Dynamic self-organization phenomena in complex ionized gas systems : new paradigms and technological aspects

An overview of dynamic self-organization phenomena in complex ionized gas systems, associated physical phenomena, and industrial applications is presented. The most recent experimental, theoretical, and modeling efforts to understand the growth mechanisms and dynamics of nano- and micron-sized particles, as well as the unique properties of the plasma-particle systems (colloidal, or complex plasmas) and the associated physical phenomena are reviewed and the major technological applications of micro- and nanoparticles are discussed. Until recently, such particles were considered mostly as a potential hazard for the microelectronic manufacturing and significant efforts were applied to remove them from the processing volume or suppress the gas-phase coagulation. Nowadays, fine clusters and particulates find numerous challenging applications in fundamental science as well as in nanotechnology and other leading high-tech industries.

Self-organization and dynamics of nanoparticles in chemically active plasmas for low-temperature deposition of silicon and carbon-based nanostructured films

Self-organization and dynamic processes of nano/micron-sized solid particles grown in low-temperature chemically active plasmas as well as the associated physico-chemical processes are reviewed. Three specific reactive plasma chemistries, namely, of silane (SiH4), acetylene (C 2H2), and octafluorocyclobutane (c-C4F 8) RF plasma discharges for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon, hydrogenated and fluorinated carbon films, are considered. It is shown that the particle growth mechanisms and specific self-organization processes in the complex reactive plasma systems are related to the chemical organization and size of the nanoparticles. Correlation between the nanoparticle origin and self-organization in the ionized gas phase and improved thin film properties is reported. Self-organization and dynamic phenomena in relevant reactive plasma environments are studied for equivalent model systems comprising inert buffer gas and mono-dispersed organic particulate powders. Growth kinetics and dynamic properties of the plasma-assembled nanoparticles can be critical for the process quality in microelectronics as well as a number of other industrial applications including production of fine metal or ceramic powders, nanoparticle-unit thin film deposition, nanostructuring of substrates, nucleating agents in polymer and plastics synthesis, drug delivery systems, inorganic additives for sunscreens and UV-absorbers, and several others. Several unique properties of the chemically active plasma-nanoparticle systems are discussed as well.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the yellow coaster, Acraea issoria (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Acraeini): sequence, gene organization and a unique tRNA translocation event

In this paper, the complete mitochondrial genome of Acraea issoria (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Acraeini) is reported; a circular molecule of 15,245 bp in size. For A. issoria, genes are arranged in the same order and orientation as the complete sequenced mitochondrial genomes of the other lepidopteran species, except for the presence of an extra copy of tRNAIle(AUR)b in the control region. All protein-coding genes of A. issoria mitogenome start with a typical ATN codon and terminate in the common stop codon TAA, except that COI gene uses TTG as its initial codon and terminates in a single T residue. All tRNA genes possess the typical clover leaf secondary structure except for tRNASer(AGN), which has a simple loop with the absence of the DHU stem. The sequence, organization and other features including nucleotide composition and codon usage of this mitochondrial genome were also reported and compared with those of other sequenced lepidopterans mitochondrial genomes. There are some short microsatellite-like repeat regions (e.g., (TA)9, polyA and polyT) scattered in the control region, however, the conspicuous macro-repeats units commonly found in other insect species are absent.

Assembly and self-organization of nanomaterials

The increasing interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology has prompted intense investigations into appropriate fabrication techniques. Self-organized, bottom-up growth of nanomaterials using plasma nanofabrication techniques1–10 has proven to be one of the most promising approaches for the construction of precisely tailored nanostructures (i.e., quantum dots,11–13 nanotubes,14–17 nanowires,18–20 etc.) arrays. Thus the primary aim of this chapter is to show how plasmas may be used to achieve a high level of control during the self-organized growth of a range of nanomaterials, from zero-dimensional quantum dots (Section 15.2) to one- and two-dimensional nanomaterials (Section 15.3) to nanostructured films (Section 15.4)...

The effect of ß-alanine on buffering capacity and exercise performance during and following high-intensity exercise in healthy males

Introduction Intense exercise induced acidosis occurs from the accumulation of hydrogen ions as by-products of anaerobic metabolism. Oral ingestion of ß-alanine, a limiting precursor of the intracellular physiochemical buffer carnosine in skeletal muscle, may counteract any detrimental effect of acidosis and benefit performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ß-alanine as an ergogenic aid during high intensity exercise performance in healthy males. Methods Five males ingested either ß-alanine (BAl) (4.8 g.d-1 for 4wk, then 6.4 g.d-1 for 2wk) or placebo (Pl) (CaCO3) in a crossover design with 6 wk washout between. Following supplementation, participants performed two different intense exercise protocols over consecutive days. On the first day a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test of 5 x 6s, with 24s rest periods, was performed. On the second day a cycling capacity test measuring the time to exhaustion (TTE) was performed at 110% of their max workload achieved in a pre supplementation max test (CCT110%). Non-invasive quantification of carnosine, prior to, and following each supplementation, with magnetic resonance spectrometry was performed in the soleus and gastrocnemius. Time to fatigue (CCT110%), peak and mean power (RSA), blood pH, and plasma lactate were measured. Results Muscle carnosine concentration was not different prior to ß-alanine supplementation and increased 18% in the soleus and 26% in the gastrocnemius, respectively with 6 wk supplementation. There was no difference in the measured performance variables during the RSA test (peak and average power output). TTE during the CCT110% was significantly enhanced following the ingestion of BAl (155s ± 19.03) compared to Pl (134s ± 26.16). No changes were observed in blood pH during either exercise protocol and during the recovery from exercise. Plasma lactate in the BAl condition was significantly higher than Pl only from the 15th minute following exercise during the CCT110%. FIG. 1: Changes in carnosine concentration in the gastrocnemius prior and post 6 week chronic supplementation of placebo and β-alanine. Values expressed as mean.* p<0.05 from Pl at 6 weeks, # p<0.05 from pre supplementation. Conclusion/Discussion Greater muscle carnosine content following 6wk supplementation of ß-alanine enhanced the potential for intracellular buffering capacity. However, this only translated into enhanced performance during the CCT110% high intensity cycling exercise protocol, with no change observed during the RSA test. No differences in post exercise and recovery plasma lactates and blood pH, indicates that 6wks ß-alanine supplementation has no effect on anaerobic metabolism during multiple bout high intensity exercise. Changes in plasma lactate during recovery supports that ß-alanine supplementation may affect anaerobic metabolism however during single bout high intensity.

The effect of ß-alanine on buffering capacity and exercise performance during and following high-intensity exercise in healthy males

Intense exercise induced acidosis occurs after accumulation of hydrogen ions as by-products of anaerobic metabolism. Oral ingestion of ß-alanine, a limiting precursor of the intracellular physiochemical buffer carnosine in skeletal muscle, may counteract detrimental effects of acidosis and benefit performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ß-alanine as an ergogenic aid during high intensity exercise performance. Five healthy males ingested either ß-alanine or placebo (Pl) (CaCO3) in a crossover design with 6 wk washout between. Participants performed two different intense exercise protocols over consecutive days. On the first day a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test was performed. On the second day a cycling capacity test measuring the time to exhaustion (TTE) was performed at 110% of maximum workload achieved in a pre supplementation max test (CCT110%). Non-invasive quantification of carnosine, prior to, and following each supplementation, with in vivo magnetic resonance spectrometry was performed in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle. Time to fatigue (CCT110%), peak and mean power (RSA), blood pH, and plasma lactate were measured. Muscle carnosine concentration was not different prior to ß-alanine supplementation and increased 18% in the soleus and 26% in the gastrocnemius, respectively after supplementation. There was no difference in the measured performance variables during the RSA test (peak and average power output). TTE during the CCT110% was significantly enhanced following the ingestion of BAl (155s ± 19.03) compared to Pl (134s ± 26.16). No changes were observed in blood pH during either exercise protocol and during the recovery from exercise. Plasma lactate after BAI was significantly higher than Pl only from the 15th minute following exercise during the CCT110%. Greater muscle carnosine content following 6wk supplementation of ß-alanine enhanced the potential for intracellular buffering capacity. This translated into enhanced performance during the CCT110% high intensity cycling exercise protocol but not during the RSA test. The lack of change in plasma lactate or blood pH indicates that 6wks ß-alanine supplementation has no effect on anaerobic metabolism during multiple-bout high-intensity exercise. Changes measured in plasma lactate during recovery support the hypothesis that ß-alanine supplementation may affect anaerobic metabolism particularly during single bout high intensity.

Supramolecular organization in fluorene/indenofluorene-oligothiophene alternating conjugated copolymers

A series of conjugated copolymers containing fluorene or indenofluorene units alternating with oligothiophene segments, with potential interest for use as the active layer in field-effect transistors, is investigated. Atomic force microscopy analysis of the morphology of thin deposits shows either the formation of fibrillar structures, which are the signature of long-range π stacking, or the presence of untextured aggregates, resulting from disordered assembly. These morphologies are interpreted in terms of the supramolecular organization of the conjugated chains. Molecular modeling simulations indicate that the commensurability between the lengths of the monomer units and the presence of alkyl side groups are the two key structural factors governing the chain organization into highly ordered assemblies. The most favorable structures are those combining fluorene (indenofluorene) units with unsubstituted bithiophene (terthiophene) segments.

Predictors of mental health in midlife and older women : results from the Australian Healthy Aging of Women Study

Purpose: To examine the extent to which socio-demographic characteristics, modifiable lifestyle factors and health status influence the mental health of midlife and older Australian women from the Australian Healthy Aging of Women (HOW) study. Methods: Data on health status, chronic disease and modifiable lifestyle factors were collected from a random sample of 340 women aged 40-65 years, residing in Queensland, Australia in 2011. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to measure the effect of a range of socio-demographic characteristics (marital status, age, income), modifiable lifestyle factors (caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, exercise, physical activity, sleep), and health markers (self-reported physical health, history of chronic illness) on the latent construct, mental health. Mental health was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF-12®) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: The model was a good fit for the data (χ2 = 40.166, df =312, p 0.125, CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.030, 90% CI = 0.000-0.053); the model suggested mental health was negatively influenced by sleep disturbance (β = -0.628), sedentary lifestyle (β = -0.137), having been diagnosed with one or more chronic illnesses (β = -0.203), and poor self-reported physical health (β = - 0.161). While mental health was associated with sleep, it was not correlated with many other lifestyle factors (BMI (β = -0.050), alcohol consumption (β = 0.079), or cigarette smoking (β = 0.008)) or background socio-demographic characteristics (age (β = 0.078), or income (β = -0.039)). Conclusion: While research suggests that it is important to engage in a range health promoting behaviours to preserve good health, we found that only sleep disturbance, physical health, chronic illness and level of physical activity predicted current mental health. However, while socio-demographic characteristics and modifiable lifestyle factors seemed to have little direct impact on mental health, they probably had an indirect effect.

What predicts mental health in midlife and older women? Results from the Australian Healthy Aging of Women Study

Objectives: Previous research has linked unhealthy lifestyle with a range of negative health outcomes in women. As women age however, they may have fewer performance expectations, but may view their health more positively. Clearly, the experiences of midlife and older women in relation to health and wellbeing need further exploration. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in midlife (HRQoL) and older Australian women. Methods: The Australian longitudinal Healthy Aging of Women (HOW) study prospectively examines HRQoL, chronic disease and modifiable lifestyle factors midlife and older women as they age. Random sampling was used to select rural and urban based women from South-East Queensland, Australia. Data were collected from 386 women at three time points over the last decade (2001, 2004 and 2011). Results: The average age of women in this study was 65 years (SD = 2.82). Almost three-quarters (73%, n = 248) of the sample were married or living as though married, nine per cent (n = 30) were separated or divorced and a small proportion were had never married (n = 13). Most (86%, n = 291) of the women sample reported being Australian born, around one quarter (34%, n = 114) had completed additional study since leaving school (university degree or diploma). Over half (55%, n = 186) of participants were retired, one quarter (25%, n = 85) were in paid employment and the remained were unemployed (1%, n = 4), unable to work because of illness (2%, n = 6) or worked within the home (17%, n = 56). Using data collected over time we examined the relationship between a range of modifiable lifestyle factors and mental health using structural equation modelling. The overall model exhibited a good fit with the data. Poor sleep quality was associated with reduced mental health while better mental health was reported in women who exercised regularly and satisfied with their currently weight. As hypothesized, past mental health was a significant mediator of current mental health. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the mental health of women is complex and needs to be understood not only in terms of current lifestyle but also in relation to previously reported health status.

Morphometric stability of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus in healthy individuals a 3-year longitudinal study using corneal confocal microscopy

Purpose We examined the age-dependent alterations and longitudinal course of subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) morphology in healthy individuals. Methods Laser-scanning corneal confocal microscopy, ocular screening, and health and metabolic assessment were performed on 64 healthy participants at baseline and at 12-month intervals for 3 years. At each annual visit, eight central corneal images of the SNP were selected and analyzed using a fully-automated analysis system to quantify corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL). Two linear mixed model approaches were fitted to examine the relationship between age and CNFL, and the longitudinal changes of CNFL over three years. Results At baseline, mean age was 51.9 ± 14.7 years. The cohort was sex balanced (χ2 = 0.56, P = 0.45). Age (t = 1.6, P = 0.12) and CNFL (t = -0.50, P = 0.62) did not differ between sexes. A total of 52 participants completed the 36-month visit and 49 participants completed all visits. Age had a significant effect on CNFL (F1,33 = 5.67, P = 0.02) with a linear decrease of 0.05 mm/mm2 in CNFL per one year increase in age. No significant change in CNFL was observed over the 36-month period (F1,55 = 0.69, P = 0.41). Conclusions The CNFL showed a stable course over a 36-month period in healthy individuals, although there was a slight linear reduction in CNFL with age. The findings of this study have implications for understanding the time-course of the effect of pathology and surgical or therapeutic interventions on the morphology of the SNP, and serves to confirm the suitability of CNFL as a screening/monitoring marker for peripheral neuropathies.

Public sector change, person-organization fit, and work attitudes : a mediation model

Organizational change is a typical phenomenon within public sector agencies in OECD countries. An increasing number of studies in the literature examine the implementation of change and its resulting impact on the work attitudes of public sector employees; however, little is known about the extent to which change management processes impact on employees’ work attitudes. This study aims to address this issue by developing a path model underpinned by change management and public service motivation literature. The path model was tested on a sample of 308 managerial and non-managerial public sector employees from the U.S. The results provide further empirical evidence on the types of change initiatives on nursing work and change management processes being implemented. Public sector agencies in the sample implemented a variety of change initiatives such as downsizing, delayering and empowerment. Employees reported two change management processes: the provision of change-related information and participation in change decision making. While the results indicate that change produces change-induced stressors, change information tends to reduce stressors and, subsequently, role stress. The results also indicate that change management processes are associated with higher levels of public service motivation, which is in turn connected to higher levels of person–organization fit. Person–organization fit was found to partially mediate the relationship between public service motivation and job satisfaction in the context of change.

Engaging children and young people in creating resilient and healthy urban spaces

Urban public space in Australia and internationally, can be critically examined from a number of multidisciplinary standpoints, including human geography, urban design, planning, sociology, and public health. Viewing urban public space from a range of perspectives encourages different vantage points to emerge and questions around health, wellbeing and public space are increasingly topical and important in the broadest of terms, with public space being a key arena for physical activity, mental health, commercial, cultural and community life and the possibility of social inclusion. However, in the name of urban regeneration, programs of securitisation, ‘gentrification’ ‘creative’ and ‘smart’ city initiatives refashion public space as sites of selective inclusion and exclusion (Watson 2005; Gabrys 2014). In this context of monitoring and control procedures, in particular, children and young people’s use of space in parks, neighbourhoods, shopping malls and streets, is often viewed as a threat to social order, requiring various forms of remedial action, such as being ‘designed out’ of public space (Johnson 2014). Rarely are children and young people actively and respectfully brought into planning and governance processes and consequently many urban public spaces are essentially adult places, where control and ongoing surveillance are the key concerns (Freeman 2011, Dee 2013). There is also a political economy of public space discernable in cities like Brisbane, where ‘flagship’ infrastructure such as road tunnels take pride of place, while more humbly appointed pedestrian footpaths are often narrow, in a poor state of repair and a potential barrier to good health (Atkinson and Easthope 2009). The recent development of bikeways in Brisbane is a case in point, presenting both challenges and opportunities in being a valuable new form of public space heavily used by ‘commuter cyclists’ by day, but poorly lit and conceived, for a range of users at other times (Wyeth 2014). This paper concentrates on questions of social citizenship rights and discourses of health and wellbeing and suggests that cities, places and spaces and those who seek to use them, can be resilient in maintaining and extending democratic freedoms, calling surveillance, planning and governance systems to account (Smith 2014). The active inclusion of children and young people better informs the implementation of public policy around the design, build and governance of public space and also understandings of urban citizenship, leading to healthier, more inclusive, public space for all (Jacobs 1965).

Organizations as distinction generating and processing systems : Niklas Luhmann's contribution to organization studies

Niklas Luhmann's theory of social systems has been widely influential in the German-speaking countries in the past few decades. However, despite its significance, particularly for organization studies, it is only very recently that Luhmann's work has attracted attention on the international stage as well. This Special Issue is in response to that. In this introductory paper, we provide a systematic overview of Luhmann's theory. Reading his work as a theory about distinction generating and processing systems, we especially highlight the following aspects: (i) Organizations are processes that come into being by permanently constructing and reconstructing themselves by means of using distinctions, which mark what is part of their realm and what not. (ii) Such an organizational process belongs to a social sphere sui generis possessing its own logic, which cannot be traced back to human actors or subjects. (iii) Organizations are a specific kind of social process characterized by a specific kind of distinction: decision, which makes up what is specifically organizational about organizations as social phenomena. We conclude by introducing the papers in this Special Issue. Copyright © 2006 SAGE.