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H2S is a gas that can cause poisoning with a composition starting from 2.5 ppm. This study investigated the ability of gas sensors to detect H2S gas at below 1 ppm. The primary material used for the gas sensor was ZnO. To increase sensor response, Au was used as a decorated metal. These materials were dissolved using deionized water with ultrasonication and were deposited by solution deposition method onto the Pt electrode. Powder and film characterizations were made using XRD, SEM, and TEM. The characterization results show high crystallinity of the annealed ZnO. The coating material shows a highly porous interconnected structure that can absorb gas quickly. There are Au spots attached to the ZnO particles, which are spherical and homogeneous. Based on these results, the device sensor can detect H2S gas with a high sensing response even at low gas concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used rubber fruit shells (RFS) as raw material for making carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs were carried out by hydrothermal process at low-temperature after carbonization and chemical activation was done. This experiment succeeded in obtaining a bundle of MWCNT (Multi-Wall Nanotube) from the raw material of RFS. The results of characterization using SEM and TEM showed that the resulting CNTs were not homogeneous in diameter, ranging from 13 to 455 nm, with an average diameter of about 179 nm. XRD was used to identify crystallographic structure; it has two peaks 2 at around 26.0 and 44.0, index to 002 and 101 reflections hexagonal graphite diffraction of the MWCNTs. This study can provide an alternative inexpensive raw material and a simple method to obtain carbon nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the steady decline in patient numbers at methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in Taiwan since 2013, the government initiated Patients' Medical Expenditure Supplements (PMES) in January 2019 and the MMT Clinics Accessibility Maintenance Program (MCAM) in September 2019. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the PMES and MCAM on the enrollment and retention of patients attending MMT clinics and whether there are differential impacts on MMT clinics with different capacities. Methods: The monthly average number of daily participants and 3-month retention rate from 2013 to 2019 were extracted from MMT databases and subjected to single interrupted time series analysis. Pre-PMES (from February 2013 to December 2018) was contrasted with post-PMES, either from January 2019 to December 2019 for clinics funded solely by the PMES or from January 2019 to August 2019 for clinics with additional MCAM. Pre-MCAM (from January 2019 to August 2019) was contrasted with post-MCAM (from September 2019 to December 2019). Based on the monthly average number of daily patients in 2018, each MMT clinic was categorized as tiny (1–50), small (51–100), medium (101–150), or large (151–700) for subsequent stratification analysis. Results: In terms of participant numbers after the PMES intervention, a level elevation and slope increase were detected in the clinics at every scale except medium in MMT clinics funded solely by PMES. In MMT clinics with subsequent MCAM, a level elevation was only detected in small-scale clinics, and a slope increase in the participant numbers was detected in tiny- and small-scale clinics. The slope decrease was also detected in medium-scale clinics. In terms of the 3-month retention rate, a post-PMES level elevation was detected at almost every scale of the clinics, and a slope decrease was detected in the overall and tiny-scale clinics for both types of clinics. Conclusions: Supplementing the cost of a broad treatment repertoire enhances the enrollment of people with heroin use in MMTs. Further funding of human resources is vital for MMT clinics to keep up with the increasing numbers of participants and their retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Assessing the impact of public funding in alleviating participant reduction and improving the retention rate in methadone maintenance treatment clinics in Taiwan: an interrupted time series analysis." The authors of the article reported errors in Figure 1 and a line on Page 3. The correction provides the correct version of Figure 1 and the corrected sentence on Page 3. The original article has been updated. [Extracted from the article]

We previously reported a high plasma chemokine interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) level and prolonged electrocardiography QT-interval in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients with HIV or HCV infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic association of high plasma IP-10 level in the MMT patients. The gene-based and pathway-based association analyses were conducted using a genome-wide association study dataset in 344 MMT patients for identifying genes and pathways associated with plasma IP-10 level. We found that plasma IP-10 level was significantly associated with a pathway in the tight junction (P = 1.01x10-5), where the claudin 8 (CLDN8) gene had the most significant association (P = 6.8x10-5). A functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs686364 at exon 1 of CLDN8 showed strong association with plasma IP-10 levels, in the MMT subjects with positive urine test for morphine (dominant model, P = 0.00004). The minor allele type carriers had higher plasma IP-10 levels than the major allele type carriers. Our data support that the tight junction protein claudin 8 exon 1 is a predictor for the plasma levels of IP-10 in MMT patients with urine test positive for morphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) has been reported to be associated with schizophrenia. This study aimed to search for genetic variants associated with this gene. The genomic regions of all exons, highly conserved regions of introns, and promoters of this gene were sequenced. Potentially meaningful single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from direct sequencing were selected for genotyping in 600 controls and 912 patients with schizophrenia and in a replicated sample consisting of 388 patients with schizophrenia. Genetic associations were examined using single-locus and haplotype association analyses. In single-locus analyses, the frequency of the C allele of a novel SNP rs55944529 located at intron 8 was found to be significantly higher in the original large patient sample (p = 0.016). This allele was associated with a higher level of DAO mRNA expression in the Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes. The haplotype distribution of a haplotype block composed of rs11114083-rs2070586-rs2070587-rs55944529 across intron 1 and intron 8 was significantly different between the patients and controls and the haplotype frequencies of AAGC were significantly higher in patients, in both the original (corrected p < 0.0001) and replicated samples (corrected p = 0.0003). The CGTC haplotype was specifically associated with the subgroup with deficits in sustained attention and executive function and the AAGC haplotype was associated with the subgroup without such deficits. The DAO gene was a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia and the genomic region between intron 1 and intron 8 may harbor functional genetic variants, which may influence the mRNA expression of DAO and neurocognitive functions in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The efficacy of clozapine in bipolar disorder remains to be systemically examined. In the current study, we sought to disentangle the effect of clozapine from that of improved treatment regularity and to compare the effect of clozapine with the effect of regular treatment for bipolar disorder by exploring the complete 10-year clozapine prescription data from a Taiwanese total population health claims database. Methods In the period between 2000 and 2009, 3,874 (3.3%) out of the 117,785 patients identified as having bipolar disorder in a Taiwanese total population health claims database were ever prescribed clozapine. Among them, 920 patients with bipolar disorder who had good pre-clozapine medication compliance and received at least two clozapine prescriptions were further categorized according to their clozapine medication possession ratio ( MPR) as regular users ( MPR ≥ 0.8; n = 476) and irregular users ( MPR < 0.8; n = 444). Using a mirror-image design, we compared the numbers of emergency room ( ER) visits, hospitalizations and hospital days, and the average durations of a single hospitalization during the pre- and post-clozapine mirror periods with a follow-up time of up to three years, controlling for time-variant course confounders. Results The patterns of change in outcome indices from the pre-clozapine period to the post-clozapine period differed significantly between the two clozapine-user groups. Clinical outcome indices improved only in regular users, while they deteriorated in irregular users. Over the three-year follow-up period, the irregular users consistently had a higher adjusted risk for increased numbers of ER visits [odds ratio ( OR): 2.06-2.43], hospitalizations ( OR: 2.52-3.22), and total hospital days ( OR: 2.42-2.91) when compared to the regular users. Thus, effects of clozapine were consistently demonstrated in one- to three-year mirror comparison periods. Conclusions Clozapine, when used with high treatment regularity ( MPR > 0.8), was effective in reducing the numbers of ER visits, hospitalizations, and total hospital days in patients with bipolar disorder with previous frequent hospitalizations and ER visits despite regular pre-clozapine treatment for bipolar disorder. However, high early attrition and suboptimal treatment compliance need to be rectified in order to optimize the outcome of clozapine treatment in bipolar disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug-involved individuals who contact treatment services in Taiwan are mostly driven by criminal justice systems either as an alternative or adjunct to criminal sanctions for a drug offence. With a focus on justice-involved young female drug users, the present study examines the extent to which socioeconomic and motherhood characteristics are associated with receiving deferred prosecution, a scheme diverting drug offenders to community-based addiction treatment. Methods: We identified a cohort of 5869 women under the age of 30 arrested for using Schedule II drugs (primarily amphetamine-like stimulants) from the 2011–2017 National Police Criminal Records in Taiwan. Information concerning socioeconomic characteristics, pregnancy and live birth history, and deferred prosecution was obtained through linkage with the 2006–2019 National Health Insurance, birth registration, and deferred prosecution datasets. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association with stratification by recidivism status. Results: Within six months of arrest, 21% of first-time offenders (n = 2645) received deferred prosecution and 23% received correction-based rehabilitation; the corresponding estimates for recidivists (n = 3224) were 6% and 15%, respectively. Among first-time offenders, low/unstable income was associated with lower odds of deferred prosecution (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.88). For recidivists, those with low/unstable income (aOR = 1.58) or unemployment (aOR = 1.58) had higher odds of correction-based rehabilitation; being pregnant at arrest was linked with reduced odds of deferred prosecution (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.71) and correction-based rehabilitation (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.77). Conclusions: For the young women arrested for drug offences, disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions were generally unfavored by the diversion to treatment in the community. Childbearing upon arrest may lower not only the odds of receiving medical treatment but also correctional intervention. The criminal prosecution policy and process should be informed by female drug offenders' need for treatment and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Heroin-dependent patients typically contract hepatitis C virus (HCV) at a disproportionately high level due to needle exchange. The liver is the primary target organ of HCV infection and also the main organ responsible for drug metabolism. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a major treatment regimen for opioid dependence. HCV infection may affect methadone metabolism but this has rarely been studied. In our current study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that HCV may influence the methadone dosage and its plasma metabolite concentrations in a MMT cohort from Taiwan. Methods: A total of 366 MMT patients were recruited. The levels of plasma hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies (Ab), liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as methadone and its metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) were measured along with the urine morphine concentration and amphetamine screening. Results: Of the 352 subjects in our cohort with HCV test records, 95% were found to be positive for plasma anti-HCV antibody. The liver functional parameters of AST (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.02) and ALT (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.04), the plasma methadone concentrations (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.043) and the R-enantiomer of methadone concentrations (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, P = 0.032) were significantly higher in the HCV antibody-positive subjects than in the HCV antibody-negative patients, but not the S-EDDP/methadone dose ratio. The HCV levels correlated with the methadone dose ( = 14.65 and 14.13; P = 0.029 and 0.03) and the S-EDDP/methadone dose ratio ( = −0.41 and −0.40; P = 0.00084 and 0.002) in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Conclusions: We conclude that HCV may influence the methadone dose and plasma S-EDDP/methadone dose ratio in MMT patients in this preliminary study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research suggests a link between antipsychotic use and stroke, but the relationships between receptor-binding profiles of antipsychotics and the risk of cerebrovascular events are unclear. Methods: A total of 14,584 patients with incident stroke were enrolled in the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan from 1998 to 2007. We conducted a case-crossover study to compare the rates of antipsychotic use. The effects of receptor-binding profiles of antipsychotics on stroke risk were estimated, while the moderating effects of age, sex, presence of dementia, and duration of antipsychotic treatment were evaluated by stratified analyses. Results: The adjusted odds ratio of stroke risk with antipsychotics exposure was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.51–1.69) using a 14-day time window. The use of antipsychotics with a high binding affinity of M1 muscarinic and α2 adrenergic receptors was associated with a greater risk of stroke than the use of other types of antipsychotics. An increased risk of stroke with antipsychotic use was noted in the patients who were older and/or who suffered from dementia. Moreover, our results showed that stroke risk with antipsychotic use was in a dose-related relationship. Conclusions: Our findings suggest an association between stroke risk and high M1 muscarinic and α2 adrenergic affinity. The clinical implication is to start antipsychotics treatment at low dosages and to closely monitor the side effects in the initial treatment, particularly for individuals with older age and the presence of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Methadone, a synthetic racemic opioid that primarily works as a μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) agonist, is commonly used for the treatment of heroin addiction. Genetic association studies have reported that the OPRM1 gene is involved in the physiology of heroin and alcohol addiction. Our current study is designed to test the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms in the OPRM1 gene region are associated with methadone dosage, plasma concentrations, treatment responses, adverse reactions and withdrawal symptoms in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) cohort from Taiwan. Fifteen OPRM1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped using DNA samples from 366 MMT patients. The plasma concentrations of methadone and its metabolite were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The results obtained using dominant model analysis indicate that the OPRM1 SNPs rs1074287, rs6912029, rs12209447, rs510769, rs3798676, rs7748401, rs495491, rs10457090, rs589046, rs3778152, rs563649, and rs2075572 are significantly associated with change-in-libido side effects (adjusted p<0.042). Using recessive model analysis, these SNPs were also found to be significantly associated with insomnia side effects in this cohort (p<0.009). The significance of the insomnia findings was mainly contributed by a subgroup of patients who had a positive urine morphine test (p<0.022), and by individuals who did not use benzodiazepine hypnotics (p<0.034). Our current data thus suggest that genetic polymorphisms in OPRM1 may influence the change-in-libido and insomnia side effects sometimes found in MMT patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Inorganic-solid-state electrolyte tantalum oxide thin films were deposited by reactive DC magnetron sputtering to improve the leakage and deterioration of traditional liquid electrolytes in electrochromic devices. O2 at 1–20sccm flow rates was used to deposit the tantalum oxide films with various compositions and microstructures. The results indicate that the tantalum oxide thin films were amorphous, near-stoichiometric, porous with a loose fibrous structure, and highly transparent. The maximum charge capacity was obtained at an oxygen flow rate of 3sccm and 50W. The transmission change of the Ta2O5 film deposited on a WO3/ITO/glass substrate between colored and bleached states at a wavelength of 550nm was 56.7%. The all-solid-state electrochromic device was fabricated as a multilayer structure of glass/ITO/WO3/Ta2O5/NiOx/ITO/glass. The optical transmittance difference of the device increased with increasing applied voltage. The maximum change was 66.5% at an applied voltage of ±5V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single crystal SiC has been synthesized by a novel liquid phase epitaxy using mixture of (Sm:Co) as unique solvent. The synthesized high quality crystals have been characterized by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy and field emission gun transmission electron microscopy. The above analysis shows the epitaxial growth of single crystal SiC along [111] direction parallel to the Si wafer, followed by polycrystalline 3C–SiC and 6H–SiC whiskers. The formation mechanisms of single crystal SiC and SiC whiskers have been proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Various types of tin oxide particle, including square SnO platelets, truncated octahedral SnO crystals, and monodispepersed SnO2 nanoparticles, were synthesized by the dissolution and recrystallization of bulk SnO powder via the thermal decomposition of tin oleate in a coordinating solvent of tri-n-octylamine at 340°C. The results reveal that the atmosphere and reaction time are important factors that affect the shape of tin(II) oxide and the oxidation state of tin(II or IV) oxide. As tin oleate decomposed in a N2 atmosphere, truncated octahedral SnO crystals formed. When the thermal decomposition was conducted in air, square SnO platelets formed after a 30-min reaction time. When the reaction time was extended to 180min, the square SnO platelets decomposed and transformed into nanocrystalline SnO2 particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanosized chromium carbide was synthesized by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition method in a fluidized bed using mixtures of methane/hydrogen ambient as carburization source in the temperature range 700–850°C. The microstructure and the phase evolution were deciphered by XRD, TEM and XPS analysis. The carburization process involved the sequential deposition of carbon on the outer surface of the Cr2O3 powder followed by carbon diffusion into the powder, leading to the formation of metastable Cr3C2 − x phase and stable Cr3C2. STEM line scan mode was utilized to delineate the resultant composition gradient within the interlayer of the metastable intermediates and the final stable powder species, that were generated during the course of the carburization process. The formation of carbon nanofilms surrounding the carbide crystallites provides the stress and assists the phase transformation from metastable Cr3C2 − x to stable Cr3C2. XPS spectral analysis revealed that, the chromium ion in stable chromium carbide carries higher valance than that in metastable chromium carbide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hybrid films were prepared by adding various concentrations of meso-carbon microbeads (MCMB) during sol–gel processing of manganese oxide films. The heat-treated films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, electrochemical performance of the MCMB-added Mn-oxide hybrid coatings was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and compared with its unadded counterpart. Experimental results showed that Mn-oxide films exhibited a mixture of Mn2O3 and Mn3O4 phases. The higher the heat-treatment temperature, the more Mn2O3 can be observed. The specific capacitance of the unadded Mn-oxide electrodes is 209F/g. Because the MCMB particles provide more interfacial surface area for electrochemical reactions, a significant improvement can be noticed by adding MCMB in Mn-oxide coatings. The 300°C heat-treated hybrid Mn-oxide coating with a Mn/MCMB ratio of 10/1 exhibits the highest value of 350F/g, showing a ~170% increase in specific capacitance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, manganese oxide electrodes with promising pseudo-capacitive properties were prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) using needle-like manganese dioxide powders. As-deposited coating exhibited a porous microstructure where the size and shape of the starting powders can be observed. The electrochemical performance of the as-deposited coating was then evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) up to 300 times. The initial specific capacitance was 236F/g which dropped to 200F/g after 25 CV tests, and decreased gradually to 190F/g thereafter. The electrochemical behaviors during EPD and CV were examined by synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques from which it was deciphered that a reduction reaction from Mn4+ to Mn3+ occurred during EPD concomitant with re-oxidization during repetitive CV cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this research, we demonstrated the viability of oriented AlN layer that incorporated BN to enhance the texturing. Wurtzite (Al, B)N films were deposited on a diamond wafer (diamond film on Si wafer) by a co-sputtering technique. The preferred orientation structure is sensitive to sputtering control factors. The relationship between the microstructures and process conditions were examined with XRD, TEM and AFM analysis. The cross-section TEM images showed that amorphous and randomly aligned structures were produced in the initial sputtering period, but the higher c-axis orientation structure formed as the sputtering time increased. The thickness of the amorphous and randomly aligned layer decreased with increasing sputtering power, nitrogen concentration, substrate temperature and bias voltage. As the thickness of the amorphous and the randomly aligned layer decreased, an (Al,B)N film with higher film quality than AlN was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the microstructure and field emission properties of the Ag/SiO2/carbon nanotube (CNT) films deposited by pulsed voltage and constant voltage were investigated. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were suspended in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and ethanol containing Ag and SiO2 powders. Polyethyleneimine and Disperbyk-184 were used as dispersants and surface charger for the CNTs and the suspended particles. The CNT/Ag/SiO2 films were prepared by electrochemical station using different waveforms utilizing pulsed or pulse-reversed plating. The results showed that the surface morphology of the composite films prepared by pulse-reversed plating technique exhibited more homogeneity than those prepared by constant electric filed. In addition, pulsed voltage deposition technique was found to improve the uniformity of the film thickness. The carbon nanotube deposited by the pulsed voltage tended to align uniaxially in the direction of the applied external electric field. The pulsed plating parameters controlled by applying 35 V for 1 s and −0.1 V for 1 ms were found to be the optimum parameters for depositing samples that exhibited microstructures and possessed field emission properties. From the field emission measurements, it was found that the values for low turn-on field and that of threshold field were 1.25 V/μm and 2.5 V/μm respectively. The light emission by a diode-type display consisting of a phosphor-coated transparent-electrode showed that the phosphor luminescence image in 1×1 cm2 possessed a strong, fine spot and uniform luminescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline iron-added manganese oxide powders were prepared by spray pyrolysis (SP) from manganese acetate and iron nitrate solutions at 400 °C. The as-obtained powders were subsequently deposited onto graphite substrates via an electrophoretic deposition technique (EPD). The as-prepared powders were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD); the electrochemical properties of the coatings were further examined by cycling voltammetry (CV). Structural investigation by TEM and XRD revealed that the as-deposited coatings exhibited Mn3O4 phase with nanocrystalline structure. CV examinations showed that the iron addition significantly improved the electrochemical properties of the Mn-oxide powder coatings. The specific capacitance of as-deposited Mn-oxide coating was increased from 202 F/g to 232 F/g when 2 at.% of iron was added. Even after 1200 cycles of life test, the iron-added coatings exhibited higher cycling efficiency (~78% of the initial maximum capacitance) than that unadded one (~60% of its maximum value). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study evaluated the feasibility of TiAlN films deposited using the ion beam sputter deposition (IBSD) method for metal–insulator–metal (MIM) (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) capacitors. The BST films were crystallized at temperatures above 650 °C. TiAlN films deposited using the IBSD method were found having smooth surface and low electrical resistivity at high temperature conditions. TiAlN films showed a good diffusion barrier property against BST components. The J–E (current density–electric field) characteristics of Al/BST/TiAlN capacitors were good, with a high break down electric field of ±2.5 MV/cm and a leakage current density of about 1×10− 5 A/cm2 at an applied field of ±0.5 MV/cm. Thermal stress and lateral oxidation that occurred at the interface damaged the capacitor stacking structure. Macro holes that dispersed on the films resulted in higher leakage current and inconsistent J–E characteristics. Vacuum annealing with lower heating rate and furnace cooling, and a Ti–Al adhesion layer between TiAlN and the SiO2/Si substrate can effectively minimize the stress effect. TiAlN film deposited using IBSD can be considered as a potential electrode and diffusion barrier material for MIM BST capacitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, the conversion of biomass into carbon nanofibers has been extensively studied. In this study, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared from rubber fruit shell (RFS) by chemical activation with H3PO4, followed by a simple hydrothermal process at low temperature and without a vacuum and gas catalyst. XRD and Raman studies show that the structure formed is an amorphous graphite formation. From the thermal analysis, it is shown that CNFs have a high thermal stability. Furthermore, an SEM/TEM analysis showed that CNFs' morphology varied in size and thickness. The obtained results reveal that by converting RFS into an amorphous carbon through chemical activation and hydrothermal processes, RFS is considered a potential biomass source material to produce carbon nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) (53/47) powders were fabricated by the alkoxide-based sol–gel process, and the different drying times (1 and 12 h) at the pyrolysis temperature (300°C) of lead acetate were studied. The different pyrolysis time before calcination affects the onset and the violently dominant decomposition temperatures of lead acetate. According to the estimated activation energy results, the 1 h pyrolysis time showed that the transformation of the pyrochlore to perovskite phase is nucleation-controlled (424.5 kJ/mol), but the 12 h pyrolysis time is growth-controlled (125 kJ/mol). It was also found that the relative PZT perovskite contents were controlled by the carbonaceous material contents within the dried gels and the release rate of hydrocarbon during the pyrolysis process. With the proper pyrolysis-treated PZT powders, the dense, phase-coexisted PZT bulks could be produced at a low sintering temperature of 950° and 1000°C. The phase transformation of the PZT ceramics changed from the rhombohedral phase (900°C) to rhombohedral and tetragonal phase coexistence (950° and 1000°C), then finally to the monolithic tetragonal phase (1050° and 1100°C). A phase diagram is plotted based on the different sintering conditions. The dielectric properties were dependent on the relative densities of the PZT bulks, and the PZT bulks sintered at 1000°C for 6 h had superior dielectric constant (1080) and lowest dielectric loss (0.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocomposites of Cr3C2/Al2O3 were prepared by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method in a fluidized bed and sintered under hot-pressed condition at 1500°C for1h. The TEM microstructure showed that the Al2O3 matrix contained both intragranular and intergranular phase of Cr3C2. The hot-pressed Cr3C2/Al2O3 nanocomposites possessed better mechanical performance as regard to bending strength and fracture toughness in comparison to the monolithic Al2O3. The phenomenal change of the fracture mode from intergranular fracture of monolithic Al2O3 to transgranular fracture of nanocomposites is attributed to the enhancement of the residual stress and formation of a solid solution, eventually improving the strength of the Cr3C2/Al2O3 nanocomposite. Furthermore, it has been deciphered that the toughening mechanisms of the nanocomposites contribute to the crack deflection and the residual stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiAlN films prepared using ion beam sputter deposition (IBSD) method are planed to be used as both the bottom electrode and diffusion barrier for a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) capacitor in our study. We had shown the effects of ion beam voltage, substrate temperature on electrical properties, and thermal stability of TiAlN films in our previous study. In this paper, effects of nitrogen partial pressure (P N2) during the IBSD process on TiAlN films properties and their effect on the electrical resistivity and thermal stability were investigated. It was found that P N2 affects the crystallographic structure, crystallinity, and composition of the films, resulting in varied performance in electrical resistivity and thermal stability. As P N2 increased, the degree of predominance in the (200) plane and the crystallinity of films decreased, resulting in the increase of electrical resistivity. It is believed that the diminishing degree of predominance in the (200) plane and the crystallinity of the films can be attributed to a decreased kinetic energy of adatoms with increasing P N2. Changing the amount of P N2 also affected the composition of deposited films. Thermal stability decreased with decreasing Al content and the crystallinity of films. It is worth mentioning that due to the dense film quality nature of the IBSD method, the TiAlN films deposited under optimum conditions (P N2 =4.4×10−3 Pa) exhibited good thermal stability up to 700 °C in an oxygen atmosphere and the resistivity remained lower than 500μΩ×cm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanosized particles dispersed uniformly on Al2O3 particles were prepared from the decomposition of precursor Cr(CO)6 by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in a fluidized chamber. These nanosized particles consisted of Cr2O3, CrC1−x , and C. A solid solution of Al2O3–Cr2O3 and an Al2O3–Cr2O3/Cr3C2 nanocomposite were formed when these fluidized powders were pre-sintered at 1000 and 1150°C before hot-pressing at 1400°C, respectively. In addition, an Al2O3–Cr2O3/Cr-carbide (Cr3C2 and Cr7C3) nanocomposite was formed when the particles were directly hot pressed at 1400°C. The interface between Cr3C2 and Al2O3 is non-coherent, while the interface between Cr7C3 and Al2O3 is semi-coherent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiAlN films were deposited by ion beam sputter deposition (IBSD) using a Ti–Al (90/10) alloy target in a nitrogen atmosphere on thermal oxidized Si wafers. Effects of ion beam voltage, substrate temperature (T s) and post-annealing conditions on electrical properties and oxidation resistance of TiAlN films were studied. According to the experimental results, the proper kinetic energy provided good crystallinity and a dense structure of the films. Because of their better crystallinity and predomination of (200) planes, TiAlN films deposited with 900 V at low T s (50 °C) have shown lower resistivity than those at high T s (250 °C). They also showed better oxidation resistance. If the beam voltage was too high, it caused some damage to the film surfaces, which caused poor oxidation resistance of films. When sufficient kinetic energy was provided by the beam voltage, the mobility of adatoms was too high due to their extra thermal energy, thus reducing the crystallinity and structure density of the films. A beam voltage of 900 V and a substrate temperature of 50 °C were the optimum deposition conditions used in this research. They provided good oxidation resistance and low electrical resistivity for IBSD TiAlN films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultra-fine Al2O3, ZrO2 and SiC powders were co-deposited with Ni by electroplating from a nickel sulfamate bath. An electroplating additive Na3Co(NO2)6 can promote the co-deposition of the SiC particles, but the Al2O3 and ZrO2 particles can form composite layers without the assistance of the additive. It suggests that the complex ion Co(NO2)63− acts as a catalyst during the composite plating. The Guglielmi adsorption mechanism is applied to the electroplating of the ultra-fine SiC with Ni. The ultra-fine SiC particles are more difficult to co-deposit than the coarse SiC, and the rate determination step is controlled by the transferal process of loose adsorption to strong adsorption. The embedded SiC concentration can be increased either by increasing electrical current density or by raising the pH of the suspension to 5. The existence of second ceramic phases in the co-deposited layer changes the grain shape of Ni from columnar to equiaxial, and reduces the average grain size of Ni-matrix to 50 nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The present study aims to profile the hazard fluctuation of suicide attempts and deaths among heroin-involved women seeking methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and to investigate sociodemographic and clinical factors predicting the time to have suicidal behaviors.Methods: We identified a retrospective cohort comprising 2780 women receiving methadone treatment in the period of 2012-2016. Healthcare records were obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, and suicide deaths were ascertained from the national death register. Competing risk survival analyses were used to estimate the risk of suicide attempts and deaths within one year and three years of MMT enrollment.Results: A total of 1.2 % of MMT-treated women ever visited hospital for suicide attempt, and 0.5 % died by confirmed suicide. The risk of treated suicide attempt reached its peak at the end of the 8th month after methadone initiation, whereas the risk of confirmed suicide death was relatively stable during the first one and a half years. A history of treated depressive disorders appears to be the strongest risk predictor for treated suicide attempts (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] = 3.45; 95 % CI = 1.66-7.19) and confirmed suicide death (aHR = 3.47; 95 % CI = 1.20-10.0). Retaining in methadone treatment may significantly lower the hazard of probable suicide death by 52 %.Conclusions: Women with heroin use disorders should receive careful attention for suicide risk at intake assessment and over the course of treatment and recovery. Preventive strategies should target unmet clinical and social needs and evaluate gender-specific barriers for treatment engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a promising alternative energy without greenhouse gas emissions. The transition metal carbides (TMCs) are considered a sustainable alternatives to noble metals in catalysis. Among the TMCs, Co x C (x = 2, 3) nanoparticles (NPs) act as an excellent electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by water splitting. In our report, Co x C nanocomposites were synthesized by wet chemistry method using cobalt (II) acetate, sodium hydroxide as precursors and triethylene glycol as solvent. In addition, Co2C NPs were synthesized by similar wet chemistry method using cobalt (II) acetate as precursors and triethylene glycol, oleylamine as solvent. The cobalt carbide NPs exhibited high electrocatalytic activity. Co x C nanocomposites performed a −0.33 V onset potential and 91 mV/dec Tafel slope, while the Co2C NPs exhibited a better performance of −0.27 V and 60 mV/dec, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional techniques for 3D printing ceramic parts are the ceramic powder laser sintering and lithography process that are usually costly in equipment and materials. A low-cost technique for robocasting ceramic has been developed via polysilazane preceramic precursor incorporated with nano γ-alumina powders to form a gel-like preceramic precursor with the aim to be used as the raw material for robocasting ceramic parts. The gel-like preceramic precursor is simply extruded for shaping by CAD design with the self-incorporated robocasting machine, and then pyrolyzed the shaped gel-like preceramic precursor at 700, 850 and 950 °C, respectively to transform from a polymeric composite to core-shell silicon oxycarbide ceramic composite that has been characterized by XRD representing an amorphous silicon oxycarbonitride structure coating on the surface of nano γ-alumina. The Vickers hardness of the core-shell silicon oxycarbide ceramic is about HV 266–300 that is two times higher than that of 7000 series aluminum alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aluminum nitride (AlN) features an extremely interesting combination of very high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation; therefore, it has been widely used in the high power electronic devices. The hydrolytic reaction of aluminum nitride powder decays the shelf-life and lowers the high power operating performance of the electronic devices. A protecting film of the polymer derived silicon oxycarbonitride ceramic is coated and fully wrapped on the surface of aluminum nitride powder against facilitating hydrolysis. Poly (organosilazane) precursor is incorporated with the commercial aluminum nitride powder pyrolyzed at 700 °C under argon environment for few hours to form a core-shell structure with a film thickness, 10–20 nm of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiCNO) ceramic shell and the aluminum nitride core. Measuring the pH value of SiCNO/AlN core-shell powder in deionized water at room temperature is to observe the hydrolytic behavior that its pH value is stable to maintain about 10 at ambient environment over ten days, whereas for the characterization of the reaction products, XRD, SEM and TEM analyses are employed. The hydrolytic behavior measured at 90 °C also shows that the SiCNO/AlN core-shell powder is still able to keep the protection from high temperature hydrolysis. XRD spectra proves that the characteristic crystalline peaks of SiCNO/AlN core-shell powder after hydrolysis over ten days are still the same as those of the commercial aluminum nitride powder before hydrolysis. These results directly indicate that the polymer derived silicon oxycarbonitride ceramic film fully protects the aluminum nitride powder from hydrolysis. When the content of silicon oxycarbonitride shell reduces to reach certain value, the hydrolytic protection gradually vanishes for long time. Highlights • SiCNO-AlN core-shell structure is developed by a fast and mass producible process. • The thin SiCNO shell can protect AlN core from hydrolysis over weeks. • The incubation period of the SiCNO-AlN core-shell structure approaches to zero. • The thickness of SiCNO shell is tunable for different industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The lateral and longitudinal resolution is 22.8 and 36.6 nm for Al at 15 kV. • The lateral and longitudinal resolution is 18.9 and 33.7 nm for Ag at 30 kV. • The lateral and longitudinal resolution increase in Al as increasing accelerating voltage. • The lateral and longitudinal resolution decrease in Ag as increasing accelerating voltage. Abstract This work aims to investigate the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the physical resolution of the transmission electron backscattered diffraction technique (t-EBSD) in aluminum and silver. Here, we focus on the intrinsic factors, namely, atomic number and thickness of the specimen, and extrinsic set-up factors, which include the electron beam voltage, working distance, and specimen tilt. The working distance and tilt angle, which are selected as 12 mm and 60° for Al and 12 mm and 50° for Ag, respectively, reveal a sharp pattern with high contrast. The physical resolutions at the lateral and longitudinal directions depend on the depth resolution. The depth and lateral and longitudinal resolutions increase in Al but decrease in Ag with increased accelerating voltage. The decrease in specimen thickness for Al and Ag from 400 nm to 100 nm reduces the lateral and longitudinal resolutions. The most ideal depth and lateral and longitudinal resolutions obtained under a thickness of 100 nm are 22.7, 18.9, and 33.7 nm at 30 kV for Ag and 34.7, 22.8, and 36.6 nm at 15 kV for Al, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic opioid use disorder patients often also use other substances such as amphetamines. The gene-based analysis method was applied in the genomic database obtained from our previous study with 343 methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients. We found that the gene encoding gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA-A receptor) delta subunit isoforms (GABRD) was associated with amphetamine use in heroin dependent patients under MMT in Taiwan. A total of 15% of the 343 MMT patients tested positive for amphetamine in the urine toxicology test. Two genetic variants in the GABRD, rs2889475 and rs2376805, were found to be associated with the positive urine amphetamine test. They are located in the exon 1 of the splice variant and altered amino acid compositions (T126I, C/T, for rs2889475, and R252Q, G/A, for rs2376805). The CC genotype carriers of rs2889475 showed a four times higher risk of amphetamine use than those with TT genotype. The GG genotype carriers of rs2376805 showed a three times higher risk of amphetamine use than the AA genotype carriers. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrated an association of the delta splice variant isoform in the GABA-A receptor with an increased risk of amphetamine use in MMT patients. Our results suggest that rs2889475 and rs2376805 may be indicators for the functional role and risk of amphetamine use in MMT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study finds that doping tin mono-sulfide (SnS) with different concentrations of manganese (Mn) (0–30wt%) results in a competition for anion bonding between tin and manganese during the hot-injection synthesis of the nanoparticles, creating lattice structures with strained crystallites and hence favoring the formation of the metastable zinc blende phase that has the crystal structure of sphalerite, a zinc ore. A typical hot-inject process was used to synthesize the SnS nanoparticles using oleic acid and oleylamine as solvents to produce the tin (doped with manganese) and sulfur precursors, respectively. We obtained a purely zinc blende phase at 260 °C when the doping concentration of Mn was increased to 30% while the stable orthorhombic phase was synthesized without doping. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) results confirm the presence of the zinc blende phase at 30% Mn doping concentration. Ultraviolet–Vis–Near Infrared (UV–Vis–NIR) spectra show absorption onset at 980 nm for the orthorhombic phase and 840 nm for the zinc blende phase, and this blue shift can be attributed to the change in crystal phase structure. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) data shows that Mn 2 + is doped substitutionally in place of Sn 2 + , while the strong presence of Sn 4 + is due to the low enthalpy during the formation of tin vacancies. Doped SnS thin films without any catalysts were spin-coated on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates and used as a working electrode in a photo-electrochemical cell and show photocurrent densities up to 53.26 μA/cm 2 at an applied potential of −1 V. These narrow band gap and low cost nanocrystals can be used for applications in future solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnS of orthorhombic (OR) and metastable (SnS) phases were synthesized by using a simple and facile colloidal method. The tin precursor was synthesized using tin oxide (SnO) and oleic acid (OA), while the sulfur precursor was prepared using sulfur powder (S) and oleyamine (OLA). The sulfur precursor was injected into the tin precursor and the prepared SnS nanocrystals were precipitated at a final reaction temperature of 180 °C. The results show that hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) can be successfully used as a surfactant to synthesize monodisperse 20 nm metastable SnS nanoparticles, while OR phase SnS nanosheets were obtained without HMDS. The direct bandgap observed for the metastable SnS phase is higher (1.66 eV) as compared to the OR phase (1.46 eV). The large blueshift in the direct bandgap of metastable SnS is caused by the difference in crystal structure. The blueshift in the direct band gap value for OR-SnS could be explained by quantum confinement in two dimensions in the very thin nanosheets. SnS thin films used as a photo anode in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell were prepared by spin coating on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The photocurrent density of the SnS (metastable SnS)/FTO and SnS (OR)/FTO are 191.8 μA/cm 2 and 57.61 μA/cm 2 at an applied voltage of − 1 V at 150 W, respectively. These narrow band gap and low cost nanocrystals can be used for applications in future optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two kinds of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized by using electrochemical deposition with the aid of a high aspect ratio anodic alumina oxide (AAO) template. ZnO NWs and NTs were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. An AAO template was fabricated by two-step anodization in 0.3 M oxalic acid with a voltage of 80 V. The thickness and channel diameter of the AAO template were about 150 μm and 120–150 nm, respectively. The morphologies of the ZnO nanostructures synthesized under 20 vol.% H 2 O 2 with various electrolyte concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.5 M ZnSO 4 , were NTs and NWs, respectively. Both NTs and NWs were uniform in size, which corresponded to the sizes of AAO pores. The thickness of the NTs walls can be controlled based on the deposition time and current density. The crystallinity of the ZnO NTs and NWs annealing in the air were restricted by AAO pore. The growth of the ZnO NTs and NWs was caused by heterogeneous nucleation, and different growth rates through the wall of the AAO will result in different nanostructures, with the growth of the NTs being slower than that of the NWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report synthesis of SnS nanocrystals and their size variation with the reaction temperature, and volume of the oleic acid (OA) solvent. These nanocrystals were synthesized by using a tin precursor, Sn(OA) x prepared by tin oxide (SnO) with different moles of oleic acid and a mixture of sulfur and oleylamine (OLA) was injected into the solution at different temperatures under argon atmosphere by using thermal decomposition method. The SnS nanocrystals show orthorhombic crystal structure, and the average particle size is increased from 20nm to 50nm and finally 200nm with an increase in temperature from 150°C to 180°C and to 210°C. Careful observations indicate a gradual change in the shape of these nanocrystals from spherical to sheet like structure with the increase of the volume of oleic acid (2–5mmol). The tin sulfide (SnS) films were grown by spin-coating method and subsequently the film was applied as an absorber for solar cells. The as-prepared SnS samples and films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the structure, phase composition, surface morphology and microstructure. The optical properties of SnS films were studied by using UV–visible spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of H2S gas sensing were investigated using a ZnO nanostructure prepared with AZO (zinc oxide with aluminium) and Al surfaces which were developed on a MEMS (Micro Electromechanical System) device. Hydrothermal synthesis was implemented for the deposition of the ZnO nanostructure. To find the optimal conditions for H2S gas sensing, different ZnO growth times and different temperatures were considered and tested, and the results were analysed. At 250 °C and 90 min growth time, a ZnO sensor prepared with AZO and 40 nm Al recorded an 8.5% H2S gas-sensing response at a 200 ppb gas concentration and a 14% sensing response at a gas concentration of 1000 ppb. The dominant sensing response provided the optimal conditions for the ZnO sensor, which were 250 °C temperature and 90 min growth time. Gas sensor selectivity was tested with five different gases (CO, SO2, NO2, NH3 and H2S) and the sensor showed great selectivity towards H2S gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The requirement of protective coating to prevent refined metals from reactive environments is very important in industrial and academic applications. Most of the conventional methods used for this purpose introduce several negative effects including increased thickness and changes in the optical, electrical and thermal properties of the metal. In this paper, we demonstrate the coating of graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition to protect the surface of Ni substrates from air oxidation. In particular, graphene prevents the formation of oxide on the metal surface and protect it from reactive environment. Two methods are adopted to induce oxidation on the graphene coated Ni surface: firstly by heating the specimen in air for several hours and secondly, by immerging into a solution of 31% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The specimens have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Optical micrograph, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the results indicate that the surface is well protected from the oxidation even after heating the specimen upto max. temperature of 500°C in air for 3h. It is also observed that graphene provides effective resistance against H2O2. The detailed analysis of graphene as oxidation resistance against air and H2O2 has been presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Nb-doped WO3 films were deposited by e-beam co-evaporation method using ceramic WO3 targets and metal Nb slugs. The films were analyzed by glancing incident angle X-ray diffraction (GIAXRD), UV/visible spectrophotometer, electrochemical cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The as-prepared film is brown and amorphous in structure. The film has low transmission in optical visible region. The XPS results indicate that the as-deposited film is non-stoichiometric. By applying a negative potential, the as-deposited film does not show obvious electrochromic effect. However, the electrochromic properties of Nb-doped WO3 films are improved by post annealing treatment at 350, 400, and 450°C in oxygen atmosphere. The Nb-doped WO3 films transform into crystalline structure and become transparent after post annealing treatment. The energy band gap, optical modulation, and color efficiency increase with annealing temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An Al-doped ZnO (AZO) seed layer is prepared on the back side of a porous alumina membrane (PAM) substrate by spin coating followed by annealing in a vacuum at 400°C. Zinc oxide in ordered arrays mediated by a high aspect ratio and an ordered pore array of AZO/PAM is synthesized. The ZnO nanowire array is prepared via a 3-electrode electrochemical deposition process using ZnSO4 and H2O2 solutions at a potential of −1V (versus saturated calomel electrode) and temperatures of 65 and 80°C. The microstructure and chemical composition of the AZO seed layer and ZnO/AZO/PAM nanowire arrays are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results indicate that the ZnO/AZO/PAM nanowire arrays were assembled in the nanochannel of the porous alumina template with diameters of 110–140nm. The crystallinity of the ZnO nanowires depends on the AZO seed layer during the annealing process. The nucleation and growth process of ZnO/AZO/PAM nanowires are interpreted by the seed-layer-assisted growth mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silicon carbide layers were grown on a Si substrate at a temperature below 1100°C and pressure of 105 Pa. The synthesis was carried out in a tube furnace through cyclic heating process using methane as a carbon source and Sm–Co mixed powder as a solvent. The growth of SiC from rare earth Sm-based solvent is an innovative approach, and Co can promote the formation of solvent during the growth process. The structural and compositional analyses were carried out using X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analyzer, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that β-SiC was successfully fabricated on Si (111) substrate. The heterogeneous nucleation of β-SiC was found to be observed initially at the edge of triangle-shaped sites on Si (111) surface that formed due to the existence of Co, and then grew and expanded to form β-SiC film. The growth process of SiC via vapour–liquid–solid mechanism was also discussed in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Patients with social phobia commonly resist face-to-face assessments, and a number of alternative assessment methods based on the Internet are being developed. The aim of this study was to identify patients with social phobia on the Internet and characterize their condition, using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). In Stage I, this study recruited 1307 participants from the Internet, most of whom were well-educated young females, who had remained unmarried and unemployed. The Internet-based SPIN demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach''s α=0.937) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.942). In Stage II, we examined the discriminant validity of the SPIN via structured telephone interviews. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve used to discriminate social phobia was 0.871 with an optimal cut-off point of 24 on the total score for the SPIN. According to the SPIN scores, 919 of Stage I participants (70.3%) reached the threshold of social phobia, 531 of which (57.8%) had never sought professional help. These results suggest that the Internet is a potential avenue through which to find untreated patients with social phobia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanosized chromium carbide has been prepared by metal–organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) method in a fluidized bed and carburized in the mixture of CH4/H2 atmosphere in temperature range 700–850°C. The carburization process involves carbon deposition on the outer surface of the Cr2O3 powder, followed by carbon diffusion into the powder, leading to formation of metastable Cr3C2−x phase and stable Cr3C2. The phase transformation from Cr2O3 to Cr3C2 via an intermediate state Cr3C2−x has been identified using electron-energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. We could hypothesize that the formation of carbon nanofilms surrounding the carbide crystallites provides the stress and assist the phase transformation from metastable Cr3C2−x to stable Cr3C2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cu nanowire arrays were synthesized via a porous alumina membrane (PAM) template with a high aspect ratio, uniform pore size (120–140nm), and ordered pore arrangement. The Cu2O nanowire arrays were prepared from the oxidization of Cu metal nanowire arrays. The electrochemical deposition potential of Cu metal nanowires (−180mV vs. SCE) was determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The microstructure and chemical composition of Cu nanowire arrays were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicate that the Cu/Cu2O nanowire arrays assembled into the nanochannel of the porous alumina template with diameters of 120–140nm. The valence of copper was controlled by the porous alumina template during the annealing process. Copper nanowires transformed to the Cu2O phase with the space limitation of the PAM template. Single-crystal Cu2O nanowire arrays were also obtained under the template embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mesoporous TiO2/SBA-15 matrix was prepared by the sol–gel synthesis of TiO2 in previously prepared SBA-15 particles. Nonionic surfactant was used as liquid template and Na2SiO4 as SiO2 precursor for the synthesis of mesoporous silica SBA-15 with high specific surface area. Different calcination temperature was used for the synthesis and analysis of TiO2/SBA-15 matrix. The synthesized titania/silica composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, TEM, UV–vis spectroscopy, etc. TEM micrographs showed titania is successfully embedded in SBA-15 channel. Different calcination temperature indicates different size of particle formation and different photocatalytic properties. The activity test indicated that TiO2/SBA-15 composite prepared by this method had better photocatalytic performance than pure TiO2. The preparation method and the textural characteristics of mesoporous materials have great influence for the photocatalytic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Double perovskite, Sr2CrReO6, nanoparticles in the size range 10–25 nm have been prepared by a combustion method. Its coercivity (H c) at 5 and 300 K are determined to be 16.1 and 6.5 kOe, respectively. Using the law of approach to saturation, the obtained saturation magnetization σ s (5 K) and σ s (300 K) are 0.41 and 0.32 μB per formula unit (f.u.), respectively. The values of saturation magnetization are lower than the expected value 1 μB/f.u. considering the antiferromagnetic coupling between Cr3+ (3d3, S =3/2) and Re5+ (5d2, S =1). At the same time high field irreversibility in M(H) curves and zero field cooled–field cooled (ZFC–FC) processes has also been found. A field-cooled (FC) hysteresis loop shift decreases with increasing temperature and vanishes near 350 K. It is suggested that the observed reduction of σ s and shifted hysteresis loops are caused by the exchange interaction between the ferromagnetic core of the Sr2CrReO6 nanoparticles and its surface layer with disordered spins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano-scale Cr3C2 powder with an average particle size of 50–80nm, uniformly coated on alumina particles, has been prepared by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in the fluidized chamber, using the pyrolysis of Cr(CO)6 precursor, and carbothermal treatment in the CH4 and H2 gas mixtures. The Cr(CO)6 precursor was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to understand the decomposition temperature of the precursor, which was determined to be 163°C. The precursor decomposed and formed the mixture of CrC1− x , Cr2O3 and free carbon on the surface of the Al2O3 particles when pyrolyzed in fluidized bed at 300 and 400°C. The resultant powders were examined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS), for investigating phase composition and microstructures. The as-deposited particles fabricated at 300 and 400°C in fluidized chamber were amorphous and crystalline, respectively. The thermal behaviour investigated by TG/DTA indicates that the amorphous powder had a exothermic peak in the DTA curve at ∼400°C, which crystallized at this temperature. In order to prepare the nano-particle reinforced composites, the powder fabricated in the fluidized bed was carbonized in the mixed atmosphere of CH4 and H2. Both CrC1− x and Cr2O3 phase were transferred into Cr3C2 phase after the carbothermal treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanosized magnetite (Fe3O4) powders were synthesized via a mechanochemical reaction. Ball milling of 1.2FeCl2 +2FeCl3 +8.4NaOH led to a mixture of Fe3O4 and NaCl. To avoid agglomeration, the excess NaCl was added to the precursor before ball milling. To prepare different size of particles, the as-milled powders were annealed at temperatures ranging from 100 to 800 °C for 1 h in 10% H2/Ar mixed gas. Single phase Fe3O4 powders were obtained after removing the NaCl from the as-milled or heated powders. The average crystallite size of the powders varied from 12.5 to 46 nm by changing the annealed temperatures and the corresponding saturation magnetization (σ S) value ranged from 52 to 66.4 emu/g. The coercivity (H c) first increases as the crystallite size decreases, reaches a maximum value of 110 Oe at 22.2 nm and then decreases for any further decrease in particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]