bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PCM1 Recruits Plk1 to Pericentriolar Matrix to Promote Primary Cilia Disassembly before Mitotic Entry
Authors: Wang Gang , Chen Qiang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Boyan , Zhuo Xiaolong , Liu Junjun , Jiang Qing , Zhang Chuanmao
Published: January 2013

Primary cilia, which emanate from the cell surface, exhibit assembly and disassembly dynamics along the progression of cell cycle. However, the mechanism that links ciliary dynamics and cell cycle regulation remains elusive. Here, we report that Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), one of the key cell cycle regulators, which regulate centrosome maturation, bipolar spindle assembly and cytokinesis, acts as a pivotal player that connects the ciliary dynamics and cell cycle regulation. We found that the kinase activity of centrosome enriched Plk1 is required for primary cilia disassembly before mitotic entry, wherein Plk1 interacts with and activates histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) to promote ciliary deacetylation and resorption. Furthermore, we showed that pericentriolar material 1 (PCM1) acts up stream of Plk1 and recruits the kinase to pericentriolar matrix (PCM) in a dynein/dynactin complex-dependent manner. This process coincides with the primary cilia disassembly dynamics at the onset of mitosis, as depletion of PCM1 by shRNA dramatically disrupted the Plk1 pericentriolar accumulation. Notably, the interaction between PCM1 and Plk1 is phosphorylation dependent, and CDK1 functions as the priming kinase to facilitate the interaction. Our data suggest a mechanism that the recruitment of Plk1 to pericentriolar matrix by PCM1 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of primary cilia disassembly before mitotic entry. Thus, the regulation of ciliary dynamics and cell proliferation share some common regulators.
Direct binding between BubR1 and B56–PP2A phosphatase complexes regulate mitotic progression
Authors: Kruse Thomas , Zhang Gang , Larsen Marie Sofie Yoo , Lischetti Tiziana , Streicher Werner , Kragh Nielsen Tine , Bjørn Sara Petersen , Nilsson Jakob
Published: January 2013

BubR1 is a central component of the spindle assembly checkpoint that inhibits progression into anaphase in response to improper kinetochore–microtubule interactions. In addition, BubR1 also helps stabilize kinetochore–microtubule interactions by counteracting the Aurora B kinase but the mechanism behind this is not clear. Here we show that BubR1 directly binds to the B56 family of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunits through a conserved motif that is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1). Two highly conserved hydrophobic residues surrounding the serine 670 Cdk1 phosphorylation site are required for B56 binding. Mutation of these residues prevents the establishment of a proper metaphase plate and delays cells in mitosis. Furthermore, we show that phosphorylation of serines 670 and 676 stimulates the binding of B56 to BubR1 and that BubR1 targets a pool of B56 to kinetochores. Our data suggest that BubR1 counteracts Aurora B kinase activity at improperly attached kinetochores by recruiting B56–PP2A phosphatase complexes.
Effect of an educational intervention on requesting behaviour by a medical admission unit
Authors: Willis Eloise A , Datta Borunendra N
Published: January 2013

Background

Previous studies have shown that of all the tests requested of hospital laboratories, 25-40% are thought to be unnecessary. Our hospital laboratory observed that a significant number of requests from the medical admissions unit (MAU) were probably inappropriate. In an attempt to improve requesting behaviour this observation was investigated and an educational intervention employed.

Methods

We performed a survey of requesting behaviour by the MAU and a local protocol was designed as an audit standard. The influence of the educational intervention on requesting behaviour was audited.

Results

The generation of local guidelines and an educational intervention to promote them, significantly changed requesting behaviour. The main effect was the reduction in requesting of thyroid function tests, lipid profiles and coagulation screens.

Conclusions

This process highlighted inappropriate requesting behaviour from the MAU which, following a process of investigation and education, resulted in a significant change with an associated cost benefit.
Effective Marketing Science Applications: Insights from the ISMS-MSI Practice Prize Finalist Papers and Projects
Authors: Lilien Gary L. , Roberts John H. , Shankar Venkatesh
Published: January 2013

From 2003 to 2012, the ISMS-MSI Practice Prize/Award competition has documented 25 impactful projects, with associated papers appearing in Marketing Science. This article reviews these papers and projects, examines their influence on the relevant organizations, and provides a perspective on the diffusion and impact of marketing science models within the organizations. We base our analysis on three sources of data—the articles, authors' responses to a survey, and in-depth interviews with the authors. We draw some conclusions about how marketing science models can create more impact without losing academic rigor while maintaining strong relevance to practice.

We find that the application and diffusion of marketing science models are not restricted to the well-known choice models, conjoint analysis, mapping, and promotional analysis—there are very effective applications across a wide range of managerial problems using an array of marketing science techniques. There is no one successful approach, and although some factors are correlated with impactful marketing science models, there are a number of pathways by which a project can add value to its client organization. Simpler, easier-to-use models that offer robust and improved results can have a stronger impact than academically sophisticated models can. Organizational buy-in is critical and can be achieved through recognizing high-level champions, holding in-house presentations and dialogues, doing pilot assignments, involving multidepartment personnel, and speaking the same language as the influential executives. And we find that intermediaries often, but not always, play a key role in the transportability and diffusion of models across organizations.

Although these applications are impressive and reflect profitable academic–practitioner partnerships, changes in the knowledge base and reward systems for academics, intermediaries, and practitioners are required for marketing science approaches to realize their potential impact on a much larger scale than the highly selective sample that we have been able to analyze.
Crystal structure of 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid, C7H4ClNO4
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Ya-Ling , Wang Hong-Yong , Wu Jun , Zou Pei
Published: January 2013

C7H4ClNO4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 12.698(1) Å, b = 10.9537(8) Å, c = 11.4536(9) Å, β = 95.918(5)°, V = 1584.5 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0462, wRref(F2) = 0.1017, T = 153 K.
Lymph Node Ratio Predicts Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Schneider David F. , Mazeh Haggi , Chen Herbert , Sippel Rebecca S.
Published: January 2013

Learning Objectives

Explain how lymph node ratio can be used to predict disease recurrence for papillary thyroid cancer. Cite the threshold total and central lymph node ratios that best predict recurrence. Describe ways in which lymph node ratio can be useful in guiding postoperative follow-up.

Background.

Lymph node metastasis occurs in 20%–50% of patients presenting for initial treatment of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The significance of lymph node metastases remains controversial, and the aim of this study is to determine how the lymph node ratio (LNR) may predict the likelihood of disease recurrence.

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for PTC at our institution from 2005 to 2010. A total LNR (positive nodes to total nodes) and central lymph node ratio (cLNR) was calculated. Regression was used to determine a threshold LNR that best predicted recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression then determined the influence of LNR on recurrence while accounting for other known predictors of recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare differences in disease-free survival.

Results.

Of the 217 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for PTC, 69 patients had concomitant neck dissections. Sixteen (23.2%) patients developed disease recurrence. When disease-free survival functions were compared, we found that patients with a total LNR ≥0.7 (p < .01) or a cLNR ≥0.86 (p = .04) had significantly worse disease-free survival rates than patients with ratios below these threshold values. Considering other known predictors of recurrence, we found that LNR was significantly associated with recurrence (odds ratio: 19.5, 95% confidence interval: 4.1–22.9; p < .01).

Conclusions.

Elevated total LNR and cLNR are strongly associated with recurrence of PTC after initial operation. LNR in PTC is a tool that can be used to determine the likelihood of the patient developing recurrent disease and inform postoperative follow-up.
Sewage sludge disposal with energy recovery: a review
Authors: Jorge Fernando Caldeira , Dinis Maria Alzira P.
Published: January 2013

Wastewater must be treated, and it is part of the development process of a given country to extend sewer networks and to build wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment inevitably generates sewage sludge, and a trend for extending wastewater treatment infrastructures implies increasing quantities of sewage sludge produced. The fate of such a residue is a key environmental issue. The existing European environmental legislation is becoming more and more restrictive, namely in terms of the obligation to reduce environmental impacts resulting from the disposal of this particular waste, where land spreading is still the most common technique to do so. There are some interesting alternative processes relating to sewage sludge treatment, aiming at avoiding its disposal on land or in landfill and to allow it to be more environmentally friendly. This paper reviews recent research to make sewage sludge disposal safer, more environmentally friendly and still to obtain some benefit from it, namely energy, from its organic content. Topics covered include incineration, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, with a view to contributing to an integrated response to the problem of sewage sludge treatment and disposal.
Fibre composition of donated post-consumer clothing in the UK
Authors: Ward Garth D. , Hewitt Andrew D. , Russell Stephen J.
Published: January 2013

At the end of life, post-consumer clothing in the UK either enters the municipal solid waste stream or is collected by way of an extensive network of clothing banks, charity shops and doorstep collections for recycling or reuse. This study reports the fibre/polymer composition of a large sample (n=34 635) of post-consumer clothing collected by The Salvation Army, one of the largest used clothing supply chain operators in the UK. The results revealed that 36·2% of the clothing items were of heterogeneous polymer composition, consisting of a blend or mixture of two or more fibre components; however, the largest fraction was composed of a single fibre type (excluding accessories and sewing threads). Cotton accounted for 54·7% of the total collected clothing and 22·6% was composed of polyester. There were no large geographical or collection source variations in terms of fibre compositions. A minimum economic recyclability index was approximated based on a potential value of fibre recyclate in post-consumer clothing that is currently directed to landfill.
In Vitro Evaluation of Demineralized Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft in Combination With Enamel Matrix Derivative
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Laugisch Oliver , Dard Michel , Gemperli Anja C. , Buser Daniel , Gruber Reinhard , Sculean Anton
Published: January 2013

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that a combination of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA) may improve periodontal wound healing and regeneration. To date, no single study has characterized the effects of this combination on in vitro cell behavior. The aim of this study is to test the ability of EMD to adsorb to the surface of DFDBA particles and determine the effect of EMD coating on downstream cellular pathways such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of primary human osteoblasts and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Methods: DFDBA particles were precoated with EMD or human blood and analyzed for protein adsorption patterns via scanning electron microscopy. Cell attachment and proliferation were quantified using a commercial assay. Cell differentiation was analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction for genes encoding Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen 1α1, and mineralization was assessed using alizarinred staining.

Results: Analysis of cell attachment revealed no significant differences among control, blood‐coated, and EMD‐coated DFDBA particles. EMD significantly increased cell proliferation at 3 and 5 days after seeding for both osteoblasts and PDL cells compared to control and blood‐coated samples. Moreover, there were significantly higher messenger ribonucleic acid levels of osteogenic differentiation markers, including collagen 1α1, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, in osteoblasts and PDL cells cultured on EMD‐coated DFDBA particles at 3, 7, and 14 days.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the addition of EMD to DFDBA particles may influence periodontal regeneration by stimulating PDL cell and osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.
Long‐Term Stability of Contour Augmentation With Early Implant Placement Following Single Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: A Prospective, Cross‐Sectional Study in 41 Patients With a 5‐ to 9‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Buser Daniel , Chappuis Vivianne , Bornstein Michael M. , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela , Frei Marc , Belser Urs C.
Published: January 2013

Background: Early implant placement with simultaneous contour augmentation is documented with short‐ and medium‐term studies. The long‐term stability of contour augmentation is uncertain.

Methods: In this prospective, cross‐sectional study, 41 patients with an implant‐borne single crown were examined twice, in 2006 and 2010. Clinical, radiologic, and esthetic parameters were assessed at both examinations. In addition, a cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image was obtained during the second examination to assess the dimensions of the facial bone wall.

Results: All 41 implants demonstrated ankylotic stability without signs of peri‐implant infection at both examinations. The clinical parameters remained stable over time. Satisfactory esthetic outcomes were noted, as assessed by the pink and white esthetic score (PES/WES) indices. Overall, the PES scores were slightly higher than the WES scores. None of the implants developed mucosal recession over time, as confirmed by values of the distance between implant shoulder and mucosal margin and cast measurements. The periapical radiographs yielded stable peri‐implant bone levels, with a mean distance between implant shoulder and first visible bone‐implant contact value of 2.18 mm. The CBCT analysis demonstrated a mean thickness of the facial bone wall ≈2.2 mm. In two implants (4.9%) no facial bone wall was detectable radiographically.

Conclusions: This prospective cross‐sectional study demonstrates stable peri‐implant hard and soft tissues for all 41 implants examined and satisfactory esthetic outcomes overall. The follow‐up of 5 to 9 years confirmed again that the risk for mucosal recession is low with early implant placement. In addition, contour augmentation with guided bone regeneration was able to establish and maintain a facial bone wall in 95% of patients.
Salivary Cotinine Concentrations and Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in Young Japanese Women: The Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Matsuse Ryoichi , Miyake Yoshihiro , Hanioka Takashi , Arakawa Masashi
Published: January 2013

Background: The authors investigated the relationship between objectively assessed tobacco smoke exposure and periodontal disease.

Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 1,103 women with a mean age of 31.5 years. Information on potential confounding factors was obtained through a self‐administered questionnaire. Periodontal disease was defined as positive if a woman had at least one tooth with a probing depth of ≥3.5 mm. Exposure to tobacco smoke was determined based on salivary cotinine concentration. Adjustment was made for age, region of residence, household income, education, toothbrushing frequency, and use of an interdental brush.

Results: The prevalence of periodontal disease was 11.3%. Salivary cotinine concentration was independently positively associated with the prevalence of periodontal disease: the adjusted odds ratio for every 1‐unit (ng/mL) increase in salivary cotinine was 1.004 (95% confidence interval: 1.000 to 1.007).

Conclusion: Salivary cotinine concentrations were positively associated with the prevalence of periodontal disease among young women.
Playable Serious Games for Studying and Programming Computational Stem and Informatics Applications of Distributed and Parallel Computer Architectures
Authors: Amenyo John-Thones
Published: January 2013

Carefully engineered playable games can serve as vehicles for students and practitioners to learn and explore the programming of advanced computer architectures to execute applications, such as high performance computing (HPC) and complex, inter-networked, distributed systems. The article presents families of playable games that are grounded in the concurrent, parallel, and distributed manipulations and processing of sequences. Some examples of such manipulations are games that involve pattern matching, recognition, alignment, transformation, and evolution of sequences.
Modeling the REA Enterprise Ontology with a Domain Specific Language
Authors: Sedbrook Tod A.
Published: January 2013

Developing a domain specific language (DSL) to express business policies requires modeling tools for eliciting, applying, and maintaining the knowledge of business experts. This study defines a DSL meta-model and prototype to create visual business models that conform to the Resource, Event, Agent-Enterprise Ontology (REA-EO). The meta-model specifies REA-EO modeling components, and the prototype provides a visual interface to design operational and policy-level models. Code-generation templates then transform design models into executable code that supports business applications. The study describes the capabilities of the prototype and validates its use in the context of a business case.

Data Availability: The paper's software modeling prototype and its companion code-generation templates are available for research purposes as open-source Visual Studio extensions and are available by contacting the author.
Towards the Gigantic: Entification and Standardization as Technologies of Control
Authors: Røyrvik Jens , Almklov Petter G.
Published: January 2013

This paper is based on studies of how standardized entities work as elements in a regime to control risk and hazardous work. Drawing on empirical examples from the petroleum industry and infrastructure sectors, we illustrate not only the mechanisms by which particular modes of entification are involved in regimes of control but also their shortcomings and seductive powers as representations. We show how the world is semantically captured and organized to consist of controllable standardized entities by the organizational regimes in the industries we have studied. This mode of entification is particularly effective in providing transcontextual mobility, as the registered entities can enter the ever-expanding information infra-structures of modernity. Although information infrastructures comprise the standards regulating communication, they commonly materialize in information and communication technologies (ICT) that provide an increasing number of effective and ubiquitous pathways through which standardized semantic signs can move and have effects. This is a core concern in the increasing focus on management by detailed regimes of accountability, measurement and standardization seen in most modern organizations. These developments, combined with the representational shortcomings of the standardized entifications, lead to a movement towards the gigantic. An ever-increasing number of signs with increasingly higher granularity are produced in order to control an ever-elusive non-entified world.
HER-2 Expression in Brain Metastases from Colorectal Cancer and Corresponding Primary Tumors: A Case Cohort Series
Authors: Aprile Giuseppe , De Maglio Giovanna , Menis Jessica , Casagrande Mariaelena , Tuniz Francesco , Pisa Edith , Fontanella Caterina , Skrap Miran , Beltrami Alberto , Fasola Gianpiero , Pizzolitto Stefano
Published: January 2013

Brain metastases (BM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are a rare but increasing event. Surgical resection of oligometastatic disease, including BM, may produce a survival benefit in selected patients. Previous studies described the HER-2 expression patterns in CRC patients, but its prognostic role still remains controversial. Information on the HER-2 expression in BM from CRC is currently lacking. Among the over 500 patients treated at our Department of Neurosurgery in the last 13 years (1999–2012), we identified a cohort of 50 consecutive CRC patients resected for BM. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed using electronic hospital charts and surgical notes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples were retrieved and histologically reviewed. HER-2 status was assessed on 4-μm sections by HerceptTest™, and scored by two pathologists according to gastric cancer HER-2 status guidelines. In score 2+ cases HER-2 gene copy number was analyzed by FISH, performed using the PathVysion HER-2 DNA Probe Kit. Median age at time of BM resection was 65 years (35–82); most patients were males (60%) with a good performance status. The majority of the BM were single (74%) and sited in the supratentorial area (64%); 2–4 lesions were diagnosed in 9 patients (18%), and >4 in 3 patients (6%). The rate of HER-2 positivity (defined as IHC score 3+ or IHC score 2+ and FISH gene amplification) was 8.1% for the primary CRC tumors and 12% for their corresponding BM. The concordance rate between primary tumors and matched BM was 89%. Median overall survival after neurosurgery was 6.5 months for HER-2 IHC score 0 vs. 4.6 months for HER-2 IHC score 1+/2+/3+; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01, Log-rank test). HER-2 positivity of our case cohort was low but comparable to literature. Concordance rate of HER-2 expression between BM and corresponding primary tumors is high and similar to those reported for breast and gastric cancers. Our data suggest a potential negative prognostic value of HER-2 expression in brain lesions from CRC.
Advanced Capillary Soft Valves for Flow Control in Self-Driven Microfluidics
Authors: Hitzbleck Martina , Delamarche Emmanuel
Published: January 2013

Self-driven microfluidic devices enable fully autonomous handling of very small volumes of liquid samples and reagents. However, many applications require an active control mechanism to trigger self-driven flow in microchannels. Here, we report on capillary soft valves (CSVs), which enable stopping a liquid filling front at a precise location inside a microchannel and can resume flow of liquid upon simple actuation. The working mechanism of a CSV is based on a barrier of capillary pressure induced by an abruptly expanding microchannel. We discuss the influence of wetting conditions on the performance of a CSV and the effect of elevated temperatures on a CSV in its closed state. We introduce design features such as pillars and cavities, as well as fabrication techniques for rounded microchannels, which all may broaden the applicability and robustness of CSVs in microfluidic devices. Finally, we present CSV having multiple inlet channels. CSVs further diversify the toolbox of microfluidic functionalities and yet are simple to implement, fabricate and actuate.
Profiling and Characterization of Volatile Components from Non-Fumigated and Sulfur-Fumigated Flos Lonicerae Japonicae Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Chemical Group Separation
Authors: Cai Hao , Cao Gang , Li Li , Liu Xiao , Ma Xiao-Qing , Tu Si-Cong , Lou Ya-Jing , Qin Kun-Ming , Li Song-Lin , Cai Bao-Chang
Published: January 2013

Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ) is a popular herb used for many centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment of fever and inflammation. Non-fumigated processing of FLJ has been the traditional approach used in post-harvest preparation of the commodity for commercial use. However, in recent years, natural drying processing of FLJ has been replaced by sulfur-fumigation for efficiency and pest control. Sulfur-fumigation can induce changes in the volatile compounds of the herb, altering its medicinal properties. A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF/MS) method was established for the resolution and determination of volatile components in non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated FLJ. In this paper, analysis of the volatile oils in non-fumigated and sulfur-fumigated (including lab-prepared sulfur- fumigated and industrial sulfur-fumigated) FLJ was performed using GC×GC-TOF/MS. Seventy-three representative volatile components were identified, including furans, alkalies, acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, terpenes, esters, and others, as the main components of FLJ volatile oils. The proposed method was successfully applied for rapid and accurate quality evaluation of FLJ and its related medicinal materials and preparations.
Degradation of Methyl Blue Using Fe-Tourmaline as a Novel Photocatalyst
Authors: Bian Xuesen , Chen Jianqiu , Ji Rong
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the photocatalytic activity of tourmaline by itself. Under irradiation of a 13 W, 254 nm UV lamp, 50% of methyl blue disappeared in the presence of 130 mg·L−1 tourmaline. The reaction was inhibited by the addition of ethanol, Cl−, SO42− and Cu2+, and promoted a little by addition of 50 mg/L Mg2+, which supports the inference of involvement of •OH radicals. This is the first proposal of tourmaline as a single photocatalyst without the need to add any artificial chemical products. Results from this study might contribute to the broadened usage of this mineral to approach the goals of saving energy and eliminate direct or indirect environmental pollution.
Fiber Optic pH Sensor with Self-Assembled Polymer Multilayer Nanocoatings
Authors: Shao Li-Yang , Yin Ming-Jie , Tam Hwa-Yaw , Albert Jacques
Published: January 2013

A fiber-optic pH sensor based on a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) with electrostatic self-assembly multilayer sensing film is presented. The pH sensitive polymeric film, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was deposited on the circumference of the TFBG with the layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembly technique. The PDDA/PAA film exhibits a reduction in refractive index by swelling in different pH solutions. This effect results in wavelength shifts and transmission changes in the spectrum of the TFBG. The peak amplitude of the dominant spectral fringes over a certain window of the transmission spectrum, obtained by FFT analysis, has a near-linear pH sensitivity of 117 arbitrary unit (a.u.)/pH unit and an accuracy of ±1 a.u. (in the range of pH 4.66 to pH 6.02). The thickness and surface morphology of the sensing multilayer film were characterized to investigate their effects on the sensor’s performance. The dynamic response of the sensor also has been studied (10 s rise time and 18 s fall time for a sensor with six bilayers of PDDA/PAA).
Tropical cyclone-related socio-economic losses in the western North Pacific region
Authors: Welker C. , Faust E.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The western North Pacific (WNP) is the area of the world most frequently affected by tropical cyclones (TCs). However, little is known about the socio-economic impacts of TCs in this region, probably because of the limited relevant loss data. Here, loss data from Munich RE's NatCatSERVICE database is used, a high-quality and widely consulted database of natural disasters. In the country-level loss normalisation technique we apply, the original loss data are normalised to present-day exposure levels by using the respective country's nominal gross domestic product at purchasing power parity as a proxy for wealth. The main focus of our study is on the question of whether the decadal-scale TC variability observed in the Northwest Pacific region in recent decades can be shown to manifest itself economically in an associated variability in losses. It is shown that since 1980 the frequency of TC-related loss events in the WNP exhibited, apart from seasonal and interannual variations, interdecadal variability with a period of about 22 yr – driven primarily by corresponding variations of Northwest Pacific TCs. Compared to the long-term mean, the number of loss events was found to be higher (lower) by 14% (9%) in the positive (negative) phase of the decadal-scale WNP TC frequency variability. This was identified for the period 1980–2008 by applying a wavelet analysis technique. It was also possible to demonstrate the same low-frequency variability in normalised direct economic losses from TCs in the WNP region. The identification of possible physical mechanisms responsible for the observed decadal-scale Northwest Pacific TC variability will be the subject of future research, even if suggestions have already been made in earlier studies.
Evaluation of Suya (Tsire) – An Intermediate Moisture Meat Product in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Apata E. S. , Kuku I. A. , Apata O. C. , Adeyemi K. O.
Published: January 2013

A study was conducted to evaluate suya (tsire) an intermediate moisture meat product in Ogun State. Sixty suya sticks were used. Twelve suya sticks were prepared in the laboratory while 12 suya sticks were collected from each zone of the state namely: Yewa, Egba, Remo and Ijebu. They were analyzed for physical, chemical, microbiological and organoleptic characteristics. The results showed that there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in physical properties of suya samples analyzed with suya from Yewa zone having the highest (P < 0.05) water holding capacity and suya prepared in the laboratory and those from Egba zone had the highest (P < 0.05) shear force, while the pH was least (P < 0.05) in suya prepared from laboratory. Moisture content was least (P < 0.05) in suya samples prepared in the laboratory and from Egba zone, while ash content was higher (P < 0.05) in suya from Yewa, Remo and Ijebu Zones. Aerobic bacteria and coliform counts were least (P < 0.05) in suya prepared in the laboratory and from Egba Zone, while lactic acid bacteria were higher (P < 0.05) in suya prepared in the laboratory and from Egba Zone. The results revealed that suya samples prepared in the laboratory were accepted more (P < 0.05) followed by those from Egba and Remo Zones. However, microbial loads observed on Suya (tsire) samples in this study were not as high as those reported by previous workers. Nonetheless, efforts should be made to educate meat and meat products (Suya) processors in Ogun State on the importance of hygiene and proper packaging and preservation to avoid contamination and spoilage of meat products during processing and sale.
Flux Pinning Properties and Microstructures of Multilayered Films Consisting of Sm1.04Ba1.96Cu3OyLayers and BaSnO3-Doped Sm1.04Ba1.96Cu3OyLayers
Authors: Tsuruta Akihiro , Yoshida Yutaka , Ichino Yusuke , Ichinose Ataru , Matsumoto Kaname , Awaji Satoshi
Published: January 2013

In order to enhanceJcin magnetic fields for all applied angles, we fabricated multilayered films consisting of Sm1.04Ba1.96Cu3Oy(SmBCO) layers and BaSnO3(BSO)-doped SmBCO layers on MgO substrates (multilayered SmBCO) by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. We varied the numbers of layers (8, 16, 32, and 64). In the magnetic field angle dependence ofJc(B= 1 T, 77 K), only in the 8-layer sample wasJchigher than that of pure SmBCO thin films for all applied angles. The other sample showed differentJccharacteristics.
Investigation of Wafer-Bonded InAs/Si Heterojunction by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kanbe Hiroshi , Tada Masanori , Kochigahama Takuya , Taniwaki Masafumi
Published: January 2013

An InAs/Si heterojunction formed by a wet wafer bonding method with an annealing temperature of 350 °C was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). InAs and Si were observed to be uniformly bonded without any voids in a 2-µm-long field of view in a bright-field TEM image. A high-resolution TEM image revealed that, between the InAs and Si lattice images, there existed a transition layer having an amorphous-like structure 10–12 nm thick, which had the role of atomically combining the two crystals. The transition layer was separated into two layers of different brightnesses in a high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM image. The distributions of In, As, Si, and O atoms in the vicinity of the heterointerface were examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The amounts of In, As, and Si atoms gradually changed within a 20-nm-thick intermediate layer including the transition layer. Accumulated O atoms were detected in the transition layer.
Expansion of Dynamic Range in Interferometric Fiber Optic Hydrophone
Authors: Sato Ryotaku , Saito Shigemi
Published: January 2013

In a conventional interferometric fiber optic hydrophone where a light pulse stops being generated before the last pulse finishes passing through a sensing fiber, the dynamic range cannot be expanded even if the sensing fiber is made long to enhance sensitivity. The reason is that a long repetition period of the light pulse causes a failure in demodulation of a high-level signal with a quick phase change. In this paper, the dynamic range is expanded at least by 26 dB by shortening the repetition period such that the pulses interfering with each other are avoided. The effect of a wide dynamic range is also confirmed by observing that when a high-level sound simulating a jamming sound is applied, a sound 95 dB lower than the jamming sound can be detected with the newly developed hydrophone.
A Subthreshold Swing Model for Fully-Depleted Silicon-on-Insulator Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors with Vertical Gaussian Profile
Authors: Zhang Guohe , Chen Kebin , Zheng Xue , Liang Feng , Li Zunchao
Published: January 2013

A compact subthreshold swing model is proposed for the short-channel fully-depleted (FD) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) with vertical Gaussian doping profile in this paper. Considering the channel potential which is influenced by the non-uniform doping profile, the model is derived by using the concept of effective conduction path effect (ECPE). The validity of the proposed model is shown by comparing the calculated results with the Sentaurus technology computer-aided design (TCAD) numerical simulation data. The model is believed to provide a better physical insight and understanding of FD SOI MOSFETs with a non-uniform doping profile operating in the subthreshold regime.
Effects of Light Exposure during Plasma Processing on Electrical Properties of GeO2/Ge Structures
Authors: Takeuchi Kusumandari , Kato Kimihiko , Shibayama Shigehisa , Sakashita Mitsuo , Taoka Noriyuki , Nakatsuka Osamu , Zaima Shigeaki
Published: January 2013

The effects of light exposure during plasma processing on the electrical properties of GeO2/Ge structures were clarified by comparing their capacitance–voltage and conductance–voltage characteristics with those of Al2O3/Ge MOS structures. In addition, the effects of moisture in air and H2O exposures during the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process on the GeO2/Ge interface properties were investigated. It was found that light exposure causes far less degradation of the GeO2/Ge interface than of the Al2O3/Ge interface. However, for the GeO2/Ge interface, degradation resulted from air and H2O exposures during the ALD process. Exposure to air was also found to enhance the degradation caused by light exposure. These results strongly suggest that the GeO2/Ge interface is robust against light exposure, but it is important to suppress moisture and H2O exposure in order to maintain its high quality during plasma processing.
Microwave Plasma Source for Fabrication of Micro- and Nano-Crystalline Diamond Thin Films for Electronic Devices
Authors: Paosawatyanyong Boonchoat , Rujisamphan Nopporn , Bhanthumnavin Worawan
Published: January 2013

The design and utilization of an affordable compact-size high-density plasma reactor for micro- and nano-crystalline diamond (MCD/NCD) thin film deposition is presented. The system is based on a 2.45 GHz domestic microwave oven magnetron. A switching power supply module, which yields a low-voltage high-current AC filament feeding and a high-voltage low-current DC cathode bias, is constructed to serve as the magnetron power source. With a high stability of the power module combined with the usage of water cooling gaskets, over 100 h of plasma processing time was achieved without overheating or causing any damage to the magnetron. Depositions of well-faceted MCD/NCD thin films, with distinct diamond Raman characteristics, were obtained using H2–CH4 discharge with 1–5% CH4. Metal–semiconductor diode structures were fabricated using gold and aluminum as ohmic and rectifying contacts, respectively, and their responses to DC signals revealed a high rectification ratio of up to 106 in the intrinsic MCD/NCD devices.
Temperature Dependence of Coercivity Behavior in Fe Films on Fractal Rough Ceramics Surfaces
Authors: Chen Miao-Gen , Jiao Zhi-Wei , Yu Sen-Jiang , Yu Ming-Zhou , Bao Fu-Bing , Nakamura Keiji
Published: January 2013

In this paper we study the anomalous magnetic properties in Fe films on fractal rough α-Al2O3ceramics surfaces. It is found that the temperature dependence of the coercivityHcof the Fe films exhibits a peak around a critical temperatureTcrit= 10 K: firstly,Hcincreases with the temperatureT; then it decreases rapidly asTfurther increases. The peak of the coercivity goes up with the decrease of the film thickness. It is estimated that, forTTcrit, the observed coercivity behavior is mainly dominated by the effect of the non-uniform size distribution of the single-domain particles or magnetic clusters. The study shows that the enhancementHcof the Fe films is strong related to the roughness of the film surfaces induced by the fractal ceramics surfaces. The results are further confirmed by the thermoremanence and vibrating sample magnetometer measurements.
High Amount Cluster Incorporation in Initial Si Film Deposition by SiH4 Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kim Yeonwon , Hatozaki Kosuke , Hashimoto Yuji , Uchida Giichiro , Kamataki Kunihiro , Itagaki Naho , Seo Hyunwoong , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: January 2013

We have carried out in-situ measurements of Si cluster volume fraction in Si films during plasma chemical vapor deposition by using quartz crystal microbalances (QCM's) together with a cluster-eliminating filter. The cluster volume fraction in films is deduced from film deposition rates with and without Si clusters using QCM's. By employing this method we have revealed a depth profile of the Si cluster volume fraction. A high cluster volume fraction is observed in the initial phase of film deposition. This behavior is compared with time evolution of SiH*, Si* emission intensities and their intensity ratio.
Growth and Characterization of AlGaN Multiple Quantum Wells for Electron-Beam Target for Deep-Ultraviolet Light Sources
Authors: Fukuyo Fumitsugu , Ochiai Shunsuke , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa , Yoshida Harumasa , Kobayashi Yuji
Published: January 2013

The structure of Si-doped AlGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) targets has been optimized for application to electron-beam (EB)-pumped deep-ultraviolet (UV) light sources. The deep-UV light emission from Si-doped AlGaN MQW targets pumped by a 10 kV EB has been evaluated. The targets exhibited a deep-UV light output power of over 15 mW at a peak wavelength of 256 nm for an EB input power of 2.0 W, and the conversion efficiency was estimated to be over 0.75%. These results demonstrate the advantageousness of using p-type-AlGaN-free AlGaN MQW targets as a material for application to EB-pumped deep-UV light sources.
Enhancement of Optical Polarization Anisotropy of a-Plane InGaN/GaN Multiple Quantum Well Structure from Violet to Blue-Green Light
Authors: Su Sheng-Han , Huang Shyh-Jer , Su Yan-Kuin , Hsu Hsiao-Chiu
Published: January 2013

A nonpolar a-plane (1120) InGaN/GaN epitaxial layer was grown on r-plane (1012) sapphire substrates by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). In this work, a set of step-stage multiple quantum wells (MQWs) is inserted between underlying GaN and overlying high indium-content MQWs to investigate its influence on the optical properties of the active region. The step-stage MQWs were deposited by varying growth temperature at fixed precursor flow rate. Optical properties were investigated by the measurement of temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TD-PL). The optical polarization ratio, activation energy, and the smile-like curve in full width at half maximum (FWHM) of PL were analyzed in detail.
Reducing the Current Crowding Effect on Nitride-Based Light-Emitting Diodes Using Modulated P-Extension Electrode Thickness
Authors: Wang Chun-Kai , Chiang Tsung-Hsun , Chiou Yu-Zung , Chang Sheng-Po
Published: January 2013

In this paper, nitride-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with the modulated thickness of p-extension electrode were proposed and fabricated. The current crowding is always occurred in the end of p-extension electrode. Thus, the resistance of p-extension electrode will be increased by reducing its thickness to prevent current crowding. The modulated thickness of p-extension electrode can be employed to enhance the light output power and reduce overall operated temperature. Compared to the conventional LED, the enhancement in light output power is 13.9% at 150 mA and the reduction in average operated temperature is about 14.6% at 80 mA. Regarding the characteristics of electrostatic discharge (ESD), the failure mode of new electrode design occurred on the terminal of thick p-extension electrode rather than current crowding region.
Pulsed Plasma Synthesis of Iron and Nickel Nanoparticles Coated by Carbon for Medical Applications
Authors: Abdullaeva Zhypargul , Omurzak Emil , Iwamoto Chihiro , Ihara Hirotaka , Ganapathy Hullathy Subban , Sulaimankulova Saadat , Koinuma Michio , Mashimo Tsutomu
Published: January 2013

Fe and Ni magnetic nanoparticles coated by carbon were synthesized between the Fe–Fe and Ni–Ni metal electrodes, submerged in ethanol using pulsed plasma in a liquid method. Iron coated carbon (Fe@C) nanoparticles have an average size of 32 nm, and Ni@C nanoparticles are 40 nm. Obtained samples exhibit a well-defined crystalline structure of the inner Fe and Ni cores, encapsulated in the graphitic carbon coatings. Cytotoxicity studies performed on the MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell line showed small toxicity about 88–74% at 50 µg/mL of Fe@C and Ni@C nanoparticles, which can be significant criteria for use them in medical cancer treatment. In addition, appropriate sizes, good magnetic properties and well-organized graphitic carbon coatings are highlight merits of Fe@C and Ni@C nanoparticles synthesized by pulsed plasma.
Fabrication of Carbon Nanowalls on Carbon Fiber Paper for Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Hiramatsu Mineo , Mitsuguchi Shinji , Horibe Takeyoshi , Kondo Hiroki , Hori Masaru , Kano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2013

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) can be described as self-assembled, vertically standing, few-layered graphene sheet nanostructures. In order to demonstrate the usefulness of CNWs in fuel cell application, CNWs were directly grown on carbon fiber paper (CFP) using the inductively coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) method. Subsequently, highly dispersed platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were formed on the surface of CNWs using metal–organic chemical fluid deposition (MOCFD) employing a supercritical fluid (SCF). Moreover, a single proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell unit using a Pt-supported CNW/CFP electrode was constructed, and its voltage–current characteristics were measured. This configuration ensures that all the supported Pt nanoparticles are in electrical contact with the external electrical circuit. Such a design would improve Pt utilization and potentially decrease Pt usage. Pt-supported CNWs grown on CFP will be well suited to the application in electrodes of fuel cells.
Synthesis Process of Cobalt Nanoparticles in Liquid-Phase Plasma
Authors: Kim Hwan-Gi , Lee Heon , Kim Byung Hoon , Kim Sun-Jae , Lee Ji-Myon , Jung Sang-Chul
Published: January 2013

In this work, the liquid phase plasma reduction method was applied to prepare cobalt nanoparticles from the cobalt chloride solution. A bipolar pulsed power supply was used to generate discharges in aqueous solutions. The excited states of atomic hydrogen and atomic oxygen as well as the molecular bands of the hydroxyl radical OH were detected in emission spectra. The duration of plasma treatment affected not only size and number of produced particles but also the particle shape. Many spots could be seen in the Electron diffraction pattern of polycrystalline particles.
Performance Evaluation of InGaSb/AlSb P-Channel High-Hole-Mobility Transistor Faricated Using BCl3 Dry Etching
Authors: Yu Chia-Hui , Hsu Heng-Tung , Chiang Che-Yang , Kuo Chien-I , Miyamoto Yasuyuki , Chang Edward Yi
Published: January 2013

In this study, we present the fabrication and characterization of InGaSb/AlSb p-channel high-hole-mobility-transistor devices using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching with BCl3 gas. Devices fabricated by the dry etching technique show good DC and RF performances. Radio-frequency (RF) performance for devices with different source-to-drain spacing (L
SD) and gate length (L
g) were investigated. The fabricated 80-nm-gate-length p-channel device with 2-µm L
SD exhibited a maximum drain current of 86.2 mA/mm with peak transconductance (g
m) of 64.5 mS/mm. The current gain cutoff frequency (f
T) was measured to be 15.8 GHz when the device was biased at V
DS = -1.2 V and V
GS = 0.4 V.
Floating-Gate Type Organic Memory with Organic Insulator Thin Film of Plasma Polymerized Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Kim Hee-sung , Lee Boong-Joo , Kim Gun-Su , Shin Paik-Kyun
Published: January 2013

To fabricate organic memory device by entirely dry process, plasma polymerized methyl methacrylate (ppMMA) thin films were prepared and they were used as both tunneling layer and gate insulator layer in a floating-gate type organic memory device. The ppMMA thin films were prepared with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source combined with stabilized monomer vapor control. The ppMMA gate insulator thin film revealed dielectric constant of 3.75 and low leakage current of smaller than 10-9 A/cm. The floating-gate type organic memory device showed promising memory characteristics such as memory window value of 12 V and retention time of over 2 h, where 60 V of writing voltage and -30 V of erasing voltage were applied, respectively.