bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of large step‐free mesas on Si(111) by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Fissel Andreas , Krügener Jan , Osten H. Jörg
Published: August 2012

Development of surface morphology in Si molecular beam epitaxy on mesa‐structured Si(111) at temperatures around the (7x7) –“1x1” surface phase transition was studied using atomic force microscopy. Significant changes in surface morphology were found for a small increase in temperature near the surface phase transition accompanied by a strong increase in step‐free area dimension. This will be discussed with regard to the simultaneous appearance of the two surface phases under certain condition and their specific influence on the growth behaviour. Small triangular islands and voids appeared after growth at 1080 K indicating surface instability of larger step‐free areas. Growth at 1120 K with a rate of 1 nm/min results in the formation of atomically step‐free surface over 10x10 µm2 mesas without any irregularities. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Defects in p‐type Cz‐silicon irradiated at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ganagona Naveengoud , Raeissi Bahman , Vines Lasse , Monakhov Edouard V. , Svensson Bengt G.
Published: August 2012

P‐type Czochralski grown (Cz) silicon samples have been irradiated at room temperature (RT), 350, and 450 °C with 1.8 MeV protons to doses of 2×1012and 1×1013 cm‐2 and analyzed by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The generation rate of interstitial carbon–interstitial oxygen (CiOi) increases with the irradiation temperature, suggesting less efficient annihilation of self‐interstitials and mono‐vacancies at elevated temperature. A defect located at ∼Ev+0.39 eV (Ev denotes the valence band edge) appears in the sample irradiated at 450 °C and also emerges at the expense of CiOi center in the sample irradiated at RT and subsequently heat‐treated above 400 °C. The amplitude of this level is enhanced in the sample irradiated at 450 °C. By comparing the annealing behavior found by photoluminescence (PL) measurements and reported theoretical predictions, the ∼Ev+0.39 eV level is tentatively assigned to the interstitial carbon–oxygen dimer (CiO2i). In addition, other levels at ∼Ev+0.34 eV and ∼Ev+0.58 eV are observed in samples irradiated at 450 °C and RT with heat treatment in the range of 400‐500 °C (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Non‐destructive characterization of saw damage in silicon photovoltaics substrates by means of photomodulated optical reflectance
Authors: Bogdanowicz J. , Mertens P. W. , Cornagliotti E. , Wostyn K. , Penaud J. , Jaffrennou P. , Abric E. , Vandervorst W.
Published: August 2012

In order to minimize the considerable loss of Si material during the processing of a silicon photovoltaics (PV) substrate into a solar cell, the optimization of the saw damage (SD) removal is an important step. The PV cell process therefore requires a routine metrology solution suitable to probe the SD present in the substrate. Though cross‐sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy is typically used for this purpose, this technique is not suited for in‐line measurements. It is furthermore destructive, time‐consuming and limited to very small sampling volumes. In this paper, we demonstrate the capabilities of the Photomodulated Optical Reflectance (PMOR) method for the in‐line measurement of SD. PMOR is a laser‐based pump‐probe technique, wherein the probe laser measures the reflectance of the sample (DC reflectance) as well as the change in reflectance (AC reflectance) which the pump laser has induced by optically injecting excess carriers and heat. As PMOR is a local and nondestructive technique, it offers a very promising approach for the simultaneous characterization of roughness and SD. We demonstrate the versatility of this approach and the response of the DC and AC reflectances when studying wafers which have undergone successive etchings to remove the SD sequentially (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of the hydrogen flow rate on the structural and optical properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Ben Amor Sana , Dimassi Wissem , Ali Tebai Mohamed , Ezzaouia Hatem
Published: August 2012

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) thin films were deposited from pure silane (SiH4) and hydrogen (H2) gas mixture by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method at low temperature (400 °C) using high rf power (60 W). The structural and optical properties of these films are systematically investigated as a function of the flow rate of hydrogen (F).The surface morphology is analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The characterization of these films with low angle X‐ray diffraction revealed that the crystallite size in the films tends to decrease with increase in (F). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis showed that at low values of (F), the hydrogen is predominantly incorporated in Si:H films in di‐hydrogen (Si‐H2) and (Si‐H2)n complexes. However, with increasing (F) the hydrogen bonding in Si:H films shifts from di‐hydrogen (Si‐H2) and (Si‐H2)n complexes to the mono‐hydrogen (Si‐H) bonding configuration. Finally, for these optimized conditions, the deposition rate decreases with increasing F (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman scattering study on hydrogen‐induced defects in silicon used in the ion‐cut process
Authors: Socher S. , Lavrov E. V. , Weber J.
Published: August 2012

Ion implantation is a widely used technique in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. We present a Raman scattering study of single crystalline silicon implanted with 28Si ions and subsequently treated in a hydrogen plasma. This treatment generates hydrogen molecules with a Raman signal at 3830 cm–1. The same band is detected in hydrogen implanted silicon employed in the ion‐cut technology.

The band reveals a substructure, which is assigned to the ro–vibrational transitions of H2 trapped at three different sites of the silicon lattice. The H2 signals are shown to correlate with the Si–H vibrational modes at 1888, 1930 and 1964 cm–1 which indicates the interstitial–type nature of the traps for the molecules. The properties of the traps are discussed. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the impact of interfacial SiOx‐layer on the passivation properties of PECVD synthesized aluminum oxide
Authors: Laades Abdelazize , Sperlich Hans‐Peter , Bähr Mario , Stürzebecher Uta , Diaz Alvarez Carlos A. , Burkhardt Markus , Angermann Heike , Blech Michael , Lawerenz Alexander
Published: August 2012

The interface passivation of a ‐AlOx/a ‐SiNx:H stacks deposited on p‐type silicon by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition is investigated by means of charge carrier lifetime and surface photovoltage measurements. To control the quality of the interface, we performed different surface preparation steps prior to a ‐AlOx/a ‐SiNx:H stack deposition. Our investigation is focussing on the interface passivation upon post‐deposition thermal treatments such as annealing at 425 °C and firing as applied in the silicon solar cell industry. We demonstrate that the interface recombination is mainly controlled by the interface state density as demonstrated by lifetime and SPV measurements. The increase of the negative charge density after thermal steps as revealed by FTIR spectroscopy evidences that the field effect has at least an enhancing effect in improving the passivation level (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Detailed investigation of the structural and passivation properties of silicon oxynitrides for silicon solar cells
Authors: Laades Abdelazize , Burkhardt Markus , Roczen Maurizio , Klimm Carola , Blech Michael , Lawerenz Alexander
Published: August 2012

We investigated the structural and passivation properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxynitrides (a ‐SiOxNy:H) prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Using energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we determined the stoichiometry x = [O]/[Si] and y = [N]/[Si] in the whole range extending from a ‐Si:H (x, y =0) to SiO2 (x ∼2, y ∼0). To analyze the thermal stability, test samples were subjected to high temperature firing in the range 850 to 950 °C. Charge carrier lifetime measurements revealed that Si‐rich a ‐SiOxNy:H feature excellent surface passivation on p‐type CZ silicon in the as‐deposited state. After firing, a ‐SiOx/a ‐SiNy:H stacks with near‐stoichiometric a ‐SiOx showed an outstanding thermal stability. A fine tracing of the density and spectral position of the Si‐O‐Si stretching vibration by means of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed valuable information on the incorporation of oxygen and nitrogen atoms during deposition. Accordingly, we found that a high density of Si‐O‐Si bonds approaching the characteristic frequencies of thermal SiO2 and silica (1075 to 1080 cm–1) is clearly correlated to the interface passivation quality. Due to hydrogen migration from an a ‐SiNy:H cap layer induced by firing, the a ‐SiO2/a ‐SiNy:H system feature passivation properties close to thermally grown silicon oxide (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical and optical characterization of extended defects in silicon mono‐cast material
Authors: Moralejo B. , Tejero A. , Hortelano V. , Martínez O. , Jiménez J. , Parra V.
Published: August 2012

Mono‐cast Si growth is currently a very promising approach to optimize the cost per watt in the production of PV devices, simultaneously increasing the installed energy/m2 ratio. However, due to the novelty of this growth approach, the material properties have not yet been studied in detail. In this work, by combining PL imaging with electrical characterization techniques (LBIC and EBIC), both the large scale and the local properties of the wafers grown from mono‐cast Si ingots have been analyzed. PL imaging shows two kinds of defects, which were studied in detail by LBIC. Electrical active defects are found in areas corresponding to a unique large grain, assigned to sub‐GBs, decorated by impurities. These defects have strong charge trapping, with deleterious consequences for the device performance. The presence of those intra‐grain defects is also confirmed by EBIC maps, which allows comparing the electrical activity of both grain and sub‐grain boundaries (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Local structural phase determination of Ni silicide thin films using EXAFS
Authors: Sahiner M. A. , Hung P. Y. , Loh W.‐Y. , Lysaght P. S. , Woicik J. C. , Guerrero D.
Published: August 2012

The local structural characterization of novel contact materials (nickel silicides) on N2+ implanted Si(100) substrates have been performed using Extended X‐ray‐Absorption Fine‐Structure Spectroscopy (EXAFS). The crystal phases of nickel silicides that are stabilized on Si (100) substrates (NiSi or NiSi2) upon varying implantation and post deposition annealing conditions were identified. The questions addressed are whether the final stabilized crystal phases of the nickel silicide layers could be identified and the fraction of the various crystal symmetries could be determined. The identification of the stabilized crystal phases in the nickel silicide formation process is crucial, as it was shown that a Si rich Ni silicide layer at the NiSix/Si interface causes a significant reduction in the electron Schottky barrier height (SBH). EXAFS analyses using experimental and theoretical references were performed on nickel silicide thin films on silicon substrates exposed to different N2+ ion doses prior to nickel deposition and silicidation processes. Using EXAFS analyses, the stabilized phases (e.g. NiSi vs. NiSi2, etc.) and their ratios were determined. EXAFS was proved to be sensitive to the subtle modifications of the crystal structures introduced by these modifications in the processing conditions. EXAFS analyses of the experimental reference structures (NiSi, NiSi2 powder samples) clearly exhibited the robust differences in the Fourier Transformed (FT) EXAFS data in the first shell region. EXAFS fits using theoretical structures corresponding to NiSi and NiSi2 symmetries have successfully identified the distinct crystal phases present in nickel silicide thin films subjected to different doses of N2+ ion implantation. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Epitaxial Si, SiGe and Ge on binary and ternary rare earth oxide buffers
Authors: Dargis Rytis , Arkun Erdem F. , Roucka Radek , Smith Robin , Williams David , Clark Andrew , Lebby Michael
Published: August 2012

Lattice engineering by combining multilayer binary (Gd2O3 and La2O3) and ternary (ErxNd1‐x)2O3 rare earth oxide layers makes possible the accommodation of lattice mismatch between the silicon substrate and the grown semiconductor layer for semiconductor on insulator structures leading to a reduction of defect density. It also opens up the opportunity for stress engineering and the avoidance of the formation of structural defects and mechanical damages caused by different thermal‐mechanical properties of the substrate and the layers. In this work, some results of the development of epitaxial heterostructures with group IV semiconductors (Si, SiGe and Ge) on rare earth oxide buffer layers grown on Si(111) are desribed. Distributed Bragg reflectors designed with only three pairs exhibits 80% reflectivity for blue light. On ternary erbium neodymium oxide, SiGe layer grows with a 5x5 reconstructed surface and a roughness of 1.7 nm. We demonstrate a crack free 1 µm thick epitaxial single crystal Ge layer grown on a pseudomorphic cubic La2O3 layer. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strain distribution in GaAs/Si quantum wires
Authors: Tchelidze Tamar , Davydok Anton
Published: August 2012

We calculated displacement and stress field, as well as strain energy for GaAs nanowires grown on Si substrate. For calculations variational method was used. For radial coordinate dependence polynomial dependence (with linear and quadratic terms) and for vertical coordinate dependence exponential functions are taken inside the wire region. Radial and vertical displacements decreases as 1/r with increasing radial coordinate in substrate outside the wire region (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fracture in (100)Si after high energy protons implantation
Authors: Braley Carole , Mazen Frédéric , Papon Anne‐Marie , Charvet Anne‐Marie , Rieutord François , Ntsoenzok Esidor
Published: August 2012

High energy protons implantation in the 1‐3 MeV range can be used to detach free‐standing thin silicon films with thickness between 15 and 100 µm. Recently, we showed that Si orientation has a strong effect on the layer separation threshold fluence and efficiency. While complete delamination of (111)Si films is achieved, (100)Si films separation is more challenging due to blistering phenomena or partial separation of the implanted layer. In this work, we study the fracture mechanism in (100)Si after high energy implantation in order to understand the origin of such a behaviour. We notably point out that fracture precursor defects, i.e. the platelets, preferentially form on (111) planes, as a consequence of the low strain level in the damaged region in our implantation conditions. Despite this unfavourable precursors orientation, fracture propagation in (100)Si can be achieved by increasing the hydrogen fluence. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Shaping self‐regulation in science teachers' professional growth: Inquiry skills
Authors: Michalsky Tova
Published: August 2012

This study examined 188 preservice science teachers' professional growth along three dimensions—self‐regulated learning (SRL) in a science pedagogical context, pedagogical content knowledge, and self‐efficacy in teaching science—comparing four learner‐centered, active‐learning, peer‐collaborative environments for learning to teach higher order scientific‐inquiry thinking. Three environments supported different SRL components using the “IMPROVE'' self‐regulatory model: cognitive–metacognitive alone (CogMet), motivational alone (Mot), or all three components (CogMetMot). The fourth environment provided no SRL support. Findings indicated that preservice teachers in the three SRL‐scaffolding conditions outperformed their unscaffolded peers on all professional growth measures: SRL (cognition, metacognition, motivation), pedagogical knowledge (declarative, procedural, conditional), and self‐efficacy in teaching science. Moreover, the CogMetMot group exhibited the highest scores on all measures. Implications concern SRL scaffolding to enhance preservice science teachers' professional growth. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96: 1106–1133, 2012
The competitive implications of the deployment of unique resources
Authors: Costa Luís Almeida , Cool Karel , Dierickx Ingemar
Published: August 2012

The ‘resource‐based’ view focuses on unique resources as the fundamental sources of competitive advantage and superior profits. We use a game‐theoretic model to analyze the impact of the deployment of unique resources on product market competition, and the impact of unique resources and sustainable competitive advantages on profits when the competitive implications of resource deployment are taken into account. We find that some of the core propositions of the resource‐based view do not necessarily hold when the impact of resource deployment on product market competition is explicitly considered. Specifically, the accumulation and deployment of unique resources does not necessarily increase the firm's profit and the difference between its profit and competitors' profits. Furthermore, achieving a sustainable competitive advantage does not necessarily lead to higher profits. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA‐tailored plasmonic nanoparticles for biosensing applications
Authors: Lee Jung‐Hoon , Hwang Jae‐Ho , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: August 2012

The plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) such as Au and Ag NPs and the plasmonic coupling between them are of enormous interest for their strong and controllable optical signal enhancement and manipulation capabilities. The strong optical properties of these plasmonic structures are promising for various biosensing applications, but the widespread use of these structures is limited largely due to the absence of high‐yield synthetic method for targeted nanoprobes with nanometer precision and the poor understanding of the plasmonics of these structures. DNA is a promising material that can be used as both specific biorecognition and versatile synthetic template in forming and controlling plasmonic nanostructures and their aggregations. In this article, we provide an overview and perspective of recent advances in the use of DNA‐tailored plasmonic nanostructures in biosensing applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:96–109. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1196

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Hyperfractionated Irradiation with 3 Cycles of Induction Chemotherapy in Stage IIIA‐N2 Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Fengshi , Okubo Kenichi , Sonobe Makoto , Shibuya Keiko , Matsuo Yukinori , Kim Young Hak , Yanagihara Kazuhiro , Bando Toru , Date Hiroshi
Published: August 2012

Background

The purpose of the present study was to improve the prognosis of patients with stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To achieve that goal, we performed induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery.

Methods

The criteria for this phase II study were ≤75‐year‐old patients with pathologically diagnosed stage IIIA‐N2 NSCLC who had performance statuses of 0 or 1 with good organ function. Three cycles of chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin were carried out, with concurrent hyperfractionated irradiation (42 Gy). After re‐evaluation, pulmonary resections were considered unless patients showed progressive disease. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were disease‐free survival (DFS) and absence of toxicity.

Results

All 22 patients enrolled in this study completed the induction chemoradiotherapy without any severe complications. In these 22 patients, the 2‐ and 5‐year OS were 81 and 47 %, respectively. There were no therapy‐related deaths. Surgery was subsequently performed in 19 patients (86 %). Pathological complete responses were seen in 6 patients (27 %), while node downstaging was obtained in 10 patients (45 %). In the 19 patients who underwent surgery, the 2‐ and 5‐year OS rates were 83 and 62 %, respectively, and the 2‐year DFS rate was 63 %. All 6 patients with pathological complete responses survived without disease. Patients with residual multiple‐station N2 showed worse OS and DFS rates than did those with downstaged and single‐station N2 (P = 0.026 and P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

This trimodal therapy was effective and well tolerated, and it is an acceptable therapeutic option for patients with locally advanced stage IIIA‐N2 NSCLC. Patients without persistent multiple‐station N2 showed promising survival.
TRFLP analysis reveals that fungi rather than bacteria are associated with premature yeast flocculation in brewing
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Bowman John P , Stewart Doug C , Sheehy Megan , Janusz Agnieszka , Speers R Alex , Koutoulis Anthony , Evans David E
Published: August 2012

Premature yeast flocculation (PYF) is a sporadic fermentation problem in the brewing industry that results in incomplete yeast utilization of fermentable sugars in wort. Culture-independent, PCR-based fingerprinting techniques were applied in this study to identify the associations between the occurrence of the PYF problem during brewery fermentation with barley malt-associated microbial communities (both bacteria and fungi). Striking differences in the microbial DNA fingerprint patterns for fungi between PYF positive (PYF +ve) and negative (PYF −ve) barley malts were observed using the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) technique. The presence of terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) of 360–460 bp size range, for fungal HaeIII restriction enzyme-derived TRFLP profiles appeared to vary substantially between PYF +ve and PYF −ve samples. The source of the barley malt did not influence the fungal taxa implicated in PYF. TRFLP analysis indicates bacterial taxa are unlikely to be important in causing PYF. Virtual digestion of fungal sequences tentatively linked HaeIII TRFs in the 360–460 bp size range to a diverse range of yeast/yeast-like species. Findings from this study suggest that direct monitoring of barley malt samples using molecular methods could potentially be an efficient and viable alternative for monitoring PYF during brewery fermentations.
Maternal Age and Offspring Adult Health: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Myrskylä Mikko , Fenelon Andrew
Published: August 2012

Advanced maternal age is associated with negative offspring health outcomes. This interpretation often relies on physiological processes related to aging, such as decreasing oocyte quality. We use a large, population-based sample of American adults to analyze how selection and lifespan overlap between generations influence the maternal age–offspring adult health association. We find that offspring born to mothers younger than age 25 or older than 35 have worse outcomes with respect to mortality, self-rated health, height, obesity, and the number of diagnosed conditions than those born to mothers aged 25–34. Controls for maternal education and age at which the child lost the mother eliminate the effect for advanced maternal age up to age 45. The association between young maternal age and negative offspring outcomes is robust to these controls. Our findings suggest that the advanced maternal age–offspring adult health association reflects selection and factors related to lifespan overlap. These may include shared frailty or parental investment but are not directly related to the physiological health of the mother during conception, fetal development, or birth. The results for young maternal age add to the evidence suggesting that children born to young mothers might be better off if the parents waited a few years.
Uptake of fluorescent nano beads into BY2‐cells involves clathrin‐dependent and clathrin‐independent endocytosis
Authors: Bandmann Vera , Müller Jasmin Daniela , Köhler Tim , Homann Ulrike
Published: August 2012

To follow endocytosis in BY‐2 cells we made use of fluorescent nano beads. Beads with 20 nm in diameter were internalised rapidly and accumulated partially in compartments also labelled by the endocytic marker FM4‐64. Studies in BY‐2 cells and protoplasts revealed that larger beads (100 nm) were excluded from uptake into turgescent and plasmolysed cells while protoplasts were able to internalise beads with a diameter of up to 1000 nm. Endocytosis of beads was only partially inhibited by the clathrin‐specific inhibitor Ikarugamycin and strongly blocked by wortmannin. These results imply that uptake of beads involves clathrin‐dependent and clathrin‐independent endocytic mechanisms and supports the hypothesis that clathrin‐independent endocytosis plays a general role in plants.
Isoproterenol Protects the Demilune Cells of the Sublingual Gland of Mice from Radiation: Study of Autoradiography with 3H–leucine
Authors: Nemoto Susumu , Nasu Masanori , Mitsuhashi Fusako , Yosue Takashi
Published: August 2012

In order to examine the influence of X‐ray irradiation on the demilune cells of the sublingual gland due to the existence of secretory granules, 10 Gy of X‐ray irradiation was applied to the sublingual gland of mice at 3 hours after isoproterenol (IPR) administration. To inspect the influence of irradiation at 3 days after the irradiation, tissue images and results of autoradiography performed at 30 and 120 minutes (min) after 3H‐leucine administration of the IPR administration (IPR/10Gy) group were compared with those of the non‐IPR administration (nonIPR/10Gy) group. In transmission electron microscope images, swelling and pyknosis were observed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the nonIPR/10Gy group. The number of reduced silver grains per unit cell area in nonIPR/10Gy at 30 and 120 min after 3H‐leucine administration was less and greater than that in the other 3 groups (nonIPR/0Gy, IPR/0Gy, and IPR/10Gy), respectively, from light microscope autoradiography images. At 120 min after 3H‐leucine administration, the ratio of the number of reduced silver grains localized in the secretory granules to the total number of reduced silver grains in the demilune cells of the nonIPR/10Gy group was lower than that of the other 3 groups as indicated by electron microscope autoradiography images. Based on these results, it was apparent that the effect of irradiation was less on the demilune cells that discharged secretory granules than those that did not discharge them.
Garré’s Osteomyelitis of the Mandible Caused by an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Authors: Nakano Hiroyuki , Miki Tetsuei , Aota Keiko , Sumi Tetsuro , Matsumoto Ken , Yura Yoshiaki
Published: August 2012

Garré’s osteomyelitis is generally considered to be synonymous with chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis and occurs most commonly in the first molar region of the mandible. We report a case of Garré’s osteomyelitis caused by the infected tooth‐germ of a wisdom tooth. A 12‐year‐old boy had a swelling of the right cheek and his right mandibular second molar was covered by gingiva with pus retention. X‐ray examination showed a radiolucent area around the impacted tooth‐germ of the wisdom tooth and extracortical new bone at the angle of the mandible. After preoperative treatment with antibiotics, the tooth‐germ and extracortical bone were removed. The antibiotics treatment was continued for 18 days postoperation. No recurrence of pain or swelling has been observed thereafter.
Ultrastructure and Cytoarchitecture of Bachmann's Bundle in the Mammalian Heart
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeshi , Yi Shuang‐Qin , Tanaka Shigenori , Ono Katsushige , Shimada Tatsuo
Published: August 2012

Recently, the Bachmann's bundle (BB) has been examined in connection with atrial fibrillation. However, the morphological properties of the BB remain to be clarified.

In this study, the BB in hearts of monkeys and sheep was investigated by immunohistochemistry, scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy.

Immuno‐histochemically, BB myocytes showed a strong positive reaction for desmin antibody and that connexin (Cx) 40 and Cx43 were distributed at the intercalated disks. BB myocytes were characterized by a dense network of intermediate filaments which enveloped nucleus, myofibrils and mitochondria, respectively. The intercalated disks showed an irregular stair‐like profile. Microprojections on the steps were smaller in number and larger in size than those in auricular myocytes.

In conclusion, BB myocytes were different ultrastructurally from auricular myocytes, showing morphological properties of the conduction system.
Alcohol‐induced Ventricular Fibrillation in Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Hayashi Takekuni , Mitani Haruo , Goto Kosaku , Ishimura Rieko , Tao Susumu , Ito Sachiko , Masuda Jun , Fujimoto Hajime , Fujimoto Yo , Ishiwata Sugao , Yamaguchi Tetsu , Ohno Minoru
Published: August 2012

A 37‐year‐old man lost consciousness suddenly due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). After cardioversion, twelve‐lead ECG showed a pattern characteristic of type 1 Brugada. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted for Brugada syndrome. In the following three years, VF occurred eight times after consumption of alcohol. Association between the Brugada syndrome and alcohol consumption has rarely been reported. Recently, it was reported that alcohol has inhibitory effect on single cardiac sodium channel gating and it may be that alcohol acted as a sodium channel blocker in this patient. Here we report a case of alcohol‐induced VF in Brugada syndrome.
A Case of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Associated with an Old Myocardial Infarction Guided by a Noncontact Mapping System
Authors: Miyamoto Koji , Tsuchiya Takeshi , Yasuoka Chie , Tanioka Yoshito
Published: August 2012

We describe here a 72‐year‐old man with ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with an old myocardial infarction, in whom noncontact mapping guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) successfully eliminated the VT. Right ventricular pacing induced 3 VTs with different QRS morphologies and axes, 2 of which were hemodynamically unstable. A dynamic virtual activation map constructed during the VTs superimposed on a virtual voltage map constructed during sinus rhythm demonstrated that all VTs shared a single large myocardial scar in the inferolateral portion of the left ventricle which served as a slow conduction zone. All VTs were eliminated by RFCA at the exit or within the critical slow conduction zone. The patient has been free from any VT recurrences during a follow‐up period of 22 months.
Atrial Fibrillation in Singapore and Malaysia: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Omar Razali , Teo Wee Siong , Foo David , Han Chee Kok , Jamaluddin Ahmad Nizar , Low Lip Ping , Ong Tiong Kiam
Published: August 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) imposes substantial burdens of morbidity and impaired health‐related quality of life, and significantly increases sufferers' risk of having a cardiovascular event, in particular a stroke. Prevalence of AF in Asia and the associated healthcare costs are likely to have been underestimated and are expected to increase due to greater awareness, population ageing and increasing prevalence of associated risk factors and comorbidities.

The AF management paradigm is shifting from a conventional focus on achieving heart rate or rhythm control, towards endeavouring to use the safest agents available to reduce patients' symptoms and improve their quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes. No new anti‐AF drugs have been introduced for decades and existing pharmacotherapeutic modalities have potentially serious side effects as well as sub‐optimal efficacy in converting to and maintaining normal sinus rhythm and preventing recurrence.

There is an unmet need for better anti‐arrhythmic drugs that are well tolerated, efficacious, cost‐effective and have a more favourable safety profile than current options. Although the perfect agent remains to be discovered, some promising new anti‐arrhythmic drugs have the potential to overcome certain limitations of established approaches to AF management.
Long‐term Effect of Dual‐chamber Pacing on Pressure Gradient at Left Ventricular Outflow Tract in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hosoda Junya , Ishikawa Toshiyuki , Yamakawa Yohei , Matsushita Kohei , Matsumoto Katsumi , Miyamoto Mihoko , Sugano Teruyasu , Ishigami Tomoaki , Uchino Kazuaki , Kimura Kazuo , Umemura Satoshi
Published: August 2012

A 60‐year‐old man with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) was implanted dual‐chamber ICD for the purpose of both the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient reduction by ventricular pacing and the primary prevention of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Because the LVOT gradient reduction and improvement of symptoms by pacing were insufficient, however, a new pacing lead was inserted in the right ventricular apex at a different position 1.5 cm away from the site of the defibrillation lead, and the LVOT gradient greatly declined from 108 to 30 mmHg. This DDD pacing was continued over seven years. On this occasion, he was referred to our hospital because of battery depletion, and a cardiac catheterization study was performed after ICD replacement. The LVOT gradient was 10 mmHg in sinus rhythm. After administration of isoproterenol (0.02γ), the gradient was increased to 92 mmHg in sinus rhythm. DDD pacing using a newly placed ventricular pacing lead significantly decreased the gradient to 36 mmHg. This case study indicated that DDD pacing from a suitable location in the right ventricular apex caused a marked early reduction in the LVOT gradient, and at long‐term follow up a further significant effect was obtained, also in sinus rhythm.
Lateral variations in SH velocity structure of the transition zone beneath Korea and adjacent regions
Authors: Zhang Ruiqing , Wu Qingju , Li Yonghua , Romanowicz Barbara
Published: August 2012

Using seismic profiles of triplicated waveforms, we show significant lateral variations in the SH velocity (Vs) structure of the transition zone (TZ) beneath Korea and adjacent regions. Beneath Sakhalin, we detected a high Vsanomaly (∼2%) limited to middle regions of the TZ (mid‐TZ), and a largeVsjump across the 660‐km discontinuity. A similar jump inVs also occurs beneath the northern portion of the North China Craton (NCC). Beneath Korea, a high Vs anomaly (∼2%) in the lower TZ is inferred, accompanied by a relatively small Vsjump across the 660‐km discontinuity, which is depressed by about ∼15–20 km. The deep structure under the eastern part of northeast China (NEC) also includes a slightVsanomaly (∼1%) in the lower TZ but does not exhibit significant depression of the 660‐km discontinuity. Compared with previous study, our observations reveal strong regional variations of the TZ structure on a relatively short scale. These variations most likely reflect the geometrical distribution of the subducting northwest Pacific plate. Our results suggest that the subducting slab dips across the mid‐TZ under Sakhalin, and becomes flattened atop of the 660‐km discontinuity beneath Korea, while only the tip of the slab reaches the lower TZ beneath the NEC. The TZ beneath the NCC does not show evidence of the slab stagnation.
Solar and space physics decadal strategy outlines key recommendations
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2012

Significant achievements during the past 10 years “set the stage for transformative advances in solar and space physics for the coming decade,” according to a new decadal strategy, released on 15 August by a committee of the U.S. National Research Council (NRC). The report, Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society, includes overarching goals and key recommendations for basic and applied research in solar and space physics for 2013–2022.
Defense Department scientific integrity policy
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2012

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has issued a scientific and engineering integrity policy, becoming the latest federal agency to follow a March 2009 White House directive. The document, labeled as “DoD Instruction 3200.20,” was issued on 26 July.
Crowdsourcing for the National Map
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2012

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is testing out a new approach to its National Map Corps volunteer program and is launching a project for volunteers in Colorado to map man‐made structures and facilities for updates to the National Map. “Even members of the public who can't tell a sandstone from a rhyolite but have Internet access can now help the USGS keep its popular maps up to date through our new experiment in crowdsourcing,” according to USGS director Marcia McNutt.
Progress in climate model simulations of geoengineering
Authors: Kravitz Ben , Robock Alan , Haywood James M.
Published: August 2012

Second GeoMIP Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering Workshop; Exeter, United Kingdom, 30–31 March 2012 Geoengineering through solar radiation management consists of hypothetical approaches to directly intervene in the climate system to counteract some consequences of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. One commonly studied method involves creating a layer of sulfate aerosols in the stratosphere covering most of the globe. This method takes inspiration from large volcanic eruptions, which cool the planet for a few years after the eruption.
New findings expand Apollo observations of lunar atmosphere
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: August 2012

In December 1972 the astronauts of Apollo 17—the last manned mission to the moon—deployed the Lunar Atmospheric Composition Experiment (LACE), a spectrometer designed to measure and characterize the thin lunar atmosphere. Forty years later, Stern et al built upon those initial measurements, providing the first remotely sensed measurement of the Moon's gaseous environment from lunar orbit. Using the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project's (LAMP) far ultraviolet spectrograph aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the authors determined the atmospheric concentration of helium.
Characteristics of hiss‐like and discrete whistler‐mode emissions
Authors: Li W. , Thorne R. M. , Bortnik J. , Tao X. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: August 2012

The characteristics of hiss‐like and discrete (rising and falling tones) whistler‐mode waves in the lower‐band wave frequency range (0.1–0.5 of equatorial electron gyrofrequency) are investigated using waveform data from near‐equatorially orbiting multiple THEMIS spacecraft outside the plasmasphere. Statistical results show that wave polarization properties of hiss‐like emissions are similar to rising tones, but are significantly different from falling tones. The magnetic wave amplitudes of hiss‐like bands and rising tones are generally larger than those of falling tones. Wave normal angles of broadband hiss‐like emissions and rising tones tend to be quasi field‐aligned, whereas falling tones are very oblique. Importantly, discrete emissions including rising and falling tones are predominantly observed in the region of lowfpe/fce(the ratio of plasma frequency to electron gyrofrequency), whereas hiss‐like bands alone preferentially occur in the region of highfpe/fce. These important features of hiss‐like and discrete whistler‐mode emissions should be considered when evaluating their interactions with energetic electrons.
Titan airglow during eclipse
Authors: West R. A. , Ajello J. M. , Stevens M. H. , Strobel D. F. , Gladstone G. R. , Evans J. S. , Bradley E. T.
Published: August 2012

Solar XUV photons can provide enough energy to account for the observed nitrogen UV dayglow emissions above 800 km, but a small or sporadic contribution from energetic particles cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, ion production at altitudes deeper than 800 km as inferred from radio occultation cannot be produced by solar XUV stimulation and implies energy deposition from protons and oxygen ions. Here we examine UV spectra and visible‐wavelength images of Titan in Saturn's shadow, when XUV stimulation is absent. UV emissions are observed in one of the three sets of spectra, and the intensity of these emissions is about a factor of 10 less than the peak intensity reported on the dayside. We observe visible‐wavelength emissions for the first time. No horizontally resolved auroral structures are seen in the visible images. At visible wavelengths Titan has a global emission at the haze‐top level that is not understood, although cosmic ray ionization and chemiluminescence are candidates needing further investigation.
Coincidence of composition and speed boundaries of the slow solar wind
Authors: Crooker N. U. , McPherron R. L.
Published: August 2012

Recent studies have raised questions about the plasma characteristics that define what is called the “slow solar wind.” At issue is whether solar wind with low speed located far from the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) lacks the composition signatures characteristic of a streamer belt origin, where the streamer belt is understood to encompass the HCS. To test for this possibility, superposed epoch analysis of composition data at 1 AU was performed at stream interfaces. Since interfaces mark the boundary between what was originally fast and slow wind when it left the Sun, the analysis sidesteps the need to identify slow wind by its speed. At those interfaces where the slow wind precedes fast wind, the resulting pressure ridge creates an east‐west flow deflection that identifies the boundary. The analysis of 258 interfaces displaying an unambiguous deflection reveals sharp drops in the ratios of O7+/O6+, C6+/C5+, and Fe/O coincident with interface passage. The coincidence indicates that essentially all slow wind, including slow wind from pseudostreamers, has ionic and elemental composition characteristic of the streamer belt, independent of distance from the HCS. This finding is not unexpected in view of the well‐known drop in density and increase in proton temperature characteristic of interface passage. These parameters control entropy, which is well‐correlated with O7+/O6+.
Magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling and scale breaking of a plasma cloud in the magnetosphere
Authors: Haerendel Gerhard , Mende Stephen B.
Published: August 2012

The goal of this paper is to deliver a long‐missing interpretation of a central issue of the NASA‐MPE barium injection experiment performed in September 1971. It pertains to the interaction with the ionosphere. Observations of the cloud's motion revealed no obvious sign of such interaction. The barium vapor was released from a Scout rocket at an altitude of 31,000 km above South America during late evening hours and was observed for more than 4000 s. The barium plasma split into several field‐parallel streaks which moved for a long time as if subject to constant acceleration as viewed from the inertial frame of the rocket at release. This means that no reflection of energy due to a mismatch of ionospheric conductivity and the characteristic impedance of an impinging Alfvén wave was observed. It is this finding that has never been properly interpreted. Furthermore, after a careful assessment of the barium cloud properties and environmental parameters, we find a theoretical coupling time to the ambient flow which turns out to be substantially longer than observed. Although this appears to indicate that some interaction with the ionosphere occurred, we can rule out multiple wave reflections during the observed acceleration phase. Discarding other possibilities, we interpret the observed motions as sign of perfect matching of the momentum and energy flux into the ionosphere with the rate of dissipation. This is achieved during the initial phase by scale breaking of the cloud into streaks with narrow widths which allow parallel potential drops along the Alfvén wings because of the waves' inertial nature and inside the lower ionosphere owing to the finite parallel resistivity, thereby greatly reducing the effective Pedersen conductivity. The significance of this finding goes beyond understanding the barium injection experiment. It sheds light on how magnetospheric plasma irregularities can share momentum and energy with the ionosphere in an optimized fashion.
The use of satellite‐measured aerosol optical depth to constrain biomass burning emissions source strength in the global model GOCART
Authors: Petrenko Mariya , Kahn Ralph , Chin Mian , Soja Amber , Kucsera Tom , Harshvardhan
Published: August 2012

Simulations of biomass burning (BB) emissions in chemistry transport models strongly depend on the inventories that define emission source location and strength. We use 13 global biomass burning emission estimates, including the widely used Global Fire Emission Database (GFED) monthly and daily versions, Fire Radiative Power (FRP)‐based Quick Fire Emission Data set QFED, and 11 calculated emissions from different combinations of burned area based on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products, effective fuel load, and species emission factors as alternative inputs to the global Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model. The resultant simulated aerosol optical depth (AOD) and its spatial distribution are compared to AOD snapshots measured by the MODIS instrument for 124 fire events occurring between 2006 and 2007. This comparison exposes the regional biases of each emission option. GOCART average fire AOD values compare best to MODIS‐measured AOD when the daily GFED inventory is used as input to GOCART. Even though GFED‐based emission options provide the lowest emissions in the tropics, GFED‐based GOCART AOD compares best with MODIS AOD in tropical cases. Fire‐counts‐based emission options give the largest emission estimates in the boreal regions, and the model performs best at higher latitudes with these inputs when compared to MODIS. Comparison of total annual BB emissions by all inventories suggests that burned area estimates are usually the largest source of disagreement. It is also shown that the quantitative relationship between BB aerosol emission rate and model‐simulated AOD is related to the horizontal plume dispersion, which can be approximated by the wind speed in the planetary boundary layer in most cases. Thus, given average wind speed of the smoke plume environment, MODIS‐measured AOD can provide a constraint to the strength of BB sources at the level of individual plumes.
Cryogenic linear Paul trap for cold highly charged ion experiments
Authors: Schwarz M. , Versolato O. O. , Windberger A. , Brunner F. R. , Ballance T. , Eberle S. N. , Ullrich J. , Schmidt P. O. , Hansen A. K. , Gingell A. D. , Drewsen M. , López-Urrutia J. R. Crespo
Published: August 2012

Storage and cooling of highly charged ions require ultra-high vacuum levels obtainable by means of cryogenic methods. We have developed a linear Paul trap operating at 4 K capable of very long ion storage times of about 30 h. A conservative upper bound of the H2 partial pressure of about 10−15 mbar (at 4 K) is obtained from this. External ion injection is possible and optimized optical access for lasers is provided, while exposure to black body radiation is minimized. First results of its operation with atomic and molecular ions are presented. An all-solid state laser system at 313 nm has been set up to provide cold Be+ ions for sympathetic cooling of highly charged ions.