bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of silver content on the antibacterial and bioactive properties of silver‐substituted hydroxyapatite
Authors: Lim Poon Nian , Teo Erin Yiling , Ho Bow , Tay Bee Yen , Thian Eng San
Published: January 2013

The long‐term success of a biomaterial used during surgery may be compromised by infection. A possible effective solution is to make the biomaterial osteoconductive and antibacterial. A range of silver‐substituted hydroxyapatite (AgHA) of up to 1.1 wt. % of Ag was synthesized. AgHA displayed a rod‐like morphology of dimensions ∼50 nm in length and ∼15 nm in width. Phase‐pure AgHA was demonstrated in the X‐ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra. Comparing with hydroxyaptite (HA), 0.5AgHA exhibited a 3‐log reduction in the number of bacteria. Diffusion of the entrapped Ag+ ions towards the crystal structure surface was revealed by an increase of 6 at. % Ag in the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. Furthermore, less than 0.5 ppm of Ag+ ions being released from 0.5AgHA into the deionized water medium was evidenced from the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry results. AgHA produced by co‐precipitation gave rise to minimal release of Ag+ ions. It was hypothesized that the diffused surface Ag+ ions damaged the bacteria cell membrane and impede its replication. With the culturing time, significant increase in the number of human mesenchymal stem cells (p < 0.05) was demonstrated on 0.5AgHA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2456–2464, 2013.
Equilibrium excited state and emission spectra of molecular aggregates from the hierarchical equations of motion approach
Authors: Jing Yuanyuan , Chen Liping , Bai Shuming , Shi Qiang
Published: January 2013

The hierarchical equations of motion (HEOM) method was applied to calculate the emission spectra of molecular aggregates using the Frenkel exciton model. HEOM equations for the one-exciton excited state were first propagated until equilibration. The reduced density operator and auxiliary density operators (ADOs) were used to characterize the coupled system-bath equilibrium. The dipole-dipole correlation functions were then calculated to obtain the emission spectra of model dimers, and the B850 band of light-harvesting complex II (LH2) in purple bacteria. The effect of static disorder on equilibrium excited state and the emission spectra of LH2 was also explicitly considered. Several approximation schemes, including the high temperature approximation (HTA) of the HEOM, a modified version of the HTA, the stochastic Liouville equation approach, the perturbative time-local and time-nonlocal generalized quantum master equations, were assessed in the calculation of the equilibrium excited state and emission spectra.
Absolute cross sections for dissociative electron attachment and dissociative ionization of cobalt tricarbonyl nitrosyl in the energy range from 0 eV to 140 eV
Authors: Engmann Sarah , Stano Michal , Papp Peter , Brunger Michael J. , Matejčík Štefan , Ingólfsson Oddur
Published: January 2013

We report absolute dissociative electron attachment (DEA) and dissociative ionization (DI) cross sections for electron scattering from the focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) precursor Co(CO)3NO in the incident electron energy range from 0 to 140 eV. We find that DEA leads mainly to single carbonyl loss with a maximum cross section of 4.1 × 10−16 cm2, while fragmentation through DI results mainly in the formation of the bare metal cation Co+ with a maximum cross section close to 4.6 × 10−16 cm2 at 70 eV. Though DEA proceeds in a narrow incident electron energy range, this energy range is found to overlap significantly with the expected energy distribution of secondary electrons (SEs) produced in FEBID. The DI process, on the other hand, is operative over a much wider energy range, but the overlap with the expected SE energy distribution, though significant, is found to be mainly in the threshold region of the individual DI processes.
Accuracy of relativistic energy-consistent pseudopotentials for superheavy elements 111–118: Molecular calibration calculations
Authors: Hangele Tim , Dolg Michael
Published: January 2013

Relativistic energy-consistent pseudopotentials modelling the Dirac-Coulomb-Breit Hamiltonian with a finite nucleus model for the superheavy elements with nuclear charges 111–118 were calibrated in atomic and molecular calculations against fully relativistic all-electron reference data. Various choices for the adjustment of the f-potentials were investigated and an improved parametrization is recommended. Using the resulting pseudopotentials relativistic all-electron reference data can be reproduced at the self-consistent field level with average absolute (relative) errors of 0.0030 Å (0.15%) for bond lengths and 2.79 N m−1 (1.26%) for force constants for 24 diatomic test molecules, i.e., neutral or singly charged monohydrides, monofluorides, and monochlorides with closed-shell electronic structure. At the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory level the corresponding average deviations are 0.0033 Å (0.15%) for bond lengths and 2.86 N m−1 (1.40%) for force constants. Corresponding improved f-potentials were also derived for the pseudopotentials modelling in addition the leading contributions from quantum electrodynamics.
Three-dimensional Poole-Frenkel analytical model for carrier transport in amorphous chalcogenides
Authors: Betti Beneventi Giovanni , Guarino Lucrezia , Ferro Massimo , Fantini Paolo
Published: January 2013

In this work, we propose a three-dimensional Poole-Frenkel (3DPF) analytical model for carrier transport in amorphous chalcogenides. 3DPF is based on the original Poole-Frenkel (PF) theory of non-interacting Coulombic traps responsible for carrier conduction in the bulk of the material. However, while in the original PF equation the device current-voltage characteristics is calculated by considering the barrier-lowering on the applied electric field direction only, in 3DPF we overcome this approximation by calculating the electronic current due to the integral effect of the Coulombic barrier shaping in three dimensions upon application of an electric field. As a consequence, 3DPF is capable to describe both the relatively-low and relatively-high electric fields regimes, while the PF equation implicitly assumes the device to be operated at high electric fields only. Thus, 3DPF features a better agreement with experimental data compared to original PF, predicting both (i) Poole-like behavior at low-fields, i.e., I∝sinh(V), and (ii) PF-like dependence in the higher fields regime, i.e., I∝exp(V), within a single coherent physical picture. The model is validated through I–V characterization on phase-change memory devices integrating amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 as active material. Moreover, to address the model consistency, temperature dependence and correlations between model parameters are validated in comparison with experimental data.
Increased Dickkopf-1 expression in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage
Authors: Bao S H , Shuai W , Tong J , Wang L , Chen P , Duan T
Published: January 2013

Wnt pathways play an important role in pre-implantation embryo development, blastocyst implantation, and post-implantation uterine decidualisation. However, little is known about the potential role that Wnt signaling plays in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (URSM), and no single biomarker with a high predictive value of maternally caused URSM has been identified. We aim to study the molecular mechanisms by which the Wnt pathway controls the progression of early pregnancy by investigating the expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), one of the Wnt agonists, in URSM patients. Plasma and fresh decidual tissues samples were collected from 59 subjects (29 patients with URSM and 30 patients with normal, early pregnancy). Time-resolved immunofluorometric assay system and quantitative real-time RT-PCR were used to determine the serum levels of DKK1 and DKK1 mRNA in the deciduas, respectively. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure DKK1 protein levels in the deciduas. Serum DKK1 levels were significantly higher in URSM patients compared to the control group (P < 0·001); the expression of DKK1 mRNA and protein in URSM patients were higher relative to healthy controls (P = 0·013). Glandular epithelium from decidual tissues demonstrated cytoplasmic signals for DKK1 in URSM patients, and DKK1 did not stain in healthy controls. Furthermore, serum DKK1 levels significantly correlated with those in the decidual tissues. Our study suggests that DKK1 may be a valuable biomarker of URSM; it can be reliably and conveniently detected in serum, thus obviating the need for decidual tissue analysis.
The efficacy in melasma treatment using a 1410 nm fractional photothermolysis laser
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha R. , Keoprasom N. , Eimpunth S. , Manuskiatti W.
Published: January 2013

Background

Melasma treatment modalities including topical and procedural therapy have been employed with variable results and high recurrence rate.

Objective

To quantitatively assess improvement in melasma and side effects after 1410 nm fractional photothermolysis laser treatments and to determine efficacy at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐month follow‐up after treatment.

Methods

Thirty volunteers with melasma were treated with 1410 nm fractional photothermolysis for four passes on full face and additional four passes on melasma area. They were randomly treated on one side of their face with 20 mJ at 5% coverage and the other side of their face with 20 mJ at 20% coverage. All subjects were treated monthly for five times. Melanin index, Visual analogue scale and Melasma Area and Severity Index score were measured at baseline and 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐month follow‐up after complete treatment protocol.

Results

There was statistically significant improvement of Melanin index at 2‐ and 3‐month follow‐up visits, but not at 1‐month follow‐up visit. Visual analogue scale and Melasma Area and Severity Index score improved significantly on both sides at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups. The overall patients' satisfaction was significantly higher on the side treated with 20 mJ, 5% coverage. Adverse reactions included erythema, dryness and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation on melasma area. Those side effects were significantly more intense on the side treated with 20 mJ, 20% coverage.

Conclusions

1410 nm fractional photothermolysis laser treatment is a safe and temporary effective procedure for melasma; however, long‐term follow‐up is still needed. Only 5% coverage should be used to minimize risks of adverse effects.
Social support within a mother and child group: An ethnographic study situated in the UK
Authors: Peters Jane , Skirton Heather
Published: January 2013

Social support has been associated with positive outcomes regarding the mothering experience, and professional interventions have therefore been developed in formal settings to promote this. An ethnographic approach was used to consider the subjective experiences of mothers attending a professionally‐facilitated group for parents and children aged 0–4 years, focusing on relationships within the group and their importance within existing social networks. Qualitative data were collected from seven participants using interviews and participant observation. These were analyzed by the constant comparison method into codes, categories, and themes. Three themes emerged: past history, being a mother, and function of the group. To ensure mothers and children benefit from such groups, nurses who participate in developing and leading community interventions for mothers and their children need to be aware of the importance of maternal identity and the factors that can impact the relationships between mothers within group settings.
EFFICIENT INVERSE KINEMATICS COMPUTATION BASED ON REACHABILITY ANALYSIS
Authors: VAHRENKAMP NIKOLAUS , ASFOUR TAMIM , DILLMANN RÜDIGER
Published: January 2013

In this work we show how precomputed reachability information can be used to efficiently solve complex inverse kinematics (IK) problems such as bimanual grasping or re-grasping for humanoid robots. We present an integrated approach which generates collision-free IK solutions in cluttered environments while handling multiple potential grasping configurations for an object. Therefore, the spatial reachability of the robot's workspace is efficiently encoded by discretized data structures and sampling-based techniques are used to handle arbitrary kinematic chains. The algorithms are employed for single-handed and bimanual grasping tasks with fixed robot base position and methods are developed that allow to efficiently incorporate the search for suitable robot locations. The approach is evaluated in different scenarios with the humanoid robot ARMAR-III.
Isaiah’s Prophetic Instruction and the Disciples in Isaiah 8:16
Authors: Balogh Csaba
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Isa 8:16 is considered a key reference regarding the formation of the book of Isaiah and the role of prophetic disciples in this process. This article argues, however, that originally this verse had a more limited significance. The instruction to which v. 16 refers is to be identified with vv. 12-15 rather than an early ‘book’ of Isaiah. The expression ‘the instructed ones’ (of YHWH rather than the prophet) is applied to the prophet’s audience. This term reflects Isaiah’s characteristic view of prophesying as an act of instruction and prophecy as a form of teaching, and it does not presuppose the existence of any prophetic school. The view that sealing the instruction would allude to preserving prophetic teaching for the posterity is discounted here in favour of understanding the symbolic act as a metaphor from the legal sphere refering to authentication, with no inherent temporal significance.
Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Dakar, Senegal: impact on rapid malaria diagnostic tests
Authors: Wurtz Nathalie , Fall Bécaye , Bui Kim , Pascual Aurélie , Fall Mansour , Camara Cheikhou , Diatta Bakary , Fall Khadidiatou Ba , Mbaye Pape Saliou , Diémé Yaya , Bercion Raymond , Wade Boubacar , Briolant Sébastien , Pradines Bruno
Published: January 2013

Background

An accurate diagnosis is essential for the rapid and appropriate treatment of malaria. The accuracy of the histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2)-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) Palutop+4® was assessed here. One possible factor contributing to the failure to detect malaria by this test is the diversity of the parasite PfHRP2 antigens.

Methods

PfHRP2 detection with the Palutop+4® RDT was carried out. The pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes were amplified and sequenced from 136 isolates of Plasmodium falciparum that were collected in Dakar, Senegal from 2009 to 2011. The DNA sequences were determined and statistical analyses of the variation observed between these two genes were conducted. The potential impact of PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 sequence variation on malaria diagnosis was examined.

Results

Seven P. falciparum isolates (5.9% of the total isolates, regardless of the parasitaemia; 10.7% of the isolates with parasitaemia ≤0.005% or ≤250 parasites/μl) were undetected by the PfHRP2 Palutop+4® RDT. Low parasite density is not sufficient to explain the PfHRP2 detection failure. Three of these seven samples showed pfhrp2 deletion (2.4%). The pfhrp3 gene was deleted in 12.8%. Of the 122 PfHRP2 sequences, 120 unique sequences were identified. Of the 109 PfHRP3 sequences, 64 unique sequences were identified. Using the Baker’s regression model, at least 7.4% of the P. falciparum isolates in Dakar were likely to be undetected by PfHRP2 at a parasite density of ≤250 parasites/μl (slightly lower than the evaluated prevalence of 10.7%). This predictive prevalence increased significantly between 2009 and 2011 (P = 0.0046).

Conclusion

In the present work, 10.7% of the isolates with a parasitaemia ≤0.005% (≤250 parasites/μl) were undetected by the PfHRP2 Palutop+4® RDT (7.4% by the predictive Baker’model). In addition, all of the parasites with pfhrp2 deletion (2.4% of the total samples) and 2.1% of the parasites with parasitaemia >0.005% and presence of pfhrp2 were not detected by PfHRP2 RDT. PfHRP2 is highly polymorphic in Senegal. Efforts should be made to more accurately determine the prevalence of non-sensitive parasites to pfHRP2.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor–Mediated Vascular Insulin Resistance
Authors: Bender Shawn B. , McGraw Adam P. , Jaffe Iris Z. , Sowers James R.
Published: January 2013

Two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and another 26 million have type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients with diabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome have a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke compared with people with normal insulin sensitivity. Decreased insulin sensitivity in cardiovascular tissues as well as in traditional targets of insulin metabolic signaling, such as skeletal muscle, is an underlying abnormality in obesity, hypertension, and T2D. In the vasculature, insulin signaling plays a critical role in normal vascular function via endothelial cell nitric oxide production and modulation of Ca2+ handling and sensitivity in vascular smooth muscle cells. Available evidence suggests that impaired vascular insulin sensitivity may be an early, perhaps principal, defect of vascular function and contributor to the pathogenesis of vascular disease in persons with obesity, hypertension, and T2D. In the overweight and obese individual, as well as in persons with hypertension, systemic and vascular insulin resistance often occur in concert with elevations in plasma aldosterone. Indeed, basic and clinical studies have demonstrated that elevated plasma aldosterone levels predict the development of insulin resistance and that aldosterone directly interferes with insulin signaling in vascular tissues. Furthermore, elevated plasma aldosterone levels are associated with increased heart attack and stroke risk. Conversely, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism reduces cardiovascular risk in these patient populations. Recent and accumulating evidence in this area has implicated excessive Ser phosphorylation and proteosomal degradation of the docking protein, insulin receptor substrate, and enhanced signaling through hybrid insulin/IGF-1 receptor as important mechanisms underlying aldosterone-mediated interruption of downstream vascular insulin signaling. Prevention or restoration of these changes via blockade of aldosterone action in the vascular wall with MR antagonists (i.e., spironolactone, eplerenone) may therefore account for the clinical benefit of these compounds in obese and diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. This review will highlight recent evidence supporting the hypothesis that aldosterone and MR signaling represent an ideal candidate pathway linking early promoters of diabetes, especially overnutrition and obesity, to vascular insulin resistance, dysfunction, and disease.
Satellite views of global phytoplankton community distributions using an empirical algorithm and a numerical model
Authors: Rousseaux C. S. , Hirata T. , Gregg W. W.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. We compared the functional response of a biogeochemical data assimilation model versus an empirical satellite-derived algorithm in describing the variation of four phytoplankton (diatoms, cyanobacteria, coccolithophores and chlorophytes) groups globally and in 12 major oceanographic basins. Global mean differences of all groups were within ~ 15% of an independent observation data base for both approaches except for satellite-derived chlorophytes. Diatoms and cyanobacteria concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the independent observation data base for both methods. Coccolithophore concentrations were only correlated with the in situ data for the model approach and the chlorophyte concentration was only significantly correlated to the in situ data for the satellite-derived approach. Using monthly means from 1998–2007, the seasonal variation from the satellite-derived approach and model were significantly correlated in 11 regions for diatoms and in 9 for coccolithophores but only in 3 and 2 regions for cyanobacteria and chlorophytes. Most disagreement on the seasonal variation of phytoplankton composition occurred in the North Pacific and Antarctic where, except for diatoms, no significant correlation could be found between the monthly mean concentrations derived from both approaches. In these two regions there was also an overestimate of diatom concentration by the model of ~ 60% whereas the satellite-derived approach was closer to in situ data (8–26% underestimate). Chlorophytes were the group for which both approaches differed most and that was furthest from the in situ data. These results highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches and allow us to make some suggestions to improve our approaches to understanding phytoplankton dynamics and distribution.
Clinical trials with new oral anticoagulants
Authors: Weiss C. , Harenberg J.
Published: January 2013

To compare the efficacy and safety of the new oral anticoagulants (NOAC), ideally head-to-head clinical trials should be performed. Given the expense of such an undertaking, it is highly unlikely that such a comparison would be performed. Therefore, there is a need for an unbiased comparative assessment of the benefits and risks of the NOACs, based on the available trial data. Indirect or mixed treatment comparisons may be an useful tool to overcome these limitations also known as network meta-analysis (NMA).

The aim of this paper is to give an overview on published NMAs for dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban, each assessed against warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, and against enoxaparin in patients undergoing total knee and total hip replacement surgery, in order to obtain insights into the comparability of the adopted methodological techniques.
Intensity Analysis of Pretightening Bolt of Turntable Bearing
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Feng Jun , Xing Guoxi , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Lei , Xue Yujun
Published: January 2013

This paper analyses the computation model of preloaded bearing which connects turntable bearing with Flange plate, provides the computation model which connects traditional utation model to the computation of turntable bearing directly. Adopting two ways of preload and service load, this thesis analyzes the maximum loading stress of every single bolt which is connects with turntable bearing. Analyzes and Computes the stress of bolt by utilizing finite element.
A Maturidade em Gerenciamento de Projetos Logísticos Aplicada a uma Indústria Automotiva Cearense
Authors: Vasconcelos Danilo Cavalcante de , Vasconcelos Ana Maria Cavalcante de
Published: January 2013

O presente estudo visa desenvolver os conceitos aplicados pelo PMBOK no gerenciamento eficiente dos projetos de logística e gestão da produção através de um estudo de caso, buscando a melhor utilização dos recursos empregados nos projetos. Desta forma utilizou-se a análise de um caso real estudado de forma comparativa com os indicadores do modelo MMGP – Modelo de Maturidade em Gerenciamento de Projetos – Setorial proposto por Prado (2003), e aplicado em uma empresa do segmento automotivo. Os dados encontrados apontam para um nível de maturidade baixo em gerenciamento de projetos, demonstrando assim a necessidade de uma ação corretiva.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i1.26
Portfólio no Desenvolvimento de Novos Produtos: Uma Análise das Publicações em Periódicos Nacionais
Authors: Antunes Paulo Henrique , Loos Maurício Johnny , Cauchick Miguel Paulo Augusto
Published: January 2013

O contexto atual de mudanças conduz as organizações a aprimorar os produtos lançados no mercado para atender a consumidores cada vez mais exigentes. A fim de oferecer produtos com sucesso, as organizações necessitam selecionar projetos de desenvolvimentos a partir de um portfólio. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho objetiva realizar uma análise bibliográfica sobre a gestão de portfólio, mais especificamente relacionado ao desenvolvimento de novos produtos. O trabalho caracteriza-se como teórico conceitual, de análise da literatura, por meio da busca de artigos em bases de dados de periódicos nacionais, seguida pela organização e análise dessas publicações. Os resultados possibilitaram uma estratificação sobre o tema acordo com os periódicos específicos, assim como os setores industriais, sendo predominante o setor financeiro. O trabalho identificou uma escassez de estudos relacionados à gestão de portfólio de novos produtos, principalmente com relação à aplicação e implementação em organizações de uma maneira geral.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i1.49
Análise da Possibilidade de Insucesso de Projetos de Novos Empreendimentos: Um Estudo com Dados Da Kauffman Firm Survey
Authors: Mrtvi Valdete De Oliveira , Da Silva Rovílson Dias , Rocha Rafael Alves , Andreassi Tales
Published: January 2013

Este estudo tem por objetivo identificar, entre alguns fatores considerados, aqueles que estão mais fortemente relacionados com o insucesso de novos empreendimentos. Para tanto, partiu-se dos seguintes objetivos intermediários: a) identificar razões do encerramento das operações de novos empreendimentos com menos de dois anos; b) identificar, entre os fatores estudados, aqueles que melhor explicam as diferenças entre os dois grupos: empresas que encerraram operações e aquelas que não encerraram operações; c) estruturar procedimentos classificatórios para discriminar empresas com maior risco de encerrar operações das empresas com menor risco. Para a consecução dos objetivos do trabalho, utilizou-se a base de dados oriunda de pesquisa survey desenvolvida pela Fundação Kauffman com 4.926 empresas americanas fundadas em 2004. Desse total, foram selecionadas 93 empresas que tiveram suas atividades encerradas até o momento da segunda rodada da pesquisa, realizada em 2005, e outras 1.804 que permaneceram em atividade. Para este estudo, foi utilizado o método de regressão logística, como ferramenta de análise e elaboração de um modelo discriminatório. Os resultados apontam para o fato de que, apesar de considerar fatores relacionados com as características dos proprietários e com as características da empresa, os fatores selecionados não são suficientes para explicar as diferenças entre os dois grupos de empresas que encerraram suas operações e de empresas que não encerraram suas operações após o primeiro ano de funcionamento. Uma contribuição adjacente deste estudo é o incentivo para exploração de abordagens quantitativas, assentadas em base de dados bastante consistentes, na discussão dos fatores condicionantes dos insucessos de iniciativas empreendedoras.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i1.86
Long Photoconductivity Decay Characteristics in p-Type 4H-SiC Bulk Crystals
Authors: Okuda Takafumi , Miyake Hiroki , Kimoto Tsunenobu , Suda Jun
Published: January 2013

We investigated the photoconductivity decay characteristics of p-type 4H-SiC bulk crystals by differential microwave photoconductance decay (µ-PCD) measurements using a 349-nm laser as an excitation source. The decay time at room temperature was 2600 µs, which is much longer than that of n-type 4H-SiC bulk crystals (40 ns). Decay time decreased with increasing temperature, resulting in 120 µs at 250 °C, and the activation energy of decay time was determined to be 140±10 meV. Long decay characteristics were also observed by below-band-gap excitation at 523 nm.
Inverted Hexagonal-Pyramid Growth of InN by Electric-Field Enhanced Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Ota Yuichi , Inushima Takashi
Published: January 2013

We report on a single domain growth of InN on sapphire substrates by electric-field enhanced polarity-controlling metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. When the electric field is applied in the opposite direction to the film growth, InN grows inverted hexagonal-pyramid shapes with In-polarity surfaces. A growth model is presented to explain the rapid growth of the single domain InN with In-polarity under electric field using the knowledge of the domain wall structure and the growth of ferroelectrics in the external field.
Nanowall-Shaped MgO Substrate with Flat (100) Sidesurface: A New Route to Three-Dimensional Functional Oxide Nanostructured Electronics
Authors: Fujiwara Yasushi , Hattori Azusa N. , Fujiwara Kohei , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: January 2013

An architecturally designed nanowall-shaped MgO (nanowall MgO) was fabricated by the combination of nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). The sidesurface on the nanowall MgO exhibited (111) facets with edge truncation instead of the most stable (100) face when the aspect ratio between the height and width of the nanowall MgO was lower than 0.7. By optimizing the surface crystallography, typically by designing the nanowall aspect ratio and controlling the postannealing treatment conditions, nanowall MgO with a single-crystal flat (100) sidesurface could be produced. Applying the nanowall MgO to a substrate, we demonstrated the formation of extremely small three-dimensional (3D) epitaxial metal oxide nanostructures with an arbitrarily controlled size. The nanofabrication technique utilizing the nanowall MgO substrate will open a new route to high-quality 3D epitaxial metal oxide nanostructures.
Effect of Pad Surface Micro-Texture on Removal Rate during Interlayer Dielectric Chemical Mechanical Planarization Process
Authors: Liao Xiaoyan , Zhuang Yun , Borucki Leonard J. , Cheng Jiang , Theng Siannie , Ashizawa Toranosuke , Philipossian Ara
Published: January 2013

The effect of pad surface micro-texture on removal rate in interlayer dielectric chemical mechanical planarization was investigated. Blanket 200-mm oxide wafers were polished on a Dow® IC1000TM K-groove pad conditioned at two different conditioning forces. The coefficient of friction increased slightly (by 7%) while removal rate increased dramatically (by 65%) when conditioning force was increased from 26.7 to 44.5 N. Pad surface micro-texture analysis results showed that pad surface contact area decreased dramatically (by 71%) at the conditioning force of 44.5 N, leading to a sharp increase in the local contact pressure and resulting in a significantly higher removal rate.
Plasma Characteristics Depending on Power Feeding Method in an Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Kim HyunJun , Kim YoungCheol , Chung ChinWook
Published: January 2013

Inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) consists of an antenna that one end is connected to a power supply and the other end is connected to the ground. In this configuration, high voltages between the powered end and grounded end of the antenna would develop, which causes capacitive coupling, leading to ion energy losses and dielectric erosion. In order to reduce this phenomenon, the balanced power was applied to the antenna by using a balun transformer between an impedance matching network and a discharge antenna. Experiment was performed with balanced power system and the conventional system for comparison of plasma characteristics according to power feeding method. In comparison with the conventional power, plasma density was increased and the electron temperature was decreased in the balanced system. These results may be due to the decrease of capacitive coupling.
Effect of Oxygen Contents on the Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Films Prepared by Low Temperature Magnetic Controlled DC Sputtering
Authors: Shih Neng-Fu , Lin Chiun-Chih , Kung Chung-Yuan
Published: January 2013

High transparency and low resistivity aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) films was investigated by direct current magnetic controlled sputtering with different oxygen flow rates. The resistivity obtained can be as lower than 3.7×10-4 Ω cm which is quite good for solar cell application and flat panel display. Although the transmittance was increased, when increases in the oxygen flow during sputtering but the conductivity of the film was reduced. When increasing the oxygen flow rate at film deposition, we observed higher transmittance and red shifted in higher wavelength at the range of 400–1100 nm. The mechanism of the observations is discussed here.
Raman Spectra and Magnetic Property Analysis of Nd-Doped ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Subramanian Munisamy , Senthilkumar Kasilingam , Tanemura Masaki , Soga Tetsuo , Hihara Takehiko
Published: January 2013

The present investigation is a detailed study aiming to understand the origin of the ferromagnetism of the well-characterized Nd-doped ZnO films. Raman scattering shows that the E2
high phonon line of Zn1-x
Nd
x
O (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) is broadened asymmetrically and shifts to a lower frequency, suggesting microscopic structural disorder induced by Nd3+ substitutions. Zn1-x
Nd
x
O films exhibit room-temperature ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature higher than 350 K. In addition, the films revealed magnetic anisotropy with higher magnetization in 3 kOe when the field was applied in the perpendicular direction to the sample surface than when applied in an in-plane direction.
Fabrication of Fe2O3/TiO2Photoanode for Improved Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Oh Hyo-Jin , Noh Kyung-Jong , Kim Bo-Ra , Kang Wooseung , Jung Sang-Chul , Kim Sun-Jae
Published: January 2013

A thin layer of TiO2with photocatalytic property was employed as an interlayer to facilitate electron transfer in a conventional photoanode consisting of Fe2O3and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) films. The photoelectrochemical performance was compared between the samples with and without the TiO2interlayer. The photoanode with the interlayer showed a greatly improved performance under 100 mW/cm2UV–vis light illumination; the onset voltage for the photocurrent shifted to a 20% smaller value of about 0.75 (Vvs real hydrogen electrode) and the photocurrent density of 4.35 mA/cm2at 1.23 (Vvs RHE) was observed, which is 3.5 times larger than that obtained from the photoanode without the TiO2interlayer. The effect of the TiO2interlayer on the photoanode performance was systematically investigated, and an effective way to improve the photoanode was suggested.
Less Reflective Sub-Wavelength Structure Formed on Textured Surface Using Nanosphere Mask
Authors: Lin Chiung-Wei , Juan Cheng-Chieh
Published: January 2013

In this study, a new sub-wavelength structure was made on a textured surface by using nanolithography and reactive ion etching. By oxygen plasma hydrophilization and drop-coating processes, we were able to place nanosphere masks on the facet of the textured surface uniformly and then the textured surface was dry-etched into a nanowhisker structure. These nanowhiskers can absorb incident light efficiently, even if they are illuminated at large incident angles. When this proposed sub-wavelength structure was applied to a solar cell, a high photocurrent can be achieved. The short-circuit current of the solar cell with the proposed structure was improved by 15.32% compared with that of the solar cell with an antireflection layer. Furthermore, short-circuit current degradation due to angular dependence was minimal for the proposed solar cell. At the incident angle of 80°, the proposed solar cell achieved a 68.5% enhancement of the photocurrent relative to that of the solar cell equipped with the conventional sub-wavelength structure.
Effect of Functional Groups on Biodegradation and Pre-osteoblastic Cell Response on the Plasma-Polymerized Magnesium Surface
Authors: Ko Yeong-Mu , Lee Kang , Kim Byung-Hoon
Published: January 2013

Magnesium (Mg) is light, has biocompatibility, and has mechanical properties close to those of natural bone. However, pure Mg severely corrodes in a physiological environment, which may result in fracture prior to substantial tissue healing. In this study, the Mg surface was modified by depositing a thin polymeric film containing COOH, NH2, and OH groups through plasma polymerization of acrylic acid, allyl amine, and allyl alcohol in order to improve its anticorrosion and bioactive properties. The –COOH group had a significant effect on bonelike apatite formation compared with –NH2 and –OH. It was also concluded that a bonelike-apatite formed COOH/Mg surface was more effective for reducing biodegradation rate than the other surfaces. The results of in vitro cell test revealed significantly enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation on the COOH/Mg and NH2/Mg surfaces compared with other surfaces.
Biointerfacial Property of Plasma-Treated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Film Electrodes for Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Kim Joon Hyub , Lee Jun-Yong , Jin Joon-Hyung , Park Eun Jin , Min Nam Ki
Published: January 2013

The single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based thin film was spray-coated on the Pt support and functionalized using O2plasma. The effects of plasma treatment on the biointerfacial properties of the SWCNT films were analyzed by cyclic voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The plasma-functionalized (pf) SWCNT electrodes modified with Legionella pneumophila-specific probe DNA strands showed a much higher peak current and a smaller peak separation in differential pulse voltammetry and a lower charge transfer resistance, compared to the untreated samples. These results suggest that the pf-SWCNT films have a better electrocatalytic character and an electron transfer capability faster than the untreated SWCNTs, due to the fact that the oxygen-containing functional groups promote direct electron transfer in the biointerfacial region of the electrocatalytic activity of redox-active biomolecules.
Effect of AlGaN Si-Doped Barrier Layer on Optical Properties of Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lu Yu-Hsuan , Fu Yi-Keng , Huang Shyh-Jer , Su Yan-Kuin , Xuan Rong , Pilkuhn Manfred H.
Published: January 2013

InGaN/AlGaN ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) with AlGaN barriers having various Si doping concentrations are grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The light output power of UV LEDs was obviously improved as a result of Si doping of the AlGaN barriers. Detail analysis of this improvement by simulation modeling showed that the increase in Si doping concentration in AlGaN barrier is beneficial for increasing electron injection efficiency and simultaneously the radiative recombination distribution.
Highly Textured Superconducting FeSe0.5Te0.5Thin Films on Glass Substrates
Authors: Chen Li , Tsai Chen-Fong , Lee Joon Hwan , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2013

Superconducting FeSe0.5Te0.5thin films are deposited on amorphous substrates, i.e., glass substrates by a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. Microstructural characterizations show that the films are highly textured along (00l) with good crystallinity. The superconducting critical transition temperature (Tc) ranges from ∼8 to ∼10 K. The self-field critical current density (Jcsf) at 4 K is ∼1.2×104A/cm2. The in-field critical current density (Jcinfield) decreases slowly under high magnetic field confirmed by both transport and magnetization measurements. The growth of high quality superconducting FeSe0.5Te0.5thin films on amorphous substrates demonstrates a low cost architecture for future Fe-based superconductor coated conductors.
Etching Enhancement Followed by Nitridation on Low-k SiOCH Film in Ar/C5F10O Plasma
Authors: Miyawaki Yudai , Shibata Emi , Kondo Yusuke , Takeda Keigo , Kondo Hiroki , Ishikawa Kenji , Okamoto Hidekazu , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: January 2013

The etching rates of low-dielectric-constant (low-k), porous SiOCH (p-SiOCH) films were increased by nitrogen-added Ar/C5F10O plasma etching in dual-frequency (60 MHz/2 MHz)-excited parallel plate capacitively coupled plasma. Previously, perfluoropropyl vinyl ether [C5F10O] provided a very high density of CF3
+ ions [Nagai et al.: Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 45 (2006) 7100]. Surface nitridation on the p-SiOCH surface exposed to Ar/N2 plasma led to the etching of larger amounts of p-SiOCH in Ar/C5F10O plasma, which depended on the formation of bonds such as =C(sp2)=N(sp2)– and –C(sp)≡N(sp).
Influence of a Polyimide Surface Layer on the Piezoelectric Response of Lead–Zirconate–Titanate Cosmic Dust Detector
Authors: Hattori Maki , Kobayashi Masanori , Miyachi Takashi , Takechi Seiji , Okudaira Osamu , Iwai Takeo , Okada Nagaya , Sugita Seiji
Published: January 2013

The influence of a thermal reflector on the sensitivity of a lead–zirconate–titanate element is studied by bombarding the element with hypervelocity microparticles. The reflector is a 60-µm-thick layer made of polyimide resin that coats the surface of the element. By applying the fast Fourier transform method to data analysis, impact information is obtained through the fundamental resonant component. As a result, the sensitivity of the element is considerably reduced by the reflector. In addition, it is found that the sensitivity is substantially position-independent.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy with Subdiffraction-Limited Resolution
Authors: Lin Po-Yen , Lin Yi-Cheng , Chang Chia-Seng , Kao Fu-Jen
Published: January 2013

In this study, we demonstrate subdiffraction-limited fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) by engineering the point spread function (PSF) with stimulated emission depletion (STED). The enhanced spatial resolution allows the number of fluorophores in the PSF to reduce in turn the associated heterogeneity in lifetime analysis. Moreover, time gating can be performed using time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) to carefully select detected fluorescence photons so as to optimize the spatial resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio in STED imaging. This flexibility also supports the removal of the unintended effects of lifetime reduction that is caused by STED pulses.
Controlled Linear Assemblies of Graphite Flakes Anchoring Polysiloxane-Based Nanocomposite Films and Enhancement of Thermal Properties
Authors: Cho Hong-Baek , Yanahara Shota , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki , Suzuki Tsuneo , Jiang Weihua , Tanaka Satoshi , Tokoi Yoshinori , Park Yeung-Ho , Kim Bum Sung , Lee Soo Wohn , Niihara Koichi
Published: January 2013

Polysiloxane-based nanocomposites were fabricated by controlled linear assemblies of graphite flakes (GFs) while applying electric and magnetic fields. The orientation of the longitudinal axis of GFs can be controlled and constructed linear assemblies of GFs (LAGFs) by anchoring composite film surfaces with increased thickness of LAGF structure by the field-induced assembly. The different effects of applying magnetic and electric fields during the assembly of GFs in a polymer matrix are investigated. Analysis revealed that the formation of densely packed LAGFs induced by modulating the electric field is directly related to a significant enhancement in the thermal diffusivity and optical transmission of the composites.
Characterization of Transverse Magneto-optic Kerr Effect in Ferromagnetic Metals for Semiconductor Optical Isolators
Authors: Shimizu Hiromasa , Umetsu Saori , Kaihara Terunori
Published: January 2013

With the aim of optimizing ferromagnetic metals for use in semiconductor optical isolators, we characterized the transverse magneto-optic Kerr effect in the ferromagnetic metals Fe, Co, and Fe50Co50 at the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm. Fe50Co50 showed the largest transverse Kerr effect. We compared the experimental results with theoretical calculations based on previous reports. From this comparison, Fe50Co50 is the most suitable ferromagnetic metal among the three materials for semiconductor optical isolators operating at 1550 nm.
Randomized clinical trial of donor-site wound dressings after split-skin grafting
Authors: Brölmann F E , Eskes A M , Goslings J C , Niessen F B , de Bree R , Vahl A C , Pierik E G , Vermeulen H , Ubbink D T
Published: January 2013

Background

The aim was to study which dressing material was best for healing donor-site wounds (DSWs) after split-skin grafting as there is wide variation in existing methods, ranging from classical gauze dressings to modern silicone dressings.

Methods

This 14-centre, six-armed randomized clinical trial (stratified by centre) compared six wound dressing materials in adult patients with DSWs larger than 10 cm2. Primary outcomes were time to complete re-epithelialization and pain scores measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) over 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included itching (VAS, over 4 weeks), adverse events and scarring after 12 weeks rated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS).

Results

Between October 2009 and December 2011, 289 patients were randomized (of whom 288 were analysed) to either alginate (45), film (49), gauze (50), hydrocolloid (49), hydrofibre (47) or silicone (48) dressings. Time to complete re-epithelialization using hydrocolloid dressings was 7 days shorter than when any other dressing was used (median 16 versus 23 days; P < 0·001). Overall pain scores were low, and slightly lower with use of film dressings (P = 0·038). The infection rate among patients treated with gauze was twice as high as in those who had other dressings (18 versus 7·6 per cent; relative risk 2·38, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·14 to 4·99). Patients who had a film dressing were least satisfied with overall scar quality.

Conclusion

This trial showed that use of hydrocolloid dressings led to the speediest healing of DSWs. Gauze dressing should be discontinued as they caused more infections. Registration number: NTR1849 (http://www.trialregister.nl).
Multidimensional Analysis of Conflict Mediator Style
Authors: Kressel Kenneth , Henderson Tiffany , Reich Warren , Cohen Claudia
Published: January 2013

This study explores mediator stylistic variations in a sample of professional and novice mediators. Participants mediated the same simulated conflict and reported on their in‐session thinking using a stimulated recall procedure. Mediators described themselves as stylistically eclectic, but this was not borne out by observational data. Multidimensional scaling identified two dimensions underlying mediator performance: stylistic orientation (relational versus settlement oriented) and level of empathic attunement. Qualitative analysis identified facilitative and evaluative variants of the settlement orientation and transformative and diagnostic variants of the relational orientation. The facilitative and diagnostic mediators performed more skillfully than their evaluative and transformative counterparts.
Niche partitioning between close relatives suggests trade‐offs between adaptation to local environments and competition
Authors: DeMarche Megan L. , Rice Kevin J. , Sexton Jason P.
Published: January 2013

Niche partitioning among close relatives may reflect trade‐offs underlying species divergence and coexistence (e.g., between stress tolerance and competitive ability). We quantified the effects of habitat and congeneric species interactions on fitness for two closely related herbaceous plant species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus laciniatus, in three common habitat types within their sympatric range. Drought stress strongly reduced survival of M. guttatus in fast‐drying seeps occupied by M. laciniatus, suggesting that divergent habitat adaptation maintains this niche boundary. However, neither seedling performance nor congeneric competition explained the absence of M. laciniatus from shady streams where M. guttatus thrives. M. laciniatus may be excluded from this habitat by competition with other species in the community or mature M. guttatus. Species performance and competitive ability were similar in sympatric meadows where plant community stature and the growing season length are intermediate between seeps and streams. Stochastic effects (e.g., dispersal among habitats or temporal variation) may contribute to coexistence in this habitat. Habitat adaptation, species interactions, and stochastic mechanisms influence sympatric distributions for these recently diverged species.