bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Element Organic Frameworks Based on Sn, Sb, and Bi, with Permanent Porosity and High Catalytic Activity
Authors: Fritsch Julia , Rose Marcus , Wollmann Philipp , Böhlmann Winfried , Kaskel Stefan
Published: March 2010

We present new element organic frameworks based on Sn, Sb and Bi atoms connected via organic linkers by element-carbon bonds. The open frameworks are characterized by specific surface areas (BET) of up to 445 m2 g-1 and a good stability under ambient conditions resulting from a highly hydrophobic inner surface. They show good performance as heterogeneous catalysts in the cyanosylilation of benzaldehyde as a test reaction. Due to their catalytic activity, this class of materials might be able to replace common homogeneous element-organic and often highly toxic catalysts especially in the food industry.
Leucine Aminopeptidase, β-Glucosidase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Rates and Their Significance in Nutrient Cycles in Some Coastal Mediterranean Sites
Authors: Caruso Gabriella
Published: March 2010

In aquatic microbial ecology, knowledge of the processes involved in the turnover of organic matter is of utmost importance to understand ecosystem functioning. Microorganisms are major players in the cycling of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and carbon, thanks to their enzymatic activities (leucine aminopeptidase, LAP, alkaline phosphatase, AP, and β-glucosidase, β-GLU) on organic polymers (proteins, organic phosphates and polysaccharides, respectively). Estimates of the decomposition rates of organic polymers are performed using fluorogenic compounds, whose hydrolysis rate allow us to obtain information on the “potential” metabolic activity of the prokaryotic community. This paper refers the enzyme patterns measured during recent oceanographic cruises performed in some coastal Mediterranean sites, not yet fully investigated in terms of microbial biogeochemical processes. Mean enzyme activity rates ranged from 5.24 to 5558.1 nM/h, from 12.68 to 244.73 nM/h and from 0.006 to 9.51 nM/h for LAP, AP and β-GLU, respectively. The highest LAP and AP activity rates were measured in the Gulf of Milazzo (Tyrrhenian Sea) and in the Straits of Messina, in association with the lowest bacterioplankton abundance; in contrast, the lowest ones were found in the northern Adriatic Sea. β-GLU was more active in the Straits of Messina. Activity rates were analysed in relation to the main environmental variables. Along the northern Adriatic coastal side affected by the Po river, significant inverse relationships linked LAP and AP with salinity, pointing out that fluvial inputs provided organic substrates for microbial metabolism. Both in the Gulf of Manfredonia and in the Straits of Messina, LAP and AP levels were inversely related with the concentration of nitrate and inorganic phosphorus, respectively. In the Gulf of Milazzo, high cell-specific AP measured in spite of phosphorus availability suggested the role of this enzyme not only in phosphorus, but also in carbon release.
The Halogenated Metabolism of Brown Algae (Phaeophyta), Its Biological Importance and Its Environmental Significance
Authors: La Barre Stéphane , Potin Philippe , Leblanc Catherine , Delage Ludovic
Published: March 2010

Brown algae represent a major component of littoral and sublittoral zones in temperate and subtropical ecosystems. An essential adaptive feature of this independent eukaryotic lineage is the ability to couple oxidative reactions resulting from exposure to sunlight and air with the halogenations of various substrates, thereby addressing various biotic and abiotic stresses i.e., defense against predators, tissue repair, holdfast adhesion, and protection against reactive species generated by oxidative processes. Whereas marine organisms mainly make use of bromine to increase the biological activity of secondary metabolites, some orders of brown algae such as Laminariales have also developed a striking capability to accumulate and to use iodine in physiological adaptations to stress. We review selected aspects of the halogenated metabolism of macrophytic brown algae in the light of the most recent results, which point toward novel functions for iodide accumulation in kelps and the importance of bromination in cell wall modifications and adhesion properties of brown algal propagules. The importance of halogen speciation processes ranges from microbiology to biogeochemistry, through enzymology, cellular biology and ecotoxicology.
Isolation and Characterization of a New Ginsenoside from the Fresh Root of Panax Ginseng
Authors: Ruan Chang-Chun , Liu Zhi , Li Xiang , Liu Xia , Wang Li-Juan , Pan Hong-Yu , Zheng Yi-Nan , Sun Guang-Zhi , Zhang Yan-Sheng , Zhang Lian-Xue
Published: March 2010

A new saponin, malonylginsenoside Ra3, was isolated from the fresh root of Panax ginseng, along with four known ginsenosides. The new compound was identified as (20S)-protopanaxadiol-3-O-(6-O-malonyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-20-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRESI-MS spectroscopic data analysis.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides—Mechanisms of Cellular Uptake and Generation of Delivery Systems
Authors: Trabulo Sara , Cardoso Ana Luísa , Mano Miguel , De Lima Maria C. Pedroso
Published: March 2010

The successful clinical application of nucleic acid-based therapeutic strategies has been limited by the poor delivery efficiency achieved by existing vectors. The development of alternative delivery systems for improved biological activity is, therefore, mandatory. Since the seminal observations two decades ago that the Tat protein, and derived peptides, can translocate across biological membranes, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been considered one of the most promising tools to improve non-invasive cellular delivery of therapeutic molecules. Despite extensive research on the use of CPPs for this purpose, the exact mechanisms underlying their cellular uptake and that of peptide conjugates remain controversial. Over the last years, our research group has been focused on the S413-PV cell-penetrating peptide, a prototype of this class of peptides that results from the combination of 13-amino-acid cell penetrating sequence derived from the Dermaseptin S4 peptide with the SV40 large T antigen nuclear localization signal. By performing an extensive biophysical and biochemical characterization of this peptide and its analogs, we have gained important insights into the mechanisms governing the interaction of CPPs with cells and their translocation across biological membranes. More recently, we have started to explore this peptide for the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids (plasmid DNA, siRNA and oligonucleotides). In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the cellular uptake of cell-penetrating peptides, including the S413-PV peptide, and the potential of peptide-based formulations to mediate nucleic acid delivery.
Antiproliferative Properties of Type I and Type II Interferon
Authors: Bekisz Joseph , Baron Samuel , Balinsky Corey , Morrow Angel , Zoon Kathryn C.
Published: March 2010

The clinical possibilities of interferon (IFN) became apparent with early studies demonstrating that it was capable of inhibiting tumor cells in culture and in vivo using animal models. IFN gained the distinction of being the first recombinant cytokine to be licensed in the USA for the treatment of a malignancy in 1986, with the approval of IFN-α2a (Hoffman-La Roche) and IFN-α2b (Schering-Plough) for the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia. In addition to this application, other approved antitumor applications for IFN-α2a are AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and other approved antitumor applications for IFN-α2b are Malignant Melanoma, Follicular Lymphoma, and AIDS-related Kapoisi’s Sarcoma. In the ensuing years, a considerable number of studies have been conducted to establish the mechanisms of the induction and action of IFN’s anti-tumor activity. These include identifying the role of Interferon Regulatory Factor 9 (IRF9) as a key factor in eliciting the antiproliferative effects of IFN-α as well as identifying genes induced by IFN that are involved in recognition of tumor cells. Recent studies also show that IFN-activated human monocytes can be used to achieve >95% eradication of select tumor cells. The signaling pathways by which IFN induces apoptosis can vary. IFN treatment induces the tumor suppressor gene p53, which plays a role in apoptosis for some tumors, but it is not essential for the apoptotic response. IFN-α also activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which is associated with cell survival. Downstream of PI3K is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) which, in conjunction with PI3K, may act in signaling induced by growth factors after IFN treatment. This paper will explore the mechanisms by which IFN acts to elicit its antiproliferative effects and more closely examine the clinical applications for the anti-tumor potential of IFN.
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
Authors: Barisione Giovanni , Baroffio Michele , Crimi Emanuele , Brusasco Vito
Published: March 2010

Inhaled β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists are considered essential bronchodilator drugs in the treatment of bronchial asthma, both as symptoms-relievers and, in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, as disease-controllers. In this article, we first review the basic mechanisms by which the β2-adrenergic system contributes to the control of airway smooth muscle tone. Then, we go on describing the structural characteristics of β2-AR and the molecular basis of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling and mechanisms of its desensitization/ dysfunction. In particular, phosphorylation mediated by protein kinase A and β-adrenergic receptor kinase are examined in detail. Finally, we discuss the pivotal role of inhaled β2-AR agonists in the treatment of asthma and the concerns about their safety that have been recently raised.
DRDT: Distributed and Reliable Data Transmission with Cooperative Nodes for LossyWireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Seo Jaewan , Kim Moonseong , Hur In , Choi Wook , Choo Hyunseung
Published: March 2010

Recent studies have shown that in realistic wireless sensor network environments links are extremely unreliable. To recover from corrupted packets, most routing schemes with an assumption of ideal radio environments use a retransmission mechanism, which may cause unnecessary retransmissions. Therefore, guaranteeing energy-efficient reliable data transmission is a fundamental routing issue in wireless sensor networks. However, it is not encouraged to propose a new reliable routing scheme in the sense that every existing routing scheme cannot be replaced with the new one. This paper proposes a Distributed and Reliable Data Transmission (DRDT) scheme with a goal to efficiently guarantee reliable data transmission. In particular, this is based on a pluggable modular approach so that it can be extended to existing routing schemes. DRDT offers reliable data transmission using neighbor nodes, i.e., helper nodes. A helper node is selected among the neighbor nodes of the receiver node which overhear the data packet in a distributed manner. DRDT effectively reduces the number of retransmissions by delegating the retransmission task from the sender node to the helper node that has higher link quality to the receiver node when the data packet reception fails due to the low link quality between the sender and the receiver nodes. Comprehensive simulation results show that DRDT improves end-to-end transmission cost by up to about 45% and reduces its delay by about 40% compared to existing schemes.
Adaptive-Compression Based Congestion Control Technique for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Joa-Hyoung , Jung In-Bum
Published: March 2010

Congestion in a wireless sensor network causes an increase in the amount of data loss and delays in data transmission. In this paper, we propose a new congestion control technique (ACT, Adaptive Compression-based congestion control Technique) based on an adaptive compression scheme for packet reduction in case of congestion. The compression techniques used in the ACT are Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM), and Run-Length Coding (RLC). The ACT first transforms the data from the time domain to the frequency domain, reduces the range of data by using ADPCM, and then reduces the number of packets with the help of RLC before transferring the data to the source node. It introduces the DWT for priority-based congestion control because the DWT classifies the data into four groups with different frequencies. The ACT assigns priorities to these data groups in an inverse proportion to the respective frequencies of the data groups and defines the quantization step size of ADPCM in an inverse proportion to the priorities. RLC generates a smaller number of packets for a data group with a low priority. In the relaying node, the ACT reduces the amount of packets by increasing the quantization step size of ADPCM in case of congestion. Moreover, in order to facilitate the back pressure, the queue is controlled adaptively according to the congestion state. We experimentally demonstrate that the ACT increases the network efficiency and guarantees fairness to sensor nodes, as compared with the existing methods. Moreover, it exhibits a very high ratio of the available data in the sink.
A Comprehensive Approach in Assessing the Performance of an Automobile Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Olugu Ezutah Udoncy , Wong Kuan Yew , Shaharoun Awaludin Mohamed
Published: March 2010

The ecological issues arising from manufacturing operations have led to the focus on environmental sustainability in manufacturing. This can be addressed adequately using a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). To attain an effective and efficient CLSC, it is necessary to imbibe a holistic performance measurement approach. In order to achieve this, there is a need to adopt a specific approach for a particular product rather than being generic. Since sustainability has direct environmental footprints that involve organizational stakeholders, suppliers, customers and the society at large, complexities surrounding supply chain performance measurement have multiplied. In this study, a suitable approach has been proposed for CLSC performance measurement in the automotive industry, based on reviewed literature. It is believed that this approach will result in increased effectiveness and efficiency in CLSC performance measurement.
EVALUATION OF PFWD AS POTENTIAL QUALITY CONTROL TOOL OF PAVEMENT LAYERS
Authors: Kavussi Amir , Yasrobi Shahaboddin
Published: March 2010

Portable Falling Weight Deflectometer (PFWD) that can be considered as simple equipment is mainly used to measure elastic moduli of pavement unbound layers. This paper evaluates the potential use of PFWD to reliably measure the elastic modulus of pavement layers. To achieve this, PFWD tests were conducted on highway sections selected from different projects in Tehran. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) laboratory tests were also conducted on samples collected during field tests. PFWD testing parameters were varied while performing the field testing. These included drop weight, drop height, plate diameter and position of additional geophones. In addition, PFWD moduli were compared with those obtained from performing FWD testing on the same site. It was found that drop mass and loading plate size affect PFWD modulus significantly. In addition, the results indicated that good correlation exist between PFWD moduli and FWD and CBR results.

Santrauka

Nešiojamasis krintančio svorio deflektometras PFWD (angl. portable falling weight deflectometer) yra nesudetingas prietaisas, dažniausiai naudojamas kelio dangu nesurištu sluoksniu tamprumo moduliui nustatyti. Straipsnyje apžvelgta, kaip PFWD naudojamas kelio dangu sluoksniu tamprumo moduliams matuoti. Taikant PFWD išbandyti skirtinguose projektuose Teherane (Iranas) panaudoti kelio dangu skerspjūviai. Bandiniams papildomai atlikti Kalifornijos santykinio atsparumo rodiklio CBR (angl. California bearing ratio) nustatymo eksperimentiniai tyrimai. Atliekant lauko tyrimus naudoti skirtingi PFWD bandymu parametrai: krintantis svoris, kritimo aukštis, plokštes skersmuo ir papildomai išdestyti geofonai. PFWD nustatyti tamprumo moduliai palyginti su tamprumo moduliais, išmatuotais naudojant krintančio svorio deflektometra FWD (angl. falling weight deflectometer). Nustatyta, kad PFWD matavimu rezultatams didele itaka turi kritimo mase ir apkrovimo plokštes matmenys. Gauti eksperimentiniu tyrimu rezultatai parode, kad PFWD, FWD ir CBR matavimai gerai koreliuoja tarpusavyje.
REQUIRED ADDITIONAL HEATING POWER OF BUILDING DURING INTERMITTED HEATING
Authors: Pupeikis Darius , Burlingis Arūnas , Stankevičius Vytautas
Published: March 2010

By introduction of intermittent heating of building we can reduce the thermal energy consumption for heating. But it requires the additional power of heating system. It is determined that the most effective solution for energy savings is to enlarge the heating power approximately by 50% for most of buildings. The simulation has showed that for buildings with a medium thermal inertia (time constant τ = 144 h) the expenses by employing the intermittent heating (reduced temperature period: 12 h on working days and 48 h at weekends), pays back after one year. By designing the heating system we must pay attention to thermal inertia of building. Our research showed that for various thermal inertias of building, the adequate modes of intermittent heating must be chosen. Santrauka Šildant pastata, esant papildomai šiluminei galiai, galima sumažinti sunaudojamos šilumines energijos. Nustatyta, kad papildomos šilumines galios (+50 %) sanaudos, siekiant pagreitinti temperatūros padidinima vidutinio masyvumo (τ = 144 h) pastatu patalpose ir taikant protarpini šildyma (12 h darbo dienomis ir 48 h savaitgaliais), atsiperka po vieneriu metu. Projektuojant reikia atsižvelgti i pastato paskirti, masyvuma ir šildymo sistemos galia, siekiant sutaupyti šilumines energijos bei gauti ekonomine nauda, taikant protarpini šildyma. Tyrimai parode, kad ivairaus masyvumo pastatams turi būti taikomi atitinkami protarpinio šildymo periodai.
Assessment of World Health Organization definition of dengue hemorrhagic fever in North India
Authors: Gupta Prashant , Khare Vineeta , Tripathi Sanjeev , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Kumar Rashmi , Khan Mohammad Yahiya , Dhole Tapan Kumar Nirod Chandra
Published: March 2010

Background: Classification of symptomatic dengue according to current World Health Organization (WHO) criteria is not straightforward. In this prospective study of dengue infection during an epidemic in India in 2004, we applied the WHO classification of dengue to assess its usefulness for our patients. Methodology: The study included 145 clinically suspected cases of dengue infection of all ages. Dengue was confirmed by serological methods (IgM ELISA and HI test). WHO criteria were applied to classify dengue positive patients into Dengue Fever (DF), Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between dengue patients with bleeding and those without bleeding. Results: Out of the 50 serologically positive cases of dengue enrolled in the study, only 3 met the WHO criteria for DHF and 1 met the criteria for DSS; however, 21 (42%) cases had one or more bleeding manifestations. Conclusion: By using WHO criteria of DHF on Indian patients, all severe cases of dengue cannot be correctly classified. A new definition of DHF that considers geographic and age-related variations in laboratory and clinical parameters is urgently required.
The family and the children’s consumption of television: orientations and proposals
Authors: Aguaded-Gómez María de la Cinta
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to provide a social and educational description of the influence of TV in children’s lives. The sample included children from the 2nd level of Primary Education (third and fourth courses) from «Andévalo School» (Spain). The practical implications of this study for parents are also discussed.

En este trabajo que se expone a continuación se presentan las conclusiones extraídas de una investigación realizada con alumnos de la zona del Andévalo (Provincia de Huelva –España–) que cursan 2º Ciclo de Educación Primaria (Tercero y Cuarto). En este estudio se pretendía averiguar en qué medida la televisión se hace presente en la vida de estos alumnos, y qué repercusiones tiene para su vida escolar y familiar.
Who sees what? Contributions for an open debate about television in the context of media literacy
Authors: Reia-Baptista Vitor
Published: March 2010

During some of the most recent years, in Portugal there has been a public debate going on about the different roles of television near some of the youngest sectors of the population, either as a priority medium of entertainment, as a privileged medium of information, as a possible medium of learning experiences, or just as a simple (or rather complex) «baby sitter». This debate that seemed to become a promising one, especially at the time of the implementation of a new regulation entity (Regulation Entity for the Social Communication) faded away and did not contribute for any deeper knowledge of the problem. Let us see why.

Nos últimos anos, em Portugal, tem-se desenvolvido algum debate público em torno dos diferentes papéis da televisão junto de alguns dos sectores mais jovens da população, seja enquanto meio prioritário de entretenimento, seja enquanto meio privilegiado de informação, seja enquanto possível meio de aprendizagens, ou mesmo enquanto simples (ou bastante complexa) «baby sitter». Este debate, que a seu tempo foi de certo modo promissor pelo facto de se ir estabelecer no panorama televisivo português uma nova entidade reguladora (Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social) acabou por se esvair e não contribuir grandemente para qualquer conhecimento mais aprofundado do problema. Vejamos porquê.
Intelligent audiences: a possible challenge
Authors: Funes Virginia Silvina
Published: March 2010

Television produces a homogeneization effect which in turn makes everything seem and worth the same. It creates a passive and bored viewer, in short, a consumer. This discourse does not encourage him to be involved in any decoding operation; therefore, it does not embrace him as a subject. However, it would be healthy to think of the teen audience and their relationship with mass culture, not as a lost generation because of their global non-stop consumerism, but rather as young viewers of complex audiovisual texts which also imply the use of complex codes and languages, thus creating a system that makes them active viewers.

El discurso televisivo produce un efecto homogeneizador que hace que todo parezca lo mismo y valga lo mismo. Produce, así, un espectador pasivo y aburrido. El discurso no le propone ninguna operación de interpretación que lo implique subjetivamente. Sin embargo, es saludable que pensemos en los adolescentes/televidentes y su relación con sus consumos culturales masivos, no ya como una generación perdida por el consumismo global irremediable, sino como jóvenes espectadores de textos audiovisuales complejos que implican el uso de lenguajes o códigos también complejos, que los interpelan como espectadores/interpretadores activos.
TV and reality: a proposal for teachers´ training
Authors: Martínez-González Alejandro
Published: March 2010

This paper describes an educational process which enables the participants to a critical analysis of television and its contents. This educational method has been developed at «La Salle» University centre, in a social educators and teachers training course, in the frame of the subject called «Techniques of Social Communication and Advertisement». It is based on a methodology that aims the development and promotion of complex thinking and critical consciousness. Reference to some techniques for the analysis of television in class may also be found.

En la presente comunicación se describe el proceso de educación en la capacidad de análisis crítico y cuestionamiento de la televisión y sus contenidos que se viene desarrollando desde el centro universitario «La Salle» en la formación de educadores sociales y maestros dentro de la asignatura titulada «Técnicas de comunicación social y publicidad», a partir de una metodología centrada en la promoción y el desarrollo del pensamiento complejo y la conciencia crítica. Se hace mención, también, de algunas técnicas para el análisis del medio televisivo en el aula.
The consumption of television: a big show
Authors: Rodríguez-Mateos Dolores
Published: March 2010

The author of this paper defends that the mass media in which she works, stimulates for the show. The influence of television in society has reopened the discussion about educational theories and strategies. Watching TV makes people adopt a passive and alienated posture, without implication or participation. Television channels should be responsible of giving a better service. The author considers all the television media they work should be richer and stimulating for students. The important thing is getting and maintaining the viewer’s attention in the audiovisual context.

El nivel instructivo de la TV no puede elevarse si en los espectadores no aumentan la cultura televisiva, que no es otra cosa que «saber leer íntegramente un programa, conociendo y sabiendo valorar los símbolos que se han empleado para contarnos lo que estamos viendo». A la mayoría de las personas que actualmente ven TV, les trae sin cuidado el lenguaje televisivo, no pasan de lo que llamaríamos un primer nivel: el espectáculo. Sólo ven las incidencias y la acción que narra determinado programa. No se comparte ninguna experiencia, lo único que se comparte es el espectáculo, un juego que nadie juega pero que todo el mundo puede contemplar. En la sociedad del espectáculo «lo que aparece es bueno y lo que es bueno aparece». Lo importante es administrar el tiempo libre a través de los medios de comunicación. Debemos dar un paso en la educación audiovisual y afrontar uno de los grandes retos de nuestra era: el estar con la TV. Hay que dejar de ser analfabetos televisivos y convertirnos en personas críticas, activas, creativas e imaginativas... para enriquecer la realidad cultural y social.
Travel Immunization Update for Older Adults
Authors: Spain Margaret P. , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: March 2010

Older Americans are among the most widely traveled group in our society. Recent trends point to more international travel, more travel to Third World countries, and more travel by older adults with significant health problems. Regardless of the reason for travel, older adults need to plan for healthy travel. Primary care providers need to inquire at routine visits if patients have plans for international travel. If travel to other countries or regions is being considered, patients must be advised of the importance of early travel preparation. To begin with, older adults should be up to date on all routine immunizations. Those planning on international travel may need additional required and/or recommended immunizations, depending on the individual's health status, travel itinerary, length of stay, and health risks associated with destination sites. Primary care providers should be knowledgeable about travel medicine resources in the community to make referrals for travelers requiring additional immunizations and health information.
Meanings, Functions, and Experiences of Living at Home: for Individuals with Dementia at the Critical Point of Relocation
Authors: Aminzadeh Faranak , Dalziel William B. , Molnar Frank J. , Garcia Linda J.
Published: March 2010

The sociophysical home environment is an integral component of everyday coping, self-identity, and well-being for individuals with dementia; however, residential discontinuity is a common experience for many of these individuals. This article examined the meanings, functions, and experiences associated with living at home for individuals with dementia at the critical point of relocation to a residential care facility. Qualitative research methods were used to analyze in-depth interviews with 16 individuals with dementia at their homes within 2 months prior to relocation. At the time of relocation, living at home had become a paradoxical experience for most participants. The findings inform practice and policy interventions at both individual and societal levels to help individuals with dementia age in place for as long as possible and to maximize their efforts to “place” themselves in their new living “place”place” themselves in their new living environments after relocation.
Assessment of Capacity for Medical Decision Making
Authors: Carroll David Wayne
Published: March 2010

Determination of a patient's capacity for medical decision making can be simple or complex, depending on the issue being considered; likewise, the degree of capacity required to make decisions varies with the complexity of the situation. A capacity examination is a focused and impartial evaluation of mental status and medical, surgical, psychiatric, and psychosocial histories. The examination is composed of several basic steps, beginning with an assessment of the patient's ability to communicate, followed by determination of his or her understanding of the proposed care, followed by the patient's rationale for decisions about that care. When a patient is deemed to lack capacity, mechanisms should be in place to ensure the patient receives the care needed. This article provides an overview of the concept of capacity, how it is determined, and how to proceed when the patient is found to lack it.
Comparison of Radiography and Computed Tomography in Evaluating Posterior Indirect Reduction of Spinal Canal Bone Fragment
Authors: Shi Jinhui , Yang Huilin
Published: March 2010

This article describes a retrospective study of patients who underwent posterior indirect reduction procedures for thoracolumbar burst fractures. The goal of this study was to explore a simple and effective method for evaluating the reduction of spinal canal fragments during posterior indirect reduction procedures.

Sixty-four burst fractures with retropulsed bone fragments encroaching the spinal canal at the thoracolumbar junction were performed. C-arm fluoroscopy was used to evaluate the spinal canal fragments' reduction. A standard lateral view of the thoracolumbar spine was set up. When a continuous and smooth posterior vertebral body line of the injured vertebrae appeared, similar to below and above the vertebrae, the spinal canal bone fragment was considered to be satisfactorily reduced. The midsagittal diameter of the injured segment was measured on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Narrowing of the midsagittal diameter of the injured segment was improved from 41.4%±15.9% to 13.7%±9.7%. The correction value was 27.6%±15.6%. All pre- and postoperative outcome variables had statistical significance (
P
<.01). Forty-two patients experienced a restored posterior vertebral body line with a continuous and smooth vertical line, indicating that the fragment reduction was satisfactory. Post-operative CT showed that the spinal canal compromise was <10% (range, 0%–9.8%; mean, 6.1%±2.9%).

Continuous and smooth posterior vertebral body line imaging is a simple and effective method to judge the reduction of a bone fragment retropulsed into the spinal canal. It can provide evidence as to whether a laminotomy and pushing the bone fragment are necessary during posterior surgery.
Vertical Rectus Muscle Transposition for Correcting Abduction Deficiency in Duane's Syndrome Type 1 and Sixth Nerve Palsy
Authors: Yazdian Ziaeddin , Rajabi Mohammad Taher , Yazdian Mohammad Ali , Rajabi Mohammad Bagher , Akbari Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To report the clinical outcome and complications of the Scott Foster procedure for treating abduction deficiency in patients with Duane's syndrome type 1 and sixth nerve palsy.

Methods:

A retrospective, interventional case series included 62 consecutive patients (62 eyes: 38 eyes with Duane's syndrome and 24 eyes with sixth nerve palsy) who underwent the Scott Foster procedure for treatment of abduction deficiency. The main outcome measures were deviation, face turn, and abduction deficiency.

Results:

In patients with sixth nerve palsy, mean distance deviation improved from 44.7 ± 7.2 prism diopters (PD) before surgery to 12.5 ± 4.0 PD after surgery (
P
< .05), and in patients with Duane's syndrome type 1, mean distance deviation improved from 31.5 ± 4.3 PD preoperatively to 9.2 ± 3.1 PD. Mean near deviation improved from 27.1 ± 4.5 PD to 6.2 ± 2.5 PD in patients with Duane's syndrome and from 40.3 ± 6.2 PD to 13.7 ± 3.4 PD in patients with sixth nerve palsy. Mean abduction deficiency improved from −4 to −2 (
P
< .05) in both groups. Face turn improved significantly after surgery. No patient had an overcorrection. No recurrence was detected.

Conclusion:

The Scott Foster procedure is effective for improving deviation, abduction deficiency, and face turn in patients with Duane's syndrome type 1 and especially in those with sixth nerve palsy.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2010;47:96–100.]
Keeping in Touch: Cell Phone Use in People with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Beebe Lora Humphrey , Smith Kathlene , Bennett Chris , Bentley Katherine , Walters Amanda B. , Hancock Beverly , Farmer Shirley Y. , Earle Karen , White Sheila
Published: March 2010

There is limited research exploring telephone intervention for psychiatric clients; no studies specific to cell phone use have been conducted. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of cell phone use in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Ten outpatients with SSDs were provided with previously activated cell phones for 5 months; trained nurses contacted participants weekly. Seven participants completed the 5-month follow-up period. A minority of participants reported difficulty retrieving messages and answering or charging their phone. These preliminary findings indicate the majority of individuals with SSDs are willing to use this method of communication and are able to do so with few problems. Possible barriers to the use of cell phones with this group include lifestyle factors and poor decision making. Future investigations should examine the use of cell phone access to foster personal safety, gain a sense of connectedness to others, and enhance quality of life.
Effect of Silica Coating on the Thermal Stability of Tantalum Based Nitrides Pigments
Authors: Park Jong Chul , Pee Jae Hwan , Kim Yoo Jin , Cho Woo Seok
Published: March 2010

The colored TaON and Ta3N5 were synthesized by ammonolysis of amorphous Ta(OH)5 in the temperature range of 800-1000°C. Ta(OH)5 were prepared by titration process from TaCl5. TaON were synthesized at 900°C for 2 hr, and Ta3N5 were synthesized at 1000°C for 5 hr. In general, Ta3N5 powders were easily oxidized at 500°C with changing colority from red to white. To minimize the oxidation problem of Ta3N5 powders, we proposed silica coated system using TEOS and APTES as a surfactant. Tonality of silica coated Ta3N5 has very little changing which means silica coating actually minimizes the oxidation of the Ta3N5 particles.
Influences of SrSO4 and Ag on High Temperature Tribological Properties of Spark-Plasma-Sintered ZrO2(Y2O3)-Al2O3 Composites
Authors: Li Yu Feng , Ouyang Jia Hu , Wang Ya Ming , Zhou Yu , Murakami Takashi , Sasaki Shinya
Published: March 2010

ZrO2(Y2O3)-Al2O3-SrSO4 nanocomposites incorporated with and without Ag addition have been fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) to evaluate their friction and wear properties in sliding against alumina ball from room temperature to 600 oC. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate microstructure and self-lubrication mechanisms of nanocomposites after wear tests at different temperatures. The ZrO2(Y2O3)-Al2O3-SrSO4 nanocomposite exhibits low and stable friction coefficients of 0.2 to 0.3 and wear rates in the order of 10-6 mm3/Nm at high temperatures. With the addition of Ag into the composite, the intermediate temperature lubricating property is greatly improved. Plastic deformation of SrSO4 and sliver during sliding plays an important role in formation of lubricating films on worn surfaces of nanocomposites. These lubricating films reduce the friction and wear of the ZrO2(Y2O3)-Al2O3 matrix composites.
Influence of Hot Pressing Temperature and SiC Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ZrB2-SiC
Authors: Zhang Yong , Hu Ping , Zhang Xing Hong
Published: March 2010

The influence of hot pressing temperature and SiC content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB2-SiC ceramics was investigated. ZrB2 containing 20 volume percent SiC were prepared by hot pressing at 1850, 1900 and 1950°C for 60 min. Fully dense ceramic was obtained after hot pressing at temperature of 1950°C. In addition, the materials with SiC content of 0, 10vol.%, 15 vol.%, 20 vol.% and 30 vol.% hot pressed at 1950°C were also investigated. Results showed that the grain size of the ZrB2 significantly reduced on adding 10vol.% SiC and then decreased slightly with further increasing SiC content, whereas the grain size of SiC exhibited a opposite trend. The flexural strength of ZrB2-SiC ceramics remarkedly increased on adding 10vol.% SiC due to the significant decrease of ZrB2 particle size and then slightly increased with increasing SiC content up to 20vol.%. However, further increasing SiC content led to a reduction of the flexural strength.
Densification and Mechanical Properties of B4C Based Composites Sintered by Reaction Hot-Pressing
Authors: Wang Guo Feng , Zhang Ji Hong , Zhang Chunping , Zhang Kai Feng
Published: March 2010

Boron carbide (B4C) possesses unique physical and thermal properties. In this paper, B4C based composites toughened by TiB2 were fabricated by in-situ reaction sintering with the original microcrystalline powders B4C, TiO2 and glucose. The influences of sintering temperature and content of TiO2 on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. (TiB2, Al2O3)/B4C and (TiB2,SiC)/B4C composites with almost fully dense were fabricated by using additives　of Al2O3 and Si powders and sintering at 1950°C and 1900°C, the fracture toughness of composites reach to 7.09 and 6.35 MPa•m1/2 respectively. The analysis of microstructure shows that the main toughen mechanism is the crack deflection due to the existence of residual stress.
Characterization of Microwave Ceramics with Low Permittivity and High Quality Factors
Authors: Xiong Zhao Xian , Zhou M.Y. , Xue Hao , Qiu Hong , Xiao F.
Published: March 2010

A new type of porous ceramics, Mg2SiO4, for microwave application with low permittivity and high quality factors were prepared via gel-casting processing in this paper. Microstructure of the ceramics was observed and crystal structure of the samples was also identified. Moreover, emphasis was paid on the characterization of the microwave ceramics. Dielectric properties of the ceramics were measured by an automatic system of microwave measurement, resulting in dielectric constant of 3.51 and quality factor of 11,774 for the ceramic sample at frequency about 10GHz. Mechanical performance of the samples were also evaluated with maximal bending strength of 140MPa.
Fabrication and Characterization of Sr0.7Ca0.3TiO3 Substrates Using Aqueous Tape Casting Process
Authors: Liu Wei Liang , Liu Shuo Qi , Mao Du Song
Published: March 2010

Sr0.7Ca0.3TiO3 (SCT) substrates were prepared through aqueous tape casting. Properties of SCT slurries with and without ammonium polyacrylate (NH4PAA) dispersant were characterized by zeta potential. The zeta potential measurement result shows that the isoelectric point (IEP) of the powder changed obviously with the addition of the dispersant. The optimum pH value of the slurry is in the range of 9-10. The rheological test result indicates that the proper content of the dispersant is between 0.6 and 0.8 wt%. The effect of different plasticizer/binder ratio (R) on the properties of the green tapes was investigated. For 56 wt% solid loading, the tensile strength of the green tape reached 2.02 MPa and the breaking elongation rate was about 8%. SEM micrographs show that the microstructure of the green tapes is homogeneous and the microstructure of the sintered tapes is dense.
Dielectric Characteristics of the Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics K0.50Na0.50Nb0.95Ta0.05O3
Authors: Cheng Chien Min , Chen Kai Huang , Yang Hung Chi , Yang Cheng Fu , Tzou Wen Cheng , Kuan Ming Chang , Jong Fuh Cheng
Published: March 2010

In order to improve the sintering density and dielectric properties of the lead-free K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based ceramics, by the use of solid-state reaction, part of the Nb atoms are substituted by the Ta atoms to form K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Ta0.05O3 ceramics and the dielectric characteristics are detail investigated in this letter. It is found that the phases of K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Ta0.05O3 ceramics are pure perovskite with typical orthorhombic symmetry, in addition, no other secondary phases could be certified. For pure K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Ta0.05O3 ceramics, the shapes of the grains are quadrate and which would due to the increase of the porosity and can not be eliminated easily. Because of the phase stability of pure K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Ta0.05O3 ceramics is limited to 1140 °C in this study, higher sintering temperature (over than 1140 °C) is not suitable for the fabrication of K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Ta0.05O3 ceramics. Moreover, the Ta atoms in the K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based ceramics could be used to improve the dielectric properties effectively, and it also reveals lower Curie temperature and lower phase transition temperature than the pure K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics. In this letter, for 1120°C-sintered K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Ta0.05O3 ceramics, the optimum bulk density is 95.6 % of the theorical density, the Curie temperature is 380 °C, and the optimum relative dielectric constant is 6107 at 10 kHz.
Effect of Cooling Rate on the Properties of the Grain Boundary of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramic
Authors: He Jin Liang , Luo Feng Chao , Hu Jun , Lin Yuan Hua
Published: March 2010

The cooling rate effect on the grain boundaries of the CaCu3Ti4¬O12 ceramic was investigated in this research. The resistance at the grain boundaries is found to be reduced as the cooling rate rises. The activation energies at the grain boundaries do not change with the cooling rate, suggesting that the conduction mechanism keeps the same in different cooling conditions. There is no significant difference in the permittivity of the samples. The dielectric loss can be lowered by using a smaller cooling rate. These results give clues to comprehend the conductive mechanism of the CCTO ceramic. The variation of the cooling rate may affect the re-oxidation process and cause the changes in electric properties.
Structural and Dielectrics Properties of (1-x)Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3-xPbTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Eiras José Antônio , Fraygola Bárbara M. , Garcia Ducinei
Published: March 2010

Electric and dielectric properties of (1-x)Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3-xPbTiO3 solid solu¬tions were investigated as a function of the frequency and temperature. Dielectric measurements over the temperature showed the presence three contributions, which were related to the ferro-paraelectric phase transition (around 180K) and to conductive contributions (in the range 200K- 700 k). The FE phase transition of Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3 (PFW) is shifted to higher temperatures by PbTiO3 (PT) additions. Conductive contributions were associated to an electronic conductivity with activation energy around 0.45 – 0.55 eV.
The Left-Handed Properties of the Composite Medium Composed of Ferrite Cubes’ Array and Copper Net
Authors: Zhang Li Hui , Bai Yang , Li Jin Xu , Qiao Li Jie
Published: March 2010

Left-handed material (LHM), whose permittivity and permeability are both negative, has attracted much attention due to its exotic electromagnetic properties, such as negative refraction, backward wave propagation and evanescent wave amplification. The microwave left-handed property of a composite medium composed of ferrite cubes’ array and copper net was studied using the method of finite difference time domain in this paper. An obvious left-handed pass band emerged when ferrite cubes were combined with longitudinal copper wires, because the ferrite produced negative permeability by the ferromagnetic resonance and the copper wires produced negative permittivity by the plasma. With the addition of horizontal copper wires, the transmission intensity of the pass band was gradually weakened. It can be concluded that the horizontal wires played a negative role in realizing the composite LHM with ferrite cubes and copper net. This work gives an instructive direction to the fabrication of 3D LHMs.
Comparative Study on Ni-Zn Ferrites by One-Step Synthesis and Conventional Two-Step Synthesis
Authors: Peng Zhi Jian , Ge Hui Lin , Li Dan , Fu Zhi Qiang , Wang Cheng Biao
Published: March 2010

The magnetic hysteresis parameters like coercivity (Hc) and saturation magnetization (Ms), and dielectric parameters like dielectric constant (ε΄) and dielectric loss (ε΄΄/ε΄) of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 prepared by “one-step synthesis” and conventional two-step synthesis methods, respectively, were comparatively investigated. It was observed that the saturation magnetization, dielectric constant and dielectric loss for samples prepared by “one-step synthesis” method are lower than those of ferrite samples prepared by conventional synthesis method. However, the coercivity of the former is higher due to its smaller grain size. The low dielectric loss makes these samples especially attractive for use at high frequencies.
Co2Z, Co2Y and CoM-Type Hexagonal Ferrites for Multilayer Inductors
Authors: Kračunovská Silvia , Töpfer Joerg
Published: March 2010

Abstract. Hexagonal Co-containing Z-; Y- and M-type ferrites are used as soft magnetic materials for multilayer inductors for operating frequencies up to 3 GHz. Co2Z-type Ba3Co2Fe24O41, iron excess Ba3Co2-yFe24+yO41 (0  y  0.8) and Ba3Co2-CuxFe24O41 (0  x  1.0) ferrites have their stability intervals between 1260-1350°C. The permeability of a ferrite with y = 0.6 sintered at 1300°C is µ = 30 throughout the MHz. Addition of Bi2O3 shifts the maximum shrinkage down to 950°C. Their permeability is µ = 5 because of partial decomposition of the Co2Z phase. Y-type ferrite Ba2Co1.2-xZnxCu0.8Fe12O22 (x = 1.2) sintered at 1100°C shows a permeability of µ = 20. Sintering at 900°C reduces the permeability to µ = 10. M-type BaCo1.2Ti1.2Fe9.6O19 ferrites sintered at 970°C display a permeability of µ = 35.
Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Ca2Co2O5 Ceramics
Authors: Zhao Shu Jin , Li Guo Jing , Zhang Yang , Mei Ao , Lan Jin Le , Lin Yuan Hua
Published: March 2010

The precursor of Ca2Co2O5 was prepared by coprecipitation method. The bulk Ca2Co2O5 samples were prepared by conventional sintering and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), respectively. The relative density of bulk Ca2Co2O5 ceramic, which was prepared by conventional sintering is about 75%; while the samples prepared by SPS has a density of 98%. The thermoelectric properties were enhanced by SPS, compared with samples prepared with conventional sintering. The maximum powerfactor of the conventional sintering and SPS samples are 2.70×10-4W∙m-1∙K-2 and 3.85×10-4 W∙m-1∙K-2, respectively.