Structure and morphology of hydroxylated nickel oxide (111) surfaces

We report an experimental and theoretical analysis of the sqrt(3)x sqrt(3)-R30 and 2x2 reconstructions on the NiO (111) surface combining transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and reasonably accurate density functional calculations using the meta-GGA hybrid functional TPSSh. While the main focus here is on the surface structure, we also observe an unusual step morphology with terraces containing only even numbers of unit cells during annealing of the surfaces. The experimental data clearly shows that the surfaces contain significant coverage of hydroxyl terminations, and the surface structures are essentially the same as those reported on the MgO (111) surface implying an identical kinetically-limited water-driven structural transition pathway. The octapole structure can therefore be all but ruled out for single crystals of NiO annealed in or transported through humid air. . The theoretical analysis indicates, as expected, that simple density functional theory methods for such strongly-correlated oxide surfaces are marginal, while better consideration of the metal d-electrons has a large effect although, it is still not perfect.Comment: Replaces previous submission with smaller PDF file size. 32 pages including 9 figures and 2 table

Religion and mental health: Aspects of the relation between religious measures and positive and negative mental health

Contains fulltext : 56141.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Studies concerning the relationship between religion and mental health have provided substantial evidence for the existence of a positive relationship. Nevertheless, it remains largely unclear which aspects of both religion and mental health take part in this relationship. The present study uses multiple measures of religion and of mental health to obtain a more refined view of this relationship. The results show the importance of distinguishing between if a person believes (inclusion vs. exclusion of transcendence) and how a person believes (literal vs. symbolic). Religious persons who have a symbolic attitude towards religion scored higher on positive aspects of mental health (well-being). No significant results were found for negative mental health (psychological distress).26 p

Common eye diseases in older adults of Southern Germany: Results from the KORA-Age Study.

Purpose a population-based study in the region of Augsburg (Germany, KORA) was used to identify the prevalence of eye diseases and their risk factors in a sample of aged individuals. Methods data originated from the KORA-Age study collected in 2012 and 822 participants (49.6% women, 50.4% men, aged 68–96 years) were asked standardised questions about eye diseases. Positive answers were validated and specified by treating ophthalmologists. Additional information came from laboratory data. Polymorphic markers were tested for candidate genes. Results we received validations and specifications for 339 participants. The most frequent eye diseases were cataracts (299 cases, 36%), dry eyes (120 cases, 15%), glaucoma (72 cases, 9%) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (68 cases, 8%). Almost all participants suffering from glaucoma or from AMD also had cataracts. Cataract surgery was associated with diabetes (in men; OR = 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–4.53; P = 0.025) and smoking (in women; OR = 6.77; CI 1.62–28.35; P = 0.009). In men, treatments in airway diseases was associated with cataracts (glucocorticoids: OR = 5.29, CI 1.20–23.37; P = 0.028; sympathomimetics: OR = 4.57, CI 1.39–15.00; P = 0.012). Polymorphisms in two genes were associated with AMD (ARMS2: OR = 2.28, CI 1.48–3.51; P = 0.005; CFH: OR = 2.03, CI 1.35–3.06; P = 0.010). Conclusion combinations of eye diseases were frequent at old age. The importance of classical risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and airway diseases decreased either due to a survivor bias leaving healthier survivors in the older age group, or due to an increased influence of other up to now unknown risk factors. &nbsp

The Variety of Deconversion Experiences - Contours of a Concept in Respect to Empirical Research

Streib H, Keller B. The Variety of Deconversion Experiences - Contours of a Concept in Respect to Empirical Research. Archive for the Psychology of Religion. 2004;26(1):181-200.This article presents an outline of historical and situational arguments which suggest a focus on deconversion, an outline of conversion research and its consequences for deconversion, and a discussion of extant empirical research on deconversion. The discussion then focuses on the conceptualization of deconversion and compiles the features from which a comprehensive concept of deconversion may emerge. The core features of the deconversion concept which is suggested in this article are complemented by dimensions of diversity which also include a developmental perspective (from the religious styles perspective). This has implications for future research