bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Invited) Atomically Controlled CVD Processing of Group IV Semiconductors for Strain Engineering and Doping in Ultralarge Scale Integration
Authors: Murota Junichi , Sakuraba Masao , Tillack Bernd
Published: June 2013

By atomic layer growth of C, Ge and B on Si (100) surface and subsequent Si cap layer growth, heavy atomic-layer doping is achieved at temperatures below 500 oC. Sub-atomic layer of C, Ge or B is confined within an about 1 nm-thick region. It is confirmed that the incorporation of C atoms at substitutional site in Si is influenced by substrate surface strain and is larger than that of in-situ doping. Atomic layer doping of Ge is enhanced by the tensile strain in the substrate, comparing with those of C and B. In the nm-thick region of atomic layer doping, strain generation is not observed. It is also confirmed that growth characteristics as well as electrical activity of impurity in the strained layer are influenced by the substrate surface strain before the layer growth. These results demonstrate the capability of atomically controlled CVD technology of group IV semiconductors for strain engineering and doping in ultralarge scale integration.
(Invited) Innovative Sharp Switching Devices
Authors: Cristoloveanu Sorin , Wan Jing , Le Royer Cyrille , Zaslavsky Alexander
Published: June 2013

Two families of sharp-switching SOI devices are discussed: tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs) and band-modulation feedback transistors. The TFET is a reverse-biased PIN gated diode, where the gate voltage controls the electric field in the interband P
+/N
+ tunneling junction. Although the TFET current can in principle be switched faster than the subthreshold current of a MOSFET, experimental results have been disappointing to date. Several technological solutions for improving the I
ON current and subthreshold swing are reviewed. An innovative solution is to integrate a TFET with a bipolar transistor in a single device (BET-FET), where the bipolar current gain serves to amplify the tunneling current. A different approach is to use band modulation and feedback. The Z2-FET has a TFET-like PIN configuration but is operated in forward bias. In the off-state, the diode current is blocked by electrostatic gate-controlled barriers. When the gate bias reaches a turn-on value, the device switches abruptly (< 1 mV/decade) to a high I
ON. We discuss the physical mechanism and unchallenged performance of the Z2-FET, and propose several CMOS-compatible applications, such as 1T-DRAM and SRAM, chemical sensors, logic and protection circuits.
An Improved Semi-Classical Model to Investigate Tunnel-FET Performance
Authors: Revelant Alberto , Osgnach Patrik , Palestri Pierpaolo , Selmi Luca
Published: June 2013

We present a model for Tunnel FETs (TFETs) capable to describe off equilibrium transport as well as Band to Band Tunneling (BtBT), that is implemented as an additional block into an existing Multi-Subband Monte Carlo (MSMC) transport simulator. To account for the quantum effect associated to the confinement of carriers in Ultra Thin Body SOI devices, a correction to the computation of the BtBT generation rate is proposed. The developed simulator is here applied to the study of III-V based TFETs.
(Invited) Novel Integration Process for IGZO MO-TFT Fabrication on Gen 8.5 PECVD and PVD Systems - A Quest to Improve TFT Stability and Mobility
Authors: Soo Park Beom , Yim Dong Kil , Cho Seon-Mee , Choi Soo Young , White John M.
Published: June 2013

IGZO is one of the promising materials being used to make high-mobility TFTs for high-quality displays. However, a-IGZO TFTs have stability issues in addition to limited mobility (<10 cm2/V·s). AKT has made a stable a-IGZO TFT through ESL optimization and plasma treatment of the IGZO interface. AKT a-IGZO ES-TFT shows SS 0.4 ±0.1 V/dec, mobility 10 ±1.0 cm2/V·s, Von 0.25 ± 1.5V over 2200 x 2500 mm2 substrate. BTS stability range under 80oC, ±50V conditions is ~1.5V. Furthermore, another AKT MO ES-TFT shows >30 cm2/V·s mobility using multi-layer structure.
(Invited) Roles of Hydrogen in Amorphous Oxide Semiconductor
Authors: Kamiya Toshio , Hosono Hideo
Published: June 2013

Amorphous oxide semiconductor represented by a-In-Ga-Zn-O is now used for thin-film transistors in some of current flat-panel displays due to its high mobility and good stability. Recently, it has been recognized that a-In-Ga-Zn-O films include some types of oxygen working as electron traps and that high-density impurity hydrogens. This paper reviews the recent findings on their roles.
Conduction Band Lowering Effect in Crystalline Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Matsubayashi Daisuke , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: June 2013

We have found out that in an IGZO-TFT, the energy barrier, i.e., the conduction band energy relative to the Fermi energy is lowered by electrons flowing from n+ regions under source/drain electrodes to a channel region. We have named this phenomenon “conduction band lowering (CBL) effect”. Owing to this effect, even when the Fermi energy of an IGZO film gets closer to the midgap, a TFT formed using the film is always turned on around V
g = 0 V. In other words, by use of an active layer including an IGZO film with a Fermi energy close to the midgap, the CBL effect makes the threshold voltage of I
d-V
g characteristics converge into a certain low value and the characteristics variation can be suppressed.
Trap Densities in ZnO TFTs with SiNx/SiOx Stacked Gate Insulators Fabricated Using Several N2O Flow Rate during SiOx Deposition
Authors: Kimura Mutsumi , Matsuda Tokiyoshi , Furuta Mamoru , Hiramatsu Takahiro , Furuta Hiroshi , Li Chaoyang , Hirao Takashi , Kamada Yudai , Fujita Shizuo
Published: June 2013

The trap densities (D
t) in ZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) with SiNx / SiOx stacked gate insulators fabricated using several N2O flow rate during SiOx deposition (R
N2O) are extracted. It is found that the trap states consist of deep flat states and shallow tail states. The deep states are similar, whereas the tail states vary as R
N2O varies. It is also found that the degree of the characteristic stability corresponds to D
t of the tail states.
(Invited) Negative-Bias with Illumination Stress Induced State Creation in Amorphous InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistor
Authors: Furuta Mamoru , Hung Mai Phi , Jiang Jingxin , Wang Dapeng , Tomai Shigekazu , Hayasaka Hiromi , Yano Koki
Published: June 2013

Hysteresis of InGaZnO thin-film transistor (IGZO TFT) under negative-bias with illumination stress (NBIS) was investigated using double sweeping gate voltage (VGS) mode. We found that hysteresis of IGZO TFT was significantly enlarged by the NBIS with large negative gate voltage stress. On-current and S value in forward measurements started to show degradation under large-negative VGS stress due to acceptor-like defect creation; on the other hand, transfer curves in reverse measurements shifted to a positive VGS direction without S degradation. As a result of NBIS degradation, huge hysteresis can be observed. To explain the change in hysteresis under NBIS, degradation model consisting of acceptor-like bistable defects is proposed.
Characterization of Undoped/doped Zinc Oxide Films by Sol Gel Method on Different Substrates
Authors: Bhatia Sonik , Bedi R.K
Published: June 2013

Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide films were prepared by Sol Gel dip coating method on Sapphire and Mica substrates. Zinc acetate solution of 0.2 and 0.4M in isopropanol stabilized by diethanolamine and doped with a concentrated solution of aluminum nitrate in ethanol were used. The content of aluminum in the sol was 2 at.%. The dipping of substrates were repeated up to 15 to 20 times to have thickness of films of range 0.5-0.8µm. XRD analysis of films grown on both Sapphire and Mica revealed that grains of undoped and doped films grew preferentially along the (002) plane but intensity of (002) was found to be more for mica than that of film grown on Sapphire. Average size of Crystallites using SEM measurements were found to be 50nm and 95 nm for the films grown on Sapphire and mica. The electrical resistivity were measured by a four-point probe method and it was revealed that electrical resistivity of the films grown on mica were lower than that on Sapphire but after annealing of the films for 1 hour (in vacuum) at 350°C the films on Sapphire substrate showed decrease in resistivity but no major changes in resistivity were observed on films grown on mica. Moreover optical band gap studies of films on both substrates were carried out.
(Invited) Printed Organic TFTs on Flexible Substrate for Complementary Circuits
Authors: Coppard Romain , Jacob Stephanie , Charbonneau Micael , Benwadih Mohammed , Bablet Jacqueline , Fischer Vincent , Gwoziecky Romain , Chartier Isabelle , Abdinia Sahel , Cantatore Eugenio , Maddiona L. , Maiellaro G. , Mariucci Luigi , Rapisarda Matteo , Tramontana F.
Published: June 2013

Organic Thin film Transistors (OTFT) have been widely investigated in these last years as potential candidate for the development of low cost, flexible and lightweight active-matrix backplanes for display applications. Indeed the organic semiconductors provide both promising electrical performances tunable by chemistry and the ability to be processed at low temperature with innovative printing technics on various large scale substrates. Thanks to the recent developments on both n-type and p-type solution-processed organic semiconductors, we have developed a printable organic CMOS technology compatible with flexible PEN substrates. By combining state of the art materials exhibiting mobility in the range of 1 cm2/V.s and silicon inspired compact modeling and simulation approach, we were able to design and fabricate circuit's building blocks that provide the switching, digital and analog functions required for the fabrication of printed systems on foil.
Comparison of Organic Pulse-Generator Circuits for Ferroelectric Memories Fabricated by All-Additive Printing
Authors: Schwartz David Eric , Ng Tse Nga , Russo Beverly , Krusor Brent , Veres Janos , Herlogsson Lars , Bröms Per , Karlsson Christer
Published: June 2013

Printed organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) technology has the potential to enable ubiquitous, inexpensive, flexible electronic systems. Realization of this vision requires circuit design techniques sensitive to the constraints of the technology, as well as integration with components such as memory, sensors, and displays. The OTFT fabrication process is much less mature than silicon technologies, and direct implementation of conventional complementary designs is challenging due to the relatively low yield, high variability, and drift instability of printed OTFTs. Here we demonstrate an OTFT-specific approach to design with a pulse generator circuit for writing non-volatile thin-film ferroelectric (FE) memory. The approach takes into account the constraints of existing OTFT processes and can be extended to other circuits. The new circuit, and a more conventional complementary pulse-generator, are designed, fabricated, and tested in an additive ink-jet OTFT process.
(Invited) Contact Effects in Organic and Inorganic Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Fortunato Guglielmo , Rapisarda Matteo , Valletta Antonio , Mariucci Luigi
Published: June 2013

Contact effects in staggered SBTs with three different active layers (organic semiconductor (pentacene derivative), a-Si:H and IGZO) have been analyzed by using numerical simulations. In general, in staggered SBTs the presence of a Schottky barrier at the source severely limits the carrier injection, thus substantially reducing the on-current and, consequently, the on-off ratio, if compared to conventional TFT structures. On the other hand, depending upon barrier height and barrier lowering mechanisms, staggered SBTs can show interesting features, such as: 1) very low saturation voltage, resulting in much lower operating drain voltages and power dissipation; 2) increased output impedance, leading to larger voltage gain; 3) simpler fabrication, as doped regions are not necessary. Device characteristics of these devices are seriously influenced by contact effects, with the parasitic voltage drops at the contacts reducing the effective voltages applied to the channel of the transistor. A simple method to extract the contact I-V characteristics is presented and also a distributed diode model is discussed to reproduce the output characteristics and implementable in circuit simulations.
Unusual Short-Channel Effects in SOI MOSFETs
Authors: Moral Carlos Navarro , Bawedin Maryline , Andrieu François , Sagnes Bruno , Cristoloveanu Sorin
Published: June 2013

Experimental results demonstrate that the usual interpretation of short-channel effects (SCE) is misleading in FD-SOI MOSFETs, where both gates contribute to SCE via inter-gate coupling. The overall SCE can be significantly reduced with simple back-gate biasing schemes. Numerical simulations point out that the contribution of the back channel to SCE strongly depends on the device architecture.
(Invited) Structure and Electronic Properties of Polycrystalline Dielectrics
Authors: McKenna Keith P. , Shluger Alex L
Published: June 2013

We present an overview of the theoretical approaches that can be employed to model polycrystalline oxides along with a discussion of their limitations and associated challenges. We then present results for two metal oxide materials, MgO and HfO2, where theory and experiment have come together to provide insight into the structure and electronic properties of grain boundaries. Finally, we conclude with a discussion and outlook.
(Invited) Metal Oxide High-k Thin Films – from Gate Dielectrics to Nonvolatile Memories to LEDs
Authors: Kuo Yue
Published: June 2013

Metal oxide thin films have been used in a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this paper, the author discusses his group’s recent work on applying the same amorphous Zr-doped HfO2 high-k thin film to MOS gate dielectrics, nonvolatile memories, and light emitting devices. For each type of device, the operation principle, material requirements, and reliability are discussed. A generalized curve of the stress voltage vs. leakage current density, which includes all operation ranges of the above devices, is presented. It is expected that the same principles is applicable to other metal oxide dielectrics for the similar functions.
(Invited) Flat-Panel X-ray Image Sensor Using Thin Film Transistors and Field Emitter Arrays
Authors: Zhao Wei , Rowlands John A.
Published: June 2013

Active matrix flat panel imagers (AMFPI) have been commercialized for a wide range of x-ray imaging applications. They have demonstrated superior imaging performance except in fluoroscopy, where the electronic noise degrades the image quality, making it inferior to x-ray imaging intensifier (XRII). In this paper we will present two FPI approaches under investigation to overcome the electronic noise limitation. They use an amorphous selenium layer with programmable avalanche gain to detect light generated from an x-ray scintillator upon x-ray absorption. Two charge readout methods are being investigated: a thin-film transistor (TFT) array; and a field emitter array (FEA). The amorphous selenium (a-Se) avalanche photoconductor is called HARP (high-gain avalanche rushing photoconductor). The avalanche gain of HARP depends on both a-Se thickness and applied electric field ESe. At ESe of > 80 V/μm, the avalanche gain can enhance the signal at low dose (e.g. fluoroscopy) and make the detector x-ray quantum noise limited down to a single x-ray photon. At high exposure (e.g. radiography), the avalanche gain can be turned off by decreasing ESe to < 70 V/μm, thus ensuring a wide dynamic range without burdening the readout electronics. The potential x-ray imaging performance of both FPI approaches, especially the aspect of programmable gain to ensure wide dynamic range and x-ray quantum noise limited performance at the lowest exposure in fluoroscopy, have been investigated.
(Invited) Nanocrystalline Silicon Thin Film Transistors for Neuromorphic Applications
Authors: Vogel Eric M. , Subramaniam Anand , Cantley Kurtis D.
Published: June 2013

This paper briefly reviews some of our recent work on the fabrication, modeling and characterization of neuromorphic circuits using nanocrystalline-silicon (nc-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) and memristive (resistive switch) devices (1-11). SPICE models of our fabricated devices are presented. Complex synaptic and learning behavior is demonstrated as a natural outcome of using these specific devices. The fabrication processes are consistent with the use of glass or flexible substrates. Therefore, the neuromorphic architecture may provide for information processing that is more efficient than that expected for conventional TFT circuitry.
Multi-Bit Unified Memory Concept in FinFETs with ONO Buried Insulator
Authors: Chang Sung-Jae , Bawedin Maryline , Xiong Wade , Lee Jong-Hyun , Lee Jung-Hee , Cristoloveanu Sorin
Published: June 2013

Transient mechanisms in SOI FinFETs fabricated on ONO buried insulator were investigated for multi-bit unified memory operation. In nonvolatile memory applications, charges are trapped/detrapped in the nitride buried layer by back-gate or drain bias and are sensed at the front-channel. Volatile charges are generated by impact ionization and stored in the silicon body of the transistor. The volatile charges are sensed at the back-channel. Our experimental results demonstrate multi-bit unified memory by advantageously combining the two memory modes. Systematic measurements reveal that the impact of the nonvolatile charges located near the drain side on the volatile sensing margin is larger than the charges located at the opposite side.
Effects of a Multidisciplinary Childhood Obesity Treatment Intervention on Adipocytokines, Inflammatory and Growth Mediators
Authors: Nemet Dan , Oren Shira , Pantanowitz Michal , Eliakim Alon
Published: June 2013

Background/Aims: To examine the effects of a 3-month multidisciplinary intervention on anthropometric measures, physical activity patterns and fitness, inflammatory cytokines, adipocytokines, and growth mediators in obese children. Methods: 21 obese subjects completed the 3-month intervention and were compared with 20 age-, gender- and maturity-matched controls. Subjects underwent anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI percentile and waist circumference), blood tests (IL-6, CRP, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, IGF-I and glucose), a progressive treadmill exercise test to evaluate fitness, and habitual activity assessment before and after the intervention. Results: The intervention led to a significant change of differences in body weight (-1.3 ± 4.1 vs. 2.5 ± 3.3 kg), BMI percentile (-0.96 ± 1.29 vs. 0.19 ± 0.8), waist circumference (-2.1 ± 2.7 vs. 2.9 ± 3.0 cm) and running time (149.9 ± 86.3 vs. -8.2 ± 88.0 s) in the intervention compared to control. There was a significant increase in leisure-time physical activity (Godin questionnaire, 29.04 ± 6.8 vs. -1.3 ± 9.2) and a decrease in sedentary activity (-1.4 ± 0.73 vs. 0.02 ± 0.62 h/day) in the intervention compared to control. Significant change differences in adiponectin (2,308 ± 1,640 vs. -801 ± 465 ng/ml), IGF-I (33.8 ± 37.8 vs. -1.0 ± 36.2 ng/ml), CRP (-0.06 ± 0.29 vs. 0.5 ± 0.86 mg/dl) and HOMA-IR (-0.15 ± 0.57 vs. 0.55 ± 0.84) were found in the intervention group compared to control. Conclusions: Our results highlight the short-term beneficial effects of a childhood obesity multidisciplinary intervention on anthropometrics, habitual activity, fitness, inflammatory and metabolic measures. The longer-term effects of these changes on obesity-associated metabolic risks are yet to be determined.
Comparison of Exhaled Endogenous Particles from Smokers and Non-Smokers Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Bredberg Anna , Josefson Mats , Almstrand Ann-Charlotte , Lausmaa Jukka , Sjövall Peter , Levinsson Anna , Larsson Per , Olin Anna-Carin
Published: June 2013

Background: Smoking, along with many respiratory diseases, has been shown to induce airway inflammation and alter the composition of the respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF). We have previously shown that the phospholipid and protein composition of particles in exhaled air (PEx) reflects that of RTLF. In this study, we hypothesized that the composition of PEx differs between smokers and non-smokers, reflecting inflammation in the airways. Objective: It was the aim of this study to identify differences in the phospholipid composition of PEx from smokers and non-smokers. Methods: PEx from 12 smokers and 13 non-smokers was collected using a system developed in-house. PEx was analysed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and the mass spectral data were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) was used to relate smoking status, lung function and pack years to the chemical composition of RTLF. The discriminating ions identified by OPLS were then used as explanatory variables in traditional regression analysis. Results: There was a clear discrimination between smokers and non-smokers according to the chemical composition, where phospholipids from smokers were protonated and sodiated to a larger extent. Poor lung function showed a strong association with higher response from all molecular phosphatidylcholine species in the samples. Furthermore, the accumulated amount of tobacco consumed was associated with variations in mass spectra, indicating a dose-response relationship. Conclusion: The chemical composition of PEx differs between smokers and non-smokers, reflecting differences in the RTLF. The results from this study may suggest that the composition of RTLF is affected by smoking and may be of importance for lung function.
Comparison of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, Shock Wave Lithotripsy, and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Lower Pole Renal Calculi 10-20 mm
Authors: Ozturk Ufuk , Sener Nevzat Can , Goktug H.N. Goksel , Nalbant Ismail , Gucuk Adnan , Imamoglu M. Abdurrahim
Published: June 2013

Objective: To compare the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for 1- to 2-cm lower pole kidney stones. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was based on data collected from the files of patients between January 2007 and May 2012. The files of 383 patients (221 SWL, 144 PCNL, 38 RIRS) were evaluated. The groups were compared for stone size, success rate, and complication rate using the modified Clavien grading system. Results: The stone burdens of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 76, 94, and 73%, respectively, in SWL, PCNL, and RIRS. The highest stone-free rate was in the PNL group (p < 0.05). When the complication rates were evaluated using the Clavien grading system, they were determined to be 13% in PCNL, 3% in SWL, and 5% in RIRS. Especially GII and GIII complications were more common in the PCNL group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PCNL seems to be the most successful but most invasive method. However, with relatively low complication rates, SWL and RIRS are other techniques to keep in mind. To determine the first-line treatment, prospective randomized studies with larger series are needed.
Lipoatrophy Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Coeliac Disease in Female Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Salgin Burak , Meissner Thomas , Beyer Peter , Haberland Holger , Borkenstein Martin , Fussenegger Jörg , Brand Ulrich , Hauffa Berthold P. , Hungele Andreas , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: June 2013

Background/Aims: Lipoatrophy (LA) is a rare, possibly under-recognised side effect of insulin treatment of unclear aetiology. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who have LA and to explore the relationship between LA and other autoimmune diseases based on the hypothesis that additional autoimmune phenomena are more prevalent in T1D patients with LA. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study of T1D patients with LA in comparison to T1D patients without LA who are registered with the Diabetes Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentationssystem database of 241,650 patients in Germany and Austria. Results: Hashimoto's thyroiditis and coeliac disease were more prevalent in patients with LA (p < 0.001 for both). LA was associated with an increased risk of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and coeliac disease in female patients [odds ratio (OR) 2.5, p = 0.003, and OR 3.1, p = 0.02, respectively]. This relationship persisted after adjustment for current age, duration of diabetes and calendar year of treatment (OR 2.7, p = 0.002, and OR 3.5, p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that an immune complex-mediated inflammatory process may be important in the development of LA.
1-[2-(2-Methoxyphenylamino)ethylamino]-3-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)propan-2-ol as a Potential Anticancer Drug
Authors: Kanno Takeshi , Tanaka Akito , Shimizu Tadashi , Nakano Takashi , Nishizaki Tomoyuki
Published: June 2013

The aim of the present study was to assess the anticancer effect of several naftopidil analogues on human malignant mesothelioma cell lines NCI-H28, NCI-H2052, NCI-H2452, and MSTO-211H, human lung cancer cell lines A549, SBC-3, and Lu-65, human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and HuH-7, human gastric cancer cell lines MKN-28 and MKN-45, and human bladder cancer cell lines 253J, 5637, KK-47, TCCSUP, T24, and UM-UC-3, human prostate cancer cell lines DU145, LNCap, and PC-3, and human renal cancer cell lines ACHN, RCC4-VHL, and 786-O. We newly synthesized 21 naftopidil analogues, and of them 1-[2-(2-methoxyphenylamino)ethylamino]-3-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)propan-2-ol (HUHS1015) most efficiently reduced cell viability for all the investigated malignant mesothelioma cell lines in a concentration (1-100 μmol/l)-dependent manner. HUHS1015 reduced cell viability for all other investigated cancer cell lines, to an extent similar to that for malignant mesothelioma cell lines. HUHS1015 activated caspase-3 and -4, without activating caspase-8 and -9, in malignant mesothelioma cell lines. The results of the present study, thus, indicate that HUHS1015 induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, possibly by activating caspase-4 and the effector caspase-3.
Polyploidy in Animals: Effects of Gene Expression on Sex Determination, Evolution and Ecology
Authors: Wertheim B. , Beukeboom L.W. , van de Zande L.
Published: June 2013

Polyploidy is rarer in animals than in plants. Why? Since Muller's observation in 1925, many hypotheses have been proposed and tested, but none were able to completely explain this intriguing fact. New genomic technologies enable the study of whole genomes to explain the constraints on or consequences of polyploidization, rather than focusing on specific genes or life history characteristics. Here, we review a selection of old and recent literature on polyploidy in animals, with emphasis on the consequences of polyploidization for gene expression patterns and genomic network interactions. We propose a conceptual model to contrast various scenarios for changes in genomic networks, which may serve as a framework to explain the different evolutionary dynamics of polyploidy in animals and plants. We also present new insights of genetic sex determination in animals and our emerging understanding of how animal sex determination systems may hamper or enable polyploidization, including some recent data on haplodiploids. We discuss the role of polyploidy in evolution and ecology, using a gene regulation perspective, and conclude with a synopsis regarding the effects of whole genome duplications on the balance of genomic networks. See also the sister articles focusing on plants by Ashman et al. and Madlung and Wendel in this themed issue.
Lessons from Natural and Artificial Polyploids in Higher Plants
Authors: Hegarty M. , Coate J. , Sherman-Broyles S. , Abbott R. , Hiscock S. , Doyle J.
Published: June 2013

Polyploidy in higher plants is a major source of genetic novelty upon which selection may act to drive evolution, as evidenced by the widespread success of polyploid species in the wild. However, research into the effects of polyploidy can be confounded by the entanglement of several processes: genome duplication, hybridisation (allopolyploidy is frequent in plants) and subsequent evolution. The discovery of the chemical agent colchicine, which can be used to produce artificial polyploids on demand, has enabled scientists to unravel these threads and understand the complex genomic changes involved in each. We present here an overview of lessons learnt from studies of natural and artificial polyploids, and from comparisons between the 2, covering basic cellular and metabolic consequences through to alterations in epigenetic gene regulation, together with 2 in-depth case studies in Senecio and Glycine. See also the sister article focusing on animals by Arai and Fujimoto in this themed issue.
Recreational Nitrous Oxide Abuse-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency in a Patient Presenting with Hyperpigmentation of the Skin
Authors: Chiang Tsung-Ta , Hung Chih-Tsung , Wang Wei-Ming , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Yang Fu-Chi
Published: June 2013

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes skin hyperpigmentation, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, and megaloblastic anemia. Although vitamin B12 deficiency rarely occurs in well-nourished, healthy, young people, nitrous oxide (N2O) intoxication is an important cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in this cohort. N2O, a colorless gas used as an anesthetic since the late 19th century because of its euphoric and analgesic qualities, is now used as a recreational drug and is available via the Internet and at clubs. Here, we describe the case of a 29-year-old woman presenting with skin hyperpigmentation as her only initial symptom after N2O abuse for approximately 2 years. N2O intoxication-induced vitamin B12 deficiency was diagnosed based on the skin pigmentation that had manifested over the dorsa of her fingers, toes, and trunk, coupled with myeloneuropathy of the posterior and lateral columns, a low serum vitamin B12 level, an elevated serum homocysteine level, and the N2O exposure revealed while establishing the patient's history. Symptoms improved significantly with vitamin B12 treatment. We recommend that dermatologists consider N2O intoxication-induced vitamin B12 deficiency as a potential cause of skin hyperpigmentation and myeloneuropathy of the posterior and lateral columns in young, otherwise healthy patients. Failure to recognize this presentation may result in inappropriate treatment, thus affecting patients' clinical outcomes.
Sleep-dependent Neurophysiological Processes in Implicit Sequence Learning
Authors: Urbain Charline , Schmitz Rémy , Schmidt Christina , Cleeremans Axel , Van Bogaert Patrick , Maquet Pierre , Peigneux Philippe
Published: June 2013

Behavioral studies have cast doubts about the role that posttraining sleep may play in the consolidation of implicit sequence learning. Here, we used event-related fMRI to test the hypothesis that sleep-dependent functional reorganization would take place in the underlying neural circuits even in the possible absence of obvious behavioral changes. Twenty-four healthy human adults were scanned at Day 1 and then at Day 4 during an implicit probabilistic serial RT task. They either slept normally (RS) or were sleep-deprived (SD) on the first posttraining night. Unknown to them, the sequential structure of the material was based on a probabilistic finite-state grammar, with 15% chance on each trial of replacing the rules-based grammatical (G) stimulus with a nongrammatical (NG) one. Results indicated a gradual differentiation across sessions between RTs (faster RTs for G than NG), together with NG-related BOLD responses reflecting sequence learning. Similar behavioral patterns were observed in RS and SD participants at Day 4, indicating time- but not sleep-dependent consolidation of performance. Notwithstanding, we observed at Day 4 in the RS group a diminished differentiation between G- and NG-related neurophysiological responses in a set of cortical and subcortical areas previously identified as being part of the network involved in implicit sequence learning and its offline processing during sleep, indicating a sleep-dependent processing of both regular and deviant stimuli. Our results suggest the sleep-dependent development of distinct neurophysiological processes subtending consolidation of implicit motor sequence learning, even in the absence of overt behavioral differences.
Why Bilateral Damage Is Worse than Unilateral Damage to the Brain
Authors: Schapiro Anna C. , McClelland James L. , Welbourne Stephen R. , Rogers Timothy T. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: June 2013

Human and animal lesion studies have shown that behavior can be catastrophically impaired after bilateral lesions but that unilateral damage often produces little or no effect, even controlling for lesion extent. This pattern is found across many different sensory, motor, and memory domains. Despite these findings, there has been no systematic, computational explanation. We found that the same striking difference between unilateral and bilateral damage emerged in a distributed, recurrent attractor neural network. The difference persists in simple feedforward networks, where it can be understood in explicit quantitative terms. In essence, damage both distorts and reduces the magnitude of relevant activity in each hemisphere. Unilateral damage reduces the relative magnitude of the contribution to performance of the damaged side, allowing the intact side to dominate performance. In contrast, balanced bilateral damage distorts representations on both sides, which contribute equally, resulting in degraded performance. The model's ability to account for relevant patient data suggests that mechanisms similar to those in the model may operate in the brain.
Reapplying the Language Tree Model to the History of Yiddish
Authors: Beider Alexander
Published: June 2013

Abstract

The article discusses several definitions of the notion of Yiddish that exist in linguistic studies. The Germanistic approach emphasizes differences between various German and Yiddish dialects. The Judeo-Centric approach, developed during the second half of the 20th century as an alternative method to that used by the Germanistic school, puts the uninterrupted chain of languages spoken by Jews in the center of its linguistic analysis. For the representatives of this school, Yiddish is a fusion language from its inception, the process they generally posit to the period when the first Jewish communities appeared in German-speaking territories. As suggested in this article, for the adequate understanding of the development of Yiddish, several notions used by the two approaches should be combined. Only the Germanistic approach provides appropriate frames for analyzing the genesis of Yiddish according to the Language Tree model. Its (re)application shows the inadequacy of certain basic positions of the Judeo-Centric Approach. Yet, several notions introduced by the proponents of the latter method still represent a major contribution in Yiddish studies. The notion of “fusion” creates an appropriate theoretical tool for studying the development of Yiddish varieties. The consideration of the uninterrupted chain of languages spoken by Jews sheds light on factors that were invisible within the Germanistic approach. The article also suggests a classification of languages spoken by Jews useful for the analysis of their historical development.
The misleading use of the terms parent, child, ancestor and descendant in databases dealing with biological evolution and taxonomy
Authors: DUBOIS Alain , BERKANI Mohamed
Published: June 2013

The rapid burst of electronic databases in the recent decades has led to a boom in specialised terminology meant to describe the structure and way of functioning of these databases. Some of this terminology was borrowed from “common language” vocabulary but used in a specialized technical language. This decision to use existing terms in a new sense, rather than coining new terms for the new concepts, was a questionable one as in some cases this terminology may be misleading, at least in certain contexts. This is the case, in our opinion, with the use of terms expressing genealogical relationships to express hierarchical taxonomic relationships in databases.
Coexistence of Atmospheric Gravity Waves and Boundary Layer Rolls Observed by SAR*
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Zheng Weizhong , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhang Jun A. , Pichel William G. , Li Ziwei
Published: June 2013

Both atmospheric gravity waves (AGW) and marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) rolls are simultaneously observed on an Environmental Satellite (Envisat) advanced synthetic aperture radar (ASAR) image acquired along the China coast on 22 May 2005. The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image covers about 400 km × 400 km of a coastal area of the Yellow Sea. The sea surface imprints of AGW show the patterns of both a transverse wave along the coastal plain and a diverging wave in the lee of Mount Laoshan (1133-m peak), which indicate that terrain forcing affects the formation of AGW. The AGW have a wavelength of 8–10 km and extend about 100 km offshore. Model simulation shows that these waves have an amplitude over 3 km. Finer-scale (~2 km) brushlike roughness features perpendicular to the coast are also observed, and they are interpreted as MABL rolls. The FFT analysis shows that the roll wavelengths vary spatially. The two-way interactive, triply nested grid (9–3–1 km) Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) simulation reproduces AGW-generated wind perturbations that are in phase at all levels, reaching up to the 700-hPa level for the diverging AGW and the 900-hPa level for the transverse AGW. The WRF simulation also reveals that dynamic instability, rather than thermodynamic instability, is the cause for the MABL roll generation. Differences in atmospheric inflection-point level and instability at different locations are reasons why the roll wavelengths vary spatially.
Mapping Weather-Type Influence on Senegal Precipitation Based on a Spatial–Temporal Statistical Model*
Authors: Rust Henning W. , Vrac Mathieu , Sultan Benjamin , Lengaigne Matthieu
Published: June 2013

Senegal is particularly vulnerable to precipitation variability. To investigate the influence of large-scale circulation on local-scale precipitation, a full spatial–statistical description of precipitation occurrence and amount for Senegal is developed. These regression-type models have been built on the basis of daily records at 137 locations and were developed in two stages: (i) a baseline model describing the expected daily occurrence probability and precipitation amount as spatial fields from monsoon onset to offset, and (ii) the inclusion of weather types defined from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis 850-hPa winds and 925-hPa relative humidity establishing the link to the synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation. During peak phase, the resulting types appear in two main cycles that can be linked to passing African easterly waves. The models allow the investigation of the spatial response of precipitation occurrence and amount to a discrete set of preferred states of the atmospheric circulation. As such, they can be used for drought risk mapping and the downscaling of climate change projections.

Necessary choices, such as filtering and scaling of the atmospheric data (as well as the number of weather types to be used), have been made on the basis of the precipitation models' performance instead of relying on external criteria. It could be demonstrated that the inclusion of the synoptic-scale weather types lead to skill on the local and daily scale. On the interannual scale, the models for precipitation occurrence and amount capture 26% and 38% of the interannual spatially averaged variability, corresponding to Pearson correlation coefficients of rO = 0.52 and ri = 0.65, respectively.
Changes in Temperature Records and Extremes: Are They Statistically Significant?
Authors: Christiansen Bo
Published: June 2013

The author investigates whether the increasing numbers of warm records and warm extremes in the extratropical Northern Hemisphere over the last decade are statistically significant. For the extremes, the focus is on summer mean temperatures; for warm records it is on daily and monthly means. Statistical significance is a highly nontrivial problem because the atmosphere is both spatially and temporally strongly autocorrelated. Therefore, a method is applied to produce an ensemble of surrogate fields that are statistically similar to the observed temperature field except that the surrogates are stationary. The significance is then estimated by comparing the number of records or extremes in the observations to similar numbers in the surrogates.

The number of warm records and the number of extreme summers are found to have the same general temporal development, with a slow decrease from the late 1940s to a minimum in the 1970s followed by an increase to the present high values. However, there is a strong difference in the statistical significance of the different quantities. With very strong statistical significance, the recent large number of warm daily records and the number of extremely warm summers cannot be explained as chance occurrences. Both of these quantities show numbers of recent consecutive years with values above the 95% level that are much larger than any similar numbers found in the ensemble of 1000 surrogates. No significant change in the number of monthly warm records is found. The statistical significance weakens when considering the individual seasons or smaller regions like Europe.
Variability of the Heat and Salt Budget in the Subtropical Southeastern Pacific Mixed Layer between 2004 and 2010: Spice Injection Mechanism
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Nicolas , Gaillard Fabienne
Published: June 2013

The mixed layer heat and salt budget in the southeastern subtropical Pacific are estimated using 7 years (2004–10) of Argo-profiling float data, surface fluxes, precipitation, surface velocity data, and wind observations and reanalysis. In this region, the mixed layer heat budget is characterized by a strong annual cycle mainly modulated by the shortwave radiation annual cycle. During the austral fall and winter, the shortwave radiation input minimum is overwhelmed by the heat loss mainly because of the latent heat flux. The mixed layer salt budget also presents a strong annual cycle with a minimum of salt content during the late austral winter. In contrast with the heat budget, the salt budget is mainly driven by the unresolved terms computed as the residual of the budget. Among these missing terms, the most likely candidate is the vertical turbulent mixing as a result of convection caused by the heat surface buoyancy loss and the destabilizing vertical gradient of salinity at the base of the mixed layer. This downward flux of salt at the base of the mixed layer could explain the annual spiciness injection and interannual spiciness variability in the permanent thermocline in the southeastern Pacific.
Processes Controlling the Structure and Longevity of Two Quasi-Linear Convective Systems Crossing the Southern New England Coast
Authors: Lombardo Kelly , Colle Brian A.
Published: June 2013

This paper explores the structural evolution and physical processes that explain the modification of two quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) that encountered the densely populated New York City–Atlantic coastal region. One QLCS on 31 May 2002 traversed the Atlantic coastal boundary with little change in its intensity, producing widespread severe wind damage across New York City and Long Island. During this event, warm air advection at 925 hPa helped destabilize the layer above this level over the coastal zone, while the marine boundary layer deepened below this level. The 0–3-km line-perpendicular vertical wind shear was relatively strong, which supported ascent along the leading edge of the diabatically generated cold pool. The surface-based convective system became slightly elevated as it moved over the marine waters. In contrast, the 23 July 2002 QLCS decayed upon encountering the Atlantic coastline, despite its coincidence with a surface cold front. The most unstable CAPE values during this decaying event were 400–800 J kg−1 greater than the sustaining 31 May event, though the 0–3-km vertical wind shear was approximately half. Weaker shear likely contributed to limited ascent along the leading edge of the surface based cold pool, and ultimately the demise of the convective line. Sensitivity tests highlight the importance of the relationship between the cold pool and vertical shear during these two events, and illustrate the limited role of the marine layer in modifying the evolution of these two convective systems.
The Use of Infrared Temperature Sensors in Hazardous Areas for Preventative Maintenance
Authors: Towle L C , Barry Tim
Published: June 2013

This article begins by discussing the use of infrared thermometry to monitor the temperature of bearings. The reliability of a system using this type of sensor is estimated, and its suitability for use in an explosion protection technique is examined. Finally, some of the aspects of the intrinsic safety of the system, in particular the safety at high temperatures, are outlined.
Self-Compassionate Reactions to Health Threats
Authors: Terry Meredith L. , Leary Mark R. , Mehta Sneha , Henderson Kelly
Published: June 2013

Four studies investigated the relationship between self-compassion, health behaviors, and reactions to illness. Participants completed measures of self-compassion, health-related thoughts and feelings, reactions to actual and hypothetical illnesses, and self-regulation. Study 1 revealed that self-compassion was related to health-related cognitions and affect for healthy and unhealthy participants. In Study 2, self-compassion predicted participants’ reactions to actual illnesses beyond the influence of illness severity and other predictors of health behaviors. Self-compassionate people also indicated they would seek medical attention sooner when experiencing symptoms than people lower in self-compassion. Study 3 demonstrated that self-compassion is related to health-promoting behaviors even after accounting for self-regulatory capabilities and illness cognitions. Study 4 revealed that the relationship between self-compassion and health reactions is partially explained by a proactive approach to health, benevolent self-talk, and a motivation toward self-kindness. Overall, these studies demonstrate that self-compassion has important implications for health-promoting behaviors and reactions to illness.
Pakistani journalism: at the crossroads of Muslim identity, national priorities and journalistic culture
Authors: Pintak Lawrence , Nazir Syed Javed
Published: June 2013

A loosening of controls on the Pakistani media in recent years has meant the influence of Pakistani journalists is increasingly being felt in country’s tumultuous internal politics and its relations with the West. That has sparked a backlash, which has made Pakistan among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Given the country’s key strategic role, both in terms of South Asian regional geo-politics and in the broader global struggle against radical Islamist militancy, it is important to better understand the evolution of media culture in Pakistani society. A nationwide survey, replicating recent studies of Arab and Indonesian journalists, found that nationalism, religious identity and a growing sense of professionalism shape the worldview of Pakistani journalists, whose overarching goals include defending national sovereignty and facilitating societal development.