bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Care Providers' Perceived Role in Changing Environments to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity: Baseline Findings From Health Care Providers Participating in the Healthy Eating, Active Communities Program
Authors: Boyle Maria , Lawrence Sally , Schwarte Liz , Samuels Sarah , McCarthy William J.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND. The California Endowment's Healthy Eating, Active Communities program was designed to reduce disparities in the incidence of obesity by improving food and physical-activity environments for low-income children. It was recognized at the outset that to succeed, the program needed support from community advocates. Health care providers can be effective advocates to mobilize community members and influence policy makers.

OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to describe how health care providers address obesity prevention in clinical practice and to assess health care providers' level of readiness to advocate for policies to prevent childhood obesity.

METHODS. The study included two data-collection methods, (1) a self-administered survey of health care providers (physicians, dietitians, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and community health workers) and (2) stakeholder interviews with health care facility administrators, health department staff, and health insurance organization representatives. Two-hundred and forty-eight health care providers participated in the provider survey and the health care stakeholder interviews were conducted with 56 respondents.

RESULTS. The majority (65%) of health care providers usually or always discussed the importance of physical-activity, reducing soda consumption, and breastfeeding (as appropriate) during clinical pediatric visits. More than 90% of the providers perceived home or neighborhood environments and parental resistance as barriers to their efforts to prevent childhood obesity in clinical practice. More than 75% of providers reported not having engaged in any policy/advocacy activities related to obesity-prevention. Most (88%) of the stakeholders surveyed thought that health care professionals should advocate for policies to reduce obesity, especially around insurance coverage for obesity-prevention.

CONCLUSIONS. Providers perceived that changing the food and physical-activity environments in neighborhoods and schools was likely to be the most effective way to support their clinical obesity-prevention efforts. Health care providers need time, training, resources, and institutional support to improve their ability to communicate obesity-prevention messages in both clinical practice and as community policy advocates.
West Nile Virus Disease in Children, United States, 1999–2007
Authors: Lindsey Nicole P. , Hayes Edward B. , Staples J. Erin , Fischer Marc
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND. Although West Nile virus (WNV) disease has occurred predominantly among adults in the United States, children are also susceptible. Epidemiological data describing WNV disease in children are limited.

METHODS. We described the epidemiological features of WNV disease among children (<18 years of age) reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1999 through 2007 and compared features of pediatric and adult West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND).

RESULTS. Of 1478 pediatric WNV cases reported from 1999 through 2007, 443 (30%) were classified as WNND, 1009 (68%) were classified as West Nile fever, and 26 (2%) were of unknown clinical presentation. Three WNND cases were fatal. The vast majority of reported case subjects (92%) had onset of illness between July and September. Children accounted for only 4% of all of the WNND case subjects reported from 1999 to 2007, with a median annual incidence of 0.07 case subjects per 100 000 children (range: 0.00–0.19 case subjects). In children and younger adults WNND most often manifested as meningitis, in contrast to the predominance of encephalitis among older adults with WNND. The geographic distribution and temporal trends were of pediatric and adult WNND.

CONCLUSIONS. The epidemiological characteristics of WNV disease in children are similar to adult case subjects; however, WNND is more likely to manifest as meningitis in children than in older adults. WNV should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with febrile illness, meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis, particularly during seasonal outbreaks in endemic areas.
Microkeratome-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty is effective to remove corneal scars
Authors: Takács Ágnes Ildikó , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
Published: June 2009

Célkitűzés:
Manuális mikrokeratom segítségével végzett elülső lamelláris keratoplasztikával nyert tapasztalatunk ismertetése.
Betegek és módszer:
Pterygiumeltávolítás után visszamaradt centrális, elülső stomalis corneaheg és nagyfokú irreguláris astigmia miatt lamelláris keratoplasztikát végeztünk mikrokeratom segítségével 67 éves férfi betegünk bal szemén. A cornea állapotát videokeratográfiával rögzítettük.
Eredmények:
A páciens legjobb korrigált látóélessége, amely műtét előtt +7,0 szferikus és –9,0 cilindrikus dioptriával 0,6 volt, a posztoperatív hatodik hónapra meghaladta a preoperatív értéket. A korrigálatlan visus 0,15-ról 0,6-re javult. A topográfiával mért corneacilinder 7,98 D-ról 3,79 D-ra, a felszíni aszimmetriaindex 2,42-ról 1,48-ra, a felszíni regularitási index 3,24-ról 1,72-ra javult. A minimum keratometry reading (38,35 D) értéke a hatodik hónapra normálértéket (41,69 D) vett fel.
Következtetés:
A mikrokeratommal végzett elülső lamelláris keratoplasztika technikailag biztonságosan kivitelezhető, alkalmasnak tűnik szaruhártyahegek feltisztításán kívül nagyfokú, irreguláris astigmia csökkentésére, ezáltal a látóélesség javítására is.
Processing, mechanical properties and oxidation behavior of TaC and HfC composites containing 15 vol% TaSi2 or MoSi2
Authors: Sciti Diletta , Silvestroni Laura , Guicciardi Stefano , Fabbriche Daniele Dalle , Bellosi Alida
Published: May 2009

Fully dense HfC and TaC-based composites containing 15 vol% TaSi2 or MoSi2 were produced by hot pressing at 1750–1900 °C. TaSi2 enhanced the sinterability of the composites and nearly fully dense materials were obtained at lower temperatures than in the case of MoSi2-containing ones. The TaC-based composites performed better than HfC composites at room temperature, showing values of mechanical strength up to 900 MPa and a fracture toughness of 4.7 MPa·m1/2. However, preliminary oxidation tests carried out in air at 1600 °C revealed that HfC-based composites have a superior high temperature stability compared to TaC-based materials.
Phase transition and thermal expansion coefficient of leucite ceramics with addition of SiO2
Authors: Wiff Juan Paulo , Kinemuchi Yoshiaki , Naito Shimako , Uozumi Ayako , Watari Koji
Published: May 2009

In this work, the influence of SiO2 additions in leucite ceramics on the bulk linear thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) especially during the phase transition, has been studied. Thermal expansion and x-ray diffraction measurements at high temperatures were carried out to characterize the tetragonal-cubic phase transition. TEC for reference and SiO2-added leucite samples exhibited similar behavior as a function of temperature. Before and after the phase transition, the TEC values were similar to those observed in non-SiO2-added samples, whereas during the phase transition, a maximum TEC value was observed and it tends to decrease as the SiO2 addition increases. This behavior could be caused by the formation of an intermediate phase with an extremely high TEC (70 × 10–6 °C−1) during the phase transformation. Furthermore, the results suggest that as the intermediate phase is partially suppressed via SiO2 addition, the cubic phase can be partially stabilized at temperatures as low as 200 °C.
Instrumented indentation microscope applied to the elastoplastic indentation contact mechanics of coating/substrate composites
Authors: Hakiri N. , Matsuda A. , Sakai M.
Published: May 2009

In instrumented indentation tests for a thin film coating on a substrate (film/substrate composite), it is well known that the substrate-affected contact area estimated through conventional approximations includes significant uncertainties, leading to a crucial difficulty in determining the elastic modulus and the contact hardness. To overcome this difficulty, an instrumented indentation microscope that enables researchers to make an in situ determination of the contact area is applied to an elastoplastic film on substrates having various values of their elastic moduli. Using the indentation microscope, the substrate-affected indentation contact parameters including contact hardness of the film/substrate composites are determined directly as well as quantitatively without any undesirable assumptions and approximations associated with the contact area estimate. The effect of a stiffer substrate on the contact profile of impression is significant, switching the profile from sinking in to piling up during penetration, and resulting in the substrate-affected contact hardness being highly enhanced at deeper penetrations. Through the present experimental study, it is demonstrated how efficient that instrumented indentation microscopy is in determining the substrate-affected elastoplastic contact parameters of film/substrate composite systems.
Microstructure and electrical properties of 0.5PZN-0.5PZT relaxor ferroelectrics close to the morphotropic phase boundary
Authors: Zhao Lu-Yang , Hou Yu-Dong , Chang Li-Min , Zhu Man-Kang , Yan Hui
Published: May 2009

Relaxor ferroelectrics of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.5(Zr0.47Ti0.53)0.5O3 (0.5PZN-0.5PZT) were prepared using the conventional oxide mixing method. Both x-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy indicate that the amounts of rhombohedral phase are close to tetragonal phase, implying the presence of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in the system of 0.5PZN-0.5PZT, and this result was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. At MPB composition, the excellent piezoelectric properties, such as kp (0.66) and d33 (425pC/N), were obtained due to the more possible polarization directions of domains and high dc resistivity of 6.5 × 1010 Ω·cm. Meanwhile, the dielectric studies revealed that the indicator of the degree of diffuseness γ value is 1.73, implying that the relaxor nature of the 0.5PZN-0.5PZT is ceramic. The activation energy related to the dc conductivity was estimated from a linear fitting of the Arrhenius law. The value of 0.09 and 1.04 eV for low and high temperature range corresponds well to the activation energies of migration and first ionization of the oxygen vacancies.
Phase transformations in (111) Si after spherical indentation
Authors: Haq Ayesha J. , Munroe P.R.
Published: May 2009

Phase transformations in (111) Si after spherical indentation have been investigated by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Even at an indentation load of 20 mN, a phase transformation zone including the high-pressure crystalline Si phases was observed within the residual imprints. The volume of the transformation zone, as well as that of the crystalline phases increased with the indentation load. Below the transformation zone, slip was found to occur on {311} planes rather than on {111} planes, usually observed on indentation of (100) Si. The distribution of defects was asymmetric, and for indentation loads up to 80 mN, their density was significantly lower than that reported for (100) Si. The experimental observations correlated well with modeling of the applied stress through ELASTICA.
Wide range (20–200 nm) size control of spherical ferrite particles grown on seed crystals in aqueous solution added with sucrose
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Nagai Hironori , Tada Masaru , Nakagawa Takashi , Sandhu Adarsh , Tamaura Yutaka , Handa Hiroshi , Abe Masanori
Published: May 2009

Spherical particles of ferrite (intermediate between Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3) were grown on seed crystals (∼9 nm) via the green rust route in an aqueous solution added with sucrose, which promotes spherical growth. By highly dispersing the seed crystals in an HNO3 solution, we could control the diameter of the particles over a wide range of 20–200 nm (geometric standard deviation: 1.1–1.4) by changing the amount of the seed crystals. At the beginning of the seed growth, clusters of the seed crystals were resolved into smaller clusters, each composed of a few seed crystals.
Composition, Size, Structure, and Magnetic Characterization of Iron-Platinum Nano-particles
Authors: Parekh N. , Young G. , Singh A. , Parvin K. , Kaur M. , Bruck D. , Wong S.
Published: June 2009

Iron-platinum (FePt) nano-particles were synthesized using a hot metal salt reduction reaction with iron chloride and platinum acetylacetonate as the precursor salts. The synthesis route was based upon work done previously by Sun et Al.[6]. The size and composition of the FePt nano-particles were controlled by varying the surfactant to reagent molar ratio and refluxing time during synthesis. The average size of FePt nano-particles synthesized ranged from 4.08 nm to 5.23 nm. The composition of the nano-particles ranged from Fe60Pt40 to Fe55Pt45. The size was shown to increase as the surfactant to reagent molar ratio was changed from 1:6 to 1:1. The platinum composition increased from 40 % to 45 % with an increase in the refluxing time from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. The X-ray analysis (XRD) showed that the unannealed nano-particles had a FCC crystal structure. The FCC FePt nano-particles were superparamagnetic at room temperature. A blocking temperature (Tb) of 35 K was measured for 5.23 nm Fe55Pt45 nano-particles. Annealing of the Fe55Pt45 nano-particles induced a FCT crystal structure with hard-magnetic properties. Coercivity (Hc) of approximately 13000 Oe was measured at room temperature.

(a) Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, San Jose State University

(b) Department of Physics and Astronomy, San Jose State University

(c) Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University
Superhydrophobic Nanocrystalline Nickel Films Inspired by Lotus Leaf
Authors: Shafiei Mehdi , Alpas Ahmet T.
Published: June 2009

A new method to fabricate superhydrophobic hard films is described. Surface texture of lotus leaf was replicated on an acetate film, on which a nanocrystalline (NC) Ni coating with a grain size of 30 ± 4 nm and a hardness of 4.42 GPa was electrodeposited. The surface texture consisted of conical protuberances with a height of 10.0 ± 2.0 0m and a tip radius of 2.5 ± 0.5 0m. An additional electrodeposition for 120 s and 300 s was used to locally modify the surface structure by depositing ‘Ni crowns' on the protuberances that increased their height to 14.0 ± 2.0 0m and their tip radius to 6.0 ± 0.5 0m. The modified structures were then treated with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) solution, which provided a high water contact angle of 156°, i.e., comparable to the naturally superhydrophobic lotus leaf. The increased hydrophobicity as a result of surface structure and chemistry modifications was evident compared to a smooth NC Ni sample, which had a contact angle of 64°.
Para-sexiphenyl-CdSe Nanocrystals Hybrid Light Emitting Diodes with Optimized Layer Thickness and Interfaces
Authors: Simbrunner Clemens , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo , Baumgartner Eugen , Hesser Günter , Roither Jürgen , Heiss Wolfgang , Sitter Helmut
Published: June 2009

CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals are embedded in para-sexiphenyl (p-6P) based hybrid light emitting diode devices providing red, green and blue (RGB) emission compatible to the HDTV color triangle. By structural and optical investigations the device parameters are optimized. The device performance is analyzed in respect to electrical and spectral response resulting in current-voltage characteristics with small leakage currents and low onset voltages. Furthermore the devices provide high color purity and stability which is demonstrated by their narrow emission line widths. All these results underline the ability of the presented device configuration to act as a future candidate for display applications.
Introduction of Innovative Dopant Concentration Profiles to Broaden the Recombination Zone of Phosphorescent OVPD-Processed Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Bösing Manuel , Zimmermann Christoph , Lindla Florian , Jessen Frank , van Gemmern Philipp , Bertram Dietrich , Meyer Nico , Keiper Dietmar , Heuken M. , Kalisch Holger , Jansen Rolf H.
Published: June 2009

OLED with non-constant dopant concentration profiles have been processed by means of organic vapour phase deposition (OVPD) and were compared with regard to their luminous current efficiencies. Especially when driven at ultra-high luminance (>10,000 cd/A), OLED with a dopant concentration profile starting with a rather high dopant concentration on the anode side of the emissive layer showed improved luminous current efficiencies compared to their conventional counterparts.

To further investigate this effect, the width and location of the recombination zone have been simulated for all investigated concentration profiles by numerical solution of the semiconductor device equations using experimentally determined doping-dependent charge carrier mobilities. The obtained theoretical results are discussed with regard to the accomplished experiments.
Epitaxial Phase Change Materials: Growth and Switching of Ge2Sb2Te5 on GaSb(001)
Authors: Braun Wolfgang , Shayduk Roman , Flissikowski Timur , Grahn Holger T. , Riechert Henning , Fons Paul , Kolobov Alex
Published: June 2009

Epitaxial Ge2Sb2Te5 has been successfully grown on GaSb(001) by molecular beam epitaxy. The films show a tendency for void formation and rough morphology, but at the same time a very strong epitaxial orientation, cubic structure and a sharp interface to the substrate. The layers can be reversibly switched between the crystalline and amorphous phases using short laser pulses.
Cu-In and Cu-Zn-Sn Films as Precursors for Production of CuInSe2 and Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin Films
Authors: Volobujeva Olga , Mellikov Enn , Raudoja Jaan , Bereznev Sergei , Pilvet Maris
Published: June 2009

The co-sputtered Cu-In precursor layers were characterized by bi-layer surface structure in which island-type crystals were formed in a small-crystalline matrix layer. The elemental composition of the island-type crystals corresponds to the compound CuIn2 and the matrix (area) consists of copper-rich Cu11In9 phase. The surface morphology of sequentially evaporated Cu-Zn-Sn precursor layers is determined by the deposition order of stacked consistent metal layers. Precursor Mo-Sn-Zn-Cu films exhibit a well-formed “mesa-like” structure of the surface in which larger crystals (about 1,5 μm) are located on a “small-crystalline” valley. For films with other sequences of metallic layers, the mesa like structure is not so well exposed and well formed flat precursor layers were produced replacing separate metallic Cu and Sn layers with Cu/Sn alloy layer. Selenization of both Cu-In and Cu-Zn-Sn precursor layers begins with the formation of binary Cu-selenides with compositions varying with the temperature. At temperatures higher than 3700C the selenization of Cu-In results in single-phase CuInSe2 films in contrast to the selenization of Sn-Zn-Cu films that results always in multi-phase films consisting of high quality Cu2ZnSnSe4 crystals and of separate small-crystalline phase of ZnSe.
Preparation and Properties of CdTe Films on Mo/Glass Substrates
Authors: Valdna Vello , Grossberg Maarja , Jaan Hiie , Kallavus Urve , Mikli Valdek , Traksmaa Rainer , Viljus Mart
Published: June 2009

Short-bandgap group II-VI compound cadmium telluride is widely used for the infrared optics, radiation detectors, and solar cells where p-type CdTe is needed. p-type conductivity of CdTe is mainly caused by the chlorine-based A-centers, and in part, by the less stable copper-oxygen complexes. As a rule, CdTe films are recrystallized by the help of a cadmium chloride flux that saturates CdTe with chlorine. In chlorine-saturated CdTe A-centers are converted to isoelectronic complexes that cause resistivity increasement of CdTe up to 9 orders of magnitude. Excess copper and oxygen or group I elements as sodium also deteriorate the p-type conductivity of CdTe like excess chlorine. p-type conductivity of CdTe can be restored e.g. by the vacuum annealing which removes excess chlorine from the film. Unfortunately, treatment that betters p-type conductivity of the CdTe film degrades the junction of the superstrate configuration cells. In this work we investigate possibilities to prepare p-type CdTe films on the molybdenum coated glass substrates. Samples were prepared by the vacuum evaporation and dynamic recrystallization of 6N purity CdTe on the top of Mo-coated glass substrates. Then samples were recrystallized with cadmium chloride flux under tellurium vapour pressure. Results of the test studies on the structure and electronic parameters of samples are presented and discussed.
Thermoelectrics for High Temperatures: A Survey of State of the Art
Authors: Böttner Harald
Published: June 2009

A survey of state of the art of the development of high temperature materials is presented and will be discussed in comparison to the situation in the 1990th. An attempt will be made to assess the state of the art of the materials thermoelectric properties, their technical level, and possible potential for standardized device technology. Also a first assessment based on current commodity prices for some important thermoelectric compounds will be made.
As a roundup advantages and drawbacks for some classical and upcoming compounds will be given. The main challenges, which will have to be overcome to finally enable thermoelectric power generation as a recycling technology of “nomadic” energy, will be summarized. As a result, thermoelectrics should play an important role in the field of green energies.
Investigation of Solid-State Immiscibility and Thermoelectric Properties of the System PbTe – PbS
Authors: Girard Steven N , He Jiaqing , Dravid Vinayak P , Kanatzidis Mercouri G
Published: June 2009

We have shown that (Pb1-mSnmTe)1-x(PbS)x where m = 0.05 and x = 0.08 exhibits a ZT of ˜1.4 at 700 K. This system incorporates two thermoelectric systems: PbSxTe1-x and Pb1-xSnxTe. Here we report the thermoelectric properties of PbSxTe1-x (x = 0.08 and 0.30). The material PbS0.08Te0.92 exhibits nucleation and growth of PbS precipitates, while PbS0.30Te0.70 exhibits PbS precipitation through spinodal decomposition phase separation. We report the thermoelectric properties of this system as a result of the differing precipitation phenomena.
Thermoelectric Properties of Sb-doped Sintered Mg2Si Fabricated using Commercial Polycrystalline Sources
Authors: Fukushima Naoki , Iida Tsutomu , Akasaka Masayasu , Nemoto Takashi , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Kobayashi Ryo , Taguchi Hirohisa , Nishio Keishi , Takanashi Yoshifumi
Published: June 2009

The thermoelectric (TE) properties, such as the Seebeck coefficient, the electrical and thermal conductivities, and the output power, of Sb-doped n-type Mg2Si were studied. A commercial polycrystalline source was used for the source material for the Mg2Si. TE elements with Ni electrodes were fabricated by using a monobloc plasma-activated sintering (PAS) technique. Compared with undoped samples, the ZT values of the Sb-doped samples were higher over the whole temperature range in which measurements were made; the maximum value for the Sb doped Mg2Si was 0.72 at 864 K. The TE characteristics of Sb-doped samples were found to be comparable to those of Bi-doped ones, and no significant difference in ZT value was observed between them. Provisional results showed that the maximum value of the output power was 6.75 mW for the undoped sample, 4.55 mW for a 0.5 at% Sb doped sample, and 5.25 mW for a 1 at% Sb doped sample with ΔT = 500 K (between 873 K and 373 K).
Phonon Bottleneck Effect in Organic Molecules
Authors: Bandyopadhyay S. , Kanchibotla Bhargava
Published: June 2009

We have measured the ensemble averaged transverse spin relaxation time T2* (associated with g = 4 resonance) in bulk powders of the organic molecule Alq3, and in samples containing 1-2 molecules confined in nanocavities of dimension ˜ 2 nm. Both T2* times are strongly temperature dependent indicating that they are determined by phonon-mediated spin relaxation. Interestingly, the T2* time in nanocavities is ˜2.5 times longer than in bulk powder over a wide temperature range. The longer T2* in the nanocavity is evidence of weakened electron-phonon interaction. We believe that electron-phonon interaction is suppressed because the cavity confines phonons and discretizes the phonon modes and phonon energies. As a result, the chances of a phonon induced (inelastic) spin relaxation event are reduced owing to the need to conserve energy in the relaxation process. This is a novel “phonon bottleneck effect” that to our knowledge has not been previously reported.
Theory of Thermal Conductivity of Micro- and Nano-structured Materials
Authors: Srivastava Gyaneshwar P.
Published: June 2009

We provide a brief discussion of the Boltzmann equation derived Callaway-Debye relaxation time theory of lattice thermal conductivity of micro- and nano-structured materials (of size greater than 20 nm. Incorporated in the theory is a comprehensive treatment of three-phonon scattering events. Using numerical results from this theory, we present a quantitative investigation of the magnitude and temperature variation of the conductivity of CVD polycrystalline diamond films, suspended GaAs nanostructures, Si nanowires, and AlN micro- and nano-ceramics.
Dopants in nanoscale ZnO
Authors: McCluskey Matt , Oo Win Maw Hlaing , Teklemichael Samuel
Published: June 2009

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a metal-oxide semiconductor that has attracted resurgent interest as an electronic material for a range of device applications. In our work, we have focused on how defect properties change as one goes from the bulk to the nanoscale. Infrared (IR) reflectance spectra of as-grown and hydrogen-annealed ZnO nanoparticles were measured at near-normal incidence. The as-grown particles were electrically semi-insulating, and show reflectance spectra characteristic of insulating ionic crystals. Samples annealed in hydrogen showed a significant increase in electrical conductivity and free-carrier absorption. A difference was observed in the reststrahlen line shape of the conductive sample compared to that of the as-grown sample. In addition to hydrogen doping, we successfully doped ZnO nanoparticles with Cu. To probe the electronic transitions of Cu2+ impurities in ZnO nanoparticles, IR transmission spectra were taken at liquid-helium temperatures. Two absorption peaks were observed at energies of 5781 and 5821 cm-1. Finally, we tentatively assign a series of IR spectral lines to Na acceptors.
Structural Fingerprinting of Nanocrystals: Advantages of Precession Electron Diffraction, Automated Crystallite Orientation and Phase Maps
Authors: Moeck Peter , Rouvimov Sergei , Rauch Edgar , Nicolopoulos Stavros
Published: June 2009

Strategies for the structurally identification of nanocrystals from Precession Electron Diffraction (PED) patterns in a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) are outlined. A single-crystal PED pattern may be utilized for the structural identification of an individual nanocrystal. Ensembles of nanocrystals may be fingerprinted structurally from “powder PED patterns”. Highly reliable “crystal orientation & structure” maps may be obtained from automatically recorded and processed scanning-PED patterns at spatial resolutions that are superior to those of the competing electron backscattering diffraction technique of scanning electron microscopy. The analysis procedure of that automated technique has recently been extended to Fourier transforms of high resolution TEM images, resulting in similarly effective mappings. Open-access crystallographic databases are mentioned as they may be utilized in support of our structural fingerprinting strategies.
Structural Characterization of GeSn Alloy Nanocrystals Embedded in SiO2
Authors: Shin Swanee J. , Guzman Julian , Yuan Chun-Wei , Liao Christopher Y. , Stone Peter , Dubon Oscar D. , Minor Andrew M. , Watanabe Masashi , Ager Joel , Chrzan Daryl , Haller Eugene
Published: June 2009

GeSn alloy nanocrystals were formed by implantation of Ge and Sn ions into an amorphous SiO2 matrix and subsequent thermal annealing. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with a high angle annular dark field (HAADF) detector were used to show that phase-segregated crystalline bi-lobe nanocrystals were formed. Rapid melting and solidification using a single excimer laser pulse transformed the bi-lobe structure into a homogeneously mixed amorphous structure. Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor the crystalline nature and approximate grain size of the Ge portion of the nanocrystals after each heat treatment, and the Raman spectra were compared with the TEM images.
In-situ TEM investigation of deformation behavior of metallic glass pillars
Authors: Chen Changqiang , Pei Yutao , De Hosson Jeff
Published: June 2009

We show results of in situ TEM (Transmission electron microscope) quantitative investigations on the compression behaviors of amorphous micropillars fabricated by focused ion beam from Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni6Sn2Si1 metallic glass (MG) ribbon. Pillars with well defined gauge sections and tip diameter ranging from 100 nm to 640 nm are studied. Quantitative compression tests were performed by a recently developed Picoindenter TEM holder, with the evolution of individual shear bands monitored in real time in TEM. It is found that the deformation of the MG pillars at the present size domain is still dominated by discrete shear banding as demonstrated by intermittent events in the load-displacement curves. However, the frequency, amplitude and distribution of these shear banding events are clearly size dependent at submicrometer scale, leading to an apparently transition in deformation mode from highly localized inhomogeneous deformation to less localized and more distributed deformation with decreasing pillars diameter. Deformation of a 105 nm diameter pillar having rounded tips is characterized with fully homogeneous bulge at the initial stage of deformation, indicating prompting effect of multi-axial stress state on transition to fully homogeneous deformation.
Numerical Simulations of Topologically Interlocked Materials Coupling DEM Methods and FEM Calculations: Comparison with Indentation Experiments
Authors: Brugger Charles , Fivel Marc C. , Bréchet Yves
Published: June 2009

Planar assemblies of interlocked cubic blocs have been tested in indentation. Experiments are performed on blocs made of plaster. Influence of key parameters such as the surface roughness, the compression stress and the number of blocs are investigated. A numerical modeling is then proposed based on discrete element method. Each bloc is represented by its centre coordinates. Constitutive equations obtained by finite element simulations are introduced to model the contact between the blocs. The numerical tool is then applied to the case of indentation loading. It is found that the model reproduces all the experimental tendencies.
Percepção de familiares sobre a anorexia e bulimia: revisão sistemática
Authors: Espíndola Cybele Ribeiro , Blay Sérgio Luís
Published: June 2009

Realizou-se revisão sistemática da literatura publicada entre 1990 e 2006 com metodologia qualitativa sobre a perspectiva de familiares de pessoas com anorexia e bulimia nervosa. Após revisão crítica dos artigos e metassíntese, utilizou-se a abordagem meta-etnográfica para analisar e sintetizar os dados. O processo de interpretação empregado foi a reciprocal translation. Dentre 3.415 estudos, nove atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Dois conceitos emergiram: reconhecimento da doença e repercussões da doença. Na reorganização familiar, o sentimento de impotência foi predominante. Os resultados indicam a presença de distorções sobre os conceitos da doença associadas a um comprometimento familiar, que modifica a comunicação, atitudes e comportamentos dentro de um contexto de impotência.
Variáveis geomorfométricas locais e sua relação com a vegetação da região do interflúvio Madeira-Purus (AM-RO)
Authors: Bispo Polyanna da Conceição , Valeriano Márcio de Morisson , Kuplich Tatiana Mora
Published: June 2009

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial das variáveis geomorfométricas extraídas de dados SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission) para identificação de tipos vegetacionais da região do interflúvio Madeira-Purus. As variáveis geomorfométricas (elevação, declividade, orientação de vertente, curvatura vertical e curvatura horizontal) foram confrontadas com o mapa de vegetação do projeto RADAMBRASIL através de análises de histogramas e análises discriminantes. Tais análises indicaram os grupos de classes vegetacionais que podem ser separados mais facilmente em contraste com outros grupos que ocorrem sob as mesmas condições topográficas. As variáveis de relevo mais importantes na distinção entre os tipos vegetacionais foram: a elevação, a declividade e a orientação de vertentes. Apesar dos dados geomorfométricos mostrarem potencial indicativo das classes de vegetação, as análises resultaram em discriminação em um nível aquém do detalhamento temático máximo apresentado pelos dados RADAM. Tal desempenho pode ser explicado pela incompatibilidade das escalas de variação exibidas entre os dados geomorfométricos em relação ao tamanho das unidades de mapeamento da vegetação, além da co-ocorrência de classes de respostas distintas ao relevo sob uma mesma associação de classes sob as mesmas classes na legenda. Com base nas análises discriminantes das variáveis geomorfométricas, foi possível o mapeamento da vegetação experimentalmente até o nível de subfisionomias.
Avaliação da predação de Podocnemis expansa e Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines, Podocnemididae) no rio Javaés, Tocantins
Authors: Salera Junior Giovanni , Malvasio Adriana , Portelinha Thiago Costa Gonçalves
Published: June 2009

Podocnemis expansa e P. unifilis são animais de vida longa, com uma demorada maturação sexual, o que influencia uma baixa taxa de substituição de indivíduos. Suas populações são caracterizadas por uma pequena mortalidade dos animais adultos, mas alta taxa de mortalidade de filhotes e embriões. Sendo a predação natural de ninhos e filhotes um dos fatores mais importantes do baixo sucesso de eclosão dessas espécies. No rio Javaés, os ovos e recém-eclodidos podem ser predados por uma grande diversidade de animais: dentre as aves, urubus (Coragyps atratus e Cathartes aura), carcará (Polyborus plancus), jaburu (Jabiru mycteria); lagartos (Tupinambis teguixin) e mamíferos de pequeno porte, coati (Nasua nasua) e cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Do total anual de desovas de P. unifilis em média 65,98% são predadas, sendo 41,68% de forma total e 24,30% parcialmente. Enquanto que apenas 5,31% das ninhadas de P. expansa são sempre parcialmente predadas. Dentre os predadores aquáticos existem diversos peixes, principalmente piranhas (Serrasalmus nattereri) e jacarés (Melanosuchus niger e Caimam crocodilus). Os predadores das fêmeas de P. unifilis são: jacaré-açu (Melanosuchus niger), onça-pintada (Panthera onca) e onça-parda (Puma concolor). Enquanto que as fêmeas de P. expansa em postura, somente são predadas por P. onca. As fêmeas de P. unifilis em postura são predadas num total médio de 3,93% anualmente, enquanto que para P. expansa a média anual é 5,66% das fêmeas.
Prevalência e fatores associados às manifestações bucais em pacientes HIV positivos atendidos em cidade sul-brasileira
Authors: Gasparin Adriano Baraciol , Ferreira Fabiana Vargas , Danesi Cristiane Cademartori , Mendoza-Sassi Raúl Andrés , Silveira Jussara , Martinez Ana Maria Barral , Zhang Linjie , Cesar Juraci A.
Published: June 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de lesões bucais entre pacientes HIV positivos e identificar fatores associados a tais lesões. Foi realizado estudo transversal que coletou dados mediante entrevista, exame clínico e consulta aos prontuários médicos de pacientes adultos atendidos no Serviço de HIV-AIDS do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, sendo considerados fatores sócio-demográficos, imunológicos e terapêuticos. Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson num modelo hierárquico de análise. Entre abril de 2006 a janeiro de 2007 foram observados 300 pacientes, sendo 51% do sexo masculino e média de idade de 40 anos; 39% apresentaram lesões bucais, sendo a candidíase a mais freqüente (59,1%), seguida de leucoplasia pilosa (19,5%). As mulheres apresentaram um risco menor, com observância de uma associação inversa com o CD4. Houve um risco maior entre aqueles pacientes com menor escolaridade, menor renda, tabagistas, dependentes do álcool, com maior tempo de infecção pelo HIV e carga viral mais elevada. Os dados confirmaram a elevada prevalência das manifestações bucais oportunistas e evidenciaram a sua relação com a situação social, assim como sua relação com determinados hábitos e costumes passíveis de modificação.
Epidemiologia da leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Estado do Acre, Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Silva Natal Santos da , Muniz Vitor Dantas
Published: June 2009

Efetuou-se estudo estatístico descritivo em 8.516 casos de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Estado do Acre, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2006 (segundo período), comparando-se com os resultados de publicação anterior com dados no mesmo estado entre 1992 e 1997 (primeiro período). A prevalência no estado mais que dobrou entre os dois momentos (55,7/10 mil habitantes de 1992 a 1997 e 128,5/10 mil habitantes entre 2001 e 2006. O sexo masculino foi o mais acometido (68,8%, n = 5.860) no segundo período. A média das idades foi de 26,3 anos, valor discretamente menor do que o do primeiro período. Pacientes com baixa escolaridade foram os mais acometidos pela doença. As demais variáveis avaliadas foram zona de residência, ocupação, critério de diagnóstico, forma clínica, tratamento, recidiva, tempo para procurar tratamento e evolução da doença. Conclui-se que houve piora nos indicadores epidemiológicos da leishmaniose tegumentar americana avaliados no estado entre os períodos estudados.
Nicotine on rat TRAM flap
Authors: Ely Pedro Bins , Kobayashi Ludmila Aimi , Campos José Humberto Oliveira , Gomes Heitor Carvalho , Juliano Yara , Ferreira Lydia Masako
Published: June 2009

PURPOSE: The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is one of the preferential techniques used in breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on cutaneous flap survival; although there are no experimental studies proving this effect on musculocutaneous flaps. The aim of this study is to verify the effect of nicotine on the rat TRAM flap. METHODS: 30 Wistar EPM-1 rats were randomly distributed in two groups: control and experimental. The animals of the control group received saline solution injected subcutaneously, in a volume of 0.2 ml, twice a day, during 28 days in the preoperative period. The animals of the experimental group were treated with nicotine, injected subcutaneously, in a dose of 2 mg/kg twice a day, during 28 days in the preoperative period. All the animals were submitted to the caudally based, right unipedicled TRAM flap. 48 hours after the procedure, a study of the viable area of the flap was done through photographic documentation. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS: The experimental group had significantly greater area of necrosis when compared with the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Nicotine increased the area of necrosis of the TRAM flap, in rats.
"Near miss": repercussões e percepção da assistência recebida por mulheres sobreviventes egressas de uma unidade de terapia intensiva
Authors: Godoy Sandra Regina de , Gualda Dulce Maria Rosa , Bergamasco Roselena Bazilli , Tsunechiro Maria Alice
Published: June 2009

OBJETIVO: Relatar as repercussões do "near miss" para a vida de mulheres sobreviventes e a percepção da assistência recebida. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa fundamentada na história oral. Foram utilizados conceitos da Antropologia Médica como referencial teórico. Para a coleta de dados foram realizadas entrevistas organizadas em narrativas com 13 mulheres egressas de uma UTI, durante o período de 2003 a 2005, residentes em Fernandópolis, SP. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que para algumas mulheres a experiência foi sofrida e deixou marcas, como a perda da fertilidade, sintomas depressivos, resignação ou falta de perspectiva de vida. Outras conseguiram ajustar-se e redirecionar suas vidas. Muitas se queixaram da assistência recebida, da negligência e ou imperícia dos profissionais durante o evento. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitiram compreender a experiência das mulheres e apontaram para a desumanização do cuidado indicando a necessidade de estudos a respeito de questões éticas relativas às ações dos profissionais.
Vínculo doente-profissional de saúde na atenção a pacientes com tuberculose
Authors: Brunello Maria Eugênia Firmino , Cerqueira Danuza Firmino , Pinto Ione Carvalho , Arcênio Ricardo Alexandre , Gonzales Roxana Isabel Cardozo , Villa Tereza Cristina Scatena , Scatena Lúcia Marina
Published: June 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho dos serviços de saúde no controle da tuberculose para o estabelecimento do vínculo entre doente e profissional de saúde no Município de Ribeirão Preto - SP, em 2007. MÉTODOS: Foi aplicado um questionário a 100 doentes, elaborado para atenção básica e adaptado para atenção à tuberculose, que contém dez indicadores de avaliação de vinculo. RESULTADOS: Mais de 60% dos doentes de cada unidade referiam que conversam sobre outros assuntos além da tuberculose com os profissionais da saúde, mais de 90% relataram ter tempo suficiente para esclarecer dúvidas sobre o tratamento. Mais de 50% dos doentes de cada ambulatório relataram procurar o médico quando necessitam de cestas básicas ou vale-transporte. CONCLUSÃO: A organização da assistência à tuberculose realizada por equipes especializadas nos Programas de Controle da Tuberculose apresentou indicadores favoráveis ao vínculo, o que pode contribuir para a identificação das necessidades e busca de soluções.
Associação de urticária de contato e dermatite alérgica de contato à borracha
Authors: Fernadez Ohalis Luanda , Canosa Juliana Macedo , Lazzarini Rosana , Duarte Ida
Published: June 2009

Apresenta-se o caso de uma profissional da área da saúde que desenvolveu reação de hipersensibilidade dos tipos I e IV à borracha. O quadro clínico mostrava dermatite eczematosa no dorso das mãos. O teste de contato foi positivo para o grupo tiuram, assim como o teste aberto com fragmento de luva após exposição de 20 minutos. A dosagem de IgE sérica (Rast) mostrou-se relevante. As reações aos alérgenos da borracha são frequentes entre os profissionais da saúde, devido ao contato constante com esse material.
Superdotação: conceitos e modelos de diagnóstico e intervenção psicoeducativa
Authors: Pocinho Margarida
Published: June 2009

A definição de sobredotação não está isenta de inseguranças e de controvérsias. O conceito não é estático, está em constante evolução, sendo que a tendência actual é caracterizada pela ponderação de outras variáveis além das cognitivas e da inteligência. Segundo o World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, considera-se sobredotada a pessoa com elevado desempenho ou elevada potencialidade, em qualquer dos seguintes aspectos isolados ou combinados: capacidade intelectual geral, aptidão académica específica, pensamento criativo ou produtivo, talento especial para as artes visuais, dramáticas e musicais, capacidade motora e capacidade de liderança. A multiplicidade de conceitos acaba, assim, por traduzir a multiplicidade de critérios a ter em conta na definição de sobredotação, implicando que a avaliação seja também multirreferencial, abrindo, consequentemente, um leque diversificado de propostas de intervenção assim como o recurso a diferentes agentes, procedimentos e instrumentos de avaliação.
Relationship marketing strategies: when buyer and supplier follow different strategies to achieve performance
Authors: Claro Danny Pimentel , Claro Priscila Borin de Oliveira , Zylbersztajn Decio
Published: June 2009

Relationship marketing is essential for success in business. The need to understand better the differences in the strategies buyers and suppliers follow is what has motivated this study. We drew on emerging perspectives on inter-firm governance and networks to develop a theoretical framework to understand the success of long-term relationships. We tested the framework using data from 67 merchant distributors (buyers) and 174 suppliers of theirs in the Dutch potted plant and flower industry. While the most successful distributors tend to take the "hard", tangible strategy using transaction specific investments and fostering joint action, the successful suppliers take the "soft", social approach by emphasizing trust and the norm of flexibility in the relationship.
Improved Quality of Cryopreserved Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Spermatozoa After Centrifugation Through Accudenz
Authors: Crosier Adrienne E. , Henghali Josephine N. , Howard Jogayle , Pukazhenthi Budhan S. , Terrell Kimberly A. , Marker Laurie L. , Wildt David E.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: Sperm cryopreservation, in combination with assisted reproductive techniques, is a valuable tool for the genetic management of endangered felids. However, the acrosome of the cheetah spermatozoon is especially sensitive to cryopreservation, with approximately 40% of spermatozoa experiencing acrosomal damage immediately after thawing and then another approximately 15% loss during the next 4 hours in vitro. Additionally, thawing causes a reduction in sperm motility by approximately 20% with another decrease of approximately 12% during subsequent incubation in vitro. We hypothesized that slow removal of glycerol from cryopreserved cheetah spermatozoa using an Accudenz gradient would improve acrosomal integrity, sperm motility longevity, and structural morphology. Accudenz was compared with traditional cheetah sperm processing methods for glycerol removal that involves washing, multistep resuspension, and swim‐up processing. Electroejaculates (n = 21 total from 8 males) were washed in Ham F10 medium, and sperm pellets were resuspended in TEST‐yolk buffer with 0% glycerol. Samples were cryopreserved in straws in 4% final glycerol, thawed, and assessed for percent intact acrosomes (% IA), percent motility (% M), and forward progressive status (FPS; scale, 0–5). Sperm motility index (SMI) was calculated as (% M + [FPS × 20]) ÷ 2. In study 1, glycerol removal by centrifugation through an Accudenz gradient (4%, 10%) was compared with traditional sperm washing (control) and multistep resuspension protocols. At each time after centrifugation (hourly for 4 hours), % IA was improved (P < .05) for Accudenz (range, 36%–39%) compared with control (30%–33%) and multistep (29%–33%) treatments. In study 2, a modified Accudenz protocol was compared with traditional washing and was found to improve (P < .05) SMI (range, 52–64) compared with controls (range, 41–52) at each time postthaw after centrifugation. In study 3, swim‐up processed sperm were compared with those treated by centrifugation through Accudenz and traditional sperm washing for improving sperm morphology. The percentage of structurally‐normal sperm recovered postthawing increased (P < .05) for both the Accudenz (38%) and swim‐up (33%) treatments compared with controls (21%). Percent IA and SMI also were improved (P < .05) for Accudenz (range, 39%–47% and 46–59, respectively) compared with controls (range, 26%–33% and 40–53, respectively). Results indicate that using Accudenz for glycerol removal from cryopreserved cheetah sperm mitigates the significant loss in sperm quality that occurs after freeze‐thawing. This alleviation of cellular damage resulting from cryopreservation contributes to a more than 10% improvement in overall sperm motility and, more importantly, allows retention of 40% or more of sperm with intact acrosomes.