Improvement in the Reduction Behavior of Novel ZrO(2)-CeO(2) Solid Solutions with a Tubular Nanostructure by Incorporation of Pd

In this work, 1 wt % Pd/ZrO(2)-CeO(2) mixed oxide nanotubes with 90 mol % CeO(2) were synthesized following a very simple, high-yield procedure and their properties were characterized by synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), and scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (SEM and HRTEM). In situ XANES experiments were carried out under reducing conditions to investigate the reduction behavior of these novel nanotube materials. The Pd/CeO(2)-based nanotubes exhibited the cubic phase (Fm3m space group). The nanotube walls were composed of nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of about 7 nm, and the nanotubes exhibited a large specific surface area (85 m(2).g(-1)). SEM and HRTEM studies showed that individual nanotubes were composed of a curved sheet of these nanoparticles. Elemental analysis showed that the Ce:Zr:Pd ratios appeared to be approximately constant across space, suggesting compositional homogeneity in the samples. XANES results indicated that the extent of reduction of these materials is low and that the Ce(4+) state is in the majority over the reduced Ce(3+) state. The results suggest that Pd cations-most likely Pd(2+)-form a Pd-Ce-Zr oxide solid solution and that the Pd(2+) is stabilized against reduction in this phase. However, incorporation of the Pd (1 wt %) into the crystal lattice of the nanotubes also appeared to destabilize Ce(4+) against reduction to Ce(3+) and caused a significant increase in its reducibility.

Tight-binding model for carbon nanotubes from ab initio calculations

Here we present a parametrized tight-binding (TB) model to calculate the band structure of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). On the basis of ab initio calculations we fit the band structure of nanotubes of different radii with results obtained with an orthogonal TB model to third neighbors, which includes the effects of orbital hybridization by means of a reduced set of parameters. The functional form for the dependence of these parameters on the radius of the tubes can be used to interpolate appropriate TB parameters for different SWNTs and to study the effects of curvature on their electronic properties. Additionally, we have shown that the model gives an appropriate description of the optical spectra of SWNTs, which can be useful for a proper assignation of SWNTs` specific chirality from optical absorption experiments.

Dynamic effects of breakup on fusion reactions of weakly bound nuclei

The traditional reduction methods to represent the fusion cross sections of different systems are flawed when attempting to completely eliminate the geometrical aspects, such as the heights and radii of the barriers, and the static effects associated with the excess neutrons or protons in weakly bound nuclei. We remedy this by introducing a new dimensionless universal function, which allows the separation and disentanglement of the static and dynamic aspects of the breakup coupling effects connected with the excess nucleons. Applying this new reduction procedure to fusion data of several weakly bound systems, we find a systematic suppression of complete fusion above the Coulomb barrier and enhancement below it. Different behaviors are found for the total fusion cross sections. They are appreciably suppressed in collisions of neutron-halo nuclei, while they are practically not affected by the breakup coupling in cases of stable weakly bound nuclei. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Universal trend for heavy-ion total reaction cross-sections at energies above the Coulomb barrier

Heavy-ion total reaction cross-section measurements for more than 1100 reaction cases covering 61 target nuclei in the range (6)Li-(238)U and 158 projectile nuclei from (2)H to (84)Kr (mostly exotic ones) have been analyzed in a systematic way by using an empirical, three-parameter formula that is applicable to the cases of projectile kinetic energies above the Coulomb barrier. The analysis has shown that the average total nuclear binding energy per nucleon of the interacting nuclei and their radii are the chief quantities that describe the cross-section patterns. A great amount of cross-section data (87%) has been quite satisfactorily reproduced by the proposed formula; therefore, the total reaction cross-section predictions for new, not yet experimentally investigated reaction cases can be obtained within 25% (or much less) uncertainty.

Protein Adsorption onto Polyelectrolyte Layers: Effects of Protein Hydrophobicity and Charge Anisotropy

Ellipsometry was used to investigate the influence of ionic strength (I) and pH on the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) onto preabsorbed layers of two polycations: poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) or poly(4-vinylpyridine bromide) quaternized with linear aliphatic chains of two (QPVP-C2) or five (QPVP-C5) carbons. Comparisons among results for the three polycations reveal hydrophobic interactions, while comparisons between BSA and BLG-proteins of very similar isoelectric points (pI)-indicate the importance of protein charge anisotropy. At pH close to pI, the ionic strength dependence of the adsorbed amount of protein (Gamma) displayed maxima in the range 10 < I < 25 mM corresponding to Debye lengths close to the protein radii. Visualization of protein charge by Delphi suggested that these ionic strength conditions corresponded to suppression of long-range repulsion between polycations and protein positive domains, without diminution of short-range attraction between polycation segments and locally negative protein domains, in a manner similar to the behavior of PE-protein complexes in solution.(1-4) This description was consistent with the disappearance of the maxima at pH either above or below pI. In the former case, Gamma values decrease exponentially with I(1/2), due to screening of attractions, while in the latter case adsorption of both proteins decreased at low I due to strong repulsion. Close to or below pI both proteins adsorbed more strongly onto QPVP-C5 than onto QPVP-C2 or PDADMAC due to hydrophobic interactions with the longer alkyl group. Above pI, the adsorption was more pronounced with PDADMAC because these chains may assume more loosely bound layers due to lower linear charge density.

Investigating the formation and the properties of monoalkyl carbonates in aqueous medium using capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection

Although alkyl carbonic acids (ACAs) and their salts are referred to as instable species in aqueous medium, we demonstrate that a monoalkyl carbonate (MAC) can in fact be easily formed from bicarbonate and an alcohol even in the presence of a high amount of water. A CE system with two capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detectors (C(4)Ds) was used to obtain different parameters about these species and their reactions. Based on the mobilities obtained for a series of alcohols ranging from 1 to 5 carbons, the coefficients of diffusion and the hydrodynamic radii were calculated. When compared with the equivalent carboxylates, MACs have radii systematically smaller. Although the precise pK(a) values of the ACAs could not be obtained, because of the fast decomposition in acid medium, it was possible, for the first time, to show that they are below 4.0. This result suggests that the acidity of an ACA is quite similar to the first hydrogen of H(2)CO(3). Using a new approach to indirectly calibrate the C(4)D, the kinetic constants and the equilibrium constants of formation were also obtained. The results suggest that the increase in the chain length makes the MACs less stable and more inert.

Towards to the trans-bromination of 2-styrylpyridine with a palladacycle intermediary and structure analysis for trans-1,2-dibromo-2-styrylpyridine

The simple halogenation of alkynes in conventional organic reactions gives a blend of cis and trans isomers. It is proposed then, a synthesis of stereospecific halogenation of alkynes in trans position, using palladacycle as intermediaries. The recrystallization of the compound obtained by bromination of 2-Styrylpyridine, with cyclepalladium intermediary results in a single crystal, which is subjected to X-ray diffraction. The crystal packing is established through weak interactions of three types. The first one is of the type pi x pi interactions, from symmetry operation, between the centroids. The second one is of the type C-X center dot center dot center dot pi interactions. And the last type is an anomalous intermolecular interaction between halogens, C-X center dot center dot center dot X-C, with bond distances smaller than the sum of the van der Waals radii. The conformation on the C=C bond is trans and the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is (with esd approximate) 18.1(3)degrees. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Att vara sig själv i TV : En studie om heteronormativitet och könsroller i dagens svenska homestylingprogram

Heteronormativiteten är den norm som är starkast i vårt svenska samhälle och omedvetenheten kring den är stor bland gemene man. Problematiken med att låta dessa normer styra i det dolda kan medföra att de som inte platsar in drabbas av utanförskap. Syftet med den här studien är att undersöka om fyra svenska homestylingprogram bekräftar eller avviker från heteronormativiteten, hur de gör det och om det är någon skillnad mellan dessa program. Undersökningen har utförts genom att använda diskursanalys enligt Michel Foucaults beskrivning av detta samt genom inspiration från Eva Bolanders dissertation (2009) om hennes analys av sexualupplysningsprogram. Vår analys redovisas under fem teman och varje program ställs upp var för sig. Analysen visar att dessa fyra program både avviker och bekräftar heteronormerna. När det gäller yrken och arbetsuppgifter och utseende visar vår analys att de fyra homestylingprogrammen bekräftar heteronormativiteten i mycket hög grad men när det gäller jargong, sexuella läggningar samt utförande av uppgifterna avviker programmen till ganska stor del eftersom de inte följer det typiskt heteronormativa kännetecknen i särskilt hög grad. En jämförelse mellan dessa fyra program visar att TV4:s program Äntligen hemma var det program som mest bekräftade heteronormerna och att de andra tre var svåra att rangordna eftersom de alla avvek från normerna men på skilda sätt.

Single-mode acceleration of matter waves in circular waveguides

Ultracold gases in ring geometries hold promise for significant improvements of gyroscopic sensitivity. Recent experiments have realized atomic and molecular storage rings with radii in the centimeter range, sizes whose practical use in inertial sensors requires velocities significantly in excess of typical recoil velocities. We use a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to study the coherent acceleration of matter waves in circular waveguides, with particular emphasis on its impact on single-mode propagation. In the simplest case we find that single-mode propagation is best maintained by the application of time-dependent acceleration force with the temporal profile of a Blackmann pulse. We also assess the impact of classical noise on the acceleration process.

Tha contribution of home-based technology to older people's quality of life in extra care housing

Background: British government policy for older people focuses on a vision of active ageing and independent living. In the face of diminishing personal capacities, the use of appropriate home-based technology (HBT) devices could potentially meet a wide range of needs and consequently improve many aspects of older people's quality of life such as physical health, psychosocial well-being, social relationships, and their physical or living environment. This study aimed to examine the use of HBT devices and the correlation between use of such devices and quality of life among older people living in extra-care housing (ECH).  Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered for this study. Using purposive sampling 160 older people living in extra-care housing schemes were selected from 23 schemes in England. A face-to-face interview was conducted in each participant's living unit. In order to measure quality of life, the SEIQoL-Adapted and CASP-19 were used.  Results: Although most basic appliances and emergency call systems were used in the living units, communally provided facilities such as personal computers, washing machines, and assisted bathing equipment in the schemes were not well utilised. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for confounders including age, sex, marital status, living arrangement and mobility use indicated a coefficient of 1.17 with 95% CI (0.05, 2.29) and p = 0.04 [SEIQoL-Adapted] and 2.83 with 95% CI (1.17, 4.50) and p = 0.001 [CASP-19].  Conclusions: The findings of the present study will be value to those who are developing new form of specialised housing for older people with functional limitations and, in particular, guiding investments in technological aids. The results of the present study also indicate that the home is an essential site for developing residential technologies.

Sex- och samlevnadsundervisning i grundskolan : En systematisk litteraturstudie om vad som är viktigt vid upplägget av sex- och samlevnadsundervisning

Sex- och samlevnadsundervisningen har varit under utveckling en längre tid. Från att upplysa befolkningen om riskerna med sex, och olika ”sexuella störningar” som homosexualitet, har fokus flyttat till att bejaka människors olika sexualiteter och få alla människor att känna sig trygga i sin identitet. Syftet med den här systematiska litteraturstudien är att få en fördjupad kunskap kring vad som är och anses viktigt vid sex- och samlevnadsundervisning i svensk skola och hur man kan arbeta med de rådande normer som finns. Litteraturstudien har hämtat aktuell litteratur inom forskningsområdet från databaserna Eric, Summon och Libris. Litteraturen har granskats och valts ut för att svara mot studiens frågeställningar. Resultatet från studien visar vilket gemensamt ansvar rektorer och lärare har för att sex- och samlevnadsundervisningen ska integreras i fler skolämnen, samt att man bör arbeta med mål och bedömning för att få ett gynnsamt lärande och få delaktiga elever som kan påverka undervisningen. Det är viktigt för att undervisningen ska utgå från elevernas behov och funderingar samtidigt som både ett riskperspektiv och ett njutningsperspektiv lyfts. Lärarna bör arbeta objektivt och lyfta frågor som avviker från den heterosexuella normen, bland annat Hbt- frågor, detta för att inkludera alla elever i sex- och samlevnadsundervisningen.

Heteronormen - hur ser den ut i sex- och samlevnadsundervisningen på en jämställdcertifierad låg- och mellanstadieskola?

Sex- och samlevnadsundervisningen handlar idag mycket om jämställdhetsarbete, normer och människors lika värde. Kunskapsområdet ska integreras i alla skolans ämnen för att alla elever ska känna sig inkluderade i undervisningen. Studiens syfte är att ta reda på hur lärarna på låg- och mellanstadiet arbetar med sin egen medvetenhet angående heteronormen samt att ta reda på hur de kommunicerar detta med eleverna. Studien har samlat kvalitativ data genom halvstrukturerade intervjuer med sex lärare på en jämställdhetscertifierad skola i Sverige. Studiens resultat visar genom lärarnas resonemang att de arbetar aktivt med normer och jämställdhet, vilket de kopplar till skolans certifikat. Lärarna beskriver att de lyfter och diskuterar dessa frågor i kollegiet samt granskar det undervisningsmaterial de använder sig av i verksamheten. Lärarna pratar om normer och jämställdhet med eleverna och är noggranna med att det ska ske på ett sätt som inkluderar alla elever och inte pekar ut hbt-personer som annorlunda, något som de anser kan vara ett dilemma. Lärarna berättar att de ibland kan känna att kunskapen brister angående hbt-frågor, men direkt när eleverna kränker någon eller har frågor som grundar sig i heteronormen diskuteras det med eleverna. Skolan har i och med sex- och samlevnadsundervisningen ett stort ansvar i jämställdhetsarbetet.

Avaliação do desempenho de LEDs na ativação de um compósito odontológico através de ensaios de sorção, solubilidade, nanodureza e módulo de elasticidade

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de quatro aparelhos fotopolimerizadores comerciais que utilizam LED como fonte de luz: Elipar Free Light 2 (E), Radii (R), L.E.Demetron I (D) e Single V (S) na polimerização do compósito Z250, na cor A3, por 20s, através dos ensaios de sorção, solubilidade, nanodureza e módulo de elasticidade. Um fotopolimerizador convencional de lâmpada halógena XL2500 (XL) foi utilizado como parâmetro de comparação. Para o ensaio de sorção e solubilidade foram confeccionados 5 corpos de prova com 15mm de diâmetro e 1mm de espessura para cada aparelho fotopolimerizador. Os ensaios foram realizados segundo a especificação da ISO 4049:2000 e os resultados mostraram que todos os grupos atenderam às exigências da norma que permite, no máximo, 40g/mm2 de sorção e 7,5g/mm2 de solubilidade. Para o ensaio de nanodureza e módulo de elasticidade foram confeccionados 5 corpos de prova cilíndricos com 6mm de diâmetro e 4mm de altura, para cada aparelho fotopolimerizador. A medição foi feita, em profundidade (1mm, 2mm e 3mm), no interior do corpo de prova, 24 h após a confecção dos mesmos. Os valores de nanodureza foram obtidos a partir da média de quatro endentações, realizadas em cada uma das três profundidades, de cada corpo de prova, com o equipamento Fischerscope HV, utilizando penetrador Berkovich com carga de 250mN. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey para comparação entre os aparelhos, em cada profundidade (α=0,05) e comparação individual de cada aparelho nas diferentes profundidades (α=0,05). Na profundidade de 1mm todos os grupos apresentaram valores de nanodureza estatisticamente superiores à profundidade de 3mm. Para a profundidade de 1mm não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os aparelhos. Para a profundidade de 2mm os aparelhos LED R, D e S foram superiores ao XL, e E não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa de D, S e XL. Para a profundidade de 3mm, não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os LEDs, sendo R estatisticamente superior ao XL. Os valores do módulo de elasticidade não mostraram diferença entre os grupos na profundidade de 1mm e para as profundidades de 2 e 3mm, o XL apresentou valor estatisticamente inferior aos LEDs que não mostraram diferença entre si. Os resultados permitiram concluir que todos os aparelhos LED analisados mostraram um desempenho no mínimo semelhante, senão melhor do que a lâmpada halógena, considerando as propriedades de sorção, solubilidade, nanodureza e módulo de elasticidade desenvolvidas por eles no compósito Z250.

Efeito da fotoativação com LED sobre a microdureza de um compósito em cavidades com diferentes profundidades

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de três aparelhos fotoativadores, sendo que dois aparelhos utilizam a tecnologia de diodos emissores de luz (LED) (Radii-SDI; Single V-Bio art) e o ultimo é um aparelho convencional de lâmpada halógena (XL-2500-3M ESPE), sendo que o primeiro apresenta o diodo emissor de luz na extremidade do aparelho; o segundo apresenta ponteira de fibra óptica turbo e o terceiro apresenta ponteira de fibra óptica convencional. O desempenho dos aparelhos foi analisado por meio da análise de microdureza do fundo de um incremento de 2mm do compósito Z250 (3M ESPE), submetido à polimerização em diferentes profundidades: 2mm, 4mm, 6mm e 8mm. Em todos os casos, o tempo de polimerização adotado foi de 20 s. Para obtenção dos corpos de prova, foi utilizada uma matriz de dentina com uma cavidade de 3mm de diâmetro por 2mm de espessura. Para simular as diferentes profundidades de 2mm, 4mm, 6mm e 8mm, foram utilizados espaçadores de dentina em forma de anel com 2mm, 4mm, e 6mm de espessura sobre a matriz. Para o ensaio de microdureza, foram confeccionados cinco corpos de prova para cada combinação entre aparelho fotoativador e as quatro profundidades, totalizando 60 corpos de prova. . O ensaio foi realizado 15min após a polimerização. Os valores de microdureza foram obtidos a partir de cinco endentações em cada corpo de prova. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste Tukey para comparação entre os aparelhos, em cada profundidade (α=0,05). Os valores médios e desvio padrão da microdureza obtidos com os aparelhos Radii(R), Single V (S) e XL-2500(XL), a 2mm, foram respectivamente: 55,16 (±1,66), 58,56 (±1,77), 51,15 (±2,08), mostrando diferença significativa entre eles, sendo que o melhor desempenho foi obtido pelo S seguido pelo R e pelo XL. A 4mm, os valores foram R= 52,23 (±1,66 ); S= 49,04 (±2,04); XL= 47,34 (±2,69), com melhor desempenho do R em relação a XL, porém sem diferença do S. A 6mm, os valores foram R= 46,40 (±1,07); S= 43,64 (±1,56); XL= 42,12 (±1,72). Com melhor desempenho do R, seguidos pelo S e XL que não mostraram diferença entre si. Já a 8mm, os valores foram R= 41,96 (±1,09); S= 38,36(± 0,87); XL= 40,16 (±1,70), com melhor desempenho do R seguido pelo XL e este pelo S, mostrando diferença significativa entre eles. Comparando os aparelhos LED com a lâmpada halógena, pode-se observar que o Radii teve um desempenho superior a ela em todas as profundidades. Já o Single V foi superior na profundidade de 2mm, similar em 4mm e em 6mm e inferior em 8mm, mostrando que os aparelhos LED tiveram um comportamento diferenciado que talvez possa ser atribuído à presença de uma ponteira turbo no Single V. Também com base nos resultados foi possível concluir que houve uma redução significativa, dos valores de microdureza do fundo do material restaurador com o aumento da profundidade da cavidade para todos os aparelhos.

Modelagem analítica e experimental da filtração em meios porosos

Deep bed filtration occurs in several industrial and environmental processes like water filtration and soil contamination. In petroleum industry, deep bed filtration occurs near to injection wells during water injection, causing injectivity reduction. It also takes place during well drilling, sand production control, produced water disposal in aquifers, etc. The particle capture in porous media can be caused by different physical mechanisms (size exclusion, electrical forces, bridging, gravity, etc). A statistical model for filtration in porous media is proposed and analytical solutions for suspended and retained particles are derived. The model, which incorporates particle retention probability, is compared with the classical deep bed filtration model allowing a physical interpretation of the filtration coefficients. Comparison of the obtained analytical solutions for the proposed model with the classical model solutions allows concluding that the larger the particle capture probability, the larger the discrepancy between the proposed and the classical models