bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective observational study of quality of diabetes care in a shared care setting: trends and age differences (ZODIAC-19)
Authors: van Hateren Kornelis J J , Drion Iefke , Kleefstra Nanne , Groenier Klaas H , Houweling Sebastiaan T , van der Meer Klaas , Bilo Henk J G
Published: August 2012

Objective

The Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) study was initiated in 1998 to investigate the effects of shared care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Netherlands, and to reduce the number of diabetes-related complications. Benchmarking the performance of diabetes care was and is an important aspect of this study. We aimed to investigate trends in diabetes care, within the ZODIAC study for a wide variety of quality indicators during a long follow-up period (1998–2008), with special interest for different age groups.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Primary care, Zwolle, The Netherlands.

Participants

Patients with T2DM.

Methods

A dataset of quality measures was collected annually during the patient's visit to the practice nurse or general practitioner. Linear time trends from 1998 to 2008 were estimated using linear mixed models in which we adjusted for age and gender. Age was included in the model as a categorical variable: for each follow-up year all participants were categorised into the categories <60, 60–75 and >75 years. Differences in trends between the age categories were investigated by adding an interaction term to the model.

Results

The number of patients who were reported to participate increased in the period 1998–2008 from 1622 to 27 438. All quality indicators improved in this study, except for body mass index. The prevalence albuminuria decreased in an 11-year-period from 42% to 21%. No relevant differences between the trends for the three age categories were observed. During all years of follow-up, mean blood pressure and body mass index were the lowest and highest, respectively, in the group of patients <60 years (data not shown).

Conclusions

Quality of diabetes care within the Dutch ZODIAC study, a shared care project, has considerably improved in the period 1998–2008. There were no relevant differences between trends across various age categories.
The Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) study: protocol for a prospective controlled quasi-experiment to evaluate the impact of urban regeneration on young people and their families
Authors: Smith Neil R , Clark Charlotte , Fahy Amanda E , Tharmaratnam Vanathi , Lewis Daniel J , Thompson Claire , Renton Adrian , Moore Derek G , Bhui Kamaldeep S , Taylor Stephanie J C , Eldridge Sandra , Petticrew Mark , Greenhalgh Tricia , Stansfeld Stephen A , Cummins Steven
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Recent systematic reviews suggest that there is a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of large-scale urban regeneration programmes in improving health and well-being and alleviating health inequalities. The development of the Olympic Park in Stratford for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provides the opportunity to take advantage of a natural experiment to examine the impact of large-scale urban regeneration on the health and well-being of young people and their families.

Design and methods

A prospective school-based survey of adolescents (11–12 years) with parent data collected through face-to-face interviews at home. Adolescents will be recruited from six randomly selected schools in an area receiving large-scale urban regeneration (London Borough of Newham) and compared with adolescents in 18 schools in three comparison areas with no equivalent regeneration (London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Barking & Dagenham). Baseline data will be completed prior to the start of the London Olympics (July 2012) with follow-up at 6 and 18 months postintervention. Primary outcomes are: pre–post change in adolescent and parent mental health and well-being, physical activity and parental employment status. Secondary outcomes include: pre–post change in social cohesion, smoking, alcohol use, diet and body mass index. The study will account for individual and environmental contextual effects in evaluating changes to identified outcomes. A nested longitudinal qualitative study will explore families’ experiences of regeneration in order to unpack the process by which regeneration impacts on health and well-being.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has approval from Queen Mary University of London Ethics Committee (QMREC2011/40), the Association of Directors of Children's Services (RGE110927) and the London Boroughs Research Governance Framework (CERGF113). Fieldworkers have had advanced Criminal Records Bureau clearance. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, national and international conferences, through participating schools and the study website (http://www.orielproject.co.uk).
Agricultural exposures and farm-related injuries among adolescents in rural China
Authors: Shen Min , Wang Youjie , Yang Senbei , Du Yukai , Xiang Huiyun , Stallones Lorann
Published: August 2012

This cross-sectional study explored the incidence of farm injuries and the relationship between agricultural exposures and injury among 2053 adolescents aged 13–19 years in Macheng, China. A comprehensive self-administered questionnaire was given to adolescents. The cumulative incidence rate of farm injury was 19.8%. Adolescents who were male, aged 10–15 years, left behind, working more days each month and living on the plains, reported higher rates. Specific agricultural exposures, such as large animals, pesticides and operating farm machinery were associated with higher injury rates. Prevention programmes are needed to reduce farm injuries.
Cost benefit analysis of 20 mph zones in London
Authors: Steinbach Rebecca , Cairns John , Grundy Chris , Edwards Phil
Published: August 2012

Evidence suggests that 20 mph zones are an effective intervention to reduce casualties from road traffic crashes in urban areas. This analysis compares the costs of construction of the 20 mph zone intervention in high and low casualty areas in London to the value of casualties avoided over 5 and 10 year time horizons. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to quantify uncertainty in the results associated with model parameters. Results indicate a net present value (NPV) of £18 947 (90% credible limits −£75 252 to £82 021 2005 prices) after 5 years and £67 306 (£−29 157 to £137 890) after 10 years when 20 mph zones are implemented in areas with one or more casualty per kilometre of road. Simulations from our model suggest that the ‘threshold of casualties’ where NPVs become positive using a 10 year time horizon is 0.7 casualties per kilometre.
Utilization of CT perfusion patient selection for mechanical thrombectomy irrespective of time: a comparison of functional outcomes and complications
Authors: Turk Aquilla S , Nyberg Eric MacKenzie , Chaudry M Imran , Turner Raymond D , Magarik Jordan Asher , Nicholas Joyce S , Holmstedt Christine A , Chalela Julio Alejandro , Hays Angela , Lazaridis Christos , Chimowitz Marc I , Turan Tanya N , Adams Robert J , Jauch Edward C
Published: August 2012

Background

Patient selection for acute ischemic stroke has been largely driven by time-based criteria, although emerging data suggest that image-based criteria may be useful. The purpose of this study was to directly compare outcomes of patients treated within a traditional time window with those treated beyond this benchmark when CT perfusion (CTP) imaging was used as the primary selection tool.

Methods

A prospectively collected database of all patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intra-arterial therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina was retrospectively analyzed, regardless of time from symptom onset. At presentation, CTP maps were qualitatively assessed. Selected patients underwent intra-arterial therapy. Functional outcome according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at about 90 days was documented.

Results

140 patients were included in the study. The median time from symptom onset to groin access was 7.0 h. Overall, 28 patients (20%) had bleeding complications, but only 10 (7.1%) were symptomatic. The average National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score for patients treated ≤7 h from symptom onset was 17.3 and 30.2% had a mRS score of 0–2 at 90 days. Patients treated >7 h from symptom onset had an average NIHSS score of 15.1 and 45.5% achieved a mRS score of 0–2 at 90 days (p=0.104). Patients in the two groups had similar rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (8.5% and 5.8%, respectively; p=0.745).

Conclusions

No difference was found in the rates of good functional outcome between patients treated ≤7 h and those treated >7 h from symptom onset. These data suggest that imaging-based patient selection is a safe and viable methodology.
ASSESSING CHINA'S RENMINBI PEG TO THE U.S. DOLLAR: THE CASE FOR GREATER RMB EXCHANGE RATE FLEXIBILITY
Authors: SUN WEI , AN LIAN
Published: August 2012

This paper assesses China's Renminbi peg to the U.S. dollar using a structural VAR model. One unique contribution of the paper is that we model China as a large open economy in one structural VAR model with the U.S. by utilizing combinations of short- and long-run identification restrictions and relax the small open economy assumption usually imposed on China. Using monthly data for the period of 1990:4 to 2007:12, we find the following. First, U.S. shocks do not explain much of the output fluctuations in China, indicating that the two economies are subject to asymmetric shocks. Optimum currency area theory suggests that more flexibility of the RMB relative to the dollar may be desirable. Second, U.S. shocks explain little of the fluctuations in China's CPI, suggesting that the benefits of importing inflation from the U.S. by pegging to the dollar are minimal, thus more flexibility in the RMB relative to the dollar is feasible. Third, U.S. shocks do not influence China's international competitiveness (REER) to a noticeable extent, suggesting that moving toward more flexibility relative to the dollar may be in China's interest.
INFLOW OF REMITTANCES AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN INDIA
Authors: MALLICK HRUSHIKESH
Published: August 2012

Examining the impact of remittances on private investment, the study finds that remittances have an adverse impact on private investment and hence is apprehensive about its net positive impact on output growth in India. Therefore, the study suggests that the government policy should be designed toward inducing private sector to allocate more remittances for investments for leveling up the rate of economic growth. Otherwise, a significant proportion of remittances would result in increase in private consumption without desired contributory impact. The study also observes crowding out impact of public sector investment, while openness measure raises private sector investment.
THE IMPACT OF FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION ON TAX EFFORT OF CHINA'S LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AFTER THE TAX SHARING SYSTEM
Authors: HUANG JR-TSUNG , LO KUANG-TA , SHE PO-WEN
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether and to what extent fiscal decentralization affects tax effort of local governments in China after the Tax Sharing System (TSS). This research provides different indexes of tax effort and fiscal decentralization in analysis. By using the panel data of 31 regions in China during the period of 1996–2006 and the two-way fixed-effect model, the empirical results show that fiscal decentralization has a significantly positive impact on tax effort of local governments. In addition, this positive influence of fiscal decentralization on tax effort increases over time. Finally, trade openness and industrialization level also will enhance the local government's tax effort.
WAGE SPILLOVERS IN INDIAN MANUFACTURING
Authors: CHIDAMBARAN IYER G.
Published: August 2012

The presence of foreign firms might lead to movement of skilled labor from domestic firms. To prevent such movement, domestic firms could increase their wages. Also, productivity spillovers from foreign firms may increase the productivity of domestic firms and possibly the wages given in domestic firms. In this paper, we try to answer whether the wages offered by domestic firms to their labor is affected by the presence of foreign firms. We carry out our analysis for an unbalanced firm-level panel dataset for 6 two-digit industries in Indian manufacturing. We find some evidence for positive wage spillover in three industries.
K-RATIONAL D-BRANE CRYSTALS
Authors: SCHIMMRIGK ROLF
Published: August 2012

In this paper the problem of constructing space–time from string theory is addressed in the context of D-brane physics. It is suggested that the knowledge of discrete configurations of D-branes is sufficient to reconstruct the motivic building blocks of certain Calabi–Yau varieties. The collections of D-branes involved have algebraic base points, leading to the notion of K-arithmetic D-crystals for algebraic number fields K. This idea can be tested for D0-branes in the framework of toroidal compactifications via the conjectures of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer. For the special class of D0-crystals of Heegner type these conjectures can be interpreted as formulae that relate the canonical Néron–Tate height of the base points of the D-crystals to special values of the motivic L-function at the central point. In simple cases the knowledge of the D-crystals of Heegner type suffices to uniquely determine the geometry.
CONSTRUCTION OF ASYMPTOTIC FIELDS FOR A CHARGED PARTICLE
Authors: GREENBERG O. W. , COWEN STEVE
Published: August 2012

Asymptotic fields do not exist in theories with massless particles and fields, because the vacuum matrix elements of products of the interacting fields in such theories do not have delta function or principal value singularities in momentum space. We remedy this problem by constructing a field for the charged particle that does have the required singularities in momentum space. We illustrate this construction in quantum electrodynamics (QED).
TESTING OF SOC INTERCONNECTS USING EXTENDED IEEE 1500 STANDARD
Authors: MOUSAVIAN NAFISEH , NOURMANDI-POUR REZA , GHORBANNIA-DELAVAR ARASH
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we proposed BIST-based architecture to at-speed test of crosstalk faults for system-on-chip interconnects. This architecture includes IEEE 1500 wrapper enhanced cells intended for multiple victim test model test patterns generation and analysis test responses. One new instruction is used to control cells and test pattern generator controller in serial test access mechanism of the standard in order to fully comply with conventional IEEE 1500 standard.
MULTIPLEXER-BASED MULTI-LEVEL CIRCUIT SYNTHESIS WITH AREA-POWER TRADE-OFF
Authors: PRADHAN SAMBHU NATH , CHATTOPADHYAY SANTANU
Published: August 2012

Due to the regularity of implementation, multiplexers are widely used in VLSI circuit synthesis. This paper proposes a technique for decomposing a function into 2-to-1 multiplexers performing area-power tradeoff. To the best of our knowledge this is the first ever effort to incorporate leakage into power calculation for multiplexer-based decomposition. With respect to an initial ROBDD (reduced ordered binary decision diagram)-based representation of the function, the scheme shows more than 30% reduction in area, leakage and switching for the LGSynth91 benchmarks without performance degradation. It also enumerates the trade-offs present in the solution space for different weights associated with these three quantities.
SELF-BIASING CURRENT CONVEYOR FOR HIGH FREQUENCY APPLICATIONS
Authors: ARSLAN EMRE , MORGÜL AVNİ
Published: August 2012

A new, self-biasing, differential pair-based and high performance CMOS CCII circuit is proposed which uses no additional biasing voltage or current sources other than the two supply rails. The proposed circuit has high voltage swings on ports X and Y, very low equivalent impedance on port X, high equivalent impedances on ports Y and Z and also wideband voltage and current transfer ratios. The noise analysis of the proposed CCII circuit is studied. Input referred noise voltage at high impedance port Y and input referred noise current at low impedance port X are obtained to form the noise model. Some filter circuits are selected from the literature and their noise comparisons are performed. It is shown that the noise values can differ greatly even though the filter circuits or the passive element values are identical.
SEQUENTIAL LOGIC CIRCUITS RELIABILITY ANALYSIS
Authors: JAHANIRAD HADI , MOHAMMADI KARIM
Published: August 2012

Reliability analysis using error probabilities for combinational logic circuits has been investigated widely in the literature. Reliability analysis for sequential logic circuits using these methods would be inaccurate because of existence of loops in their architecture. In this paper a new method based on conversion of sequential circuit to combinational one and applying an iterative reliability analysis is developed. A Monte Carlo method-based reliability analysis is introduced for sequential circuits, which is used for first method validation. Experimental results demonstrate good accuracy of the method.
ANALYSIS OF A NOVEL FULL ADDER DESIGNED FOR IMPLEMENTING IN CARBONE NANOTUBE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: GHADIRY MAHDIAR , NADI MAHDIEH , MOHAMMADI HOSEIN , BIN ABD MANAF ASRULNIZAM
Published: August 2012

A novel low power-delay product full adder circuit is presented in this paper. A new approach is used in order to design full-swing full adder with low number of transistors. The proposed full adder is implemented in MOSFET-like Carbon nanotube technology and the layout is provided based on standard 32 nm technology from MOSIS. The simulation results using HSPICE show that, there are substantial improvements in both power and performance of the proposed circuit compared to latest designs. In addition, the proposed circuit has been implemented in conventional 32 nm process to estimate the advantages of using carbon-based transistors in digital designs over conventional silicon technology. The proposed circuit can be applied in ultra low power and very high speed applications.
PRE-RESOLVE AND SENSE ADIABATIC LOGIC FOR 100 KHZ TO 500 MHZ FREQUENCY CLASSES
Authors: KANCHANA BHAASKARAN V. S. , RAINA J. P.
Published: August 2012

The novel pre-resolve and Sense Adiabatic Logic (PSAL) is a less complex quasi-adiabatic logic circuit usable for frequency range from 100 KHz to 500 MHz. It employs a large height pre-resolved nMOS structured tree and a differential sensing logic. The logic realizes superior energy efficiency through reduced silicon area requirement, low circuit latency, glitch-free output and less switching transients. Significant reduction in switched capacitance realizes enhanced speed performance. Furthermore, evaluation of more than one level of gate (or a complex gate) in each phase makes use of less number of buffers possible, in the adiabatic pipeline. With circuit latency being a major impediment of four-phase adiabatic logic styles, PSAL achieves better throughput and reduced critical path length leading to improved frequency performance. The nMOS structured cascode tree and differential sensing logic help overcome the incomplete charge-recovery and the floating output node problems prevalent in adiabatic logic structures. Full custom and modular flow is adopted in the circuit designs. The design is proved energy-efficient for both low and high frequency ranges of the order of 200 KHz and 500 MHz, respectively for an 8-bit multiplier. Full-custom designs are done using 350 nm CMOS technology library from Austria Micro Systems. Performance efficiency is proved through comparisons with static CMOS and PFAL equivalent circuits through extensive post-layout simulations.
PROGRESS IN COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES OF HOST–PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS
Authors: ZHOU HUFENG , JIN JINGJING , WONG LIMSOON
Published: August 2012

Host–pathogen interactions are important for understanding infection mechanism and developing better treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Many computational studies on host–pathogen interactions have been published. Here, we review recent progress and results in this field and provide a systematic summary, comparison and discussion of computational studies on host–pathogen interactions, including prediction and analysis of host–pathogen protein–protein interactions; basic principles revealed from host–pathogen interactions; and database and software tools for host–pathogen interaction data collection, integration and analysis.
A FLEXIBLE NONPARAMETRIC APPROACH TO FIND CANDIDATE GENES ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE IN MICROARRAY EXPERIMENTS
Authors: HOSSAIN AHMED , WILLAN ANDREW R. , BEYENE JOSEPH
Published: August 2012

Very often biologists are interested to know the biological function of a particular gene. Its true biological function may depend on other genes. Finding other genes in the same biological pathway of that gene may enhance further understanding of its biological function. Therefore, we are interested in finding other candidate genes whose expression values are highly correlated with that of a "seed" gene. The "seed" gene, which is known and associated with a disease, is used as a reference to extract candidate genes from microarray experiments and enriched pathways. We propose a nonparametric procedure for selecting the candidate genes. The expression levels for these candidate genes are correlated with that of a "seed" gene in microarray experiments. The proposed test statistic compares two Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (AUC) for gene pairs, taking implicit correlation between two AUCs into account. The performance of our method is compared to the other well-known methods through the use of simulation and real data analysis.
EFFECTS OF CONSTRAINTS ON STANDING BALANCE CONTROL OF A BIPED WITH TOE-JOINTS
Authors: KOUCHAKI EHSAN , WU CHIRISTINE QIONG , SADIGH MOHAMMAD JAFAR
Published: August 2012

The constraints between biped foot-links and the ground have significant effects on bipedal motion planning and control. In this paper, such effects on balancing control of a standing biped moving in the sagittal plane are investigated. The biped consists of two parts: an inverted pendulum representing the legs and the upper body, and a foot having a toe-link and a heel-link. The biped is regulated by two torques at the ankle-joint and the toe-joint to maintain the upper body at the upright position and the foot-links being stationary on the ground. Three constraints namely no lifting, no slipping and no rolling over about either the toe or the heel are considered. The satisfaction of the constraints imposes bounds to the control torques, which are crucial to design a control law and predict the type of falls if the constraints are violated. The control bounds caused by each individual constraint are calculated and the interaction between the constraints is also investigated. During the investigation of the control bounds, critical angular velocities are calculated above which the constraints are violated regardless of the control torques. The importance of the toe-joint torque in preventing rolling-over and effect of the toe-link length on standing balance control are also discussed in this work.
SVR CONTROLLER FOR A BIPED ROBOT IN THE SAGITTAL PLANE WITH HUMAN-BASED ZMP TRAJECTORY REFERENCE AND GAIT
Authors: FERREIRA JOÃO P. , CRISÓSTOMO MANUEL , COIMBRA A. PAULO
Published: August 2012

This paper introduces two new important issues to be considered in the design of the zero moment point (ZMP) trajectory of a biped robot. It was verified experimentally that in the human gait the ZMP trajectory moves along the foot in a way that it is shifted forward relative to its center. To take this into account a shift parameter is then proposed. It was also verified experimentally that in the human gait the ZMP trajectory amplitude depends on the swing time, reducing to zero for a static gait. It is then proposed a parameter to take into account this variation with the swing time of the gait. Six experiments were carried out for three different X ZMP trajectory references. In order to evaluate and compare the performance of the biped robot using the three X ZMP trajectory references two performance indexes are proposed. For the real-time balance control of this 8 link biped robot it was used an intelligent computing control technique, the Support Vector Regression (SVR). The control method uses the ZMP error and its variation as inputs and the output is the correction of the robot's ankle and torso angles, necessary for the sagittal balance of the biped robot.
BERS' CONSTANTS FOR PUNCTURED SPHERES AND HYPERELLIPTIC SURFACES
Authors: BALACHEFF FLORENT , PARLIER HUGO
Published: August 2012

The main goal of this paper is to present a proof of Buser's conjecture about Bers' constants for spheres with cusps (or marked points) and for hyperelliptic surfaces. More specifically, our main result states that any hyperbolic sphere with n cusps has a pants decomposition with all of its geodesics of length bounded by [Formula: see text]. Other results include lower and upper bounds for Bers' constants for hyperelliptic surfaces and spheres with boundary geodesics.
END EFFECTS MITIGATION FOR EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION WITH NONLINEAR GRAY MODEL
Authors: HE ZHI , SHEN YI , WANG QIANG , WANG YAN
Published: August 2012

To mitigate end effects of empirical mode decomposition (EMD), a novel approach inspired by the nonlinear gray model (GM) termed as GM(1,1,α) is presented. Other than traditional linear or mirror extension on the boundary, the GM(1,1,α) model is applied to predict two extrema at both ends of the data. It is worth noting that our GM(1,1,α) model is particularly useful for predicting uncertainty data. According to numerical experiments on synthetic signal as well as real data series, the proposed method gives very comparable results with other three generally acknowledged methods, including the linear extension (LE), window function (WF), and mirror symmetry (MS) based methods. That is, the proposed method can reduce end effects and improve decomposition results of EMD significantly.
WHAT ABOUT THE ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR OF THE INTRINSIC MODE FUNCTIONS AS THE SIFTING TIMES TEND TO INFINITY?
Authors: WANG JIN-LIANG , LI ZONG-JUN
Published: August 2012

This paper mainly focuses on discussing the following three suspensions about the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs): (1) Whether more sifting times lead better symmetry to the IMFs or not? (2) Whether the upper and lower envelopes of each IMF degenerate to a pair of symmetric straight lines as the sifting times tend to infinity or not? (3) Whether the average frequencies of the neighboring IMFs get closer enough as the sifting times tend to infinity or not? The first suspension has direct relation to the stoppage criteria, which is of critical importance in the successful implementation of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. The second suspension is actually a rigid theoretical result given by Wang et al. [2010], but it may be failed for the actual sifting. The third suspension is associated with the conjecture given by Wu and Huang [2010]. In addition, the frequency distribution problem is also on the way of the last suspension. By considering the variation of maximum amplitude for the mean curve, we find that, after a certain sifting times, the symmetry degree of the IMFs behaves in an intermittent manner. This asymptotic behavior indicates that the first suspension is false in all probability. Further investigation shows that the theoretical result given by Wang et al. [2010] is out of reach. It follows from the sifting tests that the frequency ratio for neighboring IMFs cannot decrease to 1 and the last suspension is cracked. Different from the common sense, there is a very interesting phenomenon that the extreme points of the first IMF may be more than that of the original data. The statistical results on a large quantity of field data show that the frequency distribution along the empirical modes roughly obeys an exponential law. In addition, a new mode-number formula is deduced, which is more reasonable than the one given by Wu and Huang [2009].
APPLICATION OF BI-DIMENSIONAL EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION (BEMD) IN EXTRACTION OF PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM ANOMALIES FEATURES
Authors: JIAN ZHENZHEN , ZHAO BINBIN , CHEN YONGQING
Published: August 2012

The bi-dimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) is applied to analyze nonstationary Platinum (Pt) and Palladium (Pd) concentration data in the eastern Yunnan Province, the southwestern China. Two kinds of Pt and Pd anomalies are obtained. One is the regional Pt and Pd anomalies shown in the BIMF3 component; the other is the local Pt and Pd anomalies shown in the BIMF2 component. It has been illustrated by further study that the regional Pt and Pd anomalies associated with the Emeishan basalts formed in Permian are distributed along deep-seated faults such as the Xiaojiang fault and the Xundian–Xuanwei fault, and that the local Pt and Pd anomalies related to Pt and Pd mineralization are distributed along some secondary faults of the deep-seated faults. Thus, the local Pt and Pd anomalies controlled by some secondary faults of the deep-seated faults are prospective areas for finding Pt and Pd deposits. In conclusion, BEMD can be effectively applied in extracting different size of geochemical anomalies.
RIDGE REGRESSION MODEL-BASED ENSEMBLE EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION FOR ULTRASOUND CLUTTER REJECTION
Authors: SHEN ZHIYUAN , FENG NAIZHANG , SHEN YI
Published: August 2012

Ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is a noise-assisted adaptive data analysis method to solve the problem of mode mixing caused by empirical mode decomposition (EMD). It is shown that the decomposition error tends to zero, as ensemble number increases to infinity in EEMD. In this paper, a novel EEMD-based ridge regression model (REEMD) is proposed, which solves the problem of mode mixing and achieves less decomposition error compared with the EEMD. When the ensemble number is small, the weights of outliers are constraint to zero to reduce the decomposition error in REEMD and the result of REEMD is asymptotic to that of EEMD, as the ensemble number increases. The proposed REEMD is suitable for tissue clutter rejection in color flow imaging system. Simulation shows that reasonable flow-frequency estimations can be achieved by REEMD and the estimation error limits to zero, as the flow frequency increases.
THE EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION TO STUDY THE QUASI-BIENNIAL MODULATION OF SOLAR MAGNETIC ACTIVITY AND SOLAR NEUTRINO FLUX
Authors: VECCHIO ANTONIO , D'ALESSI LORIS , CARBONE VINCENZO , LAURENZA MONICA , STORINI MARISA
Published: August 2012

The time variability of solar activity indices such as sunspot areas (SAs) and green-line coronal emission, fluxes of solar energetic protons and galactic cosmic rays (CRs) in the period 1974–2001 has been investigated through the empirical mode decomposition (EMD). We found that the quasi-biennial periodicity is a prominent time scale of solar variability, having the energetic particle indices an amplitude comparable with the 11 years one. Moreover, we provide evidence for the quasi-biennial modulation of the solar neutrino flux, which results to be also significantly correlated with the fluxes of solar energetic protons and galactic CRs. The significance of all the correlation has been tested by applying both bootstrap and Monte Carlo methods.
FAST INSPECTION AND IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES FOR TRACK IRREGULARITIES BASED ON HHT ANALYSIS
Authors: TSAI HSIN CHU , WANG CHUNG YUE , HUANG NORDEN E.
Published: August 2012

The requirements for inspection and management of track irregularity have to be more rigorous due to safety and serviceability concerns as the increment of the train speed of high-speed train. The wavelength of track irregularity significantly affects running safety and riding comfort. To improve inspection, operation, efficiency, and address, the inability of the mid-chord offset method currently used on track inspection cars to identify some irregularity wavelengths, a measurement and assessment method is presented in this paper. Nonstationary and nonlinear vehicle dynamic response data caused by irregularities were measured by accelerometers mounted on the axle-box of a vehicle. The Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) technique was applied to analyze the data. Components of specific irregularity wavelength could be effectively identified and accurately matched to the data measured by the track inspection car. Additionally, to obtain the complete waveform of the track irregularity, we propose a restoration method of track irregularity that combines the characteristics of the measurement magnification in the chord-based measuring system and the HHT signal-processing techniques.
VIBRATION OPTIMIZATION OF A PASSIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM VIA GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: JABEEN S. D.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we have formulated mathematical models to optimize the bouncing transmissibility of the sprung mass of the half car system with passengers' seat suspensions considering different road conditions. The corresponding problem has been solved with the help of advanced real coded Genetic Algorithm (GA). The nonlinearity of suspension spring and damper, which are the most important characteristics of the suspension, has been taken into account in order to validate the model to real applications. The nonlinear cubic polynomial has been used to describe the spring characteristic and a quadratic polynomial has been used to describe the damper characteristic. The coefficients of each polynomial represent the design parameters of the suspension system and are to be determined. To find these parameters we have formulated a nonlinear optimization problem in which the bouncing transmissibility of the sprung mass at the center of mass has been minimized with respect to technological constraints and the constraints which satisfy the performance as per ISO 2631 standards. The advanced real coded GA has been used to solve this problem in time domain and the results obtained have been compared to those obtained using the existing design parameters. The objective function and the constraints have been evaluated by simulating the vehicle model over two roads with multiple bumps at uniform velocity.
RECTIFICATION EFFECT IN F/I/N/I/F SYSTEM IN AN EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: UDALOV O. G.
Published: August 2012

The diffusive transport of electrons in the F/I/N/I/F system placed in an external magnetic field is investigated. It is shown that the rectification effect appears when the magnetic structure (i.e., the direction of magnetization in the ferromagnetic layers and the direction of the external magnetic field) is noncoplanar. The dependence of the diode effect on the thickness of the middle normal metal layer is calculated. The effect cubically increases when the thickness is small and decays exponentially when the thickness is large.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of 12C Isotopically Enriched Polycrystalline Diamond
Authors: Teraji Tokuyuki , Taniguchi Takashi , Koizumi Satoshi , Watanabe Kenji , Liao Meiyong , Koide Yasuo , Isoya Junichi
Published: August 2012

12C isotopically enriched polycrystalline diamond free-standing plates were synthesized by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. Diamond plates 30 mm in diameter and 100–600 µm in thickness were successfully obtained at a typical growth rate of 3–5 µm/h. The 12C isotopic enrichment was 99.997%, whereas the nitrogen content was as low as 4 ppb. The preferential orientation of the <110 > crystallographic direction normal to the substrate plane was proved using the X-ray diffraction pattern. The sharp Raman peak with a low background and a clear free-exciton recombination emission in a cathodoluminescence measurement at room temperature indicate that the polycrystalline diamond has a substantially high crystalline quality.
Isotope Effect of Deuterium Microwave Plasmas on the Formation of Atomically Flat (111) Diamond Surfaces
Authors: Mizuochi Norikazu , Tokuda Norio , Ogura Masahiko , Yamasaki Satoshi
Published: August 2012

This article describes the positive effect of replacing hydrogen with deuterium on the formation of an atomically flat surface in microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) of homoepitaxial (111) diamond. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements, suppression of the density of surface islands and enlargement of the step-free surface area were identified. Isotope effects promoting preferential etching, which enhances the growth at steps (or kinks) and formation of the atomically flat surface, are discussed with respect to lateral growth.
Thermal Improvement and Stability of Si3N4/GeNx/p- and n-Ge Structures Prepared by Electron-Cyclotron-Resonance Plasma Nitridation and Sputtering at Room Temperature
Authors: Fukuda Yukio , Okamoto Hiroshi , Iwasaki Takuro , Izumi Kohei , Otani Yohei , Ishizaki Hiroki , Ono Toshiro
Published: August 2012

This paper reports on the thermal improvement of Si3N4/GeN
x
/Ge structures. After the Si3N4 (5 nm)/GeN
x
(2 nm) stacks were prepared on Ge substrates by electron-cyclotron-resonance plasma nitridation and sputtering at room temperature, they were thermally annealed in atmospheric N2 + 10% H2 ambient at temperatures from 400 to 600 °C. It was demonstrated that the electronic properties of the GeN
x
/Ge interfaces were thermally improved at temperatures of up to 500 °C with a minimum interface trap density (D
it) of ∼1×1011 cm-2 eV-1 near the Ge midgap, whereas the interface properties were slightly degraded after annealing at 600 °C with a minimum D
it value of ∼4×1011 cm-2 eV-1.
Highly-Sensitive and -Linear Cryogenic Temperature Response of Long-Period Fiber Gratings Written on B–Ge-Codoped Photosensitive Fiber
Authors: Choi Daeho , Kim Jihoon , Roh Sookyoung , Lee Byoungho , Lee Yong Wook
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we report the highly-sensitive and -linear cryogenic temperature response of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) written on B–Ge-codoped photosensitive single-mode fiber. The resonance wavelength of the fabricated LPFG was monitored at a temperature range from 77 to 295 K. The temperature sensitivity of the resonance wavelength was measured as ∼398 pm/K, which was higher than that of fiber grating sensors in a comparable cryogenic temperature range reported by other research groups. In particular, the linearity of the temperature response curve was very good (R
2 value of ∼0.9979).
Trapped Field Profiles on Square GdBaCuO Bulks with Different Arrangement of Growth Sector Boundaries
Authors: Fujishiro Hiroyuki , Arayashiki Takahiro , Tamura Takuya , Naito Tomoyuki , Teshima Hidekazu , Morita Mitsuru
Published: August 2012

Square GdBaCuO bulks with 45.2 ×45.2 mm2in theab-plane and 15 mm in thickness along thec-axis with different arrangements of growth sector boundaries (GSBs) were magnetized by a field-cooled magnetization (FCM), a zero-field cooled magnetization (ZFC), and a pulsed-field magnetization (PFM) and the trapped field profiles were measured. For the lower applied field in ZFC, the magnetic flux was trapped in the growth sector regions (GSRs), independent of the arrangement of GSBs. For the lower applied field in PFM, the magnetic flux was mainly trapped in the GSRs and an additional flux was also trapped at the sides in both bulks because of the complicated flux intrusion by the local heat generation. These bulks can trap a magnetic field as high as 7.5 T at 50 K by FCM without destruction. The magnetic flux intrusion and trapping for the square bulks were discussed.
Calculation of Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Potential Barrier Structure for Bolometer in Uncooled Infrared Image Sensor
Authors: Furukawa Akio
Published: August 2012

A potential barrier structure is a candidate for producing high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) devices. The electrical characteristics of such a structure for application in a bolometer for an infrared image sensor are calculated on the basis of a thermionic electron emission theory and the effect of tunneling through the barrier layer. The TCR is obtained using the resistivity dependence on temperature and depends mainly on the barrier height. The TCR value is derived as a function of the barrier height, barrier thickness, and bias voltage to the structure. To obtain a TCR of greater than 0.04/K, the barrier height must be more than 0.3 eV. The resistivity also depends on barrier height. The thickness of the barrier layer is also important because it affects the resistivity and TCR. Proper design of a potential barrier structure will yield a bolometer film having a high TCR and low resistivity.
Fabrication of 20 nm Shallow Nanofluidic Channels Using Coverslip Thin Glass–Glass Fusion Bonding Method
Authors: Kuo Ju-Nan , Lin Yi-Kai
Published: August 2012

A simple low-cost method is proposed for the fabrication of nanofluidic channels on glass substrates. In the proposed approach, the channel is patterned on a borosilicate glass coverslip (thickness of 160 µm) using a buffered oxide wet etching process. The patterned coverslip and a blank coverslip are then preheated in a furnace at a temperature of 400 °C for 8 h. Finally, the two cover slips are fusion bonded at a temperature of 580 °C for another 8 h. It is shown that nanofluidic channels with a depth of only 20 nm and an aspect ratio of 0.001 can be reliably obtained. Furthermore, the average surface roughness (Ra) of the nanofluidic channels is found to be only 0.30 nm. The depth uniformity of the sealed nanofluidic channel is examined by scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that the fusion bonding process has no significant effect on the depth of the original channel. Overall, the results show that the proposed fabrication method is ideally suited to the realization of nanofluidic chips for high-magnification optical fluorescence microscopy applications such as protein preconcentration and biomolecule detection.
Nanoscale Roughness Control of Electron Transport Layer in Organic Solar Cells Fabricated by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Shiratori Seimei , Muraguchi Kimiaki
Published: August 2012

ZnO films are widely used in the electronic transport layers of organic solar cells (OSCs) because of thier electron transport properties and high transparency. In this study, the surface structure of zinc oxide (ZnO) films was controlled using two organic solvents with different boiling points, and this was applied to inverted polymer solar cells. Two types of ZnO film were created through the sol–gel method. One had a fiber like rough surface and the other had a smooth surface structure. The resulting surface structure of a ZnO film is dependent on the relationship between the annealing temperature and boiling point of the organic solvent in the sol–gel solution. This study showed that the conversion efficiency of inverted organic solar cells (IOSCs) with a rough ZnO film was 60% higher than that with a smooth ZnO film. Judging from the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the IOSCs, there appears to be a positive correlation between the roughness of the surface structure of ZnO films and their conversion efficiency. In other words, the conversion efficiency increases with surface roughness.
Effective Carbon Contaminant Cleaning Condition Using Ozone Dissolved Water and Megasonic for Ru-Capped Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Mask
Authors: Lee Seung-ho , Kang Bong-kyun , Kim Min-su , Ahn Jin-ho , Cho Han-ku , Lee Han-shin , Park Jin-Goo
Published: August 2012

A possible candidate for carbon contaminant removal in Ru-capped extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) mask is ozone dissolved water (DIO3). However, the use of DIO3 leaves reflectivity loss and serious surface damages on Ru capping layer caused by its high oxidation potential. In this study, an optimum DIO3 cleaning condition for effective carbon cleaning without surface damage was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The effect of feed gases such as O2, CO2, and N2 of various concentrations were tried during DIO3 generation for oxidation stability on Ru capping layer and N2 added 15 ppm DIO3 was found to be the best condition. However carbon contaminant was ineffectively removed at this condition. Thus megasonic is irradiated during DIO3 process and the results show that carbon is not only completely removed in a shorter time but also lower reflectivity loss was accomplished with minimal increase in the surface roughness.
Differential signal pathway activation and 5-HT function: the role of gut enterochromaffin cells as oxygen sensors
Authors: Haugen Martin , Dammen Rikard , Svejda Bernhard , Gustafsson Bjorn I. , Pfragner Roswitha , Modlin Irvin , Kidd Mark
Published: August 2012

The chemomechanosensory function of the gut enterochromaffin (EC) cell enables it to respond to dietary agents and mechanical stretch. We hypothesized that the EC cell, which also sensed alterations in luminal or mucosal oxygen level, was physiologically sensitive to fluctuations in O2. Given that low oxygen levels induce 5-HT production and secretion through a hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)-dependent pathway, we also hypothesized that increasing O2would reduce 5-HT production and secretion. Isolated normal EC cells as well as the well-characterized EC cell model KRJ-I were used to examine HIF signaling (luciferase-assays), hypoxia transcriptional response element (HRE)-mediated transcription (PCR), signaling pathways (Western blot), and 5-HT release (ELISA) during exposure to different oxygen levels. Normal EC cells and KRJ-I cells express HIF-1α, and transient transfection with Renilla luciferase under HRE control identified a hypoxia-mediated pathway in these cells. PCR confirmed activation of HIF-downstream targets, GLUT1, IGF2, and VEGF under reduced O2levels (0.5%). Reducing O2also elevated 5-HT secretion (2–3.2-fold) as well as protein levels of HIF-1α (1.7–3-fold). Increasing O2to 100% inhibited HRE-mediated signaling, transcription, reduced 5-HT secretion, and significantly lowered HIF-1α levels (∼75% of control). NF-κB signaling was also elevated during hypoxia (1.2–1.6-fold), but no significant changes were noted in PKA/cAMP. We concluded that gut EC cells are oxygen responsive, and alterations in O2levels differentially activate HIF-1α and tryptophan hydroxylase 1, as well as NF-κB signaling. This results in alterations in 5-HT production and secretion and identifies that the chemomechanosensory role of EC cells extends to oxygen sensing.