Based on these data and previous studies, we develop a model in which the Er dopant is present as an Er:F-x complex with associated S vacancies, which may include one sulfur atom remaining in the Er nearest shell. Upon annealing, there is a reduction in the F present and a rearrangement of the crystal structure in the vicinity of the Er atom. Optimum annealing

conditions occur when optimal crystalline environment is achieved prior to the loss of too much F from selleck compound the Er:Fx complex. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3549726]“
“In terms of the known concepts about noncovalent bonds in polycomplexes, the unusual case of interaction between positively charged aluminoxane particles (AP) similar to 4.6 nm in size, which comprise the main portion of the dispersed phase in the sols of poly(aluminum hydroxychloride) (PAHC), and weakly charged cationic polyelectrolytes from the Praestol, Organopol, and Zetag series (WCPE) has been examined. Using viscometry, turbidimetry, and elemental analysis, it has been found that interaction between these compounds proceeds if the content of cationic groups in the polyelectrolyte is small and ions of a low-molecular-weight electrolyte

occur in solution. Under the given conditions, the electrostatic repulsion of likely charged reagents does not manifest itself but other kinds of noncovalent interactions GSK2126458 are realized that lead to formation of water-soluble polymer-colloid complexes (PCCs). Fully charged polyelectrolytes are incapable of such interactions because of a strong electrostatic repulsion of reagents. The scheme illustrating formation

of PCC has advanced. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 475-482, 2011″
“Background: Senegal introduced routine infant Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine during 2005.

Methods: We evaluated acute bacterial meningitis surveillance data among children 0 to 59 months of age collected during January 2003 to September 2007 at the major pediatric referral hospital in the Dakar Region of Senegal. Hib vaccine effectiveness was assessed using a case-control design.

Results: A total of 1749 children with suspected bacterial meningitis were included in the current study of whom 142 (8%) had Hib identified. Among children less than SB203580 nmr age 1 year, the average annual Hib meningitis incidence decreased from 22 to 47 per 100,000 during 2003-2005 to 1.4 per 100,000 during 2007, while pneumococcal meningitis incidence remained stable. Before vaccine introduction, calculated incidences varied over 4-fold between districts within the Dakar Region for the years 2003 to 2005. Following use of Hib vaccine, pneumococcus has now become the most common etiology of pediatric acute bacterial meningitis in Dakar region.

Conclusions: Senegal successfully implemented Hib conjugate vaccine into their routine infant immunization program with a resultant near elimination of Hib meningitis burden.