bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations for pacing of thecricoarytenoid dorsalismuscle by neuroprosthesis in horses
Authors: DUCHARME N. G. , CHEETHAM J. , SANDERS I. , HERMANSON J. W. , HACKETT R. P. , SODERHOLM L. V. , MITCHELL L. M.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study:The success rate of prosthetic laryngoplasty is limited and may be associated with significant sequelae. Nerve muscle pedicle transplantation has been attempted but requires a year before function is restored.

Objective:To determine the optimal parameters for functional electrical stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in horses.

Methods:An experimentalin vivostudy was performed on 7 mature horses (2–21 years). A nerve cuff was placed on the distal end of the common trunk of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). In 6 horses the ipsilateral adductor branch of RLN was also transected. The electrodes were connected to programmable internal stimulator. Stimulation was performed using cathodic phase and then biphasic pulses at 24 Hz with a 0.427 ms pulse duration. Stimulation‐response experiments were performed at monthly intervals, from one week following implantation. The study continued until unit failure or the end of project (12 months). Two of the horses were stimulated continuously for 60 min to assess onset of fatigue.

Results:Excellent arytenoid cartilage abduction (mean arytenoid angle of 52.7°, range 48.5–56.2°) was obtained in 6 horses (laryngealgrades IorII(n = 3) andIII(n = 2). Poor abduction was obtained ingrade IVhorses (n = 2). Arytenoid abduction was maintained for up to a year in one horse. Technical implant failure resulted in loss of abduction in 6 horses at one week to 11 months post operatively. Mean tissue impedance was 1.06 kOhm (range 0.64–1.67 kOhm) at one week, twice this value at 2 months (mean 2.32, range 1.11–3.75 kOhm) and was stable thereafter. Maximal abduction was achieved at a stimulation range of 0.65–7.2 mA. No electrical leakage was observed. Constant stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve for 60 min led to full abduction without evidence of muscle fatigue.

Conclusions:Functional electrical stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve leading to full arytenoid abduction can be achieved. The minimal stimulation amplitude for maximal abduction angle is slightly higher than those for man and dogs.

Clinical relevance:This treatment modality could eventually be applicable to horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.
Regional differences in biochemical, biomechanical and histomorphological characteristics of the equine suspensory ligament
Authors: SOUZA M. V. , Van WEEREN P. R. , Van SCHIE H. T. M. , Van De LEST C. H. A.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study:Desmopathies of the suspensory ligament are relatively frequent and vary in prevalence over different anatomical regions. This variation may be because of regional differences in tissue characteristics.

Objective:To characterise different regions of healthy forelimb suspensory ligaments (SLs) by means of biochemical, biomechanical and histomorphological techniques.

Hypothesis:There is substantial topographical heterogeneity in the SL with respect to structural, compositional and functional characteristics.

Methods:SLs were harvested from 38 limbs and used for biochemical (n = 20), biomechanical (n = 14) and histomorphological (n = 4) evaluation. Sulphated glycosaminoglycan (S‐GAG), DNA and collagen content, degree of lysyl hydroxylation and numbers of enzymatic and nonenzymatic cross‐links were determined in 7 regions of the SL: lateral and medial part of the origin (OM, OL), mid‐body (MB), axial and abaxial parts of the lateral and medial branches (ILAX, ILAB, IMAX and IMAB, respectively). Passive resistance to tensile loading was measured in 5 regions of the SL (all except OL and OM).

Results:DNA content was lower in OL and OM than in all other parts. GAG content was also lower in OL and OM and highest in ILAB and IMAB. Collagen content was lower in OL/OM and highest in ILAX/IMAX. Pentosidine levels were highest in OL and significantly lower in the lateral insertion (ILAX/ILAB). There were no differences in hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) cross‐links or lysyl hydroxylation. Stiffness (P<0.01) and modulus of elasticity (P<0.01) were substantially higher in the MB region than in all other regions except for IMAB. Strain at failure was lower in the MB region (P<0.0001), resulting in a comparable force at rupture as in the other regions.

Conclusions:Matrix composition differs to a relatively limited extent between different regions of the SL. The mid‐body of the ligament is stiffer than the branches, which have similar properties and relevance and mechanical differences between mid‐body and branches/origin may explain some use‐related differences in the prevalence of lesions.
Patterns of expiratory and inspiratory activation for thoracic motoneurones in the anaesthetized and the decerebrate rat
Authors: De Almeida Anoushka T. R. , Al‐Izki Sarah , Denton Manuel Enríquez , Kirkwood Peter A.
Published: June 2010

The nervous control of expiratory muscles is less well understood than that of the inspiratory muscles, particularly in the rat. The patterns of respiratory discharges in adult rats were therefore investigated for the muscles of the caudal intercostal spaces, with hypercapnia and under either anaesthesia or decerebration. With neuromuscular blockade and artificial ventilation, efferent discharges were present for both inspiration and expiration in both external and internal intercostal nerves. This was also the case for proximal internal intercostal nerve branches that innervate only internal intercostal and subcostalis muscles. If active, this region of muscle in other species is always expiratory. Here, inspiratory bursts were almost always present. The expiratory activity appeared only gradually and intermittently, when the anaesthesia was allowed to lighten or as the pre‐decerebration anaesthesia wore off. The intermittent appearance is interpreted as the coupling of a slow medullary expiratory oscillator with a faster inspiratory one. The patterns of nerve discharges, in particular the inspiratory or biphasic activation of the internal and subcostalis layers, were confirmed by observations of equivalent patterns of EMG discharges in spontaneously breathing preparations, using denervation procedures to identify which muscles generated the signals. Some motor units were recruited in both inspiratory and expiratory bursts. These patterns of activity have not previously been described and have implications both for the functional role of multiple respiratory oscillators in the adult and for the mechanical actions of the muscles of the caudal intercostal spaces, including subcostalis, which is a partly bisegmental muscle.
Virtual Prototyping of an Advanced Leveling Light System Using a Virtual Reality-Based Night Drive Simulator
Authors: Berssenbrügge Jan , Kreft Sven , Gausemeier Jürgen
Published: June 2010

This paper proposes to use a virtual reality-based night driving simulator as a tool to evaluate an advanced leveling light system. The night driving simulator visualizes the complex beam patterns of automotive headlights in high detail, while the vehicle motion directly affects the lighting direction of the headlights. The system is connected to the control algorithm of an advanced leveling light system, which controls the headlight tilting angle. Within the virtual prototyping process of the lighting system, good combinations of control parameter values can be identified, based on virtual test drives, and the number of real test drives can be reduced significantly.
Therapeutic privilege: between the ethics of lying and the practice of truth: Figure 1
Authors: Richard Claude , Lajeunesse Yvette , Lussier Marie-Thérèse
Published: June 2010

The ‘right to the truth’ involves disclosing all the pertinent facts to a patient so that an informed decision can be made. However, this concept of a ‘right to the truth’ entails certain ambiguities, especially since it is difficult to apply the concept in medical practice based mainly on current evidence-based data that are probabilistic in nature. Furthermore, in some situations, the doctor is confronted with a moral dilemma, caught between the necessity to inform the patient (principle of autonomy) and the desire to ensure the patient's well-being by minimising suffering (principle of beneficence). To comply with the principle of beneficence as well as the principle of non-maleficence ‘to do no harm’, the doctor may then feel obliged to turn to ‘therapeutic privilege’, using lies or deception to preserve the patient's hope, and psychological and moral integrity, as well as his self-image and dignity. There is no easy answer to such a moral dilemma. This article will propose a process that can fit into reflective practice, allowing the doctor to decide if the use of therapeutic privilege is justified when he is faced with these kinds of conflicting circumstances. We will present the conflict arising in practice in the context of the various theoretical orientations in ethics, and then we will suggest an approach for a ‘practice of truth’. Last, we will situate this reflective method in the broader clinical context of medical practice viewed as a dialogic process.
Ethical quandaries posing as conflicts of interest
Authors: Kottow Miguel
Published: June 2010

Conflicts of interest are receiving increased attention in medical research, clinical practice and education. Criticism of, and penalties for, conflicts of interest have been insufficiently discussed and have been applied without adequate conceptual backing. Genuine conflicts of interest are situations in which alternative courses of action are ethically equivalent, decision-making being less a matter of moral deliberation than of personal weighing of interest. In contrast, situations usually thought of as conflicts of interest are mostly temptations to follow an attractive but undue option that causes harm by failing to uphold well-entrenched ethical standards. Examples of moral quandaries that pose as ethically neutral conflicts of interest are healthcare providers enticed to favour certain products; patients being referred to non-therapeutic trials entailing risks and non-optimal healthcare; industry-supported scientists failing to deliver unbiased research results and reports or participating in ghost-writing; and sponsored educators who praise their supporters beyond objective evidence. All these are moral blemishes, where integrity gives way to material incentives at the cost of provoking risky and harm-producing situations, thus constituting false conflicts of interest when they are in fact ethical misdemeanours. Disclosure has been the most widely recommended response to avoid the concealment of conflicting and ethically suspect interests. Regulations regarding disclosure reveal a utilitarian stance that shows more concern for the magnitude of support or sponsorship than for the underlying ethical transgression. Education and oversight should directly address and help correct the moral attitude towards undue influence of inducements and marketing strategies falsely posing as conflicts of interest.
Thrusting and back thrusting in the Taconian internal zone, southern Quebec Appalachians
Authors: Pinet Nicolas , Castonguay Sébastien , Tremblay Alain
Published: June 2010

Cambro-Ordovician continental-margin rocks of the Humber zone of the Quebec Appalachians were mainly deformed during the Taconian orogeny (Middle Ordovician to Early Silurian). Two Taconian deformational events are recorded west of the Sutton–Notre-Dame mountains anticlinorium axis. They are characterized, respectively, by northwest-directed faulting and synmetamorphic folding (D1−2) and by southeastward back-thrusting motion (D3); the latter deformation has previously been poorly documented in the Quebec Appalachians. This duality of structural vergence is probably induced by the progressive tectonic wedging of basement rocks during a nearly constant northwest–southeast Taconian shortening. In correlative higher grade metamorphic rocks of New England, back-thrusting structures (D3) have not been described and are most probably absent because their root zone is located well above the present-day erosional surface of that part of the Appalachian belt.
Late Archean evolution of the Nain Province, Nain, Labrador: imprint of a collision
Authors: Connelly J. N. , Ryan B.
Published: June 2010

Archean gneisses of the Nain Province in the Nain area, Labrador, comprise narrow septa between intrusions of the Mesoproterozoic Nain Plutonic Suite. This region occupies a critical position between the northern (Saglek) and southern (Hopedale) blocks of the Nain Province, which experienced distinct thermotectonic histories until the late Archean. Field and geochronological evidence are indicative of a strong late Archean thermotectonic overprint that is absent from most of the remainder of the Nain Province. Archean gneisses were intruded by granites and mafic dykes at 2578 ± 3 and [Formula: see text], respectively, and subsequently subjected to amphibolite- to granulite-facies regional metamorphism and ductile shearing at ca. 2550 Ma; granite veins and dykes related to the Nain Plutonic Suite were emplaced at ca. 1310 Ma. The Archean events are interpreted to represent the juxtapositioning and final docking of Saglek and Hopedale blocks to form a single, stable cratonic mass during the late Archean. Corroborative evidence indicates that the collisional boundary zone could extend at least 200 km to the north and 150 km to the south of Nain. This late Archean junction may have subsequently been exploited by several Paleoproterozoic granitic intrusions and some members of the Mesoproterozoic Nain Plutonic Suite.
THE COMPLEXITY OF MODEL CHECKING FOR BOOLEAN FORMULAS
Authors: SCHNOOR HENNING
Published: June 2010

We examine the complexity of the model checking problem for Boolean formulas, which is the following decision problem: Given a Boolean formula without variables, does it evaluate to true? We show that the complexity of this problem is determined by certain closure properties of the connectives allowed to build the formula, and achieve a complete classification: The formula model checking problem is either complete for NC1, equivalent to counting modulo 2, or complete for a level of the logarithmic time hierarchy under very strict reductions.
SETS OF K-INDEPENDENT STRINGS
Authors: TI YEN-WU , CHANG CHING-LUEH , LYUU YUH-DAUH , SHEN ALEXANDER
Published: June 2010

A bit string is random (in the sense of algorithmic information theory) if it is incompressible, i.e., its Kolmogorov complexity is close to its length. Two random strings are independent if knowing one of them does not simplify the description of the other, i.e., the conditional complexity of each string (using the other as a condition) is close to its length. We may define independence of a k-tuple of strings in the same way.

In this paper we address the following question: what is that maximal cardinality of a set of n-bit strings if any k elements of this set are independent (up to a certain constant)? Lower and upper bounds that match each other (with logarithmic precision) are provided.
INCREMENTAL CHECKPOINT SCHEMES FOR WEIBULL FAILURE DISTRIBUTION
Authors: PAUN MIHAELA , NAKSINEHABOON NICHAMON , NASSAR RAJA , LEANGSUKSUN CHOKCHAI , SCOTT STEPHEN L. , TAERAT NARATE
Published: June 2010

Incremental checkpoint mechanism was introduced to reduce high checkpoint overhead of regular (full) checkpointing, especially in high-performance computing systems. To gain an extra advantage from the incremental checkpoint technique, we propose an optimal checkpoint frequency function that globally minimizes the expected wasted time of the incremental checkpoint mechanism. Also, the re-computing time coefficient used to approximate the re-computing time is derived. Moreover, to reduce the complexity in the recovery state, full checkpoints are performed from time to time. In this paper we present an approach to evaluate the appropriate constant number of incremental checkpoints between two consecutive full checkpoints. Although the number of incremental checkpoints is constant, the checkpoint interval derived from the proposed model varies depending on the failure rate of the system. The checkpoint time is illustrated in the case of a Weibull distribution and can be easily simplified to the exponential case.
MINIMIZING TOTAL WEIGHTED EARLINESS-TARDINESS ON A SINGLE MACHINE AROUND A SMALL COMMON DUE DATE: AN FPTAS USING QUADRATIC KNAPSACK
Authors: KELLERER HANS , STRUSEVICH VITALY A.
Published: June 2010

We design a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme (FPTAS) for a single machine scheduling problem to minimize the total weighted earliness and tardiness with respect to a common restrictive due date. Notice that for this problem no constant-ratio approximation algorithm has been known so far. Our approach is based on adopting an FPTAS for a special version of the knapsack problem to minimize a convex quadratic non-separable function. For the continuous relaxation of such a knapsack problem we give an algorithm of a quadratic time complexity. The running time of the resulting FPTAS is strongly polynomial.
ON THE PERFORMANCE AND COST OF SOME PRAM MODELS ON CMP HARDWARE
Authors: FORSELL MARTTI
Published: June 2010

The Parallel Random Access Machine is a very strong model of parallel computing that has resisted cost-efficient implementation attempts for decades. Recently, the development of VLSI technology has provided means for indirect on-chip implementation, but there are different variants of the PRAM model that provide different performance, area and power figures and it is not known how their implementations compare to each others. In this paper we measure the performance and estimate the cost of practical implementations of four PRAM models including EREW, Limited Arbitrary CRCW, Full Arbitrary CRCW, Full Arbitrary Multioperation CRCW on our Eclipse chip multiprocessor framework. Interestingly, the most powerful model shows the lowest simulation cost and highest performance/area and performance/power figures.
COLLAPSING THE HIERARCHY OF PARALLEL COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
Authors: BRUDA STEFAN D. , ZHANG YUANQIAO
Published: June 2010

We investigate the computational power of parallel models with directed reconfigurable buses and with shared memory. Based on feasibility considerations present in the literature, we split these models into "heavyweight" (directed reconfigurable buses, the Combining PRAM, and the BSR) and "lightweight" (all the other PRAMs) and then find that the heavyweight class is strictly more powerful than the lightweight class, as expected. On the other hand, we contradict the long held belief that the heavyweight models form a hierarchy, showing that all of them are identical in computational power with each other. We start the process by showing that the Collision write conflict resolution rule is universal on models with reconfigurable buses (in the sense that complex conflict resolution rules such as Priority and Combining can be simulated with constant overhead by Collision).
CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN FUZZY FLAG MANIFOLDS
Authors: BEN HALIMA MAJDI
Published: June 2010

Approximating the algebra of complex-valued smooth functions on a space-time manifold by a sequence of matrix algebras [Formula: see text], with dN ↗ ∞, is the basic idea of fuzzy manifolds. In this paper, we explicitly construct fuzzy versions of the homogeneous spaces SO(2n + 1)/U(n) and Sp (n)/U(1) × Sp (n - 1) for n ≥ 2. This allows us to extend a result of Zhang giving a construction of fuzzy irreducible compact Hermitian symmetric spaces to a class of flag manifolds.
PROJECTIVE MODULE DESCRIPTION OF EMBEDDED NONCOMMUTATIVE SPACES
Authors: ZHANG R. B. , ZHANG XIAO
Published: June 2010

An algebraic formulation is given for the embedded noncommutative spaces over the Moyal algebra developed in a geometric framework in [8]. We explicitly construct the projective modules corresponding to the tangent bundles of the embedded noncommutative spaces, and recover from this algebraic formulation the metric, Levi–Civita connection and related curvatures, which were introduced geometrically in [8]. Transformation rules for connections and curvatures under general coordinate changes are given. A bar involution on the Moyal algebra is discovered, and its consequences on the noncommutative differential geometry are described.
ON THE FEYNMAN PATH INTEGRAL FOR NONRELATIVISTIC QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS
Authors: ICHINOSE WATARU
Published: June 2010

The Feynman path integral for regularized nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics is studied rigorously. We begin with the Lagrangian function of the corresponding classical mechanics and construct the Feynman path integral. In the present paper, the electromagnetic potentials are assumed to be periodic with respect to a large box and quantized through their Fourier coefficients with large wave numbers cut off. Firstly, the Feynman path integral with respect to paths on the space of particles and vector potentials is defined rigorously by means of broken line paths under the constraints. Secondly, the Feynman path integral with respect to paths on the space of particles and electromagnetic potentials is also defined rigorously by means of broken line paths and piecewise constant paths without the constraints. This Feynman path integral is stated heuristically in Feynman and Hibbs' book. Thirdly, the vacuum and the state of photons of given momenta and polarizations are expressed concretely as functions of variables consisting of the Fourier coefficients of vector potentials. It is also proved rigorously in terms of distribution theory that the Coulomb potentials between charged particles naturally appear in the above Feynman path integral approach. This shows that the photons give rise to the Coulomb force.
EFFECT OF DISPERSED SiC PARTICLES ON THE OXIDATION OF AZ91D MAGNESIUM ALLOYS BETWEEN 420 AND 500°C IN AIR
Authors: NGUYEN THUAN DINH , KIM YOUNG-JIG , LEE JAE CHUN , KIM SEON-JIN , LEE DONG-BOK
Published: June 2010

AZ91D magnesium alloys with and without dispersed SiC particles were oxidized between 420 and 500°C in air. They oxidized to fine MgO oxide grains containing dissolved ions of Al . Their oxidation rates increased almost linearly, with an increase in the oxidation temperature and time. SiC particles did not oxidize during oxidation, and increased the oxidation resistance of the alloy through diminishing the exposed surface area. With the increase in the amount of the dispersed SiC particles from 5 to 10, and to 20 wt.%, the oxidation resistance progressively increased.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTIES OF TiO2 PHOTOELECTRODE PREPARED BY USING LIQUID PEG-EEM BINDER
Authors: JIN EN MEI , PARK KYUNG-HEE , YUN JE-JUNG , HONG CHANG KOOK , HWANG MIN-JIN , PARK BOK-KEE , KIM KI-WON , GU HAL-BON
Published: June 2010

We present one of the central and basic factors related to the TiO2 photoanodes of optimal absorption site. Binder is of particular importance for surfaces and interfaces that involve organic dye and TiO2 layer. We introduced monodispersed liquid copolymer binders; poly(ethylene glycol)-ethyl ether methacrylate (PEG-EEM) instead of solid PEG to increase TiO 2 electrode's surface area. We attempt to investigate the morphology of the photoanodes and photovoltaic effects using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), BET and photovoltaic properties under illumination with AM 1.5 simulated sunlight. We achieve 167% enhanced power conversion efficiency when the optimal content of liquid PEG-EEM binder was 4 wt.% than that of PEG binder. We show that the performance of Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) can be strongly improved using liquid type binder.
THE EFFECTS OF CARBON NANO-COATING ON Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)O2 CATHODE MATERIAL USING ORGANIC CARBON FOR Li-ION BATTERY
Authors: JU JEONG-HUN , CHUNG YOUNG-MIN , BAK YU-RIM , HWANG MOON-JIN , RYU KWANG-SUN
Published: June 2010

Carbon nano-coated LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2/ C (LNCAO/C) cathode-active materials were prepared by a sol–gel method and investigated as the cathode material for lithium ion batteries. Electrochemical properties including the galvanostatic charge–discharge ability and cyclic voltammogram behavior were measured. Cyclic voltammetry (2.7–4.8 V) showed that the carbon nano-coating improved the "formation" of the LNCAO electrode, which was related to the increased electronic conductivity between the primary particles. The carbon nano-coated LNCAO/C exhibited good electrochemical performance at high C -rate. Also, the thermal stability at a highly oxidized state of the carbon nano-coated LNCAO was remarkably enhanced. The carbon nano-coating layer can serve as a physical and/or (electro-)chemical protection shell for the underlying LNCAO, which is attributed to an increase of the grain connectivity (physical part) and also to the protection of metal oxide from chemical reactions (chemical part).
THE EFFECT OF HSAB PRINCIPLE ON ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER-IN-SALT ELECTROLYTES WITH ALIPHATIC POLYMER
Authors: KIM MIN-KYUNG , LEE YU-JIN , JO NAM-JU
Published: June 2010

To obtain high ambient ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), we introduce polymer-in-salt system with ion hopping mechanism contrary to traditional salt-in-polymer system with segmental motion mechanism. In polymer-in-salt system, the interaction between polymer and salt is important because polymer-in-salt electrolyte contains a large amount of salt. Thus, we try to solve the origin of interaction between polymer and salt by using hard/soft acid base (HSAB) principle. The SPEs are made up of two types of polymers (poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, hard base) and poly(ethylene imine) (PEI, softer base than PEO)) and four types of salts ( LiCF 3 SO 3 (hard cation/hard anion), LiCl (hard cation/soft anion), AgCF 3 SO 3 (soft cation/hard anion), and AgCl (soft cation/soft anion)) according to HSAB principle. In salt-in-polymer system, ionic conductivities of SPEs were affected by HSAB principle but in polymer-in-salt system, they were influenced by the ion hopping property of salt rather than the solubility of polymer for salt according to HSAB principle. The highest ionic conductivities of PEO-based and PEI-based SPEs were 5.13 × 10-4Scm-1 and 7.32 × 10-4Scm-1 in polymer-in-salt system, respectively.
DIRECT CONTACT SHIELD OF LiMn2O4 ACTIVE MATERIAL FROM ELECTROLYTE
Authors: CHANG MYOUNG HYE , LEE CHANG WOO
Published: June 2010

The spinel LiMn 2 O 4 powders were prepared by sol–gel technique using lithium acetate ( Li ( CH 3 COO ) · 2 H 2 O ) and manganese acetate ( Mn ( CH 3 COO )2 · 4 H 2 O ) as starting materials, citric acid as a chelating agent, and acrylamide as a gel formatting agent. In order to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries and prevent structural disintegration from Mn dissolution generated by undesirable acid production, conductive agents were additionally coated on the surface of active material coated on pure aluminum foil as a current collector. Also, it was comparatively investigated using different conductive agents with different particle sizes as well as adopting the cells into the different thermal environments. The electrochemical performance of the Li/LiMn 2 O 4 cells demonstrated that the spinel LiMn 2 O 4 might be effectively shielded from acid, resulting in improved electrochemical capacity characteristics at room temperature as well as elevated temperature of 55°C.
DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH STRENGTH AND HIGH CONDUCTIVITY Cu–Ag ALLOY FOR MEDICAL ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT
Authors: CHO HOON , LEE BYOUNG-SOO , JO HYUNG-HO
Published: June 2010

The effect of thermal heat treatment on the mechanical and electrical properties of Cu–Ag alloys was investigated. The homogenization heat treatment leads to an increase in tensile strength and a decrease in electrical conductivity due to dissolution of Ag into copper matrix. Also, it is shown that electrical conductivity of as-cast Cu–Ag alloys decreases with increasing Ag content. In contrast, the aging heat treatment gives rise to increase both the tensile strength and electrical conductivity because the Ag solute diffuses out from copper matrix during aging heat treatment. Therefore, it can be mentioned that the electrical conductivity of Cu–Ag alloys depends on Ag solute in copper matrix. Also, aging treatment is favorable to acquire high strength and high electrical conductivity.
SYNTHESIS OF HIGHLY CRYSTALLINE OLIVINE-TYPE LiFePO4 NANOPARTICLES BY SOLUTION-BASED REACTIONS
Authors: KIM DONGHAN , LIM JINSUB , CHOI EUNSEOK , GIM JIHYEON , MATHEW VINOD , PAIK YOUNKEE , JUNG HONGRYUN , LEE WANJIN , AHN DOCHEON , PAEK SEUNGMIN , KIM JAEKOOK
Published: June 2010

LiFePO 4 nanocrystals were synthesized in various polyol media without any further post-heat treatment. The LiFePO 4 samples synthesized using three different polyol media namely, diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), and tetraethylene glycol (TTEG), exhibited plate and rod-shaped structures with average sizes of 50–500 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were indexed on the basis of an olivine structure (space group: Pnma). The samples prepared in DEG, TEG, and TTEG polyol media showed reversible capacities of 123, 155, and 166 mAh/g, respectively, at current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 with no capacity fading and exhibited excellent capacity retention up to the 50th cycle. In particular, the samples showed excellent performances at high rates of 30 and 60 C with high capacity retention. It is assumed that the nanometer size materials (~50 nm) possessing a highly crystalline nature may generate improved performance at high rate current densities.
Risk to Firm Value for Taiwanese Companies Investing in China: Who Fares Better?
Authors: Huang Hsu-Huei , Chan Min-Lee , Chang Yu-Sheng
Published: June 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to study the effect on the stock price that a Taiwanese company may experience when announcing it is engaging in foreign direct investment in China. This study has been able to observe the influence of political risk on the FDI announcement effect during one of the tensest periods in the history of the cross-Strait relationship. We have found an overall significantly negative effect for all companies in Taiwan that announced they were investing directly in China during this risky period. We have further found that companies with higher free cash flow and greater information asymmetry experience worse stock price reactions to such announcements, and that those with low growth opportunities, higher institutional shareholdings, outside directors on the board, or a higher ratio of outside directors experience better stock price reactions to the announcements. Finally, we have found that the FDI announcement effect is better for firms whose board chairman also serves as the CEO or for firms that are family controlled.
Business Intelligence Applications in Retail Business: OLAP, Data Mining & Reporting Services
Authors: Kocakoç Ipek Deveci , Erdem Sabri
Published: June 2010

As a result of today's competitive business environment, companies have been trying to improve the utilization of funds effectively in their budgets for information technology investments. These companies retrieve more information with the same set of resources by means of business intelligence methods. According to Rubin (Chabrow, 2004) IT budgets are not simply declining or levelling off, rather, companies are shifting from a pure cost-cut mode to a model that emphasises agility and efficiency. Tremendous daily growth of the company data requires more funds and investment for establishing the technologies and infrastructure necessary for gathering fast and crucial information that supports the decision making process. This necessity gave birth to various business intelligence methods, which mainly aim to process mass amount of collected data from their existing application, and represent it in a way with which companies can apply to their daily competitive decisions.

This application primarily concerns the implementation of business intelligence for a retail business company. The aim is to implement built-in business intelligence solutions of the Microsoft SQL Server that holds the commercial information of the company for the past three years. The customer company has already been using Microsoft products. The key items used for analyzing data are sales, momentary inventory and logistics information.

The application can be grouped in five main areas: Building the data warehouse, constructing OLAP cubes, applying data mining algorithms on OLAP cubes, representing the results in reports with reporting services, and implementation.
Understanding Information and Knowledge Flows as Network Processes in an Oil Company
Authors: Marouf Laila , Doreian Patrick
Published: June 2010

We focus on information and knowledge flows as social network processes in organisational contexts. Seeking and giving work-related information is distinguished from seeking and providing problem-solving help as knowledge flows. Hypotheses from the literature suggest that (perceived) accessibility, knowledge about the work-related skills of others, and knowledge about the functions that others perform in an organisation all predict knowledge and information flow relations. We also include membership in geographically dispersed work units as a feature of the formal organisational structure. As an additional predictive relation, non-work related socialisation is used to capture the informal structure. While all potentially predictive relations are significant and positively related to information and knowledge flows, once membership in work units and socialisation are included, the latter two relations are the dominant predictors. Perceived accessibility, at most, is a weak and inconsistent predictor of knowledge flows. Knowledge of work-related skills and the functions that others perform in an organisation also appear to have little relevance for seeking and providing knowledge. That work group membership and socialisation are the most potent predictors of knowledge and information flow relations suggests that these components of the formal and informal organisational structures operate in complementary ways. However, we note that this organisation may have a clear technical foundation that helps promote the effectiveness of both formal and informal organisational structures for promoting knowledge flows. This may be especially true for the studied managerial unit. In general, establishing the conditions under which the formal and informal organisational structures positively complement each other merits further attention. Some practical implications are outlined.
Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Teams in Malaysia: Its Benefits and Barriers
Authors: Senthil Velmurugan Manivannan , Kogilah Narayanasamy , Devinaga Rasiah
Published: June 2010

This paper examines the benefits of knowledge sharing in virtual teams of companies in Malaysia. The paper also looks into the barriers that prevent or prohibit the practice of knowledge sharing in virtual teams within an organisation. There are basically three types of barriers discussed in this paper, which restrict knowledge sharing through virtual teams. A questionnaire administered through email was used to collect data. Our sample includes 20 companies operating in Malaysia. The results show how virtual teams encourage all employees in the organisation to participate in knowledge sharing activities. However, some significant findings provided important information on whether companies perceived knowledge sharing as vital to their success. Furthermore, several ideas have been suggested as a way to overcoming some of the barriers to knowledge sharing in virtual teams within organisations in Malaysia.
Cultural Perspectives on Knowledge Management in Central and Eastern Europe: The SECI Model of Knowledge Conversion and 'Ba'
Authors: Jelavic Matthew , Ogilvie Kristie
Published: June 2010

This research discusses the SECI Model of Knowledge Conversion as it relates to the 10 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) that are now part of the European Union (EU). The socio-economic conversion from socialism to capitalism of these societies is unique in historical precedence, whereby utilising the contextual models in knowledge conversion are applicable for understanding the implications of such a phenomenon. The results indicate that there is a unique set of variables that need to be considered within this context and for future similar situations.
Nuclear Realization of Virasoro–Zamolodchikov-w∞⋆-Lie Algebras Through the Renormalized Higher Powers of Quantum Meixner White Noise
Authors: Barhoumi Abdessatar , Riahi Anis
Published: June 2010

By using an appropriate one-mode type interacting Fock spaces, [Formula: see text], introduced in [1], we define a nuclear triple [Formula: see text] of test and generalized functions, with θ being a suitable Young function. Moreover, we prove general characterization theorems for the fundamental nuclear spaces. For the applications, we introduce new renormalized products for the generators of the renormalized higher powers of white noise ⋆-Lie algebra and the Virasoro-Zamolodchikov-w∞⋆-Lie algebra. Then we show that these new renormalized products lead to nuclear realizations of these Lie algebras in terms of quantum Meixner white noise operators.
Strain-Induced Effects on the Electronic Band Structures in GaN/AlGaN Quantum Wells: Impact of Breakdown of the Quasicubic Approximation in GaN
Authors: Ishii Ryota , Kaneta Akio , Funato Mitsuru , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: June 2010

Recently, we performed reflectance spectroscopy for nonpolar and semipolar bulk GaN substrates under uniaxial stress and experimentally determined all the exciton deformation potentials in GaN. Our findings indicated a breakdown of the quasicubic approximation. Herein its impact on the electronic band structures in GaN/AlGaN strained quantum wells is theoretically investigated. The calculated results significantly differ from those using the widely accepted exciton deformation potentials. A simplified Hamiltonian is given to describe the in-plane optical polarization properties of GaN/AlGaN quantum wells.
Reduction of Accumulation Capacitance in Direct-Contact HfO2/p-Type Si Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Capacitors
Authors: Abe Yasuhiro , Miyata Noriyuki , Nohira Hiroshi , Yasuda Tetsuji
Published: June 2010

We observed a significant reduction in accumulation capacitance of direct-contact HfO2/p-type Si structures compared to that of HfO2/n-type Si structures. The difference in capacitance corresponds to an estimated difference of approximately 0.26 nm in equivalent oxide thickness. We suggest that this capacitance reduction reflects a change in surface-hole distribution due to interface-dipole-induced potential.
Azimuthal Anchoring Energy Using the Splay Deformation in a Polarization Grating Configuration
Authors: Yu Chang-Jae
Published: June 2010

We propose a simple method of measuring the azimuthal anchoring energy of liquid crystals by splay deformation in a binary polarization grating based on the linearly distorted director approximation. Under crossed polarizers, the splay-distorted regions near domain boundaries produce dark stripes whose widths represent distortion lengths, corresponding to the extrapolation lengths. The azimuthal anchoring energy was directly derived from the splay-distortion length. In addition, since the distortion lengths were measured at all domain boundaries, the azimuthal anchoring energy based on the statistical consideration could be estimated for a single sample.
A Proposal and Analytical Investigation of an All-Optical T-type Flip-Flop Using Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Configuration for Differential Phase-Shift Keying Encoding Operation
Authors: Shimizu Satoshi , Uenohara Hiroyuki
Published: June 2010

An all-optical differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) regenerator with a DPSK demodulator and a conventional on–off keying (OOK) regenerator requires a DPSK encoding process that is realized by T-type flip-flop (T-FF) operation. To solve this problem, we propose an all-optical T-FF circuit consisting of counter-faced semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based exclusive OR (XOR) gates for the first time. Numerical investigation with rate equation reveals the possibility of its stable operation in 10 Gbps with 27-1 pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) signal. It also reveals that it is necessary to decrease the equivalent turn-off time for high bit-rate operation using push–pull configuration.
Micrometer-Sized Magnetic Patterning of FeRh Films Using an Energetic Ion Microbeam
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Matsui Toshiyuki , Kosugi Shinya , Satoh Takahiro , Saitoh Yuichi , Takano Katsuyoshi , Koka Masashi , Kamiya Tomihiro , Seki Shuhei , Iwase Akihiro
Published: June 2010

FeRh thin films were irradiated with a focused 10 MeV I 2 ×2 µm2 ion microbeam at intervals of several µm. Following irradiation, the magnetic state at the surface was observed via magnetic force microscopy. The micrometer-sized regions irradiated with the microbeam show a ferromagnetic state while unirradiated regions remain in an anti-ferromagnetic state. Results indicate that an energetic ion microbeam can be used as a tool to produce micrometer-sized modulations of lateral magnetic states of FeRh films.
Structural and Optical Properties of Nonpolar AlN(1120) Films Grown on ZnO(1120) Substrates with a Room-Temperature GaN Buffer Layer
Authors: Ueno Kohei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Ohta Jitsuo , Fujioka Hiroshi
Published: June 2010

We have growna-plane AlN films on ZnO substrates using room temperature epitaxial GaN buffer layers by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The basal plane stacking fault density of these AlN(1120) films, as estimated from X-ray rocking curve measurements, is as low as 1.1×105cm-1, which is attributed to the use of ZnO substrates with a small lattice mismatch. Cathode luminescence spectra measured at 300 K exhibited a clear near band-edge peak of AlN at around 5.9 eV. The use of a PLD low-temperature growth technique and ZnO substrates would be quite attractive for the fabrication of ultraviolet light-emitting devices.
Simulation of Electron Density Profile Reconstruction on Ultrashort-Pulse Reflectometry
Authors: Roh Youngsu , Lee Seok Hyun
Published: June 2010

For the reconstruction of electron density profiles in the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment plasma, ultrashort-pulse reflectometry signals are numerically generated solving a one-dimensional wave equation by means of the central difference scheme. The signals cover an O-mode cutoff frequency range of 33–93 GHz. The lower frequencies (6–18 GHz) of a chirped waveform are up-converted to higher frequencies using four mixers. The reflected signals are down-converted to the lower frequency signals, thereby permitting band-pass filters to compute the time delays of different frequency components. A variety of density profiles are assumed to examine the performance of density profile reconstruction.
Spatial Redistribution of Oxygen Ions in Oxide Resistance Switching Device after Forming Process
Authors: Yajima Takeshi , Fujiwara Kohei , Nakao Aiko , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Sunouchi Kei , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Takeda Mai , Kojima Kentaro , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Taniguchi Kouji , Takagi Hidenori
Published: June 2010

The change in the spatial distribution of oxygen ions after an initial voltage application called the forming process was investigated for oxide resistance switching devices by secondary ion mass spectrometry mapping. To track the motion of oxygen ions, tracer 18O ions were implanted in a planar Pt/CuO/Pt device. We found clear evidence for the oxygen reduction in the conductive bridge structure formed between two electrodes. In addition, the oxygen ions in the bridge structure drift to the anode, implying the oxygen diffusion (migration) induced by high electric field and/or current density. We discuss those results in terms of a filament model.
A Hybrid Inkjet Printer Utilizing Electrohydrodynamic Jetting and Piezoelectric Actuation
Authors: Byun Doyoung , Nguyen Vu Dat , Dutta Prashanta , Park Hoon Cheol
Published: June 2010

This paper reports a hybrid electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing technique that offers better uniformity and stable operation in drop-on-demand (DOD) patterns compared to the conventional methods. This hybrid technique takes advantage of both electrohydrodynamic and piezoelectric methods where a piezoelectric actuator is used to supply a fixed volume of ink to the nozzle's exit for every jetting period, and the electrohydrodynamic technique is used to form ink droplets. Experimental results show that the print quality improves significantly when ink was supplied to the nozzle exit at a controlled rate using piezoelectric actuation.
Micro Flow Cytometry Chip Device Integrated with Tunable Microlens for Circulating Tumor Cells Detection and Counting Applications
Authors: Hsiung Suz-Kai , Lin Shiu-Ru , Lin Che-Hsin
Published: June 2010

This paper reports a micromachine-based micro flow cytometry chip device integrated with a tunable liquid-filled microlens structure for optical detection, in which is capable of fluorescence detection for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection applications. By utilizing two sets of micro-piezoelectric pump device, cell samples can be aligned and focused to flow through the sensing area, and enhanced the accuracy and sensitivity of samples detection. The integrated chip device can be used to detect tumor cells labelled with specific fluorescent dyes successfully, and the optical signals can be enhanced accordingly by utilizing the tunable liquid-filled microlens within specific liquid pressure.
Tri-Branched Tri-Anchoring Organic Dye for Visible Light-Responsive Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Cells
Authors: Kim Jae-Hong , Ahn Kwang-Soon
Published: June 2010

A tri-branched tri-anchoring organic dye (Dye 2) consisting of one donor (D) in the center, three π bridges, and three acceptor (A) groups in the order of D–π–A was designed and each A group ended with a COOH anchoring group. The Dye 2-sensitized TiO2 exhibited a significantly improved photoelectrochemical response under visible light illumination, compared to TiO2 sensitized with a mono-anchoring dye (Dye 1). It is due to the enhanced optical density and more efficient interfacial electron transfer from the photoexcited dye to the TiO2.
Race analysis for systemc using model checking
Authors: Blanc Nicolas , Kroening Daniel
Published: June 2010

SystemC is a system-level modeling language that offers a wide range of features to describe concurrent systems at different levels of abstraction. The SystemC standard permits simulators to implement a deterministic scheduling policy, which often hides concurrency-related design flaws. We present a novel compiler for SystemC that integrates a very precise formal race analysis by means of model checking. Our compiler produces a simulator that uses the outcome of the analysis to perform partial order reduction. The key insight to make the model checking engine scale is to apply it only to tiny fractions of the SystemC model. We show that the outcome of the analysis is not only valuable to eliminate redundant context switches at runtime, but can also be used to diagnose race conditions statically. In particular, our analysis is able to reveal races that can remain undetected during simulation and is able to formally prove the absence of races.