The stability of the recently discovered b-BN/Ru(0001) nanomesh is of crucial importance for potential applications as a nanotemplate. In particular, thermal stability in oxygen environment is important for nanocatalysis applications. We report here on the etching experiments of the h-BN layer by molecular oxygen exposure at elevated temperatures. This process is studied both by scanning tunneling

The present study describes the preparation of 11 batches of starch microspheres for drug delivery. Parameters such as the type of starch material, the type of protein, and the incubation time of the process were varied, and the obtained microspheres differed in yield, encapsulation efficiency and physical properties. The crystalline/ordered structure (obtained through X-ray powder diffraction (XR

The influence of a fire retardant (Firesorb, an acrylic-acrylamide copolymer) on the microbial community structure determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis was examined under laboratory conditions using two different textured soils under pine forest. Firesorb was added to unheated and heated soil samples (350 degrees C for 10 min followed by reinoculation, to mimic a forest fire) at t

Special purpose service robots have already entered the market and their users homes. Also the idea of the general purpose service robot or personal robot companion is increasingly discussed and investigated. To probe human-robot interaction with a mobile robot in arbitrary domestic settings, we conducted a study in eight different homes. Based on previous results from laboratory studies we identi

To validate a detailed questionnaire for assessment of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure by the biomarker cotinine in various media, a population-based study in the urban area of Malmo, Sweden was performed in children aged 8-13 years with and without asthmatic symptoms. There were strong correlations between urinary and saliva cotinine concentrations and also, though to a lesser extent,

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAPS) spectroscopic measurements were performed on Pb(II)ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) adsorbed on goethite as a function of pH (4-6), Pb(II)EDTA concentration (0.11-72 mu M), and ionic strength (16 mu M-0.5 M). FTIR measurements show no evidence for carboxylate-Fe(III) bonding or protonation of EDTA at Pb:EDTA =

The 2000–2006 achievements in the field of synthesis, property examination, and application of proton-exchange membranes are reviewed on the basis of more than 120 papers.

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to insulin resulting in association with and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), thereby initiating some of the effects of insulin. We have recently shown that the insulin-like effects of growth hormone (GH) in adipocytes can be inhibited by the selective PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin (Ridderstral

For large classes of vorticities we prove that a steady periodic gravity water wave with a monotonic profile between crests and troughs must be symmetric. The analysis uses sharp maximum principles for elliptic partial differential equations.

Nine spouses of people who had suffered from acute leukemia or highly malignant lymphoma were interviewed about their everyday life experiences throughout their partner's illness and treatment, and concerning their view of the professional care provided. The transcribed texts were subjected to phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis. The spouses felt they were in a situation of overall severe crisis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a questionnaire and medical anamnesis to identify persons with dermatitis in an occupational setting. The design was a clinical epidemiological cross-sectional study. The study was performed between the second and fourth week of January 2001. A questionnaire was followed a week later by a medical occupational interview and a clinical dermatolog

Objectives: Regarding the recent attention to develop policies regarding the provision of clinical genetic testing services, access to, acceptance, utilisation and regulation of genetic services was investigated in selected European countries as well as one non-European country. Methods: Data were collected on the basis of relevant international reports and sources accessible via the internet, fro

This study was performed to investigate the glomerular permeability alterations responsible for the microalbuminuria occurring in endotoxemia and during anaphylactic shock. In anaesthetized Wistar rats, the left ureter was catheterized for urine collection, while simultaneously, blood access was achieved. Endotoxemia was induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. Coli, and glomerular permeability

Today, environmental issues play an important role in the viability of modern low-emission power plants. As a consequence, gas turbine combustors need to be operated at lean premixed conditions. However, successful designs require a detailed knowledge of the combustion process under realistic operating conditions. The present study focuses on nonreacting and reacting jets at operating pressures fr

Secretory granules of insulin-secreting cells are used to store and release peptide hormones as well as low-molecular-weight compounds such as nucleotides. Here we have compared the rate of exocytosis with the time courses of nucleotide and peptide release by a combination of capacitance measurements, electrophysiological detection of ATP release and single-granule imaging. We demonstrate that the

Nonstoichiometric CuOx/CeO2 nanocomposite particles have been synthesized by inert gas condensation (IGC) over the whole compositional range (2 to 98 at.% Cu). The composition influences greatly the formation of various nanostructures, such as core-shells. A wide range of techniques were used to characterize the catalysts: high-resolution TEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as high-e