bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower extremity osteoarthritis management needs a paradigm shift
Authors: Hunter David J
Published: February 2011

The current pre-eminent focus in osteoarthritis research and clinical practice is on persons with established radiographic disease. This is the very end-stage of disease genesis and modern therapies are thus largely palliative. A major shift in the focus of osteoarthritis research and clinical practice is critically needed if an impact is to be made for the millions living with the chronic pain and disability of osteoarthritis. The disease management paradigm needs to be revolutionised to focus on persons at high risk of developing or with early disease in which structural changes may be preventable or reversible. Similarly, current palliation should shift towards coordinated conservative management with reorganisation of the delivery of health services.
Genetic monitoring in natural perennial plant populations
Authors: Aravanopoulos F. A.
Published: February 2011

Genetic monitoring, the quantification of temporal changes in population genetics and dynamics metrics generated by using appropriate parameters, constitutes a method with a prognostic value. Genetic monitoring has been recognized in several international agreements and documents, and can be an important tool for the protection of biodiversity. However, approaches developed so far for perennial plant species are rather cumbersome for practical use. It is proposed that perennial plant genetic monitoring should focus on keystone species of biological and economical importance, as well as rare or endangered species. In addition, genetic monitoring should concentrate on gene conservation units of such species, to be advanced in a dynamic gene conservation scheme. Three indicators are proposed for genetic monitoring based on a gene-ecological approach: natural selection, genetic drift, and a gene flow-mating system. These are evaluated based on three demographic (age and size class distribution, reproductive fitness, regeneration abundance) and four genetic (effective population size, allelic richness, latent genetic potential, outcrossing/actual inbreeding rate) parameters. Minimum sample sizes, critical levels of differences among parameters, and costs for temporal evaluation are proposed. The benefits of the immediate application of genetic monitoring are highlighted.
Do power line rights-of-way facilitate the spread of non-peatland and invasive plants in bogs and fens?
Authors: Dubé Caroline , Pellerin Stéphanie , Poulin Monique
Published: February 2011

Linear infrastructures are known to facilitate the spread of undesirable species in ecosystems. Compared with other types of infrastructure, the role of power line rights-of-way (ROWs) as dispersal vectors remains poorly understood, especially with regard to peatlands. The aim of our study was to evaluate their impacts on the vegetation of ombrotrophic (bog) and minerotrophic (fen) peatlands. The vegetation communities within and adjacent to power line ROWs were sampled in 23 bogs and 11 fens in southern Québec. In fens, invasive species were found in abundance along the first 250 m within ROWs, while native non-peatland species were able to spread into entire ROWs. Invasive species were also able to colonize the adjacent fen habitats but were mostly concentrated in the first 4 m from ROW edges. Some species were, however, able to establish at more than 43 m from ROWs. Invasive and native non-peatland species were mostly restricted to the first 31 m within ROWs intersecting a bog and almost none dispersed in the adjacent bog habitats. Overall, the average cover of native non-peatland and invasive species in ROWs was mostly related to intrinsic abiotic conditions such as water pH, water conductivity, and water table level, while landscape surrounding the peatland and historical variables (e.g., time elapse since the construction of the ROW) had few impacts in both bogs and fens.
The effect of invasiveLythrum salicariapollen deposition on seed set in the native speciesDecodon verticillatus
Authors: Da Silva Elizabeth M. , Sargent Risa D.
Published: February 2011

Relatively little attention has been paid to pollinator-mediated interactions among invasive and native plants in spite of the fact that pollen transfer between species in invaded communities has been shown to occur. In this study, we investigated the impact of pollen deposition from the invasive plant species Lythrum salicaria on seed set in a native species that is a member of the same family, Decodon verticillatus. Whole plants were subjected to hand pollination by conspecific (D. verticillatus only) or mixed (a 1:1 mixture of D. verticillatus and L. salicaria) pollen to determine if the addition of a mixed pollen load interferes with the ability of D. verticillatus pollen to set seed. We found the mixed pollen treatment reduced D. verticillatus seed set by 33.3% relative to the conspecific pollen treatment. Our study demonstrates that invasive plants have the potential to negatively impact the reproductive success of a native species through pollinator-mediated interactions. We discuss the potential implications of our findings to the evolution and persistence of native plant populations in invaded communities.
Induced magnetic field influences on blood flow through an anisotropically tapered elastic artery with overlapping stenosis in an annulus
Authors: Mekheimer Kh. S. , Haroun Mohammed H. , El Kot M. A.
Published: February 2011

A mathematical model for blood flow through an elastic artery with overlapping stenosis under the effect of induced magnetic field is presented. The present theoretical model may be considered as a mathematical representation to the movement of conductive physiological fluid through coaxial tubes such that the inner tube is uniform and rigid, representing a catheter tube, while the outer tube is an anisotropically tapered elastic cylindrical tube filled with a viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid, representing blood. The analysis is carried out for an artery with mild local narrowing in its lumen, forming a stenosis. Analytical expressions for the stream function, the magnetic force function, the axial velocity, the axial induced magnetic field, and the distribution of the current density are obtained. The results for the resistance impedance, the wall shear stress distribution, the axial velocity, the axial induced magnetic field, and distribution of the current density have been computed numerically, and the results were studied for various values of the physical parameters, such as the the Hartmann number Ha, the magnetic Reynolds number Rm, the taper angle ϕ, the maximum height of stenosis δ, the degree of anisotropy of the vessel wall n, and the contributions of the elastic constraints to the total tethering K.
Studies of the local structures and spin Hamiltonian parameters for the two Rh2+ centers in AgBr
Authors: Zhang Hua-Ming , Wu Shao-Yi , Xu Pei
Published: February 2011

The local structures and the spin Hamiltonian parameters (the g-factors g|| and g⊥ and the superhyperfine parameters A||′ and A⊥′) are quantitatively studied for the two Rh2+ L and H centers (denoting the tetragonally elongated and compressed [RhBr6]4− clusters at low and high temperatures, respectively) in AgBr using the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 4d7 ion in tetragonally elongated and compressed octahedra. From the studies, the elongated L center originates from the relative elongation of the parallel Rh2+–Br− bonds by about 0.081 Å along the C4 axis because of the Jahn–Teller effect. Nevertheless, the compressed center H is attributed to one next nearest neighbouring Ag+ vacancy VAg along the C4 axis as the charge compensator, which compels the intervening ligand Br− in the Rh2+ and the VAg to shift away from the latter by about 0.148 Å because of the electrostatic repulsion. All the calculated spin Hamiltonian parameters based on the above local structures are in good agreement with the experimental data for both centers.
Fractional orbital occupation of spin and charge in artificial atoms
Authors: Stevenson Catherine J. , Kyriakidis Jordan
Published: February 2011

We present results on spin and charge correlations in two-dimensional quantum dots as a function of increasing Coulomb strength (dielectric constant). We look specifically at the orbital occupation of both spin and charge. We find that charge and spin evolve separately, especially at low Coulomb strength. For the charge, we find that a hole develops in the core orbitals at strong Coulomb repulsion, invalidating the common segregation of confined electrons into an inert core and active valence electrons. For excitations, we find a total spin-projection Sz = –1/2 breaks apart into separate occupations of net positive and negative spin. This dissociation is caused by spin correlations alone. Quantum fluctuations arising from long-range Coulomb repulsion destroy the spin dissociation and eventually results in all orbitals carrying a negative spin.
Dust acoustic shock waves in plasmas with strongly coupled dusts and superthermal ions
Authors: Pakzad Hamid Reza
Published: February 2011

The reductive perturbation method is used for deriving the Kordeweg–de Vries–Burgers (KdVB) equation in strongly coupled dusty plasmas, containing Boltzmann distributed electron and superthermal ions. We discuss the shock wave solutions and also study the effect of superthermal ions on the waves.
Propagation of acoustic pulses in some fluids with yield stress
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: February 2011

This study is devoted to the derivation of approximate equations governing acoustic pulses in flows with yield stress, including some time-dependent flows with a slow dependence on time of yield stress and apparent viscosity. The modeling of yield stress and apparent viscosity in the vicinity of a zero deformation rate allows us to consider a thixotropic fluid as a Bingham plastic with coefficients that are dependent on time. The ordering scheme results in equations that are valid in leading order with respect to a number of small parameters. The unusual property of the domains of a waveform with positive and negative shear stress to propagate with different velocities is discovered. The illustration concerns the initially bipolar acoustic pulse, which becomes positive after some time. The proposed theory predicts broadening of a pulse due to the yield stress, starting at some time after the beginning of its evolution.
Comments on non-Fermi liquids in the presence of a condensate
Authors: Basu Pallab , He Jianyang , Mukherjee Anindya , Rozali Moshe , Shieh Hsien-Hang
Published: February 2011

We study the effects of a scalar condensate on a class of 2+1 dimensional non-Fermi liquids by introducing fermionic probes in the corresponding asymptotically AdS4 black hole backgrounds. For the range of parameters and the type of couplings we consider, the system does not develop a gap and resembles a conventional (Landau) Fermi liquid. The detailed properties of the system depend strongly on the parameters, in a model-dependent way.
Genuine two particle correlations of target fragments in nuclear interactions
Authors: Ghosh Dipak , Deb Argha , Bhattacharyya Swarnapratim , Datta Utpal
Published: February 2011

The search for genuine two-particle dynamical correlations among the target evaporated slow particles in 12C-AgBr and 24Mg-AgBr interactions at 4.5 AGeV and 28Si-AgBr interactions at 14.5 AGeV in the emission angle space has been carried out using the method of normalized factorial cumulant moments. The analysis reveals the presence of genuine two-particle dynamical correlations among the target fragments in 12C-AgBr, 24Mg-AgBr, and 28Si-AgBr interactions. The correlations among the target evaporated slow particles are found to decrease with an increase in mass and energy of the projectile beam.
A spectral model of the FeO orange bands with a comparison between a laboratory spectrum and a night airglow spectrum observed by OSIRIS on Odin
Authors: Gattinger R. L. , Evans W. F.J. , Degenstein D. A. , Llewellyn E. J.
Published: February 2011

Emissions from the FeO orange bands have been observed in the laboratory for many decades. The transition has been identified as D(5Δi)–X(5Δi) where the subscript identifies the five Ω spin components. While the ground-state molecular constants are well-known, information on the upper state is less precise, and this is primarily due to significant energy level perturbations. Using the available constants, a preliminary spectral simulation model of the orange bands has been developed with a wavelength accuracy of approximately 1/3 nm. Using data from the OSIRIS spectrograph on board the Odin spacecraft, these FeO orange bands have been identified as a component of the night airglow spectrum emanating from the upper mesosphere. The spectral simulation model is combined with the OSIRIS observations to determine the vibrational development of the FeO emissions in the airglow. The model is also applied to published laboratory observations of the orange bands, conducted at much higher pressure than for the airglow, to test for different vibrational development.
Vacuum ultraviolet spectrum of the iodine molecule
Authors: Venkateswarlu Putcha
Published: February 2011

The absorption spectrum of iodine has been photographed in the higher orders of a 10.7 m concave grating spectrograph in the region 1950–1200 Å. A number of band systems has been obtained, most of which correspond to Rydberg transitions. The limit of the Rydberg series leading to the 2Π3/2g state of the molecular ion has been recorded and the corresponding ionization potential is found to be 75 814 ± 10 cm−1. Five series have been found which terminate at this common limit. They represent transitions from the ground state to [σg2πu4Πg32Π3/2g]np σu Π1u, [σg2πu4πg32Π3/2g]np πu Σ+ (0u+), [σg2πu4πg32Π3/2g]nf σu Π1u, [σg2πu4πg32Π3/2g]nf πu, Σ+(0u+), and [σg2πu4πg32Π3/2g]nf δu Π1u states respectively, where n takes the running values 6, 7, 8, … etc. for the first three series and 4, 5, 6, … etc. for the last two series. The series limit of the bands corresponding to the molecules with ν″ = 1 has been found to be at 75 600 ± 10 cm−1. The first few members of similar series corresponding to transitions to different states involving the common [σg2πu4πg32Π1/2g] core have been identified and the ionization limit of these series is estimated to be at 80 895 ± 50 cm−1. Some of the remaining band systems obtained have been found to be very likely due to transitions to the Rydberg states involving molecular ion cores like [σg2πu 3πg42Π3/2u], [σg2πu3πg42Π1/2u], and [σg2πu4πg2σu2Σu+]. Three of the observed band systems do not appear to involve Rydberg states and their upper levels are very likely the 1Π(1u), 3Π(1u), and 3Π(0u+) states arising from the configuration σgπu3πg4σu2. The positions of these levels are at 64 956, 62 844, and 61 847 cm−1, the corresponding vibrational frequencies being 145, 144, and 109 cm−1 respectively.
Proton dynamics in ferroelectric colemanite
Authors: Watton A. , Petch H. E. , Pintar M. M.
Published: February 2011

A reexamination of the proton second moment in powdered colemanite, CaB3O4(OH)3∙H2O, over the range 4.2–450 °K has shown that the temperature dependence is in qualitative agreement with earlier work but that the magnitudes of the changes occurring at the two line-width transitions are substantially different. The observed values of the second moment have been compared with values calculated on the basis of models in which the hydrogen-containing molecular groups reorient. The line-width transition at about 130 °K is attributed to a motion in which the water molecules undergo 180° flips about the bisectrix of the H—O—H angle. The activation energy for this motion has been determined as 5.3 ± 0.3 kcal/mole from the temperature dependence of T1. The observed change in the second moment at the ferroelectric transition (270 °K) is in good agreement with the value calculated on the basis of the neutron diffraction model, in which a cooperative motion involving one of the hydrogen atoms of the water molecule and the hydrogen of an adjacent hydroxyl group is active above the transition.
Gain saturation measurements in the carbon dioxide laser using a Fresnel loss-plate technique
Authors: Tulip J. , Seguin H.
Published: February 2011

An intracavity Fresnel loss-plate technique of measuring gain characteristics of a laser is described. The technique is applied to the CO2 laser and the results are found to agree well with other published measurements.The saturation parameter of the CO2 laser is found to increase with laser discharge current.
Measurement of spin–phonon transition probabilities in ruby
Authors: El-Azab M. , Weissfloch C. F.
Published: February 2011

Measurements at X-band frequencies of relaxation times and spin–phonon transition probabilities in ruby grown by the "vapor phase" method were carried out. They demonstrate the existence of relaxation processes which cannot be related to the spin–lattice coupling parameters obtained from ultrasonic and static stress experiments.
STUDY OF ION BEAM SYNTHESIZED YSi2-x LAYERS
Authors: RACHID AYACHE , ABDERRAHMANE BOUABELLOU , FRANK EICHHORN
Published: February 2011

The processes in the synthesis of a thin layer of hexagonal YSi 2-x phase on a single-crystal Si (111) substrate by implantation of 195 keV Y ions with a dose of 2 × 1017 Y +/ cm 2 at 300°C followed by annealing in an N2 atmosphere at different temperatures for 1 h are investigated. The characterization of the as-implanted and annealed samples is performed using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pole figures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to view the surface topography. The results show that the orientation relationship between the YSi 2-x layer and Si substrate is YSi 2-x(0001)// Si (111) and YSi 2-x[11–20]// Si [110].
STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF NONOSIZED SnO-Fe2O3 MATERIAL OBTAINED BY BALL MILLING
Authors: AL-SAIE AHMED M. , JAAFAR ADNAN , BOUOUDINA MOHAMED
Published: February 2011

A mixture of Fe 2 O 3 and SnO oxides has been mechanically milled to form SnFe 2 O 4 spinel phase. X-ray diffraction pattern of the milled mixture shows that after milling, both peaks of Fe 2 O 3 and SnO remain with a drastic decrease of their intensities and broadening. The appearance of a broad halo around 2θ ~ 31° indicates the formation of an amorphous phase. After annealing at 750°C for 1 h, SnO peaks disappear completely and new diffraction peaks emerge indicating the formation of a new nanophase i.e. SnO 2. Magnetic measurements of the as-milled mixture show a ferromagnetic behavior with saturation magnetization Ms = 6.8 emu/g which drastically decreases after annealing to 0.6 emu/g.
IMPROVED PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF SURFACE MODIFIED TiO2 WITH PLATINUM
Authors: QAMAR M.
Published: February 2011

The present article describes the synthesis of platinized TiO 2 nanocomposite and its photocatalytic activity. The surface modification of the catalyst was carried out by platinum metals adopting a modified photo-deposition method. The effect of platinum loadings, such as 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 wt% on the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 has been studied. The study showed that the activity of TiO 2 can be significantly enhanced by depositing an optimum concentration of platinum metals that help to prevent the electron hole–pair recombination which is a major energy wasting step in photocatalysis. The photocatalytic efficiency of various samples was tested by studying the photo-oxidation of a dye namely Methyl Orange as probe reaction.
MAGNETIC MAP OF MnNi ALLOYED MONOLAYER ON Cu(001) SUBSTRATE: AB-INITIO CALCULATIONS
Authors: HAMAD BOTHINA A.
Published: February 2011

In this work, a theoretical study of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties are presented for Mn 0.5 Ni 0.5 alloyed overlayer adsorbed on Cu (001) surface. The calculations were performed using the density functional theory (DFT) and the exchange-correlation potential was treated by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA).

The system was fully relaxed except for the central layer, which yields to outward relaxations and inward Mn and Ni surface atoms, respectively in the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic configurations. The in-plane ferromagnetic configuration was found to be more stable than the antiferromagnetic one by 25 meV/atom. The local magnetic moments of Mn atoms were found to be about 4 μ B , whereas those of the Ni atoms where found to be 0.46 μ B .
EIA THEORIES — ALL CHINESE WHISPERS AND NO CRITICAL THEORY
Authors: WESTON JOE
Published: February 2011

There have been a large number of attempts to develop a theory or theories of Environmental Impact Assessment in order to justify its use in environmental decision-making. A review of academic articles demonstrates that these theories are largely drawn from planning theories. Planning theories are themselves a development of sociological theories of decision-making and from one particular strand of sociological theory. In this review of the theories of EIA it is argued that an understanding of wider sociological theory is necessary to fully understand both planning and EIA.
THE EVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DEBATES: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: RETIEF FRANCOIS
Published: February 2011

This paper explores the evolution of environmental assessment (EA) debates over the last decade within the South African context as reflected in the proceedings of the annual International Association for Impact Assessment, South African chapter (IAIAsa) conferences between 1997 and 2008. Retrospective analysis is important to ensure that the profession avoids unlearning key lessons, keeps and gains perspective, builds the knowledge base and plans for the future. The analysis involved a review of 472 papers presented at these conferences. The results suggest that debates have shifted away from concerns with quality and application of environmental assessment towards serious questions about effectiveness and the value that environmental assessment is adding. It is clear that the profession is currently going through a period of intense introspection, questioning the need for and contribution of EA.
COMPARING LEGISLATIVE MECHANISMS FOR SEA SCREENING AND DECISION-MAKING: AUSTRIAN AND AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES
Authors: STOEGLEHNER GERNOT , MORRISON-SAUNDERS ANGUS , EARLY GERARD
Published: February 2011

Austrian and Australian approaches to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) are compared with particular emphasis upon the legal basis for the initial phase of agreement/screening and the final stage of SEA decision-making and implementation. In Austrian SEA, screening is compulsory and the outcome leads only to recommendations, meaning that the SEA results have to be considered, but are not binding for the approval decision. In Australia engagement in SEA is largely voluntary but the process results in legally binding conditions of approval that can be applied to relevant actions arising from an assessed policy, plan or programme; the incentive for proponents to participate voluntarily is that subsequent project level activities may be exempt from further assessment processes. Compulsory SEA in Australia also provides a legally certain outcome, a factor of benefit to proponents. Examples of SEAs are provided to demonstrate the operation of the respective stages in the two countries. In Austria compulsory screening results in a lot of energy being spent avoiding triggering a full SEA. Although Australian proponents have been somewhat cautious in volunteering for SEA of their activities, there are signs that this is changing. We argue that the regulatory framework characteristics are a key determinant of the behaviour of proponents and the competent authority in practice and subsequently of SEA potential and outcomes. Consideration of the construct of the regulatory framework for SEA screening and decision-making provides a useful point of reflection for practitioners attempting to understand the effectiveness of SEA processes in a given jurisdiction.
USE AND ABUSE OF ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT LAW AND PRACTICE: A CANADIAN EXAMPLE AND GENERAL LESSONS
Authors: KWASNIAK ARLENE J.
Published: February 2011

Adaptive management theory recognises that we cannot make foolproof predictions of environmental impacts of human interventions into complex ecosystems. It mandates that environmental managers retain the ability to respond to change and inaccurate predictions. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) authorises government to implement adaptive management into project follow-up. A key Canadian court decision has interpreted this to mean that adaptive management enables projects to proceed when mitigation measures are uncertain, that could be used in tempering the significance of impacts, and that it offsets the impact of the precautionary principle. Taking a legal perspective, the paper discusses how adaptive management may benefit environmental assessment, how the CEAA uses it, how a court has misinterpreted its role in the CEAA, and how it relates to the precautionary principle. In closing the paper sets out general lessons from the Canadian experience for the use of adaptive management in environmental assessment generally.
Mechanism of Oxidation on Si2Sb2Te5 Phase Change Material and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Ting , Song Zhitang , Gu Yifeng , Cheng Yan , Liu Bo , Feng Songlin
Published: February 2011

Uniformly oxygen doping into phase change materials (PCMs) will increase their crystallization temperatures, but natural oxidation of PCMs has an opposite effect. Mechanism of oxidation for Si2Sb2Te5 was studied by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, employing an oxygen content gradient sample. During an oxidation process, oxygen preferentially reacts with Si due to its smallest electronegativity value among Si, Sb, and Te elements. Models have been proposed for the different mechanisms of oxidation. O-doping into Si–Sb–Te was proposed to prepare nano-crystal PCM based on the discovering. Performance of nano-crystal material and memory device was effectively promoted.
Characterization Method for the Relaxation Process of Metastable Defect States in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films with Photoisothermal Capacitance Transient Spectroscopy
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Minemoto Takashi
Published: February 2011

A simple, spectroscopic method is proposed for the characterization of metastable defects in semiconductors using modified photoisothermal capacitance transient spectroscopy (photo-ICTS). A photo-ICTS method using a weighting function is formularized for the conversion process between two defect states. The potential energy barrier separating two configurations of the metastable defect in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films has been successfully analyzed along with a tentatively determined defect concentration.
Ultrasonic Spray-Assisted Solution-Based Vapor-Deposition of Aluminum Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) Thin Films
Authors: Piao Jinchun , Katori Shigetaka , Ikenoue Takumi , Fujita Shizuo
Published: February 2011

Aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3) thin films were fabricated by a vapor-deposition technique from its methanol solution, that is, by the ultrasonic-assisted mist deposition technique. The application of high ultrasonic power to the Alq3–methanol mixture resulted in a stable and transparent solution. Mist particles formed by ultrasonic atomization of the solution were used as the source for vapor-deposition at the substrate temperature of 100–200 °C. Optical absorption and photoluminescence characteristics indicated the formation of Alq3 thin films. The results promise the formation of thin films of a variety of organic materials by the solution-based technique.
Solution Flow Assisted Fabrication Method of Oriented π-Conjugated Polymer Films by Using Geometrically-Asymmetric Sandwich Structures
Authors: Yamasaki Naoyuki , Miyake Yasuo , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Fujii Akihiko , Ozaki Masanori
Published: February 2011

The fabrication of oriented π-conjugated polymer films by a novel film-forming method has been studied. We succeeded in fabricating uniaxially oriented π-conjugated polymer films utilizing substrates with a geometrically-asymmetric sandwich structure, which could produce a unidirectional solution flow by capillary action. The optical and electrical anisotropies have been investigated in π-conjugated polymer films fabricated by the method, and discussed by taking the polymer orientation into consideration.
Lateral Junction Waveguide-Type Photodiode Grown on Semi-Insulating InP Substrate
Authors: Okumura Tadashi , Kondo Daisuke , Ito Hitomi , Lee SeungHun , Amemiya Tomohiro , Nishiyama Nobuhiko , Arai Shigehisa
Published: February 2011

A lateral junction waveguide-type GaInAsP/InP photodetector was fabricated on a semi-insulating InP substrate by two-step organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy (OMVPE) regrowth. Responsivities of 0.9 A/W at 1500 nm and 0.27 A/W at 1550 nm were obtained. A 3-dB bandwidth of 6 GHz and 6-Gbps error-free operation under non-bias conditions were achieved with a stripe width of 1.4 µm and a device length of 220 µm.
Nanosized Structural Anti-Reflection Layer for Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Han Kang-Soo , Shin Ju-Hyeon , Kim Kang-In , Lee Heon
Published: February 2011

A nanosized pattern layer was formed on the front surface (glass side) of the thin film solar cell using nanoimprint lithography with a Ni based moth-eye imprint mold in order to increase the total conversion efficiency of the amorphous silicon based thin film solar cell. The imprinted pattern layer had nanosized protrusions, which suppressed the reflection of light on the glass surfaces. The nanopatterns were formed using a methacryloxypropyl terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (MPDMS) based hard polymeric resin. The reflectance of the thin film solar cell significantly decreased because of the nanosized structural anti-reflection layer, and the total conversion efficiency of the cell increased about 3% compared to the identical solar cell without the nanosized pattern layer. Moreover, the surface exhibited a hydrophobic nature because of the surface nanopatterns and the self-assembled monolayer coating, and this hydrophobicity provided the solar cell with a self-cleaning functionality.
High Reliability of High-Speed Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers with Silicone-Encapsulated Structure and Parallel Optical Transmitter Modules
Authors: Hatakeyama Hiroshi , Akagawa Takeshi , Fukatsu Kimiyoshi , Yashiki Kenichiro , Tokutome Keiichi , Anan Takayoshi , Tsuji Masayoshi
Published: February 2011

Reliability of both high-speed vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with silicone-encapsulated structure and the parallel optical transmitter modules were investigated. Results of wear-out life tests indicated that the VCSEL with a silicone-encapsulated structure has the same lifetime as a bare-chip VCSEL, which was more than 106 h at the junction temperature of 90 °C. High reliability of the 20 Gbps × 12 channel on-board parallel optical transmitter modules in various test environments was also confirmed.
Effects of the pH Level on the Phosphor Characteristics of Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ Coated with SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Han Sujin , Seo Jeongheon , Sohn Sangho
Published: February 2011

We report a green phosphor Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ with a surface modified by coating SiO2 nanoparticles. The phosphor was coated with SiO2 nano-particles using a modified sol–gel method. The pH levels of phosphor solution were changed to investigate its effect on the phosphor characteristics. The SiO2 nano-particles are coated uniformly on the surface of phosphors at pH 3.9. The surface coating of SiO2 nano-particles on the phosphor leads to an increase in the intensity of the 515 nm peak of the phosphor and yields more increase in the peak intensity at pH 3.9 being the isoelectric point of the phosphor solution.
New Method of Evaluating the Crystallization Activation Energy of Ge2Sb2Te5 by In situ Resistance Measurement
Authors: Jun Hyun-Goo , Kwon Min-Ho , Kang Dongmin , Lee Dongbok , Kim Ki-Bum
Published: February 2011

A new method of evaluating crystallization activation energy of Ge2Sb2Te5 is proposed by in situ resistance measurement under isothermal annealing conditions. Linear relationship between logarithmic time and reciprocal temperature in modified Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation is derived under the assumption that proportion of resistance drop from the initial value is closely related to crystal fraction. Crystallization activation energy thus obtained is 2.67 eV. Numerical calculation was conducted to manifest the validity of this analysis based on percolation model. Moreover, crystallization behavior of patterned single-line structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 was evaluated, and the scaling effect of increasing activation energy with decreasing line width was observed.
Thickness-Dependent Structural and Optical Properties of VO2 Thin Films
Authors: Ma Jianwei , Xu Gang , Miao Lei , Tazawa Masato , Tanemura Sakae
Published: February 2011

VO2 thin films with thicknesses from 100 to 2 nm were prepared on C-plane sapphire (0001) substrates by magnetron sputtering and remarkable thickness-dependent structural and optical properties were found. Below 10 nm, the films are nonconductive, island structured, and their phase transition temperatures are reduced to be much lower than those of the continuous, thick films. Structural defects in the island crystal films may be one of the main reasons for this temperature reduction. The film growth mode was identified to be the Vollmer–Weber (island growth)-type in the initial stage.
Continuous Monitoring of Electrical Activity of Pancreatic β-Cells Using Semiconductor-Based Biosensing Devices
Authors: Sakata Toshiya , Sugimoto Haruyo
Published: February 2011

The electrical activity of rat pancreatic β-cells caused by introduction of glucose was directly and noninvasively detected using a cell-based field-effect transistor (FET). Rat pancreatic β-cells were adhered to the gate sensing surface of the cell-based FET. The principle of cell-based FETs is based on the detection of charge density changes such as pH variation at the interface between the cell membrane and the gate surface. The gate surface potential of pancreatic β-cell-based FET increased continuously after introduction of glucose at a high concentration of 10 mg/ml. This result indicates that the electrical activity of β-cells was successfully monitored on the basis of pH changes, i.e., increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions, at the cell/gate interface using the pancreatic β-cell-based FET. We assume that the pH variation based on hydrogen ion accumulation at the cell/gate interface was induced by activation of respiration accompanied by insulin secretion process following glucose addition. The platform based on the field-effect devices is suitable for application in a real-time, noninvasive, and label-free detection system for cell functional analyses.
On the Integration Schemes of Retrieving Impulse Response Functions from Transfer Functions
Authors: Chen Kui Fu , Li Yan Feng
Published: February 2011

The numerical inverse Laplace transformation (NILM) makes use of numerical integration. Generally, a high‐order scheme of numerical integration renders high accuracy. However, surprisingly, this is not true for the NILM to the transfer function. Numerical examples show that the performance of higher‐order schemes is no better than that of the trapezoidal scheme. In particular, the solutions from high‐order scheme deviate from the exact one markedly over the rear portion of the period of interest. The underlying essence is examined. The deviation can be reduced by decreasing the frequency‐sampling interval.
Patient Experiences of Structured Heart Failure Programmes
Authors: Tully Nuala E. , Morgan Karen M. , Burke Helen M. , McGee Hannah M.
Published: February 2011

Objectives. Patient experiences of structured heart failure rehabilitation and their views on the important components of heart failure services were examined.Methods. Focus groups were conducted with fifteen participants (men, ) attending one of two heart failure rehabilitation programmes. Sessions were guided by a semistructured interview schedule covering participants' experiences of the programme, maintenance, and GP role. Focus group transcripts were analysed qualitatively.Results. Participants indicated that rehabilitation programmes substantially met their needs. Supervised exercise sessions increased confidence to resume physical activity, while peer-group interaction and supportive medical staff improved morale. However, once the programme ended, some participants' self-care motivation lapsed, especially maintenance of an exercise routine. Patients doubted their GPs' ability to help them manage their condition.Conclusion. Structured rehabilitation programmes are effective in enabling patients to develop lifestyle skills to live with heart failure. However, postrehabilitation maintenance interventions are necessary to sustain patients' confidence in disease self-management.
Convergence Properties for Asymptotically almost Negatively Associated Sequence
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Hu Shuhe , Yang Wenzhi
Published: February 2011

We get the strong law of large numbers, strong growth rate, and the integrability of supremum for the partial sums of asymptotically almost negatively associated sequence. In addition, the complete convergence
for weighted sums of asymptotically almost negatively associated sequences is also studied.
Some Existence Theorems for Nonconvex Variational InequalitiesProblems
Authors: Petrot Narin
Published: February 2011

By using nonsmooth analysis knowledge, we provide the conditions for existence solutions of the variational inequalities problems in nonconvex setting. We also show that the strongly monotonic assumption of the mapping may not need for the existence of solutions. Consequently, the results presented in this paper can be viewed as an improvement and refinement of some known results from the literature.
Design and Comparison of 24 GHz Patch Antennas on Glass Substrates for Compact Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Ohnimus Florian , Maaß Uwe , Fotheringham Gerhard , Curran Brian , Ndip Ivan , Fritzsch Thomas , Wolf Jürgen , Guttowski Stephan , Lang Klaus-Dieter
Published: February 2011

Three patch antennas suitable for integration and operation in a compact 24 GHz wireless sensor node with radar and communication functions are designed, characterized, and compared. The antennas are manufactured on a low loss glass wafer using thin film (BCB/Cu) wafer level processing (WLP) technologies. This process is well suited for 3D stacking. The antennas are fed through a microstrip line underneath a ground plane coupling into the patch resonator through a slot aperture. Linear polarization (LP), dual mode (DM) operation, and circular polarization (CP) are achieved through the layout of the slot aperture and rectangular patch dimensions. Antenna gain values of ∼5.5 dBi are obtained in addition to the 10 dB impedance bandwidths of 900 MHz and 1.3 GHz as well as 500 MHz CP bandwidth with a 3 dB axial ratio for the LP, DM, and CP patch antennas, respectively.
A Case Study of Nearshore Wave Transformation Processes along the Coast of Mexico near the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant Using a Fast Simulation Method
Authors: Herrera-Díaz Israel-Enrique , Couder-Castañeda Carlos , Ramírez-León Hermilo
Published: February 2011

A numerical model based on the mild‐slope equation of water wave propagation over complicated bathymetry, taking into account the combined effects of refraction, diffraction, and reflection due to breakwater, is presented. The
numerical method was developed using a split proposed version of the mild‐slope equation and solved by an implicit method in a finite volume grid; this technique easily allows model the wave effects caused by the breakwater building in coastal waters, where industrial and other economic activities take place. Controlled case studies have been made and the results match very well with the reference solution. The capability and utility of the model for real coastal areas are illustrated by application to the breakwater of the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant (LVNPP).
Occupational Health Hazards in ICU Nursing Staff
Authors: Shimizu Helena Eri , Couto Djalma Ticiani , Merchán-Hamann Edgar , Branco Anadergh Barbosa
Published: February 2011

This study analyzed occupational health hazards for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses and nursing technicians, comparing differences in the number and types of hazards which occur at the beginning and end of their careers. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 26 nurses and 96 nursing technicians from a public hospital in the Federal District, Brazil. A Likert-type work-related symptom scale (WRSS) was used to evaluate the presence of physical, psychological, and social risks. Data were analyzed with the use of the SPSS, version 12.0, and the Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical significance and differences in occupational health hazards at the beginning and at the end of the workers' careers. As a workplace, ICUs can cause work health hazards, mostly physical, to nurses and nursing technicians due to the frequent use of physical energy and strength to provide care, while psychological and social hazards occur to a lesser degree.
HIV Suppression among Patients on Treatment in Vietnam: A Review of HIV Viral Load Testing in a Public Urban Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Trinh T. Tony , Montague Brian T. , Flanigan Timothy P. , Gerard Hoang My
Published: February 2011

Background. There are few reports of HIV viral load (VL) testing among patients on ART in Vietnam.Methods. From a public clinic in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), we reviewed cases of VL measurements from adults on ART.Results. We identified 228 cases. Median age was 30 years (27–34), 85% were male, and 77% had a history of IDU. The mean ART duration was 26 months (95% CI 25–27); d4T/3TC/NVP was the most common regimen. Viral suppression was seen in 160/228 (70%). Viremia (>1000 copies/mL) was associated with prior ART exposure (OR 5.68, ) and immunologic failure (OR 4.69, ). Targeted testing accounted for 13% of cases, only half of which yielded viremia.Conclusion. We demonstrate a high HIV suppression rate among patients on ART in HCMC, Vietnam. In this setting, routine testing detects viremia missed by targeted testing.
Modeling and Analysis of Material Flows in Re‐Entrant Supply Chain Networks Using Modified Partial Differential Equations
Authors: He Fenglan , Dong Ming , Shao Xiaofeng
Published: February 2011

The basic partial differential equation (PDE) models for supply chain networks with re‐entrant nodes and their macroscopic are proposed. However, through numerical examples, the basic continuum models do not perform well for multiple re‐entrant systems. Then, a new state equation considering the re‐entrant degree of the products is introduced to improve the effectiveness of the basic continuum models. The applicability of the modified continuum models for re‐entrant supply chains is illustrated through numerical examples. Finally, based on the modified continuum model, numerical examples of different re‐entrant degrees are given, meanwhile, the changes in the WIP and outflux are analyzed in details for multiple re‐entrant supply chain systems.
An Update on the Changing Indications for Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Myklak Kristene , Wilson Shandra
Published: February 2011

Quality of life has become increasingly more important for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. In light of this and the recognized risks of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the guidelines and use of ADT have changed significantly over the last few years. This paper reviews the current recommendations and the future perspectives regarding ADT. The benefits of ADT are evident neoadjuvantly and adjuvantly in patients treated with external beam radiation therapy for intermediate- and high-risk disease, in patients who have undergone prostatectomy with lymph node involvement, in high-risk patients after definitive therapy, and in patients who have developed progression or metastasis. Finally, this paper reviews the risks and benefits of each of these scenarios and the risks of androgen deprivation in general, and it delineates the areas where ADT was previously recommended, but where evidence is lacking for its additional benefit.
Mycobacteria Infection in Incomplete Transverse Myelitis Is Refractory to Steroids: A Pilot Study
Authors: Feng Yanqing , Guo Ning , Liu Junxiu , Chen Xi , Sun Qiaosong , Lai Rong , Huang Fan
Published: February 2011

Incomplete transverse myelitis (ITM) of unknown origin is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. This prospective, open-label study was undertaken to determine whether antituberculous treatment (ATT) might help patients with ITM whose condition continues to deteriorate despite receiving IV methylprednisolone treatment. The study consisted of 67 patients with steroid-refractory ITM in whomMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) was suspected clinically and in whom other known causes of myelopathy were excluded. The study occurred from January 2003 to June 2010. Patients underwent trial chemotherapy with ATT. Efficacy was assessed by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring system, the Barthel Index (BI) and the Hauser Ambulation Index (AI) at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of the 67 patients enrolled, 51 were assessed and 16 withdrew. At 24 months, 49 patients experienced benefits as indicated by significantly increased ASIA and BI scores. The Hauser AI index also improved with markedly decreased abnormal signals in spinal cord MRI over time. The results from this prospective study provide beneficial clinical and MRI data on the efficacy of ATT in ITM patients and suggests mycobacteria may be an important and neglected cause of myelitis.
An Approach to Robust Control of the Hopf Bifurcation
Authors: Innocenti Giacomo , Genesio Roberto , Tesi Alberto
Published: February 2011

The paper illustrates a novel approach to modify the Hopf bifurcation nature via a nonlinear state feedback control, which leaves the equilibrium properties unchanged. This result is achieved by recurring to linear and nonlinear transformations, which lead the system to locally assume the ordinary differential equation representation. Third‐order models are considered, since they can be seen as proper representatives of a larger class of systems. The explicit relationship between the control input and the Hopf bifurcation nature is obtained via a frequency approach, that does not need the computation of the center manifold.
Very Low-Dose Risperidone in First-Episode Psychosis: A Safe and Effective Way to Initiate Treatment
Authors: McGorry Patrick D. , Cocks John , Power Paddy , Burnett Peter , Harrigan Susy , Lambert Tim
Published: February 2011

Patients experiencing a first psychotic episode have high rates of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs) when treated with the doses of neuroleptics used in multiepisode or chronic schizophrenia. There is some evidence that lower doses may be equally, if not more, effective but less toxic in this population. Here, we report the results of a biphasic open label trial designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-dose (2–4 mg/day) risperidone treatment in a group of 96 first-episode nonaffective psychosis patients. At the end of the trial, 62% of patients met the response criteria although approximately 80% had achieved a response at some time during the study. Reports of EPS remained low, and there were no dystonic reactions. We conclude that even at a dose of 2 mg/day, risperidone was highly effective in reducing acute symptomatology in a real world sample of young first-episode psychosis patients.