bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in smoking among adolescents in the Republic of Karelia, Russia and Eastern Finland from 1995 to 2013
Authors: Aura Annamari , Laatikainen Tiina , Isoaho Hannu , Bykachev Kirsi , Lazutkina Galina , Tossavainen Kerttu
Published: July 2015

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of smoking, smoking experimentation and future intention to smoke in the Pitkäranta district, the Republic of Karelia, Russia and Eastern Finland in the years 1995 and 2013. Methods: Cross-sectional studies were carried out among 15-year-old ninth grade adolescents in all schools in the Pitkäranta region (1995: n=385, response rate 95%; 2013: 182, response rate 98 %) and a sample of schools in Eastern Finland (1995: n=2098, response rate 91 %; 2013: 635 response rate 95 %). Results: The daily smoking prevalence among adolescents did not change either in Eastern Finland or in the Pitkäranta district from 1995 to 2013. However, smoking among Finnish adolescents was more common than among Russians ( p<0.001) and boys, in general, smoke more commonly than girls ( p<0.001). In Finland, early smoking experimentations declined by half among both genders but in Pitkäranta the girls’ smoking experimentations tripled (relative risk 3.03, 95% confidence interval 1.76–5.20) from 1995 to 2013. The combined effect of country and gender was significant ( p<0.001) for future intention to smoke. In Finland future intentions to smoke were very similar in boys and girls compared with obvious gender differences in Russia. Conclusions: These results suggest that more attention should be paid for programmes that consider better gender and culture -specific issues in preventing initiation of smoking and promoting an anti-smoking climate in societies.
Ultrasonic guided wave active sensing for monitoring of split failures in reinforced concrete
Authors: Wu Fan , Chan Hian-Leng , Chang Fu-Kuo
Published: July 2015

The detection of bond deterioration for reinforced concrete structure in its early stages and throughout its service life can help to ensure the safety of the structure. An active sensing system with lead zirconium titanate sensors and using ultrasonic guided waves has been studied for bond integrity detection of structures under split failures. A series of pullout tests for unconfined concrete specimens has been performed. Both lead zirconium titanate sensor clips and strain gages were used to monitor the bonding damage. A bond deterioration index is defined to measure the bond integrity of the structure. While the strain gage measurements did not indicate any reduction in bond stress as the specimens were pulled to failure, the active sensing system showed a linear increment of bond deterioration index with the applied loads, indicating the accumulation of bond deterioration in unconfined concrete structure.
Indoor lighting quality: Effects of different wall colours
Authors: Bellia L , Pedace A , Fragliasso F
Published: July 2015

This paper reports the results of measurements performed in a test room to investigate the impact of using different wall colours and light scenes on indoor lighting quality. Eye level spectral irradiances were measured for a user located inside the room and seated at a desk. These measurements allow the use of the Irradiance Toolbox, which makes it possible to calculate equivalent illuminances for the photopigments in the human eye. Moreover, the CIECAM02 colour appearance model was used to investigate the variations in hue and chroma values of the different wall colours when changing the light scene. The results demonstrate that there are significant variations in eye level spectral irradiance distributions, photoreceptor stimulation and hue and chroma values with different combinations of wall colours and light scenes.
Some Comments on Cavenagh, Costelloe, Davis, and Howell (2015)
Authors: Rami Manish K.
Published: July 2015

This letter addresses some concern in Cavenagh, Costelloe, Davis, and Howell (2015) titled “Characteristics of Young Children Close to the Onset of Stuttering.” Concerns include incomplete report of collected data from speech samples and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, interpretation of some data from the Child Health Questionnaire, and other issues.
Fabrication and characterization of PCL/gelatin/curcumin nanofibers and their antibacterial properties
Authors: Fallah Mona , Bahrami S Hajir , Ranjbar-Mohammadi Marziyeh
Published: July 2015

Phytochemicals have been used over the centuries in order to cure various diseases and still do to this day. Phytochemicals are herbal extracts that are also named herbal remedies. Curcumin (CUR), which is a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma Longa, has many therapeutic properties. CUR has poor water solubility and instability that has confined its further applications, thus there is need for a carrier to deliver the drug consistently. In this research, the feasibility of using polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibers as carriers for CUR is examined. Nanofibers are obtained by electrospinning method. The morphology of nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry is used to study the thermal behavior of the nanofibers. Antibacterial tests were conducted against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum β lactamase (ESBL). These pathogens are very dangerous and versatile pathogens emerging rapidly causing nosocomial infections in hospitals. The nanofibers were 99.9% antibacterial against MRSA and 82.56% against ESBL. The results showed that these nanofibers have potent antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. As a result, these nanofibers are very promising materials for antibacterial applications.
Media Portrayals of the Trayvon Martin Tragedy
Authors: Madison Ed
Published: July 2015

This article explores media coverage of the Trayvon Martin case. It examines how Fox News and MSNBC commentators framed the story, as well as Ebony magazine’s editorial stance. The essay ties the Martin incident to W. E. B. Du Bois’s enduring work The Souls of Black Folk, which challenges narratives that frame race as a “problem.” In addition, the author shares his personal perspectives on race and parenting in the aftermath of the Zimmerman verdict.
Supporting Students With Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Schools
Authors: Kurth Jennifer A. , Lyon Kristin J. , Shogren Karrie A.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of the present study was to investigate practices that support the inclusion of students with severe disabilities in the learning and social activities of inclusive K-8 schools to inform inclusive school reform research and practice. Eighteen K-8 students with severe disabilities in six schools recognized for their implementation of inclusive practices were observed in a variety of school settings and activities. An appreciative inquiry lens was applied to these observations. The observation records were descriptively analyzed and organized around seven themes related to the practices used by the schools to support students with severe disabilities: (a) the teaching arrangement (who was providing instruction), (b) the type of engagement the student demonstrated during the activity, (c) the types of general classroom supports that were available during the observations, (d) the types of student supports that were provided to the student during the observation, (e) the type of work or activity the student was performing, (f) the interactions the student had with others, and (g) the choices provided the student. Findings provide information on the implementation of inclusive education for students with severe disabilities by reflecting contemporary best practices for inclusive education as well as identifying areas of need.
College Students’ Mobile Telephone Use Is Positively Associated With Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Barkley Jacob E. , Lepp Andrew , Salehi-Esfahani Saba
Published: July 2015

While mobile phones (henceforth cell phones) provide nearly constant access to activities (eg, watching videos, playing games) traditionally associated with sedentary behavior, the relationship between cell phone use, sedentary behavior, and physical activity is untested. The purpose of this study was to assess these relationships. A sample of college students (N = 236) completed surveys assessing daily cell phone use, sedentary behavior (sitting time) and physical activity. Regression demonstrated that cell use was positively associated ( β = 0.23, P = .05) with sedentary behavior and not related ( β = −0.02, P = .90) to physical activity. Tertile splits were performed for average daily cell phone use and participants were grouped as high (n = 81), moderate (n = 77) or low (n = 78) cell users. High users (495.1 ± 227.6 min/d) participated in significantly ( P ≤ .03) more sedentary behavior than the moderate (417.1 ± 208.3 min/day) and low (395.2 ± 180.0 min/d) users. Sedentary behavior was not different ( P = .5) between the moderate and low users. In conclusion, cell use was associated with college students’ sedentary behavior but not physical activity. High users allocated 18.7% and 25.3% more time to daily sitting than moderate and low users, respectively.
Body Image, Weight, and Self-Concept in Men
Authors: Montgomery Sklar Elliot
Published: July 2015

In the traditional debate between biological and environmental determinants of body weight, the body has most often been explored in terms of its anatomical, genetic, or hormonal influences on personality, experience, and behavior. While obesity has been identified as a threat to our public health, correlating attitudes toward body image and self-concept have been explored within women to a limited extent, and even less so in relation to men. Consequently, men’s body image will be discussed in light of current literature reveals for women. For men, as for women, as the social pressure to attain an “ideal” physique increases, the discrepancy between that ideal and one’s body increases as well. This dynamic is more readily recognized for women than for men. As men are socialized not to discuss their body image concerns, negative self-concept and esteem may reinforce behaviors resulting in weight gain. In recent years, the proliferation of media has served to reinforce messaging related to one’s body. This review of existing data and literature suggests that body image and self-concept are related to body weight in men (as with women) and need to be addressed as part of healthy weight management practices.
A two-dimensional biased coin design for dual-agent dose-finding trials
Authors: Sun Zhichao , Braun Thomas M
Published: July 2015

Background:

Given the limited efficacy observed with single agents, there is growing interest in Phase I clinical trial designs that allow for identification of the maximum tolerated combination of two agents.

Purpose:

Existing parametric designs may suffer from over- or under-parameterization. Thus, we have designed a nonparametric approach that can be easily understood and implemented for combination trials.

Methods:

We propose a two-stage adaptive biased coin design that extends existing methods for single-agent trials to dual-agent dose-finding trials. The basic idea of our design is to divide the entire trial into two stages and apply the biased coin design, with modification, in each stage.

Results:

We compare the operating characteristics of our design to four competing parametric approaches via simulation in several numerical examples. Under all simulation scenarios we have examined, our method performs well in terms of identification of the maximum tolerated combination and allocation of patients relative to the performance of its competitors.

Limitations:

In our design, stopping rule criteria and the distribution of the total sample size among the two stages are context-dependent, and both need careful consideration before adopting our design in practice. Efficacy is not a part of the dose-assignment algorithm, nor used to define the maximum tolerated combination.

Conclusion:

Our design inherits the favorable statistical properties of the biased coin design, is competitive with existing designs, and promotes patient safety by limiting patient exposure to toxic combinations whenever possible.
Automatic jump detection in skiing/snowboarding using head-mounted MEMS inertial and pressure sensors
Authors: Lee Tien Jung , Zihajehzadeh Shaghayegh , Loh Darrell , Hoskinson Reynald , Park Edward J
Published: July 2015

With advancing technology in the miniature microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular, facilitating convenient activity detection. One particular application is in sports performance monitoring. This article presents a novel real-time jump detection algorithm in skiing and snowboarding using a microelectromechanical systems–based inertial measurement unit, which is integrated with a barometric pressure sensor. The key performance variables of the jump can be extracted and evaluated for training and/or entertainment purposes. In contrast to the existing jump detection algorithms based on acceleration signals, the proposed algorithm uses vertical velocity and air time in addition to acceleration in the vertical direction. The experimental results show that by incorporating the velocity and air time into the detection algorithm, the sensitivity and specificity increase dramatically to 92% and 93%, respectively.
Daytime intragastric acid control: post hoc analyses of esomeprazole 20 mg and over-the-counter proton-pump inhibitors
Authors: Katz Philip , Kahrilas Peter J. , Johnson David A. , Lind Tore , Röhss Kerstin , Traxler Barry , Hugo Vincent , Dent John
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

In mild gastroesophageal reflux disease, which accounts for the great majority of cases, the major burden of reflux occurs during daytime hours, after food intake. The aim of these analyses was to evaluate intragastric pH control during the typical 14-hour daytime awake period by proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) given at over-the-counter (OTC) dosages.

Methods:

In one double-blind and three open-label, randomized, crossover studies, intragastric pH was monitored for 24 hours on day 5 of treatment. The 24-hour data have been reported previously. Post hoc analyses reassessed these studies for the 14-hour daytime period, comparing esomeprazole 20 mg with currently available OTC PPIs omeprazole, pantoprazole (not available in the US) and lansoprazole.

Results:

Subjects maintained intragastric pH >4 for a significantly greater mean percentage of the 14-hour daytime period with esomeprazole 20 mg compared with any of the PPI comparators at OTC dosages. Geometric mean ratios (95% confidence intervals) for esomeprazole 20 mg versus the comparators were: 1.45 (1.14–1.85; p = 0.003) versus omeprazole 20 mg; 2.50 (2.01–3.11; p < 0.0001) versus pantoprazole 20 mg; and 1.69 (1.46–1.97; p < 0.0001) and 1.89 (1.05–3.37; p = 0.03) versus lansoprazole 15 mg. A greater proportion of subjects had better pH control with esomeprazole than with the other PPIs (range: 69–97%).

Conclusions:

Across the 14-hour daytime period, esomeprazole 20 mg once daily given 30 minutes before breakfast for 5 days provided acid control for a significantly greater average proportion of time versus the PPI comparators omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole at currently available OTC dosages.
Management of inflammatory bowel disease with oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin
Authors: Shafran Ira , Burgunder Patricia , Wei David , Young Hayley E. , Klein Gerald , Burnett Bruce P.
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

The clinical effect of oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) on symptom and disease management in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is reported in this retrospective case series.

Methods:

A single-center, retrospective chart review of IBD patients [ N = 45; Crohn’s disease (CD), n = 38 and ulcerative colitis (UC), n = 7] with limited to no response to traditional pharmaceutical therapies in controlling symptoms was performed after providing SBI (5 g/day) for nutritional support. Patients were contacted at least monthly to assess response to SBI for symptom management measured by a Likert scale (0 = none; 1 = minimal; 2 = moderate; 3 = significant; 4 = complete). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on response to therapy based on patient characteristics (age, gender, race) and IBD diagnosis. A multivariate ordered logistical regression model was performed to determine the odds ratio in overall disease management between week 1 and week 12. Finally, the overall group response and percent improvement to SBI was determined over 12 weeks.

Results:

The odds ratio from the regression model demonstrated that IBD patients were 2.8 times more likely to report clinical improvement in symptom scores with the addition of SBI to their therapeutic regimens [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.266–6.016, p = 0.011]. Disease management was not significantly associated with age, gender, race or disease state. The percentage of patients reporting a response to SBI therapy at week 1 was 49% which increased to 76% after 12 weeks with the fraction of responders gaining significant symptom improvement doubling during the same time period (9% versus 20%). Overall, this group of IBD patients showed increased, steady response to SBI therapy between week 1 and 12 with no reported side effects.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that SBI improves clinical management of IBD patients who are not fully managed on traditional therapies. SBI should be considered for the nutritional support of IBD regardless of disease activity, location, phenotype, duration, or complexity.
Restorative Design Features for Hospital Staff Break Areas
Authors: Nejati Adeleh , Shepley Mardelle , Rodiek Susan , Lee Chanam , Varni James
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The study investigated the main restorative components of staff break areas in healthcare facilities, by assessing usage patterns, verbal/visual preferences, and perceived restorative qualities of specific design features found in break areas for hospital staff.

Background:

Nurses are extremely important to the healthcare industry, and maintaining the quality of nursing care is a central concern for healthcare administrators. While healthcare leaders are concerned about improving nurses’ satisfaction, performance, and job retention, they may overlook the importance of respite for nurses and underestimate the value of designing staff break areas to maximize their restorative potential.

Methods:

A multi-method approach combined qualitative explorations (focused interviews and narrative survey questions) with quantitative measurements (discrete survey questions and a visual ranking of break-room spaces), and the results were compared and triangulated.

Results:

It was found that staff break areas are more likely to be used if they are in close proximity to nurses’ work areas, if they have complete privacy from patients and families, and if they provide opportunities for individual privacy as well as socialization with coworkers. Having physical access to private outdoor spaces (e.g., balconies or porches) was shown to have significantly greater perceived restorative potential, in comparison with window views, artwork, or indoor plants.

Conclusions:

The results of this empirical study support the conclusion that improvements in the restorative quality of break areas may significantly improve nurses’ satisfaction and stress reduction, potentially leading to improved care for the patients they serve.
Detection and Measurement of Unhealthy, Environment-Derived Aerosol Materials in an Emergency Department
Authors: Choi Bryan Y. , Kobayashi Leo , Pathania Shivany , Miller Courtney B. , Locke Emma R. , Stearns Branden C. , Hudepohl Nathan J. , Patefield Scott S. , Suner Selim , Williams Kenneth A. , Machan Jason T. , Jay Gregory D.
Published: July 2015

Objective:

To measure unhealthy aerosol materials in an Emergency Department (ED) and identify their sources for mitigation efforts.

Background:

Based on pilot findings of elevated ED particulate matter (PM) levels, investigators hypothesized that unhealthy aerosol materials derive from exogenous (vehicular) sources at ambulance receiving entrances.

Methods:

The Aerosol Environmental Toxicity in Healthcare-related Exposure and Risk program was conducted as an observational study. Calibrated sensors monitored PM and toxic gases at Ambulance Triage Exterior (ATE), Ambulance Triage Desk (ATD), and control Public Triage Desk (PTD) on a 3/3/3-day cycle. Cassette sampling characterized PM; meteorological and ambulance traffic data were logged. Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses assessed for interactions between aerosol material levels, location, temporal variables, ambulance activity, and meteorological factors.

Results:

Sensors acquired 93,682 PM0.3, 90,250 PM2.5, and 93,768 PM5 measurements over 366 days to generate a data set representing at least 85.6% of planned measurements. PM0.3, PM2.5, and PM5 mean counts were lowest in PTD; 56%, 224%, and 223% higher in ATD; and 996%, 200%, and 63% higher in ATE, respectively (all p < .001). Qualitative analyses showed similar PM compositions in ATD and ATE. On multiple linear regression analysis, PM0.3 counts correlated primarily with location; PM2.5 and PM5 counts correlated most strongly with location and ambulance presence. PM < 2.5 and toxic gas concentrations at ATD and PTD patient care areas did not exceed hazard levels; PM0.3 counts did not have formal safety thresholds for comparison. Conclusions: Higher levels of PM were linked with ED ambulance areas, although their health impact is unclear.
Noise Levels in Patient Rooms and at Nursing Stations at Three VA Medical Centers
Authors: Hill Jennifer N. , LaVela Sherri L.
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

To conduct an assessment of sound, dB(A) levels, in two areas of the hospital: patient rooms and nurse stations using sound meters (SMs).

Background:

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends sound levels of 35 dB(A) during the day and 30 dB(A) during the night; however, many hospitals exceed these recommended levels. Assessing post-occupancy sound levels enables hospital administrators and healthcare workers to identify whether interventions to improve sound levels are needed.

Methods:

Sound assessments were conducted at three healthcare facilities in both patient rooms and nursing stations, and we include information on facility characteristics. An Amprobe SM-20A Sound Level Meter was placed for a 24-hr period and recorded decibel levels every 8 min. These sound levels were averaged for each hour for reporting purposes. Averages as well as highest and lowest readings are reported for both daytime (8 a.m.–10 p.m.) and nighttime (10 p.m.–8 a.m.) for each facility.

Results:

All three sites are considered urban and are classified with the highest complexity level (1a). Average daytime measurements for patient rooms and their corresponding nurses stations were as follows: Site A—63 dB(A)/56 dB(A), Site B—52 dB(A)/55 dB(A), and Site C—42 dB(A)/59 dB(A). Average nighttime measurements for patient rooms and nurses stations were Site A—62 dB(A)/55 dB(A), Site B—48 dB(A)/55 dB(A), and Site C—42 dB(A)/60 dB(A).

Conclusion:

Our findings, considered independently and collectively, showed that facilities in this study exceeded the WHO-recommended sound levels for patient rooms of 35 dB(A) during daytime and 30 dB(A) during nighttime. Research has reported negative patient outcomes, for example, decreased satisfaction, sleep disturbance, and higher incidence of rehospitalization in patients staying in areas with higher noise levels.
From Laboratory Research to a Clinical Trial
Authors: Michels Harold T. , Keevil C. William , Salgado Cassandra D. , Schmidt Michael G.
Published: July 2015

Objective:

This is a translational science article that discusses copper alloys as antimicrobial environmental surfaces. Bacteria die when they come in contact with copper alloys in laboratory tests. Components made of copper alloys were also found to be efficacious in a clinical trial.

Background:

There are indications that bacteria found on frequently touched environmental surfaces play a role in infection transmission.

Methods:

In laboratory testing, copper alloy samples were inoculated with bacteria. In clinical trials, the amount of live bacteria on the surfaces of hospital components made of copper alloys, as well as those made from standard materials, was measured. Finally, infection rates were tracked in the hospital rooms with the copper components and compared to those found in the rooms containing the standard components.

Results:

Greater than a 99.9% reduction in live bacteria was realized in laboratory tests. In the clinical trials, an 83% reduction in bacteria was seen on the copper alloy components, when compared to the surfaces made from standard materials in the control rooms. Finally, the infection rates were found to be reduced by 58% in patient rooms with components made of copper, when compared to patients' rooms with components made of standard materials.

Conclusions:

Bacteria die on copper alloy surfaces in both the laboratory and the hospital rooms. Infection rates were lowered in those hospital rooms containing copper components. Thus, based on the presented information, the placement of copper alloy components, in the built environment, may have the potential to reduce not only hospital-acquired infections but also patient treatment costs.
Research Into Functioning of the State Language in the Situation of Mass Bilingualism of North Kazakhstan Using the Differential Technique
Authors: Mongilyova Natalya
Published: July 2015

The article deals with the issue of bilingualism and performance of necessary communicative functions by the state language, when the official status of the language is in contradiction with the real communicative possibilities. The research is conducted on the example of state of language of north Kazakhstan represented by mass Kazakh–Russian bilingualism. The research techniques were worked out on the basis of questionnaires of situation analysis and differential technique with the calculation of the coefficient of preference of one or another language by ethnical Kazakhs. The article defines the reasons of the choice of the language in certain everyday situations. The choice of Kazakh as the main language is often motivated by ethnical self-identity of Kazakhstan residents. The language in which respondents were educated is also a decisive factor in preferring Kazakh or Russian in various situations. The research also determined a disturbing tendency of general preference of Russian by young respondents, loss of position of Kazakh in information space, and as a means of acquiring knowledge, wrong notion about the native language. Study of public functions of languages in the situations of bilingualism using differential technique, as it was done in this study, allows objectively estimating the state of language and defining the extralinguistic factor that determines this state and states the language problem correctly.
Interaction Rituals and Jumbled Emotions Among “Relative Strangers”
Authors: Fixsen Alison , Ridge Damien , Kirkpatrick Susan , Foot Doug
Published: July 2015

Learning games such as role-play (which we refer to as “simulated interaction rituals”) are commonly used as social tools to develop trainee health practitioners. However, the effect of such rituals on individual and group participant emotions has not been carefully studied. Using a heuristic approach, we explore the experiences of complementary therapy practitioner trainees (and their trainers) participating in a personal development course. Ten trainees and two tutors were interviewed, observational notes taken, and a secondary qualitative analysis undertaken. Participants and tutors described a medley of disparate emotional and moral responses to group rituals, conceptualized in this article as “jumbled emotions.” Such emotions required disentangling, and both trainees and staff perceived participating in unfamiliar rituals “with relative strangers” as challenging. Front of stage effects are frequently processed “backstage,” as rituals threaten social embarrassment and confusion. Concerns around emotional triggers, authenticity, and outcomes of rituals arise at the time, yet trainees can find ways to work through these issues in time.
Childhood Adversity Interacts With Adult Stressful Events to Predict Reduced Likelihood of Smoking Cessation Among Women but Not Men
Authors: Smith Philip H. , Oberleitner Lindsay M. S. , Smith Kathryn M. Z. , McKee Sherry A.
Published: July 2015

Research has documented important sex differences in associations between early stress, stress sensitization, and psychiatric outcomes. The current study investigated whether sex differences in stress sensitization extended to cigarette smoking cessation. Data were analyzed from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (Waves 1 and 2), selecting for current daily and nondaily smokers at Wave 1 (daily smokers: n = 3,499 women, 3,055 men; nondaily smokers: n = 451 women, 501 men). Three-way interactions among sex, childhood adversity, and past-year stressful life events were modeled in the prediction of smoking cessation. Among women, stressful life events were more strongly related to lower likelihood of smoking cessation for those with a history of childhood adversity than those without. This relationship was not found among men. The stress sensitization model may be applicable to women with regard to smoking cessation, supporting further exploration of stress sensitization as a prevention and clinical target for smoking cessation.
Dutch disease in the Lao economy: Diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Insisienmay Sthabandith , Nolintha Vanthana , Park Innwon
Published: July 2015

Searching for evidence of Dutch disease in the Lao economy, we do find some of its symptoms, though they are not very strong. Accordingly, we propose some policy options to mitigate its effects and ensure the sustainable development of the Lao economy: (a) invest the revenues from the booming resource-intensive exports, foreign direct investment and official development assistance in infrastructure and education; (b) reduce import barriers against capital and equipment imports; (c) establish a natural resource fund and a foreign exchange equalisation fund; (d) actively participate in regional trade agreements for advanced technologies and domestic reform; (e) establish a comprehensive bank for efficient trade and investment activities. Above all, we strongly suggest public sector reform to increase transparency in governance.
Effect of oxides on nucleation of ferrite: First principle modelling and experimental approach
Authors: Li Y. , Wan X. L. , Cheng L. , Wu K. M.
Published: July 2015

The first principle modelling and experimental approach were used to investigate the role of oxide on ferrite formation. Ti2O3 was found to be effective in inducing ferrite formation owing to its lower cation vacancy energy. Al2O3 was inert in promoting the formation of ferrite because it has high cation and anion vacancy energies due to its strongest s–p bonding. There was no alteration of the lattice when ZrO2 doped with Mn because the radius of Mn2+ is almost the same as that of Zr4+. Therefore, a manganese depleted zone can be formed in the vicinity of ZrO2. The vacancy energy and electron densities of states were calculated by first principles, and the results were in good agreement with the experiments.
Photocatalytic decolourisation of dyes using TiO2 thin film photocatalysts
Authors: Rojviroon T. , Rojviroon O. , Sirivithayapakorn S.
Published: July 2015

This research investigates the photocatalytic decolourisation of two selected dyes using multiple thin film coatings (three, four and five layers) of a TiO2 photocatalyst under a low intensity ultraviolet A (UVA) light source. The TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared using a simplified sol–gel process, and the decolourisation efficiencies of the two experimental dyes, indigo carmine and reactive black 5, were studied. The kinetics of the photocatalytic decolourisation reactions under low intensity UVA were described by a pseudofirst order kinetic model, and the photocatalytic kinetic rate constants were reported. An increase in the number of coating layers contributed to the TiO2 photocatalyst's smaller grain size, higher surface area and narrower optical band gap. The findings also revealed a positive relationship between the number of TiO2 coating layers and the efficiencies and kinetics of dye decolourisation in the experimental photocatalytic process. In addition, the TiO2 thin film photocatalyst induced high photocatalytic activity, even under low intensity UVA light.
Byrudite, (Be,〈)(V3+,Ti)3O6, a
new mineral from the Byrud emerald mine, South Norway
Authors: Raade G. , Balić-Žunić T. , Stanley C. J.
Published: July 2015

Byrudite (IMA 2013-045, Raade et al., 2013), with
simplified formula (Be,〈)(V3+,Ti)3O6,
occurs in emerald-bearing syenitic pegmatites of Permian age at Byrud farm,
Eidsvoll, Akershus, South Norway. It has a norbergite-type structure,
Pnma, with a = 9.982(1),
b = 8.502(1), c = 4.5480(6) Å,
V = 385.97(9) Å3, Z = 4. The structure
was refined to R1 = 0.045 for 1413 unique reflections. Twinning occurs on {210}.
The occupancy of the tetrahedral Be site refined to
0.84(1). The presence of Be was verified by secondary ion mass spectrometry
but could not be quantified. Electron-microprobe analyses of the crystal
used for structure determination gave the empirical formula
(Be0.84〈0.16) (V1.323+Ti1.25Cr0.29Fe0.09Al0.07)Σ3.02O6.
There is a strong inverse correlation between V and Cr. The ideal endmember
formula is BeV23+TiO6. The mineral is black and opaque with a
metallic lustre. Reflectance data in air are reported from 400 to 700 nm.
The Commission on Ore Mineralogy required wavelengths are
[R1, R2(λ in nm)]:16.6,17.5(470), 16.7,17.9(546), 16.8,18.3(589) and
16.8,18.6(650). The Mohs hardness is ∼7, based on indentation measurements.
The mineral is brittle with an uneven fracture; cleavage is not present.
D(calc.) = 4.35 g cm–3 for the empirical
formula with 0.84 Be a.p.f.u. The strongest reflections of the calculated
powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [d in Å
(Irel)(hkl)]: 3.721(72)(111),
2.965(100)(121), 2.561(50)(311), 2.464(41)(230), 2.167(24)(231),
1.681(34)(402), 1.671(66)(232), 1.435(23)(630).
Almeidaite,
Pb(Mn,Y)Zn2(Ti,Fe3+)18O36(O,OH)2,
a new crichtonite-group mineral, from Novo Horizonte, Bahia,
Brazil
Authors: Menezes Filho Luiz A. D. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Rastsvetaeva Ramiza K. , Aksenov Sergey M. , Pekov Igor V. , Chaves Mário L. S. C. , Richards R. Peter , Atencio Daniel , Brandão Paulo R. G. , Scholz Ricardo , Krambrock Klaus , Moreira Roberto L. , Guimarães Frederico S. , Romano Antônio W. , Persiano Aba C. , de Oliveira Luiz C. A. , Ardisson José D.
Published: July 2015

Almeidaite (IMA 2013-020), ideally Pb(Mn,
Y)Zn2(Ti,Fe3+)18O36(O, OH)2,
from Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil, occurs in association with quartz,
rutile, anatase, hematite, kaolinite, muscovite, xenotime-(Y) and
bastnaesite-(La). Almeidaite forms isolated, black, opaque, sub-metallic,
platy crystals flattened on [0001], measuring up to 30 mm 6 30 mm 6 6 mm in
size, dominated by the basal pinacoid {0001}, which is bounded by various,
mostly steep, rhombohedra and the hexagonal prism {1120}. Most of the
crystals are multiply twinned, with non-planar contact surfaces that are
approximately parallel to the c axis. The streak is brown. Reflectance
values are [(Ro, Re) λ (nm)]: (12.78, 15.39) 470; (12.86, 15.43) 546; (12.91,
15.55) 589; (13.04, 15.75) 650. The empirical formula is
(Pb0.59Sr0.12Ca0.04La0.03)Σ0.78(Mn0.54Y0.46)Σ1.00Zn1.43(Ti13.02Fe4.983+)Σ18.00(Fe0.323+Mn0.15)Σ0.47[O37.18(OH)0.82]Σ38.00.
It is trigonal, space group R3, with the unit-cell
parameters a = 10.4359(2), c = 21.0471(4)
Å, V = 1985.10(7) Å3 and Z = 3.
The crystal structure was solved (R1 = 0.039) using 2110 unique reflections with I
> 3σ(I). Almeidaite is a member of the crichtonite group
with Pb dominant in the A site (with 12-fold coordination)
and Zn dominant in the T site (with 4-fold coordination).
It is a Zn analogue of senaite and a Pb analogue of landauite. The mineral
is named after Professor Fernando Flávio Marques de Almeida (1916–2013).
Equation of state of hercynite, FeAl2O4, and high-pressure systematics of Mg-Fe-Cr-Al spinels
Authors: Nestola F. , Periotto B. , Anzolini C. , Andreozzi G. B. , Woodland A. B. , Lenaz D. , Alvaro M. , Princivalle F.
Published: July 2015

In this work a single crystal of synthetic hercynite, FeAl2O4, was investigated by X-ray diffraction up to 7.5 GPa and at room temperature, in order to determine its pressure–volume equation of state. The unit-cell volume decreases non-linearly with a reduction of 3.4% (i.e. 18.43 Å3). The pressure–volume data were fitted to a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state providing the following coefficients:V0= 542.58(3)Å3,KT0= 193.9(1.7) GPa,K' = 6.0(5). These results are consistent with previous investigations of Cr and Al spinels measured with the same experimental approach but theKT0differs significantly from the experimental determination carried out more than 40 years ago by Wang and Simmons (1972) by the pulse echo overlap method. Our new results were used to redetermine the FeAl2O4(hercynite)= FeO(wüstite)+ Al2O3(corundum)equilibrium inP–Tspace and obtain geobarometric information for Cr-Al spinels found as inclusions in diamond.
Palladosilicide, Pd2Si, a new mineral from the Kapalagulu Intrusion, Western Tanzania and the Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Authors: Cabri L. J. , McDonald A. M. , Stanley C. J. , Rudashevsky N. S. , Poirier G. , Wilhelmij H. R. , Zhe W. , Rudashevsky V. N.
Published: July 2015

Palladosilicide, Pd2Si, is a new mineral (IMA 2014-080) discovered in chromite-rich samples from the Kapalagulu intrusion, western Tanzania (30°03′51′′E 5°53′16′′S and 30°05′37′′E 5°54′26′′S) and from the UG-2 chromitite, Bushveld complex, South Africa. A total of 13 grains of palladosilicide, ranging in size from 0.7 to 39.1 μm (equivalent circle diameters), were found. Synthetic Pd2Si is hexagonal, space groupP62m, witha= 6.496(5),c= 3.433(4) Å,V= 125.5(1) Å3,c:a= 0.529 withZ= 3. The strongest lines calculated from the powder pattern (Anderko and Schubert, 1953) are [din Å (I) (hkl)] 2.3658 100 (111); 2.1263 37 (120); 2.1808 34 (021); 3.240 20 (110); 1.8752 19 (030); 1.7265 12 (002); 1.3403 11 (122); 1.2089 10 (231). The calculated density for three analyses varies from 9.562 to 9.753 g cm–3. Palladosilicide is considered to be equivalent to synthetic Pd2Si based on results from electron backscattered diffraction analyses. Reflectance data in air for the four Commission on Ore Mineralogy wavelengths are [λ nm,R1(%)R2(%)] 470 49.6 52.7; 546 51.2 53.8; 589 51.6 53.7; 650 51.7 53.3 and the mineral is bright creamy white against chromite, weakly bireflectant and displays no discernible pleochroism or twinning. It is weakly anisotropic, has weak extinction and rotation tints in shades of blue and olive green. Electron probe microanalyses of palladosilicide yield a simplified formula of Pd2Si.
The crystal structure of cyanotrichite
Authors: Mills Stuart J. , Christy Andrew G. , Colombo Fernando , Price Jason R.
Published: July 2015

We report the single-crystal average structure of cyanotrichite,
Cu4Al2[SO4](OH)12(H2O)2,
from the Maid of Sunshine mine, Arizona, USA. Cyanotrichite crystallizes in
space group C2/m, with the unit-cell
parameters a = 12.625(3), b = 2.8950(6),
c = 10.153(2) Å and β = 92.17(3)o. All non-hydrogen
atoms were located and refined to R1 = 0.0394 for all 584 observed reflections [Fo > 4σFo] and 0.0424 for all 622 unique reflections. The cyanotrichite
structure consists of a principal building unit of a three-wide
[Cu2Al(OH)6] ribbon of edge-sharing Cu and Al
polyhedra || b, similar to that found for camerolaite. The ribbons lie in
layers || (001) and between these layers, while SO4 tetrahedra
and H2O molecules form rods running || b. A hydrogen-bonding
scheme is also proposed.

A sample of cyanotrichite from the Cap Garonne mine, Le Pradet, France,
showed a 4b superstructure with the following unit cell:
space group P2/m, a =
12.611(2) Å, b = 11.584(16) = 4 × 2.896(4) Å,
c = 10.190(1) Å and β = 92.29(6)o. The supercell could
not be refined in detail, but nevertheless imposes constraints on the local
structure in that while the space-group symmetry prevents full order of
SO4 and H2O in the 4b supercell,
it requires that the sequence of species along any given rod is
[-SO4-SO4-(H2O)2-(H2O)2-]
rather than
[-SO4-(H2O)2-SO4-(H2O)2-].
High-resolution imaging of biotite using focal series exit
wavefunction restoration and the graphene mechanical exfoliation
method
Authors: Bower W. , Head W. , Droop G. T. R. , Zan R. , Pattrick R. A. D. , Wincott P. , Haigh S. J.
Published: July 2015

We have applied mechanical exfoliation for the preparation of ultra-thin
samples of the phyllosilicate mineral biotite. We demonstrate that the
'scotch tape' approach, which was made famous as an early method for
production of single-atom-thick graphene, can be used for production of
sheet-silicate specimens that are sufficiently thin to allow high-resolution
transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) imaging to be achieved successfully
while also being free from the specimen preparation artefacts that are often
caused by ion-beam milling techniques. Exfoliation of the biotite parallel
to the (001) planes has produced layers as thin as two structural TOT units
thick (∼2 nm). The minimal specimen thickness enabled not only HRTEM imaging
but also the application of subsequent exit wavefunction restoration to
reveal the pristine biotite lattice. Exit wavefunction restoration recovers
the full complex electron wave from a focal series of HRTEM images, removing
the effects of coherent lens aberrations. This combination of methods
therefore produces images in which the observed features are readily
interpreted to obtain atomic resolution structural information.
Moraskoite, Na2Mg(PO4)F, a new mineral from the Morasko IAB-MG iron meteorite (Poland)
Authors: Karwowski Łukasz , Kusz Joachim , Muszyński Andrzej , Kryza Ryszard , Sitarz Maciej , Galuskin Evgeny V.
Published: July 2015

Moraskoite, a new natural phosphate of composition Na2Mg(PO4)F, has been found in the Morasko IAB-MG iron meteorite. The new phosphate occurs in a graphite-troilite inclusion enclosed in a kamacite-taenite matrix. Associated minerals in the inclusions are chlorapatite, buchwaldite, brianite, merrillite, a new phosphate phase of composition Na4MgCa3(PO4)4, chromite, enstatite (bronzite), kosmochlor, kosmochlor–augite, olivine, albite, orthoclase, quartz, cohenite, schreibersite, nickelphosphide, altaite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, daubreelite, djerfischerite, whitlockite and native Cu. The inclusions are rimmed by a schreibersite-cohenite halo. Moraskoite forms aggregates up to 1.5 mm in size, with individual grains 20–300 μm across. It is colourless and transparent, with a white streak and vitreous lustre; fluorescence is weak blue in ultraviolet radiation (254 and 360 nm); hardness is 4–5; it has irregular, conchoidal fracture and cleavage is rarely observed. Calculated density (using the empirical formula) is 2.925 g cm–3. The moraskoite structure (Pbcn,a= 5.2117(10),b= 13.711(3),c= 11.665(2) Å,V= 833.6(3) Å3andZ= 8) is similar to that of its synthetic analogue. The strongest diffraction lines of the moraskoite powder diffraction pattern are as follows (dhkl, I): 3.909(75), 3.382(52), 2.955(90), 2.606(100), 2.571(96), 2.545(68), 1.691 (67). In the Raman spectrum, the following characteristic bands are distinguished (cm–1, strong bands bold): 1114, 1027, 962, 589, 438, 336, 308, 279, 262, 244, 193, 184, 147 and 131. The Raman data prove the absence of H2O and CO2. Moraskoite is interpreted as being a primary phosphate, which crystallized together with graphite, troilite and other accessories inside the nodule.
A-type substitution in carbonated strontium fluor-, chlor- and
hydroxylapatites
Authors: Weidner Victoria L. , Carney Molly C. , Schermerhorn Demetra V. , Pasteris Jill D. , Yoder Claude H.
Published: July 2015

Carbonated strontium fluor-, hydroxyl- and chlorapatites (carbonated
Sr10(PO4)6X2 = CSrApX, where
X= OH, Cl and F) were synthesized in aqueous solution. The substitution mode
of carbonate was determined from infrared (IR) stretching frequencies for
carbonate and from the variation in unit-cell axial lengths as a function of
carbonate content. The a-axis lengths of CSrApF and CSrApCl decrease,
whereas the a-axis length of CSrApOH increases slightly
with increasing carbonate substitution. The carbonate IR stretching region
from ∼1390 to 1590 cm–1 contains two doublets for both CSrApOH
and CSrApCl, indicating the presence of both A- and B-type carbonate. The
carbonate spectral region for CSrApF is reminiscent of that for CCaApF,
which contains one doublet for B-type carbonate with a small shoulder
attributable to A-type carbonate. Activity-based Ksp values (assuming B-type substitution) were determined for all
three series of carbonated Sr apatites and show that the solubilities of
CSrApOH and CSrApCl increase at higher carbonate values, whereas those of
CSrApF stay constant. The Ksp values for uncarbonated SrApOH, SrApCl and SrApF were
determined by extrapolation to zero percent carbonate (10–120,
10–112 and 10–113 for SrApOH, SrApCl and SrApF,
respectively).
Imayoshiite,
Ca3Al(CO3)[B(OH)4](OH)6·12H2O,
a new mineral of the ettringite group from Ise City, Mie Prefecture,
Japan
Authors: Nishio-Hamane D. , Ohnishi M. , Momma K. , Shimobayashi N. , Miyawaki R. , Minakawa T. , Inaba S.
Published: July 2015

Imayoshiite,
Ca3Al(CO3)[B(OH)4](OH)6·12H2O,
occurs in cavities in the altered gabbro xenolith in the sepentinized dunite
exposed at Suisho-dani, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Imayoshiite is
colourless and transparent with a vitreous lustre and its aggregates are
white with a silky lustre. Imayoshiite has a white streak. Its Mohs hardness
is 2–3. It is brittle, the cleavage is distinct on {100} and the fracture is
uneven. The mineral is uniaxial (–) with the indices of refraction ω =
1.497(2) and ε = 1.470(2) in white light. Imayoshiite is hexagonal,
P63, a = 11.0264(11),
c = 10.6052(16) Å by powder diffraction and
a = 11.04592(2), c = 10.61502(19) Å by
single-crystal diffraction. The structural refinement converged to
R1 = 2.35%. Imayoshiite is the first member of the ettringite
group with both CO3 and B(OH)4 anions.
Determination of the tegengrenite superstructure: another case
of tetrahedral Mn3+ in spinel-type minerals?
Authors: Bonazzi Paola , Bindi Luca
Published: July 2015

The crystal structure of the spinel-related, Sb mineral tegengrenite from
the Filipstad district, Värmland, Sweden, has been solved in the space group
R3 [a = 16.0285(9), c
= 14.8144(8) Å, V = 3296.1(3) Å3,
Z = 42] and refined up to R = 0.0484
for 3589 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). Tegengrenite exhibits a rhombohedrally distorted spinel-type
structure with cations occupying 1/8 of the tetrahedral (T) and 1/2 of the
octahedral (M) interstices of a nearly regular cubic close-packing of oxygen
atoms. Due to the cation ordering, which leads to a complex superstructure
with a unit-cell volume of 21/4 that of a common spinel, the M and T sites
of the spinel-type structure split into ten and six independent sites,
respectively. Chemical composition determined by electron microprobe led to
the empirical formula Mg1.26Mn0.852+Zn0.04Mn0.193+Al0.01Si0.12Ti0.03Sb0.505+O4, on the assumption that no vacancies occur in the
mineral (Σcat = 3.00 and Σcharge = 8.00 per formula
unit). Crystal-chemical considerations indicate that octahedra are occupied
mainly by Mg, Mn3+ and Sb5+ (+Al, + Ti), whereas
tetrahedra are filled mainly by Mn2+ and Mg (+Zn) with Si ordered
in a specific site. However, the structure refinement shows a low
site-scattering factor for one octahedral site, implying substantial
vacancies and a larger overall mean Mn valence than stated above. Long mean
distances also suggest some Mn2+ on octahedral sites. Together,
these observations necessitate the presence of substantial Mn3+
on tetrahedral sites.