombination reaction of photochromic bridged imidazole dimers
Authors: Mutoh Katsuya , Abe Jiro
Published: July 2014

We revealed the structure–entropy relationship of the photochromism of bridged imidazole dimers and that the radical–radical interaction could be controlled by applying high pressure.
Imidazolium-based ionic liquids grafted on solid surfaces
Authors: Xin Bingwei , Hao Jingcheng
Published: July 2014

Supported ionic liquids (SILs), which refer to ionic liquids (ILs) immobilized on supports, are among the most important derivatives of ILs.
Imatinib intermediate as a two in one dual channel sensor for the recognition of Cu2+and I−ions in aqueous media and its practical applications
Authors: Patil Samadhan R. , Nandre Jitendra P. , Jadhav Devising , Bothra Shilpa , Sahoo S. K. , Devi Manisha , Pradeep Chullikkattil P. , Mahulikar Pramod P. , Patil Umesh D.
Published: July 2014

An imatinib intermediate was developed for the colorimetric sensing of Cu2+ions in aqueous solution.
Design of FeBi nanoparticles for imaging applications
Authors: Branca M. , Pelletier F. , Cottin B. , Ciuculescu D. , Lin C.-C. , Serra R. , Mattei J.-G. , Casanove M.-J. , Tan R. , Respaud M. , Amiens C.
Published: July 2014

A variety of imaging technologies are now routinely used in the medical field, their use being continuously enlarged through the development of contrast agents. Recently nanoparticles (NPs) proved efficient to improve imaging in vivo by increasing contrast and targeting capabilities. The current trend is now focused on the development of dual contrast agents combining two or more functionalities on the same NP. Motivated by this new challenge we developed FeBi NPs as new nanomaterials with potential application as a contrast agent for MRI and CT imaging. In addition to the well-known use of iron in the development MRI contrast agents, we chose Bi as a CT imaging agent rather than the more documented gold, because it possesses a larger X-ray attenuation coefficient and is much less expensive. Two sets of NPs, with sizes around 150 nm and 14 nm, were synthesized using organometallic approaches. In both cases, the NPs are spherical, and contain distinct domains of Fe and Bi, with the surface being enriched with Fe, and a hydrophobic coating. This coating differs from one sample to the other: the surfaces of the 150 nm large NPs are coated by amine ligands, while those of the 14 nm large NPs are coated by a mixture of an amine and its hydrochloride salt. Exchange of the surface ligands to afford water soluble NPs has been attempted. We show that only the larger NPs could be functionalized with water soluble ligands, which is in agreement with the lability of their initial surface coating. Colloidal aqueous solutions of FeBi NPs with glycoPEG ligands have been obtained.
Mesoporous carbon–silica solid acid catalysts for producing useful bio-products within the sugar-platform of biorefineries
Authors: A. Russo Patrícia , M. Antunes Margarida , Neves Patrícia , V. Wiper Paul , Fazio Enza , Neri Fortunato , Barreca Francesco , Mafra Luís , Pillinger Martyn , Pinna Nicola , A. Valente Anabela
Published: July 2014

Mesoporous carbon/silica composites with high acid site contents of different strengths are versatile catalysts for converting biomass-derived intermediates to bio-products.
A label-free conjugated polymer-based fluorescence assay for the determination of adenosine triphosphate and alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Yan , Wang Xinyan , Su Xingguang
Published: July 2014

A sensor was developed based on the quenching effect of Cu2+ on PPESO3 and the hydrolysis of ATP by ALP.
Na+ and K+ ion selectivity by size-controlled biomimetic graphene nanopores
Authors: Kang Yu , Zhang Zhisen , Shi Hui , Zhang Junqiao , Liang Lijun , Wang Qi , Ågren Hans , Tu Yaoquan
Published: July 2014

A bio-inspired graphene nanopore that could achieve the function of the K+ channel KcsA is presented.
Cross-linked polymersomes as nanoreactors for controlled and stabilized single and cascade enzymatic reactions
Authors: Gräfe David , Gaitzsch Jens , Appelhans Dietmar , Voit Brigitte
Published: July 2014

Cross-linked polymersomes are used as nanoreactors for an enzyme cascade reaction between different polymersomes. For the first time the polymersomes show a great stabilization effect on the enclosed enzymes in comparison to free ones. Thus, the pH value is used to switch the reaction on and off several times.
The enhanced actuation response of an ionic polymer–metal composite actuator based on sulfonated polyphenylsulfone
Authors: Tang Yongjun , Chen Chao , Ye Yun Sheng , Xue Zhigang , Zhou Xingping , Xie Xiaolin
Published: July 2014

Novel SPPSU-based IPMC membranes with different ion exchange capacities were synthesized. SPPSU4-based IPMCs showed the best actuation performance.
Role of size of drug delivery carriers for pulmonary and intravenous administration with emphasis on cancer therapeutics and lung-targeted drug delivery
Authors: Dhand Chetna , Prabhakaran Molamma P. , Beuerman Roger W. , Lakshminarayanan R. , Dwivedi Neeraj , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: July 2014

The design of a drug delivery system and the fabrication of efficient, successful, and targeted drug carriers are two separate issues that require slightly different design parameters.
Engineered cation vacancy plane responsible for the reduction in lattice thermal conductivity and improvement in the thermoelectric property of Ga2Te3-based semiconductors
Authors: Tian Dingqi , Liu Haiyun , Deng Yuan , Du Zhengliang , Cui Jiaolin
Published: July 2014

An effective route: vacancy plane engineering in Ga2Te3 to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity and improve the thermoelectric performance significantly.
Resolving molecular orbitals self-decoupled from semiconductor surfaces
Authors: He Jing Hui , Mao Wei , Chen Wei , Wu Kai , Cheng Han Song , Xu Guo Qin
Published: July 2014

Molecular orbitals of chemisorbed nitrosobenzene are electronically decoupled from a clean semiconductor substrate and resolved by STM.
Dissecting the reaction of Phase II metabolites of ibuprofen and other NSAIDS with human plasma protein
Authors: Monrad Rune Nygaard , Errey James C. , Barry Conor S. , Iqbal Mazhar , Meng Xiaoli , Iddon Lisa , Perrie Jennifer A. , Harding John R. , Wilson Ian D. , Stachulski Andrew V. , Davis Benjamin G.
Published: July 2014

Blood-protein transacylation/glycosylation reactivity of glucuronides may distinguish beneficial (e.g., ibuprofen) and toxic (e.g., ibufenac) drugs.
Controlling selectivity in the reductive activation of CO2 by mixed sandwich uranium(iii) complexes
Authors: Tsoureas Nikolaos , Castro Ludovic , Kilpatrick Alexander F. R. , Cloke F. Geoffey N. , Maron Laurent
Published: July 2014

The uranium complexes [U(η8-C8H6(1,4-SiMe3)2)(η5-CpMe4R)] can be tuned to selectively reduce CO2, giving U(iv) complexes incorporating bridging oxo, carbonate, or oxalate groups.
Crystallizing hard-sphere glasses by doping with active particles
Authors: Ni Ran , Cohen Stuart Martien A. , Dijkstra Marjolein , Bolhuis Peter G.
Published: July 2014

A large nucleated crystalline cluster in a glass of hard spheres at a packing fraction of 0.61 induced by 10% active hard spheres inside.
Reentrance in an active glass mixture
Authors: Pilkiewicz Kevin R. , Eaves Joel D.
Published: July 2014

Adding a driven, active component to a model spin glass system leads to dramatic shifts in the phase diagram and the emergence of a reentrant glass transition.
Facile synthesis of ionic liquid functionalized silica-capped CdTe quantum dots for selective recognition and detection of hemoproteins
Authors: Li Dong-Yan , Wang Yi-Zhi , Zhao Xiao-Li , He Xi-Wen , Li Wen-You , Zhang Yu-Kui
Published: July 2014

Novel ionic liquid functionalized silica-capped CdTe quantum dots were fabricated and used for the selective recognition and detection of hemoproteins.
Photon-assisted scattering and magnetoconductivity oscillations in a strongly correlated 2D electron system formed on the surface of liquid helium
Authors: Monarkha Yu. P.
Published: July 2014

The influence of strong internal forces on photon-assisted scattering and on the displacement mechanism of magnetoconductivity oscillations in a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas is theoretically studied. The theory is applied to the highly correlated system of surface electrons on liquid helium under conditions that the microwave frequency is substantially different from inter-subband resonance frequencies. A strong dependence of the amplitude of magnetoconductivity oscillations on the electron density is established. The possibility of experimental observation of such oscillations caused by photon-assisted scattering is discussed.
The square-kagome quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet at high magnetic fields: The localized-magnon paradigm and beyond
Authors: Derzhko Oleg , Richter Johannes , Krupnitska Olesia , Krokhmalskii Taras
Published: July 2014

We consider the spin-1/2 antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on the two-dimensional square-kagome lattice with almost dispersionless lowest magnon band. For a general exchange coupling geometry we elaborate low-energy effective Hamiltonians which emerge at high magnetic fields. The effective model to describe the low-energy degrees of freedom of the initial frustrated quantum spin model is the (unfrustrated) square-lattice spin-1/2 XXZ model in a z-aligned magnetic field. For the effective model we perform quantum Monte Carlo simulations to discuss the low-temperature properties of the square-kagome quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet at high magnetic fields. We pay special attention to a magnetic-field driven Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition which occurs at low temperatures.
Polaron Rashba effect in an asymmetric quantum dot
Authors: Shan Shu-Ping , Chen Shi-Hua , Xiao Jing-Lin
Published: July 2014

We study the influence of polaron Rashba effect in an asymmetric quantum dot. Using variational method, we derive the expression of the polaron ground state energy. We also discuss the dependencies of the ground state energy on the wave vector and the transverse (longitudinal) effective confinement length. It is found that the ground state energy splits into two branches due to the Rashba effect. The spin splitting energy is an increasing function of the wave vector and the Rashba SO parameter.
Conductivity of single-crystal Y1−yPryBa2Cu3O7−δ over a wide range of temperatures and Pr concentrations
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Vovk N. R. , Vovk R. V.
Published: July 2014

The in-plane electrical resistance of Y1−yPryBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystals with a high degree of perfection is studied for temperatures in the range TC-300 K, where TC ranges from 92 to 52 K, with varying praseodymium content. The experimental data are approximated by an expression that takes electron scattering on phonons and defects into account, as well as fluctuation conductivity in a 3D Aslamazov-Larkin model. According to the approximation data the Debye temperature ranges from 350–370 K, depending on the praseodymium content. The transverse coherence length is ∼1 Å.
Structure and energetics of hydrogen-bonded networks of methanol on close packed transition metal surfaces
Authors: Murphy Colin J. , Carrasco Javier , Lawton Timothy J. , Liriano Melissa L. , Baber Ashleigh E. , Lewis Emily A. , Michaelides Angelos , Sykes E. Charles H.
Published: July 2014

Methanol is a versatile chemical feedstock, fuel source, and energy storage material. Many reactions involving methanol are catalyzed by transition metal surfaces, on which hydrogen-bonded methanol overlayers form. As with water, the structure of these overlayers is expected to depend on a delicate balance of hydrogen bonding and adsorbate-substrate bonding. In contrast to water, however, relatively little is known about the structures methanol overlayers form and how these vary from one substrate to another. To address this issue, herein we analyze the hydrogen bonded networks that methanol forms as a function of coverage on three catalytically important surfaces, Au(111), Cu(111), and Pt(111), using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory. We investigate the effect of intermolecular interactions, surface coverage, and adsorption energies on molecular assembly and compare the results to more widely studied water networks on the same surfaces. Two main factors are shown to direct the structure of methanol on the surfaces studied: the surface coverage and the competition between the methanol-methanol and methanol-surface interactions. Additionally, we report a new chiral form of buckled hexamer formed by surface bound methanol that maximizes the interactions between methanol monomers by sacrificing interactions with the surface. These results serve as a direct comparison of interaction strength, assembly, and chirality of methanol networks on Au(111), Cu(111), and Pt(111) which are catalytically relevant for methanol oxidation, steam reforming, and direct methanol fuel cells.
Prediction of the variation of PGA strength during hydrolysis by a combination of empirical equation, density functional theory calculation, and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Chen Chuan , Ju Shin-Pon , Huang Wei-Chun , Lin Jenn-Sen , Chen Chien-Chia
Published: July 2014

The strength variation of polyglycolic acid (PGA) during the hydrolysis process was predicted by the Flory-Fox model with all required parameters obtained by the theoretical approach. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation with the simple transition theory was used to derive the degradation rate constants of PGA intermediate at different temperatures and external load. The ultimate strength of PGA with infinite chain length, can be obtained by linearly extrapolating the ultimate strengths of three PGA materials with shorter chains. Although this Flory-Fox model formula combined with DFT calculation and MD simulation can only provide a qualitative comparison to those by experimental approaches, the current theoretical approach can provide an economical and quick way to assess the variation of PGA ultimate strength during hydrolysis.
Influence of narrow inner barriers on the low-temperature lateral conduction in quantum wells
Authors: Vainberg V. V. , Pylypchuk A. S. , Baidus N. V. , Birukov A. A.
Published: July 2014

The electron energy spectrum of a wide quantum well with a different number of narrow barriers inside the well region was calculated. It was shown that the size-quantization levels rise in energy upon the introduction of such barriers. When the maximum filling of the quantum well with narrow barriers was reached and the fragment of a short-period superlattice was formed, the envelopes of the electron wave functions on the size-quantization levels were similar in shape to those in a usual quantum well. In this case, the scattering by the surface roughness of the heterojunctions was significantly increased. The low-temperature lateral conduction in a quantum well tunnel-coupled with a 10-well short-period superlattice and, separately, in the superlattice alone was investigated experimentally. The obtained results agreed sufficiently well with the model calculations and demonstrated a new way to form parallel conducting channels with different electron mobility.
High-frequency conductivity of multilayer graphene and graphite under the conditions of quantum cyclotron resonance
Authors: Kozlov I. V. , Medina Pantoja J. C.
Published: July 2014

The conductivity tensor of a layered conductor with the Dirac-type energy spectrum of charge carriers placed in a quantizing magnetic field under the condition of normal skin-effect is investigated using the method of quantum kinetic equation. It is shown that under the cyclotron resonance conditions there appear high-temperature quantum oscillations of conductivity, which are weakly sensitive to thermal broadening of the Fermi level. We present the expressions for the classical and high-temperature contributions to the conductivity tensor which determine the conductivity in the range of not too low temperatures where the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations are vanishing.
Performance of the beam chamber vacuum system of K = 500 cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre Kolkata
Authors: Pal Gautam , DuttaGupta Anjan , Chakrabarti Alok
Published: July 2014

The beam chamber of Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata's K = 500 superconducting cyclotron is pumped by liquid helium cooled cryopanel with liquid nitrogen cooled radiation shield. Performance of the vacuum system was evaluated by cooling the cryopanel assembly with liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. Direct measurement of beam chamber pressure is quite difficult because of space restrictions and the presence of high magnetic field. Pressure gauges were placed away from the beam chamber. The beam chamber pressure was evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation software for vacuum system and compared with measurements. The details of the vacuum system, measurements, and estimation of pressure of the beam chamber are described in this paper.
In situ observation of the molecular ordering in the lubricating point contact area
Authors: Zhang Shaohua , Liu Yuhong , Luo Jianbin
Published: July 2014

The organization of lubricant molecules confined between two solid surfaces when the lubricant film thickness is at the nanoscale is unknown. In this work, an ordering process of nematic liquid crystal molecules is observed by in situ polarized Raman spectroscopy of the lubricated point contact area. Our experimental results indicate that 4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl liquid crystal molecules orient along the rotation direction when the linear speed exceeds 12.6 mm/s, and the degree of order increases with linear speed. The relationship between the observed orientation and physical properties of the lubricant film is investigated. Isotropic orientation is observed at the outlet area of the contact region. The orientation behavior of liquid crystal molecules in a confined area is observed and the relationship between lubrication conditions and molecular orientation is discussed.
Phonon scattering and thermal conductivity of pillared graphene structures with carbon nanotube-graphene intramolecular junctions
Authors: Park Jungkyu , Prakash Vikas
Published: July 2014

We present results of a reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics study of thermal transport in single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-graphene junctions comprised of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds with either sp2 or mixed sp2/sp3 hybridization. In both cases, a finite interfacial thermal resistance is observed at the SWCNT-graphene junctions for thermal transport in the out-of-plane direction. The interfacial thermal resistance at the junctions is attributed to the combined effects of scattering of the phonons at the SWCNT-graphene junctions due to the presence of distorted sp2 bonds in the junction region and the change in dimensionality of the medium along the phonon transport path as the phonons propagate from SWCNT pillars (quasi-1D) to graphene sheet (2D) and then again to SWCNTs. Moreover, the thermal resistance is found to depend on the C-C bond hybridization at the intramolecular junctions with mixed sp2/sp3 hybridization showing a higher interfacial resistance when compared to pure sp2 bonding. Thermal conductivity of typical SWCNT-graphene unit cells was observed to increase nearly linearly with an increase in cell dimensions, and then reaches a plateau as the pillar height and the inter-pillar distance approach the critical length for ballistic thermal transport in SWCNT and single layer graphene. These results indicate that the thermal transport characteristics of the three-dimensional SWCNT-graphene (hybrid) structures can be tuned by controlling the unit cell size.
3ω-response and energy relaxation times of the electron-phonon system in a metal film
Authors: Bezuglyj A. I.
Published: July 2014

Alternating current of frequency ω generates heat in a metal film oscillating with the frequency 2ω. Due to the temperature dependence of the resistance, the voltage across the film has a V3ω-component oscillating with the frequency 3ω. In the present paper the amplitude and phase of the V3ω-component are calculated on the basis of the equation for electron temperature. It is shown that for sufficiently long films on dielectric substrates with high thermal conductivity, both the average time of phonon escape from the film τes and the time of electron-phonon collisions τe can be found from the frequency dependence of the amplitude and phase of the V3ω-component.
Understanding graphene production by ionic surfactant exfoliation: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Yang Peng , Liu Feng
Published: July 2014

We have simulated sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant/water + bilayer graphene mixture system to investigate two mechanisms of graphene exfoliation: changing the interlayer distance and sliding away the relative distance. By calculating the total energy as a function of the interlayer (sliding-away) distance at different surface-coverage concentrations of SDS surfactant (SDS concentrations), we obtain the separation energy barriers underlying the two mechanisms and their dependence on SDS concentration. Overall, in the first process, the energy barrier can only be reduced by the SDS slightly, which is too big to be viable. While in the second process, the energy barrier can be first decreased continuously with the increasing SDS concentration until it almost completely disappear in the optimal SDS concentration range (1.5–2.0/nm2) and then increase again with the further increase in SDS concentration. Therefore, the second sliding-away mechanism is a more viable separation process. The analysis of SDS anion density profile on the graphene surface indicates that the graphene-surfactant interaction plays an important role in the separation process by stabilizing the separated graphene sheet.
Gain dynamics of quantum dot devices for dual-state operation
Authors: Kaptan Y. , Schmeckebier H. , Herzog B. , Arsenijević D. , Kolarczik M. , Mikhelashvili V. , Owschimikow N. , Eisenstein G. , Bimberg D. , Woggon U.
Published: July 2014

Ground state gain dynamics of In(Ga)As-quantum dot excited state lasers are investigated via single-color ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy below and above lasing threshold. Two-color pump-probe experiments are used to localize lasing and non-lasing quantum dots within the inhomogeneously broadened ground state. Single-color results yield similar gain recovery rates of the ground state for lasing and non-lasing quantum dots decreasing from 6 ps to 2 ps with increasing injection current. We find that ground state gain dynamics are influenced solely by the injection current and unaffected by laser operation of the excited state. This independence is promising for dual-state operation schemes in quantum dot based optoelectronic devices.