bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Thin Silicon PIN Detectors
Authors: Wang Shaonan , Yu Min , Tian Dayu , Liu Hongzhi , Wang Peiquan , Shi Baohua , Hu Anqi , Du Hong , Wang Jinyan , Jin Yufeng
Published: March 2014

A new process flow of fabricating large area thin silicon PIN radiation detectors is presented in this paper. TMAH etching is applied to reduce the thickness of silicon wafers. The thickness of the fabricated detector is 100μm. The diameter of the circular active area is from 0.97mm to 12mm. At reverse bias voltage of 100V, the leakage current of detector with the diameter of 12mm is 5nA. The breakdown voltage of the detectors is over 100V. Analysis indicates that leakage current is mainly induced by surface leakage.
Underlayer Influence on AlN Deposition by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhao Sha , Yang Yi , Wang Fengshou , Bai Jinliang , Liu Peng , Cox Michael , Deyo Dan , Rosa Mike
Published: March 2014

Sputter deposited aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film is the preferred piezoelectric material for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, such as film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) resonators and accelerometers. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is usually used as a sacrificial layer which will be etched with BOE eventually to release the membrane. In the article, thermal oxide, as well as several types of SiO2 with different properties made by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) were selected as the underlying film. The influence of the surface morphology of silicon dioxide underlayer on the crystallinity of reactively sputtered c-axis oriented AlN thin films was investigated. The results show that the quality of AlN films is affected by the surface roughness of the underlying SiO2 film. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the x-ray rocking curve for 1μm AlN film ranged from 7.8¢ª to 1.5¢ª depending on the properties of PECVD SiO2 films. The rougher surface of underlayer worsen the crystallinity of AlN films, while adding chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) step was found to improve FWHM to 1.2¢ª. This paper discusses possible mechanisms for the influence of underlayer surface morphology on the properties of sputter deposited AlN films.
Hierarchical Timing Signoff in High Performance ASIC Design
Authors: Li Gongqiong , Dai Hongwei , Shi Zhengrong , Niu Jia , Li Jifeng
Published: March 2014

HATS and it is application on a 16.77mm x 16.77mm 32nm chip (chip X) will be introduced in this paper. HATS stands for Hierarchical Abstract Timing Signoff. It is a new methodology used to perform timing signoff on an ASIC without the need to do full chip timing runs, which tend to have high memory requirements and long run times on large, complex ASICs. 80% memory and 70% run time are saved in chip X with HATS, with good STA quality.
Initial Designs of an on-Chip EMI Sensor Array
Authors: Yang Yehua , Wang Zixin , Cai Zhigang , Su Tao
Published: March 2014

The purpose of the on-chip EMI sensor array (OCEMISA) is to measure the 2-dimension profile of the EMI voltage in the on-chip power distribution network in real time. The feedback signal from a senser cell should reflect only its local EMI. Signals have to be grouped carefully. This paper presents two different designs of the OCEMISA. In the first design, sensor cell generates regular pulses as feedback. The time domain waveform is monitored. In the second design, the supply noise generated by the sensor cell is utilized as feedback. The spectrum is monitored. Designs are implemented with FPGA for validation check. Measurement results show that feedback signals faces synchronization and instability problems. Those problems come from the IC process variation and are influenced by the feedback scheme. With the presentation and analysis of those problems, the paper is intent to provide optimization directions to make OCEMISA practical.
Power Gating Method for Power Supply Noise Suppression
Authors: Song Ying , Ding Tong Hao , Wang Wen Qian , Yin Wen
Published: March 2014

As technology scaling down, power consumption of integrated circuits increases tremendously due to leakage current. Power gating is one of the most effective techniques to reduce leakage power by shutting off idle blocks from power supply. However, during a power-mode transition, an instantaneous charge current passes through the switch transistor, and creates current surge elsewhere. Because of the self-inductance of the off-chip bonding wires and parasitic inductance inherent to the on-chip power rails, these surges result in severe simultaneous switching noise (SSN), which results in function failure.Based on typical power delivery network, it is found that the magnitude of SSN would accumulate positively with Fcurrent = 1/(n + 1) Resonant, and the magnitude of SSN would accumulate negatively with Fcurrent = 1/(n + 1/2) Resonant. In this paper, a new method is proposed to suppress the power supply noise based on its periodic characteristic. By cutting power grid, partition of switch transistors and controlling their switching, smaller segmented charge current magnitude and controllable period can be provided into gated block for mitigating noise. The power supply noise produced by charge current can be suppressed through adjusting the delay of charge current and the magnitude of charge current which is verified by simulation. Compared to conventional power gating structures, this method can save decap area and is practical and flexible to embed in an optimization flow. A principle for controllable switch transistor chain is also given to simplify the high speed power delivery network design.
(Invited) Impact of Oxygen-Related Defects on Lifetime Degradation in N-Type CCZ/CZ Mono-Crystalline Silicon during Cell Processing
Authors: Binns Martin J , Kearns Joel , Good Ethan A
Published: March 2014

Although N-type CZ material exhibits a high initial lifetime ideally suited to the fabrication of high efficiency solar cells, degradation of wafer lifetime during processing leading to a decrease in cell efficiency can occur due to the growth of pre-existing small oxygen clusters. The mechanism for lifetime degradation associated with oxygen defects is discussed. Lifetime degradation can be avoided and high cell efficiencies achieved by using wafers with a lower initial oxygen concentration.
Lifetime Characterization of Mc:Si Bricks by Upgraded µ-PCD Technique
Authors: Korsós Ferenc , Jász Andás
Published: March 2014

A very efficient way is introduced to improve the application of the conventional µ-PCD lifetime mapping technique to bulk photovoltaic grade Si materials (ingots, blocks). The shape of the recorded photoconductance decay curves are strongly impacted by the properties of the laser applied for the electron-hole pair generation. Replacing the original laser configuration to an optimized setup, the impact of the surface recombination can be reduced resulting in significantly longer measurable decay times. It makes possible the better carrier lifetime characterization of the good quality part of the Si bricks. Additionally, unlike similar techniques the suggested realization of µ-PCD gives a relatively homogenous injection level of the measurement along the entire Si bricks. Experimental and simulation results are in excellent agreement, and confirm the enhanced applicability of the upgraded µ-PCD technique.
Investigation of a-Si:H Films as Passivation Layer in Heterojunction Interface at Low Temperature
Authors: Chu Yen-Ho , Lee Chien-Chieh , Chang Teng-Hsiang , Hsieh Yu-Lin , Liu Shian-Ming , Chang Jenq-Yang , Li Tomi T. , Chen I-Chen
Published: March 2014

In this study, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films that were deposited by the high density plasma electron cyclotron resonance chemical vapor deposition (ECRCVD) were used to study the passivation effect on the surface of c-Si substrate. We investigated the structural, optical, and passivation qualities of a- Si:H as a heterojunction interface by modulating the parameters of microwave power, substrate temperature, and post-deposition annealing. With increasing the microwave power leading to more dangling bonds, such that the longer lifetime and lower microstructure factor R* were demonstrated at 500W. When raising the substrate temperature, the hydrogen content (CH) will be decreased but the lifetime will be increased because this R* is the a dominated factor. It indicates that exceeding 120ºC in the substrate temperature has better absorption to the light. In addition, the post-deposition annealing of a-Si:H was an effective method to improve the minority carrier lifetime, and we can obtain better passivation with the carrier lifetime of 883μsec after 2 minutes annealing at 270ºC.
Investigation of Electric Properties Degradation of Multi-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Lan , Long Wei , Gao Qing , Wu Jing , Wu Xin , Lin Hongfeng
Published: March 2014

Efficiency degradation of crystalline silicon solar cells is known as a general phenomena in the photovoltaic (PV) applications. Degradation sometimes could be significant to result in failure of PV systems. It is presented in this work that electrical properties of multi-crystalline silicon solar cells (multi cells)degrades under different ambience, temperature, humidity and illumination condition etc. Periodical measurements were taken to demonstrate such trends in detail using various wafer materials. Degradation mechanisims are also discussed in this work, combined with the valid methods to reduce the degradation of multi cells based on current raw materials, equipments and processing technologies.
(Invited) A Methodology for Determining Photovoltaic Solar Module PID-Resistance Based on Accelerated Tests and Field Stress Levels
Authors: Whitfield Kent , Posbic Jean , Nouri Ali
Published: March 2014

In this study, full-sized module leakage current was measured by varying temperature, humidity and voltage. Subsequently, a model was developed to predict leakage current at field conditions. The model was used to determine the amount of charge that would be accumulated in various environments and to guide an accelerated test for PID susceptibility. Two PID failures were observed at very low accumulated charge compared to the 5-year predicted quantities indicating that charge accumulation is a conservative technique.
Achieving High Minority Carrier Lifetime through Low-Temperature a-Si:H Deposition and High-Temperature Anneal for Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Tian Xiaorang , Gu Shibin , Mao Weiping , Zhang Lin , Zhang Juan , Xu Zhan , Zhao Guanchao , Yang Rong , Li Liwei , Meng Yuan , Guo Ted
Published: March 2014

The surface passivation characterized by minority carrier lifetime is a key requirement for silicon heterojunction solar cells. In this paper, we investigated how a-Si deposition temperature and post annealing influence passivation quality. The lifetime was quite low if the deposition temperature was below the typical deposition temperature T0
. While the lifetime could reach a high level after the sample was annealed at ~200ºC. This was even higher than that of the layers deposited at high temperature T0
and 1.2T0
. As silicon heterojunction solar cells have typical ~200ºC thermal processes in subsequent steps, this low-temperature a-Si deposition method may utilize these thermal processes to enhance lifetime and thus no additional annealing step is needed for cell integration. The i-aSi/c-Si interface was also characterized by TEM and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively, indicating that the lifetime degradation maybe attributed to local Si epitaxy growth and Si-H2 bonding at the i-aSi/c-Si interface.
(Invited) Improving Si Solar Cell Performance through Development of Lightly Doped Emitters
Authors: Cooper Ian Blake , Tate Keith , Rounsaville Brian Charles , Reedy Robert C , Rohatgi Ajeet
Published: March 2014

We have tailored phosphorus (P) emitter profiles via POCl3 diffusion to create solar cell emitters displaying low saturation current density (J0e
) in order to study the conditions necessary for high cell performance. Theoretical emitter modeling shows that surface P concentration ([Psurface]) plays a critical role in determining final open circuit voltage (VOC
). Cell data shows that contact resistance can vary widely as [Psurface] changes. Based on modeling and cell fabrication data, a POCl3 emitter has been optimized to deliver efficiency of 19.5% for full Al back surface field (BSF) cell structure and 20.4% for passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) structure.
CVD Characteristics and Mechanism of a-Si:H thin Films in Electron Cyclotron Resonance H2-Ar-SiH4 Plasma
Authors: Hu Li-Cheng , Wang C. J. , Lin Y. W. , Wei T. C. , Lee Chien-Chieh , Chang J. Y. , Chen I-Chen , Li Tomi T.
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the use of quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS), optical emission spectrometer (OES) and Langmuir probe to diagnose the H2-Ar-SiH4 plasma characteristics in cyclotron resonance chemical vapor deposition (ECR-CVD) process. The plasma physical characteristics such as electron density (Ne), electron temperature (Te), plasma and floating potential were obtained by Langmuir probe. The QMS and OES were used to identify the radicals in the plasma. Furthermore, the relative concentration and consumption of SiH4 in ECR-CVD process could be estimated by the TIMS (threshold ionization mass spectrometry) method based on the QMS results. The relationship between the film and plasma characteristics with varying process parameters was also discussed. As results shown, besides the degree of ionization, the consumption of SiH4 and the sheath potential (Vs) were key factors to affect thin film deposition rate (DR). When microwave power density rose from 1 w/cm2 to 3w/cm2, the DR has increased 194%, and it was nearly equal to the product of 104% in SiH4 consumption and 187% in Vs increase. The high hydrogen dilution ratio (H2/SiH4) would lead to higher electron temperature, density and Vs, but decrease the SiH4 consumption and DR. Moreover, the declining extent of DR was significantly greater than SiH4 consumption and Vs increase. It seems that the effect of hydrogen etching plays an important role due to the increase of high hydrogen dilution ratio (H2/SiH4), This interpretation can be received from supporting evidence in OES measurements.
Oxcabazepine (®Trileptal) in Anti-Epileptic Polytherapy
Authors: Jensen Peder Klosterskov
Published: March 2014

The anti-epileptic activity of oxcarbazepine (OXC) was compared with that of carbamazepine (CBZ) and the primary active metabolite of OXC, a monohydroxy derivative (MHD). Altogether 255 patients receiving either OXC or MHD (192 and 63 patients respectively) were included in the analysis of efficacy. Out of these 255 patients a total of 40 were children. The duration of treatment varied between 8 and 24weeks. The daily dose of OXC or MHD varied between 600 and 5400 mg (in children 600–2400 mg). Out of five studies two were double-blind controlled studies (including a total of 105 patients) whereas the remaining three were open studies. The results of these studies indicate that, in adults with epilepsy, there is no statistically significant difference in overall seizure frequency between CBZ and OXC. In one double-blind study the number of generalized tonic-clonic seizures was significantly less frequent during treatment with OXC than with CBZ. No statistically significant difference with regard to side-effects was observed between OXC and CBZ. The results in children with epilepsy show a statistically significant difference in seizure frequency in favour of OXC, in comparison with CBZ. Overall, the polytherapy studies in adults and children support the effectiveness and safety of oxcarbazepine.
Cerebellar Structures and the Programming of Movement Sequences
Authors: Inhoff Albrecht Werner , Rafal Robert
Published: March 2014

Two patients with unilateral damage to the medial and lateral cerebellum were examined to determine whether local structures in the cerebellum are used to execute programmed movement sequences. Both patients performed a sequential tapping task which required the execution of either a single keystroke or of a sequence of three keystrokes. Movements executed with the contralateral hand showed increases in response onset times as the movement sequence increased from one to three response elements (sequence length effect). Furthermore, noninitial response elements were executed considerably faster than sequence initial responses (position effect). Movements executed with the ipsilateral hand showed a different pattern of results. Damage to medial cerebellar structure had no qualifying effect but damage to the lateral cerebellar structure eliminated effects of sequence length and of response position. The results suggest that the lateral cerebellum is implicated in the execution of programmed manual movement sequences.
Trends in Anti-Epileptic Drug Development
Authors: Gram Lennart
Published: March 2014

Several avenues are being explored in the development of new anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). For a number of years efforts have been directed towards compounds which may augment neuronal inhibition, and these efforts have resulted in the development of several valuable drugs. More recently, increased attention has been focused on the role which excitatory transmitters may play in epileptogenesis, and various substances which decrease excitation are currently being investigated at the preclinical level. Since considerable potential still resides in several of the drugs already on the market, resources have been spent on trying to modify/improve the chemical formula of some of these substances, and a number of new drugs has emerged as a result of this approach. The major accomplishments reviewed here in the development of new anti-epileptic drugs suggest that even more successful advances may be achieved in the near future.
Face Processing Impairments and Delusional Misidentification
Authors: Young Andrew W. , Ellis Hadyn D. , Szulecka T. Krystyna , De Pauw Karel W.
Published: March 2014

We report detailed investigations of the face processing abilities of four patients who had shown symptoms involving delusional misidentification. One (GC) was diagnosed as a Frégoli case, and the other three (SL, GS, and JS) by symptoms of intermetamorphosis. The face processing tasks examined their ability to recognize emotional facial expressions, identify familiar faces, match photographs of unfamiliar faces, and remember photographs of faces of unfamiliar people. The Frégoli patient (GC) was impaired at identifying familiar faces, and severely impaired at matching photographs of unfamiliar people wearing different disguises to undisguised views. Two of the intermetamorphosis patients (SL and GS) also showed impaired face processing abilities, but the third US) performed all tests at a normal level. These findings constrain conceptions of the relation between delusional misidentification, face processing impairment, and brain injury.
Type A Behaviours and Heart Disease: Epidemiological and Experimental Foundations
Authors: Bennett Paul , Carroll Douglas
Published: March 2014

This paper critically examines three strands of evidence that concern the relationship between type A behaviours and coronary heart disease; prospective epidemiological studies of healthy populations, studies of those at high risk for coronary heart disease, and angiographic studies of atherosclerosis. The first of these would seem to provide the strongest test. Methodological and conceptual issues mean that the results of studies using the other methods should be interpreted with care. It is concluded that there is relatively strong evidence of an association between Type A behaviour as measured by Structured Interview and coronary heart disease. Hostility and anger appear to be the most powerful determinants of CHD. However, it is likely that they interact with other type A behaviours and related environmental factors in determining risk.
A Longitudinal Follow-up Study of Depression, Disability, and Body Concept in Torticollis
Authors: Jahanshahi M. , Marsden C. D.
Published: March 2014

Changes in depression, disability, body concept, and severity of head deviation were examined in a sample of 67 patients with idiopathic torticollis, who were reassessed 2 years after taking part in an initial study (before the use of botulinum toxin injections). Over the follow-up period, torticollis was unchanged in 41·8%, had improved in 26·9% and deteriorated in 31·3% of cases. The overall levels of depression, disability, and body concept across the two occasions did not change. Changes in the clinical severity of torticollis over the follow-up period had a significant effect on psychological adjustment. Those whose torticollis improved were less depressed and disabled and a had a more positive body concept compared to the patients whose torticollis had worsened. Measures of illness severity had stronger associations with measures of psychological adjustment at follow-up than at the time of initial study. Longer duration of torticollis was associated with larger increases in depression and disability during the 2 years of follow-up. The results suggest that the experience of depression, disability, and negative body concept in a proportion of torticollis sufferers is a reaction to the neurological illness. A minority of the patients who remain chronically depressed are primary candidates for therapeutic intervention aiming at improving their adjustment to the illness.
Three Multiple-Pulse Operation States of an All-Normal-Dispersion Dissipative Soliton Fiber Laser
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Pan Zhiyong , Zhuo Zhuang , Wang Yunzheng
Published: March 2014

Multiple-pulse operation states of an all-normal-dispersion Yb-doped double-clad dissipative soliton fiber laser are investigated in this paper. The proposed laser can deliver harmonic mode-locked pulses, bound states of dissipative solitons, and dual-wavelength dual-pulses. Stable second-harmonic and third-harmonic mode-locked pulse trains are obtained with the output power of 1.39 W and 1.46 W, respectively, and the corresponding single pulse energies are 12.1 nJ and 8.5 nJ. With the adjustment of pump power and the wave plates, the fiber laser generates bound states of two or three dissipative solitons. Moreover, a dual-wavelength dual-pulse state is presented, where the output pulses from the nonlinear polarization rotation rejection port consists of the leading and trailing edges of the pulses circulating in the cavity.
Breeding Services and the Factors Influencing Their Use on Smallholder Dairy Farms in Central Uganda
Authors: Mugisha Anthony , Kayiizi Vincent , Owiny David , Mburu John
Published: March 2014

Dairy cattle breeding is an important technology in the enhancement and promotion of dairy production in Uganda. The introduction of germplasm through AI is crucial to enhance the production potential of the local breeds. A study was conducted in six districts of Uganda in the central region using a questionnaire survey involving 450 randomly selected households to profile the dairy breeding services in use and investigate the factors that affect the success of dairy breeding focusing on AI. Adoption of the AI service was highly (P<0.05) dependent on ava ilability of extension services, record keeping practice (P<0.05), and availability of milk markets (P<0.05). On the other hand AI adoption was independent of formal education, age of farmer, labor availability, and feed/water availability (P>0.05). Use or nonuse of AI did not significantly (P>0.05) influence the sex of the calf born. While preference for AI was marked, very few farmers actually used it. This implies that focus should be put on improved AI service delivery alongside improved extension services.
Self-Organized Cognitive Sensor Networks: Distributed Channel Assignment for Pervasive Sensing
Authors: Tseng Li-Chuan , Chien Feng-Tsun , Marzouki Abdelwaheb , Chang Ronald Y. , Chung Wei-Ho , Huang ChingYao
Published: March 2014

We study the channel assignment strategy in multichannel wireless sensor networks (WSNs) where macrocells and sensor nodes are overlaid. The WSNs dynamically access the licensed spectrum owned by the macrocells to provide pervasive sensing services. We formulate the channel assignment problem as a potential game which has at least one pure strategy Nash equilibrium (NE). To achieve the NE, we propose a stochastic learning-based algorithm which does not require the information of other players’ actions and the time-varying channel. Cluster heads as players in the game act as self-organized learning automata and adjust assignment strategies based on their own action-reward history. The convergence property of the proposed algorithm toward pure strategy NE points is shown theoretically and verified numerically. Simulation results demonstrate that the learning algorithm yields a 26% sensor node capacity improvement as compared to the random selection, and incurs less than 10% capacity loss compared to the exhaustive search.
Some Derivative-Free Quadrature Rules for Numerical Approximations of Cauchy Principal Value of Integrals
Authors: Das Rabindranath , Hota Manoj Kumar , Bej Manoranjan
Published: March 2014

Some derivative-free six-point quadrature rules for approximate evaluation of Cauchy principal value of integrals have been constructed in this paper. Rules are numerically verified by suitable integrals, their degrees of precision have been determined, and their respective errors have been asymptotically estimated.
ZnO Film Photocatalysts
Authors: Yin Bosi , Zhang Siwen , Zhang Dawei , Jiao Yang , Liu Yang , Qu Fengyu , Wu Xiang
Published: March 2014

We have synthesized high‐quality, nanoscale ultrathin ZnO films at relatively low temperature using a facile and effective hydrothermal approach. ZnO films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra (PL), and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. The products demonstrated 95% photodegradation efficiency with Congo red (CR) after 40 min irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation experiments of methyl orange (MO) and eosin red also were carried out. The results indicate that the as‐obtained ZnO films might be promising candidates as the excellent photocatalysts for elimination of waste water.
L-Arginine/NO Pathway Is Altered in Children with Haemolytic-Uraemic Syndrome (HUS)
Authors: Kanzelmeyer Nele Kirsten , Pape Lars , Chobanyan-Jürgens Kristine , Tsikas Dimitrios , Hartmann Hans , Fuchs Anne-Jule , Vaske Bernhard , Das Anibh Martin , Haubitz Marion , Jordan Jens , Lücke Thomas
Published: March 2014

The haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is the most frequent cause of acute renal failure in childhood. We investigated L-arginine/NO pathway in 12 children with typical HUS and 12 age-matched healthy control subjects. Nitrite and nitrate, the major NO metabolites in plasma and urine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in plasma and urine, and dimethylamine (DMA) in urine were determined by GC-MS and GC-MS/MS techniques. Urinary measurements were corrected for creatinine excretion. Plasma nitrate was significantly higher in HUS patients compared to healthy controlsP=0.021, whereas urine nitrate was borderline lower in HUS patients compared to healthy controlsP=0.24. ADMA plasma concentrations were insignificantly lower, but urine ADMA levels were significantly lower in the HUS patientsP=0.019. Urinary DMA was not significantly elevated. In HUS patients, nitrateR=0.91but not nitrite, L-arginine, or ADMA concentrations in plasma correlated with free haemoglobin concentration. Our results suggest that both NO production and ADMA synthesis are decreased in children with typical HUS. We hypothesize that in the circulation of children with HUS a vicious circle between the L-arginine/NO pathway and free haemoglobin-mediated oxidative stress exists. Disruption of this vicious circle by drugs that release NO and/or sulphydryl groups-containing drugs may offer new therapeutic options in HUS.
A Generalized Quantum-Inspired Decision Making Model for Intelligent Agent
Authors: Hu Yuhuang , Loo Chu Kiong
Published: March 2014

A novel decision making for intelligent agent using quantum-inspired approach is proposed. A formal, generalized solution to the problem is given. Mathematically, the proposed model is capable of modeling higher dimensional decision problems than previous researches. Four experiments are conducted, and both empirical experiments results and proposed model's experiment results are given for each experiment. Experiments showed that the results of proposed model agree with empirical results perfectly. The proposed model provides a new direction for researcher to resolve cognitive basis in designing intelligent agent.
Evaluation of the Cementation Index as a Predictor of Failure in Coonrad-Morrey Total Elbow Arthroplasty
Authors: Kiran Manish , Jariwala Arpit , Wigderowitz Carlos A.
Published: March 2014

Background. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the quality of cementation by a novel method called the cementation index and assess its utility as a predictor of failure. Materials and Methods. Fifty elbows with primary Coonrad-Morrey total elbow replacement were included. The quality of cementing was assessed by novel methods, the vertical and horizontal cementation index, which were statistically evaluated as predictors of failure. The mean period of followup was 8.08±2.95 years (range: from 5.08 to 10.25 years). Results. The mean vertical cementation index of the humerus (vCIH) was 1.22 ± 0.28 and that of the ulna (vCIU) was 1.10±0.18. Radiolucent zones were noted in two cases in the humerus with a horizontal cementation index of 0.21 and 0.14, respectively. Both of the cementation indices were not found to be statistically significant predictors of failure (P>0.05). The five-year survival rate was 94%. Discussion and Conclusion. The cementation index, being a ratio, reduces the confounding effect of taking radiographs in different positions of the limb with different magnification in followup radiographs. It is an easy and objective method of assessment of cementation, the results of which need to be validated by a larger study.
Development and Evaluation of an Open-Source Software Package “CGITA” for Quantifying Tumor Heterogeneity with Molecular Images
Authors: Fang Yu-Hua Dean , Lin Chien-Yu , Shih Meng-Jung , Wang Hung-Ming , Ho Tsung-Ying , Liao Chun-Ta , Yen Tzu-Chen
Published: March 2014

Background. The quantification of tumor heterogeneity with molecular images, by analyzing the local or global variation in the spatial arrangements of pixel intensity with texture analysis, possesses a great clinical potential for treatment planning and prognosis. To address the lack of available software for computing the tumor heterogeneity on the public domain, we develop a software package, namely, Chang-Gung Image Texture Analysis (CGITA) toolbox, and provide it to the research community as a free, open-source project.Methods. With a user-friendly graphical interface, CGITA provides users with an easy way to compute more than seventy heterogeneity indices. To test and demonstrate the usefulness of CGITA, we used a small cohort of eighteen locally advanced oral cavity (ORC) cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapies.Results. In our case study of ORC data, we found that more than ten of the current implemented heterogeneity indices outperformed SUVmeanfor outcome prediction in the ROC analysis with a higher area under curve (AUC). Heterogeneity indices provide a better area under the curve up to 0.9 than the SUVmeanand TLG (0.6 and 0.52, resp.).Conclusions. CGITA is a free and open-source software package to quantify tumor heterogeneity from molecular images. CGITA is available for free for academic use athttp://code.google.com/p/cgita.
Adaptive Medium Access Control Protocol for Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Javaid N. , Ahmad A. , Rahim A. , Khan Z. A. , Ishfaq M. , Qasim U.
Published: March 2014

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are widely used for applications such as modern health-care systems, where wireless sensors (nodes) monitor the parameter(s) of interest. Nodes are provided with limited battery power and battery power is dependent on radio activity. MAC protocols play a key role in controlling the radio activity. Therefore, we present Adaptive Medium Access Control (A-MAC) protocol for WBANs supported by linear programming models for the minimization of energy consumption and maximization of dataflow. Our proposed protocol is adaptive in terms of guard band assignment technique and sleep/wakeup mechanism. We focus on specific application to monitor human body with the help of nodes which continuously scan body for updated information. If the current value is within normal range, nodes do not try to access channel. However, if the current value rises or falls beyond the permissible range, nodes switch on their transceiver to access channel. Moreover, A-MAC uses TDMA approach to access channel and well-defined synchronization scheme to avoid collisions. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive analysis supported by MATLAB simulations to provide estimation of delay spread. Simulation results justify that the proposed protocol performs better in terms of network lifetime and throughput as compared to the counterpart protocols.
Genetic Polymorphisms ofORAI1and Chronic Kidney Disease in Taiwanese Population
Authors: Hwang Daw-Yang , Chien Shu-Chen , Hsu Yu-Wen , Kao Chih-Chin , Cheng Shih-Ying , Lu Hui-Chen , Wu Mai-Szu , Chang Jer-Ming
Published: March 2014

Taiwan has very high incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which easily progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The association between inflammation and CKD has been explored in several studies.ORAI1functions as a pore-forming subunit of the store-operated calcium channels which are involved in the regulation of immune system. Hence, we conducted a case-control study to determine whether the genetic polymorphisms ofORAI1gene is a susceptibility factor to CKD and its clinical features in a Taiwanese population. Five hundred seventy-nine CKD patients from a hospital-based CKD care program were included in the study. Five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) ofORAI1were selected from the genotyping data of the Han Chinese population from the HapMap project. Among these polymorphisms, rs12313273 was found to be significantly associated with elevated serum calcium levels, which has been linked to increased risk of death in CKD patients. To have a better management of serum calcium, we suggest thatORAI1polymorphisms might be used as a potential biomarker for initiating non-calcium-based phosphate binder in CKD patients in the future.
Laser Ultrasonic System for Surface Crack Visualization in Dissimilar Welds of Control Rod Drive Mechanism Assembly of Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Choi Yun-Shil , Jeong Hyomi , Lee Jung-Ryul
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we propose a J-groove dissimilar weld crack visualization system based on ultrasonic propagation imaging (UPI) technology. A full-scale control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) assembly specimen was fabricated to verify the proposed system. An ultrasonic sensor was contacted at one point of the inner surface of the reactor vessel head part of the CRDM assembly. Q-switched laser beams were scanned to generate ultrasonic waves around the weld bead. The localization and sizing of the crack were possible by ultrasonic wave propagation imaging. Furthermore, ultrasonic spectral imaging unveiled frequency components of damage-induced waves, while wavelet-transformed ultrasonic propagation imaging enhanced damage visibility by generating a wave propagation video focused on the frequency component of the damage-induced waves. Dual-directional anomalous wave propagation imaging with adjacent wave subtraction was also developed to enhance the crack visibility regardless of crack orientation and wave propagation direction. In conclusion, the full-scale specimen test demonstrated that the multiple damage visualization tools are very effective in the visualization of J-groove dissimilar weld cracks.
Embedding Structures Associated with Riordan Arrays and Moment Matrices
Authors: Barry Paul
Published: March 2014

Every ordinary Riordan array contains two naturally embedded Riordan arrays. We explore this phenomenon, and we compare it to the situation for certain moment matrices of families of orthogonal polynomials.
Functional Analyses of c.2268dup in Thyroid Peroxidase Gene Associated with Goitrous Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Lee Ching Chin , Harun Fatimah , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid , Lim Chor Yin , Ng Khoon Leong , Mat Junit Sarni
Published: March 2014

The c.2268dup mutation in thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene was reported to be a founder mutation in Taiwanese patients with dyshormonogenetic congenital hypothyroidism (CH). The functional impact of the mutation is not well documented. In this study, homozygous c.2268dup mutation was detected in two Malaysian-Chinese sisters with goitrous CH. Normal and alternatively spliced TPO mRNA transcripts were present in thyroid tissues of the two sisters. The abnormal transcript contained 34 nucleotides originating from intron 12. The c.2268dup is predicted to generate a premature termination codon (PTC) at position 757 (p.Glu757X). Instead of restoring the normal reading frame, the alternatively spliced transcript has led to another stop codon at position 740 (p.Asp739ValfsX740). The two PTCs are located at 116 and 201 nucleotides upstream of the exons 13/14 junction fulfilling the requirement for a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Quantitative RT-PCR revealed an abundance of unidentified transcripts believed to be associated with the NMD. TPO enzyme activity was not detected in both patients, even though a faint TPO band of about 80 kD was present. In conclusion, the c.2268dup mutation leads to the formation of normal and alternatively spliced TPO mRNA transcripts with a consequential loss of TPO enzymatic activity in Malaysian-Chinese patients with goitrous CH.
Gender and Ocular Manifestations of Connective Tissue Diseases and Systemic Vasculitides
Authors: Choudhary Maria M. , Hajj-Ali Rula A. , Lowder Careen Y.
Published: March 2014

Ocular manifestations are present in many connective tissue diseases which are characterized by an immune system that is directed against self. In this paper, we review the ocular findings in various connective tissue diseases and systemic vasculitides and highlight gender differences in each disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, we find that dry eyes affect women nine times more than men. The other extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis affect women three times more commonly than men. Systemic lupus erythematosus can involve all ocular structures and women are nine times more affected than men. Systemic sclerosis is a rare disease but, again, it is more common in women with a female to male ratio of 8 : 1. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis also affect women more commonly than men but no gender differences have been found in the incidence or disease course in the systemic vasculitides associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis). Finally, Behcet’s disease is more common in males, and male gender is a risk factor for Behcet’s disease. There is a slight female preponderance in sarcoidosis with female gender carrying a worse prognosis in the outcome of ocular disease.
Prevalence and Trends of Obesity and Association with Socioeconomic Status in Thai Adults: National Health Examination Surveys, 1991–2009
Authors: Aekplakorn Wichai , Inthawong Rungkarn , Kessomboon Pattapong , Sangthong Rassamee , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Putwatana Panwadee , Taneepanichskul Surasak
Published: March 2014

We determined the prevalence of obesity in Thai adults aged 20 and over in 2009 and examined trends of body mass index (BMI) between 1991 and 2009. Data from Thai National Health Examination Survey for 19,181 adults in 2009 and 64,480 adults between 1991 and 2004 were used to calculate age-adjusted mean and prevalence. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of obesity with education level. In 2009, age-adjusted prevalence of obesity classes I (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) and II (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in Thai adults aged ≥20 years were 26.0% and 9.0%, respectively. Compared with primary education, the odds of obesity class I were highest in men with university education. For women, the odds of obesity classes I and II were highest in those with primary education. BMI significantly increased from 21.6 kg/m2in men and 22.8 kg/m2in women in 1991 to 23.3 kg/m2and 24.4 kg/m2in 2009, respectively. The average BMI increases per decade were highest in men with secondary education (1.0 kg/m2,P<0.001) and in women with primary education with the same rate. There were increasing trends in BMI with slight variation by SES groups in Thai men and women during 1991–2009.
Stability of Hybrid Stochastic Systems with Time-Delay
Authors: Xing-cheng Pu , Wei Yuan
Published: March 2014

This paper develops some criteria for a kind of hybrid stochastic systems with time-delay, which improve existing results on hybrid systems without considering noises. The improved results show that the presence of noise is quite involved in the stability analysis of hybrid systems. New results can be used to analyze the stability of a kind of stochastic hybrid impulsive and switching neural networks (SHISNN). Therefore, stability analysis of SHISNN can be turned into solving a linear matrix inequality (LMI).
Features of Atherosclerosis in the Tunica Adventitia of Coronary and Carotid Arteries in a Black Kenyan Population
Authors: Ogeng’o Julius , Ongeti Kevin , Obimbo Moses , Olabu Beda , Mwachaka Philip
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Histologic changes which occur in the tunica adventitia during initiation, progression, and complications of atherosclerosis are seldom reported. This study aimed at describing the features of atherosclerosis in the tunica adventitia of two of the commonly afflicted arteries, namely, left anterior descending coronary and common carotid in black Kenyans. Materials and Methods. Specimens from 108 individuals [76 males and 32 females, mean age 34.6] were processed for paraffin embedding. Seven micron thick sections were stained with Mason’s trichrome and Haematoxylin/Eosin and examined with a light microscope. Results. Features of atherosclerosis were present in the tunica adventitia of 14.8% of left anterior descending arteries and 11.1% of common carotid arteries. Increase in adventitial thickness was associated with increased density of vasa vasora in 8.3% of both arteries. In the left anterior descending and common carotid arteries, 6.5% and 3.7% of cases, respectively, the tunica adventitia thickened without intimal hyperplasia. Conclusion. Features of atherosclerosis occur in the tunica adventitia of coronary and carotid arteries in over 10% of the black Kenyans studied. These features often precede the intimo medial changes. Tunica adventitia should therefore be prioritized in evaluation for atherosclerosis, in individuals at risk. This may enhance early detection and intervention.
Stroke Survivors Scoring Zero on the NIH Stroke Scale Score Still Exhibit Significant Motor Impairment and Functional Limitation
Authors: Hand Brittany , Page Stephen J. , White Susan
Published: March 2014

Objective.To determine the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale’s (NIHSS’s) association with upper extremity (UE) impairment and functional outcomes.Design.Secondary, retrospective analysis of randomized controlled trial data.Setting.Not applicable.Participants.146 subjects with stable, chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis.Intervention.The NIHSS, the UE Fugl-Meyer (FM), and the Arm Motor Ability Test (AMAT) were administered prior to their participation in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.Main Outcome Measures.The NIHSS, FM, and AMAT.Results.The association between the NIHSS and UE impairment was statistically significant(P=-0.204;p=0.014)but explained less than 4% of the variance among UE FM scores. The association between NIHSS total score and function as measured by the AMAT was not statistically significant(P=-0.141;p=0.089). Subjects scoring a “zero” on the NIHSS exhibited discernible UE motor deficits and varied scores on the UE FM and AMAT.Conclusion.While being used in stroke trials, the NIHSS may have limited ability to discriminate between treatment responses, even when only a relatively narrow array of impairment levels exists among patients. Given these findings, NIHSS use should be restricted to acute stroke studies and clinical settings with the goal of reporting stroke severity.
Quality of Life and Sexual Health in the Aging of PCa Survivors
Authors: Gacci Mauro , Baldi Elisabetta , Tamburrino Lara , Detti Beatrice , Livi Lorenzo , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Gravas Stavros , Carini Marco , Serni Sergio
Published: March 2014

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in elderly men. The progressive ageing of the world male population will further increase the need for tailored assessment and treatment of PCa patients. The determinant role of androgens and sexual hormones for PCa growth and progression has been established. However, several trials on androgens and PCa are recently focused on urinary continence, quality of life, and sexual function, suggesting a new point of view on the whole endocrinological aspect of PCa. During aging, metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and central obesity, can be associated with a chronic, low-grade inflammation of the prostate and with changes in the sex steroid pathways. These factors may affect both the carcinogenesis processes and treatment outcomes of PCa. Any treatment for PCa can have a long-lasting negative impact on quality of life and sexual health, which should be assessed by validated self-reported questionnaires. In particular, sexual health, urinary continence, and bowel function can be worsened after prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or hormone treatment, mostly in the elderly population. In the present review we summarized the current knowledge on the role of hormones, metabolic features, and primary treatments for PCa on the quality of life and sexual health of elderly Pca survivors.
Merit of Ginseng in the Treatment of Heart Failure in Type 1-Like Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Chia , Chan Paul , Chen Li-Jen , Chang Chen Kuei , Liu Zhongmin , Lin Jia-Wei
Published: March 2014

The present study investigated the merit of ginseng in the improvement of heart failure in diabetic rats and the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorsδ(PPARδ). We used streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat (STZ-rat) to screen the effects of ginseng on cardiac performance and PPARδexpression. Changes of body weight, water intake, and food intake were compared in three groups of age-matched rats; the normal control (Wistar rats) received vehicle, STZ-rats received vehicle and ginseng-treated STZ-rats. We also determined cardiac performances in addition to blood glucose level in these animals. The protein levels of PPARδin hearts were identified using Western blotting analysis. In STZ-rats, cardiac performances were decreased but the food intake, water intake, and blood glucose were higher than the vehicle-treated control. After a 7-day treatment of ginseng in STZ-rats, cardiac output was markedly enhanced without changes in diabetic parameters. This treatment with ginseng also increased the PPARδexpression in hearts of STZ-rats. The related signal of cardiac contractility, troponin I phosphorylation, was also raised. Ginseng-induced increasing of cardiac output was reversed by the cotreatment with PPARδantagonist GSK0660. Thus, we suggest that ginseng could improve heart failure through the increased PPARδexpression in STZ-rats.