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This study focused on synthesizing AlNiCo and CoNi materials using a low-energy milling process. The aim was to explore the formation of low-energy phases in both systems, contrasting with the typical research on phases formed under high-energy conditions. In the Co-20 wt% Ni system, the phases Co 0.75 Ni 0.25 and Ni were identified, as well as the FCC cubic phase of CoNi, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) with a molybdenum radiation source. The observed behavior aligned closely with the miscibility curve in the equilibrium phase diagram, which included a region of alloys with varying structures and similar compositions. A notable feature was the presence of a predominantly dispersed hexagonal Ni zone, consisting of nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the FCC CoNi phase, which displayed a specific arrangement. AlNiCo and CoNi alloys were successfully synthesized through mechanical alloying, incorporating equilibrium and non-equilibrium phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A series of catalysts based on mesoporous ceria solid solutions containing NiCo active component was synthesized via co- precipitation, impregnation, hydrothermal and core–shell (sol–gel) methods and applied to partial oxidation and dry reforming of methane. In the co-precipitated and impregnated catalysts, a better NiCo dispersion and a stronger interaction between NiCo species and the ceria- based support in comparison with other catalysts were observed, which affected activity and selectivity. Thus, simpler methods of applying the active component were more advantageous owing to the manifestation of strong metal–support interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on synthesizing AlNiCo and CoNi materials using a low-energy milling process. The aim was to explore the formation of low-energy phases in both systems, contrasting with the typical research on phases formed under high-energy conditions. In the Co-20 wt% Ni system, the phases Co0.75Ni0.25 and Ni were identified, as well as the FCC cubic phase of CoNi, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) with a molybdenum radiation source. The observed behavior aligned closely with the miscibility curve in the equilibrium phase diagram, which included a region of alloys with varying structures and similar compositions. A notable feature was the presence of a predominantly dispersed hexagonal Ni zone, consisting of nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the FCC CoNi phase, which displayed a specific arrangement. AlNiCo and CoNi alloys were successfully synthesized through mechanical alloying, incorporating equilibrium and non-equilibrium phases.

Ar, Ar/H2 (95:5), and Ar/O2 (95:5) plasmas are used for treating the NiCo metal–organic framework (MOF), and the plasma-processed NiCo MOF is applied for catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. Linear sweep voltammetry measurements show that after plasma treatment with Ar/H2 (95:5) and Ar gases, the overpotential reaches 552 and 540 mV, respectively, at a current density of 100 mA/cm2. The increase in the double-layer capacitance further confirms the enhanced oxygen production activity. We test the Ar plasma-treated NiCo MOF as an electrocatalyst at the OER electrode and Ru as an electrocatalyst at the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrode in the alkaline water electrolysis module. The energy efficiency of the electrolyzer with the Ar plasma-processed NiCo-MOF catalyst increases from 54.7% to 62.5% at a current density of 500 mA/cm2 at 25 °C. The alkaline water electrolysis module with the Ar plasma-processed catalyst also exhibits a specific energy consumption of 5.20 kWh/m3 and 4.69 kWh/m3 at 25 °C and 70 °C, respectively. The alkaline water electrolysis module performance parameters such as the hydrogen production rate, specific energy consumption, and energy efficiency are characterized at temperatures between 25 °C and 70 °C. Our experimental results show that the NiCo MOF is an efficient OER electrocatalyst for the alkaline water electrolysis module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effects of hydrothermal growth temperature on the morphology and electrochemical characteristics of NiCo hydroxides were studied. The results of the structural and chemical analysis results support that an increase of carbonate anions originated from the hydrolysis of amines promote the morphological evolution of the NiCo hydroxides from nanosheets to nanowires as rising growth temperature. Moreover, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data reveal that the morphology change of NiCo hydroxides can improve the electrochemical performance. In the results, the NiCo180 sample exhibits the best electrochemical performance, with a maximum energy density of 48 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 425 W kg−1 owing to the structural advantages, which provide abundant redox active sites and efficient charge transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly desired due to its economic utility as well as its basic significance in the study of all electrocatalytic processes taking place on cathode electrodes. Herein, we report the nickel and cobalt-based bimetallic alloy nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon (Ni x Co y @NC) starting from novel metal-organic complexes. Among the synthesized alloy nanoparticle catalysts, Ni 1 Co 3 @NC exhibits the best performance for HER, reaching a current density of 10 mA/cm2 merely at an overpotential of 28 ± 0.5 mV, outperforming state-of-the-art noble Pt-based, as well as non-noble metal-based catalysts. Remarkably, this catalyst displays a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.328 s−1 and even long-term durability at higher current density (50 mA/cm2) up to 175 h with negligible decay. A series of advanced characterizations reveal that Ni 1 Co 3 @NC undergoes minimal near-surface restructuring, majorly retaining its structure during longer operations. In order to comprehend the interaction between the inherent HER activity and the metal effect, we conducted further experiments for several bimetallic alloy nanoparticles by alloying Co nanoparticles with Mn, Fe, and Zn. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the proper choice of alloying elements and their concentrations in encapsulated metallic Co clusters facilitates the HER activity by providing favorable H absorption adsorption sites on their surface. In particular, alloying with Ni significantly improve localized electronic states around the Fermi level leading to a favorable H absorption adsorption and lower HER activation barrier than those in the monometallic nanoclusters. This work sheds important light on the structure-function link for bimetallic alloy nanoparticles made of non-noble metals that exhibit electrocatalytic HER activity in an alkaline medium. [Display omitted] • Ni x Co y @NC alloy nanoparticles were synthesized from novel metal-organic complexes. • Optimization of surface composition and local structure improves the HER activity. • Ni 1 Co 3 @NC reaches 10 mA/cm2 at 28 mV overpotential outperforming benchmark Pt/C. • Ni 1 Co 3 @NC achieves a high TOF of 0.328 s−1 and durability of 175 h (50 mA/cm2). • Experimental and theoretical insights to develop active HER electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of highly efficient and robust bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution reactions (OER) is the key issue for realizing high‐performance and long‐life rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs). However, it is still a great challenge to integrate independent ORR and OER sites in a catalyst with high activity. Here, a carbon nanotube‐bridging strategy is proposed to synthesize such a bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst enriched with highly active single‐atom Fe sites for the ORR and high‐performance nanosized NiCo hydroxides for the OER. Consequently, the developed catalyst shows a small overpotential difference of 0.686 V. When used as an oxygen electrode catalyst, the corresponding ZAB exhibits a large power density of 219.5 mW cm−2, a small charge–discharge voltage gap of 0.72 V at 10 mA cm−2, and outstanding discharge–charge durability without attenuation after more than 700 cycles. This work proposes a new idea to realize multifunctional catalysts and drives the practical application of ZABs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiCoP4O12/NiCoP nanorod-like arrays with tunable grain boundary density and pores were synthesized by the processes composed of hydrothermal and pyrolysis, in which, the electron structure of Ni and Co atoms characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was contemporaneous inverse manipulated. The optimized NiCoP4O12/NiCoP arrays have a high specific capacitance of 507.8 µAh·cm−2 at 1 mA·cm−2, and good rate ability of 64.7% retention at 30-folds increased current density. Importantly, an ultra-stable ability, 88.5% of retention after 10000 cycles, was achieved in an asymmetric cell assembled of the NiCoP4O12/NiCoP arrays with activated carbon. In addition, the energy and power densities of an asymmetric cell were higher than those of other work, demonstrating as-prepared NiCoP4O12/NiCoP arrays are promising electrodes for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing robust, stable, low-cost, and highly active environmentally friendly electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is necessary for realizing alternative clean energy sources. We prepared highly stable ultrafine NiCo@borondoped carbon (NiCo@BC) by using a simple reduction method. As an excellent and highly stable HER electrocatalyst, the asprepared NiCo@BC 500 °C nanoparticle catalyst displays a satisfying HER performance, delivering a low geometrical overpotential of 209 mV at 10 mAcm-2 current density, a small Tafel slope of 60 mVdec-1, and an outstanding time-dependent stability after 200 hours in an alkaline solution, which is one of the best reported B-doped HER electrocatalysts. The outstanding catalytic activity arises from synergetic relationships between B-doped carbon and NiCo, coexisting in the asprepared hybrid product with the crystalline nature of the hybrid NiCo@BC products bearing plentiful catalytically active sites and good electrical conductivity. The promising combination of robust stability, high catalytic performance, and a simplistic preparation approach provides a new-type of electrocatalyst for clean energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of new types of radio-absorbing materials (RAMs) is relevant due to the intensive development of microwave radio electronic devices, their increasing power, and their active implementation in all spheres of life. A RAM based on NiCo/C nanocomposite can be used to reduce the interference and ensure the electromagnetic compatibility. The NiCo/C metal-carbon nanocomposites based on the NiCl2/CoCl2/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursors are synthesized using IR heating. The results of studies of NiCo/C nanocomposites by X-ray phase analysis (XPA), transmission electron microscopy, and vibration magnetometry show the dependence of the structure and properties of NiCo/C nanocomposites on the synthesis temperature, concentration, and metal ratio in the precursor. The results of XPA shows the formation of NiCo metal nanoparticles that have been stabilized in the carbon matrix during the IR pyrolysis of the precursor. Increasing the synthesis temperature from 350 to 800°C leads to the average size of NiCo nanoparticles growing from 10 to 80 nm. It is found that the formation of the alloy occurs due to the gradual dissolution of cobalt in nickel with the simultaneous transition of cobalt from the hcp modification to FCC. The structure of nanocomposites is studied by the transmission electron microscopy of the samples synthesized at 600°C. It is found that an increase in the metal concentration in the precursor from 10 to 40 wt % increases both the average size of NiCo nanoparticles in the NiCo/C nanocomposite content and the concentration of the nanoparticles in the carbon matrix. The study of the magnetic properties of nanocomposites shows an almost linear increase in the saturation magnetization from 5.94 to 25.7 A m2/kg with an increase in the content of metals in the precursor from 10 to 40 wt %. The change in the ratio of metals from Ni : Co = 4 : 1 to Ni : Co = 1 : 4 results in the magnetization increasing from 11.46 to 23.3 A m2/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This biographical study of Dr. Bess Francis Coleman profiles the experience of an African American woman in the early twentieth century, employing a critical lens to explore how race, gender and class shaped her life and career, and the methodology of microhistory to draw out the ways in which her life exemplifies and signifies the essential work of African American women professionals during this era. Dr. Bess "Bessie" Anderson Francis Coleman (1893-1967) was the first documented African American woman licensed to practice optometry in the United States. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Coleman's first career was as a schoolteacher in her native Harrodsburg. In 1923, she married pharmacist John B. Coleman, Jr. The Colemans moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 1923, and then Chicago, Illinois in 1925 where they opened a chain of pharmacies in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Dr. Coleman received her training at the Northern Illinois College of Optometry from 1932-1934. In 1935, she moved back to Kentucky with her son, where she cared for her elderly parents and opened the only optometry practice in Lexington's Brucetown neighborhood, well-known for its African American physicians. In 1942, she retired to Denver, Colorado's African American enclave, Whittier. She died in 1967 and was buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in her hometown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zusammenfassung Den Zahn- und Kieferherden müssen in der Ganzheitsmedizin v.a. in der Regulationsmedizin, zu welcher auch die Osteopathie zählt, mehr Bedeutung geschenkt werden. Die Diagnose solcher Herde ist nicht immer einfach und erfordert eine enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit. Hier sind gerade wir Osteopathen gefordert, da uns Menschen oft mit Dysfunktionen bis hin zu chronischen Beschwerdebildern aufsuchen. In diesem Zusammenhang ist es unbedingt notwendig, daran zu denken, dass diese Herde unsere Arbeit behindern und zu schwerwiegenden Krankheiten führen können, die unseren Patienten einen enormen Leidensweg bescheren. Gerade in der Osteopathie, die den Anspruch auf Ganzheitlichkeit stellt, ist es daher dringend notwendig, über den Tellerrand hinweg zu sehen und sich auch andere diagnostische Hilfsmittel anzueignen. Abstract In the holistic or rather regulatory medicine, like ostheopathy is, we have to care more about the dysfunctions in the field of the teeth and the jawbone. The diagnosis of such dysfunction is not always easy and we have to work in multidisciplinary teams. Just osteopaths have a special rule, because patients visiting us are suffering from body dysfunction up to chronic deseases. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to attach importance to these problems which can restrain our treatment and lead to serous medical conditions which results in a life of suffering for our patients. Especially in osteopathy, which claims to be holistic, it is therefore necessary to think outside the box and to acquire other diagnostic additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, the solid-state reaction between a 7 nm thick Ni 0.9 Co 0.1 film and a silicon substrate has been studied. By combining various characterization methods (e.g. sheet resistance measurement, X-ray reflectivity, X-ray diffraction), a comprehensive phase sequence of the NiCo silicide formation has been proposed. At low temperature, we observed the formation of metal-rich Ni 2 Si-like phases: δ -(NiCo) 2 Si and θ -(NiCo) 2 Si. Contrary to Ni 0.9 Pt 0.1 based silicides, the δ -Ni 2 Si phase appears before the θ -Ni 2 Si one. Beyond 320 °C, the (NiCo)Si monosilicide formation is initiated and this latter is complete at 400 °C. The presence of Co strongly decreases the NiSi 2 formation temperature. This early formation of disilicide allows avoiding film agglomeration and enhances the thermal stability of NiSi silicide. Complementary studies using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence allowed studying the cobalt behavior and highlighted the formation of a Co composition gradient into the metal-rich silicide phases at relatively low temperature (220–260 °C). Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highligh t s • Solid-state reaction between Ni 0.9 Co 0.1 alloy and Si has been fully studied. • The first Ni-rich phase to form is the δ-Ni 2 Si then it is followed by the θ-Ni 2 Si one. • The presence of Co strongly decreases the NiSi 2 formation temperature. • A Co composition gradient into the metal-rich silicide phases has been highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Alumina-based graphene nanocomposites tuned by self-assembly of approach. • Nanocrystalline γ-Al 2 O 3 phase between the separated graphene lamellar nanostructures. • The Ni2+, Co3+/Co2+and Al3+species and a more reduced surface oxygen species. • Active catalysts for the esters of glycerol production. The properties of alumina-based graphene nanocomposites were fine-tuned using a directed self-assembly of graphene oxide and metal oxides mediated by a surfactant approach. The resultant nanostructured metal oxides were evaluated in the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid as catalysts for the esters of glycerol production. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements of the self-assembled nanocomposites revealed the nanocrystalline γ-Al 2 O 3 phase between the separated graphene lamellar nanostructures. A crumpled monolayered graphene sheet along with well dispersed Ni and Co entities on solid surface appeared by Scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed Ni2+, Co3+/Co2+and Al3+species and a more reduced surface oxygen species in the self-assembled solids. The addition of basic promoters such as La, Mg or Zn to the composites did not improve the catalytic properties of the solids, but combined with NiCo-alumina-based graphene nanocomposites, they had shown good activities for triacetin production. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

But we know about this historic maltreatment of Christa only because the patient was "Nico": we cannot know how many unfamiliar others at that time were treated similarly, in Ibiza or elsewhere. Keywords: addiction; Nico; opiate; stigma EN addiction Nico opiate stigma 1 2 2 01/04/23 20230101 NES 230101 Christa Päffgen died in a corridor waiting for a hospital bed during the evening of July 18, 1988. Christa was more commonly known as "Nico", and had been a model, actress, singer-songwriter and musician. [Extracted from the article]

3D sequential integration is a promising alternative to conventional scaling down approach: by stacking transistors level on top of each other, benefits on device density and performance are achieved. However, although the thermal processing of top transistors is currently restricted in order to avoid bottom CMOS degradation, it has been highlighted that Ni0.80Pt0.10 silicide source/drain (S&D) contact remains the most sensitive element to the thermal budget, especially on raised Si0.7Ge0.3:B S&D for pMOS transistors. In this context, a complete and systematic study on self-aligned silicide (SALICIDE) process has been proposed: alternative metallization as well as source and drain surface pre-treatments have been carried out. Indeed, a novel Ni-based silicide, the Ni0.9Co0.1 provides a better stability on unpatterned 300 mm wafers. This stability has been further improved when combined with epitaxial silicon capping layer (Si-Cap) and Si0.7Ge0.3:B S&D preamorphization implant (PAI) using Ge beam. For the first time, a successful Ni0.9Co0.1 SALICIDE implementation has been demonstrated on pMOS planar FDSOI transistor with both PAI and Si-Cap. Moreover, the presence of Si-Cap contributes to reduce silicide roughness and limits Ge partition that damage Si0.7Ge0.3:B S&D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores Warhol and Nico's relationship with Europe through their formative years and subsequent collaboration in Warhol's underground and experimental filmmaking. In the 1950s Warhol was a commercial artist in New York, circulating in a gay milieu, and his work often conveyed Europe and a European sensibility in its illustration of 'all things Europe', but especially fashion. Nico was a fashion model and frequently seen in European fashion magazines before landing a few film roles, including a small part in La dolce vita (Fellini, 1960) and a featuring role in the French erotic film Strip-Tease (Poitrenaud, 1962). Nico moved to New York and found her way to Warhol's art studio and social scene known as The Factory. At The Factory Nico joined the art-rock group The Velvet Underground at Warhol's insistence and featured in several films Warhol made between 1966 and 1967, including Chelsea Girls (Warhol, 1966) and a number of portrait films called Screen Tests (Warhol, 1964-1966). This article explores the presence and negotiation of Europe in both Nico's and Warhol's life and work in the 1950s and 1960s. The article pays particular attention to their early careers and the shifts in Nico's persona demonstrated by the difference between the French Strip-Tease and Warhol's experimental Screen Tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co 100−x Ni x (x = 0, 10, 20, 30, …, 100) alloy nanostructures with controlled composition are prepared by hydrothermal method. The effects of composition on crystal structure, morphology, growth of nanostructure, and magnetic properties are described. The crystal structure is hexagonal closed pack (hcp) at x = 0, mixture of hcp and face-centered cubic (fcc) for 10 ≤ x ≤ 30, and purely fcc for x ≥ 40. The morphology is changed from nano-dendrite (x = 0) to flower like structure composed on spherical core and nanorods (x = 50) to nanosphere (x = 100). The isotropic (spherical shape) character increases with Ni Content. Compositional analyses show the controlled composition in nanostructure. The saturation magnetization is 156 emu/g at x = 0 and decreases linearly with alloy composition (x) to 55 emu/g at x = 100. The coercivity is 285 Oe at x = 0 (dendrite) and decrease gradually to 21 Oe at x = 80, and then increases to 146 Oe at x = 100. The effective anisotropy (K eff ) constant decreases gradually with alloy-composition and shows decaying exponential dependence on alloy-composition (x). Magnetic and structural properties are explained by combined consequences of composition and nanoscale effects. This study reveals that the composition of alloy plays important role in growth, morphology, crystal structure and hence, properties of nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NICO deposit is located in the southern portion of the Paleoproterozoic Great Bear magmatic zone, Northwest Territories, Canada. The majority of the mineralization lies within the Bowl Zone, hosted by the Treasure Lake Group (TLG), where heavily altered precursor rocks are interpreted to be carbonate-rich wackes and siltstones. These rocks are crosscut by a set of pre-ore quartz ± calcite + amphibole + K-feldspar veins (S1). The Co–Au–Bi (±W–Cu–Mo) mineralization at NICO is contained in stratabound ore lenses within the Bowl Zone, and comprises a prograde assemblage of Co-rich arsenopyrite (arsenopyrite I) and loellingite, cobaltite, pyrite, actinolite, ferrohornblende, biotite and rare scheelite (±molybdenite) along with minor magnetite and amphibole. Retrograde assemblages resulted from re-crystallization of the Co-bearing phases to form arsenopyrite II and III, along with precipitation of marcasite, pyrite, hastingsite, native Bi–Au (±Te) and minor bismuthinite and magnetite. The latest stage of retrograde mineralization comprises chalcopyrite, hastingsite, chlorite, and hematite (±emplectite). Two sets of barren quartz ± dolomite + amphibole + K-feldspar + chalcopyrite veins (S2 and S3) post-date the mineralization. The Southern Breccia zone hosts minor U–Cu–Mo mineralization and is interpreted to be the deepest portion of the NICO system. Two molybdenite samples from the Bowl Zone and the Southern Breccia yielded Re–Os ages of 1865 ± 9 and 1877 ± 8 Ma, respectively, consistent with the interpreted ca. 1870 Ma age of the NICO deposit. This age is also synchronous with the onset of magmatism in the Great Bear magmatic arc (ca. 1875–1850 Ma). Ore mineral δ 34 S values (3.3–6.7‰, sulfides) indicate that crustal sulfur was assimilated by upwelling felsic magmatic melts. The δ 18 O values of the fluids precipitating magnetite and Co-rich arsenopyrite (6 and 8‰), and from pre- and syn-mineralization magnetite (−0.8 to 1.5‰) support a magmatic-hydrothermal origin of the fluids. Two out of three calcite samples from pre-(S1) and post-ore (S3) veins have also δ 13 C values consistent with a magmatic origin (−5.5 to −3.6‰). However, one calcite sample from the S3 veins has a value that indicates a reduced sulfur source (−15.6‰). This value is similar to those of the much younger (<1843 Ma) giant quartz veins cutting the GBMZ rocks. The quartz δ 18 O values suggest that S1 (12.7‰) formed at higher temperatures than S2 (13.2–19.14‰) and S3 (9.4–17.1‰), or that in the latter two generations of veins, 18 O was enriched during fluid/rock equilibration. Secondary trails of native Bi in S1 vein quartz are associated with liquid–vapor (LV) and liquid–vapor–halite (LVS) inclusions, which indicates that Bi, and possibly Au, were transported in saline to hyper-saline brines (LV-Bi, 2–16 wt.% NaCl equiv., 8–22 wt.% CaCl 2 equiv.; LVS-Bi, >37 wt.% NaCl equiv.), with homogenization temperatures of 137–216 °C and 192 to >350 °C for LV-Bi ( T h L+V→L ) and LVS-Bi ( T h L+S→L ), respectively. The presence of calcium-rich fluids might indicate extensive equilibration of those solutions with the host TLG rocks. If a pressure correction is applied to the LV inclusions using a minimum entrapment temperature of 271.4 °C (the Bi melting point), a minimum crystallization depth of between approximately 5 and 8 km is indicated. Trace element analyses carried out in this study and compiled from Acosta-Góngora et al. (2014) show that the least altered metasedimentary TLG rocks contain up to six times more As (Carbonate unit, 30.5 ppm) than the average upper continental crust. Conversely, concentrations of Au (<2 ppb), Co (10 ppm) and Cu (12 ppm) are lower than the crustal values. As such, it is possible that the TLG was a source of As, but is a less likely source of Au, Co and Cu for the NICO deposit; this further supports a magmatic-hydrothermal origin for the metals. Nonetheless, the plurikilometer alteration halo of the NICO system indicates that large amounts of elements could have been leached from the TLG, and potentially some were incorporated to the system. However, detailed studies on structural geology, geochemical modeling, and mass balance calculations need to be carried out to consider if such a scenario is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoNi hollow-nanostructured microspheres are prepared by template-free hydrothermal method at low temperature (150 °C). The prepared CoNi nanostructures have face-centered cubic crystal lattice. Williamson-Hall analysis shows crystallite size of 55.5 nm and microstrain of 0.00265. Elemental mapping confirms the uniform distribution of Co and Ni atoms in sample. The size of hollow spheres is in the range of 1-3 μm which increase to 10 μm by increasing the reaction time. A stepwise growth mechanism based on time-dependent experiment is briefly described. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis suggests the only metallic chemical state of Co and Ni in sample (no surface oxidation). The specific surface area of 80.56 m/g is obtained for 2 μm hollow sphere. The CoNi hollow-nanostructured microsphere shows 0.92 mass% hydrogen absorption and 81 % release of stored hydrogen. Hydrogen storage is attributed to crystal defects. The effects of morphology and surface area on hydrogen storage capacity and response are described. The saturation magnetization of 72.1 emu/g and coercivity of 157.21 Oe are observed for 2 μm hollow spheres. However, saturation magnetization of 77.5 emu/g and coercivity of 120 Oe are observed for 10 μm hollow spheres. The enhanced coercivity is related to surface and shape anisotropy due to hollow structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jawbone cavitations (JC) are hollow dead spaces in jawbones with dying or dead bone marrow. These areas are defined as fatty degenerative osteonecrosis of the jawbone or neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis and may produce facial pain. These afflictions have been linked to the immune system and chronic illnesses. Surgical debridement of JC is reported to lead to an improvement in immunological complaints, such as rheumatic, allergic, and other inflammatory diseases (ID). Little is known about the underlying cause/effect relationship. Objectives: JC bone samples were analyzed to assess the expression and quantification of immune modulators that can play a role in the pathogenesis of IDs. The study supports a potential mechanism where JC is a mediating link in IDs. Materials and methods: Samples of fatty softened bone taken from JCs were extracted from 31 patients. The specimens were analyzed by bead-based multiplex technology and tested for seven immune messengers. Results: Regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 were found at high levels in the JCs tested. Other cytokines could not be detected at excessive levels. Discussion: The study confirms that JC is able to produce inflammatory messengers, primarily RANTES, and, secondarily, FGF-2. Both are implicated in many serious illnesses. The excessive levels of RANTES/FGF-2 in JC patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and breast cancer are compared to levels published in medical journals. Levels detected in JCs are higher than in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis patients and four-fold higher than in breast cancer tissue. Conclusion: This study suggests that JC might serve as a fundamental cause of IDs, through RANTES/FGF-2 production. Thus, JC and implicated immune messengers represent an integrative aspect of IDs and serve as a possible cause. Removing JCs may be a key to reversing IDs. There is a need to raise awareness about JC throughout medicine and dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ni, Co and bimetallic Ni–Co catalysts supported on Ca-γ-Al2O3 and ZrO2 were investigated for the production of hydrogen via ethanol steam reforming (ESR). Catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation method and characterized using temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). ESR and temperature-programmed desorption of ethanol (ethanol-TPD) were carried out in a continuous flow fixed bed micro-reactor and the outlet gases were monitored by an on-line GC or MS. Ni is found to be more active for the C–C bond rupture than Co on both supports, Ca-γ-Al2O3 and ZrO2. Catalyst support plays very important roles for the ESR. Strong interaction between support and metal affects the formation of NiCo bimetallic compound, resulting in the variety of catalytic activity. On Ca-γ-Al2O3 support, the catalytic activity of ESR follows the sequence of 10%Ni > 6.7%Ni 3.3%Co ∼ 3.3%Ni 6.7%Co > 10%Co. On ZrO2, the trend is 10%Ni > 6.7%Ni 3.3%Co > 10%Co > 3.3%Ni 6.7%Co. The H2O adsorption/activation ability of the support determines the reaction pathway and thus the product selectivity. On Ca-γ-Al2O3, water gas shift reaction is more favorable than on ZrO2, due to the availability of surface OH groups. The roles of the metal and support for ESR are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a principal determinant of oxygen delivery and of blood pressure, cardiac output (CO) represents an important hemodynamic variable. Its accurate measurement, therefore, is important to the clinician caring for critically ill patients in a variety of care environments. Though the first clinical measurement of CO occurred 70 years ago, it was the introduction of the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) with thermodilution-based determination of CO in the 1970s that set the stage for practical and widespread clinical measurement of CO. Although the usefulness and accuracy of this technique have justified its consideration as a “practical” gold standard in CO measurement, its drawbacks have driven the search for newer, less invasive measurement techniques. The last decade has seen the introduction of several such devices into the clinical arena. This article will serve to give a brief review of the history of CO measurement, to provide a discussion of the measurement of accuracy as it relates to CO measurement, and to discuss some of the newer methods and devices for CO measurement and how they have fared against a “practical” gold standard. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Aim of the study: In the practice of the author astounding improvements of systemic complaints which accompanied apparently rheumatic, neuralgic and other chronically inflammatory systemic diseases are consistently observed after cleaning pain free, radiographically normal edentulous areas of the jaw. These are marked by fatty-degenerative osteonecrosis of the cancellous bone. Thus far, in dental research there are only few scientifically proven explanations concerning such systemic therapeutic successes. Methods: In order to clarify systemic interrelations, samples of cancellous bone have been extracted from six subjects. The specimens were then analyzed by bead-based multiplex technology and tested for 27 immune messengers. Results: All six specimens concordantly showed highest concentration for IL1-ra (interleukin-1-receptor antagonist) and RANTES. In addition, in all samples FGFbasic and PDGF-bb have been distinctly evidenced. A statistically high concentration on IL1-RA and RANTES is noticeable here. The samples’ small distribution and specific concentration on IL1-ra and RANTES, despite the high number of 27 tested mediators, is a striking figure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report our recent work on thick-film permalloy (NiFe) and NiCo-alloy anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensors made by thermal spray. Various sensor layouts have been fabricated and characterized. The AMR effect of 2.45% and 2.68% is obtained in as-sprayed permalloy and NiCo-alloy sensors. Resistivity of thermal-sprayed thick film is 40-60 μΩ cm, which is higher than bulk material. A maximum ΔR/R value of 5.2% is achieved after thermal annealing. A high-ΔR/R value and low-saturation fields are the important features of thermal spray sensors. The very promising results demonstrate the potential applications of thermal spray sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To compare the partial CO2 rebreathing method (non-invasive cardiac output [NICO]) and the lithium dilution method (lithium dilution cardiac output [LiDCO]) for cardiac output (CO) measurement in anesthetized dogs. Prospective study. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. Six adult dogs (weight range 22–25.4 kg). All animals were instrumented for CO determinations using the LiDCO and NICO methods. Direct blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, end-tidal isoflurane (ETI), and CO2 concentrations were monitored throughout the study. CO was manipulated with dobutamine and isoflurane to allow for intermediate, low, and high CO determinations in that order using LiDCO and NICO. A 1.5% ETI produced the intermediate rate of CO, a constant-rate infusion of dobutamine (1–4 μg/kg/min) and 1.1% ETI, the highest rate, and 2.5–3% ETI, the lowest rate. Measurements were obtained in duplicate or triplicate for the LiDCO and continuously for the NICO method after achieving a stable hemodynamic plane for at least 15 minutes at each level of CO, allowing 5 minutes between measurements. Forty-seven comparisons were determined. The correlation coefficient ( r) between the 2 methods was 0.888 for all determinations. The mean LiDCO and NICO from 47 measurements were 155.9±78.7 mL/kg/min (range, 49.6–303.2) and 146.6±62.9 mL/kg/min (50–290.3), respectively. The bias between LiDCO and NICO estimations was 9.3 (−60.7 to +79.4) mL/kg/min (mean and 95% confidence interval). The mean (mL/kg/min) of the differences of LiDCO–NICO was 1.11 × NICO. The relative error was 2.4±24.7%. As CO increased, the relative difference between the methods also increased. The NICO is a viable non-invasive method for CO determination in the dog and compares well with the LiDCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A continuous, accurate, non-invasive monitor of cardiac output would represent a major step forward in patient management. A cardiac output computer, NICO2, based on the Fick principle and an automatic partial carbon dioxide (CO2)-rebreathing technique has just become available. We compared the performance of this monitor with the standard thermodilution method.Methods: Thirty patients were investigated after cardiac surgery. Replicate measurements were performed simultaneously with the thermodilution and NICO2 techniques. An Altman-Bland analysis was used to assess repeatability of each of the two methods and to determine the agreement between the two techniques.Results: The repeatabilities of thermodilution and CO2-rebreathing cardiac output were excellent, with coefficients of repeatability of 0.35 l/min and 0.60 l/min. Mean thermodilution and NICO2 cardiac output were 4.4 l/min (SD 0.9, range 2.7-6.1) and 4.6 l/min (SD 1.3, range 1.6-6.9). A comparison of the methods, however, revealed excessive limits of agreement (+/-1.80 l/min).Conclusion: The agreement between the NICO2 derived cardiac output and the de facto standard - thermodilution cardiac output - is poor. The methods are not interchangeable with the present version of the NICO2. The repeatability of the partial CO2-rebreathing technique holds promise that a sufficient accuracy may be obtained by suitable modifications of the monitor's algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.Evaluation in animals of a non-invasive and continuous cardiac output monitoring system based on partial carbon-dioxide (CO2) rebreathing indirect Fick technique. Methods.We have developed a non-invasive cardiac output (NICO) monitoring system, based on the partial rebreathing method. The partial rebreathing technique employs a differential form of the Fick equation for calculating cardiac output (QT) using non-invasive measurements. Changes in CO2 elimination (ΔVCO2) and partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (Δ PETCO2) in response to a brief period of partial rebreathing are used to measure pulmonary capillary blood flow (QPCBF). A non-invasive estimate of anatomic and intrapulmonary shunt fraction (QS/QT), based on oxygen saturation from pulse oximetry (SpO2) and inspired oxygen concentration (FIO2), is added to compute total cardiac output [QT=QPCBF/(1−QS/QT)]. The performance of the NICO was compared with iced 5% dextrose bolus thermodilution cardiac output (TDco) measurements in 6 dogs. Cardiac output was varied using dobutamine, and halothane, and by clamping of the inferior vena cava. Two hundred and forty-six ( n = 246) paired measurements of TDco and NICO over a range of cardiac outputs (TDco range = 0.60–8.87 l/min) were compared using Bland-Altman analysis and weighted correlation coefficient. Results.The Bland–Altman technique yielded a NICO precision of ± 0.70 l/min (13.8%) with a mean bias of −0.07 l/min (−1.4%) compared to TDco. The weighted correlation coefficient between TDco and NICO values was: r= 0.93 ( n= 246). Conclusion.The partial CO2 rebreathing technique for measurement of cardiac output is non-invasive, automated, and based on the well accepted Fick principle. The limits of agreement between NICO and TDco is within the recommended value for NICO to be a clinically acceptable method for cardiac output measurement. The results of this canine study show that NICO performed as well, and in some cases better, than other currently available non-invasive cardiac output techniques over a wide range of cardiac outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]