bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speckle suppression of laser light using liquid crystals aligned by photoisomerization of dye molecules
Authors: Sueda Keiichi , Tsubakimoto Kouji , Miyanaga Noriaki , Nakatsuka Masahiro
Published: December 2002

For energy applications of high-power laser systems, uniform patterns are especially important in inertial confinement fusion research. We have demonstrated alignment control of liquid crystals using photoisomerization induced by polarized ultraviolet light to fabricate a polarization control plate. A glass substrate of a liquid-crystal cell, coated with polyvinyl alcohol doped with azo dye, was illuminated with a linearly polarized third harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser light. We confirmed the alignment of liquid crystals within the illuminated region dependent on the polarization direction of the ultraviolet light through the photoisomerization of azo dye molecules. Reduction of laser speckle pattern contrast by a polarization control plate was discussed.
Prevalence of mitral valve prolapse in Stickler syndrome
Authors: Ahmad Nadeem , Richards Allan J. , Murfett Helen C. , Shapiro Leonard , Scott John D. , Yates John R.W. , Norton Joanne , Snead Martin P.
Published: December 2002

The prevalence of mitral valve prolapse in Stickler syndrome has been reported to be much higher than in the general population. As a result, it has been recommended that all patients with Stickler syndrome undergo routine echocardiography and have antibiotic prophylaxis prior to surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse in a large cohort of UK patients with Stickler syndrome in whom the clinical diagnosis has been confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. Probands and pedigrees were identified from the Vitreoretinal Service database according to previously published criteria. Ophthalmic, skeletal, audiometric, and orofacial features were assessed. Affected individuals underwent a full cardiological examination including auscultation and two‐dimensional echocardiography. Mutation analysis of the COL2A1 and COL11A1 genes was carried out. Seventy‐eight patients from 25 pedigrees were studied. Mutation analysis confirmed the clinical diagnosis in every pedigree. No patient was found to have clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease and no patient had significant mitral or other valvular prolapse on echocardiography. These data from a large cohort of UK patients with proven Stickler syndrome do not suggest an increased incidence of mitral valve prolapse over and above that found in the general population. Routine echocardiography screening and use of preoperative antibiotics are unnecessary and should be reserved for those individual cases where there is clear clinical indication. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations of the M6p/Igf2 receptor gene in lung adenocarcinomas induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐hydroxypropyl)amine in rats
Authors: Tsujiuchi Toshifumi , Sasaki Yasutaka , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Konishi Yoichi
Published: December 2002

Alterations of the mannose 6‐phosphate/insulin‐like growth factor II receptor (M6p/lgf2r) gene were investigated in lung adenocarcinomas induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) in rats. Male Wistar rats, 6 wk old, were given 2000 ppm BHP in their drinking water for 12 wk and maintained without further treatment until killed at week 25. A total of 12 lung adenocarcinomas were obtained, and total RNAs were extracted from each for assessment of mutations and levels of aberrant transcripts of the M6p/Igf2r gene by reverse transcription (RT)–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis and RT‐PCR analysis, respectively. No mutations were found in exons 27, 28, 31, 33, and 34. Aberrant transcripts bearing deletions of nt 3698 to 4902, 3366 to 4902, and 3817 to 4697 were detected in three of 12 adenocarcinomas (25%). These results suggest that alterations of the M6p/Igf2r gene may be involved in the development of lung adenocarcinomas induced by BHP in rats. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychiatric disorders and social characteristics among second-generation Moroccan migrants in Belgium: An age–and gender–controlled study conducted in a psychiatric emergency department
Authors: Fossion P. , Ledoux Y. , Valente F. , Servais L. , Staner L. , Pelc I. , Minner P.
Published: December 2002

Purpose.

Clinically, one of the most consistent clinical findings among migrant patients is an increase in the rate of psychosis. The aim of the present study was to confirm this finding in Belgium by comparing second-generation Moroccan migrant patients with Belgian patients, matched for the variables of age and gender.

Subjects and method.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 272 patients admitted in a psychiatric emergency unit during the year 1998. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to compare the two subgroups.

Results.

Multivariate analyses showed that migrant patients lived more often with their parental family and that they presented a higher rate of admission for psychotic disorders and a lower rate of employment.

Discussion.

Our findings add to the growing body of results showing increased incidence of psychosis among immigrants to European countries, but several factors have to be taken into account, particularly with regard to selection biases and differences in help-seeking behaviour and in family perception of the mental illness.

Conclusion.

Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that unemployment is a contributing factor in the risk for psychosis among migrant groups. Further studies would be needed to better explain some of our results, particularly the role played by the families of migrant patients.
Modelling the phenylalanine blood level response during treatment of phenylketonuria
Authors: Langenbeck U. , Zschocke J. , Wendel U. , Hönig V.
Published: December 2002

A vast body of phenylketonuria (PKU) patient monitoring data is deposited in clinical files and, after having served the actual needs, has remained there largely unused. We propose a kinetic model that will allow continued analysis of such data for further elucidation of the patient's metabolic phenotype and phenylalanine (Phe) disposal characteristics. Our PKU model of a single compartment with the input of alimentary Phe and two outputs—(1) first‐order Phe conversion to tyrosine and acidic metabolites, and (2) zero‐order Phe usage for net protein synthesis—has been developed with the graphics‐oriented ModelMaker (then Cherwell Scientific Ltd, Oxford, UK) software package. The corresponding differential and integrated rate equations are presented to enable transfer of the model to equation‐oriented simulation packages. The model offers a possible explanation for discrepancies in some genotype–phenotype data.
Familial hypomagnesaemia with secondary hypocalcaemia: A new case that indicates autosomal recessive inheritance
Authors: Meyer P. , Boettger M. B.
Published: December 2002

Male and female siblings, now aged 18 and 23 years respectively, with familial hypomagnesaemia and secondary hypocalcaemia provide further evidence that this is an autosomal recessive disorder and not X‐linked as originally thought.
Power Density Analysis for a Regenerated Closed Brayton Cycle
Authors: Chen Lingen , Zheng Junlin , Sun Fengrui , Wu Chih
Published: December 2002

In this paper, the power density, defined as the ratio of power output to the maximum specific volume in the cycle, is set as the objective for performance analysis of an irreversible, regenerated and closed Brayton cycle coupled to constant-temperature heat reservoirs from the viewpoint of finite time thermodynamics (FTT) or entropy generation minimization (EGM). The analytical formulae about the relations between power density and pressure ratio are derived with the heat resistance losses in the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers and the regenerator, the irreversible compression and expansion losses in the compressor and turbine, and the pressure loss in the pipe. The results obtained are compared with those obtained by using the maximum power criterion. The influences of some design parameters, including the effectiveness of the regenerator, the temperature ratio of heat reservoirs, the effectivenesses of heat exchangers between working fluid and heat reservoirs, the efficiencies of the compressor and the turbine, and the pressure recovery coefficient, on the maximum power density are illustrated by numerical examples, and advantages and disadvantages of maximum power density design are analyzed. When heat transfers between working fluid and heat reservoirs are carried out ideally, the results of this paper coincide with those obtained in recent literature.
Child and parent response to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing
Authors: Koplewicz Harold S. , Vogel Juliet M. , Solanto Mary V. , Morrissey Richard F. , Alonso Carmen M. , Abikoff Howard , Gallagher Richard , Novick Rona M.
Published: December 2002

This study evaluated children's symptoms 3 and 9 months after the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, and the relationship between parent and child reactions when only the children had been in the building. Nine children who had been trapped in an elevator, 13 who had been on the observation deck, and 27 controls completed the Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index and a Fear Inventory. Parents completed these measures about the children and comparable measures about themselves. Exposed children reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and disaster‐related fears; their parents reported experiencing PTSD symptoms. Only parents rated children's symptoms as decreasing significantly over time. Association between child symptoms and parent symptoms increased over time. Children's initial distress predicted parents' distress 9 months postdisaster.
Effects of childhood exposure to familial alcoholism and family violence on adolescent substance use, conduct problems, and self‐esteem
Authors: Ritter Jennifer , Stewart Michael , Bernet Christine , Coe Michael , Brown Sandra A.
Published: December 2002

Exposure to familial alcoholism has been associated with many behavioral and emotional difficulties among offspring. However, few studies have examined environmental risks that often coexist with familial alcoholism, and which may influence the development of offspring psychosocial problems. This study examined potential additive and interactive effects of childhood exposure to family violence and childhood exposure to familial alcoholism on adolescent functioning. Three domains of adolescent functioning were examined in a high‐risk community sample of 109 families: lifetime levels of substance use, conduct disorder behaviors, and self‐esteem. Results indicated that both childhood exposure to familial alcoholism and childhood exposure to family violence were associated with psychosocial functioning of offspring during adolescence, although the relations differ according to domain of functioning and gender.
Screening for Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase II Deficiency by Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gempel K. , Kiechl S. , Hofmann S. , Lochmüller H. , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer U. , Willeit J. , Sperl W. , Rettinger A. , Bieger I. , Pongratz D. , Gerbitz K. D. , Bauer M. F.
Published: December 2002

Mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II) deficiency is the most common inherited disorder of lipid metabolism in adults. Currently the routine diagnosis is based on the determination of CPT enzyme activity in muscle tissue. We have analysed the tandem mass spectra of serum acylcarnitines of nine CPT II‐deficient patients. These spectra were compared to those of a cohort of 99 patients with other neuromuscular disorders and metabolic conditions supposed to cause alterations of the long‐chain acylcarnitines. The spectra in CPT II deficiency showed characteristic elevations of C16:0 and C18:1 acylcarnitines while acetylcarnitine C2 was not elevated. In the present study, the ratio (C16:0+C18:1)/C2 has detected all CPT II deficiencies and discriminated them from unspecific alterations of serum acylcarnitines. The ratios of CPT II‐deficient patients showed virtually no overlap with those observed in patients with other neuromuscular disorders. We suggest mass spectrometry of serum acylcarnitines as a rapid screening test that should be included early in the diagnostic work‐up of patients with recurrent myoglobinuria, recurrent muscular weakness and myalgia.
Prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress in workplace lay trauma counselors
Authors: Ortlepp Karen , Friedman Merle
Published: December 2002

Quantitative (N = 130) and qualitative (N = 30) data were collected to explore the experiences of nonprofessional trauma counselors in the workplace. Counselors, on average, did not experience symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS) requiring clinical intervention. Changes to cognitive schemata regarding counselors' world views were found to be present 6 weeks after their last trauma counseling incident. Counselors reported experiencing considerable role satisfaction. Factors related to the nature of the trauma counseling task and counselors' exposure to work and nonwork related trauma were not significantly associated with counselors' STS or role satisfaction scores. Program coordination, self‐efficacy, stakeholder commitment, sense of coherence, and perceived social support were significantly related to counselors' experiences of STS and role satisfaction.
Different Molecular Capacity in the Induction of Apoptosis by Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners in Rat Renal Tubular Cell Cultures
Authors: Pérez-Reyes Pedro L. , Sánchez-Alonso Jesús A. , López-Aparicio Pilar , Recio María N. , Pérez-Albarsanz Miguel A.
Published: December 2002

The effects of a commercial polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture (Aroclor 1248) and two individual PCB congeners were evaluated on rat renal proximal tubule culture cell viability and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation (DNA ladder) characteristic of apoptosis. Treatment with Aroclor 1248 caused the loss of cell viability and promoted apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The two PCB congeners assessed can also induce apoptosis. However, the extent of apoptosis generated was greater for the non-ortho-substituted planar congener (3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl) than for the di-ortho-substituted nonplanar congener (2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl). This correlated with the loss of cell viability since the planar compound is much more cytotoxic. The results suggest a different molecular mechanism in the induction of apoptosis by planar or nonplanar PCB congeners.
Wide band gap ferromagnetic semiconductors and oxides
Authors: Pearton S. J. , Abernathy C. R. , Overberg M. E. , Thaler G. T. , Norton D. P. , Theodoropoulou N. , Hebard A. F. , Park Y. D. , Ren F. , Kim J. , Boatner L. A.
Published: December 2002

Recent advances in the theory and experimental realization of ferromagnetic semiconductors give hope that a new generation of microelectronic devices based on the spin degree of freedom of the electron can be developed. This review focuses primarily on promising candidate materials (such as GaN, GaP and ZnO) in which there is already a technology base and a fairly good understanding of the basic electrical and optical properties. The introduction of Mn into these and other materials under the right conditions is found to produce ferromagnetism near or above room temperature. There are a number of other potential dopant ions that could be employed (such as Fe, Ni, Co, Cr) as suggested by theory [see, for example, Sato and Katayama-Yoshida, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Part 2 39, L555 (2000)]. Growth of these ferromagnetic materials by thin film techniques, such as molecular beam epitaxy or pulsed laser deposition, provides excellent control of the dopant concentration and the ability to grow single-phase layers. The mechanism for the observed magnetic behavior is complex and appears to depend on a number of factors, including Mn–Mn spacing, and carrier density and type. For example, in a simple Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida carrier-mediated exchange mechanism, the free-carrier/Mn ion interaction can be either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic depending on the separation of the Mn ions. Potential applications for ferromagnetic semiconductors and oxides include electrically controlled magnetic sensors and actuators, high-density ultralow-power memory and logic, spin-polarized light emitters for optical encoding, advanced optical switches and modulators and devices with integrated magnetic, electronic and optical functionality.
Comment on “Grain boundary ridge on sintered bonds between ice crystals” [J. Appl. Phys. 90, 5782 (2001)]
Authors: Barnes Piers R. F.
Published: December 2002

Ridges have been observed at the bonds between sintering snow grains. Images collected using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray analysis of Antarctic snow are presented. These indicate the ridges are composed from soluble impurity and not ice or water as previously suggested. The ridges can be explained by the coagulation of soluble impurities distributed either at the grain boundaries or on the grain surface. Coagulation is most likely to occur as a result of sublimation during the preparation of the snow specimens for SEM examination, however, they could also form under specific temperature conditions in the snow pack. Consequently, a theory of grain boundary diffusion is not required to explain the presence of ridges at snow bonds.
Linear response at the 4-component relativistic level: Application to the frequency-dependent dipole polarizabilities of the coinage metal dimers
Authors: Saue T. , Jensen H. J. Aa.
Published: December 2002

Linear response theory based on the time-averaged quasienergy of Floquet states is generalized to the 4-component relativistic level for molecular calculations based on an analytical basis set. An efficient implementation of the theory for 4-component closed-shell Hartree–Fock is described. This level of approximation is also called the 4-component relativistic random phase approximation. The structure of the reduced response equations is analyzed in terms of Hermiticity and time reversal symmetry and leads to restrictions on the form chosen for the trial vectors as well as rules indicating when the linear response function is real, imaginary or zero. A key ingredient of the AO-driven algorithm is the formulation of the Hessian times a trial vector as the construction of modified Fock matrices. To reduce computational cost a previously reported quaternion symmetry scheme has been extended to non totally symmetric operators such that possible symmetry reductions are obtained as a reduction of algebra from quaternion to complex or real. We report the calculations of the frequency-dependent dipole polarizabilities for Cu2, Ag2, and Au2 at the 4-component Dirac–Coulomb Hartree–Fock level. Comparison of the relativistic and non-relativistic results show an increasing discrepancy with increasing nuclear charge, leading to qualitatively different results. Analysis of the first-order wave function shows that in the case of the gold dimer at the relativistic level of theory the generally dominant excitations from the HOMO are supplemented by excitations from the 5d manifold. This may significantly alter the molecular spectra and will be studied in a subsequent paper.
Material characteristics of electrically tunable zirconium oxide thin films
Authors: Cho Byeong-Ok , Chang Jane P. , Min Jae-Ho , Moon Sang H. , Kim Yil W. , Levin Igor
Published: December 2002

Material characteristics of zirconium oxide thin films obtained by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on p-type Si (100) substrates were investigated to explain their tunable electrical properties. The films obtained without heating had polycrystalline nanograins that are mostly of a tetragonal phase under oxygen-deficient plasma conditions but transformed into a monoclinic phase with increasing O2 addition in the plasma. Mostly amorphous bulk ZrO2 with a relatively thicker and smoother interfacial layer was obtained from oxygen-rich plasmas, resulting in a decrease in both the overall dielectric constant and the leakage current density. The interfacial layer formed between the bulk ZrO2 and Si substrate was analyzed to be zirconium silicate, which approached SiO2 as its zirconium content decreased with the increasing gas phase O2 content.
Material defects in 4H-silicon carbide diodes
Authors: Zimmermann Uwe , Österman John , Kuylenstierna Dan , Hallén Anders , Konstantinov Andrey O. , Vetter William M. , Dudley Michael
Published: December 2002

Crystallographic defects revealed by synchrotron white beam x-ray topography, electron beam induced current, optical microscopy, and electroluminescence are correlated with the electrical characteristics of medium-voltage epitaxial 4H-silicon carbide diodes. Diodes that include macroscopic crystallographic defects show a significantly reduced reverse breakdown voltage with typical microplasma current fluctuations under reverse bias. Microplasma current paths are revealed by increased electroluminescence both under forward and reverse bias of the diodes and coincide with the locations of screw dislocations in the epitaxial layers of the diodes. The role of crystallographic imperfections on the formation of stacking faults responsible for the degradation of bipolar silicon carbide components is discussed.
Noncontact determination of the elastic moduli of β-Sn up and through the melting point
Authors: Fraizier Emmanuel , Nadal Marie-Hélène , Oltra Roland
Published: December 2002

The aim of this study is to determine the elastic moduli of metals versus temperature, especially around the melting point. Using a technique called laser-ultrasonics which allows one to measure elastic waves time of flight in the metal, longitudinal and shear velocities are calculated. This “noncontact method” is very appropriate for ultrasonic characterization at high temperature. In this paper, the presentation will be focused on the study of tin. Phenomena occurring during the phase transition are discussed. Original calculation of the Lindemann constant is presented. Results concerning the shear velocity VSS and modulus G are presented, from room temperature to the melting point. Furthermore, these results are accurately described by a modeling of G(T) versus temperature.
Positron annihilation spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for process monitoring of buried oxide layer formation in Si
Authors: Coleman P. G. , Knights A. P. , Anc M. J.
Published: December 2002

The sensitivity of positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) to process parameters associated with the formation of buried oxide layers in silicon (SIMOX, Separation by IMplantation of OXygen, structures) has been investigated and evaluated. Ion beam current density, implantation temperature, and ion dose and energy were varied over ranges used in standard and low-dose SIMOX formation. Whereas the positron (Doppler broadening) parameter for as-implanted samples was found to have no measurable sensitivity to low-energy ion current density, the results suggest that there is a small dependence on implantation temperature. More significantly, PAS is highly sensitive to ion dose (i.e., to changes in dose of a few percent), and to ion energy. An empirical parameter is proposed as a measure of the former. The results for as-implanted samples suggest that beam-based PAS is an ideal method for improved dose control, particularly during the formation of low-dose SIMOX. Measurements on fully-formed SIMOX samples are also rich in information related to the structure of the samples.
R
-matrix presentation for super-Yangians Y(osp(m|2n))
Authors: Arnaudon D. , Avan J. , Crampé N. , Frappat L. , Ragoucy E.
Published: December 2002

We give a RTT presentation of super-Yangians Y(g) for g=osp(m|2n), thereby unifying the formalism with the cases of g=so(n) and g=sp(2n).
Infrared dielectric functions and phonon modes of high-quality ZnO films
Authors: Ashkenov N. , Mbenkum B. N. , Bundesmann C. , Riede V. , Lorenz M. , Spemann D. , Kaidashev E. M. , Kasic A. , Schubert M. , Grundmann M. , Wagner G. , Neumann H. , Darakchieva V. , Arwin H. , Monemar B.
Published: December 2002

Infrared dielectric function spectra and phonon modes of high-quality, single crystalline, and highly resistive wurtzite ZnO films were obtained from infrared (300–1200 cm−1) spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman scattering studies. The ZnO films were deposited by pulsed-laser deposition on c-plane sapphire substrates and investigated by high-resolution x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering experiments. The crystal structure, phonon modes, and dielectric functions are compared to those obtained from a single-crystal ZnO bulk sample. The film ZnO phonon mode frequencies are highly consistent with those of the bulk material. A small redshift of the longitudinal optical phonon mode frequencies of the ZnO films with respect to the bulk material is observed. This is tentatively assigned to the existence of vacancy point defects within the films. Accurate long-wavelength dielectric constant limits of ZnO are obtained from the infrared ellipsometry analysis and compared with previously measured near-band-gap index-of-refraction data using the Lyddane–Sachs–Teller relation. The ZnO model dielectric function spectra will become useful for future infrared ellipsometry analysis of free-carrier parameters in complex ZnO-based heterostructures.
Design of multiwavelength resonant cavities for white organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shiga Takahiro , Fujikawa Hisayoshi , Taga Yasunori
Published: December 2002

We have developed a multiwavelength resonant cavity (MWRC) optical device designed for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). This device consists of two or more wavelength-selective mirrors, where each resonant peak can be adjusted independently, resulting in enhancement of the luminance and modification of the color of emission. We have designed a white OLED with a MWRC by using optical simulation and have confirmed that the white MWRC device is 1.3 times as bright as that of the conventional noncavity one.
Helium implantation defects in SiC: A thermal helium desorption spectrometry investigation
Authors: Oliviero E. , Beaufort M. F. , Barbot J. F. , van Veen A. , Fedorov A. V.
Published: December 2002

Thermal helium desorption spectrometry was used to characterized helium implantation-induced defects in SiC. 6H–SiC, 4H–SiC, and β–SiC samples were implanted with helium at energies ranging from 100 to 3 keV and doses ranging from 1×1013 to 1×1015 cm−2. They were then subjected to ramp annealing up to 1800 K, with a constant heating rate of 10 K/s. Two groups of peaks contribute to the desorption spectrum: A low-temperature group centered at 600 K and a high-temperature group centered at 1200 K. The evolution of these desorption peaks with implantation dose and energy was studied. The first group (at 600 K) might be attributed to interstitial He and clusters of interstitial He. The second group (at 1200 K) could be related to He release from He-vacancy clusters. A shift of the latter group toward higher temperatures with increasing dose is ascribed to He-vacancy clustering in an Ostwald ripening process. However, the intrinsic properties of the materials used in the study seem to play an important role since different detrapping behaviors were observed for the different samples.
Mode transitions in helicon discharges
Authors: Franck Christian M. , Grulke Olaf , Klinger Thomas
Published: December 2002

High resolution density measurements in a conventional helicon source show sudden jumps during a rf power ramp. The downwards power ramp enters all three known discharge modes, capacitive, inductive, and helicon wave sustained mode. For an upwards power ramp the discharge jumps directly from the capacitive into the helicon mode. This observation stands in contrast to models that are based on the plasma density as the critical parameter for the transition to the helicon mode.
Study of ferroelectricity and current–voltage characteristics of CdZnTe
Authors: Fu D. J. , Lee J. C. , Choi S. W. , Lee S. J. , Kang T. W. , Jang M. S. , Lee H. I. , Woo Y. D.
Published: December 2002

CdZnTe has been characterized by means of polarization-field hysteresis and current–voltage measurements. The CdZnTe is shown to be ferroelectric with polarization endurance up to 107 poling cycles. The polarization is significantly influenced by free carriers and can be switched by light illumination. The capacitance of CdZnTe consists of ferroelectric and depletion components. On the other hand, electrical conduction in the CdZnTe is modulated by the polarization, leading to hysteresis in the current–voltage characteristics. Writing and reading measurement has shown a reading-current difference of 0.015 mA at a nondestructive voltage for the binary digits.
Characteristics of silicon nanocrystal floating gate memory using amorphous carbon/SiO2 tunnel barrier
Authors: Baik Seung Jae , Lim Koeng Su
Published: December 2002

Nanocrystal floating gate memory employing an amorphous carbon (a-C)/SiO2 double-layered tunnel barrier was fabricated. The band gap of a-C and conduction band discontinuity between a-C and Si was estimated to be 1.95 and 0.4 eV, respectively. In addition, interface states density of the a-C/SiO2/channel Si was estimated from the capacitance–voltage measurement. The nanocrystal memory using this tunnel barrier exhibited enhanced charge retention than that employing a single SiO2 tunnel barrier whereas the injection efficiency is comparable between them, which is due to the asymmetrical band profile of the tunnel barrier.
Thermal conductivity of germanium, silicon, and carbon nitrides
Authors: Morelli D. T. , Heremans J. P.
Published: December 2002

We present a model calculation of the thermal conductivity of germanium nitride, silicon nitride, and carbon nitride in a temperature range in which intrinsic phonon scattering is dominant. We show that, in spite of the rather complex crystal structure of these nitrides, thermal conductivities exceeding 100 W m−1 K−1 can be attained in some of these compounds due to the combination of high Debye temperature and small Grüneisen constant.
Effects of 6H-SiC surface reconstruction on lattice relaxation of AlN buffer layers in molecular-beam epitaxial growth of GaN
Authors: Suda Jun , Miura Kouhei , Honaga Misako , Nishi Yusuke , Onojima Norio , Matsunami Hiroyuki
Published: December 2002

Growth of GaN on on-axis 6H-SiC (0001)Si substrates with an AlN buffer layer was performed by molecular-beam epitaxy. The effects of SiC surface reconstruction on the lattice relaxation of AlN buffer layers and the crystalline quality of GaN layers were studied. High-temperature HCl-gas etching followed by HF chemical treatment resulted in an atomically flat SiC surface with a 1×1 structure. The AlN layer grown on the surface showed slow lattice relaxation. GaN grown on the AlN buffer layer exhibited the narrowest (0002) x-ray rocking curve of 70 arcsec and 107 cm−2 screw-type dislocation density, which was two orders of magnitude smaller than that of GaN grown on as-received substrates.
Direct observation of normal modes in coupled oscillators
Authors: Givens Ryan , de Alcantara Bonfim O. F. , Ormond Robert B.
Published: December 2002

We propose a simple and inexpensive method to directly observe each normal mode of a system of coupled oscillators, as well as to measure its corresponding frequency, without performing Fourier analysis or using expensive apparatus. The method consists of applying a frequency dependent force to the system and using the resonance to excite each mode separately. The frequency of the excited mode is determined by measuring the resonance frequency of the system. We found that the measured normal mode frequencies of coupled oscillators exhibiting two and three normal modes are in very good agreement with the theoretical estimates. The method is suitable for undergraduate students with an elementary knowledge of differential equations.
Effect of Fish Oil on Appetite and Other Symptoms in Patients With Advanced Cancer and Anorexia/Cachexia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Bruera Eduardo , Strasser Florian , Palmer J. Lynn , Willey Jie , Calder Kathryn , Amyotte Gail , Baracos Vickie
Published: December 2002

Purpose: To determine whether high doses of fish oil, administered over 2 weeks, improve symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and decreased weight and appetite.

Patients and Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to fish oil capsules or placebo. Appetite, tiredness, nausea, well-being, caloric intake, nutritional status, and function were prospectively assessed at days 1 and 14.

Results: The baseline weight loss was 16 ± 11 and 16 ± 8 kg in the fish oil (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) group respectively, whereas the baseline appetite (0 mm = best and 10 mm = worst) was 58 ± 24 mm and 67 ± 19 mm, respectively (P = not significant). The mean daily dose was 10 ± 4 (fish oil group) and 9 ± 3 (placebo group) capsules, which provided 1.8 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1.2 g of docosahexaenoic acid in the fish oil group. No significant differences in symptomatic or nutritional parameters were found (P < .05), and there was no correlation between changes in different variables between days 1 and 14 and the fish oil doses. Finally, the majority of the patients were not able to swallow more than 10 fish oil capsules per day, mainly because of burping and aftertaste.

Conclusion: Fish oil did not significantly influence appetite, tiredness, nausea, well-being, caloric intake, nutritional status, or function after 2 weeks compared with placebo in patients with advanced cancer and loss of both weight and appetite.
Update on Late Relapse of Germ Cell Tumor: A Clinical and Molecular Analysis
Authors: George David W. , Foster Richard S. , Hromas Robert A. , Robertson Kent A. , Vance Gail H. , Ulbright Thomas M. , Gobbett Troy A. , Heiber Devan J. , Heerema Nyla A. , Ramsey Heather C. , Thurston Virginia C. , Jung Sin-Ho , Shen Jianzhao , Finch David E. , Kelley Mark R. , Einhorn Lawrence H.
Published: December 2002

Purpose: Analysis of patients with late relapse (LR) of germ cell tumor (GCT) with reports on clinical characteristics, outcomes, and molecular and cytogenetic features.

Patients and Methods: Eighty-three patients evaluated at Indiana University from 1993 through 2000 for relapse of GCT more than 2 years from initial therapy were reviewed. Available specimens were investigated for expression of the transcription regulator FoxD3 and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease and the presence of chromosome 12 abnormalities.

Results: Median interval from initial presentation to LR was 85 months. Forty-three of 49 LR patients who underwent surgery were rendered disease free (NED), and 20 (46.5%) remain continuously NED. Thirty-two patients received chemotherapy, but only six (18.8%) obtained a complete remission. Five of these patients remain continuously NED after chemotherapy alone, including three who were chemotherapy naïve. Eighteen of these 32 patients were successfully rendered NED by postchemotherapy surgery, and 12 remain continuously NED. Two patients continue on observation with no treatment for their LR. Overall, 69 of the 81 treated patients (85.2%) ultimately achieved an NED state, and 38 (46.9%) remain continuously NED with median follow-up from LR therapy of 24.5 months (range, 1 to 83 months), whereas nine other patients are currently NED after therapy for subsequent relapses. Because of the small numbers of specimens tested, we were unable to draw any definitive conclusions from the molecular and cytogenetic analyses.

Conclusion: GCT patients require lifetime follow-up. At the time of LR, surgical resection alone remains our preferred therapy.
Depression and Psychological Distress in Patients During the Year After Curative Resection of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Uchitomi Yosuke , Mikami Ichiro , Nagai Kanji , Nishiwaki Yutaka , Akechi Tatsuo , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: December 2002

Purpose: There have been few psychosocial studies of patients after curative resection of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical course of depression and psychological distress of such patients during the year after surgery and to identify predictors of their long-term outcome.

Patients and Methods: A total of 212 patients completed assessments during a 12-month follow-up period after curative resection of NSCLC. Psychological measurements at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery were conducted using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (ed 3), Revised, and the Profiles of Mood States (POMS) scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of psychological outcome according to these two methods of assessment.

Results: The prevalence of depression did not change during the year after curative resection (range, 4.7% to 8.0%). The total POMS score was also unaltered during the year after surgery: the anger-hostility (P < .001) and tension-anxiety subscale scores (P < .026) had increased at 12 months, but the vigor-activity subscale score had also increased (P < .001). All predictors of psychological outcome at 12 months included a depression episode after the diagnosis of lung cancer or at 1 month after surgery. Less-educated status was also a significant predictor of depression at 12 months.

Conclusion: These results suggest the need for psychosocial support even after curative resection of NSCLC and indicate that an approach that includes repetitive perioperative assessment of depression and careful attention to less-educated patients might be of benefit to patients in ameliorating depression and psychological distress during the year after curative resection.
Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease and Related Health Care Spending
Authors: Sakoi Naomi , Mori Yuichiro , Tsugawa Yusuke , Tanaka Junko , Fukuma Shingo
Published: January 2024

Importance

The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is substantial and potentially leads to higher health care resource use.

Objective

To examine the association between early-stage CKD and health care spending and its changes over time in the general population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cohort study using nationwide health checkup and medical claims data in Japan. Participants included individuals aged 30 to 70 years with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) of 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater at the baseline screening in 2014. Data analyses were conducted from April 2021 to October 2023.

Exposure

The CKD stages at baseline, defined by the eGFR and proteinuria, were as follows: eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater without proteinuria, eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater with proteinuria, eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 without proteinuria, and eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 with proteinuria.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was excess health care spending, defined as the absolute difference in health care spending according to the baseline CKD stages (reference group: eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 without proteinuria) in the baseline year (2014) and in the following 5 years (2015 to 2019).

Results

Of the 79 988 participants who underwent a health checkup (mean [SD] age, 47.0 [9.4] years; 22 027 [27.5%] female), 2899 (3.6%) had an eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater with proteinuria, 1116 (1.4%) had an eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 without proteinuria, and 253 (0.3%) had an eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 with proteinuria. At baseline, the presence of proteinuria and an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were associated with greater excess health care spending (adjusted difference, $178; 99% CI, $6-$350 for proteinuria; $608; 99% CI, $233-$983 for an eGFR of 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2; and $1254; 99% CI, $134-$2373 for their combination). The study consistently found excess health care spending over the following 5 examined years.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of nationwide health checkup and medical claims data in Japan, early-stage CKD was associated with excess health care spending over the 5 examined years, and the association was more pronounced with a more advanced disease stage.
Idealized Nativeness, Privilege, and Marginalization in English Language Teaching
Authors: Rudolph Nathanael
Published: January 2024

Essentialized and idealized nativeness in English pertaining to being, doing, and knowing in (and beyond) English language teaching (ELT), has long served as the dominant foundation for approaches to theory, research, policy making, teacher education, materials development, teaching, assessment, and hiring practices. Attention both to the history of ELT as an ongoing colonial and neoliberal enterprise, and to ever‐increasing local–global movement, change, diversity, and hybridity, has led to critical problematizations of the nature and purpose of ELT and essentialized and idealized nativeness in English. This scholarship is heterogeneous, however, including divergent conceptualizations of what idealized nativeness is, how it is maintained in the wide array of ELT contexts around the world, what privilege and marginalization “are,” who experiences them and how and why, and how ELT might be transformed to account for diversity and complexity, critically and practically speaking.
Pregnancy Outcomes in a Diverse US Lupus Cohort
Authors: Simard Julia F. , Liu Emily F. , Chakravarty Eliza , Rector Amadeia , Cantu Miranda , Kuo Daniel Z. , Shaw Gary M. , Druzin Maurice L. , Weisman Michael H. , Hedderson Monique M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Although the population of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is racially and ethnically diverse, many study populations are homogeneous. Further, data are often lacking on critical factors, such as antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). We investigated live birth rates in patients with SLE at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, including race and ethnicity and aPL data.

Methods

Electronic health records of pregnancies with outcomes observed from 2011 to 2020 were identified among patients with SLE. Prevalent SLE was defined as two or more International Classification of Diseases–coded visits seven or more days apart before the last menstrual period. We summarized patient characteristics, medication orders, health care use, and medication use. Pregnancy outcomes (live birth, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and molar pregnancy) were presented overall and stratified by race and ethnicity, aPL status, and nephritis history.

Results

We identified 657 pregnancies among 453 patients with SLE. The cohort was diverse, reflecting the Northern California population (27% Asian, 26% Hispanic, 26% Non‐Hispanic White, 13% Non‐Hispanic Black, 5% multiracial, and approximately 2% Pacific Islander and Native American). Approximately 74% of observed pregnancies ended in live birth, 23% resulted in spontaneous abortion, 2% were ectopic or molar pregnancies, and <1% were stillbirths. There was limited variability in live births by race and ethnic group (72%–79%), aPL status (69.5%–77%), and nephritis history (71%–75%).

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with previous studies; however, some methodologic differences may yield a range of live birth rates. We found that approximately 74% of pregnancies in patients with SLE ended in live birth, with modest variability in spontaneous abortion by race and ethnicity, nephritis history, and aPL status.
Disruptive Ecologies: Design with Nonhuman Intelligences
Authors: Bottazzi Roberto , Hosmer Tyson , Claypool Mollie
Published: January 2024

In the last decade, the B‐Pro post‐professional Architectural Design Master's programmes in Architectural Design (AD) and Urban Design (UD) at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London have developed innovative research delving into various aspects of design and digital technologies. Such preoccupations include biotechnology, computation and artificial intelligence, digital fabrication and robotics. Programme directors Roberto Bottazzi and Tyson Hosmer, and Theory Coordinator Mollie Claypool, illustrate some of its recent thought‐provoking work.
Aliens Among Us: The Posthuman Wunderkammer
Authors: Witt Andrew
Published: January 2024

Architecture has always been about the reconciliation between humanity and matter. Nowadays, as we gear up for a posthuman future, should buildings and spaces be more proactive, challenging their users by asking questions about this multifaceted reconciliation between the biosphere and the ever more advanced technosphere? Harvard University's Andrew Witt, a co‐founder of design studio Certain Measures, describes some of the office's ideas and spatial experiments within these trans‐scalar environments and contexts.
Learning, Teaching, Coexisting, Thriving: The Evolution of Space Architecture in the Posthuman Era
Authors: Bannova Olga , Häuplik‐Meusburger Sandra
Published: January 2024

Olga Bannova directs the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA) at the University of Houston, Texas, and Sandra Häuplik‐ Meusburger directs the Space Architecture EMBA at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). Here they present the notion of viewing humanity as not superior to other beings and entities, allowing the possibility of the much more inclusive coexistence that will be necessary as our posthuman future pushes us deeper into Space.
The Function of the Immune System, Beyond Strategies Based on Cell‐Autonomous Mechanisms, Determines Cancer Development: Immune Response and Cancer Development
Authors: Zand Hamid , Pourvali Katayoun
Published: January 2024

Although cancer remains a challenging disease to treat, early detection and removal of primary tumors through surgery or chemotherapy/radiotherapy can offer hope for patients. The privilege paradigm in cancer biology suggests that cell‐autonomous mechanisms play a central role in tumorigenesis. According to this paradigm, these cellular mechanisms are the primary focus for the prevention and treatment of cancers. However, this point of view does not present a comprehensive theory for the initiation of cancer and an effective therapeutic strategy. Having an incomplete understanding of the etiology of cancer, it is essential to re‐examine previous assumptions about carcinogenesis and develop new, practical theories that can account for all available clinical and experimental evidence. This will not only help to gain a better understanding of the disease, but also offer new avenues for treatment. This review provides evidence suggesting a shift in focus from a cell‐autonomous mechanism to systemic mechanisms, particularly the immune system, that are involved in cancer formation.
Bi‐Ligand Synergy Enables Threshold Low Voltage and Bandgap Stable Pure‐Red Mix‐Halide Perovskite LEDs
Authors: Duan Hong‐Wei , Zhao Feng , Li Sheng‐Nan , Pan Jia‐Lin , Shen Wan‐Shan , Li Sheng‐Ming , Zhang Qiao , Wang Ya‐Kun , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: January 2024

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting in the pure‐red range of 630–640 nm show promise in meeting the requirement of the Rec.2100 standard for high‐resolution displays. However, the high‐performing LEDs (external quantum efficiency, EQE >20%) in the pure‐red range suffer from half‐life time (luminance drop to 50% of the initial luminance) of <1.6 h, resulting from the injection/transportation barrier and surface‐defects–induced charge carrier quenching. Herein, a bi‐ligand synergy strategy is developed to address the T50 issue: the introduction of iodide‐rich ligands with different chain length increases the vacancy formation energy of halogen ions and enhances the exciton binding energy, resulting in a high photoluminescence quantum yield of over 92%. The treated CsPbBrx/I3−x films exhibit 34‐fold improved material stability related to the control at continuous aging at 100 °C. As a result, pure‐red LEDs with CIE coordinates of (0.698, 0.301) approaching the Rec.2100 standard are reported. These pure‐red LEDs exhibit a low turn‐on voltage of 1.8 V, which is the lowest among reported pure‐red perovskite LEDs, and even 0.15 V lower than the optical bandgap energy (1.95 eV); and a maximum EQE of ≈21% with fourfold enhanced T50 relative to the best previous pure‐red perovskite LEDs.