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Thermosets having low dielectric constant (Dk < 3) and low dielectric dissipation factor (Df < 0.003), high glass transition temperature (Tg > 150 °C), and good adhesion to copper are desirable for the low loss layers of the copper clad laminates (CCL) in next generation printed circuit boards. Three different difunctional diazirines are evaluated for both thermal and photochemical crosslinking of a high Tg vinyl‐addition polynorbornene resin: poly(5‐hexyl‐1‐norbornene) (poly(HNB)). The substrate polymer, crosslinked by the carbenes generated from the activated diazirines, forms thermosets with Dk < 2.3 and Df < 0.001 at 10 GHz depending on the identity of the diazirine and the loading. The Dk and Df values for one composition are stable for 1600 h at 125 °C in air and for 1400 h at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity, suggesting good long‐term reliability of this thermoset. Adhesion of poly(HNB) to copper can be enhanced by priming the copper surface with a diazirine prior to high temperature lamination; peel strength values of greater than 7.5 N cm−1 are achieved. Negative‐tone photopatterning of poly(HNB) with diazirines upon exposure to 365 nm light is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2006, representative telephone surveys among the German general population have not detected any significant changes with respect to gambling-related problems. This is remarkable, as in the meantime not only the availability of gambling services and the turnover and gross gambling revenues of gambling providers have increased, but also the demand for treatment from people with gambling problems has grown. Not only in the gambling field have population surveys of this type recently been associated with certain methodological problems. These include a decreasing willingness to participate among and limited access to specific subgroups. The prevalence study at hand is based on a mixed-mode design which combines both a telephone and an online survey. The weighting of both samples in a ratio of 2 to 1 was checked against plausibility data. The sample consists of 12,303 complete interviews (telephone: 61%, online: 39%). The results show that 2.3% of the German population aged 18–70 years are identified as having a 'gambling disorder' according to DSM-5 (mild disorder: 1.1%, moderate disorder: 0.7%, and severe disorder: 0.5%). The prevalence detected in this study is significantly higher than that of previous surveys. Finally, we discuss the results primarily within the context of the new survey methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary scientific evidence indicates that online gamblers are more likely to be problem gamblers and thus point to the need for effective protection measures. This study focuses on an online self-exclusion program and seeks to comprehensively examine the benefits of this measure. It was intended to collect detailed information on the characteristics of self-excluded internet gamblers and to examine the benefits of online self-exclusion over time. The baseline sample consisted of a total of N = 259 internet gamblers who self-excluded from the online gambling platform "win2day.at." Descriptive analyses indicate that a significant percentage of respondents had gambled excessively on the internet. Follow-up surveys 1, 6, and 12 month(s) after the initiation of self-exclusion with a small sub-sample (n = 20) suggest that the temporary restriction of access to one single online gambling site can indeed have favorable psycho-social effects. The article concludes with a discussion of how self-exclusion practices on the internet can be improved.

When contemplating how to perform atomic spectrochemical analysis for trace metals, the following key components immediately come to mind: 1. sample 2. excitation (or atomization) source 3. spectrometer 4. detector [...]

The market situation at the time when the LambdaUnite Switch was created in 1999 is described in order to understand the product concept. The high flexibility of the LambdaUnite Multiservice Switch (MSS) architecture enabled to address new applications and market segments including metro interoffice via the 160 Gbps switch matrix and wideband cross-connect functionality, and the product continues to evolve as technologies and ideas evolve.

Byline: Tobias Hayer (1), Gerhard Meyer (2) Keywords: Problematisches Spielverhalten; Pathologisches Spielverhalten; Spielsucht; Pravention; Verantwortungsbewusstes Glucksspielangebot; Problem gambling; Pathological gambling; Gambling addiction; Prevention; Responsible gambling Abstract (German): Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit dem gesellschaftlich bedeutsamen Phanomen des problematischen Spielverhaltens und leitet den zwingenden Bedarf an Praventionskonzepten ab. Individuell- und sozialschadliche Auswirkungen von Glucksspielen begrunden die Notwendigkeit einer Verstaatlichung des Glucksspielwesens, um zielgerichtet auf das Marktgeschehen einwirken und Spielerschutzmassnahmen strukturell fest verankern zu konnen. Allerdings deuten die gegenwartigen Entwicklungstrends auf dem deutschen Glucksspielmarkt--wie eine anhaltende Angebotserweiterung, die Aufweichung des Staatsmonopols sowie der Mangel an implementierten und evaluierten Spielerschutzmassnahmen--keineswegs ein verbindliches Bemuhen im Hinblick auf die Vorbeugung problematischen Spielverhaltens an. Infolgedessen kann in Deutschland zukunftig mit einem Anwachsen der Spielsuchtproblematik gerechnet werden. Ausgehend von diesen Entwicklungen ist sowohl von staatlicher als auch von (bereits vorhandener) privater Anbieterseite eine proaktiv ausgerichtete Pravention problematischen Spielverhaltens als verpflichtendes Regulationselement einzufordern, die durch ein unabhangiges Expertengremium kontinuierliche Kontrolle erfahren muss. Es lasst sich eine Vielzahl von primar- und sekundarpraventiven Handlungsmoglichkeiten anfuhren, die glucksspielformubergreifend geeignet erscheinen, das Ausmass des problematischen Spielverhaltens zu minimieren. Daruber hinaus bedarf es einer Evaluation der Wirkung entsprechender Einzelmassnahmen oder globaler Praventionskonzepte, damit ihre Effektivitat fortlaufend optimiert werden kann. Abstract: The present paper investigates the significant social issue of problem gambling and concludes in the urgent need for prevention concepts. Negative consequences of gambling for both the individual and society justify the necessity of a state-controlled gambling monopoly to regulate the market development effectively and implement adequate protection measures. However, current developments in the German gambling market--such as the continuing proliferation of gambling products, the weakening of the government monopoly as well as the lack of implemented and evaluated protection measures--do not show a reliable commitment to the prevention of problem gambling. Consequently, an increase in gambling-related problems in Germany can be expected in the near future. As a result, state-run as well as existing private gambling operators must put more effort into proactive prevention of problem gambling. Prevention efforts should be established as an obligatory element of gambling business policy and be continuously controlled by an independent commission of experts. A wide range of primary and secondary prevention measures can be specified that seem to be appropriate in minimizing the extent of problem gambling. In addition, an evaluation of the effect of certain single measures or global prevention concepts is required in order to optimize their impact. Author Affiliation: (1) Universitat Bremen, Institut fur Psychologie und Kognitionsforschung (IPK) (2) Universitat Bremen, Institut fur Psychologie und Kognitionsforschung (IPK), Grazer Strasse 4, 28359 , Bremen Article History: Registration Date: 11/06/2004 Received Date: 24/10/2003 Accepted Date: 24/05/2004 Online Date: 16/07/2004

Since April 2014, in Hesse (Germany), it has been possible to arrange an exclusion from all gaming halls. In addition, the Hessian Gaming Halls Act obligates operators to exclude individuals who show signs of addictive gambling behavior. The objective was firstly to quantitatively analyze the administrative data set of all excluded individuals (N = 12,253). Secondly, the compliance of staff in implementing various gambler protection measures was examined. Test players visited 64 of the 750 gaming hall sites in Hesse. The findings showed that third-party exclusion accounted for only 1% of all exclusions. Checks on on-site gambler protection revealed that in 16% of all attempts of access by test players and observers, no entry checks were conducted; in 28% of the gaming halls, they were able to play despite being excluded. Furthermore, staff reacted with appropriate interventions to signs of problematic gambling behavior in 7% of cases. The low level of compliance can be explained by an inherent conflict between economic interests and an adequate protection of gamblers. Measures for improvement should include the set up of a centralized, cross-sector exclusion system, a more closely monitoring of protection measures, and the introduction of a personalized gambler identity card. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Combustion-generated soot particles can have significant impact on climate, environment and human health. Thus, understanding the processes governing the formation of soot particles in combustion is a topic of ongoing research. In this study, high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used for direct imaging of the building blocks forming the particles in the early stages of soot formation. Incipient soot particles were collected right after the particle nucleation zone of a slightly sooting ethylene/air laminar premixed flame at atmospheric pressure and analyzed by AFM after a rapid sublimation procedure. Our data shed light on one of the most complex and still debated aspect on soot formation, i.e., the nucleation process. The molecular constituents of the initial particles have been individually analyzed in detail in their chemical/structural characteristics. Our data demonstrate the large complexity/variety of the aromatic compounds which are the building blocks of the initial soot particles. Nevertheless, some fundamental and specific characteristics have been clearly ascertained. These include a significant presence of penta-rings as opposed to the purely benzenoid aromatic compounds and the noticeable presence of aliphatic side-chains. In addition, there were indications for the presence of persistent π radicals. Incipient soot was also investigated by Raman spectroscopy, the results of which agreed in terms of chemical and structural composition of the particles with those obtained by AFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current gaming arcade laws in Germany are intended to reduce significantly the number of gambling locations. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic summary and evaluation of the state of research internationally regarding the effects of a reduction in the supply of games of chance on the prevalence of gambling involvement and disordered gambling behavior in the population. Method: A systematic search was made of the databases PsycINFO, Psyindex, Cinahl, Web of Science and Medline using relevant search terms. Results: In total, eight studies were identified that met the criteria for inclusion. The few findings that exist, which are to some extent inconsistent, show that in the period following reduction in supply, there is a decline in participation, in the number of frequent gamblers, in demand for therapy and in the number of problem gamblers. In parallel to this, a few individual studies showed an increase in frequency of participation in other forms of gambling. Conclusions: Possible reasons for the incomplete and inconsistent pattern of findings are discussed and attention is drawn to the limitations of the review. Ultimately, effective prevention should encompass coordinated, broadly based and sustained efforts that cover aspects of both behavioral and situational prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is the largest pool of exchangeable organic carbon in the ocean. However, less than 10% of DOC has been molecularly characterized in the deep ocean to understand DOC's recalcitrance. Here we analyze the radiocarbon (14C) depleted, and presumably refractory, low molecular weight (LMW) DOC from the North Central Pacific using atomic force microscopy to produce the first atomic‐resolution images of individual LMW DOC molecules. We evaluate surface and deep LMW DOC chemical structures in the context of their relative persistence and recalcitrance. Atomic force microscopy resolved planar structures with features similar to polycyclic aromatic compounds and carboxylic‐rich alicyclic structures with less than five aromatic carbon rings. These compounds comprise 8% and 20% of the measurable molecules investigated in the surface and deep, respectively. Resolving the structures of individual DOC molecules represents a step forward in molecular characterization of DOC and in understanding its long‐term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using scanning probe microscopy techniques, at low temperatures and in ultrahigh vacuum, individual molecules adsorbed on surfaces can be probed with ultrahigh resolution to determine their structure and details of their conformation, configuration, charge states, aromaticity, and the contributions of resonance structures. Functionalizing the tip of an atomic force microscope with a CO molecule enabled atomic‐resolution imaging of single molecules, and measurement of their adsorption geometry and bond‐order relations. In addition, by using scanning tunneling microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, the density of the molecular frontier orbitals and the electric charge distribution within molecules can be mapped. Combining these techniques yields a high‐resolution tool for the identification and characterization of individual molecules. The single‐molecule sensitivity and the possibility of atom manipulation to induce chemical reactions with the tip of the microscope open up unique applications in chemistry, and differentiate scanning probe microscopy from conventional methods for molecular structure elucidation. Besides being an aid for challenging cases in natural product identification, atomic force microscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool for the investigation of on‐surface reactions and the characterization of radicals and molecular mixtures. Herein we review the progress that high‐resolution scanning probe microscopy with functionalized tips has made for molecular structure identification and characterization, and discuss the challenges it will face in the years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antiaromatic and open-shell molecules are attractive because of their distinct electronic and magnetic behaviour. However, their increased reactivity creates a challenge for probing their properties. Here, we describe the on-surface and in-solution generation and characterisation of a highly reactive antiaromatic molecule: indeno[1,2-b]fluorene (IF). In solution, we generated IF by KI-induced dehalogenation of a dibromo-substituted precursor molecule and found that IF survives for minutes at ambient conditions. Using atom manipulation at low temperatures we generated IF on Cu(111) and on bilayer NaCl. On these surfaces, we characterised IF by bond-order analysis using non-contact atomic force microscopy with CO-functionalised tips and by orbital imaging using scanning tunnelling microscopy. We found that the closed-shell configuration and antiaromatic character predicted for gas-phase IF are preserved on the NaCl film. On Cu(111), we observed significant bond-order reorganisation within the s-indacene moiety because of chemisorption, highlighting the importance of molecule surface interactions on the π-electron distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si dangling bonds at the interface of quasi-free-standing monolayer graphene (QFMLG) are known to act as scattering centers that can severely affect carrier mobility. Herein, we investigate the atomic and electronic structure of Si dangling bonds in QFMLG using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two types of defects with different contrast were observed on a flat graphene terrace by STM and AFM; in particular, their STM contrast varied with the bias voltage. Moreover, these defects showed characteristic STS peaks at different energies, 1.1 and 1.4 eV. The comparison of the experimental data with the DFT calculations indicates that the defects with STS peak energies of 1.1 and 1.4 eV consist of clusters of three and four Si dangling bonds, respectively. The relevance of the present results for the optimization of graphene synthesis is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using combined low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we demonstrate hydrogen passivation of individual, selected dangling bonds (DBs) on a hydrogen-passivated Si(100)-2 x 1 surface (H-Si) by atom manipulation. This method allows erasing of DBs and thus provides a promising scheme for error-correction in hydrogen lithography. Both Siterminated tips (Si tips) for hydrogen desorption and H-terminated tips (H tips) for hydrogen passivation are created by deliberate contact to the H-Si surface and are assigned by their characteristic contrast in AFM. DB passivation is achieved by transferring the H atom that is at the apex of an H tip to the DB, reestablishing a locally defect-free H-Si surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]