bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion Implanted SiO2 Substrates for Nucleating Silicon Oxide Nanowire Growth
Authors: Johnson Jason L. , Choi Yongho , Ural Ant
Published: December 2009

We experimentally demonstrate a simple and efficient approach for silicon oxide nanowire growth by implanting Fe+ ions into thermally grown SiO2 layers on Si wafers and subsequently annealing in argon and hydrogen to nucleate silicon oxide nanowires. We study the effect of implantation dose and energy, growth temperature, and H2 gas flow on the SiOx nanowire growth. We find that sufficiently high implant dose, high growth temperature, and the presence of H2 gas flow are crucial parameters for silicon oxide nanowire growth. We also demonstrate the patterned growth of silicon oxide nanowires in localized areas by lithographic patterning and etching of the implanted SiO2 substrates before growth. This works opens up the possibility of growing silicon oxide nanowires directly from solid substrates, controlling the location of nanowires at the submicron scale, and integrating them into nonplanar three-dimensional nanoscale device structures.
Fabrication and Surface Modification of Porous Nano-Structured NiTi Orthopedic Scaffolds for Bone Implants
Authors: Wu Shuilin , Liu Xiangmei , Chu Paul K , Hu Tao , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Chung Jonathan C Y
Published: December 2009

Near-equiatomic porous nickel-titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs) are becoming one of the most promising biomaterials in bone implants because of their unique advantages over currently used biomaterials. For example, they have good mechanical properties and lower Young�s modulus relative to dense NiTi, Ti, and Ti-based alloys. Porous NiTi SMAs are relatively easy to machine compared to porous ceramics such as hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate that tend to exhibit brittle failure. The porous structure with interconnecting open pores can also allow tissue in-growth and favors bone osseointegration. In addition, porous NiTi alloys remain exhibiting good shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE) similar to dense NiTi alloys. To optimize porous NiTi SMAs in bone implant applications, the current research focuses on the fabrication methods and surface modification techniques in order to obtain adjustable bone-like structures with good mechanical properties, excellent superelasticity, as well as bioactive passivation on the entire exposed surface areas to block nickel ion leaching and enhance the surface biological activity. This invited paper describes progress in the fabrication of the porous materials and our recent work on surface nanorization of porous NiTi scaffolds in bone grafts applications.
Ion Implantation as Surface Treatment for Osseointegration of Musculoskeletal Implants: From the Lab to the Clinic
Authors: Braceras Iñigo , Alava Jose Iñaki , Muñoz Roberto , De Maeztu Miguel Angel
Published: December 2009

A key process in a successful treatment of patients with a great variety of musculoskeletal implants requires a fast, reliable and consistent osseointegration. Among the parameters that affect this process, it is widely admitted that implant surface topography, surface energy and composition play an important role.

Different surface modification techniques to improve osseointegration have been proposed and tested to date, but most focus on microscale features, and few control surface modifications at nanoscale. On the other hand, ion implantation modifies the outermost surface properties in relation to the nanotopography, chemical and physical characteristics at nanoscale. The meta-stable surface that results from the treatment, affects the adsorption of bio-molecules in the very first stages of the implant placement, and thus the signaling pathway that promotes the differentiation and apposition of osteoblast cells.

This study aimed at assessing the performance, in terms of osseointegration levels and speed, of ion implanted titanium made implants. The study included several in vitro and in vivo tests. The latter, comprised different insertion periods and both experimental and commercial implants as comparative surfaces. The final stage of the study included clinical trials in human patients.

In each and every case, bone integration improvement of tested materials/implants was achieved for the CO ion implanted samples. Furthermore, contact osteogenesis was observed in the ion implanted samples, unlike the Ti control samples, where only distance osteogenesis occurred, being this potentially one of the reasons for their faster healing and osseointegration process.

Finally, the use of ion implantation as a surface modification tool that allows for evaluating the effects of nanotopography and composition changes independently is presented.
Nanoscale Surface Patterning of Silicon Using Local Swelling Induced by He Implantation through NSL-Masks
Authors: Fischer Frederic J.C. , Weinl Michael , Lindner Jöerg K N , Stritzker Bernd
Published: December 2009

A novel technique to form periodically nanostructured Si surface morphologies based on nanosphere lithography (NSL) and He ion implantation induced swelling is studied in detail. It is shown that by implantation of keV He ions through the nanometric openings of NSL masks regular arrays of hillocks and rings can be created on silicon surfaces. The shape and size of these surface features can be easily controlled by adjusting the ion dose and energy as well as the mask size. Feature heights of more than 100 nm can be obtained, while feature distances are typically 1.15 or 2 (hillock or ring) nanosphere radii, which are chosen to be between 100 and 500 nm in this study. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy measurements of the surface morphology are supplemented by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, revealing the inner structure of hillocks to consist of a central cavity surrounded by a hierarchical arrangement of smaller voids. The surface morphologies developed here have the potential to be useful for fixing and separating nano-objects on a silicon surface.
Ion Beam Synthesis of Ge Nanocrystals Embedded in SiO2 Matrix
Authors: N Srinivasa Rao , Pathak Anand , D Kabiraj , Khan S A , Panigrahi B K , Nair K G M , Avasthi D K
Published: December 2009

High fluences of low energy Ge+ ions were implanted into Si matrix. We have also deposited Ge and SiO2 composite films by using the Atom beam sputtering (ABS). The as implanted/as-deposited films were irradiated by Swift Heavy Ions (SHI) with various energies and fluences. These pristine and irradiated samples were subsequently characterized by XRD and Raman to understand the crystallization behavior. Raman studies of the films indicate the formation of Ge crystallites as a result of SHI irradiation. Glancing angle X-ray diffraction results also confirm the presence of Ge crystallites in the irradiated samples. Moreover, the crystalline nature of Ge improves with an increase in fluence. Rutherford back scattering was used to quantify the concentration of Ge in SiO2 matrix and the film thickness. These detailed results have been discussed and compared with the ones available in literature. The basic mechanism for crystallization induced by SHI in these films will be presented.
Fabrication and Characterization of Thermoelectric Generators From SiO2/SiO2+Au Nano-layered Superlattices
Authors: Pugh Marcus , Hill Rufus Durel , James Brittany , Martin Hervie , Smith Cydale , Budak S. , Heidary Kaveh , Muntele Claudiu , Ila Daryush
Published: December 2009

The efficiency of the thermoelectric devices is limited by the properties of n- and p-type semiconductors. Effective thermoelectric materials have a low thermal conductivity and a high electrical conductivity. The performance of the thermoelectric materials and devices is shown by a dimensionless figure of merit, ZT = S2σT/K, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, T is the absolute temperature and K is the thermal conductivity. In this study we prepared the thermoelectric generator device of SiO2/SiO2+Au multi-layer super-lattice films using the ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD). In order to determine the stoichiometry of the elements of SiO2 and Au in the grown multilayer films and the thickness of the grown multi-layer films Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and RUMP simulation software package was used. The 5 MeV Si ion bombardments was performed to make quantum clusters in the multi-layer super-lattice thin films to decrease the cross plane thermal conductivity, increase the cross plane Seebeck coefficient and cross plane electrical conductivity. To characterize the thermoelectric generator devices before and after Si ion bombardments we measured the cross-plane Seebeck coefficient, the cross-plane electrical conductivity, and the cross-plane thermal conductivity for different fluences.
Study of Silicon Carbide Ceramics
Authors: Abunaemeh Malek Amir , Ojo Ibidapo , Seif Mohamed , Muntele Claudiu , Ila Daryush
Published: December 2009

The TRISO fuel that is intended to be used for the generation IV nuclear reactor design consists of a fuel kernel of Uranium Oxide (UOx) coated in several layers of materials with different functions. One consideration for some of these layers is Silicon Carbide (SiC) [1]. The design, manufacture and fabrication of SiC are done at the Center for Irradiation of Materials (CIM). This light weight material can maintain dimensional and chemical stability in adverse environments and very high temperatures. The characterization of the elemental makeup of the SiC material used is done using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nano-indentation is used to determine the hardness, stiffness and Young's Modulus of the material. Raman Spectroscopy is used to characterize the chemical bonding for different sample preparation temperatures.
Band Gap Engineering of Nano Scale AlGaN Epitaxial Layers by Swift Heavy Ion Irradiation
Authors: N SATHISH , G Devaraju , N Srinivasa Rao , Pathak Anand , Turos Andrzej , Khan S A , Avasthi D K , Trave E , Mazzoldi P
Published: December 2009

Epitaxial AlGaN/GaN layers grown by MBE on SiC substrates were irradiated with 150 MeV Ag ions at a fluence of 5×1012 ions/cm2. AlGaN/GaN MQWs were grown on Sapphire substrate by MOCVD and irradiated with 200 MeV Au8+ ions at a fluence of 5×1011 ions/cm2 . These samples were used to study the effects of SHI on optical properties of AlGaN/GaN based nano structures. RBS/Channelling strain measurements were carried out at off normal axis of irradiated and unirradiated samples. In as grown samples, AlGaN layer is partially relaxed with a small compressive strain. After irradiation this compressive strain increases by 0.22% in AlGaN layer. Incident ion energy dependence of dechannelling parameter shows E1/2 dependence, which corresponds to the dislocations. Defect densities were calculated from the E1/2 graph. As a result of irradiation defect density increased on both GaN and AlGaN layer. Optical properties of AlGaN/GaN MQWs before and after irradiation have been analyzed using PL. This study shows that SHI increase the confinement effects in the MQWs and intensity of the active layer of the MQWs luminescence is increased by one order. This may be due to the induced strain in GaN and AlGaN layers. Some unwanted yellow luminescence has also been introduced by the SHI possibly due the point defects or defect luminescence from the induced dislocations in GaN bulk epitaxial layers. In this study, we present some new results concerning high energy irradiation on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures and MQWs characterized by RBS/Channelling and PL.
Importance of Internal Ion Beam Parameters on the Self-organized Pattern Formation with Low-energy Broad Beam Ion Sources
Authors: Cornejo Marina I , Ziberi Bashkim , Tartz Michael , Neumann Horst , Frost Frank , Rauschenbach Bernd
Published: December 2009

The low energy ion beam erosion of solid surfaces is a simple bottom-up approach for the generation of nanostructures. For certain sputtering conditions caused by self-organization processes well ordered nanostructures on the surface like one-dimensional ripples or regular arrays of dots can be formed [1]. Using broad beam sources, the low energy ion beam erosion can be a cost-efficient method to produce large-area nanostructured surfaces in a one-step process.

The processes involved have been studied in the last decades and the pattern formation is attributed to the competition of curvature dependant sputtering and various relaxation mechanisms. It is also well known that the ion beam incidence angle (the angle between the sample surface normal and the axis of the beam source) is one critical parameter that determines the surface topography. However, inherent to all broad beam sources, the ion beam exhibits a certain divergence, i.e. the ion trajectories are not parallel to each other. This generates a spread of the local incidence angle with respect to the geometrically defined beam incidence angle.

Recent studies showed that the divergence angle and angular distribution of the ions, here called internal beam parameters, also affect the surface topography [2].

The angular distribution can be controlled by the total voltage applied on the geometrical defined ion optical system of the broad beam ion source. For the given multi-aperture two-grid ion optical system the total voltage is the sum of the voltages applied to the first (screen) and second (accelerator) grid. This total voltage, together with the geometrical characteristics of the used grid systems, including the shape of the plasma sheath boundary at the screen grid, define the overall ion-optical parameters of the source, i. e. the divergence angle and angular distribution of the ions within the beam.

In this contribution a first approach of the effect of the internal beam parameters on the surface topography is presented. It was analyzed the effect on the topography on Si surfaces of some experimental parameters that affect the internal beam parameters by changing the ion-optical parameters and the shape of the plasma sheath boundary. Explicitly, the influence of the discharge voltage, the operation time and the distance between the screen and accelerator grid is shown.

[1] B. Ziberi, M. Cornejo, F. Frost, B. Rauschenbach, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter (submitted).[2] B. Ziberi, F. Frost, M. Tartz, H. Neumann, B. Rauschenbach, Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 063102 (2008)
Sputtering yield measurements with size-selected gas cluster ion beams
Authors: Ichiki Kazuya , Ninomiya Satoshi , Seki Toshio , Aoki Takaaki , Matsuo Jiro
Published: December 2009

Ar cluster ions in the size range 1000�16000 atoms/cluster were irradiated onto Si substrates at incident energies of 10 and 20 keV and the sputtering yields were measured. Incident cluster ions were size-selected by using the time-of-flight (TOF) method. The sputtering yield was calculated from the sputtered Si volume and irradiation dose. It was found that the sputtering yields decreased with increasing incident cluster size under the same incident energy conditions. The integrated sputtering yields calculated from the sputtering yields measured for each size of Ar cluster ions, as well as the cluster size distributions, were in good agreement with experimental results obtained with nonselected Ar cluster ion beams.
Switching Voltage in a Carbon Nanotube Memory Device
Authors: von Allmen Paul , Vo Trinh , Megerian Krikor , Baron Richard , Kaul Anupama B
Published: December 2009

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) have stable elastic properties over a wide range of deformation amplitudes and their high polarizability is conducive to efficient bending in the inhomogeneous electric field close to patterned electrodes. We simulate the static switching properties of the MWNT using a custom NEMS simulation package. The MWNT is modeled as a solid cylinder with Young�s modulus taken in a range consistent with recent experimental data in the literature. The polarizability of the MWNT is obtained from empirical expressions in the literature. The static equilibrium equations for the bending of the MWNT in an electric field are solved for realistic geometry of the electrodes. The spatial distribution of electric field distribution in the vicinity of the tubes and the electrodes is obtained from a finite element solution of the Poisson equation. A Monte Carlo approach yields the switching voltage as a function of MWNT mechanical properties and electrode geometry, where a Gaussian distribution is assumed for the parametric variations.
Altered C-Fiber Function as an Indicator of Early Peripheral Neuropathy in Individuals With Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Green Alistair Q. , Krishnan Singhan , Finucane Francis M. , Rayman Gerry
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the importance of glycemic burden compared with features of the metabolic syndrome in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy by comparing C-fiber function in people with type 1 diabetes to that in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The axon reflex–elicited flare areas (LDIflares) were measured with a laser Doppler imager (LDI) in age-, height-, and BMI-matched groups with IGT (n = 14) and type 1 diabetes (n = 16) and in healthy control subjects (n = 16).

RESULTS

The flare area was reduced in the IGT group compared with the control (2.78 ± 1.1 vs. 5.23 ± 1.7 cm2, P = 0.0001) and type 1 diabetic (5.16 ± 2.3 cm2, P = 0.002) groups, whereas the flare area was similar in the type 1 diabetic and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique suggests that small-fiber neuropathy is a feature of IGT. The absence of similar small-fiber neuropathy in those with longstanding type 1 diabetes suggests that glycemia may not be the major determinant of small-fiber neuropathy in IGT.
Incidence of Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease Among Individuals With Diabetes in the U.S. Continues to Decline
Authors: Burrows Nilka Ríos , Li Yanfeng , Geiss Linda S.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

We examined trends in incidence of treatment for diabetes-related end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the U.S. Renal Data System, we obtained the number of individuals having diabetes listed as primary diagnosis who initiated ESRD treatment between 1990 and 2006. Incidence was calculated using the estimated U.S. population with diabetes from the National Health Interview Survey and then was age adjusted based on the 2000 U.S. standard population. Trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

The number of individuals who began diabetes-related ESRD treatment increased from 17,727 in 1990 to 48,215 in 2006. From 1990 to 1996, the age-adjusted diabetes-related ESRD incidence increased somewhat from 299.0 to 343.2 per 100,000 diabetic population (P = 0.45). However, from 1996 to 2006, the age-adjusted diabetes-related ESRD incidence decreased by 3.9% per year (P < 0.01) from 343.2 to 197.7 per 100,000 diabetic population. Among individuals with diabetes aged <45 years, diabetes-related ESRD incidence decreased by 4.3% per year (P < 0.01) from 1990 to 2006. Among older individuals, incidence increased during the 1990s but decreased in later years, by 3.9% per year (P < 0.01) among individuals aged 45–64, by 3.4% per year (P < 0.01) among individuals aged 65–74 years, and by 2.1% per year (P = 0.02) among individuals aged ≥75 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes-related ESRD incidence in the diabetic population has declined in all age-groups, probably because of a reduction in the prevalence of ESRD risk factors, improved treatment and care, and other factors.
Influence of synthesis methods on zirconium doped titania photocatalysts
Authors: Binitha Narayanan , Yaakob Zahira , Resmi Ramakrishnan
Published: December 2009

Synthesis of various zirconium doped titania based photocatalysts were carried out by adapting different synthetic strategies. Doping is done on commercially available anatase titania, sol-gel titania and template mediated sol gel titania. A comparative study of the various prepared photocataysts was done using physico-chemical characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area- pore volume measurements, UV-VIS Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), elemental analysis (XRF) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. The effect of zirconium and preparation methods on the photocatalytic degradation of methylorange is studied extensively. Both the surface properties and photo activity of zirconium doped titania were found to have a great dependence on the preparation methods. Among the different photocatalytic systems, the catalyst prepared by doping in the presence of urea template was found to produce a maximum photodegradation of 97.5%.
Development of β and α isotactic polypropylene polymorphs in injection molded structural foams
Authors: Djoumaliisky Strashimir , Cerrada Maria , Dobreva Tatyana , Zipper Peter
Published: December 2009

Structural foam moldings, composed of three co-axial cylinders differing in diameter (10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm) and length, were produced from isotactic polypropylene (PP) and 0.5 mass % 1,1′-azobisformamide on an in-line injection molding machine in a mould cavity pre-pressurized with nitrogen by the classical low-pressure process combined with egression of foamed melt from the core. Injection-molding conditions were as follows: melt temperature, 220°C, mold temperature, 20°C, cooling time, 5 min, gas-counter pressure, 0.5 MPa. The sprue gate was at the end of the smallest cylinder and its diameter was varied from 4 mm to 7 mm. To investigate the development of β-PP modification in terms of phenomena due to the phase change in the mould cavity (expansion), appropriate specimens (cross-sections) were cut from the middle of each cylinder in parallel and perpendicular orientation to the flow direction and were investigated by WAXS, DSC, and POM. As revealed by WAXS, β-PP is present in all cylinders, always concentrated in certain regions of the cross-section — mainly in the surface layers of the smallest cylinder (D1) and in the foamed core of the other two cylinders (D2 and D3). Its concentration was found to change with the sprue dimensions. High β-PP concentration is associated with a preferred orientation in the skin of the smallest cylinder and with better expansion conditions in larger cylinders. Presence of the β-phase in the surface layers and in the core of the moldings was proved by DSC and POM.
Co-digestion of agricultural and industrial wastes
Authors: Kacprzak Anna , Krzystek Liliana , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: December 2009

The efficiency of anaerobic digestion process is dependent on the type and composition of the material to be digested. This work examines the co-digestion of corn silage, beet pulp silage, carrot residues, and cheese whey in different configurations together with a glycerin fraction — the waste product of transestrification of oils (biodiesel production) in a 25 L bioreactor operated mesophically in a quasi-continuous mode. Co-digestion of corn silage with carrot residues appeared to be more effective than that with cheese whey resulting in the gas production rate equal to 5.9 L L−1 d−1 and 1.4 L L−1 d−1, respectively. The performed experiments showed that a combination of three substrates: corn silage, cheese whey, and glycerin fraction resulted in the highest methane content equal to 61 % and the biogas production rate of 1.8 L L−1 d−1.
Kinetic study of wood chips decomposition by TGA
Authors: Gašparovič Lukáš , Koreňová Zuzana , Jelemenský Ľudovít
Published: December 2009

Pyrolysis of a wood chips mixture and main wood compounds such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was investigated by thermogravimetry. The investigation was carried out in inert nitrogen atmosphere with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 900°C for four heating rates: 2 K min−1, 5 K min−1, 10 K min−1, and 15 K min−1. Hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were used as the main compounds of biomass. TGA and DTG temperature dependencies were evaluated. Decomposition processes proceed in three main stages: water evaporation, and active and passive pyrolysis. The decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose takes place in the temperature range of 200–380°C and 250–380°C, while lignin decomposition seems to be ranging from 180°C up to 900°C. The isoconversional method was used to determine kinetic parameters such as activation energy and pre-exponential factor mainly in the stage of active pyrolysis and partially in the passive stage. It was found that, at the end of the decomposition process, the value of activation energy decreases. Reaction order does not have a significant influence on the process because of the high value of the pre-exponential factor. Obtained kinetic parameters were used to calculate simulated decompositions at different heating rates. Experimental data compared with the simulation ones were in good accordance at all heating rates. From the pyrolysis of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin it is clear that the decomposition process of wood is dependent on the composition and concentration of the main compounds.
Steady state and dynamic simulation of a hybrid reactive separation process
Authors: Mihaľ Mário , Švandová Zuzana , Markoš Jozef
Published: December 2009

Modelling and simulation of hybrid reactive separation system in steady state and in dynamic regime was carried out. The investigated hybrid process consisted of a reactive distillation column and a pervaporation membrane located in the distillate stream to remove water from the process. Heterogeneously catalysed esterification of propionic acid with propan-1-ol to propyl propionate and water was chosen as the model chemical reaction. Esterification reactions are a typical example of equilibrium-limited reactions producing water as a by-product. Using just a pervaporation membrane brings the biggest benefit in increasing the yield of one of the reactants due to the removal of water. To study reactive separation processes, a model of the hybrid system in steady state and in dynamic regime was developed. Steady state behaviour of the model was studied for different hybrid system configurations. The effect of catalyst amount doubling was also investigated. Dynamic behaviour of the system during the step changes of propionic acid feed flow rate and during the membrane module failure was investigated. For this reason, the conversion of propionic acid, purity of the product stream, mole fraction of water, and the temperature in three different parts of the reactive distillation column were monitored.
Prediction of liquid-liquid flow in an SMX static mixer using large eddy simulations
Authors: Pianko-Oprych Paulina , Jaworski Zdzisław
Published: December 2009

The main purpose of the paper is to apply the large eddy simulations (LES) technique and to verify its use as a predicting tool for turbulent liquid-liquid flow in an SMX static mixer. LES modeling was carried out using the Smagorinsky-Lilly model of the turbulent subgrid viscosity for the Reynolds number of 5000 and 10000. The continuous phase was water and the dispersed phase was silicon oil. The investigation covers the effects of the density ratio between the phases. Three different cases of liquid densities were considered. The dispersed phase concentration distribution in the mixer cross-sections was compared with the corresponding time averaged results obtained formerly for the same configuration in a steady-state simulation using the standard RANS approach with the k-ɛ model. The dependency of the standard deviation of the dispersed phase concentration on the distance from the mixer inlet and the impact of the centrifugal force on the phase concentration distribution were investigated. The presented results for the SMX static mixer confirm conclusions of previous studies by Jaworski et al. (2006) obtained for a Kenics static mixer and show less a pronounced influence of the centrifugal force on the phase concentration distribution of the LES results in comparison to the RANS case.
Influence of tapering process on changes of optical fiber refractive index distribution along a structure
Authors: Stasiewicz K.A. , Krajewski R. , Jaroszewicz L.R. , Kujawińska M. , Świłło R.
Published: December 2009

Investigations of internal structure changes along an optical fiber during the manufacture of biconical taper have been described. Basing on the constant volume theory, classification of biconical structures manufactured on a special set-up is presented and discussed. The interferometric tomography method has been used for determination of 3D geometry and refractive index distribution in manufactured optical fiber tapers. The experiments provide detailed information on external (diameter of cladding) as well as internal (core diameter and refractive index profile) changes along the taper region. The results have been discussed in relation to the parameters of the manufacturing process.
Some aspects of population biology of the mud crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1841) in the Odra estuary, Poland
Authors: Czerniejewski Przemysław
Published: December 2009

The mud crab is the only non-indigenous xanthid encountered in the River Odra estuary. In 2007-2008, the crabs were collected, using fish traps, to determine sex and to follow variations in individual weight and carapace length and width over a year. Sex-dependent differences in the crab morphometry were studied as well. The largest catch was that obtained in September (23.48% of the total number of 264 individuals) and October (31.82%). Male crabs accounted for 56.44% of the total number; males dominated in autumn (September-December) and spring (March, May, June) catches. Males showed significantly wider carapaces (16.81 ±3.98 mm; range: 5.60-22.90 mm) and mean individual weight (2.15 ±0.94 g; range: 0.15-3.93 g) than females (mean carapace width of 15.05 ±3.33 mm; range: 5.30-19.80 mm, and mean individual weight of 1.47 ±0.60 g; range: 0.13-2.56 g). Of the 11 morphometric characters analyzed, expressed in relative values (%), related to the carapace width, males showed significantly larger claw dimensions (CHL1, CHW1, CHH1, CHL2, CHW2, CHH2) and smaller abdomen widths (AW).
Demographic Determinants of the Activity of Farms in Poland in the Acquisition of European Union Funds in the Years 2004-2006
Authors: Rudnicki Roman
Published: December 2009

Demographic Determinants of the Activity of Farms in Poland in the Acquisition of European Union Funds in the Years 2004-2006

Out of the several assistance measures of the European Union orientated towards the development of agriculture, there are two in which demographic criteria have been set for the beneficiaries, viz. support for young farmers (applications can be submitted by farmers up to 40 years old) and structural pensions (eligible farmers are of pre-retirement age: from 55 to the start of retirement age). The number of applications processed under those measures in the years 2004-2006 (the actual absorption level) as against the total number of young farmers and those of pre-retirement age (the potential absorption level) was adopted as a basis for a spatial analysis and assessment of the use of the EU funds in those fields. Indices constructed on the basis of the number of applications per 1,000 farm operators, both young and of pre-retirement age, showed there to be wide spatial differences. It was shown that the lowest activity of farms in this respect was characteristic of those in south-eastern Poland. In turn, the measures determined by the demographic structure of farmers were the most popular in the voivodeships of Kujavia-Pomerania and Wielkopolska. Such a spatial distribution contributes to a further deepening of regional disparities in Polish agriculture.
Internal Migration in Germany in 1990 And 2005
Authors: Szymańska Daniela , Środa-Murawska Stefania , Świderska Karolina , Adamiak Czesław
Published: December 2009

Internal Migration in Germany in 1990 And 2005

The article seeks to answer the questions concerning the possibility of identifying regular patterns within internal migration in the towns and rural areas of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as factors contributing to regional variations in the process. The research involves 439 German counties (Kreise) and compares data on internal migration in the country in the years 1991 and 2005, i.e. from its reunification until the year 2005. The 15-year period of functioning of one reunited state has been assumed sufficient for capturing some regularities and trends.
Hybrid Approach to Delineation of Homogeneous Regions for Regional Precipitation Frequency Analysis
Authors: Gaál Ladislav , Szolgay Ján , Lapin Milan , Faško Pavol
Published: December 2009

Hybrid Approach to Delineation of Homogeneous Regions for Regional Precipitation Frequency Analysis

Regional frequency analysis of heavy precipitation amounts based on the estimation of the parameters of a regional distribution function usingL-moments is adopted for the specific geographical-climatological settings of Slovakia. The paper focuses on the first step of the regionalL-moment algorithm (Hosking, Wallis, 1997), which is the delineation of homogeneous regions. Objective and process-based logical pooling techniques are used to form homogeneous pooling groups of rainfall gauging stations for regional frequency analysis ofk-day precipitation amounts (k= 1 to 5 days). Even though the delineation of homo-geneous regions by means of objective methods is generally accepted and recommended in the literature, it is concluded here that such a pooling of similar sites should not be carried out automatically in precipitation analysis. Instead, a combination of physical/geomorphological considerations and objective methods should be preferred.
The Influence of Different Canopies on Groundwater Table Level Changes at Kláštorské Lúky Natural Reserve.
Authors: Skalová Jana , Jaroš Branislav , Novák Viliam
Published: December 2009

Vplyv rozdielnych porastov na úroveń hladín podzemných vûod v národnej prírodnej rezervácii Kláštorské Lúky

Mokrade sú citlivé ekosystémy charakteristické výskytom hladiny podzemnej vody v blízkosti terénu alebo aj na jeho povrchu. Významným mokradným systémom je aj národná prírodná rezervácia (NPR) Kláštorské lúky, ležiaca v povodí rieky Turiec. Zmena vo vlastníckych vzťahoch spôsobila aj zmenu ob-hospodarovania mokrade a vzácne travinno-bylinné porasty sú postupne nahrádzané spoločenstvami inváznymi, najmä tŕstím. Ďalším nepriaznivým javom, ku ktorému došlo v poslednom období v NPR, je pokles hladiny podzemnej vody (HPV). Táto práca je zameraná na zistenie možného vplyvu manažmentu na evapotranspiráciu a jej štruktúru, na zmeny chodov HPV a na zmeny obsahu vody vo vrchnej vrstve pôdy, spôsobené nahradením pôvodného porastu trávy inváznym porastom - tŕstím.
Clozapine and Cardiometabolic Health in Chronic Schizophrenia: Correlations and Consequences in a Clinical Context
Authors: Malhi Gin , Adams Danielle , Plain Janice , Coulston Carissa , Herman Michael , Walter Garry
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its putative precursors in a naturalistic study of non-acute inpatients at a psychiatric hospital.

Method: Anthropometric and biochemical data collected from the hospital's annual cardiometabolic survey, along with information about prescribed medications, were used to assess the prevalence and predictors of physical health problems in patients with schizophrenia.

Results: Of the 167 patients included in the survey, 52.4% met criteria for metabolic syndrome. A shorter duration of hospital admission and clozapine use were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome. Age, gender, duration of admission and clozapine use were all predictors of individual cardiometabolic risk factors.

Conclusions: The findings from this naturalistic study reinforce the high prevalence of physical health problems in patients with schizophrenia and the important influence that psychiatric treatments can have on physical health. The impact of clozapine on cardiometabolic health appears to occur early in the course of treatment and emphasizes the need for proactive monitoring and interventions from the outset of management.
Through the Prism Darkly: How do Others See Psychiatrists?
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Gupta Susham , Smyth Genevieve , Webber Martin
Published: December 2009

Objective: With changes in healthcare delivery and public expectations of psychiatry and psychiatric services changing, we set out to explore how other professions and psychiatrists themselves see their roles. In the UK and the USA, recent political imperatives have influenced training and roles of psychiatrists. We wanted to explore patient and carer perspectives as well.

Methods: We conducted two focus groups with patients and carers to explore their views about the roles of the psychiatrist. For occupational therapists and social workers, a brief questionnaire was placed on their respective professional organization's website. Psychiatric trainees and psychiatrists attending different meetings were asked to fill in the questionnaire.

Results: Patients and carers wanted to be more involved in planning their care. In common with other groups, being technically competent, being honest, approachable and being a good listener were general characteristics of a good psychiatrist. Occupational therapists saw psychiatrists as having a unique expertise and ability to provide leadership and also having skills in teaching, research, evaluating evidence and being respectful of other professions. Social workers would like psychiatrists to look beyond the medical model.

Conclusions: In spite of different methods of collecting information, common themes emerge in what stakeholders expect from psychiatrists. As a profession, we need to respond to this.
Western Australia's Mental Health Court Liaison Service
Authors: Brett Adam
Published: December 2009

Objective: This article describes the Western Australian mental health court liaison service. It examines the outcomes that can be measured to assess mental health court liaison services and considers Western Australia's service against criteria described in the literature.

Method: The Western Australian mental health court liaison service was reviewed against defined criteria.

Results: Published criteria to measure effectiveness of mental health court liaison are helpful. Western Australia's service was developed to be as effective as it could be within the parameters in which it operates.

Conclusions: It is important to review the efficacy of a service against criteria over which it has control. Outcomes that have specific utility for court liaison are discussed.
Management of Colles' Fracture by Conservative VS Open Reduction Bone Grafting and Internal Fixation with K-Wire
Authors: Khan Javed Ahmad , Mahara D. P.
Published: December 2009

Not uploaded.Key words: Fracture; Open reduction; Bone grafting; Close reduction.DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v6i1.2439Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 6, No. 1, Issue 12, April, 2008 Page: 16-21
Health Education for Peon to Improve Infection Prevention Practices in Government Health facilities of Morang
Authors: Gurung Gagan , Dahal S.
Published: December 2009

Not uploaded.Key words: Decontamination; Hand washing; Infection Prevention; Waste disposal.DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v6i1.2444Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol. 6, No. 1, Issue 12, April, 2008 Page: 49-52
FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%, In Postmenopausal Women and Their Relationship with Serum Progesterone and Estrogen Level
Authors: Polly Zinat Ara , Begum Shelina , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Noorzahan , Ali Taskina , Begum Afroza
Published: December 2009

Background: Exacerbation of asthma associated with worsening of lung function has been reported in women after menopause. The relationship between lung function and female sex hormones has been documented in postmenopausal women. Objective: To observe FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, serum estrogen and progesterone levels in apparently healthy postmenopausal women to find out their interrelationships. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, from 1st January 17to 31st December 2007 in BSMMU, Dhaka. 30 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years and 30 premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years during different phases of menstrual cycle were studied. FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%, were measured by RMS computer based Spirometer. Estrogen and progesterone levels were estimated by Micro particle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) method. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient test, one way ANOVA and unpaired‘t' test. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were significantly (p<.001) lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. Mean serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal women compared to any phases of menstrual cycle of premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, FVC, FEV1 showed positive correlation with progesterone but negative with estrogen level.FEV1/ FVC% Showed negative correlation with both serum estrogen and progesterone level. All these correlations were statistically non significant. In premenopausal women FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlation and FVC showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level in follicular phase and FVC, FEV1 showed positive and FEV1/FVC% showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level in luteal phase. Again FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% showed positive correlation with serum progesterone level in follicular and luteal phases of menustrual cycle. Conclusion: The out come of this study shows FVC, FEV1 may be reduced in postmenopausal women which in turn may be associated with low progesterone and estrogen levels. Key words: Menopause, Lung function, Estrogen, Progesterone. DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v4i1.4063 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2009 June; 4(1): 7-13
Extent of Mesoappendix of Vermiform Appendix in Bangladeshi People
Authors: Rahman Md Mahbubur , Khalil Mohsin , Khalil Mansur , Sultana Seheli Zannat , Mannan Sabina , Nessa Akhtarun , Ahamed M Shibbir , Parvin Bilkis , Islam Md Tarequl , Siddiquee Fayela Saorun
Published: December 2009

Background: The mesentery of the appendix extends almost to the appendicular tip along the whole tube or may not be to the tip. The mesoappendix has a free border which carries the blood supply to the organ. Failure of the mesoappendix to reach the tip probably reduces the vascularization of the tip of the organ making it more liable to become gangrenous and hence early perforation occurs during inflammation. Objective: This cross sectional study was carried out to advance our knowledge regarding the extent of mesoappendix in Bangladeshi people and also to find out the variations in the anatomical positions of the vermiform appendix in Bangladeshi population and their distribution according to the sex. Methods: A total of 100 (60 male and 40 female) specimens of vermiform appendix were collected of different age and sex during postmortem examination in the morgue of Mymensingh Medical College from July 2006 to June 2007. Data was collected by convenient sampling technique. Results: In this study pelvic position of the vermiform appendix were common in both sexes. The two thirds extension of mesoappendix was found in 45% cases where as in pelvic position it was 26 (14 male and 12 female) cases. Half and whole extension of mesoappendix were found in 31% and 24% cases respectively. Among half extension of mesoappendix, retrocaecal position were found to be more (12) than other positions. In whole extension of vermiform appendix pelvic position were found to be common (16) than others. Conclusion: This study provides certain basic information of extent of mesoappendix of vermiform appendix of Bangladeshi population which is responsible for vascularization of the organ and severity during inflammation. Key words: Vermiform appendix, Mesoappendix   DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v4i1.4065 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2009 June; 4(1): 20-23
Data Compression Concepts and Algorithms and Their Applications to Bioinformatics
Authors: Nalbantoglu Özkan  U. , Russell David  J. , Sayood Khalid
Published: December 2009

Data compression at its base is concerned with how information is organized in data. Understanding this organization can lead to efficient ways of representing the information and hence data compression. In this paper we review the ways in which ideas and approaches fundamental to the theory and practice of data compression have been used in the area of bioinformatics. We look at how basic theoretical ideas from data compression, such as the notions of entropy, mutual information, and complexity have been used for analyzing biological sequences in order to discover hidden patterns, infer phylogenetic relationships between organisms and study viral populations. Finally, we look at how inferred grammars for biological sequences have been used to uncover structure in biological sequences.
Publisher’s Note – Received Date Error, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 3105-3114
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: December 2009

Publisher’s Note added on 29 December 2009: The received date of Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 3105-3114 was wrongly published. [...]
Effect of Asafoetida Extract on Growth and Quality of Pleurotus ferulic
Authors: Feng Zuoshan , Bai Yujia , Lu Fanglin , Huang Wenshu , Li Xinmin , Hu Xiaosong
Published: December 2009

Different concentrations of asafoetida extract were added to the medium of Pleurotus ferulic and the effects of the extract on growth of P. ferulic mycelium and fruiting bodies was observed. As the amount of asafoetida extract additive was increased, the growth of Pleurotus mycelium was faster, the time formation of buds was shorter and that yield of fruiting bodies was stimulated. However, overdosing of asafoetida extract hampered the growth of Pleurotus ferulic. The amino acid composition and volatile components in three kinds of pleurotus’ were contrasted, including wild pleurotus (WP), cultivated pleurotus with asafoetida extract (CPAE) and cultivated pleurotus without asafoetida extract (CP). CPAE with 2.3 g/100 g asafoetida extract addition had the highest content of total amino acids, as well as essential amino acids. WP had a higher content of total amino acids and essential amino acids than CP. In addition, CPAE with 2.3 g/100 g had the highest score of protein content of pleurotus fruiting bodies, while WP had a higher score than CP. In the score of essential amino acid components of pleurotus fruiting bodies, CP had the highest score, while CPAE was higher than WP. Asafoetida extract influenced the volatile components of Pleurotus ferulic greatly, making the volatile components of cultivated pleurotus more similar to those of wild pleurotus (WP).
Improved Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Metal-Matrix Composites Dispersion-Strengthened by Nanoparticles
Authors: Levashov Evgenii , Kurbatkina Victoria , Alexandr Zaytsev
Published: December 2009

Co- and Fe-based alloys produced by powder technology are being widely used as a matrix for diamond-containing composites in cutting, drilling, grinding pplications, etc. The severe service conditions demand that the mechanical and tribological properties of these alloys be improved. Development of metal-matrix composites (MMCs) and alloys reinforced with nanoparticles is a promising way to resolve this problem. In this work, we have investigated the effect of nano-sized WC, ZrO2, Al2O3, and Si3N4 additives on the properties of sintered dispersion-strengthened Co- and Fe-based MMCs. The results show an increase in the hardness (up to 10 HRB), bending strength (up to 50%), wear resistance (by a factor of 2–10) and a decrease in the friction coefficient (up to 4-fold) of the dispersion-strengthened materials. The use of designed alloys as a binder of cutting diamond tools gave a 4-fold increment in the service life, without reduction in their cutting speed.