Search

• Segmentation based classification is robust enough for today's passive tracking. • Improper training and testing split can significantly distort reported accuracies. • Point-based (online) classification underperforms segment based classification. • Recurrent Neural Networks yield better label accuracies but worse label sequences. GPS based campaigns have been hailed as an alternative to transportation surveys that promise relatively high accuracy at a relatively low burden on the participants and fewer forgotten trips. However they still necessitate the recruitment of participants and are thus potentially biased and certainly not encompassing significant parts of the population. Given the high penetration of mobile phones, passive tracking by telephone providers would alleviate those two shortcomings at the cost of reduced sampling frequency and positional accuracy. The trade-off in quality has not yet been quantified and therefore recommendations on sensible thresholds are not yet available. In this study therefore, instead of presenting yet another method for mode of transport classification, we therefore compare the performance of existing mode detection schemes under deteriorating sampling rates and positional accuracies. As a possibility to compensate for the deteriorating signal we also calculate features from users' positional histories that could be beneficial if their behaviour is repetitive. The evaluation is not only based on pointwise accuracy, but includes quality measures that pertain to trips as a whole. We find that the necessary accuracy and sampling rate for applications will depend on whether the information of whole trajectories can be used, or whether only the current information is available. The former being relevant to ex-post analyses while the latter situation appears more frequently in near-time analyses. For segmentwise classification, there is no major impact on the quality of the classification by the tested levels of spatial accuracies as long as the sampling intervals can be kept at or below a minute, whereas for point based classification the sampling interval should be between 30 s and a minute and increasing spatial accuracy always improves the classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Crystal structure characteristics of coexisting β and δ phase were investigated in a purely intermetallic Al-Fe-Si alloy and in plate-shaped intermetallic particles formed in a model secondary Al7.1Si1.2Fe0.3Mn alloy. The β- and the δ-Al-Fe-Si intermetallic phase are thermodynamic and crystallographic distinct phases despite some structural similarities. Nevertheless, both phases can appear severely intergrown within single plate-shaped particles after solidification of Fe-containing secondary Al-Si alloys under non-equilibrium conditions which is attributed to the good fit along the (001) planes of both phases. Thereby, few layers of the δ-like stacking sequences within the β phase can be considered as a typical planar defect of the β phase. The β phase exhibits polytype structures for which structural models have been formulated based on ordering of the constituting double layers being shifted by a /2 or b /2 displacements leading to 4 different double layer positions A, B, C, and D. An AB polytype with idealized Acam symmetry actually shows a monoclinic distortion towards A 12/ a 1 symmetry. An ABCD polytype with idealized I 4 1 / acd symmetry has been derived, too. Next to the ordered polytypes, stackings with non-periodic sequences of A, B, C and D double layers exist. Highlights • β- and δ-Al-Fe-Si phase are thermodynamic and crystallographic distinct phases. • These can appear intergrown in plate-shaped particles in secondary Al-Si alloys. • Short δ-like stacking sequences are a typical planar defect of the β phase. • The β phase exhibits polytype structures based on ordering of constituting layers. • Next to the ordered polytypes, stackings with non-periodic layer sequences exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the effect of metal mirror properties on the emission characteristics of planar microcavities. Resonant modes of microcavity; On-axis measurements; Off-axis measurements.

Abstract: Waterproof concrete constructions – recommendations for the cooperation of client, planner, special planner and contractor For a successful implementation of waterproof concrete constructions, a particularly high planning and execution quality is essential and the monitoring of the execution is required. The present paper provides advice and assistance to builders, designers and contractors for the design and execution of waterproof concrete constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Radiation Monitoring Investigation of the Juno Mission will actively retrieve and analyze the noise signatures from penetrating radiation in the images of Juno's star cameras and science instruments at Jupiter. The investigation's objective is to profile Jupiter's $>10\mbox{-MeV}$ electron environment in regions of the Jovian magnetosphere which today are still largely unexplored. This paper discusses the primary instruments on Juno which contribute to the investigation's data suite, the measurements of camera noise from penetrating particles, spectral sensitivities and measurement ranges of the instruments, calibrations performed prior to Juno's first science orbit, and how the measurements may be used to infer the external relativistic electron environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al 2+ δ Fe intermetallic for 0.4 < δ < 0.7, frequently also referred to as η-Al 5 Fe 2 , has been investigated in detail by powder-X-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters of the disordered orthorhombic η-Al 2+ δ Fe phase quenched from 750 °C were precisely determined. The lattice parameter c η increases non-linearly with increasing Al content, whereas a η increases and b η decreases linearly to a respectively lesser extent. Moreover, the recently reported long-range ordered η′-Al 2+ δ Fe low-temperature phase ( C 2/ c symmetry) was confirmed to exist around an ideal value of δ = 2/3 after annealing at 250 °C or 350 °C. The monoclinic long-range ordering of some Al atoms in channels of a framework structure is accompanied by a characteristic ordering strain, which is revealed by the refined lattice parameters a η’ = 11.35940(5) Å, b η’ = 6.42493(2) Å and c η’ = 8.68218(3) Å and β η’ = 104.2519(3)° determined by X-ray diffraction. These values imply a change of the β angle pertaining to the original orthorhombic cell to β’ η’ = 90.51°. Experimentally determined atomic positions from Rietveld refinement of the η′ phase well agree with results from relaxed density functional energy calculations and can be related with earlier reported strongly anisotropic displacement parameters of certain atomic sites in the disordered η phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, a multitude of different brain source imaging algorithms have been developed to identify the neural generators underlying the surface electroencephalography measurements. While most of these techniques focus on determining the source positions, only a small number of recently developed algorithms provides an indication of the spatial extent of the distributed sources. In a recent comparison of brain source imaging approaches, the VB-SCCD algorithm has been shown to be one of the most promising algorithms among these methods. However, this technique suffers from several problems: it leads to amplitude-biased source estimates, it has difficulties in separating close sources, and it has a high computational complexity due to its implementation using second order cone programming. To overcome these problems, we propose to include an additional regularization term that imposes sparsity in the original source domain and to solve the resulting optimization problem using the alternating direction method of multipliers. Furthermore, we show that the algorithm yields more robust solutions by taking into account the temporal structure of the data. We also propose a new method to automatically threshold the estimated source distribution, which permits to delineate the active brain regions. The new algorithm, called Source Imaging based on Structured Sparsity (SISSY), is analyzed by means of realistic computer simulations and is validated on the clinical data of four patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogenated diamond-like carbon films produced by C 3 H 6 deposition at 5 kV and implanted at room temperature with 30 keV Co atoms to 12 at.% show not only a bimodal distribution of Co atoms but also a massive redistribution of hydrogen in the films. Resonant nuclear reaction analysis was used to measure the hydrogen depth profiles (15N-method). Depletion of hydrogen near the surface was measured to be as low as 7 at.% followed by hydrogen accumulation from 27 to 35 at.%. A model is proposed considering the thermal energy deposited by collision cascade for thermal insulators. In this model, sufficient energy is provided for dissociated hydrogen to diffuse out of the sample from the surface and diffuse into the sample towards the interface which is however limited by the range of the incoming Co ions. At a hydrogen concentration of ∼35 at.%, the concentration gradient of the mobile unbounded hydrogen atoms is neutralised effectively stopping diffusion towards the interface. The results point towards new routes of controlling the composition and distribution of elements at the nanoscale within a base matrix without using any heat treatment methods. Exploring these opportunities can lead to a new horizon of materials and device engineering needed for enabling advanced technologies and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients enrolled in clinical studies typically represent a sub-set of all who are eligible, and selection bias may compromise the generalizability of the findings. Using Registry data, we evaluated whether surgical patients recruited by one of the referring centres into the Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Outcome Study (LSOS; a large-scale, multicentre prospective observational study to determine the probability of clinical benefit after surgery) differed in any significant way from those who were eligible but not enrolled.Methods: Data were extracted for all patients with lumbar spinal stenosis registered in our in-house database (interfaced to Eurospine's Spine Tango Registry) from 2011 to 2013. Patient records and imaging were evaluated in relation to the admission criteria for LSOS to identify those who would have been eligible for participation but were not enrolled (non-LSOS). The Tango surgery data and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) data at baseline and 3 and 12 months after surgery were analysed to evaluate the factors associated with LSOS enrolment or not.Results: 514 potentially eligible patients were identified, of which 94 (18%) were enrolled into LSOS (range 2-48% for the 6 spine surgeons involved in recruiting patients) and 420 (82%) were not; the vast majority of the latter were due to non-referral to the study by the surgeon, with only 5% actually refusing participation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, BMI, smoking status, or ASA score between the two groups (p ≥ 0.18). Baseline COMI was significantly (p = 0.002) worse in the non-LSOS group (7.4 ± 1.9) than the LSOS group (6.7 ± 1.9). There were no significant group differences in any Tango surgery parameters (additional spine patholothegies, operation time, blood loss, complications, etc.) although significantly more patients in the non-LSOS group had a fusion procedure (38 vs 18% in LSOS; p = 0.0004). Postoperatively, neither the COMI nor its subdomain scores differed significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Multiple logistic regression revealed that worse baseline COMI (p = 0.021), surgeon (p = 0.003), and having fusion (p = 0.014) predicted non-enrolment in LSOS.Conclusion: A high proportion of eligible patients were not enrolled in the study. Non-enrolment was explained in part by the specific surgeon, worse baseline COMI status, and having a fusion. The findings may reflect a tendency of the referring surgeon not to overburden more disabled patients and those undergoing more extensive surgery with the commitments of a study. Beyond these factors, non-enrolment appeared to be somewhat arbitrary, and was likely related to surgeon forgetfulness, time constraints, and administrative errors. Researchers should be aware of potential selection bias in their clinical studies, measure it (where possible) and discuss its implications for the interpretation of the study's findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermodynamic descriptions of a non-stoichiometric crystalline phase used within the framework of the CALPHAD approach has to include an appropriate model to estimate the configurational entropy, e.g. within the compound energy formalism. Thereby, typically a sublattice model based on the known crystal structure data of the considered phase is employed. In the present work a revised thermodynamic description of the Al−Fe system is presented with focus on the sublattice model for the η-Al 5 Fe 2 phase. In view of its channel structure containing Al+Fe as channel atoms with largely composition-independent atomic density (and not Al atoms and vacancies as believed previously), a new sublattice model Al 4 Fe 2 (Fe,Al) m with m = 1.5 is proposed. In contrast to previously proposed sublattice models, the new model is well able to reproduce the experimentally observed homogeneity range of the η-Al 5 Fe 2 phase in the course of thermodynamic modelling. Thereby, in order to derive the new model, it was necessary to transfer the crystallographic model used during structure refinement specifically to a sublattice model for the thermodynamic modelling, in order to naturally represent the otherwise easily overestimated the configurational entropy. • New sublattice model for the Al 5 Fe 2 phase is derived from crystal structure data. • Different sublattice models for Al 5 Fe 2 have different configurational entropies. • Good thermodynamic modeling was achieved using the new model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle-Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) is a powerful analytical technique that exploits the interactions of rapid charged particles with nuclei located near a sample surface to determine the composition and structure of the surface regions of solids by measurement of characteristic prompt γ rays. The potential for depth profiling of this technique has long been recognized, however, the implementation has been limited owing to insufficient knowledge of the physical data and lack of suitable user-friendly computer codes for the applications. Although a considerable body of published data exists in the nuclear physics literature for nuclear reaction cross sections with γ rays in the exit channel, there is no up-to-date, comprehensive compilation specifically dedicated to IBA applications. A number of PIGE cross-section data had already been uploaded to the Ion Beam Analysis Nuclear Data Library (IBANDL) ( http://www-nds.iaea.org/ibandl ) by members of the IBA community by 2011, however a preliminary survey of this body of unevaluated experimental data has revealed numerous discrepancies beyond the uncertainty limits reported by the authors. Using the resources and coordination provided by the IAEA, a concerted effort to improve the situation was made within the Coordinated Research Project on the Development of a Reference Database for PIGE spectroscopy, from 2011 to 2015. The aim of the CRP was to create a data library for Ion Beam Analysis that contains reliable and usable data on charged particle γ -ray emission cross sections that would be made freely available to the user community. As the CRP has reached its completion, we shall present its main achievements, including the results of nuclear cross-section evaluations and the development of a computer code that will become available to the public allowing for the implementation of a standardless PIGE technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is common in the production of technical devices and can be deposited by several techniques. In this study intrinsic and doped, hydrogen-less amorphous silicon films are RF magnetron sputter deposited and post-hydrogenated in a remote hydrogen plasma reactor at a temperature of 370 °C. Secondary ion mass spectrometry of a boron doped (p) a-Si layer shows that the concentration of dopants in the sputtered layer becomes the same as present in the sputter-target. Improved surface passivation of phosphorous doped 5 Ω cm, FZ, (n) c-Si can be achieved by post-hydrogenation yielding a minority carrier lifetime of ~ 360 μs finding an optimum for ~ 40 nm thin films, deposited at 325 °C. This relatively low minority carrier lifetime indicates high disorder of the hydrogen-less sputter deposited amorphous network. Post-hydrogenation leads to a decrease of the number of localized states within the band gap. Optical band gaps (Taucs gab as well as E 04 ) can be determined to ~ 1.88 eV after post-hydrogenation. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and optical Raman investigations show that the sputtered layers are amorphous and stay like this during post-hydrogenation. As a consequence of the missing hydrogen during deposition, sputtered a-Si forms a rough surface compared to CVD a-Si. Atomic force microscopy points out that the roughness decreases by up to 25% during post-hydrogenation. Nuclear resonant reaction analysis permits the investigation of hydrogen depth profiles and allows determining the diffusion coefficients of several post-hydrogenated samples from of a model developed within this work. A dependency of diffusion coefficients on the duration of post-hydrogenation indicates trapping diffusion as the main diffusion mechanism. Additional Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements show that hardly any interstitial hydrogen exists in the post-hydrogenated a-Si layers. The results of this study open the way for further hydrogen diffusion experiments which require an initially unhydrogenated drain layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure of an aluminum alloy containing 53 wt% Zn, 2.1 wt% Mg and 1.3 wt% Cu as main alloying elements has been studied with the focus on the precipitation behavior during the spark plasma sintering process. The starting material was an atomized Al-Zn-Mg-Cu powder with the particle size below 50 μm. The particles showed a solidification microstructure from cellular to columnar or equiaxed dendritic morphology with a large fraction of the alloying elements segregated in form of intermetallic phases, mainly (Zn,Al,Cu)49Mg32 and Mg2(Zn,Al,Cu)11, at the cell and dendrite boundaries. The microstructure of the sintered specimens followed the microstructure of the initial powder. However, Mg(Zn,Al,Cu)2 precipitates evolve at the expense of the initial precipitate phases. The precipitates which were initially continuously distributed along the intercellular and interdendritic boundaries form discrete chain-like structures in the sintered samples. Additionally, fine precipitates created during the sintering process evolve at the new low-angle boundaries. The large fraction of precipitates at the grain boundaries and especially at the former particle boundaries could not be solved into the matrix applying a usual solid solution heat treatment. A bending test reveals low ductility and strength. The mechanical properties suffer from the precipitates at former particle boundaries leading to fracture after an outer fiber tensile strain of 3.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential cross sections of 9Be(3He,3He 0)9Be elastic scattering and of the 9Be(3He,p 0,1,2,3,4+5,6,7)11B reactions have been determined in the energy range from 1.6 to 6 MeV at six backward angles from 120° to 170°, with a step of 10°. The experiments were performed at the 4 MV Dynamitron Tandem Laboratory of the Central Unit for Ion Beams and Radionuclides of the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. The obtained datasets have been validated through benchmarking experiments, at 8 beam energies, using a thick, high-purity, beryllium foil. The results of the present work are compared with existing ones from literature and any discrepancies observed are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bencubbin-type (CB) and high-metal (CH) chondrites belong to the same clan, due to their similar chemical compositions, e.g., similar oxygen isotopic compositions and high abundance of metal and sulfide. However, whether they derived from the same reservoir in the protoplanetary disk is poorly understood [1, 2]. CB chondrites have large chondrules (up to 20 mm), and these chondrules formed later than chondrules in other groups of chondrites [3, 4], i.e., ~5 Ma after solar system formation. The CB chondrules are also very depleted in moderately volatile elements [5], which may relate to their presumed formation during the collision of two planetesimals [3]. Nucleosynthetic 54Cr isotope variations (expressed as ε54Cr, per ten thousand deviation of mass-independent 54Cr/52Cr isotope ratios relative to terrestrial standards) are a powerful tool to test the genetic relationships among solar system materials [2, 6]. Chromium (Cr) has a 50% condensation temperature of 1291 K [7], and its volatility increases with the fO2 [8]. Mass-dependent Cr isotope variations (expressed as δ53Cr, per mil deviation of mass-dependent 53Cr/52Cr ratios relative to NIST SRM 979) can be used to study isotopic fractionation during evaporation processes [9, 10]. The siderophile nature of Cr also makes it a tracer for metal-silicate segregation. Samples and Methods: We selected four CB chondrites and three CH chondrites (including the data in [2]) for mass-independent Cr isotope measurments by the total evaporation method on Trion TIMS (FUB), ion-exchange column chemistry and the mass spectrometric method is decribed in [11]. The CB chondrules were extracted from the Gujba (fall) meteorite. The δ53Cr values were measured on Triton TIMS (FUB) using double spike techiques [12] with an external 2SD uncertainty of ~0.013 ‰. Results: CB and CH chondrites show homogenous ε54Cr values of 1.51 ± 0.09 (2SD, N = 4) and 1.54 ± 0.13 (2SD, N = 3), respectively. Bulk Gujba has a δ53Cr value of -0.28 ± 0.01 (2SD, N = 2) that is isotopically lighter than its chondrules with δ53Cr values ranging from -0.32 to 0.02. Gujba chondrules have variable Cr contents (2900 - 4000 ppm), Mn/Cr (0.09 - 0.54) and Al/Mg ratios (0.086 - 0.118), and the Mn/Cr and Al/Mg ratios are broadly anticorrelated with the δ53Cr values. Discussion and Conclusion: The ε54Cr similarities between CB and CH chondrites strongly suggests that they formed from similar or the same precursors. Their ε54Cr values are also similar to ε54Cr of CI chondrites (~1.5, [2, 6]) which show the highest ε54Cr value of chondrites, rich in presolar grains. However, CB and CH chondrites do not share common Δ17O compositions. Furthermore, CB and CH chondrites have higher ε54Cr values than the metalbearing CR chondrites, suggesting that the latter derive from another reservoir. Thus, although CB-CH-CR chondrites are all relatively metal-rich compared to other carbonaceous chondrites, the assigned clan designation [13] should be reconsidered. The isotopically heavy Cr in Gujba chondrules compared to the measurement of bulk Gujba could have been caused by Cr loss during the impact processes. This is further suggested by the "heavy" Cr and decreasing Al/Mg and Mn/Cr ratios. Note that, only in oxidized conditions, Cr would be more volatile than Mn [8]. This may further suggest the Gujba CB chondrules formed at a relatively oxidized condition [5]. Alternatively, isotopically heavy Cr in CB chondrules (silicates) could be caused by equilibrium isotope fractionation during metal-silicate segregation, which results in the isotopically light Cr in the matal phase, consistent with the ab initio calculation [14]. Acknowledgements: K. Z. thanks the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for a Postdoctral Fellowship. H.B. is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation-#263649064-TRR 170). We thank Frederic Moynier for generously providing the Cr spikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Most iron meteorites are interpreted to represent fragments of the cores of asteroids, hence their formation represents a significant stage of planetary differentiation. The formation and crystallization of these cores dates back to the first few million years of the solar system. Stable isotopes of siderophile elements, such as Cr [1, 2] may fractionate during metal-silicate equilibration, which can provide constraints for the reconstruction of the physicochemical environment of core formation processes. However, it is difficult to determine the original Cr isotope composition of iron meteorites, because exposure to cosmic rays can significantly modify the Cr isotope compositions of samples with high Fe/Cr ratios and long exposure times, leading to enrichments in 53Cr and 54Cr [3]. This can result in a negative correlation between Cr contents and d53Cr of iron meteorite metal [4]. Chromite and Fe-Cr sulfide (daubréelite) in iron meteorites have very low Fe/Cr ratios and thus, may better preserve the original Cr isotope composition of iron meteorites before irradiation [5]. Samples and Methods: Seven chromite/daubréelite samples of iron meteorites, belonging to IIIAB (Cape York and Saint Aubin), IVA (Yanhuitlan and Duchesne) and IIAB (Agoudal, Sikhote Alin and NWA 11420) groups are investigated which, wereare from a previously studiedy for mass-independent Cr isotope variations [5]. We employed the Triton TIMS (Freie Universität Berlin) and double spike techniques to measure to their d53Cr values, with an external 2SD precision of better than 0.02 ‰. The detailed analytical method is described in [6]. Results: Two IIIAB chromites show the same d53Cr (per thousand 53Cr/52Cr ratios relative to NIST SRM 979) values of -0.08 ± 0.01‰ (2SD), while the chromite/daubréelite in IVA and IIAB iron meteorites show large d53Cr variation, from -1.29‰ to -0.74‰ and from -0.64‰ to -0.08‰, respectively. The bulk iron meteorites have variable Ni, Au and Ir contents, which are not correlated with the d53Cr values of the chromites. Discussion and Conclusion: The Cr stable isotope fractionation of more than 1 permil for some chromites most likely reflects kinetic isotope fractionation, caused by diffusion processes during core crystallization and cooling. Two IIIAB iron meteorites with different Ni, Au and Ir contents (8.50%, 1.01 ppm and 2.90 ppm; 10.33%, 2.59 ppm and 0.02 ppm respectively) have chromites with the same d53Cr values of -0.08 ± 0.01‰. These data may reflect equilibrium isotope fractionation and the d53Cr value may be representative for the IIIAB iron meteorite parent body. However, during crystallization chromite can become enriched in heavy Cr isotopes by ~0.15‰ as was shown in relatively oxidized terrestrial rocks [7]. Hence, the IIIAB bulk iron meteorites may have a lighter d53Cr value relative to chromite (around ~-0.23‰). Since the chromites from these three iron meteorite groups have ordinary chondrite (OC)-like e54Cr values [5, 8, 9] and chondrites show heterogeneous d53Cr values [6], we assume that the d53Cr values of OCs (-0.10 ± 0.04‰; 2SD, N = 20) are representative of the bulk parent bodies of the iron meteorites [6, 10]. The d53Cr difference between IIIAB iron meteorites and OCs, d53CrIIIAB-OCs = ~-0.13‰, potentially indicates Cr stable isotope fractionation during core formation of the IIIAB parent body. This observation is consistent with ab-initio calculations suggesting that the metal phase is enriched in isotopically light Cr compared to coexisting silicates during their segregation [11]. Indeed, silicates of the aubrite and ureilite parent bodies are enriched in isotopically heavy Cr, which suggests the asteroid cores should be dominated by isotoplically light Cr. When Cr stable isotopes are used for tracking planetary differentiation, core formation must be considered, especially for small planetary bodies [12, 13]. Acknowledgements: K. Z. thanks the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for a postdoctral fellowship. H.B. is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation-#263649064-TRR 170). We thank Frederic Moynier for generously providing the Cr spikes, and Peng Ni for fruitful discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing life expectancy, the age of onset of natural menopause has not significantly changed in recent decades. Thus, women spend about one-third of their lives in an estrogen-deficient state if untreated. There is a need for appropriate treatment of acute symptoms and prevention of the sequelae of chronic estrogen deficiency. International guidelines call for the use of the lowest effective hormone dosage for vasomotor symptom relief, the major indication for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). In 2011, an oral continuous combined ultra-low-dose MHT was approved in Switzerland. This publication was elaborated by eight national menopause specialists and intends to review the advantages and disadvantages of ultra-low-dose MHT after the first years of its general use in Switzerland. It concludes that, for many women, ultra-low-dose MHT may be sufficient to decrease vasomotor symptoms, but not necessarily to guarantee fracture prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on gold foil activation measurements performed along a vertical channel along the tank of the ultracold neutron source at the Paul Scherrer Institute. The activities obtained at various distances from the spallation target are in very good agreement with MCNPX simulations which take into account the detailed description of the source as built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in animal models have shown that repeated episodes of alcohol dependence and withdrawal promote escalation of drinking that is presumably associated with alterations in the addiction neurocircuitry. Using a lithium chloride-ethanol pairing procedure to devalue the reinforcing properties of ethanol, the present study determined whether multiple cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure by vapor inhalation also alters the sensitivity of drinking behavior to the devaluation of ethanol's reinforcing effects. The effect of devaluation on operant ethanol self-administration and extinction was examined in mice prior to initiation of CIE (short drinking history) and after repeated cycles of CIE or air control exposure (long drinking history). Devaluation significantly attenuated the recovery of baseline ethanol self-administration when tested either prior to CIE or in the air-exposed controls that had experienced repeated bouts of drinking but no CIE. In contrast, in mice that had undergone repeated cycles of CIE exposure that promoted escalation of ethanol drinking, self-administration was completely resistant to the effect of devaluation. Devaluation had no effect on the time course of extinction training in either pre-CIE or post-CIE mice. Taken together, these results are consistent with the suggestion that repeated cycles of ethanol dependence and withdrawal produce escalation of ethanol self-administration that is associated with a change in sensitivity to devaluation of the reinforcing properties of ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in animal models have shown that repeated episodes of alcohol dependence and withdrawal promote escalation of drinking that is presumably associated with alterations in the addiction neurocircuitry. Using a lithium chloride-ethanol pairing procedure to devalue the reinforcing properties of ethanol, the present study determined whether multiple cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure by vapor inhalation also alters the sensitivity of drinking behavior to the devaluation of ethanol's reinforcing effects. The effect of devaluation on operant ethanol self-administration and extinction was examined in mice prior to initiation of CIE (short drinking history) and after repeated cycles of CIE or air control exposure (long drinking history). Devaluation significantly attenuated the recovery of baseline ethanol self-administration when tested either prior to CIE or in the air-exposed controls that had experienced repeated bouts of drinking but no CIE. In contrast, in mice that had undergone repeated cycles of CIE exposure that promoted escalation of ethanol drinking, self-administration was completely resistant to the effect of devaluation. Devaluation had no effect on the time course of extinction training in either pre-CIE or post-CIE mice. Taken together, these results are consistent with the suggestion that repeated cycles of ethanol dependence and withdrawal produce escalation of ethanol self-administration that is associated with a change in sensitivity to devaluation of the reinforcing properties of ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses clinical and molecular characterization of adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and sole +8 cytogenetic abnormality enrolled on Cancer and Leukemia Group B/Alliance clinical trials.

Abstract: The localization of brain sources based on EEG measurements is a topic that has attracted a lot of attention in the last decades and many different source localization algorithms have been proposed. However, their performance is limited in the case of several simultaneously active brain regions and low signal-to-noise ratios. To overcome these problems, tensor-based preprocessing can be applied, which consists in constructing a space–time–frequency (STF) or space–time–wave–vector (STWV) tensor and decomposing it using the Canonical Polyadic (CP) decomposition. In this paper, we present a new algorithm for the accurate localization of extended sources based on the results of the tensor decomposition. Furthermore, we conduct a detailed study of the tensor-based preprocessing methods, including an analysis of their theoretical foundation, their computational complexity, and their performance for realistic simulated data in comparison to conventional source localization algorithms such as sLORETA, cortical LORETA (cLORETA), and 4-ExSo-MUSIC. Our objective consists, on the one hand, in demonstrating the gain in performance that can be achieved by tensor-based preprocessing, and, on the other hand, in pointing out the limits and drawbacks of this method. Finally, we validate the STF and STWV techniques on real measurements to demonstrate their usefulness for practical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This systematic review summarises the literature on patient selection, decision-making, effectiveness and outcomes in the surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS). Introduction: In daily practice, decision-making in the treatment of LDS is challenging. There is little consensus on either the precise indications or prognostic factors for any specific therapy (operative or non-operative). Methods: We searched for LDS trials published between 01.01.1990 and 16.11.2011 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Cinahl. Two independent reviewers selected studies according to the inclusion criteria. Data were then extracted by two of the authors. Quality assessment was performed using the Downs and Black list for the clinical trials/studies and AMSTAR for the reviews. Results: Data synthesis: 21 papers met the inclusion criteria (2 studies comprising both a RCT and a concurrent observational analysis, 1 RCT, 6 prospective studies, 8 retrospective studies, 3 reviews, 1 review guideline). The quality of the clinical studies was on average 'fair' [mean score 15.6 points (range 10-19) out of 24 points (Downs and Black)]. The quality of the reviews ranged from 1 to 7 out of 11 points with an average of 5 points (AMSTAR). The study outcomes could not be subject to meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of study design and variable measure used. Conclusions: Despite there being many articles describing and/or comparing different surgical options for LDS, there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions concerning clear indications for specific types of surgical treatment, predictors of outcome or complication rates. There remains a need to establish a decision-making tool to facilitate daily clinical practice and to assure appropriate treatment for patients with LDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working with clients with multiple and complex needs represents a significant challenge for drug and alcohol services. Many clients presenting to these services have multiple and complex needs, associated with, but not limited to, cognitive impairment and/or contact with the criminal justice system. This article examines a subset of recent scholarly literature associated with provision of drug and alcohol services to clients with complex needs and its connections with drug and alcohol service provision by non-government drug and alcohol services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A limited literature review of scholarly literature related to working with clients with complex needs was undertaken. Publications were included if they specifically discussed policy or programmes associated with multiple and complex needs post-dating 2000. An examination of service provision by metropolitan, regional and remote non-government drug and alcohol services followed the literature review. The scholarly literature around programmes working with clients with complex needs suggests that it is often difficult to disentangle complex needs, such as cognitive impairment and offending behaviour. Five case studies representing real-world practices from the examination draw together the scholarly literature and the landscape of service provision as described by drug and alcohol services in NSW. The aim of this article is to explore the drug and alcohol service delivery landscape in NSW in the context of literature relating specifically to the intersection of complex needs such as cognitive impairment, contact with the criminal justice system and unstable accommodation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The reaction 141Pr(α,n)144pm was investigated between Eα = 11 MeV and 15 MeV with the activation method using the γγ coincidence method with a segmented clover-type high-purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. Measurements with four other HPGe detectors were additionally made. The comparison proves that the γγ coincidence method is an excellent tool to investigate cross sections down to the microbam range. The (α,n) reaction at low energy is especially suited to test α + nucleus optical-model potentials for application in the astrophysical p process. The experimentally determined cross sections were compared to Hauser-Feshbach statistical model calculations using different optical potentials and generally an unsatisfactory reproduction of the data was found. A local potential was constructed to improve the description of the data. The consequences of applying the same potential to calculate astrophysical (γ, α) rates for 145pm and 148Gd were explored. In summary, the data and further results underline the problems in global predictions of α + nucleus optical potentials at astrophysically relevant energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the cancer experience of survivors with pre-existing diagnoses of heart and/or lung disease following active treatment.Method: The Lance Armstrong Foundation recruited cancer survivors throughout the United States to complete a web-based survey to provide insight into post-treatment supportive care needs. Experts in survey methodology and oncology, as well as cancer survivors, provided input into the survey.Results: Among the 2,307 respondents, 137 individuals had been told by their physicians that they had heart or lung problems. They were 50 years old on average, and most were more than 5 years past active treatment. Two thirds of these respondents reported pain for long periods, and 20% of them agreed that they now need help with everyday tasks that they did not need help with before their cancer. Among those who were tired, had no energy, or had trouble sleeping and/or resting, less than half (47%) agreed that they had received help with this problem. One third of these respondents indicated that they had decreased their physical activity since their cancer diagnosis because of fatigue, and 26% decreased their activities because of pain. More respondents indicated that their needs were met during their cancer treatment than afterwards.Conclusions: Researchers and healthcare providers are urged to consider the unmet supportive care needs of cancer survivors with co-morbid conditions following active treatment, particularly the necessity for careful monitoring of their complex health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cognitive impairment is considered to be a core characteristic of schizophrenia. The relationship between psychosis and cognitive deterioration, however, remains unclear. This longitudinal study investigated the neuropsychological functioning of patients before and after their first psychotic episode. Cognitive functioning of participants who later developed a psychosis was compared to that of people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis who did not develop psychosis at follow-up and healthy controls. Method. Participants were 41 persons at UHR for psychosis (the UHR group), of whom 17 developed psychosis between the first and second assessment. Seventeen healthy controls were included in the study. Cognitive performance was assessed at intake (T0) and again after 18 months (T1). The areas of cognitive functioning assessed include verbal memory and learning, visuospatial working memory, executive function, sustained attention and motor speed. Results. The transition group did not perform significantly worse at the second assessment than at the first on any of the outcome measures. The UHR group performed better on a verbal learning and memory test at T1 compared to T0. At T0, the control group scored significantly better than the UHR group and the transition group on the verbal learning and memory test and the verbal fluency test. Conclusions. The results indicate that no cognitive deterioration occurs during the first psychotic episode. Problems in verbal memory may be present before the first episode of psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The abundances of the highly siderophile elements (HSE) Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Rh, Pd and Au, and 187Os/188Os isotope ratios have been determined for a set of carbonaceous, ordinary, enstatite and Rumuruti chondrites, using an analytical technique that permits the precise and accurate measurement of all HSE from the same digestion aliquot. Concentrations of Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd were determined by isotope dilution ICP-MS and N-TIMS analysis. The monoisotopic elements Rh and Au were quantified relative to the abundance of Ir. Differences in HSE abundances and ratios such as Re/Os, 187Os/188Os, Pd/Ir and Au/Ir between different chondrite classes are further substantiated with new data, and additional Rh and Au data, including new data for CI chondrites. Systematically different relative abundances of Rh between different chondrite classes are reminiscent of the behaviour of Re. Carbonaceous chondrites are characterized by low average Rh/Ir of 0.27±0.03 (1s) which is about 20% lower than the ratio for ordinary (0.34±0.02) and enstatite chondrites (EH: 0.33±0.01; EL: 0.32±0.01). R chondrites show higher and somewhat variable Rh/Ir of 0.37±0.07. Well-defined linear correlations of HSE, in particular for bulk samples of ordinary and EL chondrites, are explained by binary mixing and/or dilution by silicates. The HSE carriers responsible for these correlations have a uniform chemical composition, indicating efficient homogenization of local nebular heterogeneities during or prior to the formation of the host minerals in chondrite components. Excepting Rumuruti chondrites and Au in carbonaceous chondrites, these correlations also suggest that metamorphism, alteration and igneous processes had negligible influence on the HSE distribution on the bulk sample scale. Depletion patterns for Rh, Pd and Au in carbonaceous chondrites other than CI are smoothly related to condensation temperatures and therefore consistent with the general depletion of moderately volatile elements in carbonaceous chondrites. Fractionated HSE abundance patterns of ordinary, enstatite and Rumuruti chondrites, however, are more difficult to explain. Fractional condensation combined with the removal of metal phases at various times, and later mixing of early and late formed metal phases may provide a viable explanation. Planetary fractionation processes that may have affected precursor material of chondrite components cannot explain the HSE abundance patterns of chondrite groups. HSE abundances of some, but not all Rumuruti chondrites may be consistent with solid sulphide–liquid sulphide fractionation processes during impact induced melting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rapeseed oil is one of the richest natural sources of phytosterols, known to reduce the LDL-cholesterol levels, one of the major cardiovascular disease risk factors. Increasing the phytosterol content in rapeseed could give an added value to the oil and derived products. Our objective was to analyse the genetic variation of phytosterol content in modern winter rapeseed cultivars and resynthesized lines following field experiments and to develop a near-infrared reflectance spectroscopic (NIRS) calibration for high throughput estimation of phytosterol content. Phytosterol content as analysed by gas–liquid chromatography ranged from 3565 to 4800 mg/kg seed for modern cultivars and from 2079 to 4329 mg/kg seed for resynthesized lines. The NIRS calibration showed a high fraction of explained variance in cross-validation of 0.81 for total phytosterol content and the standard error of cross-validation was 241 mg/kg. The results show that the cultivars contain already high phytosterol contents. The NIRS calibrations developed for total phytosterol content should be useful for germplasm screening and in breeding programmes aimed at increasing the phytosterol content in rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to find C genome specific repetitive DNA sequences able to differentiate the homeologous A (B. rapa) and C (B. oleracea) genomes of Brassica, in order to assist in the physical identification of B. napus chromosomes. A repetitive sequence (pBo1.6) highly enriched in the C genome of Brassica was cloned from B. oleracea and its chromosomal organisation was investigated through fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) in B. oleracea (2n = 18, CC), B. rapa (2n = 20, AA) and B. napus (2n = 38, AACC) genomes. The sequence was 203 bp long with a GC content of 48.3%. It showed up to 89% sequence identity with telomere-like DNA from many plant species. This repeat was clearly underrepresented in the A genome and the in situ hybridisation showed its B. oleracea specificity at the chromosomal level. Sequence pBo1.6 was localised at interstitial and/or telomeric/subtelomeric regions of all chromosomes from B. oleracea, whereas in B. rapa no signal was detected in most of the cells. In B. napus 18 to 24 chromosomes hybridised with pBo1.6. The discovery of a sequence highly enriched in the C genome of Brassica opens the opportunity for detailed studies regarding the subsequent evolution of DNA sequences in polyploid genomes. Moreover, pBo1.6 may be useful for the determination of the chromosomal location of transgenic DNA in genetically modified oilseed rape. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infusing age-specific, multigenerational content into social work curricula at both the MSW and BSW levels are key goals in preparing age-competent social workers to meet the needs of our current and future aging populations. The social work profession has a holistic approach and crucial skills that can promote aging well. This article will discuss an innovative, multilevel intervention strategy supported by the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative that formulates, implements, and sustains age-infused curricula and assures the education of age-competent social workers by capitalizing on a 'community-focus' strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults may benefit from clinical conversations about the role of spirituality in their lives, but social workers and other helping professionals often do not have an understanding of where to proceed beyond initial questions of whether spirituality and/or religion are important and if so, what religious preference is held. Much has been written about definitions of spirituality and religion, but the literature has not yet provided a clear focus on ways to assess whether these are integrated positively or negatively in the lives of older adults. This article identifies eleven domains in spirituality that might be assessed. Within each domain an explanation is provided as well as a brief discussion of the rationale for including it in the classification. Sample interview questions and an illustrative vignette are included. Together these eleven domains build an important framework and resource for spiritual assessment with older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Osmium, Ru, Ir, Pt, Pd and Re abundances and 187Os/188Os data on peridotites were determined using improved analytical techniques in order to precisely constrain the highly siderophile element (HSE) composition of fertile lherzolites and to provide an updated estimate of HSE composition of the primitive upper mantle (PUM). The new data are used to better constrain the origin of the HSE excess in Earth’s mantle. Samples include lherzolite and harzburgite xenoliths from Archean and post-Archean continental lithosphere, peridotites from ultramafic massifs, ophiolites and other samples of oceanic mantle such as abyssal peridotites. Osmium, Ru and Ir abundances in the peridotite data set do not correlate with moderately incompatible melt extraction indicators such as Al2O3. Os/Ir is chondritic in most samples, while Ru/Ir, with few exceptions, is ca. 30% higher than in chondrites. Both ratios are constant over a wide range of Al2O3 contents, but show stronger scatter in depleted harzburgites. Platinum, Pd and Re abundances, their ratios with Ir, Os and Ru, and the 187Os/188Os ratio (a proxy for Re/Os) show positive correlations with Al2O3, indicating incompatible behavior of Pt, Pd and Re during mantle melting. The empirical sequence of peridotite-melt partition coefficients of Re, Pd and Pt as derived from peridotites () is consistent with previous data on natural samples. Some harzburgites and depleted lherzolites have been affected by secondary igneous processes such as silicate melt percolation, as indicated by U-shaped patterns of incompatible HSE, high 187Os/188Os, and scatter off the correlations defined by incompatible HSE and Al2O3. The bulk rock HSE content, chondritic Os/Ir, and chondritic to subchondritic Pt/Ir, Re/Os, Pt/Re and Re/Pd of many lherzolites of the present study are consistent with depletion by melting, and possibly solid state mixing processes in the convecting mantle, involving recycled oceanic lithosphere. Based on fertile lherzolite compositions, we infer that PUM is characterized by a mean Ir abundance of 3.5±0.4ng/g (or 0.0080±0.0009*CI chondrites), chondritic ratios involving Os, Ir, Pt and Re (Os/IrPUM of 1.12±0.09, Pt/IrPUM =2.21±0.21, Re/OsPUM =0.090±0.002) and suprachondritic ratios involving Ru and Pd (Ru/IrPUM =2.03±0.12, Pd/IrPUM =2.06±0.31, uncertainties 1σ). The combination of chondritic and modestly suprachondritic HSE ratios of PUM cannot be explained by any single planetary fractionation process. Comparison with HSE patterns of chondrites shows that no known chondrite group perfectly matches the PUM composition. Similar HSE patterns, however, were found in Apollo 17 impact melt rocks from the Serenitatis impact basin [Norman M.D., Bennett V.C., Ryder G., 2002. Targeting the impactors: siderophile element signatures of lunar impact melts from Serenitatis. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett, 217–228.], which represent mixtures of chondritic material, and a component that may be either of meteoritic or indigenous origin. The similarities between the HSE composition of PUM and the bulk composition of lunar breccias establish a connection between the late accretion history of the lunar surface and the HSE composition of the Earth’s mantle. Although late accretion following core formation is still the most viable explanation for the HSE abundances in the Earth’s mantle, the “late veneer” hypothesis may require some modification in light of the unique PUM composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article considers endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) as a new technology that can prove superior to all conventional imaging techniques in special indications, such as the diagnosis of infiltration of the central airways by external tumors. The role of computed tomography imaging in preoperative staging of lung cancer is described. Difficulties in developing EBUS is discussed.

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors associated with hormone therapy (HT) use among women with mobility impairments. A non-probability sample of 188 menopausal women (average age = 53 years) from 38 states was recruited in 2004 for the study. Twenty-two percent of participants were currently taking HT; 33% were past users. Using multinomial logistic regression, this study found that those most likely to be taking HT now or in the past were older women, knowledgeable about HT, had had a hysterectomy, had bone loss, and had their provider's encouragement. Implications for health care providers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the development and empirical test of a measure of spiritual supports used by older adults in managing life challenge. The Spiritual Strategies Scale (SSS) consists of 18 items. Cronbach's coefficient alpha reliability for the measure was .86. The sample, gathered from interviews at four sites, consisted of 79 older adults who were predominantly Jewish European American and African American. Concurrent validity analyses suggest that this measure warrants further testing. This scale also has potential for clinical use in social work practice by counselors for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potential of autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) to detect precancerous lesions in the central airways and its role in lung cancer screening is uncertain. A study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of moderate/severe dysplasia (dysplasia Il-Ill) and carcinoma in situ (CIS) using a newly developed AFB system in comparison with conventional white light bronchoscopy (WLB) alone. Methods: In a prospective randomised multicentre trial, smokers ⩾40 years of age (⩾20 pack-years) were stratified into four different risk groups and investigated with either WLB+AFB (arm A) or WIB alone (arm B). Results: 1173 patients (916 men) of mean age 58.7 years were included. Overall (arms A and B), preinvasive lesions (dysplasia Il-Ill and CIS) were detected in 3.9% of the patients. The prevalence of patients with preinvasive lesions in the WLB arm was 2.7% compared with 5.1% in the WLB+AFB arm (p = 0.037). For patients with dysplasia Il-Ill, WLB+AFB increased the detection rate by a factor of 2.1 (p = 0.03), while for CIS the factor was only 1.24 (p = 0.75). The biopsy based sensitivity of WLB alone and WIB+AFB for detecting dysplasia II-III and CIS was 57.9% compared with 82.3% (1.42-fold increase). The corresponding specificity was 62.1 % compared with 58.4% (0.94-fold decrease). Conclusions: This first randomised study of MB showed that the combination of WLB+AFB was significantly superior to WIB alone in detecting preneoplastic lesions. Our findings do not support the general use of AFB as a screening tool for lung cancer, but suggest that it may be of use in certain groups. The precise indications await further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religion is an important coping resource for many older adults. This paper briefly describes social work's religious roots, makes a distinction between religion and spirituality for older adults, and presents empirical data showing how older adults employ religious strategies to cope with life challenge. The study reports on religious coping in an available sample of 79 European American and African American older adults residing in urban community dwellings. Implications suggest how social workers and others may support religious coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the effect of ionizing radiation on two types of deformable MEMS mirrors. Little effect was observed in the technology that was based on electrostatic deflection, consistent with the structural design that does not contain insulators between the two sections. Significant changes in the operating characteristics were observed for the second type of mirror, which uses piezoelectric material for actuation. The mirrors required higher total dose levels before they were affected compared with MEMS accelerometers, which can be explained by the larger interelement spacing used in the mirror arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Expect Respect Project, a violence prevention program, was developed to reduce the incidence of bullying and sexual harassment by creating a positive school climate in which inappropriate behaviors are not tolerated and staff members respond consistently to incidents. The project implemented an educational intervention for students, parents, and staff members on expecting respect in student relationships and strategies for responding to inappropriate student behaviors. This article describes the educational intervention and evaluation of the project. Findings from the project showed a significant increase in awareness of bullying following the educational intervention. Bullying was reported to have occurred in areas with less adult super-vision such as the playground, cafeteria, hallway, and buses. Students thought staff would respond to inappropriate behaviors by telling students to ignore verbal bullying or sexual harassment. In contrast, staff at the elementary schools thought adults would respond to inappropriate behaviors by telling the bully to stop, calling his or her parents, or giving a specific punishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal generation of thermal waves was used in combination with the probe beam deflection technique to study the thermal diffusivity of functionally graded materials (FGMs) quantitatively. An amplitude modulated Ar ion laser was used as a heat source and the HeNe probe laser was reflected from the specimen surface at almost normal incidence. It is demonstrated that this measuring technique can be used for a precise determination of the thermal diffusivity for a wide variety of materials if appropriate measuring conditions are chosen. The precision of the thermal diffusivity measurement was better than 5% for all materials studied. The achieved spatial resolution of the thermal diffusivity measurement was about 100 μm, but higher spatial resolutions can be achieved if necessary. In a graded Al2O3/Al composite local fluctuations of the thermal diffusivity were observed due to the coarseness of the microstructure, but the overall behaviour of the thermal conductivity could be described well by the Maxwell-Eucken relationship. In a functionally graded AlCu alloy, a smooth thermal diffusivity profile was observed in the region where the alloy consisted of a solid solution of Cu in Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonography (US) has inherent limitations for thoracic imaging because sound waves are reflected by bone and air space (such as in lung parenchyma). However, US is less expensive and more convenient than computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); it provides immediate information with real-time imaging, and can give information not available from a standard radiograph. This review describes the utility and limitations of US and compares US with radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have fabricated a capillary electrophoresis (CE) chip from photostructurable glass. This material allows, unlike conventional amorphous glasses, the fabrication of microstructures, namely micro-channels with an aspect ratio of >1 using the wet etching processes. The high aspect ratio allows, for a given channel cross-section, a longer optical path length resulting in improved detection limits for optical detection methods. This paper describes the fabrication of a single depth photostructurable glass device, with dimensions of 500 μm depth and 200 μm width, which was characterised with the CE separation of amino-acids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent discussions about the health status of the homeless in Germany, there has been an increasing interest in the extent to which mental health disorders are appearing in this heterogeneous population. It has been argued that the growth in the homeless population has been paralleled by an increase in the numbers of single homeless people suffering from severe mental disorders. Consequently, several studies have been conducted in Europe and elsewhere during the last few decades to assess the mental health status of the homeless population. In Germany, however, there is still a lack of valid, epidemiologically based and representative data in this area. This paper focuses on the unique problems of homeless people with mental health problems in Germany who typically have multiple needs for adequate treatment and rehabilitation. Some have suggested that specific psychiatric education should be encouraged or expanded and that comprehensive and sensible service responses that allow for easily accessible and unrestrictive mental health services should be developed. There is an additional need to improve cooperation on a case-management basis between counseling centers for the homeless and healthcare institutions in order to deal effectively with the complex problems associated with homelessness. Efforts targeted at the prevention of homelessness should also be strengthened. Because of their deprived living conditions, homeless persons are seriously at risk of developing physical and/or psychological or mental morbidity. Studies from North America [1-3] and various European countries [e.g., 4] have reported elevated rates of severe mental health problems among this population, especially substance abuse disorders. However, it is difficult to generalize these results to Germany because of profound differences in health-care systems and the socioeconomic context. In Germany every citizen is covered by comprehensive health-insurance plans. A homeless person in need... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter oilseed rape, with high oleic (HO) acid contents (C18 : 1) is of interest for nutritional as well as for industrial purposes. HO mutants have been described, but only limited information is available on any environmental influence on the expression of oleic acid content in these mutants. Therefore, a population of 60 doubled-haploid (DH) lines segregating for oleic acid content (56–75% C18 : 1) was grown in two years at three locations in northern Germany. Analysis of variance revealed a high heritability for oleic acid content of h2 = 0.99. Subdividing the DH population into a high (> 64% C18 : 1) and a low (< 64% C18 : 1) oleic acid class showed high heritabilities (h2 = 0.94) for C18 : 1 contents within both the high and low oleic acid types. The oleic acid contents in HO types of winter oilseed rape were environmentally stable at the three locations tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding cost-effective ways to increase response to mailed surveys is a concern for many nurse researchers. This study compared two follow-up methods: sending a second questionnaire packet versus sending a reminder postcard to those who did not respond to an initial mailing. Although the second questionnaire yielded a higher response than did the postcard, the cost per additional response was approximately 2 1/2 times higher for the questionnaire than for the postcard when the differential cost of the two mailings is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of a school-based, bicycle helmet program was conducted using the PRECEDE model. The intervention targeted schools with low income, high minority, and nonurban fourth grade children. A repeated measures design was used with schools randomly assigned to each treatment: classroom, parent-classroom, or control. Reported helmet use was approximately 18% prior to the program. Following the intervention, between 34% and 98% of intervention students reported helmet use, with the best results reported in schools with parental contact. This educational intervention coupled with the provision of bicycle helmets increased reported helmet use, especially when parental contact was added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe−Ga alloys (Galfenols) are of interest due to their pronounced magnetostriction, whereby the mechanistic understanding is limited. By means of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction it is shown that as-cast Fe-38.4 at%Ga alloy consists of Fe 13 Ga 9 intermetallic with a monoclinic Ni 2 In/NiAs-related structure, which coexists with bcc solid solution. By means of electron backscatter diffraction it is shown that the Fe 13 Ga 9 intermetallic develops with two different but closely related orientation relationships with respect to the matrix, which can be derived by the relation between the atomic structures of Fe 13 Ga 9 and the matrix. First principles calculations reveal that Fe 13 Ga 9 should be stable at 0 K and that this phase may also expected to develop in alloys for lower Ga contents and may have to be considered upon interpreting macroscopically observed magnetostriction. • Fe 13 Ga 9 intermetallic develops in as-cast Fe-38at.%Ga alloy. • Crystal structure was refined based on powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. • DFT calculations imply that Fe 13 Ga 9 is stable at 0 K against other Fe–Ga phases. • Crystal structure can be related with crystal structure of bcc matrix. • Role of this phase in view of magnetostriction in Galfenols is to be eludicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]