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Sample records for rfa-ca-07-005 reviewer orientation

  1. Flexible applicator systems for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gebauer, B.; Gaffke, G.; Felix, R.; Stroszczynski, C.; Huenerbein, M.

    2003-01-01

    Purpose: To report our experience with flexible applicators in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors. Materials and Methods: In 6 liver tumors in 6 patients, a flexible RFA-applicator system (RITA StarBurst FLEX, RITA Medical Systems, Mountain View, CA, USA) was placed under CT guidance. The Seldinger technique with an 11G access system (RITA StarBurst Access) was used to place the application system into the liver. Before and within a week after the ablation, all tumors were investigated with contrast-enhanced MRI. Results: The Seldinger technique accommodated the placement of a thin 17.5-gauge needle for the initial puncture, enabling easy adjustment of the position of the needle. The flexible applicator of the RFA system could be placed in 4.5 (±1.8) minutes on average. Conclusion: Flexible applicators facilitate CT-guided RFA and can be placed using the Seldinger technique. (orig.) [de

  2. Metallic and semi-conducting resistivity behaviour of La0.7Ca0.3- x K x MnO3 ( x = 0.05, 0.1) manganites

    Science.gov (United States)

    Varshney, Dinesh; Dodiya, Neha

    2015-12-01

    The temperature dependence of electrical resistivity, ρ, of ceramic La0.7Ca0.3- x K x MnO3 ( x = 0.05, 0.1) is investigated in metallic and semi-conducting phase. The metallic resistivity is attributed to be caused by electron-phonon, electron-electron and electron-magnon scattering. Substitutions affect average mass and ionic radii of A-site resulting in an increase in Debye temperature θ D attributed to hardening of lattice with K doping. The optical phonon modes shift gradually to lower mode frequencies leading to phonon softening. Estimated resistivity compared with reported metallic resistivity, accordingly ρ diff. = [ ρ exp. - { ρ 0 + ρ e-ph (= ρ ac + ρ op)}], infers electron-electron and electron-magnon dependence over most of the temperature range. Semi-conducting nature is discussed with variable range hopping and small polaron conduction model. The decrease in activation energies and increase in density of states at the Fermi level with enhanced Ca doping is consistently explained by cationic disorder and Mn valence.

  3. Effect of Ca-Doping on the Structure and Morphology of Polycrystalline La0.7(Ba1-xCax)0.3MnO3 (x = 0; 0.03; and 0.05)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Winarsih, S; Kurniawan, B; Manaf, A; Saptari, S A; Nanto, D

    2016-01-01

    In this paper, we report structure and morphology of polycrystalline La 0.7 (Ba 1-x Ca x ) 0.3 MnO 3 (x = 0; 0.03; 0.05). Basically, these materials are perovskite manganites type with the general structure AMnO 3 (A= trivalent rare earth with divalent ion-doped) which have been extensively studied due to their interesting physical properties. It was known that the electron transport in this material influenced by ion doped at A site. Doping with different divalent ions should cause the lattice distortion. Hence, double exchange interaction is enhanced. In this study, we prepared our sample through the sol-gel method. It is show that the method has resulted in powder materials with ultra-fine particle size. The effect of Ca +2 and Ba +2 doping on the structure did not make any phase changing, but the lattice parameter of La 0.7 (Ba 1-x Ca x ) 0.3 MnO 3 decreased below × = 0.03. Microstructure observed by scanning electron microscope to the sintered samples indicated that the microstructure is homogeneous with fine size of equiaxed grain morphology. Microanalysis by EDS confirmed there is no significant different between designated composition and measured one. It is concluded that effect of Ca+ 2 and Ba+ 2 doped in LaMnO 3 has resulted in microstructural and lattice parameter changes. The doped materials are remaining single phase. (paper)

  4. Enhanced magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.3Mn03/Nd0.7Ca0.3Mn03 epitaxial multilayers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sharma, Himanshu; Khan, Md. S.; Tomy, C.V.; Jain, Sourabh; Tulapurkar, Ashwin

    2014-01-01

    Magnanite multilayers of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 /Nd 0.7 Ca 0.5 MnO 3 have been fabricated on SrTiO 3 (100) substrate using Nd 0.7 Ca 0.5 MnO 3 as the spacer layers. An enhanced magnetoresistance (MR) of more than 80% is observed in the multilayers compared with LCMO thin film (∼50%). Result suggests that the interface strains between LCMO and NCMO layers may have influences on the transport properties and a suitable film structure could be used to increase the large low field magnetoresistance. (author)

  5. The karyopherin Kap95 and the C-termini of Rfa1, Rfa2, and Rfa3 are necessary for efficient nuclear import of functional RPA complex proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Belanger, Kenneth D; Griffith, Amanda L; Baker, Heather L; Hansen, Jeanne N; Kovacs, Laura A Simmons; Seconi, Justin S; Strine, Andrew C

    2011-09-01

    Nuclear protein import in eukaryotic cells is mediated by karyopherin proteins, which bind to specific nuclear localization signals on substrate proteins and transport them across the nuclear envelope and into the nucleus. Replication protein A (RPA) is a nuclear protein comprised of three subunits (termed Rfa1, Rfa2, and Rfa3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that binds single-stranded DNA and is essential for DNA replication, recombination, and repair. RPA associates with two different karyopherins in yeast, Kap95, and Msn5/Kap142. However, it is unclear which of these karyopherins is responsible for RPA nuclear import. We have generated GFP fusion proteins with each of the RPA subunits and demonstrate that these Rfa-GFP chimeras are functional in yeast cells. The intracellular localization of the RPA proteins in live cells is similar in wild-type and msn5Δ deletion strains but becomes primarily cytoplasmic in cells lacking functional Kap95. Truncating the C-terminus of any of the RPA subunits results in mislocalization of the proteins to the cytoplasm and a loss of protein-protein interactions between the subunits. Our data indicate that Kap95 is likely the primary karyopherin responsible for RPA nuclear import in yeast and that the C-terminal regions of Rfa1, Rfa2, and Rfa3 are essential for efficient nucleocytoplasmic transport of each RPA subunit.

  6. Optical investigations of La0.7Ca0.3-xKxMnO3 (x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.10 probed by spectroscopic ellipsometry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    N. Sdiri

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, we have studied the optical properties of doped manganites at the paramagnetic state in polycrystalline La0.7Ca0.3-xKxMnO3 samples for (x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.10 in the energy range of 3.2-5.5 eV at room temperature. The surface morphology of the samples was obtained by using atomic force microscopy (AFM. Refractive indices, extinction coefficients, the transmission ellipsometric parameters Ψ and Δ are investigated at different wavelengths. The study of the optical conductivity σ reveals that optical behaviour and the activated transport in the paramagnetic state of these materials are consistent with Jahn-Teller small polaron. In addition, the spectrum of the complex dielectric constant ε reveals peaks for all samples, the results may be explained by the presence of space charges from the strongly dipole-allowed O(2p−Mn(3d transition.

  7. Effects of partial Mn-substitution on magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.95}X{sub 0.05}O{sub 3} (Cr, Ni, Co and Fe) manganites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Selmi, A. [Laboratoire de Physique des Matériaux, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Sfax University, B.P. 1171, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia); M’nassri, R., E-mail: rafik_mnassri@yahoo.fr [Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Kasserine, Kairouan University, B.P. 471, 1200 Kasserine (Tunisia); Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W. [Laboratoire de Physique des Matériaux, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Sfax University, B.P. 1171, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia); Chniba Boudjada, N. [Institut NEEL, B.P. 166, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9 (France); Cheikhrouhou, A. [Laboratoire de Physique des Matériaux, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Sfax University, B.P. 1171, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia)

    2015-01-15

    Highlights: • Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.95}X{sub 0.05}O{sub 3}(X = Cr, Ni, Co and Fe) ceramics were prepared by solid state method. • The manganite phases crystallize in an orthorhombic (Pnma) structure. • The samples exhibit a second order paramagnetic (PM)–ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition at the Curie temperature T{sub C}. • Maximum RCP equal to 405 J/kg observed for Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.95}Cr{sub 0.05}O{sub 3}. • Second order phase transition is confirmed by Arrott plots and universal curves of entropy change. • The experimental ΔS{sub M} are well predicted by the phenomenological universal curve. - Abstract: Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.95}X{sub 0.05}O{sub 3}(X = Cr, Ni, Co and Fe) ceramics have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements. Powder samples have been elaborated using the solid state reaction method at high temperature. The Rietveld analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction shows that the samples crystallize in the orthorhombic structure with Pnma space group. Magnetic measurements show that all our materials exhibit a paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition with decreasing temperature. The Arrott plots of ours materials reveal the occurrence of a second-order phase transition. The maximum values of magnetic entropy change |ΔS{sub M}{sup max}| are 2.92, 2.96, 3.1, and 2.38 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} and the relative cooling power (RCP) values are 405.8, 378.2, 352.2 and 337.4 J kg{sup −1} for a magnetic-field change from 0 to 5 T for Cr, Ni, Co and Fe respectively. The large RCP found in our substituted samples will be interesting for magnetic refrigeration over a wide temperature range ∼130 K around its paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition temperature. With the scaling laws of ΔS{sub M}, the experimental ΔS{sub M} collapse onto a universal curve for several ceramics, where an average curve is obtained. With the

  8. Enhanced magnetoresistance and Griffiths phase induced by Mo substitution in La0.7Ca0.15Sr0.15Mn1-xMoxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Narsinga Rao, G; Chen, J W; Neeleshwar, S; Chen, Y Y; Wu, M K

    2009-01-01

    Structural, magnetic and electrical properties of the La 0.7 Ca 0.15 Sr 0.15 Mn 1-x Mo x O 3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) compounds have been investigated. Powder x-ray analysis reveals that the sample with x = 0 crystallizes in the rhombohedral (R 3-bar c) structure, whereas in the Mo doped samples the structure can be indexed by an orthorhombic (Pbnm) structure. The important observations of the magnetic and transport properties are: (i) the Mo substitution induces a distinct suppression of the metal-insulator (T MI ) and ferromagnetic (FM)-paramagnetic transition (T C ) and the temperature of T MI was found to be higher than T C in the Mo-doped samples, (ii) the substitution of Mo enhances the magnetoresistance at room temperature, (iii) a large deviation from the Curie-Weiss law well above T C in the Mo substituted samples indicates the existence of a Griffiths phase and (iv) long-range FM order persists in all samples with a linear decrease of saturation moment as x increases. These results are discussed in terms of the Mn-site disorder and opening of strong FM coupling between Mn 2+ -O-Mn 3+ , due to the Mn 2+ ions induced by Mo 6+ at the expense of Mn 4+ ions in the La 0.7 Ca 0.15 Sr 0.15 Mn 1-x Mo x O 3 system.

  9. Electrical and magnetic behavior of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/La0.7Sr0.2Ca0.1MnO3 composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Phong, P.T.; Dai, N.V.; Manh, D.H.; Thanh, T.D.; Khiem, N.V.; Hong, L.V.; Phuc, N.X.

    2010-01-01

    The electrical transport properties and the magnetoresistance of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 /La 0.7 Sr 0.2 Ca 0.1 MnO 3 composites are investigated as a function of sintering temperature. On the basis of an analysis by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy we suggest that raising the sintering temperature enhanced the interfacial reaction and creates interfacial phases at the boundaries of the La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 and La 0.7 Sr 0.2 Ca 0.1 MnO 3 . Results also show that in 3 kOe, and at the Curie temperature, the magnetoresistance value of 14% was observed for the composite sintered at 1300 o C. Based on the phenomenological equation for conductivity under a percolation approach, which depends on the phase segregation of ferromagnetic metallic clusters and paramagnetic insulating regions, we fitted the experimental resistivity-temperature data from 50-300 K and find that the activation barrier decreases as temperature is increased.

  10. Image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of spinal tumors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gevargez, Athour; Groenemeyer, Dietrich H.W.

    2008-01-01

    Purpose: To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with spinal tumors. Materials and methods: Forty-one patients (25 men, 16 women; age range, 46-82 years) with nonresectable primary or secondary tumor involvement of the spine unresponsive to chemo- and radiotherapy received RFA treatment. Two radiofrequency ablation systems, one with a cool-tip electrode and one with an expandable electrode catheter, were used. Both systems work impedance controlled with a power output of 150- 200 W. Each coagulation cycle lasted 12-15 min depending on tumor impedance. Several single RFA cycles of 15 min each were used for overlapping RFAs in tumors with diameters of more than 3 cm. Temperature was kept between 50 deg. C and 120 deg. C and was chosen according to spinal cord distance and patient heat tolerance during the ablation. Multi-slice computed tomography (CT) combined with C-arm fluoroscopy guided the intervention. Efficacy outcomes were assessed after about 6 weeks, 6 months, and more than 6 months using standardized questionnaires and indices regarding tumor pain, pain disability, functional activities, quality of life, neurological status, and tumor progression. Results: RFA significantly reduced tumor-induced pain within 6 weeks, improved daily activities, and maintained quality of life. Mean time to tumor progression was 730 ± 54 days (Kaplan-Meier estimate). No RFA-associated complications were reported. Conclusion: RFA of primary and secondary spinal tumors, which were unresponsive to chemo- and radiotherapy and prone to progression, is a safe, resource-saving, and highly effective percutaneous technique in patients with nonresectable spinal tumors

  11. Dielectric, Piezoelectric, and Vibration Properties of the LiF-Doped (Ba0.95Ca0.05(Ti0.93Sn0.07O3 Lead-Free Piezoceramic Sheets

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chien-Min Cheng

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available By the conventional solid state reaction method, a small amount of lithium fluoride (LiF was used as the sintering promoter to improve the sintering and piezoelectric characteristics of (Ba0.95Ca0.05(Ti0.93Sn0.07O3 (BCTS lead-free piezoceramic sheets. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD and a scanning electron microscope (SEM, the inferences of the crystalline and surface microstructures were obtained and analyzed. Then, the impedance analyzer and d33-meter were used to measure the dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics. In this study, the optimum sintering temperature of the BCTS sheets decreased from 1450 °C to 1390 °C due to LiF doping. For the 0.07 wt % LiF-doped BCTS sheets sintered at 1390 °C, the piezoelectric constant (d33 is 413 pC/N, the electric–mechanical coupling coefficient (kp is 47.5%, the dielectric loss (tan δ is 3.9%, and the dielectric constant (εr is 8100, which are all close to or even better than that of the pure undoped BCTS ceramics. The Curie temperature also improved, from 85 °C for pure BCTS to 140 °C for BCTS–0.07 LiF sheets. Furthermore, by using the vibration system and fixing 1.5 g tip mass at the end of the sheets, as the vibration frequency is 20 Hz, the proposed piezoelectric ceramic sheets also reveal a good energy harvesting performance at the maximum output peak voltage of 4.6 V, which is large enough and can be applied in modern low-power electronic products.

  12. Infrared spectroscopic study of CaFe0.7Co0.3O3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, C. X.; Xia, H. L.; Dai, Y. M.; Qiu, Z. Y.; Sui, Q. T.; Long, Y. W.; Qiu, X. G.

    2017-08-01

    Temperature-dependent infrared spectroscopy has been investigated for CaFe0.7Co0.3O3 which undergoes a ferromagnetic transition at TC≈177 K . It is observed that the spectral weight is transferred from ˜4800 -14 000 cm-1 to ˜0 -4800 cm-1 as the temperature is lowered around TC. Such a large-range spectral weight transfer is attributed to the Hund's interaction. The phonons in CaFe0.7Co0.3O3 show minor asymmetric line shapes, implying relatively weak electron-phonon coupling compared with the parent compound CaFeO3. The optical conductivity also reveals a broad peak structure in the range of ˜700 -1500 cm-1. Fit by the model of single-polaron absorption, the broad peak is interpreted by the excitation of polarons. From the fitting parameters of the polaron peak, we estimate the electron-phonon coupling constant α ˜ 0.4 -0.5 , implying that CaFe0.7Co0.3O3 falls into the weak-coupling regime.

  13. 78 FR 59362 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-09-26

    ... Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel, RFA-MD-13-005: Revision Applications for Basic Social and Behavioral Research on the Social, Cultural, Biological and Psychological Mechanisms of Stigma. Date: October...

  14. Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Primary Liver Tumors Necessary? Results From a Single-Center Experience

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bhatia, Shivank S., E-mail: sbhatia1@med.miami.edu [University of Miami, Vascular/Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine (United States); Spector, Seth, E-mail: sspector@med.miami.edu [University of Miami, Department of Surgery, VA Hospital (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) (United States); Echenique, Ana, E-mail: aechenique@med.miami.edu; Froud, Tatiana, E-mail: tfroud@med.miami.edu; Suthar, Rekha, E-mail: rsuthar@med.miami.edu; Lawson, Ivy, E-mail: i.lawson1@med.miami.edu; Dalal, Ravi, E-mail: rdalal@med.miami.edu [University of Miami, Vascular/Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine (United States); Dinh, Vy, E-mail: vdinh@med.miami.edu [VA Hospital (Veterans Affairs Medical Center), Department of Medicine (United States); Yrizarry, Jose, E-mail: jyrizarr@med.miami.edu; Narayanan, Govindarajan, E-mail: gnarayanan@med.miami.edu [University of Miami, Vascular/Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine (United States)

    2015-08-15

    PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate need for antibiotic prophylaxis for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors in patients with no significant co-existing risk factors for infection.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2004 to September 2013, 83 patients underwent 123 percutaneous RFA procedures for total of 152 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions. None of the patients had pre-existing biliary enteric anastomosis (BEA) or any biliary tract abnormality predisposing to ascending biliary infection or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. No pre- or post-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis was provided for 121 procedures. Data for potential risk factors were reviewed retrospectively and analyzed for the frequency of infectious complications, including abscess formation.ResultsOne patient (1/121 (0.8 %) RFA sessions) developed a large segment 5 liver abscess/infected biloma communicating with the gallbladder 7 weeks after the procedure, successfully treated over 10 weeks with IV and PO antibiotic therapy and percutaneous catheter drainage. This patient did not receive any antibiotics prior to RFA. During the procedure, there was inadvertent placement of RFA probe tines into the gallbladder. No other infectious complications were documented.ConclusionThese data suggest that the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for liver RFA is not necessary in majority of the patients undergoing liver ablation for HCC and could be limited to patients with high-risk factors such as the presence of BEA or other biliary abnormalities, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and large centrally located tumors in close proximity to central bile ducts. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

  15. Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Primary Liver Tumors Necessary? Results From a Single-Center Experience

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bhatia, Shivank S.; Spector, Seth; Echenique, Ana; Froud, Tatiana; Suthar, Rekha; Lawson, Ivy; Dalal, Ravi; Dinh, Vy; Yrizarry, Jose; Narayanan, Govindarajan

    2015-01-01

    PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate need for antibiotic prophylaxis for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors in patients with no significant co-existing risk factors for infection.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2004 to September 2013, 83 patients underwent 123 percutaneous RFA procedures for total of 152 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions. None of the patients had pre-existing biliary enteric anastomosis (BEA) or any biliary tract abnormality predisposing to ascending biliary infection or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. No pre- or post-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis was provided for 121 procedures. Data for potential risk factors were reviewed retrospectively and analyzed for the frequency of infectious complications, including abscess formation.ResultsOne patient (1/121 (0.8 %) RFA sessions) developed a large segment 5 liver abscess/infected biloma communicating with the gallbladder 7 weeks after the procedure, successfully treated over 10 weeks with IV and PO antibiotic therapy and percutaneous catheter drainage. This patient did not receive any antibiotics prior to RFA. During the procedure, there was inadvertent placement of RFA probe tines into the gallbladder. No other infectious complications were documented.ConclusionThese data suggest that the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for liver RFA is not necessary in majority of the patients undergoing liver ablation for HCC and could be limited to patients with high-risk factors such as the presence of BEA or other biliary abnormalities, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and large centrally located tumors in close proximity to central bile ducts. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis

  16. Differential impact of lipopolysaccharide defects caused by loss of RfaH in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia pestis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hoffman, Jared M; Sullivan, Shea; Wu, Erin; Wilson, Eric; Erickson, David L

    2017-09-07

    RfaH enhances transcription of a select group of operons controlling bacterial surface features such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Previous studies have suggested that rfaH may be required for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis resistance to antimicrobial chemokines and survival during mouse infections. In order to further investigate the role of RfaH in LPS synthesis, resistance to host defense peptides, and virulence of Yersinia, we constructed ΔrfaH mutants of Y. pseudotuberculosis IP32953 and Y. pestis KIM6+. Loss of rfaH affected LPS synthesis in both species, resulting in a shorter core oligosaccharide. Susceptibility to polymyxin and the antimicrobial chemokine CCL28 was increased by loss of rfaH in Y. pseudotuberculosis but not in Y. pestis. Transcription of genes in the ddhD-wzz O-antigen gene cluster, but not core oligosaccharide genes, was reduced in ΔrfaH mutants. In addition, mutants with disruptions in specific ddhD-wzz O-antigen cluster genes produced LPS that was indistinguishable from the ΔrfaH mutant. This suggests that both Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis produce an oligosaccharide core with a single O-antigen unit attached in an RfaH-dependent fashion. Despite enhanced sensitivity to host defense peptides, the Y. pseudotuberculosis ΔrfaH strain was not attenuated in mice, suggesting that rfaH is not required for acute infection.

  17. Electrical and magnetic behavior of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}/La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.2}Ca{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} composites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Phong, P.T., E-mail: ptphong.nh@khanhhoa.edu.v [Nhatrang Pedagogic College, Khanhhoa (Viet Nam); Institute of Material Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Dai, N.V.; Manh, D.H.; Thanh, T.D. [Institute of Material Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Khiem, N.V. [Department of Natural Sciences, Hongduc University, Thanhhoa (Viet Nam); Hong, L.V.; Phuc, N.X. [Institute of Material Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi (Viet Nam)

    2010-09-15

    The electrical transport properties and the magnetoresistance of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}/La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.2}Ca{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} composites are investigated as a function of sintering temperature. On the basis of an analysis by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy we suggest that raising the sintering temperature enhanced the interfacial reaction and creates interfacial phases at the boundaries of the La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} and La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.2}Ca{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3}. Results also show that in 3 kOe, and at the Curie temperature, the magnetoresistance value of 14% was observed for the composite sintered at 1300 {sup o}C. Based on the phenomenological equation for conductivity under a percolation approach, which depends on the phase segregation of ferromagnetic metallic clusters and paramagnetic insulating regions, we fitted the experimental resistivity-temperature data from 50-300 K and find that the activation barrier decreases as temperature is increased.

  18. Thermal Epiphysiodesis Made with RFA. A New Treatment for LLD?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Shiguetomi Medina, Juan Manuel; Rahbek, Ole; Stødkilde-Jørgensen, Hans

    equalization. Current techniques involve opening cortical windows, usage of staples or tension devices, and destruction with curettes or drills. Complications such as breaching of the cortex, damage to the metaphysis, and vascular or nerve injury have potentially serious consequences. Therefore, RFA may...... be a method which neutralizes these complications. RFA involves the application of energy in the radio wave frequency resulting in local thermal coagulative necrosis. It has been shown to be a reliable technique for creating thermally induced coagulation necrosis. The experience with this technique has been...

  19. Transarterial embolization (TAE) as add-on to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of renal tumors: Review of the literature, overview of state-of-the-art embolization materials and further perspective of advanced image-guided tumor ablation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sommer, C.M., E-mail: christof.sommer@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg (Germany); Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Katharinenhospital, Stuttgart (Germany); Pallwein-Prettner, L., E-mail: leo.pallwein-prettner@bhs.at [Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Schwestern Linz, Linz (Austria); Vollherbst, D.F., E-mail: dominik@vollherbst.de [Clinic for Radiology, Minimally-Invasive Therapies and Nuclear Medicine, SLK Kliniken Heilbronn GmbH, Heilbronn (Germany); Seidel, R., E-mail: roland.seidel@uks.eu [Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar (Germany); Rieder, C., E-mail: christian.rieder@mevis.fraunhofer.de [Fraunhofer MEVIS, Institute for Medical Image Computing, Bremen (Germany); Radeleff, B.A., E-mail: boris.radeleff@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg (Germany); Kauczor, H.U., E-mail: hu.kauczor@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg (Germany); Wacker, F., E-mail: wacker.frank@mh-hannover.de [Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover (Germany); Richter, G.M., E-mail: g.richter@klinikum-stuttgart.de [Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Katharinenhospital, Stuttgart (Germany); Bücker, A., E-mail: arno.buecker@uks.eu [Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar (Germany); Rodt, T., E-mail: rodt.thomas@mh-hannover.de [Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover (Germany); and others

    2017-01-15

    Highlights: • TAE as add-on to percutaneous RFA is feasible, safe, and very effective. • State-of-the-art embolization materials include tightly-size-calibrated microspheres. • MWA, cryoablation and IRE are TA systems beyond RFA. • Visible beads rank among the most promising innovative embolization materials. • Software-based solutions will be increasingly important for treatment guidance. - Abstract: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of stage I renal cell carcinoma has recently gained significant attention as the now available long-term and controlled data demonstrate that RFA can result in disease-free and cancer-specific survival comparable with partial and/or radical nephrectomy. In the non-controlled single center trials, however, the rates of treatment failure vary. Operator experience and ablation technique may explain some of the different outcomes. In the controlled trials, a major limitation is the lack of adequate randomization. In case reports, original series and overview articles, transarterial embolization (TAE) before percutaneous RFA was promising to increase tumor control and to reduce complications. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on TAE as add-on to percutaneous RFA for renal tumors. Specific data regarding technique, tumor and patient characteristics as well as technical, clinical and oncologic outcomes have been analyzed. Additionally, an overview of state-of-the-art embolization materials and the radiological perspective of advanced image-guided tumor ablation (TA) will be discussed. In conclusion, TAE as add-on to percutaneous RFA is feasible and very effective and safe for the treatment of T1a tumors in difficult locations and T1b tumors. Advanced radiological techniques and technologies such as microwave ablation, innovative embolization materials and software-based solutions are now available, or will be available in the near future, to reduce the limitations of

  20. Magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3-YBa2Cu3O7 F/S/F trilayers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pena, V.; Visani, C.; Bruno, F.; Garcia-Barriocanal, J.; Arias, D.; Rivera, A.; Sefrioui, Z.; Leon, C.; Te Velthuis, S.G.E.; Hoffmann, A.; Nemes, N.; Garcia-Hernandez, M.; Martinez, J.L.; Santamaria, J.

    2007-01-01

    We report large magnetoresistance in ferromagnet/superconductor/ferromagnet structures made of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 and YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 at temperatures along the resistive transition. We find that the magnetoresistance phenomenon is independent on the orientation of electric current versus field. Furthermore, the effect is also independent on the sweep rate of the magnetic field. This excludes interpretations in terms of spontaneous vortices or anisotropic magnetoresistance of the ferromagnetic layers and supports the view that the magnetoresistance phenomenon originates at the spin-dependent transport of quasiparticles transmitted from the ferromagnetic electrodes into the superconductor

  1. 75 FR 13560 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): RFA DD 10...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-03-22

    ..., Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): RFA DD 10-002 Public Health Research on Spina Bifida, RFA DD 10-003 Public Health Research on Children and Adults Living With Spina Bifida, RFA DD 10-004 Developing a Prospective Assessment of the Development, Health, and Condition...

  2. CompTIA Network+ Review Guide Exam N10-005

    CERN Document Server

    Ferguson, Bill

    2012-01-01

    Fast, focused review for the latest CompTIA Network+ Exam N10-005 CompTIA's Network+ certification is the leading non-vendor networking certification in the world and has become the standard certification for networking professionals. Make sure you're ready for CompTIA's new Network+ certification (exam N10-005) with this new edition of Sybex's CompTIA Network+ Review Guide. This concise guide is efficiently organized by exam objectives and covers all five exam domains. The book also includes 50 chapter review questions, as well as access to two online practice exams, and much more. It's the p

  3. Magnetic and electrical response of Co-doped La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} manganites/insulator system

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Debnath, J.C., E-mail: Jyotish.debnath@deakin.edu.au [Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216 (Australia); Wang, Jianli, E-mail: jcd341@uowmail.edu.au [Institute for Superconductivity and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 (Australia)

    2017-01-01

    We present a systematic study of the structural, magnetic and electrical properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (LCMO) and La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.95}Co{sub 0.05}O{sub 3} (LCMCO0 perovskite manganites. Most of the work is devoted to the electrical properties with a thorough discussion about different models for both the metallic and insulator states. With a view to understand the conduction mechanism in these materials, the resistivity of both materials was measured over a temperature range 5–300 K and in a magnetic field up to 1 T and the data were analysed by using several theoretical models. It has been observed that the metallic part of the temperature dependent resistivity (ρ) curve fits well with ρ=ρ{sub 0} +ρ{sub 2,5}Τ{sup 2,5}, indicating the electron–magnon scattering processes in the conduction of these materials. On the other hand, in the high temperature paramagnetic insulating regime, the adiabatic small polaron and VRH models fit well, thereby indicating that polaron hopping might be responsible for the conduction mechanism.

  4. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for salvage treatment of colorectal liver metastases

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Stintzing, Sebastian; Hendrich, Saskia; Heinemann, Volker [Dept. of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, LMU, Munich (Germany)], E-mail: sebastian.stintzing@med.uni-muenchen.de; Grothe, Alexander; Trumm, Christoph G. [Dept. of Clinical Radiology, Univ. Hospital Grosshadern, LMU Munich, Munich (Germany); Hoffmann, Ralf-Thorsten [Dept. and Policlinics of Diagnostic Radiology, Universitaetsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Germany); Rentsch, Markus [Dept. of Surgery, Univ. Hospital Grosshadern, LMU Munich, Munich (Germany); Fuerweger, Christoph; Muacevic, Alexander [European Cyberknife Center Munich, Munich (Germany)

    2013-06-15

    Background. Stereotactic radiation therapy is an evolving modality to treat otherwise unresectable liver metastases. In this analysis, two local therapies: 1) single session robotic radiosurgery (RRS) and 2) percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were compared in a total of 60 heavily pretreated colorectal cancer patients. Methods. Thirty patients with a total of 35 colorectal liver metastases not qualifying for surgery that were treated in curative intent with RRS were prospectively followed. To compare efficacy of both treatment modalities, patients treated with RFA during the same period of time were matched according to number and size of the treated lesions. Local tumor control, local disease free survival (DFS), and freedom from distant recurrence (FFDR) were analyzed for effi cacy. Treatment-related side effects were recorded for comparison. Results. The median diameter of the treated lesions was 33 mm (7-53 mm). Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. One- and two-year local control rates showed no signifi cant difference but favored RRS (85% vs. 65% and 80% vs. 61%, respectively). A signifi cantly longer local DFS of patients treated with RRS compared to RFA (34.4 months vs. 6.0 months; p 0.001) was found. Both, median FFDR (11.4 months for RRS vs. 7.1 months for RFA p=0.25) and the recurrence rate (67% for RRS and 63% for RFA, p>0.99) were comparable. Conclusion. Single session RRS is a safe and effective method to treat colorectal liver metastases. In this analysis, a trend towards longer DFS was seen in patients treated with RRS when compared to RFA.

  5. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for salvage treatment of colorectal liver metastases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stintzing, Sebastian; Hendrich, Saskia; Heinemann, Volker; Grothe, Alexander; Trumm, Christoph G.; Hoffmann, Ralf-Thorsten; Rentsch, Markus; Fuerweger, Christoph; Muacevic, Alexander

    2013-01-01

    Background. Stereotactic radiation therapy is an evolving modality to treat otherwise unresectable liver metastases. In this analysis, two local therapies: 1) single session robotic radiosurgery (RRS) and 2) percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were compared in a total of 60 heavily pretreated colorectal cancer patients. Methods. Thirty patients with a total of 35 colorectal liver metastases not qualifying for surgery that were treated in curative intent with RRS were prospectively followed. To compare efficacy of both treatment modalities, patients treated with RFA during the same period of time were matched according to number and size of the treated lesions. Local tumor control, local disease free survival (DFS), and freedom from distant recurrence (FFDR) were analyzed for effi cacy. Treatment-related side effects were recorded for comparison. Results. The median diameter of the treated lesions was 33 mm (7-53 mm). Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. One- and two-year local control rates showed no signifi cant difference but favored RRS (85% vs. 65% and 80% vs. 61%, respectively). A signifi cantly longer local DFS of patients treated with RRS compared to RFA (34.4 months vs. 6.0 months; p 0.001) was found. Both, median FFDR (11.4 months for RRS vs. 7.1 months for RFA p=0.25) and the recurrence rate (67% for RRS and 63% for RFA, p>0.99) were comparable. Conclusion. Single session RRS is a safe and effective method to treat colorectal liver metastases. In this analysis, a trend towards longer DFS was seen in patients treated with RRS when compared to RFA

  6. Manganite based hetero-junction structure of La_0_._7Sr_0_._7_−_xCa_xMnO_3 and CaMnO_3_−_δ for cross-point arrays

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Hong-Sub; Park, Hyung-Ho

    2015-01-01

    Resistive random access memory and the corresponding cross-point array (CPA) structure have received a great deal of attention for high-density next generation non-volatile memory. However, the cross-talk issue of CPA structure by sneak current should be overcome to realize the highest density integration. To accomplish this, the sneak current can be minimized by high, nonlinear characteristic behaviors of resistive switching (RS). Therefore this study fabricated pnp bipolar hetero-junction structure using the perovskite manganite family, such as La_0_._7Sr_0_._3_−_xCa_xMnO_3 (LSCMO) and CaMnO_3_−_δ (CMO), to obtain nonlinear RS behavior. The pnp structure not only shows nonlinear characteristics, but also a tunable characteristic with Ca substitution. (paper)

  7. 77 FR 27460 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-05-10

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review The meeting announced below concerns Conducting Public Health Research in China RFA GH-12-005, and Conducting Public...

  8. RCRA Facilities Assessment (RFA)---Oak Ridge National Laboratory

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1987-03-01

    US Department of Energy (DOE) facilities are required to be in full compliance with all federal and state regulations. In response to this requirement, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has established a Remedial Action Program (RAP) to provide comprehensive management of areas where past and current research, development, and waste management activities have resulted in residual contamination of facilities or the environment. This report presents the RCRA Facility Assessment (RFA) required to meet the requirements of RCRA Section 3004(u). Included in the RFA are (1) a listing of all sites identified at ORNL that could be considered sources of releases or potential releases; (2) background information on each of these sites, including location, type, size, period of operation, current operational status, and information on observed or potential releases (as required in Section II.A.1 of the RCRA permit); (3) analytical results obtained from preliminary surveys conducted to verify the presence or absence of releases from some of the sites; and (4) ORNL's assessment of the need for further remedial attention

  9. RCRA Facilities Assessment (RFA)---Oak Ridge National Laboratory

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    1987-03-01

    US Department of Energy (DOE) facilities are required to be in full compliance with all federal and state regulations. In response to this requirement, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has established a Remedial Action Program (RAP) to provide comprehensive management of areas where past and current research, development, and waste management activities have resulted in residual contamination of facilities or the environment. This report presents the RCRA Facility Assessment (RFA) required to meet the requirements of RCRA Section 3004(u). Included in the RFA are (1) a listing of all sites identified at ORNL that could be considered sources of releases or potential releases; (2) background information on each of these sites, including location, type, size, period of operation, current operational status, and information on observed or potential releases (as required in Section II.A.1 of the RCRA permit); (3) analytical results obtained from preliminary surveys conducted to verify the presence or absence of releases from some of the sites; and (4) ORNL`s assessment of the need for further remedial attention.

  10. RCRA Facilities Assessment (RFA)---Oak Ridge National Laboratory

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    1987-03-01

    US Department of Energy (DOE) facilities are required to be in full compliance with all federal and state regulations. In response to this requirement, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has established a Remedial Action Program (RAP) to provide comprehensive management of areas where past and current research, development, and waste management activities have resulted in residual contamination of facilities or the environment. This report presents the RCRA Facility Assessment (RFA) required to meet the requirements of RCRA Section 3004(u). Included in the RFA are (1) a listing of all sites identified at ORNL that could be considered sources of releases or potential releases; (2) background information on each of these sites, including location, type, size, period of operation, current operational status, and information on observed or potential releases (as required in Section II.A.1 of the RCRA permit); (3) analytical results obtained from preliminary surveys conducted to verify the presence or absence of releases from some of the sites; and (4) ORNL's assessment of the need for further remedial attention.

  11. Superconducting Cd and Ca doped 123 phase in Cdo.8Ba2(Y0.7Ca0.4) Cu3.5Oy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Balchev, N.; Kovachev, V; THOMAS, J.; BIEGER, W.; Konstantinov, K.; Kunev, B.

    1999-01-01

    A new Cd-containing superconductor with nominal composition of Cd 0.8 Ba 2 (Y 0.7 Ca 0.4 ) Cu 3.5 O y and T c = 80 K was synthesized and investigated. The obtained XRD pattern shows that the dominating phase is an orthorhombic 123. It was shown that the presence of Cd and Ca facilitates the 123 phase formation. The results of the EDX analysis on SEM and TEM have shown that the distribution of the Cd and Ca in the samples is inhomogeneous. The two elements enter the 123 phase in most of the investigated crystals and form a new Cd-Ba-Y-Ca-Cu-O superconducting compound

  12. The analysis of strain of giant magnetoresistive Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO3/La0.5Ca0.5MnO3/Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO-3 trilayers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang Haiou; Liu Hao; Dai Ping; Tan Weishi; Wu Xiaoshan; Jia Quanjie; Li Xiaolong

    2012-01-01

    Pr 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 /La 0.5 Ca 0.5 MnO 3 /Pr 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (PSMO/LCMO/PSMO) trilayers were deposited on (001)-oriented single crystal MgO by pulsed laser deposition. The thickness of both PSMO layers was 36 nm while the thickness of LCMO layer was 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 nm, respectively. Out-of-plane and in-plane lattice parameters of trilayers were obtained by using symmetric scanning and asymmetric scanning mode of high resolution X-ray diffraction. Strain states of trilayers have been studied. The results showed that strain relaxation states of trilayers were decided by bulk strain and Jahn-Teller (JT) strain together: The mechanism for strain relaxation in trilayers is different from that for tetragonal distortion. The competition between bulk strain and Jahn-Teller (JT) strain played an important role in the magnetotransport and magnetic properties of trilayers. (authors)

  13. Tuning the magnetocaloric properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganites through Ni-doping

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gómez, A.; Chavarriaga, E.; Supelano, I.; Parra, C. A.; Morán, O.

    2018-04-01

    The effect of Ni2+ doping on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganites synthesized via the auto-combustion method is reported. The aim of studying Ni2+-substituted La0.7Ca0.3Mn1 - xNixO3 (x = 0 , 0.02 , 0.07, and 0.1) manganites was to explore the possibility of increasing the operating temperature range for the magnetocaloric effect through tuning of the magnetic transition temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the phase purity of the synthesized samples. The substitution of Mn3+ ions by Ni2+ ions in the La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 lattice was also corroborated through this technique. The dependence of the magnetization on the temperature reveals that all the compositions exhibit a well-defined ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition near the Curie temperature. A systematic decrease in the values of the Curie temperature is clearly observed upon Ni2+ doping. Probably the replacement of Mn3+ by Ni2+ ions in the La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 lattice weakens the Mn3+-O-Mn4+ double exchange interaction, which leads to a decrease in the transition temperature and the magnetic moment in the samples. By using Arrott plots, it was found that the phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic is second order. The maximum magnetic entropy changes observed for the x = 0 , 0.02 , 0.07, and 0.1 composites was 0.85, 0.77, 0.63, and 0.59 J/kg K, respectively, under a magnetic field of 1.5 T. In general, it was verified that the magnetic entropy change achieved for La0.7Ca0.3Mn1 - xNixO3 manganites synthesized via the auto-combustion method is higher than those reported for other manganites with comparable Ni2+-doping levels synthesized via standard solid state reaction. The addition of Ni2+ increases the value of the relative cooling power as compared to that of the parent compound. The highest value of this parameter (∼60 J/kg) is found for a Ni-doping level of 2% around 230 K in a field of 1.5 T.

  14. Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the transcriptional regulator RfaH from Escherichia coli and its complex with ops DNA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vassylyeva, Marina N.; Svetlov, Vladimir; Klyuyev, Sergiy; Devedjiev, Yancho D.; Artsimovitch, Irina; Vassylyev, Dmitry G.

    2006-01-01

    The E. coli transcriptional regulator RfaH was cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized and the complex of RfaH with its target DNA oligonucleotide was cocrystallized. Complete diffraction data sets were collected for the apo protein and its nucleic acid complex at 2.4 and at 1.6 Å resolution, respectively. The bacterial transcriptional factor and virulence regulator RfaH binds to rapidly moving transcription elongation complexes through specific interactions with the exposed segment of the non-template DNA strand. To elucidate this unusual mechanism of recruitment, determination of the three-dimensional structure of RfaH and its complex with DNA was initiated. To this end, the Escherichia coli rfaH gene was cloned and expressed. The purified protein was crystallized by the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion technique. The space group was P6 1 22 or P6 5 22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 45.46, c = 599.93 Å. A complex of RfaH and a nine-nucleotide oligodeoxyribonucleotide was crystallized by the same technique, but under different crystallization conditions, yielding crystals that belonged to space group P1 (unit-cell parameters a = 36.79, b = 44.01, c = 62.37 Å, α = 80.62, β = 75.37, γ = 75.41°). Complete diffraction data sets were collected for RfaH and its complex with DNA at 2.4 and 1.6 Å resolution, respectively. Crystals of selenomethionine-labeled proteins in both crystal forms were obtained by cross-microseeding using the native microcrystals. The structure determination of RfaH and its complex with DNA is in progress

  15. Synthesis dependent characteristics of Sr1−xMnxTiO3 (x=0.03, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.09)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Preethi Meher, K.R.S.; Bogicevic, Christine; Janolin, Pierre-Eymeric; Varma, K.B.R.

    2012-01-01

    Sr 1−x Mn x TiO 3 (where x=0.03, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.09) was synthesized via different routes that include solid-state, oxalate precipitation and freeze drying. In oxalate precipitation technique, compositions corresponding to 3 and 5 mol% doping of Mn were monophasic whereas the higher compositions revealed the presence of the secondary phases such as MnO, Mn 3 O 4 etc., as confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The decomposition behavior of the precursors prepared using oxalate precipitation method corresponding to the above mentioned compositions was studied. Nanopowders of compositions pertaining to 5 to 9 mol% of Mn doping were obtained using freeze–drying technique. The average crystallite size of these nanopowders was found to be in the 35 to 65 nm range. The microstructural studies carried out on the sintered ceramics, fabricated using powders synthesized by different routes established the fine grained nature ( 1−x Mn x TiO 3 (x=0.03 and 0.05) obtained by oxalate precipitation technique along with that of the nanopowders for x=0.05, 0.07 and 0.09 obtained by freeze drying method, microstructural characterization and synthesis dependent dielectric behavior. Highlights: ► Monophasic samples obtained for compositions Sr 1−x Mn x TiO 3 with x=0.03 and 0.05. ► Nanopowders of Sr 1−x Mn x TiO 3 with x=0.05, 0.07 and 0.09 were synthesized by freeze–drying method. ► Phase purity of samples synthesized using freeze drying method were studied at different sintering temperatures. ► Analysis of Raman spectra for samples prepared by both oxalate precipitation and freeze–drying. ► Microstructure dependent dielectric characteristics have been illustrated.

  16. Anisotropic strains and magnetoresistance of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Koo, T.Y.; Park, S.H.; Lee, K.; Jeong, Y.H.

    1997-01-01

    Thin films of perovskite manganite La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 were grown epitaxially on SrTiO 3 (100), MgO(100) and LaAlO 3 (100) substrates by the pulsed laser deposition method. Microscopic structures of these thin film samples as well as a bulk sample were fully determined by x-ray diffraction measurements. The unit cells of the three films have different shapes, i.e., contracted tetragonal, cubic, and elongated tetragonal for SrTiO 3 , MgO, and LaAlO 3 , respectively, while the unit cell of the bulk is cubic. It is found that the samples with a cubic unit cell show smaller peak magnetoresistance at low fields (approx-lt 1T) than the noncubic ones do. The present result demonstrates that the magnetoresistance of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 at low fields can be controlled by lattice distortion via externally imposed strains. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics

  17. Tunneling Evidence of Half-Metallic Ferromagnetism in La(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wei, J. Y. T.; Yeh, N. C.; Vasquez, R. P.

    1997-01-01

    Direct experimental evidence of half-metallic density of states (DOS) is observed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy on ferromagnetic La(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3) which exhibits colossal magnetoresistance (SMR).

  18. MWA Versus RFA for Perivascular and Peribiliary CRLM: A Retrospective Patient- and Lesion-Based Analysis of Two Historical Cohorts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tilborg, Aukje A. J. M. van, E-mail: a.vantilborg@vumc.nl; Scheffer, Hester J.; Jong, Marcus C. de; Vroomen, Laurien G. P. H. [VU University Medical Centre, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (Netherlands); Nielsen, Karin [VU University Medical Centre, Department of Surgical Oncology (Netherlands); Kuijk, Cornelis van [VU University Medical Centre, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (Netherlands); Tol, Petrousjka M. P. van den [VU University Medical Centre, Department of Surgical Oncology (Netherlands); Meijerink, Martijn R. [VU University Medical Centre, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (Netherlands)

    2016-10-15

    PurposeTo retrospectively analyse the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in proximity to large vessels and/or major bile ducts.Method and MaterialsA database search was performed to include patients with unresectable histologically proven and/or {sup 18}F–FDG–PET avid CRLM who were treated with RFA or MWA between January 2001 and September 2014 in a single centre. All lesions that were considered to have a peribiliary and/or perivascular location were included. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the distribution of patient, tumour and procedure characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to correct for potential confounders.ResultsTwo hundred and forty-three patients with 774 unresectable CRLM were ablated. One hundred and twenty-two patients (78 males; 44 females) had at least one perivascular or peribiliary lesion (n = 199). Primary efficacy rate of RFA was superior to MWA after 3 and 12 months of follow-up (P = 0.010 and P = 0.022); however, after multivariate analysis this difference was non-significant at 12 months (P = 0.078) and vanished after repeat ablations (P = 0.39). More CTCAE grade III complications occurred after MWA versus RFA (18.8 vs. 7.9 %; P = 0.094); biliary complications were especially common after peribiliary MWA (P = 0.002).ConclusionFor perivascular CRLM, RFA and MWA are both safe treatment options that appear equally effective. For peribiliary CRLM, MWA has a higher complication rate than RFA, with similar efficacy. Based on these results, it is advised to use RFA for lesions in the proximity of major bile ducts.

  19. MWA Versus RFA for Perivascular and Peribiliary CRLM: A Retrospective Patient- and Lesion-Based Analysis of Two Historical Cohorts

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tilborg, Aukje A. J. M. van; Scheffer, Hester J.; Jong, Marcus C. de; Vroomen, Laurien G. P. H.; Nielsen, Karin; Kuijk, Cornelis van; Tol, Petrousjka M. P. van den; Meijerink, Martijn R.

    2016-01-01

    PurposeTo retrospectively analyse the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in proximity to large vessels and/or major bile ducts.Method and MaterialsA database search was performed to include patients with unresectable histologically proven and/or "1"8F–FDG–PET avid CRLM who were treated with RFA or MWA between January 2001 and September 2014 in a single centre. All lesions that were considered to have a peribiliary and/or perivascular location were included. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the distribution of patient, tumour and procedure characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to correct for potential confounders.ResultsTwo hundred and forty-three patients with 774 unresectable CRLM were ablated. One hundred and twenty-two patients (78 males; 44 females) had at least one perivascular or peribiliary lesion (n = 199). Primary efficacy rate of RFA was superior to MWA after 3 and 12 months of follow-up (P = 0.010 and P = 0.022); however, after multivariate analysis this difference was non-significant at 12 months (P = 0.078) and vanished after repeat ablations (P = 0.39). More CTCAE grade III complications occurred after MWA versus RFA (18.8 vs. 7.9 %; P = 0.094); biliary complications were especially common after peribiliary MWA (P = 0.002).ConclusionFor perivascular CRLM, RFA and MWA are both safe treatment options that appear equally effective. For peribiliary CRLM, MWA has a higher complication rate than RFA, with similar efficacy. Based on these results, it is advised to use RFA for lesions in the proximity of major bile ducts.

  20. The clinical application of TACE together with RFA and 125I seed implantation in treating hepatocellular carcinoma

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xie Xiaoxi; Lu Yinxiang; Zhang Hongxin; Zhang Shengchu; Zhou Jianwei; Zhang Guodong; Wang Xiaowei; Yang Liping

    2011-01-01

    Objective: to assess the clinical value of the combined treatment of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and radioactive 125 I seed implantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: During the period from March 2008 to Dec. 2010, 15 patients with HCC were admitted to the hospital. A total of 25 hepatic lesions were detected with the size of 1-8 cm. TACE was carried out first, which was followed by CT-guided RFA and radioactive 125 I seed implantation. With the help of treat plan system (TPS), the radioactive 125 I seed implantation was conducted to make additional management for the same lesion when RFA was finished, or the radioactive 125 I seeds were directly implanted into the areas where RFA could not reach. The radioactive dose was 60-100 Gy. All the patients were followed up and were kept under observation for the signs of related complications. The therapeutic results were evaluated. Results: The combined treatment was successfully accomplished in all patients. All patients were followed up for 3-28 months (mean of 10.6 months). The complete necrosis rate of the tumor was 96%. No serious complications occurred except the immigration of 125 I seeds in 1 case. Conclusion: The combined treatment of TACE and CT-guided RFA together with 125 I seed implantation is a safe, reliable and effective therapy for HCC with excellent short-term result. (authors)

  1. [Comparative analysis of TACE alone or plus RFA in the treatment of 167 cases of intermediate and advanced staged primary hepatocellular carcinoma].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, Ming; Wang, Jian-peng; Wu, Pei-hong; Zhang, Fu-jun; Huang, Zi-lin; Li, Wang; Zhang, Liang; Pan, Chang-chuan; Li, Chuan-xing; Jiang, Yong

    2010-11-09

    To evaluate the clinical efficacy and survival rate of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone or plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with intermediate or advanced stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this retrospective study, 467 cases received RFA or TACE plus RFA. Among them, 167 cases with strict clinical procedure (TACE alone or plus RFA) and complete follow-up data were included. Eighty-seven cases received TACE and 80 cases had TACE plus RFA between January 2000 and December 2006. Hierarchical analyses were performed using log-rank tests and survival curve was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 167 patients received TACE alone or plus RFA for a follow-up period of 1 to 89 months. In the TACE alone group, the time-to-progression (TTP) was an average of 3.6 months. The median survival was 13 months, one-year survival rate 52.9%, three-year survival rate 11.5% and five-year survival rate 4.6%. In the TACE plus RFA group, the TTP time was an average of 10.8 months. The median survival time was 30 months, one-year survival rate 85.0%, three-year survival rate 45.0% and five-year survival rate 11.3%. In the TACE alone group, the median survival of intermediate stage HCC was 14 months, one-year survival rate 62.2%, three-year survival rate 13.3% and five-year survival rate 4.4%; In the TACE plus RFA group, the median survival of intermediate stage HCC was 14 months, one-year survival rate 90.1%, three-year survival rate 52.9% and five-year survival rate 13.7%. All differences of two groups has statistical significance (P advanced stage HCC, the median survival time was 12 months, one-year survival rate 35%, three-year survival rate 7.1% and five-year survival rate 0 in the TACE alone group versus 28 months, 62.1%, 24.1% and 6.9% in the TACE plus RFA group (P = 0.00). There was significantly statistic difference between both groups in intermediate and advanced staging HCC. Among them, 60/485 (12.4%) patients required a therapy

  2. Modeling the temperature dependence of thermophysical properties: Study on the effect of temperature dependence for RFA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Watanabe, Hiroki; Kobayashi, Yo; Hashizume, Makoto; Fujie, Masakatsu G

    2009-01-01

    Radio frequency ablation (RFA) has increasingly been used over the past few years and RFA treatment is minimally invasive for patients. However, it is difficult for operators to control the precise formation of coagulation zones due to inadequate imaging modalities. With this in mind, an ablation system using numerical simulation to analyze the temperature distribution of the organ is needed to overcome this deficiency. The objective of our work is to develop a temperature dependent thermophysical liver model. First, an overview is given of the development of the thermophysical liver model. Second, a simulation to evaluate the effect of temperature dependence of the thermophysical properties of the liver is explained. Finally, the result of the simulation, which indicated that the temperature dependence of thermophysical properties accounts for temperature differences influencing the accuracy of RFA treatment is described.

  3. Electrical transport of (1-x)La0.7Ca0.3MnO3+xAl2O3 composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Phong, P.T.; Khiem, N.V.; Dai, N.V.; Manh, D.H.; Hong, L.V.; Phuc, N.X.

    2009-01-01

    We report the resistivity (ρ)-temperature (T) patterns in (1-x)La 0,7 Ca 0,3 MnO 3 +xAl 2 O 3 composites (0≤x≤0.05) over a temperature regime of 50-300 K. Al 2 O 3 addition has increased the resistivity of these composites. The Curie temperature (T C ) is almost independent on the Al 2 O 3 content and is about 250 K for all the samples, while the metal-insulator transition temperature (T MI ) decreases with increasing Al 2 O 3 content. Based on the phenomenological equation for conductivity under a percolation approach, which is dependent on the phase segregation of ferromagnetic metallic clusters and paramagnetic insulating regions, we fitted the experimental data (ρ-T) from 50 to 300 K and find that the activation barrier increases as Al 2 O 3 content increases.

  4. Study of photo-stimulated luminescence in Ba0.95M0.05FBr:Eu2+ (M = Sr, Ca) powder

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhou Yingxue; Wang Dongsheng; Zhang Xinyi

    2001-01-01

    The luminescence centered at about 390 nm due to 4f 6 5d→4f 7 transition of Eu 2+ can be observed without X-ray or UV-light pre-irradiation for BaFBr:Eu 2+ , Ba 0.95 Sr 0.05 FBr:Eu 2+ and Ba 0.95 Ca 0.05 FBr:Eu 2+ powder samples which can be excited by light with wave length longer than 400 nm. It could be attributed to F centers which are formed in the preparation of samples. There are two broad bands in the photo-stimulated spectra. One peaked at 535 nm results from the excitation of electrons at F(F - ) center, and the other at 708 nm might be originated from the electron excitation of F(Br - ) center or F(Br - ) accumulators. If the Ba 2+ (ion's radius equals to 0.135 nm) in the samples were replaced by about 50% mol. of Sr 2+ (ion's radius equals to 0.113 nm) or Ca 2+ (ion's radius equals to 0.099 nm), the intensities of 535 nm and 708 nm bands decrease with the decreasing of ion radius. On the other hand, the shoulders at 580 nm and 650 nm or 575 nm and 645 nm can appear. In absorption spectra of 50-400 nm range, one can observe the red-shift of 79 nm, 83 nm peaks and new absorption peaks. It means that the new color centers: F(F - , Sr 2+ ), F(br - , Sr 2+ ) or F(F - , Ca 2+ ), F(br - , Ca 2+ ) are formed, when Ba 2+ were replaced with Sr 2+ or Ca 2+ in samples. It corresponds to the shoulders in photo-stimulated spectra

  5. RFA-cut: Semi-automatic segmentation of radiofrequency ablation zones with and without needles via optimal s-t-cuts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Egger, Jan; Busse, Harald; Brandmaier, Philipp; Seider, Daniel; Gawlitza, Matthias; Strocka, Steffen; Voglreiter, Philip; Dokter, Mark; Hofmann, Michael; Kainz, Bernhard; Chen, Xiaojun; Hann, Alexander; Boechat, Pedro; Yu, Wei; Freisleben, Bernd; Alhonnoro, Tuomas; Pollari, Mika; Moche, Michael; Schmalstieg, Dieter

    2015-01-01

    In this contribution, we present a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) zones via optimal s-t-cuts. Our interactive graph-based approach builds upon a polyhedron to construct the graph and was specifically designed for computed tomography (CT) acquisitions from patients that had RFA treatments of Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC). For evaluation, we used twelve post-interventional CT datasets from the clinical routine and as evaluation metric we utilized the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), which is commonly accepted for judging computer aided medical segmentation tasks. Compared with pure manual slice-by-slice expert segmentations from interventional radiologists, we were able to achieve a DSC of about eighty percent, which is sufficient for our clinical needs. Moreover, our approach was able to handle images containing (DSC=75.9%) and not containing (78.1%) the RFA needles still in place. Additionally, we found no statistically significant difference (p<;0.423) between the segmentation results of the subgroups for a Mann-Whitney test. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a segmentation approach for CT scans including the RFA needles is reported and we show why another state-of-the-art segmentation method fails for these cases. Intraoperative scans including an RFA probe are very critical in the clinical practice and need a very careful segmentation and inspection to avoid under-treatment, which may result in tumor recurrence (up to 40%). If the decision can be made during the intervention, an additional ablation can be performed without removing the entire needle. This decreases the patient stress and associated risks and costs of a separate intervention at a later date. Ultimately, the segmented ablation zone containing the RFA needle can be used for a precise ablation simulation as the real needle position is known.

  6. Pre-Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Process-oriented Information Systems in Healthcare (ProHealth'07)

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Reichert, M.U.; Peleg, M.; Lenz, R.

    These pre-proceedings contain the presentations given at the 1st Int'l Workshop on Process-oriented Information Systems in Healthcare (ProHealth'07). Formal proceedings will be published in Springer's LNCS series. Process-oriented information systems have been demanded for more than 20 years and

  7. Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Ba-doped La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Thanh, Tran Dang; Linh, Dinh Chi; Uyen Tuyen, Ngo Thi; Phan, The-Long; Yu, Seong-Cho

    2015-01-01

    La 0.7 Ca 0.3−x Ba x MnO 3 nanoparticles with the crystalline size d = 38 and 39 nm for x = 0.025, and 0.05, respectively, were synthesized by utilizing the solid-state reaction and mechanical ball milling methods. We have used the Banerjee's criteria, the mean-field, and the thermodynamic theories, and isothermal magnetization, M(H), data around Curie temperature (T C ) to investigate the magnetic phase transformation and the temperature (T) and magnetic field (H) dependences of magnetic entropy change, ΔS m (T, H), for nanoparticles. These exhibit the samples undergoing a second-order magnetic phase transition with an existence of the short-range ferromagnetic order in the samples. Under an applied magnetic field change ΔH = 30 kOe, the maximum value of ΔS m (denoted as |ΔS max |) are obtained about 4.4 J kg −1 K −1 corresponding to a relative cooling power (RCP) value about 140 J kg −1 . Field dependences of |ΔS max | and RCP can be expressed by the power laws, |ΔS max | = a × H n and RCP = b × H N , where a and b are coefficients, n and N are the field exponents, respectively. Interestingly, all the ΔS m (T, H) curves measured at different applied fields are collapsed onto a universal curve, ΔS m (T, H)/ΔS max versus θ = (T − T C )/(T r − T C ), where T r is the reference temperature. - Highlights: • An existence of the short-range FM order in the La 0.7 Ca 0.3−x Ba x MnO 3 nanoparticles. • High magnetic entropy change, wide operative temperature range, and high RCP value. • Field dependences of |ΔS max | and RCP can be expressed by the power laws. • All the ΔS m (T, H) data are followed a universal master curve

  8. GPU-based RFA simulation for minimally invasive cancer treatment of liver tumours

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Mariappan, P.; Weir, P.; Flanagan, R.; Voglreiter, P.; Alhonnoro, T.; Pollari, M.; Moche, M.; Busse, H.; Futterer, J.J.; Portugaller, H.R.; Sequeiros, R.B.; Kolesnik, M.

    2017-01-01

    PURPOSE: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most popular and well-standardized minimally invasive cancer treatments (MICT) for liver tumours, employed where surgical resection has been contraindicated. Less-experienced interventional radiologists (IRs) require an appropriate planning tool

  9. Anisotropic and excellent magnetocaloric properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 single crystal with anomalous magnetization

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Debnath, J.C.; Zeng, R.; Kim, J.H.; Chen, D.P.; Dou, S.X.

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► ΔS M shows a very large reversibility value at low field. ► The single crystal exhibits anisotropy in the MCE. ► La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 is weakly itinerant ferromagnetic. ► No hysteresis loss is observed. - Abstract: Magnetic properties and the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) have been investigated in La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 single crystal with applied field along both the ab-plane and the c-direction. Due to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, the crystal exhibits anisotropy in the MCE. Upon application of a 5 T field, the magnetic entropy changes (ΔS M ), reaching values of 7.668 J/(kg K) and 6.412 J/(kg K) for both the ab-plane and the c-direction, respectively. A magnetic entropy change of 3.3 J/(kg K) was achieved for a magnetic field change of 1.5 T at the Curie temperature, T C = 245 K. Due to the absence of grains in the single crystal, the ΔS M distribution here is much more uniform than for gadolinium (Gd) and other polycrystalline manganites, which is desirable for an Ericsson-cycle magnetic refrigerator. For a field change of 5 T, the relative cooling power, RCP, reached 358.17 J/kg, while the maximum adiabatic temperature change of 5.33 K and a magnetoresistance (MR) ratio of 507.88% at T C were observed. We analysed the magnetization of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 single crystal at T C and estimated several parameters of spin fluctuation on the basis of a self-consistent renormalization theory of spin fluctuations, with reciprocal susceptibility above T C . We found that the magnetic property of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 is weakly itinerant ferromagnetic. A large reversible MCE and no hysteresis loss with a considerable value of refrigerant capacity indicate that La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 single crystal is a potential candidate as a magnetic refrigerant.

  10. Temperature dependence of colossal electro-resistance of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 thin films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Odagawa, A.; Kanno, T.; Adachi, H.; Sato, H.; Inoue, I.H.; Akoh, H.; Kawasaki, M.; Tokura, Y.

    2005-01-01

    The electronic conduction through a Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 thin film is investigated by measurements using dc and pulsed bias. Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 films sandwiched by electrodes exhibit two stable resistance states by means of applying voltage pulses. Both of the states show semiconducting behavior. The ratio of the two resistance states induces a colossal electro-resistance (CER) effect greater than 1000%. The CER behavior is seen in the temperature range of 300 K down to 150 K. The observed conduction characteristics exhibit the space-charge-limited-current effect, and the switching behavior can be ascribed to a carrier trapping/detrapping of the trap sites in the perovskite manganite

  11. Thermoelectric properties of Ca1-xYxMnO3 and Ca0.9Y0.1-yFeyMnO3 perovskite compounds

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Thuy, Nguyen Thi; Minh, Dang Le; Van Nong, Ngo

    2012-01-01

    Polycrystalline Ca1-xYxMnO3 (x = 0.0; 0.1; 0.3; 0.5; 0.7) and Ca0.9Y0.1-yFeyMnO3 (y = 0.00; 0.01; 0.03; 0.05) compounds were prepared by solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed all XRD peaks of all the samples as identical to the orthorhombic structure. The thermoelectric ...

  12. Ionic conductivity of Ca and Mg doped NdGdZr1.95Sc0.05O7

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Anithakumari, P.; Mandal, B.P.; Grover, V.; Tyagi, A.K.; Mishra, A.K.

    2014-01-01

    The ionic conductivity of pyrochlore based materials makes them promising candidates for fuel-cell applications where high ionic conductivity and low activation energy are desired. Earlier it has been reported that 5%Sc doped GdNdZr 2 O 7 shows highest ionic conductivity. In this present work, an attempt has been made to further increase the oxygen vacancy concentration by the incorporation of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions at A site of NdGdZr 1.95 Sc 0.05 O 7 (NGZS)

  13. Novel temperature-controlled RFA probe for treatment of blocked metal biliary stents in patients with pancreaticobiliary cancers: initial experience.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nayar, Manu K; Oppong, Kofi W; Bekkali, Noor L H; Leeds, John S

    2018-05-01

     Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to treat blocked biliary stents in patients with pancreaticobiliary (PB) tumors with varying results. We report our experience with a novel temperature-controlled probe for treatment of blocked metal stents.  Patients with histologically proven PB cancers and a blocked biliary stents were treated using ELRATM electrode (Taewoong Medical) under fluoroscopic guidance. Demographics, clinical outcome, stricture diameter improvements, complications and mortality at 30 days were prospectively recorded.  Nine procedures were performed on seven patients (4 male, 3 female); mean age 65.33 (range 56 - 82 years). Mean stricture diameter prior to RFA was 1.13 mm (SD ± 0.54) and 4.42 mm (SD ± 1.54) following RFA ( P  drainage. There were no procedure-related complications. Mean follow-up was 193.55 days (range 31 - 540) and three of nine patients (33 %) died due to terminal cancer. These are the first reported data on use of a temperature-controlled RFA catheter in humans to treat blocked metal biliary stents. The device is safe but further randomized trials are required to establish the efficacy and survival benefits of this probe.

  14. Structural and Moessbauer Effect Studies of 0.7Bi0.95Dy0.05FeO3-0.3Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 Multiferroic

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stoch, A.; Kulawik, J.; Stoch, P.; Maurin, J.; Zachariasz, P.

    2011-01-01

    0.7Bi 0.95 Dy 0.05 FeO 3 -0.3Pb(Fe 0.5 Nb 0.5 )O 3 is a multiferroic material which exhibits ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic ordering. In this paper the way of the synthesis of 0.7Bi 0.95 Dy 0.05 FeO 3 -0.3Pb(Fe 0.5 Nb 0.5 )O 3 is presented. The detailed X-ray and Moessbauer effect studies were done and crystal and hyperfine interaction parameters were obtained. (authors)

  15. GPU-based RFA simulation for minimally invasive cancer treatment of liver tumours.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mariappan, Panchatcharam; Weir, Phil; Flanagan, Ronan; Voglreiter, Philip; Alhonnoro, Tuomas; Pollari, Mika; Moche, Michael; Busse, Harald; Futterer, Jurgen; Portugaller, Horst Rupert; Sequeiros, Roberto Blanco; Kolesnik, Marina

    2017-01-01

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most popular and well-standardized minimally invasive cancer treatments (MICT) for liver tumours, employed where surgical resection has been contraindicated. Less-experienced interventional radiologists (IRs) require an appropriate planning tool for the treatment to help avoid incomplete treatment and so reduce the tumour recurrence risk. Although a few tools are available to predict the ablation lesion geometry, the process is computationally expensive. Also, in our implementation, a few patient-specific parameters are used to improve the accuracy of the lesion prediction. Advanced heterogeneous computing using personal computers, incorporating the graphics processing unit (GPU) and the central processing unit (CPU), is proposed to predict the ablation lesion geometry. The most recent GPU technology is used to accelerate the finite element approximation of Penne's bioheat equation and a three state cell model. Patient-specific input parameters are used in the bioheat model to improve accuracy of the predicted lesion. A fast GPU-based RFA solver is developed to predict the lesion by doing most of the computational tasks in the GPU, while reserving the CPU for concurrent tasks such as lesion extraction based on the heat deposition at each finite element node. The solver takes less than 3 min for a treatment duration of 26 min. When the model receives patient-specific input parameters, the deviation between real and predicted lesion is below 3 mm. A multi-centre retrospective study indicates that the fast RFA solver is capable of providing the IR with the predicted lesion in the short time period before the intervention begins when the patient has been clinically prepared for the treatment.

  16. Yttrium-90 microspheres (TheraSphere) treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: downstaging to resection, RFA and bridge to transplantation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kulik, Laura M; Atassi, Bassel; van Holsbeeck, Lodewijk; Souman, Tameem; Lewandowski, Robert J; Mulcahy, Mary F; Hunter, Russell D; Nemcek, Albert A; Abecassis, Michael M; Haines, Kenneth G; Salem, Riad

    2006-12-01

    To present the clinical data of 35 patients with T3 unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that were treated with (90)Y with the specific intent of downstaging to resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) candidate, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) stage T2 or liver transplantation. One hundred fifty patients with unresectable HCC were treated with (90)Y microspheres. Of these, 35 patients were UNOS stage T3 at the time of treatment. Patients were followed for clinical toxicities, alterations in model for end-stage-liver disease (MELD) score, tumor response, downstaging to RFA, resection, transplantation, and survival. Nineteen of 34 patients (56%) were successfully downstaged from T3 to T2 following treatment. 11 of 34 (32%) patients treated were downstaged to target lesions measuring 3.0 cm or less. Twenty-three of 35 (66%) were downstaged to either T2 status, lesion < 3.0 cm (RFA candidate), or resection. Seventeen of 34 (50%) had an objective tumor response by WHO criteria. Eight patients (23%) were successfully downstaged and underwent OLT following treatment. 1, 2, and 3-year survival was 84%, 54%, and 27%, respectively. Median survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis for the entire cohort was 800 days. These data suggest that intra-arterial (90)Y microspheres can be used as a bridge to transplantation, surgical resection, or RFA. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  17. A polarised neutron scattering study of the excitations in the CMR manganite La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hagen, M.; Dai, P.

    2002-01-01

    Full text: The magnetic excitations in the colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) materials A 1-x B x MnO 3 (A = La, Pr, Nd, B = Ca, Sr) near the optimum doping x = 1/3 show some remarkable features. In a recent unpolarised inelastic neutron scattering experiment on La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 Dai et al. discovered that the magnetic excitations (spin waves) appeared to show considerable softening on approaching the Brillouin zone boundary. This softening appeared to occur when the spin wave dispersion relation crossed a number of flat optic phonon branches, and the possibility exists for interaction/hybridisation with the phonons. In order to separate the magnetic spin waves from the lattice dynamical phonons we have carried out an inelastic polarised neutron scattering study using the IN20 triple axis spectrometer at the Institut Laue Langevin, Grenoble, France. Because La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 is a ferromagnet and our principle aim is to separate magnetic from lattice dynamical excitations we have been able to use a novel 'half-polarised' configuration for the spectrometer, originally developed by Holden and Stirling, which boosts the signal by a factor of ∼ 10x. The technique used and the results for La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 will be described

  18. RFA Guardian: Comprehensive Simulation of Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment of Liver Tumors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Voglreiter, Philip; Mariappan, Panchatcharam; Pollari, Mika; Flanagan, Ronan; Blanco Sequeiros, Roberto; Portugaller, Rupert Horst; Fütterer, Jurgen; Schmalstieg, Dieter; Kolesnik, Marina; Moche, Michael

    2018-01-15

    The RFA Guardian is a comprehensive application for high-performance patient-specific simulation of radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors. We address a wide range of usage scenarios. These include pre-interventional planning, sampling of the parameter space for uncertainty estimation, treatment evaluation and, in the worst case, failure analysis. The RFA Guardian is the first of its kind that exhibits sufficient performance for simulating treatment outcomes during the intervention. We achieve this by combining a large number of high-performance image processing, biomechanical simulation and visualization techniques into a generalized technical workflow. Further, we wrap the feature set into a single, integrated application, which exploits all available resources of standard consumer hardware, including massively parallel computing on graphics processing units. This allows us to predict or reproduce treatment outcomes on a single personal computer with high computational performance and high accuracy. The resulting low demand for infrastructure enables easy and cost-efficient integration into the clinical routine. We present a number of evaluation cases from the clinical practice where users performed the whole technical workflow from patient-specific modeling to final validation and highlight the opportunities arising from our fast, accurate prediction techniques.

  19. Effect of Fe substitution on magnetocaloric effect in La0.7Sr0.3Mn1-xFexO3 (0.05≤x≤0.20)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Barik, S.K.; Krishnamoorthi, C.; Mahendiran, R.

    2011-01-01

    We have studied the effect of Fe substitution on magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in La 0.7 Sr 0.3 Mn 1-x Fe x O 3 (x=0.05, 0.07, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) over a wide temperature range (T=10-400 K). It is shown that substitution by Fe gradually decreases the ferromagnetic Curie temperature (T C ) and saturation magnetization up to x=0.15 but a dramatic change occurs for x=0.2. The x=0.2 sample can be considered as a phase separated compound in which both short-range ordered ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases coexist. The magnetic entropy change (-ΔS m ) was estimated from isothermal magnetization curves and it decreases with increase of Fe content from 4.4 J kg -1 K -1 at 343 K (x=0.05) to 1.3 J kg -1 K -1 at 105 K (x=0.2), under ΔH=5 T. The La 0.7 Sr 0.3 Mn 0.93 Fe 0.07 O 3 sample shows negligible hysteresis loss, operating temperature range over 60 K around room temperature with refrigerant capacity of 225 J kg -1 , and magnetic entropy of 4 J kg -1 K -1 which will be an interesting compound for application in room temperature refrigeration. - Research highlights: → We report magnetocaloric effect in La 0.7 Sr 0.3 Mn 1-x Fe x O 3 (x=0-0.2). → Magnetic entropy change (ΔS m ) decreases with increasing x. → A large ΔS m and refrigeration capacity are found around 300 K in x=0.07.

  20. Enhanced electrical and magnetic properties in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films deposited on CaTiO3-buffered silicon substrates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    C. Adamo

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available We investigate the suitability of an epitaxial CaTiO3 buffer layer deposited onto (100 Si by reactive molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE for the epitaxial integration of the colossal magnetoresistive material La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 with silicon. The magnetic and electrical properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films deposited by MBE on CaTiO3-buffered silicon (CaTiO3/Si are compared with those deposited on SrTiO3-buffered silicon (SrTiO3/Si. In addition to possessing a higher Curie temperature and a higher metal-to-insulator transition temperature, the electrical resistivity and 1/f noise level at 300 K are reduced by a factor of two in the heterostructure with the CaTiO3 buffer layer. These results are relevant to device applications of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films on silicon substrates.

  1. Colossal anisotropic resistivity and oriented magnetic domains in strained La{sub 0.325}Pr{sub 0.3}Ca{sub 0.375}MnO{sub 3} films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jiang, Tao; Yang, Shengwei; Liu, Yukuai; Zhao, Wenbo; Feng, Lei; Li, Xiaoguang, E-mail: lixg@ustc.edu.cn [Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026 (China); Zhou, Haibiao; Lu, Qingyou [Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026 (China); High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031 (China); Hou, Yubin [High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230031 (China)

    2014-05-19

    Magnetic and resistive anisotropies have been studied for the La{sub 0.325}Pr{sub 0.3}Ca{sub 0.375}MnO{sub 3} films with different thicknesses grown on low symmetric (011)-oriented (LaAlO{sub 3}){sub 0.3}(SrAl{sub 0.5}Ta{sub 0.5}O{sub 3}){sub 0.7} substrates. In the magnetic and electronic phase separation region, a colossal anisotropic resistivity (AR) of ∼10{sup 5}% and an anomalous large anisotropic magnetoresistance can be observed for 30 nm film. However, for 120 nm film, the maximum AR decreases significantly (∼2 × 10{sup 3}%) due to strain relaxation. The colossal AR is strongly associated with the oriented formation of magnetic domains, and the features of the strain effects are believed to be useful for the design of artificial materials and devices.

  2. Interdomain Contacts Control Native State Switching of RfaH on a Dual-Funneled Landscape.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    César A Ramírez-Sarmiento

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available RfaH is a virulence factor from Escherichia coli whose C-terminal domain (CTD undergoes a dramatic α-to-β conformational transformation. The CTD in its α-helical fold is stabilized by interactions with the N-terminal domain (NTD, masking an RNA polymerase binding site until a specific recruitment site is encountered. Domain dissociation is triggered upon binding to DNA, allowing the NTD to interact with RNA polymerase to facilitate transcription while the CTD refolds into the β-barrel conformation that interacts with the ribosome to activate translation. However, structural details of this transformation process in the context of the full protein remain to be elucidated. Here, we explore the mechanism of the α-to-β conformational transition of RfaH in the full-length protein using a dual-basin structure-based model. Our simulations capture several features described experimentally, such as the requirement of disruption of interdomain contacts to trigger the α-to-β transformation, confirms the roles of previously indicated residues E48 and R138, and suggests a new important role for F130, in the stability of the interdomain interaction. These native basins are connected through an intermediate state that builds up upon binding to the NTD and shares features from both folds, in agreement with previous in silico studies of the isolated CTD. We also examine the effect of RNA polymerase binding on the stabilization of the β fold. Our study shows that native-biased models are appropriate for interrogating the detailed mechanisms of structural rearrangements during the dramatic transformation process of RfaH.

  3. (110) oriented GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As quantum wells for optimized T-shaped quantum wires

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gislason, Hannes; Sørensen, Claus Birger; Hvam, Jørn Märcher

    1996-01-01

    High control of (110) oriented GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As quantum wells is very important for the growth of optimized T-shaped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wires, We investigate theoretically and experimentally 20-200 Angstrom wide (110) oriented GaAs quantum wells grown on (110) oriented substrates and cleaved...... edges. Photoluminescence transition energies are found to be in good agreement with theory for all well widths. The mean well width is controllable to 1 monolayer accuracy and an effective well width fluctuation of 3.7 Angstrom is derived from the photoluminescence linewidths. The growth rate...

  4. Investigations on rectifying behavior of Y{sub 0.95}Ca{sub 0.05}MnO{sub 3}/Si junction

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dhruv, Davit [Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot-36000 (India); V.V.P. Engineering College, Gujarat Technological University, Rajkot – 360 005 (India); Joshi, Zalak; Gadani, Keval; Boricha, Hetal; Pandya, D. D.; Solanki, P. S.; Shah, N. A., E-mail: snikesh@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot-36000 (India); Joshi, A. D. [Goverment Engineering College, Rajkot – 360 005 (India)

    2016-05-06

    In this communication, we report the rectifying properties observed across the junction, consists of Ca{sup +2} doped hexagonal YMnO{sub 3} manganite film, grown on n-type (100) Si single crystalline substrate. The junction was grown using cost effective chemical solution deposition (CSD) technique by employing spin coating method. Surface morphology of Y{sub 0.9}5Ca{sub 0.05}MnO{sub 3}/Si (YCMO/Si) film was carried out by atomic force microscopy and magnetic response of film was studied by magnetic force microscopy. Current – voltage characteristics of the junction was carried out by using Keithley source meter in current perpendicular to plane (CPP) mode at different temperatures. Rectification in I – V behavior has been observed for the junction at all the temperatures studied. With increase in temperature, rectification ratio, in the range of 10{sup 4}, increases across the junction. Results have been discussed in the context of thermal effects.

  5. Robust s± pairing in CaK (Fe1-xNix) 4As4 (x =0 and 0.05) from the response to electron irradiation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Teknowijoyo, S.; Cho, K.; Kończykowski, M.; Timmons, E. I.; Tanatar, M. A.; Meier, W. R.; Xu, M.; Bud'ko, S. L.; Canfield, P. C.; Prozorov, R.

    2018-04-01

    Controlled pointlike disorder introduced by 2.5-MeV electron irradiation was used to probe the superconducting state of single crystals of CaK (Fe1-xNix) 4As4 superconductor at x =0 and 0.05 doping levels. Both compositions show an increase of the residual resistivity and a decrease of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, at the rate of d Tc/d ρ (Tc) ≈0.19 K/(μ Ω cm ) for x =0 and 0.38 K/(μ Ω cm ) for x =0.05 , respectively. In the Ni-doped compound (x =0.05 ), the coexisting spin-vortex crystal (SVC) magnetic phase is suppressed at the rate of d TN/d ρ (TN) ≈ 0.16 K/(μ Ω cm ). The low-temperature variation of London penetration depth is well approximated by the power-law function, Δ λ (T ) =A Tn , with n ≈2.5 for x =0 and n ≈1.9 for x =0.05 in the pristine state. Detailed analysis of λ (T ) and Tc evolution with disorder is consistent with two effective nodeless energy gaps in the density of states due to robust s± pairing. Overall the behavior of CaK (Fe1-xNix) 4As4 at x =0 is similar to a slightly overdoped Ba1 -yKyFe2As2 at y ≈ 0.5, and at x =0.05 to an underdoped composition at y ≈ 0.2.

  6. Task-oriented training in rehabilitation after stroke : systematic review

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Rensink, Marijke; Schuurmans, Marieke; Lindeman, Eline; Hafsteinsdottir, Thora

    Task-oriented training in rehabilitation after stroke: systematic review. This paper is a report of a review conducted to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature on task-oriented training of stroke survivors and its relevance in daily nursing practice. Stroke is the second leading

  7. Investigations towards the use of Gd0.7Ca0.3CoOx as membrane in an exhaust gas sensor for NOx

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Romer, E.W.J.; Nigge, Ulrich; Schulte, Thomas; Wiemhöfer, Hans-Dieter; Bouwmeester, Henricus J.M.

    2001-01-01

    Application of a material with the nominal composition Gd0.7Ca0.3CoOx is considered for use as membrane material in an exhaust gas sensor for NOx. SEM–EDX and XRD measurements revealed that after sintering at 1200°C in air, three co-existing phases are present: (Gd0.6Ca0.4)2CoOx (60 vol.%), GdCoO3

  8. Spin glass properties of Y0.7Ca0.3MnO3 and Th0.35Ba0.37Ca0.28MnO3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sedmidubský, D.; Hejtmánek, J.; Maryško, M.; Jirák, Z.; Hardy, V.; Martin, C.

    2002-05-01

    Two perovskite manganites with the same nominal concentration of Mn4+ have been studied by the magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements: the Y0.7Ca0.3MnO3 single crystal (YCa) with low tolerance factor and negligible ionic radii variance and the Th0.35Ba0.37Ca0.28MnO3 (ThBaCa) ceramics with favorable tolerance factor but huge substitution induced disorder. Both systems were found to possess an insulating ground state with activated conductivity. The ac susceptibility data exhibit a frequency dependent peak at Tsg=32 K for YCa and Tsg=43 K for ThBaCa. The Cole-Cole analysis revealed a sharper than exponential increase of the relaxation time for the former sample while almost linear slowly growing characteristics below Tsg were observed for the latter one. Using the heat capacity curves, the magnetic contribution was separated and magnetic peaks with typical linear on-set tails were obtained. This observation and the abovementioned characteristics are all indicative of spin or cluster glass character. The necessary magnetic frustration is here induced by a considerable tilting of MnO6 octahedra and deformation of Mn-O bonds which occur in a cooperative manner for YCa and locally for ThBaCa.

  9. CaV 3.1 and CaV 3.3 account for T-type Ca2+ current in GH3 cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M.A. Mudado

    2004-06-01

    Full Text Available T-type Ca2+ channels are important for cell signaling by a variety of cells. We report here the electrophysiological and molecular characteristics of the whole-cell Ca2+ current in GH3 clonal pituitary cells. The current inactivation at 0 mV was described by a single exponential function with a time constant of 18.32 ± 1.87 ms (N = 16. The I-V relationship measured with Ca2+ as a charge carrier was shifted to the left when we applied a conditioning pre-pulse of up to -120 mV, indicating that a low voltage-activated current may be present in GH3 cells. Transient currents were first activated at -50 mV and peaked around -20 mV. The half-maximal voltage activation and the slope factors for the two conditions are -35.02 ± 2.4 and 6.7 ± 0.3 mV (pre-pulse of -120 mV, N = 15, and -27.0 ± 0.97 and 7.5 ± 0.7 mV (pre-pulse of -40 mV, N = 9. The 8-mV shift in the activation mid-point was statistically significant (P < 0.05. The tail currents decayed bi-exponentially suggesting two different T-type Ca2+ channel populations. RT-PCR revealed the presence of a1G (CaV3.1 and a1I (CaV3.3 T-type Ca2+ channel mRNA transcripts.

  10. Chemical disorder influence on magnetic state of optimally-doped La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rozenberg, E.; Auslender, M.; Shames, A. I.; Jung, G.; Felner, I.; Tsindlekht, M. I.; Mogilyansky, D.; Sominski, E.; Gedanken, A.; Mukovskii, Ya. M.; Gorodetsky, G.

    2011-10-01

    X-band electron magnetic resonance and dc/ac magnetic measurements have been employed to study the effects of chemical disorder on magnetic ordering in bulk and nanometer-sized single crystals and bulk ceramics of optimally-doped La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganite. The magnetic ground state of bulk samples appeared to be ferromagnetic with the lower Curie temperature and higher magnetic homogeneity in the vicinity of the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition in the crystal, as compared with those characteristics in the ceramics. The influence of technological driven "macroscopic" fluctuations of Ca-dopant level in crystal and "mesoscopic" disorder within grain boundary regions in ceramics was proposed to be responsible for these effects. Surface spin disorder together with pronounced inter-particle interactions within agglomerated nano-sample results in well defined core/shell spin configuration in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nano-crystals. The analysis of the electron paramagnetic resonance data enlightened the reasons for the observed difference in the magnetic order. Lattice effects dominate the first-order nature of magnetic phase transition in bulk samples. However, mesoscale chemical disorder seems to be responsible for the appearance of small ferromagnetic polarons in the paramagnetic state of bulk ceramics. The experimental results and their analysis indicate that a chemical/magnetic disorder has a strong impact on the magnetic state even in the case of mostly stable optimally hole-doped manganites.

  11. Patient perspectives of participating in the cardiac CopenHeartRFA rehabilitation program for patients treated with ablation for atrial fibrillation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Risom, Signe Stelling; Lind, Johanne; J McCabe, Pamela

    2018-01-01

    . As part of the evaluation of the CopenHeartRFA trial, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The intervention was delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Aim: This study aimed to understand the experience of patients treated for AF with ablation who participated in the CopenHeartRFA cardiac....... The interviews were analyzed individually by two researchers and themes were constructed and discussed. Results: The sample included 10 participants, mean age 54.6 years. Four categories were identified and labeled: 1) strengthening belief in one’s own physical capacity and survival; 2) still struggling...

  12. Magnetoelastic effects in La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3−x}Ca{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanocrystalline perovskites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tabatabai Yazdi, Sh., E-mail: sh_tabatabai3@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 91755-1436 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Iranmanesh, P. [Department of Physics, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 77139-36417 Rafsanjan (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

    2014-09-01

    La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3−x}Ca{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (x=0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) nanoparticles, prepared by sol–gel method, were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermal expansion and magnetostriction measurements. It was revealed that samples of low Ca concentration (x≤0.1) crystallize in rhombohedral perovskite structure with R-3c space group, and by increasing x, smaller Ca radius causes the lattice to convert to orthorhombic structure (space group of Pbnm). The results exhibit an anomalous behavior in the thermal expansion behavior of all samples, as well as temperature dependence of their volume magnetostriction being related to the presence of a conductive magnetic two-phase state at temperatures higher than T{sub C}. Moreover, the magnitude of this magnetovolume effect increases with x due to smaller Ca size, which softens the crystal lattice. The results show that Ca substitution results in weakening the double-exchange interaction and consequently reducing T{sub C}, as well as decreasing the magnetic anisotropy. Furthermore, our nanocrystalline samples have a relatively lower T{sub C}, compared with the reported values for similar compounds with larger particle size. Among them, the sample with x=0.2 possess T{sub C} value of about room temperature; to say by partial substitution of Ca for Sr we succeeded in adjusting the transition temperature of this series of manganites which was a main motivation for this research. - Highlights: • Magnetoelastic properties of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3−x}Ca{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanocrystalline samples are investigated. • Substitution of Sr by Ca causes structure to convert from rhombohedral to orthorhombic perovskite. • Considerable magnetovolume anomalies are revealed due to presence of conductive MTPS above T{sub C}. • Ca softens the crystal lattice and intensifies the magnetovolume effects. • Ca reduces T{sub C} and magnetic anisotropy of compounds by weakening DE interactions.

  13. Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Ba-doped La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Thanh, Tran Dang, E-mail: thanhxraylab@yahoo.com [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18-Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Linh, Dinh Chi [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18-Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Uyen Tuyen, Ngo Thi [Department of Natural Science, Nha Trang Pedagogic College, Khanh Hoa (Viet Nam); Phan, The-Long [Department of Physics and Oxide Research Center, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 449-791 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, Seong-Cho, E-mail: scyu@chungbuk.ac.kr [Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763 (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-11-15

    La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Ba{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles with the crystalline size d = 38 and 39 nm for x = 0.025, and 0.05, respectively, were synthesized by utilizing the solid-state reaction and mechanical ball milling methods. We have used the Banerjee's criteria, the mean-field, and the thermodynamic theories, and isothermal magnetization, M(H), data around Curie temperature (T{sub C}) to investigate the magnetic phase transformation and the temperature (T) and magnetic field (H) dependences of magnetic entropy change, ΔS{sub m}(T, H), for nanoparticles. These exhibit the samples undergoing a second-order magnetic phase transition with an existence of the short-range ferromagnetic order in the samples. Under an applied magnetic field change ΔH = 30 kOe, the maximum value of ΔS{sub m} (denoted as |ΔS{sub max}|) are obtained about 4.4 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} corresponding to a relative cooling power (RCP) value about 140 J kg{sup −1}. Field dependences of |ΔS{sub max}| and RCP can be expressed by the power laws, |ΔS{sub max}| = a × H{sup n} and RCP = b × H{sup N}, where a and b are coefficients, n and N are the field exponents, respectively. Interestingly, all the ΔS{sub m}(T, H) curves measured at different applied fields are collapsed onto a universal curve, ΔS{sub m}(T, H)/ΔS{sub max} versus θ = (T − T{sub C})/(T{sub r} − T{sub C}), where T{sub r} is the reference temperature. - Highlights: • An existence of the short-range FM order in the La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Ba{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles. • High magnetic entropy change, wide operative temperature range, and high RCP value. • Field dependences of |ΔS{sub max}| and RCP can be expressed by the power laws. • All the ΔS{sub m}(T, H) data are followed a universal master curve.

  14. The synergistic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with glycated chitosan for inhibiting the metastasis of breast cancer

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chiu, Hsin-Yu; Leu, Jyh-Der; Chen, Wei R.; Lee, Yi-Jang

    2016-03-01

    Breast cancer is increasing with years in Taiwan because of dietary style, life behavior and several social-physiological factors. According to the record of Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan, the incidence of breast cancer is top one, and the mortality of that is top one cancer type in women. Compared with USA, most of breast cancer cases found in Taiwanese women have reached to stage 2 or 3. Current therapeutic strategies for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. However, these methods used for curing the late-stage breast cancer remains rare. Because the metastasis is the major problem of late-stage breast cancer, it is of interest to investigate whether a systemic therapy can reduce the symptoms of cancer. The immunotherapy, particularly an induction of autoimmune system, is probably important for the treatment of late-stage breast cancer. Glycated chitosan (GC) is derived from chitosan, a linear polysaccharide composed of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine through β-(1-4) linkage. Several lines of evidence have shown that GC is an immunoadjuvant that can target on primary and metastatic tumors formed in animal and human patients. In our previous data, GC was demonstrated to decrease the motility and invasion of mammalian breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is dependent on a small generator that delivers high frequency alternating electric current directly to burn a tumor lesion. Therefore, the temperature may reach up to above 60 °C. In this study, we used 4T1 mouse breast cancer cell that is the approximately equal to stage 4 of human breast cancer. And triple modality reporter gene (3R) was delivered into the cells using transfected piggyBac, a transposable element for observation of tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Data showed that growth and metastasis of tumors smaller than 500mm3 were entirely suppressed by RFA-GC combination treatment

  15. 76 FR 10910 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-02-28

    ... Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; RFA-HD-11-101: Sleep and Social Environment... Emphasis Panel; RFA-HD-11-102: Sleep and Social Environment: Basic Biopsychosocial Processes (R21). Date... . (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine; 93.333, Clinical...

  16. Impact of a small amount of vacancy in both lanthanum and calcium on the physical properties of nanocrystalline La_0_._7Ca_0_._3MnO_3 manganite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Makni-Chakroun, J.; Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W.; Koubaa, M.; Cheikhrouhou, A.

    2015-01-01

    In this paper, we report the effect of both lanthanum and calcium (1%) on the structural and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline La_0_._7Ca_0_._3MnO_3 manganite. Our powder specimens were synthesized using the sol–gel method with an annealing temperature of 850 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns refined using Rietveld method confirms that our compounds are single phase and crystallize in the orthorhombic perovskite structure (Pbnm space group). The morphology of the samples, observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), reveals a spherical shape with an average grain size lower than 100 nm. Magnetization measurements versus temperature under low magnetic applied field (0.05T) show a paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition for all compounds. The Curie temperature T_C is found to increase with lacuna in both cases. In addition, the inverse of the susceptibility (1/χ) as a function of temperature indicates a deviation from the Curie Weiss lawn, signature of Griffiths phase occurrence. Experimental results for the critical β and γ exponents are typical of a behavior governed by the tricritical mean-field theory model. Using magnetization measurements as a function of magnetic applied field at several temperatures, we have deduced the magnetic entropy change, which undergoes an enlargement for both lacuna sites. The obtained results are compared to calculated ones based on the Landau theory and a good concordance is observed. - Graphical abstract: (a) Spontaneous magnetization and inverse of susceptibility versus T for La_0_._7Ca_0_._2_9□_0_._0_1MnO_3 compound. Inset the Ln–Ln plot used to determine the critical exponents β and γ. (b) M vs μ_0H isotherm measured at T_C = 200 K. Inset the Ln–Ln plot for the critical exponent δ calculation as well as the modified Arrott plot for La_0_._7Ca_0_._2_9□_0_._0_1MnO_3 compound. - Highlights: • SEM images reveal a spherical shape with an average grain size lower than 100 nm. • Curie temperature T

  17. Electrical transport of (1-x)La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}+xAl{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Phong, P.T. [Nhatrang Pedagogic College, Khanhhoa, 1st Nguyen Chanh, Nha Trang City, Khanhhoa (Viet Nam); Institute of Material Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Khiem, N.V. [Department of Natural Sciences, Hongduc University, 307 Le Lai Street Thanh Hoa City (Viet Nam)], E-mail: nvkhiem2002@yahoo.com; Dai, N.V.; Manh, D.H.; Hong, L.V.; Phuc, N.X. [Institute of Material Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi (Viet Nam)

    2009-10-15

    We report the resistivity ({rho})-temperature (T) patterns in (1-x)La{sub 0,7}Ca{sub 0,3}MnO{sub 3}+xAl{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites (0{<=}x{<=}0.05) over a temperature regime of 50-300 K. Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} addition has increased the resistivity of these composites. The Curie temperature (T{sub C}) is almost independent on the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} content and is about 250 K for all the samples, while the metal-insulator transition temperature (T{sub MI}) decreases with increasing Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. Based on the phenomenological equation for conductivity under a percolation approach, which is dependent on the phase segregation of ferromagnetic metallic clusters and paramagnetic insulating regions, we fitted the experimental data ({rho}-T) from 50 to 300 K and find that the activation barrier increases as Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} content increases.

  18. Systematic Review of Radiofrequency Ablation and Pulsed Radiofrequency for Management of Cervicogenic Headaches.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Grandhi, Ravi K; Kaye, Alan David; Abd-Elsayed, Alaa

    2018-02-23

    Cervicogenic headache (CHA) is a secondary headache which has a source in the upper cervical spine. Many traditional analgesic choices lack good efficacy in managing the associated pain. As a result, in management of CHA, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or pulse radiofrequency (PRF) has been tried with success. Our study investigated the use of RFA and PRF for the management of CHA. In the present investigation, a review of the literature was conducted using PubMed (1966 to February 2017). The quality assessment was determined using The Cochrane Risk of Bias. After initial search and consultation with experts, 34 articles were identified for initial review and 10 articles met inclusion for review. Criteria for inclusion were primarily based on identification of articles discussing cervicogenic headaches which were previously treatment resistant and occurred without any other pathology of the craniofacial region or inciting event such as trauma. This systematic review demonstrated that RFA and PRFA provide very limited benefit in the management of CHA. At present, there is no high-quality RCT and/or strong non-RCTs to support the use of these techniques, despite numerous case reports which have demonstrated benefit. This review is one of the first to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of RFA and PRF in the management of CHA.

  19. Evaluation of the magnetocaloric response of nano-sized La0.7Ca0.3Mn1-xNixO3 manganites synthesized by auto-combustion method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gómez, Adrián; Chavarriaga, Edgar; Supelano, Iván; Parra, Carlos Arturo; Morán, Oswaldo

    2018-05-01

    A systematic study of the dependence of the magnetization on the magnetic field around the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition temperature is carried out on La0.7Ca0.3Mn1-xNixO3 (x=0, 0.02, 0.07, and 1) samples synthesized by auto-combustion method. The successful substitution of Mn3+ ions by Ni2+ ions in the La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 lattice is corroborated by X-ray diffraction technique. Banerjees criteria, Arrott plots, and the scaling hypothesis are used to analyze the experimental data. It is verified that the Ni-doping increases the operating temperature range for magnetocaloric effect through tuning of the magnetic transition temperature. Probably, the replacement of Mn3+ by Ni2+ ions in the La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 lattice weakens the Mn3+-O-Mn4+ double exchange interaction, which leads to a decrease in the transition temperature and magnetic moment in the samples. The Arrott plots suggest that the phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic in the nano-sized manganite is of second order. The analysis of the magnetization results show that the maximum magnetic entropy changes observed for x=0, 0.02, 0.07, and 0.1 compositions are 0.85, 0.77, 0.63, and 0.59 J/kg K, under a magnetic field of 1.5 T. These values indicate that the magnetic entropy change achieved for La0.7Ca0.3Mn1-xNixO3 manganites synthesized by auto-combustion method is higher than those reported for other manganites with comparable Ni-doping levels but synthesized by standard solid state reaction. It is also observed that the addition of Ni2+ increases the value of the relative cooling power as compared to that of the parent compound. The highest value of this parameter (˜60 J/kg) is found for a Ni-doping level of 2 % around 230 K in a field of 1.5 T.

  20. Crystal structure of (110) oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 grown on (001) silicon

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sinha, Umesh Kumar; Sahoo, Antarjami; Padhan, Prahallad

    2016-01-01

    The mixed valance perovskite manganites have attracted a considerable attention due to their colossal magnetoresistance behavior. In particular, La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (LSMO) show half metallicity and possess Curie temperature (T C ) above room temperature, which makes this material an attractive candidate for spintronic device application. Thin films of LSMO were grown on (001) oriented Silicon (Si) using sputtering technique

  1. Effect of Ca doping level on the laser-induced voltages in tilted La{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ma, Ji; Zhang, Hui; Chen, Qingming; Liu, Xiang [Kunming University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming (China); Theingi, Mya [Kunming University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming (China); University of Yangon, Department of Chemistry, Yangon (Myanmar)

    2014-03-15

    Tilted La{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) thin films have been grown on vicinal cut LaAlO{sub 3} (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. The laser-induced voltage effect was studied at room temperature with the KrF excimer laser using as the thermal source. The relationships between Ca doping level and voltage signal, response time and anisotropy Seebeck coefficient were established. The voltage signal and anisotropy Seebeck coefficient increase at first with increasing Ca doping level, reach a maximum at the same Ca content around x = 0.5, and then decrease. The respond time decreases with the Ca concentration increasing, and changes very little after x = 0.5. The figure of merit F{sub m} was also the largest at this doping level, indicating a potential good performance of the photodetector devices. The variation of intrinsic structural and transport anisotropy induced by the change of Ca concentration has been proposed to account for the different LIV effects observed in LCMO thin films. (orig.)

  2. Retrospective review of thoracic neural damage during lung ablation - what the interventional radiologist needs to know about neural thoracic anatomy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Palussiere, Jean, E-mail: j.palussiere@bordeaux.unicancer.fr [Institut Bergonie, Department of Interventional Radiology (France); Canella, Mathieu [Centre Hospitalier Pau, Department of Radiology (France); Cornelis, Francois; Catena, Vittorio; Descat, Edouard [Institut Bergonie, Department of Interventional Radiology (France); Brouste, Veronique [Institut Bergonie, Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit (France); Montaudon, Michel [CHU Haut Leveque, Department of Radiology (France)

    2013-12-15

    Background and Purpose: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is associated with low neural morbidity compared with surgery, which commonly causes debilitating long-term pain. The purpose was to review the thoracic neural anatomy relevant to percutaneous RFA and to retrospectively review symptomatic nerve injury after lung RFA at our institution. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined all symptomatic nerve injuries occurring after computed tomography (CT)-guided RFA treatment of lung tumors for 462 patients/509 procedures/708 lesions treated at our large tertiary referral centre during 10 years. Results: Eight patients experienced neurological complications after heating during the RFA procedure. These complications occurred in the phrenic (n = 1), brachial (n = 3), left recurrent (n = 1), and intercostal nerves (n = 2) and the stellate ganglion (n = 1). Three were grade 2, four grade 3 and one grade 4 injuries (CTCAE v3). Conclusion: Although rare, neurological complications can occur after RFA, and they can occasionally be severe. To prevent these complications, it is important for the interventional radiologist to be aware of the anatomy of nervous structures and to attempt to identify nerves on CT scans during the RFA procedure. Creating a pneumothorax can be useful to avoid nerve damage and related clinical complications.

  3. A brief review of Ba(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3-(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 based lead-free piezoelectric ceramics: Past, present and future perspectives

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Yong; Sun, Huajun; Chen, Wen

    2018-03-01

    As one kind of most crucial and emerging lead-free piezoelectric systems, Ba(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3-(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCZT) based lead-free piezoceramics have attracted worldwide attention in recent years. Much progress has been made, however, a summary which covers both the recent progress and the remained problems is urgently needed to further push this field forward. In this review, a brief background of the development of BCZT based lead-free piezoceramics was illustrated firstly. Then, the internal mechanism for the high piezoelectric response would be elaborated. Current research status was discussed in detail in the third section. Various strategies including: (1) Using distinct synthesis routes, (2) adopting different sintering techniques, (3) doping with foreign ions and/or second components, (4) grain size control, were exploited to improve the comprehensive performance and in turn broaden their application areas. In this part, some recently representative works were touched in detail and several existing problems were pointed out. Last, some critical comments (some thoughts related to the potential and future development of BCZT system) were given based on the current research status and existing problems. All in all, this review is devoted to summarizing the milestones in the past, classifying selected recent works and analyzing the prospects of BCZT based ceramics. It can be expected that, this first review that concentrates on BCZT based ceramics obviously would provide useful guidance for the research community.

  4. caCORE version 3: Implementation of a model driven, service-oriented architecture for semantic interoperability.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Komatsoulis, George A; Warzel, Denise B; Hartel, Francis W; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; Coronado, Sherri de; Reeves, Dianne M; Hadfield, Jillaine B; Ludet, Christophe; Covitz, Peter A

    2008-02-01

    One of the requirements for a federated information system is interoperability, the ability of one computer system to access and use the resources of another system. This feature is particularly important in biomedical research systems, which need to coordinate a variety of disparate types of data. In order to meet this need, the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics (NCICB) has created the cancer Common Ontologic Representation Environment (caCORE), an interoperability infrastructure based on Model Driven Architecture. The caCORE infrastructure provides a mechanism to create interoperable biomedical information systems. Systems built using the caCORE paradigm address both aspects of interoperability: the ability to access data (syntactic interoperability) and understand the data once retrieved (semantic interoperability). This infrastructure consists of an integrated set of three major components: a controlled terminology service (Enterprise Vocabulary Services), a standards-based metadata repository (the cancer Data Standards Repository) and an information system with an Application Programming Interface (API) based on Domain Model Driven Architecture. This infrastructure is being leveraged to create a Semantic Service-Oriented Architecture (SSOA) for cancer research by the National Cancer Institute's cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG).

  5. Retrospective review of thoracic neural damage during lung ablation – what the interventional radiologist needs to know about neural thoracic anatomy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Palussière, Jean; Canella, Mathieu; Cornelis, François; Catena, Vittorio; Descat, Edouard; Brouste, Véronique; Montaudon, Michel

    2013-01-01

    Background and Purpose: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is associated with low neural morbidity compared with surgery, which commonly causes debilitating long-term pain. The purpose was to review the thoracic neural anatomy relevant to percutaneous RFA and to retrospectively review symptomatic nerve injury after lung RFA at our institution. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined all symptomatic nerve injuries occurring after computed tomography (CT)-guided RFA treatment of lung tumors for 462 patients/509 procedures/708 lesions treated at our large tertiary referral centre during 10 years. Results: Eight patients experienced neurological complications after heating during the RFA procedure. These complications occurred in the phrenic (n = 1), brachial (n = 3), left recurrent (n = 1), and intercostal nerves (n = 2) and the stellate ganglion (n = 1). Three were grade 2, four grade 3 and one grade 4 injuries (CTCAE v3). Conclusion: Although rare, neurological complications can occur after RFA, and they can occasionally be severe. To prevent these complications, it is important for the interventional radiologist to be aware of the anatomy of nervous structures and to attempt to identify nerves on CT scans during the RFA procedure. Creating a pneumothorax can be useful to avoid nerve damage and related clinical complications

  6. Particle size effect on magnetic and transport properties of La/sub 0.7/Ca/sub 0.3/MnO/sub 3/ nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Qaseem, S.; Mumtaz, A.; Hasanain, S.K.; Maaz, K.

    2010-01-01

    La/sub 0.7/Ca/sub 0.3/MnO/sub 3/ nanoparticles have been synthesized by modified citrate route with particle sizes of 20, 26 and 32 +- 3 nm respectively. The structural characterization has been performed by XRD and TEM analyses while magnetic characterization has been performed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). This work presents the study of size effects on magnetic and electrical properties of Ca-doped CMR nanoparticles (La/sub 0.7/Ca/sub 0.3.MnO/sub 3/). Different particle sizes have been prepared by a wet chemical route. Magnetic characterization reveals that magnetization increases with the increase in the particle size and the magnetic transition temperature for larger particles is the same as in the bulk (258K). The ferromagnetic and resistive transitions are however broad compared to the case of bulk presumably due to the role of the surface. The metal-insulator transition temperature is found to be at 158K while the resistivity shows anomalous low temperature behavior with an upturn at low temperatures presu due to coulomb blockade effects. Furthermore, the field dependence of the resistivity displays nonmonotonic behavior and is explained in terms of the field assisted tunneling between grains. (author)

  7. A Review of Long-Term Pain Relief after Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation in Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Iannaccone, Ferdinand; Dixon, Samuel; Kaufman, Andrew

    2017-03-01

    Studies of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of genicular nerves have reportedly significantly decreased pain up to 3 months post ablation, but no longer term effects have been reported. We performed an analysis of long-term pain relief of 31 RFA procedures of the genicular nerves to analyze the degree of pain relief past 3 months, culminating at 6 months. Chart review and study design was approved by Newark Health Sciences Institutional Review Board (IRB). Chart review and follow-up was performed on all patients who underwent genicular nerve RFA during the period of February 2014 through August of 2015. During this inclusion period 41 genicular nerve RFAs were performed on 31 patients, 5 patients received RFA procedure in both knees. Patient follow-up was performed via telephone interview or in-office visit at least 3 months and 6 months post RFA. Procedures were performed in Medical Special Procedures at University Hospital in Newark, NJ, and the Pain Management Center at Overlook Medical Arts Center in Summit, NJ. Chart review and study design was approved by Newark Health Sciences IRB. Chart review was performed from February 2014 and continued through August 2015. Patient follow-up was conducted at 3 and at least 6 months post treatment to gauge degree of pain relief (0 - none, 100% - complete), their current day's pain score, other treatment modalities tried before RFA, and the medications used. Patients were asked to quantify their satisfaction with procedure length, pre-procedure anxiety, complications, and if they would recommend this procedure to others. Primary and secondary goals were the duration of pain relief after RFA, the quality of pain relief, and the efficacy of our approach for RFA of genicular nerves versus prior published techniques. At 3 month follow-up, the average pain relief was 67% improvement from baseline knee pain, 0% being no relief and 100% being complete relief, and average 0 - 10 pain score was 2.9. At 6 month follow-up, of those who

  8. Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.2}Sr{sub 0.1}Mn{sub 1−x}Cr{sub x}O{sub 3} compounds with x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dhahri, Ah., E-mail: dhahri.ahmad@outlook.fr [Laboratoire de Physique Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, BP 1171, Université de Sfax, 3000 (Tunisia); Jemmali, M. [Laboratoire des Sciences des Matériaux et de l’Environnement, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, BP 1171, Université de Sfax, 3000 (Tunisia); Taibi, K. [Département SDM, FGMGP/USTHB, 16311 (Algeria); Dhahri, E. [Laboratoire de Physique Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, BP 1171, Université de Sfax, 3000 (Tunisia); Hlil, E.K. [Institut Néel, CNRS et Université J. Fourier, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble (France)

    2015-01-05

    Highlights: • The samples crystallize in the rhombohedral structure with the R3{sup ¯}c space group. • Enhancement of T{sub C} for the rhombohedral samples. • The relative cooling power increases with Cr-doping. • All samples exhibit a large magnetocaloric effect. • High values of the magnetoresistance in all samples. - Abstract: Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.1}Ca{sub 0.2}Mn{sub 1−x}Cr{sub x}O{sub 3} compounds with x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1 have been investigated to shed light on Cr-doping influence. X-ray diffraction studies show that all samples crystallize in the rhombohedral symmetry with R3{sup ¯}c space group. Rietveld refinement structure shows that the insertion of Cr in Mn network modifies the structural parameters such as the volume, Mn–O–Mn angles and the Mn–O bond length. The substitution of Mn by Cr decreases the 2p-3d hybridization between O and Mn ions, reduces the bandwidth and increases the electron–phonon coupling. The investigation of magnetic and magnetocaloric properties reveals that the samples exhibit a paramagnetic(PM)–ferromagnetic (FM) transition with decreasing Curie temperature (T{sub C}) from 294 K to 255 K when Cr doping level increases. The magnetic entropy change (ΔS{sub M}{sup max}) also decreases from 6.20 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} for x = 0 to3.80 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} for x = 0.1, while the relative cooling power (RCP) increases from 234.5 to 240 J kg{sup −1}, respectively, under a magnetic field of 5 T. These outcomes suggest that Mn-site Cr doping inhibits the enhancement of the magnetocaloric effect in some perovskite manganites. This is explained by the weakening of the ferromagnetic double-exchange interaction between Mn{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 4+} ions.

  9. Resonant photoemission study on La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 using Indus-1 synchrotron source

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sagdeo, P.R.; Choudhary, R.J.; Phase, D.M.

    2008-01-01

    The electronic valance band structure of pulsed laser deposited La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 thin film has been investigated by resonant photoelectron spectroscopy using CSR beamline (BL-2) on Indus-1 synchrotron radiation source. The valance band spectra were measured at room temperature with the photon energy ranging from 40 eV to 60 eV. The contribution of Mn-3d to the valance band was determined using resonant photo-electron intensity near Mn3p-3d threshold. (author)

  10. Enhancement of Magnetocaloric Effect in ({ {La}}_{0.67}{ {Ca}}_{0.33}{ {MnO}}_{3})/({ {La}}_{0.7}{ {Ba}}_{0.3}{ {MnO}}_{3}) ( La 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 3 ) / ( La 0.7 Ba 0.3 MnO 3 ) Composite

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khelifi, J.; Dhahri, E.; Hlil, E. K.

    2018-03-01

    The composite (La_{0.67}Ca_{0.33}MnO3)/La_{0.7}Ba_{0.3}MnO3) sample was prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction method, and their crystallographic structure was achieved by X-ray diffraction pattern analysis. The magnetic and magnetocaloric effect has been studied by magnetization measurements. Based on the relation: χ ^{-1}(T)∝ (T-T_C^Rand )^{1-λ }, the inverse of susceptibility shows a downturn before T_C indicating the existence of Griffiths phase for the temperature range T_C^Randphase has been obtained from detailed magnetization studies. Furthermore, a large magnetic entropy change is observed in (La_{0.67}Ca_{0.33}MnO3)/(La_{0.7}Ba_{0.3}MnO3) composite which possesses a large MCE characterized by two Δ S_M(T) peaks. It has revealed that the combination of manganite materials with different Curie temperatures is a possible method for enhancement of magnetocaloric effect. To determine the field dependence of the experimental Δ S_M(T), a local exponent n( T, H) can be calculated from the logarithmic derivative of the magnetic entropy change versus field; it is shown that for a multiphase system n evolves with field both at the Curie temperature of the system and at the Curie temperatures of the constituent phases.

  11. Magnetic properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticles prepared by reactive milling

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Do Hung Manh; Nguyen Chi Thuan; Pham Thanh Phong; Le Van Hong; Nguyen Xuan Phuc

    2009-01-01

    La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO) nanoparticles were synthesized by reactive milling in ambient conditions. Magnetic properties of LCMO single-phase nanocrystalline particles were studied. LCMO nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism with blocking temperature that decreases in the logarithmic function as increasing applied magnetic field. Besides, the blocking temperature decreases as increasing milling time from 8 h to 16 h. The temperature dependence of the saturation magnetization shows a strong collective excitation due to the spin wave that depends on temperature in form T α with α = 1.7, which slightly deviates from the Bloch law.

  12. A preliminary identification of Rf*-A619, a novel restorer gene for CMS-C in maize (Zea mays L.).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yongming, Liu; Zhuofan, Zhao; Yanli, Lu; Chuan, Li; Jing, Wang; Boxiao, Dong; Bing, Liang; Tao, Qiu; Wenbing, Zeng; Moju, Cao

    2016-01-01

    C-type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS-C) is widely utilized for hybrid maize seed production. However, genetic mechanisms underlying the fertility restoration are very complicated. At present, there is a divergence on the number of fertility restorer genes in maize inbred line A619 for CMS-C. To further elucidate the restoring mechanism of A619, we used genetic analysis and molecular markers to confirm the restorer genes of maize inbred line A619 for C-type male sterile line C48-2 in this study. Firstly, the fertility segregations of (C48-2 × A619)F 2 populations were investigated under three environments during 2013-2015. The segregation ratio of fertile and sterile plants in the F 2 population fit to 15:1 via chi-square test and this result suggested that there are two dominant restorer genes in A619 for CMS-C, i.e., Rf4 and a novel gene named Rf*-A619 . Next, based on the sequence differences between Rf4 and its recessive allelic rf4 , a novel dominant marker F2/R2 was developed and validated to genotyping Rf4 in the F 2 population. Through genotypic analysis, we found that there were a certain amount of fertile individuals without Rf4 which accounted for 3/16 in the F 2 population via chi-square test at the 0.05 level. These results provided another proof to sustain that the inbred line A619 contains one additional restorer gene for CMS-C fertility restoration except Rf4 . At last, we used one SSR marker which is tightly linked with the dominant restorer gene Rf5 to analyze those fertile plants without Rf4 in the F 2 population. The PCR amplification results showed that Rf*-A619 is not allelic to Rf5 but a novel restorer gene for CMS-C. These results not only provide a basis for the mapping and characterization of a novel restorer gene but also give a new insight into the mechanism of CMS-C fertility restoration.

  13. Effect of Fe substitution on magnetocaloric effect in La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} (0.05{<=}x{<=}0.20)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Barik, S K; Krishnamoorthi, C [Department of Physics and NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, 2 Science Drive 3, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore. (Singapore); Mahendiran, R [Department of Physics and NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, 2 Science Drive 3, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore. (Singapore)

    2011-04-15

    We have studied the effect of Fe substitution on magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} (x=0.05, 0.07, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) over a wide temperature range (T=10-400 K). It is shown that substitution by Fe gradually decreases the ferromagnetic Curie temperature (T{sub C}) and saturation magnetization up to x=0.15 but a dramatic change occurs for x=0.2. The x=0.2 sample can be considered as a phase separated compound in which both short-range ordered ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases coexist. The magnetic entropy change (-{Delta}S{sub m}) was estimated from isothermal magnetization curves and it decreases with increase of Fe content from 4.4 J kg{sup -1} K{sup -1} at 343 K (x=0.05) to 1.3 J kg{sup -1} K{sup -1} at 105 K (x=0.2), under {Delta}H=5 T. The La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.93}Fe{sub 0.07}O{sub 3} sample shows negligible hysteresis loss, operating temperature range over 60 K around room temperature with refrigerant capacity of 225 J kg{sup -1}, and magnetic entropy of 4 J kg{sup -1} K{sup -1} which will be an interesting compound for application in room temperature refrigeration. - Research highlights: > We report magnetocaloric effect in La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} (x=0-0.2). > Magnetic entropy change ({Delta}S{sub m}) decreases with increasing x. > A large {Delta}S{sub m} and refrigeration capacity are found around 300 K in x=0.07.

  14. No-touch radiofrequency ablation using multiple electrodes: An in vivo comparison study of switching monopolar versus switching bipolar modes in porcine livers.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Won Chang

    Full Text Available To evaluate the in vivo technical feasibility, efficiency, and safety of switching bipolar (SB and switching monopolar (SM radiofrequency ablation (RFA as a no-touch ablation technique in the porcine liver.The animal care and use committee approved this animal study and 16 pigs were used in two independent experiments. In the first experiment, RFA was performed on 2-cm tumor mimickers in the liver using a no-touch technique in the SM mode (2 groups, SM1: 10 minutes, n = 10; SM2: 15 minutes, n = 10 and SB-mode (1 group, SB: 10 minutes, n = 10. The technical success with sufficient safety margins, creation of confluent necrosis, ablation size, and distance between the electrode and ablation zone margin (DEM, were compared between groups. In the second experiment, thermal injury to the adjacent anatomic organs was compared between SM-RFA (15 minutes, n = 13 and SB-RFA modes (10 minutes, n = 13.The rates of the technical success and the creation of confluent necrosis were higher in the SB group than in the SM1 groups (100% vs. 60% and 90% vs. 40%, both p < 0.05. The ablation volume in the SM2 group was significantly larger than that in the SB group (59.2±18.7 cm3 vs. 39.8±9.7 cm3, p < 0.05, and the DEM in the SM2 group was also larger than that in the SB group (1.39±0.21 cm vs. 1.07±0.10 cm, p < 0.05. In the second experiment, the incidence of thermal injury to the adjacent organs and tissues in the SB group (23.1%, 3/13 was significantly lower than that in the SM group (69.2%, 8/13 (p = 0.021.SB-RFA was more advantageous for a no-touch technique for liver tumors, showing the potential of a better safety profile than SM-RFA.

  15. Thermal Epiphysiodesis Made with RFA. A New Treatment for LLD?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Shiguetomi Medina, Juan Manuel; Rahbek, Ole; Stødkilde-Jørgensen, Hans

    at two ablation sites (lateral and medial) identified using a C-arm. Under general anesthesia, a probe was inserted and the ablation performed. T1, T2 and water content MR images were obtained right after the procedure; 12 weeks later for 6 animals, and 6 months later for the last 2 ones. The length......Thermal Epiphysiodesis Made with Radio Frequency Ablation, RFA in a Porcine Model Shiguetomi-Medina JM, Rahbek O, Stødkilde-Jørgensen H, Møller-Madsen B Introduction Anisomelia is often treated with epiphysiodesis. Epiphysiodesis has become the most commonly used procedure for leg length...... methods. These results show that this technique can arrest growth in a safe and effective way. However, studies must be performed to obtain more evidence of both the safety and effectiveness of the procedure....

  16. Behavior of the magnetocaloric effect in La0.7Ba0.2Ca0.1Mn1-xSnxO3 manganite oxides as promising candidates for magnetic refrigeration

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dhahri, Ja.; Mnefgui, Safa; Ben Hassine, A.; Tahri, Ta.; Oumezzine, M.; Hlil, E. K.

    2018-05-01

    The magnetocaloric effect along with magnetic phase transition in the peroveskite polycrystalline samples La0.7Ba0.2Ca0.1Mn1-xSnxO3 (x = 0 and 0.1) was investigated. The samples were synthesized using conventional solid state reaction at 1400 °C temperature. Magnetization vs. temperature measurements, under a magnetic field of μ0H = 0.05 T, showed a paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition at Curie temperature, TC, which decreases from 310 K for x = 0-290 K for x = 0.1. A large magnetic entropy change | ΔSM | deduced from isothermal magnetization curves, has been observed in our samples with a peak centered on their respective TC. Interesting values of the relative cooling power (RCP), 237 J kg-1 for x = 0 and 248 J kg-1 x = 0.1, make these samples promising candidates for magnetic refrigeration around room temperature.

  17. Dual-energy CT in assessing therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinomas

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Sung Yoon; Kim, Chan Kyo, E-mail: chankyokim@skku.edu; Park, Byung Kwan

    2014-02-15

    Purpose: To investigate the utility of dual-energy (DE) CT using virtual noncontrast (VNC) and iodine overlay (IO) images to assess therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Materials and methods: In this institutional review board-approved study (with waiver of informed consent), 47 patients with RCCs that underwent DECT after RFA were enrolled in this study. DECT protocols included true noncontrast (TNC), linearly blended DE corticomedullary and late nephrographic phase imaging. Two types of VNC and IO images were derived from corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases, respectively. To predict local tumor progression at RFA site, linearly blended and IO images were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of renal cortex-to-RFA zones were calculated. The overall imaging quality of VNC images was compared with TNC images. Results: The IO images from corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases showed excellent diagnostic performance (each sensitivity 100% and each specificity 91.5%) for predicting local tumor progression. The degree of enhancement of local tumor progression was not significantly different between linearly blended and IO images (P > 0.05). The mean CT numbers were not significantly different between TNC and VNC images (P > 0.05). In renal cortex-to-RFA site, CNR between linearly blended and IO images was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The VNC imaging quality from the two phases was given a good rating. Conclusion: VNC and IO images from DECT may allow acceptable diagnostic performance with less radiation exposure as a follow-up imaging tool after RFA for RCC, compared to the linearly blended CT images.

  18. Dual-energy CT in assessing therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinomas

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Park, Sung Yoon; Kim, Chan Kyo; Park, Byung Kwan

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: To investigate the utility of dual-energy (DE) CT using virtual noncontrast (VNC) and iodine overlay (IO) images to assess therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Materials and methods: In this institutional review board-approved study (with waiver of informed consent), 47 patients with RCCs that underwent DECT after RFA were enrolled in this study. DECT protocols included true noncontrast (TNC), linearly blended DE corticomedullary and late nephrographic phase imaging. Two types of VNC and IO images were derived from corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases, respectively. To predict local tumor progression at RFA site, linearly blended and IO images were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of renal cortex-to-RFA zones were calculated. The overall imaging quality of VNC images was compared with TNC images. Results: The IO images from corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases showed excellent diagnostic performance (each sensitivity 100% and each specificity 91.5%) for predicting local tumor progression. The degree of enhancement of local tumor progression was not significantly different between linearly blended and IO images (P > 0.05). The mean CT numbers were not significantly different between TNC and VNC images (P > 0.05). In renal cortex-to-RFA site, CNR between linearly blended and IO images was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The VNC imaging quality from the two phases was given a good rating. Conclusion: VNC and IO images from DECT may allow acceptable diagnostic performance with less radiation exposure as a follow-up imaging tool after RFA for RCC, compared to the linearly blended CT images

  19. Dual-energy CT in assessing therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinomas.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Park, Sung Yoon; Kim, Chan Kyo; Park, Byung Kwan

    2014-02-01

    To investigate the utility of dual-energy (DE) CT using virtual noncontrast (VNC) and iodine overlay (IO) images to assess therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). In this institutional review board-approved study (with waiver of informed consent), 47 patients with RCCs that underwent DECT after RFA were enrolled in this study. DECT protocols included true noncontrast (TNC), linearly blended DE corticomedullary and late nephrographic phase imaging. Two types of VNC and IO images were derived from corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases, respectively. To predict local tumor progression at RFA site, linearly blended and IO images were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of renal cortex-to-RFA zones were calculated. The overall imaging quality of VNC images was compared with TNC images. The IO images from corticomedullary and late nephrographic phases showed excellent diagnostic performance (each sensitivity 100% and each specificity 91.5%) for predicting local tumor progression. The degree of enhancement of local tumor progression was not significantly different between linearly blended and IO images (P>0.05). The mean CT numbers were not significantly different between TNC and VNC images (P>0.05). In renal cortex-to-RFA site, CNR between linearly blended and IO images was not significantly different (P>0.05). The VNC imaging quality from the two phases was given a good rating. VNC and IO images from DECT may allow acceptable diagnostic performance with less radiation exposure as a follow-up imaging tool after RFA for RCC, compared to the linearly blended CT images. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Partial substitution of Zn Effects on the Structural and Electrical Properties of High Temperature Hg0.95Ag0.05Ba2Ca2Cu3O8+δ Superconductors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Abed, Noor S.; Fathi, Sabah J.; Jassim, Kareem A.; Mahdi, Shatha H.

    2018-05-01

    The effect of the Ag partial substitution at Hg site in HgOδ layer and Zn partial substitution at Ca site in CaO layer on the structure,Tc,electrical properties, and oxygen content for Hg-1223 have been studied. Bulk polycrystalline Hg1-xAgxBa2Ca2-yZnyCu3O8+δ compound samples with x=0.05 and y=0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3, are synthesized by a solid state reaction process. Structural properties are studied by using X-ray powder pattern, the high temperature phase superconductor (Hg-1223) of the tetragonal structure didn't change with the partial substitution of Zn and Ag ions, lattice parameters c,c/a are established to vary with Ag and Zn- substitution. The surface morphology has been studied by using atomic force microscopes (AFM), showed that all specimens have good crystalline and homogeneous surface. Also give a best nano size value is 75.72 nm at x=0.05 and y=0.3. Four probe technique is used to measure Tc. The Tc were found to be increases from 129 K to 147 K and oxygen content were found to be increases with increasing Zn. In addition, dielectric properties (dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and the alternating electrical conductivity) are characterized directly by relating with Ag and Zn concentration.

  1. Preparation of Ca0.5Zr2(PO4)3 and Ca0.45Eu0.05Zr2(PO4)3 nanopowders: structural characterization and luminescence emission study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Alcaraz, L; Isasi, J; Díaz-Guerra, C; Peiteado, M; Caballero, A C

    2016-01-01

    Ca 0.5 Zr 2 (PO 4 ) 3 and Ca 0.45 Eu 0.05 Zr 2 (PO 4 ) 3 nanophosphors have been synthesized by a sol–gel process under acid and basic conditions. In order to achieve the reduction of Eu 3+ to Eu 2+ , europium-doped samples were treated in a reducing atmosphere flow. The effects of the different synthesis conditions and the partial substitution of calcium by europium ions on the structure of the samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Luminescence and magnetic properties were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. XRD patterns can be indexed to a rhombohedral symmetry of space group R-3 with Z  =  6, consistent with a NASICON-type structure. A higher crystallinity was found in the samples prepared under basic conditions. TEM images of all the synthesized samples show spherically shaped particles. A broadening of the Raman bands as a result of non-equivalent vibrations of the orthophosphate groups is observed for samples prepared under acid conditions. The same effect was found when calcium is substituted by europium into the Ca 0.5 Zr 2 (PO 4 ) 3 host. PL spectra exhibit strong emission in the blue-green spectral range due to Eu 2+ 4f 6 5d 1 -4f 7 transitions and no evidence of Eu 3+ emission. Magnetic measurements confirm the 2+  oxidation state of europium ions in all samples. (paper)

  2. Aging characteristics of 0.7Pb(Mg{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-0.3PbTiO{sub 3} single crystals with different crystal orientations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Xing [Changzhou University, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Changzhou (China); Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Function Material and Device, Shanghai (China); Wu, Dun; Fang, Bijun [Changzhou University, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Changzhou (China); Ding, Jianning [Changzhou University, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Changzhou (China); Jiangsu University, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhenjiang (China); Li, Xiaobing; Zhao, Xiangyong; Luo, Haosu [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Function Material and Device, Shanghai (China); Ko, Jae-Hyeon [Hallym University, Department of Physics, Chuncheon (Korea, Republic of); Ahn, Chang Won [University of Ulsan, Department of Physics and EHSRC, Ulsan (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-06-15

    In this work, the time and temperature dependence of the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the 0.7Pb(Mg{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-0.3PbTiO{sub 3} (0.7PMN-0.3PT) single crystals were investigated in order to search for an effective method to improve their properties further. The piezoelectric properties of the [001]-, [110]- and [111]-oriented 0.7PMN-0.3PT single crystals exhibit excellent time stability during the 2-month room-temperature aging process. The re-poling process leads to the improvement of piezoelectric constant d{sub 33} for the [001]-, [110]- and [111]-oriented 0.7PMN-0.3PT single crystals, while the values of electromechanical coupling coefficient k{sub t} change little. During the thermal aging, the values of the measured d{sub 33}, calculated converse piezoelectric constant d{sub 33}{sup *}, maximum strain S{sub max}% and longitudinal electrostrictive coefficient Q of the [001]-, [110]- and [111]-oriented crystal plates increase gradually before the ferroelectric phase transition temperatures (T{sub FPT}, T{sub R-M}, T{sub R-O} and T{sub R-T}) and then decline continuously. The increase in these values before the T{sub FPT} is a result of the phase instability. In general, the [001]- and [110]-oriented 0.7PMN-0.3PT single crystals exhibit large piezoelectricity, excellent time stability and relatively high thermal stability between 20 and 80 C, which is favorable to the piezoelectric applications. (orig.)

  3. 76 FR 6486 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-02-04

    ...: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; RFA Panel: Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis. Date... Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Neurodegeneration, Trauma, Immunology and Imaging. Date: March 7-8... 6487

  4. Biaxially oriented CdTe films on glass substrate through nanostructured Ge/CaF2 buffer layers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lord, R. J.; Su, P.-Y.; Bhat, I.; Zhang, S. B.; Lu, T.-M.; Wang, G.-C.

    2015-09-01

    Heteroepitaxial CdTe films were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on glass substrates through nanostructured Ge/CaF2 buffer layers which were biaxially oriented. It allows us to explore the structural properties of multilayer biaxial semiconductor films which possess small angle grain boundaries and to test the principle of a solar cell made of such low-cost, low-growth-temperature semiconductor films. Through the x-ray diffraction and x-ray pole figure analysis, the heteroepitaxial relationships of the mutilayered films are determined as [111] in the out-of-plane direction and CdTe//Ge//{ }{{{CaF}}2} in the in-plane direction. The I-V curves measured from an ITO/CdS/CdTe/Ge/CaF2/glass solar cell test structure shows a power conversion efficiency of ˜η = 1.26%, illustrating the initial success of such an approach. The observed non-ideal efficiency is believed to be due to a low shunt resistance and high series resistance as well as some residual large-angle grain boundary effects, leaving room for significant further improvement.

  5. Use of radiofrequency ablation in benign thyroid nodules: a literature review and updates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wong, Kai-Pun; Lang, Brian Hung-Hin

    2013-01-01

    Successful thermal ablation using radiofrequency has been reported in various tumors including liver or kidney tumors. Nonsurgical minimally invasive ablative therapy such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to be a safe and efficient treatment option in managing symptomatic cold thyroid nodules or hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. Pressure and cosmetic symptoms have been shown to be significantly improved both in the short and long terms after RFA. For hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules, RFA is indicated for whom surgery or radioiodine are not indicated or ineffective or for those who refuse surgery or radio-iodine. Improvement of thyroid function with decreased need for antithyroid medications has been reported. Complication rate is relatively low. By reviewing the current literature, we reported its efficacy and complications and compared the efficacy of RFA relative to other ablative options such as ethanol ablation and laser ablation.

  6. Use of Radiofrequency Ablation in Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Literature Review and Updates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kai-Pun Wong

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Successful thermal ablation using radiofrequency has been reported in various tumors including liver or kidney tumors. Nonsurgical minimally invasive ablative therapy such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA has been reported to be a safe and efficient treatment option in managing symptomatic cold thyroid nodules or hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. Pressure and cosmetic symptoms have been shown to be significantly improved both in the short and long terms after RFA. For hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules, RFA is indicated for whom surgery or radioiodine are not indicated or ineffective or for those who refuse surgery or radio-iodine. Improvement of thyroid function with decreased need for antithyroid medications has been reported. Complication rate is relatively low. By reviewing the current literature, we reported its efficacy and complications and compared the efficacy of RFA relative to other ablative options such as ethanol ablation and laser ablation.

  7. Preferential orientation relationships in Ca2MnO4 Ruddlesden-Popper thin films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lacotte, M.; David, A.; Prellier, W.; Rohrer, G. S.; Salvador, P. A.

    2015-01-01

    A high-throughput investigation of local epitaxy (called combinatorial substrate epitaxy) was carried out on Ca 2 MnO 4 Ruddlesden-Popper thin films of six thicknesses (from 20 to 400 nm), all deposited on isostructural polycrystalline Sr 2 TiO 4 substrates. Electron backscatter diffraction revealed grain-over-grain local epitaxial growth for all films, resulting in a single orientation relationship (OR) for each substrate-film grain pair. Two preferred epitaxial ORs accounted for more than 90% of all ORs on 300 different microcrystals, based on analyzing 50 grain pairs for each thickness. The unit cell over unit cell OR ([100][001] film ∥ [100][001] substrate , or OR1) accounted for approximately 30% of each film. The OR that accounted for 60% of each film ([100][001] film ∥ [100][010] substrate , or OR2) corresponds to a rotation from OR1 by 90° about the a-axis. OR2 is strongly favored for substrate orientations in the center of the stereographic triangle, and OR1 is observed for orientations very close to (001) or to those near the edge connecting (100) and (110). While OR1 should be lower in energy, the majority observation of OR2 implies kinetic hindrances decrease the frequency of OR1. Persistent grain over grain growth and the absence of variations of the OR frequencies with thickness implies that the growth competition is finished within the first few nm, and local epitaxy persists thereafter during growth

  8. The multicultural orientation framework: A narrative review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Davis, Don E; DeBlaere, Cirleen; Owen, Jesse; Hook, Joshua N; Rivera, David P; Choe, Elise; Van Tongeren, D R; Worthington, Everett L; Placeres, Vanessa

    2018-03-01

    After several decades of slow progress, researchers are beginning to make advances in linking constructs based on the multicultural competencies tradition-especially those focused on qualities of the therapist-to therapy outcomes. The multicultural orientation framework was developed in response to several trends within the multicultural competencies tradition, with a particular emphasis on integrating the multicultural competencies tradition into research on psychotherapy process. We provide a narrative review of studies that include one of the three constructs (i.e., cultural humility, cultural opportunities, and cultural comfort) articulated by the multicultural orientation framework. Results indicate initial evidence linking multicultural orientation constructs to therapy outcomes (e.g., perceived improvement, racial/ethnic disparities in termination, and therapy alliance). Results also supported the social bond and social oil hypotheses from theorizing on humility. Implications for future research and therapy practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

  9. Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}O{sub 3}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ho, T.A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841 (Korea, Republic of); Lim, S.H., E-mail: sangholim@korea.ac.kr [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841 (Korea, Republic of); Tho, P.T.; Phan, T.L. [Department of Physics and Oxide Research Center, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, S.C. [Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644 (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-03-15

    The magnetic Mn{sup 3+} ions in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} are partially replaced by nonmagnetic Zn{sup 2+} ions to form La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}O{sub 3} compounds (x=0.0, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1), and their magnetic and magnetocaloric properties are investigated. The Curie temperature decreases drastically from 245 to 70 K as x increases from 0 to 0.1. An analysis using the Banerjee's criterion of the experimental results for magnetization as a function of temperature and magnetic field indicates that the first-to-second order magnetic phase transformation occurs at a threshold composition of x=0.06, which is further supported by the universal curves of the normalized entropy change versus reduced temperature. The maximum magnetic entropy change measured at a magnetic field span of 50 kOe, which occurs near the Curie temperature, decreases from 10.30 to 2.15 J/kg K with the increase of x from 0.0 to 0.1. However, the relative cooling power, an important parameter for practical applications, shows a maximum value of 404 J/kg at x=0.08, which is 1.5 times greater than that observed for the undoped sample. - Highlights: • Magnetic and MCE of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}O{sub 3} are investigated. • Order of magnetic phase transition is dependent on the Zn doping concentration. • Although the |∆S{sub max}| decreases with increasing x, RCP increase remarkably.

  10. 75 FR 36662 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-06-28

    ... for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Review of the Mass Spectrometry Research Center. Date... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review... personal privacy. Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; RFA Panel...

  11. Design and testing of indigenous cost effective three dimensional radiation field analyser (3D RFA).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ganesh, K M; Pichandi, A; Nehru, R M; Ravikumar, M

    2014-06-01

    The aim of the study is to design and validate an indigenous three dimensional Radiation Field Analyser (3D RFA). The feed system made for X, Y and Z axis movements is of lead screw with deep ball bearing mechanism made up of stain less steel driven by stepper motors with accuracy less than 0.5 mm. The telescopic column lifting unit was designed using linear actuation technology for lifting the water phantom. The acrylic phantom with dimensions of 800 x 750 x 570 mm was made with thickness of 15 mm. The software was developed in visual basic programming language, classified into two types, viz. beam analyzer software and beam acquisition software. The premeasurement checks were performed as per TG 106 recommendations. The physical parameters of photon PDDs such as Dmax, D10, D20 and Quality Index (QI), and the electron PDDs such as R50, Rp, E0, Epo and X-ray contamination values can be obtained instantaneously by using the developed RFA system. Also the results for profile data such as field size, central axis deviation, penumbra, flatness and symmetry calculated according to various protocols can be obtained for both photon and electron beams. The result of PDDs for photon beams were compared with BJR25 supplement values and the profile data were compared with TG 40 recommendation. The results were in agreement with standard protocols.

  12. Self-injection length in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3–YBa2Cu3 O7−δ ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Critical current, Ic, was measured at 77 K on both the control side as well as the LCMO side for different YBCO film thickness. It was observed that while the control ... devices which are essentially a heterostructure consisting of a layer of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO), grown over La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO). The critical current of.

  13. Impact of a small amount of vacancy in both lanthanum and calcium on the physical properties of nanocrystalline La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} manganite

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Makni-Chakroun, J., E-mail: makni.jihed@yahoo.fr [Material Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, B. P. 1171, Sfax University, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia); Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W. [Material Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, B. P. 1171, Sfax University, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia); Research Centre for Computing, Multimedia and Digital Data Processing, Sfax Technopark, BP 275, 3021 Sakiet-ezzit (Tunisia); Koubaa, M.; Cheikhrouhou, A. [Material Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, B. P. 1171, Sfax University, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia)

    2015-11-25

    In this paper, we report the effect of both lanthanum and calcium (1%) on the structural and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} manganite. Our powder specimens were synthesized using the sol–gel method with an annealing temperature of 850 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns refined using Rietveld method confirms that our compounds are single phase and crystallize in the orthorhombic perovskite structure (Pbnm space group). The morphology of the samples, observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), reveals a spherical shape with an average grain size lower than 100 nm. Magnetization measurements versus temperature under low magnetic applied field (0.05T) show a paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition for all compounds. The Curie temperature T{sub C} is found to increase with lacuna in both cases. In addition, the inverse of the susceptibility (1/χ) as a function of temperature indicates a deviation from the Curie Weiss lawn, signature of Griffiths phase occurrence. Experimental results for the critical β and γ exponents are typical of a behavior governed by the tricritical mean-field theory model. Using magnetization measurements as a function of magnetic applied field at several temperatures, we have deduced the magnetic entropy change, which undergoes an enlargement for both lacuna sites. The obtained results are compared to calculated ones based on the Landau theory and a good concordance is observed. - Graphical abstract: (a) Spontaneous magnetization and inverse of susceptibility versus T for La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.29}□{sub 0.01}MnO{sub 3} compound. Inset the Ln–Ln plot used to determine the critical exponents β and γ. (b) M vs μ{sub 0}H isotherm measured at T{sub C} = 200 K. Inset the Ln–Ln plot for the critical exponent δ calculation as well as the modified Arrott plot for La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.29}□{sub 0.01}MnO{sub 3} compound. - Highlights: • SEM images reveal a spherical shape with an average grain

  14. Dependence of annealing time on structural and morphological properties of Ca(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 thin films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cavalcante, L.S.; Simoes, A.Z.; Orlandi, M.O.; Santos, M.R.M.C.; Varela, J.A.; Longo, E.

    2008-01-01

    Ca(Zr 0.05 Ti 0.95 )O 3 (CZT) thin films were prepared by the polymeric precursor method by spin-coating process. The films were deposited on Pt(1 1 1)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si(1 0 0) substrates and annealed at 650 deg. C for 2, 4, and 6 h in oxygen atmosphere. Structure and morphology of the CZT thin films were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). XRD revealed that the film is free of secondary phases and crystallizes in the orthorhombic structure. The annealing time influences the grain size, lattices parameter and in the film thickness

  15. Investigation of structural and electrical properties of La{sub 0.7}(Ba{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}){sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} compounds by sol-gel method

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Winarsih, Suci; Kurniawan, Budhy, E-mail: bkuru07@gmail.com; Manaf, Azwar [Physics Department, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424 (Indonesia); Nanto, Dwi [Department of Physics Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta 15412 (Indonesia); Imaduddin, Agung; Hendrik [Metallurgical Research Center, Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia, Puspiptek-Serpong 15314 (Indonesia); Saptari, Sitti Ahmiatri [Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta 15412 (Indonesia)

    2016-06-17

    In this paper, we explored structural and electrical properties of La{sub 0.7}(Ba{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}){sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (x = 0; 0.03; and 0.05) compounds. The general structure of perovskite manganites is AMnO{sub 3} (A= trivalent rare earth with divalent ion-doped). Average A-site cation size, external pressure, and the variance of the cation size σ{sup 2} are one of many factors that affected to magneto-transport properties of manganites as reported by others. In this work we focus only on the electrical properties in La{sub 0.7}Ba{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} Ca-doped compound which may influence crystal structure resulting resistivity phenomena under magnetic field influence. All samples were synthesized by sol-gel method from which fine powders were obtained. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of powder materials shows that all samples are fully crystalline with a rhombohedral structure. Rietveld refinement shows that the presence of calcium has changed some crystal structural parameters such lattice parameter, Mn–O bond length, and Mn–O–Mn angles. The electrical resistivity of all synthesized materials investigated by four point probe method using Cryogenic Magnet in the temperature range of 50-300 K under influence a magnetic field shows resistivity temperature dependent. In fact presence of calcium has reduced the resistivity. It might occure because it has made an enhancement in the mobility of hopping electrons. The magnetic external field causes the resistivity decreased for all samples because host spin align by delocalizing the charge carries so electron itinerant through the lattice suggested by other authors. Both calcium dopant concentration and the applied external magnetic field shows strong correlation in reduction of resistivity.

  16. A preliminary identification of Rf*-A619, a novel restorer gene for CMS-C in maize (Zea mays L.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Liu Yongming

    2016-11-01

    Full Text Available C-type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS-C is widely utilized for hybrid maize seed production. However, genetic mechanisms underlying the fertility restoration are very complicated. At present, there is a divergence on the number of fertility restorer genes in maize inbred line A619 for CMS-C. To further elucidate the restoring mechanism of A619, we used genetic analysis and molecular markers to confirm the restorer genes of maize inbred line A619 for C-type male sterile line C48-2 in this study. Firstly, the fertility segregations of (C48-2 × A619F2 populations were investigated under three environments during 2013–2015. The segregation ratio of fertile and sterile plants in the F2 population fit to 15:1 via chi-square test and this result suggested that there are two dominant restorer genes in A619 for CMS-C, i.e., Rf4 and a novel gene named Rf*-A619. Next, based on the sequence differences between Rf4 and its recessive allelic rf4, a novel dominant marker F2/R2 was developed and validated to genotyping Rf4 in the F2 population. Through genotypic analysis, we found that there were a certain amount of fertile individuals without Rf4 which accounted for 3/16 in the F2 population via chi-square test at the 0.05 level. These results provided another proof to sustain that the inbred line A619 contains one additional restorer gene for CMS-C fertility restoration except Rf4. At last, we used one SSR marker which is tightly linked with the dominant restorer gene Rf5 to analyze those fertile plants without Rf4 in the F2 population. The PCR amplification results showed that Rf*-A619 is not allelic to Rf5 but a novel restorer gene for CMS-C. These results not only provide a basis for the mapping and characterization of a novel restorer gene but also give a new insight into the mechanism of CMS-C fertility restoration.

  17. Temperature- and field-dependent critical currents in [(Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox]0.07(La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)0.03 thick films grown on LaAlO3 substrates

    Science.gov (United States)

    Paredes, Omar; Morán, Oswaldo; Baca, Eval

    2013-01-01

    La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) nanoparticles were embedded in (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox (Bi2223) thick films, which were grown by simple melting-quenching-annealing (MQA) method on (001)-oriented LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates. The nominal composition of the composite-like hybrid system was (Bi2223)1-x(LSMO)x with x = 0.03. The constituent elements, Bi2223 and LSMO, were prepared separately by standard solid state reaction and Pechini's method, respectively. The analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns suggested a polycrystalline growth mode of the thick films on the LAO substrates. From electric transport measurements, the superconducting onset temperature and the superconducting critical temperature (ρ = 0) ended up being 105 and 62 K, respectively. The flux pinning energy U was determined using the Anderson-Kim model. The value of U was compared with those obtained for similar samples with concentrations x = 0.01 and x = 0.05. Current-voltage characteristics were recorded at different temperatures in order to analyze the behavior of the superconducting current (Ic) of the films. A dramatic drop of Ic was observed at ˜20 K. This seems to be linked to the presence of flux creep acting as dissipation factors attributed to LSMO nanoparticles. Isothermal magnetization loops recorded at T Tc showed clear diamagnetic and ferromagnetic signals, which verify the multifunctional character of the system. Based on the isothermal M(H)-loops recorded at 5, 20, and 40 K and taking Kim's model into account, the dependence of superconducting current density (Jc), and the volume pinning force (Fp) on the magnetic field were calculated. The dependence Jc(B) at 5 K showed an exponential-type behavior, which is described by an empirical equation. This empirical equation considers the maximum value of Fp, which may be scaled with the Kramer's expression for Fp. From this scaling procedure, diverse exponents, associated with different pinning mechanisms, were determined. The drastic fall of Jc(B) at T

  18. Transport-entropy correlations in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Debnath, J.C.; Strydom, A.M.

    2014-01-01

    An investigation of the magnetic entropy change ΔS M and resistivity ρ, and the relation between them, for La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO) material has been presented. By using an equation of the form ΔS M =−α∫ 0 H [(δln(ρ))/(δT) ] H dH (α=9.98 emu/g), which relates magnetic order to transport behavior of the compounds, we measure the magnetic entropy change ΔS M from the resistivity measurement, where the resistivity results agree quite well with the fitting parameter α=9.98 emu/g in the intermediate temperature range. This result reveals the predominant role of magnetic polarons on the magnetoresistive property of manganites. It is obvious that magnetic disorder, characterized by ΔS M , affects the magnetic polarons, while the magnetic polarons influence the electronic transport properties, which may be the underlying reason for a salient ΔS M −ρ relation. It also provides an alternative method to determine magnetic entropy change on the basis of resistive measurements

  19. Theorizing on entrepreneurial orientation in international business: A synthetic review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vijay Narayanan

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available Both, entrepreneurship and international business have been topics of interest for academicians, businessmen and policy-makers around the world. Now it is obvious that entrepreneurs also do business internationally. International entrepreneurship is still a new research domain within international business studies and current empirical investigations focus on entrepreneurial orientation while internationalizing. The main objective of the paper is to discuss the concept of the international entrepreneurial orientation, by linking entrepreneurial orientation and internationalisation of the firm. The article is based on in-depth literature review and its critics.

  20. 75 FR 8369 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-02-24

    ... for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; RFA-RM-09-007: Pilot-Scale Libraries for High Throughput Screening. Date: March 15, 2010. Time: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications...

  1. Laser oriented 36K for time reversal symmetry measurements

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Young, A.R.; Anderson, W.S.; Calaprice, F.P.; Cates, G.D.; Jones, G.L.; Krieger, D.A.; Vogelaar, R.B.

    1995-01-01

    We have produced very large nuclear alignments in radioactive 36 K (half-life 0.34 sec) through laser optical pumping techniques. The 36 K was created through (p,n) reactions using a 50 nA, 22 MeV proton beam, and a 3.3 atmosphere 36 Ar target. Measurements were made with the target cell at room temperature, when direct optical pumping produces nuclear orientation in the 36 K, and at elevated temperatures 160 degree C and 180 degree C where the 36 K is oriented through a combination of direct optical pumping and spin exchange. The fraction of the maximal nuclear alignment for the 180 degree C data was determined to be 0.46±0.07 stat±0.05 syst through measurements of the γ-ray anisotropy following positron decay. Roughly 10 5 or more decays of oriented 36 K occurred each second. The application of the superallowed decay of 36 K to measurements of time-reversal symmetry in β decay is discussed

  2. Deep venous thrombosis after saphenous endovenous radiofrequency ablation: is it predictable?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jacobs, Chad E; Pinzon, Maria Mora; Orozco, Jennifer; Hunt, Peter J B; Rivera, Aksim; McCarthy, Walter J

    2014-04-01

    Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins caused by saphenous reflux. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a known complication of this procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency of DVT after RFA and the associated predisposing factors. A retrospective analysis was performed using prospectively collected data from December 2008 to December 2011; a total of 277 consecutive office-based RFA procedures were performed at a single institution using the VNUS ClosureFast catheter (VNUS Medical Technologies, San Jose, CA). Duplex ultrasonography scans were completed 2 weeks postprocedure in all patients. Risk factors assessed for the development of DVT included: great versus small saphenous vein (SSV) treated, right versus left side treated, number of radiofrequency cycles used, hypercoagulable state, history of DVT, tobacco use, medications (i.e., oral contraceptives, aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel), and vein diameter at the junction of the superficial and deep systems. Seventy-two percent of the patients were women, 56% were treated on the right side, and 86% were performed on the great saphenous vein (GSV). The mean age was 54 ± 14 years (range: 23-88 years). Three percent of patients had a preprocedure diagnosis of hypercoagulable state, and 8% had a history of previous DVT. On postprocedural ultrasound, thrombus protrusion into the deep system without occlusion (endovenous heat-induced thrombosis) was present in 11 patients (4%). DVT, as defined by thrombus protrusion with complete occlusion of the femoral or popliteal vein, was identified in 2 patients (0.7%). Previous DVT was the only factor associated with postprocedural DVT (P = 0.018). Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward a higher risk of DVT in SSV-treated patients. Factors associated with endovascular heat-induced thrombosis alone were male sex (P = 0.02), SSV treatment (P = 0.05), aspirin use (P = 0.008), and

  3. Coexistence of large positive and negative magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 films with microcracks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhu Shaojiang; Zhang Fuchang; Yuan Jie; Zhu Beiyi; Xu Bo; Cao Lixin; Qiu Xianggang; Zhao Bairu

    2007-01-01

    The coexistence of large positive and negative low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) in the ferromagnetic La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 thin films with ordered microcrack (MC) distributions is reported. For the films with the highest linear density of MC, the negative LFMR can be up to -60% and rapidly changes to the positive value of 25% at 200 Oe field with the increase of temperature. We discuss the effect based on the spin-polarized tunneling and inhomogeneous magnetic state induced by the natural formations of MC in the films

  4. Patient perspectives on answering questions about sexual orientation and gender identity: an integrative review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bjarnadottir, Ragnhildur I; Bockting, Walter; Dowding, Dawn W

    2017-07-01

    To examine patients' perceptions of being asked about their sexual orientation and gender identity in the healthcare setting. Health disparities exist in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population, but further research is needed to better understand these disparities. To address this issue, experts recommend the routine collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in health care. Nurses on the front line of patient care play a key role in the collection of these data. However, to enable nurses to conduct such assessments it is important to understand the perspective of the patients on being asked about their sexual orientation and gender identity in a healthcare setting. An integrative review was conducted using the methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005, 52, 546). Six electronic databases were searched, and two reviewers independently reviewed papers for inclusion. Papers were included if they were empirical studies, peer-reviewed papers or reports, assessing patient perspectives on discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in the healthcare setting. Twenty-one relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. A majority of the studies indicated patients' willingness to respond to, and a perceived importance of, questions about sexual orientation and gender identity. However, fears of homophobia and negative consequences hindered willingness to disclose this information. This review indicates that in most cases patients are willing to answer routine questions about their sexual orientation in the healthcare setting and perceive them as important questions to ask. The findings of this review have implications for nurses looking to incorporate questions about sexual orientation into their routine patient assessment. The findings indicate that care providers need to be mindful of heteronormative assumptions and take steps to ensure they are knowledgeable about lesbian, gay

  5. Structural and electrical properties of La{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.95}Fe{sub 0.05}O{sub 3+{delta}} perovskite

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mohamed, E.A., E-mail: emanattamohammed@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science (Girl' s Branch), Al Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo (Egypt)

    2012-12-05

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.95}Fe{sub 0.05}O{sub 3+{delta}} synthesis has been achieved by co-precipitation process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Moessbauer results show an evidence for the local distortion of Mn(Fe)O{sub 6} octahedron. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Metal-Semiconductor transition temperature (T{sub p}) is observed. - Abstract: La{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.95}Fe{sub 0.05}O{sub 3+{delta}} was synthesized by co-precipitation method. The structure refinement by using the Rietveld method indicates that the sample was single phase with the presence of small impurities (Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4}) and crystallizes in an orthorhombic (Pbmn) structure. The room temperature (RT) Moessbauer spectrum shows clear evidence of the local structural distortion of the Mn(Fe)O{sub 6} octahedron on the basis of non-zero nuclear quadrupole interactions for high-spin Fe{sup 3+} ions. The Jahn-Teller coupling strength (E{sub JT}) was estimated from the Moessbauer results. Metal-Semiconductor transition temperature (T{sub p}) is observed at 80 K. At high temperature (T{sub P} < T < {theta}{sub D}/2) conductivity data satisfy the variable range hopping (VRH) model. For T > {theta}{sub D}/2 the small polaron hopping model is more appropriate than the VRH model.

  6. Cross-Cultural Applicability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A Systematic Review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Driscoll, Ciarán; Shaikh, Madiha

    2017-01-01

    The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is widely used to screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While there are many available versions, the cross-cultural validity of the assessment has not been explored sufficiently. We aimed to interrogate the validity of the MoCA in a cross-cultural context: in differentiating MCI from normal controls (NC); and identifying cut-offs and adjustments for age and education where possible. This review sourced a wide range of studies including case-control studies. In addition, we report findings for differentiating dementias from NC and MCI from dementias, however, these were not considered to be an appropriate use of the MoCA. The subject of the review assumes heterogeneity and therefore meta-analyses was not conducted. Quality ratings, forest plots of validated studies (sensitivity and specificity) with covariates (suggested cut-offs, age, education and country), and summary receiver operating characteristic curve are presented. The results showed a wide range in suggested cutoffs for MCI cross-culturally, with variability in levels of sensitivity and specificity ranging from low to high. Poor methodological rigor appears to have affected reported accuracy and validity of the MoCA. The review highlights the necessity for cross-cultural considerations when using the MoCA, and recognizing it as a screen and not a diagnostic tool. Appropriate cutoffs and point adjustments for education are suggested.

  7. 77 FR 19675 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-04-02

    ... Panel, RFA-MH12-130: Basic Research on Decision Making: Cognitive, Affective and Developmental... . Name of Committee: Bioengineering Sciences & Technologies Integrated Review Group Biomaterials and...

  8. PERSIST: Physician's Evaluation of Restasis® Satisfaction in Second Trial of topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% for dry eye: a retrospective review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mah F

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available Francis Mah,1 Mark Milner,2 Samuel Yiu,3 Eric Donnenfeld,4 Taryn M Conway,5 David A Hollander51University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2The Eye Center, Hamden, CT, 3University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 4Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island and Connecticut, Rockville Centre, New York, NY, 5Allergan Inc, Irvine, CA, USABackground: Chronic dry eye disease often requires long-term therapy. Tear film alterations in the setting of dry eye may include reduced tear volume as well as an increase in inflammatory cytokines and osmolarity. Topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis®; Allergan Inc, Irvine, CA is indicated to increase tear production in patients with dry eye and reduced tear production presumed to be due to ocular inflammation. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a second trial of topical cyclosporine in patients with dry eye who were previously considered treatment failures.Materials and methods: This multicenter (three cornea practices retrospective chart review evaluated clinical outcomes in patients with dry eye who received a second trial of cyclosporine after a prior treatment failure, defined as prior discontinuation of topical cyclosporine after less than 12 weeks.Results: Thirty-five patients, most of whom were female (71.4% and Caucasian (62.9%, were identified. Prior discontinuation was most commonly due to burning/stinging (60%. The median duration of second treatment was 10 months (range 1 week to 45 months. Physician education was provided in the second trial in 97.1% of cases. At initiation of the second trial of cyclosporine, 10 (28.6% patients received courses of topical corticosteroids. Physicians reported on a questionnaire that 80% of patients achieved clinical benefit with a second trial of cyclosporine.Conclusion: A repeat trial with topical cyclosporine can achieve clinical success. Direct patient education via the physician and staff may be key to success. Proper patient

  9. Electrical transport and temperature coefficient of resistance in polycrystalline La0.7−xAgxCa0.3MnO3 pellets: Analysis in terms of a phase coexistence transport model and phase separation model

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Phong, P.T.; Nguyen, L.H.; Manh, D.H.; Phuc, N.X.; Lee, I.-J.

    2013-01-01

    The temperature dependent resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistance of Ag doped La 0.7−x Ag x Ca 0.3 MnO 3 polycrystalline pellets (x=0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) are investigated. Ag substitution enhances the conductivity of this system. The Curie temperature also increases from 260 to 283 K with increasing Ag content. Using phase-coexistence transport model and phase separation model, we calculated the resistivity as a function of temperature and the temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) behavior. Comparing the calculated maximum TCR, we found that it is related to activation energy, transition temperature, and disorder in doped manganites. The relationship between the proposed TCR behavior and the transport parameters can suggest conditions improving TCR max of doped manganites for the use of the bolometric infrared detectors

  10. 36 CFR 13.1236 - Bear orientation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Bear orientation. 13.1236 Section 13.1236 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR... Developed Area § 13.1236 Bear orientation. All persons visiting the BCDA must receive an NPS-approved Bear...

  11. Dielectric properties of Ca(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 thin films prepared by chemical solution deposition

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cavalcante, L.S.; Simoes, A.Z.; Santos, L.P.S.; Santos, M.R.M.C.; Longo, E.; Varela, J.A.

    2006-01-01

    Ca(Zr 0.05 Ti 0.95 )O 3 (CZT) thin films were grown on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si(100) substrates by the soft chemical method. The films were deposited from spin-coating technique and annealed at 928K for 4h under oxygen atmosphere. CZT films present orthorhombic structure with a crack free and granular microstructure. Atomic force microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed that CZT present grains with about 47nm and thickness about 450nm. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the films was approximately 210 at 100kHz and 0.032 at 1MHz. The Au/CZT/Pt capacitor shows a hysteresis loop with remnant polarization of 2.5μC/cm 2 , and coercive field of 18kV/cm, at an applied voltage of 6V. The leakage current density was about 4.6x10 -8 A/cm 2 at 3V. Dielectric constant-voltage curve is located at zero bias field suggesting the absence of internal electric fields

  12. Thermally stimulated depolarization currents and dielectric properties of Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3 filled HDPE composites

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shi, Yunzhou; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Jie; Yue, Zhenxing

    2017-12-01

    Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3 (MCT) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared by twin-screw extrusion followed by hot pressing technique. The thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurement was performed to analyze the contribution of charge distribution and interfacial characteristics to the dielectric loss. TSDC spectra under different polarization conditions show that the introduction of ceramic fillers engenders shallow traps in the vicinity of ceramic-polymer interface, which hinders the injection of space charge from the electrode into the polymer matrix. In the composite materials applied to an external field, charges tend to be captured by these traps. The temperature dependence of relative permittivity and dielectric loss of the composites was measured, and a strong reliance of dielectric loss on temperature was observed. In the heating process, the release of charges accumulating at interfacial region is considered to contribute to the rise in dielectric loss with the increase of temperature.

  13. 46 CFR 159.005-7 - Preapproval review: Coast Guard action.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-01

    ... Section 159.005-7 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) EQUIPMENT... may be conducted. (2) If the Commandant determines from the application for approval that the... under § 159.005-13 can be taken. (c) An item of equipment or material that does not meet all of the...

  14. Magnetic properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles prepared by reactive milling

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Do Hung Manh [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay Distr., Hanoi (Viet Nam)], E-mail: manhdh@ims.vast.ac.vn; Nguyen Chi Thuan [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay Distr., Hanoi (Viet Nam); Pham Thanh Phong [Nha Trang Pedagogic College, Khanh Hoa Province (Viet Nam); Le Van Hong; Nguyen Xuan Phuc [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay Distr., Hanoi (Viet Nam)

    2009-06-24

    La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (LCMO) nanoparticles were synthesized by reactive milling in ambient conditions. Magnetic properties of LCMO single-phase nanocrystalline particles were studied. LCMO nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism with blocking temperature that decreases in the logarithmic function as increasing applied magnetic field. Besides, the blocking temperature decreases as increasing milling time from 8 h to 16 h. The temperature dependence of the saturation magnetization shows a strong collective excitation due to the spin wave that depends on temperature in form T{sup {alpha}} with {alpha} = 1.7, which slightly deviates from the Bloch law.

  15. CaPiTo: protocol stacks for services

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gao, Han; Nielson, Flemming; Nielson, Hanne Riis

    2011-01-01

    CaPiTo allows the modelling of service-oriented applications using process algebras at three levels of abstraction. The abstract level focuses on the key functionality of the services; the plug-in level shows how to obtain security using standardised protocol stacks; finally, the concrete level...... allows to consider how security is obtained using asymmetric and symmetric cryptographic primitives. The CaPiTo approach therefore caters for a variety of developers that need to cooperate on designing and implementing service-oriented applications. We show how to formally analyse CaPiTo specifications...

  16. A desk evaluation review of project RAF/9/005 radiation protection development. Project desk evaluation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1994-01-01

    The Agency has been assisting member nations through a number of national TC projects in radiation protection and related areas over the years. In addition, a regional project RAF/9/005 - Radiation Protection Development (which is under this review) was approved in 1988, with the aim of assessing existing radiation protection practices in the African Member States in relation to the Agency's new basic safety standards for radiation protection, and to advise Governments on improvements. The project was subsequently extended up to 1994 as an umbrella project to assist all African Member States in the development of appropriate radiation protection services; to co-ordinate the implementation of the relevant national TC projects; and to develop co-operation amongst groups of Member States on a regional and sub-regional basis. Particular emphasis was to be given to manpower development through workshops, seminars and training courses in radiation protection and safety. In parallel thereto, the Agency's Radiation Protection Advisory Teams (RAPATs) visited nineteen African Member States during the period 1986 through 1993, to review and assess their radiation protection activities, identify priorities, and design long-term radiation protection programmes. RAPAT findings and recommendations were considered in drawing up programmes for implementation under project RAF/9/005

  17. Breakdown of the lattice polaron picture in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 single crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chun, S. H.; Salamon, M. B.; Tomioka, Y.; Tokura, Y.

    2000-01-01

    When heated through the magnetic transition at T C , La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 changes from a band metal to a polaronic insulator. The Hall constant R H , through its activated behavior and sign anomaly, provides key evidence for polaronic behavior. We use R H and the Hall mobility to demonstrate the breakdown of the polaron phase. Above 1.4T C , the polaron picture holds in detail, while below, the activation energies of both R H and the mobility deviate strongly from their polaronic values. These changes reflect the presence of metallic, ferromagnetic fluctuations, in the volume of which the Hall effect develops additional contributions tied to quantal phases. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society

  18. Is radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins a valuable option? A systematic review of the literature with a cost analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Poder, Thomas G; Fisette, Jean-François; Bédard, Suzanne K; Despatis, Marc-Antoine

    2018-04-01

    Since the 1990s, new techniques for the treatment of varicose veins have emerged, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser treatment. We performed a study to compare the safety, efficacy and outcomes of RFA compared to those of open surgery and laser ablation for the treatment of varicose veins. We also carried out a cost analysis of RFA compared to open surgery to assess whether RFA could help free up operating room time by being performed in an outpatient context. We conducted a systematic literature review (publication date May 2010-September 2013 for articles in English, January 1991-September 2013 for those in French). We used several checklists to measure the quality of the studies. We also collected data on costing. The literature search identified 924 publications, of which 38 were retained for analysis: 15 literature reviews, 1 good-practice guideline and 22 new primary studies. The overall level of evidence was low to moderate owing to the limited sample sizes, lack of information on patient characteristics and lack of standardization of the outcome measures. However, the results obtained are consistent from study to study. In the short and medium term, RFA is considered as effective as open surgery or laser treatment (moderate level of evidence) and presents fewer major and minor complications than open surgery (low level of evidence). Radiofrequency ablation can be performed on an outpatient basis. We calculated that RFA would be about $110-$220 more expensive per patient than open surgery. Radiofrequency ablation is a valuable alternative to open surgery and would free up operating room time in a context of low accessibility.

  19. Is radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins a valuable option? A systematic review of the literature with a cost analysis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fisette, Jean-François; Bédard, Suzanne K.; Despatis, Marc-Antoine

    2018-01-01

    Background Since the 1990s, new techniques for the treatment of varicose veins have emerged, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser treatment. We performed a study to compare the safety, efficacy and outcomes of RFA compared to those of open surgery and laser ablation for the treatment of varicose veins. We also carried out a cost analysis of RFA compared to open surgery to assess whether RFA could help free up operating room time by being performed in an outpatient context. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review (publication date May 2010–September 2013 for articles in English, January 1991–September 2013 for those in French). We used several checklists to measure the quality of the studies. We also collected data on costing. Results The literature search identified 924 publications, of which 38 were retained for analysis: 15 literature reviews, 1 good-practice guideline and 22 new primary studies. The overall level of evidence was low to moderate owing to the limited sample sizes, lack of information on patient characteristics and lack of standardization of the outcome measures. However, the results obtained are consistent from study to study. In the short and medium term, RFA is considered as effective as open surgery or laser treatment (moderate level of evidence) and presents fewer major and minor complications than open surgery (low level of evidence). Radiofrequency ablation can be performed on an outpatient basis. We calculated that RFA would be about $110–$220 more expensive per patient than open surgery. Conclusion Radiofrequency ablation is a valuable alternative to open surgery and would free up operating room time in a context of low accessibility. PMID:29582749

  20. Magnetorefractive effect in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 in the infrared spectral range

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sukhorukov, Yu. P.; Telegin, A. V.; Granovskii, A. B.; Gan'shina, E. A.; Naumov, S. V.; Kostromitina, N. V.; Elokhina, L. V.; Gonzalez, J.

    2010-01-01

    The reflection and magnetic reflection spectra, magnetic resistance, electrical properties, and equatorial Kerr effect in La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 crystals have been complexly investigated. The measurements have been performed in wide temperature and spectral ranges in magnetic fields up to 3.5 kOe. It has been found that magnetic reflection is a high-frequency response in the infrared spectral range to the colossal magnetore-sistance near the Curie temperature. Correlation between the field and temperature dependences of the magnetic reflection and colossal magnetoresistance has been revealed. The previously developed theory of the magnetorefractive effect for metallic systems makes it possible to explain the experimental data at the qualitative level. Both demerits of the theory of the magnetorefractive effect in application to the magnets and possible additional mechanisms responsible for the magnetic reflection are discussed.

  1. Giant magnetorefractive effect in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Granovskii, A. B., E-mail: granov@magn.ru [Moscow State University (Russian Federation); Sukhorukov, Yu. P., E-mail: suhorukov@imp.uran.ru; Telegin, A. V.; Bessonov, V. D. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Metal Physics, Ural Branch (Russian Federation); Gan' shina, E. A.; Kaul' , A. R.; Korsakov, I. E.; Gorbenko, O. Yu. [Moscow State University (Russian Federation); Gonzalez, J. [Universidad del Pais Vasco, Departamento Fisica de Materiales, Facultad de Quimica (Spain)

    2011-01-15

    Complex experimental investigations of the structural, optical, and magneto-optical properties (magnetotransmission, magnetoreflection, and transversal Kerr effect, as well as the magnetoresistance, of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} epitaxial films indicate that magnetoreflection and magnetotransmission in manganite films can reach giant values and depend strongly on the magnetic and charge homogeneity of the films, their thickness, and spectral range under investigation. It has been shown that the optical enhancement of the magnetorefractive effect occurs in thin films as compared to manganite crystals. In the region of the minimum of the reflectance near the first phonon band, the resonance-like magnetorefractive effect has been observed, which is accompanied by change of the sign of the magnetoreflection. A model based on the theory of the magnetorefractive effect has been proposed to qualitatively explain this behavior.

  2. Percutaneous dual-switching monopolar radiofrequency ablation using a separable clustered electrode: A preliminary study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Choi, Tae Won; Lee, Jeong Min; Lee, Dong Ho; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Yu, Su Jong; Kim, Yoon Jun; Yoon, Jung Hwan; Han, Joon Koo [Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-09-15

    To prospectively evaluate the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of dual-switching monopolar (DSM) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to retrospectively compare the results with those of single-switching monopolar (SSM) RFA in a historical control group. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, with informed consent obtained from all patients. Fifty-two HCC patients who underwent DSM-RFA using a separable clustered electrode and dual-generators were prospectively enrolled. Technical parameters, complications, technical success, technical effectiveness, and local tumor progression (LTP) rates were evaluated by means of post-procedural and follow-up imaging. Thereafter, the outcome of DSM-RFA was compared with those of 249 retrospectively included HCC patients treated with SSM-RFA.There were two major complications (3.8%, 2/52) including pleural and pericardial effusion in the DSM-RFA group. The DSM-RFA yielded a 100% technical success rate, a 98.1% technical effectiveness rate, and a 4.3% 2-year LTP rate. In a retrospective comparison between the two groups, DSM-RFA created significantly larger ablation volume (4.20 ± 2.07 cm{sup 3}/min vs. 3.03 ± 1.99 cm{sup 3}/min, p < 0.01), and delivered higher energy (1.43 ± 0.37 kcal/min vs. 1.25 ± 0.50 kcal/min, p < 0.01) per given time, than SSM-RFA. There was no significant difference in major procedure-related complications (3.8% vs. 4.4%) and technical effectiveness rate (98.1% vs. 96.4%) between the two groups (p = 1.00). In addition, the 2-year LTP rate of DSM-RFA and SSM-RFA were 4.3% and 10.1%, respectively (p = 0.15). DSM-RFA using a separable clustered electrode is safe and provides high local tumor control and good preliminary clinical outcome for small HCCs, which are at least comparable to those of SSM-RFA.

  3. Percutaneous dual-switching monopolar radiofrequency ablation using a separable clustered electrode: A preliminary study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, Tae Won; Lee, Jeong Min; Lee, Dong Ho; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Yu, Su Jong; Kim, Yoon Jun; Yoon, Jung Hwan; Han, Joon Koo

    2017-01-01

    To prospectively evaluate the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of dual-switching monopolar (DSM) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to retrospectively compare the results with those of single-switching monopolar (SSM) RFA in a historical control group. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, with informed consent obtained from all patients. Fifty-two HCC patients who underwent DSM-RFA using a separable clustered electrode and dual-generators were prospectively enrolled. Technical parameters, complications, technical success, technical effectiveness, and local tumor progression (LTP) rates were evaluated by means of post-procedural and follow-up imaging. Thereafter, the outcome of DSM-RFA was compared with those of 249 retrospectively included HCC patients treated with SSM-RFA.There were two major complications (3.8%, 2/52) including pleural and pericardial effusion in the DSM-RFA group. The DSM-RFA yielded a 100% technical success rate, a 98.1% technical effectiveness rate, and a 4.3% 2-year LTP rate. In a retrospective comparison between the two groups, DSM-RFA created significantly larger ablation volume (4.20 ± 2.07 cm"3/min vs. 3.03 ± 1.99 cm"3/min, p < 0.01), and delivered higher energy (1.43 ± 0.37 kcal/min vs. 1.25 ± 0.50 kcal/min, p < 0.01) per given time, than SSM-RFA. There was no significant difference in major procedure-related complications (3.8% vs. 4.4%) and technical effectiveness rate (98.1% vs. 96.4%) between the two groups (p = 1.00). In addition, the 2-year LTP rate of DSM-RFA and SSM-RFA were 4.3% and 10.1%, respectively (p = 0.15). DSM-RFA using a separable clustered electrode is safe and provides high local tumor control and good preliminary clinical outcome for small HCCs, which are at least comparable to those of SSM-RFA

  4. Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Extruded Mg-9Al-1Zn-1MM-0.7CaO-0.3Mn Alloy Through Pre-aging Treatment

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jeong, Seok Hoan; Kim, Yong Joo; Kong, Kyung Ho; Cho, Tae Hee; Kim, Young Kyun; Lim, Hyun Kyu; Kim, Won Tae; Kim, Do Hyang

    2018-03-01

    The effect of pre-aging treatment before extrusion has been investigated in Mg-9.0Al-1.0Zn-1MM-0.7CaO-0.3Mn alloy. The as-cast microstructure consists of α-Mg dendrite with secondary solidification phase particles, (Mg, Al)2Ca, β-Mg17Al12 and Al11RE3 at the inter-dendritic region. After extrusion, β-Mg17Al12 precipitates are present, but higher density and more homogeneous distribution in pre-aged alloy. In addition, μm-scale banded bulk β-Mg17Al12 particles are generated during extrusion. Al11RE3 particles are broken into small particles, and are aligned along the extrusion direction. (Mg, Al)2Ca particles are only slightly elongated along the extrusion direction, providing stronger particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) effect by severe deformation during extrusion. The mechanical properties can be significantly enhanced by introducing pre-aging treatment, i.e. β-Mg17Al12 precipitates provide grain refining and strengthening effects and (Mg, Al)2Ca particles provide PSN effect.

  5. Enhanced orange-red emission by using Mo codoped in Ba2CaWO6: Eu3+, Li+ phosphor under near UV excitation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun, Xiaoyuan; Hao, Zhendong; Li, Chunjie; He, Xiaoguang; Qi, Haiyan; Yu, Lijun; Luo, Yongshi; Zhang, Jiahua; Gao, Jiwei; Zhong, Ruixia

    2013-01-01

    The orange-red emitting phosphors Ba 2 Ca 0.9 Mo x W 1−x O 6 :Eu 3+ 0.05 , Li + 0.05 (x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0) and Ba 2 Ca 1−2y Mo 0.2 W 0.8 O 6 :Eu 3+ y , Li + y (y=0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1, and 0.15) were synthesized. The crystalline structure and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors were described. The strong orange-red emission of Eu 3+ ( 5 D 0 — 7 F 1 transition) at around 593 nm was observed. Addition of Mo strongly enhances the charge transfer band absorption in the near ultraviolet region that corresponds to near ultraviolet white light emitting diode. The dependence of photoluminescence intensities on Eu 3+ concentrations with optimal Mo concentration under 400 nm excitation was studied. The phosphor is considered to be a promising orange-red emitting phosphor for near ultraviolet GaN-based white light emitting diode. - Highlights: ► The samples form solid solutions when Mo is added into Ba 2 CaWO 6 : Eu 3+ , Li + phosphors. ► Addition of Mo in Ba 2 CaWO 6 : Eu 3+ , Li + shifts the PLE spectra maximum from UV region to near UV region. ► In Ba 2 CaMo x W 1−x O 6 :Eu 3+ , Li + , the most efficient concentrations occur at 0.1 and 0.2 for Eu and Mo.

  6. Second order magnetic phase transition and scaling analysis in iron doped manganite La0.7Ca0.3Mn1−xFexO3 compounds

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ginting, Dianta; Nanto, Dwi; Denny, Yus Rama; Tarigan, Kontan; Hadi, Syamsul; Ihsan, Mohammad; Rhyee, Jong-Soo

    2015-01-01

    We investigated magnetic properties of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn 1−x Fe x O 3 (x=0.09 and 0.11) compounds in terms of isothermal magnetization analysis and scaling behavior with various critical exponents. From the Landau theory of magnetic phase transition, we found that the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn 1−x Fe x O 3 (x=0.09 and 0.11) compounds is the type of second order magnetic transition (SOMT), which contrary to the first order magnetic transition (FOMT) for low Fe-doped compounds (x<0.09) in previous reports. When we investigate the critical behavior of the compounds near T=T c by the modified Arrott plot, Kouvel–Fisher plots, and critical isothermal analysis, the estimated critical exponents β, γ, and δ are in between the theoretically predicted values for three-dimensional Heisenberg and mean-field interaction models. It is noteworthy that the scaling relations are obeyed in terms of renormalization magnetization m=ε −β M(H,ε) and renormalized field h=|ε| β+γ H. Temperature-dependent effective exponents β eff and γ eff correspond to the ones of disordered ferromagnets. It is shown that the magnetic state of the compounds is not fully described by the conventional localized-spin interaction model because the ferromagnetic interaction has itinerant character by increasing Fe-doping concentration. - Highlights: • The ferromagnetic phase transition is of second order in La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn 1−x Fe x O 3 . • The critical exponents are in between the 3D Heisenberg and mean-field models. • The ferromagnetic interaction becomes more itinerant by Fe-doping

  7. Nurses' hospital orientation and future research challenges: an integrative review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Peltokoski, J; Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K; Miettinen, M

    2016-03-01

    This study aimed to describe the research on registered nurses' orientation processes in specialized hospital settings in order to illustrate directions for future research. The complex healthcare environment and the impact of nursing shortage and turnover make the hospital orientation process imperative. There is a growing recognition regarding research interests to meet the needs for evidence-based, effective and economically sound hospital orientation strategies. An integrative literature review was performed on publications from the period 2000 to 2013 included in the CINAHL and PubMed databases. English-language studies were included. Themes guiding the analysis were definition of the hospital orientation process, research topics, data collection and instruments and research evidence. Narrative synthesis was used. Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria. The conceptualization of orientation process reflected the complexity of the phenomenon. Less attention has been paid to designs to establish correlations or relationships between selected variables and hospital orientation process. The outcomes of hospital orientation programmes were limited primarily to retention and job satisfaction. The research evidence therefore cannot be evaluated as strong. The lack of an evidence-based approach makes it difficult to develop a comprehensive orientation process. Further research should explore interventions that will enhance the quality of hospital orientation practices to improve nurses' retention and job satisfaction. To provide a comprehensive hospital orientation process, hospital administrators have to put in place human resource development strategies along with practice implications and research efforts. Comprehensive hospital orientation benefits and outcomes should be visible to policy makers. © 2016 International Council of Nurses.

  8. Preparation and dielectric properties of Ba0.95Ca0.05Ti0.8Zr0.2O3-polyethersulfone composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang Fajun; Li Wen; Jiang Hongliu; Xue Mingshan; Lu Jinshan; Yao Junping

    2010-01-01

    We report the preparation and dielectric properties of ceramic-polymer composites using Ba 0.95 Ca 0.05 Ti 0.8 Zr 0.2 O 3 (BCTZ) as a ceramic filler and polyethersulfone (PES) as a polymer matrix. The BCTZ powders were synthesized by a sol-gel method to fabricate BCZT-PES composites. The composites with various BCTZ volume fractions were prepared by a solution mixing and hot-pressing method. The composite with 50 vol % BCTZ showed high dielectric constant (ε=48.80) and low loss (tan δ=0.042) at 1 kHz and room temperature. Such excellent dielectric properties of the composites displayed an acceptable stability within a wide range of temperature (from 20 to 150 deg. C) and frequency (from 100 Hz to 100 kHz). The present work indicates that the BCTZ-PES composite can be a candidate for embedded capacitors.

  9. Comparative study of radiofrequency ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection in treating postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ZHANG Zuobing

    2013-08-01

    Full Text Available ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI in treating postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC and to provide reference for clinical treatment of recurrent HCC. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 175 patients who had a single recurrent lesion after surgical treatment of HCC from August 2007 to January 2010. These patients were divided into PEI group (n=101 and RFA group (n=74 according to the modalities of treatment for recurrent HCC. All cases underwent color Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound or CT before and after treatment. The two groups were compared in terms of number of treatments, complete ablation rate, and complication rate. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates after treatment were also recorded. The measurement data were subjected to t-test, while the enumeration data were subjected to chi-square test. ResultsThe PEI group had a significantly larger mean number of treatments than the RFA group (P<0.05. There was no significant difference in complication rate between the two groups (P>0.05. For the recurrent lesions smaller than 2.0 cm in diameter, the complete ablation rate showed no significant difference between the RFA group and PEI group (P>0.05, while this rate was significantly higher in the RFA group than in the PEI group for the recurrent lesions with a diameter of 2.0-5.0 cm (P<005. Among the patients with recurrent lesions smaller than 2.0 cm in diameter, those receiving PEI had 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of 89.1%, 69.1%, and 49.1%, respectively, versus 90.2%, 70.7%, and 53.7% for those receiving RFA (P>0.05; among the patients with recurrent lesions with a diameter of 2.0-5.0 cm, those receiving PEI had significantly lower 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates than those receiving RFA (63.0% vs 84.8%, P<0.05; 43.5% vs 66.7%, P<0.05; 21.7% vs 45.5%, P<0.05

  10. Existence of Griffiths phase in La0.67Ca0.33Mn0.93Fe0.07O3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Joshi, L.; Dayal, V.; Rama, N.; Keshri, S.

    2009-01-01

    Temperature variation of electrical resistivity, AC susceptibility and electron spin resonance measurements are reported for La 0.67 Ca 0.33 Mn 0.93 Fe 0.07 O 3 . The inverse of AC susceptibility shows a downturn with decreasing temperature before T c indicating the existence of Griffiths phase for the temperature range T c ≤ T ≤ T G , where T G is the Griffiths temperature. The ESR results show the existence of FM clusters in the PM region above T c which supports the presence of Griffiths phase. The ESR results also show the existence of inhomogeneous distribution of magnetic phases in the sample. A possible mechanism of the obtained results has been explained.

  11. Possible origin of photoconductivity in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sagdeo, P. R.; Choudhary, R. J.; Phase, D. M.

    2010-01-01

    The effect of photon energy on the density of states near Fermi level of pulsed laser deposited La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 thin film has been studied to investigate the possible origin of change in the conductivity of these manganites upon photon exposure. For this purpose the photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were carried out using CSR beamline (BL-2) on Indus-1 synchrotron radiation source. The valance band spectra were measured at room temperature with photon energy ranging from 40 to 60 eV. We could see huge change in the density of states near Fermi level and this change is observed to be highest at 56 eV which is due to the resonance between Mn 3p to Mn 3d level. Our results suggest that the probability of electron transfer from deep Mn 3p level to Mn 3d-eg level is higher than that of Mn 3d-t2g level. It appears that this transfer of electron from deep Mn level to Mn 3d-eg level not only modifies the density of state near Fermi level but also changes the mobility of electrons by modifying the electron lattice coupling due to presence of Mn+3 Jahn-Teller ion.

  12. Diagnostic significance of tumor markers CEA, CA50 and CA19-9 for colorectal cancer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen Yumei; Huang Gang

    2005-01-01

    Objective: To investigate the expression and diagnostic significance of three serum tumor markers (CEA, CA50, CA19-9) in patients with colorectal cancer, with special emphasis on their combined assay. Methods: Serum CEA, CA19-9 levels (with chemiluminescence immunoassay) and CA50 levels (with immunoradiometric assay) were determined in 94 patients with colorectal cancer, 20 patients with benign colorectal disorders and 37 controls. Results: The expressions of the serum tumor markers were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than those in patients with benign colorectal disorders and controls (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the levels in the latter two groups. CEA assay had the highest sensitivity (57.4%) and specificity (85.9%). Combined assay of the three could enhance both the sensitivity (62.7%) and specificity (96.5%). The serum levels of the markers were significantly higher in patients with colonic cancer than those in patients with rectal cancer (P<0.05). The levels were positively correlated with the size of the growth and stage of the disease. Serum tumor marker levels were also significantly higher in patients with metastasis (regional/distant) than those in patients without metastasis (P<0.05). Conclusion: Determination of serum CEA, CA50 and CA19-9 levels had definite value for the diagnosis and assessment of the pathology as well as biologic behavior colorectal cancer. Combined assay of the three could enhance the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. (authors)

  13. Preferential orientation relationships in Ca{sub 2}MnO{sub 4} Ruddlesden-Popper thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lacotte, M.; David, A.; Prellier, W., E-mail: wilfrid.prellier@ensicaen.fr [Laboratoire CRISMAT, CNRS UMR 6508, ENSICAEN, Université de Basse-Normandie, 6 Bd Maréchal Juin, F-14050 Caen Cedex 4 (France); Rohrer, G. S.; Salvador, P. A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 (United States)

    2015-07-28

    A high-throughput investigation of local epitaxy (called combinatorial substrate epitaxy) was carried out on Ca{sub 2}MnO{sub 4} Ruddlesden-Popper thin films of six thicknesses (from 20 to 400 nm), all deposited on isostructural polycrystalline Sr{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} substrates. Electron backscatter diffraction revealed grain-over-grain local epitaxial growth for all films, resulting in a single orientation relationship (OR) for each substrate-film grain pair. Two preferred epitaxial ORs accounted for more than 90% of all ORs on 300 different microcrystals, based on analyzing 50 grain pairs for each thickness. The unit cell over unit cell OR ([100][001]{sub film} ∥ [100][001]{sub substrate}, or OR1) accounted for approximately 30% of each film. The OR that accounted for 60% of each film ([100][001]{sub film} ∥ [100][010]{sub substrate}, or OR2) corresponds to a rotation from OR1 by 90° about the a-axis. OR2 is strongly favored for substrate orientations in the center of the stereographic triangle, and OR1 is observed for orientations very close to (001) or to those near the edge connecting (100) and (110). While OR1 should be lower in energy, the majority observation of OR2 implies kinetic hindrances decrease the frequency of OR1. Persistent grain over grain growth and the absence of variations of the OR frequencies with thickness implies that the growth competition is finished within the first few nm, and local epitaxy persists thereafter during growth.

  14. Nanodrug-enhanced radiofrequency tumor ablation: effect of micellar or liposomal carrier on drug delivery and treatment efficacy.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marwan Moussa

    Full Text Available To determine the effect of different drug-loaded nanocarriers (micelles and liposomes on delivery and treatment efficacy for radiofrequency ablation (RFA combined with nanodrugs.Fischer 344 rats were used (n = 196. First, single subcutaneous R3230 tumors or normal liver underwent RFA followed by immediate administration of i.v. fluorescent beads (20, 100, and 500 nm, with fluorescent intensity measured at 4-24 hr. Next, to study carrier type on drug efficiency, RFA was combined with micellar (20 nm or liposomal (100 nm preparations of doxorubicin (Dox; targeting HIF-1α or quercetin (Qu; targeting HSP70. Animals received RFA alone, RFA with Lipo-Dox or Mic-Dox (1 mg i.v., 15 min post-RFA, and RFA with Lipo-Qu or Mic-Qu given 24 hr pre- or 15 min post-RFA (0.3 mg i.v.. Tumor coagulation and HIF-1α or HSP70 expression were assessed 24 hr post-RFA. Third, the effect of RFA combined with i.v. Lipo-Dox, Mic-Dox, Lipo-Qu, or Mic-Qu (15 min post-RFA compared to RFA alone on tumor growth and animal endpoint survival was evaluated. Finally, drug uptake was compared between RFA/Lipo-Dox and RFA/Mic-Dox at 4-72 hr.Smaller 20 nm beads had greater deposition and deeper tissue penetration in both tumor (100 nm/500 nm and liver (100 nm (p<0.05. Mic-Dox and Mic-Qu suppressed periablational HIF-1α or HSP70 rim thickness more than liposomal preparations (p<0.05. RFA/Mic-Dox had greater early (4 hr intratumoral doxorubicin, but RFA/Lipo-Dox had progressively higher intratumoral doxorubicin at 24-72 hr post-RFA (p<0.04. No difference in tumor growth and survival was seen between RFA/Lipo-Qu and RFA/Mic-Qu. Yet, RFA/Lipo-Dox led to greater animal endpoint survival compared to RFA/Mic-Dox (p<0.03.With RF ablation, smaller particle micelles have superior penetration and more effective local molecular modulation. However, larger long-circulating liposomal carriers can result in greater intratumoral drug accumulation over time and reduced tumor growth. Accordingly

  15. Exchange bias training effect in phase separated polycrystalline Sm_0_._1Ca_0_._7Sr_0_._2MnO_3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Markovich, V.; Fita, I.; Wisniewski, A.; Puzniak, R.; Martin, C.; Jung, G.; Gorodetsky, G.

    2016-01-01

    Magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic (AFM) electron doped manganite Sm_0_._1Ca_0_._7Sr_0_._2MnO_3 have been investigated, focusing mainly on the exchange bias (EB) effect and associated training effect. The studied compound exhibits the ground state with heterogeneous spin configuration, consisting of the C-type antiferromagnetic phase with the Néel temperature T_N_-_C ≈ 120 K, the G-AFM phase with the Néel temperature T_N_-_G ≈ 60 K, and ferromagnetic-like phase with a very weak spontaneous magnetic moment. Measurements of hysteresis loops have shown that the exchange bias field monotonously decreases with increasing temperature and vanishes above 40 K, while the coercivity disappears only above 70 K. The temperature variation of the exchange bias field has been successfully described by an exponential decay form. The stability of EB has been evaluated in the studies of the training effect, which has been discussed in the frame of the spin relaxation model, elucidating the important role of the AFM domain rearrangement at the interface. The complex phase separation and possible contributions from different interfaces between coexisting magnetic phases to the EB effect have also been discussed. - Highlights: • Sm_0_._1Ca_0_._7Sr_0_._2MnO_3 exhibits exchange bias (EB) effect at low temperatures T < 40 K. • The EB effect is associated with the phase separation and the presence of FM clusters as well as the G- and C-type AFM phases. • The training effect (TE) has been discussed in the frame of the spin relaxation model. • The TE is relatively small, indicating that AFM moment configuration is almost frozen during the magnetization reversal.

  16. 33 CFR 80.1130 - San Luis Obispo Bay, CA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false San Luis Obispo Bay, CA. 80.1130 Section 80.1130 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Pacific Coast § 80.1130 San Luis Obispo Bay, CA. A line drawn from...

  17. Menstrual Cycle Dependent Variability for Serum Tumor Markers CEA, AFP, CA 19-9, CA 125 and CA 15-3 in Healthy Women

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ayşe Binnur Erbağci

    1999-01-01

    Full Text Available Information on menstrual cycle dependent variation of tumor markers in healthy women is a subject of diagnostic efficiency and has an impact in elucidating the normal function of these markers. In this study midfollicular and midluteal concentrations of serum CEA, AFP, CA 19-9, CA 125, CA 15-3 and their relations with LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol and progesterone were evaluated during ovulatory cycles in a group of 23 healthy female individuals. Samples were collected on the 7th and 21st day of the same menstrual cycle. Tumor marker and hormone concentrations were determined with chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence EIA methods. A significant phase-dependent difference was observed for CA 15-3, midluteal concentrations (mean ± SEM; 26.33 ± 1.56 U/ml higher than the midfollicular (mean ± SEM; 19.27 ± 1.49 U/ml concentrations (p < 0.001. But an obvious difference for other tumor markers investigated did not exist. Significant correlations of follicular and luteal CA 125 levels with body mass index of the subjects were observed (r:0.52, p < 0.05 and r:0.57, p < 0.005, respectively.

  18. A miniaturized Microwave Bandpass Filter Based on Modified (Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3 Substrate

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hu Mingzhe

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available A microwave miniaturized bandpass filter using (Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3 (abbreviated as 95MCT hereafter ceramic substrate is investigated in the present paper. The paper studies the sintering and microwave dielectric properties of Al2O3, La2O3 and SiO2 co-doped 95MCT. The XRD pattern shows that a secondary phase MgTi2O5 is easily segregated in 95MCT ceramic, however, through co-doping it can be effectively suppressed, and the microwave dielectric properties, especially, the Qf value can be significantly improved. Through optimizing the co-doping ratio of Al2O3, La2O3 and SiO2, the sintering temperature of 95MCT ceramic can be lowered by 80°C, and the microwave dielectric properties can reach Qf=61856GHz and εr=19.84, which indicates the modified 95MCT ceramic have a great potential application in microwave communication devices. Based on this, we also designed a miniaturized microwave bandpass filter (BPF on modified 95MCT substrate. Through a full wave electromagnetic structure simulation, the results show that the center frequency of the BPF is 2.45GHz and the relative bandwidth is 4.09% with the insertion loss of less than 0.2dB in the whole bandpass.

  19. Chlorides behavior in raw fly ash washing experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhu Fenfen; Takaoka, Masaki; Oshita, Kazuyuki; Kitajima, Yoshinori; Inada, Yasuhiro; Morisawa, Shinsuke; Tsuno, Hiroshi

    2010-01-01

    Chloride in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) is one of the obstructive substances in recycling fly ash as building materials. As a result, we have to understand the behavior of chlorides in recycling process, such as washing. In this study, we used X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study the chloride behavior in washed residue of raw fly ash (RFA). We found that a combination of XRD and XANES, which is to use XRD to identify the situation of some compounds first and then process XANES data, was an effective way to explain the chlorides behavior in washing process. Approximately 15% of the chlorine in RFA was in the form of NaCl, 10% was in the form of KCl, 51% was CaCl 2 , and the remainder was in the form of Friedel's salt. In washing experiments not only the mole percentage but also the amount of soluble chlorides including NaCl, KCl and CaCl 2 decreases quickly with the increase of liquid to solid (L/S) ratio or washing frequency. However, those of insoluble chlorides decrease slower. Moreover, Friedel's salt and its related compound (11CaO.7Al 2 O 3 .CaCl 2 ) were reliable standards for the insoluble chlorides in RFA, which are strongly related to CaCl 2 . Washing of RFA promoted the release of insoluble chlorides, most of which were in the form of CaCl 2 .

  20. Changes in the expression of serum markers CA242, CA199, CA125, CEA, TNF-α and TSGF after cryosurgery in pancreatic cancer patients.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhou, Gang; Niu, Lizhi; Chiu, David; He, Lihua; Xu, Kecheng

    2012-07-01

    The presence of serum tumor markers, carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tumor-supplied group of factors (TSGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), is closely associated with invasion and metastasis of many malignancies. The expression of these markers were measured in serum taken from 37 pancreatic cancer patients prior to treatment. Levels of CA242, CA199, CA125, CEA and TNF-α expression correlated with tumor size, clinical stage, tumor differentiation, lymph node and liver metastasis (P markers were significantly reduced compared with levels prior to cryosurgery (P 0.05). Thus, cryosurgery is more effective than chemotherapy for decreasing CA242, CA199, CA125, CEA, TSGF and TNF-α serum levels in these patients.

  1. Chemical deposition of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3±δ films on ceramic substrates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cássio Morilla-Santos

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available In this paper, it is reported the growth of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3±δ films using a chemical solution deposition method (CSD by the spin-coating technique. Such solution was prepared through a route based on modified polymeric precursor method. Spin-coating deposition on different ceramic substrates was performed and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS. The magnetic response of the prepared specimens was studied using a SQUID magnetometer. The obtained results indicated uniform deposition on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 substrates with similar characteristics. Furthermore, significant differences were detected in the Mn3+/Mn4+ valence ratio and a corresponding diverse magnetic response was observed. The sample prepared on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 presented a critical temperature around 270 K as expected.

  2. Assessment of tidal volume and thoracoabdominal motion using volume and flow-oriented incentive spirometers in healthy subjects

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    V.F. Parreira

    2005-07-01

    Full Text Available The objective of the present study was to evaluate incentive spirometers using volume- (Coach and Voldyne and flow-oriented (Triflo II and Respirex devices. Sixteen healthy subjects, 24 ± 4 years, 62 ± 12 kg, were studied. Respiratory variables were obtained by respiratory inductive plethysmography, with subjects in a semi-reclined position (45º. Tidal volume, respiratory frequency, minute ventilation, inspiratory duty cycle, mean inspiratory flow, and thoracoabdominal motion were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t-test and ANOVA. Comparison between the Coach and Voldyne devices showed that larger values of tidal volume (1035 ± 268 vs 947 ± 268 ml, P = 0.02 and minute ventilation (9.07 ± 3.61 vs 7.49 ± 2.58 l/min, P = 0.01 were reached with Voldyne, whereas no significant differences in respiratory frequency were observed (7.85 ± 1.24 vs 8.57 ± 1.89 bpm. Comparison between flow-oriented devices showed larger values of inspiratory duty cycle and lower mean inspiratory flow with Triflo II (0.35 ± 0.05 vs 0.32 ± 0.05 ml/s, P = 0.00, and 531 ± 137 vs 606 ± 167 ml/s, P = 0.00, respectively. Abdominal motion was larger (P < 0.05 during the use of volume-oriented devices compared to flow-oriented devices (52 ± 11% for Coach and 50 ± 9% for Voldyne; 43 ± 13% for Triflo II and 44 ± 14% for Respirex. We observed that significantly higher tidal volume associated with low respiratory frequency was reached with Voldyne, and that there was a larger abdominal displacement with volume-oriented devices.

  3. Tuning the magnetic phase transition and the magnetocaloric properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 compounds through Sm-doping

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thanh, Tran Dang; Dung, Nguyen Thi; Van Dang, Nguyen; Bau, Le Viet; Piao, Hong-Guang; Phan, The Long; Huyen Yen, Pham Duc; Hau, Kieu Xuan; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Yu, Seong-Cho

    2018-05-01

    In this work, we point out that the width and the nature of the magnetic phase transition, TC value, and as well as magnetocaloric effect in La0.7-xSmxCa0.3MnO3 compounds can be easily modified through Sm-doped into La-site. With an increasing Sm concentration, a systematic decrease in the magnetization, TC, and magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) are observed. The Arrott-plot proveds that the samples with x = 0 and 0.1 undergoing a first-order phase transition. Meanwhile, sample x = 0.2 undergoes a second-order phase transition, which exhibits a high value of the relative cooling power (81.5 J/kg at ΔH = 10 kOe). An analysis of the critical behavior based on the modified Arrott plots method has been done for sample x = 0.2. The results proved a coexistence of the long- and short-range interactions in La0.5Sm0.2Ca0.3MnO3 compound.

  4. Measures of the recovery orientation of mental health services: systematic review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Williams, J; Leamy, M; Bird, V; Harding, C; Larsen, J; Le Boutillier, C; Oades, L; Slade, M

    2012-11-01

    The review aimed to (1) identify measures that assess the recovery orientation of services; (2) discuss how these measures have conceptualised recovery, and (3) characterise their psychometric properties. A systematic review was undertaken using seven sources. The conceptualisation of recovery within each measure was investigated by rating items against a conceptual framework of recovery comprising five recovery processes: connectedness; hope and optimism; identity; meaning and purpose; and empowerment. Psychometric properties of measures were evaluated using quality criteria. Thirteen recovery orientation measures were identified, of which six met eligibility criteria. No measure was a good fit with the conceptual framework. No measure had undergone extensive psychometric testing and none had data on test-retest reliability or sensitivity to change. Many measures have been developed to assess the recovery orientation of services. Comparisons between the measures were hampered by the different conceptualisations of recovery used and by the lack of uniformity on the level of organisation at which services were assessed. This situation makes it a challenge for services and researchers to make an informed choice on which measure to use. Further work is needed to produce measures with a transparent conceptual underpinning and demonstrated psychometric properties.

  5. Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Na{sub x}MnO{sub 3} exhibiting first-order and second-order magnetic phase transitions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ho, T.A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-713 (Korea, Republic of); Dang, N.T. [Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang (Viet Nam); Phan, The-Long [Department of Physics and Oxide Research Center, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 449-791 (Korea, Republic of); Yang, D.S. [Physics Division, School of Science Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, B.W. [Department of Physics and Oxide Research Center, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 449-791 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, S.C., E-mail: scyu@chungbuk.ac.kr [Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763 (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-08-15

    Polycrystalline orthorhombic samples La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Na{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (x = 0–0.09) were prepared by solid-state reaction. The study of magnetic properties revealed that the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic (FM-PM) transition temperature (T{sub C}) increases from 255 to about 271 K with increasing Na-doping content (x) from 0 to 0.09, respectively. Around the T{sub C}, we have found the samples showing a large magnetocaloric (MC) effect with maximum values of magnetic entropy change (|ΔS{sub max}|) of 7–8 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} and relative cooling power RCP = 232–236 J/kg for the samples x = 0.03–0.09 in a magnetic-field interval ΔH = 40 kOe. Detailed analyses of isothermal magnetization data M(T, H) based on Banerjee's criteria indicated a first-to-second-order magnetic-phase transformation taking place at a threshold Na-doping concentration x{sub c} ≈ 0.06. This could also be observed clearly from the feature of entropy universal curves. An assessment of the magnetic-ordering exponent N = dLn|ΔS{sub m}|/dLnH demonstrates an existence of short-range magnetic order in the samples. We believe that the changes of the magnetic properties and MC effect in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Na{sub x}MnO{sub 3} caused by Na doping are related to the changes in the structural parameters and Mn{sup 4+}/Mn{sup 3+} ratio, which are confirmed by the geometrical and electronic analyses based on X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure. - Highlights: • Geometrical and electronic structures of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Na{sub x}MnO{sub 3}. • Threshold of first-to-second-order phase transformation in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Na{sub x}MnO{sub 3}. • Large magneto-caloric effect with |ΔS{sub max}| ≈ 7–8 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1}, and RCP = 232–236 J/kg. • Universal curve of magnetic-entropy change.

  6. On-line Peer Review in Teaching Design-oriented Courses

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hai Ning

    2004-02-01

    Full Text Available Peer review has been one of the very important designfacilitating processes practiced in education field, particularly in design-oriented courses such as MIT's 2.007 Robot Design. Typically students exchange ideas sketched on a piece of paper and critique on each other's design within a small team. We designed PREP web application backed up by a range of web services that handle the peer-review process on-line, and we argue that this is a significant step towards supporting designoriented course on-line. We believe that the lessons learned could be applied to other interested institutes that offer designoriented courses.

  7. Magnetotransport properties of c-axis oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films on MgO-buffered SiO2/Si substrates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kang, Young-Min; Ulyanov, Alexander N.; Shin, Geo-Myung; Lee, Sung-Yun; Yoo, Dae-Gil; Yoo, Sang-Im

    2009-01-01

    c-axis oriented La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (LSMO) films on MgO-buffered SiO 2 /Si substrates were prepared, and their texture, microstructure, and magnetotransport properties were studied and compared to epitaxial LSMO/MgO (001) and polycrystalline LSMO/SiO 2 /Si films. c-axis oriented MgO buffer layers were obtained on amorphous SiO 2 layer through rf sputter deposition at low substrate temperature and consequent postannealing processes. In situ pulsed laser deposition-grown LSMO films, deposited on the MgO layer, show strong c-axis texture, but no in-plane texture. The c-axis oriented LSMO films which are magnetically softer than LSMO/SiO 2 /Si films exhibit relatively large low field magnetoresistance (LFMR) and sharper MR drop at lower field. The large LFMR is attributed to a spin-dependent scattering of transport current at the grain boundaries

  8. Task-oriented training in rehabilitation after stroke : a systematic review

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Drs. Marijke Rensink; Eline Eline Lindeman; Marieke Schuurmans; Thóra Hafsteinsdóttir

    2008-01-01

    This paper is a report of a review conducted to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature on task-oriented training of stroke survivors and its relevance in daily nursing practice. Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of adult disability

  9. Interpretation of anomalous optical conductivity in the ferromagnetic metallic state of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Varshney, Dinesh; Kaurav, N.; Singh, R.K.

    2006-01-01

    Observed frequency dependent optical response of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 has been analysed within the two- component scheme. One is the coherent free carrier excitations and the other is incoherent motion of carriers from one site to other leading to a polaron formation. The frequency dependent relaxation rates are expressed in terms of memory functions and the coherent carriers leads to a sharp peak at zero frequency and a long tail in the infrared region. The hopping of carriers from Mn to Mn and Mn to O site yields peak values around 0.4 and 4.0 e V in the optical conductivity centred at mid-infrared region. (author)

  10. A critical review of recent biological research on human sexual orientation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mustanski, Brian S; Chivers, Meredith L; Bailey, J Michael

    2002-01-01

    This article provides a comprehensive review and critique of biological research on sexual orientation published over the last decade. We cover research investigating (a) the neurohormonal theory of sexual orientation (psychoneuroendocrinology, prenatal stress, cerebral asymmetry, neuroanatomy, otoacoustic emissions, anthropometrics), (b) genetic influences, (c) fraternal birth-order effects, and (d) a putative role for developmental instability. Despite inconsistent results across both studies and traits, some support for the neurohormonal theory is garnered, but mostly in men. Genetic research using family and twin methodologies has produced consistent evidence that genes influence sexual orientation, but molecular research has not yet produced compelling evidence for specific genes. Although it has been well established that older brothers increase the odds of homosexuality in men, the route by which this occurs has not been resolved. We conclude with an examination of the limitations of biological research on sexual orientation, including measurement issues (paper and pencil, cognitive, and psychophysiological), and lack of research on women.

  11. Value of Combined Detection of Serum CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, CA15-3 and CA12-5 in the Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Changguo; Chen, Qiuyuan; Zhao, Qiangyuan; Liu, Min; Guo, Jianwei

    2017-05-01

    To examine whether the combined detection of serum tumor markers (CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, CA15-3 and CA12-5) improves the sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC). An automatic chemiluminescence immune analyzer with matched kits was used to determine the levels of serum CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, CA15-3, and CA12-5 in 87 patients with gastric cancer (GC group), 60 patients with gastric benign diseases (GBD group) who were hospitalized during the same period, and 40 healthy subjects undergoing a physical examination. The values of these 5 tumor markers in the diagnosis of gastric cancer were analyzed. The levels of serum CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, and CA12-5 were higher in the GC group than in the GBD group and healthy subjects, and these differences were significant ( P 0.05). The combined detection of CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, and CA12-5 had a higher diagnostic value for gastric cancer than did single detection, and the positive detection rate of the combined detection of the four tumor markers was 60.9%. The diagnostic power when using the combined detection of CA72-4, CEA, CA19-9, and CA12-5 was the best. The combined detection of serum CA72-4, CEA, CA19-9 and CA12-5 increases the sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of GC and can thus be considered an important tool for early diagnosis. © 2017 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.

  12. 1C-INDUCED ATRIAL FLUTTER IN A PATIENT WITH WPW SYNDROME: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    R. R. Mamatkazina

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The clinical case of a rare proarrhythmic effect of antiarrhythmic drugs with a poor prognosis (medication-induced atrial flutter in a patient with "malignant" Kent’s bundle is presented. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA is the most justified treatment method in patients with WPW-syndrome and "malignant" Kent’s bundle. RFA in descripted case has been postponed due to technical reasons. While waiting for RFA and after consideration of the potential risks and benefits the decision to use antiarrhythmic drugs to block the additional bundle was made. Paroxysm of broad-complex tachycardia developed on the third day of the treatment. It was regarded as a paroxysm of atrial fibrillation/flutter in the patient with WPW syndrome induced by taking antiarrhythmic drugs class 1C (allapinine. Review of the literature on the atrial fibrillation induced by antiarrhythmic of 1C class, and association of atrial fibrillation with WPW-syndrome is presented.

  13. 1C-INDUCED ATRIAL FLUTTER IN A PATIENT WITH WPW SYNDROME: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    R. R. Mamatkazina

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available The clinical case of a rare proarrhythmic effect of antiarrhythmic drugs with a poor prognosis (medication-induced atrial flutter in a patient with "malignant" Kent’s bundle is presented. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA is the most justified treatment method in patients with WPW-syndrome and "malignant" Kent’s bundle. RFA in descripted case has been postponed due to technical reasons. While waiting for RFA and after consideration of the potential risks and benefits the decision to use antiarrhythmic drugs to block the additional bundle was made. Paroxysm of broad-complex tachycardia developed on the third day of the treatment. It was regarded as a paroxysm of atrial fibrillation/flutter in the patient with WPW syndrome induced by taking antiarrhythmic drugs class 1C (allapinine. Review of the literature on the atrial fibrillation induced by antiarrhythmic of 1C class, and association of atrial fibrillation with WPW-syndrome is presented.

  14. Structural and electric properties of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.25}Na{sub 0.05}Mn{sub 0.9}Ti{sub 0.1}O{sub 3} ceramics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kossi, S. EL., E-mail: safwene666@hotmail.com [Laboratoire de la Matiére Condensée et des Nanosciences, Département de Physique, Faculté des Sciences University de Monastir, 5019 (Tunisia); Rhouma, F.I.H. [Laboratoire de la Matiére Condensée et des Nanosciences, Département de Physique, Faculté des Sciences University de Monastir, 5019 (Tunisia); Laboratoire de Photovoltaique, Centre de Recherches et des Tehnologies de l' Energie, BP Hammam-Lif 2050 (Tunisia); Dhahri, J. [Laboratoire de la Matiére Condensée et des Nanosciences, Département de Physique, Faculté des Sciences University de Monastir, 5019 (Tunisia); Khirouni, K. [Laboratoire de Physique des Matériaux et des Nanomatériaux Appliquée à L’environnement, Faculté des Sciences de Gabes Cité Erriadh, 6079 Gabes (Tunisia)

    2014-05-01

    This work studies structural and various electrical properties of polycrystalline La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.25} Na{sub 0.05} Mn{sub 0.9}Ti{sub 0.1}O{sub 3} (LSNMTi), which were prepared by standard solid state reaction technique. The formation of a single phase rhombohedral structure of the composition was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction study. The electrical behavior of sintered pellets investigated by impedance spectra has shown frequency dependent behavior. Both conductivity and electric modulus formalisms have been used to study the relaxation dynamics of charge carriers. The variation of ac conductivity with frequency at different temperatures obeys the universal Jonscher's power law (σ{sub ac}αw).

  15. Proton-oxygen conductivity in substituted perovskites ATi0.95Mo0.05O3-α (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; M = Sc, Mg) in the reducing hydrogen-containing atmospheres

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gorelov, V.P.; Balakireva, V.B.; Sharova, N.V.

    1999-01-01

    Electric conductivity depending on temperature, oxygen partial pressure, as well as the number of t i ion transfer and transfer hydrogen numbers in the perovskites ATi 0.95 Mo 0.05 O 3-α (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; M = Sc, Mg) in reducing hydrogen-containing atmospheres in the temperature range of 450-850 deg C have been measured. With the temperature decrease t i increases reaching 1.0 at a temperature of 550 deg C for all compositions. Proton conductivity under conditions of assumed concomitant transfer of either O 2- or OH - has been ascertained [ru

  16. Product-oriented design theory for digital information services: A literature review.

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Wijnhoven, Alphonsus B.J.M.; Kraaijenbrink, Jeroen

    2008-01-01

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give a structured literature review, design concepts, and research propositions related to a product-oriented design theory for information services. Information services facilitate the exchange of information goods with or without transforming these goods.

  17. Chlorides behavior in raw fly ash washing experiments.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Fenfen; Takaoka, Masaki; Oshita, Kazuyuki; Kitajima, Yoshinori; Inada, Yasuhiro; Morisawa, Shinsuke; Tsuno, Hiroshi

    2010-06-15

    Chloride in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) is one of the obstructive substances in recycling fly ash as building materials. As a result, we have to understand the behavior of chlorides in recycling process, such as washing. In this study, we used X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study the chloride behavior in washed residue of raw fly ash (RFA). We found that a combination of XRD and XANES, which is to use XRD to identify the situation of some compounds first and then process XANES data, was an effective way to explain the chlorides behavior in washing process. Approximately 15% of the chlorine in RFA was in the form of NaCl, 10% was in the form of KCl, 51% was CaCl(2), and the remainder was in the form of Friedel's salt. In washing experiments not only the mole percentage but also the amount of soluble chlorides including NaCl, KCl and CaCl(2) decreases quickly with the increase of liquid to solid (L/S) ratio or washing frequency. However, those of insoluble chlorides decrease slower. Moreover, Friedel's salt and its related compound (11CaO.7Al(2)O(3).CaCl(2)) were reliable standards for the insoluble chlorides in RFA, which are strongly related to CaCl(2). Washing of RFA promoted the release of insoluble chlorides, most of which were in the form of CaCl(2). Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Homophobia or sexism? A systematic review of prejudice against nonheterosexual orientation in Brazil.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Costa, Angelo Brandelli; Peroni, Rodrigo Oliva; Bandeira, Denise Ruschel; Nardi, Henrique Caetano

    2013-01-01

    Since it was coined in the 1970s, in the United States, the term "homophobia" has been invoked to define the prejudice against nonheterosexual orientation. Besides the US, the phenomenon has been detected in many contemporary societies, including Brazil. Prejudice against nonheterosexual orientation is strongly associated with the historical and social contexts in which it is embedded, which means that the term should not be used without a clear definition of its local specificities. This applies to the recent debate around homophobia in the Brazilian context. In an attempt to identify existing studies of prejudice against nonheterosexual orientations in Brazil, a systematic review was conducted in SciELO indexes, PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The articles were collected using the keyword "homophobia" and related terms, and "Brazil", in the languages of the databases. The search returned 355 articles. Of these, 247 were removed because they were duplicates. The abstracts of 109 studies published between 1973 and 2011were analyzed. Thirty-one articles were identified as relevant. The reviewed studies indicate that prejudice against nonheterosexual orientations is an evident and widespread phenomenon that is prevalent in various populations and contexts. Nevertheless, prejudice in Brazil is not homogeneous, and particular attention is necessary to the inequality of gender relations (sexism) and prejudice against gender nonconformity, which seem to explain, if not cause, most of the prejudice against nonheterosexual orientations. Although theoretically there is a clear distinction between sexual orientation and gender expression, from the standpoint of manifestation of prejudice that distinction seems to be more tenuous.

  19. Electric-Field-Tunable Ferroelastic Control of Nonvolatile Resistivity and Ferromagnetic Switching in Multiferroic La0.67Ca0.33MnO3/[PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3] 0.7[PbTiO3]0.3 Heterostructures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zheng, Ming; Zheng, Ren-Kui

    2016-04-01

    The electric-field-modulated nonvolatile resistivity and magnetization switching in elastically coupled La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 films grown on (111)-oriented 0.7 Pb (Mg1 /3Nb2 /3)O3-0.3 PbTiO3 substrates is achieved through the ferroelastic effect. By taking advantage of the 180° ferroelectric and non-180° ferroelastic domain switching, we identify that such changes in order parameters stem from domain-switching-induced strain rather than accumulation or depletion of charge carriers at the interface. Specifically, the strong correlation between the ferroelastic strain and the magnetic field is manifested not only by the strain-tunable magnetoresistance effect but also by the magnetically manipulated strain effect, which is essentially driven by the electronic phase separation. These findings present a potential strategy for elucidating the essential physics of the ferroelastic-strain effect and delivering prototype devices for energy-efficient and nonvolatile information storage.

  20. 77 FR 28889 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-05-16

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review... Panel; RFA Panel: System Science and Health in the Behavioral and Social Sciences. Date: June 6-7, 2012... Special Emphasis Panel; Pilot and Feasibility Clinical Research Studies in Digestive Diseases and...

  1. Dynamics of molecular stereochemistry via oriented molecule scattering

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Parker, D.H.; Jalink, H.; Stolte, S.

    1987-01-01

    Crossed-beam reactive scattering experiments employing electrostatic hexapole fields to control the initial collision geometry of chemical reactions are described. New results are presented on the reactions of oriented NO with ozone and oriented N 2 O with Ba. Preliminary results are also given for the oriented CH 3 F + Ca* → CaF* + CH 3 reaction. Recent technical advances in state selection and product detection are detailed. They discuss the effects of rotational coupling and nonzero impact parameters in changing the molecular precollisions orientation selected by the hexapole fields to a different in-collision orientation at the moment of impact with the reaction partner. Uncoupling of l doubling in N 2 O at strong orientation fields is demonstrated via the observed reactive anisotropy. Steric effects are found to govern many aspects of the reactions investigated thus far. Strong correlations are observed of the reactivity, product recoil, and rotational angular momentum distributions with the collisional orientation. These correlations ultimately provide information on the anisotropic part of the reaction potential energy surface. They conclude with a brief outline of possible future directions in oriented molecule scattering

  2. Input-Based Approaches to Teaching Grammar: A Review of Classroom-Oriented Research.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ellis, Rod

    1999-01-01

    Examines the theoretical rationales (universal grammar, information-processing theories, skill-learning theories) for input-based grammar teaching and reviews classroom-oriented research (i.e., enriched-input studies, input-processing studies) that has integrated this option. (Author/VWL)

  3. Factors associated with initial incomplete ablation for benign thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation: First results of CEUS evaluation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, Chong-Ke; Xu, Hui-Xiong; Lu, Feng; Sun, Li-Ping; He, Ya-Ping; Guo, Le-Hang; Li, Xiao-Long; Bo, Xiao-Wan; Yue, Wen-Wen

    2017-01-01

    To assess the factors associated with initial incomplete ablation (ICA) after radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). 69 BTNs (mean volume 6.35±5.66 ml, range 1.00-25.04 ml) confirmed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in fifty-four patients were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the local treatment efficacy was immediately assessed by intra-procedural contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The RFA was performed with a bipolar electrode (CelonProSurge 150-T20, output power: 20 W). CEUS was performed with a second generation contrast agent under low acoustic power (i.e. coded phase inversion, CPI). Characteristics of clinical factors, findings on conventional gray-scale ultrasound, color-Doppler ultrasound, and CEUS were evaluated preoperatively. Factors associated with initial ICA and initial ICA patterns on CEUS were assessed. Volume reduction ratios (VRRs) of ICA nodules were compared with those with complete ablation (CA). The RFA procedures were accomplished with a mean ablation time and mean total energy deposition of 11.13±3.39 min (range, 5.38-22.13 min) and 12612±4466 J (range, 6310-26130 J) respectively. CEUS detected initial ICA in 21 of 69 (30.8%) BTNs and 16 (76.2%) of the 21 BTNs with initial ICA achieved CA after additional RFA, leading to a final CA rate of 92.8% (64/69). The factors associated with initial ICA were predominantly solid nodule, nodule close to danger triangle area, nodule close to carotid artery, and peripheral blood flow on color-Doppler ultrasound (all P 50% at the 6-month follow-up, among which 7 nodules (10.1%) had VRRs of >90%. There were significant differences in VRRs between ICA nodules and CA nodules at the 3- and 6-month follow-up (all P ultrasound. CEUS assists quick treatment response evaluation and facilitates subsequent additional RFA and final CA of the nodules. Nodules with CA achieve a better outcome in terms of VRR in comparison with

  4. 33 CFR 165.1120 - Security Zone; Naval Amphibious Base, San Diego, CA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Security Zone; Naval Amphibious Base, San Diego, CA. 165.1120 Section 165.1120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT... § 165.1120 Security Zone; Naval Amphibious Base, San Diego, CA. (a) Location. The following area is a...

  5. Saline-enhanced hepatic radiofrequency ablation using a perfused-cooled electrode: comparison of dual probe bipolar mode with monopolar and single probe bipolar modes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Jeong Min; Han, Joon Koo; Kim, Se Hyung; Lee, Jae Young; Kim, Dae Jin; Lee, Min Woo; Cho, Gyung Goo; Han, Chang Jin; Choi, Byung Ihn

    2004-01-01

    To determine whether saline-enhanced dual probe bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using perfused-cooled electrodes shows better in-vitro efficiency than monopolar or single probe bipolar RFA in creating larger coagulation necrosis. RF was applied to excised bovine livers in both bipolar and monopolar modes using a 200W generator (CC-3; Radionics) and the perfused-cooled electrodes for 10 mins. After placing single or double perfused-cooled electrodes in the explanted liver, 30 ablation zones were created at three different regimens: group A; saline-enhanced monopolar RFA, group B; saline-enhanced single probe bipolar RFA, and group C; saline-enhanced dual probe bipolar RFA. During RFA, we measured the tissue temperature at 15mm from the electrode. The dimensions of the ablation zones and changes in the impedance currents and liver temperature during RFA were then compared between the groups. The mean current values were higher for monopolar mode (group A) than for the bipolar modes (group B and C): 1550 ± 25 mA in group A, 764 ±189 mA in group B and 819 ± 98 mA in group C(ρ 3 in group A, 23.7 ±3.8 cm 3 in group B, and 34.2 ± 5.1 cm 3 in group C(ρ 0.05). The temperature at 15 mm from the electrode was higher in group C than in the other groups: 70 ± 18 .deg. C in group A, 59 ± 23 .deg. C in group B and 96 ± 16 .deg. C in group C (ρ < 0.05). Saline-enhanced bipolar RFA using dual perfused-cooled electrodes increases the dimension of the ablation zone more efficiently than monopolar RFA or single probe bipolar RFA

  6. Crystal structure and magnetoresistance of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 perovskite at room temperature

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Engkir Sukirman; Wisnu Ari Adi; Yustinus Purwamargapratala

    2012-01-01

    A comparative study on crystal structure and magnetoresistance (MR) of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO) perovskite toward LaMnO 3 (LMO) and CaMnO 3 (CMO) parent compounds have been carried out to study the change of LCMO due to magnetic fields variations at room temperature. The LCMO, LMO and CMO were synthesized using high energy milling (HEM) method. The precursors obtained were pressed into pellet and sintered at T s = 1350°C for 6 hours. The qualitative analysis were conducted by x-rays diffraction technique using Rietveld method. The MR effect on the samples were measured using four point probe (FPP) method and the surface structure of pellets were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The samples have the same crystal structure, namely orthorhombic, space group: Pnma, No. 62. The lattice parameters of LCMO were successfully confirmed until four decimal precision, namely a = 5.4851(3) Å, b = 7.7601(4) Å, c = 5.5185(2) Å. The lattice parameters for LMO and CMO successively are a = 5.4405(9) Å, b = 7.717(1) Å, c = 5.537(1) Å and a = 5.2973(6) Å, b = 7.477(1) Å, c = 5.281 (1) Å. All samples have grain diameter of around 1,000 nm with a globule like form and every grain consists of 27 crystallites. The MR for LCMO, LMO and CMO samples at room temperature are -10.1; -7.3 dan -12.3%, respectively, and comparable with the one of multilayers based GMR [Cu/NiFeCo] x10 /Ta. The LCMO perovskite bulk can be used to detect the magnetic microbeads and ferrofluid. (author)

  7. 46 CFR 159.005-5 - Preapproval review: Contents of application.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-01

    ... under paragraph (a)(2) of this section contains confidential commercial information that could cause... considered privileged and confidential under exemption (b)(4) of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552... Section 159.005-5 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) EQUIPMENT...

  8. Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation Heat Energy Transfer in an Ex-Vivo Model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thakur, Shivani; Lavito, Sandi; Grobner, Elizabeth; Grobner, Mark

    2017-12-01

    Little work has been done to consider the temperature changes and energy transfer that occur in the tissue outside the vein with ultrasound-guided vein ablation therapy. In this experiment, a Ex-Vivo model of the human calf was used to analyze heat transfer and energy degradation in tissue surrounding the vein during endovascular radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A clinical vein ablation protocol was used to determine the tissue temperature distribution in 10 per cent agar gel. Heat energy from the radiofrequency catheter was measured for 140 seconds at fixed points by four thermometer probes placed equidistant radially at 0.0025, 0.005, and 0.01 m away from the RFA catheter. The temperature rose 1.5°C at 0.0025 m, 0.6°C at 0.005 m, and 0.0°C at 0.01 m from the RFA catheter. There was a clinically insignificant heat transfer at the distances evaluated, 1.4 ± 0.2 J/s at 0.0025 m, 0.7 ± 0.3 J/s at 0.0050 m, and 0.3 ± 0.0 J/s at 0.01 m. Heat degradation occurred rapidly: 4.5 ± 0.5 J (at 0.0025 m), 4.0 ± 1.6 J (at 0.0050 m), and 3.9 ± 3.6 J (at 0.01 m). Tumescent anesthesia injected one centimeter around the vein would act as a heat sink to absorb the energy transferred outside the vein to minimize tissue and nerve damage and will help phlebologists strategize options for minimizing damage.

  9. Resistance changes of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 films deposited through rf-magnetron sputtering

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Kwangseok; Han, Seungwoo; Park, Kyoungwan; Sok, Junghyun

    2006-01-01

    In this paper, the resistance-change behavior of a perovskite material was studied. In particular, Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (PCMO) films were deposited on a Pt bottom electrode by using an rf-magnetron sputtering system. The PCMO films showed a resistance-switching behavior at room temperature. They were then deposited at 300 .deg. C with different oxygen flow rates, and the deposited films were post-annealed at various temperatures in an O 2 or N 2 atmosphere. The ratio of the resistance change of the post-annealed PCMO films in the high-resistance state to that in the low-resistance state in an O 2 atmosphere turned out to be much larger than that of the post-annealed films in a N 2 atmosphere. The electrical properties of the PCMO films were also significantly affected by the top electrode. The resistance changes of the Ag/PCMO/Pt device turned out to be larger than those of the Au/PCMO/Pt device. It can, therefore, be concluded that the O 2 content and the top electrode improve the electroresistance.

  10. Characteristics of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3-Cu composites fabricated by an electroless process

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xiong, Y H; Song, S J; Xu, W; Pi, H L; Ren, Z M; Zhang, J; Bao, X C; Xiong, J; Li, D G; Huang, W H; Sun, C L; Cheng, X W; Xiong, C S

    2007-01-01

    Ferromagnet-metal-type composites, La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO)-Cu, have been fabricated by a three-step route. We got LCMO powder using the conventional solid state method. Then, LCMO powders coated by Cu are obtained using a novel electroless plating technique, in which the contents of copper are controlled by changing the plating time. Finally these powders are pelletized and then sintered at different temperatures in argon. The powders coated by Cu are characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The temperature dependence of resistivity and the magnetoresistance in the applied field of 3000 Oe are measured. It is observed that the metal-insulator transition temperature (Tp) is improved above 20 K approximately up to 280 K compared with that of LCMO powder using the conventional solid state method without being coated by Cu; meanwhile, a second broad peak occurs in low temperature in the resistivity-temperature curve when sintering temperature is changed. Also an anisotropic magnetoresistance effect is observed

  11. The association between cultural orientation and drinking behaviors among university students in Wuhan, China.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hongxiu Tang

    Full Text Available OBJECTIVES: This study examines the association between cultural orientation and drinking behaviors among university students. Cultural orientation is the measure of how the cultural values of individuals living in their own society are influenced by cultural values introduced from the outside. METHODS: In 2011, a cross-sectional survey collected data from 1279 university students from six universities in central China. Participants used a likert scale to rank a series of statements reflecting cultural values from the previously validated Chinese Cultural Orientation Scale and answered questions about their drinking behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in cultural orientation were observed for gender, hometown and type of university attendance. Traditional-oriented students were more likely to be occasional drinkers or nondrinkers, while marginal-oriented students, bicultural-oriented students and western-oriented students were more likely to be regular drinkers. Bicultural orientation (OR = 1.80, P<0.05 and marginal orientation (OR = 1.64, P<0.05 increased the likelihood of the student being regular drinking, compared to students with traditional orientations. Males (OR = 4.40, P<0.05 had a higher likelihood of regular drinking than females, graduate students (OR = 2.59, P<0.05 had a higher likelihood of regular drinking than undergraduates, students from urban areas (OR = 1.79, P<0.05 had a higher likelihood of regular drinking than those from towns/rural areas, and students attending key universities (OR = 0.48, P<0.05 had a lower likelihood of regular drinking than those attending general universities. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural orientation influences drinking behaviors. Traditional cultural orientation was associated with less drinking while western cultural orientation, marginal cultural orientation and bicultural orientation were associated with more drinking. The role of gender

  12. Towards an organisation-wide process-oriented organisation of care: A literature review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Groenewegen Peter P

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Many hospitals have taken actions to make care delivery for specific patient groups more process-oriented, but struggle with the question how to deal with process orientation at hospital level. The aim of this study is to report and discuss the experiences of hospitals with implementing process-oriented organisation designs in order to derive lessons for future transitions and research. Methods A literature review of English language articles on organisation-wide process-oriented redesigns, published between January 1998 and May 2009, was performed. Results Of 329 abstracts identified, 10 articles were included in the study. These articles described process-oriented redesigns of five hospitals. Four hospitals tried to become process-oriented by the implementation of coordination measures, and one by organisational restructuring. The adoption of the coordination mechanism approach was particularly constrained by the functional structure of hospitals. Other factors that hampered the redesigns in general were the limited applicability of and unfamiliarity with process improvement techniques. Conclusions Due to the limitations of the evidence, it is not known which approach, implementation of coordination measures or organisational restructuring (with additional coordination measures, produces the best results in which situation. Therefore, more research is needed. For this research, the use of qualitative methods in addition to quantitative measures is recommended to contribute to a better understanding of preconditions and contingencies for an effective application of approaches to become process-oriented. Hospitals are advised to take the factors for failure described into account and to take suitable actions to counteract these obstacles on their way to become process-oriented organisations.

  13. Measuring Sexual Orientation: A Review and Critique of U.S. Data Collection Efforts and Implications for Health Policy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wolff, Margaret; Wells, Brooke; Ventura-DiPersia, Christina; Renson, Audrey; Grov, Christian

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Healthy People 2020 goals sought to improve health outcomes among sexual minorities; HHS acknowledged that a dearth of sexual orientation items in federal and state health surveys obscured a broad understanding of sexual minority-related health disparities. The HHS 2011 data progression plan aimed to advance sexual orientation data collection efforts at the national level. Sexual orientation is a complex, multidimensional construct often composed of sexual identity, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior, thus posing challenges to its quantitative and practical measurement and analysis. In this review, we (a) present existing sexual orientation constructs; (b) evaluate current HHS sexual orientation data collection efforts; (c) review post-2011 data progression plan research on sexual minority health disparities, drawing on HHS survey data; (d) highlight the importance of and (e) identify obstacles to multidimensional sexual orientation measurement and analysis; and (f) discuss methods for multidimensional sexual orientation analysis and propose a matrix for addressing discordance/branchedness within these analyses. Multidimensional sexual orientation data collection and analysis would elucidate sexual minority-related health disparities, guide related health policies, and enhance population-based estimates of sexual minority individuals to steer health care practices.

  14. Critical parameters near the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition in La0.7A0.3(Mn1-xbx)O3 (A=Sr; B=Ti and Al; x=0.0 and 0.05) compounds

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khiem, N.V.; Phong, P.T.; Bau, L.V.; Nam, D.N.H.; Hong, L.V.; Phuc, N.X.

    2009-01-01

    The critical parameters provide important information concerning the interaction mechanisms near the paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition. In this paper, we present a thorough study for the critical behavior of La 0.7 A 0.3 (Mn 1-x B x )O 3 (A=Sr; B=Ti and Al; x=0.0 and 0.05) polycrystalline samples near ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition temperature by analyzing isothermal magnetization data. We have analyzed our dc-magnetization data near the transition temperature with the help of the modified Arrot plot, Kouvel-Fisher method. We have determined the critical temperature T C and the critical parameters β, γ and δ. With the values of T C , β and γ, we plot Mx(1-T/T C ) -β vs. Hx(1-T/T C ) -γ . All the data collapse on one of the two curves. This suggests that the data below and above T C obey scaling, following a single equation of state. Critical parameters for x=0 and x Ti =0.05 samples are between those predicted for a 3D-Heisenberg model and mean-field theory and for x Al =0.05 samples the values obtained for the critical parameters are close to those predicted by the mean-field theory.

  15. Problem-Oriented Requirements in Practice

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Lauesen, Søren

    2018-01-01

    [Context and motivation] Traditional requirements describe what the system shall do. This gives suppliers little freedom to use what they have already. In contrast, problem-oriented requirements describe the customer’s demands: what he wants to use the system for and which problems he wants...... to remove. The supplier specifies how his system will deal with these issues. The author developed the problem-oriented approach in 2007 on request from the Danish Government, and named it SL-07. [Question/problem] SL-07 has been used in many projects – usually with success. However, we had no detailed re......¬ports of the effects. [Princi¬pal ideas/results] This paper is a case study of SL-07 in acquisition of a complex case-management system. The author wrote the requirements and managed the supplier selection. Next, he was asked to run the entire acquisition project, although he was a novice project manager. Some...

  16. Second order magnetic phase transition and scaling analysis in iron doped manganite La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} compounds

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ginting, Dianta [Department of Applied Physics and Institute of Natural Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yong-in 446-701 (Korea, Republic of); Nanto, Dwi [Physics Education, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta 15412 (Indonesia); Denny, Yus Rama [Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Banten 42435 (Indonesia); Tarigan, Kontan [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mercu Buana University, Jakarta-Barat, Jakarta 11650 (Indonesia); Hadi, Syamsul [Department of Mechanical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang, East Java 65100 (Indonesia); Ihsan, Mohammad [PSTBM-BATAN, Kawasan Puspiptek Serpong, Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15314 (Indonesia); Institute of Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW 2522 (Australia); Rhyee, Jong-Soo, E-mail: jsrhyee@khu.ac.kr [Department of Applied Physics and Institute of Natural Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yong-in 446-701 (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-12-01

    We investigated magnetic properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} (x=0.09 and 0.11) compounds in terms of isothermal magnetization analysis and scaling behavior with various critical exponents. From the Landau theory of magnetic phase transition, we found that the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} (x=0.09 and 0.11) compounds is the type of second order magnetic transition (SOMT), which contrary to the first order magnetic transition (FOMT) for low Fe-doped compounds (x<0.09) in previous reports. When we investigate the critical behavior of the compounds near T=T{sub c} by the modified Arrott plot, Kouvel–Fisher plots, and critical isothermal analysis, the estimated critical exponents β, γ, and δ are in between the theoretically predicted values for three-dimensional Heisenberg and mean-field interaction models. It is noteworthy that the scaling relations are obeyed in terms of renormalization magnetization m=ε{sup −β}M(H,ε) and renormalized field h=|ε|{sup β+γ}H. Temperature-dependent effective exponents β{sub eff} and γ{sub eff} correspond to the ones of disordered ferromagnets. It is shown that the magnetic state of the compounds is not fully described by the conventional localized-spin interaction model because the ferromagnetic interaction has itinerant character by increasing Fe-doping concentration. - Highlights: • The ferromagnetic phase transition is of second order in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub x}O{sub 3}. • The critical exponents are in between the 3D Heisenberg and mean-field models. • The ferromagnetic interaction becomes more itinerant by Fe-doping.

  17. Combined Evaluation of AFP, CA15-3, CA125, CA19-9, and CEA Tumor Markers in Patients with Hepatitis B and C.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Assmar, Mehdi; Yeganeh, Sara; Mansourghanaei, Fariborz; Amirmozafari, Nour

    2016-12-01

    This study aimed to determine the role of tumor markers AFP, CA15-3, CA125, CA19-9 and CEA in patients with hepatitis B and C. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from Oct 2012 to Oct 2014. Serum samples of 129 patients with hepatitis B and C referred to Guilan Liver and Digestive Disease Research Center in Rasht, Iran were collected and checked for the existence of the listed tumor markers by ELISA. No increase in serum levels of tumor marker CA19-9, CEA and CA15-3 were seen in patients with hepatitis ( P >0.05). In patients with hepatitis B, increase in CA125 were observed ( P =0.03). In hepatitis C patients, there was an increase in AFP levels ( P =0.03). The levels of AFP and CA125 markers were high in hepatitis C and hepatitis B, respectively. However, the increased levels were not seen is malignancy. Due to the small sample size, further study is necessary to find the reasons of the increase.

  18. 33 CFR 165.1121 - Security Zone: Fleet Supply Center Industrial Pier, San Diego, CA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... Guard District § 165.1121 Security Zone: Fleet Supply Center Industrial Pier, San Diego, CA. (a... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Security Zone: Fleet Supply Center Industrial Pier, San Diego, CA. 165.1121 Section 165.1121 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST...

  19. CaCO3-N İlişkileri 7.Sonraki Etkileri

    OpenAIRE

    BROHI, A.Raşit; Aydeniz, A.

    2014-01-01

    Kireç-azot ilişkilerinin sonraki etkilerini, açıklayabilmek iç'&v topraklarımızın genel karakterlerini yansıtan kırmızı kahverenginde, alkali re aksiyonlu kil bünyeli, yüksek CaCO« ve düşük O.M. içeren; K.D.K. yük¬sek tortul kökenli Aligör (ÜrfaJ toprağı alınarak; buna 6 düzeyde (% 0-0,5-1 -2-5-1C)'kireç ve 9 düzeyde {0-1-5-2C-50-100-200-1coo-5oco ppm N) azot katılmış; büyütme odasında minibiyolojilk yönteme 87 gün süreyle domates yetiştirilmiş, 3 ay süreyle tarla ka...

  20. Improvement of thermoelectric performance in magnetically c-axis-oriented bismuth-based cobaltites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Horii, Shigeru; Kumagai, Toshiaki; Uchikoshi, Tetsuo; Suzuki, Tohru S.; Sakka, Yoshio; Shimoyama, Jun-ichi; Kishio, Kohji

    2007-01-01

    Fabrication of thermoelectric Bi-based cobaltites with large magnetic anisotropy (Δχ = χ c - χ ab ) and relatively low resistivity using a crystallochemical process is reported. Doping of various rare earth (RE) ions into the Ca site in [(Bi 0.5 Pb 0.5 ) 2 Ca 2 O 4 ] y CoO 2 [(Bi, Pb)Ca222] enhanced Δχ comparable to that of [Ca 2 CoO 3-δ ] 0.62 CoO 2 . Tailoring of the Sr-doping level in Dy-doped (Bi, Pb)Ca222 enabled the resistivity to be reduced without decreasing Δχ. The magnetically c-axis-oriented (Sr, Dy)-doped (Bi, Pb)Ca222 bulk exhibited improved thermoelectric performance compared with the Sr-free RE-doped BiCa222 and a-axis grain-oriented [(Bi 0.5 Pb 0.5 ) 2 Sr 2 O 4 ] ∼0.55 CoO 2

  1. Reproducible low-voltage resistive switching in a low-initial-resistance Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 junction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li Songlin; Gang Jianlei; Li Jie; Chu Haifeng; Zheng Dongning

    2008-01-01

    Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics are investigated in a low-initial-resistance Ag/Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 /Pt sandwich structure. It is found that the junction can show stable low and high resistance states in ±0.3 V voltage sweeping cycles. The set and reset voltage values are, respectively, +0.1 V and -0.2 V, which are very low as compared with those reported previously. Furthermore, the I-V curves in both resistance states exhibit rather linear behaviour, without any signature of metal/insulator interface effects. This implies that the Schottky interface mechanism might not be an indispensable factor for the colossal electroresistance effect. The origin of low switching voltages is attributed to the reduced effective distance for electric field action due to the sufficient oxygen content of the PCMO layer. The underlying physics is discussed in terms of the filament network model together with the field-induced oxygen vacancy motion model

  2. Magnetic pinning-effect in Nd0.7Ca0.3MnO3/YBa2Cu3O7 bilayer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hsu, Daniel; Lin, J.G.; Wu, W.F.

    2007-01-01

    The vortex lines of superconductor can be driven by electrical currents, which are often coupled with a reliable control of flux quanta movement by defects or magnetic domains. In this work, the magnetic pinning-effect in Nd 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 /YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (NCMO/YBCO) bilayers is investigated. It is found that by increasing the field from 0 to 5 Tesla, the critical current I c of pure YBCO film at 50 K is suppressed by three orders of magnitude. However, in the NCMO/YBCO bilayer I c is less sensitive to the field and maintains at the level of 100 mA at high field. This result indicates that the magnetic pinning effect of NCMO is much more efficient than the conventional routes, which maybe related to the fine domain structure of NCMO film. (copyright 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

  3. Orientation and thickness dependence of magnetization at the interfacesof highly spin-polarized manganite thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chopdekar, Rajesh V.; Arenholz, Elke; Suzuki, Y.

    2008-08-18

    We have probed the nature of magnetism at the surface of (001), (110) and (111)-oriented La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} thin films. The spin polarization of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} thin films is not intrinsically suppressed at all surfaces and interfaces but is highly sensitive to both the epitaxial strain state as well as the substrate orientation. Through the use of soft x-ray spectroscopy, the magnetic properties of (001), (110) and (111)-oriented La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} interfaces have been investigated and compared to bulk magnetometry and resistivity measurements. The magnetization of (110) and (111)-oriented La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} interfaces are more bulk-like as a function of thickness whereas the magnetization at the (001)-oriented La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}/SrTiO{sub 3} interface is suppressed significantly below a layer thickness of 20 nm. Such findings are correlated with the biaxial strain state of the La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} films; for a given film thickness it is the tetragonal distortion of (001) La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} that severely impacts the magnetization, whereas the trigonal distortion for (111)-oriented films and monoclinic distortion for (110)-oriented films have less of an impact. These observations provide evidence that surface magnetization and thus spin polarization depends strongly on the crystal surface orientation as well as epitaxial strain.

  4. Comparison of CA15-3 and CEA in breast cancer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rajkovaca, Z.; Mijatovic, J.; Matavulj, A.; Kovacevic, P.; Ponorac, N.

    2002-01-01

    Aim: Tumor markers are potentially powerful means for obtaining information about cancers whilst causing minimal morbidity, inconvenience and cost. CA 15-3 and CEA are considered useful tumor markers in monitoring breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate which of these two markers are in better correlate with the disease in patients surgically treated for breast cancer. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed values of CA15-3 and CEA in 342 patients (median age 52.18 years, range 27-78 years) with surgically treated and pathologically proven breast cancer. CA15-3 and CEA was measured by radioimmunoassay. CA15-3 levels above 30 U/ml and CEA levels above 5 ng/ml were considered as positive values. Results: Out of 342 patients, 86 had elevated CA15-3 levels (sensitivity: 25.1%) and 68 of 342 patients had positive CEA levels (sensitivity 19.9%). Two hundred thirty seven (237) of the patients suffering from breast cancer (69.3%) did not have metastatic disease. In this group CA15-3 sensitivity was 94.5%, while CEA sensitivity was 87.3%. One hundred and five (105) patients (30.7%) had metastatic disease. In this group, CA15-3 sensitivity was 69.5% and CEA sensitivity was 36.2% (P < 0.05). With regard to the correlation of the two tumor markers with clinical course patients had significantly higher levels of CA15-3 than of CEA in metastatic breast cancer. Conclusion: This result suggests CA15-3 to be the more sensitive and more specific of the two tumor markers for metastatic breast cancer detection and monitoring

  5. Exchange bias training effect in phase separated polycrystalline Sm{sub 0.1}Ca{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Markovich, V., E-mail: markoviv@bgu.ac.il [Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer-Sheva (Israel); Fita, I.; Wisniewski, A.; Puzniak, R. [Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Aleja Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668, Warsaw (Poland); Martin, C. [Laboratoire CRISMAT, UMR 6508, ISMRA, 14050, Caen Cedex (France); Jung, G. [Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer-Sheva (Israel); Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Aleja Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668, Warsaw (Poland); Gorodetsky, G. [Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer-Sheva (Israel)

    2016-12-01

    Magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic (AFM) electron doped manganite Sm{sub 0.1}Ca{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} have been investigated, focusing mainly on the exchange bias (EB) effect and associated training effect. The studied compound exhibits the ground state with heterogeneous spin configuration, consisting of the C-type antiferromagnetic phase with the Néel temperature T{sub N-C} ≈ 120 K, the G-AFM phase with the Néel temperature T{sub N-G} ≈ 60 K, and ferromagnetic-like phase with a very weak spontaneous magnetic moment. Measurements of hysteresis loops have shown that the exchange bias field monotonously decreases with increasing temperature and vanishes above 40 K, while the coercivity disappears only above 70 K. The temperature variation of the exchange bias field has been successfully described by an exponential decay form. The stability of EB has been evaluated in the studies of the training effect, which has been discussed in the frame of the spin relaxation model, elucidating the important role of the AFM domain rearrangement at the interface. The complex phase separation and possible contributions from different interfaces between coexisting magnetic phases to the EB effect have also been discussed. - Highlights: • Sm{sub 0.1}Ca{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} exhibits exchange bias (EB) effect at low temperatures T < 40 K. • The EB effect is associated with the phase separation and the presence of FM clusters as well as the G- and C-type AFM phases. • The training effect (TE) has been discussed in the frame of the spin relaxation model. • The TE is relatively small, indicating that AFM moment configuration is almost frozen during the magnetization reversal.

  6. Crossover from negative to positive magnetoresistance in superconductor/ferromagnet composites thick films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Paredes, O. [Centro de Materiales, Facultad de Ingenieria, Universidad de Narino, Ciudad Universitaria Torobajo, Pasto (Colombia); Baca, E. [Grupo de Ingenieria de Nuevos Materiales, Departamento de Fisica, Universidad del Valle, A.A. 25360 Cali (Colombia); Fuchs, D. [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institut fuer Festkoerperphysik, P.O. Box 3640, Karlsruhe (Germany); Moran, O., E-mail: omoranc@unal.edu.c [Laboratorio de Materiales Ceramicos y Vitreos, Departamento de Fisica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellin, A.A. 568 Medellin (Colombia)

    2010-11-15

    Thick films of ((Bi, Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}){sub 0.95}/(LaSr{sub 0.7}Mn{sub 0.3}O{sub 3}){sub 0.05} [(Bi-2223){sub 0.95}(LSMO){sub 0.05}] composites were fabricated on (0 0 1)-oriented LaAlO{sub 3} substrates by a simple melting-quenching-annealing method and their structural, morphological and magnetoelectrical properties carefully studied. Analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns suggested a highly oriented growth along the c-axis of LSMO. This preferred orientation, with the crystal c-axis being perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, was considered to be indicative of a textured growth mode. Electrical and magnetic measurements showed the presence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in the composite at temperatures above room temperature and below T{approx}50 K, respectively. A clear crossover from negative to positive magnetoresistance was observed at {approx}80 K in a magnetic field as strong as 5 T.

  7. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation With Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Inoperable Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systemic Review and Pooled Analysis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bi, Nan [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital and Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing (China); Shedden, Kerby [Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Zheng, Xiangpeng [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Kong, Feng-Ming, E-mail: fskong@iupui.edu [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis (United States)

    2016-08-01

    Purpose: To performed a systematic review and pooled analysis to compare clinical outcomes of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Methods and Materials: A comprehensive literature search for published trials from 2001 to 2012 was undertaken. Pooled analyses were performed to obtain overall survival (OS) and local tumor control rates (LCRs) and adverse events. Regression analysis was conducted considering each study's proportions of stage IA and age. Results: Thirty-one studies on SBRT (2767 patients) and 13 studies on RFA (328 patients) were eligible. The LCR (95% confidence interval) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years for RFA was 77% (70%-85%), 48% (37%-58%), 55% (47%-62%), and 42% (30%-54%) respectively, which was significantly lower than that for SBRT: 97% (96%-98%), 92% (91%-94%), 88% (86%-90%), and 86% (85%-88%) (P<.001). These differences remained significant after correcting for stage IA and age (P<.001 at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years; P=.04 at 5 years). The effect of RFA was not different from that of SBRT on OS (P>.05). The most frequent complication of RFA was pneumothorax, occurring in 31% of patients, whereas that for SBRT (grade ≥3) was radiation pneumonitis, occurring in 2% of patients. Conclusions: Compared with RFA, SBRT seems to have a higher LCR but similar OS. More studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate such findings.

  8. Effects of Intercritical Annealing Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Fe-7.9Mn-0.14Si-0.05Al-0.07C Steel

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xianming Zhao

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available A medium Mn steel has been designed to achieve an excellent combination of strength and ductility based on the TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity concept for automotive applications. Following six passes of hot rolling at 850 °C, the Fe-7.9Mn-0.14Si-0.05Al-0.07C (wt.% steel was warm-rolled at 630 °C for seven passes and subsequently air cooled to room temperature. The sample was subsequently intercritically annealed at various temperatures for 30 min to promote the reverse transformation of martensite into austenite. The obtained results show that the highest volume fraction of austenite is 39% for the sample annealed at 600 °C. This specimen exhibits a yield stress of 910 MPa and a high ultimate tensile stress of 1600 MPa, with an elongation-to-failure of 0.29 at a strain rate of 1 × 10−3/s. The enhanced work-hardening ability of the investigated steel is closely related to martensitic transformation and the interaction of dislocations. Especially, the alternate arrangement of acicular ferrite (soft phase and ultrafine austenite lamellae (50–200 nm, strong and ductile phase is the key factor contributing to the excellent combination of strength and ductility. On the other hand, the as-warm-rolled sample also exhibits the excellent combination of strength and ductility, with elongation-to-failure much higher than those annealed at temperatures above 630 °C.

  9. Effects of Intercritical Annealing Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Fe-7.9Mn-0.14Si-0.05Al-0.07C Steel.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, Xianming; Shen, Yongfeng; Qiu, Lina; Liu, Yandong; Sun, Xin; Zuo, Liang

    2014-12-09

    A medium Mn steel has been designed to achieve an excellent combination of strength and ductility based on the TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity) concept for automotive applications. Following six passes of hot rolling at 850 °C, the Fe-7.9Mn-0.14Si-0.05Al-0.07C (wt.%) steel was warm-rolled at 630 °C for seven passes and subsequently air cooled to room temperature. The sample was subsequently intercritically annealed at various temperatures for 30 min to promote the reverse transformation of martensite into austenite. The obtained results show that the highest volume fraction of austenite is 39% for the sample annealed at 600 °C. This specimen exhibits a yield stress of 910 MPa and a high ultimate tensile stress of 1600 MPa, with an elongation-to-failure of 0.29 at a strain rate of 1 × 10 -3 /s. The enhanced work-hardening ability of the investigated steel is closely related to martensitic transformation and the interaction of dislocations. Especially, the alternate arrangement of acicular ferrite (soft phase) and ultrafine austenite lamellae (50-200 nm, strong and ductile phase) is the key factor contributing to the excellent combination of strength and ductility. On the other hand, the as-warm-rolled sample also exhibits the excellent combination of strength and ductility, with elongation-to-failure much higher than those annealed at temperatures above 630 °C.

  10. The Service Orientation and Employee’s Customer Orientation in Public Services Organizations

    OpenAIRE

    Andrada Iacob

    2015-01-01

    This paper explores the relationships between service orientation and employees’ customer orientation in public services organizations. First, we will review the relevant literature on service orientation and employee’s customer orientation. Based on this theory, the research hypothesis is formulated. The research results will be followed by conclusions, limitations and future directions. At the construct level, we found positive direct relationships between service orientation and employees’...

  11. 78 FR 37837 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-06-24

    ...: Basic Research on Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Date: July 16-17, 2013. Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m... Panel; RFA-RM-13-002: Planning Grants for the NIH National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) P20. Date... and Related Research Integrated Review Group; NeuroAIDS and other End-Organ Diseases Study Section...

  12. Photoluminescence Properties of Red-Emitting Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ Phosphors for White Light-Emitting Diodes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hakeem, D A; Park, K

    2015-07-01

    The photoluminescent properties of the Eu(3+)-activated Ca3Sr3(PO4)4 phosphors prepared by a solution combustion method were investigated. The excitation spectra of Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) phosphors under 614 nm wavelength showed a broad band centered at 266 nm along with other peaks at 320, 362, 381, 394, 414, 464, and 534 nm. The emission spectra observed in the range of 450 to 750 nm under excitation at 394 nm were ascribed to the 5D0-7F1-4 transitions of Eu3+ ions. The Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ phosphors showed the strongest red emission at 614 nm due to the electric dipole 5DO -->7F2 transition of Eu3+. The strongest emission intensity was obtained for the Eu3+ ions of x = 0.5. The prepared Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ can be used as an efficient red phosphor for UV-based white LEDs.

  13. Exceptionally High Piezoelectric Coefficient and Low Strain Hysteresis in Grain-Oriented (Ba, Ca)(Ti, Zr)O3 through Integrating Crystallographic Texture and Domain Engineering.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yingchun; Chang, Yunfei; Li, Fei; Yang, Bin; Sun, Yuan; Wu, Jie; Zhang, Shantao; Wang, Ruixue; Cao, Wenwu

    2017-09-06

    Both low strain hysteresis and high piezoelectric performance are required for practical applications in precisely controlled piezoelectric devices and systems. Unfortunately, enhanced piezoelectric properties were usually obtained with the presence of a large strain hysteresis in BaTiO 3 (BT)-based piezoceramics. In this work, we propose to integrate crystallographic texturing and domain engineering strategies into BT-based ceramics to resolve this challenge. [001] c grain-oriented (Ba 0.94 Ca 0.06 )(Ti 0.95 Zr 0.05 )O 3 (BCTZ) ceramics with a texture degree as high as 98.6% were synthesized by templated grain growth. A very high piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) of 755 pC/N, and an extremely large piezoelectric strain coefficient (d 33 * = 2027 pm/V) along with an ultralow strain hysteresis (H s ) of 4.1% were simultaneously achieved in BT-based systems for the first time, which are among the best values ever reported on both lead-free and lead-based piezoceramics. The exceptionally high piezoelectric response is mainly from the reversible contribution, and can be ascribed to the piezoelectric anisotropy, the favorable domain configuration, and the formation of smaller sized domains in the BCTZ textured ceramics. This study paves a new pathway to develop lead-free piezoelectrics with both low strain hysteresis and high piezoelectric coefficient. More importantly, it represents a very exciting discovery with potential application of BT-based ceramics in high-precision piezoelectric actuators.

  14. Studies of quenched disorder in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}-type CMR manganite system from magnetic, transport and positron annihilation spectroscopic measurements

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chattopadhyay, S. [Department of Physics, Taki Government College, Taki 743429 (India); Department of Solid State Physics, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032 (India); Sarkar, A. [Department of Physics, Bangabasi Morning College, 19 Rajkumar Chakraborty Sarani, Kolkata 700009 (India); Pal, Sudipta [Department of Physics, Krishnagar Womens College, Krishnagar 741101 (India); Kulkarni, S.D. [Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411008 (India); Joy, P.A. [Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411008 (India); Chaudhuri, B.K. [Department of Solid State Physics, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032 (India)]. E-mail: sspbkc@rediffmail.com

    2007-08-01

    The effects of quenched disorder on the structural, transport and magnetic properties of the La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}-type colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) sample have been reported. Temperature-dependent resistivity and magnetization data of the quenched sample revealed interesting changes from those of the usual slow-cooled sample. This is attributed to the defects created in the quenched sample and confirmed from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and positron annihilation spectroscopic studies.

  15. Gender differences associated with orienting attentional networks in healthy subjects

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    LIU Gang; HU Pan-pan; FAN Jin; WANG Kai

    2013-01-01

    Background Selective attention is considered one of the main components of cognitive functioning.A number of studies have demonstrated gender differences in cognition.This study aimed to investigate the gender differences in selective attention in healthy subjects.Methods The present experiment examined the gender differences associated with the efficiency of three attentional networks:alerting,orienting,and executive control attention in 73 healthy subjects (38 males).All participants performed a modified version of the Attention Network Test (ANT).Results Females had higher orienting scores than males (t=2.172,P <0.05).Specifically,females were faster at covert orienting of attention to a spatially cued location.There were no gender differences between males and females in alerting (t=0.813,P >0.05) and executive control (t=0.945,P >0.05) attention networks.Conclusions There was a significant gender difference between males and females associated with the orienting network.Enhanced orienting attention in females may function to motivate females to direct their attention to a spatially cued location.

  16. An in-vitro animal experiment on metal implants’ thermal effect on radiofrequency ablation

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-01-01

    Background To explore metal implants’ thermal effect on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ascertain distance-thermal relationship between the metal implants and radiofrequency (RF) electrode. Methods Metal implants models were established in seven in-vitro porcine livers using silver clips or 125I seeds. RFA were conducted centering the RF electrode axis1 cm away from them, with one side containing a metal implants model the test group and the other side the control group. The thermometric needles were used to measure multi-point temperatures in order to compare the time-distance-temperature difference between the two groups. The gross scopes of the ablation of the two groups were measured and the tissues were analyzed for microscopic histology. Results At the ablation times of 8, 12, and 15 min, the average multi-point temperatures of the test group and the control group were 48.2±18.07°C, 51.5±19.57°C, 54.6±19.75°C, and 48.6±17.69°C, 52.2±19.73°C, 54.9±19.24°C, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (n=126, P>0.05). At the ablation times of 12 and 15 min, the ablation scopes of the test group and the control group were (horizontal/longitudinal diameter) 1.55/3.48 cm, 1.89/3.72 cm, and 1.56/3.48 cm, 1.89/3.72 cm, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (n=14, P>0.05). The two groups had the same manifestations in microscopy. Conclusions Metal implants do not cause significant thermal effect on RFA. PMID:23799942

  17. Loading clusters composed of nanoparticles on ZrO{sub 2} support via a perovskite-type oxide of La{sub 0.95}Ce{sub 0.05}Co{sub 0.7}Cu{sub 0.3}O{sub 3} for ethanol synthesis from syngas and its structure variation with reaction time

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Song, Zhaoyu [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Applied Catalysis Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300354 (China); Shi, Xiangpeng [Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300354 (China); Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354 (China); Ning, Hongyan; Liu, Guilong; Zhong, Huixian [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Applied Catalysis Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300354 (China); Liu, Yuan, E-mail: yuanliu@tju.edu.cn [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Applied Catalysis Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300354 (China)

    2017-05-31

    Highlights: • La{sub 0.95}Ce{sub 0.05}Co{sub 0.7}Cu{sub 0.3}O{sub 3}/ZrO{sub 2} catalyst has showed good activity and high selectivity to ethanol. • After reaction for 1000 h, the catalyst was covered by a membrane-like coating. • Carbon deposition is the main reason for the deactivation of the catalyst. - Abstract: A new scheme was proposed to intensify interactions between copper with cobalt and between Cu−Co with the promoters, namely, the ions of copper, cobalt, lanthanum and cerium were confined into La{sub 0.95}Ce{sub 0.05}Co{sub 0.7}Cu{sub 0.3}O{sub 3} with perovskite structure and were supported on zirconia. The catalyst was prepared by impregnation method and used for ethanol synthesis (ES) from syngas and was characterized by using XRD, TG, BET, XPS, ICP-MS and TEM techniques. La{sub 0.95}Ce{sub 0.05}Co{sub 0.7}Cu{sub 0.3}O{sub 3}/ZrO{sub 2} showed very good catalytic performance with selectivity to total alcohols higher than 60% and selectivity to ethanol about 50% in the total alcohols. After reduction, clusters composed of Cu−Co alloy nanoparticles, ceria and lanthanum oxide was formed and loaded on zirconia. Investigation on the variation of the catalyst structure with reaction time showed that with the reaction going on, the clusters spread over the surface of ZrO{sub 2} and at last, all the clusters fused together to form a membrane loaded on the ZrO{sub 2} and the whole catalyst was covered by a membrane-like coating formed by Co{sub 2}C. The characterization results showed that the carbon deposition was the main reason for the deactivation of La{sub 0.95}Ce{sub 0.05}Co{sub 0.7}Cu{sub 0.3}O{sub 3}/ZrO{sub 2} catalyst. This catalyst design scheme could be extended for preparing a lot of catalyst for many reactions.

  18. How Shigella Utilizes Ca(2+) Jagged Edge Signals during Invasion of Epithelial Cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bonnet, Mariette; Tran Van Nhieu, Guy

    2016-01-01

    Shigella, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery invades intestinal epithelial cells using a type III secretion system (T3SS). Through the injection of type III effectors, Shigella manipulates the actin cytoskeleton to induce its internalization in epithelial cells. At early invasion stages, Shigella induces atypical Ca(2+) responses confined at entry sites allowing local cytoskeletal remodeling for bacteria engulfment. Global Ca(2+) increase in the cell triggers the opening of connexin hemichannels at the plasma membrane that releases ATP in the extracellular milieu, favoring Shigella invasion and spreading through purinergic receptor signaling. During intracellular replication, Shigella regulates inflammatory and death pathways to disseminate within the epithelium. At later stages of infection, Shigella downregulates hemichannel opening and the release of extracellular ATP to dampen inflammatory signals. To avoid premature cell death, Shigella activates cell survival by upregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating the levels of p53. Furthermore, Shigella interferes with pro-apoptotic caspases, and orients infected cells toward a slow necrotic cell death linked to mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload. In this review, we will focus on the role of Ca(2+) responses and their regulation by Shigella during the different stages of bacterial infection.

  19. A study of the dose distribution in the region of the eye lens and extremities for staff working in interventional cardiology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Domienik, J.; Brodecki, M.; Rusicka, D.

    2012-01-01

    The dose distributions at the region of eye lens and extremities of staff working in interventional cardiology were analyzed. The doses to physicians and nurses from three hospitals in Poland were measured with TL dosimeters (MCP-N) located on various places near eyebrows, on both fingers, wrists, knees and on the ankle. The procedures under investigation were coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), peacemaker and defibrillator implantations (PM/ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without defibrillator implantations (CRT-D or CRT) and radiofrequency ablations (RFA). The study aimed at analyzing the distribution of radiation in selected anatomic regions, determining the typical locations of highest doses and estimating the dose ranges for selected types of procedures. The maximum registered doses per procedure to eye lens and ankle were 1.21 mSv and 1.46 mSv for CA PCI procedures, 0.02 mSv and 0.05 mSv for RFA and 0.13 mSv and 0.51 mSv for PM/ICDs, respectively. The maximum doses to fingers, wrists and knees were, accordingly, 2.11 mSv, 1.07 mSv and 0.77 mSv for CA PCI procedures, 0.38 mSv, 0.20 mSv and 0.04 mSv for RFA ones, 0.50 mSv, 0.25 mSv and 0.01 mSv for PM/ICDs procedures and 2.25 mSv, 1.12 mSv and 0.58 mSv for CRT and CRT-D ones. The factors which might influence the dose like utilized radiation, availability of additional protective equipment and position of the staff with respect to X-ray source were also analyzed. The annual doses for eye lens and extremities were estimated on the basis of individual annual workloads of the physicians participating in the study. The highest annual doses were revealed for physicians performing CA PCI procedures. Annual eye lens doses range up to 247 mSv indicating that the occupational limit for eye lens 150 mSv has been surpassed. In case of extremities the maximal estimated annual doses were 355 mSv, 136 mSv, 55 mSv and 328 mSv, for fingers, wrists, knees and for ankle

  20. Effect of small quantity of chromium on the electrical, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.98}Cr{sub 0.02}O{sub 3} manganite

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bettaibi, A.; Rahmouni, H. [Universite de Gabes, Laboratoire de Physique des Materiaux et des Nanomateriaux appliquee a l' Environnement, Faculte des Sciences de Gabes cite Erriadh, Gabes (Tunisia); M' nassri, R. [Kairouan University, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Kasserine, Kasserine (Tunisia); Universite de Monastir, Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Materiaux, Departement de Physique, Faculte des Sciences de Monastir, Monastir (Tunisia); Selmi, A.; Cheikhrouhou, A. [Sfax University, Laboratory of Physics of Materials, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Sfax (Tunisia); Khirouni, K. [Kairouan University, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Kasserine, Kasserine (Tunisia); Chniba Boudjada, N. [Institut NEEL, Grenoble Cedex 09 (France)

    2016-03-15

    Structural, electrical and thermomagnetic properties of Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.98}Cr{sub 0.02}O{sub 3} were investigated. Sample was prepared by solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction revealed that the sample crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with Pnma space group. Electrical conductivity and complex impedance studies of Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.98}Cr{sub 0.02}O{sub 3} system are analyzed. The investigated compound exhibits a semiconductor behavior in the whole explored temperature range. From 100 to 206 K, the increase in DC conductance is more than two decade. At higher temperatures, the conductance varies slowly and a saturation region appears. The conduction mechanism is found to be governed by small polaron hopping process which is explained by the short range thermally activated energy. Conductance spectrum is well described by Jonsher law, and the temperature dependence of the frequency exponent confirms that conduction mechanism is governed by hopping process of the localized carriers. Using complex impedance analysis, the compound is modeled by an electrical equivalent circuit. Also, such analysis confirms the contribution of grain boundary to the transport properties. The substitution of Mn by 2 % Cr destroyed the charge order state observed in the parent compound and induced a ferromagnetic phase at low temperatures. For a magnetic field change of 5 T, the material shows a maximum magnetic entropy change ∇S {sup max} = 2.69 J kg{sup -1} K{sup -1} with a full width at half maximum δ {sub TFWHM} = 145 K, and a relative cooling power RCP = 389 J kg{sup -1}. Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.98}Cr{sub 0.02}O{sub 3} material demonstrates potential proprieties to be used in electronic and thermal devices and as magnetic refrigerant. (orig.)

  1. Radiofrequency ablation for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a systematic review

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fegrachi, Samira; Besselink, Marc G; van Santvoort, Hjalmar C; van Hillegersberg, Richard; Molenaar, Izaak Quintus

    2014-01-01

    Background: Median survival in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer lies in the range of 9–15 months. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may prolong survival, but data on its safety and efficacy are scarce. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library with the syntax ‘(radiofrequency OR RFA) AND (pancreas OR pancreatic)’ for studies published until 1 January 2012. In addition, a search of the proceedings of conferences on pancreatic disease that took place during 2009–2011 was performed. Studies with fewer than five patients were excluded as they were considered to be case reports. The primary endpoint was survival. Secondary endpoints included morbidity and mortality. Results: Five studies involving a total of 158 patients with pancreatic cancer treated with RFA fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These studies reported median survival after RFA of 3–33 months, morbidity related to RFA of 4–37%, mortality of 0–19% and overall morbidity of 10–43%. Pooling of data was not appropriate as the study populations and reported outcomes were heterogeneous. Crucial safety aspects included ensuring a maximum RFA tip temperature of < 90 °C and ensuring minimum distances between the RFA probe and surrounding structures. Conclusions: Radiofrequency ablation seems to be feasible and safe when it is used with the correct temperature and at an appropriate distance from vital structures. It appears to have a positive impact on survival. Multicentre randomized trials are necessary to determine the true effect size of RFA and to minimize the impacts of selection and publication biases. PMID:23600801

  2. Communication Apprehension and People Orientations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ambler, Bob

    Assuming that different programs for communication apprehensive/avoidant students attract different types of students according to their needs and apprehension types, a study examined the relationship between communication apprehension (CA) and general people orientations, as measured by the Personal Record of Communication Apprehension-24…

  3. Raman study of CaDNA films as a function of water content and excess CaCl2 concentration: Stability of the B conformation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schwenker, Megan; Marlowe, Robert; Lee, Scott; Rupprecht, Allan

    2006-03-01

    Highly oriented, wet-spun films of CaDNA expand in the direction perpendicular to the helical axis as the hydration of the film is increased. CaDNA films with a high CaCl2 content show an unexpected shrinkage at a relative humidity of about 93%. We have performed Raman experiments on CaDNA films as a function of both water content and excess CaCl2 concentration in order to determine if this unexpected shrinkage might be related to a conformational transition of the DNA molecules. We find that the DNA molecules remain in the B conformation for all salt contents down to a relative humidity of 59%.

  4. German Orientalism

    OpenAIRE

    Margaret Olin

    2011-01-01

    Review of: Suzanne L. Marchand, German Orientalism in the Age of Empire: Religion, Race and Scholarship, Cambridge and Washington, D.C.: Cambridge University Press, 2009. This analysis of Suzanne L. Marchand’s German Orientalism in the Age of Empire: Religion, Race and Scholarship reads her contribution in part against the background of Edward Said’s path breaking book Orientalism. Differences lie in her more expansive understanding of the term ‘Oriental’ to include the Far East and her conce...

  5. Thickness and Nb-doping effects on ferro- and piezoelectric properties of highly a-axis-oriented Nb-doped Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 films

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Zhi-Xiang; Ruangchalermwong, C.; Li, Jing-Feng

    2008-09-01

    Tetragonal Nb-doped Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 (PNZT) films with a lead oxide seeding layer were deposited on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by sol-gel processing. The as-grown PNZT films with thicknesses ranging from about 0.08 to 0.78 μm show highly a-axis preferential orientation, and their ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties improved with increasing film thickness. Due to the combined effects of Nb doping and a-axis texturing as well as reduced substrate constraint, a high d33 constant up to 196 pm/V was obtained for PNZT film at 0.78 μm in addition to a large remnant polarization of 69 μC/cm2. This well a-axis-oriented PNZT films on platinized Si with a high piezoresponse are suitable for the fabrication of microelectromechanical devices.

  6. The diagnostic value of determination of serum GOLPH3 associated with CA125, CA19.9 in patients with ovarian cancer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fan, H-Y; Duan, D-M; Liu, Y-F

    2017-09-01

    To evaluate the value of three tumor markers serum Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH3), cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19.9) in the diagnosis and postoperative evaluation of ovarian cancer by detecting these three markers. A total of 187 patients were studied and included in the ovarian cancer group, benign pelvic mass group, and the normal control group. The levels of serum Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH3), cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and cancer antigen 199 (CA19.9) were detected, respectively, and their effects on the diagnosis, evaluation, pathology typing and staging of ovarian cancer were measured. The sensitivity of the detection of ovarian cancer by GOLPH3 combined with CA125 and CA19.9 was higher than that by a single marker (pserum GOLPH3 in patients with serous and endometrioid carcinoma was significantly higher than that in patients with mucinous carcinoma, clear-cell carcinoma and germ cell tumor (pserum GOLPH3 level between patients with ovarian malignancies at stage III-IV and those at stage I-II (p>0.05). The levels of serum GOLPH3, CA125 and CA19.9 in patients with ovarian malignancies after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (p<0.05). The combined detection by GOLPH3, CA125, and CA19.9 may improve the diagnosis rate of ovarian epithelial cancer. GOLPH3, as a new ovarian cancer tumor marker used in clinical diagnosis, is expected to become an important indicator for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer and the determination of clinical surgery efficacy.

  7. Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation with Saturated Saline Preinjection and Renal Artery Occlusion: In Vivo Study in Canine Kidneys Preinjection and Renal Artery Occlusion: In Vivo Study in Canine Kidneys

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shin, Byung Seok; Ahn, Moon Sang [Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Park, Mi Hyun [Dept. of Radiology, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan (Korea, Republic of); Jeon, Gyeong Sik [Dept. of Radiology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University College of Medicine, Seongnam (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Byung Mo [Dept. of Surgery, Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Ki Chang [Dept. of Veterinary Radiology, Chonbuk National University College of VeterinaryMedicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Ho Jun [Dept. of Radiology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Ohm, Joon Young [Dept. of Radiology, Bucheon St. Mary Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Bucheon (Korea, Republic of)

    2012-04-15

    To compare the ablation zone after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with saturated saline preinjection and renal artery occlusion in canine kidneys. RFA was induced in the kidneys of six mongrel dogs. A total of 24 ablation zones were induced using a 1-cm tip internally cooled needle electrode in three groups: RFA (Control group), RFA with 0.5 mL saturated saline preinjection (SS group), and RFA with renal artery occlusion by atraumatic vascular clamp (Occlusion group). Ablation zone diameters were measured along transverse and longitudinal sections of the needle axis, and volumes were calculated. Temperature, applied voltage, current, and impedance during RFA were recorded automatically. The RFA zone volume was the largest in the SS group (1.33 {+-} 0.34 cm{sup 3}), followed by the Occlusion group (1.07 {+-} 0.38 cm{sup 3}) and then the Control group (0.62 {+-} 0.09 cm{sup 3}). Volumes for the SS and Occlusion groups were significantly larger than those for the Control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in volumes between the SS and Occlusion groups (p = 0.178). Saturated saline preinjection is as effective as renal arterial occlusion for expanding the ablation zone. RFA with saturated saline preinjection could help to treat large renal tumors.

  8. Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation with Saturated Saline Preinjection and Renal Artery Occlusion: In Vivo Study in Canine Kidneys Preinjection and Renal Artery Occlusion: In Vivo Study in Canine Kidneys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shin, Byung Seok; Ahn, Moon Sang; Park, Mi Hyun; Jeon, Gyeong Sik; Lee, Byung Mo; Lee, Ki Chang; Kim, Ho Jun; Ohm, Joon Young

    2012-01-01

    To compare the ablation zone after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with saturated saline preinjection and renal artery occlusion in canine kidneys. RFA was induced in the kidneys of six mongrel dogs. A total of 24 ablation zones were induced using a 1-cm tip internally cooled needle electrode in three groups: RFA (Control group), RFA with 0.5 mL saturated saline preinjection (SS group), and RFA with renal artery occlusion by atraumatic vascular clamp (Occlusion group). Ablation zone diameters were measured along transverse and longitudinal sections of the needle axis, and volumes were calculated. Temperature, applied voltage, current, and impedance during RFA were recorded automatically. The RFA zone volume was the largest in the SS group (1.33 ± 0.34 cm 3 ), followed by the Occlusion group (1.07 ± 0.38 cm 3 ) and then the Control group (0.62 ± 0.09 cm 3 ). Volumes for the SS and Occlusion groups were significantly larger than those for the Control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in volumes between the SS and Occlusion groups (p = 0.178). Saturated saline preinjection is as effective as renal arterial occlusion for expanding the ablation zone. RFA with saturated saline preinjection could help to treat large renal tumors.

  9. Direct Current Combined With Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation: An Ex Vivo Feasibility Study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tanaka, Toshihiro; Penzkofer, Tobias; Isfort, Peter; Bruners, Philipp; Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine; Junker, Elmar; Kichikawa, Kimihiko; Schmitz-Rode, Thomas; Mahnken, Andreas H.

    2011-01-01

    The combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with direct current (DC) is a promising strategy to improve the efficiency of RFA. However, DC-enhanced monopolar RFA is limited by electrolytic injury at the positive-electrode site. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the DC-enhanced bipolar RFA. To obviate the need for the subcutaneous positive electrode, the DC circuit was combined with a commercially available bipolar RFA system, in which both poles of the DC circuit are connected to a single RF probe. DC was applied for 15 min and followed by RFA in bovine livers using the following various DC currents: (1) no DC (control), (2) 3V continued until the end of RFA, (3) 5V continued until the end of RFA, (4) 10V continued until the end of RFA, (5) 5V continued in the circuit with reversed pole, (6) 3V stopped after initiation of RFA, and (7) 5V stopped. Coagulation volume, temperatures at a distance of 5, 10, and 15 mm from the RF probe, mean amperage, ablation duration, applied energy, minimum impedance, and degree of tissue charring were assessed and compared (analysis of variance, Student–Newman–Keuls test). All combined DC and RFA groups did increase coagulation volume. The 10V continued group showed significantly lower applied energy, shortest ablation duration, highest minimum impedance, and highest degree of charring with the lowest coagulation volume (p < 0.05). DC-enhanced bipolar RFA with both poles of the DC circuit on a single probe appears to be ineffective.

  10. Growth of YBCO superconducting thin films on CaF sub 2 buffered silicon

    CERN Document Server

    Bhagwat, S S; Patil, J M; Shirodkar, V S

    2000-01-01

    CaF sub 2 films were grown on silicon using the neutral cluster beam deposition technique. These films were highly crystalline and c-axis oriented. Superconducting YBCO thin films were grown on the Ca F sub 2 buffered silicon using the laser ablation technique. These films showed T sub c (onset) at 90 K and Tc(zero) at 86 K. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the YBCO films were also oriented along the c-axis.

  11. Radiofrequency Ablation versus Liver Resection for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yue Han

    2016-01-01

    Conclusions: Patients with CRCLM gained much more survival benefits from LR than that from RFA. RFA rendered lower rates of morbidities. More well-designed randomized controlled trails comparing the therapeutic value of LR and RFA are warranted.

  12. A-site deficiency effects on the critical behavior of La0.6Ca0.15·0.05Ba0.2MnO3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Debbebi, I. Sfifir; Omrani, H.; Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W.; Cheikhrouhou, A.

    2018-02-01

    The aim of the present work is to study the critical behavior of calcium deficient La0.6Ca0.15·0.05Ba0.2MnO3 (LCBMO), synthetized by the conventional solid-state reaction method, around the paramagnetic (PM)-ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition. X-ray diffraction revealed that these manganites crystallized in the orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group. Then, the magnetic properties of this compound are discussed in detail, building on the magnetization and the susceptibility. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility at higher temperature confirms the presence of the Griffiths phase above the Curie temperature which proves the existence of ferromagnetic clusters in the paramagnetic domain. Experimental results revealed that our sample exhibit a second-order magnetic phase transition. The estimated critical exponents derived from the magnetic data were estimated using various techniques such as modified Arrott plot, Kouvel-Fisher method, and critical magnetization isotherms M(TC, H). The obtained values are very close to those representative of the mean-field model (β = 0.547, γ = 1.23, and δ = 3.092 at an average TC = 201.74 K).

  13. C-arm CT-guided renal arterial embolisation followed by radiofrequency ablation for treatment of patients with unresectable renal cell carcinoma

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Duan, X.-H.; Li, Y.-S.; Han, X.-W.; Wang, Y.-L.; Jiao, D.-C.; Li, T.-F.; Chen, P.-F.; Fang, Y.

    2016-01-01

    Aim: To explore the value of using flat detector (FD) equipped angiographic C-arm CT (CACT) systems in treating unresectable renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by selective renal arterial embolisation (RAE) followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (RAE-RFA). Materials and methods: A total of 28 patients who were not candidates for surgery were enrolled. The average size of tumours was 6.7±2.2 cm (range 4.1–9.6 cm). Twenty-eight tumours were treated with CACT-guided RFA, 5–7 days after CACT-guided RAE. Results: CACT-guided RAE-RFA was technically successful in all patients. Tumour enhancement disappeared after a single RAE-RFA session in 20 patients, after two RAE-RFA sessions in four patients and after three RAE-RFA sessions in the other four patients. One patient died of lung metastasis and haematuria 13 months after RAE-RFA, and another patient died of pulmonary heart disease 23 months after repeat RAE-RFA. In the 26 living patients, tumours remained controlled during a mean follow-up period of 27 months and showed significant reduction in tumour size (6.7±2.2 cm to 3.9±1.7 cm, p<0.01). There were no significant changes in creatinine levels or urea nitrogen concentrations before and after the last RAE-RFA (p>0.05). There were no serious complications during and after the procedure. Conclusion: CACT-guided RAE followed by RFA appears to be a safe and effective technique for treating patients with inoperable RCC. - Highlights: • Selective RAE combined with RFA (RAE-RFA) is used to treat unresectable RCC. • We assessed the C-arm CT (CACT) based needle guidance system to perform RAE-RFA. • Tumors were controlled and reduced in size following CACT-guided RAE-RFA. • No significant changes in renal function occurred post-CACT-guided RAE-RFA. • CACT-guided RAE-RFA for treating RCC appears to be a safe and effective technique.

  14. Mechanism of Calcite Co-Orientation in the Sea Urchin Tooth

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Killian, Christopher; Metzler, Rebecca; Gong, Y. U. T.; Olson, Ian; Aizenberg, Joanna; Politi, Yael; Wilt, Fred; Scholl, Andreas; Young, Anthony; Doran, Andrew; Kunz, Martin; Tamura, Nobumichi; Coppersmith, Susan; Gilbert, P. U. P. A.

    2009-12-01

    Sea urchin teeth are remarkable and complex calcite structures, continuously growing at the forming end and self-sharpening at the mature grinding tip. The calcite (CaCO{sub 3}) crystals of tooth components, plates, fibers, and a high-Mg polycrystalline matrix, have highly co-oriented crystallographic axes. This ability to co-orient calcite in a mineralized structure is shared by all echinoderms. However, the physico-chemical mechanism by which calcite crystals become co-oriented in echinoderms remains enigmatic. Here, we show differences in calcite c-axis orientations in the tooth of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron emission spectromicroscopy (X-PEEM) and microbeam X-ray diffraction ({mu}XRD). All plates share one crystal orientation, propagated through pillar bridges, while fibers and polycrystalline matrix share another orientation. Furthermore, in the forming end of the tooth, we observe that CaCO{sub 3} is present as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). We demonstrate that co-orientation of the nanoparticles in the polycrystalline matrix occurs via solid-state secondary nucleation, propagating out from the previously formed fibers and plates, into the amorphous precursor nanoparticles. Because amorphous precursors were observed in diverse biominerals, solid-state secondary nucleation is likely to be a general mechanism for the co-orientation of biomineral components in organisms from different phyla.

  15. 40 CFR 721.10018 - Calcium hydroxide oxide silicate (Ca6(OH)2O2(Si2O5)3).

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Calcium hydroxide oxide silicate (Ca6... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10018 Calcium hydroxide oxide silicate (Ca6(OH)2O2... substance identified as calcium hydroxide oxide silicate (Ca6(OH)2O2(Si2O5)3) (PMN P-01-442; CAS No. 13169...

  16. Molecular Orientation of Conjugated Polymer Chains in Nanostructures and Thin Films: Review of Processes and Application to Optoelectronics

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Varun Vohra

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Semiconducting polymers are composed of elongated conjugated polymer backbones and side chains with high solubility and mechanical properties. The combination of these two features results in a high processability and a potential to orient the conjugated backbones in thin films and nanofibers. The thin films and nanofibers are usually composed of highly crystalline (high charge transport and amorphous parts. Orientation of conjugated polymer can result in enhanced charge transport or optical properties as it induces increased crystallinity or preferential orientation of the crystallites. After summarizing the potential strategies to exploit molecular order in conjugated polymer based optoelectronic devices, we will review some of the fabrication processes to induce molecular orientation. In particular, we will review the cases involving molecular and interfacial interactions, unidirectional deposition processes, electrospinning, and postdeposition mechanical treatments. The studies presented here clearly demonstrate that process-controlled molecular orientation of the conjugated polymer chains can result in high device performances (mobilities over 40 cm2·V−1·s−1 and solar cells with efficiencies over 10%. Furthermore, the peculiar interactions between molecularly oriented polymers and polarized light have the potential not only to generate low-cost and low energy consumption polarized light sources but also to fabricate innovative devices such as solar cell integrated LCDs or bipolarized LEDs.

  17. Structural, magnetic, magnetocaloric effect and critical behavior of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3−x}□{sub x}MnO{sub 3}(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Makni-Chakroun, J., E-mail: makni.jihed@yahoo.fr [LT2S Lab, Digital Research Centre of Sfax, Sfax Technopark, BP 275, 3021 Sakiet-Ezzit (Tunisia); Sfifir, I.; Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W.; Koubaa, M. [LT2S Lab, Digital Research Centre of Sfax, Sfax Technopark, BP 275, 3021 Sakiet-Ezzit (Tunisia); Cheikhrouhou, A. [Material Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, B.P. 1171, Sfax University, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia)

    2017-06-15

    Highlights: • The samples crystallize in the rhombohedral structure with R-3C space group. • Curie temperature T{sub C} decreases with lacuna. • (1/χ) versus temperature indicates Griffiths phase occurrence. • Result show that the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition is of second order. • Widom scaling relation confirms the critical exponent value. - Abstract: In this paper, we present the effect of Strontium vacancies on the structure and magnetic properties of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3−x}□{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nano-sized compounds (x = 0; 0.01; 0.03 and 0.05), synthesized using the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction revealed that these manganites crystallized in the rhombohedral structure with space group R3-C. From magnetization measurements as function of temperature and magnetic applied field, we have noticed a large magnetic entropy change (∆S{sub M}) around Curie temperature. ∆S{sub M} is found to decrease with the deficiency content (2.30 J/kg·K for x = 0–1.33 J/kg·K for x = 0.05 under magnetic field change µ{sub 0}∆H = 5 T). This behavior is accompanied by a slight reduction of the Curie temperature (T{sub C} = 338 and 328 K for x = 0 and 0.05, respectively). These results show that our materials are potential candidates for magnetic refrigerants working in above room temperature. The refined values of the critical exponents β, γ and δ obtained from the modified Arrott plots and Kouvel-Fisher method indicated that the behavior of the parent sample and the samples with 1and 3% of strontium-deficient are characterized by long-range mean-field behavior (with β = 0.50; γ = 1). However, for 5% lacuna, the magnetic behavior is close to the theoretical 3D-Heisemberg prediction with short-range exchange coupling.

  18. How Shigella Utilizes Ca2+ Jagged Edge Signals during Invasion of Epithelial Cells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bonnet, Mariette; Tran Van Nhieu, Guy

    2016-01-01

    Shigella, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery invades intestinal epithelial cells using a type III secretion system (T3SS). Through the injection of type III effectors, Shigella manipulates the actin cytoskeleton to induce its internalization in epithelial cells. At early invasion stages, Shigella induces atypical Ca2+ responses confined at entry sites allowing local cytoskeletal remodeling for bacteria engulfment. Global Ca2+ increase in the cell triggers the opening of connexin hemichannels at the plasma membrane that releases ATP in the extracellular milieu, favoring Shigella invasion and spreading through purinergic receptor signaling. During intracellular replication, Shigella regulates inflammatory and death pathways to disseminate within the epithelium. At later stages of infection, Shigella downregulates hemichannel opening and the release of extracellular ATP to dampen inflammatory signals. To avoid premature cell death, Shigella activates cell survival by upregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating the levels of p53. Furthermore, Shigella interferes with pro-apoptotic caspases, and orients infected cells toward a slow necrotic cell death linked to mitochondrial Ca2+ overload. In this review, we will focus on the role of Ca2+ responses and their regulation by Shigella during the different stages of bacterial infection. PMID:26904514

  19. How Shigella utilizes Ca2+ jagged edge signals during invasion of epithelial cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mariette eBonnet

    2016-02-01

    Full Text Available Shigella, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery invades intestinal epithelial cells using a type III secretion system (T3SS. Through the injection of type III effectors, Shigella manipulates the actin cytoskeleton to induce its internalization in epithelial cells. At early invasion stages, Shigella induces atypical Ca2+ responses confined at entry sites allowing local cytoskeletal remodeling for bacteria engulfment. Global Ca2+ increase in the cell triggers the opening of connexin hemichannels at the plasma membrane that releases ATP in the extracellular milieu, favoring Shigella invasion and spreading through purinergic receptor signaling. During intracellular replication, Shigella regulates inflammatory and death pathways to disseminate within the epithelium. At later stages of infection, Shigella downregulates hemichannel opening and the release of extracellular ATP to dampen inflammatory signals. To avoid premature cell death, Shigella activates cell survival by upregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating the levels of p53. Furthermore, Shigella interferes with pro-apoptotic caspases, and orients infected cells towards a slow necrotic cell death linked to mitochondrial Ca2+ overload. In this review, we will focus on the role of Ca2+ responses and their regulation by Shigella during the different stages of bacterial infection.

  20. Solidification and Immobilization of Heavy metals in Soil using with nano-metallic Ca/CaO Dispersion Mixture

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mallampati S. R.

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available In the present work, the use of nano-metallic calcium (Ca and calcium oxide (CaO dispersion mixture for the immobilization of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr and Pb in soil was investigated. With simple grinding, 85-90% of heavy metals immobilization could be achieved, while it could be enhanced to 98-100% by grinding with the addition of nano-metallic Ca/CaO dispersion mixture. By SEM-EDS elemental maps as well as semi-quantitative analysis observed that the amount of As, Cd, Cr and Pb measurable on soil particle surface decreases after nano-metallic Ca/CaO treatment. The leachable heavy metals concentrations were reduced, to the concentration lower than the Japan soil elution standard regulatory threshold, i. e., < 0.01 mg/l for As, Cd and Pb and 0.05mg/l for Cr. Whereas, the effect of soil moisture and pH on heavy metals immobilization was not much influenced. The results suggest that nano-metallic Ca/CaO mixture is suitable to be used for the gentle immobilization of heavy metals contaminated soil at normal moisture conditions.

  1. Luminescence properties of Sr{sub 3-x-3y/2}M{sub x}Ce{sub y}AlO{sub 4}F (M=Ca, Ba, 0{<=}x{<=}0.9, 0.001{<=}y{<=}0.05) phosphors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Choi, Hye-Min [Department of Engineering in Energy and Applied Chemistry, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Sangmoon, E-mail: spark@silla.ac.kr [Department of Engineering in Energy and Applied Chemistry, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of)

    2012-09-15

    Luminescent materials composed of Sr{sub 3-x-3y/2}M{sub x}Ce{sub y}AlO{sub 4}F (M=Ca, Ba, 0{<=}x{<=}0.9, 0.001{<=}y{<=}0.05) were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the obtained oxyfluorides are exhibited for indexing peak positions. Dynamic excitation and emission spectra of the Ce{sup 3+}-activated oxyfluoride phosphors are clearly monitored. The critical emission quenching as a function of Ce{sup 3+} contents in Sr{sub 2.5-3y/2}M{sub 0.5}Ce{sub y}AlO{sub 4}F phosphors is revealed at quite low concentrations of the activator. CIE coordinates of blue and green Sr{sub 2.5-3y/2}M{sub 0.5}Ce{sub y}AlO{sub 4}F phosphors are clearly measured. The relative quantum efficiency of Sr{sub 2.4985}Ca{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.005}AlO{sub 4}F based on the integrated emission is determined. The Sr{sub 3-x-3y/2}M{sub x}Ce{sub y}AlO{sub 4}F phosphors excited near 410 nm light could be prominent phosphors in applications of NUV-LED. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Blue and green emitting oxyfluoride phosphors are excitated near 410 nm Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ce{sup 3+}-activated oxyfluoride phosphors are quite effective to prepare white light for near-UV LED applications. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Gradual substitution of Ce{sup 3+} content in the oxyfluoride hosts changes CIE values.

  2. Review of endoscopic radiofrequency in biliopancreatic tumours with emphasis on clinical benefits, controversies and safety

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alvarez-Sánchez, María-Victoria; Napoléon, Bertrand

    2016-01-01

    Most pancreatic cancers and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are unresectable at the time of diagnosis, and even in case of a resectable cancer, for elderly or patients with coexistent comorbidities, surgery is not an option. Current treatment alternatives in these scenarios are very limited. Biliary stenting with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) is the mainstay palliative treatment of biliary obstruction due to unresectable pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma. Nevertheless, more than 50% of SEMS become occluded after 6 mo due to tumour over- and ingrowth, leading to hospital readmissions and reinterventions that significantly impair quality of life. Regimes of chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy also provide minimal survival benefits. Therefore, novel therapies are eagerly awaited. Radiofrequency (RF) energy causes coagulative necrosis leading to local destruction of the accessed malignant tissue and has an established role in the treatment of malignancies in several solid organs, especially liver cancers. However, pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary cancers are not easily accessed by a percutaneous route, making the procedure dangerous. Over the past five years, the development of dedicated devices compatible with endoscopic instruments has offered a minimally invasive option for RF energy delivery in biliopancreatic cancers. Emerging experience with endoscopic RF ablation (RFA) in this setting has been reported in the literature, but little is known about its feasibility, efficacy and safety. A literature review makes it clear that RFA in biliopancreatic tumours is feasible with high rates of technical success and acceptable safety profile. Although available data suggest a benefit of survival with RFA, there is not enough evidence to draw a firm conclusion about its efficacy. For this reason, prospective randomized trials comparing RFA with standard palliative treatments with quality-of-life and survival endpoints are required. Anecdotal reports have also

  3. Glass-like recovery of antiferromagnetic spin ordering in a photo-excited manganite Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhou, S. Y.; Langner, M. C.; Zhu, Y.; Chuang, Y. -D.; Rini, M.; Glover, T. E.; Hertlein, M. P.; Gonzalez, A.G. Cruz; Tahir, N.; Tomioka, Y.; Tokura, Y.; Hussain, Z.; Schoenlein, R. W.

    2014-01-16

    Electronic orderings of charges, orbitals and spins are observed in many strongly correlated electron materials, and revealing their dynamics is a critical step toward understanding the underlying physics of important emergent phenomena. Here we use time-resolved resonant soft x-ray scattering spectroscopy to probe the dynamics of antiferromagnetic spin ordering in the manganite Pr0:7Ca0:3MnO3 following ultrafast photo-exitation. Our studies reveal a glass-like recovery of the spin ordering and a crossover in the dimensionality of the restoring interaction from quasi-1D at low pump fluence to 3D at high pump fluence. This behavior arises from the metastable state created by photo-excitation, a state characterized by spin disordered metallic droplets within the larger charge- and spin-ordered insulating domains. Comparison with time-resolved resistivity measurements suggests that the collapse of spin ordering is correlated with the insulator-to-metal transition, but the recovery of the insulating phase does not depend on the re-establishment of the spin ordering.

  4. Nanosilica supported CaO: A regenerable and mechanically hard CO2 sorbent at Ca-looping conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sanchez-Jimenez, P.E.; Perez-Maqueda, L.A.; Valverde, J.M.

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • A synthetic CO 2 sorbent is prepared by impregnation of calcium nitrate on a nanosilica matrix. • Sintering of the nascent CaO in the calcination stage of carbonation/calcination cycles is hindered. • CaO conversion reaches a stable value well above the residual conversion of natural limestone. • Particle fragmentation as caused by ultrasonic irradiation in a liquid dispersion is hindered. - Abstract: This work presents a CO 2 sorbent that may be synthesized from low-cost and widely available materials following a simple method basically consisting of impregnation of a nanostructured silica support with a saturated solution of calcium nitrate. In a first impregnation stage, the use of a stoichiometric CaO/SiO 2 ratio serves to produce a calcium silicate matrix after calcination. This calcium silicate matrix acts as a thermally stable and mechanically hard support for CaO deposited on it by further impregnation. The CaO-impregnated sorbent exhibits a stable CaO conversion at Ca-looping conditions whose value depends on the CaO wt% deposited on the calcium silicate matrix, which can be increased by successive reimpregnations. A 10 wt% CaO impregnated sorbent reaches a stable conversion above 0.6 whereas the stable conversion of a 30 wt% CaO impregnated sorbent is around 0.3, which is much larger than the residual conversion of CaO derived from natural limestone (between 0.07 and 0.08). Moreover, particle size distribution measurements of samples predispersed in a liquid and subjected to high energy ultrasonic waves indicate that the CaO-impregnated sorbent has a relatively high mechanical strength as compared to limestone derived CaO

  5. Readdressing the issue of low-temperature resistivity minimum in La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sagdeo, P.R. [Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore (India); Sagdeo, Archna [Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore (India)

    2013-11-15

    We have investigated the origin of low-temperature resistivity minima observed in epitaxial thin films of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (thicknesses - 300 Aa and 3000 Aa) using electrical and magneto-transport property measurements. We observe considerably smaller hysteresis in the magnetoresistance measurements for the thicker film than the thinner film. 300 Aa film shows meta-stability in the resistivity measurements at low temperature and for this film the sample current 'I' shows large effect on the resistivity and its minima temperature. These observations suggest that the strain induces electronic intra grain inhomogeneity in these samples and these inhomogeneities consist of regions of different resistive phases. It appears that the high resistive phase prevents the transport of charge carriers between two low resistive regions thus giving rise to the resistivity minimum in these samples. (orig.)

  6. 77 FR 5032 - National Cancer Institute; Notice of Meeting

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-02-01

    ... Initiatives; RFA and RFP Concept Reviews; and Scientific Presentations. Place: National Institutes of Health... Group(s); and Budget Presentations; Reports of Special Initiatives; RFA and RFP Concept Reviews; and Scientific Presentations. Place: National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 31 Center Drive, 6th Floor, Conf...

  7. Preferred orientation of ettringite in concrete fractures

    KAUST Repository

    Wenk, Hans-Rudolf

    2009-05-15

    Sulfate attack and the accompanying crystallization of fibrous ettringite [Ca6Al2(OH)12(SO4) 3·26H2O] cause cracking and loss of strength in concrete structures. Hard synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction is used to quantify the orientation distribution of ettringite crystals. Diffraction images are analyzed using the Rietveld method to obtain information on textures. The analysis reveals that the c axes of the trigonal crystallites are preferentially oriented perpendicular to the fracture surfaces. By averaging single-crystal elastic properties over the orientation distribution, it is possible to estimate the elastic anisotropy of ettringite aggregates. © 2009 International Union of Crystallography.

  8. Effects of Task-Oriented Circuit Class Training on Walking Competency After Stroke A Systematic Review

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Wevers, Lotte; van de Port, Ingrid; Vermue, Mathijs; Mead, Gillian; Kwakkel, Gert

    Background and Purpose-There is increasing interest in the potential benefits of circuit class training after stroke, but its effectiveness is uncertain. Our aim was to systematically review randomized, controlled trials of task-oriented circuit class training on gait and gait-related activities in

  9. Calcioferrite with composition (Ca3.94Sr0.06Mg1.01(Fe2.93Al1.07(PO46(OH4·12H2O

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Barbara Lafuente

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available Calcioferrite, ideally Ca4MgFe3+4(PO46(OH4·12H2O (tetracalcium magnesium tetrairon(III hexakis-phosphate tetrahydroxide dodecahydrate, is a member of the calcioferrite group of hydrated calcium phosphate minerals with the general formula Ca4AB4(PO46(OH4·12H2O, where A = Mg, Fe2+, Mn2+ and B = Al, Fe3+. Calcioferrite and the other three known members of the group, montgomeryite (A = Mg, B = Al, kingsmountite (A = Fe2+, B = Al, and zodacite (A = Mn2+, B = Fe3+, usually occur as very small crystals, making their structure refinements by conventional single-crystal X-ray diffraction challenging. This study presents the first structure determination of calcioferrite with composition (Ca3.94Sr0.06Mg1.01(Fe2.93Al1.07(PO46(OH4·12H2O based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collected from a natural sample from the Moculta quarry in Angaston, Australia. Calcioferrite is isostructural with montgomeryite, the only member of the group with a reported structure. The calcioferrite structure is characterized by (Fe/AlO6 octahedra (site symmetries 2 and -1 sharing corners (OH to form chains running parallel to [101]. These chains are linked together by PO4 tetrahedra (site symmetries 2 and 1, forming [(Fe/Al3(PO43(OH2] layers stacking along [010], which are connected by (Ca/Sr2+ cations (site symmetry 2 and Mg2+ cations (site symmetry 2; half-occupation. Hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the water molecules (one of which is equally disordered over two positions and OH function are also present between these layers. The relatively weaker bonds between the layers account for the cleavage of the mineral parallel to (010.

  10. Chemical Composition and Characteristic Odor Compounds in Essential Oil from Alismatis Rhizoma (Tubers of Alisma orientale).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Miyazawa, Mitsuo; Yoshinaga, Seiji; Kashima, Yusei; Nakahashi, Hiroshi; Hara, Nobuyuki; Nakagawa, Hiroki; Usami, Atsushi

    2016-01-01

    Chemical composition and potent odorants that contribute to the characteristic odor of essential oil from Alismatis Rhizoma (tubers of Alisma orientale) were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC-olfactometry (GC-O), aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and relative flavor activity (RFA) methods. Fifty components, representing 94.5% of the total oil, were identified. In this study, we newly identified thirty-nine compounds in the oil from tubers of A. orientale. The major constituents of the essential oil were khusinol (36.2%), δ-elemene (12.4%), germacron (4.1%), alismol (3.8%), β-elemene (3.1%), and α-bisabolol (1.9%). Through sensory analysis, sixteen aroma-active compounds were detected and the key contributing aroma-active compounds were δ-elemene (woody, flavor dilution (FD)-factor = 4, RFA = 0.3) β-elemene (spicy, FD = 5, RFA = 0.7), spathulenol (green, FD = 5, RFA = 1.0), γ-eudesmol (woody, FD = 6, RFA = 1.5), and γ-cadinol (woody, FD = 5, RFA = 1.0). These compounds are thought to contribute to the odor from tubers of A. orientale. These results imply that the essential oil from the tubers of A. orientale deserve further investigations in the phytochemical and medicinal fields.

  11. Ion microprobe assessment of the heterogeneity of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios in Pecten maximus and Mytilus edulis (bivalvia shell calcite precipitated at constant temperature

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    P. S. Freitas

    2009-07-01

    Full Text Available Small-scale heterogeneity of biogenic carbonate elemental composition can be a significant source of error in the accurate use of element/Ca ratios as geochemical proxies. In this study ion microprobe (SIMS profiles showed significant small-scale variability of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios in new shell calcite of the marine bivalves Pecten maximus and Mytilus edulis that was precipitated during a constant-temperature culturing experiment. Elevated Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios were found to be associated with the deposition of elaborate shell features, i.e. a shell surface stria in P. maximus and surface shell disturbance marks in both species, the latter a common occurrence in bivalve shells. In both species the observed small-scale elemental heterogeneity most likely was not controlled by variable transport of ions to the extra-pallial fluid, but by factors such as the influence of shell organic content and/or crystal size and orientation, the latter reflecting conditions at the shell crystal-solution interface. In the mid and innermost regions of the P. maximus shell the lack of significant small-scale variation of Mg/Ca ratios, which is consistent with growth at constant temperature, suggest a potential application as a palaeotemperature proxy. Cross-growth band element/Ca ratio profiles in the interior of bivalve shells may provide more promising palaeo-environmental tools than sampling from the outer region of bivalve shells.

  12. Homologous overexpression of RfaH in E. coli K4 improves the production of chondroitin-like capsular polysaccharide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cimini, Donatella; De Rosa, Mario; Carlino, Elisabetta; Ruggiero, Alessandro; Schiraldi, Chiara

    2013-05-09

    Glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronic acid, heparin, and chondroitin sulfate, are among the top ranked products in industrial biotechnology for biomedical applications, with a growing world market of billion dollars per year. Recently a remarkable progress has been made in the development of tailor-made strains as sources for the manufacturing of such products. The genetic modification of E. coli K4, a natural producer of chondroitin sulfate precursor, is challenging considering the lack of detailed information on its genome, as well as its mobilome. Chondroitin sulfate is currently used as nutraceutical for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and several new therapeutic applications, spanning from the development of skin substitutes to live attenuated vaccines, are under evaluation. E. coli K4 was used as host for the overexpression of RfaH, a positive regulator that controls expression of the polysaccharide biosynthesis genes and other genes necessary for the virulence of E. coli K4. Various engineering strategies were compared to investigate different types of expression systems (plasmid vs integrative cassettes) and integration sites (genome vs endogenous mobile element). All strains analysed in shake flasks on different media showed a capsular polysaccharide production improved by 40 to 140%, compared to the wild type, with respect to the final product titer. A DO-stat fed-batch process on the 2L scale was also developed for the best performing integrative strain, EcK4r3, yielding 5.3 g ∙ L(-1) of K4 polysaccharide. The effect of rfaH overexpression in EcK4r3 affected the production of lipopolysaccharide and the expression of genes involved in the polysaccharide biosynthesis pathway (kfoC and kfoA), as expected. An alteration of cellular metabolism was revealed by changes of intracellular pools of UDP-sugars which are used as precursors for polysaccharide biosynthesis. The present study describes the identification of a gene target and the application of a

  13. Boron-purity-dependent Raman spectra of CaB6

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Song, M.; Yang, I. S.; Kim, J. Y.; Cho, B. K.

    2006-01-01

    We report significant differences in the Raman spectra of two different kinds of CaB 6 single crystals grown from boron with a purity of 99.9 % (3N) or 99.9999 % (6N). Our Raman spectra of CaB 6 (3N) show peaks around 781 (T 2g ), 1141 (E g ), and 1283 cm -1 (A 1g ), and they are very similar to previous Raman spectra of CaB 6 . The E g mode shows a characteristic double-peak feature due to an additional weak broad peak centered around 1158 cm -1 . However, the Raman spectra of CaB 6 (6N) show sharp peaks around 771 (T 2g ), 1137 (E g ), and 1266 cm -1 (A 1g ). The peak frequencies are down shifted as much as ∼17 cm -1 . In addition, no additional peak feature is observed for the E g mode so that the mode is symmetric in the case of CaB 6 (6N). The X-ray powder diffraction patterns for both CaB 6 (3N) and CaB 6 (6N) show that the lattice parameters are essentially the same. The majority of the impurity in the 99.9 %-pure (3N) boron is C. Thus, we doped CaB 6 (6N) with C, making Ca(B 0.995 C 0.005 ) 6 , and looked for differences in the Raman spectra. The Raman spectra of Ca(B 0.995 C 0.005 ) 6 are nearly identical to those of CaB 6 (6N), indicating that the differences between the Raman spectra of CaB 6 (3N) and CaB 6 (6N) are not due to a C impurity. The Raman results show that the presence of impurities, not the amount of them, is enough to trigger local symmetry breaking in CaB 6 . The broadening of T 2g , the additional E g2 mode and the asymmetry of A 1g in CaB 6 (3N) can be understood in terms of the symmetry of the arrangements of the boron octahedra lowered by local symmetry breaking.

  14. Mostly Heterosexual as a Distinct Sexual Orientation Group: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Evidence

    Science.gov (United States)

    Savin-Williams, Ritch C.; Vrangalova, Zhana

    2013-01-01

    We reviewed empirical evidence regarding whether mostly heterosexual exists as a sexual orientation distinct from two adjacent groups on a sexual continuum--exclusively heterosexual and substantially bisexual. We addressed the question: Do mostly heterosexuals show a unique profile of sexual and romantic characteristics that distinguishes them as…

  15. 78 FR 23276 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-04-18

    ... Emphasis Panel RFA RM12-015: Pioneer Awards Date: May 14-16, 2013 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To... Emphasis Panel; RFA RM 12-023: Diffusion of Medical Technology and Effects on Outcomes and Expenditures...

  16. Ca-doped LTO using waste eggshells as Ca source to improve the discharge capacity of anode material for lithium-ion battery

    Science.gov (United States)

    Setiawan, D.; Subhan, A.; Saptari, S. A.

    2017-07-01

    The necessity of high charge-discharge capacity lithium-ion battery becomes very urgent due to its applications demand. Several researches have been done to meet the demand including Ca doping on Li4Ti5O12 for anode material of lithium-ion batteries. Ca-doped Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) in the form of Li4-xCaxTi5O12 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1) have been synthesized using simple solid state reaction. The materials preparation involved waste eggshells in the form of CaCO3 as Ca source. The structure and capacity of as-prepared samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffractometer and Cyclic Voltametry. X-Ray Diffractometer characterization revealed that all amount of dopant had entered the lattice structure of LTO successfully. The crystalline sizes were obtained by using Scherrer equation. No significant differences are detected in lattice parameters (˜8.35 Å) and crystalline sizes (˜27 nm) between all samples. Cyclic Voltametry characterization shows that Li4-xCaxTi5O12 (x = 0.05) has highest charge-discharge capacity of 177.14 mAh/g and 181.92 mAh/g, respectively. Redox-potentials of samples show no significant differences with the average of 1.589 V.

  17. Investigation of the structural, optical and dielectric properties of highly (1 0 0)-oriented (Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20})TiO{sub 3} thin films on LaNiO{sub 3} bottom electrode

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pontes, D.S.L. [Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Eletroquimica e Cerâmica, Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, Km 235, P.O. Box 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, São Paulo (Brazil); Pontes, F.M., E-mail: fenelon@fc.unesp.br [Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, P.O. Box 473, 17033-360 Bauru, São Paulo (Brazil); Chiquito, A.J. [NanO LaB, Transporte Eletrônico em Nanoestruturas, Department of Physics, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, Km 235, P.O. Box 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, São Paulo (Brazil); Longo, E. [Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Eletroquimica e Cerâmica, Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, Km 235, P.O. Box 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, São Paulo (Brazil); Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo (Brazil)

    2014-07-01

    Highlights: • Highly (h 0 0) oriented LNO and PCST thin films were grown on LAO(1 0 0) substrate. • PCST/LNO/LAO structure shown classic ferroelectric–paraelectric phase transition. • PCST/LNO/LAO structure shows superior dielectric properties. • PCST/LAO films showed a direct allowed optical transition. - Abstract: Highly (1 0 0)-oriented Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20}TiO{sub 3}/LNO/LAO structure was fabricated using a chemical deposition process via spin-coating technique. XRD revealed that both LNO and Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20}TiO{sub 3} films grown on LAO(1 0 0) substrate and LNO/LAO(1 0 0) structure were crystallized to be highly (h 0 0)-oriented, respectively. AFM images revealed smooth surfaces, spherical-shaped grains and a crack-free surface with a roughness of about 3–7 nm. The tetragonal perovskite phase was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy for Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20}TiO{sub 3}/LNO/LAO and Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20}TiO{sub 3}/LAO structures. The optical transmittance of 340 nm thick Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20}TiO{sub 3} films on a LAO(1 0 0) substrate exhibited an average transmittance above 80% in the wavelength range of 500–1000 nm and an optical band gap E{sub g} of 3.56 and 2.87 eV for the direct and indirect transition processes, respectively. The Au/Pb{sub 0.60}Ca{sub 0.20}Sr{sub 0.20}TiO{sub 3}/LNO/LAO structure has a hysteresis loop with remnant polarization, P{sub r}, of 12 μC/cm{sup 2}, and a coercive field, E{sub c}, of 46 kV/cm for an electric field at 370 kV/cm along with a dielectric constant over 1200.

  18. CaCO3 dissolution by holothurians (sea cucumber): a case study from One Tree Reef, Great Barrier Reef

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schneider, K.; Silverman, J.; Kravitz, B.; Woolsey, E.; Eriksson, H.; Schneider-Mor, A.; Barbosa, S.; Rivlin, T.; Byrne, M.; Caldeira, K.

    2012-12-01

    Holothurians (sea cucumbers) are among the largest and most important deposit feeder in coral reefs. They play a role in nutrient and CaCO3 cycling within the reef structure. As a result of their digestive process they secrete alkalinity due to CaCO3 dissolution and organic matter degradation forming CO2 and ammonium. In a survey at station DK13 on One Three Reef we found that the population density of holothurians was > 1 individual m-2. The dominant sea cucumber species Holothuria leucospilota was collected from DK13. The increase in alkalinity due to CaCO3 dissolution in aquaria incubations was measured to be 47±7 μmol kg-1 in average per individual. Combining this dissolution rate with the sea cucumbers concentrations at DK13 suggest that they may account for a dissolution rate of 34.9±17.8 mmol m-2 day-1, which is equivalent to about half of night time community dissolution measured in DK13. This indicates that in reefs where the sea cucumber population is healthy and protected from fishing they can be locally important in the CaCO3 cycle. Preliminary result suggests that the CaCO3 dissolution rates are not affected by the chemistry of the sea water they are incubated in. Measurements of the empty digestive track volume of two sea cucumbers H. atra and Stichopus herrmanni were 36 ± 4 ml and 151 ± 14 ml, respectively. Based on these measurements it is estimated that these species process 19 ± 2kg and 80 ± 7kg CaCO3 sand yr-1 per individual, respectively. The annual dissolution rates of H. atra and S. herrmanni are 6.5±1.9g and 9.6±1.4g, respectively, suggest that 0.05±0.02% and 0.1±0.02% of the CaCO3 processed through their gut annually is dissolved. During the incubations the CaCO3 dissolution was 0.07±0.01%, 0.04±0.01% and 0.21±0.05% of the fecal casts for H. atra, H. leucospilota and S. herrmanni, respectively. Our result that the primary parameter determining the CaCO3 dissolution by sea cucumber is the amount of carbonate send in their gut

  19. Mechanical properties of carving wax with various Ca-bentolite filter composition

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Widjijono Widjijono

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available Background: The carving wax is used as a medium in dental anatomy study. This wax composes of many waxes and sometimes a filler is added. Carving wax is not sold in Indonesian market. Whereas the gradients of carving wax such as beeswax, paraffin and bentonite are abundant in Indonesia. Based on that fact, to make high quality and standard,the exact composition if this carving wax should be known. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of carving wax composition with Ca-bentonite filler on the melting point, hardness, and thermal expansion. Methods: Five carving wax compositions were made with paraffin, Ca-bentonite, carnauba wax, and beeswax in ratio (% weight: 50:20:25:5 (KI, 55:15:25:5 (KII, 60:10:25:5 (KIII, 65:5:25:5 (KIV, 70:0:25:5(KV. All components were melted, then poured into the melting point, hardness, and thermal expansion moulds (n = 5. Three carving wax properties were tested: melting point by melting point apparatus; hardness by penetrometer; thermal expansion by digital sliding caliper. The data were analyzed statistically using One-Way ANOVA and LSD0.05. Result: The Ca-bentonite addition influenced the melting point and thermal expansion of carving wax with significant differences between KI and other groups (p < 0.05. Ca-bentonite addition influenced the carving wax hardness and the mean differences among the groups were significant (p < 0.05. Conclusion: Ca-bentonite filler addition on the composition of carving wax influenced the physical and mechanical properties. The carving wax with high Ca-bentonite concentration had high melting point and hardness, but low thermal expansion.

  20. The diagnostic value of serum tumor markers CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, and TPS in metastatic breast cancer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Weigang; Xu, Xiaoqin; Tian, Baoguo; Wang, Yan; Du, Lili; Sun, Ting; Shi, Yanchun; Zhao, Xianwen; Jing, Jiexian

    2017-07-01

    This study aims to understand the diagnostic value of serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), and tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A total of 164 metastatic breast cancer patients in Shanxi Cancer Hospital were recruited between February 2016 and July 2016. 200 breast cancer patients without metastasis in the same period were randomly selected as the control group. The general characteristics, immunohistochemical, and pathological results were investigated between the two groups, and tumor markers were determined. There were statistical differences in the concentration and the positive rates of CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, and TPS between the MBC and control group (Ptumor marker at 56.7% and 97.0%, respectively. In addition, two tumor markers were used for the diagnosis of MBC and the CEA and TPS combination had the highest diagnostic sensitivity with 78.7%, while the CA15-3 and CA125 combination had the highest specificity of 91.5%. Analysis of tumor markers of 164 MBC found that there were statistical differences in the positive rates of CEA and CA15-3 between bone metastases and other metastases (χ 2 =6.00, P=0.014; χ 2 =7.32, P=0.007, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity values of the CEA and CA15-3 combination in the diagnosis of bone metastases were 77.1% and 45.8%, respectively. The positive rate of TPS in the lung metastases group was lower than in other metastases (χ 2 =8.06, P=0.005).There were significant differences in the positive rates of CA15-3 and TPS between liver metastases and other metastases (χ 2 =15.42, Ptumor markers have varying diagnostic value. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Magnetic and transport properties of La0.3Ca0.7Mn0.9T0.1O3 (T = Cr, Fe, and W)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sudyoadsuk, T.; Suryanarayanan, R.; Winotai, P.

    2005-01-01

    We have carried out structural, magnetic and magneto transport measurements of the electron-doped manganite La 0.3 Ca 0.7 MnO 3 substituted with 10% of Cr, Fe and W on the Mn site. The substitution by Cr, Fe and W suppresses the charge order transition present at 260 K in the parent compound. All the samples show a semiconducting behavior. Whereas the parent compound does not show any magneto resistance (MR) even in a field of 14 T, a maximum MR of 6% in 5 T at 25 K is observed for the Cr substituted sample that is attributed to a spin-cluster glass like states induced by Cr. The Fe and W substituted samples showed a MR of 1.5 and 3%, respectively which may be attributed to a smaller number of FM domains/spin-clusters and to an increase in anti-ferromagnetic interaction

  2. Thyroid radiofrequency ablation: Updates on innovative devices and techniques

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Hye Sun; Baek, Jung Hwan; Chung, Sae Rom; Choi, Young Jun; Lee, Jeong Hyun [Dept. of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Park, Auh Whan [Dept. of Radiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology Section, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville (United States)

    2017-08-01

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-known, effective, and safe method for treating benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers. Thyroid-dedicated devices and basic techniques for thyroid RFA were introduced by the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) in 2012. Thyroid RFA has now been adopted worldwide, with subsequent advances in devices and techniques. To optimize the treatment efficacy and patient safety, understanding the basic and advanced RFA techniques and selecting the optimal treatment strategy are critical. The goal of this review is to therefore provide updates and analysis of current devices and advanced techniques for RFA treatment of benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers.

  3. RFA-based 589-nm guide star lasers for ESO VLT: a paradigm shift in performance, operational simplicity, reliability, and maintenance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Friedenauer, Axel; Karpov, Vladimir; Wei, Daoping; Hager, Manfred; Ernstberger, Bernhard; Clements, Wallace R. L.; Kaenders, Wilhelm G.

    2012-07-01

    Large telescopes equipped with adaptive optics require 20-25W CW 589-nm sources with emission linewidths of ~5 MHz. These Guide Star (GS) lasers should also be highly reliable and simple to operate and maintain for many years at the top of a mountain facility. Under contract from ESO, industrial partners TOPTICA and MPBC are nearing completion of the development of GS lasers for the ESO VLT, with delivery of the first of four units scheduled for December 2012. We report on the design and performance of the fully-engineered Pre-Production Unit (PPU), including system reliability/availability analysis, the successfully-concluded qualification testing, long-term component and system level tests and long-term maintenance and support planning. The chosen approach is based on ESO's patented narrow-band Raman Fiber Amplifier (EFRA) technology. A master oscillator signal from a linearly-polarized TOPTICA 20-mW, 1178-nm CW diode laser, with stabilized emission frequency and controllable linewidth up to a few MHz, is amplified in an MPBC polarization-maintaining (PM) RFA pumped by a high-power 1120-nm PM fiber laser. With efficient stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression, an unprecedented 40W of narrow-band RFA output has been obtained. This is then mode-matched into a resonant-cavity doubler with a free-spectral-range matching the sodium D2a to D2b separation, allowing simultaneous generation of an additional frequency component (D2b line) to re-pump the sodium atom electronic population. With this technique, the return flux can be increased without having to resort to electro-optical modulators and without the risk of introducing optical wave front distortions. The demonstrated output powers with doubling efficiencies >80% at 589 nm easily exceed the 20W design goal and require less than 700 W of electrical power. In summary, the fiber-based guide star lasers provide excellent beam quality and are modular, turn-key, maintenance-free, reliable, efficient, and ruggedized

  4. Preferred Orientation Contribution to the Anisotropic Normal State Resistivity in Superconducting Melt-Cast Processed Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Aline Dellicour

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available We describe how the contribution of crystallographic texture to the anisotropy of the resistivity of polycrystalline samples can be estimated by averaging over crystallographic orientations through a geometric mean approach. The calculation takes into account the orientation distribution refined from neutron diffraction data and literature values for the single crystal resistivity tensor. The example discussed here is a melt-cast processed Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi-2212 polycrystalline tube in which the main texture component is a <010> fiber texture with relatively low texture strength. Experimentally-measured resistivities along the longitudinal, radial, and tangential directions of the Bi-2212 tube were compared to calculated values and found to be of the same order of magnitude. Calculations for this example and additional simulations for various texture strengths and single crystal resistivity anisotropies confirm that in the case of highly anisotropic phases such as Bi-2212, even low texture strengths have a significant effect on the anisotropy of the resistivity in polycrystalline samples.

  5. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of BaWO{sub 4} and Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Capece, Angela M., E-mail: acapece@pppl.gov [California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (United States); Polk, James E. [Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (United States); Shepherd, Joseph E. [California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (United States)

    2014-12-15

    Highlights: • XPS reference spectra for Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6} and BaWO{sub 4} are presented. • Binding energies of Ba 3d and W 4f lines are 0.7 eV higher for BaWO{sub 4} than Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6}. • Ca 2p spectrum contains two sets of Ca 2p doublets attributed to Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6} and CaCO{sub 3}. - Abstract: XPS reference spectra for Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6} and BaWO{sub 4} are presented, including high resolution spectra of the Ba 3d, W 4f, C 1s, Ca 2p, and O 1s lines. The peak locations and full widths at half maximum are also given. The binding energies of the Ba 3d and W 4f lines are 0.7 eV higher for BaWO{sub 4} than for Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6}. The Ca 2p spectrum contains two sets of Ca 2p doublets that were attributed to Ba{sub 2}CaWO{sub 6} and CaCO{sub 3}.

  6. Radiofrequency Ablation for Early-Stage Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Takao Hiraki

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available This review examines studies of radiofrequency ablation (RFA of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC and discusses the role of RFA in treatment of early-stage NSCLC. RFA is usually performed under local anesthesia with computed tomography guidance. RFA-associated mortality, while being rare, can result from pulmonary events. RFA causes pneumothorax in up to 63% of cases, although pneumothorax requiring chest drainage occurs in less than 15% of procedures. Other severe complications are rare. After RFA of stage I NSCLC, 31–42% of patients show local progression. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates after RFA of stage I NSCLC were 78% to 100%, 53% to 86%, 36% to 88%, and 25% to 61%, respectively. The median survival time ranged from 29 to 67 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cancer-specific survival rates after RFA of stage I NSCLC were 89% to 100%, 92% to 93%, and 59% to 88%, respectively. RFA has a higher local failure rate than sublobar resection and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT. Therefore, RFA may currently be reserved for early-stage NSCLC patients who are unfit for sublobar resection or SBRT. Various technologies are being developed to improve clinical outcomes of RFA for early-stage NSCLC.

  7. Structural phase transition at the percolation threshold in epitaxial (La0.7Ca0.3MnO3)1-x:(MgO)x nanocomposite films.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Moshnyaga, V; Damaschke, B; Shapoval, O; Belenchuk, A; Faupel, J; Lebedev, O I; Verbeeck, J; van Tendeloo, G; Mücksch, M; Tsurkan, V; Tidecks, R; Samwer, K

    2003-04-01

    'Colossal magnetoresistance' in perovskite manganites such as La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO), is caused by the interplay of ferro-paramagnetic, metal-insulator and structural phase transitions. Moreover, different electronic phases can coexist on a very fine scale resulting in percolative electron transport. Here we report on (LCMO)1-x:(MgO)x (0 strain. The largest colossal magnetoresistance of 10(5)% was observed at the percolation threshold in the conductivity at xc 0.3, which is coupled to a structural phase transition from orthorhombic (0 < x < or 0.1) to rhombohedral R3c structure (0.33 < or = x < or = 0.8). An increase of the Curie temperature for the Rc phase was observed. These results may provide a general method for controlling the magnetotransport properties of manganite-based composite films by appropriate choice of the second phase.

  8. The effects of market orientation

    OpenAIRE

    Sandvik, Kåre

    1998-01-01

    This research is designed to accomplish three goals. The first goal is to revisit the market orientation construct in order to define the different facets of it. A review of the market orientation literature is made to assess and synthesize the stock of accumulated knowledge regarding the market orientation construct. The second goal of the research is to develop a theory of the effects ofmarket orientation. Using the literature concerning resource-based theory and organization...

  9. Magnetic study of nanocrystalline 0.95MnO/0.05ZnO

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guskos, N.; Dudek, M.; Zolnierkiewicz, G.; Typek, J.; Berczynski, P.; Lendzion-Bielun, Z.; Sibera, D.; Narkiewicz, U.

    2013-01-01

    Nanocrystalline 0.95MnO/0.05ZnO sample has been prepared by coprecipitation and calcination processes. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of Mn 3 O 4 nanocrystallites with an average size of 43 nm. Magnetic properties of the 0.95MnO/0.05ZnO sample have been investigated by dc magnetization and magnetic resonances (electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), ferromagnetic resonance (FMR)) methods. The magnetization study has shown the presence of dominating Mn 3 O 4 paramagnetic and ferrimagnetic (below 46 K) phases. The blocking temperature determined from magnetization measurements was 41 K. An FMR study has shown the evidence of the spread of nanoparticles sizes. An EPR signal from paramagnetic phase of Mn 3 O 4 was observed at temperatures above 45 K and from defects/spurious phases in the low temperature range (T<16 K). Magnetic anisotropies of the sample in the FMR spectra were taken into account by fitting the observed spectra by two lines corresponding to parallel and perpendicular orientations of nanoparticles in an applied magnetic field. - Highlights: ► Magnetic properties of 0.95MnO/0.05ZnO have been studied by dc magnetization and magnetic resonance. ► FMR and EPR spectra were identified and attributed to various spin systems. ► From the spread of blocking temperatures obtained from magnetic resonance the spread of nanoparticles sizes was estimated.

  10. Síntesis, caracterización estructural y morfológica de nanofósforos Ca0,45Eu0,05Zr2(PO43

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lorena Alcaraz

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available Muestras de composición Ca0,45Eu0,05Zr2(PO43 se sintetizaron utilizando un método de preparación que transcurre en 2 etapas: uso de un proceso sol-gel empleando medios de reacción ácido (pH ≈ 2 y básico (pH ≈ 10 y un calentamiento posterior de los polvos precursores en corriente de N2:H2 (90:10 con el objeto de estabilizar el estado de oxidación 2+ en el europio. Los perfiles de difracción de rayos X obtenidos muestran reflexiones características de una estructura tipo NASICON de simetría romboédrica y grupo espacial R-3. Se aprecian máximos de reflexión más intensos para las muestras que se preparan usando un medio de reacción básico. Las medidas magnéticas confirman el estado de oxidación 2+ del europio en las muestras sintetizadas. Las imágenes de microscopia hacen visibles partículas de morfología esférica y tamaño nanométrico, en buen acuerdo con los resultados de difracción de rayos X, lo que indica que estas muestras pueden resultar de utilidad en ciertos dispositivos luminiscentes.

  11. Comparison of lesion conspicuity of radiofrequency ablation zones among MR sequences according to time in the normal rabbit liver

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ku, Myong Seo; Kim, Seung Kwon; Hong, Hyun Pyo; Kwag, Hyon Joo

    2007-01-01

    To compare the lesion conspicuity of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) zones among MR sequences according to time in the normal rabbit liver. RFA zones were created in 12 rabbit livers with a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode (1-cm active tip, 30 Watts, 3 minutes). Three rabbits were sacrificed immediately, three days, two weeks, and six weeks after the RFA procedure, respectively. Before sacrifice, T1-, T2-weighted images (WI), and gadolinium-enhanced (GE)-T1WI images were obtained. The lesion conspicuity of the RAF zone and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the RFA zone to the liver parenchyma were analyzed and compared among the MR sequences according to time. On T1WI, the RFA zones were only clearly seen on acute phase. On T2WI, the RFA zones were clearly seen on all phases except the hyperacute phase. On GE T1WI, the RFA zones were clearly seen on all phases. The CNRs of the RFA zone to the liver parenchyma of GE-T1WI (8.1-12.4) were significantly higher than the CNRs of TIWI (1.6-2.7) and T2WI (1.7-6.3) on all phases (ρ < 0.05), but the visual lesion conspicuity between GE T1WI and T2WI were similar. On hyperacute phase, GE T1WI showed better lesion conspicuity of the RFA zone than T1WI and T2WI. On other phases, GE T1WI and T2WI showed similar lesion conspicuity

  12. Percutaneous Intraductal Radiofrequency Ablation for Extrahepatic Distal Cholangiocarcinoma: A Method for Prolonging Stent Patency and Achieving Better Functional Status and Quality of Life

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wu, Tian-tian; Li, Wei-min; Li, Hu-cheng; Ao, Guo-kun; Zheng, Fang; Lin, Hu

    2017-01-01

    PurposeThe clinical efficacy of intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with Habib™ EndoHPB catheter, a newly developed intervention for malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of intraductal RFA.MethodsData from 71 patients with extrahepatic distal cholangiocarcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The study patients were divided into RFA and control groups. The RFA group had undergone percutaneous transhepatic intraductal RFA with a Habib™ EndoHPB catheter, followed by placement of covered or uncovered biliary self-expandable metallic stents (SEMs) whereas the control group had undergone percutaneous transhepatic covered or uncovered SEMs placement. Procedure-related complications, stent patency, patient survival, and postoperative serum bilirubin concentrations were compared between the two groups. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) questionnaire was administered to evaluate functional status, improvement in clinical manifestations, and quality of life.ResultsThe RFA group had a longer median stent patency than the control group (p = 0.001 for uncovered SEMs placement). Higher functional well-being, hepatobiliary-specific cancer subscale, Trial Outcome Index, and total FACT-Hep scores were observed during post-procedure follow-up in the RFA group. However, median survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsProlongation of stent patency and better functional status and quality of life, which are all important clinical endpoints, were observed in patients treated with intraductal RFA. Prospective randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to further investigate the clinical efficacy and long-term benefits of intraductal RFA.

  13. Percutaneous Intraductal Radiofrequency Ablation for Extrahepatic Distal Cholangiocarcinoma: A Method for Prolonging Stent Patency and Achieving Better Functional Status and Quality of Life

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wu, Tian-tian, E-mail: matthewwu1979@hotmail.com; Li, Wei-min, E-mail: weimin-li-surgery@126.com [The 309th Hospital of PLA, Hepatobiliary Surgery Department (China); Li, Hu-cheng, E-mail: hucheng-li-surgery@126.com [The 307th Hospital of PLA, General Surgery Department (China); Ao, Guo-kun, E-mail: guokun-ao-radiology@126.com [The 309th Hospital of PLA, Radiology Department (China); Zheng, Fang, E-mail: fang-zheng-surgery@126.com [The 309th Hospital of PLA, Hepatobiliary Surgery Department (China); Lin, Hu, E-mail: hu-lin-radiology@126.com [The 309th Hospital of PLA, Radiology Department (China)

    2017-02-15

    PurposeThe clinical efficacy of intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with Habib™ EndoHPB catheter, a newly developed intervention for malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of intraductal RFA.MethodsData from 71 patients with extrahepatic distal cholangiocarcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The study patients were divided into RFA and control groups. The RFA group had undergone percutaneous transhepatic intraductal RFA with a Habib™ EndoHPB catheter, followed by placement of covered or uncovered biliary self-expandable metallic stents (SEMs) whereas the control group had undergone percutaneous transhepatic covered or uncovered SEMs placement. Procedure-related complications, stent patency, patient survival, and postoperative serum bilirubin concentrations were compared between the two groups. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) questionnaire was administered to evaluate functional status, improvement in clinical manifestations, and quality of life.ResultsThe RFA group had a longer median stent patency than the control group (p = 0.001 for uncovered SEMs placement). Higher functional well-being, hepatobiliary-specific cancer subscale, Trial Outcome Index, and total FACT-Hep scores were observed during post-procedure follow-up in the RFA group. However, median survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsProlongation of stent patency and better functional status and quality of life, which are all important clinical endpoints, were observed in patients treated with intraductal RFA. Prospective randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to further investigate the clinical efficacy and long-term benefits of intraductal RFA.

  14. [Psychological Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Review of Cognitive-Behavioral Oriented Therapies].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Marques, Sofia; Barrocas, Daniel; Rijo, Daniel

    2017-04-28

    Borderline personality disorder is the most common personality disorder, with a global prevalence rate between 1.6% and 6%. It is characterized by affective disturbance and impulsivity, which lead to a high number of self-harm behaviors and great amount of health services use. International guidelines recommend psychotherapy as the primary treatment for borderline personality disorder. This paper reviews evidence about the effects and efficacy of cognitive-behavioral oriented psychological treatments for borderline personality disorder. A literature review was conducted in Medline and PubMed databases, using the following keywords: borderline personality disorder, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and efficacy. Sixteen randomized clinical trials were evaluate in this review, which analyzed the effects of several cognitive-behavioral oriented psychotherapeutic interventions, namely dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy and manual-assisted cognitive therapy. All above stated treatments showed clinical beneficial effects, by reducing borderline personality disorder core pathology and associated general psychopathology, as well as by reducing the severity and frequency of self-harm behaviors, and by improving the overall social, interpersonal and global adjustment. Dialectical behavioral therapy and schema-focused therapy also caused a soaring remission rate of diagnostic borderline personality disorder criteria of 57% and 94%, respectively. Although there were differences between the psychotherapeutic interventions analysed in this review, all showed clinical benefits in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Dialectical behavioral therapy and schema-focused therapy presented the strongest scientific data documenting their efficacy, but both interventions are integrative cognitive-behavioral therapies which deviate from the traditional cognitive-behavioral model. In summary, the available studies support

  15. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Compared With Radiofrequency Ablation for Inoperable Colorectal Liver Metastases

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Hayeon, E-mail: kimh2@upmc.edu [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States); Gill, Beant; Beriwal, Sushil; Huq, M. Saiful [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States); Roberts, Mark S. [Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States); Smith, Kenneth J. [Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States)

    2016-07-15

    Purpose: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine whether stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a cost-effective therapy compared with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. Methods and Materials: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a Markov model and 1-month cycle over a lifetime horizon. Transition probabilities, quality of life utilities, and costs associated with SBRT and RFA were captured in the model on the basis of a comprehensive literature review and Medicare reimbursements in 2014. Strategies were compared using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, with effectiveness measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). To account for model uncertainty, 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Strategies were evaluated with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Results: In base case analysis, treatment costs for 3 fractions of SBRT and 1 RFA procedure were $13,000 and $4397, respectively. Median survival was assumed the same for both strategies (25 months). The SBRT costs $8202 more than RFA while gaining 0.05 QALYs, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $164,660 per QALY gained. In 1-way sensitivity analyses, results were most sensitive to variation of median survival from both treatments. Stereotactic body radiation therapy was economically reasonable if better survival was presumed (>1 month gain) or if used for large tumors (>4 cm). Conclusions: If equal survival is assumed, SBRT is not cost-effective compared with RFA for inoperable colorectal liver metastases. However, if better local control leads to small survival gains with SBRT, this strategy becomes cost-effective. Ideally, these results should be confirmed with prospective comparative data.

  16. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Compared With Radiofrequency Ablation for Inoperable Colorectal Liver Metastases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Hayeon; Gill, Beant; Beriwal, Sushil; Huq, M. Saiful; Roberts, Mark S.; Smith, Kenneth J.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine whether stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a cost-effective therapy compared with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. Methods and Materials: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a Markov model and 1-month cycle over a lifetime horizon. Transition probabilities, quality of life utilities, and costs associated with SBRT and RFA were captured in the model on the basis of a comprehensive literature review and Medicare reimbursements in 2014. Strategies were compared using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, with effectiveness measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). To account for model uncertainty, 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Strategies were evaluated with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Results: In base case analysis, treatment costs for 3 fractions of SBRT and 1 RFA procedure were $13,000 and $4397, respectively. Median survival was assumed the same for both strategies (25 months). The SBRT costs $8202 more than RFA while gaining 0.05 QALYs, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $164,660 per QALY gained. In 1-way sensitivity analyses, results were most sensitive to variation of median survival from both treatments. Stereotactic body radiation therapy was economically reasonable if better survival was presumed (>1 month gain) or if used for large tumors (>4 cm). Conclusions: If equal survival is assumed, SBRT is not cost-effective compared with RFA for inoperable colorectal liver metastases. However, if better local control leads to small survival gains with SBRT, this strategy becomes cost-effective. Ideally, these results should be confirmed with prospective comparative data.

  17. Magnetic resonance imaging after radiofrequency ablation in a rodent model of liver tumor: tissue characterization using a novel necrosis-avid contrast agent

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ni, Yicheng; Yu, Jie; Marchal, Guy; Chen, Feng; Mulier, Stefaan; Sun, Xihe; Landuyt, Willy; Verbruggen, Alfons

    2006-01-01

    We exploited a necrosis-avid contrast agent ECIV-7 for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in rodent liver tumors after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Rats bearing liver rhabdomyosarcoma (R1) were randomly allocated to three groups: group I, complete RFA, group II, incomplete RFA, and group III, sham ablation. Within 24 h after RFA, T1-weighted (T1-w) MRI was performed before and after injection of ECIV-7 at 0.05 mmol/kg and followed up from 6-24 h. Signal intensities (SIs) were measured with relative enhancement (RE) and contrast ratio (CR) calculated. The MRI findings were verified histomorphologically. On plain T1-w MRI the contrasts between normal liver, RFA lesion, residual and/or intact tumor were vague. Early after administration of ECIV-7, the liver SI was strongly enhanced (RE=40-50%), leaving the RFA lesion as a hypointense region in groups I and II. At delayed phase, two striking peri-ablational enhancement patterns appeared (RE=90% and CR=1.89%), i.e., ''O'' type of hyperintense rim in group I and ''C'' type of incomplete rim in group II. These MRI manifestations could be proven histologically. In this study, tissue components after RFA could be characterized with discernable contrasts by necrosis-avid contrast agent (NACA)-enhanced MRI, especially at delayed phase. This approach may prove useful for defining the ablated area and identifying residual tumor after RFA. (orig.)

  18. The effect of radiofrequency ablation on different organs: Ex vivo and in vivo comparative studies

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Yoo Na [Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul 135-710 (Korea, Republic of); Rhim, Hyunchul, E-mail: rhimhc@skku.edu [Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul 135-710 (Korea, Republic of); Choi, Dongil; Kim, Young-sun; Lee, Min Woo; Chang, Ilsoo; Lee, Won Jae; Lim, Hyo K. [Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul 135-710 (Korea, Republic of)

    2011-11-15

    Objective: The purposes of this study are to evaluate the ex vivo and in vivo efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on different porcine tissues by the ablation of three different sites simultaneously. Materials and methods: A multichannel RFA system, enables three separate tumors to be ablated simultaneously, was used. RFA procedures were applied to normal porcine liver, kidney, and muscle together ex vivo (n = 12) and in vivo (n = 17). Pre-impedances, defined as baseline systemic impedances of tissues before beginning RFA, and the areas of ablation zones were measured and compared. Results: The areas of ablation zones among three organs had a significant difference in decreasing order as follows: liver, muscle, and kidney in the ex vivo study (p = 0.001); muscle, liver, and kidney in the in vivo study (p < 0.0001). The areas of ablation zones between ex vivo and in vivo had a significant difference in the liver and muscle (each p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the areas of ablation zones and pre-impedances in both studies. Conclusions: Renal RFA produced the smallest ablation zone in both in vivo and ex vivo studies. Muscular RFA demonstrated the largest ablation zone in the in vivo study, and hepatic RFA showed the largest ablation zone in the ex vivo study. This variability in the tissues should be considered for performing an optimized RFA for each organ site.

  19. 46 CFR 160.005-4 - Construction.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Construction. 160.005-4 Section 160.005-4 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS...), Models 52 and 56 § 160.005-4 Construction. (a) General. This specification covers life preservers which...

  20. Strukturna karakterizacija CaMnOз nanoprahova dopiranih itrijumom i teorijsko modelovanje stabilnosti perovskitske strukture

    OpenAIRE

    Zagorac, Jelena B.

    2014-01-01

    In the first part of dissertation structural, microstructural and phase analysis of the nanopowders with the general formula Ca1-xYxMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were performed using XRPD diffraction technique and Rietveld refinement. The most abundant crystal phases in these nanopowders are the members of ABO3 solid solutions with the perovskite structure type. Seven nanopowders of nominal composition CaMnO3 (Ca100), Ca0.95Y0.05MnO3 (Ca95), Ca0.85Y0.15MnO3 (Ca85), Ca0.75Y0.25MnO3 (Ca75), ...

  1. Object-Oriented Econometrics with Ox

    OpenAIRE

    Kulaksizoglu, Tamer

    2015-01-01

    This article reviews the object-oriented features of the Ox matrix programming language. We discuss object-oriented programming in general and give econometric examples coded in Ox. We also discuss some useful built-in classes that come with the Ox distribution.

  2. The Study of Object-Oriented Motor Imagery Based on EEG Suppression.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lili Li

    Full Text Available Motor imagery is a conventional method for brain computer interface and motor learning. To avoid the great individual difference of the motor imagery ability, object-oriented motor imagery was applied, and the effects were studied. Kinesthetic motor imagery and visual observation were administered to 15 healthy volunteers. The EEG during cue-based simple imagery (SI, object-oriented motor imagery (OI, non-object-oriented motor imagery (NI and visual observation (VO was recorded. Study results showed that OI and NI presented significant contralateral suppression in mu rhythm (p 0.05. Compared with NI, OI showed significant difference (p < 0.05 in mu rhythm and weak significant difference (p = 0.0612 in beta rhythm over the contralateral hemisphere. The ability of motor imagery can be reflected by the suppression degree of mu and beta frequencies which are the motor related rhythms. Thus, greater enhancement of activation in mirror neuron system is involved in response to object-oriented motor imagery. The object-oriented motor imagery is favorable for improvement of motor imagery ability.

  3. Mg/Ca of Continental Ostracode Shells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ito, E.; Forester, R. M.; Marco-Barba, J.; Mezquita, F.

    2007-12-01

    low. The water bodies near Valencia, Spain, range from 200mg/L to 65g/L with both [Mg] and [Ca] increasing with TDS, but at different rates because of carbonate precipitation. The lowest Mg/Ca was 0.5 in a dilute spring and the highest 6.5 in an evaporation pond with temperature at all sites being similar and highly variable. The observed Mg/Ca of the shells from all sites was generally between 0.005 and 0.025, but at any one site the range was only about 0.01 even at sites with monthly data for a full year, so capturing a wider range of temperature. So, unlike the first example, the low Mg/Ca range at individual sites seems to preclude defining a shell Mg temperature relation. In fact, the data show that very different TDS and different solute Mg/Ca result in a narrow range of shell Mg/Ca, as though ,C. torosa lived at a site with low temperature variability. Of interest, calculation of shell metal distribution coefficients, Kd, shows it goes from 0.025 for the dilute water to 0.005 for saline waters indicating that Kd is TDS dependent at these sites because the solutes all lie on a single solute evolution trend. These examples illustrate what can happen if ionic chemistry and TDS of seawater changes on glacial to interglacial or longer timescales, or if the same thermometer is applied to coastal settings. Palacios-Fest, M.R., and Dettman, D.L., 2001, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 65, p. 2499-2507.

  4. Electric Dipole Polarizability of ^{48}Ca and Implications for the Neutron Skin.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Birkhan, J; Miorelli, M; Bacca, S; Bassauer, S; Bertulani, C A; Hagen, G; Matsubara, H; von Neumann-Cosel, P; Papenbrock, T; Pietralla, N; Ponomarev, V Yu; Richter, A; Schwenk, A; Tamii, A

    2017-06-23

    The electric dipole strength distribution in ^{48}Ca between 5 and 25 MeV has been determined at RCNP, Osaka from proton inelastic scattering experiments at forward angles. Combined with photoabsorption data at higher excitation energy, this enables the first extraction of the electric dipole polarizability α_{D}(^{48}Ca)=2.07(22)  fm^{3}. Remarkably, the dipole response of ^{48}Ca is found to be very similar to that of ^{40}Ca, consistent with a small neutron skin in ^{48}Ca. The experimental results are in good agreement with ab initio calculations based on chiral effective field theory interactions and with state-of-the-art density-functional calculations, implying a neutron skin in ^{48}Ca of 0.14-0.20 fm.

  5. Specific Effects of Oxygen Molecule and Plasma on Thin-Film Growth of Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-(Ca)-Cu-O Systems

    Science.gov (United States)

    Endo, Tamio; Horie, Munehiro; Hirate, Naoki; Itoh, Katsutoshi; Yamada, Satoshi; Tada, Masaki; Itoh, Ken-ichi; Sugiyama, Morihiro; Sano, Shinji; Watabe, Kinji

    1998-07-01

    Thin films of a-oriented YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO), Ca-doped c-oriented Bi2(Sr,Ca)2CuOx and nondoped c-oriented Bi2Sr2CuOx (Bi2201) were prepared at low temperatures by ion beam sputtering with supply of oxygen molecules or plasma. The plasma enhances crystal growth of the a-YBCO and Ca-doped Bi2201 phases. This can be interpreted in terms of their higher surface energies. The growth and quality of nondoped Bi2201 are improved with the supply of oxygen molecules. This particular result could be interpreted by the collision process between the oxygen molecules and the sputtered particles.

  6. A high affinity Ca2(+)-ATPase on the surface membrane of Leishmania donovani promastigote

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ghosh, J.; Ray, M.; Sarkar, S.; Bhaduri, A.

    1990-01-01

    A Ca2(+)-dependent ATP-hydrolytic activity was detected in the crude membrane ghost of the promastigote or vector form of the protozoal parasite Leishmania donovani, the pathogen responsible for kala azar. The Ca2(+)-ATPase was purified to apparent homogeneity after solubilization with deoxycholate. The enzyme consists of two subunits of Mr = 51,000 and 57,000 and has an apparent molecular weight of 215,000 +/- 12,000. The enzyme activity is exclusively dependent on Ca2+, and the pure enzyme can hydrolyze 1.6 mumol of ATP/min/mg of protein. The apparent Km for Ca2+ is 35 nM, which is further reduced to 12 nM in the presence of heterologous calmodulin. The enzyme is sensitive to vanadate, but is insensitive to oligomycin and ouabain. The enzyme is strongly associated with the plasma membrane and has its catalytic site oriented toward the cytoplasmic face. The enzyme spans across the plasma membrane as surface labeling with radioiodine shows considerable radioactivity in the completely purified enzyme. The localization and orientation of this high affinity, calmodulin-sensitive Ca2(+)-ATPase suggest some role of this enzyme in Ca2+ movement in the life cycle of this protozoal parasite

  7. A high affinity Ca2(+)-ATPase on the surface membrane of Leishmania donovani promastigote

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ghosh, J.; Ray, M.; Sarkar, S.; Bhaduri, A. (Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Calcutta (India))

    1990-07-05

    A Ca2(+)-dependent ATP-hydrolytic activity was detected in the crude membrane ghost of the promastigote or vector form of the protozoal parasite Leishmania donovani, the pathogen responsible for kala azar. The Ca2(+)-ATPase was purified to apparent homogeneity after solubilization with deoxycholate. The enzyme consists of two subunits of Mr = 51,000 and 57,000 and has an apparent molecular weight of 215,000 +/- 12,000. The enzyme activity is exclusively dependent on Ca2+, and the pure enzyme can hydrolyze 1.6 mumol of ATP/min/mg of protein. The apparent Km for Ca2+ is 35 nM, which is further reduced to 12 nM in the presence of heterologous calmodulin. The enzyme is sensitive to vanadate, but is insensitive to oligomycin and ouabain. The enzyme is strongly associated with the plasma membrane and has its catalytic site oriented toward the cytoplasmic face. The enzyme spans across the plasma membrane as surface labeling with radioiodine shows considerable radioactivity in the completely purified enzyme. The localization and orientation of this high affinity, calmodulin-sensitive Ca2(+)-ATPase suggest some role of this enzyme in Ca2+ movement in the life cycle of this protozoal parasite.

  8. Contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic polarization species to energy storage properties of Ba0.95Ca0.05Zr0.2Ti0.8O3 ceramics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhan, Di; Xu, Qing; Huang, Duan-Ping; Liu, Han-Xing; Chen, Wen; Zhang, Feng

    2018-03-01

    Ba0.95Ca0.05Zr0.2Ti0.8O3 ceramics were prepared at different sintering temperatures by citrate precursor and solid-state reaction methods, respectively. The crystal structure and microstructure of the specimens were characterized. In view of energy storage capacitor utilizations, the dielectric properties of the specimens were investigated at room temperature as a function of frequency and applied electric field. Moreover, the nature of mobile charge carriers in the specimens was diagnosed by complex impedance spectroscopy at elevated temperatures. While the dielectric constants of the specimens prepared by different methods are quite different (4.4 × 103-2.2 × 104 at 10 kHz) at zero electric field, the energy storage densities at an identical strong electric field are similar (e.g. 0.32-0.41 J/cm3 at 120 kV/cm). The dielectric constants under bias electric field were fitted to a multipolarization mechanism model to resolve the contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic polarization mechanisms. It turned out that the extrinsic contributions fade out within low electric field range (dielectric responses at higher fields. Based on the fitting result, the energy storage properties of the specimens were interpreted.

  9. Structural comparison between La{sub 0.60}Y{sub 0.07}Ca{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3-{delta}} bulk and pulsed laser deposited thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Teodorescu, V.S. E-mail: teoval@alpha1.infim.ro; Nistor, L.C.; Valeanu, M.; Ghica, C.; Sandu, C.; Mihailescu, I.N.; Ristoscu, C.; Deville, J.P.; Werckmann, J

    2000-03-01

    This work is a comparative study of the structural and magneto-transport properties of La{sub 0.60}Y{sub 0.07}Ca{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3-{delta}} (LYCMO) as bulk and thin film. The bulk samples were prepared by solid-state reaction between the corresponding metallic oxides mixed in stoichiometric ratios. The thin film was deposited by pulsed laser deposition on an MgO single crystal using an excimer laser. We show that the structure and stoichiometry of the bulk target are perfectly reproduced in the thin film. We measured the magnetoresistive effect on both the LYCMO pellet and the thin film by using the four-probe technique. The maximum of the MR effect is 680% on the polycrystalline thin film in a 2 T magnetic field.

  10. Studies on charge transport in Al–doped La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 3} manganites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rathod, Jalshikhaba S. [C.U. Shah Technical Institute of Diploma Studies, C.U. Shah University, Surendranagar 363030 (India); Keshvani, M.J. [B.H. Gardi College of Engineering and Technology, Rajkot 361162 (India); Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005 (India); Solanki, P.S.; Pandya, D.D.; Kataria, Bharat; Shah, N.A. [Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005 (India); Kuberkar, D.G., E-mail: dgkuberkar@gmail.com [Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005 (India)

    2015-12-01

    In this communication, we report the results of the studies on the effect of non-magnetic Al{sup 3+}-doping on structure and properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 3} (LCMAO) manganites synthesized by conventional solid state reaction (SSR) route. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirms the single phasic nature of the samples without any detectable impurities. All the samples exhibit metal to insulator transition (T{sub P}) which decrease with increase in Al{sup 3+} doping concentration while it increases with applied magnetic field. To understand the nature of charge transport in metallic and insulating regions of resistivity, various models and mechanisms have been used to fit the observed experimental data.

  11. The contemporary role of ablative treatment approaches in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC): focus on radiofrequency ablation (RFA), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and cryoablation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Klatte, Tobias; Kroeger, Nils; Zimmermann, Uwe; Burchardt, Martin; Belldegrun, Arie S; Pantuck, Allan J

    2014-06-01

    Currently, most of renal tumors are small, low grade, with a slow growth rate, a low metastatic potential, and with up to 30 % of these tumors being benign on the final pathology. Moreover, they are often diagnosed in elderly patients with preexisting medical comorbidities in whom the underlying medical conditions may pose a greater risk of death than the small renal mass. Concerns regarding overdiagnosis and overtreatment of patients with indolent small renal tumors have led to an increasing interest in minimally invasive, ablative as an alternative to extirpative interventions for selected patients. To provide an overview about the state of the art in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), high-intensity focused ultrasound, and cryoablation in the clinical management of renal cell carcinoma. A PubMed wide the literature search of was conducted. International consensus panels recommend ablative techniques in patients who are unfit for surgery, who are not considered candidates for or elect against elective surveillance, and who have small renal masses. The most often used techniques are cryoablation and RFA. These ablative techniques offer potentially curative outcomes while conferring several advantages over extirpative surgery, including improved patient procedural tolerance, faster recovery, preservation of renal function, and reduction in the risk of intraoperative and postsurgical complications. While it is likely that outcomes associated with ablative modalities will improve with further advances in technology, their application will expand to more elective indications as longer-term efficacy data become available. Ablative techniques pose a valid treatment option in selected patients.

  12. Magnetic and transport properties of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} - La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} heterostructures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mustafa, Luqman

    2016-11-25

    The exploration of interface properties in complex oxide heterostructures and superlattices is one of the new exciting fields in condensed matter sciences. This is particularly originating from the technological advances in synthesizing heterostructures with atomic scale precision by advanced thin film deposition techniques. There is a plethora of novel achievements culminating in unexpected results, such as generating artificial multifunctional materials with the prominent example of the appearance of interface electrical conductivity and even superconductivity in between insulating films (SrTiO{sub 3} - LaAlO{sub 3}). In this thesis a special case of heterostructures is treated. Here, heterostructures composed of superconducting YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} and half-metallic ferromagnetic La{sub 2/3}Ca{sub 1/3}MnO{sub 3} are investigated and the interplay of the two long-range antagonistic ordering principles - superconductivity and ferromagnetism - is intended to be studied. Whereas the physics of such structures with the CuO{sub 2} planes of the superconducting YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} oriented parallel to the substrate plane (i.e. the short coherence length of the superconductor, ξ{sub c} ∝ 0.1 nm is facing the interface perpendicular) has been explored in great detail, little is known in the case of the CuO{sub 2} planes oriented perpendicular to the substrate plane and thus ξ{sub ab} ∝ 1.6 nm is pointing perpendicular to the interface. In the former case, the properties of the heterostructures and superlattices are determined by an interplay of charge transfer and orbital reconstruction, but the mechanisms occurring in the latter case are unknown so far. Prior to elaborated experiments to study the interface properties at an atomistic scale, the technology of fabricating such structures has to be accomplished and their macroscopic properties (structure, transport and magnetic properties) have to be investigated. It is the goal of this thesis to

  13. Resistive switching properties and low resistance state relaxation in Al/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Pt junctions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li Songlin; Liao, Z L; Li, J; Gang, J L; Zheng, D N

    2009-01-01

    Metal/insulator/metal structures composed of active Al top electrodes (TEs) and oxygen-deficient Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (PCMO) insulator layers are prepared on platinized silicon substrates. The junction resistance exhibits an obvious negative differential resistance region in the first bias sweep and an irreversible increase from 2 to 100 MΩ in repeated ±4 V sweeps. The pulse duration needed to fully switch the junctions is found to be on the order of milliseconds. When 100-500 μs negative pulses are used, the junctions show an incomplete switch to the low resistance state (LRS) which exhibits fluctuating resistances. The fluctuation in the LRS is suppressed and the high-to-low resistance ratio increases gradually when the negative pulse duration is increased from 100 to 500 μs. For relaxed junctions, pulse switching experiments reveal that the LRS undergoes a dynamically stable process at the beginning and then reaches a lower and metastable resistance value. Resistance retention tests also indicate that the high resistance state is very stable, while the metastable LRS gradually relaxes to higher resistance values. The experimental results are discussed with the formation and dissociation of an interfacial AlO x layer at the interface between Al TEs and PCMO layers.

  14. Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value of CA72-4 Compared with CEA and CA19-9 in Patients with Gastric Cancer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. Ychou

    2000-01-01

    Full Text Available Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA and CA 19-9 are both widely used in the follow up of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. More recently another tumor marker, named CA 72-4 has been identified and characterized using two different monoclonal antibodies B72.3 and CC49. Several reports evaluated CA 72-4 as a serum tumor marker for gastric cancer and compared its clinical utility with that of CEA or CA 19-9; few reports concerned its prognostic value. In the present study, CA 72-4 is evaluated and compared with CEA and CA 19-9 in various populations of patients with gastric cancer and benign disease; for 52 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 57 patients without neoplastic disease CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 were evaluated before treatment. Sensitivity of the tumor markers CA 72-4, CA 19-9 and CEA at the recommended cut-off level in all 52 patients were 58%, 50% the sensitivity increased to 75%. of these markers, for non metastatic patients, multivariate analyses indicated that none of the markers were significant, when adjusted for gender and age (which were indicators of poor prognosis; patients with abnormal values of CA72-4 tended to have shorter survival than patients with normal values (p < 0.07. In the metastatic population, only high values of CA19-9 (p < 0.02 and gender (women (p < 0.03 were indicators of poor prognosis in univariate analysis; multivariate analysis revealed that both CA72-4 (p = 0.034 and CA19-9 p = 0.009, adjusted for gender were independent prognostic factors. However, CA72-4 lost significance (p = 0.41 when adjusted for CA19-9 and gender, indicating that CA19-9 provides more prognostic information than CA72-4.

  15. Group theoretical treatment of the low-temperature phase transition of the Cd6Ca 1/1-cubic approximant

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tamura, R.; Shibata, K.; Nishimoto, K.; Takeuchi, S.; Edagawa, K.; Saitoh, K.; Isobe, M.; Ueda, Y.

    2005-01-01

    An antiparallel orientational transition is reported for an intermetallic compound, i.e., Cd 6 Ca crystal, which is a 1/1-1/1-1/1 crystalline approximant to the icosahedral quasicrystal Cd 5.7 Ca. A group theoretical analysis based on the Landau theory predicts that the space group of the low-temperature phase is either C2/c or C2/m, in good agreement with the observations. Accordingly, two types of orientational orderings of Cd 4 tetrahedra, which are located in the center of icosahedral clusters, may occur below 100 K: In both cases, the Cd 4 tetrahedra are orientationally ordered in an antiparallel fashion along the [110] direction of the high temperature body-centered-cubic phase. Such a transition in a metal is reminiscent of orientational transitions in molecular solids

  16. A review of wind turbine-oriented active flow control strategies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aubrun, Sandrine; Leroy, Annie; Devinant, Philippe

    2017-10-01

    To reduce the levelized cost of energy, the energy production, robustness and lifespan of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) have to be improved to ensure optimal energy production and operational availability during periods longer than 15-20 years. HAWTs are subject to unsteady wind loads that generate combinations of unsteady mechanical loads with characteristic time scales from seconds to minutes. This can be reduced by controlling the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine rotors in real time to compensate the overloads. Mitigating load fluctuations and optimizing the aerodynamic performance at higher time scales need the development of fast-response active flow control (AFC) strategies located as close as possible to the torque generation, i.e., directly on the blades. The most conventional actuators currently used in HAWTs are mechanical flaps/tabs (similar to aeronautical accessories), but some more innovative concepts based on fluidic and plasma actuators are very promising since they are devoid of mechanical parts, have a fast response and can be driven in unsteady modes to influence natural instabilities of the flow. In this context, the present paper aims at giving a state-of-the-art review of current research in wind turbine-oriented flow control strategies applied at the blade scale. It provides an overview of research conducted in the last decade dealing with the actuators and devices devoted to developing AFC on rotor blades, focusing on the flow phenomena that they cause and that can lead to aerodynamic load increase or decrease. After providing some general background on wind turbine blade aerodynamics and on the atmospheric flows in which HAWTs operate, the review focuses on flow separation control and circulation control mainly through experimental investigations. It is followed by a discussion about the overall limitations of current studies in the wind energy context, with a focus on a few studies that attempt to provide a global

  17. Regional and interspecific variation in Sr, Ca, and Sr/Ca ratios in avian eggshells from the USA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mora, Miguel A; Brattin, Bryan; Baxter, Catherine; Rivers, James W

    2011-08-01

    To examine regional variation in strontium (Sr), which at high concentrations may reduce eggshell quality, increase egg breakage and reproductive failure, we analyzed Sr, and calcium (Ca) concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios in eggshells from 20 avian species from California, Texas, Idaho, Kansas, and Michigan. In addition, we included data previously reported from Arizona to expand the regional comparisons and to better establish patterns of Sr, and Sr/Ca ratios in bird species across the United States. We found Sr concentrations varied significantly among regions, among species, and among foraging guilds; this variability is strongly influenced by the Sr/Ca ratios in surface water from locations close to the region where the eggshells were collected. Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios were significantly higher in bird eggshells from the Volta wildlife region in the San Joaquin Valley, California and in various locales from Arizona. Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios in bird eggshells from other locations in the USA were lower than those detected in these two regions. Among foraging guilds, invertivores had the highest Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios and carnivores had the lowest. In general, the Sr/Ca ratio increased strongly with increasing Sr concentrations (R(2) = 0.99, P eggshells suggesting that these values could be determined from Sr/Ca ratios in water. Eggshell thickness was poorly correlated with Sr (R(2) = 0.03) but had a significant and positive correlation with Ca and was more properly correlated by a quadratic equation (R(2) = 0.50, Thickness = 2.13 - 0.02Ca - 3.07 * 10(-5)Ca(2)). Our study provides further evidence that Sr accumulates significantly in the avian eggshell, in some regions at concentrations which could be of concern for potential negative effects on reproduction. We suggest that when assessing the effects of metals on avian reproduction in regions with high Sr deposits in rock and soil, Sr concentrations in the eggshell also should be

  18. Electric-field control of electronic transport properties and enhanced magnetoresistance in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/0.5BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3-0.5Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 lead-free multiferroic structures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yan, Jian-Min; Gao, Guan-Yin; Liu, Yu-Kuai; Wang, Fei-Fei; Zheng, Ren-Kui

    2017-10-01

    We report the fabrication of lead-free multiferroic structures by depositing ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) polycrystalline films on polished 0.5BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3-0.5Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 (BZT-BCT) piezoelectric ceramic substrates. By applying electric fields to the BZT-BCT along the thickness direction, the resistivity of LSMO films can be effectively manipulated via the piezoelectric strain of the BZT-BCT. Moreover, the LSMO polycrystalline films exhibit almost temperature independent and significantly enhanced magnetoresistance (MR) below TC. At T = 2 K and H = 8 T, the MR of polycrystalline films is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of LSMO epitaxial films grown on (LaAlO3)0.3(SrAl1/2Ta1/2O3)0.7 single-crystal substrates. The enhanced MR mainly results from the spin-polarized tunneling of charge carriers across grain boundaries. The LSMO/BZT-BCT structures with electric-field controllable modulation of resistivity and enhanced MR effect may have potential applications in low-energy consumption and environmentally friendly electronic devices.

  19. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in inconspicuous hepatocellular carcinoma on B-mode ultrasound.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Eui Joo; Kim, Yun Soo; Shin, Seung Kak; Kwon, Oh Sang; Choi, Duck Joo; Kim, Ju Hyun

    2017-11-01

    B-mode ultrasound (US) has difficulty targeting small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with poor conspicuity during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can improve visualization of small or inconspicuous HCCs. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CEUS-guided RFA electrode insertion during the arterial phase in inconspicuous HCCs. Ninety-three treatment-naïve HCCs from 80 patients treated with RFA from August 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-five HCCs from 65 patients underwent B-mode US-guided RFA, and 15 HCCs from 14 patients that were inconspicuous on B-mode US underwent CEUS-guided RFA during the arterial phase after injection of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles (SonoVue®). Technical success was assessed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography within 1 week and 3 months after the procedure. The mean size of HCCs treated with CEUS-guided RFA was smaller than that of HCCs treated with B-mode US-guided RFA (1.17±0.36 vs. 1.63±0.55 cm, p=0.003). Technical success rates of CEUS-guided RFA within 1 week and 3 months were 100% (15/15) and 93.3% (14/15), respectively. Technical success rates of B-mode US-guided RFA were 97.3% (73/75) and 94.5% (69/73), respectively. CEUS-guided RFA is highly efficacious for ablation of very small and inconspicuous HCCs.

  20. Interleukin-10 -592C/A, -819C/T and -1082A/G Polymorphisms with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A HuGE Review and Meta-analysis.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yanyin Hua

    Full Text Available Several studies have been conducted in recent years to evaluate the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM and polymorphisms of interleukin (IL-10. However, the results remain conflicting rather than conclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current evidence from case-control studies that evaluated this association.We carried out a search in Medline, EMBASE, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI database for relevant studies. Data were extracted using a standardized form and pooled odds ratios (ORs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs were calculated to assess the strength of the association.10 studies were included in our meta-analysis and systemic review. Our meta-analysis indicated that IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism was associated with the risk of T2DM (GA vs. AA: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03-1.14; GA/GG vs. AA: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.05-1.41, whereas there was no association between IL-10 -592C/A (CC/CA vs. AA: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.59-1.93 or -819C/T (CC/CT vs. TT: OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.49-1.75 polymorphism and T2DM risk was found in our study.This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism associated with risk of T2DM. However, no association of the IL-10 -592C/A or -819C/T polymorphism with T2DM risk was found. Additional well-designed large studies were required for the validation of our results.

  1. Service oriented architecture for clinical decision support: a systematic review and future directions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Loya, Salvador Rodriguez; Kawamoto, Kensaku; Chatwin, Chris; Huser, Vojtech

    2014-12-01

    The use of a service-oriented architecture (SOA) has been identified as a promising approach for improving health care by facilitating reliable clinical decision support (CDS). A review of the literature through October 2013 identified 44 articles on this topic. The review suggests that SOA related technologies such as Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Service Component Architecture (SCA) have not been generally adopted to impact health IT systems' performance for better care solutions. Additionally, technologies such as Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) and architectural approaches like Service Choreography have not been generally exploited among researchers and developers. Based on the experience of other industries and our observation of the evolution of SOA, we found that the greater use of these approaches have the potential to significantly impact SOA implementations for CDS.

  2. Evaluation of trauma service orientation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schott, Eric

    2010-02-01

    Orientation of residents to clinical services may be criticized as cumbersome, dull, and simplytoo much information. With the mandated resident-hour restrictions, the question arose: Do residents perceive the orientation to our trauma service as worthwhile? Residents attend a standardized orientation lecture on the first day of the rotation. Three weeks later, an eight-item, five-point Likert-scale survey is distributed to assess the residents' perceptions of the value of the orientation. Responses to each item were examined. Fifty-four (92%) of the residents completed the questionnaire between September 2005 and August 2006. Most indicated that orientation was helpful (85%), the Trauma Resuscitation DVD was informative (82%), the review of procedures was helpful (82%), and the instructor's knowledge was adequate (94%). Most (92%) disagreed with the statement that orientation should not be offered. Careful attention to orientation content and format is important to the perception that the orientation is worthwhile.

  3. Why competitors matter for market orientation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sørensen, Hans Eibe

    2009-01-01

      Purpose - This paper investigates whether it is meaningful to decompose market orientation into customer orientation and competitor orientation and what possible implications this decomposition may have for researchers and business practitioners.   Design - Through a review of existing market...... orientation research, two of its salient dimensions, customer orientation and competitor orientation, are theoretically investigated. Then, two symmetric component measures are developed and tested on 308 manufacturing firms in a cross-sectional questionnaire survey, supplemented with census data.   Findings...... - Empirical evidence reveals that, while competitor orientation is positively related to a firm's market share, a customer orientation is detrimental to a firm's return on assets for firms in less competitive environments.   Research implications and limitations - The study advocates moving beyond ‘global...

  4. Why competitors matter for market orientation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sørensen, Hans Eibe

    2009-01-01

    and empirically tests two novel symmetric component measures of customer orientation and competitor orientation. Academicians are provided with insights with respect to the content and symmetry of component measures of the market orientation construct and their relation to firm performance. Furthermore, business......  Purpose - This paper investigates whether it is meaningful to decompose market orientation into customer orientation and competitor orientation and what possible implications this decomposition may have for researchers and business practitioners.   Design - Through a review of existing market...... - Empirical evidence reveals that, while competitor orientation is positively related to a firm's market share, a customer orientation is detrimental to a firm's return on assets for firms in less competitive environments.   Research implications and limitations - The study advocates moving beyond ‘global...

  5. Observation of a three-dimensional vortex-line liquid in a highly c-axis-oriented (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox silver-sheathed tape

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun, Y.; Xu, G.; Du, J.; Zhou, Y.; Zeng, R.; Fu, X.; Hua, P.; Zhang, Y.

    1996-01-01

    We have measured the temperature dependence of resistance of a highly c-axis-oriented (Bi,Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x silver-sheathed tape in the mixed state using the dc flux transformer geometry. In the vortex fluid regime, we have observed the onset of a nonlocal conductivity which corresponds to the peak (T peak ) in R bot (T) curves. This can be explained qualitatively in terms of the vortex decoupling which arises from an increased thermal fluctuation. At T peak , the vortices are three dimensional (3D) in character. This behavior is quite different from the results obtained recently by Safar et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 69, 824 (1992)] and Busch et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 69, 522 (1992)] in Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O y single crystals using the same measuring method. Their results show that the vortices are two dimensional in character. The difference of the vortex dimensionality between (Bi,Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x and Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O y superconductors in the vortex liquid regime may be attributed to different anisotropies due to their different crystal structures and pinning disorders. In a 3D vortex line liquid, the results reveal that dissipation seems to originate from the thermally activated plastic motion of a pinned vortex line liquid. The field and temperature dependence of the activation energy is as follows: U(H,T)=U 0 (1-T/T c )H -0.45 . copyright 1996 The American Physical Society

  6. Quantitating the effect of prosthesis design on femoral remodeling using high-resolution region-free densitometric analysis (DXA-RFA)

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Farzi, Mohsen; Morris, Richard M; Penny, Jeannette

    2017-01-01

    Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the reference standard method used to study bone mineral density (BMD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the subtle, spatially complex changes in bone mass due to strain-adaptive bone remodeling relevant to different prosthesis designs are not ......Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the reference standard method used to study bone mineral density (BMD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the subtle, spatially complex changes in bone mass due to strain-adaptive bone remodeling relevant to different prosthesis designs...... using scans acquired during two previous randomized clinical trials (2004 to 2009); one comparing three cemented prosthesis design geometries, and the other comparing a hip resurfacing versus a conventional cementless prosthesis. DXA RFA resolved subtle differences in magnitude and area of bone...... remodeling between prosthesis designs not previously identified in conventional DXA analyses. A mean bone loss of 10.3%, 12.1%, and 11.1% occurred for the three cemented prostheses within a bone area fraction of 14.8%, 14.4%, and 6.2%, mostly within the lesser trochanter (p 

  7. Critical parameters near the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition in La{sub 0.7}A{sub 0.3}(Mn{sub 1-x}b{sub x})O{sub 3} (A=Sr; B=Ti and Al; x=0.0 and 0.05) compounds

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Khiem, N.V. [Hongduc University, 307 Lelai Street, Thanhhoa City (Viet Nam)], E-mail: nvkhiem2002@yahoo.com; Phong, P.T. [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Bau, L.V. [Hongduc University, 307 Lelai Street, Thanhhoa City (Viet Nam); Nam, D.N.H.; Hong, L.V.; Phuc, N.X. [Institute of Materials Science, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi (Viet Nam)

    2009-07-15

    The critical parameters provide important information concerning the interaction mechanisms near the paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition. In this paper, we present a thorough study for the critical behavior of La{sub 0.7}A{sub 0.3}(Mn{sub 1-x}B{sub x})O{sub 3} (A=Sr; B=Ti and Al; x=0.0 and 0.05) polycrystalline samples near ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition temperature by analyzing isothermal magnetization data. We have analyzed our dc-magnetization data near the transition temperature with the help of the modified Arrot plot, Kouvel-Fisher method. We have determined the critical temperature T{sub C} and the critical parameters {beta}, {gamma} and {delta}. With the values of T{sub C}, {beta} and {gamma}, we plot Mx(1-T/T{sub C}){sup -{beta}} vs. Hx(1-T/T{sub C}){sup -{gamma}}. All the data collapse on one of the two curves. This suggests that the data below and above T{sub C} obey scaling, following a single equation of state. Critical parameters for x=0 and x{sub Ti}=0.05 samples are between those predicted for a 3D-Heisenberg model and mean-field theory and for x{sub Al}=0.05 samples the values obtained for the critical parameters are close to those predicted by the mean-field theory.

  8. Percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of solitary small renal masses. A single center experience

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pieper, C.C.; Fischer, S.; Strunk, H.; Meyer, C.; Thomas, D.; Willinek, W.A.; Schild, H. [Univ. Bonn (Germany). Dept. of Radiology; Hauser, S. [Univ. Bonn (Germany). Dept. of Urology; Nadal, J. [Univ. Bonn (Germany). Inst. for Medical Biometry; Wilhelm, K. [Johanniter Hospital Bonn (Germany). Dept. of Radiology

    2015-07-15

    To analyze the outcome of patients undergoing percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of small renal masses (SRM) at a single center during a ten-year time period. Patient records of renal RFAs (07/2003 - 11/2013) were reviewed. Indications were SRM suspicious of malignancy on imaging and one of the following: severe comorbidity; old age; solitary kidney; impaired renal function; patient wish. Biopsy was performed at the time of RFA. Patients were excluded if no follow-up was available. Patient and procedural characteristics were recorded. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier's method and compared with log-rank or cox tests. 38 patients (16 females, mean age 70.0 years [range 52 - 87]) presenting with a solitary SRM were included in the study. Biopsy showed malignancy in 29 patients; 9 had benign tumors. 26 patients suffered from cardiovascular, respiratory or hepatic comorbidities. Technical success (complete ablation on first follow-up) was achieved in 95 % of cases. Two major complications (bowel perforation; hematothorax) occurred. The 3- and 7-year overall survival (OS) [any cause] rates were 73.4 ± 0.8 % and 50.3 ± 1.0 %, respectively (mean follow-up 54.6 months, range 1 - 127). 4 recurrences and 2 metastases were observed. The presence of comorbidities was the only independent predictor of OS. There was no difference in survival between patients with benign and malignant tumors. RFA of SRM is successful in a large percentage of cases with a low complication rate and durable local control. As RFA is typically performed in multimorbid patients, overall survival seems to depend primarily on comorbidities rather than cancer progression.

  9. Electric field control of the small-polaron hopping conduction in spatial confined Pr0.7(Ca0.6Sr0.40.3MnO3/PMN-PT heterostructure

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hao Kuang

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available The electric field dependent high-temperature small-polaron hopping conduction was investigated in patterned Pr0.7(Ca0.6Sr0.40.3MnO3 strips. The small-polaronic activation energy EA and the carrier localization were found to decrease with the reduction of the strip size. Meanwhile, a similar dependence on the strip size was also obtained for the calculated small-polaron coupling constants, which could be related to the strain relaxation in strips. These results indicate that the spatial confinement prefers to delocalize the carrier and reduce the electron-phonon interaction. Furthermore, opposite variation trends of EA under negative and positive electric field were found in the strips with small size, which could be attributed to the enhancement of polarization effect induced by the reduction of strip size.

  10. Magnesium doping on brownmillerite Ca2FeAlO5

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Malveiro, J.; Ramos, T.; Ferreira, L.P.; Waerenborgh, J.C.; Nunes, M.R.; Godinho, M.; Carvalho, M.D.

    2007-01-01

    Ca 2 FeAl 1- x Mg x O 5 (x=0, 0.05 and 0.1) compounds adopting the brownmillerite-type structure were prepared by a self-combustion route using two different fuels. Characterisation was performed using X-ray powder diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy, magnetisation measurements, chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy and 4-point dc conductivity measurements. Global results indicate that the solubility limit was reached for x=0.1. An antiferromagnetic behaviour was detected for all studied compositions, with magnetic ordering temperatures of 340 and 290 K for x=0 and 0.05, respectively. Mg doping increases the number of iron cations in tetrahedral sites, which induces magnetisation enhancement at low temperatures through the coupling between octahedral iron cations in different octahedral planes. The compounds exhibit semiconductor behaviour and Mg 2+ doping yields a significant enhancement of the total conductivity, which can be essentially attributed to the presence of Fe 4+ ions. - Graphical abstract: Ca 2 FeAl 1- x Mg x O 5 (x=0, 0.05, 0.1) compounds with the brownmillerite structure were prepared and characterised. The paramagnetic Moessbauer spectra presented were obtained at T=363 K (x=0); T=297 K (x=0.05) and T=353 K (x=0.1)

  11. Growth and Analysis of Highly Oriented (11n) BCSCO Films for Device Research

    Science.gov (United States)

    Raina, K. K.; Pandey, R. K.

    1995-01-01

    Films of BCSCO superconductor of the type Bi2CaSr2Cu2O(x), have been grown by liquid phase epitaxy method (LPE), using a partially closed growth chamber. The films were grown on (001) and (110) NdGaO3 substrates by slow cooling process in an optimized temperature range below the peritectic melting point (880 C) of Bi2CaSr2Cu2O8. Optimization of parameters, such as seed rotation, soak of initial growth temperature and growth period results in the formation of 2122 phase BCSCO films. The films grown at rotation rates of less than 30 and more than 70 rpm are observed to be associated with the second phase of Sr-Ca-Cu-O system. Higher growth temperatures (greater than 860 C) also encourage to the formation of this phase. XRD measurements show that the films grown on (110) NdGaO3 have a preferred (11n)-orientation. It is pertinent to mention here that in our earlier results published elsewhere we obtained c-axis oriented Bi2CaSr2Cu2O8 phase films on (001) NdGaO3 substrate. Critical current density is found to be higher for the films grown on (110) than (001) NdGaO3 substrate orientation. The best values, zero resistance (T(sab co)) and critical current density obtained are 87 K and 10(exp 5) A/sq cm respectively.

  12. Growth and analysis of highly oriented (11n) BCSCO films for device research

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Raina, K.K.; Pandey, R.K.

    1994-01-01

    Films of BCSCO superconductor of the type Bi 2 CaSr 2 Cu 2 O x have been grown by liquid phase epitaxy method (LPE), using a partially closed growth chamber. The films were grown on (001) and (110) NdGaO 3 substrates by slow cooling process in an optimized temperature range below the peritectic melting point (880 degrees C) of Bi 2 CaSr 2 Cu 2 O 8 . Optimization of parameters, such as seed rotation, soak of initial growth temperature and growth period results in the formation of 2122 phase BCSCO films. The films grown at rotation rates of less than 30 and more than 70 rpm are observed to be associated with the second phase of Sr-Ca-Cu-O system. Higher growth temperatures (>860 degrees C) also encourage to the formation of this phase. XRD measurements show that the films grown on (110) NdGaO 3 have a preferred (11n)-orientation. It is pertinent to mention here that in our earlier results published elsewhere we obtained c-axis oriented Bi 2 CaSr 2 Cu 2 O 8 phase films on (001) NdGaO 3 substrate. Critical current density is found to be higher for the films grown on (110) than (001) NdGaO 3 substrate orientation. The best values of zero resistance (T co ) and critical current density obtained are 87 K and 10 5 A/cm 2 , respectively

  13. Effect of calcium content on the microstructure, hardness and in-vitro corrosion behavior of biodegradable Mg-Ca binary alloy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shervin Eslami Harandi

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available Effect of calcium addition on microstructure, hardness value and corrosion behavior of five different Mg-xCa binary alloys (x = 0.7, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt. (% was investigated. Notable refinement in microstructure of the alloy occurred with increasing calcium content. In addition, more uniform distribution of Mg2Ca phase was observed in a-Mg matrix resulted in an increase in hardness value. The in-vitro corrosion examination using Kokubo simulated body fluid showed that the addition of calcium shifted the fluid pH value to a higher level similar to those found in pure commercial Mg. The high pH value amplified the formation and growth of bone-like apatite. Higher percentage of Ca resulted in needle-shaped growth of the apatite. Electrochemical measurements in the same solution revealed that increasing Ca content led to higher corrosion rates due to the formation of more cathodic Mg2Ca precipitate in the microstructure. The results therefore suggested that Mg-0.7Ca with the minimum amount of Mg2Ca is a good candidate for bio-implant applications.

  14. Effect of calcium content on the microstructure, hardness and in-vitro corrosion behavior of biodegradable Mg-Ca binary alloy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shervin Eslami Harandi

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Effect of calcium addition on microstructure, hardness value and corrosion behavior of five different Mg-xCa binary alloys (x = 0.7, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt. (% was investigated. Notable refinement in microstructure of the alloy occurred with increasing calcium content. In addition, more uniform distribution of Mg2Ca phase was observed in a-Mg matrix resulted in an increase in hardness value. The in-vitro corrosion examination using Kokubo simulated body fluid showed that the addition of calcium shifted the fluid pH value to a higher level similar to those found in pure commercial Mg. The high pH value amplified the formation and growth of bone-like apatite. Higher percentage of Ca resulted in needle-shaped growth of the apatite. Electrochemical measurements in the same solution revealed that increasing Ca content led to higher corrosion rates due to the formation of more cathodic Mg2Ca precipitate in the microstructure. The results therefore suggested that Mg-0.7Ca with the minimum amount of Mg2Ca is a good candidate for bio-implant applications.

  15. Mucins CA 125, CA 19.9, CA 15.3 and TAG-72.3 as tumor markers in patients with lung cancer: comparison with CYFRA 21-1, CEA, SCC and NSE.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Molina, Rafael; Auge, Jose Maria; Escudero, Jose Miguel; Marrades, Ramon; Viñolas, Nuria; Carcereny, Emilio; Ramirez, Jose; Filella, Xavier

    2008-01-01

    Tumor marker serum levels were prospectively studied in 289 patients with suspected, but unconfirmed, lung cancer and in 513 patients with lung cancer [417 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 96 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients]. In patients with benign disease, abnormal serum levels were found for the following tumor markers: CEA (in 6.6% of patients); CA 19.9 (6.2%); CA 125 (28.7%); NSE (0.7%); CYFRA (8.7%); TAG-72.3 (4.2%); SCC (3.5%), and CA 15.3 (3.5%). Excluding patients with renal failure or liver diseases, tumor marker specificity improved with abnormal levels in 0.5% for NSE, 0.9% for SCC, 2.8% for CEA, CA 15.3 and TAG-72.3, 3.8% for CA 19.9, 4.2% for CYFRA and 21.4% for CA 125. Excluding CA 125, one of the markers was abnormal in 15% of patients without malignancy. Tumor marker sensitivity was related to cancer histology and tumor extension. NSE had the highest sensitivity in SCLC and CYFRA and CEA in NSCLC. Significantly higher concentrations of CEA, SCC, CA 125, CA 15.3 and TAG-72.3 were found in NSCLC than in SCLC. Likewise, significantly higher CEA (p tumors. Using a combination of 3 tumor markers (CEA, CYFRA 21-1 in all histologies, SCC in squamous tumors and CA 15.3 in adenocarcinomas), a high sensitivity may be achieved in all histological types. Tumor markers may be useful in the histological differentiation of NSCLC and SCLC. Using specific criteria for the differentiation of SCLC and NSCLC, the sensitivity was 84.2 and 68.8%, the specificity was 93.8 and 99.7%, the positive predictive value was 98.3 and 98.5% and the negative predictive value was 57.7 and 93.3%, respectively. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  16. Thermally activated dissipation and critical field Hc2 in c-oriented high-Tc Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin film

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Y.H.; Cui, C.G.; Zhang, Y.Z.; Li, S.L.; Li, J.; Li, L.

    1991-01-01

    A set of resistivity-temperature (R-T) curves measured under various applied fields in a high-T c Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin film which has a zero-resistance temperature T c0 of 110 K is reported. The remarkable broadening of the transition width is discussed under the flux-creep model, considering the very short coherence length of this oxide superconductor. The resistivity is thermally activated, which is consistent with the Arrhenius law with a magnetic field and orientation-dependent activation energy U 0 (H,Θ). The U 0 (H,Θ) has a very high value of 381.6 meV under a field of 0.1 T parallel to the c axis. The upper critical field H c2 determined from these R-T curves shows high values and the effect of flux creep to the H c2 (0) is examined by the irreversible behavior with the ''giant'' flux-creep model

  17. Innovative techniques for image-guided ablation of benign thyroid nodules: Combined ethanol and radiofrequency ablation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Hye Sun; Baek, Jung Hwan; Choi, Young Jun; Lee, Jeong Hyun [Dept. of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-06-15

    In the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, ethanol ablation (EA), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been suggested for cystic and solid thyroid nodules, respectively. Although combining these ablation techniques may be effective, no guidelines for or reviews of the combination have been published. Currently, there are three ways of combining EA and RFA: additional RFA is effective for treatment of incompletely resolved symptoms and solid residual portions of a thyroid nodule after EA. Additional EA can be performed for the residual unablated solid portion of a nodule after RFA if it is adjacent to critical structures (e.g., trachea, esophagus, and recurrent laryngeal nerve). In the concomitant procedure, ethanol is injected to control venous oozing after aspiration of cystic fluid prior to RFA of the remaining solid nodule.

  18. Relationship between peripheral and mesenteric serum levels of CEA and CA 242 with staging and histopathological variables in colorectal adenocarcinoma Níveis séricos periféricos e mesentéricos de CEA e CA 242, estadiamento e variáveis histopatológicas no adenocarcinoma colorretal

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mauro Lamelas Cardoso

    2009-10-01

    Full Text Available PURPOSE: To compare histopathological variables and staging in colorectal adenocarcinoma cases with CEA and CA 242 in peripheral and mesenteric blood. METHODS: In 169 individuals underwent surgery for colorectal cancer, CEA and CA 242 were analyzed and compared to mesenteric and peripheral blood and correlated with macroscopic tumor's morphology and size, degree of cell differentiation, venous, neural and lymphatic involvement and TNM classification. RESULTS: There was a difference between the mesenteric (M and peripheral (P serum levels of CEA (p=0.020. Higher levels of markers were correlated with venous invasion CEA (P p=0.013, CEA (M p=0.05, CA 242 (M p=0.005 and CA 242 (P p=0.038; with advanced staging CEA (P OBJETIVO: Comparar variáveis histopatológicas e graus de estadiamento do adenocarcinoma colorretal com níveis sanguíneos periféricos e mesentéricos de CEA e CA-242. MÉTODOS: Em 169 doentes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico por adenocarcinoma colorretal, CEA e CA-242 foram analisados e comparados quanto aos níveis sanguíneos periféricos e mesentéricos e correlacionados com o tamanho e a morfologia macroscópica do tumor, grau de diferenciação celular, invasões venosa, linfática, neural e a classificação TNM. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se diferença significante entre o nível sérico mesentérico e periférico de CEA (p= 0,02. Níveis séricos mais elevados dos marcadores foram observados e correlacionados com invasão venosa, CEA (P p=0,013, CEA(M, p=0,05, CA-242 (M p=0,005 e CA-242 (P p=0,038. Grau de estadiamento TNM avançado foi associado com CEA(P < CEA(M p<0,05, CA-242(P < CA-242(M p<0,05. Nas maiores dimensões tumorais constatou-se CEA(P < CEA(M p=0,001 e CA 242 (P < CA 242 (M (p < 0.001. O CA 242 periférico e mesentérico aumentados associaram-se com a invasão neural, p=0.014 e p=0.003, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O nível sérico mesentérico de CEA é superior ao nível sérico periférico. Os níveis s

  19. Top-down contingent feature-specific orienting with and without awareness of the visual input.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ansorge, Ulrich; Horstmann, Gernot; Scharlau, Ingrid

    2011-01-01

    In the present article, the role of endogenous feature-specific orienting for conscious and unconscious vision is reviewed. We start with an overview of orienting. We proceed with a review of masking research, and the definition of the criteria of experimental protocols that demonstrate endogenous and exogenous orienting, respectively. Against this background of criteria, we assess studies of unconscious orienting and come to the conclusion that so far studies of unconscious orienting demonstrated endogenous feature-specific orienting. The review closes with a discussion of the role of unconscious orienting in action control.

  20. Application value of combined measurement of serum sTn, CA242, CA19-9 and CEA in the diagnosis of gastroenterological neoplasm

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Wanzhong; Chen Zhizhou; Fan Zhenfu

    2007-01-01

    To determine the application value of four serum tumor markers sTn, CA242, CA 19-9 and CEA in the diagnosis of gastroenterological neoplasm, the serum sTn, CA242, CA19-9 and CEA in 30 normal adult controls and 60 patients with gastroenterological neoplasm were measured by IRMA. The results showed that the serum sTn, CA242, CA19-9 and CEA levels in patients with gastric carcinoma or colorectal carcinoma were much higher than those in control group (P<0.01). The serum CEA, CA19-9 and CA242 levels in patients with colorectal carcinoma were significantly higher than those in patients with gastric carcinoma (P<0.01), but the serum sTn level in the former was markedly lower (P<0.01) than that in the latter. The sensitivity of tumor marker increased with the progress of clinical stages, with a considerably higher sensitivity for stage IV compared with stage I-II (P<0.01). The combined test of four tumor markers could be more sensitive than single test in detecting gastric carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma (P<0.05). Four tumor markers are useful for diagnosing gastroenterological neoplasm, and the combined measurement of 4 tumor markers could increase the sensitivity of detecting gastric carcinoma. (authors)

  1. Effect of electrode and interface oxide on the property of ReRAM composed of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kaji, H; Kondo, H; Fujii, T; Arita, M; Takahashi, Y

    2010-01-01

    The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of resistance random access memories (ReRAM) composed of the [top electrode] /Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (PCMO)/Pt structure were investigated by using Au, Pt, Ag, Cr, Mo and W needles as top electrodes against the PCMO layer. Reproducible resistance switching can be recognized in devices using Cr, Mo and W. Devices using Mo and W electrode showed two type of characteristics: (A) resistance change from low resistance state to high resistance state by positive bias voltage and (B) vice versa. Since the surfaces of these needles may be oxidized, we took account of the effect by the surface oxide. To check this assumption, we annealed the W needles and Mo needles in air and investigated I-V characteristics without the PCMO layer. As a result, the characteristic-(B) was classified to be induced by a surface oxide. Meanwhile, the characteristic-(A) is from PCMO. The existence of the interface oxide between top electrode and PCMO seems to decide the type of characteristics and to influence the reproducibility of the ReRAM property.

  2. Sacral orientation and spondylolysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Peleg, Smadar; Dar, Gali; Steinberg, Nili; Masharawi, Youssef; Been, Ella; Abbas, Janan; Hershkovitz, Israel

    2009-12-01

    A descriptive study (based on skeletal material) was designed to measure sacral anatomic orientation (SAO) in individuals with and without spondylolysis. To test whether a relationship between SAO and spondylolysis exists. Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis (mainly of L5). The natural history of the phenomenon has been debated for years with opinions divided, i.e., is it a developmental condition or a stress fracture phenomenon. There is some evidence to suggest that sacral orientation can be a "key player" in revealing the etiology of spondylolysis. The pelvis was anatomically reconstructed and SAO was measured as the angle created between the intersection of a line running parallel to the superior surface of the sacrum and a line running between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the anterior-superior edge of the symphysis pubis (PUBIS).SAO was measured in 99 adult males with spondylolysis and 125 adult males without spondylolysis. The difference between the groups was tested using an unpaired t test. Spondylolysis prevalence is significantly higher in African-Americans compared to European-Americans: 5.4% versus 2.04% in males (P < 0.001) and 2.31% versus 0.4%, P < 0.001 in females. SAO was significantly lower in the spondylolytic group (44.07 degrees +/- 11.46 degrees) compared to the control group (51.07 degrees +/- 8.46 degrees, P < 0.001). A more horizontally oriented sacrum leads to direct impingement on L5 pars interarticularis by both L4 inferior articular facet superiorly and S1 superior articular facet inferiorly. Repetitive stress due to standing (daily activities) or sitting increases the "pincer effect" on this area, and eventually may lead to incomplete synostosis of the neural arch.

  3. Orientation control and domain structure analysis of {100}-oriented epitaxial ferroelectric orthorhombic HfO{sub 2}-based thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Katayama, Kiliha [Department of Innovative and Engineered Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan); Shimizu, Takao [Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan); Sakata, Osami [Synchrotron X-ray Station at SPring-8, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148 (Japan); Shiraishi, Takahisa; Nakamura, Shogo; Kiguchi, Takanori; Akama, Akihiro; Konno, Toyohiko J. [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Uchida, Hiroshi [Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Sophia University, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8554 (Japan); Funakubo, Hiroshi, E-mail: funakubo.h.aa@m.titech.ac.jp [Department of Innovative and Engineered Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan); Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan)

    2016-04-07

    Orientation control of {100}-oriented epitaxial orthorhombic 0.07YO{sub 1.5}-0.93HfO{sub 2} films grown by pulsed laser deposition was investigated. To achieve in-plane lattice matching, indium tin oxide (ITO) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were selected as underlying layers. We obtained (100)- and (001)/(010)-oriented films on ITO and YSZ, respectively. Ferroelastic domain formation was confirmed for both films by X-ray diffraction using the superlattice diffraction that appeared only for the orthorhombic symmetry. The formation of ferroelastic domains is believed to be induced by the tetragonal–orthorhombic phase transition upon cooling the films after deposition. The present results demonstrate that the orientation of HfO{sub 2}-based ferroelectric films can be controlled in the same manner as that of ferroelectric films composed of conventional perovskite-type material such as Pb(Zr, Ti)O{sub 3} and BiFeO{sub 3}.

  4. Alteration of laboratory findings after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: relationship to severity of the underlying liver disease and the ablation volume

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sang-Wook Shin

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available Background/AimsTo investigate sequential changes in laboratory markers after radiofrequency ablation (RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC and the relationship of these changes to the severity of the underlying liver disease.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 65 patients (44 males, 21 females who underwent RFA of HCC. Hematologic and biochemical markers were assessed at the pre-RFA period and 1 day, 2-3 days, and 1-2 weeks after RFA. We classified the subjects into two groups: Child-Pugh A (n=41 and Child-Pugh B (n=24. The ablative margin volume (AMV of each patient was measured. We analyzed the changes in laboratory profiles from the baseline, and investigated whether these laboratory changes were correlated with the AMV and the Child-Pugh classification.ResultsMost of the laboratory values peaked at 2-3 days after RFA. AMV was significantly correlated with changes in WBC count, hemoglobin level, and serum total bilirubin level (Pearson's correlation coefficient, 0.324-0.453; P<0.05. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT level varied significantly over time (P=0.023.ConclusionsMost of the measured laboratory markers changed from baseline, peaking at 2-3 days. The ALT level was the only parameter for which there was a significant difference after RFA between Child-Pugh A and B patients: it increased significantly more in the Child-Pugh A patients.

  5. Efficacy of computed tomography guided radiofrequency ablation forosteoid osteomas in 31 patients

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Jung Hoon; Ahn, Joong Mo; Lee, Joon Woo; Lee, Guen Young; Lee, Eu Gene; Oh, Joo Han; Cho, Hwan Seong; Kang, Heung Sik [Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-04-15

    To present the clinical outcome of computed tomography (CT) guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for osteoid osteoma. Thirty-one patients (M:F = 23:8, mean age: 20 years, range: 4-54 years) who underwent RFA for clinically suspected osteoid osteoma from May 2004 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. RFA was done in all cases under CT guidance by one of three radiologists in our department. Electronic medical records and images were retrospectively reviewed in all patients. Lesions were located in femur (n = 20), tibia (n = 5), fibula (n = 2), humerus (n = 3), talus (n = 2), and calcaneus (n = 1). On discharge, 27 of 33 cases showed complete remission of pain (82%). One major complication (compartment syndrome) and 2 minor complications (reactive synovitis, minimal skin burn at electrode insertion site) were observed. On the last follow-up (0-78 months, mean: 12.6 months) 27 of 33 cases were successfully treated (82%) and had no more complaints. 3 cases presented remaining pain (9%). In 3 cases relapse occurred (9%) and RFA was repeated in 1 case. The repeated treatment was successful. CT-guided RFA is an effective method for the treatment of osteoid osteoma.

  6. Phase diagrams of Ca(Fe,Ru){sub 2}As{sub 2} system

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhao, Kan; Gegenwart, Philipp [Experimentalphysik VI, Elektronische Korrelationen und Magnetismus, Institut fuer Physik, Universitaet Augsburg, D-86135 Augsburg (Germany)

    2015-07-01

    Single crystalline Ca(Fe,Ru){sub 2}As{sub 2} series have been grown and characterized by structural, magnetic, and transport measurements. These measurement shows Ca(Fe,Ru){sub 2}As{sub 2} undergoes successive phase transitions with increasing Ru element doping. The antiferromagnetic phase with orthorhombic structure at x<0.023 (x means the doping concentration of Ru element) is directly driven to a Fermi-liquid type collapsed tetragonal (cT) phase at 0.02307, with no superconducting region between the two phase, consistent with the conclusion of CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} under hydrostatic pressure.

  7. The destiny of Ca(2+) released by mitochondria.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Takeuchi, Ayako; Kim, Bongju; Matsuoka, Satoshi

    2015-01-01

    Mitochondrial Ca(2+) is known to regulate diverse cellular functions, for example energy production and cell death, by modulating mitochondrial dehydrogenases, inducing production of reactive oxygen species, and opening mitochondrial permeability transition pores. In addition to the action of Ca(2+) within mitochondria, Ca(2+) released from mitochondria is also important in a variety of cellular functions. In the last 5 years, the molecules responsible for mitochondrial Ca(2+) dynamics have been identified: a mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU), a mitochondrial Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCLX), and a candidate for a mitochondrial H(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (Letm1). In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial Ca(2+) release system, and discuss its physiological and pathophysiological significance. Accumulating evidence suggests that the mitochondrial Ca(2+) release system is not only crucial in maintaining mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis but also participates in the Ca(2+) crosstalk between mitochondria and the plasma membrane and between mitochondria and the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum.

  8. Enhanced energy storage and pyroelectric properties of highly (100)-oriented (Pb1-x-yLaxCay)Ti1-x/4O3 thin films derived at low temperature

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Hanfei; Ma, Hongfang; Zhao, Yuyao

    2018-05-01

    Highly (100)-oriented (Pb1-x-yLaxCay)Ti1-x/4O3 (x = 0.15, y = 0.05; x = 0.1, y = 0.1; x = 0.05, y = 0.15) thin films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates at a low temperature of 450 °C via a sol-gel route. It was found that all the (Pb1-x-yLaxCay)Ti1-x/4O3 thin films could be completely crystallized and the content of La/Ca showed a significant effect on the electrical properties of films. Among the three films, the (Pb1-x-yLaxCay)Ti1-x/4O3 (x = 0.1, y = 0.1) thin film exhibited the enhanced overall electrical properties, such as a low dielectric loss (tan ⁡ δ energy density (Wre ∼ 15 J/cm3), as well as a large pyroelectric coefficient (p ∼ 190 μC/m2K) and figure of merit (Fd‧∼ 77 μC /m2K). The findings suggest that the fabricated thin films with a good (100) orientation can be an attractive candidate for applications in Si-based energy storage and pyroelectric devices.

  9. Incidence and Cause of Hypertension During Adrenal Radiofrequency Ablation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yamakado, Koichiro; Takaki, Haruyuki; Yamada, Tomomi; Yamanaka, Takashi; Uraki, Junji; Kashima, Masataka; Nakatsuka, Atsuhiro; Takeda, Kan

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and cause of hypertension prospectively during adrenal radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: For this study, approved by our institutional review board, written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients who received RFA for adrenal tumors (adrenal ablation) and other abdominal tumors (nonadrenal ablation) were included in this prospective study. Blood pressure was monitored during RFA. Serum adrenal hormone levels including epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and cortisol levels were measured before and during RFA. The respective incidences of procedural hypertension (systolic blood pressure >200 mmHg) of the two patient groups were compared. Factors correlating with procedural systolic blood pressure were evaluated by regression analysis.ResultsNine patients underwent adrenal RFA and another 9 patients liver (n = 5) and renal (n = 4) RFA. Asymptomatic procedural hypertension that returned to the baseline by injecting calcium blocker was found in 7 (38.9%) of 18 patients. The incidence of procedural hypertension was significantly higher in the adrenal ablation group (66.7%, 6/9) than in the nonadrenal ablation group (11.1%, 1/9, P 2 = 0.68, P 2 = 0.72, P < 0.0001) levels during RFA. The other adrenal hormones did not show correlation with procedural systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Hypertension occurs frequently during adrenal RFA because of the release of catecholamine.

  10. A knowledge management tool for public health: health-evidence.ca

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dobbins Maureen

    2010-08-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background The ultimate goal of knowledge translation and exchange (KTE activities is to facilitate incorporation of research knowledge into program and policy development decision making. Evidence-informed decision making involves translation of the best available evidence from a systematically collected, appraised, and analyzed body of knowledge. Knowledge management (KM is emerging as a key factor contributing to the realization of evidence-informed public health decision making. The goal of health-evidence.ca is to promote evidence-informed public health decision making through facilitation of decision maker access to, retrieval, and use of the best available synthesized research evidence evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions. Methods The systematic reviews that populate health evidence.ca are identified through an extensive search (1985-present of 7 electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, BIOSIS, and SportDiscus; handsearching of over 20 journals; and reference list searches of all relevant reviews. Reviews are assessed for relevance and quality by two independent reviewers. Commonly-used public health terms are used to assign key words to each review, and project staff members compose short summaries highlighting results and implications for policy and practice. Results As of June 2010, there are 1913 reviews in the health-evidence.ca registry in 21 public health and health promotion topic areas. Of these, 78% have been assessed as being of strong or moderate methodological quality. Health-evidence.ca receives approximately 35,000 visits per year, 20,596 of which are unique visitors, representing approximately 100 visits per day. Just under half of all visitors return to the site, with the average user spending six minutes and visiting seven pages per visit. Public health nurses, program managers, health promotion workers, researchers, and program coordinators are

  11. The observation of valence band change on resistive switching of epitaxial Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} film using removable liquid electrode

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lee, Hong-Sub; Park, Hyung-Ho, E-mail: hhpark@yonsei.ac.kr [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-Ku, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-12-07

    The resistive switching (RS) phenomenon in transition metal oxides (TMOs) has received a great deal of attention for non-volatile memory applications. Various RS mechanisms have been suggested as to explain the observed RS characteristics. Many reports suggest that changes of interface and the role of oxygen vacancies originate in RS phenomena; therefore, in this study, we use a liquid drop of mercury as the top electrode (TE), epitaxial Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (PCMO) (110) film of the perovskite manganite family for RS material, and an Nb-doped (0.7 at. %) SrTiO{sub 3} (100) single crystal as the substrate to observe changes in the interface between the TE and TMOs. The use of removable liquid electrode Hg drop as TE not only enables observation of the RS characteristic as a bipolar RS curve (counterclockwise) but also facilitates analysis of the valence band of the PCMO surface after resistive switching via photoelectron spectroscopy. The observed I-V behaviors of the low and high resistance states (HRS) are explained with an electrochemical migration model in PCMO film where accumulated oxygen vacancies at the interface between the Hg TE and PCMO (110) surface induce the HRS. The interpreted RS mechanism is directly confirmed via valence band spectrum analysis.

  12. Orientation of the calcium channel beta relative to the alpha(12.2 subunit is critical for its regulation of channel activity.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Iuliia Vitko

    Full Text Available BACKGROUND: The Ca(vbeta subunits of high voltage-activated Ca(2+ channels control the trafficking and biophysical properties of the alpha(1 subunit. The Ca(vbeta-alpha(1 interaction site has been mapped by crystallographic studies. Nevertheless, how this interaction leads to channel regulation has not been determined. One hypothesis is that betas regulate channel gating by modulating movements of IS6. A key requirement for this direct-coupling model is that the linker connecting IS6 to the alpha-interaction domain (AID be a rigid structure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The present study tests this hypothesis by altering the flexibility and orientation of this region in alpha(12.2, then testing for Ca(vbeta regulation using whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology. Flexibility was induced by replacement of the middle six amino acids of the IS6-AID linker with glycine (PG6. This mutation abolished beta2a and beta3 subunits ability to shift the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation, and the ability of beta2a to produce non-inactivating currents. Orientation of Ca(vbeta with respect to alpha(12.2 was altered by deletion of 1, 2, or 3 amino acids from the IS6-AID linker (Bdel1, Bdel2, Bdel3, respectively. Again, the ability of Ca(vbeta subunits to regulate these biophysical properties were totally abolished in the Bdel1 and Bdel3 mutants. Functional regulation by Ca(vbeta subunits was rescued in the Bdel2 mutant, indicating that this part of the linker forms beta-sheet. The orientation of beta with respect to alpha was confirmed by the bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results show that the orientation of the Ca(vbeta subunit relative to the alpha(12.2 subunit is critical, and suggests additional points of contact between these subunits are required for Ca(vbeta to regulate channel activity.

  13. Growth and analysis of highly oriented (11n) BCSCO films for device research

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Raina, K.K.; Pandey, R.K. [Texas A& M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)

    1994-12-31

    Films of BCSCO superconductor of the type Bi{sub 2}CaSr{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub x} have been grown by liquid phase epitaxy method (LPE), using a partially closed growth chamber. The films were grown on (001) and (110) NdGaO{sub 3} substrates by slow cooling process in an optimized temperature range below the peritectic melting point (880{degrees}C) of Bi{sub 2}CaSr{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 8}. Optimization of parameters, such as seed rotation, soak of initial growth temperature and growth period results in the formation of 2122 phase BCSCO films. The films grown at rotation rates of less than 30 and more than 70 rpm are observed to be associated with the second phase of Sr-Ca-Cu-O system. Higher growth temperatures (>860{degrees}C) also encourage to the formation of this phase. XRD measurements show that the films grown on (110) NdGaO{sub 3} have a preferred (11n)-orientation. It is pertinent to mention here that in our earlier results published elsewhere we obtained c-axis oriented Bi{sub 2}CaSr{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 8} phase films on (001) NdGaO{sub 3} substrate. Critical current density is found to be higher for the films grown on (110) than (001) NdGaO{sub 3} substrate orientation. The best values of zero resistance (T{sub co}) and critical current density obtained are 87 K and 10{sup 5} A/cm{sup 2}, respectively.

  14. Corrosion behavior of die-cast Mg-4Al-2Sn-xCa alloy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Kyung Chul; Kim, Byeong Ho; Kim, Kyung Ro [Defence Agency for Technology and Quality, Jinju (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Dae Hyun; Park, Ik Min [Pusan National University, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-05-15

    In the present work, the effect of Ca additions on microstructure and corrosion characteristics of high pressure die-cast Mg-4Al-2Sn alloy has been investigated. Mg-4Al-2Sn-xCa (x= 0, 0.3 and 0.7wt.%) alloy was prepared by using a high pressure die-casting method. Results indicated that the microstructure of Mg-4Al-2Sn alloy consisted of α-Mg, Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} and Mg{sub 2}Sn phase. With increase of Ca additions, CaMgSn phase was newly formed and grain size was sharply decreased. From the test results, the corrosion resistance of die-cast Mg-4Al-2Sn alloy was significantly improved by Ca addition. It is considered that stabilization of Mg(OH){sub 2} layer and refinements of microstructure with increase of Ca additions.

  15. Dielectric and magnetic properties of xCoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}–(1 − x)[0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3}] composites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rani, Jyoti [Smart Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667 (India); Yadav, K.L., E-mail: klyadav35@yahoo.com [Smart Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667 (India); Prakash, Satya [Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667 (India)

    2014-12-15

    Highlights: • Spinel–perovskite xCoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}–(1 − x)(0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3}) composites have been synthesized by solid state reaction method. • Two anomalies in dielectric constant have been identified, and the composites show relaxor behaviour. • The magnetic properties of the composites improve with increasing concentration of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. • Enhanced magnetodielectric effect is found, and magnetoelectric coupling has been confirmed by Δϵ ∼ γM{sup 2} relation. • Optical band gap energy of these composites has been reported for the first time. - Abstract: xCoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}–(1 − x)(0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3}) composites with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 have been synthesized by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission secondary electron microscopy have been used for structural and morphological analysis, respectively. The spinel CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and perovskite 0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3} phase could be identified in the composites. Two anomalies in dielectric constant have been identified: first one is close to ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition of 0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3} ceramic and the other lies near the magnetic transition temperature of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. There is an increase in magnetocapacitance and saturation magnetization of the composites at room temperature with increase in CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} content. The magnetoelectric coupling coefficient (γ) was approximated by Δϵ ∼ γM{sup 2} relation. The optical band gap energy of the composites decreases with increase in CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} content.

  16. Clinical evaluation of CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4 and CA125 in gastric cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Zhipeng; Zhang, Nengwei

    2014-12-29

    In the clinical practice of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, response markers are very important. We aimed o investigate whether tumor markers CEA(carcino-embryonic antigen), CA19-9(carbohydrate antigen 19-9), CA72-4(carbohydrate antigen 72-4), and CA125(carbohydrate antigen 125) can be used to evaluate the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to evaluate the diagnosis and prognosis value of four tumor markers in the patients of gastric cancer. A retrospective review was performed of 184 gastric cancer patients who underwent a 5-Fu, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen, followed by surgical treatment. Blood samples for CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4, and CA125 levels were taken from patients upon admission to the hospital and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the clinical value of these tumor markers in predicting the survival and the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Median overall survival times of pretreatment CA19-9-positive and CA72-4-positive patients (14.0 +/-2.8 months and 14.8 +/-4.0 months, respectively) were significantly less than negative patients (32.5 +/-8.9 months and 34.0 +/-10.1 months, respectively) (P = 0.000 and P = 0.002, respectively). Pretreatment status of CA19-9 and CA72-4 were independent prognostic factors in gastric cancer patients (P = 0.029 and P = 0.008, respectively). Pretreatment CEA >50 ng/ml had a positive prediction value for clinical disease progression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the ROC curve (AUC: 0.694, 95% CI: 0.517 to 0.871, P = 0.017). The decrease of tumor markers CEA, CA72-4, and CA125 was significant after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.030, P = 0.010, and P = 0.009, respectively), especially in patients with disease control (including complete, partial clinical response, and stable disease) (P = 0.012, P = 0.020, and P = 0.025, respectively). A decrease in CA72-4 by more than 70% had

  17. Adaptive Mutations in Influenza A/California/07/2009 Enhance Polymerase Activity and Infectious Virion Production

    Science.gov (United States)

    Slaine, Patrick D.; MacRae, Cara; Kleer, Mariel; Lamoureux, Emily; McAlpine, Sarah; Warhuus, Michelle; Comeau, André M.; Hatchette, Todd

    2018-01-01

    Mice are not natural hosts for influenza A viruses (IAVs), but they are useful models for studying antiviral immune responses and pathogenesis. Serial passage of IAV in mice invariably causes the emergence of adaptive mutations and increased virulence. Here, we report the adaptation of IAV reference strain A/California/07/2009(H1N1) (also known as CA/07) in outbred Swiss Webster mice. Serial passage led to increased virulence and lung titers, and dissemination of the virus to brains. We adapted a deep-sequencing protocol to identify and enumerate adaptive mutations across all genome segments. Among mutations that emerged during mouse-adaptation, we focused on amino acid substitutions in polymerase subunits: polymerase basic-1 (PB1) T156A and F740L and polymerase acidic (PA) E349G. These mutations were evaluated singly and in combination in minigenome replicon assays, which revealed that PA E349G increased polymerase activity. By selectively engineering three PB1 and PA mutations into the parental CA/07 strain, we demonstrated that these mutations in polymerase subunits decreased the production of defective viral genome segments with internal deletions and dramatically increased the release of infectious virions from mouse cells. Together, these findings increase our understanding of the contribution of polymerase subunits to successful host adaptation. PMID:29783694

  18. [Experimental study of tissue engineered cartilage construction using oriented scaffold combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vivo].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Duan, Wei; Da, Hu; Wang, Wentao; Lü, Shangjun; Xiong, Zhuo; Liu, Jian

    2013-05-01

    To investigate the feasibility of fabricating an oriented scaffold combined with chondrogenic-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for enhancement of the biomechanical property of tissue engineered cartilage in vivo. Temperature gradient-guided thermal-induced phase separation was used to fabricate an oriented cartilage extracellular matrix-derived scaffold composed of microtubules arranged in parallel in vertical section. No-oriented scaffold was fabricated by simple freeze-drying. Mechanical property of oriented and non-oriented scaffold was determined by measurement of compressive modulus. Oriented and non-oriented scaffolds were seeded with chondrogenic-induced BMSCs, which were obtained from the New Zealand white rabbits. Proliferation, morphological characteristics, and the distribution of the cells on the scaffolds were analyzed by MTT assay and scanning electron microscope. Then cell-scaffold composites were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsa of nude mice. At 2 and 4 weeks after implantation, the samples were harvested for evaluating biochemical, histological, and biomechanical properties. The compressive modulus of oriented scaffold was significantly higher than that of non-oriented scaffold (t=201.099, P=0.000). The cell proliferation on the oriented scaffold was significantly higher than that on the non-oriented scaffold from 3 to 9 days (P fibers with chondrocyte-like cells on the oriented-structure constructs. Total DNA, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and collagen contents increased with time, and no significant difference was found between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The compressive modulus of the oriented tissue engineered cartilage was significantly higher than that of the non-oriented tissue engineered cartilage at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation (P < 0.05). Total DNA, GAG, collagen contents, and compressive modulus in the 2 tissue engineered cartilages were significantly lower than those in normal cartilage (P < 0.05). Oriented extracellular

  19. Effect of Mg/Ca ratios on microbially induced carbonate precipitation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Balci, Nurgul; Demirel, Cansu; Seref Sonmez, M.; Kurt, M. Ali

    2016-04-01

    Influence of Mg/Ca ratios on microbially induced carbonate mineralogy were investigated by series of experiments carried out under various environmental conditions (Mg/Ca ratio, temperature and salinity). Halophilic bacterial cultures used for biomineralization experiments were isolated from hypersaline Lake Acıgöl (Denizli, SW Turkey), displaying extreme water chemistry with an average pH around 8.6 (Balci eta l.,2015). Enriched bacterial culture used in the experiments consisted of Halomonas saccharevitans strain AJ275, Halomonas alimentaria strain L7B; Idiomarina sp. TBZ29, 98% Idiomarina seosensis strain CL-SP19. Biomineralization experiments were set up using above enriched culture with Mg/Ca ratios of 0.05, 1, 4 and 15 and salinity of 8% and 15% experiments at 30oC and 10oC. Additionally, long-term biomineralization experiments were set up to last for a year, for Mg/Ca=4 and Mg/Ca=15 experiments at 30oC. For each experimental condition abiotic experiments were also conducted. Solution chemistry throughout incubation was monitored for Na, K, Mg, Ca, bicarbonate, carbonate, ammonium and phosphate for a month. At the end of the experiments, precipitates were collected and morphology and mineralogy of the biominerals were investigated and results were evaluated using the software DIFFRAC.SUITE EVA. Overall the preliminary results showed chemical precipitation of calcite, halite, hydromagnesite and sylvite. Results obtained from biological experiments indicate that, low Mg/Ca ratios (0.05 and 1) favor chlorapatite precipitation, whereas higher Mg/Ca ratios favor struvite precipitation. Biomineralization of dolomite, huntite and magnesite is favorable at high Mg/Ca ratios (4 and 15), in the presence of halophilic bacteria. Moreover, results indicate that supersaturation with respect to Mg (Mg/Ca=15) combined with NaCl (15%) inhibits biomineralization and forms chemical precipitates. 15% salinity is shown to favor chemical precipitation of mineral phases more than

  20. Combined radiofrequency ablation and acetic acid-hypertonic saline solution instillation: an in vivo study of rabbit liver

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lee, Jeong-Min; Han, Joon-Koo; Kim, Se-Hyung; Choi, Byung-Ihn [Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Young-Kon; Kim, Sang-Won [Chonbuk National University, Chonju (Korea, Republic of)

    2004-03-15

    We wanted to determine whether combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and acetic acid-hypertonic saline solution (AHS) instillation can increase the extent of thermally mediated coagulation in in vivo rabbit liver tissue. We also wished to determine the optimal concentration of the solution in order to maximize its effect on extent of the RFA-induced coagulation. Forty thermal ablation zones were produced in 40 rabbits by using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode with a 1-cm active tip under ultrasound guidance. The rabbits were assigned to one of four groups: group A: RFA alone (n=10); group B: RFA with 50% AHS instillation (n=10); group C: RFA with 25% AHS instillation (n=10); group D: RFA with 15% AHS instillation (n=10). A range of acetic acid concentrations diluted in 36% NaCl to a total volume of 2 mL were instilled into the liver before RFA. The RF energy (30W) was applied for three minutes. After RFA, in each group, the maximum diameters to the thermal ablation zones in the gross specimens were compared. Technical success and the complication that arose were evaluated by CT and on the basis of autopsy findings. All procedures are technically successful. There were six procedure-related complications (6/40; 15%); two localized perihepatic hematomas and four chemical peritonitis. The incidence of chemical peritonitis was highest for group B with the 50% AHS solution instillation (30%). With instillation of 15% AHS solution, a marked decrease of tissue impedance (24.5 {+-} 15.6 {omega}) and an increase of current (250 mA) occurred as compared to RFA alone. With instillation of the solutions before RFA (group B, C and D). this produced a greater mean diameter of coagulation necrosis than the diameters for rabbits not instilled with the solution (group A) ({rho}<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group B, C, and D. Combined AHS instillation and RFA can increase the dimension of coagulation necrosis in the liver with a single

  1. 77 FR 10539 - National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research; Notice of Closed Meeting

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-02-22

    ... Research Special Emphasis Panel; RFA DE12-004 & 005 Functional Restoration of Salivary Glands. Date: March... Garden Inn, 7301 Waverly St., Bethesda, MD 20814. Contact Person: Marilyn Moore-Hoon, Ph.D., Scientific...

  2. An Orientation Sensor for Mobile Robots Using Differentials

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wei-Chen Lee

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available Without access to external guidance, such as landmarks or beacons, indoor mobile robots usually orientate themselves by using magnetic compasses or gyroscopes. However, compasses face interference from steel furniture, and gyroscopes suffer from zero drift errors. This paper proposes an orientation sensor that can be used on differentially driven mobile robots to resolve these issues. The sensor innovatively combines the general differentials and an optical encoder so that it can provide only the orientation information. Such a sensor has not been described in any known literature and is cost-efficient compared to the common method of using two encoders for differentially driven mobile robots. The kinematic analysis and the mechanical design of this sensor are presented in this paper. The maximum mean error of the proposed orientation sensor was about 0.7° during the component tests. The application of the sensor on a vacuum cleaning robot was also demonstrated. The use of the proposed sensor may provide less uncertain orientation data for an indoor differentially driven mobile robot.

  3. Evolution of orientations and deformation structures within individual grains in cold rolled columnar grained nickel

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Wu, G.L.; Godfrey, A.; Winther, Grethe

    2011-01-01

    Columnar grained Ni is used as a model material allowing simultaneous non-surface investigations of the evolution of crystallographic orientations and deformation microstructures within individual grains as a function of rolling strain up to ε=0.7. Electron channelling contrast and electron...... backscattered diffraction are used to visualise microstructures and crystallographic orientations. It is found that both the microstructural and the textural development depend strongly on the initial grain orientation. A grain size effect is observed on the deformation-induced orientation scatter within...

  4. Magnetotransport properties of CaTi.sub.x./sub.Ru.sub.1-x./sub.O.sub.3./sub. (x = 0, 0.07)

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Zorkovská, A.; Baran, A.; Feher, A.; Šebek, Josef; Šantavá, Eva; Bradarič, I.

    2008-01-01

    Roč. 113, č. 1 (2008), s. 351-354 ISSN 0587-4246. [CSMAG'07. Košice, 09.07.2007-12.07.2007] Grant - others:VEGA(SK) 1/3027/06; Czech and Slovak bilateral projekt(XE) SK-CZ-09206 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100520 Keywords : magnetoresistance * Hall effect * Ruthenates Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.321, year: 2008

  5. Colossal Magnetoresistance in La-Y-Ca-Mn-O Films

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Chen, L.H.; Tiefel, T.H.; Jin, S.; Palstra, T.T.M.; Ramesh, R.; Kwon, C.

    1996-01-01

    Magnetoresistance behavior of La0.60Y0.07CaMnOx, thin films epitaxially grown on LaAlO3 has been investigated. The films exhibit colossal magnetoresistance with the MR ratio in excess of 10^8% at ~60K, H = 7T, which is the highest ever reported for thin film manganites. The partial substitution of

  6. Theoretical formulation of optical conductivity of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 exhibiting paramagnetic insulator - ferromagnetic metal transition

    Science.gov (United States)

    Satiawati, L.; Majidi, M. A.

    2017-07-01

    A theory of high-energy optical conductivity of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 has been proposed previously. The proposed theory works to explain the temperature-dependence of the optical conductivity for the photon energy region above ˜0.5 eV for up to ˜22 eV, but fails to capture the correct physics close to the dc limit in which metal-insulator transition occurs. The missing physics at the low energy has been acknowledged as mainly due to not incorporating phonon degree of freedom and electron-phonon interactions. In this study, we aim to complete the above theory by proposing a more complete Hamiltonian incorporating additional terms such as crystal field, two modes of Jahn-Teller vibrations, and coupling between electrons and the two Jahn-Teller vibrational modes. We solve the model by means of dynamical mean-field theory. At this stage, we aim to derive the analytical formulae involved in the calculation, and formulate the algorithmic implementation for the self-consistent calculation process. Our final goal is to compute the density of states and the optical conductivity for the complete photon energy range from 0 to 22 eV at various temperatures, and compare them with the experimental data. We expect that the improved model preserves the correct temperature-dependent physics at high photon energies, as already captured by the previous model, while it would also reveal ferromagnetic metal - paramagnetic insulator transition at the dc limit.

  7. Magnetism and charge transfer in PrNiO{sub 3}-La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} heterostructures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bluschke, Martin; Frano, Alex [Max-Planck-Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart (Germany); Helmholz-Zentrum Berlin (Germany); Schierle, Enrico; Weschke, Eugen [Helmholz-Zentrum Berlin (Germany); Hepting, Matthias; Minola, Matteo; Christiani, Georg; Logvenov, Gennady; Benckiser, Eva; Keimer, Bernhard [Max-Planck-Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart (Germany)

    2015-07-01

    Heterostructures of the bulk antiferromagnet PrNiO{sub 3} (PNO) and the bulk ferromagnetic metal La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (LCMO) are grown by pulsed laser deposition on LaSrAlO{sub 4} substrates for a systematic series of superlattice geometries. A characterization of the structural, magnetization, and transport properties is combined with the results of soft x-ray absorption and resonant scattering measurements to understand how the bulk properties of the individual components are modified via epitaxial strain and heterostructuring. In particular the PNO-LCMO interface is studied. A net transfer of electrons from Mn to Ni sites is observed near the interface. In addition the saturation magnetization and Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic response are found to be reduced compared to bulk LCMO. The antiferromagnetic order characteristic of bulk PNO is observed in superlattices containing 8 unit cells of PNO per bilayer, but suppressed below the detection limit for thinner 4 unit cell layers. Finally a transition between metallic and insulating behaviour in PNO is observed as the layer thickness is reduced from 12 to 4 unit cells, whereas the LCMO layers studied (4-18 unit cells) were insulating in all cases.

  8. Defect chemistry and oxygen transport of (La0.6Sr0.4 − xMx)0.99Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ, M = Ca (x = 0.05, 0.1), Ba (x = 0.1, 0.2), Sr: Part II: Oxygen transport

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dalslet, Bjarke Thomas; Søgaard, Martin; Hendriksen, Peter Vang

    2009-01-01

    This paper is the second part of a two part series, where the effects of varying the A-site dopant on the defect chemistry and transport properties of the materials (La0.6Sr0.4 − xMx)0.99Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ, M = Sr, Ca (x = 0.05, 0.1), Ba (x = 0.1, 0.2) (LSMFC) have been investigated. In part I......, the findings on the defect chemistry were reported, while the oxygen transport properties are reported here in part II. In the investigated material series, the amount of divalent dopant has been kept constant, while Sr ions have been substituted with Ca ions (smaller ionic radius) or Ba ions (larger ionic...... electrolyte probe were used to extract the permeability and surface resistance, rs. The highest permeability was found for (La0.6Sr0.3Ca0.1)0.99Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ. The apparent activation energy of the permeability was 78 kJ/mol. The inverse surface resistance, rs− 1, also had an activated behavior...

  9. Cloud manufacturing: a service-oriented manufacturing paradigm. A review paper

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Siderska Julia

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available This paper introduces cloud manufacturing (CMfg as a new manufacturing paradigm that joins the emerging technologies – such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and service-oriented technologies – for solving complex problems in manufacturing applications and performing large-scale collaborative manufacturing. Using scientific publications indexed in Scopus database during the period 2012–2017, the concept and fundamentals of CMfg are presented and discussed given the results of the most recent research. While focusing on the current state of the art, the recent research trends within CMfg concept were also identified. The review involved the methods of bibliometric analysis and network analysis. A prototype of CMfg and the existing related work conducted by various researchers are presented, and the map of co-occurrence is introduced to indicate the most commonly occurring issues related to the “cloud manufacturing” term. The VOSviewer software was used for this purpose. Finally, cloud-based manufacturing areas for further research are identified.

  10. caCORE: a common infrastructure for cancer informatics.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Covitz, Peter A; Hartel, Frank; Schaefer, Carl; De Coronado, Sherri; Fragoso, Gilberto; Sahni, Himanso; Gustafson, Scott; Buetow, Kenneth H

    2003-12-12

    Sites with substantive bioinformatics operations are challenged to build data processing and delivery infrastructure that provides reliable access and enables data integration. Locally generated data must be processed and stored such that relationships to external data sources can be presented. Consistency and comparability across data sets requires annotation with controlled vocabularies and, further, metadata standards for data representation. Programmatic access to the processed data should be supported to ensure the maximum possible value is extracted. Confronted with these challenges at the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics, we decided to develop a robust infrastructure for data management and integration that supports advanced biomedical applications. We have developed an interconnected set of software and services called caCORE. Enterprise Vocabulary Services (EVS) provide controlled vocabulary, dictionary and thesaurus services. The Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR) provides a metadata registry for common data elements. Cancer Bioinformatics Infrastructure Objects (caBIO) implements an object-oriented model of the biomedical domain and provides Java, Simple Object Access Protocol and HTTP-XML application programming interfaces. caCORE has been used to develop scientific applications that bring together data from distinct genomic and clinical science sources. caCORE downloads and web interfaces can be accessed from links on the caCORE web site (http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/core). caBIO software is distributed under an open source license that permits unrestricted academic and commercial use. Vocabulary and metadata content in the EVS and caDSR, respectively, is similarly unrestricted, and is available through web applications and FTP downloads. http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/core/publications contains links to the caBIO 1.0 class diagram and the caCORE 1.0 Technical Guide, which provide detailed information on the present caCORE architecture

  11. Investigation of structural and electrical properties of La0.7(Ba1-xCax)0.3MnO3 compounds by sol-gel method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Winarsih, Suci; Kurniawan, Budhy; Manaf, Azwar; Nanto, Dwi; Imaduddin, Agung; Hendrik; Saptari, Sitti Ahmiatri

    2016-01-01

    In this paper, we explored structural and electrical properties of La 0.7 (Ba 1-x Ca x ) 0.3 MnO 3 (x = 0; 0.03; and 0.05) compounds. The general structure of perovskite manganites is AMnO 3 (A= trivalent rare earth with divalent ion-doped). Average A-site cation size, external pressure, and the variance of the cation size σ 2 are one of many factors that affected to magneto-transport properties of manganites as reported by others. In this work we focus only on the electrical properties in La 0.7 Ba 0.3 MnO 3 Ca-doped compound which may influence crystal structure resulting resistivity phenomena under magnetic field influence. All samples were synthesized by sol-gel method from which fine powders were obtained. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of powder materials shows that all samples are fully crystalline with a rhombohedral structure. Rietveld refinement shows that the presence of calcium has changed some crystal structural parameters such lattice parameter, Mn–O bond length, and Mn–O–Mn angles. The electrical resistivity of all synthesized materials investigated by four point probe method using Cryogenic Magnet in the temperature range of 50-300 K under influence a magnetic field shows resistivity temperature dependent. In fact presence of calcium has reduced the resistivity. It might occure because it has made an enhancement in the mobility of hopping electrons. The magnetic external field causes the resistivity decreased for all samples because host spin align by delocalizing the charge carries so electron itinerant through the lattice suggested by other authors. Both calcium dopant concentration and the applied external magnetic field shows strong correlation in reduction of resistivity.

  12. A comparative study of magnetic field induced meta-magnetic transition in nanocrystalline and bulk Pr0.65(Ca0.7Sr0.3)0.35MnO3 compound

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saha, Suvayan; Das, Kalipada; Bandyopadhyay, Sudipta; Das, I.

    2017-06-01

    In our present study we highlight the observations of external magnetic field induced sharp meta-magnetic transition in polycrystalline bulk as well as nanocrystalline form of Pr0.65(Ca0.7Sr0.7)0.35MnO3 compound. Interestingly, such behavior persists in the nanoparticles regardless of the disorder broadened transition. However, higher magnetic field is required for nanoparticles having average particle size ∼40 nm for such meta-magnetic transition, which differs from the general trends of the pure charge ordered nano materials. The interfacial strain between the different magnetic domains plays the important role in magnetic isothermal properties of nanoparticles, when the samples are cooled down in different cooling field. Additionally, both the bulk and nanoparticle compounds exhibit spontaneous phase separation and significantly large magnetoresistance at the low temperature region due to the melting of charge ordered fraction.

  13. Expression of CA-125 in threatened abortion, inevitable abortion, missed abortion and its clinical significance%CA-125在先兆流产、难免流产、稽留流产中的表达及其临床意义

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    姬超; 张书艳; 宋芳霞; 买苗

    2016-01-01

    Objective To investigate the expression of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) and its prognostic value in patients with threatened abortion, inevitable abortion, missed abortion. Methods A total of 120 patients who received tocolytic therapy in Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in our hospital from March 2013 to March 2015 were selected as subjects, which were divided into normal control group (n=48), abortion observation group (n=72) ac-cording to the pregnancy outcome. The expression of CA-125 in two groups were detected, and the comparative analysis was performed. Results The expression of CA-125 of patients in abortion observation group was (56.33±11.22) kU/L, which was significantly higher than that in control group of (16.18±7.88) kU/L, with statistically significant differ-ence (P0.05). The expression levels of CA-125 showed statistically significant difference between threatened abortion and missed abortion (P0.05),而先兆流产与稽留流产患者CA-125表达水平比较差异则具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论先兆流产、难免流产、稽留流产患者CA-125的表达较正常妊娠妇女高,CA-125表达水平随着流产的严重程度逐渐升高,这对患者病情的诊治具有一定的指导作用。

  14. The effectiveness of health literacy oriented programs on physical activity behaviour in middle aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Michael Huen Sum Lam

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available Health literacy is the first step to self-management of type II diabetes mellitus, of which physical activity is the least compliant behavior. However, no reviews have summarized the effect and the process of interventions of health literacy oriented programs on physical activity behavior among middle aged and older adults with type II diabetes mellitus. This article is the first to examine the effectiveness of health literacy oriented programs on physical activity behavior among middle aged and older adults with type II diabetes mellitus. This systematic review extracted articles from nine electronic databases between 1990 and 2013. Six interventional studies were extracted and reported in accordance with the guidance of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Findings demonstrated that health literacy oriented programs increased the frequency and duration of physical activity among patients with high health literacy. Although some studies effectively improved the health literacy of physical activity, gap in literature remains open for the indistinct and unreliable measurement of physical activity within self-management programs of type II diabetes mellitus, and the questionable cross-culture generalizability of findings. Further studies with well-knit theorybased intervention with respect to patients’ cultural background, duration of intervention and objective measurements are encouraged to elucidate the relationship between health literacy oriented programs and physical activity behavior.

  15. LV dyssynchrony as assessed by phase analysis of gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen, Chun; Li, Dianfu; Miao, Changqing; Zhou, Yanli; Cao, Kejiang; Feng, Jianlin; Lloyd, Michael S.; Chen, Ji

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome pre- and post-radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) using phase analysis of gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Forty-five WPW patients were enrolled and had gated SPECT MPI pre- and 2-3 days post-RFA. Electrophysiological study (EPS) was used to locate accessory pathways (APs) and categorize the patients according to the AP locations (septal, left and right free wall). Electrocardiography (ECG) was performed pre- and post-RFA to confirm successful elimination of the APs. Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI was used to assess LV dyssynchrony pre- and post-RFA. Among the 45 patients, 3 had gating errors, and thus 42 had SPECT phase analysis. Twenty-two patients (52.4 %) had baseline LV dyssynchrony. Baseline LV dyssynchrony was more prominent in the patients with septal APs than in the patients with left or right APs (p < 0.05). RFA improved LV synchrony in the entire cohort and in the patients with septal APs (p < 0.01). Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI demonstrated that LV mechanical dyssynchrony can be present in patients with WPW syndrome. Septal APs result in the greatest degree of LV mechanical dyssynchrony and afford the most benefit after RFA. This study supports further investigation in the relationship between electrical and mechanical activation using EPS and phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI. (orig.)

  16. LV dyssynchrony as assessed by phase analysis of gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chen, Chun; Li, Dianfu; Miao, Changqing; Zhou, Yanli; Cao, Kejiang [First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Cardiology, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Feng, Jianlin [First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu (China); Lloyd, Michael S. [Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Atlanta, GA (United States); Chen, Ji [Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Atlanta, GA (United States)

    2012-07-15

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome pre- and post-radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) using phase analysis of gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Forty-five WPW patients were enrolled and had gated SPECT MPI pre- and 2-3 days post-RFA. Electrophysiological study (EPS) was used to locate accessory pathways (APs) and categorize the patients according to the AP locations (septal, left and right free wall). Electrocardiography (ECG) was performed pre- and post-RFA to confirm successful elimination of the APs. Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI was used to assess LV dyssynchrony pre- and post-RFA. Among the 45 patients, 3 had gating errors, and thus 42 had SPECT phase analysis. Twenty-two patients (52.4 %) had baseline LV dyssynchrony. Baseline LV dyssynchrony was more prominent in the patients with septal APs than in the patients with left or right APs (p < 0.05). RFA improved LV synchrony in the entire cohort and in the patients with septal APs (p < 0.01). Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI demonstrated that LV mechanical dyssynchrony can be present in patients with WPW syndrome. Septal APs result in the greatest degree of LV mechanical dyssynchrony and afford the most benefit after RFA. This study supports further investigation in the relationship between electrical and mechanical activation using EPS and phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI. (orig.)

  17. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Xie, Cheng; Jeys, Lee [The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Department of Oncology, Birmingham (United Kingdom); James, Steven L.J. [The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Department of Radiology, Birmingham (United Kingdom)

    2015-04-01

    To investigate the long-term clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with chondroblastoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients treated with RFA from September 2006 to December 2013. Patients were reviewed within one month of the procedure, then every 3-6 months, and yearly for up to three years. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at follow-up to monitor recovery. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS). Pre-procedure MRI confirmed osteolytic lesions (size range 1.0-3.3 cm; mean 2.0 cm). Patients reported continued symptomatic improvement at four months review. Serial MRI confirmed progressive resolution of inflammation with fatty consolidation of cavity. 88 % of patients became asymptomatic during the follow up period. Three patients' (12 %) symptoms returned at 16, 22 and 24 months respectively after RFA. MRI and biopsy confirmed recurrence in these patients. Functional assessment using MSTS score had an average score of 97.5 %. Mean follow up for the study group was 49 months. RFA is an effective alternative to surgery in the management of chondroblastoma. We recommend a multi-disciplinary approach and RFA should be considered as a first-line treatment. Long-term follow-up is required for timely detection of recurrences. (orig.)

  18. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xie, Cheng; Jeys, Lee; James, Steven L.J.

    2015-01-01

    To investigate the long-term clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with chondroblastoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients treated with RFA from September 2006 to December 2013. Patients were reviewed within one month of the procedure, then every 3-6 months, and yearly for up to three years. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at follow-up to monitor recovery. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS). Pre-procedure MRI confirmed osteolytic lesions (size range 1.0-3.3 cm; mean 2.0 cm). Patients reported continued symptomatic improvement at four months review. Serial MRI confirmed progressive resolution of inflammation with fatty consolidation of cavity. 88 % of patients became asymptomatic during the follow up period. Three patients' (12 %) symptoms returned at 16, 22 and 24 months respectively after RFA. MRI and biopsy confirmed recurrence in these patients. Functional assessment using MSTS score had an average score of 97.5 %. Mean follow up for the study group was 49 months. RFA is an effective alternative to surgery in the management of chondroblastoma. We recommend a multi-disciplinary approach and RFA should be considered as a first-line treatment. Long-term follow-up is required for timely detection of recurrences. (orig.)

  19. Post-perovskite transitions in CaB4+O3 at high pressure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Akaogi, M; Shirako, Y; Kojitani, H; Takamori, S; Yamaura, K; Takayama-Muromachi, E

    2010-01-01

    High-pressure phase transitions in CaRhO 3 were examined using a multianvil apparatus up to 27 GPa and 1930 o C. CaRhO 3 perovskite transforms to post-perovskite via a monoclinic intermediate phase with increasing pressure. Volume changes for the transitions of perovskite - intermediate phase and of intermediate phase - post-perovskite are -1.1 and -0.7 %, respectively. CaRhO 3 post-perovskite is the fourth quenchable post-perovskite oxide found so far. By high-temperature calorimetric experiments, enthalpy of the perovskite - post-perovskite transition in CaRuO 3 was measured as 15.2±3.3 kJ/mol. Combining the datum with those of CaIrO 3 , it is shown that CaIrO 3 perovskite is energetically less stable than CaRuO 3 perovskite. This is consistent with the fact that orthorhombic distortion of CaIrO 3 perovskite is larger than CaRuO 3 , as indicated with the tilt-angle of octahedral framework of perovskite structure. The transition pressure from perovskite to post-perovskite in CaBO 3 (B = Ru, Rh, Ir) increases almost linearly with decreasing the tilt-angle, suggesting that the perovskite - post-perovskite transition may result from instability of the perovskite structure with pressure.

  20. Swash zone characteristics at Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA

    Science.gov (United States)

    Erikson, L.H.; Hanes, D.M.; Barnard, P.L.; Gibbs, A.E.

    2007-01-01

    Runup data collected during the summer of 2005 at Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA are analyzed and considered to be typical summer swash characteristics at this site. Analysis shows that the beach was dissipative with Iribarren numbers between 0.05 and 0.4 and that infragravity energy dominated. Foreshore slopes were mild between 0.01 and 0.05 with swash periods on the order of a minute. Predicted runup heights obtained with six previously developed analytical runup formulae were compared to measured extreme runup statistics. Formulations dependent on offshore wave height, foreshore slope and deep water wavelength gave reasonable results.

  1. Pulsed laser deposition of Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ianno, N.J.; Liou, S.H.; Woollam, J.A.; Thompson, D.; Johs, B.

    1990-01-01

    Pulsed laser deposition is a technique commonly used to deposit high quality thin films of high temperature superconductors. This paper discusses the results obtained when this technique is applied to the deposition of Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O thin films using a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm and an excimer laser operating at 248 nm. Films with onset temperatures of 125 K and zero resistance temperatures of 110 K deposited on (100) oriented MgO from a composite Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3Ox target were obtained at both wavelengths upon appropriate post deposition annealing. Films deposited at 532 nm exhibit a rough surface, while those deposited at 248 nm are smooth and homogeneous. Upon annealing, films deposited at both wavelengths are single phase Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3Ox. 12 refs

  2. 48 CFR 32.005 - Consideration for contract financing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-01

    ... financing. 32.005 Section 32.005 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING 32.005 Consideration for contract financing. (a) Requirement. When a contract financing clause is included at the inception of a contract, there shall be no...

  3. A roadmap for caGrid, an enterprise Grid architecture for biomedical research.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saltz, Joel; Hastings, Shannon; Langella, Stephen; Oster, Scott; Kurc, Tahsin; Payne, Philip; Ferreira, Renato; Plale, Beth; Goble, Carole; Ervin, David; Sharma, Ashish; Pan, Tony; Permar, Justin; Brezany, Peter; Siebenlist, Frank; Madduri, Ravi; Foster, Ian; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Mead, Charlie; Chue Hong, Neil

    2008-01-01

    caGrid is a middleware system which combines the Grid computing, the service oriented architecture, and the model driven architecture paradigms to support development of interoperable data and analytical resources and federation of such resources in a Grid environment. The functionality provided by caGrid is an essential and integral component of the cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG) program. This program is established by the National Cancer Institute as a nationwide effort to develop enabling informatics technologies for collaborative, multi-institutional biomedical research with the overarching goal of accelerating translational cancer research. Although the main application domain for caGrid is cancer research, the infrastructure provides a generic framework that can be employed in other biomedical research and healthcare domains. The development of caGrid is an ongoing effort, adding new functionality and improvements based on feedback and use cases from the community. This paper provides an overview of potential future architecture and tooling directions and areas of improvement for caGrid and caGrid-like systems. This summary is based on discussions at a roadmap workshop held in February with participants from biomedical research, Grid computing, and high performance computing communities.

  4. Value oriented strategic marketing

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Milisavljević Momčilo

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Changes in today's business environment require companies to orient to strategic marketing. The company accepting strategic marketing has a proactive approach and focus on continuous review and reappraisal of existing and seeking new strategic business areas. Difficulties in achieving target profit and growth require turning marketing from the dominant viewpoint of the tangible product to creating superior value and developing relationships with customers. Value orientation implies gaining competitive advantage through continuous research and understanding of what value represents to the consumers and discovering new ways to meet their required values. Strategic marketing investment requires that the investment in the creation of values should be regularly reviewed in order to ensure a focus on customers with high profit potential and environmental value. This increases customer satisfaction and retention and long-term return on investment of companies.

  5. Use of Radiofrequency Ablation in Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Literature Review and Updates

    OpenAIRE

    Wong, KP; Lang, HHB

    2013-01-01

    Successful thermal ablation using radiofrequency has been reported in various tumors including liver or kidney tumors. Nonsurgical minimally invasive ablative therapy such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to be a safe and efficient treatment option in managing symptomatic cold thyroid nodules or hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. Pressure and cosmetic symptoms have been shown to be significantly improved both in the short and long terms after RFA. For hyperfunctioning thyroid...

  6. Violence motivated by perception of sexual orientation and gender identity: a systematic review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Blondeel, Karel; de Vasconcelos, Sofia; García-Moreno, Claudia; Stephenson, Rob; Temmerman, Marleen; Toskin, Igor

    2018-01-01

    To assess the prevalence of physical and sexual violence motivated by perception of sexual orientation and gender identity in sexual and gender minorities. We searched nine databases without language restrictions for peer-reviewed and grey literature published from 2000 to April 2016. We included studies with more than 50 participants that measured the prevalence of physical and sexual violence perceived as being motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression. We excluded intimate partner violence and self-harm. Due to heterogeneity and the absence of confidence intervals in most studies, we made no meta-analysis. We included 76 articles from 50 countries. These covered 74 studies conducted between 1995 and 2014, including a total of 202 607 sexual and gender minority participants. The quality of data was relatively poor due to a lack of standardized measures and sometimes small and non-randomized samples. In studies where all sexual and gender minorities were analysed as one population, the prevalence of physical and sexual violence ranged from 6% (in a study including 240 people) to 25% (49/196 people) and 5.6% (28/504) to 11.4% (55/484), respectively. For transgender people the prevalence ranged from 11.8% (of a subsample of 34 people) to 68.2% (75/110) and 7.0% (in a study including 255 people) to 49.1% (54/110). More data are needed on the prevalence, risk factors and consequences of physical and sexual violence motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity in different geographical and cultural settings. National violence prevention policies and interventions should include sexual and gender minorities.

  7. Violence motivated by perception of sexual orientation and gender identity: a systematic review

    Science.gov (United States)

    de Vasconcelos, Sofia; García-Moreno, Claudia; Stephenson, Rob; Temmerman, Marleen; Toskin, Igor

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of physical and sexual violence motivated by perception of sexual orientation and gender identity in sexual and gender minorities. Methods We searched nine databases without language restrictions for peer-reviewed and grey literature published from 2000 to April 2016. We included studies with more than 50 participants that measured the prevalence of physical and sexual violence perceived as being motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression. We excluded intimate partner violence and self-harm. Due to heterogeneity and the absence of confidence intervals in most studies, we made no meta-analysis. Findings We included 76 articles from 50 countries. These covered 74 studies conducted between 1995 and 2014, including a total of 202 607 sexual and gender minority participants. The quality of data was relatively poor due to a lack of standardized measures and sometimes small and non-randomized samples. In studies where all sexual and gender minorities were analysed as one population, the prevalence of physical and sexual violence ranged from 6% (in a study including 240 people) to 25% (49/196 people) and 5.6% (28/504) to 11.4% (55/484), respectively. For transgender people the prevalence ranged from 11.8% (of a subsample of 34 people) to 68.2% (75/110) and 7.0% (in a study including 255 people) to 49.1% (54/110). Conclusion More data are needed on the prevalence, risk factors and consequences of physical and sexual violence motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity in different geographical and cultural settings. National violence prevention policies and interventions should include sexual and gender minorities. PMID:29403098

  8. ZnO:Ca nanopowders with enhanced CO2 sensing properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dhahri, R; Hjiri, M; El Mir, L; Fazio, E; Neri, F; Barreca, F; Donato, N; Bonavita, A; Leonardi, S G; Neri, G

    2015-01-01

    Calcium doped ZnO (CZO) nanopowders with [Ca]/[Zn] atomic ratios of 0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05 were prepared via a sol-gel route and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Characterization data showed that undoped and Ca-doped ZnO samples have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a slight distortion of the ZnO lattice and no extra secondary phases, suggesting the substitution of Ca ions in the ZnO structure.Chemo-resistive devices based on a thick layer of the synthesized CZO nanoparticles were fabricated and their electrical and sensing properties towards CO 2 were investigated. Sensing tests have demonstrated that Ca loading is the key factor in modulating the electrical properties and strongly improving the response of ZnO matrix towards CO 2 . An increased CO 2 adsorption with Ca loading has been also evidenced by FT-IR, providing the basis for the formulation of a plausible mechanism for CO 2 sensing operating on these sensors. (paper)

  9. Impact of Sexual Orientation Identity on Medical Morbidities in Male-to-Female Transgender Patients.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gaither, Thomas W; Awad, Mohannad A; Osterberg, E Charles; Romero, Angelita; Bowers, Marci L; Breyer, Benjamin N

    2017-02-01

    We aim to describe the relationship between sexual orientation identity and medical morbidities in a large sample of male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients. We reviewed medical records of patients presenting for MTF sex reassignment surgery (SRS) by a single, high-volume surgeon from 2011 to 2015. Sexual attraction to men (heterosexual), women (lesbian), or both (bisexual) was asked of each patient. We examined 16 medical morbidities for this analysis. During the study period, 330 MTF transgender patients presented for SRS. The average age at the time of surgery was 38.9 (range 18-76). One hundred and one patients (32%) reported being heterosexual, 110 patients (34%) reported being lesbian, and 108 patients (34%) reported being bisexual. Lesbian patients presented for SRS at older ages (mean = 43 years old) compared with heterosexual patients (mean = 36 years old) and bisexual patients (mean = 37), P sexual orientation identity. Lesbian patients had greater odds of having a history of depression, age-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-4.40, compared with heterosexual patients. Lesbian patients had higher odds of being married or partnered, aOR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.27-4.19), compared with heterosexual patients. Heterosexual patients had higher odds of having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), aOR = 9.07, 95% CI (1.08-76.5) compared with lesbian patients. Sexual orientation identity in MTF transgender patients is variable. The majority of medical morbidities are not associated with sexual orientation identity. Although HIV and depression are common morbidities among MTF patients seeking SRS, the prevalence of these morbidities differs by sexual orientation identity, but these findings need replication. Counseling and future research initiatives in transgender care should incorporate sexual orientation identity and associated risk behavior.

  10. Radiofrequency ablation of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules: prospective safety and efficacy study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ugurlu, M Umit; Uprak, Kivilcim; Akpinar, Ihsan N; Attaallah, Wafi; Yegen, Cumhur; Gulluoglu, Bahadir M

    2015-04-01

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively novel procedure in the management of benign nodular goiter. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous RFA for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules as an alternative to surgery. The study involved patients for whom a fine needle aspiration biopsy had proved a diagnosis of benign nodular goiter and had nodule-related symptoms such as dysphagia, cosmetic problems, sensation of foreign body in the neck, hyperthyroidism due to autonomous nodules or fear of malignancy. Percutaneous RFA was performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The primary outcome was an evaluation of the changes in symptom scores (0-10) for pain, dysphagia and foreign body sensation at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after the RFA procedure. Secondary outcomes were assessing volume changes in nodules, complication rates, and changes in thyroid function status. A total of 33 patients (24% female, 76% male) and a total of 65 nodules were included into the study. More than one nodule was treated in 63.6% of the patients. We found a statistically significant improvement from baseline to values at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months, respectively, as follows: pain scores (2.9 ± 2.7, 2.3 ± 2.01, 1.8 ± 1.7, and 1.5 ± 1.2, p 0.005), dysphagia scores (3.9 ± 2.7, 2.6 ± 1.9; 1.7 ± 1.6, and 1.1 ± 0.3, p 0.032), and foreign body sensation scores 3.6 ± 3, 2.5 ± 2.2; 1.6 ± 1.5, and 1.1 ± 0.4, p 0.002).The mean pre-treatment nodule volume was 7.3 ± 8.3 mL. There was a statistically significant size reduction in the nodules at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after RFA (3.5 ± 3.8, 2.7 ± 3.4, and 1.2 ± 1.7 mL, p 0.002). The volume reduction was found to be 74% at 6th months following the RFA (p 0.005). 8 patients had autonomously functioning nodules in the pre-treatment period, 50% (n: 4) became euthyroid at the 6th month after RFA. There were no complaints other than pain (12%). RFA can be an

  11. CaMKII in the Cardiovascular System: Sensing Redox States

    Science.gov (United States)

    Erickson, Jeffrey R.; He, B. Julie; Grumbach, Isabella M.; Anderson, Mark E

    2013-01-01

    The multifunctional Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is now recognized to play a central role in pathological events in the cardiovascular system. CaMKII has diverse downstream targets that promote vascular disease, heart failure and arrhythmias, so improved understanding of CaMKII signaling has the potential to lead to new therapies for cardiovascular disease. CaMKII is a multimeric serine-threonine kinase that is initially activated by binding calcified calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM). Under conditions of sustained exposure to elevated Ca2+/CaM CaMKII transitions into a Ca2+/CaM-autonomous enzyme by two distinct but parallel processes. Autophosphorylation of threonine 287 in the CaMKII regulatory domain ‘traps’ CaMKII into an open configuration even after Ca2+/CaM unbinding. More recently, our group identified a pair of methionines (281/282) in the CaMKII regulatory domain that undergo a partially reversible oxidation which, like autophosphorylation, prevents CaMKII from inactivating after Ca2+/CaM unbinding. Here we review roles of CaMKII in cardiovascular disease with an eye to understanding how CaMKII may act as a transduction signal to connect pro-oxidant conditions into specific downstream pathological effects that are relevant to rare and common forms of cardiovascular disease. PMID:21742790

  12. Use of transient elastography to predict de novo recurrence after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lee SH

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available Sang Hoon Lee,1 Seung Up Kim,1–3 Jeong Won Jang,4 Si Hyun Bae,4 Sanghun Lee,1,3 Beom Kyung Kim,1–3 Jun Yong Park,1–3 Do Young Kim,1–3 Sang Hoon Ahn,1–3 Kwang–Hyub Han1–31Department of Internal Medicine, 2Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 3Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, 4Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, KoreaBackground/purpose: Liver stiffness (LS measurement using transient elastography can accurately assess the degree of liver fibrosis, which is associated with the risk of the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC. We investigated whether LS values could predict HCC de novo recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA.Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study analyzed 111 patients with HCC who underwent RFA and LS measurement using transient elastography between May 2005 and April 2011. All patients were followed until March 2013 to monitor for HCC recurrence.Results: This study included 76 men and 35 women with a mean age of 62.4 years, and the mean LS value was 21.2 kPa. During the follow-up period (median 22.4 months, 47 (42.3% patients experienced HCC de novo recurrence, and 18 (16.2% died. Patients with recurrence had significantly more frequent liver cirrhosis, more frequent history of previous treatment for HCC, higher total bilirubin, larger spleen size, larger total tumor size, higher tumor number, higher LS values, and lower platelet counts than those without recurrence (all P<0.05. On multivariate analysis, together with previous anti-HCC treatment history, patients with LS values >13.0 kPa were at significantly greater risk for recurrence after RFA, with a hazard ratio (HR of 3.115 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.238–7.842, P<0.05. Moreover, LS values independently predicted the mortality after RFA, with a HR of 9.834 (95% CI, 1.148–84.211, P<0.05, together with total bilirubin.Conclusions: Our

  13. Feasibility of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy after failed radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Trindade, Arvind J; Inamdar, Sumant; Kothari, Shivangi; Berkowitz, Joshua; McKinley, Matthew; Kaul, Vivek

    2017-09-01

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) is highly effective. RFA failures are infrequent but can be a challenging cohort to manage. There are limited data on the feasibility of liquid nitrogen cryospray ablation for complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and/or intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) after RFA has failed to achieve CE-IM in patients with dysplastic BE. This is a retrospective review from two medical centers of prospectively maintained databases looking at patients that underwent liquid nitrogen cryospray ablation for refractory intestinal metaplasia post failed RFA. Eighteen patients were identified that met inclusion criteria. Eleven patients had persistent dysplasia and IM following RFA and seven had persistent non-dysplastic IM. More than 80% of patients were male with long-segment BE (median length 8 cm). Seventy two percent of patients with dysplasia achieved CE-D after cryotherapy. Fifty percent (9/18) of all RFA failures achieved CE-IM with cryotherapy. In comparison, RFA has a CE-IM of 78% in a less challenging treatment naïve cohort from a large-scale meta-analysis of 3802 patients. No adverse events occurred in our cohort. Cryospray ablation is feasible and safe for achieving CE-D and CE-IM after RFA failure. The CE-D rates are high with cryotherapy in this population. CE-IM with cryotherapy is acceptable in this difficult-to-treat cohort when compared to CE-IM rates with RFA in dysplastic BE treatment naïve patients (50% vs 78%). © 2017 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

  14. Reduction of SR Ca2+ leak and arrhythmogenic cellular correlates by SMP-114, a novel CaMKII inhibitor with oral bioavailability.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Neef, Stefan; Mann, Christian; Zwenger, Anne; Dybkova, Nataliya; Maier, Lars S

    2017-07-01

    Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ leak induced by Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is centrally involved in atrial and ventricular arrhythmogenesis as well as heart failure remodeling. Consequently, treating SR Ca 2+ leak has been proposed as a novel therapeutic paradigm, but compounds for use in humans are lacking. SMP-114 ("Rimacalib") is a novel, orally available CaMKII inhibitor developed for human use that has already entered clinical phase II trials to treat rheumatoid arthritis. We speculated that SMP-114 might also be useful to treat cardiac SR Ca 2+ leak. SMP-114 significantly reduces SR Ca 2+ leak (as assessed by Ca 2+ sparks) in human atrial (0.72 ± 0.33 sparks/100 µm/s vs. control 3.02 ± 0.91 sparks/100 µm/s) and failing left ventricular (0.78 ± 0.23 vs. 1.69 ± 0.27 sparks/100 µm/s) as well as in murine ventricular cardiomyocytes (0.30 ± 0.07 vs. 1.50 ± 0.28 sparks/100 µm/s). Associated with lower SR Ca 2+ leak, we found that SMP-114 suppressed the occurrence of spontaneous arrhythmogenic spontaneous Ca 2+ release (0.356 ± 0.109 vs. 0.927 ± 0.216 events per 30 s stimulation cessation). In consequence, post-rest potentiation of Ca 2+ -transient amplitude (measured using Fura-2) during the 30 s pause was improved by SMP-114 (52 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 4%). Noteworthy, SMP-114 has these beneficial effects without negatively impairing global excitation-contraction coupling: neither systolic Ca 2+ release nor single cell contractility was compromised, and also SR Ca 2+ reuptake, in line with resulting cardiomyocyte relaxation, was not impaired by SMP-114 in our assays. SMP-114 demonstrated potential to treat SR Ca 2+ leak and consequently proarrhythmogenic events in rodent as well as in human atrial cardiomyocytes and cardiomyocytes from patients with heart failure. Further research is necessary towards clinical use in cardiac disease.

  15. Microstructural and electronic properties of highly oriented Tl0.5Pb0.5Sr2CaCu2O7 films on LaAlO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kountz, D.J.; Gai, P.L.; Wilker, C.; Holstein, W.L.; Pellicone, F.M.

    1992-01-01

    Epitaxial T1 0.5 Pb 0.5 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 7 films produced by rf magnetron sputtering followed by annealing in the presence of thallium oxide vapor have been produced on (100) LaAl0 3 substrates. These films are highly c-axis oriented with rocking curve full width at half maximum less than 0.4 degrees. The resulting two copper oxide layer films exhibit microwave surface resistance at 10 GHz of 60 ± 3 μΩ at 4.2 K and 498 ± 10 μΩ at 70 K (T c =88 ± 2 K). The degree of lattice mismatch between this phase and the LaAl0 3 substrate is very small resulting in epitaxial thin films. This material exhibits very little intrinsic defect structure

  16. The Correlation between Serum and Peritoneal Fluid CA125 The Correlation between Serum and Peritoneal Fluid CA125

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Saghar Salehpour

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Despite a high prevalence of endometriosis, there still exist many challenges indiagnosing the disease. This study aims to evaluate non-invasive and practical diagnostic methodsby measuring serum and peritoneal fluid CA 125 levels in patients with endometriosis. A secondaryaim is to determine the correlation between these markers with the stage of disease as well as therelationship of the two markers with each other.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 60 women who underwent laparoscopyfor benign conditions. Based on laparoscopic findings and biopsy results, patients were divided to twogroups; one group included patients with pelvic endometriosis (35 patients and the second enrolledpatients free from endometriosis (25 patients. Serum and peritoneal fluid specimens were provided at thetime of laparoscopy and CA125 levels were then assessed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.Results: Mean serum and peritoneal fluid CA125 levels were significantly higher in women withendometriosis as compared to the control group (26.42 ± 24.34 IU/ml versus 12.64 ± 6.87 IU/mlin serum and 2203.54 + 993.19 IU/ml versus 1583.42 ± 912.51 IU/ml in peritoneal fluid, p<0.05.CA 125 levels also varied proportionally with the stage of endometriosis; but showed a significantdifference only in higher stages of the disease, both in serum and peritoneal fluid. We calculatedthe cut-off value suggesting a diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis as 14.70 IU/ml for serum and1286.5 IU/ml for peritoneal fluid CA125. A linear correlation between CA 125 levels in serum andperitoneal fluid in patients with pelvic endometriosis has also been observed.Conclusion: Serum and peritoneal fluid CA 125 levels are simple and non-surgical tools fordiagnosing and staging pelvic endometriosis. These markers are of greater diagnostic value inhigher stages of the disease.

  17. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Review of concepts, controversies and their relation to psychopathology classification systems

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carla eMoleiro

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available Numerous controversies and debates have taken place throughout the history of psychopathology (and its main classification systems with regards to sexual orientation and gender identity. These are still reflected on present reformulations of gender dysphoria in both DSM and ICD, and in more or less subtle micro-aggressions experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans patients in mental health care. The present paper critically reviews this history and current controversies. It reveals that this deeply complex field contributes (i to the reflection on the very concept of mental illness; (ii to the focus on subjective distress and person-centered experience of psychopathology; and (iii to the recognition of stigma and discrimination as significant intervening variables. Finally, it argues that sexual orientation and gender identity have been viewed, in the history of the field of psychopathology, between two poles: gender transgression and gender variance/fluidity.

  18. Host material induced hyperfine structure of F{sup +} centres EPR spectra in CaS

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Seeman, Viktor, E-mail: viktor.seeman@ut.ee; Dolgov, Sergei; Maaroos, Aarne

    2017-05-15

    The hyperfine structure (HFS) of F{sup +} centres in CaS single crystals due to the interaction with {sup 33}S and {sup 43}Ca nuclei was observed in EPR spectra for the first time. Angular variations of the HFS were measured for rotation of magnetic field in {100} and {110} crystallographic planes. Using measured orientation-dependent EPR spectra and the EPR NMR program, the parameters of the spin Hamiltonian were determined. In case of {sup 33}S nucleus there is a strong dependence of the F{sup +} centre EPR spectrum on the quadrupole term whereas for {sup 43}Ca nucleus this dependence is insignificant.

  19. A narrative synthesis of the applicability of the CaR-FA-X model in child and adolescent populations: a systematic review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stewart, Tracy M; Hunter, Simon C; Rhodes, Sinéad M

    2017-10-01

    The CaR-FA-X model [Williams, J. M. G., Barnhofer, T., Crane, C., Hermans, D., Raes, F., Watkins, E., … Dalgleish, T. (2007). Autobiographical memory specificity and emotional disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 122-148. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.122 ] is the most prominent and comprehensive model of overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) and provides a framework for OGM. The model comprises of three mechanisms, capture and rumination, functional avoidance and impaired executive control. These can independently, or in interaction, account for OGM. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing research on the CaR-FA-X model, and trauma exposure studies specific to child and adolescent populations. The following databases were searched: "PsychInfo", "PsychArticles", "PubMed", "Web of Science", "Medline", "SCOPUS" and "Embase" for English-language, peer-reviewed papers with samples CaR-FA-X model was found for child and adolescent populations. Recommendations, proposals for future research and plausible explanations for the mixed findings are discussed.

  20. Correlation between atomic structure and magnetic properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 thin films grown on SrTiO3 (1 0 0)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rubio-Zuazo, J.; Andres, A. de; Taboada, S.; Prieto, C.; Martinez, J.L.; Castro, G.R.

    2005-01-01

    The crystallographic structure of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO) ultra-thin films grown on SrTiO 3 (0 0 1) has been investigated by surface X-ray diffraction (SXD) and the correlation between their transport and magnetic properties and crystallographic structure is discussed. LCMO thin films in a thickness range between 2.4 and 27 nm were grown by DC-sputtering on SrTiO 3 (0 0 1). We distinguish two different crystallographic structures associated to the 2.4 and 27 nm thin films, respectively. The 27 nm film structure corresponds to a tetragonal perovskite (space group Pbnm), as has been reported for bulk LCMO. For the 2.4 nm film the La/Ca ions are located at the regular position of an ideal perovskite and the MnO 6 octahedrons are aligned along the c-axis. The MnO 2 stacking layer (basal plane) is distorted and coplanar to the a-b crystallographic axis with an anti-correlation between octahedron layers. This observed distortion is not compatible with the Pbnm space group. The new phase, which cannot be excluded to coexist at the interface of thicker films, can be described, as an example, through an I4/mcm or Pbcn space group. Based on the observed structure, plausible models to explain their transport and magnetic behaviour are proposed. For the 2.4 nm film, an octahedron in-plane (basal plane) distortion induced by the substrate is observed. Thicker films behave structurally and magnetically as bulk-like materials

  1. Defect chemistry and oxygen transport of (La0.6Sr0.4-xMx)(0.99)Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta, M = Ca (x=0.05, 0.1), Ba (x=0.1, 0.2), Sr Part I: Defect chemistry

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dalslet, Bjarke Thomas; Søgaard, Martin; Bouwmeester, Henry J.M.

    2009-01-01

    This paper is the first part of a two part series, where the effects of varying the A-site dopant on the defect chemistry, the diffusion coefficient and the surface catalytic properties of the materials (La0.6Sr0.4 − xMx)0.99Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ, M = Sr, Ca (x = 0.05, 0.1), Ba (x = 0.1, 0.2) (LSMFC......) have been investigated. In part I, the findings on the defect chemistry are reported, while the transport properties are reported in part II. Substitution of Sr2+ ions with Ca2+ ions (smaller ionic radius) and Ba2+ ions (larger ionic radius) strains the crystal structure differently for each...... composition while keeping the average valence of the cations constant. The Ba2+ containing materials show the largest oxygen loss at elevated temperatures, while the purely Sr2+ doped material showed the smallest oxygen loss. This was reflected in the partial oxidation entropy of the materials. The measured...

  2. Incidence and Cause of Hypertension During Adrenal Radiofrequency Ablation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yamakado, Koichiro, E-mail: yama@clin.medic.mie-u.ac.jp; Takaki, Haruyuki [Mie University School of Medicine, Department of Interventional Radiology (Japan); Yamada, Tomomi [Mie University School of Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine (Japan); Yamanaka, Takashi; Uraki, Junji; Kashima, Masataka; Nakatsuka, Atsuhiro; Takeda, Kan [Mie University School of Medicine, Department of Interventional Radiology (Japan)

    2012-12-15

    Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and cause of hypertension prospectively during adrenal radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: For this study, approved by our institutional review board, written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients who received RFA for adrenal tumors (adrenal ablation) and other abdominal tumors (nonadrenal ablation) were included in this prospective study. Blood pressure was monitored during RFA. Serum adrenal hormone levels including epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and cortisol levels were measured before and during RFA. The respective incidences of procedural hypertension (systolic blood pressure >200 mmHg) of the two patient groups were compared. Factors correlating with procedural systolic blood pressure were evaluated by regression analysis.ResultsNine patients underwent adrenal RFA and another 9 patients liver (n = 5) and renal (n = 4) RFA. Asymptomatic procedural hypertension that returned to the baseline by injecting calcium blocker was found in 7 (38.9%) of 18 patients. The incidence of procedural hypertension was significantly higher in the adrenal ablation group (66.7%, 6/9) than in the nonadrenal ablation group (11.1%, 1/9, P < 0.0498). Procedural systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with serum epinephrine (R{sup 2} = 0.68, P < 0.0001) and norepinephrine (R{sup 2} = 0.72, P < 0.0001) levels during RFA. The other adrenal hormones did not show correlation with procedural systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Hypertension occurs frequently during adrenal RFA because of the release of catecholamine.

  3. Object-Oriented Type Systems

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Schwartzbach, Michael Ignatieff; Palsberg, Jens

    binding. Existing languages employ different type systems, and it can be difficult to compare, evaluate and improve them, since there is currently no uniform theory for such languages. This book provides such a theory. The authors review the type systems of Simula, Smalltalk, C++ and Eiffel and present......Object-Oriented Type Systems Jens Palsberg and Michael I. Schwartzbach Aarhus University, Denmark Type systems are required to ensure reliability and efficiency of software. For object-oriented languages, typing is an especially challenging problem because of inheritance, assignment, and late...... a type system that generalizes and explains them. The theory is based on an idealized object-oriented language called BOPL (Basic Object Programming Language), containing common features of the above languages. A type system, type inference algorithm, and typings of inheritance and genericity...

  4. Oriented thin films of Na {sub 0.6}CoO {sub 2} and Ca {sub 3}Co {sub 4}O {sub 9} deposited by spin-coating method on polycrystalline substrate

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Buršík, J., E-mail: bursik@iic.cas.cz [Institute of Inorganic Chemistry ASCR, 250 68 Řež near Prague (Czech Republic); Soroka, M. [Institute of Inorganic Chemistry ASCR, 250 68 Řež near Prague (Czech Republic); Knížek, K.; Hirschner, J.; Levinský, P.; Hejtmánek, J. [Institute of Physics ASCR, Cukrovarnická 10, 162 00 Prague 6 (Czech Republic)

    2016-03-31

    Thin film of two thermoelectric materials, Na {sub x}CoO {sub 2} (x ~ 0.6) and Ca {sub 3}Co {sub 4}O {sub 9}, was deposited using the sol–gel spin-coating method on a polycrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrate. Despite the polycrystalline character of the substrate, the c-axis preferred orientation was obtained, suggesting self-assembly growth mechanism. The deposition procedure used offers several benefits, namely simplicity, high deposition rate, low fabrication cost as well as low price of the substrate, and low thermal conductivity of the substrate suitable for characterization of thermoelectric properties and for applications. The thermoelectric properties of the thin films are comparable with bulk materials. The samples exhibit power factor 0.23 - 0.26 × 10{sup -3} W ⋅ m {sup -1} ⋅ K {sup -2} at 750 K. - Highlights: • Thin film of thermoelectric cobaltates was deposited using the spincoating method. • The c-axis preferred orientation was obtained on polycrystalline YSZ substrate. • Benefits of the chosen procedure are simplicity, low cost, and low thermal conductivity of the substrate.

  5. Orientals and Orientalists

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Reade, Julian

    2004-01-01

    Reviews three books on archaeology. "Possessors and Possessed: Museums, Archaeology, and the Visualization of History in the Late Ottoman Empire," by Wendy M. K. Shaw; "Orientalism and Visual Culture: Imagining Mesapotamia in Nineteenth-Century Europe," by Frederick N. Bohrer; "Empires of the Pla......: Henry Rawlinson and the Lost Languages of Babylon," by Lesley Adkins....

  6. Inter-granular glassy phases in the low-CaO-doped HIPed Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ceramics. A review

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gu, Hui [State Key Lab of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Inst. of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, SH (China); Tanaka, Isao [Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyoto Univ. (Japan); Cannon, Rowland M. [Materials Science Div., Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States); Pan, Xiaoqing [Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor (United States); Ruehle, Manfred [Max Planck Inst. for Metals Research, Stuttgart (Germany)

    2010-01-15

    This review outlines the essence of a progressive study on the glassy inter-granular film (IGF) in a model ceramic system, the low-CaO-doped HIPed high-purity Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}. This was initiated from the finding of a systematic variation of equilibrium IGF thickness following the dopant chemistry, manifesting its fundamental important to ceramic processing. By employing analytical transmission electron microscopy to measure the local chemistry in IGF, however, significant discrepancy was found between trends of local IGF chemistry and thickness. A stable IGF composition was revealed in this system, while a bi-level distribution of Ca segregation establishes a correspondence between the IGF structure and the surface crystallography. The detection of similar levels of nitrogen in IGF through the whole series further supports the presence of a rather stable IGF chemistry. After the saturation of dopants in the stable IGF, extra CaO was found to re-distribute in pockets by enrichment at tips, leading to a liquid phase separation with the Ca-rich phase wetting the entrance zone contacting IGF. The perspective for establishing a comprehensive correlation between the inter-granular phases and the bi-modal microstructure induced by faster growth of basal facets is briefly discussed to pave the way for future work. (orig.)

  7. TH-AB-BRA-02: Automated Triplet Beam Orientation Optimization for MRI-Guided Co-60 Radiotherapy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nguyen, D; Thomas, D; Cao, M; O’Connor, D; Lamb, J; Sheng, K

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: MRI guided Co-60 provides daily and intrafractional MRI soft tissue imaging for improved target tracking and adaptive radiotherapy. To remedy the low output limitation, the system uses three Co-60 sources at 120° apart, but using all three sources in planning is considerably unintuitive. We automate the beam orientation optimization using column generation, and then solve a novel fluence map optimization (FMO) problem while regularizing the number of MLC segments. Methods: Three patients—1 prostate (PRT), 1 lung (LNG), and 1 head-and-neck boost plan (H&NBoost)—were evaluated. The beamlet dose for 180 equally spaced coplanar beams under 0.35 T magnetic field was calculated using Monte Carlo. The 60 triplets were selected utilizing the column generation algorithm. The FMO problem was formulated using an L2-norm minimization with anisotropic total variation (TV) regularization term, which allows for control over the number of MLC segments. Our Fluence Regularized and Optimized Selection of Triplets (FROST) plans were compared against the clinical treatment plans (CLN) produced by an experienced dosimetrist. Results: The mean PTV D95, D98, and D99 differ by −0.02%, +0.12%, and +0.44% of the prescription dose between planning methods, showing same PTV dose coverage. The mean PTV homogeneity (D95/D5) was at 0.9360 (FROST) and 0.9356 (CLN). R50 decreased by 0.07 with FROST. On average, FROST reduced Dmax and Dmean of OARs by 6.56% and 5.86% of the prescription dose. The manual CLN planning required iterative trial and error runs which is very time consuming, while FROST required minimal human intervention. Conclusions: MRI guided Co-60 therapy needs the output of all sources yet suffers from unintuitive and laborious manual beam selection processes. Automated triplet orientation optimization is shown essential to overcome the difficulty and improves the dosimetry. A novel FMO with regularization provides additional controls over the number of MLC segments

  8. TH-AB-BRA-02: Automated Triplet Beam Orientation Optimization for MRI-Guided Co-60 Radiotherapy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Nguyen, D; Thomas, D; Cao, M; O’Connor, D; Lamb, J; Sheng, K [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (United States)

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: MRI guided Co-60 provides daily and intrafractional MRI soft tissue imaging for improved target tracking and adaptive radiotherapy. To remedy the low output limitation, the system uses three Co-60 sources at 120° apart, but using all three sources in planning is considerably unintuitive. We automate the beam orientation optimization using column generation, and then solve a novel fluence map optimization (FMO) problem while regularizing the number of MLC segments. Methods: Three patients—1 prostate (PRT), 1 lung (LNG), and 1 head-and-neck boost plan (H&NBoost)—were evaluated. The beamlet dose for 180 equally spaced coplanar beams under 0.35 T magnetic field was calculated using Monte Carlo. The 60 triplets were selected utilizing the column generation algorithm. The FMO problem was formulated using an L2-norm minimization with anisotropic total variation (TV) regularization term, which allows for control over the number of MLC segments. Our Fluence Regularized and Optimized Selection of Triplets (FROST) plans were compared against the clinical treatment plans (CLN) produced by an experienced dosimetrist. Results: The mean PTV D95, D98, and D99 differ by −0.02%, +0.12%, and +0.44% of the prescription dose between planning methods, showing same PTV dose coverage. The mean PTV homogeneity (D95/D5) was at 0.9360 (FROST) and 0.9356 (CLN). R50 decreased by 0.07 with FROST. On average, FROST reduced Dmax and Dmean of OARs by 6.56% and 5.86% of the prescription dose. The manual CLN planning required iterative trial and error runs which is very time consuming, while FROST required minimal human intervention. Conclusions: MRI guided Co-60 therapy needs the output of all sources yet suffers from unintuitive and laborious manual beam selection processes. Automated triplet orientation optimization is shown essential to overcome the difficulty and improves the dosimetry. A novel FMO with regularization provides additional controls over the number of MLC segments

  9. Synthesis and characterization hollow spherical La0.7Sr0.2Ca0.1Co0.9Fe0.1O3–δ (LSCCT for cathode of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    H. H. Yu

    2016-10-01

    Full Text Available Hollow spheres structures of La0.7Sr0.2Ca0.1Co0.9Fe0.1O3–δ (LSCCT have been synthesized via hydrothermal method using carbon spheres as template. The structure and electrical conductivity of obtained samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscope (SEM, transmission electron microscope (TEM and direct current (DC four-probe method respectively. The results show that hollow spheres structures of LSCCT with the mean particle size of 0,9 - 1,2 μm is single perovskite. The electrical conductivity of the samples is higher than 100 S/cm from 600 to 800 ℃ and can meet the demand of the electrical properties for the cathode materials.

  10. Spin-state crossover and low-temperature magnetic state in yttrium-doped Pr0.7Ca0.3CoO3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Knížek, K.; Hejtmánek, J.; Maryško, M.; Novák, P.; Šantavá, E.; Jirák, Z.; Naito, T.; Fujishiro, H.; de la Cruz, Clarina

    2013-12-01

    The structural and magnetic properties of two mixed-valence cobaltites with a formal population of 0.30 Co4+ ions per f.u., (Pr1-yYy)0.7Ca0.3CoO3 (y=0 and 0.15), have been studied down to very low temperatures by means of high-resolution neutron diffraction, SQUID magnetometry, and heat-capacity measurements. The results are interpreted within the scenario of the spin-state crossover from a room-temperature mixture of the intermediate-spin Co3+ and low-spin Co4+ (IS/LS) to the LS/LS mixture in the sample ground states. In contrast to the yttrium-free y=0 that retains the metallic-like character and exhibits ferromagnetic (FM) ordering below 55 K, the doped system y=0.15 undergoes a first-order metal-insulator transition at 132 K, during which not only the crossover to low-spin states but also a partial electron transfer from Pr3+ 4f to cobalt 3d states takes place simultaneously. Taking into account the nonmagnetic character of LS Co3+, such a valence shift electronic transition causes a magnetic dilution, formally to 0.12 LS Co4+ or 0.12 t2g hole spins per f.u., which is the reason for an insulating, highly nonuniform magnetic ground state without long-range order. Nevertheless, even in that case there exists a relatively strong molecular field distributed over all the crystal lattice. It is argued that the spontaneous FM order in y=0 and the existence of strong FM correlations in y=0.15 apparently contradict the single t2g band character of LS/LS phase. The explanation we suggest relies on a model of the defect-induced, itinerant hole-mediated magnetism, where the defects are identified with the magnetic high-spin Co3+ species stabilized near oxygen vacancies.

  11. Sexual orientation and gender identity: review of concepts, controversies and their relation to psychopathology classification systems.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Moleiro, Carla; Pinto, Nuno

    2015-01-01

    Numerous controversies and debates have taken place throughout the history of psychopathology (and its main classification systems) with regards to sexual orientation and gender identity. These are still reflected on present reformulations of gender dysphoria in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and the International Classification of Diseases, and in more or less subtle micro-aggressions experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans patients in mental health care. The present paper critically reviews this history and current controversies. It reveals that this deeply complex field contributes (i) to the reflection on the very concept of mental illness; (ii) to the focus on subjective distress and person-centered experience of psychopathology; and (iii) to the recognition of stigma and discrimination as significant intervening variables. Finally, it argues that sexual orientation and gender identity have been viewed, in the history of the field of psychopathology, between two poles: gender transgression and gender variance/fluidity.

  12. Bi--Sr--Ca--Cu--O superconducting films fabricated using metal alkoxides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Katayama, S.; Sekine, M.

    1991-01-01

    Superconducting films in the Bi--Sr--Ca--Cu--O systems were made using metal alkoxides. To prepare a dip-coating solution using a mixed alkoxide solution, insoluble Cu and Bi alkoxides were dissolved by modification with 2-dimethylaminoethanol and formation of a double alkoxide, respectively. Formation of the double alkoxides of Bi with Ca or Sr was confirmed using FT-IR and 1 H-NMR. Bi--Sr--Ca--Cu--O films on yttria-stabilized ZrO 2 and single crystal MgO(100) substrates were made using this solution. The films were closely oriented along the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. The film on MgO(100) fired at 850 degree C for 48 h showed two resistance drops around 115 and 85 K, corresponding to the high-T c and low-T c phases, respectively, and zero resistance at 72 K

  13. c-Plane oriented Bi-oxide superconductor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kugimiya, K.; Kawashima, S.; Inoue, O.; Adachi, S.

    1988-01-01

    A newly found Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor with T c =80 K was synthesized in an almost pure phase. It is a laminar oxide with an Aurivillius phase and easily breaks into thin flakes. By slip-casting the flakes under pressure or by hot-pressing sintered bodies of isostatically formed green compacts, c-planes of the phase were highly oriented by more than 95%, mostly 98.5%. Sintered compacts generally contained materials with T c of 80 and 110 K as proved by the Meissner effect. 11 refs.; 6 figs

  14. A comparative study of magnetic field induced meta-magnetic transition in nanocrystalline and bulk Pr{sub 0.65}(Ca{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}){sub 0.35}MnO{sub 3} compound

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Saha, Suvayan [CMP Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700 064 (India); Center for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700098, West Bengal (India); Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C. Road, Kolkata 700009 (India); Das, Kalipada, E-mail: kalipadadasphysics@gmail.com [Department of Materials Science, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A and 2B Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032 (India); Bandyopadhyay, Sudipta [Center for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Salt Lake City, Kolkata 700098, West Bengal (India); Department of Physics, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C. Road, Kolkata 700009 (India); Das, I. [CMP Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700 064 (India)

    2017-06-15

    Highlights: • Field induced sharp meta-magnetic transition appears even in nanocrystalline sample. • Magnetic field for the meta-magnetic transition enhances depending upon the cooling field. • This unusual behavior is addressed by the effect of the interfacial strains. - Abstract: In our present study we highlight the observations of external magnetic field induced sharp meta-magnetic transition in polycrystalline bulk as well as nanocrystalline form of Pr{sub 0.65}(Ca{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.7}){sub 0.35}MnO{sub 3} compound. Interestingly, such behavior persists in the nanoparticles regardless of the disorder broadened transition. However, higher magnetic field is required for nanoparticles having average particle size ∼40 nm for such meta-magnetic transition, which differs from the general trends of the pure charge ordered nano materials. The interfacial strain between the different magnetic domains plays the important role in magnetic isothermal properties of nanoparticles, when the samples are cooled down in different cooling field. Additionally, both the bulk and nanoparticle compounds exhibit spontaneous phase separation and significantly large magnetoresistance at the low temperature region due to the melting of charge ordered fraction.

  15. End user orientation of TC projects. Special evaluation review

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1996-12-01

    The present review of the end use orientation of TC projects was undertaken as requested by the TC Department to identify: (a) end users and beneficiaries beyond the boundaries of the counterpart laboratories, as appropriate; (b) means provided or planned to reach the end users and beneficiaries; (c) performance indicators in quantifiable terms, including those related to the counterpart activities that could be foreseen during and after completion of Agency assistance; and (d) recommendations of additional means, if necessary, to reach the end users and beneficiaries. A total of 13 TC projects with large budgets of around $200,000 and above were selected from those first approved under the 1995-1996 biennial programme and supported under the TCF, representing diverse fields of Agency activities and covering all the geographical areas of the Agency's technical co-operation. The projects thus selected were one each from Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Mexico, Mongolia, Slovenia, Turkey and Viet-Nam. The overall budget of the 13 projects as originally approved for 1995 to 1998, amounted to $5,510,980. The current budget as of 8 November 1996 stands at $5,446,719, representing a decrease of more than one percent. Figs, tabs

  16. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Factors Affecting Outcomes—A 10-year Experience at a Single Center

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shady, Waleed; Petre, Elena N.; Gonen, Mithat; Erinjeri, Joseph P.; Brown, Karen T.; Covey, Anne M.; Alago, William; Durack, Jeremy C.; Maybody, Majid; Brody, Lynn A.; Siegelbaum, Robert H.; D’Angelica, Michael I.; Jarnagin, William R.; Solomon, Stephen B.; Kemeny, Nancy E.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose To identify predictors of oncologic outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLMs) and to describe and evaluate a modified clinical risk score (CRS) adapted for ablation as a patient stratification and prognostic tool. Materials and Methods This study consisted of a HIPAA-compliant institutional review board–approved retrospective review of data in 162 patients with 233 CLMs treated with percutaneous RFA between December 2002 and December 2012. Contrast material–enhanced CT was used to assess technique effectiveness 4–8 weeks after RFA. Patients were followed up with contrast-enhanced CT every 2–4 months. Overall survival (OS) and local tumor progression–free survival (LTPFS) were calculated from the time of RFA by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank tests and Cox regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analysis to identify predictors of outcomes. Results Technique effectiveness was 94% (218 of 233). Median LTPFS was 26 months. At univariate analysis, predictors of shorter LTPFS were tumor size greater than 3 cm (P < .001), ablation margin size of 5 mm or less (P < .001), high modified CRS (P = .009), male sex (P = .03), and no history of prior hepatectomy (P = .04) or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (P = .01). At multivariate analysis, only tumor size greater than 3 cm (P = .01) and margin size of 5 mm or less (P < .001) were independent predictors of shorter LTPFS. Median and 5-year OS were 36 months and 31%. At univariate analysis, predictors of shorter OS were tumor size larger than 3 cm (P = .005), carcinoembryonic antigen level greater than 30 ng/mL (P = .003), high modified CRS (P = .02), and extrahepatic disease (EHD) (P < .001). At multivariate analysis, tumor size greater than 3 cm (P = .006) and more than one site of EHD (P < .001) were independent predictors of shorter OS. Conclusion Tumor size of less than 3 cm and ablation margins greater than 5 mm

  17. Influence of Fe doped on the magnetocaloric behavior of La_{{2}/{3}} Ca_{{1}/{3}} Mn1-x Fe x O3 compounds: a Monte Carlo simulation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alzate-Cardona, J. D.; Barco-Rios, H.; Restrepo-Parra, E.

    2018-02-01

    The magnetocaloric behavior of La{2/{3}} Ca{1/{3}} Mn1-x Fe x O3 for x  =  0.00, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.08 and 0.10 under the influence of an external magnetic field was simulated and analyzed. Simulations were carried out using the Monte Carlo method and the classical Heisenberg model under the Metropolis algorithm. These mixed valence manganites are characterized by having three types of magnetic ions corresponding to Mn4+≤ft(S=\\frac{3}{2}\\right) , which are bonded with Ca2+ , and Mneg3+ and Mneg\\prime3+ (S=2) , related to La3+ . The Fe ions were randomly included, replacing Mn ions. With this model, the magnetic entropy change, Δ S , in an isothermal process was determined. -Δ Sm showed maximum peaks around the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition temperature, which depends on Fe doping. Relative cooling power was computed for different Fe concentrations varying the magnetic applied field. Our model and results show that the Fe doping decreases the magnetocaloric effect in the La{2/{3}} Ca{1/{3}} Mn1-x Fe x O3, making this a bad candidate for magnetic refrigeration. The strong dependence of the magnetocaloric behavior on Fe doping and the external magnetic field in La{2/{3}} Ca{1/{3}} Mn1-x Fe x O3 can boost these materials for the future technological applications.

  18. Ferroelectricity-induced resistive switching in Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Nb-doped SrTiO3 epitaxial heterostructure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Md. Sadaf, Sharif; Mostafa Bourim, El; Liu, Xinjun; Hasan Choudhury, Sakeb; Kim, Dong-Wook; Hwang, Hyunsang

    2012-03-01

    We investigated the effect of a ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin film on the generation of resistive switching in a stacked Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (PCMO)/Nb-doped SrTiO3 (Nb:STO) heterostructure forming a p-n junction. To promote the ferroelectric effect, the thin PZT active layer was deposited on an epitaxially grown p-type PCMO film on a lattice-matched n-type Nb:STO single crystal. It was concluded that the observed resistive switching behavior in the all-perovskite Pt/PZT/PCMO/Nb:STO heterostructure was related to the modulation of PCMO/Nb:STO p-n junction's depletion width, which was caused either by the PZT ferroelectric polarization field effect, the electrochemical drift of oxygen ions under an electric field, or both simultaneously.

  19. Investigating the Effects of the 0.05 Hz First-order High-pass Filter on the Electrocardiogram

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Isaksen, Jonas; Leber, Remo; Schmid, Ramun

    2016-01-01

    Background: A thorough review is needed for the first-order 0.05 Hz high-pass filter, which was introduced almost fifty years ago before modern techniques were available. We quantify the effectiveness of inverse filtering and assess the changes that the filter imposes on the electrocardiogram (ECG...

  20. Performance Characteristics of CA 19-9 Radioimmunoassay and Clinical Significance of Serum CA 19-9 Assay in Patients with Malignancy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Sang Eun; Shong, Young Kee; Cho, Bo Youn; Kim, Noe Kyeong; Koh, Chang Soon; Lee, Mun Ho; Hong, Seong Woon; Hong, Kee Suk

    1985-01-01

    To evaluate the performance characteristics of CA 19-9 radioimmunoassay and the clinical significance of serum CA 19-9 assay in patients with malignancy, serum. CA 19-9 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay using monoclonal antibody in 135 normal controls, 81 patients with various untreated malignancy, 9 patients of postoperative colon cancer without recurrence and 20 patients with benign gastrointestinal diseases, who visited Seoul National University Hospital from June, 1984 to March, 1985. The results were as follows; 1) The CA 19-9 radioimmunoassay was simple to perform and can be completed in one work day. And the between-assay reproducibility and the assay recovery were both excellent. 2) The mean serum CA 19-9 level in 135 normal controls was 8.4±4.2 U/mL. Normal upper limit of serum CA 19-9 was defined as 21.0 U/mL. 4 out of 135 (3.0%) normal controls showed elevated CA 19-9 levels above the normal upper limit. 3) One out of 20 (5.0%) patients with benign gastrointestinal diseases showed elevated serum CA 19-9 level above the normal upper limit. 4) In 81 patients with various untreated malignancy, 41 patients (50.6%) showed elevated serum CA 19-9 levels. 66.7% of 18 patients with colorectal cancer, 100% of 2 patients with pancreatic cancer, 100% of 3 patients with common bile duct cancer, 47.1% of 17 patients with stomach cancer, 28.6% of 28 patients with hepatoma and 60.0% of 5 gastrointestinal tract cancers showed elevated serum CA 19-9 levels. 5) The sensitivities of serum CA 19-9 related to respectability in colorectal and stomach cancer were 33.3% in resectable colorectal cancer, 83.3% in unresectable colorectal cancer, 41.7% in resectable stomach cancer, 60.0% in unresectable stomach cancer respectively. 6) The sensitivity of serum CA 19-9 in 9 patients of postoperative colorectal cancer without recurrence were 33.3% and significantly decreased compared with that of untreated colorectal cancer, 66.7% (p<0.05). 7) In Patients with colorectal cancer

  1. Preparation of nanostructured La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Ba{sub x}MnO{sub 3} ceramics by a combined sol–gel and spark plasma sintering route and resulting magnetocaloric properties

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ayadi, F.; Regaieg, Y. [Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, ITODYS, UMR 7086 CNRS, 15 rue J.-A. de Baïf, 75205 Paris Cedex 13 (France); Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, LPM, B.P 1171, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia); Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W.; Koubaa, M.; Cheikhrouhou, A. [Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, LPM, B.P 1171, 3000 Sfax (Tunisia); Lecoq, H.; Nowak, S.; Ammar, S. [Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, ITODYS, UMR 7086 CNRS, 15 rue J.-A. de Baïf, 75205 Paris Cedex 13 (France); Sicard, L., E-mail: lorette.sicard@univ-paris-diderot.fr [Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, ITODYS, UMR 7086 CNRS, 15 rue J.-A. de Baïf, 75205 Paris Cedex 13 (France)

    2015-05-01

    This work proposes an original, easy to achieve and inexpensive route to synthesize manganite ceramics for magnetic refrigeration, combining sol–gel chemistry to Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The target La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Ba{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (x=0, 0.1, 0.2) compounds are obtained as single phases which crystallize in the orthorhombic structure (Pnma space group). SPS allows a quick sintering at a relatively low temperature (700 °C in this work) compared to the conventional solid state method (≥1100 °C), leading to densified ultrafine grained pellets (85% of compactness). Magnetic studies show that Ba substitution does not affect significantly the relative cooling power (RCP) of these manganites, while it increases their Curie temperature (T{sub C}) by several tens of degrees. Typically, RCP values ranging between 267 and 270 J/kg (for a magnetic field change of 5 T) and T{sub C} between 205 and 245 K were measured when x was increased from 0 to 0.2, respectively. These results combined to the fact that the synthesis route is economically advantageous makes the obtained ceramics interesting as active refrigerants for magnetic refrigeration technology below room temperature. - Highlights: • Nanostructured La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3−x}Ba{sub x}MnO{sub 3} ceramics were obtained as single phase. • An original and low cost method was developed combining sol–gel chemistry and SPS. • The method can be extended to prepare most dense nanostructured oxides. • Our ceramics have higher RCP than those obtained by the solid state method. • The optimum temperature of the magnetocaloric effect is tunable with Ba content.

  2. Omitted Data in Randomized Controlled Trials for Anxiety and Depression: A Systematic Review of the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

    Science.gov (United States)

    Heck, Nicholas C.; Mirabito, Lucas A.; LeMaire, Kelly; Livingston, Nicholas A.; Flentje, Annesa

    2016-01-01

    Objective The current study examined the frequency with which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioral and psychological interventions for anxiety and depression include data pertaining to participant sexual orientation and non-binary gender identities. Method Using systematic review methodology, the databases PubMed and PsycINFO were searched to identify RCTs published in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Random selections of 400 articles per database per year (2400 articles in total) were considered for inclusion in the review. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were read and coded by the research team to identify whether the trial reported data pertaining to participant sexual orientation and non-binary gender identities. Additional trial characteristics were also identified and indexed in our database (e.g., sample size, funding source etc.). Results Of the 232 articles meeting inclusion criteria, only one reported participants’ sexual orientation and zero articles included non-binary gender identities. A total of 52,769 participants were represented in the trials, 93 of which were conducted in the U.S. and 43 acknowledged the National Institutes of Health as a source of funding. Conclusions Despite known mental health disparities on the basis of sexual orientation and non-binary gender identification, researchers evaluating interventions for anxiety and depression are not reporting on these important demographic characteristics. Reporting practices must change in order to ensure that our interventions generalize to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. PMID:27845517

  3. Signatures in magnetites formed by (Ca,Mg,Fe)CO3 thermal decomposition: Terrestrial and extraterrestrial implications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jimenez-Lopez, Concepcion; Rodriguez-Navarro, Carlos; Rodriguez-Navarro, Alejandro; Perez-Gonzalez, Teresa; Bazylinski, Dennis A.; Lauer, Howard V.; Romanek, Christopher S.

    2012-06-01

    It has never been demonstrated whether magnetite synthesized through the heat-dependent decomposition of carbonate precursors retains the chemical and structural features of the carbonates. In this study, synthetic (Ca,Mg,Fe)CO3 was thermally decomposed by heating from 25 to 700 °C under 1 atm CO2, and by in situ exposure under vacuum to the electron beam of a transmission electron microscope. In both cases, the decomposition of the carbonate was topotactic and resulted in porous pseudomorphs composed of oriented aggregates of magnetite nanocrystals. Both calcium and magnesium were incorporated into nanophase magnetite, forming (Ca,Mg)-magnetites and (Ca,Mg)-ferrites when these elements were present in the parent material, thus preserving the chemical signature of the precursor. These results show that magnetites synthesized in this way acquire a chemical and structural inheritance from their carbonate precursor that indicates how they were produced. These results are not only important in the determination of the origin of chemically-impure, oriented nanophase magnetite crystals in general, but they also provide important insights into the origin of the large, euhedral, chemically-pure, [111]-elongated magnetites found within Ca-, Mg- and Fe-rich carbonates of the Martian meteorite ALH84001. Based on our experimental results, the chemically-pure magnetites within ALH84001 cannot be genetically related to the Ca-, Mg- and Fe-rich carbonate matrix within which they are embedded, and an alternative explanation for their occurrence is warranted.

  4. Observation of ultraslow stress release in silicon nitride films on CaF2

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guo, Tianyi; Deen, M. Jamal; Xu, Changqing; Fang, Qiyin; Selvaganapathy, P. Ravi; Zhang, Haiying

    2015-01-01

    Silicon nitride thin films are deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition on (100) and (111) CaF 2 crystalline substrates. Delaminated wavy buckles formed during the release of internal compressive stress in the films and the stress releasing processes are observed macroscopically and microscopically. The stress release patterns start from the substrate edges and propagate to the center along defined directions aligned with the crystallographic orientations of the substrate. The stress releasing velocity of SiN x film on (111) CaF 2 is larger than that of SiN x film with the same thickness on (100) CaF 2 . The velocities of SiN x film on both (100) and (111) CaF 2 increase with the film thickness. The stress releasing process is initiated when the films are exposed to atmosphere, but it is not a chemical change from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

  5. Targeting Cardiomyocyte Ca2+ Homeostasis in Heart Failure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Røe, Åsmund T.; Frisk, Michael; Louch, William E.

    2015-01-01

    Improved treatments for heart failure patients will require the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target basal disease mechanisms. Disrupted cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis is recognized as a major contributor to the heart failure phenotype, as it plays a key role in systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmogenesis, and hypertrophy and apoptosis signaling. In this review, we outline existing knowledge of the involvement of Ca2+ homeostasis in these deficits, and identify four promising targets for therapeutic intervention: the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, the ryanodine receptor, and t-tubule structure. We discuss experimental data indicating the applicability of these targets that has led to recent and ongoing clinical trials, and suggest future therapeutic approaches. PMID:25483944

  6. Review of the emerging role of optical polarimetry in characterization of pathological myocardium.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ahmad, Iftikhar

    2017-10-01

    Myocardial infarction (MI), a cause of significant morbidity and mortality, is typically followed by microstructural alterations where the necrotic myocardium is steadily replaced with a collagen scar. Engineered remodeling of the fibrotic scar via stem cell regeneration has been shown to improve/restore the myocardium function after MI. Nevertheless, the heterogeneous nature of the scar patch may impair the myocardial electrical integrity, leading to the formation of arrhythmogenesis. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers an effective treatment for focal arrhythmias where local heating generated via electric current at specific spots in the myocardium ablate the arrhythmogenic foci. Characterization of these myocardial pathologies (i.e., infarcted, stem cell regenerated, and RFA-ablated myocardial tissues) is of potential clinical importance. Optical polarimetry, the use of light to map and characterize the polarization signatures of a sample, has emerged as a powerful imaging tool for structural characterization of myocardial tissues, exploiting the underlying highly fibrous tissue nature. This study aims to review the recent progress in optical polarimetry pertaining to the characterization of myocardial pathologies while describing the underlying biological rationales that give rise to the optical imaging contrast in various pathologies of the myocardium. Future possibilities of and challenges to optical polarimetry in cardiac imaging clinics are also discussed. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

  7. Antecedents and consequences of market orientation in universities: Literature review and conceptual framework

    OpenAIRE

    Asaad, Y; Cohen, G; Melewar, T C

    2008-01-01

    Recent developments in marketing theory have resulted in the conceptualisation of the market orientation construct in different cultural and industrial settings. However, there is little research investigating the applicability of market orientation in the higher education context. Building on the existing literature on market orientation and higher education marketing, the authors propose a theoretical framework of market orientation from a higher education management perspective. The frame...

  8. Effect of structure on nonlinear optical properties in CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ning, Tingyin [School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014 (China); Zhou, Yueliang, E-mail: ylzhou@iphy.ac.cn [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China)

    2015-12-21

    We report the third-order nonlinear optical properties of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} films with different preferred growth orientations on MgO and fused silica substrates. The films have (310)- and (220)-orientation on MgO and fused silica, respectively, due to the lattice-mismatch. Raman spectra further indicate different atom-bonding states in the films. The nonlinear optical measurements show the films possess the same self-defocusing behavior but with different values of nonlinear refraction, and changed signs of nonlinear absorption. The difference of optical nonlinearity in CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} films is ascribed to different lattice parameters and intermediate levels induced by structure.

  9. Seasonal evaluation of serumal Ca, P and ALP of slaughtered cattle in Tabriz abattoir

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A.P Rezaei-Saber

    2008-08-01

    Full Text Available Increasing knowledge of metabolic disorders and prevention of any prduction decrease is beneficial in animal breeding. Problems related to calcium and phosphorus deficiency in high producing animals are among the most important metabolic disorders with disease such as osteomalacia, rickets, milk fever, pos parturition hemoglobinuria and reproductive disorders named as the metabolic complications. This study was conducted on non pregnant crossbreed dairy cattle. In the middle of each season with daily referral to the abattoir, blood samples were collected in veneject tubes and after transfer to the laboratory, the serumic levels of Ca, P and ALP were measured by spectrophotometry. One hundred samples for each season and a total of 400 samples were studied. The mean serumic levels of Ca, P and ALP were 8.83±0.02 mg/dl, 3.88±0.07 mg/dl, 163.4±0.8 Iu/lit; 9.05±0.03mg/dl, 4.19±0.01mg/dl, 240.7±1.2 Iu/lit; 9.03±0.07 mg/dl, 5.33±0.02mg/dl, 185.06±2.3 Iu/lit and 9.33±0.09 mg/dl, 5.74±0.08 mg/dl, 230.03±7.4 Iu/lit, in the spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively. Considering the normal Ca, P and ALP values in cattle, 6.3% and 83% of cases had Ca and P deficiency respectively in the spring, 80% of cases had subclinical phosphorus deficiency in the summer, 7.3% of cases had subclinical phosphorus deficiency in the autumn and 9.45% and 7.36% of cases had Ca deficiency and ALP elevation respectively in the winter. The significant decrease in Ca and P levels in the spring and P levels in the summer (p

  10. Pollutant removal-oriented yeast biomass production from high-organic-strength industrial wastewater: A review

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang, Min; Zheng, Shaokui

    2014-01-01

    Microbial single-cell-protein (SCP) production from high-organic-strength industrial wastewaters is considered an attractive method for both wastewater purification and resource utilization. In the last two decades, pollutant removal-oriented yeast SCP production processes, i.e., yeast treatment processes, have attracted a great deal of attention from a variety of research groups worldwide. Different from conventional SCP production processes, yeast treatment processes are characterized by higher pollutant removal rates, lower production costs, highly adaptive yeast isolates from nature, no excess nutrient supplements, and are performed under non-sterile conditions. Furthermore, yeast treatment processes are similar to bacteria-dominated conventional activated sludge processes, which offer more choices for yeast SCP production and industrial wastewater treatment. This review discusses why highly adaptive yeast species isolated from nature are used in the yeast treatment process rather than commercial SCP producers. It also describes the application of yeast treatment processes for treating high-carboxyhydrate, oil-rich and high-salinity industrial wastewater, focusing primarily on high-strength biodegradable organic substances, which usually account for the major fraction of biochemical oxygen demand. Also discussed is the biodegradation of xenobiotics, such as color (including dye and pigment) and toxic substances (including phenols, chlorophenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.), present in industrial wastewater. Based on molecular information of yeast community structures and their regulation in yeast treatment systems, we also discuss how to maintain efficient yeast species in yeast biomass and how to control bacterial and mold proliferation in yeast treatment systems. - Highlights: • Pollutant removal-oriented yeast SCP production processes offer more choices. • Highly adaptive yeast isolates replace commercial SCP producers. • Yeasts degrade

  11. Nuclear orientation and nuclear structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Krane, K.S.

    1988-01-01

    The present generation of on-line nuclear orientation facilities promises to revolutionize the gathering of nuclear structure information, especially for the hitherto poorly known and understood nuclei far from stability. Following a brief review of the technological developments that have facilitated these experiments, the nuclear spectroscopic information that can be obtained is summarized. Applications to understanding nuclear structure are reviewed, and challenges for future studies are discussed. (orig.)

  12. Clinical applicability of determination of serum tumor markers (CEA, CA15-3 and CA125) levels changes for assessment of efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xu Junying; Liu Chaoying; Li Jiang; Hu Hong; Wang Runjie

    2009-01-01

    Objective: To study the usefulness of monitoring changes of serum levels of tumor markers (CEA, CA15-3 and CA125) for assessment of efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Serum CEA, CA15-3 and CA125 levels were measured with CLIA three days before beginning 1st course of appropriate chemotherapy and 3 weeks after completing 2nd course of treatment in 45 patients with advanced breast cancer (TNM stage III, n=20, stage IV n=25). Results: Expressed as CR, PR, SD and PD as defined by the changes of serum tumor markers levels (according to Bac D.J. et al) were compared with clinically observed ones (WHO standard). The serum levels of Cea, CA15-3 decreased markedly in the CR and PR groups of patients but increased markedly in PD patients (P 0.05). The coincidence rate between the results observed clinically and results derived from tumor marker changes was 50.0% for CEA, 55.6% for CA15-3, 31.1% for CA125 and 73% for three markers combined. Conclusion: Combined determination of the changes of serum levels of three tumor marker would help to make a reasonably satisfactory assessment of efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. (authors)

  13. Serum CA125 predicts extrauterine disease and survival in uterine carcinosarcoma

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Gloria S.; Chiu, Lydia G.; Gebb, Juliana S.; Gunter, Marc J.; Sukumvanich, Paniti; Goldberg, Gary L.; Einstein, Mark H.

    2009-01-01

    Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical utility of CA125 measurement in patients with uterine carcinosarcoma (CS). Methods Ninety-five consecutive patients treated for CS at a single institution were identified. All 54 patients who underwent preoperative CA125 measurement were included in the study. Data were abstracted from the medical records. Tests of association between preoperative CA125 and previously identified clinicopathologic prognostic factors were performed using Fisher’s exact test and Pearson chi-square test. To evaluate relationship of CA125 elevation and survival, a Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis, incorporating all of prognostic factors identified by univariate analysis. Results Preoperative CA125 was significantly associated with the presence of extrauterine disease (P<0.001), deep myometrial invasion (P<0.001), and serous histology of the epithelial component (P=0.005). Using univariate survival analysis, stage (HR=1.808, P=0.004), postoperative CA125 level (HR=9.855, P<0.001), and estrogen receptor positivity (HR=0.314, P=0.029) were significantly associated with survival. In the multivariate model, only postoperative CA125 level remained significantly associated with poor survival (HR=5.725, P=0.009). Conclusion Preoperative CA125 elevation is a marker of extrauterine disease and deep myometrial invasion in patients with uterine CS. Postoperative CA125 elevation is an independent prognostic factor for poor survival. These findings indicate that CA125 may be a clinically useful serum marker in the management of patients with CS. PMID:17935762

  14. Synthesis, structural and morphological characterization of Ca0.45Eu0.05Zr2(PO4)3 nano phosphors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Alcaraz, L.; Isasi, J.; Peiteado, M.; Cabalero, A.

    2015-01-01

    Ca 0 .45Eu 0 .05Zr 2 (PO 4 ) 3 samples were synthesized by a preparation process in two step: a sol-gel method using two pH values, acid (pH ∼ 2) and basic pH (∼ 10), and a subsequent treatment of the precursor powders in a N 2 :H 2 (90:10) flow in order to stabilized 2+ oxidation state of europium. X-ray diffraction patterns exhibit diffraction maxima typical of NASICON type structure of rhombohedral symmetry and space group R-3. Most intense diffraction maxima are seen for the samples prepared in a basic reaction medium. Magnetic measurements confirm 2+ oxidation state of europium cations in the synthesized samples. Microscopy images show particles of spherical shape and nano metric size according to X-ray diffraction results, indicating that these samples may be useful in certain luminescent devices. (Author)

  15. Additional lime of CaO in rearing medium with salinity for growing of catfish Pangasius hypopthalmus

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yuni Puji Hastuti

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available Catfish juvenile quality improvements sought through the addition of lime to the availability of minerals in the body. Media maintenance is set at 4‰ salinity aims to reduce the level of osmotic work to reduce energy used for osmoregulation and can be allocated to the growth of catfish. Juvenile-sized fish used 2.59±0.02 cm and weights 0.13±0.01 g. Aquarium measuring 20×20×20 cm3 used 15 units, filled with water salinity of 4% as 6 L per unit, and added lime CaO appropriate treatment. During the study, the fish were fed with 28% protein content three times a day with FR 5%. Addition of CaO treatment dose 0 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 40 mg/L, 60 mg/L, 80 mg/L result in the survival rate of 100%, 100%, 100%, 96.29%, and 100% (p>0.05. The growth rate of daily weight 5.196%, 5.212%, 6.596%, 5.35% and 5.101% (p>0.05. Long absolute yield significantly different values are 1.451 cm, 1.518 cm, 1.964 cm, 1.71 cm, and 1.546 cm (p<0.05. During the study, the water quality is within the range that can be tolerated by catfish juvenile. The use of lime in the salinity of 4% is suggested as many as 40 mg/L CaO with the turnover of water every day and feeding enough.Keywords: CaO, salinity, growth, Pangasius hypopthalmus

  16. Serum levels of LDH, CEA, and CA19-9 have prognostic roles on survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tas, Faruk; Karabulut, Senem; Ciftci, Rumeysa; Sen, Fatma; Sakar, Burak; Disci, Rian; Duranyildiz, Derya

    2014-06-01

    Serum LDH, CEA, and CA19-9 levels are important tumor markers in pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of serum LDH, CEA, and CA19-9 levels in metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) receiving gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the outcome of 196 MPC patients who are treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in our clinic. Positivity rates of serum LDH, CEA, and CA19-9 were 22, 40, and 83 %, respectively. Likewise, the rates of very high serum levels of tumor markers were correlated with these positivity rates (9 % for LDH, 30 % for CEA, and 55 % for CA19-9). The serum LDH levels were significantly higher in older patients (p = 0.05) and also in the patients with large tumors (p = 0.05), hepatic metastasis (p = 0.01), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.01), and unresponsive to chemotherapy (p = 0.04). However, no correlation was found between both serum CEA and CA19-9 levels and possible prognostic factors (p > 0.05). The significant relationships were found between the serum levels of CEA and CA19-9 (r s = 0.24, p = 0.004), and serum LDH and CEA (r(s) = 0.193, p = 0.02). But, there was no correlation between serum LDH and CA19-9 levels (p = 0.39). One-year overall survival rate was 12.8 % (95 % CI 8-18). Increased serum levels of all the tumor markers significantly had adverse affect on survival (p = 0.001 for LDH, p = 0.002 for CEA, and p = 0.007 for CA19-9). However, no difference was observed in between high levels and very high levels of serum markers for all tumor markers (p > 0.05). Patients with normal serum levels of all three tumor markers had better outcome than others (p = 0.002) and those with normal serum LDH and CEA levels (whatever CA19-9) levels had associated with better survival compared with other possible alternatives (p CEA, and CA19-9 had significant affect on survival in MPC patients.

  17. A review of research on smoking behavior in three demographic groups of veterans: women, racial/ethnic minorities, and sexual orientation minorities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Weinberger, Andrea H; Esan, Hannah; Hunt, Marcia G; Hoff, Rani A

    2016-05-01

    Veterans comprise a large segment of the U.S. population and smoke at high rates. One significant way to reduce healthcare costs and improve the health of veterans is to reduce smoking-related illnesses for smokers who have high smoking rates and/or face disproportionate smoking consequences (e.g. women, racial/ethnic minorities, sexual orientation minorities). We reviewed published studies of smoking behavior in three demographic subgroups of veterans - women, racial/ethnic minorities, and sexual orientation minorities - to synthesize current knowledge and identify areas in need of more research. A MEDLINE search identified papers on smoking and veterans published through 31 December 2014. Twenty-five studies were identified that focused on gender (n = 17), race/ethnicity (n = 6), or sexual orientation (n = 2). Female and sexual orientation minority veterans reported higher rates of smoking than non-veteran women and sexual orientation majority veterans, respectively. Veterans appeared to be offered VA smoking cessation services equally by gender and race. Few studies examined smoking behavior by race/ethnicity or sexual orientation. Little information was identified examining the outcomes of specific smoking treatments for any group. There is a need for more research on all aspects of smoking and quit behavior for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and sexual orientation minority veterans. The high rates of smoking by these groups of veterans suggest that they may benefit from motivational interventions aimed at increasing quit attempts and longer and more intense treatments to maximize outcomes. Learning more about these veterans can help reduce costs for those who experience greater consequences of smoking.

  18. Transgender transitioning and change of self-reported sexual orientation.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Matthias K Auer

    Full Text Available Sexual orientation is usually considered to be determined in early life and stable in the course of adulthood. In contrast, some transgender individuals report a change in sexual orientation. A common reason for this phenomenon is not known.We included 115 transsexual persons (70 male-to-female "MtF" and 45 female-to-male "FtM" patients from our endocrine outpatient clinic, who completed a questionnaire, retrospectively evaluating the history of their gender transition phase. The questionnaire focused on sexual orientation and recalled time points of changes in sexual orientation in the context of transition. Participants were further asked to provide a personal concept for a potential change in sexual orientation.In total, 32.9% (n = 23 MtF reported a change in sexual orientation in contrast to 22.2% (n = 10 FtM transsexual persons (p = 0.132. Out of these patients, 39.1% (MtF and 60% (FtM reported a change in sexual orientation before having undergone any sex reassignment surgery. FtM that had initially been sexually oriented towards males ( = androphilic, were significantly more likely to report on a change in sexual orientation than gynephilic, analloerotic or bisexual FtM (p = 0.012. Similarly, gynephilic MtF reported a change in sexual orientation more frequently than androphilic, analloerotic or bisexual MtF transsexual persons (p =0.05.In line with earlier reports, we reveal that a change in self-reported sexual orientation is frequent and does not solely occur in the context of particular transition events. Transsexual persons that are attracted by individuals of the opposite biological sex are more likely to change sexual orientation. Qualitative reports suggest that the individual's biography, autogynephilic and autoandrophilic sexual arousal, confusion before and after transitioning, social and self-acceptance, as well as concept of sexual orientation itself may explain this phenomenon.

  19. Transgender transitioning and change of self-reported sexual orientation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Auer, Matthias K; Fuss, Johannes; Höhne, Nina; Stalla, Günter K; Sievers, Caroline

    2014-01-01

    Sexual orientation is usually considered to be determined in early life and stable in the course of adulthood. In contrast, some transgender individuals report a change in sexual orientation. A common reason for this phenomenon is not known. We included 115 transsexual persons (70 male-to-female "MtF" and 45 female-to-male "FtM") patients from our endocrine outpatient clinic, who completed a questionnaire, retrospectively evaluating the history of their gender transition phase. The questionnaire focused on sexual orientation and recalled time points of changes in sexual orientation in the context of transition. Participants were further asked to provide a personal concept for a potential change in sexual orientation. In total, 32.9% (n = 23) MtF reported a change in sexual orientation in contrast to 22.2% (n = 10) FtM transsexual persons (p = 0.132). Out of these patients, 39.1% (MtF) and 60% (FtM) reported a change in sexual orientation before having undergone any sex reassignment surgery. FtM that had initially been sexually oriented towards males ( = androphilic), were significantly more likely to report on a change in sexual orientation than gynephilic, analloerotic or bisexual FtM (p = 0.012). Similarly, gynephilic MtF reported a change in sexual orientation more frequently than androphilic, analloerotic or bisexual MtF transsexual persons (p =0.05). In line with earlier reports, we reveal that a change in self-reported sexual orientation is frequent and does not solely occur in the context of particular transition events. Transsexual persons that are attracted by individuals of the opposite biological sex are more likely to change sexual orientation. Qualitative reports suggest that the individual's biography, autogynephilic and autoandrophilic sexual arousal, confusion before and after transitioning, social and self-acceptance, as well as concept of sexual orientation itself may explain this phenomenon.

  20. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for malignant liver tumours in challenging locations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kelogrigoris, Michalis; Laspas, Fotios; Kyrkou, Katerina; Stathopoulos, Kostas; Georgiadou, Vithleem; Thanos, Loucas

    2012-01-01

    To evaluate the treatment results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for primary and metastatic malignant liver tumours in challenging locations and also to present the treatment strategy that was used in these cases.From January 2007 to January 2010, we performed CT-guided RFA on 528 lesions in 402 patients (265 men and 137 women; mean age 65.1 years, range 19–82 years) with liver tumours (primary and metastatic) of which 98 lesions in 84 patients (55 men and 29 women; mean age 67.8 years, range 33–82 years) were located in challenging locations, defined as less than 5 mm from a large vessel or an extrahepatic organ (heart, lung, gall bladder, right kidney or gastrointestinal tract). The sizes of the tumours ranged 1.5–6 cm. We used two different RFA systems with an expandable needle electrode (RITA; Rita Medical Systems, Inc, Mountain View, CA, USA and MIRAS; Invatec S.r.l., Roncadelle, Italy).The tumours were considered as ablated completely if no viability was found on dual-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT at 1 month after RFA. Complete ablation was obtained in 89.7% (88/98) of the high-risk located lesions, while 10 (10.3%) of the lesions were managed with repeated RFA because of tumour residue. The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 82.6, 67.3 and 54.1%, respectively. Minor complications occurred in eight of the 84 patients (9.5%), including small sub-capsular haematoma in four, small pleural effusion in three and partial liver infarction in one. Local tumour progression rate was 9.2% (9/98). RFA is a safe and effective method of treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumours even located in challenging locations when performed by a well-trained and experienced interventional radiologist.

  1. Phase formation, structural and microstructural characterization of novel oxynitride-perovskites synthesized by thermal ammonolysis of (Ca,Ba)MoO4 and (Ca,Ba)MoO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Logvinovich, D.; Aguirre, M.H.; Hejtmanek, J.; Aguiar, R.; Ebbinghaus, S.G.; Reller, A.; Weidenkaff, A.

    2008-01-01

    Reactions of AMoO 4 and AMoO 3 (A=Ca 2+ , Ba 2+ ) with ammonia were investigated at 873 K 3 and to study their crystal structure. CaMo(O,N) 3 and BaMo(O,N) 3 were prepared by thermal ammonolysis of the corresponding CaMoO 3 and BaMoO 3 precursors at T=898 and 998 K, respectively. The structural parameters of the oxynitrides were obtained from Rietveld refinements of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data. CaMo(O,N) 3 crystallizes in the GdFeO 3 distorted perovskite structure with orthorhombic space group Pbnm and a=5.5029(1) A, b=5.5546(1) A, c=7.8248(1) A as determined by X-ray powder diffraction. Its O/N content refined from the neutron diffraction data corresponds to the composition CaMoO 1.7(1) N 1.3(1) . BaMo(O,N) 3 crystallizes in the cubic perovskite structure with space group Pm3-bar m and a=4.0657(1) A as determined by X-ray powder diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy reveals a complex microstructure for both CaMoO 3 and CaMoO 1.7(1) N 1.3(1) represented by twin domains of different orientation. - Graphical abstract: Reactions of AMoO 4 and AMoO 3 (A=Ca 2+ , Ba 2+ ) oxides with ammonia have been studied at T=873-1123 K. Orthorhombic CaMoO 1.7(1) N 1.3(1) (Pbnm) and cubic BaMo(O,N) 3 (Pm3-bar m) were prepared by thermal ammonolysis of the corresponding CaMoO 3 and BaMoO 3 precursors at T=898 and 998 K, respectively. Display Omitted

  2. Presenting the students’ academic achievement causal model based on goal orientation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    EBRAHIM NASIRI

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Introduction: Several factors play a role in academic achievement, individual’s excellence and capability to do actions and tasks that the learner is in charge of in learning areas. The main goal of this study was to present academic achievement causal model based on the dimensions of goal orientation and learning approaches among the students of Medical Science and Dentistry courses in Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2013. Methods: This study is based on a cross-sectional model. The participants included 175 first and second year students of the Medical and Dentistry schools in Guilan University of Medical Sciences selected by random cluster sampling [121 persons (69% Medical Basic Science students and 54 (30.9% Dentistry students]. The measurement tool included the Goal Orientation Scale of Bouffard and Study Process Questionnaire of Biggs and the students’ Grade Point Average. The study data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equations modeling. SPSS 14 and Amos were used to analyze the data. Results: The results indicated a significant relationship between goal orientation and learning strategies (P<0.05. In addition, the results revealed that a significant relationship exists between learning strategies [Deep Learning (r=0.37, P<0.05, Surface Learning (r=-0.21, P<0.05], and academic achievement. The suggested model of research is fitted to the data of the research. Conclusion: Results showed that the students’ academic achievement model fits with experimental data, so it can be used in learning principles which lead to students’ achievement in learning.

  3. Review of the genus Signoretia (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Signoretiinae) of the Oriental region with description of nine new species.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Viraktamath, C A

    2016-11-17

    Species of Signoretia Stål from the Oriental region are reviewed and types of five species described by Baker, two species described by Distant and one species described by Schmidt are illustrated. A checklist of 20 species of the genus from the Oriental region including 9 new species is given. The new species described and illustrated are Signoretia dulitensis sp. nov. (Malaysia: Mt Dulit), S. lunglei sp. nov. (India: Mizoram), S. mishmiensis sp. nov. (Myanmar: Mishmi Hills), S. quoinensis sp. nov. (Malaysia: Quoin Hill), S. rubra sp. nov. (Thailand: Chiang Mai), S. sahyadrica sp. nov. (India: Kerala), S. similaris sp. nov. (Vietnam: Fyan), S. sinuata sp. nov. (India: West Bengal) and S. takiyae sp. nov. (India: Andaman Is.). Both S. aureola Distant and S. maculata Baker are redescribed and illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for S. greeni Distant and S. aureola Distant.

  4. Perceptions of Sexual Orientation From Minimal Cues.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rule, Nicholas O

    2017-01-01

    People derive considerable amounts of information about each other from minimal nonverbal cues. Apart from characteristics typically regarded as obvious when encountering another person (e.g., age, race, and sex), perceivers can identify many other qualities about a person that are typically rather subtle. One such feature is sexual orientation. Here, I review the literature documenting the accurate perception of sexual orientation from nonverbal cues related to one's adornment, acoustics, actions, and appearance. In addition to chronicling studies that have demonstrated how people express and extract sexual orientation in each of these domains, I discuss some of the basic cognitive and perceptual processes that support these judgments, including how cues to sexual orientation manifest in behavioral (e.g., clothing choices) and structural (e.g., facial morphology) signals. Finally, I attend to boundary conditions in the accurate perception of sexual orientation, such as the states, traits, and group memberships that moderate individuals' ability to reliably decipher others' sexual orientation.

  5. 33 CFR 5.07 - Administration.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Administration. 5.07 Section 5.07... § 5.07 Administration. Any authority vested in the Commandant by this part may be delegated by him to... appropriate for the functioning, organization, and internal administration of the Auxiliary. ...

  6. CONSEQUENCES OF EMPLOYEE’S CUSTOMER ORIENTATION IN PUBLIC SERVICES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andrada IACOB

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available The goal of this paper is to explore the consequences of employee’s customer orientation in public services organizations. We will start with a literature review of the theory of customer orientation measurement and the consequences of this orientation at organizational and individual level. Then, the research methodology and results are presented. Conclusions, research limitations and future directions are included at the end of the paper. We identified positive direct effects of the employee customer orientation on organizational commitment and organizational identification, but no significant direct relationship with job satisfaction.

  7. Electrical and structural properties of CaF sub 2 films

    CERN Document Server

    Kim, D Y; Yi, J S

    1999-01-01

    Fluoride films have many practical applications such as gate insulators for thin-film transistors(TFTs), anti-reflection coatings, and optical waveguides. We have investigated fluoride films as gate insulators for TFT applications. Most of gate oxide films of TFTs, like SiO sub 2 , Ta sub 2 O sub 5 , Al sub 2 O sub 3 , and SiO sub x , exhibited problems with the trap charge density, lattice mismatch, and interface states, As a way of circumventing these problems in conventional gate insulators, we investigated CaF sub 2 which has a low interface trap charge density and lattice constant similar to that of the Si surface. We were able to achieve almost epitaxial CaF sub 2 film growth in the (200) plane on a (100) p-type Si substrate. Investigations of the structural properties of CaF sub 2 films for various substrate temperatures resulted in the best lattice mismatch of 0.7 % and an average surface roughness of 8.4 A. The C-V results for the Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) structure of the CaF sub 2 films s...

  8. Synthetic shibkovite K(K{sub 1.67}H{sub 2}O{sub 0.33})(Ca{sub 1.3}Na{sub 0.7})[Zn{sub 3}Si{sub 12}O{sub 30}]: the crystal structure and comparative crystal chemistry

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kiriukhina, G. V., E-mail: g-biralo@yandex.ru; Yakubovich, O. V.; Dimitrova, O. V. [Moscow State University, Faculty of Geology (Russian Federation)

    2015-01-15

    The structure of a single crystal of a synthetic analog of mineral shibkovite K(K{sub 1.67}H{sub 2}O{sub 0.33})(Ca{sub 1.3}Na{sub 0.7})[Zn{sub 3}Si{sub 12}O{sub 30}] (milarite structure type) obtained by hydrothermal synthesis in the AlPO{sub 4}-K{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-CaCO{sub 3}-Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-ZnCO{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2}-H{sub 2}O system has been solved (R = 0.0406) by X-ray diffraction analysis: a = 10.5327(2) Å, c = 14.2019(3) Å, sp. gr. P6/mcc, Z = 2, and ρ{sub calcd} = 2.90 g/cm{sup 3}. The crystal-chemical features of the new phase are studied in comparison with the other terms of the milarite group. It is shown that the crystallization conditions for minerals and synthetic analogs of this group determine the presence or absence of crystallization water in the structures of compounds.

  9. In vitro degradation and cytotoxicity of Mg/Ca composites produced by powder metallurgy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zheng, Y F; Gu, X N; Xi, Y L; Chai, D L

    2010-05-01

    Mg/Ca (1 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.% Ca) composites were prepared from pure magnesium and calcium powders using the powder metallurgy method, aiming to enlarge the addition of Ca content without the formation of Mg(2)Ca. The microstructures, mechanical properties and cytotoxicities of Mg/Ca composite samples were investigated. The corrosion of Mg/Ca composites in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) for various immersion intervals was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and environmental scanning electron microscope, with the concentrations of released Mg and Ca ions in DMEM for various immersion time intervals being measured. It was shown that the main constitutional phases were Mg and Ca, which were uniformly distributed in the Mg matrix. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of experimental composites decreased with increasing Ca content, and the UTS of Mg/1Ca composite was comparable with that of as-extruded Mg-1Ca alloy. The corrosion potential increased with increasing Ca content, whereas the current density and the impedance decreased. It was found that the protective surface film formed quickly at the initial immersion stage. With increasing immersion time, the surface film became compact, and the corrosion rate of Mg/Ca composites slowed down. The surface film consisted mainly of CaCO(3), MgCO(3)x3H(2)O, HA and Mg(OH)(2) after 72 h immersion in DMEM. Mg/1Ca and Mg/5Ca composite extracts had no significant toxicity (p>0.05) to L-929 cells, whereas Mg/10Ca composite extract induced approximately 40% reduced cell viability. Copyright (c) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Hydrostatic pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature of HgBa2CaCu2O6+δ and HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Klehe, A.K.; Schilling, J.S.

    1994-02-01

    The dependence of the superconducting transition temperature T c (P) on purely hydrostatic pressure to 0.9 GPa has been determined in ac susceptibility studies in a He-gas pressure system for optimally doped ceramic samples of HgBa 2 CaCu 2 O 6+δ and HgBa 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 8+δ with superconducting transitions at T c (0) ≅ 126.6 K and 133.9 K, respectively. T c increases reversibly under hydrostatic pressure at the rates, d T c /dP ≅ +1.80 ± 0.06 K/GPa and +1.71 ± 0.05 K/GPa, respectively. Within experimental error, these values are the same as found previously for optimally doped single-layered HgBa 2 CuO 4+δ , where d T c /dP ≅ +1.72 ± 0.05 K/GPa. Remarkably, the logarithmic volume derivative of T c is nearly identical for all three compounds, dln T c /dlnV ≅ -1.20 ± 0.05, even though the bulk modulus differs by more than 30%. This provides strong evidence that a common mechanism is responsible for the pressure dependence of the superconducting state in all three compounds

  11. Prevention of biliary complication in radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma-Cooling effect by endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ogawa, Tsuneyoshi [Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558 (Japan); Kawamoto, Hirofumi [Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558 (Japan)], E-mail: h-kawamo@md.okayama-u.ac.jp; Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki; Nakamura, Shinichiro; Miyatake, Hirokazu; Harada, Ryo; Tsutsumi, Koichiro; Fujii, Masakuni; Kurihara, Naoko; Kato, Hironari; Hirao, Ken; Mizuno, Osamu; Ishida, Etsuji; Okada, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Kazuhide [Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558 (Japan)

    2010-02-15

    Background and study aims: Biliary stricture after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for nodules of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) close to major bile ducts sometimes causes septic complications and liver failure. Therefore, it may require interventional drainage for decompression during the follow-up period. The purpose of this study is to clarify the feasibility and safety of bile duct cooling using an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube in RFA for HCC close to major bile ducts. Patients and methods: Between August 2003 and July 2007, 14 consecutive patients (14 nodules) undergoing RFA with cooling by an ENBD tube for HCCs close to major bile ducts were enrolled in this study. We infused chilled saline solution via the ENBD tube at 1 ml/s to prevent heat damage during RFA. As controls, 11 patients (13 nodules) undergoing RFA without cooling close to major bile ducts between April 2001 and August 2003 were reviewed. The major outcomes for evaluation were biliary complications and the secondary outcome was local tumor recurrence. Results: There were no significant differences in tumor recurrence between the two groups. However, the rate of biliary complications was significantly lower in the cooling group than in the non-cooling group (0% vs. 39%, P = 0.02). Conclusions: Cooling of bile ducts via an ENBD tube can prevent biliary complications induced by RFA of HCC close to major bile ducts without increasing local recurrence. This technique increases indication of RFA in difficult cases.

  12. Renal Function Outcomes for Multifocal Renal Neoplasms Managed by Radiofrequency Ablation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gupta, Pushpender, E-mail: pugupta@wakehealth.edu; Allen, Brian C., E-mail: bcallen2@wakehealth.edu; Chen, Michael Y., E-mail: mchen@wakehealth.edu; Childs, David D., E-mail: dchilds@wakehealth.edu; Kota, Gopi, E-mail: gkota@wakehealth.edu; Zagoria, Ronald J., E-mail: rzagoria@wakehealth.edu [Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology (United States)

    2013-10-15

    Purpose: To evaluate renal function changes related to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of multifocal renal neoplasms. Methods: This is an institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant retrospective study of all patients treated with computed tomography guided RFA for multifocal renal neoplasms at one institution. Fifty-seven subjects, mean age 70 (range 37-88) years, underwent RFA of 169 renal neoplasms (average size 2.0 cm). Subjects had between 2 and 8 (mean 2.96) neoplasms ablated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was measured before and after RFA. Complications related to RFA were recorded. Results: eGFR decreased on average of 4.4 % per tumor treated and 6.7 % per ablation session (average 1.76 tumors treated per session). For subjects with the largest neoplasm measuring >3 cm, eGFR decreased an average of 14.5 % during the course of their treatment. If the largest neoplasm measured 2-3 cm, eGFR decreased an average of 7.7 %, and if the largest neoplasm measured <2 cm, eGFR decreased an average of 3.8 %. Subjects with reduced baseline renal function were more likely to have a greater decline in eGFR after RFA. There was a minor complication rate of 6.3 % (6 of 96 sessions), none of which required treatment, and a major complication rate of 4.2 % (4 of 96 sessions). Conclusion: RFA for the treatment of multifocal renal neoplasms results in mild decline of renal function.

  13. CaMKII in Vascular Signalling: "Friend or Foe"?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ebenebe, Obialunanma V; Heather, Alison; Erickson, Jeffrey R

    2018-05-01

    Signalling mechanisms within and between cells of the vasculature enable function and maintain homeostasis. However, a number of these mechanisms also contribute to the pathophysiology of vascular disease states. The multifunctional signalling molecule calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) has been shown to have critical functional effects in many tissue types. For example, CaMKII is known to have a dual role in cardiac physiology and pathology. The function of CaMKII within the vasculature is incompletely understood, but emerging evidence points to potential physiological and pathological roles. This review discusses the evidence for CaMKII signalling within the vasculature, with the aim to better understand both positive and potentially deleterious effects of CaMKII activation in vascular tissue. Copyright © 2017 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Effects of Transgenic cry1Ca Rice on the Development of Xenopus laevis.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xiuping Chen

    Full Text Available In fields of genetically modified, insect-resistant rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt proteins, frogs are exposed to Bt Cry proteins by consuming both target and non-target insects, and through their highly permeable skin. In the present study, we assessed the potential risk posed by transgenic cry1Ca rice (T1C-19 on the development of a frog species by adding purified Cry1Ca protein or T1C-19 rice straw into the rearing water of Xenopus laevis tadpoles, and by feeding X. laevis froglets diets containing rice grains of T1C-19 or its non-transformed counterpart MH63. Our results showed that there were no significant differences among groups receiving 100 μg L-1 or 10 μg L-1 Cry1Ca and the blank control in terms of time to completed metamorphosis, survival rate, body weight, body length, organ weight and liver enzyme activity after being exposed to the Cry1Ca (P > 0.05. Although some detection indices in the rice straw groups were significantly different from those of the blank control group (P < 0.05, there was no significant difference between the T1C-19 and MH63 rice straw groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the mortality rate, body weight, daily weight gain, liver and fat body weight of the froglets between the T1C-19 and MH63 dietary groups after 90 days, and there were no abnormal pathological changes in the stomach, intestines, livers, spleens and gonads. Thus, we conclude that the planting of transgenic cry1Ca rice will not adversely affect frog development.

  15. Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in assessing the therapeutic response to radio frequency ablation for liver tumors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xuan, Min; Zhou, Fengsheng; Ding, Yan; Zhu, Qiaoying; Dong, Ji; Zhou, Hao; Cheng, Jun; Jiang, Xiao; Wu, Pengxi

    2018-04-01

    To review the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) used to detect residual or recurrent liver tumors after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This technique uses contrast-enhanced computer tomography or/and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as the gold standard of investigation. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE were systematically searched for all potentially eligible studies comparing CEUS with the reference standard that follows RFA. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were addressed by adopting the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Pooled point estimates for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) with 95% CI were computed before plotting the sROC (summary receiver operating characteristic) curve. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to identify the source of the heterogeneity that was detected. Publication bias was evaluated using Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test. Ten eligible studies on 1162 lesions that occurred between 2001 and 2016 were included in the final analysis. The quality of the included studies assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool was considered reasonable. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS in detecting residual or recurrent liver tumors had the following values: 0.90 (95% CI 0.85-0.94) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.00), respectively. Overall DOR was 420.10 (95% CI 142.30-1240.20). The sources of heterogeneity could not be precisely identified by meta-regression or subgroup analysis. No evidence of publication bias was found. This study confirmed that CEUS exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in assessing therapeutic responses to RFA for liver tumors.

  16. Orienteering Club

    CERN Multimedia

    Club d'orientation

    2013-01-01

    Course d'orientation Le coup d’envoi de la coupe genevoise a été donné samedi 31 août dans les bois de Combe Froide à Prémanon. Plus de 150 coureurs avaient fait le déplacement. Les parcours facile court, facile moyen et technique court ont été remportés par des coureurs du club O’Jura - Ulysse Dannecker, Léo Lonchampt, Franck Lonchampt, le technique moyen par Pekka Marti du club Ol Biel Seeland et le technique long par Térence Risse du CA Rosé – également membre de l’équipe nationale suisse des moins de 20 ans. Pour le club du CERN, les meilleures résultats ont été obtenus pas Emese Szunyog sur technique court et Marie Vuitton sur technique moyen avec une 4e place. La prochaine course aura lieu samedi 14 septembre à La Faucille. Le club propose aussi...

  17. Modeling and Simulation of Fiber Orientation in Injection Molding of Polymer Composites

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jang Min Park

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available We review the fundamental modeling and numerical simulation for a prediction of fiber orientation during injection molding process of polymer composite. In general, the simulation of fiber orientation involves coupled analysis of flow, temperature, moving free surface, and fiber kinematics. For the governing equation of the flow, Hele-Shaw flow model along with the generalized Newtonian constitutive model has been widely used. The kinematics of a group of fibers is described in terms of the second-order fiber orientation tensor. Folgar-Tucker model and recent fiber kinematics models such as a slow orientation model are discussed. Also various closure approximations are reviewed. Therefore, the coupled numerical methods are needed due to the above complex problems. We review several well-established methods such as a finite-element/finite-different hybrid scheme for Hele-Shaw flow model and a finite element method for a general three-dimensional flow model.

  18. 44/40Ca and 87Sr/86Sr isotopes as tracers of silicate weathering in small catchments of the Massif Central, France

    Science.gov (United States)

    Négrel, Philippe; Guerrot, Catherine; Millot, Romain; Petelet-Giraud, Emmanuelle; Bullen, Thomas

    2013-04-01

    We present calcium stable isotope and strontium radiogenic isotope data for soils and sediments developed on volcanic and igneous rocks forming small catchments in the Massif Central (France). Measurements of 44/40Ca isotope ratios (44/40Ca measured by the double spike method on TIMS and normalized to the value for seawater Ca in delta units) in rocks, sediments and soils from silicate catchments (e.g. granite and basalts) together with 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios permit an examination of the relationships of these isotope systematics during weathering of silicate rocks. We have analysed the granite, weathered granite (arene) and saprolite, sediment and soil overlying the granite on one hand and the basanite, sediment and soil overlying the basanite on the other. The main bedrock in the volcanic zone (e.g. Allanche catchment) is 11 to 2.5 Ma basanite (nephelinitic to leucitic basalts) having SiO2 between 41-45 wt. %, Na2O + K2O bank have 87Sr/86Sr ratios greater than that of the arene with values increasing in the sediment from the surface down to soil. The 87Sr/86Sr vs. Rb/Sr variation observed in the volcanic area likewise confirms the weathering of low 87Sr/86Sr, low Rb/Sr phases in the bedrock, and there is a linear increase in 87Sr/86Sr and Rb/Sr ratios from those in the sediment up to the values observed in the soils. In the volcanic area, the basanite bedrock has 44/40Ca = -0.94 ± 0.05‰ (n = 7), while the soils and sediments have 44/40Ca of -0.75 to -1.13‰ and -0.79 to -1.01‰, respectively. These results suggest that Ca isotopes are not strongly fractionated during weathering of the basalt. The granite whole-rock has 44/40Ca of -1.29‰, while the soil and sediments have 44/40Ca of -1.93 to -2.07‰ and -1.98 to -2.81‰, respectively, with values decreasing as the Ca content decreases. The 44/40Ca ratios of arene, soil and sediment are similar to or less than that of K- feldspar, reflecting complete loss of the relatively heavy Ca from plagioclase and

  19. CONSEQUENCES OF EMPLOYEE’S CUSTOMER ORIENTATION IN PUBLIC SERVICES

    OpenAIRE

    Andrada IACOB

    2015-01-01

    The goal of this paper is to explore the consequences of employee’s customer orientation in public services organizations. We will start with a literature review of the theory of customer orientation measurement and the consequences of this orientation at organizational and individual level. Then, the research methodology and results are presented. Conclusions, research limitations and future directions are included at the end of the paper. We identified positive direct effects of the employe...

  20. Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas: A feasibility scoring system for planning sonography

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rhim, Hyunchul; Choi, Dongil; Kim, Young-sun; Lim, Hyo K.; Choe, Bong-Keun

    2010-01-01

    to predict complication and local tumor progression (Fisher's exact test, p > 0.05). Contrary to the safety score for the probability of complication (p > 0.05), the curability score was significantly associated with the probability of local tumor progression (likelihood ratio test for trend; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The new feasibility scoring system for planning US can be used as objective criteria to predict therapeutic efficacy rather than the safety of percutaneous RFA of an HCC.

  1. Coordinating Center: Molecular and Cellular Findings of Screen-Detected Lesions | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Science.gov (United States)

    The Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Screen‐Detected Lesions ‐ Coordinating Center and Data Management Group will provide support for the participating studies responding to RFA CA14‐10. The coordinating center supports three main domains: network coordination, statistical support and computational analysis and protocol development and database support. Support for

  2. INCORPORATING MARKET ORIENTATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gordan Camelia

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the main issues surrounding the concept of market orientation applied in the context of higher education. Considering the important changes taking place in this sector, a strong willingness of universities to adopt marketing concepts can be noticed. The paper seeks to provide a retrospect on this process, starting with the incorporation of marketing in higher education, and moving on to its implementation, which has come to be known as market orientation. Following a stream of the most relevant literature in the field, we present definitions of the main concepts, and integrate them in the education context, with the purpose of establishing the relevance and importance of market orientation for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage and higher institutional performance. The paper does not aim at providing an exhaustive literature review, but rather at presenting the main elements that define a market orientation, and at supporting its implementation, by outlining the significant benefits that could follow. While theoretical by nature, this research contributes to the body of literature in the field, through closely examining the conceptualization and operationalization of market orientation, and also providing the fundamental components that define the concept and help its implementation. Furthermore, the paper provides practitioners with a number of suggested research directions, which could potentially help improve educational institutions’ activity, while also contributing to a better understanding of the concept, and to building richer theories in the field of marketing education. Given that the marketing literature in Romania has mostly overlooked market orientation, both this paper, and all following research in this area will prove to be significant for education managers and researchers alike, promoting the importance and significance of relevant knowledge, and encouraging a

  3. Novel electrical conductivity properties in Ca-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, X.; Wang, S. Y.; Liu, W. F.; Xi, X. J.; Zhang, H.; Guo, F.; Xu, X. L.; Li, M.; Liu, L.; Zhang, C.; Li, X.; Yang, J. B.

    2015-01-01

    The charge defective structure in Bi 1−x Ca x FeO 3 (CBFO, x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3) nanoparticles (NPs) ranging from 140 to 25 nm as well as their relations to band gap and leakage current behavior are investigated. It is demonstrated that Ca doping effectively narrows the band gap from ∼2.16 to ∼2.02 eV, due to the appearance and accumulation of oxygen vacancy. Subsequently, enhanced electrical conductivity was obtained in these CBFO NPs, which leads to the appearance of a distinct threshold switching behavior in Ca-doped BFO NPs with higher conductivity at room temperature. Possible mechanisms for Ca doping effects on the electric conduction were discussed upon the interplay of NPs’ size effect and mobile charged defects on the basis of reduced particle size and the increased density of oxygen vacancy analyzed through X-ray photoelectron spectrum

  4. Synthesis and Characterization of Nd(3+)-Doped CaF2 Nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yuan, Dan; Li, Weiwei; Mei, Bingchu; Song, Jinghong

    2015-12-01

    The Ca(1-x)F(2+x):Nd(x) nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical direct precipitation method. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Image analyzer, absorption spectrum and transmittance were taken to characterization the phases, morphologies, sizes, size distribution and optical properties of the samples. The results indicate that the Ca(1-x)F(2+x):Nd(x) samples can be rationally modified in size and morphology by altering the Nd3+ ions doping concentration. With increasing concentration of Nd3+ ions, the particle size decreased from 24 to 14 nm, the intensity of the diffraction peaks decreased, the Ca(1-x)F(2+x):Nd(x) particles aggregated ion of the formed clusters which should have an effect on both speed and orientation of the particles growth. The transmittance of ceramics with a thickness of 2 mm showed that the transmittance can reach 90% when the doping concentration was 5%, which should be profitable for LD pumping.

  5. LEADER WITH GOLDEN HEART - SRI CA. A. RAGHAVENDRA RAO

    OpenAIRE

    Aithal Sreeramana P.; Suresh Kumar P.M.; Shailashri V.T.; Prithi Jeevan

    2015-01-01

    Srinivas group of colleges has come into being from a humble beginning in1988, into a chain of institutions due to its visionary founder Sri CA A Raghavendra Rao. Today it spreads over 18 colleges with 70 courses and over 12000 students generating livelihood to 3500 employees and their families. His leadership qualities and values are distinct. He is wired like business people but bottom line oriented and extraordinarily committed to results. The steep ascend from humble person to an accompl...

  6. Pain Analysis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Irreversible Electroporation versus Radiofrequency Ablation-Initial Observations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Narayanan, Govindarajan, E-mail: gnarayanan@med.miami.edu; Froud, Tatiana, E-mail: tfroud@med.miami.edu [Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (United States); Lo, Kaming, E-mail: KLo@biostat.med.miami.edu [Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (United States); Barbery, Katuska J., E-mail: kbarbery@med.miami.edu; Perez-Rojas, Evelyn, E-mail: eprojas@med.miami.edu; Yrizarry, Jose, E-mail: jyrizarr@med.miami.edu [Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (United States)

    2013-02-15

    To retrospectively compare the postprocedure pain of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with irreversible electroporation (IRE) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant, institutional review board-approved study compared postprocedure pain in 21 patients (15 men, six women; mean age 61.5 years) who underwent IRE of 29 intrahepatic lesions (mean size 2.20 cm) in 28 IRE sessions with 22 patients (16 men, six women; mean age 60.2 years) who underwent RFA of 27 lesions (mean size 3.38 cm) in 25 RFA sessions. Pain was determined by patient-disclosed scores with an 11-point numerical rating scale and 24 h cumulative hydromorphone use from patient-controlled analgesia pump. Complications were noted. Statistical significance was evaluated by Fisher's exact test, the Chi-square test, and Student's t test. There was no significant difference in the cumulative hydromorphone dose (1.54 mg (IRE) vs. 1.24 mg (RFA); P = 0.52) and in the mean pain score (1.96 (IRE) vs. 2.25 (RFA); P = 0.70). In nine (32.14 %) of 28 IRE sessions and 11 (44.0 %) of 25 RFA sessions, patients reported no pain. Complications occurred in three (10.7 %) of 28 IRE treatments and included pneumothorax (n = 1), pleural effusion (n = 1), and bleeding in the form of hemothorax (n = 1); one (4 %) of 25 RFA treatments included burn. IRE is comparable to RFA in the amount of pain that patients experience and the amount of pain medication self-administered. Both modalities were well tolerated by patients. Prospective, randomized trials are necessary to further evaluate these findings.

  7. Pain Analysis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Irreversible Electroporation versus Radiofrequency Ablation—Initial Observations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Narayanan, Govindarajan; Froud, Tatiana; Lo, Kaming; Barbery, Katuska J.; Perez-Rojas, Evelyn; Yrizarry, Jose

    2013-01-01

    To retrospectively compare the postprocedure pain of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with irreversible electroporation (IRE) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant, institutional review board–approved study compared postprocedure pain in 21 patients (15 men, six women; mean age 61.5 years) who underwent IRE of 29 intrahepatic lesions (mean size 2.20 cm) in 28 IRE sessions with 22 patients (16 men, six women; mean age 60.2 years) who underwent RFA of 27 lesions (mean size 3.38 cm) in 25 RFA sessions. Pain was determined by patient-disclosed scores with an 11-point numerical rating scale and 24 h cumulative hydromorphone use from patient-controlled analgesia pump. Complications were noted. Statistical significance was evaluated by Fisher’s exact test, the Chi-square test, and Student’s t test. There was no significant difference in the cumulative hydromorphone dose (1.54 mg (IRE) vs. 1.24 mg (RFA); P = 0.52) and in the mean pain score (1.96 (IRE) vs. 2.25 (RFA); P = 0.70). In nine (32.14 %) of 28 IRE sessions and 11 (44.0 %) of 25 RFA sessions, patients reported no pain. Complications occurred in three (10.7 %) of 28 IRE treatments and included pneumothorax (n = 1), pleural effusion (n = 1), and bleeding in the form of hemothorax (n = 1); one (4 %) of 25 RFA treatments included burn. IRE is comparable to RFA in the amount of pain that patients experience and the amount of pain medication self-administered. Both modalities were well tolerated by patients. Prospective, randomized trials are necessary to further evaluate these findings.

  8. Positive correlation between serum and peritoneal fluid CA-125 levels in women with pelvic endometriosis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vivian Ferreira do Amaral

    Full Text Available CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: One of the diagnostic markers of endometriosis is CA-125, and elevated levels of this are caused by high concentrations in the ectopic endometrium. The objective of this study was to correlate CA-125 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid from women with and without pelvic endometriosis. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, controlled study of consecutive pa-tients undergoing laparoscopy for infertility, pelvic pain or tubal ligation, during early follicular phase, at the university hospital of Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were divided into two groups: endometriosis group, consisting of 35 patients with biopsy-confirmed pelvic endometriosis, and control group, consisting of 17 patients without endometriosis. CA-125 levels in serum samples and peritoneal fluid were determined by chemiluminescence. RESULTS: CA-125 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid were higher in patients with advanced pelvic endometriosis (means of 39.1 ± 45.8 U/ml versus 10.5 ± 5.9 U/ml in serum, p < 0.005; 1,469.4 ± 1,350.4 U/ml versus 888.7 ± 784.3 U/ml in peritoneal fluid, p < 0.05, and showed a positive correlation between each other (correlation coefficient (r = 0.4880. Women with more advanced degrees of endometriosis showed higher CA-125 levels in both serum and peritoneal fluid (p = 0.0001. CONCLUSION: There is a positive correlation between serum and peritoneal fluid values of CA-125 in women with and without endometriosis, and their levels are higher in peritoneal fluid. Advanced endometriosis is related to higher levels in both serum and peritoneal fluid.

  9. Crystal Growth and Neutron Scattering Study of Spin Correlations of the T‧-Structured Pr2‑x Ca x CuO4

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fujita, Masaki; Tsutsumi, Kenji; Miura, Tomohiro; Danilkin, Sergey

    2018-03-01

    We studied Ca-doping effect on spin correlations in T‧-structured cuprate oxide RE2CuO4 (RE: rear earth) with growing a sizable single crystal of Pr2‑x Ca x CuO4 (x=0.05 and 0.10) as well as synthesizing powder samples of Pr1.90Ca0.10CuO4 and Eu1.90Ca0.10CuO4. In the all as-prepared and annealed samples, no evidence of shielding signal associated with superconductivity was observed by magnetic susceptibility measurement. Elastic neutron scattering measurements on the as-grown Pr1.90Ca0.10CuO4 clarified the existence of long-ranged magnetic order with commensurate spin correlation. The ordering temperature was determined to be ∼290K, which is comparable to Néel temperature in the parent compound of Pr2CuO4. The existence of commensurate low-energy spin excitation was also confirmed by inelastic neutron scattering measurements for the annealed Pr1.95Ca0.05CuO4. These results strongly suggest a negligible Ca-doping effect on the physical properties in T‧-RE2CuO4, which is quite different from the drastic doping evolution of magnetism in T -RE2CuO4.

  10. Recent applications of nuclear orientation to solid state physics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Turrell, B.G.

    1985-01-01

    The author reviews how certain problems in solid state physics have been clarified by low temperature nuclear orientation and nuclear magnetic resonance of oriented nuclei. The advantages of these techniques, a brief survey of recent progress in traditional applications, and new developments are discussed, and, finally, future trends are suggested. (Auth.)

  11. Atrial remodelling in atrial fibrillation: CaMKII as a nodal proarrhythmic signal

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mesubi, Olurotimi O.; Anderson, Mark E.

    2016-01-01

    CaMKII is a serine–threonine protein kinase that is abundant in myocardium. Emergent evidence suggests that CaMKII may play an important role in promoting atrial fibrillation (AF) by targeting a diverse array of proteins involved in membrane excitability, cell survival, calcium homeostasis, matrix remodelling, inflammation, and metabolism. Furthermore, CaMKII inhibition appears to protect against AF in animal models and correct proarrhythmic, defective intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in fibrillating human atrial cells. This review considers current concepts and evidence from animal and human studies on the role of CaMKII in AF. PMID:26762270

  12. Performance-oriented: toward a successful strategy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kumar, K; Subramanian, R; Yauger, C

    1997-01-01

    Changes in the health care industry have profoundly affected hospital management and have caused severe declines in hospital profitability. In 1993, Health Care Management Review reported that the average operating profit margin, around 2% in 1984, had declined to a 0.2% loss by 1990. In the past, hospitals were buffered by entry regulations and cost reimbursement; thus, they rarely dealt with traditional market pressures. But the changed terrain means that competitive factors now underscore all strategic decisions. This study examines the strategic significance of market orientation in the health care industry. The authors identified forms of market orientation by emphasizing different components, and discovered that hospitals fell into four distinct clusters or groups. They also found a critical relationship between market orientation and performance scores on a number of criteria. Finally, the authors suggest that different forms of market orientation should be employed to target specific performance measures.

  13. Orientation-Selective Retinal Circuits in Vertebrates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Antinucci, Paride; Hindges, Robert

    2018-01-01

    Visual information is already processed in the retina before it is transmitted to higher visual centers in the brain. This includes the extraction of salient features from visual scenes, such as motion directionality or contrast, through neurons belonging to distinct neural circuits. Some retinal neurons are tuned to the orientation of elongated visual stimuli. Such 'orientation-selective' neurons are present in the retinae of most, if not all, vertebrate species analyzed to date, with species-specific differences in frequency and degree of tuning. In some cases, orientation-selective neurons have very stereotyped functional and morphological properties suggesting that they represent distinct cell types. In this review, we describe the retinal cell types underlying orientation selectivity found in various vertebrate species, and highlight their commonalities and differences. In addition, we discuss recent studies that revealed the cellular, synaptic and circuit mechanisms at the basis of retinal orientation selectivity. Finally, we outline the significance of these findings in shaping our current understanding of how this fundamental neural computation is implemented in the visual systems of vertebrates.

  14. Family-oriented psychosocial intervention in children with cancer: A systematic review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Leila Ostadhashemi

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available Introduction: In recent years, evidence has shown the growing trend of published studies on family-oriented interventions in children with cancer. Besides shedding light on the current status of knowledge, a review of the existing evidence can serve an effective step toward designing and implementing appropriate interventions in this domain. Methods: This systematic review was carried out to categorize and report the findings of all types of psychosocial interventions on the family caregivers of children with cancer. The English keywords "family career", "family caregiver", “children with cancer", "psychosocial", "intervention”, “educational", and "childhood cancer" were searched in CINAHL, Web of Science (ISI, PsychINFO, Pubmed and Scopus databanks, and equivalent Persian keywords were searched in the SID of Jihad University, IRANDOC, and IranPsych and Magiran databanks. From among 819 papers found between 1994 and 2014, a total of 17 articles were included in the study after qualitative evaluation. Results: Interventions were often performed on mothers and indicated various interventional approaches. The majority of the interventions were cognitive-behavioral which were reported to be effective in improving the measured criteria such as increasing the quality of life, decreasing emotional distress, anxiety and depression, and increasing adaptive behaviors. Conclusion: The findings were generally reported to be hopeful and most of interventions were reported to have positive effects on the participants, among which behavioral-cognitive interventions were found to show the strongest evidence. Supportive interventions must be considered as an indispensable part of care for children with cancer.

  15. Endovascular Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-01-01

    Executive Summary Objective The objective of the MAS evidence review was to conduct a systematic review of the available evidence on the safety, effectiveness, durability and cost–effectiveness of endovascular radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary symptomatic varicose veins. Background The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) met on August 26th, 2010 to review the safety, effectiveness, durability, and cost-effectiveness of RFA for the treatment of primary symptomatic varicose veins based on an evidence-based review by the Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS). Clinical Condition Varicose veins (VV) are tortuous, twisted, or elongated veins. This can be due to existing (inherited) valve dysfunction or decreased vein elasticity (primary venous reflux) or valve damage from prior thrombotic events (secondary venous reflux). The end result is pooling of blood in the veins, increased venous pressure and subsequent vein enlargement. As a result of high venous pressure, branch vessels balloon out leading to varicosities (varicose veins). Symptoms typically affect the lower extremities and include (but are not limited to): aching, swelling, throbbing, night cramps, restless legs, leg fatigue, itching and burning. Left untreated, venous reflux tends to be progressive, often leading to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A number of complications are associated with untreated venous reflux: including superficial thrombophlebitis as well as variceal rupture and haemorrhage. CVI often results in chronic skin changes referred to as stasis dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis is comprised of a spectrum of cutaneous abnormalities including edema, hyperpigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis and stasis ulceration. Ulceration represents the disease end point for severe CVI. CVI is associated with a reduced quality of life particularly in relation to pain, physical function and mobility. In severe cases, VV with ulcers, QOL has been rated to be as bad

  16. Beyond Disaster Preparedness: Building a Resilience-Oriented Workforce for the Future.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Madrigano, Jaime; Chandra, Anita; Costigan, Tracy; Acosta, Joie D

    2017-12-13

    Enhancing citizens' and communities' resilience is critical to adapt successfully to ongoing challenges faced by communities, as well as acute shocks resulting from disasters. While significant progress has been made in this area, several research and practice gaps remain. A crucial next step to advance resilience is the development of a resilience-oriented workforce. This narrative review examines existing literature to determine key components of a resilience-oriented workforce, with a focus on organizational structures, training and education, and leadership models. Reviewed articles spanned a variety of study types, including needs assessments of existing workforce, program evaluations, and reviews/commentaries. A resilience-oriented workforce spans many disciplines and training programs will need to reflect that. It requires a collaborative organizational model that promotes information sharing structures. Leadership models should foster a balance between workforce autonomy and operation as a collective entity. Optimal strategies to develop a resilience-oriented workforce have yet to be realized and future research will need to collect and synthesize data to promote and evaluate the growth of this field.

  17. Beyond Disaster Preparedness: Building a Resilience-Oriented Workforce for the Future

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jaime Madrigano

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Enhancing citizens’ and communities’ resilience is critical to adapt successfully to ongoing challenges faced by communities, as well as acute shocks resulting from disasters. While significant progress has been made in this area, several research and practice gaps remain. A crucial next step to advance resilience is the development of a resilience-oriented workforce. This narrative review examines existing literature to determine key components of a resilience-oriented workforce, with a focus on organizational structures, training and education, and leadership models. Reviewed articles spanned a variety of study types, including needs assessments of existing workforce, program evaluations, and reviews/commentaries. A resilience-oriented workforce spans many disciplines and training programs will need to reflect that. It requires a collaborative organizational model that promotes information sharing structures. Leadership models should foster a balance between workforce autonomy and operation as a collective entity. Optimal strategies to develop a resilience-oriented workforce have yet to be realized and future research will need to collect and synthesize data to promote and evaluate the growth of this field.

  18. 77 FR 35990 - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; Notice of Closed Meeting

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-06-15

    ... Craniofacial Research Special Emphasis Panel; Molecular Characterization of Salivary Tumors RFA: R01 and R21...: Jayalakshmi Raman, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Branch, National Institute of Dental...

  19. Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Using Dual Internally Cooled Wet Electrodes: Experimental Study in Ex Vivo Bovine Liver

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lee, Young Joon; Byun, Jae Young [Dept. of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary' s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

    2012-11-15

    To determine the optimized protocol for bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA), using dual internally cooled wet (ICW) electrodes in the ex vivo bovine liver. RFA was applied to the explanted bovine liver, using two 3 cm active tip electrodes with 3.5 cm spacing. A total of 25 ablation zones were created by five groups; group A: 70 W-20 minute (min), group B: 70 W-25 min, group C: 90 W-15 min, group D: 90 W-20 min, and group E: 90 W-25 min. We measured the total energy and size of ablation zones with a color of grey or pink. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U-test. The mean energy, mean volume of ablation zone with grey and pink color of groups A to E were 16.7, 23.9, 16.7, 21.8, 29.2 kcal, 25.7, 34.3, 29.5, 36.2, 45.2 cm{sup 3}, and 60.0, 88.0, 71.5, 87.4, 104.5 cm{sup 3}, respectively. Those were significantly different (p < 0.05). The volume of ablation zone of group E with grey color was larger than groups A, B and C (p < 0.05). Bipolar RFA, using dual ICW electrodes, can produce a large ablation zone with the protocol of 90 W-25 min.

  20. Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Using Dual Internally Cooled Wet Electrodes: Experimental Study in Ex Vivo Bovine Liver

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Young Joon; Byun, Jae Young

    2012-01-01

    To determine the optimized protocol for bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA), using dual internally cooled wet (ICW) electrodes in the ex vivo bovine liver. RFA was applied to the explanted bovine liver, using two 3 cm active tip electrodes with 3.5 cm spacing. A total of 25 ablation zones were created by five groups; group A: 70 W-20 minute (min), group B: 70 W-25 min, group C: 90 W-15 min, group D: 90 W-20 min, and group E: 90 W-25 min. We measured the total energy and size of ablation zones with a color of grey or pink. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U-test. The mean energy, mean volume of ablation zone with grey and pink color of groups A to E were 16.7, 23.9, 16.7, 21.8, 29.2 kcal, 25.7, 34.3, 29.5, 36.2, 45.2 cm 3 , and 60.0, 88.0, 71.5, 87.4, 104.5 cm 3 , respectively. Those were significantly different (p < 0.05). The volume of ablation zone of group E with grey color was larger than groups A, B and C (p < 0.05). Bipolar RFA, using dual ICW electrodes, can produce a large ablation zone with the protocol of 90 W-25 min.

  1. Benchmarking the CEMDATA07 database to model chemical degradation of concrete using GEMS and PHREEQC

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jacques, Diederik; Wang, Lian; Martens, Evelien; Mallants, Dirk

    2012-01-01

    Thermodynamic equilibrium modelling of degradation of cement and concrete systems by chemically detrimental reactions as carbonation, sulphate attack and decalcification or leaching processes requires a consistent thermodynamic database with the relevant aqueous species, cement minerals and hydrates. The recent and consistent database CEMDATA07 is used as the basis in the studies of the Belgian near-surface disposal concept being developed by ONDRAF/NIRAS. The database is consistent with the thermodynamic data in the Nagra/PSI-Thermodynamic Database. When used with the GEMS thermodynamic code, thermodynamic modelling can be performed at temperatures different from the standard temperature of 25 C. GEMS calculates thermodynamic equilibrium by minimizing the Gibbs free energy of the system. Alternatively, thermodynamic equilibrium can also be calculated by solving a nonlinear system of mass balance equations and mass action equations, as is done in PHREEQC. A PHREEQC-database for the cement systems at temperatures different from 25 C is derived from the thermodynamic parameters and models from GEMS. A number of benchmark simulations using PHREEQC and GEM-Selektor were done to verify the implementation of the CEMDATA07 database in PHREEQC-databases. Simulations address a series of reactions that are relevant to the assessment of long-term cement and concrete durability. Verification calculations were performed for different systems with increasing complexity: CaO-SiO 2 -CO 2 , CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SO 3 -CO 2 , and CaO-SiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -Fe 2 O 3 -MgO-SO 3 -CO 2 . Three types of chemical degradation processes were simulated: (1) carbonation by adding CO 2 to the bulk composition, (2) sulphate attack by adding SO 3 to the bulk composition, and (3) decalcification/leaching by putting the cement solid phase sequentially in contact with pure water. An excellent agreement between the simulations with GEMS and PHREEQC was obtained

  2. Ca2+-dependent K+ Channels in Exocrine Salivary Glands

    Science.gov (United States)

    Catalán, Marcelo A.; Peña-Munzenmayer, Gaspar; Melvin, James E.

    2014-01-01

    In the last 15 years, remarkable progress has been realized in identifying the genes that encode the ion-transporting proteins involved in exocrine gland function, including salivary glands. Among these proteins, Ca2+-dependent K+ channels take part in key functions including membrane potential regulation, fluid movement and K+ secretion in exocrine glands. Two K+ channels have been identified in exocrine salivary glands: 1) a Ca2+-activated K+ channel of intermediate single channel conductance encoded by the KCNN4 gene; and, 2) a voltage- and Ca2+-dependent K+ channel of large single channel conductance encoded by the KCNMA1 gene. This review focuses on the physiological roles of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in exocrine salivary glands. We also discuss interesting recent findings on the regulation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels by protein-protein interactions that may significantly impact exocrine gland physiology. PMID:24559652

  3. A Devil in the Details: Matrix-Dependent 40Ca42Ca++/42Ca+ and Its Effects on Estimates of the Initial 41Ca/40Ca in the Solar System

    Science.gov (United States)

    McKeegan, K. D.; Liu, M.-C.

    2015-07-01

    Ian Hutcheon established that the molecular ion interference 40Ca42Ca++/42Ca+ on 41K+ is strongly dependent on the mineral analyzed. Correction for this "matrix effect" led to a downward revision of the initial 41Ca/40Ca of the solar system.

  4. Molecular orientation and electronic structure at organic heterojunction interfaces

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhong, Shu [Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543 Singapore (Singapore); Zhong, Jian Qiang; Wee, Andrew T.S. [Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, 117542 Singapore (Singapore); Chen, Wei, E-mail: phycw@nus.edu.sg [Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543 Singapore (Singapore); Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, 117542 Singapore (Singapore); National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou (China)

    2015-10-01

    Highlights: • Molecular orientation at the organic heterojunction interfaces. • Energy level alignments at the organic heterojunction interfaces. • Gap-states mediated interfacial energy level alignment. - Abstract: Due to the highly anisotropic nature of π-conjugated molecules, the molecular orientation in organic thin films can significantly affect light absorption, charge transport, energy level alignment (ELA) and hence device performance. Synchrotron-based near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy represents a powerful technique for probing molecular orientation. The aim of this review paper is to provide a balanced assessment on the investigation of molecular orientation at the organic–organic heterojunction (OOH) interface by NEXAFS, as well as the gap-states mediated orientation dependent energy level alignment at OOH interfaces. We highlight recent progress in elucidating molecular orientation at OOH interfaces dominated by various interfacial interactions, gap-states controlled orientation dependent energy level alignments at OOH interfaces, and the manipulations of molecular orientation and ELA in OOH.

  5. Clinical significance of determination of changes of serum CA125, VEGF levels after treatment in patients with endometriosis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dong Yan; Zhou Dongxia

    2008-01-01

    Objective: To explore the significance of changes of serum CA125, VEGF levels after treatment in patients with endometriosis. Methods: Serum CA125 (with RIA) and VEGF (with ELISA) levels were determined in 36 patients with endometriosis both before and after treatment as well as in 30 controls. Results: Before treatment, the serum CA125, VEGF levels in the patients were significantly higher than those in the controls (P<0.01). After 3 months of treatment, the levels dropped markedly, but still remained significantly higher(P<0.05). Conclusion: Serum levels of CA125 and VEGF were closely related to the disease process in patients with ehdometriosis. (authors)

  6. Observation of ultraslow stress release in silicon nitride films on CaF{sub 2}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Guo, Tianyi [School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada and Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029 (China); Deen, M. Jamal, E-mail: jamal@mcmaster.ca [Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada and School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 (Canada); Xu, Changqing; Fang, Qiyin [Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7 (Canada); Selvaganapathy, P. Ravi [Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7 (Canada); Zhang, Haiying [Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029 (China)

    2015-07-15

    Silicon nitride thin films are deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition on (100) and (111) CaF{sub 2} crystalline substrates. Delaminated wavy buckles formed during the release of internal compressive stress in the films and the stress releasing processes are observed macroscopically and microscopically. The stress release patterns start from the substrate edges and propagate to the center along defined directions aligned with the crystallographic orientations of the substrate. The stress releasing velocity of SiN{sub x} film on (111) CaF{sub 2} is larger than that of SiN{sub x} film with the same thickness on (100) CaF{sub 2}. The velocities of SiN{sub x} film on both (100) and (111) CaF{sub 2} increase with the film thickness. The stress releasing process is initiated when the films are exposed to atmosphere, but it is not a chemical change from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

  7. Bi4Sr3Ca3Cu4O16 galss and superconducting glass ceramics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zheng, H.; Mackenzie, J.D.

    1988-01-01

    Bi 4 Sr 3 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 16 glass has been successfully fabricated by the melting process. Glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, and liquid temperature of the glass are 434, 478, and 833 0 C, respectively. After the glass is heat treated at 800 0 C, a glass ceramic is formed. A comparison of the x-ray-diffraction pattern of the superconducting Bi 4 Sr 3 Ca 3 Cu 4 O/sub 16+//sub x/ ceramic to the Bi 4 Sr 3 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 16 glass ceramic revealed preferred orientation in the glass ceramic crystals. The superconducting transition temperatures T/sub c//sub (onset)/ and T/sub c//sub (zero)/ of the glass ceramics are 100 and 45 K, respectively

  8. Effect of annealing temperature on the electrical transport properties of CaRuO3-δ thin films directly deposited on the Si substrate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paik, Hanjong; Kim, Youngha; No, Kwangsoo; Cann, David P.; Yoon, DongJoo; Kim, ByungIl; Kim, Yangsoo

    2007-01-01

    We investigate the effect of annealing temperature on the preferentially (110)-oriented CaRuO 3-δ (CRO) thin films directly prepared on Si(100) substrate by rf magnetron sputtering. Crystalline quality and electrical transport properties of the CRO thin films were modified by post-annealing treatment. It was obvious that 700 C post-annealing brought about excellent metallic characteristics with the elevation of carrier concentration and mobility. From this result, we suggested that enhanced (110) orientation, and the ratio of chemical composition Ru 4+ /Ca 2+ ion were responsible for the transport properties of CRO thin film. (copyright 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

  9. 78 FR 5192 - National Cancer Institute; Notice of Meeting

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-01-24

    ... Review Group(s); and Budget Presentations; Reports of Special Initiatives; RFA and RFP Concept Reviews... entrance onto the NIH campus. All visitor vehicles, including taxicabs, hotel, and airport shuttles will be...

  10. Processing bimodal stimuli: Integrality/separability of colour and orientation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    David eBimler

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available We examined how two distinct stimulus features, orientation and colour, interact as contributions to global stimulus dissimilarity. Five subjects rated dissimilarity between pairs of bars (N = 30 varying in colour (four cardinal hues, plus white and orientation (six angles at 30° intervals. An exploratory analysis with individual-differences multidimensional scaling resulted in a 5D solution, with two dimensions required to accommodate the circular sequence of the angular attribute, and red-green, blue-yellow and achromatic axes for the colour attribute. Weights of the orientation subspace relative to the colour subspace varied among the subjects, from a 0.32:0.61 ratio to 0.53:0.44, emphasis shifting between colour and orientation. In addition to Euclidean metric, we modelled the interaction of colour and orientation using Minkowski power metrics across a range of Minkowski exponents p, including the city-block (p = 1, Euclidean (p = 2 and Dominance metric (p à ¥ as special cases. For averaged data, p ~ 1.3 provided the best fit, i.e. intermediate between separable and integral features. For individual subjects, however, the metric exponent varied significantly from p = 0.7 to p = 3.1, indicating a subject-specific rule for combining colour and orientation, as in Tversky and Gati’s variable-weights model. No relationship was apparent between dimensional weights and individual p exponents. Factors affecting dimensional integrality are discussed, including possible underlying neural mechanisms where the interaction of the low-level vision attributes orientation and colour might shift between uncorrelated (p =1 or correlated (p ³ 2 forms.

  11. Hydrolysis of molten CaCl2-CaF2 with additions of CaO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Espen Olsen

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Calcium halide based molten salts have recently attracted interest for a number of applications such as direct reduction of oxides for metal production and as liquefying agent in cyclic sorption processes for CO2 by CaO from dilute flue gases (Ca-looping. A fundamental aspect of these melts is the possible hydrolysis reaction upon exposure to gaseous H2O forming corrosive and poisonous hydrogen halides. In this work experiments have been performed investigating the formation of HCl and HF from a molten salt consisting of a 13.8 wt% CaF2 in CaCl2 eutectic exposed to a flowing gas consisting of 10 vol% H2O in N2. Hydrolysis has been investigated as function of content of CaO and temperature. HCl and HF are shown to be formed at elevated temperatures; HCl forms to a substantially larger extent than HF. Addition of CaO has a marked, limiting effect on the hydrolysis. Thermodynamic modeling of the reaction indicates activity coefficients for CaO above unity in the system. For cyclic CO2-capture based on thermal swing, it is advisable to keep the temperature in the carbonation (absorption reactor well below 850 ℃ while maintaining a high CaO content if molten CaCl2 is employed. Similar conclusions can be drawn with regards to CaF2.

  12. 40 CFR 791.60 - Review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Review. 791.60 Section 791.60...) DATA REIMBURSEMENT Review § 791.60 Review. (a) The hearing officer's proposed order shall become the... Agency review or the Administrator of his own initiative decides to review the proposed order. (b) The...

  13. Neuronal migration and its disorders affecting the CA3 region

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Richard eBelvindrah

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available In this review, we focus on CA3 neuronal migration disorders in the rodent. We begin by introducing the main steps of hippocampal development, and we summarize characteristic hippocampal malformations in human. We then describe various mouse mutants showing structural hippocampal defects. Notably, genes identified in human cortical neuronal migration disorders consistently give rise to a CA3 phenotype when mutated in the mouse. We successively describe their molecular, physiological and behavioral phenotypes that together contribute to a better understanding of CA3-dependent functions. We finally discuss potential factors underlying the CA3 vulnerability revealed by these mouse mutants and that may also contribute to other human neurological and psychiatric disorders.

  14. Neutron diffraction and magnetic study of the Nd0.7Pb0.3Mn1-xFexO3 (0=

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Blanco, J.J.; Insausti, M.; Gil de Muro, I.; Lezama, L.; Rojo, T.

    2006-01-01

    The effect of Fe doping on the ferromagnetic Nd 0.7 Pb 0.3 Mn 1-x Fe x O 3 (x=0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1) phases has been studied in order to analyze the double-exchange interaction. The structural and magnetic study has been carried out by neutron powder diffraction and susceptibility measurements between 1.7 and 300K. The substitution of Fe at the Mn site results in reductions in both the Curie temperature T c and the magnetic moment per Mn ion without appreciable differences in the crystal structures. All the compounds crystallize in Pnma space group. The thermal evolution of the lattice parameters of the Nd 0.7 Pb 0.3 Mn 1-x Fe x O 3 (x=0.025, 0.05, 0.075) compounds shows discontinuities in volume and lattice parameters close to the magnetic transition temperature. Increasing amounts of Fe 3+ reduces the double exchange interactions and no magnetic contribution for x=0.1 is observed. The magnetic structures of Nd 0.7 Pb 0.3 Mn 1-x Fe x O 3 (x=0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075) compounds show that the Nd and Mn ions are ferromagnetically ordered

  15. Actinides exposure: review of Ca-DTPA injections inside Cea-Cogema plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Grappin, L.; Berard, P.; Beau, P.; Carbone, L.; Castagnet, X.; Courtay, C.; Le Goff, J.P.; Menetrier, F.; Neron, M.; Piechowski, J.

    2006-01-01

    Ca-DTPA has been used for medical treatment of plutonium and americium contaminations in the CEA and COGEMA plants from 1970 to 2003. This report is a survey of the injections administered of Ca-DTPA as a chelating molecule. This report will be a part of the AMM process for Ca-DTPA by intravenous administration submitted by the Central Pharmacy of the french Army. Out of 1158 injections administered to 469 persons, 548 events of possible or confirmed contaminations were reported. These employees were followed by occupational physicians according to the current regulations. The first part of the report is a synthesis of the most recent findings. Due to its short biological period and its limited action in the blood, Ca-DTPA does not chelate with plutonium and americium as soon as these elements are deposited in the target organs. It justifies an early treatment, even in cases of suspected contamination followed by additional injections if necessary. The second part presents data concerning these 1158 injections (way of contamination, posology, adverse effects...). These incidents took place at work, were most often minor, not requiring follow-up treatment. A study concerning the effectiveness of the product was done on a group of people having received 5 or more injections. These results were compared with effectiveness estimated from theoretical basis. Posologies and therapeutic schemes were proposed based on these observations. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings. This document is the first synthesis in this field. It is the result of a collective work having mobilized the occupational medicine departments, the laboratories of CEA and COGEMA and a working group CEA-COGEMA-SPRA. (authors)

  16. Reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum content of releasable Ca2+ in rat soleus muscle fibres after eccentric contractions

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, J S; Sahlin, K; Ørtenblad, N

    2007-01-01

    AIM: The purpose was to evaluate the effects of fatiguing eccentric contractions (EC) on calcium (Ca2+) handling properties in mammalian type I muscles. We hypothesized that EC reduces both endogenous sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) content of releasable Ca2+ (eSRCa2+) and myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity....... METHODS: Isolated rat soleus muscles performed 30 EC bouts. Single fibres were isolated from the muscle and after mechanical removal of sarcolemma used to measure eSRCa2+, rate of SR Ca2+ loading and myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. RESULTS: Following EC maximal force in whole muscle was reduced by 30......% and 16/100 Hz force ratio by 33%. The eSRCa2+ in fibres from non-stimulated muscles was 45 +/- 5% of the maximal loading capacity. After EC, eSRCa2+ per fibre CSA decreased by 38% (P = 0.05), and the maximal capacity of SR Ca2+ loading was depressed by 32%. There were no effects of EC on either...

  17. Meigs’ Syndrome with Elevated Serum CA125: Case Report and Review of the Literature

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mongkol Benjapibal

    2009-04-01

    Full Text Available An elevated serum CA125 level in association with a pelvic mass, pleural effusion, and massive ascites usually signifies a dismal prognosis in a postmenopausal woman. However, surgery and histopathological examination are required for the correct diagnosis and treatment, since an elevated CA125 level can be falsely positive for ovarian malignancy. We present a case of Meigs’ syndrome due to right ovarian fibroma with elevated CA125 level in a postmenopausal woman.

  18. Na+/Ca2+ exchange and Na+/K+-ATPase in the heart

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shattock, Michael J; Ottolia, Michela; Bers, Donald M; Blaustein, Mordecai P; Boguslavskyi, Andrii; Bossuyt, Julie; Bridge, John H B; Chen-Izu, Ye; Clancy, Colleen E; Edwards, Andrew; Goldhaber, Joshua; Kaplan, Jack; Lingrel, Jerry B; Pavlovic, Davor; Philipson, Kenneth; Sipido, Karin R; Xie, Zi-Jian

    2015-01-01

    This paper is the third in a series of reviews published in this issue resulting from the University of California Davis Cardiovascular Symposium 2014: Systems approach to understanding cardiac excitation–contraction coupling and arrhythmias: Na+ channel and Na+ transport. The goal of the symposium was to bring together experts in the field to discuss points of consensus and controversy on the topic of sodium in the heart. The present review focuses on cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA). While the relevance of Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiac function has been extensively investigated, the role of Na+ regulation in shaping heart function is often overlooked. Small changes in the cytoplasmic Na+ content have multiple effects on the heart by influencing intracellular Ca2+ and pH levels thereby modulating heart contractility. Therefore it is essential for heart cells to maintain Na+ homeostasis. Among the proteins that accomplish this task are the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and the Na+/K+ pump (NKA). By transporting three Na+ ions into the cytoplasm in exchange for one Ca2+ moved out, NCX is one of the main Na+ influx mechanisms in cardiomyocytes. Acting in the opposite direction, NKA moves Na+ ions from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space against their gradient by utilizing the energy released from ATP hydrolysis. A fine balance between these two processes controls the net amount of intracellular Na+ and aberrations in either of these two systems can have a large impact on cardiac contractility. Due to the relevant role of these two proteins in Na+ homeostasis, the emphasis of this review is on recent developments regarding the cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) and Na+/K+ pump and the controversies that still persist in the field. PMID:25772291

  19. Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction ameliorates learning and memory defects in rats with vascular dementia by up-regulating the Ca(2+)-CaMKII-CREB pathway.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ge, Chao-Liang; Wang, Xin-Ming; Huang, Zhao-Gang; Xia, Quan; Wang, Ning; Xu, Du-Juan

    2015-11-01

    The present study was aimed at determining the effects of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (TQHXD) on the Ca(2+)-CaMKII-CREB pathway and the memory and learning capacities of rats with vascular dementia (VD). The rat VD model was established by using an improved bilateral carotid artery ligation method. The Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate the ethology of the VD rats following treatments with TQHXD at 3.01, 6.02, and 12.04 g·kg(-1) per day for 31 days. At the end of experiment, the hippocampus were harvested and analyzed. Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to measure the expression levels of calmodulin-binding protein kinase II(CaMKII), protein kinase A(PKA), cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB), and three N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B). Our results revealed that TQHXD could alleviate the loss of learning abilities and increase the memory capacity (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 vs the model group, respectively). The treatment with 6.02 and 12.04 g·kg(-1) of TQHXD significantly up-regulated the Ca(2+)-CaMKII-CREB pathway in the hippocampus. In conclusion, TQHXD showed therapeutic effects on a bilateral carotid artery ligation-induced vascular dementia model, through the up-regulation of calcium signalling pathways. Copyright © 2015 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Novel electrical conductivity properties in Ca-doped BiFeO{sub 3} nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, X.; Wang, S. Y., E-mail: shouyu.wang@yahoo.com [Tianjin Normal University, College of Physics and Materials Science (China); Liu, W. F., E-mail: wfliu@tju.edu.cn [Tianjin University, Department of Applied Physics, Institute of Advanced Materials Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, Faculty of Science (China); Xi, X. J. [Tianjin Normal University, College of Physics and Materials Science (China); Zhang, H. [Tianjin University, Department of Applied Physics, Institute of Advanced Materials Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, Faculty of Science (China); Guo, F. [Tianjin Normal University, College of Physics and Materials Science (China); Xu, X. L. [Tianjin University, Department of Applied Physics, Institute of Advanced Materials Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, Faculty of Science (China); Li, M.; Liu, L.; Zhang, C.; Li, X.; Yang, J. B. [Tianjin Normal University, College of Physics and Materials Science (China)

    2015-05-15

    The charge defective structure in Bi{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}FeO{sub 3} (CBFO, x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3) nanoparticles (NPs) ranging from 140 to 25 nm as well as their relations to band gap and leakage current behavior are investigated. It is demonstrated that Ca doping effectively narrows the band gap from ∼2.16 to ∼2.02 eV, due to the appearance and accumulation of oxygen vacancy. Subsequently, enhanced electrical conductivity was obtained in these CBFO NPs, which leads to the appearance of a distinct threshold switching behavior in Ca-doped BFO NPs with higher conductivity at room temperature. Possible mechanisms for Ca doping effects on the electric conduction were discussed upon the interplay of NPs’ size effect and mobile charged defects on the basis of reduced particle size and the increased density of oxygen vacancy analyzed through X-ray photoelectron spectrum.

  1. Norepinephrine Causes a Biphasic Change in Mammalian Pinealocye Membrane Potential: Role of alfa1B-Adrenoreceptors, Phospholipase C, and Ca2plus

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Zemková, Hana; Stojilkovič, S.S.; Klein, D. C.

    2011-01-01

    Roč. 152, č. 10 (2011), s. 3842-3851 ISSN 0013-7227 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA305/07/0681 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50110509 Keywords : Ca2plus-activated Kplus channels * voltage-gated Ca2plus channels * electrical activity * pinealocyte Subject RIV: ED - Physiology Impact factor: 4.459, year: 2011

  2. Estructura y textura de la fase Al3CaZn en una chapa laminada de la aleación superplástica Al-5 % Ca-5 % Zn

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pérez-Pardo, M. T.

    1998-05-01

    Full Text Available The structure of the intermetallic phase Al3CaZn present in the superplastic sheet alloy Al-5 % Ca-5 % Zn has been determined by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD and electrón diffraction (TEM. Also, the texture of this phase has been studied by means of pole figures and the orientation distribution function (ODF. The Al-5 % Ca-5 % Zn alloy is formed by a fine grained aluminum matrix (d ≈ 2-3 μm and 20 % vol. of Al3CaZn in the form of round-shaped particles with 0.2-0.5 μm diameter. This alloy undergoes superplastic behavior in a wide range of strain rates and temperatures. It has been found in this work that the structure of the second phase is body-centered tetragonal, with lattice parameters a = b = 0.422 nm and c = 1.131 nm. The texture of the alloy is formed by the fiber <001>, i.e., the crystallites are oriented preferentially with the c-axis perpendicular to the rolling plane. The texture sharpens after severe annealings.

    En este trabajo se ha determinado la estructura de la fase Al3CaZn, presente en una chapa laminada de la aleación Al-5 % Ca-5 % Zn, mediante técnicas de difracción de rayos X (DRX y difracción de electrones (MET. Además, se ha estudiado su textura mediante figuras de polos y la función de distribución de orientaciones (FDO. La aleación Al-5 % Ca-5 % Zn objeto de este estudio consta de una matriz de aluminio de grano fino (d ≈ 2-3 μm y un 20 % vol. de la fase Al3CaZn. Esta segunda fase está presente en el material de partida en forma de partículas esferoidales de 0,2 - 0,5 μm de diámetro. La aleación presenta un comportamiento superplástico en un amplio intervalo tanto de velocidades de deformación como de temperaturas. Se ha encontrado que la fase Al3CaZn posee una estructura tetragonal centrada, con parámetros de red a = b= 0,422 nm y c = 1,131 nm. Presenta, además, una textura de fibra <001>, en la

  3. Preoperative serum levels of ca 72-4, cea, ca 19-9, and Alpha-fetoprotein in patients with gastric cancer Níveis séricos pré-operatórios de CA 72-4, CEA, CA 19-9 e Alfa-fetoproteína em pacientes com câncer gástrico

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rejane Mattar

    2002-06-01

    Full Text Available INTRODUCTION: The clinical importance of preoperative serum levels of CA 72-4, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, CA 19-9, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP was prospectively evaluated in 44 patients with gastric cancer. METHOD: The serum tumor marker levels were determined by commercial radioimmunoassay kits. Positivity for CA 72-4 (>4 U/mL, CEA (>5 ng/mL, CA 19-9 (>37 U/mL, and AFP (>10 ng/mL were correlated according to the stage, histology, and lymph node metastasis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: CA 72-4 showed a higher positivity rate for gastric cancer (47.7% than CEA (25%, CA 19-9 (25%, and AFP (0%. The combination of CA 72-4 with CEA and CA 19-9 increased the sensitivity to 61.4%. The positivity rates of CA 72-4 in patients at stages I and II (initial disease and in patients at stages III and IV (advanced disease were 9% and 60.6%, respectively (P INTRODUÇÃO: A importância clínica dos níveis séricos pré-operatórios de CA 72-4, antígeno carcinoembrionário (CEA, CA 19-9 e alfa-fetoproteína (AFPfoi avaliada prospectivamente em 44 pacientes com câncer gástrico. MÉTODOS: Os marcadores tumorais foram quantificados com o emprego de kits comerciais de radioimunoensaio. A positividade dos marcadores, CA 72-4 (>4 U/ml, CEA (>5 ng/ml, CA 19-9 (>37 U/ml e AFP (>10 ng/ml, foi correlacionada com o estágio da doença, a histologia do tumor e comprometimento de linfonodo. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: O marcador CA 72-4 apresentou maior positividade para o câncer gástrico (47,7% que CEA (25%, CA 19-9 (25% e AFP (0%. A associação de CA 72-4, CEA e CA 19-9 aumentou a sensibilidade para 61,4%. A positividade do CA 72-4 nos pacientes com estágios I e II (Doença Inicial e nos pacientes com estágios III e IV (Doença Avançada foi de 9 e 60,6%, respectivamente (p<0,005. Não foi observada correlação entre os níveis séricos de CEA e CA 19-9 com o estágio do câncer gástrico. O CA 72-4 apresentou tendência de sugerir comprometimento de linfonodo, mas n

  4. Measuring the Quality of Mission-Oriented Research

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Wang, Chun

    2001-01-01

    .... A peer reviewed objective- dependent (PROD) evaluation system is proposed to cater for the broad spectrum of research undertaken by mission-oriented research organisations, ranging from strategic research through to application and development...

  5. Review: geological and experimental evidence for secular variation in seawater Mg/Ca (calcite-aragonite seas and its effects on marine biological calcification

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    J. B. Ries

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available Synchronized transitions in the polymorph mineralogy of the major reef-building and sediment-producing calcareous marine organisms and abiotic CaCO3 precipitates (ooids, marine cements throughout Phanerozoic time are believed to have been caused by tectonically induced variations in the Mg/Ca ratio of seawater (molar Mg/Ca>2="aragonite seas", <2="calcite seas". Here, I assess the geological evidence in support of secular variation in seawater Mg/Ca and its effects on marine calcifiers, and review a series of recent experiments that investigate the effects of seawater Mg/Ca (1.0–5.2 on extant representatives of calcifying taxa that have experienced variations in this ionic ratio of seawater throughout the geologic past.

    Secular variation in seawater Mg/Ca is supported by synchronized secular variations in (1 the ionic composition of fluid inclusions in primary marine halite, (2 the mineralogies of late stage marine evaporites, abiogenic carbonates, and reef- and sediment-forming marine calcifiers, (3 the Mg/Ca ratios of fossil echinoderms, molluscs, rugose corals, and abiogenic carbonates, (4 global rates of tectonism that drive the exchange of Mg2+ and Ca2+ along zones of ocean crust production, and (5 additional proxies of seawater Mg/Ca including Sr/Mg ratios of abiogenic carbonates, Sr/Ca ratios of biogenic carbonates, and Br concentrations in marine halite.

    Laboratory experiments have revealed that aragonite-secreting bryopsidalean algae and scleractinian corals and calcite-secreting coccolithophores exhibit higher rates of calcification and growth in experimental seawaters formulated with seawater Mg/Ca ratios that favor their skeletal mineral. These results support the assertion that seawater Mg/Ca played an important role in determining which hypercalcifying marine organisms were the major reef-builders and sediment-producers throughout Earth history. The observation that primary

  6. Musical training of coaches in aesthetic-oriented sports

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Irina Belenkaya

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available Purpose: to justify theoretically the need for musical training of coaches in aesthetic-oriented sports. Material & Methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical supervision. Results: the main directions of musical training of coaches in aesthetic-orientated sports were reviewed. It was discovered that in these types of sports coaches must have specific musical and rhythmic motor skills involving the use of musical accompaniment as a methodological technique for training sessions. The means of music and rhythmic education, which facilitate effective musical training of coaches in aesthetic-oriented sports, were determined. Conclusions: the necessity of improving the teaching methods of the subject "music and rhythmic education" as part of the musical training of coaches in aesthetic-orientated sports, was theoretically justified.

  7. Effects of Orientation on Recognition of Facial Affect

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cohen, M. M.; Mealey, J. B.; Hargens, Alan R. (Technical Monitor)

    1997-01-01

    The ability to discriminate facial features is often degraded when the orientation of the face and/or the observer is altered. Previous studies have shown that gross distortions of facial features can go unrecognized when the image of the face is inverted, as exemplified by the 'Margaret Thatcher' effect. This study examines how quickly erect and supine observers can distinguish between smiling and frowning faces that are presented at various orientations. The effects of orientation are of particular interest in space, where astronauts frequently view one another in orientations other than the upright. Sixteen observers viewed individual facial images of six people on a computer screen; on a given trial, the image was either smiling or frowning. Each image was viewed when it was erect and when it was rotated (rolled) by 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees and 270 degrees about the line of sight. The observers were required to respond as rapidly and accurately as possible to identify if the face presented was smiling or frowning. Measures of reaction time were obtained when the observers were both upright and supine. Analyses of variance revealed that mean reaction time, which increased with stimulus rotation (F=18.54, df 7/15, p (is less than) 0.001), was 22% longer when the faces were inverted than when they were erect, but that the orientation of the observer had no significant effect on reaction time (F=1.07, df 1/15, p (is greater than) .30). These data strongly suggest that the orientation of the image of a face on the observer's retina, but not its orientation with respect to gravity, is important in identifying the expression on the face.

  8. Review of Statistical Analyses Resulting from Performance of HLDWD-DWPF-005

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Beck, R.S.

    1997-01-01

    The Engineering Department at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) has reviewed two reports from the Statistical Consulting Section (SCS) involving the statistical analysis of test results for analysis of small sample inserts (references 1 ampersand 2). The test results cover two proposed analytical methods, a room temperature hydrofluoric acid preparation (Cold Chem) and a sodium peroxide/sodium hydroxide fusion modified for insert samples (Modified Fusion). The reports support implementation of the proposed small sample containers and analytical methods at DWPF. Hydragard sampler valve performance was typical of previous results (reference 3). Using an element from each major feed stream. lithium from the frit and iron from the sludge, the sampler was determined to deliver a uniform mixture in either sample container.The lithium to iron ratios were equivalent for the standard 15 ml vial and the 3 ml insert.The proposed method provide equivalent analyses as compared to the current methods. The biases associated with the proposed methods on a vitrified basis are less than 5% for major elements. The sum of oxides for the proposed method compares favorably with the sum of oxides for the conventional methods. However, the average sum of oxides for the Cold Chem method was 94.3% which is below the minimum required recovery of 95%. Both proposed methods, cold Chem and Modified Fusion, will be required at first to provide an accurate analysis which will routinely meet the 95% and 105% average sum of oxides limit for Product Composition Control System (PCCS).Issued to be resolved during phased implementation are as follows: (1) Determine calcine/vitrification factor for radioactive feed; (2) Evaluate covariance matrix change against process operating ranges to determine optimum sample size; (3) Evaluate sources for low sum of oxides; and (4) Improve remote operability of production versions of equipment and instruments for installation in 221-S.The specifics of

  9. Spatially Discordant Alternans and Arrhythmias in Tachypacing-Induced Cardiac Myopathy in Transgenic LQT1 Rabbits: The Importance of IKs and Ca2+ Cycling.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Emily Lau

    Full Text Available Remodeling of cardiac repolarizing currents, such as the downregulation of slowly activating K+ channels (IKs, could underlie ventricular fibrillation (VF in heart failure (HF. We evaluated the role of Iks remodeling in VF susceptibility using a tachypacing HF model of transgenic rabbits with Long QT Type 1 (LQT1 syndrome.LQT1 and littermate control (LMC rabbits underwent three weeks of tachypacing to induce cardiac myopathy (TICM. In vivo telemetry demonstrated steepening of the QT/RR slope in LQT1 with TICM (LQT1-TICM; pre: 0.26±0.04, post: 0.52±0.01, P<0.05. In vivo electrophysiology showed that LQT1-TICM had higher incidence of VF than LMC-TICM (6 of 11 vs. 3 of 11, respectively. Optical mapping revealed larger APD dispersion (16±4 vs. 38±6 ms, p<0.05 and steep APD restitution in LQT1-TICM compared to LQT1-sham (0.53±0.12 vs. 1.17±0.13, p<0.05. LQT1-TICM developed spatially discordant alternans (DA, which caused conduction block and higher-frequency VF (15±1 Hz in LQT1-TICM vs. 13±1 Hz in LMC-TICM, p<0.05. Ca2+ DA was highly dynamic and preceded voltage DA in LQT1-TICM. Ryanodine abolished DA in 5 out of 8 LQT1-TICM rabbits, demonstrating the importance of Ca2+ in complex DA formation. Computer simulations suggested that HF remodeling caused Ca2+-driven alternans, which was further potentiated in LQT1-TICM due to the lack of IKs.Compared with LMC-TICM, LQT1-TICM rabbits exhibit steepened APD restitution and complex DA modulated by Ca2+. Our results strongly support the contention that the downregulation of IKs in HF increases Ca2+ dependent alternans and thereby the risk of VF.

  10. Unawareness of the disease in patients with schizophrenia: diagnosis and insight-oriented psychotherapy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    O. I. Osokina

    2018-06-01

    Full Text Available Relevance. Phenomenon of patients' unawareness of their illness (insight is a pathognomonic diagnostic criterion that distinguishes schizophrenia from many other psychiatric disorders. More than half of patients with schizophrenia do not realize their illness that makes their treatment more difficult. Diagnosis of insight in patients with schizophrenia is an important issue. The volume and content of rehabilitation programs depends on it. The purpose of research is to study the structure of insight in patients with schizophrenia, its relationship with certain clinical, social and psychological indicators, and to assess the influence of insight-oriented psychotherapy on the outcomes of schizophrenia. Material and methods. 237 patients with schizophrenia were studied: 139 (58.6 % men and 98 (41.4 % women aged 18-35 years. Patients of the main group (122 people received pharmacotherapy and were included in the program of insight-oriented psychotherapy. Patients of the comparison group (115 people received standard treatment. Measurement of the insight level was carried out using the scale of unawareness of mental disorder (SUMD. To study social indicators the scale of social functioning in various spheres was used (Zaitsev, 1999. The quality of life level and social stigma were measured by WHOQOL-BREF and adapted version of the self-stigmatization scale (SSMIS. Evaluation of outcomes in schizophrenia was carried out using the IMR and RMQ scales. The level of cognitive functioning was assessed by the GACF-CogFu scale. The severity of depression was measured by the scale developed by Beck (BDI. The mechanisms of psychological defense were assessed using the scale of R. Plutchik, H. Kellerman (1979. Mathematical processing of the results was also carried out. Results. Correlations were found between a higher level of patient awareness of the disease and its better prognosis (r= -0.507; p<0.05, a higher level of social functioning (r= 0.478; p<0.05

  11. The elements distribution of Fe, Cd, Ca, Co and Cr on the well water and river in area Wonosari Gunung Kidul

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rosidi; Agus Taftazani; Sukirno

    2010-01-01

    The analysis of Fe, Cd, Ca, Co and Cr on the well water and river were detected by γ spectrometer with HPGe detector using NAA method. The main objective of this research was carried out to characterize the Fe, Cd, Ca, Co and Cr on the well water and river in area Gunung Kidul Yogyakarta, which accommodate of the present of environment data in support the clean water program. The result indicated that concentration of elements in well and river water at the Wonosari were still in standard level by Govenor of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta no 214/KPTS/1991, were Cd = 0,005 mg/L; Ca = 200 mg/L; Fe = 0,5 mg/L; Co = 0,2 mg/L and Cr = 0,050 mg/L. The concentration in water of Cd, Fe, Ca, Co, and Cr were (0.0002-0.006), (16-40), (5-20), (0.0002-0.37) and (0.0003-0.005) mg/L respectively. The result of analysis give the information that these elements concentration were still proper to use for domestic activities. (author)

  12. Particle detection from oriented nuclei

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wouters, J.; Moor, P. de; Schuurmans, P.; Severijns, N.; Vanderpoorten, W.; Vanneste, L.

    1992-01-01

    A survey is given of particle emission from nuclei that have been spin oriented by cryogenical means. Experiments and recent developments with detectors in the low temperature environment and their on-line application are reviewed. The most recent results are mentioned. Some phenomena to be unraveled in future studies are pointed out. (orig.)

  13. The Impact of Sexual Orientation on Women's Midlife Experience: A Transition Model Approach

    Science.gov (United States)

    Boyer, Carol Anderson

    2007-01-01

    Sexual orientation is an integral part of identity affecting every stage of an individual's development. This literature review examines women's cultural experiences based on sexual orientation and their effect on midlife experience. A developmental model is offered that incorporates sexual orientation as a contextual factor in this developmental…

  14. The State of Knowledge of Outdoor Orientation Programs: Current Practices, Research, and Theory

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bell, Brent J.; Gass, Michael A.; Nafziger, Christopher S.; Starbuck, J. David

    2014-01-01

    Outdoor orientation programs represent a prominent area of experiential education with over 25,000 participants annually. More than 191 outdoor orientation programs currently operate in the United States and Canada. The research examining outdoor orientation programs consists of 25 peer-reviewed published studies and 11 dissertations. A new theory…

  15. Psychotherapeutic and work-oriented interventions: employment outcomes among young adults with work disability due to a mental disorder.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mattila-Holappa, Pauliina; Joensuu, Matti; Ahola, Kirsi; Koskinen, Aki; Tuisku, Katinka; Ervasti, Jenni; Virtanen, Marianna

    2016-01-01

    We examined the extent to which psychotherapeutic and work-oriented interventions were included in a medical treatment and rehabilitation plan and whether they predicted future employment among young adults with work disability due to a mental disorder. Data were obtained from the treatment and rehabilitation plans of 1163 young adults aged 18‒34 years, who in 2008 were granted fixed-term work disability compensation due to a mental disorder and were followed for 5 years. Forty-six percent had no proposal for psychotherapy or a work-oriented intervention in their treatment and rehabilitation plan, 22 % had a plan for only a psychotherapeutic intervention, 23 % had a plan for only a work-oriented intervention, and 10 % had both types of interventions planned. Having a planned psychotherapeutic intervention (HR = 1.35, 95 % CI 1.07-1.69) and of the work-oriented interventions, planned rehabilitative courses and training (HR = 1.34, 95 % CI 1.03-1.70) predicted quicker entry into competitive employment. Having a plan for both a psychotherapeutic and work-oriented intervention was associated with being employed at the end of the follow-up (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI 1.07-2.95). Young adults with a long-term psychiatric work disability episode rarely have a recorded plan for rehabilitation in their treatment and rehabilitation plan although psychotherapeutic interventions and a combination of a psychotherapeutic and work-oriented intervention might help them gain employment.

  16. Phase transition and multicolor luminescence of Eu2+/Mn2+-activated Ca3(PO4)2 phosphors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li, Kai; Chen, Daqin; Xu, Ju; Zhang, Rui; Yu, Yunlong; Wang, Yuansheng

    2014-01-01

    Graphical abstract: We have synthesized Eu 2+ doped and Eu 2+ /Mn 2+ co-doped Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 phosphors. The emitting color varies from blue to green with increasing of Eu 2+ content for the Eu 2+ -doped phosphor, and the quantum yield of the 0.05Eu 2+ : Ca 2.95 (PO 4 ) 2 sample reaches 56.7%. Interestingly, Mn 2+ co-doping into Eu 2+ : Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 leads to its phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral, and subsequently generates tunable multi-color luminescence from green to red via Eu 2+ → Mn 2+ energy transfer. - Highlights: • A series of novel Eu 2+ : Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 phosphors were successfully synthesized. • Phase transition of Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 from orthorhombic to rhombohedral occurred when Mn 2+ ions were doped. • The phosphors exhibited tunable multi-color luminescence. • The quantum yield of 0.05Eu 2+ : Ca 2.95 (PO 4 ) 2 phosphor can reach 56.7%. • The analyses of phosphors were carried out by many measurements. - Abstract: Intense blue-green-emitting Eu 2+ : Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and tunable multicolor-emitting Eu 2+ /Mn 2+ : Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 phosphors are prepared via a solid-state reaction route. Eu 2+ -doped orthorhombic Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 phosphor exhibits a broad emission band in the wavelength range of 400–700 nm with a maximum quantum yield of 56.7%, and the emission peak red-shifts gradually from 479 to 520 nm with increase of Eu 2+ doping content. Broad excitation spectrum (250–420 nm) of Eu 2+ : Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 matches well with the near-ultraviolet LED chip, indicating its potential applications as tri-color phosphors in white LEDs. Interestingly, Mn 2+ co-doping into Eu 2+ : Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 leads to its phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral, and subsequently generates tunable multi-color luminescence from green to red via Eu 2+ → Mn 2+ energy transfer, under 365 nm UV lamp excitation

  17. Acoustic Monitoring of Gravity-Driven Controls on CaCO3 Precipitates in a Fracture

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Z.; Sheets, J.; Zhang, L.; Kim, D.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Cole, D. R.; Jun, Y. S.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

    2017-12-01

    Sealing fractures by mineral precipitation is an important process for improving caprock integrity in subsurface reservoirs. In this study, the ability to monitor precipitate distribution in fractures with buoyant fluids was examined. Fractures with uniform aperture distributions of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mm were created from acrylic plates to enable direct imaging of precipitate formation over time. CaCO3 precipitation was induced in a fracture from invasion of 1M CaCl2 and 0.3M Na2CO3 solutions. During chemical invasion, a fracture plane was oriented either parallel or perpendicular to gravity. Acoustic (P) wave transmission ( 1 MHz) and optical imaging were used to monitor the sample prior to, during and after fluid injection. Complementary X-ray computed tomography was performed throughout the experiments on vertical fractures and post injection for the horizontal fractures. Precipitate particle sizes during formation were determined using SAXS and WAXS. In both horizontal and vertical fractures, the density contrast between the two solutions affected the spatial distribution of precipitation. In vertical fractures, the denser CaCl2 solution almost completely displaced the NaCO3 solution, causing strong localization of precipitates. However, in the horizontal fractures, flow stratification occurred in the 2 mm aperture fractures, with the less dense Na2CO3 flowing over the CaCl2 solution, resulting in a more even distribution of precipitates cross the fracture plane. P-wave amplitudes increased up to 8% and the arrival time decreased with precipitate accumulation in the horizontal fracture. This is consistent with a three-layered approach as the seismic impedance inside the fracture increases. The initial contact between the two was observed as a decrease in the P-wave amplitude. As precipitates accumulated, the amplitude recovered and increased, with greater increases observed along the mixing flow path. Fractures in the subsurface may seal differently depending on

  18. Goal-orientation, epistemological beliefs towards intrinsic motivation among engineering students: A review

    Science.gov (United States)

    Benlahcene, Abderrahim; Lashari, Sana Anwar; Lashari, Tahira Anwar

    2017-08-01

    An aspect that has been exhaustively researched in the motivation of the higher education discipline is the engineering students’ process of goal-orientation, epistemological beliefs towards intrinsic motivation. However, the focus of those researchers as commonly the influence of goal orientations and epistemological beliefs on intrinsic motivation; they have not combined the two factors and examined relationships among goal orientation, epistemological beliefs, and intrinsic motivation. Therefore, although there is a plethora of research on the matter in related disciplines, the researchers commonly do not have consensus on a term that could be used to discuss how engineering students are motivation. This paper identifies literature whose characteristics have focused on the concept of motivation. Attempts were made to retrieve related lietarure empirically examined motivation, extrinsic motivation, Goal orientation, Epistemological beliefs, and intrinsic motivation to gain insight information. It is believed that the present study may help educators in organizing content, preparing curriculum, and evaluate student tasks, so that students can begin to develop more mature and effective epistemological beliefs and design their proper goals for their learning process.

  19. Ca2+ transport and signalling in enamel cells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nurbaeva, Meerim K.; Eckstein, Miriam; Feske, Stefan

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Dental enamel is one of the most remarkable examples of matrix‐mediated biomineralization. Enamel crystals form de novo in a rich extracellular environment in a stage‐dependent manner producing complex microstructural patterns that are visually stunning. This process is orchestrated by specialized epithelial cells known as ameloblasts which themselves undergo striking morphological changes, switching function from a secretory role to a cell primarily engaged in ionic transport. Ameloblasts are supported by a host of cell types which combined represent the enamel organ. Fully mineralized enamel is the hardest tissue found in vertebrates owing its properties partly to the unique mixture of ionic species represented and their highly organized assembly in the crystal lattice. Among the main elements found in enamel, Ca2+ is the most abundant ion, yet how ameloblasts modulate Ca2+ dynamics remains poorly known. This review describes previously proposed models for passive and active Ca2+ transport, the intracellular Ca2+ buffering systems expressed in ameloblasts and provides an up‐dated view of current models concerning Ca2+ influx and extrusion mechanisms, where most of the recent advances have been made. We also advance a new model for Ca2+ transport by the enamel organ. PMID:27510811

  20. Exotic becomes erotic: interpreting the biological correlates of sexual orientation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bem, D J

    2000-12-01

    Although biological findings currently dominate the research literature on the determinants of sexual orientation, biological theorizing has not yet spelled out a developmental path by which any of the various biological correlates so far identified might lead to a particular sexual orientation. The Exotic-Becomes-Erotic (EBE) theory of sexual orientation (Bem, 1996) attempts to do just that, by suggesting how biological variables might interact with experiential and sociocultural factors to influence an individual's sexual orientation. Evidence for the theory is reviewed, and a path analysis of data from a large sample of twins is presented which yields preliminary support for the theory's claim that correlations between genetic variables and sexual orientation are mediated by childhood gender nonconformity.