bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromyelitis optica positive antibodies confer a worse course in relapsing-neuromyelitis optica in Cuba and French West Indies
Authors: Cabrera-Gómez JA , Bonnan M , González-Quevedo A , Saiz-Hinarejos A , Marignier R , Olindo S , Graus F , Smadja D , Merle H , Thomas L , Gómez-García A , Cabre P
Published: June 2009

Background

In Caucasian populations Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO-IgG) antibody has been detected in 27.1% / 78.2% of patients with relapsing-NMO (R-NMO). The prevalence reported for the disease in the Caribbean is 3.1/100,000 in the French West Indies (FWI) and 0.52 /100,000 in Cuba, but the NMO antibody status is unknown.

Objective

To assess the NMO-IgG antibody status of Cuban/FWI RNMO patients, comparing with European cases tested at the same laboratories.

Methods

Serum NMO-IgG antibodies were assayed in 48 R-NMO patients (Wingerchuck´s 1999 criteria): Cuba (24)/FWI (24), employing Lennon et al´s method. We compared the demographic, clinical, disability and laboratory data between NMO-IgG +/- patients. All the data were reviewed and collected blinded to the NMO-IgG status.

Results

Seropositivity of the NMO-IgG antibody demonstrated a lower rate in the Caribbean (33.3%), as compared with Caucasian patients from Spain/Italy (62.5%) and France (53.8%). Caribbean patients with NMO-IgG (+) displayed more attacks, more spinal attacks and a higher EDSS than NMO-IgG (-) cases, while brain and spinal cord MRI lesions were more frequent during remission, with more vertebral segments, more gray, white matter and holocord involvement.

Conclusions

NMO IgG positive antibodies in NMO patients had a lower rate in the Caribbean area – where the population has a predominant African ancestry – than in Caucasian Europeans, suggesting the influence of a possible ethnic factor in the pathogenesis of the disease, but they confer a worse course with more attacks, more disability and MRI lesions.
Managing cardiovascular and renal risk: the potential of direct renin inhibition
Authors: Sever Peter S , Gradman Alan H , Azizi Michel
Published: June 2009

Aliskiren is the first direct renin inhibitor for the treatment of hypertension. Clinical experience from studies in over 14,000 patients has shown that aliskiren, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive therapies, provides effective blood pressure lowering with a good safety and tolerability profile.The ultimate aim of antihypertensive therapy, however, is to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes.The effect of aliskiren on surrogate markers of organ damage and clinical outcomes is being assessed in the ongoing ASPIRE HIGHER programme, the largest clinical trials programme in the cardio-renal disease area. Results from the ALOFT, AVOID and ALLAY studies suggest that aliskiren has positive effects on markers of cardiovascular and renal damage in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy, heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy.ASPIRE HIGHER also includes four large-scale studies assessing the potential outcome benefits of aliskiren, and the results of these trials will help define the clinical utility of aliskiren in the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this article, we review the antihypertensive efficacy of aliskiren and explore its potential in the management of cardiovascular and renal risk.
The Use of a Biplot in Studying Outcomes After Stroke
Authors: De Wit Liesbet , Molas Marek , Dejaeger Eddy , De Weerdt Willy , Feys Hilde , Jenni Walter , Lincoln Nadina , Putman Koen , Schupp Wilfried , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose. This study aimed to unravel the multidimensional profile of stroke outcomes by investigating the global correlation structure of motor, functional, and emotional problems of patients, as well as their caregivers’ strain, at 6 months after stroke. Potential differential associations based on patients’ level of functioning on admission to the rehabilitation center were analyzed. Methods. Data were collected within the CERISE-study (Collaborative Evaluation of Rehabilitation in Stroke across Europe). Six months after stroke, the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA), Extended Activities of Daily Living (EADL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—Anxiety (HADS-A) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—Depression (HADS-D), EuroQol—Health State (EQ-HS), EuroQol—Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) were administered. Patients were classified into 3 categories according to their Barthel Index (BI) score on admission to the rehabilitation center. Principal component analysis was carried out, and a biplot was constructed. Results. Data were available on 510 patients. One cluster was formed by RMA and EADL, and a second one by HADS-A, HADS-D, and EQ-VAS. EQ-HS was situated between these two. CSI formed a third dimension. Patients with low BI scores on admission to the rehabilitation center had higher HADS-A and HADS-D scores 6 months after stroke. High BI scores were associated with large variations in HADS-A and HADS-D scores. Conclusions. This novel biplot strategy for rehabilitation studies revealed 2 clusters: one of motor/functional problems and one of emotional problems. Patients with mild functional deficit measured on admission to the rehabilitation center can suffer from mild to severe anxiety and depression at 6 months poststroke. Screening for emotional disorders in all patients is recommended.
Review: Tailoring the treatment to the individual in Crohn's disease
Authors: Louis Edouard , Belaiche Jacques , Reenaers Catherine
Published: June 2009

Crohn's disease is a heterogeneous disease with approximately 30-40% of patients having a simple benign history and the rest having a chronic progressive disease leading to complications, surgeries and potentially socio-professional marginalisation. Recent studies have shown that an early treatment with immunosuppressive treatment and/or anti-tumour necrosis factor agents could change the natural history of the disease and avoid the development of such disabling disease. The therapy should thus be tailored according to the risk of developing such disabling disease. Recent cohort studies have shown that clinical factors such as age at diagnosis, disease extent, disease location and behaviour at diagnosis were predictive for the development of severe or disabling disease and could be used in helping the physician to tailor therapy.
Hormone-regulated expression and distribution of versican in mouse uterine tissues
Authors: Salgado Renato M , Capelo Luciane P , Favaro Rodolfo R , Glazier Jocelyn D , Aplin John D , Zorn Telma MT
Published: June 2009

Background

Remodeling of the extracellular matrix is one of the most striking features observed in the uterus during the estrous cycle and after hormone replacement. Versican (VER) is a hyaluronan-binding proteoglycan that undergoes RNA alternative splicing, generating four distinct isoforms. This study analyzed the synthesis and distribution of VER in mouse uterine tissues during the estrous cycle, in ovariectomized (OVX) animals and after 17beta-estradiol (E2) and medroxyprogesterone (MPA) treatments, either alone or in combination.

Methods

Uteri from mice in all phases of the estrous cycle, and animals subjected to ovariectomy and hormone replacement were collected for immunoperoxidase staining for versican, as well as PCR and quantitative Real Time PCR.

Results

In diestrus and proestrus, VER was exclusively expressed in the endometrial stroma. In estrus and metaestrus, VER was present in both endometrial stroma and myometrium. In OVX mice, VER immunoreaction was abolished in all uterine tissues. VER expression was restored by E2, MPA and E2+MPA treatments. Real Time PCR analysis showed that VER expression increases considerably in the MPA-treated group. Analysis of mRNA identified isoforms V0, V1 and V3 in the mouse uterus.

Conclusion

These results show that the expression of versican in uterine tissues is modulated by ovarian steroid hormones, in a tissue-specific manner. VER is induced in the myometrium exclusively by E2, whereas MPA induces VER deposition only in the endometrial stroma.
Technetium-99m scan in the laparoscopic management of a misdiagnosed Meckel's diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Pitiakoudis Michael , Vaos George , Kirmanidis Michael , Gardikis Stefanos , Tsalkidou Evanthia , Simopoulos Constantinos
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Although Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract and modern imaging techniques are available, its diagnosis remains problematic.

Case presentation

A technetium-99 scan was performed in an 18-year-old man with abdominal pain, vomiting and rectal bleeding to confirm the presence of a Meckel's diverticulum which was not diagnosed laparoscopically elsewhere. The technetium-99 scan was positive and a diagnostic laparoscopy was re-performed which revealed a Meckel's diverticulum that was subsequently resected.

Conclusion

We suggest that a technetium-99m scan should be performed before laparoscopy in children and adolescents with suspected Meckel's diverticulum. A positive technetium-99m scan may significantly contribute to the laparoscopic definitive diagnosis and treatment of a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum. However, diagnostic laparoscopy should only be performed by experienced surgeons.
Manifestations of Ollier's disease in a 21-year-old man: a case report
Authors: Fallahi Babak , Bostani Morteza , Gilani Kianoush Ansari , Beiki Davood , Gholamrezanezhad Ali
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Ollier's disease is a rare nonhereditary disorder characterized by multiple enchondromas with a predilection for unilateral distribution. Malignant changes in Ollier's disease may occur in adult patients. Radionuclide bone scanning is one method used to assess lesions depicted on radiographs or magnetic resonance images that are presumed to be enchondromas. Also, a bone scan may give a clue to the multifocal nature of the disease and it has been recommended that scintigraphy is useful in the monitoring of lesions and the development of any malignant transformation.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old man with a history of pathologic fractures of the right tibia and multiple limb surgeries related to Ollier's disease was referred to our nuclear medicine department. Radiographic assessment showed multiple radiolucent expansile lesions, suggestive of multiple enchondromas. A whole-body bone (99mTc-MDP) scan showed multiple foci of increased activity involving the proximal and distal right femur and tibia, proximal right humerus, distal right ulna, right metacarpals, metatarsals and phalyngeal tubular bones, consistent with unilateral distribution of the lesions. The long bones of the left hemi-skeleton were unremarkable, representing unilateral involvement of the skeleton. In this case, the intensity of uptake in the lesions of the lower extremity was high, raising the possibility of malignant degeneration of the enchondromas. Hence, the patient underwent surgical excision of the suspected lesions. Pathology analysis revealed their benign nature.

Conclusion

Although the malignant transformation of enchondromas is a well known phenomenon, it should be kept in mind that other etiologies can be considered as the cause of intensely increased uptake. Retrospective assessment of our patient revealed that the etiology of increased uptake in the lower limb lesions was due to previous insufficiency fractures and the possibility of malignant transformation was ruled out based on the pathology findings.
MSP and GLP-1/Notch signaling coordinately regulate actomyosin-dependent cytoplasmic streaming and oocyte growth inC. elegans
Authors: Nadarajan Saravanapriah , Govindan J. Amaranath , McGovern Marie , Hubbard E. Jane Albert , Greenstein David
Published: June 2009

Fertility depends on germline stem cell proliferation, meiosis and gametogenesis, yet how these key transitions are coordinated is unclear. In C. elegans, we show that GLP-1/Notch signaling functions in the germline to modulate oocyte growth when sperm are available for fertilization and the major sperm protein (MSP) hormone is present. Reduction-of-function mutations in glp-1 cause oocytes to grow abnormally large when MSP is present and Gαs-adenylate cyclase signaling in the gonadal sheath cells is active. By contrast, gain-of-function glp-1 mutations lead to the production of small oocytes. Surprisingly, proper oocyte growth depends on distal tip cell signaling involving the redundant function of GLP-1 ligands LAG-2 and APX-1. GLP-1 signaling also affects two cellular oocyte growth processes, actomyosin-dependent cytoplasmic streaming and oocyte cellularization. glp-1 reduction-of-function mutants exhibit elevated rates of cytoplasmic streaming and delayed cellularization. GLP-1 signaling in oocyte growth depends in part on the downstream function of the FBF-1/2 PUF RNA-binding proteins. Furthermore, abnormal oocyte growth in glp-1mutants, but not the inappropriate differentiation of germline stem cells,requires the function of the cell death pathway. The data support a model in which GLP-1 function in MSP-dependent oocyte growth is separable from its role in the proliferation versus meiotic entry decision. Thus, two major germline signaling centers, distal GLP-1 activation and proximal MSP signaling,coordinate several spatially and temporally distinct processes by which germline stem cells differentiate into functional oocytes.
Local Crystal Structure Modifications in Pulsed Laser Deposited Colossal Magnetoresistive Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Sahiner M. Alper , Shah Wiqar , Aranguren Marc , Serfass Jeffrey , Woicik Joseph C.
Published: June 2009

The local structure around the manganese atom is probed by extended x-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) measurements in pulsed laser deposited thin films of La11xCaxMnO3 (x=0.1210.53). The thin films were deposited on various single crystal oxide substrates. The effect of the lattice parameter of the substrate on the local structural modifications around Mn atom is investigated. All the x-ray absorption experiments were performed at the National Synchrotron Light Source of Brookhaven National Laboratory. By detailed EXAFS theoretical modeling for the possible local structures and the least square fitting to the EXAFS data using these models, the overall substrate and the Ca concentration effects are probed. The EXAFS results indicate a rigid Mn-O bonding, but response of the Mn-O-Mn bond angle upon variations of the substrate lattice constant and Ca substitution.
Influence of Alloy Microstructure on Oxide Growth in HCM12A in Supercritical Water
Authors: Bischoff Jeremy , Motta Arthur T. , Tan Lizhen , Allen Todd R.
Published: June 2009

HCM12A is a ferritic-martensitic steel alloy envisioned for cladding and structural material in the Generation IV Supercritical Water Reactor (SCWR). This alloy was oxidized in 600°C supercritical water for 2, 4 and 6 weeks, and the oxide layers formed were analyzed using microbeam synchrotron radiation and electron microscopy. The oxide layers show a three-layer structure with an Fe3O4 outer layer, an inner layer containing a mixture of Fe3O4 and FeCr2O4 and a diffusion layer containing FeCr2O4 and Cr2O3 precipitates along ferrite lath boundaries. The base metal microstructure has a strong influence on the advancement of the oxide layers, due to the segregation at the lath boundaries of chromium rich particles, which are oxidized preferentially.
Thermal Performance of Deep-Burn Fusion-Fission Hybrid Waste in a Repository
Authors: Blink James A. , Chipman Veraun , Farmer Joseph , Shaw Henry , Zhao Pihong
Published: June 2009

The thermal characteristics of the spent fission fuel from a hybrid fusion-fission system (LIFE) capable of extremely high burnups are described. The waste has higher thermal output per unit mass of heavy metal, but lower thermal output per unit energy generated. Plausible designs for interim storage containers and cooling configuration can remove the heat without exceeding fuel temperature limits. Calculations show that a spent LIFE fuel repository would perform within the limits established for the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain.
Radiological Aspects of Deep-Burn Fusion-Fission Hybrid Waste in a Repository
Authors: Shaw Henry F. , Blink James A. , Farmer Joseph C. , Kramer Kevin J. , Latkowski Jeffery F. , Zhao Pihong
Published: June 2009

The quantity, radioactivity, and isotopic characteristics of the spent fission fuel from a hybrid fusion-fission system capable of extremely high burnups are described. The waste generally has higher activity per unit mass of heavy metal, but much lower activity per unit energy generated. The very long-term radioactivity is dominated by fission products. Simple scaling calculations suggest that the dose from a repository containing such waste would be dominated by 129I, 135Cs, and 242Pu. Use of such a system for generating energy would greatly reduce the need for repository capacity
Rate Theory Modeling of Irradiation-induced Phosphorus Segregation in FCC nickel Using First Principles Calculations
Authors: Ebihara Ken-ichi , Yamaguchi Masatake , Kaburaki Hideo , Nishiyama Yutaka
Published: June 2009

We have evaluated phosphorus (P) segregation in ion-irradiated nickel (Ni) by the rate theory model incorporating the results of first principles calculations. We find from our first principles calculation that the transport of P via the rotation mode of a mixed-dumbbell is unlikely to occur, and the transport coefficient of phosphorus by the vacancy mechanism is much larger than that reported previously. On the basis of our first principles results, we have also proposed to include the effect of free migration of P via the octahedral interstitial site of FCC Ni crystal in the rate theory model. With all these renewed parameters, we have successfully obtained the P distribution in irradiated Ni, which is very close to experiment, by adjusting the effect of P transport by the vacancy mechanism.
Effects on Hardness and Elastic Modulus for DSS-8 Peptide Treatment on Remineralization of Human Dental Tissues
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chan , Chung Hsiu-Ying , Hagerman Elizabeth Marie , Shi Wenyuan , Yang Jenn-Ming , Wu Ben
Published: June 2009

Dental remineralization may be achieved by mediating the interactions between tooth surfaces with free ions and biomimetic peptides. We recently developed octuplet repeats of aspartate-serine-serine (DSS-8) peptide, which occurs in high abundance in naturally occurring proteins that are critical for tooth remineralization. In this paper, we evaluated the possible role of DSS-8 in enamel remineralization. Human enamel specimens were demineralized, exposed briefly to DSS-8 solution, and then exposed to concentrated ionic solutions that favor remineralization. Enamel nano-mechanical behaviors, hardness and elastic modulus, at various stages of treatment were determined by nanoindentation. The phase, microstructure and morphology of the resultant surfaces were characterized using the grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD), variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Nanoindentation results show that the DSS-8 remineralization effectively improves the mechanical and elastic properties for demineralized enamel.
High Performance N-type Organic Thin-Film Transistors with Inert Contact Metals
Authors: Schols Sarah , Van Willigenburg Lucas , Müller Robert , Bode Dieter , Debucquoy Maarten , Genoe Jan , Heremans paul , Lu Shaofeng , Facchetti Antonio
Published: June 2009

Thin film growth by high vacuum evaporation of the n-type organic semiconductor 5, 5″′-diperfluorohexylcarbonyl-2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2″′-quaterthiophene (DFHCO-4T) on poly-(α-methylstyrene)-coated n++-Si/SiO2 substrates is investigated at various deposition fluxes and substrate temperatures. Film characterization by atomic force microscopy reveals typical Stransky-Krastanov growth. Transistors with Au source-drain top contacts and optimized DFHCO-4T deposition conditions attain an apparent saturation mobility of 4.6 cm2/Vs, whereas this parameter is 100× lower for similar transistors with LiF/Al top contacts. We explain this lower performance by the formation of a thin interfacial layer with poor injection properties resulting from a redox reaction between Al and DFHCO-4T.
Real-time Investigations on the Formation of CuIn(S,Se)2 while annealing precursors with varying sulfur content
Authors: Hölzing Astrid , Schurr Roland , Jost Stefan , Palm Jörg , Deseler Klaus , Wellmann Peter J. , Hock Rainer
Published: June 2009

CIS based chalcopyrite absorber materials are usually substituted in the cation and anion lattice to yield mixed pentanary crystals with the general composition Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 to achieve an optimised adaptation of the semiconductor bandgap to the terrestrial solar spectrum. Real-time investigations during the annealing of stacked elemental layers (SEL) of sputtered metals Cu and In and evaporated chalcogens S and Se with varying ratios were performed by angle-dispersive time-resolved XRD (X-ray diffraction) measurements. After qualitative phase analysis the measured powder diagrams were quantitatively analysed by the Rietveld method, the phases formed determined and their reaction kinetics obtained. Ternary indium and copper sulfoselenides form by the sulfoselenisation of the intermetallic alloy yielding different educts for the chalcopyrite formation with varying sulfur content. For S/(S+Se) ≥ 0.5 the formation of the chalcopyrite CuIn(S,Se)2 is similar to the crystallisation path of CuInS2. With increasing amount of selenium (S/(S+Se) = 0.25) different ternary sulfoselenides contribute to the semiconductor formation. For small amounts of sulfur, i.e. S/(S+Se) ≤ 0.1, the chalcopyrite crystallisation proceeds comparable to the one observed for sulfur-free Cu-In-Se precursors. The formation of CuIn(S,Se)2 is accelerated and proceeds mainly after the peritectic decomposition of Cu(S,Se) to Cu2(S,Se). The sulfur content determines the crystallisation temperature of the semiconductor because Cu(S,Se) decomposes at higher temperatures with increasing sulfur. Upon heating S ↔ Se exchange reactions take place in the Cu-S-Se and Cu-In-S-Se system.
TCO Thin Films with Permittivity Control
Authors: Gessert Timothy , Yoshida Yuki , Fesenmaier Christian , Duenow Joel , Coutts Timothy
Published: June 2009

We have shown that variation in the real part of the dielectric permittivity of typical transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films can have a profound effect on the optical properties of the material. This has been demonstrated by adding small amounts of Zr to an ITO ceramic sputtering target and analyzing the resulting ITO and ITO:Zr (ITZO) films. Comparative electrical and optical analyses of the films show that, although the carrier concentration and mobility do not change appreciably by adding 1 wt.% ZrO2 to the ITO sputtering target, the plasma wavelength increases significantly for the ITZO film. We believe that the underlying physics of these results can be exploited in designing future TCO films for photovoltaic (PV) applications—especially those that embody industrial advantages but remain limited by low mobility.
Thermal Conductivity Reduction Paths in Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Godart Claude , Goncalves Antonio , Lopes Elsa , Villeroy Benjamin
Published: June 2009

The figure of merit ZT = sS2T/k (S the Seebeck coefficient, s and k the electrical and thermal conductivity respectively) is an essential element of the efficiency of a thermoelectric material for applications which convert heat to electricity or, conversely, electric current to cooling. From the expression of the power factor sS2 it was deduced that a highly degenerated semiconductor is necessary. In order to reduce the lattice part of the thermal conductivity, various mechanisms were tested in new thermoelectric materials and those had been the topics of several reviews. These include cage-like materials, effects of vacancies, solid solutions, complex structures (cluster, tunnel, …,), micro- and nano-structured systems, and more recently semiconducting glasses. We plan to review such aspects in the modern thermoelectric materials and include results of the very last years. Moreover, as micro- and nano-composites seem to be promising to increase ZT in large size samples, we will also briefly discuss the interest of spark plasma sintering technique to preserve the micro- or nano- structure in highly densified samples.
Thermoelectric Power Factor of Polycrystalline La0.75Sr0.25Co1-xMnxO3-δCeramics
Authors: Rodríguez Julio E. , Niño J. A.
Published: June 2009

Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline La0.75Sr0.25Co1-xMnxO3-δ(0<x<0.08) (LSCoO-Mn) compounds have been studied. The samples were grown by solid-state reaction method; their transport properties were studied in the temperature range between 100 and 290K, as a function of temperature and the manganese content. The Seebeck coefficient (S) is positive over the measured temperature range and its magnitude increases with the manganese content up to values close to 160 μV/K. The electrical resistivity (ρ) goes from metallic to semiconducting behavior as the Mn level increases, at room temperature, ρ(T) exhibit values less than 4mΩ-cm. From S(T), ρ(T) and κ(T) data, the thermoelectric power factor and the figure of merit were determined. These performance parameters reach maximum values around 18 μW/K2-cm and 0.2, respectively. The observed behavior in the transport properties become these compounds potential thermoelectric materials, which could be used in thermoelectric applications.
Investigation of Composition-dependent Optical Phonon Modes in AlxGa1-xN Epitaxial Layers Grown on Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Chen Jun-Rong , Lu Tien-Chang , Kuo Hao-Chung , Wang Shing-Chung
Published: June 2009

We reported the systematical study of optical properties of hexagonal AlxGa1-xN epitaxial films grown on c-sapphire substrate using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. By performing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements, the high-frequency dielectric constants and phonon frequencies can be obtained by theoretically fitting the experimental infrared reflectance spectra using a four-phase layered model. The high-frequency dielectric constant of AlxGa1-xN varies between 4.98 and 4.52 for ε∝,│(polarization perpendicular to the optical axis) and between 4.95 and 4.50 for ε∝,//(polarization parallel to the optical axis) respectively when the aluminum composition changes from 0.15 to 0.24. Furthermore, from experimental infrared reflectance spectra of AlxGa1-xN films, a specific absorption dip at 785 cm-1 was observed when the aluminum composition is larger than 0.24. The dip intensity increases and the dip frequency shifts from 785 to 812 cm-1 as aluminum composition increases from 0.24 to 0.58. According to the reciprocal space map of x-ray diffraction measurements, the emergence of this dip could be resulted from the effects of strain relaxation in AlGaN epitaxial layers due to the large lattice mismatch between GaN and AlGaN epitaxial film.
Evolution of Textural, Structural and Morphological Properties of Ag/TiO2 Nanocomposites Tailored by Temperature
Authors: Viana Marcelo , Mohallem Nelcy Della Santina
Published: June 2009

TiO2 is a promising material for use in environmental purification due to its strong oxidizing power, photoinduced hydrophilicity, non-toxicity and long-term photostability. Nanocomposites formed by silver dispersed in titania matrix have their application quality improved since silver particles can act in the electronic structure of the titania. In this work, titanium isopropoxide and silver nitrate solution was used as starting of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites. After irradiation and gelification at room temperature, this material was dried and calcined at various temperatures up to 1100 °C. The nanocomposites were characterized to investigate the structural evolution of the nanoparticles and the dependence of crystallite size with the calcination temperature.
Characterization of ZnO Nanostructures Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Weigand Christian , Bergren Matthew R , Ladam Cecile , Vullum Per Erik , Walmsley John C , Fagerberg Ragnar , Furtak Tom E , Collins Reuben , Grepstad Jostein , Weman Helge
Published: June 2009

ZnO nanostructures were grown by pulsed laser deposition on c-plane sapphire substrates. The as-grown nanostructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy ZnO nanowires were grown using a gold catalyst, at a high substrate temperature of 800°C and an ambient gas pressure of 0.5 mbar (5% oxygen, 95% argon). Changing the gas composition to pure oxygen led to the growth of stacking fault-free ZnO nanosheets with their growth direction inclined to the [0001] direction. Similar nanosheets with stacking faults were found when lowering the growth temperature to 600°C for a 5% oxygen – 95% argon ambient gas composition and the same overall pressure. A growth mechanism for these ZnO nanosheets is proposed.
Structural and Ferromagnetic Properties of Fe3Si Thin Films Sputter-Deposited on Si(001)
Authors: LIEW Siao Li , SENG Debbie Hwee Leng , TAN Hui Ru , CHI Dongzhi
Published: June 2009

Fe3Si thin films were deposited on Si(001) from magnetron sputtering with varying deposition rates and subjected to post-deposition anneal (PDA). Structural investigations via XRD, SIMS and cross-sectional TEM reveal that high rate-deposited Fe3Si is amorphous while low rate-deposited Fe3Si is poly-crystalline with significant differences observed at the Fe3Si/Si interfaces. The structural differences were attributed to the influence of deposition rate on the grain nucleation and microstructural morphology in the as-deposited Fe3Si and the subsequent annealed films which in turn determine the ferromagnetic properties. Magnetic properties of Fe3Si deposited at high rate degrade with PDA - coercive field Hc increases from 1 to 14 Oe while saturation magnetization Ms decreases from ˜940 to 590 emu/cm3. In contrast, Fe3Si film sputter-deposited at low rate has a Hc of 5 Oe, Ms of ˜920 emu/cm3 and remnant magnetization Mr ˜0.9Ms that are maintained even upon PDA at 350 oC.
Solving Unknown Complex Oxide Structures by Precession Electron Diffraction: AgCoO2, PbMnO2.75 and LiTi1.5Ni0.5O4
Authors: Klein Holger , Gemmi Mauro , Rageau Amélie
Published: June 2009

Oxides synthesized in high temperature / high pressure conditions often show complex structures and contain several phases which makes a structure solution by X-ray crystallography very difficult or even impossible. Electron crystallography can then be a powerful alternative. We show here the structure solution of 3 oxides by precession electron diffraction. The phases include a simple hexagonal structure (AgCoO2), a complex monoclinic structure (PbMnO2.75) with a quasi 2-dimensional unit cell and a complex trigonal structure (LiTi1.5Ni0.5O4). In the last case even the positions for the light element Li were determined.
Parametric Studies on the Processing Parameters of a Thermally Wicking Material using Image Analysis
Authors: Lin Stephanie J. , Nadler Jason H.
Published: June 2009

A heat pipe is a device that transports heat against gravity using a wicking material and evaporation-condensation cycle..In these systems a thermal wick moves fluid from the cool region of a heat pipe to the hot region, where evaporative cooling occurs. Due to the operating demands of a thermal wick, several microstructural features are integral to the performance of the wick: capillary radii, specific surface area and permeability. Measuring these properties of a thermal wick (capillary radii, specific surface area and permeability) is difficult, therefore image analysis methods of quantification of the critical properties of a thermal wick has been developed . However, the microstructure of a thermal wick contains semicontinuous pores, therefore connectivity of pores cannot be assumed during quantification of the critical properties.. Two processing parameters, sacrificial template particle size and sintering temperature, were varied during the thermal wick synthesis. Quantification of the critical properties of the thermal wick was performed using the newly developed method. The newly developed method was able to detect the an increase in the pore connectivity as the sintering temperature decreased, and an increase in the connectivity as the sacrificial template particle size decreased. The newly developed method was also able to describe the size distribution of individual pores as well as the hydraulic resistance and orientation of individual pores as well as estimate the porosity and true specific surface area of the different samples.
Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for Droplet Generation based on Dry Film Resist
Authors: Leech Patrick William , Wu Nan , Zhu Yonggang
Published: June 2009

Dry film resist has been used in the fabrication of Masters in microfluidic devices for droplet generation. The minimum feature size in the resist was controlled by the type of mask (transparency or electron beam Cr mask), the resolution of the pattern in transparency masks (2400 or 5080 dpi) and thickness of resist in the range from 35 to 140 μm. The Master patterns formed in dry resist were replicated as a Ni shim and then hot embossed into Plexiglas 99524. These devices were used to generate water-in-oil droplets with a well defined dependence of diameter and frequency on flow parameters. The application of dry laminar resist and transparency masks has allowed the rapid fabrication of prototype devices.
Teores de As, Pb, Cd e Hg e fertilidade de solos da região do Vale do Alto Guaporé, sudoeste do estado de Mato Grosso
Authors: Pierangeli Maria Aparecida Pereira , Eguchi Edson Sadayuki , Ruppin Rodrigo Froede , Costa Rayan Bruno Ferreira , Vieira Daiane Ferreira
Published: June 2009

O diagnóstico da fertilidade e teores de elementos-traço (ETs) em solos é importante, pois estes dados são escassos na literatura para áreas de transição Pantanal-Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica. Esse trabalho avaliou diversos parâmetros relacionados à fertilidade, teores biodisponíveis de Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu e B e semitotais de As, Cd, Hg e Pb de solos do Vale do Alto Guaporé, região sudoeste do estado de Mato Grosso. Foram coletadas amostras de solos (0-0,20 e 0,20-0,40 m de profundidade) em áreas de vegetação nativa (VN), pastagem (AP), cultura anual (CA) e garimpo de ouro (G). As amostras foram analisadas conforme métodos de rotina para avaliação da fertilidade do solo e ETs pelo método SW-3051A e os resultados médios comparados com os valores de referência de qualidade (VRQ) para solos estipulados pela Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental (CETESB). Teores mais elevados de As e Hg foram verificados em VN e G com médias, respectivamente, iguais a 43,9 e 101,13 para o As; e 0,12 e 0,14 mg kg-1 para o Hg. Exceto Pb, vários locais de amostragem apresentaram teores dos ETs superiores ao VRQ: 46% em VN; 60% em G; 28% em CA; e 44% em AP, para o As; 20,8; 50; 55; e 22% em VN, G, CA e AP, respectivamente, para o Cd; 75; 65 e 67% das áreas de VN, G e CA e AP, respectivamente, para o Hg. A saturação por bases foi alta (60-80%) em 51,5% das amostras, enquanto o P foi baixo em todas áreas. Valores de referência de qualidade de solo para o As e Hg devem ser estipulados para solos dessa região, tendo em vista que os teores observados em áreas nativas foram superiores ao VRQ.
Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) em terra firme e planície fluvial na área de influência do gasoduto Coari-Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: Gomes Luís Henrique Monteiro , Nery Liliane Coelho da Rocha , Pinheiro Francimeire Gomes , Freitas Rui Alves , Franco Antônia Maria Ramos
Published: June 2009

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento preliminar da entomofauna de flebotomíneos nas áreas de influência do gasoduto Coari-Manaus (AM). As coletas foram realizadas no período de 4 a 8 de agosto (2003), em cinco dos sete municípios da área de influência do gasoduto, utilizando-se de armadilhas de luz do tipo CDC. Foram capturados 205 indivíduos, distribuídos em 25 espécies, pertencentes a oito subgêneros (151 - 73,7%) e quatro grupos (54 - 26,3%). A espécie Lutzomyia umbratilis foi a mais numerosa encontrando-se 21,0% (43) do total coletado. Nestas coletas foi registrada pela primeira vez no Amazonas e segunda no Brasil a espécie Lutzomyia preclara, coletada nos municípios de Caapiranga e Manacapuru.
Uma proposta de protocolo para a obtenção de variáveis visando estudos de modelagem ecológica em sistemas pesqueiros fluviais da Amazônia
Authors: Souza Lucirene Aguiar de , Freitas Carlos Edwar de Carvalho
Published: June 2009

Pesquisas sobre as pescarias amazônicas apresentam problemas nas coletas de dados que impedem ou restringem as respostas resultantes da modelagem. Este trabalho tem como objetivo propor um protocolo de pesquisa, discriminando as principais variáveis necessárias à construção de modelos para analisar a pesca na região.
Decomposições Lagrangeanas para o problema de programação quadrática binária irrestrita
Authors: Mauri Geraldo Regis , Lorena Luiz Antonio Nogueira
Published: June 2009

O Problema de Programação Quadrática Binária Irrestrita - PQ é um dos problemas clássicos na área de otimização não-linear cujo objetivo é otimizar uma função quadrática através da escolha de valores binários apropriados para as variáveis de decisão. Este trabalho propõe novas alternativas de decomposição Lagrangeana para obtenção de limitantes para o PQ. Os métodos propostos tratam uma versão linear inteira mista (PQL) do PQ que tem restrições representadas através de um grafo. Esse grafo é particionado em clusters de vértices formando um problema dual cuja solução é dada por um algoritmo de subgradiente. A cada iteração desse método, os subproblemas formados pelos subgrafos gerados são resolvidos pelo CPLEX. Experimentos computacionais tratam um conjunto de dados formado por diversas instâncias de difícil solução e diferentes características. Os resultados mostram a eficiência dos métodos propostos em relação a métodos tradicionais de relaxação Lagrangeana e outros métodos encontrados na literatura.
Modelagem matemática do efeito chicote em ambientes com demanda e lead time estocásticos
Authors: Fioriolli José Carlos , Fogliatto Flávio Sanson
Published: June 2009

O aumento da variabilidade da demanda ao longo de uma cadeia de abastecimento é conhecido como Efeito Chicote (EC). A modelagem deste fenômeno é fundamental para a quantificação de sua intensidade, ajudando a reduzir seus impactos negativos sobre o nível de serviço e sobre os estoques em cadeias de abastecimento. Este artigo apresenta uma proposta de modelagem do EC que tem por objetivo aumentar a precisão na quantificação deste fenômeno em ambientes com demanda e lead time estocásticos. O novo modelo considera um elemento que não está presente nos principais modelos disponíveis na literatura: a variabilidade no lead time de entrega de pedidos. Além disso, define de modo mais preciso o papel do coeficiente de variação da demanda na quantificação do EC. A utilização do modelo proposto aumenta a eficiência da gestão de cadeias de abastecimento ao contribuir para atenuar a propagação do EC.
Aplicabilidade da programação matemática multiobjetivo no planejamento da expansão de longo prazo da geração no Brasil
Authors: Albuquerque Leonardo Lins de , Almeida Adiel Teixeira de , Cavalcante Cristiano Alexandre Virgínio
Published: June 2009

O trabalho evidencia a aplicabilidade da Programação Linear Multiobjetivo no planejamento da expansão de longo prazo da geração do sistema elétrico brasileiro. Para melhor viabilizar a utilização da programação linear multiobjetivo no contexto em sistemas fortemente hidrelétricos, como o do Brasil, é explorada uma abordagem gráfica e proposto um procedimento. Por meio deste, permite-se encontrar a composição ótima de um sistema hidrotérmico para atender montantes projetados de energia elétrica no futuro, a qual se beneficie, também, das hidrologias favoráveis e de maior probabilidade de ocorrência, adotando-se, todavia, proteção contra períodos de vazões reduzidas com o uso de usinas térmicas de segurança flexíveis e de forma econômica. Como resultado deste trabalho, conclui-se que a metodologia de programação linear multiobjetivo tem amplo campo de utilização no contexto do novo modelo institucional do setor elétrico brasileiro, no qual o planejamento da expansão, coordenado pelo Governo Federal, será, naturalmente, foco de naturais e até conflitantes pressões e de objetivos a se considerar.
Reconfiguração ótima de sistemas de distribuição para minimização de perdas de energia
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo W. , C. Junior Sandoval , Costa Jeferson S. , Oliveira Edimar J. de , Pereira José L. R. , S. Junior Ivo C.
Published: June 2009

Este artigo apresenta um algoritmo para a reconfiguração ótima de Sistemas de Distribuição de Energia Elétrica (SDE), com o objetivo de minimizar a perda total de energia considerando diferentes níveis de carregamento. Trata-se de um problema de programação não linear inteira mista onde a variável discreta é modelada como uma função contínua. Como conseqüência, o problema proposto é resolvido através de um algoritmo passo a passo, onde em cada passo é utilizado o Método Primal-Dual de Pontos Interiores. Os multiplicadores de Lagrange são utilizados para compor o índice de sensibilidade no processo de reconfiguração. O algoritmo proposto é testado em três sistemas encontrados na literatura.
Acupuntura na enfermagem brasileira: dimensão ético-legal
Authors: Kurebayashi Leonice Fumiko Sato , Oguisso Taka , Freitas Genival Fernandes de
Published: June 2009

Estudo que teve como objetivo contribuir para a reflexão acerca da prática profissional da acupuntura pelo enfermeiro, contemplando as dimensões ético-legais do exercício dessa atividade. Concluiu-se que a participação da enfermagem na regulamentação legal para a atividade de acupuntura é urgente e necessária, para estabelecer seus limites e abrangência, sem, contudo, limitar-se a uma determinada categoria profissional.
Epidermólise bolhosa adquirida inflamatória: relato de caso
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo D'Ambrosio , Chiminazzo Mariana Discacciati , Tebcherani Antonio José , Aoki Valéria , Sanchez Ana Paula Galli
Published: June 2009

Apresenta-se caso de epidermólise bolhosa adquirida inflamatória. Paciente do sexo masculino, 53 anos, há seis meses com erupção vesicobolhosa pruriginosa sobre base eritematosa no tronco, axilas e membros. O exame anatomopatológico mostrou bolha subepidérmica com neutrófilos. A imunofluorescência direta revelou depósitos lineares de IgG, IgA, IgM e C3 na zona da membrana basal, sendo a imunofluorescência indireta e o Salt Split Skin indireto negativos. Anticorpos antinucleares não reagentes. Houve melhora do quadro com prednisona e cicatrização de algumas lesões com formação de milia. Trata-se de apresentação rara de epidermólise bolhosa adquirida, com lesões iniciais predominantemente inflamatórias.
How to deal with negative publicity: the importance of consumer involvement
Authors: Matos Celso Augusto de , Veiga Ricardo Teixeira
Published: June 2009

Negative information about companies can have a harmful effect on consumer perceptions. However, few studies investigate how consumers process negative publicity and how companies should react to it. In order to examine this question, two experiments were carried out: first, a laboratory experiment which tests how consumers process two different types of negative publicity (product attributes or company values); second, a field experiment comparing three different responses (no answer, denial/reduction of offensiveness and corrective action) given by the company affected by the negative publicity. Results from the first study confirm the detrimental effect of negative publicity on consumer attitudes, indicate that consumers have a higher level of involvement with the message when it is concerned with the company's values and suggest a moderating role of the product involvement on the influence of negative information on corporate image. The second study extends these findings by identifying different options for company reactions from literature and testing them empirically. Results suggest again the involvement variable as a moderator, now on the influence of company reaction on product image.
Management accounting profile of firms located in Brazil: a field study
Authors: Frezatti Fábio
Published: June 2009

Companies must have resources that provide competitive advantages and are important factors for success. There is a great variety of such resources-including information systems, concepts of participation, models, and organizational structures. These can be referred to as components of managerial practice. Each company can be characterized as having a unique configuration of tools that can be recognized as the company profile. This paper analyzes the conceptual adherence (i. e., the relationship between theory and practice) of the managerial accounting practices of medium-sized and large Brazilian companies. Statistical multivariate analysis has allowed for the identification of five clusters within the group of companies studied. The main conclusion for the sample is that conceptual adherence to tactical components is greater than to strategic components. In addition, it is apparent that the newer components have not been widely adopted in the sample, similar to other field studies in the UK and USA.
Auto-avaliação da audição em idosos
Authors: Santiago Lívia Maria , Novaes Cristiane de Oliveira
Published: June 2009

OBJETIVO: investigar queixas auditivas e caracterizar impactos sociais e emocionais do handicap auditivo em idosos. MÉTODOS: participaram deste estudotransversal,35idosos dosprojetos Enriquecimento Cultural e Nucleação, ambos do Pólo Interdisciplinar do Envelhecimento da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Utilizou-se dois instrumentos de coleta de dados: o questionário sócio-demográfico, de saúde geral e percepção auditiva e o de avaliação da desvantagem auditiva The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly, HHIE (adaptado por Wieselberg, 1997). Efetuou-se a análise descritiva das < variáveis de estudo e, para verificar a associação entre a ocorrência de desvantagem auditiva com as demais variáveis, realizou-se análises bivariadas, por meio do teste X², considerando p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: foram observadas queixas auditivas para 11 (31,4%) indivíduos e de desvantagem auditiva (social e/ou emocional) para 10 (28,6%). As principais implicações da desvantagem auditiva relacionaram-se às habilidades sociais, compreensão da fala durante atos comunicativos; dificuldades na compreensão da TV e/ou rádio; baixa tolerância a sons intensos e a ambientes ruidosos. Apenas sete (20%) entrevistados não apresentaram nenhuma percepção de desvantagem. CONCLUSÃO: apesar de ter sido utilizada amostra reduzida, foram observadas queixas auditivas em atividades cotidianas dos idosos, que dificilmente seriam pesquisadas em avaliações de saúde de rotina, nem mesmo em audiometrias. Os resultados foram expressivos, tendo em vista a utilização de amostra específica de idosos e o predomínio de idosos "mais jovens", fatos que podem subestimar as queixas.
Pulmonary cancer and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy brief recurrence of the osteoarticular symptoms after surgical ressection
Authors: Pereira José Rodrigues , Aguiar Neto José Ribeiro , lkari Flora Kazumi , Nikaedo Suely Mayumi
Published: June 2009

A case of adenocarcinoma of the lung in a 57 years old patient associated with hypertrophic ostearthropathy is reported by the authors. The paraneoplastic manifestation occurred after the pulmonary symptoms and receded spontaneously after a right inferior lobectomy was performed. Osteoarticular symptoms returned near after a tumoral recurrence. Articular pains disappeared 48 hours after the tumoral recurrence ressection of the chest wall and clubbing disappeared completely after the 3rd. week.