303 research outputs found
Phase composition and transformations in magnetron-sputtered (Al,V)2O3 coatings
Coatings of (Al1-xVx)2O3, with x ranging from 0 to 1, were deposited by
pulsed DC reactive sputter deposition on Si(100) at a temperature of 550
{\deg}C. XRD showed three different crystal structures depending on V-metal
fraction in the coating: {\alpha}-V2O3 rhombohedral structure for 100 at.% V, a
defect spinel structure for the intermediate region, 63 - 42 at.% V. At lower
V-content, 18 and 7 at.%, a gamma-alumina-like solid solution was observed,
shifted to larger d-spacing compared to pure {\gamma}-Al2O3. The microstructure
changes from large columnar faceted grains for {\alpha}-V2O3 to smaller
equiaxed grains when lowering the vanadium content toward pure {\gamma}-Al2O3.
Annealing in air resulted in formation of V2O5 crystals on the surface of the
coating after annealing to 500 {\deg}C for 42 at.% V and 700 {\deg}C for 18
at.% V metal fraction respectively. The highest thermal stability was shown for
pure {\gamma}-Al2O3-coating, which transformed to {\alpha}-Al2O3 after
annealing to 1100{\deg} C. Highest hardness was observed for the Al-rich
oxides, ~24 GPa. The latter decreased with increasing V-content, larger than 7
at.% V metal fraction. The measured hardness after annealing in air decreased
in conjunction with the onset of further oxidation of the coatings
Type-1.5 superconductivity in multicomponent systems
In general a superconducting state breaks multiple symmetries and, therefore, is characterized by several different coherence lengths , . Moreover in multiband material even superconducting states that break only a single symmetry are nonetheless described, under certain conditions by multi-component theories with multiple coherence lengths. As a result of that there can appear a state where some coherence lengths are larger and some are smaller than the magnetic field penetration length : . That state was recently termed "type-1.5" superconductivity. This breakdown of type-1/type-2 dichotomy is rather generic near a phase transition between superconducting states with different symmetries. The examples include the transitions between and states or between and states. The later example is realized in systems that feature transition between s-wave and states. The extra fundamental length scales have many physical consequences. In particular in these regimes vortices can attract one another at long range but repel at shorter ranges. Such a system can form vortex clusters in low magnetic fields. The vortex clustering in the type-1.5 regime gives rise to many physical effects, ranging from macroscopic phase separation in domains of different broken symmetries, to unusual transport properties
Synthesis and characterization of a novel organic nitrate NDHP: Role of xanthine oxidoreductase-mediated nitric oxide formation
In this report, we describe the synthesis and characterization of 1,3-bis(hexyloxy)propan-2-yl nitrate (NDHP), a novel organic mono nitrate. Using purified xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), chemiluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we found that XOR catalyzes nitric oxide (NO) generation from NDHP under anaerobic conditions, and that thiols are not involved or required in this process. Further mechanistic studies revealed that NDHP could be reduced to NO at both the FAD and the molybdenum sites of XOR, but that the FAD site required an unoccupied molybdenum site. Conversely, the molybdenum site was able to reduce NDHP independently of an active FAD site. Moreover, using isolated vessels in a myograph, we demonstrate that NDHP dilates pre-constricted mesenteric arteries from rats and mice. These effects were diminished when XOR was blocked using the selective inhibitor febuxostat. Finally, we demonstrate that NDHP, in contrast to glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), is not subject to development of tolerance in isolated mesenteric arteries.</p
Integrated healthcare and the dilemma of public health emergencies
Traditional healthcare services have demonstrated structural shortcomings in the delivery of patient care and enforced numerous elements of integration in the delivery of healthcare services. Integrated healthcare aims at providing all healthcare that makes humans healthy. However, with mainly chronically ill people and seniors, typically suffering from numerous comorbidities and diseases, being recruited for care, there is a need for a change in the healthcare service structure beyond direct-patient care to be compatible in peacetime and during public health emergencies. This article’s objective is to discuss the opportunities and obstacles for increasing the effectiveness of healthcare through improved integration. A rapid evidence review approach was used by performing a systematic followed by a non-systematic literature review and content analysis. The results confirmed that integrated healthcare systems play an increasingly important role in healthcare system reforms undertaken in European Union countries. The essence of these changes is the transition from the episodic treatment of acute diseases to the provision of coordinated medical services, focused on chronic cases, prevention, and ensuring patient continuity. However, integrated healthcare, at a level not yet fully defined, will be necessary if we are to both define and attain the integrated practice of both global health and global public health emergencies. This paper attains the necessary global challenges to integrate healthcare effectively at every level of society. There is a need for more knowledge to effectively develop, support, and disseminate initiatives related to coordinated healthcare in the individual healthcare systems
Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Body Composition and Physical Performance in Female Athletes
InP-based two-dimensional photonic crystals filled with polymers
Polymer filling of the air holes of Indium Phosphide based two-dimensional
photonic crystals is reported. After infiltration of the holes with a liquid
monomer and solidification of the infill in situ by thermal polymerization,
complete filling is proven using scanning electron microscopy. Optical
transmission measurements of a filled photonic crystal structure exhibit a
redshift of the air band, confirming the complete filling.Comment: To be published in Appl. Phys. Let
Current Perspectives and Concerns Facing Hospital Evacuation: The Results of a Pilot Study and Literature Review
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