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Demand for anti-dandruff hair care is increasing, with research showing dandruff and scalp related issues are particularly common when heat and moist, humid conditions are at play. Safe active ingredient Piroctone Olamine, an established cosmetics preservative, is proven also to be effective at controlling microorganisms responsible for flaking and irritation, reducing dandruff and scalp itch. Furthermore it offers efficient formulating advantages that support application of anti-dandruff action to modern formats such as clear liquid formulas, dry shampoos and leave-on hair repair tonics. We demonstrate its performance as a viable solution for formulators looking to meet hair care demands, with even broader scope of application from anti-acne skin care to deodorants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SOFW Journal (German version) is the property of Verlag fuer chemische Industrie H. Ziolkowsky GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aircraft measurements of aerosols were conducted over the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea from February 14 to March 10, 2013, during the Aerosol Radiative Forcing in East Asia 2013 Winter campaign. Ground‐based measurements of aerosols were also conducted on Fukue Island (32.8°N, 128.7°E), located near the boundary of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. The aircraft measurements revealed large increases in particle number concentrations in the nucleation mode (2.5–10 nm and up to ~105 cm−3) at altitudes of ~0.5–3 km over the Yellow Sea. This was attributed to enhanced new particle formation (NPF) above the marine boundary layer over the Yellow Sea. The number ratios of Aitken‐mode (10–90 nm) or accumulation‐mode (>90 nm) particles to black carbon particles (tracer for primary emissions) were used to quantify the effects of NPF on particle number concentrations. We estimated that NPF increased median Aitken‐mode particle number concentrations by an order of magnitude at altitudes of ~1–3 km over the Yellow Sea. Synchronized aircraft and ground‐based data suggest that vertical transport of Aitken‐mode particles formed over the Yellow Sea led to a large variability in the particle growth events observed on Fukue Island. A shift of sea surface temperature near Fukue Island and the resultant promotion of vertical mixing are probably the key mechanisms responsible for this complex feature. Evolution of accumulation‐mode particles was observed farther downwind over the East China Sea, suggesting significant impacts of NPF on the regional distributions of cloud condensation nuclei. Key Points: Airborne measurements in Feb–Mar 2013 revealed large enhancements of nanoparticles above the marine boundary layer over the Yellow SeaWe estimate that new particle formation increased particle number concentrations by a factor of ~10 at ~1–3 km over the Yellow SeaAitken‐mode particles formed over the Yellow Sea had significant impacts on cloud condensation nuclei over the East China Sea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility of graphene transferred on a SiO2/Si substrate is limited to ∼10 000 cm2V-1s-1. Without understanding the graphene/SiO2 interaction, it is difficult to improve the electrical transport properties. Although surface structures on SiO2 such as silanol and siloxane groups are recognized, the relation between the surface treatment of SiO2 and graphene characteristics has not yet been elucidated. This paper discusses the electrical transport properties of graphene on specific surface structures of SiO2 prepared by O2-plasma treatments and reoxidization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The National Malaria Eradication Program and international agencies are keen on scaling up the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, poor diagnostic skills and inappropriate treatment are limiting the efforts. In Nigeria, a large proportion of infected patients self-diagnose and treat while many others seek care from informal drug attendants and voluntary health workers. Aims: This study describes the impact of training voluntary health workers, drug shop attendants, and mothers on effective case detection and treatment of malaria in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: We trained mothers accessing antenatal care, drug shop attendants, and voluntary health workers selected from the three districts of Lagos, on the use of histidine-rich protein-2-based mRDTs and ACTs. Pre- and post-training assessments, focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were carried out. Results: The knowledge, attitude, and skill of the participants to achieve the goal of "test, treat, and track" using mRDT and ACTs were low (11%–55%). There was a low awareness of other non-malaria fevers among mothers. Self-medication was widely practiced (31.3%). FGDs and IDIs revealed that health-care providers administered antimalarials without diagnosis. Training significantly improved participants' knowledge and expertise on the use of mRDTs and ACTs (P = 0.02). The participants' field performance on mRDT use was significantly correlated with their category (bivariate r = 0.51, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the participants' level of education or previous field experience and their field performance on mRDT (r = 0.12, P = 0.9; χ2 = 38, df = 2 and P = 0.49). Conclusion: These findings suggest that training of stakeholders in malaria control improves diagnosis and treatment of malaria. However, a broader scope of training in other settings may be required for an effective malaria control in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of a Si/C&sub60; heterojunction, i.e., a HF solution (7.3% HF+30% NH[sub 4]F) treated Si surface interfaced solid crystal of C&sub60; molecules, were measured while applying various ac frequencies. The entire C[sub 60] thin film and near-interface region of the Si wafer behaved as a depletion region, with the C – V curve showing two distinct regions: one above and one below a threshold bias voltage. Below the threshold, C –V characteristics were dependent on applied frequency, which suggests the presence of interface states that only affect capacitance at lower frequencies. This frequency dependence was analyzed by assuming a suitable equivalent circuit, and based on derived curve-fitting circuit parameters the interface states density was accordingly estimated to have a value as low as ∼ 10[sup 11]/cm² eV. Such a small density indicates that only a few lattice defects occur within the interface of the HF-treated Si surface and C&sub60; crystal. Although no frequency dependence was observed above the threshold, the C – V characteristics were found to be dependent on the width of the depletion region in Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we questioned whether ground-level ozone (O3) induces hormesis in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and its hybrid F1 (L. gmelinii var. japonica × L. kaempferi). In order to answer the question, we exposed seedlings of both taxa to four O3 treatments [ranging from ≈10 to 60 nmol(O3) mol-1] in open-top chambers for two consecutive growing seasons. We found a hormetic response in maximum photosynthetic rate (PNmax) at 1700 μmol(CO2) mol-1 and maximum rates of carboxylation (Vcmax) and electron transport (Jmax) in both larches. Stimulation of PNmax, Vcmax, and Jmax did not lead to suppressed plant productivity in Japanese larch, which followed a stress-tolerant strategy, but it did lead to suppressed plant productivity in hybrid larch which followed a competitive strategy. These findings are the first to suggest that stimulation of physiological functions by low O3 exposures may have negative consequences for larch reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses results from the implementation of a 'zero-discharge- technology' primarily for single households, as well as hotels and small residential urban and rural areas. During a 15-year span, 5600 improved wetland systems (IWS) were built, and approximately 50% of treatment wetlands in Europe are located in Poland. The first section of this paper discusses water and wastewater management and its development trends. Particular attention is paid to creating sustainable water management in rural areas due to increased necessity in these regions. The second section presents the principle of the IWS, which consists of two options. The third section discusses the current requirements regarding the quality of treated wastewater in Poland. The fourth section presents the effectiveness of the implementation of this system by the Institute for Applied Ecology and the further prospects of 'zero-discharge-technology' development. The last section discusses the obtained results in the reduction of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that observed photovoltage generation for C[sub60]/Si heterojunction fabricated by the deposition of C[sub60] thin film on silicon substrate. Experimental procedure; Results and discussion on the study.

The long-term effect of 137Cs re-suspension from contaminated soil and forests due to the Fukushima nuclear accident has been quantitatively assessed by numerical simulation, a field experiment on dust emission flux in the contaminated area (Namie, Fukushima), and air concentration measurements inside (Namie) and outside (Tsukuba, Ibaraki) the contaminated area. The assessment period is for the year 2013 just after the start of the field experiments, December 14, 2012. The 137Cs concentrations at Namie and Tsukuba were approximately 10−1–1 and 10−2–10−1 mBq/m3, respectively. The observed monthly median concentration at Namie was one to two orders of magnitude larger than that at Tsukuba. This observed difference between the two sites was consistent with the simulated difference, indicating successful modeling of 137Cs re-suspension and atmospheric transport. The estimated re-suspension rate was approximately 10−6/d, which was significantly lower than the decreasing rate of the ambient gamma dose rate in Fukushima prefecture (10−4–10−3/d) as a result of radioactive decay, land surface processes (migration in the soil and biota), and decontamination. Consequently, re-suspension contributed negligibly to reducing ground radioactivity. The dust emission model could account for the air concentration of 137Cs in winter, whereas the summer air concentration was underestimated by one to two orders of magnitude. Re-suspension from forests at a constant rate of 10−7/h, multiplied by the green area fraction, quantitatively accounted for the air concentration of 137Cs at Namie and its seasonal variation. The simulated contribution of dust re-suspension to the air concentration was 0.6–0.8 in the cold season and 0.1–0.4 in the warm season at both sites; the remainder of the contribution was re-suspension from forest. The re-suspension mechanisms, especially through the forest ecosystems, remain unknown, and thus the current study is the first but crude estimation of the long-term assessment of radiocesium re-suspension. Further study will be needed to understand the re-suspension mechanisms and to accurately assess the re-suspension mechanisms through field experiments and numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term effect of 137Cs re-suspension from contaminated soil and forests due to the Fukushima nuclear accident has been quantitatively assessed by numerical simulation, a field experiment on dust emission flux in the contaminated area (Namie, Fukushima), and air concentration measurements inside (Namie) and outside (Tsukuba, Ibaraki) the contaminated area. The assessment period is for the year 2013 just after the start of the field experiments, December 14, 2012. The 137Cs concentrations at Namie and Tsukuba were approximately 10-1-1 and 10-2-10-1 mBq/m³, respectively. The observed monthly median concentration at Namie was one to two orders of magnitude larger than that at Tsukuba. This observed difference between the two sites was consistent with the simulated difference, indicating successful modeling of 137Cs re-suspension and atmospheric transport. The estimated re-suspension rate was approximately 10-6/d, which was significantly lower than the decreasing rate of the ambient gamma dose rate in Fukushima prefecture (10-4-10-3/d) as a result of radioactive decay, land surface processes (migration in the soil and biota), and decontamination. Consequently, re-suspension contributed negligibly to reducing ground radioactivity. The dust emission model could account for the air concentration of 137Cs in winter, whereas the summer air concentration was underestimated by one to two orders of magnitude. Re-suspension from forests at a constant rate of 10-7/h, multiplied by the green area fraction, quantitatively accounted for the air concentration of 137Cs at Namie and its seasonal variation. The simulated contribution of dust re-suspension to the air concentration was 0.6-0.8 in the cold season and 0.1-0.4 in the warm season at both sites; the remainder of the contribution was re-suspension from forest. The re-suspension mechanisms, especially through the forest ecosystems, remain unknown, and thus the current study is the first but crude estimation of the long-term assessment of radiocesium re-suspension. Further study will be needed to understand the re-suspension mechanisms and to accurately assess the re-suspension mechanisms through field experiments and numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Urinary dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension are the prominent autonomic features in multiple system atrophy (MSA). A detailed questionnaire was given and autonomic function tests were performed in 121 patients with MSA concerning both urinary and cardiovascular systems.Methods: Replies to the questionnaire on autonomic symptoms were obtained from 121 patients including three clinical variants; olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) type in 48, striatonigral degeneration (SND) type in 17, and Shy-Drager type in 56. Urodynamic studies comprised measurement of postmicturition residuals, EMG cystometry, and bethanechol injection. Cardiovascular tests included head up tilt test, measurement of supine plasma noradrenaline (norepinephrine,NA), measurement of R-R variability (CV R-R), and intravenous infusions of NA and isoproterenol.Results: Urinary symptoms (96%) were found to be more common than orthostatic symptoms (43%) (p<0.01) in patients with MSA, particularly with OPCA (p<0.01) and SND (p<0.01) types. In 53 patients with both urinary and orthostatic symptoms, patients who had urinary symptoms first (48%) were more common than those who had orthostatic symptoms first (29%), and there were patients who developed both symptoms simultaneously (23%). Post-micturition residuals were noted in 74% of the patients. EMG cystometry showed detrusor hyperreflexia in 56%, low compliance in 31%, atonic curve in 5%, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in 45%, and neurogenic sphincter EMG in 74%. The cystometric curve tended to change from hyperreflexia to low compliance, then atonic curve in repeated tests. Bethanechol injection showed denervation supersensitivity of the bladder in 19%. Cardiovascular tests showed orthostatic hypotension below -30 mm Hg in 41%, low CV R-R below 1.5 in 57%, supine plasma NA below 100 pg/ml in 28%, and denervation supersensitivity of the vessels (alpha in 73%; beta2 in 60%) and of the heart (beta1 in 62%).Conclusion: It is likely that urinary dysfunction is more common and often an earlier manifestation than orthostatic hypotension in patients with MSA, although subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities appear in the early stage of the disease. The responsible sites seem to be central and peripheral for both dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]