bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic problems in a patient with pulmonary fibrosis and soft tissue calcifications: scleromyositis
Authors: Walewska Ewa , Rupiński Robert
Published: December 2013

Choroby tkanki łącznej, a zwłaszcza zespoły nakładania, ze względu na znaczną różnorodność i zmienność objawów klinicznych mogą być powodem trudności diagnostycznych. W pracy przedstawiono przypadek 57-letniej kobiety z włóknieniem płuc, dolegliwościami bólowymi stawów rąk oraz zwapnieniami w tkankach miękkich. Włóknienie płuc oraz obecność zmian naczyniowych w badaniu kapilaroskopowym, przy braku typowych skórnych cech twardziny układowej, sugerowały rozpoznanie zespołu twardzinopodobnego. Pół roku od pierwszej hospitalizacji u chorej stwierdzono podwyższenie aktywności kinazy kreatynowej w surowicy, z towarzyszącymi objawami uszkodzenia pierwotnie mięśniowego w badaniu elektromiograficznym. Zajęcie układu mięśniowego uznano za objaw zespołu określanego jako scleromyositis, w którym często występują zwapnienia w tkankach miękkich. Rozpoznanie potwierdzono badaniem histopatologicznym wycinka skórno-mięśniowego. Wczesne wystąpienie zwapnień mogło być spowodowane niedoborem witaminy D i wtórną nadczynnością przytarczyc. W leczeniu chorej zastosowano z powodzeniem małe dawki glikokortykosteroidów, azatioprynę i suplementację witaminą D.
Prosecutor V. Perišić (ICTY)
Authors: Jenks Chris
Published: December 2013

What are the requisite elements to convict an individual of aiding and abetting international crimes committed by an organization? This form of liability question was the principal issue the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) addressed in its February 28, 2013 judgment overturning the 2011 conviction of General Momčilo Perišić, the former head of the Army of Yugoslavia (VJ), for aiding and abetting war crimes in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2093 on the Situation in Somalia
Authors: Adjovi Roland
Published: December 2013

Somalia, embroiled in civil war since the early 1990s, has been variously qualified as a failed state, a rogue state, or a collapsed state. Several peacekeeping operations by the United Nations (UN) have attempted to bring peace to the chaotic region. The latest UN Security Council Resolution pertaining to Somalia, Resolution 2093 (2013), partially lifts the twenty-one-year-old arms embargo imposed on Somalia, in an acknowledgement of the progress made by the current government towards stability.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094 on Nuclear Nonproliferation in North Korea
Authors: Jordan Klara Tothova
Published: December 2013

On March 7, 2013, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 2094 (2013), bolstering the scope of United Nations (UN) sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The Resolution represents the international community’s latest attempt at applying diplomatic and economic pressure to the DPRK so as to curb its nuclear weapons program. The resolution is also a response to the DPRK’s third nuclear test on February 12, 2013 and its subsequent threat to carry out preemptive nuclear strikes against the United States and South Korea. Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council responded to these grave violations of its existing Resolutions—seen as clear threats to international peace and security—by building upon, strengthening, and expanding the scope of the sanctions regime against the DPRK.
Granulomatous Interstitial Nephritis as a Manifestation of Crohn Disease
Authors: Colvin Robert B. , Traum Avram Z. , Taheri Diana , Jafari Mohsen , Dolatkhah Shahaboddin
Published: December 2013

Granulomatous interstitial nephritis is a rare extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn disease that has been described previously in 4 patients. We report a 23-year-old man with a history of Crohn disease since age 6 years who was admitted to the hospital for weight loss, fever, and bloody diarrhea in the midst of a recent flare up during the past 2 months. Investigations revealed anemia, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high C-reactive protein level, and an elevated serum creatinine level. Histopathologic examination of tissue specimens obtained at renal biopsy demonstrated granulomatous interstitial nephritis. Crohn disease needs to be in the differential diagnosis of granulomatous interstitial nephritis and can be a manifestation of drug allergy or the Crohn disease itself.
Congenital Granular Cell Epulis
Authors: Conrad Rachel , Perez Mia C. N.
Published: December 2013

Congenital granular cell epulis is a rarely reported lesion of unknown histogenesis with a strong predilection for the maxillary alveolar ridge of newborn girls. Microscopically, it demonstrates nests of polygonal cells with granular cytoplasm, a prominent capillary network, and attenuated overlying squamous epithelium. The lesion lacks immunoreactivity for S-100, laminin, chromogranin, and most other markers except neuron-specific enolase and vimentin. Through careful observation of its unique clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features, this lesion can be distinguished from the more common adult granular cell tumor as well as other differential diagnoses.
Basal-Like Breast Cancer: Update on Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features
Authors: Leidy Jennifer , Khan Ashraf , Kandil Dina
Published: December 2013

Context.—Basal-like breast carcinoma (BLBC) is a distinct molecular subtype of breast carcinoma identified through gene expression profiling studies.

Objective.—To provide the clinical background, the histologic profile, and the immunohistochemical profile of these tumors and discuss the current knowledge of their molecular signature and their implications on targeted molecular therapy.

Data Sources.—Data were obtained from review of the pertinent peer-reviewed literature.

Conclusions.—Basal-like breast carcinomas are aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Lack of targeted therapy makes their treatment a challenging task. Traditional chemotherapy is still associated with a high risk of relapse and death in a high percentage of patients. Platinum-based chemotherapy has been considered as a candidate for the treatment of BLBCs owing to their BRCA1 phenotype. Approximately 22% of patients treated with single-agent cisplatin show pathologic complete response, which is a comparable rate to that seen with nonplatinum agents. Antiangiogenic agents have been promising, but their currently demonstrated limited response is considered disappointing. Additionally, epidermal growth factor receptor was not shown to be a helpful target for BLBC. A recent study has shown that BLBC appears to be especially sensitive to MEK inhibitors, making it a promising therapeutic possibility. The list of new targets is still evolving and the “magic” therapeutic target is yet to be discovered.
The Ever-Changing Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Management of Breast Cancer
Authors: Goodman Steven , O'Connor Ashling , Kandil Dina , Khan Ashraf
Published: December 2013

Context.—Axillary nodal status remains one of the most important prognostic indicators in the management of breast cancer. Axillary node metastases are seen in fewer than half of breast cancer cases, and axillary lymph node dissection is associated with significant morbidity. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the gold standard for axillary staging of breast cancer.

Objective.—To present a detailed review of the existing studies on SLNB in relation to the various techniques, the pathologic evaluation of the sentinel node, and special situations that can involve SLNB. We discuss recent trials that have already had an influence on surgical and pathologic management of breast cancer. In this article, we also discuss our practice and experience at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, from a pathologic and surgical perspective.

Data Sources.—Published articles from peer-reviewed journals in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine).

Conclusions.—Sentinel node biopsy has become standard of care in the surgical management of breast cancer, and emerging data show that the survival benefits of axillary lymph node dissection may not be greater than sentinel node biopsy alone in patients with up to 2 positive sentinel nodes. Therefore, there have been recent changes to the role of intraoperative sentinel node evaluation, and an impact on overall breast cancer management.
Variability of Pathologists' Utilization of p16 and Ki-67 Immunostaining in the Diagnosis of Cervical Biopsies in Routine Pathology Practice and Its Impact on the Frequencies of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Diagnoses and Cytohistologic Correlations
Authors: Singh Charanjeet , Manivel J. Carlos , Truskinovsky Alexander M. , Savik Kay , Amirouche Samy , Holler Jana , Thyagarajan Bharat , Gulbahce H. Evin , Pambuccian Stefan E.
Published: December 2013

Context.—The use of p16 in cervical biopsies improves the accuracy of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) diagnosis and grading and decreases its interpathologist variability.

Objective.—To determine the impact of the frequency of use of p16 immunostains in cervical biopsies on pathologists' diagnoses of CIN grade 1 and grade 2 or above (CIN1 and CIN2+) and on cytohistologic correlations.

Design.—We identified all cervical biopsy specimens with cytologic correlations subjected or not to p16 staining from January 1, 2005, to September 30, 2010; calculated each pathologist's percentage of p16 use; and correlated it with their major cytohistologic discrepancy rates, CIN2+ diagnoses, and CIN1/CIN2+ ratios.

Results.—During the study period, each of the 23 pathologists interpreted 59 to 1811 (mean, 518) of 11 850 cervical biopsy specimens, used p16 for 0% to 21.31% (mean, 10.14%) of these, had CIN2+ detection rates of 9.5% to 24.1% (mean, 18.9%), and CIN1/CIN2+ ratios of 0.7 to 4.5 (mean, 1.5). Compared to the 12 “low users” of p16, who used p16 fewer times than the institution's mean for p16 use, the 11 “high users” of p16 diagnosed more biopsies (8391 versus 3459), had a lower rate of major cytohistologic discrepancies (12.62% versus 14.92%, P < .001), a higher rate of CIN2+ diagnoses (19.9% versus 16.4%, P < .001), a lower range of CIN2+ rates (15.0%–23.1% versus 9.5%–24.1%), and lower CIN1/CIN2+ ratios (1.2 versus 2.3).

Conclusions.—We found a high intrainstitutional variability of p16 use in cervical biopsies, CIN2+ rates, and CIN1/CIN2+ ratios. Use of p16 for greater than 10% of cervical biopsies was associated with improved cytohistologic correlation rates and with lower variability in the frequencies of histologic diagnoses.
Current Concepts in the Classification and Diagnosis of Frontotemporal Lobar Degenerations: A Practical Approach
Authors: Rohan Zdenek , Matej Radoslav
Published: December 2013

Frontotemporal lobar degenerations are clinically, genetically, and molecularly heterogeneous diseases characterized by mainly frontal and temporal atrophy and affecting behavioral, language, cognitive, and motor functions. The term frontotemporal dementia incorporates 3 distinct clinical syndromes seen in frontotemporal degenerations: behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia, progressive nonfluent aphasia, and semantic dementia. Progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome, corticobasal syndrome, and motor neuron disease syndrome are also associated with frontotemporal lobar degenerations. The neuropathologic hallmark of frontotemporal lobar degenerations is accumulation of abnormal proteins in the cytoplasm and nuclei of neurons and glial cells. Proteins involved in pathologic processes that represent the basis for frontotemporal lobar degeneration classification are tau protein, transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa, and “fused in sarcoma” protein. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of practical approaches for neuropathologic diagnostics of the rapidly evolving classifications of frontotemporal lobar degenerations.
Improving the Value of Costly Genetic Reference Laboratory Testing With Active Utilization Management
Authors: Dickerson Jane A. , Cole Bonnie , Conta Jessie H. , Wellner Monica , Wallace Stephanie E. , Jack Rhona M. , Rutledge Joe , Astion Michael L.
Published: December 2013

Context.—Tests that are performed outside of the ordering institution, send-out tests, represent an area of risk to patients because of complexity associated with sending tests out. Risks related to send-out tests include increased number of handoffs, ordering the wrong or unnecessary test, specimen delays, data entry errors, preventable delays in reporting and acknowledging results, and excess financial liability. Many of the most expensive and most misunderstood tests are send-out genetic tests.

Objective.—To design and develop an active utilization management program to reduce the risk to patients and improve value of genetic send-out tests.

Design.—Send-out test requests that met defined criteria were reviewed by a rotating team of doctoral-level consultants and a genetic counselor in a pediatric tertiary care center.

Results.—Two hundred fifty-one cases were reviewed during an 8-month period. After review, nearly one-quarter of genetic test requests were modified in the downward direction, saving a total of 2% of the entire send-out bill and 19% of the test requests under management. Ultimately, these savings were passed on to patients.

Conclusions.—Implementing an active utilization strategy for expensive send-out tests can be achieved with minimal technical resources and results in improved value of testing to patients.
The Impact of Template Format on the Completeness of Surgical Pathology Reports
Authors: Renshaw Scott A. , Mena-Allauca Mercy , Touriz Michelle , Renshaw Andrew , Gould Edwin W.
Published: December 2013

Context.—The College of American Pathologists Cancer Case Summaries templates provide a method for including all necessary pathology information in surgical pathology reports with cancer. How effective these templates are at ensuring a complete report, as measured by a separate outside tumor registry, is not known.

Objective.—To determine factors that correlate with the completeness of the pathology report.

Design.—All surgical pathology reports from our hospital (Baptist Hospital of Miami, Miami, Florida) that used templates from January 2004 through February 2013 were reviewed and assessed for completeness by an outside tumor registry.

Results.—From 2004 through June 2012, 6139 surgical pathology reports were completed using the template, but only 5151 reports (84%) were complete. For the period January 2012 through June 2012, experienced pathologists who filled out at least 50 templates (n = 3) had a significantly higher completeness rate (187 of 206; 91%) than did pathologists who filled out less than 50 templates (n = 3; 23 of 35; 65%, P < .001) or pathologists who were new to the templates (n = 1; 81 of 104, 78%; P = .002). When the templates were changed by the elimination of all optional information, sequential numbering of all necessary items, and bolding the distance from the closest margin, completeness significantly improved to 98% (313 of 320, P < .001). The improvement remained constant for the 6 months after the changes in format.

Conclusions.—The introduction of simple formatting changes was associated with significantly improved completeness of pathology reports that use the College of American Pathologists Cancer Case Summaries.
Diagnostic Accuracy Studies of Fine-Needle Aspiration Show Wide Variation in Reporting of Study Population Characteristics: Implications for External Validity
Authors: Schmidt Robert L. , Narra Krishna K. , Witt Benjamin L. , Factor Rachel E.
Published: December 2013

Context.—Study comparisons rest on the assessment of applicability or external validity. Population characteristics are an important component of external validity and, although there has been a heightened awareness of deficiencies in reporting in diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies, the reporting of populations in DTA studies has not been investigated.

Objective.—To assess the quality of reporting of population descriptions in DTA studies for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Design.—Literature survey of common population parameters and usage patterns in FNAC DTA studies. We randomly selected 20 FNAC DTA studies in 4 categories (salivary glands, lung, thyroid, and pancreas) and determined the frequency of parameter usage.

Results.—Studies showed considerable variability in reporting patterns. On average, studies reported 2 to 4 parameters to describe study populations. Age, sex, and lesion size were most frequently reported. Sixteen percent of studies did not provide any population description. Population parameters were used to describe the sample population more frequently than to describe the selection process (P = .001). There were significant differences in the number of parameters specified by anatomic site (P = .001). Only 21% of studies provided a flow diagram. Thirty-three percent of studies mentioned the target population.

Conclusions.—Studies show considerable variability in the description of sample populations and the population selection process. Studies often fail to provide flow diagrams or to provide a clear statement of the research problem. There is considerable opportunity for studies to improve both descriptions of sample populations and the process used to select them.
Study on Eating Habits and Physical Activity Status in Turkey
Authors: Bagriacik Nazif , Elmacioglu Funda , Sakar Sule , Yolacan Ceren , Yildiz Sema
Published: December 2013

The present study aimed to evaluate eating habits and physical activity status of Turkish population, and to determine nutritional changes. This study was conducted in 12 provinces of 11 regions of NUTS level 1 via a face-to-face interview using a pre-prepared questionnaire and included 1536 subjects aged >15 years with different socioeconomic statuses who eat out at least once in a month.
Of the subjects, 33.6% were overweight, 18.4% were obese and 48% had normal weight.

BMI

%

Overweight

33.6%

Obese

18.4%

Normal Weight

48.0%

The rates of subjects calculating calorie intake (8.4%) and reading nutrition facts label (29.1%) were increased with increasing BMI.
 The most frequently consumed foods were bread, cheese and olive at breakfast, bread, soup, salad, yoghurt, and pilaf at lunch and toast, sandwiches, and Turkish bagels at snacks.

Breakfast

Average(Monthly)

Bread

25.8

Cheese

25.0

Olive

22.8

 

Lunch

Average(Monthly)

Bread

26.1

Salad

17.7

Soup

16.4

Yoghurt

10.4

Pilaf

9.6

 

Snack

%

Toast

33.4

Turkish Bagels

26.3

Sandwiches

25.8

The mean duration of meals was <30 min in 85.8% of the subjects.

Duration Of Meals

%

0-15 minutes

22.7

16-30 minutes

63.3

30 minutes and more

14.1

The most commonly consumed non-alcoholic beverages were tea (95.7%), coffee (58.7%), Turkish yoghurt drink (56.1%), and carbonated beverages (48.3%). Milk consumption was low (20.2%).

Non-alcoholic Beverages

%

Tea

95.7%

Coffee

58.7%

Turkish Yoghurt Drink

56.1%

Carbonated Beverages

48.3%

Milk

20.2%

Alcohol consumption rate was 26.6%. The rate of subjects doing sports was 14.8%, which decreased with increasing age and BMI. In Turkish population, eating habits continued to be traditional, eating awareness and the rate of sport activities were very low.
Smoking and Nutrition
Authors: Mlcochová Mgr. Veronika
Published: December 2013

Smoking cigarettes is considered as a world-wide problem, which is not only medical, but also social. Addiction to nicotine causes chronic and often relapsed diseases, which are interconnected with many other illnesses and which frequently result in the death. Smoking cigarettes causes not only a disease (which does not occur so often in the case of non-smokers), but it also influences life style of smokers. It has been proved that smokers’ eating behaviour is more risky (they eat more fried food, less vegetables and fruits...), therefore they are more likely to fall ill with the non-infectious mass disease
Theory for correlation between plasma fluctuation and fluctuation of nanoparticle growth in reactive plasmas
Authors: Shiratani Masaharu , Koga Kazunori , Kamataki Kunihiro , Iwashita Shinya , Uchida Giichiro , Seo Hyunwoong , Itagaki Naho
Published: December 2013

We propose a simple theoretical model that describes the correlation between plasma fluctuation and fluctuation of nanoparticle growth in reactive plasmas. The model predicts that the high density of nanoparticles brings about small mean size, narrow size dispersion, and sharp size slope on the large side of the size distribution. The model suggests some methods of tuning the size dispersion, and it also suggests that a self-limiting process is the key to markedly suppressing fluctuations in nanostructure fabrication. All predictions coincide with the experimental results reported previously. Moreover, the model suggests that plasma fluctuation induces both the linear and nonlinear responses of nanoparticle growth.
High-efficiency plasma surface modification of graphite-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles using a pulsed particle explosion technique
Authors: Saraswati Teguh Endah , Tsumura Shun , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: December 2013

A high-efficiency surface modification of graphite-encapsulated iron compounds magnetic nanoparticles using an inductively coupled radio-frequency plasma with a pulsed particle explosion technique was studied. A significant increase in N 1s peak intensity in the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra was obtained by applying a negative pulsed bias voltage of −1 kV to the substrate stage for 15 s or less at a repetition frequency of 1 kHz and a duty ratio of 50% in ammonia plasma. The intensity of the N 1s peak and the N/C ratio of the nanoparticles treated in a pulsed particle explosion system were 3–4 times higher than those of the particles treated without bias. The amino group population of nanoparticles treated using the present technique was determined to be about 8.2 × 104 molecules per nanoparticle, roughly four times higher than that of particles treated without bias. The dispersion of the plasma-treated nanoparticles was significantly improved compared with those of the untreated and treated particles in the nonbiasing system. The surface structure analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed no significant damage on the structure or morphology of the treated nanoparticles, indicating that the present technique is applicable to the high-efficiency surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles.
Fabrication of graphite-encapsulated gold nanoparticles by direct current arc discharge method and their functionalization by radio-frequency ammonia plasma
Authors: Yang Enbo , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we report the synthesis of graphite-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (Au@C NPs) by a direct current (DC) arc discharge method. The fabricated Au@C NPs were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. It was found that they had a typical diameter of about 20–30 nm and were encapsulated with several graphite layers from the HR-TEM images, and that they had typical crystalline structures from the XRD spectrum. The nanoparticles were functionalized using inductively coupled radio-frequency (RF) ammonia plasma. The fabricated and functionalized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the atomic composition and atomic bonding of their modified surface. Results demonstrated that amino groups were introduced onto the surface of the nanoparticles.
Mass spectrometric study of Ar/NH3 surface wave plasma utilized for surface functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Ciolan Mihai Alexandru , Motrescu Iuliana , Luca Dumitru , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: December 2013

Owing to its low toxicity toward living organisms and specific optical properties, we promote the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) as an alternative to existing semiconductor-based materials for developing new bioimaging techniques. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the laser ablation technique in oxygen reactive atmosphere at room temperature by ablating a commercial high-purity ZnO target. The surface functionalization of ZnO NPs was successfully achieved using a dry chemical reactor with ammonia/argon mixture plasma. The roles of various plasma ions in the surface interaction with ZnO NPs were investigated to understand the mechanism of functionalization by quadrupole mass spectrometry.
Analysis of effect of ion irradiation to liquid surface on water molecule kinetics by classical molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Minagawa Yudai , Shirai Naoki , Uchida Satoshi , Tochikubo Fumiyoshi
Published: December 2013

We analyzed the physical behavior of water molecules to assess the effect of ion bombardment from atmospheric-pressure plasma to a liquid surface by classical molecular dynamics simulation. As the incident ions, O+ was considered. The number of sputtered water molecules, liquid temperature, and ion penetration depth in liquid were investigated after O+ ions with kinetic energies of 10 and 100 eV impinged on the liquid surface. The average numbers of sputtered water molecules by ion impact were 0.5 at 10 eV and 7.0 at 100 eV. The sputtering of water molecules depended on the ion penetration depth and near-surface liquid temperature. The sputtering dynamics was discussed in detail. In addition, we presented the effect of an impinging ion on a liquid surface under an external electric field. The result shows that the number of sputtered water molecules increases with increasing electric field strength, which affects the water molecule orientation.
Time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy on three-dimensionally integrated micro-solution plasma
Authors: Shirafuji Tatsuru , Ogura Yuhei , Himeno Yuta
Published: December 2013

Time-averaged and time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES) has been performed on three-dimensionally integrated micro-solution plasma (3D IMSP). In comparison with that of a conventional solution plasma generated in pure water vapor bubbles, the OES spectrum of our 3D IMSP, which is generated in Ar gas bubbles surrounded with water, shows more pronounced optical emission of OH radicals than of H and O radicals. In addition, time-resolved OES shows that the optical emission of OH radicals is sustained even after the emission of H and Ar almost disappears. The mechanisms of these phenomena are discussed by considering the dissociative recombination of H2O+ and/or H3O+ with low-temperature electrons.
Decomposition of methyl orange using pulsed discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure: Effect of different electrodes
Authors: Hayashi Yui , Wahyudiono  , Machmudah Siti , Takada Noriharu , Kanda Hideki , Sasaki Koichi , Goto Motonobu
Published: December 2013

One of the new technologies for water treatment is the pulsed discharge plasma method, which utilizes high voltage pulses with a fast rise time and a very short duration. In this study, under argon atmosphere at 313 K, the decoloration of methyl orange was conducted with copper (Cu) and stainless steel #304 (SUS-304) as electrodes in the batch reactor. The performance of pulse discharge plasma generation was observed using an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) camera. The results show that the intermediate compounds from the degradation of methyl orange consist primarily of aromatic compounds containing nitrogen functional groups. At the same number of plasma discharge times, the percentage conversion of methyl orange with Cu as the electrode is higher than that with SUS as the electrode. However, the percentage degradation of methyl orange is over 90% in both cases when the number of plasma discharge times was 20000.
Chemical reactions during plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of SiO2 films employing aminosilane and O2/Ar plasma at 50 °C
Authors: Lu Yi , Kobayashi Akiko , Kondo Hiroki , Ishikawa Kenji , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: December 2013

We report the temporal evolution of surface species observed in situ using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) during plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) of SiO2 films employing aminosilane and an O2/Ar plasma at a temperature of 50 °C. Reversals in the appearance of IR absorbance features associated with SiO–H, C–H
x
, and Si–H proved to coincide with the self-limiting reaction property in ALD. Our IR results indicate that an O2/Ar plasma can both removed CH
x
groups and transform SiH surface species to SiOH. In addition, SiO2 deposition was confirmed by a continuous increase in Si–O absorbance with each PE-ALD step, which becomes stable after several cycles. On the basis of our results, the mechanism of low temperature SiO2 PE-ALD was discussed.
The hardening of CuO–(K,Na)NbO3 via post annealing with argon
Authors: Liu Yaoyang , Maeda Takafumi , Yokouchi Yuriko , Morita Takeshi
Published: December 2013

Copper-doped potassium sodium niobate CuO–(K0.48Na0.52)NbO3 (CuO–KNN) ceramics was fabricated via a hydrothermal method. An extra post-annealing process with argon atmosphere was adopted after the sintering procedure to increase the quality factor (Qm
). The results show that the annealing process with argon can significantly increase the Qm
from 880 to approximately 1500. In CuO–KNN ceramics, Cu2+ substitutes Nb5+ as an acceptor type dopant, which would constitute charge dipoles. These charge dipoles are inclined to be relatively stable around the domain boundaries and generate a pinning effect. The pinning effect can be so strong that the domain walls become more difficult to move, even under applied electric field. Thus, the annealing procedure can increase the amount of oxygen vacancies, which influences the stability of the domain structures. The increase of oxygen vacancies strengthens the suppression of domain wall movement and thus enlarges the Qm
value.
Improvement of multilayer graphene synthesis on copper substrate by microwave plasma process using helium at low temperatures
Authors: Kato Ryuichi , Tsugawa Kazuo , Yamada Takatoshi , Ishihara Masatou , Hasegawa Masataka
Published: December 2013

A pretreatment method for copper foil substrates for graphene synthesis with microwave plasma has been developed using a helium and hydrogen gas mixture. Contaminants on the surface of the substrate, particularly copper oxides, were effectively removed by this method, which was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Graphene was grown by microwave-plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MWCVD) subsequent to the pretreatment of the substrate in the same apparatus. Using the hydrogen and helium gas mixtures as the diluent gas for methane, the contamination in the deposited graphene by undesirable impurities from the ambient in the reaction apparatus, particularly silicon etched from the quartz window by microwave plasma, was successfully suppressed. The multilayer graphene films synthesized at low temperatures on the pretreated copper foil substrates exhibited higher crystallinity, as shown in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and Raman scattering spectra, than those on the untreated substrates.
Acid diffusion length in contact hole imaging of chemically amplified extreme ultraviolet resists
Authors: Kozawa Takahiro , Hirayama Taku
Published: December 2013

Contact holes and line-and-space patterns are the most basic elements in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. In this study, the chemical processes in contact hole imaging were investigated to clarify the optimum acid diffusion length in terms of the quality of latent images. The chemical processes were simulated using a Monte Carlo method based on the reaction mechanisms of chemically amplified extreme ultraviolet (EUV) resists. The theoretical dependence of the optimum acid diffusion length on the exposure dose and half-pitch (diameter) was clarified. At an exposure dose of 20 mJ cm−2, the optimum acid diffusion length (three-dimensional) was 10.7 nm for 28 nm contact holes (56 nm pitch). By decreasing the diameter to 16 nm (32 nm pitch), the optimum acid diffusion length (three-dimensional) was decreased to 8.9 nm, which was smaller than that of line-and-space patterns by 12%. The chemical reactions for the dissolution of resist polymers should be sufficiently induced within these acid diffusion lengths for contact hole imaging.
Low-temperature layer transfer of midair cavity silicon films to a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate by meniscus force
Authors: Sakaike Kohei , Nakamura Shogo , Akazawa Muneki , Higashi Seiichiro
Published: December 2013

A single-crystalline-silicon (c-Si) layer (supported by columns on a starting Si-on-insulator wafer) and a counter-poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate were placed in close face-to-face contact, and pure water was sandwiched in between the c-Si layer and the PET substrate. The samples formed in this manner were heated on a hot plate at 80 °C. By the meniscus force generated during the evaporation of the sandwiched water from the samples, the c-Si films were completely transferred to the PET substrate. A (100)-oriented c-Si thin film that shows good adhesion was successfully formed on PET substrates at low process temperatures.
Time constraints for the Yellow River traversing the Sanmen Gorge
Authors: Kong Ping , Jia Jun , Zheng Yong
Published: December 2013

The Yellow River is the second longest river in China, a total course of 5464 km. The Yellow River traverses 30 gorges within its main course and the last one is the Sanmen Gorge. The timing of cut through the Sanmen Gorge indicates the final integration of the Yellow River. Previous geological surveys identify a paleolake in the Weihe Basin located west of the Sanmen Gorge; the lake was drained when the gorge was cut through. Using cosmogenic nuclide burial dating, we obtain ages of transition from lake to fluvial environments in the Weihe Basin and formation of fluvial terraces within the Sanmen Gorge. The timing of cut through the Sanmen Gorge is constrained to 1.3–1.5 Ma. Zircon U‐Pb age distributions further suggest that the Weihe, the largest tributary of the Yellow River running from west to east along the northern section of the Qinling Mountains, primarily flowed over the Sanmen Gorge, followed by the upper and middle Yellow River traversing 1.3–1.4 Ma ago. It appears that formation and integration of the Yellow River occurred in a short duration in the early Pleistocene, probably related to global climate changes.
Ultrahigh resolution total organic carbon analysis using Fourier Transform Near Infrarred Reflectance Spectroscopy (FT‐NIRS)
Authors: Pearson Emma J. , Juggins Steve , Tyler Jonathan
Published: December 2013

Fourier transform near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (FT‐NIRS) is a cheap, rapid, and nondestructive method for analyzing organic sediment components. Here, we examine the robustness of a within lake FT‐NIRS calibration using a data set of almost 400 core samples from Lake Suigetsu, Japan, as a means to rapidly reconstruct % total organic carbon (TOC). We evaluate the best spectra pretreatment, examine different statistical approaches, and provide recommendations for the optimum number of calibration samples required for accurate predictions. Results show that the most robust method is based on first‐order derivatives of all spectra modeled with partial least squares regression. We construct a TOC model training set using 247 samples and a validation test set using 135 samples (for test set R2 = 0.951, RMSE = 0.280) to determine TOC and illustrate the use of the model in an ultrahigh resolution (e.g., 1 mm/annual) study of a long sediment core from a climatically sensitive archive.
Interpreting intraseasonal variability of subsurface tracers observed by a profiling float
Authors: Takano Yohei , Ito Takamitsu , Deutsch Curtis , Johnson Kenneth S.
Published: December 2013

Recent developments in autonomous biogeochemical instruments can provide new opportunities for investigating biogeochemical variability at unprecedented temporal resolutions. Early studies indicate the importance of relatively rapid and small‐scale processes on biogeochemical variability. This analysis focuses on a profiling float deployed in the eastern subpolar North Pacific, showing significant intraseasonal variability in potential density, oxygen and nitrate. We find substantial variability for all tracers in the main thermocline at a depth of about 150 m, indicating a common mechanism. A strong linear correlation between the intraseasonal variability of isopycnal oxygen and nitrate (on σθ = 26.5 surface) with isopycnal spiciness indicates the role of physical transport and mixing. Power spectrum analysis shows a statistically significant spectral peak of about 1/(18 days) for observed tracers in the main thermocline. This high‐frequency variability does not show any significant relationship with independent satellite measures of relevant physical and biological properties. With approximately 5 day sampling periods, this spectral peak could be produced by aliasing of the inertial and tidal frequencies, rather than true intraseasonal variability. The low‐frequency component (>30 days) shows the spectral slope of ω−2 consistent with the stochastic null hypothesis. The growing number of autonomous biogeochemical observations will likely open up considerable opportunities for further research, and the analytical approaches in this paper will be useful for a further analysis of temporal variability of biogeochemical tracers.
Variability in transport pathways on and around the South Georgia shelf, Southern Ocean: Implications for recruitment and retention
Authors: Young Emma F. , Thorpe Sally E. , Banglawala Neelofer , Murphy Eugene J.
Published: December 2013

The waters around South Georgia are among the most productive in the Southern Ocean, with zooplankton populations close to the island, in particular Antarctic krill, supporting vast colonies of higher predators. However, our understanding of the processes governing variability in the supply of these food resources is limited by the poor spatial and temporal resolution of available data. Here, we use a numerical modeling approach to examine the underlying physical processes driving the recruitment and retention of zooplankton to the South Georgia shelf. Variability in the magnitude and spatial distribution of recruitment was dominated by the proximity and orientation of the southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current front to the shelf edge. Shelf retention was highest for source sites on the southwest shelf, with the main transport routes off the shelf to the north and northwest. Retention was lowest in the austral summer and winter; in summer increased glacial melt drives stronger off‐shelf near‐surface currents, while in winter, stronger winds lead to an increase in off‐shelf transport. Of particular note was the prediction of a significant increase in retention for particles released throughout the shelf in April and July 2000. This period coincided with the development of pronounced anticlockwise shelf flows, associated with horizontal density gradients due to reduced wind mixing of shelf waters, and differences between shelf and oceanic waters, which significantly reduced off‐shelf transport rates. Such findings are crucial for understanding the influence of variability in physical processes on the ecosystem at South Georgia.
Investigation of aerosol indirect effects using a cumulus microphysics parameterization in a regional climate model
Authors: Lim Kyo‐Sun Sunny , Fan Jiwen , Leung L. Ruby , Ma Po‐Lun , Singh Balwinder , Zhao Chun , Zhang Yang , Zhang Guang , Song Xiaoliang
Published: December 2013

A new Zhang and McFarlane (ZM) cumulus scheme includes a two‐moment cloud microphysics parameterization for convective clouds. This allows aerosol effects to be investigated more comprehensively by linking aerosols with microphysical processes in both stratiform clouds that are explicitly resolved and convective clouds that are parameterized in climate models. This new scheme is implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting model, coupled with the physics and aerosol packages from the Community Atmospheric Model version 5. A case of July 2008 during the East Asian summer monsoon is selected to evaluate the performance of the new ZM and to investigate aerosol effects on monsoon precipitation. The precipitation and radiative fluxes simulated by the new ZM show a better agreement with observations compared to simulations with the original ZM that does not include convective cloud microphysics and aerosol‐convective cloud interactions. Detailed analysis suggests that an increase in detrained cloud water and ice mass by the new ZM is responsible for this improvement. Aerosol impacts on cloud properties, precipitation, and radiation are examined by reducing the primary aerosols and anthropogenic emissions to 30% of those in the present (polluted) condition. The simulated surface precipitation is reduced by 9.8% from clean to polluted environment, and the reduction is less significant when microphysics processes are excluded from the cumulus clouds. Cloud fraction is reduced by the increased aerosols due to suppressed convection, except during some heavy precipitation periods when cloud fraction, cloud top height, and rain rate are increased due to enhanced convection.
Ionomer covalent functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes by radical polymerization of zirconium acrylate
Authors: Jaisankar Sellamuthu N. , Nelson Donna J. , Kumar Ravi , Mandal Asit Baran
Published: December 2013

A facile and efficient covalent functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via peroxide‐mediated free radical covalent attachment and polymerization of zirconium acrylate is reported. The resulting covalently functionalized SWCNTs exhibit improved solubility in organic solvents. The covalently functionalized SWCNTs are characterized by cross polarization magic angle spinning 13C NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, x‐ray diffraction, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that carboxylate groups of covalently attached ionomers chelate with zirconium ions and the participating carboxylate groups may be from different ionomer chains leading to cross‐linking the chains. The SWCNT topology, ionic clustering, and π‐electron clouds were explored by transmission electron microscopy. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 820–828, 2014
Brief Report: Spuriously Low Serum IgG4 Concentrations Caused by the Prozone Phenomenon in Patients With IgG4‐Related Disease
Authors: Khosroshahi Arezou , Cheryk Lynn A. , Carruthers Mollie N. , Edwards Judith A. , Bloch Donald B. , Stone John H.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine the frequency of the prozone effect in patients with IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD).

Methods

After identifying the prozone effect in an index patient with IgG4‐RD, we examined additional samples to determine the frequency of this phenomenon. Thirty‐eight serum samples obtained from patients with IgG4‐RD whose results had been reported previously were retested. The serum IgG4 concentrations determined by this repeat analysis were compared with the originally reported values.

Results

In 10 (26%) of 38 patients, the originally reported IgG4 values were falsely low; the prozone effect was identified in each of these 10 samples. Correction of the prozone effect by sample dilution led to revision of the mean serum IgG4 concentration in the 10 samples, from 26 mg/dl to 2,008 mg/dl (normal range 2.4–121 mg/dl). All 10 patients whose samples were affected by the prozone effect had active IgG4‐RD. Failure to detect the elevated serum IgG4 concentrations had a direct impact on the decision not to institute treatment in these patients.

Conclusion

The prozone effect may lead to major underestimations of IgG4 concentrations in patients with IgG4‐RD and offers a potential explanation for the poor correlation observed between disease activity and serum IgG4 levels in some patients. This phenomenon should be considered if the serum IgG4 measurement appears discordant with the clinicopathologic diagnosis and the clinical assessment of disease activity.
Cell cultivation under different gravitational loads using a novel random positioning incubator
Authors: Benavides Damm Tatiana , Walther Isabelle , Wüest Simon L. , Sekler Jörg , Egli Marcel
Published: December 2013

Important in biotechnology is the establishment of cell culture methods that reflect the in vivo situation accurately. One approach for reaching this goal is through 3D cell cultivation that mimics tissue or organ structures and functions. We present here a newly designed and constructed random positioning incubator (RPI) that enables 3D cell culture in simulated microgravity (0 g). In addition to growing cells in a weightlessness‐like environment, our RPI enables long‐duration cell cultivation under various gravitational loads, ranging from close to 0 g to almost 1 g. This allows the study of the mechanotransductional process of cells involved in the conversion of physical forces to an appropriate biochemical response. Gravity is a type of physical force with profound developmental implications in cellular systems as it modulates the resulting signaling cascades as a consequence of mechanical loading. The experiments presented here were conducted on mouse skeletal myoblasts and human lymphocytes, two types of cells that have been shown in the past to be particularly sensitive to changes in gravity. Our novel RPI will expand the horizon at which mechanobiological experiments are conducted. The scientific data gathered may not only improve the sustainment of human life in space, but also lead to the design of alternative countermeasures against diseases related to impaired mechanosensation and downstream signaling processes on earth. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1180–1190. © 2013 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changing Behaviour: Successful Environmental Programmes in the Workplace
Authors: Young William , Davis Matthew , McNeill Ilona M. , Malhotra Bindu , Russell Sally , Unsworth Kerrie , Clegg Chris W.
Published: December 2013

There is an increasing focus on improving the pro‐environmental attitudes, behaviour and habits of individuals, whether at home, in education, travelling, shopping or in the workplace. This article focuses on the workplace by conducting a multi‐disciplinary literature review of research that has examined the influence of organization‐based behaviour change initiatives. The review includes only research evidence that measured actual environmental performance (e.g. energy use) rather than solely using self‐reported methods (e.g. questionnaires). The authors develop an ‘employee pro‐environmental behaviour’ (e‐PEB) framework, which contains individual, group, organizational and contextual factors that have predictive relevance across different behaviours and organizations. The review shows that the strongest predictors are environmental awareness, performance feedback, financial incentives, environmental infrastructure, management support and training. A key finding from this review is that attitude change is not necessarily a pre‐requisite for behaviour change in the workplace. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment