bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Temperature Solid State Gold Bonding of Si Chips to Alumina Substrates
Authors: Sha Chu-Hsuan , Lee Chin C.
Published: June 2011

Pure gold (Au) is used as a bonding medium to bond silicon (Si) chips to alumina substrates. The bonding process is performed at 260 °C with only 150 psi (1.0 MPa) static pressure applied. This is a solid-state bonding without any molten phase involved. The Au layer plated on alumina is ductile enough to deform for its surface to mate with the thin Au layer coated on Si. Au atoms on both sides of the bond line are brought within atomic distance and bonding is achieved. The ductile Au joint also accommodates the significant mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between Si and alumina. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluations show that nearly perfect joints are achieved and no voids are observed. Five samples are shear tested. They all pass the MIL-STD-883G standard. This bonding technique can be applied to bonding any two objects that can be coated with smooth Au layers. The 260 °C bonding temperature is compatible with typical reflow temperature of Sn3.5Ag solders used in electronic industries.
Morphological Characterization of a Novel Scaffold for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tissue Engineering
Authors: Laurent Cédric P. , Ganghoffer Jean-François , Babin Jérôme , Six Jean-Luc , Wang Xiong , Rahouadj Rachid
Published: June 2011

Tissue engineering offers an interesting alternative to current anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Indeed, a tissue-engineered solution could ideally overcome the long-term complications due to actual ACL reconstruction by being gradually replaced by biological tissue. Key requirements concerning the ideal scaffold for ligament tissue engineering are numerous and concern its mechanical properties, biochemical nature, and morphology. This study is aimed at predicting the morphology of a novel scaffold for ligament tissue engineering, based on multilayer braided biodegradable copoly(lactic acid-co-(e-caprolactone)) (PLCL) fibers The process used to create the scaffold is briefly presented, and the degradations of the material before and after the scaffold processing are compared. The process offers varying parameters, such as the number of layers in the scaffold, the pitch length of the braid, and the fibers’ diameter. The prediction of the morphology in terms of pore size distribution and pores interconnectivity as a function of these parameters is performed numerically using an original method based on a virtual scaffold. The virtual scaffold geometry and the prediction of pore size distribution are evaluated by comparison with experimental results. The presented process permits creation of a tailorable scaffold for ligament tissue engineering using basic equipment and from minimum amounts of raw material. The virtual scaffold geometry closely mimics the geometry of real scaffolds, and the prediction of the pore size distribution is found to be in good accordance with measurements on real scaffolds. The scaffold offers an interconnected network of pores the sizes of which are adjustable by playing on the process parameters and are able to match the ideal pore size reported for tissue ingrowth. The adjustability of the presented scaffold could permit its application in both classical ACL reconstructions and anatomical double-bundle reconstructions. The precise knowledge of the scaffold morphology using the virtual scaffold will be useful to interpret the activity of cells once it will be seeded into the scaffold. An interesting perspective of the present work is to perform a similar study aiming at predicting the mechanical response of the scaffold according to the same process parameters, by implanting the virtual scaffold into a finite element algorithm.
Determination of equivalent breast phantoms for different age groups of Taiwanese women: An experimental approach
Authors: Dong Shang‐Lung , Chu Tieh‐Chi , Lin Yung‐Chien , Lan Gong‐Yau , Yeh Yu‐Hsiu , Chen Sharon , Chuang Keh‐Shih
Published: June 2011

Purpose:

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) slab is one of the mostly used phantoms for studying breast dosimetry in mammography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the equivalence between exposure factors acquired from PMMA slabs and patient cases of different age groups of Taiwanese women in mammography.

Methods:

This study included 3910 craniocaudal screen/film mammograms on Taiwanese women acquired on one mammographic unit. The tube loading, compressed breast thickness (CBT), compression force, tube voltage, and target/filter combination for each mammogram were collected for all patients. The glandularity and the equivalent thickness of PMMA were determined for each breast using the exposure factors of the breast in combination with experimental measurements from breast‐tissue‐equivalent attenuation slabs. Equivalent thicknesses of PMMA to the breasts of Taiwanese women were then estimated.

Results:

The average ± standard deviation CBT and breast glandularity in this study were 4.2 ± 1.0 cm and 54% ± 23%, respectively. The average equivalent PMMA thickness was 4.0 ± 0.7 cm. PMMA slabs producing equivalent exposure factors as in the breasts of Taiwanese women were determined for the age groups 30–49 yr and 50–69 yr. For the 4‐cm PMMA slab, the CBT and glandularity values of the equivalent breast were 4.1 cm and 65%, respectively, for the age group 30–49 yr and 4.4 cm and 44%, respectively, for the age group 50–69 yr.

Conclusions:

The average thickness of PMMA slabs producing the same exposure factors as observed in a large group of Taiwanese women is less than that reported for American women. The results from this study can provide useful information for determining a suitable thickness of PMMA for mammographic dose survey in Taiwan. The equivalence of PMMA slabs and the breasts of Taiwanese women is provided to allow average glandular dose assessment in clinical practice.
Human Fatty Liver Disease: Old Questions and New Insights
Authors: Cohen Jonathan C. , Horton Jay D. , Hobbs Helen H.
Published: June 2011

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning health problem that affects one-third of adults and an increasing number of children in developed countries. The disease begins with the aberrant accumulation of triglyceride in the liver, which in some individuals elicits an inflammatory response that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and therapeutic options are limited. Here, we discuss recent mechanistic insights into NAFLD, focusing primarily on those that have emerged from human genetic and metabolic studies.
Broken Barriers: A New Take on Sepsis Pathogenesis
Authors: Goldenberg Neil M. , Steinberg Benjamin E. , Slutsky Arthur S. , Lee Warren L.
Published: June 2011

Recent data indicate that disruption of the microvascular endothelial barrier is a key determinant of the pathogenesis of sepsis.
Dosage Thresholds for AAV2 and AAV8 Photoreceptor Gene Therapy in Monkey
Authors: Vandenberghe Luk H. , Bell Peter , Maguire Albert M. , Cearley Cassia N. , Xiao Ru , Calcedo Roberto , Wang Lili , Castle Michael J. , Maguire Alexandra C. , Grant Rebecca , Wolfe John H. , Wilson James M. , Bennett Jean
Published: June 2011

AAV2 and AAV8 viral vectors administered subretinally transduce retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors in monkey.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Authors: Skelly Christopher L.
Published: June 2011

Scientists discover a resident progenitor cell population that can terminally differentiate into cardiac muscle cells after heart attack.
Selection of Fecal Enterococci Exhibiting
tcrB
-Mediated Copper Resistance in Pigs Fed Diets Supplemented with Copper
Authors: Amachawadi R. G. , Shelton N. W. , Shi X. , Vinasco J. , Dritz S. S. , Tokach M. D. , Nelssen J. L. , Scott H. M. , Nagaraja T. G.
Published: June 2011

Copper, as copper sulfate, is increasingly used as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for growth promotion in weaned piglets. Acquired copper resistance, conferred by a plasmid-borne, transferable copper resistance (
tcrB
) gene, has been reported in
Enterococcus faecium
and
E. faecalis
. A longitudinal field study was undertaken to determine the relationship between copper supplementation and the prevalence of
tcrB-
positive enterococci in piglets. The study was done with weaned piglets, housed in 10 pens with 6 piglets per pen, fed diets supplemented with a normal (16.5 ppm; control) or an elevated (125 ppm) level of copper. Fecal samples were randomly collected from three piglets per pen on days 0, 14, 28, and 42 and plated on M-
Enterococcus
agar, and three enterococcal isolates were obtained from each sample. The overall prevalence of
tcrB-
positive enterococci was 21.1% (38/180) in piglets fed elevated copper and 2.8% (5/180) in the control. Among the 43
tcrB-
positive isolates, 35 were
E. faecium
and 8 were
E. faecalis
. The mean MICs of copper for
tcrB-
negative and
tcrB-
positive enterococci were 6.2 and 22.2 mM, respectively. The restriction digestion of the genomic DNA of
E. faecium
or
E. faecalis
with S1 nuclease yielded a band of ∼194-kbp size to which both
tcrB
and the
erm
(B) gene probes hybridized. A conjugation assay demonstrated cotransfer of
tcrB
and
erm
(B) genes between
E. faecium
and
E. faecalis
strains. The higher prevalence of
tcrB-
positive enterococci in piglets fed elevated copper compared to that in piglets fed normal copper suggests that supplementation of copper in swine diets selected for resistance.
Complex Expression of the Cellulolytic Transcriptome of Saccharophagus degradans
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Hutcheson Steven W.
Published: June 2011

Saccharophagus degradans
is an aerobic marine bacterium that can degrade cellulose by the induced expression of an unusual cellulolytic system composed of multiple endoglucanases and glucosidases. To understand the regulation of the cellulolytic system, transcript levels for the genes predicted to contribute to the cellulolytic system were monitored by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) during the transition to growth on cellulose. Four glucanases of the cellulolytic system exhibited basal expression during growth on glucose. All but one of the predicted cellulolytic system genes were induced strongly during growth on Avicel, with three patterns of expression observed. One group showed increased expression (up to 6-fold) within 4 h of the nutritional shift, with the relative expression remaining constant over the next 22 h. A second group of genes was strongly induced between 4 and 10 h after nutritional transfer, with relative expression declining thereafter. The third group of genes was slowly induced and was expressed maximally after 24 h. Cellodextrins and cellobiose, products of the predicted basally expressed endoglucanases, stimulated expression of representative cellulase genes. A model is proposed by which the activity of basally expressed endoglucanases releases cellodextrins from Avicel that are then perceived and transduced to initiate transcription of each of the regulated cellulolytic system genes forming an expression pattern.
Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli Phenotype Displayed by Intestinal Pathogenic E. coli Strains from Cats, Dogs, and Swine
Authors: Martinez-Medina Margarita , Garcia-Gil Jesus , Barnich Nicolas , Wieler Lothar H. , Ewers Christa
Published: June 2011

The adherent-invasive
Escherichia coli
(AIEC) pathotype, which has been associated with Crohn's disease, shows similar traits to human and animal extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC) with respect to their phylogenetic origin and virulence gene profiles. Here, we demonstrate that animal ExPEC strains generally do not share the AIEC phenotype. In contrast, this phenotype is very frequent among animal intestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(InPEC) strains, particularly of feline and canine origin, that genetically resemble ExPEC. These results strengthen the particular identity and disease specificity of the AIEC pathotype and the putative role animals might play in the transmission of AIEC-like strains to humans.
The Fsr Quorum-Sensing System of Enterococcus faecalisModulates Surface Display of the Collagen-Binding MSCRAMM Ace through Regulation of
gelE
Authors: Pinkston Kenneth L. , Gao Peng , Diaz-Garcia Daniel , Sillanpää Jouko , Nallapareddy Sreedhar R. , Murray Barbara E. , Harvey Barrett R.
Published: June 2011

Ace, a known virulence factor and the first identified microbial surface component recognizing adhesive matrix molecule (MSCRAMM) of
Enterococcus faecalis
is associated with host cell adherence and endocarditis. The Fsr quorum-sensing system of
E. faecalis
, a two-component signal transduction system, has also been repeatedly linked to virulence in
E. faecalis
, due in part to the transcriptional induction of an extracellular metalloprotease, gelatinase (GelE). In this study, we discovered that disruption of the Fsr pathway significantly increased the levels of Ace on the cell surface in the latter phases of growth. Furthermore, we observed that, in addition to
fsrB
mutants, other strains identified as deficient in GelE activity also demonstrated a similar phenotype. Additional experiments demonstrated the GelE-dependent cleavage of Ace from the surface of
E. faecalis
, confirming that GelE specifically reduces Ace cell surface display. In addition, disruption of the Fsr system or GelE expression significantly improved the ability of
E. faecalis
to adhere to collagen, which is consistent with higher levels of Ace on the
E. faecalis
surface. These results demonstrate that the display of Ace is mediated by quorum sensing through the action of GelE, providing insight into the complicated world of Gram-positive pathogen adhesion and colonization.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium Alteromonas sp. Strain SN2
Authors: Jin Hyun Mi , Jeong Haeyoung , Moon Eun-Joung , Math Renukaradhya K. , Lee Kangseok , Kim Hae-Jin , Jeon Che Ok , Oh Tae Kwang , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: June 2011

Alteromonas
sp. strain SN2, able to metabolize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was isolated from a crude oil-contaminated sea-tidal flat. Here we report the complete 4.97-Mb genome sequence and annotation of strain SN2. These will advance the understanding of strain SN2's adaptation to the sea-tidal flat ecosystem and its pollutant metabolic versatility.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3
Authors: Wang Yanping , Wang Jingrui , Ahmed Zaheer , Bai Xiaojia , Wang Jinju
Published: June 2011

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens
ZW3 was isolated in Tibet, China, from kefir grain, a traditional dairy product that is known to provide many health benefits to humans. Here, we present the genome features of
L. kefiranofaciens
ZW3 and the identification of a gene cluster related to the synthesis of exopolysaccharide, an important constituent of the Tibetan kefir.
High Levels of Recombination among Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from the Gambia
Authors: Donkor E. S. , Bishop C. J. , Antonio M. , Wren B. , Hanage W. P.
Published: June 2011

We carried out multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on 148 pneumococcal carriage isolates collected from children <24 months old in the Upper River Division, the Gambia. MLST revealed a diverse population. Seventy-six different sequence types (STs) were found, the most common of which were 802 and 919, associated with 23F and 6A serotypes, respectively. Comparison with the MLST database showed that only 11 of the STs found in the present sample had been reported outside Africa. Six STs showed evidence of capsular switching (172, 802, 847, 1730, 1736, and 1737). Serotype switches were confirmed by microarrays that detected capsule genes. Of isolates analyzed by using microarrays, 40/69 (58%) harbored the
tetM
resistance determinant. A statistical genetic analysis to detect recombination found that 49/144 (34%) isolates showed significant (
P
< 0.05) evidence of admixture, which is greater than that observed in similar samples from the United Kingdom (5%) and Finland (2%). We hypothesize that large amounts of admixture could reflect the high prevalence of multiple carriage in this region, leading to more opportunities for homologous recombination between strains. This could have consequences for the population response to conjugate vaccination.

IMPORTANCE
The population structure of the pneumococcus in sub-Saharan Africa has barely been studied despite the high levels of morbidity and mortality due to pneumococcal disease in this region. We report the largest sample to date from carriage in sub-Saharan Africa to be typed by sequencing (multilocus sequence typing [MLST]) and microarray analysis. The results clearly show that the population is highly distinct and divergent from others studied in the United States and Europe. Moreover, in contrast with samples from developed countries, the population contains a high proportion of isolates showing a history of homologous recombination, which shuffles genetic information into new combinations and can generate drug-resistant and vaccine escape strains. This is likely to have important consequences for the evolutionary response of the pneumococcal population to conjugate vaccination targeting a subset of pneumococcal serotypes, which is under way in the Gambia and other countries.
Research and complicity: the case of Julius Hallervorden
Authors: Miller Franklin G
Published: June 2011

The charge of complicity has been raised in debates over the ethics of fetal tissue transplantation and embryonic stem cell research. However, the applicability of the concept of complicity to these types of research is neither clear nor uncontroversial. This article discusses the historical case of Julius Hallervorden, a distinguished German neuropathologist who conducted research on brains of mentally handicapped patients killed in the context of the Nazi ‘euthanasia’ programme. It is argued that this case constitutes a paradigm of complicity in research that is useful in assessing complicity in contemporary research ethics.
Small unruptured partially thrombosed aneurysms and stroke: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Darkhabani Ziad , Binning Mandy J , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: June 2011

Several case reports and studies suggest that partially thrombosed large and giant aneurysms are potential sources of distal embolic events. However, there are limited data on small thrombosed aneurysms as a possible cause of ischemic events. Three patients are reported who presented with acute ischemic stroke and in whom the initial imaging studies showed a small (<10 mm), unruptured, partially thrombosed aneurysm. In each case, the aneurysm location was confirmed by a conventional angiogram. In all cases, the aneurysms were found on the proximal middle cerebral artery, in the territory corresponding to the clinical symptoms of the stroke. The mechanism of middle cerebral artery embolic event was thought to be related to the thrombus within the aneurysm, causing subsequent embolization into distal related vascular territory. Two of these patients had craniotomy for aneurysm clipping; one was managed conservatively with medical therapy alone. Thrombosis of small, unruptured intracranial aneurysms should be considered as a possible cause of acute-onset stroke symptoms in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It is under-recognized in the current literature, and no guidelines currently exist for medical or surgical treatment of such aneurysms. Medical management is often decided on an individual basis. Surgical treatment mostly involves aneurysmal clipping rather than coiling.
Urinary biomarkers of exposure to glycol ethers and chlorinated solvents during pregnancy: determinants of exposure and comparison with indirect methods of exposure assessment
Authors: Garlantézec Ronan , Multigner Luc , Labat Laurence , Bonvallot Nathalie , Pulkkinen Juha , Dananché Brigitte , Monfort Christine , Rouget Florence , Cordier Sylvaine
Published: June 2011

Objectives

To describe urine levels of metabolites of glycol ethers and chlorinated solvents in a sample of pregnant women from the general population, to study their occupational and non-occupational determinants and to compare them with the results of indirect assessment methods of solvent exposure.

Methods

A sample of 451 pregnant women was randomly selected from a general population cohort. At inclusion, the women in this sample completed a self-administered questionnaire about their social and medical characteristics, occupation and exposure to different products at work and in non-occupational activities. Occupational exposure to solvents was assessed from the woman's self-report and from a job-exposure matrix. Eight alkoxycarboxylic acids and trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol were measured with chromatography in urine samples collected at inclusion. Associations between metabolite levels and job titles, exposure to products used at work, and solvent exposure were studied.

Results

The different glycol ether metabolites were detected in 5.3%–96.4% of the urine samples, trichloroacetic acid in 6.4% and trichloroethanol in 5.5%. Nurses had butoxyacetic acid and phenoxyacetic acid in their urine most often, whereas methoxyethoxyacetic acid was the most frequent among nursing aides. Among cleaners, ethoxyacetic acid and ethoxyethoxyacetic acid were the most frequent. The occupation of hairdresser was associated with urinary excretion of ethoxyacetic acid, ethoxyethoxyacetic acid, butoxyacetic acid and phenoxyacetic acid. Among the women classified as exposed to solvents, the agents identified most often were ethoxyacetic acid, ethoxy-ethoxyacetic acid, butoxyacetic acid, phenoxyacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol. Ethoxyethoxyacetic acid was the only metabolite associated with non-occupational exposure.

Conclusions

Metabolites of glycol ethers and chlorinated solvents were present at low levels in the urine of pregnant women. Most metabolites were associated with occupational exposure.
ASYMPTOTICALLY SAFE WEAK INTERACTIONS
Authors: CALMET XAVIER
Published: June 2011

We emphasize that the electroweak interactions without a Higgs boson are very similar to quantum general relativity. The Higgs field could just be a dressing field and might not exist as a propagating particle. In that interpretation, the electroweak interactions without a Higgs boson could be renormalizable at the nonperturbative level because of a nontrivial fixed point. Tree-level unitarity in electroweak bosons scattering is restored by the running of the weak scale.
NOTE ON TRIANGLE ANOMALY WITH IMPROVED MOMENTUM CUTOFF
Authors: CYNOLTER G. , LENDVAI E.
Published: June 2011

A Lorentz and gauge symmetry preserving regularization method has been proposed recently in four dimensions based on Euclidean momentum cutoff. It is shown that the triangle anomaly can be calculated unambiguously with this new improved cutoff. The anticommutator of γ5 and γμ multiplied by five γ matrices is proportional to terms that do not vanish under a divergent loop-momentum integral, but cancel otherwise.
ISGUR–WISE FUNCTION IN A QCD POTENTIAL MODEL WITH COULOMBIC POTENTIAL AS PERTURBATION
Authors: HAZARIKA BHASKAR JYOTI , PATHAK KRISHNA KINGKAR , CHOUDHURY D. K.
Published: June 2011

We study heavy light mesons in a QCD inspired quark model with the Cornell potential [Formula: see text]. Here we consider the linear term br as the parent and [Formula: see text], i.e. the Coloumbic part as the perturbation. The linear parent leads to Airy function as the unperturbed wave function. We then use the Dalgarno method of perturbation theory to obtain the total wave function corrected up to first order with Coulombic piece as the perturbation. With these wave functions, we study the Isgur–Wise function and calculate its slope and curvature.
NUCLEAR ELASTIC SCATTERING EFFECT ON STOPPING POWER OF CHARGED PARTICLES IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE MEDIA
Authors: MAHDAVI M. , KOOHROKHI T.
Published: June 2011

By solving the Boltzmann equation, an expression is derived for the stopping power of fast ions via nuclear elastic scattering, taking into account the large-energy-transfer scattering effects. The plasma electrons and ions are considered in temperature equilibrium with the Maxwellian distribution function. Thus, by adding Coulomb stopping power, the complete treatment is obtained for stopping power of charged particles moving in a plasma. The result is used, for example, to calculate the stopping power of proton projectile moving in a deuterium–tritium plasma. These calculations show that the nuclear elastic scattering effect on stopping power of fast ions is more effective in high-temperature plasmas (T ≥ 10 keV) such as that used in thermonuclear plasmas.
Synthesis, structure and physicochemical properties of a saddle-distorted porphyrin with a peripheral carboxyl group
Authors: Sankar Muniappan , Ishizuka Tomoya , Wang Zeqing , Ma Tingli , Shiro Motoo , Kojima Takahiko
Published: June 2011

A saddle-distorted porphyrin bearing a carboxyl group as a hydrogen-bonding site on a meso-phenyl group was synthesized and characterized. A supramolecular structure with intermolecular hydrogen bonding was revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The effects of the peripheral carboxyl group on the physicochemical properties of the porphyrin as well as on self-assembly were investigated by spectroscopic measurements in solutions. The redox properties of the porphyrin and its Zn(II) complex were also studied by electrochemical measurements and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells was examined.
Quantum Information and Probability: My Collaboration with Professor Ingarden
Authors: Ohya Masanori
Published: June 2011

I first met Professor Ingarden nearly 30 years ago. Since then, he visited my University in Tokyo many times and I also often visited him in Toruń. In this paper, I will recall our scientific collaboration and I will review what I have done under his advice. Moreover, I will report on my recent work with A. Khrennikov on formulating new probability law appearing in the context-dependent adaptive systems, important e.g. in biology.
Asymmetric Time Evolution and Reduced Dynamics
Authors: Bryant Peter W.
Published: June 2011

When using a time asymmetric quantum theory, one must identify the time evolution parameter with a duration in time rather than with a time coordinate value. This identification restricts the options for the quantum mechanical environment of open quantum systems. The restriction may be important for interpretational questions concerning irreversibility or entanglement, but there is no measurable difference between a reduced dynamics within a time symmetric theory or within a time asymmetric theory.
Relativistic Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Correlations
Authors: Caban Paweł , Rembieliński Jakub
Published: June 2011

We analyse the correlation function in Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment with relativistic massive particles. We show that in the wide range of parameters the correlation function has local extrema as a function of momentum of the EPR particles.
(Invited) Bridged-grain (BG) Polycrystalline Silicon Thin Film Transistors (TFTs)
Authors: Kwok Hoi Sing , Wong Man , Zhao Shuyun , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2011

A new technique bridged-grain (BG) was introduced. Using this BG excimer laser annealing (ELA) poly-Si as an active layer, the grain boundary effects can be minimized. Important electrical properties such as sub-threshold swing, threshold voltage, maximum field effect mobility, leakage current, on-off ratio and device uniformity across the substrate can all be improved using the present technique. The improvement can be achieved at low cost, thus making inexpensive, high performance LTPS TFT a reality.
(Invited) Single-Grain Germanium TFTs
Authors: Ishihara Ryoichi , Chen Tao , Baiano Alessandro , Mofrad Mohammad R. , Beenakker C.I.M.
Published: June 2011

We review our recent achievements in location-control of Ge grains and high performance single-grain (SG) Ge thin film transistor (TFT) fabricated inside a Ge grain. Large Ge grains having a grain size of 10 µm were obtained at predetermined positions by the µ-Czochralski process using excimer-laser and sputtered a-Ge layer. TFTs were fabricated inside the single grain of Ge. Capping silicon dioxide was applied before the laser crystallization with which a high quality Ge/insulator interface was formed during the laser annealing. Source/drain regions were formed by doped Si instead of the Ge, which ensures a low contact resistance and suppresses fast dopant diffusion in the channel. N- and p-channel SG Ge TFTs showed electron and hole mobility of as high as 3337cm^2/Vs and 1719cm^2/Vs, respectively. On/off current ratio for the both types of TFTs was in the order of 10^7.
(Invited) Application of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes to Transistors and Interconnects
Authors: Sato Shintaro , Hayashi Kenjiro , Yagi Katsunori , Kondo Daiyu , Yamada Ayaka , Harada Naoki , Nihei Mizuhisa , Yokoyama Naoki
Published: June 2011

We are trying to employ nano-carbon materials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as channel and interconnect materials to realize low-power-consumption large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). In this paper, we first explain our recent progress on the application of graphene to transistor channels. Graphene synthesis on a 200-mm Si wafer by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and electrical properties of CVD-graphene transistors are described. Especially, details of graphene growth on Cu film, such as nucleation behavior of graphene islands depending on the growth condition, are addressed. Efforts to realize CNT interconnects at MIRAI-Selete are also reviewed. Special emphases are placed on the fabrication process of CNT vertical interconnects and their reliability.
(Invited) Physical Modeling of Charge Transport and Degradation in HfO2 Stacks for Logic Device and Memory Applications
Authors: Larcher Luca , Padovani Andrea , Vandelli Luca , Bersuker Gennadi
Published: June 2011

The understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible of charge transport and degradation in high-κ stacks is fundamental for the optimization of advanced logic (MOSFETs) and memory (RRAM, DRAM) devices. In this paper, we present a comprehensive physical model describing the charge transport and the degradation/breakdown processes in the HfO2 layer. This model allows gaining quantitative insights into the physics governing leakage current and degradation processes in HfO2 stacks, reproducing gate current and TDDB statistics
(Invited) Flexible Thin Film Transistor Arrays as an Enabling Platform Technology: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Raupp G. B.
Published: June 2011

Significant advances in large-area flexible electronics over the last decade have created a tremendous opportunity for revolutionary transformational engineered products and systems with unique and desirable form, fit and function. In these "Flexible Systems", materials and nano-, micro-, and macro-scale devices are integrated to produce valuable multi-functional products that are characteristically thin, lightweight, flexible, conformable, and ultra-rugged for use under challenging conditions. The practical opportunities seem limitless: one can envision new dual-use technologies that can be deployed to address critical needs in a diverse application space from health sciences to information and decision technology, security and emergency response, transportation, energy and the environment. Before this compelling future is realized, however, major advances in three critical areas must be achieved: (i) design and integration; (ii) flex-compatible materials, structures and devices; and (iii) scaleable and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Insulin regulates menin expression, cytoplasmic localization, and interaction with FOXO1
Authors: Wuescher Leah , Angevine Kristine , Hinds Terry , Ramakrishnan Sadeesh , Najjar Sonia M. , Mensah-Osman Edith J.
Published: June 2011

Menin is the ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein product of the MEN1 gene, which interacts with PKB/Akt in the cytoplasm to inhibit its activity. This study describes a novel insulin-dependent mechanism of menin regulation and interaction with other metabolic proteins. We show that insulin downregulated menin in a time-dependent manner via the human insulin receptor. Inhibition analysis indicated a critical role for the protein kinase Akt in regulation of menin expression and localization. Insulin-mediated decrease in menin expression was abrogated by the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY-294002 at early time points, from 2 to 7 h. Furthermore, exposure to insulin resulted in the cytoplasmic localization of menin and increased interaction with FOXO1. Fasting followed by refeeding modulates serum insulin levels, which corresponded to an increase in menin interaction with FOXO1 in the liver. Liver-specific hemizygous deletion of menin resulted in increased expression of FOXO1 target genes, namely IGFBP-1, PGC-1α, insulin receptor, Akt, and G-6-Pase. This study provides evidence that menin expression and localization are regulated by insulin signaling and that this regulation triggers an increase in its interaction with FOXO1 via Akt with metabolic consequences.
SOX9 and SF1 are involved in cyclic AMP-mediated upregulation of anti-Müllerian gene expression in the testicular prepubertal Sertoli cell line SMAT1
Authors: Lasala Celina , Schteingart Helena F. , Arouche Nassim , Bedecarrás Patricia , Grinspon Romina P. , Picard Jean-Yves , Josso Nathalie , di Clemente Nathalie , Rey Rodolfo A.
Published: June 2011

In Sertoli cells, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) expression is upregulated by FSH via cyclic AMP (cAMP), although no classical cAMP response elements exist in the AMH promoter. The response to cAMP involves NF-κB and AP2; however, targeted mutagenesis of their binding sites in the AMH promoter do not completely abolish the response. In this work we assessed whether SOX9, SF1, GATA4, and AP1 might represent alternative pathways involved in cAMP-mediated AMH upregulation, using real-time RT-PCR (qPCR), targeted mutagenesis, luciferase assays, and immunocytochemistry in the Sertoli cell line SMAT1. We also explored the signaling cascades potentially involved. In qPCR experiments, Amh, Sox9, Sf1, and Gata4 mRNA levels increased after SMAT1 cells were incubated with cAMP. Blocking PKA abolished the effect of cAMP on Sox9, Sf1, and Gata4 expression, inhibiting PI3K/PKB impaired the effect on Sf1 and Gata4, and reducing MEK1/2 and p38 MAPK activities curtailed Gata4 increase. SOX9 and SF1 translocated to the nucleus after incubation with cAMP. Mutations of the SOX9 or SF1 sites, but not of GAT4 or AP1 sites, precluded the response of a 3,063-bp AMH promoter to cAMP. In conclusion, in the Sertoli cell line SMAT1 cAMP upregulates SOX9, SF1, and GATA4 expression and induces SOX9 and SF1 nuclear translocation mainly through PKA, although other kinases may also participate. SOX9 and SF1 binding to the AMH promoter is essential to increase the activity of the AMH promoter in response to cAMP.
Of mice and intrinsic excitability: genetic background affects the size of the postburst afterhyperpolarization in CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Moore Shannon J. , Throesch Benjamin T. , Murphy Geoffrey G.
Published: June 2011

As the use of genetically engineered mice has become increasingly prevalent in neurobiological research, evidence has steadily accumulated that substantial differences exist between strains. Although a number of studies have reported effects of genetic background on behavior, few have focused on differences in neurophysiology. The postburst afterhyperpolarization (AHP) is an important determinant of intrinsic neuronal excitability and has been suggested to play a critical role in the cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Using whole cell current-clamp recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons, we examined the magnitude of different phases of the AHP (peak, medium, and slow) in two commonly used genetic backgrounds, C57BL/6 (B6) and 129SvEv (129), as well as in an F2 hybrid B6:129 background (F2). We found that neurons from B6 and F2 animals exhibited a significantly larger AHP compared with 129 animals and that this difference was consistent across all phases. Furthermore, our recordings revealed a marked dichotomy in the shape of the AHP waveform, which was independent of genetic background. Approximately 60% of cells exhibited an AHP with a sharp transition between the peak AHP and medium AHP, whereas the remaining 40% exhibited a more gradual transition. Our data add to the growing body of work suggesting that genetic background can affect neuronal function as well as behavior. In addition, these results highlight the innate heterogeneity of CA1 pyramidal neurons, even within a single genetic background. These differences should be taken into consideration during the analysis and comparison of experimental results.
A New Distributed and Scalable Network Protocol Targeting Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Meribout M.
Published: June 2011

Vehicular networks are the major ingredients of the envisioned Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) concept. An important component of ITS which is currently attracting wider research focus is road traffic monitoring. The actual approaches for traffic road monitoring are characterized by longer response times and are also subject to higher processing requirements and possess high deployment costs. In this paper, we propose a completely distributed and scalable mechanism for wireless sensor network-based road traffic monitoring. The approach relies on the distributed and bidirectional exchange of traffic information between the vehicles traversing the routes and a miniature cluster head and takes into consideration both the security and reliability of data communication. In addition, the communication between nodes is collision-free since the underlined data link layer protocol relies on a heuristic time multiplexed-based protocol. The performance analysis shows that the proposed mechanism usually outperforms other algorithms for different traffic densities.
Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine, Nitrate, Vitamin B12, and Homocysteine Levels in Individuals with Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Altuntaş Murat , Atalay Figen , Can Murat , Altın Remzi , Tor Meltem
Published: June 2011

We aimed to analyze the pre- and posttreatment serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitrate (NO3), vitamin B12and homocysteine levels in pulmonary embolism (PTE) patients and to determine the prognostic value of these variables in predicting chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study was conducted in 64 patients. The patients were classified into the two groups: patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (group I) and patients with high PAP with persistent lung perfusion defects or who died at the end of 3 months of therapy (group II). We found statistically significant differences between two groups with respect to the partial oxygen pressure, the oxygen saturation, and the PAP, but there was no difference between the two groups with respect to the pretreatment ADMA, NO3, or homocysteine levels. The vitamin B12levels were higher in group II. The NO3levels increased and the ADMA and vitamin B12levels decreased with treatment in both groups. These results suggest that these parameters are not predictive of the development of CTEPH.
Solutions and the Generalized Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias Stability of a Generalized Quadratic‐Additive Functional Equation
Authors: Janfada M. , Shourvazi R.
Published: June 2011

We study general solutions and generalized Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias
stability of the following n‐dimensional functional equation , k ≥ 3, on non‐Archimedean normed spaces.
Influence of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Induced by Low Dietary Calcium, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Renal Failure on Circulating Rat PTH Molecular Forms
Authors: D'Amour Pierre , Rousseau Louise , Hornyak Stephen , Yang Zan , Cantor Tom
Published: June 2011

Rats(r) with secondary hyperparathyroidism were studied to define the relationship between vitamin D metabolites and rPTH levels measured by 3 different rat ELISAs. Controls and renal failure (RF) rats were on a normal diet, while 2 groups on a low-calcium (-Ca) or a vitamin D-deficient (-D) diet. RF was induced surgically. Mild RF rats had normal calcium and 25(OH)D but reduced 1,25(OH)2D levels (P<.001) with a 2.5-fold increased in rPTH (P<.001). Severe RF rats and those on a -Ca or -D diet had reduced calcium (P<.01) and 25(OH)D levels (P<.05), with rPTH increased by 2 (-Ca diet;P<.05), 4 (-D diet;P<.001), and 20-folds (RF;P<.001) while 1,25(OH)2D was high (-Ca diet:P<.001) or low (-D diet, RF:P<.001). 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were positively and negatively related on the -Ca and -D diets, respectively. rPTH molecular forms behaved as expected in RF and on -Ca diet, but not on -D diet with more C-rPTH fragments when less were expected. This may be related to the short-time course of this study compared to prior studies.
The Cauchy-Dirichlet Problem for a Class of Linear Parabolic Differential Equations with Unbounded Coefficients in an Unbounded Domain
Authors: Rubio Gerardo
Published: June 2011

We consider the Cauchy-Dirichlet problem in [0,∞)×D for a class of linear parabolic partial differential equations. We assume that D⊂ℝd is an unbounded, open, connected set with regular boundary. Our hypotheses are unbounded and locally Lipschitz coefficients, not necessarily differentiable, with continuous data and local uniform ellipticity. We construct a classical solution to the nonhomogeneous Cauchy-Dirichlet problem using stochastic differential equations and parabolic differential equations in bounded domains.
Study on Premixed Combustion in a Diesel Engine with Ultra‐multihole Nozzle
Authors: Miao Xuelong , Zhang Guiyang , Ju Yusheng , Wang Xianyong , Hong Jian-hai , Zheng Jin-bao , Qiao Xinqi , Huang Zhen
Published: June 2011

This study proposed a new low‐temperature premixed combustion mode to achieve the simultaneous reduction of NOx and soot emissions in a volume production diesel engine of CA6DF by reconstructing key systems. Some developments of this diesel engine are as follows. A straight port and large diameter combustion chamber of a low compression ratio was developed. Inlet ports of a high induction swirl ratio were developed. A cooled EGR was developed. Especially, an ultra‐multihole (UMH) nozzle was developed. It has two layers of injection holes and a large flow area. Two sprays of the upper and under layers meet in the space of the combustion chamber. The results showed that the operation range of this diesel engine to achieve the better low‐temperature premixed combustion is as follows. The speed can cover from the idle speed to the rated speed. The load can reach to 50% of the full load of the corresponding external characteristics speed. The NOx and soot emissions of this operation range are simultaneously largely reduced, even by 80%–90% at most test cases, while keeping the brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC) from being significantly deteriorated.
Sensitive and Selective Spectrophotometric Determination of Gabapentin in Capsules Using Two Nitrophenols as Chromogenic Agents
Authors: Abdulrahman Sameer A. M. , Basavaiah Kanakapura
Published: June 2011

Two simple and selective spectrophotometric methods have been proposed for the determination of gabapentin (GBP) in pure form and in capsules. Both methods are based on the proton transfer from the Lewis acid such as 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid; PA) or 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) to the primary amino group of GBP which works as Lewis base and formation of yellow ion-pair complexes. The ion-pair complexes formed show absorption maximum at 415 and 420 nm for PA and 2,4-DNP, respectively. Under the optimized experimental conditions, Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration ranges of 1.25–15.0 and 2.0–18.0 μg mL−1GBP for PA and 2,4-DNP methods, respectively. The molar absorptivity, Sandell's sensitivity, detection and, quantification limits for both methods are also reported. The proposed methods were applied successfully to the determination of GBP in pure form and commercial capsules. Statistical comparison of the results was performed using Student'st-test and F-ratio at 95% confidence level, and there was no significant difference between the reference and proposed methods with regard to accuracy and precision. Further, the validity of the proposed methods was confirmed by recovery studies via standard addition technique.
Evidence for a Role of Oxidative Stress in the Carcinogenicity of Ochratoxin A
Authors: Marin-Kuan M. , Ehrlich V. , Delatour T. , Cavin C. , Schilter B.
Published: June 2011

Thein vitroandin vivoevidence compatible with a role for oxidative stress in OTA carcinogenicity has been collected and described. Several potential oxido-reduction mechanisms have been identified in the past. More recently, the possibility of a reduction of cellular antioxidant defense has been raised as an indirect source of oxidative stress. Consequences resulting from the production of oxidative stress are observed at different levels. First, OTA exposure has been associated with increased levels of oxidative DNA, lipid, and protein damage. Second, various biological processes known to be mobilized under oxidative stress were shown to be altered by OTA. These effects have been observed in bothin vitroandin vivotest systems.In vivo, active doses were often within doses documented to induce renal tumors in rats. In conclusion, the evidence for the induction of an oxidative stress response resulting from OTA exposure can be considered strong. Because the contribution of the oxidative stress response in the development of cancers is well established, a role in OTA carcinogenicity is plausible. Altogether, the data reviewed above support the application of a threshold-based approach to establish safe level of dietary human exposure to OTA.
Effect of Antimicrobial Peptide‐Amide: Indolicidin on Biological Membranes
Authors: Végh Attila Gergely , Nagy Krisztina , Bálint Zoltán , Kerényi Ádám , Rákhely Gábor , Váró György , Szegletes Zsolt
Published: June 2011

Indolicidin, a cationic antimicrobial tridecapeptide amide, is rich in proline and tryptophan residues. Its biological activity is intensively studied, but the details how indolicidin interacts with membranes are not fully understood yet. We report here an in situ atomic force microscopic study describing the effect of indolicidin on an artificial supported planar bilayer membrane of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and on purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarum. Concentration dependent interaction of the peptide and membranes was found in case of DPPC resulting the destruction of the membrane. Purple membrane was much more resistant against indolicidin, probably due to its high protein content. Indolicidin preferred the border of membrane disks, where the lipids are more accessible. These data suggest that the atomic force microscope is a powerful tool in the study of indolicidin‐membrane interaction.