bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and population density of Campylobacter jejuni in irrigation ponds on produce farms in the Suwannee River Watershed
Authors: Gu Ganyu , Luo Zhiyao , Cevallos-Cevallos Juan M. , Adams Paige , Vellidis George , Wright Anita , van Bruggen Ariena H.C.
Published: March 2013

Campylobacter spp., especially Campylobacter jejuni, are common causal agents of gastroenteritis globally. Poultry, contaminated water, and fresh produce are considered to be the main sources for infection by this pathogen. In this study, occurrence and population density of C. jejuni from vegetable irrigation ponds in the Suwannee River watershed were investigated and the relationship to environmental factors was analyzed. Two water samples were collected from each of 10 ponds every month from January 2011 to February 2012. Campylobacter jejuni was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Nine of the 10 ponds were positive for C. jejuni some of the time with an overall prevalence of 19.3%. The highest counts were obtained in spring 2011. Oxidation–reduction potential and total nitrogen concentration were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with mean population and occurrence of C. jejuni, while temperature and dissolved oxygen percent saturation (DO%) were negatively correlated with mean population (P < 0.05). Presence of this pathogen was related to bacterial community composition. No correlations were found between C. jejuni and fecal indicators. Increasing DO% of irrigation water and limiting nitrogen pollution in the ponds are suggested to reduce the contamination risk of C. jejuni in a major fruit and vegetable growing area.
Evaluation of experimental myocardial infarction models via electromechanical mapping and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lukács Edit , Magyari Balázs , Tóth Levente , Petneházy Örs , Petrási Zsolt , Simor Tamás , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Repa Imre , Koller Ákos , Rőth Erzsébet , Horváth Iván G.
Published: March 2013

The diagnostic characteristics of electromechanical mapping (EMM) were evaluated in porcine myocardial infarction (MI) models with the parallel application of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) from the aspect of different pathophysiology and localization. Balloon occlusion in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD balloon group) or coil deployment in the LAD (LAD coil group) or circumflex artery (Cx coil group) was applied percutaneously in 16 domestic pigs. Regional left ventricular viability data were captured via cMRI and EMM. The unipolar voltage (UV) value was significantly decreased in segments containing transmural and subendocardial late enhancement compared with viable segments in the LAD balloon, LAD coil, and Cx coil groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed area under the curve values of 0.809 and 0.691 in the LAD infarct territory, and 0.864 and 0.855 in the Cx infarct territory for the UV compared with cMRI viability results as transmural late enhancement or viable tissue and subendocardial late enhancement or viable tissue, respectively. In conclusion, the UV value detected the presence of scar tissue with differential transmural extent and which represented proper diagnostic features both in the reperfused and nonreperfused models. This data could provide additional benefit in the clinical use of EMM for diagnostic purposes.
NUMERICAL RELATIVITY IN HIGHER DIMENSIONS
Authors: SPERHAKE ULRICH
Published: March 2013

We present an overview of recent developments in numerical relativity studies of higher dimensional spacetimes with a focus on time evolutions of black hole (BH) systems. After a brief review of the numerical techniques employed for these studies, we summarize results grouped into the following three areas: (i) numerical studies of fundamental properties of BHs, (ii) applications of BH collisions to the modeling of Trans-Planckian scattering and (iii) numerical studies of asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes in the context of the gauge-gravity duality.
AN IMPROVED EDGE-DIRECTED IMAGE INTERPOLATION ALGORITHM
Authors: WANG XINGYUAN , CHEN ZHIFENG , BAO XUEMEI
Published: March 2013

The paper sets forth an improved edge-directed image interpolation algorithm with low time complexity. The algorithm partitions images into homogeneous and edge areas by setting the preset threshold value based on the local structure characteristics. Specified algorithms are assigned to interpolate each classified areas respectively. The proposed method implements strategy in three steps to interpolate after setting the preset threshold value. In this way, it can achieve the goals of real-time interpolation and good subjective quality. Furthermore, the interpolated images have much more explicit edge regions and better visual effects using our proposed method than that of using other algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the method proposed by the authors is high-performed in image interpolation.
MIMICKING FINITE DIMENSIONAL MARGINALS OF A CONTROLLED DIFFUSION WITH JUMPS
Authors: BOUHADOU S. , OUKNINE Y.
Published: March 2013

Given a controlled diffusion with jumps, it is shown under some conditions that there exists a Markov controlled diffusion which has the same cost under any criterion which only depends on the one-dimensional distributions. This result is then used to prove that the finite dimensional marginal distribution of a controlled diffusion with jumps at a prescribed set of time instants can also be attained by using a control from a much smaller class of controls called "nearly Markov controls", extending the work of Borkar [4] to the discontinuous setting.
DEVELOPMENT OF A CANINE STIFLE COMPUTER MODEL TO EVALUATE CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT DEFICIENCY
Authors: BROWN NATHAN P. , BERTOCCI GINA E. , MARCELLIN-LITTLE DENIS J.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) quasi-static rigid body canine pelvic limb computer model simulating a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) intact and CrCL-deficient stifle during walking stance to describe stifle biomechanics. The model was based on a five-year-old neutered male Golden Retriever (33 kg) with no orthopedic or neurologic disease. Skeletal geometry and ligament anatomy determined from computed tomography (CT), optimized muscle forces, motion capture kinematics, and force platform ground reaction forces were used to develop the model. Ligament loads, tibial translation, tibial rotation, and femoromeniscal contact forces were compared across the intact and CrCL-deficient stifle. The CrCL was found to be the primary intact stifle load-bearing ligament, and the caudal cruciate ligament was the primary CrCL-deficient stifle load-bearing ligament. Normalized tibial translation and rotation were 0.61 mm/kg and 0.14 degrees/kg, respectively. Our model confirmed that the CrCL stabilizes the intact stifle and limits tibial translation and rotation. Model verification was confirmed through agreement with experimentally measured kinematics and previous in vivo, in vitro, and mathematical model studies. Parametric analysis indicated outcome measure sensitivity to ligament pre-strain. Computer modeling could be useful to further investigate stifle biomechanics associated with surgical stabilization techniques.
THE SEIBERG–WITTEN MAP FOR NON-COMMUTATIVE PURE GRAVITY AND VACUUM MAXWELL THEORY
Authors: DI GREZIA ELISABETTA , ESPOSITO GIAMPIERO , FIGLIOLIA MARCO , VITALE PATRIZIA
Published: March 2013

In this paper the Seiberg–Witten map is first analyzed for non-commutative Yang–Mills theories with the related methods, developed in the literature, for its explicit construction, that hold for any gauge group. These are exploited to write down the second-order Seiberg–Witten map for pure gravity with a constant non-commutativity tensor. In the analysis of pure gravity when the classical space–time solves the vacuum Einstein equations, we find for three distinct vacuum solutions that the corresponding non-commutative field equations do not have solution to first order in non-commutativity, when the Seiberg–Witten map is eventually inserted. In the attempt of understanding whether or not this is a peculiar property of gravity, in the second part of the paper, the Seiberg–Witten map is considered in the simpler case of Maxwell theory in vacuum in the absence of charges and currents. Once more, no obvious solution of the non-commutative field equations is found, unless the electromagnetic potential depends in a very special way on the wave vector.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Phua Kok Khoo
Published: March 2013

This issue of Asia Pacific Physics Newsletter (APPN), is specially dedicated to Professor Akira Tonomura (1942–2012), for his important scientific and technological contributions for four decades on electron microscopy and quantum physics.
Tonomura FIRST International Symposium on Electron Microscopy and Gauge Fields
Authors: Ono Yoshimasa A.
Published: March 2013

On May 9 and May 10, 2012. Tonomura FIRST International Symposium on “Electron Microscopy and Gauge Fields” was held in downtown Tokyo hosted by Japan Science and Technology Agency together with Hitachi, Ltd., RIKEN, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, OIST, The Asahi Shimbun, Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei Science Inc. Here FIRST stands for “Funding program for world-leading innovative research and development on science and technology”. In 2010 as principal investigator Dr. Akira Tonomura was awarded this Japanese-government-funded project aiming at developing a 1.2 MV “holography electron microscope” which is capable of observing quantum phenomena in the microscopic world. The symposium was also intended to celebrate his 70th birthday, but on May 2, just a week before the opening of the symposium, Tonomura passed away during the course of a medical treatment on pancreatic cancer. Consequently, what had been planned to be a grand meeting with many of his scientific friends from all over the world, then turned as a memorial conference.
Highlights from the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: APPN Editorial Office
Published: March 2013

It is well known that multicomponent plasma with negative ions supports a number of wave modes such as ion-acoustic solitons described by the Kortewege-de Vries (KdV) equation, modified KdV solitons at critical density of negative ions and ion-acoustic envelop solitons described by nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). The NLSE which is equivalent to the mKdV equation is applicable in describing evolution of ion-acoustic wave in plasma at critical density of negative ions which becomes modulationaly unstable when the nonlinear co-efficient is negative.
Fast, Slow, Stopping and Storing Light Simultaneously using a PANDA Ring On-Chip
Authors: Sarapat N. , Khunnam W. , Chiangga S. , Thammawongsa N. , Jalil M. A. , Ali J. , Yupapin P. P.
Published: March 2013

Past and slow light behaviors are the interesting aspects of light which can be useful for many fundamental and applied researches. Pornsuwancharoen and Yupapin et al. [1] have proposed the use of a simple device called “microring resonator” to perform such behaviors. In this research work, the four different behaviors of light i.e., fast, slow, stopping and storing of light where investigated using a ring resonator. Nowadays, stopping or cooling light beam has become the promising technique for atom/molecule trapping investigations (using static or dynamic tweezers), especially, after the announcement of Nobel Prize 2012 in Physics on the whispering gallery modes [2, 3]. There are two more kinds of devices that can be used to trap light beams, the use of microcavity arrays performed by Yanik and Fan [4], and nonlinear microring resonator by Yupapin and Pornsuwancharoen [5] for stopping light (laser beam). Nanyang Technological University scientists have also done experiment to slowing the light in microresonators using a microring system recently [6]. This concept is a concrete backbone for many applications.
My Experience as a Student and Researcher
Authors: Yang Chen Ning
Published: March 2013

I was a student in Chongde (崇德) Middle School for four years during 1933–1937, from Grade 7 to Grade 10. The school had about 300 students. It had a small library in which I developed the habit of browsing around. It was in that library that I had a first glimpse of modern physics through reading a Chinese translation of James Jeans' The Mysterious Universe (Figure 1).
Lithium Depletion in the Solid Electrolyte Adjacent to Cathode Materials
Authors: Yamada Hirotoshi , Suzuki Kentaro , Oga Yusuke , Saruwatari Isamu , Moriguchi Isamu
Published: March 2013

Nanocomposites of lithium ion conductors (Li2SiO3 and Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3) and electrode materials (TiO2, Li0.01TiO2 and FePO4) were prepared to investigate interfacial structure and ionic conductivity at the interface between solid electrolytes and electrode materials. It was revealed that lithium ions in the solid electrolytes were attracted to the cathode materials with increasing electrode potential, which increases lithium vacancies in solid electrolytes. For the FePO4 containing composites, due to the high electrode potential, lithium transfer across the interface and ionic conduction through the cathode materials was remarkable. The results suggest that severe lithium depletion occurs and interfacial resistance is large at the interface of high ionic conductors and cathode materials.
Miniature Enzymatic Biosensors for Tear Glucose Measurement in Capillary Tubes
Authors: Peng Bo , Yan Qinyi , Balijepalli Anant , Cohan Bruce , Major Terry C. , Meyerhoff Mark E.
Published: March 2013

Miniature enzymatic electrochemical sensors were fabricated and applied to detect tear glucose concentrations in anesthetized rabbits. Three µL of tear fluid was sampled from under the lower eyelid via a glass capillary, and the miniature sensor was then inserted into the solution within the capillary for detection. Boluses of insulin were administrated to the rabbits to lower the elevated blood glucose concentrations caused from anesthesia. A significant correlation was found between tear and blood glucose levels, suggesting that tear glucose measurements are a potential, minimally invasive alternative for glucose monitoring.
Time Sensors: Circadian Rhythms in Biologically Closed Electrochemical Circuits of Plants
Authors: Waite Astian J. , Wooten Joseph D. , Markin Vladislav S. , Volkov Alexander George
Published: March 2013

The circadian clock regulates a wide range of electrophysiological and developmental processes in plants. Here, we discuss the direct influence of a circadian clock on biologically closed electrochemical circuits in vivo. These circuits in the leaves of C. miniata (Kaffir lily), Aloe vera and Mimosa pudica, which regulate their physiology, were analyzed using the charge stimulation method. The electrostimulation was provided with different voltages and electrical charges. Phytosensors memorize daytime and nighttime. Even at continuous light or darkness, plants recognize nighttime or daytime and change the electrical input resistance. The circadian clock can be maintained endogenously and has electrochemical oscillators, which can activate voltage gated ion channels in biologically closed electrochemical circuits. The activation of voltage-gated channels depends on the applied voltage, electrical charge, and the speed of transmission of electrical energy from the electrostimulator to plants.
Immobilization of Enzymes and Redox Proteins and Their Electrochemical Biosensor Applications
Authors: Mani Veerappan , Devadas Balamurugan , Chen Shen-Ming , Li Ying
Published: March 2013

This current work describes the electrochemical biosensor using immobilization of enzyme on nanomaterial modified glassy carbon electrode. Glucose oxidase, Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), Catalase (CAT), and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes were immobized on modified glassy carbon electrode for biosensor fabrication. Gelatin-Multiwalled carbon nanotube (GCNT), Bismuth oxide nanoparticles-MWCNT composite, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) present on nafion dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-NF) and biocomposite of toluidine blue O with adsorbed alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) modified on glassy carbon electrode were prepared for enzyme immobilization. The surface morphology of enzyme immobilized modified electrode were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy. GOx/GCNT, NF/HRP/Bi2O3-MWCNT, MWCNTs-NF-(DDAB/CAT) and ADH/TBO/NF films exhibited a wide linear response from 6.30 to 20.09 mM glucose, 8.34-28.88 mM of (H2O2), 0.5 to 1.2 mM of H2O2 and 283-856 mM ethanol respectively. These films showed sensitivity of 2.47 µA mM-1 cm-2 , 26.54 µA mM-1 cm-2, 101.74 µA mM-1 cm-2 , 7.91 µA M-1 cm-2 respectively. The developed enzyme immobilization on nanomaterial modified glassy carbon electrode has a good operational stability and specificity towards the determination of analytes.
Signal Optimization for Salmonella Typhimurium Detection on Food Surfaces Using Phage-Based Biosensors
Authors: Chai Yating , Li Suiqiong , Horikawa Shin , Park Mi-Kyung , Vodyanoy Vitaly , Chin Bryan A.
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the direct detection of Salmonella typhimurium on egg shells using a phage-based magnetoelastic (ME) biosensor. The ME biosensor consists of an ME resonator as the sensor platform and E2 phage as the bio-recognition element. The bio-recognition element is genetically engineered to bind specifically with Salmonella typhimurium. The ME biosensor, a wireless sensor, vibrates with a characteristic resonant frequency under an externally applied magnetic field. Multiple sensors can easily be remotely monitored. Multiple measurement and control sensors were placed on egg shells contaminated by Salmonella typhimurium solutions with different known concentrations. The resonant frequency of sensors before and after the exposure to the spiked egg shells was measured. The frequency shift of the measurement sensors was significantly different than the control sensors indicating Salmonella contamination. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm binding of Salmonella to the sensor surface and the resulting frequency shift results.
Development of Electrochemical Cantilever Sensors for DNA Applications
Authors: Quan Xueling , Heiskanen Arto , Sun Yi , Labuda Aleks , Wolff Anders , Jorge Dulanto Jorge , Grutter Peter , Tenje Maria , Boisen Anja
Published: March 2013

In this work, we develop a generic DNA based sensing platform used for characterizing surface functionalization and detecting DNA hybridization. Silicon nitride cantilever sensors are fabricated with an integrated three-electrode system and integrated in a microfluidic chip. Cantilevers with gold electrodes are functionalized with thiol-modified single stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes to detect target DNA. During functionalization and hybridization, information related to nanomechanical changes on the surface are obtained by optical measurements of changes in cantilever deflection. Simultaneously, the process is monitored electrochemically. The results clearly indicate that the electrochemical cantilever sensor is very sensitive for detecting DNA hybridization at the cantilever surface.
Nanodiamond Microelectrode Array with Mesa Structure Fabricated for Bio-Analytical Applications
Authors: Raina Supil , Kang W. P. , Ghosh N.
Published: March 2013

Ultra-microelectrode arrays (UMEAs) are widely used because of advantages such as low capacitance and low iR losses, which provides a high signal/noise ratio and allows use in highly resistive media. They also can be used in applications requiring high temporal and spatial resolution. Hemispherical diffusion enhances the flux density at the microelectrode surface to provide greater sensitivity than macroelectrodes. Catecholamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, play important roles in the mammalian central nervous system and require constant monitoring and measurement. A nitrogen incorporated nanodiamond UMEA was fabricated using silicon microfabrication technology and microwave PECVD process by using a 'top-down' approach. This process allows greater control over the UMEA dimensions and nanodiamond microstructure. The array consists of 2500 UME 'mesas' projecting above the surrounding insulating matrix of spin-on-dielectric. Cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize the UMEA for detection of dopamine.
Terahertz Chemical Imaging of a Multicomponent Tablet in Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Ajito Katsuhiro , Ueno Yuko , Song Ho-Jin , Kim Jae-Young , Tamechika Emi , Kukutsu Naoya , Limwikrant Waree , Yamamoto Keiji , Moribe Kunikazu
Published: March 2013

We describe multicomponent chemical analysis of pharmaceuticals using a sample chamber cooled by a cryostat. THz chemical imaging (TCI) measurement at low temperature sharpens spectral peaks and/or shifts peak frequencies, enabling us to determine the distribution of several kinds of pharmaceutical chemicals within a tablet.
(Sensor Division Outstanding Achievement Award Presentation) Ceramic Gas Sensors to Oxide Nanostructures: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Akbar Sheikh A.
Published: March 2013

This article summarizes R&D efforts in the author's laboratory starting with the development of ceramic-based gas sensors to the fabrication of ordered/oriented oxide nanostructures exploiting intrinsic material properties. Over the past twenty years, our focus has been on the development of a series of high-temperature gas sensors specifically for combustion processes. We have developed both the resistive and electrochemical sensors and the underlying theme of our work has been the use of materials science and chemistry to promote high-temperature performance with selectivity. Our recent work has led to the development of surface modification techniques for the fabrication of oxide nanostructures that are inexpensive, highly scalable and do not require use of lithography. These nano-structures can be used as platforms for chemical sensing, photocatalysis, electroemission and biomedical applications. This article is concluded with preliminary results on chemical sensing along with future directions.
Bismuth-Film Electrodes for Sn2+ Sensing: The Roles of Grain Size, Preferred Orientation Ratio, and Surface Roughness
Authors: Lien Chien Hung , Hu Chi-Chang , Tsai Yi-Da , Wang David Shan-Hill
Published: March 2013

Based on the electrodeposited method and the experimental strategy, the preferred orientation ratio of Bi deposits electroplated under a direct-current (dc) mode has been precisely controlled and predicted. According to the simple but reliable model for changing the preferred orientation ratio, the deposit plated at 28 oC and pH = 4.25 showed the highest f value. Bi deposits with various crystallite sizes, surface roughness, and preferred orientation ratio can be easily prepared and compared by electrodeposited method in this work. Consequently, the sensing ability of Sn2+ has been found to strongly depend on the preferred orientation ratio of Bi deposits, but is weakly affected by the crystallite size according to the current response of various bismuth deposits.
Potentiometric YSZ-Based Sensors Using Zn-Ta-O-Based Sensing Electrode for Selective H2 Detection
Authors: Anggraini Sri Ayu , Breedon Michael , Miura Norio
Published: March 2013

An yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ)-based gas sensor utilizing a sensing electrode (SE) comprised of a mixture of co-sintered ZnO and Ta2O5 powders was developed and reported here. The addition of 30 wt.% Ta2O5 into ZnO after sintering at 1000oC, was found to increase the H2 sensitivity when compared with other SEs with different mixture compositions. Unfortunately, the response toward H2 was accompanied by high responses toward CO and hydrocarbons (HCs). The sensitivity as well as the selectivity improvement investigation was extended by elevating the sintering temperature from 1000o to 1300oC. The sensor utilizing ZnO(+ 30 wt.% Ta2O5)-SE that was sintered at 1300oC was found to be capable of generating high response toward 100 ppm H2, with only minor responses toward other gases examined in this study at an operating temperature of 600oC under humid conditions.
Interaction of Water Vapor with SnO2 Sensor Materials: A Comparison of DRIFTS and Resistance Measurements
Authors: Pavelko Roman G. , Grossmann Katharina , Barsan Nicolae , Shimanoe Kengo
Published: March 2013

Operando DRIFT spectroscopy together with resistance measurements was used to study sensitivity (here response change upon changing analyte concentration) of undoped SnO2 materials to water vapors. The materials synthesized using different protocols were found to manifest very different sensitivity to water, as well as to H2 and CO in dry and humid air. While for one of the materials (SnO2 Ac) low sensitivity to water combines with similarity between evolution of two bands in OH region and resistance, another material (SnO2 Cl), with high sensitivity to water vapors, manifests similarity with the resistance only for the broad band between 3590 and 3040 cm-1. Together with high sensitivity to water vapors the latter material shows higher sensitivity to CO in dry and humid air, while SnO2 Ac showed higher sensitivity to H2.
Enzyme-Encapsulated Quantum Dot Hydrogels in the Development of Biosensors: A Multifunctional Platform for Both Bio-Catalysis and Fluorescent Probing
Authors: Yuan Jipei , Gaponik Nikolai , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: March 2013

We have recently fabricated enzyme encapsulated CdTe quantum dot (QDs) hydrogels using the sol-gel method, a versatile way in the QD gel formation. The porous three dimensional QD hydrogel turned out to be an adequate encapsulation medium for enzymes and furthermore, the optoelectronic properties of the individual QDs were still retained in the QD hydrogels. The as-prepared enzyme-encapsulated QD hydrogel incorporated both a bio-catalysis unit and a fluorescence signaling unit, and was taken as a multi-functional platform in the development of optical biosensors.
Fabrication of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-Active Substrates by Using Dip-Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Lee Fei Peng , Chao Kang , Hsieh K. H. , Ou Keng-Liang
Published: March 2013

In this study, we propose an effective strategy to prepare an effectiveness and stable of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active substrate by using dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) with top-down wet chemical etching. This method was made by DPN to pattern arrays, 16-mercaplohexadecaoic acid (MHA) on Au/Cr/Si substrates and then ferri/ferrocyanide etching was adopted to remove the exposed gold. It was found that a nanostructure with Ø 300 nm gold dots and the distance between dot and dot is 400 nm can be obtained on the surface of substrates after etching. These nanostructure gold dots can enhance local electromagnetic resulting in increasing Raman signal. This process supply effectiveness and stable of SERS-active substrate which can be used as biomedical applications, such as protein chip, and microorganisms' discrimination chip.
Development of Highly-Sensitive Electrochemical Measurement System on Dry Chemistry Using Ionic Liquid
Authors: Arimoto Satoshi , Takahashi Makoto , Kamei Akihito , Yoshioka Toshihiko
Published: March 2013

It is necessary to detect some disease marker molecules in body fluid in order to find out the disease in an early stage. Most of conventional chemical sensors seem to have problems in terms of sensitivity. We have focused on substitutional stripping voltammetry (SSV), which is highly-sensitive electrochemical measurement technique and been developing a sensor. However, it is impossible for conventional SSV to be applied for sensor without any treatment due to the complexities that SSV requires salt bridge and two electrochemical cells. Hydrophobic ionic liquid which is room-temperature molten salt was mixed with polymer. The obtained gel possessed ionic conductivity, and could replace the auxiliary electrolyte solution and the salt bridge for SSV. We have succeeded to conduct SSV in a simplified system by use of the gel.
Chalcogenide Glass Chemical Sensor for Cadmium Detection in Industrial Environment
Authors: Milochova Mariana , Kassem Mohammad , Bychkov Eugene
Published: March 2013

Advanced chemical sensors for cadmium detection based on chalcogenide glasses have been developed for continuous or quasi-continuous in situ monitoring of industrial atmospheric particles containing heavy-metals. Analytical performance of the sensors and a laboratory prototype of the monitoring system are presented.
New Application of Produced Pigment from Bacteria to Detect of Ammonia in Combination with Flow Injection for Ammonia Analysis
Authors: Iida Yasuhiro , Satoh Ikuo
Published: March 2013

A novel detection method for ammonium ions based on a spectrophotometric FIA (Flow Injection Analysis) with use of pyocyanine as a coloring reagent in combination with micro fluidic gas diffusion device was developed in this study. A blue pigment produced by microorganisms was isolated, characterized and then, applied to an FIA　(Flow Injection Analysis) as a coloring reagent followed by investigation of the properties. The pigment was separated by a silica-gel column chromatography, and the molecular weight was determined by EI-MS. The structure was analyzed by 1H-NMR. The isolated compound was found to be identical to pyocyanine. The pigment-producing microorganism was identified as Pseudomonas sp. from 16S DNA analysis. Noting that the property of the pyocyanine of which absorbance depended on the pH shift, the compound as a coloring reagent was applied to an FIA for determinaiton of ammonium ions.
Wafer Scale Processing of Plasmonic Nanoslit Arrays in 200mm CMOS Fab Environment
Authors: Malachowski Karl , Verbeeck Rita , Dupont Tania , Chen Chang , Li Yi , Musa Silke , Stakenborg Tim , Sabuncuoglu Tezcan Deniz , Van Dorpe Pol
Published: March 2013

Plasmonic nanoslits have great potential for single molecule applications. We report a wafer scale process for these structures using process steps compatible with a standard CMOS fab environment. This process allows a large scale fabrication of designed nanoslits with extremely small gap sizes and lengths tuned to exhibit optical resonances. Moreover, adjacent grating nano-antennas were successfully implemented, generating strong and localized electric fields in the nanoslit. These slits have practical applications in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based molecular sensing and plasmonic tweezers.
Characterization of Piezoresistive Microcantilever Sensors with Metal Organic Frameworks for the Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Ellern Ilya , Venkatasubramanian Anandram , Lee Jin Hwan , Hesketh P. J. , Stavilla Vitali , Allendorf Mark D. , Robinson Alex L.
Published: March 2013

Metal-Organic frameworks (MOFs) with their high surface area, excellent chemical and thermal stability and analyte specific adsorption make them promising material for gas sensing/storage. In this paper, a vapor detection sensor based on HKUST-1 MOF is presented. HKUST-1 with the above mentioned properties makes it an ideal material to be used with strain based piezoresistive microcantilever sensor. Cantilever sensors which were fabricated, characterized and coated with HKUST-1 were exposed to different Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) including acetone, isopropanol, methanol and water at varying concentrations. From our experiments, we observe that the device is able to distinguish between the different analytes quantitatively based on their time constants for adsorption or desorption. The results show that acetone has the highest time constant while water has the lowest time constant.
A MEMS-Based Platform for Multi-Physics Characterization of Ultra-Thin Freestanding Films
Authors: Haque M.A. , Kumar Sandeep , Alam M.T.
Published: March 2013

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based techniques can outperform conventional materials characterization tools in terms of specimen size and resolution. In addition, multi-functioning as well as access to analytical microscopy is also feasible for complete multi-physics characterization. We present the design and fabrication of a versatile tool that can perform mechanical, electrical and thermal characterization of nanoscale freestanding thin films. The tool is smaller than 3mm x 5mm and is compatible with virtually all types of analytical chambers. This feature allows 'in-situ' studies inside electron microscopes for real time acquisition of composition, microstructure and defect evolution and dynamics data. The unique advantage of such simultaneous acquisition of quantitative and qualitative data can be realized through accurate and quick 'observation-based' modeling of materials behavior. We present preliminary studies on multiphysics, as well as single domain characterization to demonstrate the novel experimental technique.
Fabrication of Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 Multilayer Composite Films by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Zhang Kai , Nminibapiel David , Tangirala Madhavi , Baumgart Helmut , Kochergin Vladimir
Published: March 2013

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) growth of antimony telluride Sb2Te3 and bismuth telluride Bi2Te3 multilayer composite films has been investigated. We have fabricated Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 thin films using (trimethylsilyl) telluride ((Me3Si)2Te), bismuth trichloride (BiCl3) and antimony trichloride (SbCl3) as precursors for telluride, bismuth and antimony respectively. Both metal tellurides exhibit Volmer Weber Island growth mode and have characteristic hexagonal crystallites, which are telluride terminated at the surface making chemisorption rather challenging. We found that the presence of OH- bonds at the surface promotes ALD thin film growth by providing suitable nucleation sites and prevents delamination of the hexagonal platelet shaped crystallites. The use of longer exposure times of precursors during the ALD process increases chemisorptions and interface oxidation aids in the creation of nucleation sites. We present surface morphology studies using FE-SEM analysis.
In Situ Study of ALD Processes Using Synchrotron-based X-ray Fluorescence and Scattering Techniques
Authors: Dendooven Jolien , Devloo-Casier Kilian , Ide Matthias , Grandfield Kathryn , Ludwig Karl F. , Bals Sara , Van Der Voort Pascal , Detavernier Christophe
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we present an x-ray based approach for in situ characterization during ALD processes. In a first case study the growth of HfO2 on H-terminated and oxidized Si and Ge surfaces is studied. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is used to monitor the amount of deposited Hf atoms, while grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) provides information on the evolution of surface roughness. A second case study concerns the growth of TiO2 in a porous titania film containing ink-bottle mesopores. XRF and GISAXS measurements are used to monitor the Ti uptake and the density of the porous film, respectively.
In Situ FTIR Characterization of Growth Inhibition in Atomic Layer Deposition Using Reversible Surface Functionalization
Authors: Yanguas-Gil Angel , Libera Joseph A. , Elam Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2013

The layer-by-layer nature of ALD allows precise control of surface composition in the growth direction normal to the surface. However, it is harder to control the amount of material incorporated during a single ALD cycle. Recently, we demonstrated an approach based on incorporating an in-situ surface functionalization step into each ALD cycle.[1] This step essentially controls the amount of reactive sites on the surface, ideally modulating the saturation coverage while maintaining the self-limiting surface chemistry. In this work we present in-situ surface and gas phase Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies for Al2O3 ALD using exposures to ethanol (EtOH), trimethyl aluminum (TMA), and H2O. Our results showed that the TMA surface coverage was reduced with respect to the conventional TMA/H2O case. We also found that a fraction of the adsorbed EtOH was removed during the TMA dose, and we identified dimethyl aluminum ethoxide as a reaction byproduct. Our results are consistent with a mechanism in which a fraction of the adsorbed ethoxides is displaced through ligand exchange with TMA, leaving methyl groups on the surface.
Solution Reactivity Studies for Identification of Promising New ALD and Pulsed CVD Reaction Chemistries
Authors: Vidjayacoumar Balamurugan , Ramalingam Venkateswaran , Emslie David J. H. , Blackwell James , Clendenning Scott
Published: March 2013

Solution screening reactions are described for a range of copper(II) and nickel(II) precursors in combination with the co-reagents AlMe3, ZnEt2, BEt3, Si2Me6, Sn2Me6 and B2(Pin)2 (Pin = pinacolate). These screening reactions were used to identify particularly promising precursor/co reagent combinations for copper or nickel metal deposition, and subsequent ALD/pulsed-CVD studies are described for selected cases. NMR spectroscopic studies focused on elucidating the reaction pathways responsible for copper metal deposition from solution are also described. This manuscript reviews and expands upon previously reported work (B. Vidjayacoumar, D. J. H. Emslie, J. M. Blackwell and S. B. Clendenning et al., Chem. Mater., 2010, 22, 4844-4853 and 4854-4866).
TiO2-Based Metal-Insulator-Metal Structures for Future DRAM Storage Capacitors
Authors: Fröhlich Karol , Hudec Boris , Ťapajna Milan , Hušeková Kristina , Rosová Alica , Eliáš Peter , Aarik Jaan , Rammula Raul , Kasikov Aarne , Arroval Tonis , Aarik Lauri , Murakami Katsuhisa , Rommel Mathias , Bauer Anton J.
Published: March 2013

Capacitors with TiO2 and Al-doped TiO2 dielectric films grown by atomic layer deposition exhibit promising properties for application in DRAM technology for 20 nm node and beyond. For stabilization of the high dielectric constant rutile TiO2 phase RuO2 thin films were employed as a bottom electrode. The capacitors with the equivalent oxide thickness below 0.5 nm show leakage current below 10-7 A/cm2 at voltage 0.8 and 0.6 V, respectively. Current distribution study using Conductive AFM studies revealed preferential leakage current flow through grains. Low equivalent oxide thickness and low leakage currents of TiO2-based capacitors confirm that they can be considered as an alternative to the SrTiO3 DRAM capacitors.
Metal Oxide ALD Films for Low Power Sensor Applications
Authors: Blauw Michiel A. , Dam Van Anh T. , Crego Calama Mercedes , Brongersma Sywert H.
Published: March 2013

Accurate control over film thickness and morphology, as can be obtained by atomic layer deposition, provides an effective means to reduce the operating temperature of metal oxide based gas sensors. Room temperature operation has been achieved with a resistive approach using a ZnO film for CO sensing. With the same material a significant reduction in temperature compared to state-of-the-art can be achieved when targeting an O2 sensitive film. For a high-k La2O3 film, where a resistive measurement is not an option, an MIS capacitive approach was shown to lead to low-ppm sensitivity to CO2.
Enabling High Performance Mirrors for Astronomy with ALD
Authors: Greer Frank , Lee Michael C. , Nikzad Shouleh , Traub Wesley , Beasley Matthew
Published: March 2013

The technology of Atomic Layer Deposition holds promise to enable new classes of instruments and space missions a future flagship mission that can address both ultraviolet (UV) astrophysics and optical exoplanet science with a shared telescope. The technology path to a shared telescope requires the development of a mirror coating with high reflectance from 100 nm to 1000 nm, and low polarization effects (i.e., s-p phase shifts that can vary with angle of incidence across a primary and secondary mirror) in the optical range. Currently, UV coatings have low reflectance, and optical coatings have poor polarization properties for high-contrast coronagraph applications. In this paper we to take a first step toward solving both problems simultaneously by using ALD, taking advantage of the fact that ALD can potentially produce mirror coatings with denser layers than conventional coatings (hence better reflectance and durability), and ALD can potentially produce coatings with new composite materials (hence better control of polarization). We report here the results of our initial experiments with mirror coatings using ALD.
Atomic Layer Deposition of TiN/Al2O3/TiN Nanolaminates for Capacitor Applications
Authors: Assaud Loic , Hanbücken Margrit , Santinacci Lionel
Published: March 2013

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of nanolaminates within porous alumina membranes is a highly promising path to produce high performance capacitors. Such systems have shown their feasibility and their very good properties. However there are still many improvements that should be achieved. TiN/Al2O3/TiN nanolaminates appear to be good candidates for such devices. In this study, the optimized parameters for Al2O3 deposition were determined. The comparison of the chemical composition, crystal structure and morphology of TiN layers grown either by thermal or plasma-enhanced ALD was performed using various method such as TEM, SEM, XPS and electrical characterizations.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Ruthenium in Various Precursors and Oxygen Doses
Authors: Kim Jun Woo , Son Kyung Sik , Kim Byungwoo , Kim Woong , Shim Joon Hyung
Published: March 2013

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Ru films under various precursor and oxidant supply conditions was carried out at 320{degree sign}C on silicon wafers. The Ru precursor used was bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl) ruthenium [Ru(EtCp)2], and oxygen gas was used as the oxidant. The Ru precursor pulse time, oxygen pulse time, and oxygen flow rate were varied, and the effects of these parameters on the morphology of the deposited films were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The films showed hollow shell-like bumps, indicating that film growth began with a reaction in the gas phase or in physically adsorbed states. A mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of Si and Ru or the existence of residues on the wafer surfaces was suspected to be responsible for the hollow shell-like structures. However, the results of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) proved that the latter was not the case.
Enabling Long-Term Dielectrophoretic Actuation for Cell Manipulation and Analysis in Microfluidic Biochips
Authors: Reyes Darwin R.
Published: March 2013

An approach that combines not only the cell manipulation capabilities of dielectrophoresis (DEP), but also the conditions to promote appropriate cell function during long-term experiments is presented. The integration of a hybrid cell adhesive material (hCAM) with the trapping forces of positive DEP have demonstrated that after DEP trapping and anchorage on the hCAM cells can be differentiated into neuron-like cells after cultured for more than a week in the microfluidic system. This approach has also shown promise in the development of multilayer microfluidic devices. In these devices cells can be trapped on opposite sides of a permeable polyester (PET) membrane that separates a top and a bottom channel arranged perpendicular to each other. Within these devices cells can be exposed to the specific microenvironments required for appropriate cell co-culture conditions. This system can be used for studies such as cell-cell communication, cell migration, wound healing and many others.
Development of Novel MOSFET with Front and Back Side Electrodes for 3D-Structured Image Sensors
Authors: Goto Masahide , Hagiwara Kei , Iguchi Yoshinori , Ohtake Hiroshi , Saraya Takuya , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi , Hiramoto Toshiro
Published: March 2013

We have studied a three-dimensional (3D)-structured image sensor, which is capable of pixel-parallel signal processing, thereby meeting the demand for high resolution and high frame rate. Conventional 3D-stacked devices have been developed by using through silicon via (TSV), which is not applicable to image sensor pixels of a few micrometers or less, because its hole diameter usually is more than the pixel size. We have developed novel MOSFET that can transfer signals vertically without TSV using a fully depleted silicon-on-wafer (FDSOI) structure with its source region connected to the back electrodes as well as the front ones. A prototype MOSFET fabricated using anisotropic wet etching technique has confirmed that the characteristics from the front and back electrodes are identical. Since the double-sided MOSFET has vertical signal-transfer capability and excellent operating characteristics, it is expected to contribute to develop a More-than-Moore type device of 3D integration such as pixel-parallel image sensors.
Selective Hydrogenation of p-Chloronitrobenzene on Nanosized PdNiB Catalysts
Authors: Chen Yu-Wen , Lee Der-Shing
Published: March 2013

A series of PdNiB bimetallic nanoalloy catalysts with various Pd contents was prepared. Pd was well dispersed in NiB. Even adding a small amount of Pd in NiB had a significant effect on activity and selectivity in hydrogenation of p-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB) to p-chloroaniline (p-CAN). High activity and selectivity on PdNiB could be attributed to both ensemble effect and electronic effect. The particle size in PdNiB decreased with an increase in Pd content. Electron-enriched Ni could activate the polar-NO2 groups of p-CNB and depress the dehalogenation of p-CAN.
Stability andl1-Gain Analysis for Positive 2D Systems with State Delays in the Roesser Model
Authors: Duan Zhaoxia , Karimi Hamid Reza , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: March 2013

This paper considers the problem of delay-dependent stability andl1-gain analysis for positive 2D systems with state delays described by the Roesser model. Firstly, the copositive-type Lyapunov function method is used to establish the sufficient conditions for the addressed positive 2D system to be asymptotically stable. Then,l1-gain performance for the system is also analyzed. All the obtained results are formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) which are computationally tractable. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Stress and Its Effects on Glucose Metabolism and 11-HSD Activities in Rats Fed on a Combination of High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet with Glycyrrhizic Acid
Authors: Fernando Hamish Alexander , Chin Hsien-Fei , Ton So Ha , Abdul Kadir Khalid
Published: March 2013

Chronic stress has been shown to have a strong link towards metabolic syndrome (MetS). Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) meanwhile has been shown to improve MetS symptoms caused by an unhealthy diet by inhibiting 11β-HSD 1. This experiment aimed to determine the effects of continuous, moderate-intensity stress on rats with and without GA intake on systolic blood pressure (SBP) across a 28-day period, as well as glucose metabolism, and 11β-HSD 1 and 2 activities at the end of the 28-day period. Adaptation to the stressor (as shown by SBP) resulted in no significant defects in glucose metabolism by the end of the experimental duration. However, a weakly significant increase in renal 11β-HSD 1 and a significant increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue 11β-HSD 1 activities were observed. GA intake did not elicit any significant benefit in glucose metabolism, indicating that the stress response may block its effects. However, GA-induced improvements in 11β-HSD activities in certain tissues were observed, although it is uncertain if these effects are manifested after adaptation due to the withdrawal of the stress response. Hence the ability of GA to improve stress-induced disturbances in the absence of adaptation needs to be investigated further.