The structure of thin zirconia films obtained by self-assembled monolayer mediated deposition: TEM and HREM study

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) have been performed on thin zirconia films produced by means of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) mediated deposition from aqueous zirconium sulphate dispersion at 50°C. As-grown films were found to be amorphous. Electron beam irradiation can induce the crystallization of as-grown amorphous zirconia films to tetragonal polycrystalline ZrO2 films. EELS revealed changes in the oxygen K-edge peak caused by the beam-induced structural transition of the amorphous phase to tetragonal ZrO2

Analysis of structural transformations during the synthesis of a MoVTeNb mixed oxide calalyst

This work presents a detailed investigation of the preparation routine for the multi-metal oxide Mo1V0.30Te0.23Nb0.125Ox used as catalyst for the selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid. In situ Raman spectroscopy on the initial aqueous polyoxometalate solution prepared from ammonium heptamolybdate, ammonium metavanadate and hexaoxotelluric acid reveals the coexistence of Anderson-type anions [TeM6O24]n−, M = Mo, V; n ≥ 6 and protonated decavanadate species [HxV10O28](6−x)−. Raman analysis showed that the monomeric motif of the Anderson-type tellurate is preserved after addition of the Nb precursor and the subsequent spray-drying process. Calcination of the X-ray amorphous spray-dried material in air at 548 K seems to be the essential step, leading to a re-arrangement of the tellurate building blocks, generating nanocrystalline precursors of the phases finally established during treatment in helium at 873 K

Frequency of false-positive FISH 1p/19q codeletion in adult diffuse astrocytic gliomas

Oligodendroglioma is genetically defined by concomitant IDH (IDH1/IDH2) mutation and whole-arm 1p/19q codeletion. Codeletion of 1p/19q traditionally evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) cannot distinguish partial from whole-arm 1p/19q codeletion. Partial 1p/19q codeletion called positive by FISH is diagnostically a "false-positive" result. Chromosomal microarray (CMA) discriminates partial from whole-arm 1p/19q codeletion. Herein, we aimed to estimate the frequency of partial 1p/19q codeletion that would lead to a false-positive FISH result

MPA in Labor: Securing the Pearl Cays of Nicaragua

Implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has always a step-zero, i.e., an initial phase when the idea is incepted, communicated and negotiated among stakeholders. What happens during this phase is likely to have an impact later on. If not done right, the management of the MPA may encounter problems at later stage that will be difficult to correct. Inspired by this working theory, this article describes the effort to establish the Pearl Cays off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua as a protected area. This case-study illustrates the critical actions to be taken during step-zero, i.e., what needs to be considered and done before an MPA is formally declared. The area investigated consists of a number of small islands (cays) and coral reefs, fishing grounds and marine turtle nesting areas. Throughout history, the cays have played an important role in sustaining livelihoods of nearby communities. Although the idea of an MPA was originally conservation, the communities saw it as an opportunity to regain ownership and control of the cays. By Nicaraguan law, in order to establish protected areas, consultation and approval from local people is required. In the case of the Pearl Cays, this has proved difficult. The article demonstrates how MPA initiatives must sometimes relate to already ongoing complex social processes in the area where they are to be instigated

The role of calcium supplementation in healthy musculoskeletal ageing : An expert consensus meeting of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the International Foundation for Osteoporosis (IOF).

The place of calcium supplementation, with or without concomitant vitamin D supplementation, has been much debated in terms of both efficacy and safety. There have been numerous trials and meta-analyses of supplementation for fracture reduction, and associations with risk of myocardial infarction have been suggested in recent years. In this report, the product of an expert consensus meeting of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the International Foundation for Osteoporosis (IOF), we review the evidence for the value of calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D supplementation, for healthy musculoskeletal ageing. We conclude that: 1) calcium and vitamin D supplementation leads to a modest reduction in fracture risk, although population-level intervention has not been shown to be an effective public health strategy; 2) supplementation with calcium alone for fracture reduction is not supported by the literature; 3) side effects of calcium supplementation include renal stones and gastrointestinal symptoms; 4) vitamin D supplementation, rather than calcium supplementation, may reduce falls risk; and 5) assertions of increased cardiovascular risk consequent on calcium supplementation are not convincingly supported by current evidence. In conclusion, we recommend, on the basis of the current evidence, that calcium supplementation, with concomitant vitamin D supplementation, is supported for patients at high risk of calcium and vitamin D insufficiency, and in those who are receiving treatment for osteoporosis