bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical and Energy Storage Performance of Eu‐Doped PbZrO3 Thin Films with Different Gradient Sequences
Authors: Ye Mao , Sun Qiu , Chen Xiangqun , Jiang Zhaohua , Wang Fuping
Published: February 2012

The Eu‐doped compositionally graded multilayer PbZrO3 antiferroelectric thin films have been deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by a sol–gel method. The effect of gradient sequence on microstructure, electrical properties, and energy storage performance has been investigated in detail. X‐ray diffraction patterns confirm that both thin films have crystallized into a unique perovskite phase. Down‐graded thin films have bigger grain sizes than up‐graded films, which is attributed to the influence of the gradient sequence of the thin films layer. The dielectric constant of down‐graded films is found to be higher than that of up‐graded films. Compared with up‐graded thin films, the energy storage density of down‐graded films is enhanced due to double hysteresis loop with small hysteresis switch, and high polarization.
Trade union influence in Spanish manufacturing firms
Authors: GARCÍA OLAVERRI Carmen , HUERTA Emilio
Published: February 2012

Based on surveys conducted in 1996 and 2007, this article examines the relationship between trade union influence, as perceived by management, and human resource policy and productivity in Spanish enterprises with over 50 employees. It investigates whether trade unions use their influence to pursue the agenda they have traditionally professed to uphold or whether outcomes differ in practice. The authors identify positive correlations between trade union influence and both wages and absenteeism, but union influence appears to have no effect on the incidence of casual employment, the provision of training, work–life balance policies or information sharing within enterprises.
Decent work in global production networks: Framing the policy debate
Authors: BARRIENTOS Stephanie , MAYER Frederick , PICKLES John , POSTHUMA Anne
Published: February 2012

Introducing this Special Feature of theInternational Labour Reviewon “Decent work in global production networks” (GPNs), this article reviews the research challenges posed by GPNs, which are changing the structure of trade, production and employment in today's globalized economy. The authors define the concepts of social and economic upgrading/downgrading that are used in the following contributions to investigate the effects of GPNs. They conclude with a discussion of the initiatives that governments and non‐state actors have taken to address the “global governance deficit” and consequent decent work deficits that have emerged with the expansion of GPNs.
Economic and social upgrading in global production networks: Problems of theory and measurement
Authors: MILBERG William , WINKLER Deborah
Published: February 2012

Economic development has increasingly become synonymous with “economic upgrading” within global production networks (GPNs). Yet, while there has been much research on connecting economic upgrading with economic growth and international trade, there has been less analysis of the relationship between economic and “social upgrading”, i.e. improvements in the wages, conditions, rights, gender equality and economic security of workers in GPNs. Focusing on developing countries, this article reviews the ways in which economic and social upgrading are measured and scrutinizes the theoretical connection between these two dimensions of upgrading. The authors conclude with a brief discussion of policy implications.
A MULTILEVEL INVESTIGATION OF LEADER– MEMBER EXCHANGE, INFORMAL LEADER EMERGENCE, AND INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM PERFORMANCE
Authors: ZHANG ZHEN , WALDMAN DAVID A. , WANG ZHEN
Published: February 2012

This study examines the antecedents and outcomes of informal leader emergence in work teams. Drawing upon research in vertical and shared leadership, we hypothesized that the relationship between leader‐‐member exchange (LMX) quality and employees’ emergence as informal leaders is moderated by team shared vision such that there is a positive (negative) LMX—leader emergence relationship for teams with high (low) shared vision. Informal leader emergence, in turn, was expected to relate to higher individual and team performance. Results based on multisource and multimethod data collected at 3 points in time (361 followers in 74 work teams) provided support for these hypotheses. The findings highlight the role played by formal leaders and team shared vision in jointly promoting or inhibiting informal leader emergence and thereby impacting individual performance and team effectiveness.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome following scrub typhus: A case report
Authors: Tseng Chien‐Chih , Tung Heng‐Hsin , Wu Shu‐Fang , Wang Tsae‐Jyy
Published: February 2012

Abstract Purpose:To discuss a case of scrub typhus complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a 67‐year‐old female. An overview of the prevalence and pathogenesis of the disorder, clinical diagnosis, and treatment are presented.

Data sources:Case report, diagnostic evidence, and scientific literature.

Conclusions:If not properly treated, scrub typhus can cause serious complications, such as ARDS and septicemia. When left untreated, the mortality rate for scrub typhus will be increased. When there is a cause to believe that scrub typhus is present, doxycycline treatment leads to rapid symptom improvement.

Implications for practice:People might not be aware of the possibility of scrub typhus because it had been a more common disease in the past. Nurse practitioners (NPs) should take a detail history and be aware of common clinical manifestations to promote the early recognition and appropriate treatment of scrub typhus, which would prevent severe complications and reduce mortality. A resurgence of the disease could occur at any time among military troops serving in endemic regions.
Free‐ranging New World primates in zoos: cebids at Apenheul
Authors: Jens W. , Mager‐Melicharek C. A. X. , Rietkerk F. E.
Published: February 2012

Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands is well known for its 40 year‐old tradition of keeping various primate species in semi‐natural conditions and free ranging among visitors. Most of the free‐ranging primates at Apenheul are cebids and they are the focus of this article. Factors to consider when mixing primate species in a free‐ranging exhibit, such as enclosure design, husbandry and management measures related to visitors, are presented. Those details are thought to be crucial for this form of keeping primates to succeed. The possibilities and challenges of keeping primates free ranging in the natural social setting are discussed. Mixing different animal species in one area can improve the visitor experience and can also be valuable enrichment for the animals themselves. The species combinations (primates mixed with other primate species as well as with non‐primate species) that Apenheul has had experience with since the opening in 1971 are listed in two tables. Advice is given on issues to consider if institutions want to mix primate species in a semi‐free‐ranging exhibit.
Managing free‐ranging callitrichids in zoos
Authors: Price E. C. , Wormell D. , Brayshaw M. , Furrer S. , Heer T. , Steinmetz H. W.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the management techniques developed over 20 years of experience with free‐ranging groups of callitrichids atDurrellWildlifePark (formerlyJerseyZoo),UK, with an additional 12 years of information fromZürichZoo,Switzerland. Seventeen groups of eight different species have been released in woodland areas atDurrell, and two groups atZürich. Release periods ranged from 2 weeks to 14 years. The evolution of release protocols is described, along with brief descriptions of problems that have occurred. The advantages and problems of maintaining callitrichids in free‐ranging environments are discussed.
The international conservation programme for theWhite‐footed tamarinSaguinus leucopusinColombia
Authors: Bairrão Ruivo E. , Wormell D.
Published: February 2012

TheWhite‐footed orSilvery brown tamarinSaguinus leucopusis an endemicColombian species, threatened by the pet trade and loss of habitat, and for which protection is minimal. Local authorities confiscate about one animal every week, placing them in rescue centres and zoos where there are many husbandry problems. An international conservation programme was established in 2005, currently coordinated byBeauvalZoo inFrance and locally byAsociaciónColombiana deParquesZoológicos yAcuarios (ACOPAZOA). The programme is a partnership between a consortium of 21European zoos,ACOPAZOA, local organizations (including nineColombian zoos), central and regional conservation public authorities, non‐governmental organizations (especially theWildlifeConservationSociety),Colombian universities and researchers. The project combinesex situin‐country reproduction, education and research, andin situconservation and education projects, to protect the species. All efforts to date have been a starting point for the conservation of this endemic species, but the final goals are to: (1) create a protected area for theWhite‐footed tamarins inColombia, (2) develop two breeding programmes for the species, one inColombia and the other inEurope, (3) reduce capture ofWhite‐footed tamarins for the pet‐trade market, through education initiatives, and (4) ease the pressure on the forest habitat that is still intact.
Hand‐rearingRothschild orBaringo giraffeGiraffacamelopardalis rothschildicalves atBioparcValencia,Spain, andLeipzigZoo,Germany
Authors: Casares M. , Bernhard A. , Gerique C. , Malo E. , Carbonell D.
Published: February 2012

Hand‐rearing giraffe calves is a challenging, time‐consuming and labour‐intensive process. There appears to be high individual variability among different calves. Different feeding schedules and milk substitutes have been used and are discussed. The use of whole cow's milk is recommended and can be mixed with different supplements or calf milk replacers. The authors recommend weaning the calf around 1 year of age.
Advances in primary immunodeficiency diseases in Latin America: epidemiology, research, and perspectives
Authors: Errante Paolo Ruggero , Franco José Luis , Espinosa‐Rosales Francisco Javier , Sorensen Ricardo , Condino‐Neto Antonio
Published: February 2012

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are genetic disorders of the immune system comprising many different phenotypes. Although previously considered rare, recent advances in their clinical, epidemiological, and molecular definitions are revealing how much we still need to learn about them. For example, geographical and ethnic variations as well as the impact of certain practices influence their frequency and presentation, making it necessary to consider their study in terms of regions. The Latin American Society for Immunodeficiencies was established as an organization dedicated to provide scientific support for basic and clinical research and to develop tools and educational resources to promote awareness in the medical community. Initiatives such as these are positively influencing the way PIDs are tackled in these countries, as shown by recent reports and publications. This paper provides a historical compilation and a current view of the many issues faced by scientists studying these diseases in these countries, highlighting the diverse scientific contributions and offering a promising perspective for the further developments in this field in Latin America.
Comparison of inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate asthma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Danlei , Luo Hao , Wang Jianmiao , Bunjhoo Hansvin , Xu Yongjian , Xiong Weining
Published: February 2012

Introduction:  Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) are effective drugs used in the management of asthma as controller monotherapy in adolescents and adults, although there are debates as to which one is better.

Objectives:  To thoroughly compare the efficacy and tolerability of ICS vs LTRA in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate asthma.

Methods:  Relative database were searched for the review. Randomized controlled trials of more than or equal to 4 weeks' treatment duration comparing ICS with LTRA were reviewed.

Results and Conclusion:  Twenty‐four trials with 6197 randomized adolescents and adults with mild to moderate asthma met the inclusion criteria with a minimum duration of 4 weeks' treatment. Significant differences favouring ICS were found in all indices of pulmonary function. Other significant benefits of ICS were shown in symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, rescue‐medication use, symptom‐free days and quality of life. As to each special symptom of adverse effects, ICS was similar to LTRA in the incidence of headache, nausea and throat discomfort, but significantly higher in the incidence of hoarseness and oral pharyngeal candidiasis. Concerning withdrawal because of adverse events potentially related to treatment, ICS was similar to LTRA but significantly superior to LTRA in decreasing the asthma exacerbations or attacks during the treatment period. These results show that ICS may be the better drug in terms of efficacy and tolerability, except hoarseness and oral pharyngeal candidiasis, and should thus have priority over LTRA in asthma monotherapy in adolescents and adults.

Please cite this paper as: Yang D, Luo H, Wang J, Bunjhoo H, Xu Y and Xiong W. Comparison of inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate asthma: a meta‐analysis. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 74–90.
Family Courts and Immigration Status
Authors: Thronson David B. , Sullivan Judge Frank P.
Published: February 2012

Immigration issues can complicate the already difficult decisions that face family courts, and immigration law is a real and substantial element in the lives of many persons properly before family courts for protection and resolution of family issues. Yet there are not established parameters for evaluating the appropriateness and scope of the consideration of immigration issues in family court. This article explores principles and approaches regarding immigration issues in family courts, developing rationales for engaging or not in immigration issues, and providing a foundation for thoughtful consideration of the ways in which immigration law interacts with core family law functions.
Carbon sequestration in soil in a semi‐natural Miscanthus sinensis grassland and Cryptomeria japonica forest plantation in Aso, Kumamoto, Japan
Authors: Toma Yo , Armstrong Kevin , Ryan Stewart J. , Yamada Toshihiko , Nishiwaki Aya , Fernández Fabián G.
Published: February 2012

Although Miscanthus sinensis grasslands (Misc‐GL) and Cryptomeria japonica forest plantations (Cryp‐FP) are proposed bioenergy feedstock systems, their relative capacity to sequester C may be an important factor in determining their potential for sustainable bioenergy production. Therefore, our objective was to quantify changes in soil C sequestration 47 years after a Misc‐GL was converted to a Cryp‐FP. The study was conducted on adjacent Misc‐GL and Cryp‐FP located on Mt. Aso, Kumamoto, Japan. After Cryp‐FP establishment, only the Misc‐GL continued to be managed by annual burning every March. Mass C and N, δ13C, and δ15N at 0–30 cm depth were measured in 5 cm increments. Carbon and N concentrations, C:N ratio, δ13C, and δ15N were measured in litter and/or ash, and rhizomes or roots. Although C input in Misc‐GL by M. sinensis was approximately 36% of that in Cryp‐FP by C. japonica, mean annual soil C sequestration in Misc‐GL (503 kg C ha−1 yr−1) was higher than that in Cryp‐FP (284 kg C ha−1 yr−1). This was likely the result of larger C input from aboveground litter to soil, C‐quality (C:N ratio and lignin concentration in aboveground litter) and possibly more recalcitrant C (charcoal) inputs by annual burning. The difference in soil δ15N between sites indicated that organic C with N had greater cycling between heterotrophic microbes and soil and produces more recalcitrant humus in Misc‐GL than in Cryp‐FP. Our data indicate that in terms of soil C sequestration, maintenance of Misc‐GL may be more advantageous than conversion to Cryp‐FP in Aso, Japan.
Recent developments in the obstetric use of cell salvage
Authors: PEACOCK LINZI , CLARK VICKI , CATLING SUE
Published: February 2012

The acceptance of cell salvage in obstetrics has been hampered by concerns about amniotic fluid embolism and maternal alloimmunization. The removal of amniotic fluid debris by cell salvage has been proven, but controversy remains as to whether using one or two separate suction devices for removal of amniotic fluid and blood is necessary. There have been recent reports of hypotensive episodes occurring during re‐infusion of the salvaged blood with leukodepletion filters. Bradykinin release may be the responsible agent. Maternal alloimmunization can potentially occur as the cell saver cannot differentiate between maternal and fetal red cells. However, the fetal cell transference rate in salvaged blood is of the same magnitude as during a feto‐maternal hemorrhage and can be treated by appropriate administration of anti‐D. Salvaged blood does not contain any coagulation factors and in massive hemorrhage these factors must be replaced in addition to the red cells. Coagulopathy in bleeding patients that have cell salvage should not be viewed as an adverse event associated with this technique, but rather as inadequate replacement of coagulation products. There is currently no evidence base that cell salvage in obstetrics reduces allogeneic transfusion or is cost‐effective. A randomized controlled trial is urgently needed.
Inventive Megaregions of the United States: Technological Composition and Location
Authors: hUallacháin Breandán Ó
Published: February 2012

abstract

Urban distinctiveness occurs in both technological and geographic space. This article explores spatial associations in the locational distribution of subcategories of patents across U.S. metropolitan areas. I converted patent counts to location quotients and used nonspatial methods to compare concentration levels of patents (Gini coefficients) and to identify groups of patents that tend to colocate (principal components analysis). The results show considerable variation in concentration levels and that nine groupings, entitled “technology components,” account for almost 68 percent of the variance in the distribution of the subcategories. Spatial analysis permits the exploration of spatial dependencies in each “technology component.” The results identify distinctive inventive regions that are termed inventive megaregions.
The Influence of Surface Topography on Energy Dissipation and Compliance in Tangentially Loaded Elastic Contacts
Authors: Medina Simon , Olver Andrew V. , Dini Daniele
Published: February 2012

The influence of non-Gaussian surface roughness on elastic contacts loaded in both normal and tangential directions has been investigated. A numerical solution method based on the multilevel scheme and incorporating the theorem of Ciavarella/Jaeger has been implemented, which allows fast calculation of partial slip loading conditions, including the energy dissipation for a fully reversed tangential loading cycle. The effect of varying roughness rms, skewness, kurtosis, and correlation lengths on contact areas, stiffness values, and energy dissipation is presented, and the significance of these parameters and of the loading method are discussed. It was found that the energy dissipation can be greatly increased by greater surface roughness. Maps showing how the energy dissipation is distributed within the contact are presented, which provide some explanation for this observation and the scatter that may occur for surfaces of nominally similar roughness. The suitability of these parameters for predicting the contact behavior of rough surfaces is also considered.
In Situ Strengthening of the Aluminum-based Gadolinium Alloy Composite for Tribological Applications
Authors: Barkley Brady , Sanchez Carlos , Liang Hong
Published: February 2012

In the present research, a new composite material was developed for increased strength and tribological performance. The gadolinium silicon-germanium compound, GSG, was synthesized into an aluminum substrate to form a composite (GSG-Al). Experimental investigation indicated that the phase transformation of the GSG at its Curie temperature induced significant changes in crystal structures resulting in a giant strain effect. Such an effect increased the wear resistance at a temperature range from −25 °C to 150 °C. The built-in and “self-strengthening” property of such a material is highly desirable for tribological applications. In this manuscript, details of material synthesis, characterization, mechanical, and tribological behavior will be discussed.
A Novel Adiabatic Pipe Flow Equation for Ideal Gases
Authors: Seob Kim Jung , Radheshyam Singh Navneet
Published: February 2012

Compressible flow involves variation in the density with changes in pressure and temperature along the pipe length. This article revisits the conventional adiabatic pipe flow equation and finds a fundamental drawback in this equation. The corrected adiabatic pipe flow equation has fixed the fundamental error in the conventional adiabatic pipe flow equation where the average density estimation for the conventional adiabatic equation is lower than the lower bound of the average density based on isothermal temperature. However, both the conventional adiabatic equation and the corrected adiabatic equation result in an over prediction of mass flux due to a deficiency in the average density definition. The over prediction of mass flux is not significant if the pressure drop is less than 40%; however, the pressure drop is usually greater than 40% of the inlet pressure for most pressure relief system applications. The authors offer a novel adiabatic pipe flow equation based on insights presented in this work. The novel adiabatic pipe flow equation is the most suitable solution for the pressure relief system applications as well as any other common application since it better represents the nature of adiabatic flow in a pipe. The experimental data previously published is compared with the predictions to validate the new adiabatic pipe flow model.
Steady Laminar Axisymmetrical Nozzle Flow at Moderate Reynolds Numbers: Modeling and Experiment
Authors: Grandchamp X. , Fujiso Y. , Wu B. , Hirtum A. Van
Published: February 2012

Flow through an axisymmetrical parameterized contraction nozzle of limited size with area contraction ratio 21.8 and total length 6 cm is studied for moderate Reynolds numbers 300 < Re < 20,200. The transverse flow profiles at the nozzle exit are characterized by hot film anemometry for two different spatial step sizes. The flow at the exit is laminar and uniform in its core. Boundary layer characteristics at the nozzle exit are estimated from the transverse velocity profiles. Flow throughout the nozzle is modeled by implementing Thwaites laminar axisymmetrical boundary layer solutions in an iterative algorithm for which both universal functions, describing the shape factor and skin friction parameters respectively, are altered by adding a constant. The value of the constants is determined by fitting the modified universal functions to tabulated values reported in Blevins (Blevins, R., 1992, Applied Fluid Dynamics Handbook. Krieger, Malabar, FL.). The model is validated on the measured data. Adding nonzero constants to the universal functions improves the prediction of boundary layer characteristics so that the range of Reynolds numbers for which the discrepancy with experimental findings is less than 4% is extended from Re > 3000 to Re > 1000. Therefore, the studied contraction nozzle is of use for applications requiring a small nozzle with known low turbulence flow at the exit such as moderate Reynolds number free jet studies or bio fluid mechanics (respiration, speech production,…) and the flow at the exit of the nozzle can be accurately described by a simple boundary layer algorithm for Re > 1000.
Numerical Simulation of Laminar Confined Radial Flow Between Parallel Circular Discs
Authors: Biswas Nirmalendu , Kumar Manna Nirmal , Mukhopadhyay Achintya , Sen Swarnendu
Published: February 2012

In this work, a fluid jet is issued axially from a short, circular nozzle and then fed radially outward through the clearance of two parallel circular discs. The disc assembly was considered fully submerged within a fluid in a horizontal plane. Axisymmetric computational domain is chosen for the analysis considering steady, laminar flow. The numerical simulation is carried out by an in-house CFD code developed following the finite volume method and SIMPLER algorithm. The effects of flow rate and channel dimensions are analyzed to understand the characteristics of submerged radial flow. It is found that the flow field consists of several features like toroidal recirculation, annular separation bubble and flow reattachment, which are strongly influenced by the clearance between the two parallel discs and the flow rate.
A Local Thermal Nonequilibrium Analysis of Silicon Carbide Ceramic Foam as a Solar Volumetric Receiver
Authors: Sano Y. , Iwase S. , Nakayama A.
Published: February 2012

A volumetric solar receiver receives the concentrated radiation generated by a large number of heliostats. Heat transfer takes place from the receiver solid phase to the air as it passes through the porous receiver. Such combined heat transfer within the receiver, associated radiation, convection and conduction, are investigated using a local thermal nonequilibrium model. The Rosseland approximation is applied to account for the radiative heat transfer through the solar receiver, while the low Mach approximation is exploited to investigate the compressible flow through the receiver. Analytic solutions are obtained for the developments of air and ceramic temperatures as well as the pressure along the flow direction. The results show that the pore diameter must be larger than its critical value to achieve high receiver efficiency. Subsequently, there exists an optimal pore diameter for achieving the maximum receiver efficiency under the equal pumping power. The solutions serve as a useful tool for designing a novel volumetric solar receiver of silicon carbide ceramic foam.
Photoelectron spectroscopy studies of plasma-fluorinated epitaxial graphene
Authors: Sherpa Sonam D. , Paniagua Sergio A. , Levitin Galit , Marder Seth R. , Williams M. D. , Hess Dennis W.
Published: February 2012

Fluorination of graphene has emerged as an attractive approach toward manipulating its physical, chemical, and electronic properties. To this end, we have demonstrated the viability of sulfur hexafluoride plasmas to fluorinate graphene as a safer alternative to the commonly reported techniques of fluorination that include exposures to fluorine and xenon difluoride gas. Incorporation of fluorine moieties on graphene after SF6 plasma-treatment was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Modifications in the valence band states of graphene after plasma-treatment were characterized by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Increase in work function of plasma-treated graphene demonstrates the ability of plasma-assisted fluorination to modify the electron emission characteristics of graphene. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the majority of carbon atoms in graphene retain their sp2 hybridization after the plasma-treatment.
A Bruce Effect in Wild Geladas
Authors: Roberts Eila K. , Lu Amy , Bergman Thore J. , Beehner Jacinta C.
Published: February 2012

Avoiding Infanticide

In male dominated hierarchies, newly dominant males will sometimes kill resident infants. In lab studies in mice conducted in the 1950s, Hilda Bruce showed that females introduced to an unfamiliar male will terminate their pregnancies, a process subsequently referred to as a Bruce Effect.

Roberts
et al.

(p.
1222
, published online 23 February) followed multiple dominance transitions within wild gelada baboons and showed that live birthrate among females previously identified as pregnant within unstable groups was much lower than within stable groups. Furthermore, females that terminated their pregnancies following transitions had a much shorter interbirth interval than those that did not, suggesting a higher overall reproductive success and fitness.
Seroevidence for H5N1 Influenza Infections in Humans: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Taia T. , Parides Michael K. , Palese Peter
Published: February 2012

One to two percent of 14,000 people tested in 20 studies showed evidence of prior H5N1 infection.
STATISTICAL PROPERTIES AND MULTIFRACTAL BEHAVIORS OF MARKET RETURNS BY ISING DYNAMIC SYSTEMS
Authors: FANG WEN , WANG JUN
Published: February 2012

An interacting-agent model of speculative activity explaining price formation in financial markets is considered in the present paper, which based on the stochastic Ising model and the mean field theory. The model describes the interaction strength among the agents as well as an external field, and the corresponding random logarithmic price return process is investigated. According to the empirical research of the model, the time series formed by this Ising model exhibits the bursting typical of volatility clustering, the fat-tail phenomenon, the power-law distribution tails and the long-time memory. The statistical properties of the returns of Hushen 300 Index, Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite Index and Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) Component Index are also studied for comparison between the real time series and the simulated ones. Further, the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis is applied to investigate the time series returns simulated by Ising model have the distribution multifractality as well as the correlation multifractality.
A UNIFIED AND SYNCHRONOUS GENERATING SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE NATURAL LANGUAGES BASED ON CFG AND SEMANTIC LANGUAGE
Authors: LI LI , LIU HONGLAI , GAO QINGSHI , WANG PEIFENG
Published: February 2012

The sentences in several different natural languages can be produced congruously and synchronous by the new generating system USGS = {↔, GI|GI = (TI, N, B-RISU, C-treeI, S, PI, FI), I = 0, 1, 2, …, n}, based on Semantic Language(SL) theory, all are legitimate and reasonable, where, B-RISU is the set of basic-RISU, C-treeI is the set of category-trees, and FI is the set of functions in I-natural language. The characteristic of this new generating system is unified, synchronous and one by one corresponding, based on semantic unit theory and that the number of rules is several millions.
Local Dielectric Property of Cubic, Tetragonal, and Monoclinic Hafnium Oxides
Authors: Senami Masato , Tsuchida Yasushi , Fukushima Akinori , Ikeda Yuji , Tachibana Akitomo
Published: February 2012

We investigate the electronic contribution to local dielectric property in terms of the local polarizability density and dielectric constant density, for the cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic structure of HfO2 and compare their dielectric properties with those of SiO2. We show appropriate termination conditions of our cluster models to realize the condensed property of dielectric; point charge conditions for HfO2 whose bond is ionic, while hydrogen termination conditions for SiO2 whose bond has covalent property. We show that local parts of materials have complicated responses to external electric fields, in particular, rotational ones. Hence, nanosize materials should be studied in the local and tensor quantity analysis to describe rotational responses correctly. It is clarified that the electronic contribution to local polarizability and dielectric constant densities is almost independent of the structures of HfO2 crystals. We show that the electronic contribution to dielectric response of HfO2 is significantly large compared to those of SiO2. In addition, it is found that the average value of dielectric constant around O atoms is larger than other regions in both HfO2 and SiO2.
Voltage Reduction and Lifetime Elongation of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using Photopolymerization for Fluorizated Polyxylylene Hole Injection Layer
Authors: Jiang Meng-Dan , Chiu Tien-Lung , Lee Pei-Yu , Yang Shun-Po , Lin Hong-Cheu
Published: February 2012

This study describes a novel method for manufacturing a hole injection layer of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), comprising an ultraviolet (UV) reactive Br–fluorocarbon precursor (Br–CF2–C6F4–CF2–Br). The proposed method can be used to form a fluorizated polyxylylene film, demonstrating high repeatability on the anode as the hole injection layer of organic electroluminescent devices to enhance the hole injection, reduce the operating voltage of 1.2 V, and extend the operational lifetime by more than 150 times under a high current density of 125 mA/cm2. Using a spin-coating process, the remaining precursor can be recycled to prevent wasting materials. UV curing without the solvent-removing process shortens manufacturing time. Hence, fabricating a high performance OLED using a simple, low-cost process is the aim of this study.
Electrooptic Properties of Submonolayer Polydiacetylene Nanoparticle Film Probed by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Tanaka Daisuke , Kuraishi Oki , Ozaki Koji , Kajikawa Kotaro
Published: February 2012

Electrooptic (EO) properties were studied for a polydiacetylene (PDA) nanoparticle (NP) submonolayer film on a thin gold film at a surface coverage of σ∼0.084, using the attenuated total reflection geometry at the surface plasmon resonance condition. Both linear and second-order EO effects (Pockels and Kerr effects) were observed from the PDA NP submonolayer, although the Pockels effect will be absent in the PDA NP film under the electric dipole approximation. The second- and third-order nonlinear susceptibilities of the PDA NPs are determined to be χ(2) ∼102 pm/V and χ(3) ∼10-9 esu, respectively. The susceptibilities are almost compatible with those in general nonlinear optical materials. The origin of the Pockels effect in the PDA NP film is also discussed.
Anchoring Competition on Nanosurface Boundaries with Conflicting Mixed Nematic Anchoring Properties
Authors: Gwag Jin Seog , Kim Young-Ki , Lee You-Jin , Baek Ji-Ho , Kim Jae-Hoon
Published: February 2012

We propose a technique for continuously controlling the full range of pretilt angles with a high process margin. The proposed method is characterized by tuning the thickness of a heterogeneous polyimide layer that consists of homeotropic and planar polyimides. The thickness of the mixture can be controlled by varying the concentration of the solvent. The liquid crystal (LC) pretilt generated at the very thin mixture film is insensitive to some incorrect mixing ratio, since the segregation of the depth direction of the mixture including the van der Waals effect in interactions with LCs decreases ultimately. Consequently, we can obtain continuous LC pretilt angles with a high process margin by controlling mixing ratio in a very thin heterogeneous polyimide film. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve excellent reliability, uniformity, and productivity using this technique. A simple mathematical model based on van der Waals interaction provides a good description of the experimental results.
The Effects of Substrate Surface Treatments on Growth of a-Plane GaN Single Crystals Using Na Flux Method
Authors: Masumoto Keiko , Murakami Kosuke , Imabayashi Hiroki , Takazawa Hideo , Todoroki Yuma , Matsuo Daisuke , Kitamoto Akira , Maruyama Mihoko , Imade Mamoru , Yoshimura Masashi , Kitaoka Yasuo , Sasaki Takatomo , Mori Yusuke
Published: February 2012

Nonpolar GaN substrates are necessary for the improvement of GaN device performance. The growth of high-quality nonpolar GaN crystals, however, has not yet been achieved. In this study, we grew a-plane GaN crystals using the Na flux method and investigated the effects of the substrate surface treatment on the crystallinity of grown GaN crystals. A-plane GaN substrates with chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and with chemical etching using pyrophosphoric acid were used as the seed substrates. We found that full width at the half-maximum (FWHM) of the X-ray rocking curve (XRC) of GaN crystals grown on the substrate with chemical etching was smaller than that on the substrate with CMP. The results show that chemical etching is more effective than CMP for improving the crystallinity of a-plane GaN crystals.
ZnO Thin Films Grown on Porous Silicon by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Kim Min Su , Yim Kwang Gug , Kim Do Yeob , Kim Soaram , Nam Giwoong , Kim Sung-O , Lee Dong-Yul , Leem Jae-Young
Published: February 2012

ZnO thin films were grown on porous silicon by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Thermal annealing was then carried out at various temperatures in the range from 500 to 700 °C for 10 min. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence were carried out to investigate the effects of the annealing temperature on the properties of the ZnO thin films. The ZnO thin films exhibit a mountain-range-like surface. With increasing annealing temperature, the grain size increased and the residual stress decreased. The activation energy of the free exciton (FX) emission from the ZnO thin films was found to be about 32 meV and the fitting parameters in Varshni's empirical equation were α= 2×10-3 eV/K and β= 1200 K. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity ratio of near-band-edge emission to deep-level emission of the ZnO thin films increased with increasing annealing temperature.
Temperature Dependence of CuGaO2Films Fabricated by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Alias Afishah , Sakamoto Masato , Kimura Teppei , Uesugi Katsuhiro
Published: February 2012

P-type CuGaO2films have been fabricated on silicon substrates by the sol–gel method. The stable sol solutions for CuGaO2growth were developed by the mixing of Cu–O and Ga–O sol solutions using copper(II) acetate monohydrate and tris(acetylacetonato) gallium(III), respectively. Phase separation in CuGaO2films depends on the sol solution temperature and postbake temperature and duration. CuGaO2films without a CuO phase were fabricated by postbaking at temperatures of approximately 800 °C for 1 h in N2atmosphere. The sol–gel-derived CuGaO2films show high transparency of more than 80% in the visible range, and the energy gap is approximately 3.6 eV.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Microstructure of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3Ceramics with CuO Addition
Authors: Kim Young Heon , Ryu Hyun , Lee Hwack-Joo , Cho Yang-Koo , Nahm Sahn
Published: February 2012

The microstructures in Na0.5K0.5NbO3(NKN) ceramics sintered at 960 °C with CuO additives were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a new microstructural constituent, CuO pockets have been observed at the grain boundaries of NKN and also inside the NKN matrix. The melting of CuO is caused by the element Na from the matrix, which forms Na–Cu–O eutectoid compounds whose melting point is lower than the sintering temperature. The kinetics of melting reaction largely depends on the size of the pocket. The interaction starts at the interfaces between the pocket and the matrix and advances into the interior of the pocket. The smaller pocket would melt earlier during the sintering process, flow into triple junctions between matrix grains, and participate in sintering via liquid phase sintering. In the larger pockets, the melting starts at the interfaces. Thus the outer areas are melted, but the CuO particles in the center remained unmelted. The NKN matrix then grows further into the pocket through liquid phase sintering, leaving low-angle grain boundaries behind that interface with the remaining CuO particles. The unmelted CuO particles in the pocket remain as the second-phase particles.
Influence of Lithium and Potassium Doping on Structure and Electrical Characteristics of Lix(KyNa1-y)1-x(Nb0.9Ta0.06Sb0.04)O3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Kuan Ming-Chang , Cheng Chien-Min , Chen Kai-Huang , Lin Chun-Cheng
Published: February 2012

The influence of lithium and potassium doping on the structural and electrical characteristics of Li
x
(K
y
Na1-y
)1-x
(Nb0.9Ta0.06Sb0.04)O3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramic prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method was investigated and discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to analyze the phases and microstructures of the ceramic specimens, respectively. An impedance analyzer (HP4294A) was used to measure the relative dielectric constant and loss tangent. The electromechanical coupling factor (k
P) and the relative dielectric constant (εr) of Li
x
(K
y
Na1-y
)1-x
(Nb0.9Ta0.06Sb0.04)O3 piezoelectric ceramic for x = 0.06 and y = 0.485 were 1280 and 42.8%, respectively. Finally, the Curie temperature (T
c) of the piezoelectric ceramic was about 340 °C and the orthogonal-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature (T
o–t) was about 110 °C.
Extracellular Matrix Patterning for Cell Alignment by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets
Authors: Ando Ayumi , Asano Toshifumi , Sayed Md. Abu , Tero Ryugo , Kitano Katsuhisa , Urisu Tsuneo , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: February 2012

Low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma (APP) jets and a metal stencil mask have been used for the patterning of fibronectins deposited on a silicon (Si) wafer. Fibronectins typically constitute the extracellular matrix (ECM) and a micro-patterned ECM may be used for arranging living cells in a desired pattern on the substrate surface. Such a technique can be used for the fabrication of cell chips. In this study, patterning of 100-µm-wide lines of fibronectin layers has been demonstrated. Desorption of fibronectins from the surface by plasma application has been confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).
Chemical Mechanical Polishing with Nanocolloidal Ceria Slurry for Low-Damage Planarization of Dielectric Films
Authors: Ryuzaki Daisuke , Hoshi Yosuke , Machii Yoichi , Koyama Naoyuki , Sakurai Haruaki , Ashizawa Toranosuke
Published: February 2012

New chemical mechanical polishing processes using nanocolloidal ceria slurry are proposed for high-precision and low-damage planarization of silicon-dioxide-based dielectric films. In the polishing process of a shallow trench isolation structure, a hard pad and a cationic polymer additive are used in combination with the slurry. The new process is effective in improving the planarity and reducing the microscratch count in comparison with a conventional polishing process with calcined ceria slurry and a standard pad. In the polishing process of an interconnect structure with ultralow-k interlayer dielectrics (ULK-ILDs), the standard pad should be used since the ULK-ILDs are easily damaged. By employing a spin-on-type ULK-ILD having a self-planarizing effect, a high planarity is obtained when using the nanocolloidal ceria slurry with the standard pad. The electrical measurement of the interconnect structure indicates that dielectric damage due to the process is successfully suppressed.
Using a Microfluidic–Microelectric Device to Directly Separate Serum/Blood Cells from a Continuous Whole Bloodstream Flow
Authors: Wang Ming-Wen , Jeng Kuo-Shyang , Yu Ming-Che , Su Jui-Chih
Published: February 2012

To make the rapid separation of serum/blood cells possible in a whole bloodstream flow without centrifugation and Pasteur pipette suction, the first step is to use a microchannel to transport the whole bloodstream into a microdevice. Subsequently, the resulting serum/blood cell is separated from the whole bloodstream by applying other technologies. Creating the serum makes this subsequent separation possible. To perform the actual separation, a microchannel with multiple symmetric curvilinear microelectrodes has been designed on a glass substrate and fabricated with micro-electromechanical system technology. The blood cells can be observed clearly by black-field microscopy imaging. A local dielectrophoretic (DEP) force, obtained from nonuniform electric fields, was used for manipulating and separating the blood cells from a continuous whole bloodstream. The experimental studies show that the blood cells incur a local dielectrophoretic field when they are suspended in a continuous flow (v = 0.02–0.1 cm/s) and exposed to AC fields at a frequency of 200 kHz. Using this device, the symmetric curvilinear microelectrodes provide a local dielectrophoretic field that is sufficiently strong for separating nearby blood cells and purifying the serum in a continuous whole bloodstream flow.
Activation of two distinct Sox9-EGFP-expressing intestinal stem cell populations during crypt regeneration after irradiation
Authors: Van Landeghem Laurianne , Santoro M. Agostina , Krebs Adrienne E. , Mah Amanda T. , Dehmer Jeffrey J. , Gracz Adam D. , Scull Brooks P. , McNaughton Kirk , Magness Scott T. , Lund P. Kay
Published: February 2012

Recent identification of intestinal epithelial stem cell (ISC) markers and development of ISC reporter mice permit visualization and isolation of regenerating ISCs after radiation to define their functional and molecular phenotypes. Previous studies in uninjured intestine of Sox9-EGFP reporter mice demonstrate that ISCs express low levels of Sox9-EGFP (Sox9-EGFP Low), whereas enteroendocrine cells (EEC) express high levels of Sox9-EGFP (Sox9-EGFP High). We hypothesized that Sox9-EGFP Low ISCs would expand after radiation, exhibit enhanced proliferative capacities, and adopt a distinct gene expression profile associated with rapid proliferation. Sox9-EGFP mice were given 14 Gy abdominal radiation and studied between days 3 and 9 postradiation. Radiation-induced changes in number, growth, and transcriptome of the different Sox9-EGFP cell populations were determined by histology, flow cytometry, in vitro culture assays, and microarray. Microarray confirmed that nonirradiated Sox9-EGFP Low cells are enriched for Lgr5 mRNA and mRNAs enriched in Lgr5-ISCs and identified additional putative ISC markers. Sox9-EGFP High cells were enriched for EEC markers, as well as Bmi1 and Hopx, which are putative markers of quiescent ISCs. Irradiation caused complete crypt loss, followed by expansion and hyperproliferation of Sox9-EGFP Low cells. From nonirradiated intestine, only Sox9-EGFP Low cells exhibited ISC characteristics of forming organoids in culture, whereas during regeneration both Sox9-EGFP Low and High cells formed organoids. Microarray demonstrated that regenerating Sox9-EGFP High cells exhibited transcriptomic changes linked to p53-signaling and ISC-like functions including DNA repair and reduced oxidative metabolism. These findings support a model in which Sox9-EGFP Low cells represent active ISCs, Sox9-EGFP High cells contain radiation-activatable cells with ISC characteristics, and both participate in crypt regeneration.