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In this work, experimental results for a continuous fluidized bed spray layering process are used to identify product quality influencing process parameters, such as the shell porosity. The prediction of the shell porosity is based on an empirical relation established for fluidized bed layering in batch mode. It uses gas-side properties, which are represented by the drying potential of the gas. It is shown that the shell porosities forming in the continuous mode can be deduced from this relation by comparing experimental data and simulation results. Process stability and seed formation are also discussed using the obtained experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The terpenoid composition of fossil resin from the Cape York Peninsula, Australia has been analysed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to determine its origin. The pyrolysis products were dominated by cadalene-based C15bicyclic sesquiterpenoids including some C30–C31bicadinanes and bicadinenes typical of Class II resin derived from angiosperm plants of Dipterocarpaceae. This observation contrasts with the Araucariaceae (Agathissp.) source previously suggested for the resin based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. Dipterocarpaceae are not known in Australian vegetation but grow abundantly in Southeast Asia including New Guinea, indicating that the geological origin of the amber is not the Australian mainland but could be traced to Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We review and discuss the latest developments and technology options for 45nm node and below, with scaled planar bulk MOSFETs and MuGFETs as emerging devices. One of the main metal gate (MG) candidates for scaled CMOS technologies are fully silicided (FUSI) gates. In this work, by means of a selective and controlled poly etch-back integration process, dual work-function Ni-based FUSI/HfSiON CMOS circuits with record ring oscillator performance (high-VT) are reported (17ps at VDD=1.1V and 20pA/μm Ioff), meeting the ITRS 45nm node requirement for low-power (LP) CMOS. Compatibility of FUSI and other MG with known stress boosters like stressed CESL (contact-etch-stop-layer with high intrinsic stress) or embedded SiGe in the pMOS S/D regions is validated. To obtain MuGFET devices that are competitive, as compared to conventional planar bulk devices, and that meet the stringent drive and leakage current requirements for the 32nm node and beyond, higher channel mobilities are required. Results obtained by several strain engineering methods are presented here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PURPOSE: Written health education materials can only be effective if they can be read, understood, and remembered by patients. The purpose of this article was to review the literature about features that should be incorporated into written health education materials to maximize their effectiveness, identify where there is consensus and debate about which features should be incorporated, and develop recommendations that health professionals can use when reviewing their existing materials and designing new materials. METHOD: Literature review of published research and education articles. RESULTS: There is a large number of features that need to be considered when designing written health education materials so that they are suitable for the target audience and effective. Although there is consensus about the majority of features that should be included, further research is needed to explore the contribution of certain features, such as illustrations, to the effectiveness of written materials and the effect of well-designed written materials on patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals need to provide their patients with written health education materials that are patient-orientated and designed according to the best practice principles in written health education material design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the case of a 30-year-old man with a severe autoimmune disease characterized by cryoglobulinaemia, pulmonary hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon, lymphadenopathy, and glomerulonephritis. Despite initial remission following autologous stem cell transplantation, his disease relapsed and he died from pulmonary hypertension. At presentation the patient had hypergammaglobulinaemia and a number of autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor (1:10240). The most striking feature was the extremely high level of cryoglobulins. The cryoprecipitate consisted of polyclonal IgM, IgG and albumin. Interestingly, the albumin in the cryoprecipitate was exclusively present in SS-bonded oligomeric forms, and contained an abnormal acidic component as judged by 2D gel electrophoresis. Oxidized albumin was also present in serum, and represented a small but significant fraction. None of the many known albumin variants have so far been associated with a particular disease; thus our results may represent the first description of an altered albumin associated with severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article reviewed the literature on predictors of outcome after stroke. The outcornes considered were functional status, discharge setting, and quality of life. The implications of these predictors for clinical practice are also considered.Results: Older age, post-stroke depression, initial stroke severity, and poor mental status were shown to he predictors of adverse outcome after stroke. High functional status on admission and the presence of social support were predictors of positive outcomes. Findings regarding hemisphere of stroke and history of previous stroke were inconsistent, and no relationship appeared to exist between gender, comorbidity and stroke outcome.Conclusions: Knowledge of factors predictive of outcome after stroke is important for the optimal planning of post-stroke care. The methodological issues evident in the existing studies must be addressed in order to increase the clinical application and generalization of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a controlled acoustic excitation of a liquid fueled non-premixed flame as a means of nitric oxide reduction. The experimental burner is a domestic hot-water heater provided by Viessmann. An actuator is located on the air duct and comprises two perforated plates. By changing the speed of rotation of the rotor it is possible to achieve a single frequency excitation of the burner cavity. The industrial version of the burner already features low NO, exhaust levels (82 ppm at 0% 02)and satisfies the current European regulations concerning pollutant emissions. Its operating point corresponds to an equivalence ratio of 0.82. It is shown that for a broad range of frequencies (100 Hz to 700 Hz) the overall nitric oxide emissions are reduced up to 15%. Radical imaging of the excited flames shows strong effects of the excitation on the flame geometry, especially on the flame length, and gives guidelines to a new, more effective, NO., emission control using acoustic excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]