bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characterization of the microporous and nanoporous anodic oxidations of titanium–silver alloys
Authors: Kim Si‐Eun , Lee Sang‐Bae , Park Jeong‐Jong , Kim Kwang‐Mahn , Kim Kyoung‐Nam
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to fabricate and evaluate the morphological structure of microporous anodic oxidation (MAO) or nanoporous anodic oxidation (NAO) treated titanium‐silver (Ti‐Ag) alloys. The Ti‐Ag alloys were arc melted, homogenized, and quenched in water at room temperature. The MAO treatment was performed using β‐glycerol phosphate (β‐GP) and calcium acetate (CA) solution; the NAO treatment was performed using hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution or ammonium fluoride (NH4F) solution. Surface‐treated Ti‐Ag alloys were compared to commercially pure titanium (cp Ti). The surface morphology and phase state were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and high resolution X‐ray diffraction (HR‐XRD). Both the MAO treated cp Ti and Ti‐Ag alloy samples presented a regular oxide layer with a diameter of approximately 1–3 µm. Morphology was clearly visible on NAO Ti‐Ag alloy samples treated with NH4F solution, with a diameter of roughly 100 nm. However, HF solution treated NAO Ti‐Ag alloy samples appeared to be sparsely‐ and irregularly‐shaped, ranging in size from a few nanometers to 100 nm. From the HR‐XRD analysis, amorphous TiO2, Ti, and Ti‐Ag phases were observed in the MAO and NAO treated Ti‐Ag alloys. The MAO and NAO treated cp Ti samples only showed peaks associated with Ti. The surface characteristics of Ti‐Ag alloys may possibly influence cell viability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The features of copper oxidation by the data of photocurrent and photopotential studies
Authors: Vvedenskii A. , Grushevskaya S. , Ganzha S. , Maksimova S.
Published: May 2010

The anodic formation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxides on polycrystalline copper in deaerated alkaline solution was investigated using the synchronous transients of current and photocurrent (in the potentiostatic polarization mode) as well as the synchronous transients of photopotential and corrosion potential (in the current interruption mode). It was established that copper is subject to corrosion oxidation by the traces of the dissolved oxygen. The formation of the anodic Cu(I) oxide layer hampers further oxidation of copper.

A p‐type conductivity was established for Cu2O and CuO oxides formed on copper during both the anodic polarization and the corrosion. Cu(I) oxide film is thin, i.e. its thickness does not exceed the thickness of the space charge region. The band gap of Cu(I) oxide is equal to 2.2 eV for indirect optical transitions. The anodic polarization in the potential range of CuO formation results in the formation of a thicker oxide film which is a mixture of Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxides. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Titanium nitride with silicon additions for tribological applications
Authors: Zimowski S. , Rakowski W. , Grzonka J.
Published: May 2010

Microstructure and mechanical properties of duplex treated system with (Ti,Si)N coating on nitrided stainless steel were investigated. The (Ti,Si)N coatings with the thickness of 1 µm were deposited on nitrided 316L stainless steel substrate by reactive single target magnetron sputtering. The stainless steel was glow discharge nitrided at 450 °C temperature. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the coatings were built of heavily defected fine columnar crystallites. The adherence of the coatings to their substrates was examined by scratch test. The highest hardness was measured for the coatings obtained from TiSi4 target (4 at.% Si) and reached maximum of 23 GPa and 27 GPa on not nitrided and nitrided steel respectively. The tribological behaviors of the duplex system were studied in ball‐on‐disc friction test. The (Ti,Si)N coating on nitrided steel exhibited better tribological properties than the nitrided steel without any coating and coating on not nitrided steel. The (Ti,Si)N coatings presented low friction coefficient (0,1–0,2) up to the coating failure. The nitrided steel and duplex system with (Ti,Si)N coating showed essential wear reduction as compared with 316L steel. The observed improvement in coating micromechanical properties with increasing silicon additions is a direct result of their higher hardness caused by grain refinement and more dislocated microstructure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein‐functionalized ultrathin glycidyl methacrylate polymer grafts on gold for the development of optical biosensors : an SPR investigation
Authors: Bernand‐Mantel D. , Chehimi M. M. , Millot M. C. , Carbonnier B.
Published: May 2010

This contribution describes the use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique to fully characterize polymer‐based immunosensing surfaces. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), selected as model biomacromolecule probe, was covalently immobilized on a gold substrate via a poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) thin film. Optical characterization was performed at the various steps of the sensor preparation and application. SPR measurements were performed first in static mode to characterize both PGMA and BSA films as well as in dynamic mode to monitor the immunocapture of antibovine serum albumin (a‐BSA) and further study the regenerability of the surface at the level of the antigen layer. Effect of the preparation method of PGMA films, based on either grafting‐onto or grafting‐from approaches, on the immunosensor efficiency was studied. In all cases, the sensing surface could be efficiently regenerated by using an acidic glycine solution without noticeable loss of activity demonstrating the usefulness of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) spacers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the surface acidic properties of solid catalysts by amine titration using Hammett indicators and FTIR‐pyridine adsorption methods
Authors: Topaloǧlu Yazıcı D. , Bilgiç C.
Published: May 2010

Surface acidity of solids (ZSM‐5 zeolites, Y zeolite, mordenite and Ca‐bentonite) were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Hammett acidity functions; the n‐butylamine titration method. In the amine titration method, acid strength of solids were found. The total acid amount of Y zeolite has the highest value among all others. The IR spectrums of all samples were recorded using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) technique. Pyridine adsorption and desorption processes have given some clues about the surface acidity of solids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of nitrogen implantation on the localized corrosion resistance of different tempers of AA7075 aluminium alloy
Authors: Abreu C. M. , Cristóbal M. J. , Figueroa R. , Pena G. , Pérez M. C.
Published: May 2010

This paper reports the study of the effect of nitrogen implantation on the localized corrosion resistance of the passive layers generated on different tempers of AA7075 aluminium alloy.

Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization has been employed to analyze the resistance to localized corrosion of the alloys in a chloride medium, whereas exfoliation corrosion susceptibility test (EXCO‐Test) have been performed to evaluate the influence of nitrogen implantation on exfoliation resistance.

Results show that nitrogen implantation (dose of 2 × 1017 N+ ions/cm2 and energy of 50 keV) does not have a clear positive effect on exfoliation resistance as it is evident on EXCO testing. However, electrochemical experiments performed in 1 mM NaCl solution reveal a light increase on localized corrosion resistance on implanted alloys. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the susceptibility of the 7075 aluminium alloy to different types to localized corrosion such as, pitting, intergranular and exfoliation greatly depends on the aging treatment, even under implantation conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specifics of Hg‐based narrow gap semiconductor oxidation
Authors: Berchenko N. N. , Kurbanov K. , Fadeev S. V.
Published: May 2010

The composition of the oxide and oxide‐semiconductor interface of HgZnTe and HgMnTe alloys was analyzed by the method of equilibrium condensed phase diagrams, and experimentally studied by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and reflection high‐energy electron diffraction. It is concluded that in comparison with the HgCdTe‐oxide interface, at the HgZnTe‐oxide interface in addition to metallic Hg the liberation of elemental Te occurs, and MnTe2 with rich content of Te is liberated from the HgMnTe‐oxide interface. This explains the improvement in electrical properties of the anodic oxide structures and the thermal stability of MOS structures based on the sequence HgCdTe → HgMnTe → HgZnTe. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and analysis of SiC coating layer on carbon short fiber
Authors: Lee C‐W. , Kim Il‐Ho , Lee Wonsik , Ko Se‐Hyun , Jang Jin‐Man , Lee T‐W. , Lim S‐H. , Park J. P. , Kim J. D.
Published: May 2010

SiC‐coated carbon fibers for aluminum–carbon composites were synthesized with carbothermal reduction. For the SiC layer formation on the surface of carbon fiber, silica sol was coated and heat treated at a temperature of 1460 and 1500 °C. SiC layer formation by carbothermal reduction complete at above 1500 °C for 1 h. From TGA in atmosphere, SiC coating effectively protected against the oxidation of graphite. The thickness of the SiC coating layer ranged from 150 to 300 nm and the layer was formed homogenously along the surface of carbon fiber. As the first step of reaction for SiC formation, it is generally accepted that SiO is formed and vaporized in interface between fiber and silica. It is analogized in this work that the SiO vapor reacts directly with carbon fiber, resulting in formation of SiC phase. From the TEM results, the SiC layer was confirmed as a ZnS‐type FCC structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of electrical properties of HgCdTe subsurface layers formed by low energy ion beam milling or anodic oxidation
Authors: Berchenko N. , Izhnin I. , Yudenkov V. , Pociask M. , Yakovyna V.
Published: May 2010

A comparative analysis has been carried out relating to p‐to‐n type conductivity conversion processes on vacancy and impurity‐ (As, Sb, Cu, Ag) doped p‐HgCdTe(x ≈ 0.2) using ion milling and anodic oxidation followed by thermal annealing. The conductivity type conversion has been observed in vacancy‐doped material either under ion milling or under anodic oxide annealing, while in the case of impurity doped material only under ion milling. It was demonstrated that in all these processes the conversion was determined by the mercury interstitial diffusion from the corresponding mercury diffusion source and recombination with its native acceptors–cationic vacancies, or by donor complex formations (As, Sb doping), or displacing Cu (Ag) from the cationic sublattice sites into interstitials. Absence of type conversion under anodic oxide annealing in impurity doped p‐HgCdTe is explained by insufficient Hg concentration in the source. The possibilities of changing the n‐layer properties by laser‐excited shock waves are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An XPS study on the influence of nitrogen implantation on the passive layers developed on different tempers of AA7075 aluminum alloy
Authors: Abreu C. M. , Cristóbal M. J. , Figueroa R. , Pena G. , Pérez M. C.
Published: May 2010

The present work analyzes the chemical effect of nitrogen implantation on the passive layer formed on different tempers of AA7075 aluminium alloy, T6 and T73. The experimental results from XPS depth profiles show that the air‐formed passive oxide, on both tempers, is mainly formed by Al2O3, highly hydrated, with Mg2+ and small amounts of Zn2+. The only difference between both tempers is the amount of Zn2+, significantly higher in T73‐temper and located in the outermost region of the passive oxide layer.

Nitrogen implantation produces a modified layer containing a nitride phase, identified as AlN probably nanocrystalline, as the BE of N1s at 397.4 ± 0.2 eV indicates and GAXRD has confirmed. Moreover, nitrogen implantation changes the composition of the Al2O3 oxide by increasing the hydration content; no traces of Zn2+ are detected in its composition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient flow‐control algorithm cooperating with energy allocation scheme for solar‐powered WSNs
Authors: Noh Dong Kun , Abdelzaher Tarek F.
Published: May 2010

Recently, solar energy emerged as a feasible supplement to battery power for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which are expected to operate for long periods. Since solar energy can be harvested periodically and permanently, solar‐powered WSNs can use the energy more efficiently for various network‐wide performances than traditional battery‐based WSNs of which aim is mostly to minimize the energy consumption for extending the network lifetime. However, using solar power in WSNs requires a different energy management from battery‐based WSNs since solar power is a highly varying energy supply. Therefore, firstly we describe a time‐slot‐based energy allocation scheme to use the solar energy optimally, based on expectation model for harvested solar energy. Then, we propose a flow‐control algorithm to maximize the amount of data collected by the network, which cooperates with our energy allocation scheme. Our algorithms run on each node in a distributed manner using only local information of its neighbors, which is a suitable approach for scalable WSNs. We implement indoor and outdoor testbeds of solar‐powered WSN and demonstrate the efficiency of our approaches on them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MIMO relay wireless networks with scheduling and transmit beamforming
Authors: Yang Liang
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we investigate the performance of a multiuser wireless relay network with each of its nodes equipped with N antennas and transmit beamforming at its source and relay, where multiuser diversity (MD) is exploited to further improve the system performance. In the first part of this paper, by deriving the approximate error performance expression for a single‐relay MD system without the direct link, we obtain the maximum diversity order achievable by the CSI‐assisted amplify‐and‐forward (CAF) protocol. Then, by taking the direct link into consideration, we propose a sub‐optimal transmit beamforming scheme and show the performance loss is very small. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and determinants of suicide ideation among Lebanese adolescents: Results of the GSHS Lebanon 2005
Authors: Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Afifi Rema A. , Haddad Pascale H. , DeJong Jocelyn
Published: May 2010

The current study examined prevalence and risk factors for suicide ideation in 5038 Lebanese adolescents using Global School Health Survey data. Around 16% of Lebanese adolescents thought of suicide. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that risk factors for suicide ideation included poor mental health (felt lonely, felt worried, felt sad or hopeless), substance use (got drunk, used drugs), victimization (was bullied, was sexually harassed), and lack of parental understanding. Recommendations for future research and interventions are discussed.
Influence of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism, cannabis and childhood sexual abuse on phenotype of bipolar disorder: A preliminary study
Authors: De Pradier M. , Gorwood P. , Beaufils B. , Adès J. , Dubertret C.
Published: May 2010

Objective

The gene coding for the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) is considered as a candidate gene for bipolar disorder, either as a “vulnerability” or as a “modifying the phenotype” gene. Psychotic symptoms occur at least once in one bipolar patient out of two, the relevant risk factors being insufficiently understood. The gene × environment interaction approach offers the opportunity to disentangle the latter, including childhood sexual abuse and cannabis abuse.

Methods

We investigated the 5-HTTLPR of the 5-HTT gene (G) and the presence of childhood sexual abuse and cannabis comorbidity (E) in 137 bipolar patients with (versus without) lifetime psychotic symptoms.

Results

The short allele and cannabis abuse were significantly more frequent among patients with psychotic symptoms than in those without (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively), while childhood sexual abuse was not. Complex interactions were found between presence of the short allele, cannabis abuse or dependence and childhood sexual abuse.

Conclusions

The short allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the 5-HTT gene was a risk factor for psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder in the present sample, directly but also indirectly, through the presence of cannabis abuse or dependence, as an exacerbating factor heightening psychotic symptoms.
In search of optimal lithium levels and olanzapine doses in the long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder. A post-hoc analysis of the maintenance study by Tohen et al. 2005
Authors: Severus W.E. , Lipkovich I.A. , Licht R.W. , Young A.H. , Greil W. , Ketter T. , Deberdt W. , Tohen M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether lower lithium levels (LoLi) or olanzapine doses (LoOL) are risk factors for future mood episodes in patients with bipolar I disorder.

Methods

A post-hoc analysis of the olanzapine-lithium-maintenance study [31] was performed using proportional hazards Cox regression models and marginal structural models (MSMs), adjusting for non-random assignments of dose during treatment.

Results

The LoLi group (< 0.6 mmol/L) had a significantly increased risk of manic/mixed (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.96, p = 0.042), but not depressive (HR = 2.11, p = 0.272) episodes, compared to the combined medium (0.6–0.79 mmol/L) and high lithium level (≥ 0.8 mmol/L) groups. There was no significant difference in risk between the two higher lithium level groups (0.6-0.79 mmol/L; ≥ 0.8 mmol/L) for new manic/mixed (HR = 0.96, p = 0.893) or depressive (HR = 0.95, p = 0.922) episodes. The LoOL group (< 10 mg/day) showed a significantly increased risk of depressive (HR = 2.24, p = 0.025) episodes compared to the higher olanzapine (HiOL) dose group (HiOL: 10–20 mg/day), while there was no statistically significant difference in risk for manic/mixed episodes between the two groups (HR = 0.94, p = 0.895).

Conclusion

Lithium levels ≥ 0.6 mmol/L and olanzapine doses ≥ 10 mg/day may be necessary for optimal protection against manic/mixed or depressive episodes, respectively in patients with bipolar I disorder.
Swapping of the N‐terminus of VDAC1 with VDAC3 restores full activity of the channel and confers anti‐aging features to the cell
Authors: Reina Simona , Palermo Vanessa , Guarnera Andrea , Guarino Francesca , Messina Angela , Mazzoni Cristina , De Pinto Vito
Published: May 2010

Voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channels (VDACs) are pore‐forming proteins allowing the permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane. The VDAC3 isoform is the least abundant and least active in a complementation assay performed in a yeast strain devoid of porin‐1. We swapped the VDAC3 N‐terminal 20 amino acids with homologous sequences from the other isoforms. The substitution of the VDAC3 N‐terminus with the VDAC1 N‐terminus caused the chimaera to become more active than VDAC1. The VDAC2 N‐terminus improved VDAC3 activity, though to a lesser extent. The VDAC3 carrying the VDAC1 N‐terminus was able to complement the lack of the yeast porin in mitochondrial respiration and in modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This chimaera increased life span, indicating a more efficient bioenergetic metabolism and/or a better protection from ROS.
Curcumin inhibits hepatitis B virus via down‐regulation of the metabolic coactivator PGC‐1α
Authors: Mouler Rechtman Maya , Har-Noy Ofir , Bar-Yishay Iddo , Fishman Sigal , Adamovich Yaarit , Shaul Yosef , Halpern Zamir , Shlomai Amir
Published: May 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects the liver and uses its cell host for gene expression and propagation. Therefore, targeting host factors essential for HBV gene expression is a potential anti‐viral strategy. Here we show that treating HBV expressing cells with the natural phenolic compound curcumin inhibits HBV gene expression and replication. This inhibition is mediated via down‐regulation of PGC‐1α, a starvation‐induced protein that initiates the gluconeogenesis cascade and that has been shown to robustly coactivate HBV transcription. We suggest curcumin as a host targeted therapy for HBV infection that may complement current virus‐specific therapies.
Twenty‐five years after the FIGO guidelines for the use of fetal monitoring: Time for a simplified approach?
Authors: Ayres‐de‐Campos Diogo , Bernardes João
Published: May 2010

Twenty‐five years after the FIGO Workshop that produced the “Guidelines for the use of fetal monitoring,” these remain the only broad international consensus effort in this field. Documents of a similar nature have been produced by national institutions, with subsequent updates of the initial concepts. The 3‐class classification system has now been adopted by all the major guidelines, and while there are numerous similar features, and indeed many ideas were inspired by the FIGO guidelines, many key aspects still lack consensus. Making guidelines simpler and more objective may be an important step to guarantee a wide application and assimilation of the recommendations, as well as an enhanced reproducibility and increased memory retention.
A Customer Lifetime Value-Based Approach to Marketing in the Multichannel, Multimedia Retailing Environment
Authors: Kumar V.
Published: May 2010

This paper proposes a multichannel, multimedia communications framework based on the concept of Customer Lifetime Value. The framework begins with customer information from the company's database, segments the customers based on the value they provide to the company, and advocates sending targeted messages using differentiated modes of communication. The framework also closes the communication loop by identifying the appropriate modes of inbound communication for the four customer segments (“Icons,” “Go-Getters,” “Opulents,” and “Misers”), and proposes customized firm responses based on the nature/purpose of the inbound communication call. The article presents this framework in both B2C and B2B settings, offers managerial implications for implementing this framework and outlines future research directions.
Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age‐related cognitive decline
Authors: Yurko‐Mauro Karin , McCarthy Deanna , Rom Dror , Nelson Edward B. , Ryan Alan S. , Blackwell Andrew , Salem Norman , Stedman Mary ,   MIDAS Investigators
Published: May 2010

Background

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays an important role in neural function. Decreases in plasma DHA are associated with cognitive decline in healthy elderly adults and in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Higher DHA intake is inversely correlated with relative risk of Alzheimer's disease. The potential benefits of DHA supplementation in age‐related cognitive decline (ARCD) have not been fully examined.

Objective

Determine effects of DHA administration on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults with ARCD.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical study was conducted at 19 U.S. clinical sites. A total of 485 healthy subjects, aged ≥55 with Mini‐Mental State Examination >26 and a Logical Memory (Wechsler Memory Scale III) baseline score ≥1 standard deviation below younger adults, were randomly assigned to 900 mg/d of DHA orally or matching placebo for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the CANTAB Paired Associate Learning (PAL), a visuospatial learning and episodic memory test.

Results

Intention‐to‐treat analysis demonstrated significantly fewer PAL six pattern errors with DHA versus placebo at 24 weeks (difference score, −1.63 ± 0.76 [−3.1, −0.14, 95% CI], P = .03). DHA supplementation was also associated with improved immediate and delayed Verbal Recognition Memory scores (P < .02), but not working memory or executive function tests. Plasma DHA levels doubled and correlated with improved PAL scores (P < .02) in the DHA group. DHA was well tolerated with no reported treatment‐related serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Twenty‐four week supplementation with 900 mg/d DHA improved learning and memory function in ARCD and is a beneficial supplement that supports cognitive health with aging.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT0027813.
Oral candidiasis in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Deng Zeyi , Kiyuna Asanori , Hasegawa Masahiro , Nakasone Isamu , Hosokawa Atsushi , Suzuki Mikio
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate oral candidiasis in patients with head and neck cancer before, during, and after radiation therapy, and to explore its association with clinical oropharyngeal symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort study.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects who received radiation therapy (RT) for the treatment of head and neck cancer were divided into two groups: an oral cavity irradiated group (OIRR group, n = 29) and an oral cavity nonirradiated group (ONIRR group, n = 17). A control group consisted of 18 healthy subjects. Patients were examined for signs of oral candidiasis before, during, immediately after, and one month after RT. Mouth and throat soreness (MTS), dysphagia, and xerostomia were evaluated by self‐reported questionnaires, and associations between oral candidiasis and these symptoms were analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of oral candidiasis during RT was significantly higher in the OIRR group (55.2%) than in the ONIRR group (11.8%). Similarly, the occurrence of xerostomia during RT was significantly higher in the OIRR group (86.2%) than in the ONIRR group (52.9%). In the OIRR group, the mean MTS score at the 20th fraction of RT was significantly higher in patients with candidiasis (mean ± SD, 5.8 ± 2.1) than in those with RT‐induced mucositis without candidiasis (3.7 ± 2.0). In the OIRR group, 65.2 percent of patients who experienced dysphagia developed oral candidiasis, compared with only 10 percent in the ONIRR group.

CONCLUSION

Oral candidiasis concurrent with oral mucositis due to RT may increase oropharyngeal discomfort during RT.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
The rise and fall of the Third Site of Ballistic Missile Defense
Authors: Hynek Nik , Stritecky Vit
Published: May 2010

The present article examines the tumultuous development in the issue of the Third Site (also known as the Third Pillar) of the US Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) that was planned to be hosted by the Czech Republic and Poland. The article analyzes the entire ‘life cycle’ of the project, from its formal proposal in 2007 by the former U.S. President George W. Bush to its cancellation in 2009 by the current U.S. President Barak Obama. Without any doubts, the Third Site of BMD put Poland and the Czech Republic at the centre of international security politics and as such allows one to see how the two post-communist countries acted and reacted to related international positions, expectations and challenges. A detailed analysis of this issue, nevertheless, does not exhaust aims of this article. Whether brief or detailed, any look at the coverage of the issue reveals that the Czech Republic and Poland have invariably been lumped together through the construction of the imagery of the New Europe as a homogeneous political bloc. It will be argued that such a view is flawed and needs refinement. In order to back the claim, the issue of the Third Site is put into a historical context, revealing that the differences between the Czech and Polish international-security preferences and expectations after the end of the Cold War have been quite stable – including the most recent development after the project has been shelved by the United States, and can thus be conceived of in dialectical terms.
Associations of television viewing, physical activity and dietary behaviours with obesity in aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadian youth
Authors: Ng Carmina , Young T Kue , Corey Paul N
Published: May 2010

Objective

To determine associations of diet, physical activity and television (TV) viewing time with obesity among aboriginal and non-aboriginal youth in conjunction with socio-economic variables.

Design

Cross-sectional study of differences between aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups and associations between lifestyle and socio-economic factors with obesity were examined.

Setting

Population data from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2·2 conducted in 2004 in the ten provinces of Canada.

Subjects

A total of 198 aboriginal and 4448 non-aboriginal Canadian youth aged 12–17 years.

Results

Compared to non-aboriginal youth, physical activity participation among aboriginal youth was higher, but consumption of vegetables and dairy products was lower, and more aboriginal youth were ‘high’ TV watchers. Low income adequacy was associated with decreased odds for obesity among aboriginal youth in contrast to higher odds among non-aboriginal youth. Non-aboriginal ‘high’ TV watchers consumed more soft drinks and non-whole-grain products than did ‘low’ TV watchers. Physical activity participation did not differ between ‘high’ and ‘low’ TV watchers for both groups, and was associated with lowered odds for obesity only among aboriginal youth.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors associated with obesity differ between aboriginal and non-aboriginal youth. These findings may be useful for guiding intervention efforts.
Resonance zones for electron interaction with plasma waves in the Earth’s dipole magnetosphere. II. Evaluation for oblique chorus, hiss, electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, and magnetosonic waves
Authors: Ni Binbin , Summers Danny
Published: May 2010

Resonance zones in the Earth’s dipole magnetosphere are determined for electron cyclotron resonance with obliquely propagating very-low-frequency chorus, extremely-low-frequency hiss, electromagnetic ion cyclotron, and magnetosonic waves. The resonance zones, which are presented in (L,λ) space, where L is magnetic shell and λ is magnetic latitude, depend on the assumed particle density distributions inside and outside the plasmasphere, the specified wave bands, and the electron kinetic energy. This work is a companion paper of Ni and Summers [Phys. Plasmas 17, 042902 (2010)], which considers strictly field-aligned wave propagation. Inclusion of the wave normal angle parameter adds an extra degree of freedom to the calculations, and emphasizes the need for global observational data on the wave spectral properties. Comparison of resonance zones with global wave distributions is a useful aid in the modeling of radiation belt electron dynamics. Resonance zones are also of potential use in the interpretation of observational data on particles and waves at given points in space.
Impact of strain on the surface properties of transition metal carbide films: First-principles study
Authors: Bazhanov D. I. , Mutigullin I. V. , Knizhnik A. A. , Potapkin B. V. , Bagaturyants A. A. , Fonseca L. R. C. , Stoker M. W.
Published: May 2010

The effect of in-plane lattice strain on the atomic and electronic properties of low-index transition metal (M=Ti, Nb, and Ta) carbide surfaces is studied by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations using a pseudopotential plane-wave technique. The most stable cubic rock-salt phase is considered for carbides. The first-principle study of various [(001), (110), and metal-terminated (111)] carbide surfaces reveals that both compressive and tensile strains strongly affect surface relaxation and electronic properties (work function values and band structures). The most stable (001) carbide surfaces exhibit rumpling between transition metal and carbon atoms in the topmost surface layers, which depends on the applied strain. The work function (WF) for the metal-terminated (111) surfaces varies monotonically, rather strongly depending on the applied strain (the range of variation reaches about 1 eV), while the WF for the (001) surface varies nonmonotonically with a much smaller resulting variation over the wide range of the applied strains. Surface energy calculations show that surface stability is also governed by the applied strain.
Symmetries of spin systems and Birman–Wenzl–Murakami algebra
Authors: Kulish P. P. , Manojlović N. , Nagy Z.
Published: May 2010

We consider integrable open spin chains related to the quantum affine algebras Uq(o(3)ˆ) and Uq(A2(2)). We discuss the symmetry algebras of these chains with the local C3 space related to the Birman–Wenzl–Murakami algebra. The symmetry algebra and the Birman–Wenzl–Murakami algebra centralize each other in the representation space H=⊗1NC3 of the system, and this determines the structure of the spin system spectra. Consequently, the corresponding multiplet structure of the energy spectra is obtained.
Propagation of magnetic island due to self-induced zonal flow
Authors: Uzawa K. , Ishizawa A. , Nakajima N.
Published: May 2010

Propagation of magnetic island caused by drift-tearing instability is numerically investigated based on a reduced set of two-fluid equations. It is found that the island propagates into the ion diamagnetic direction when the island growth is saturated, and the propagation velocity becomes small as the viscosity increases. The island propagates with zonal flow generated by drift-tearing instability, because flattening of pressure inside the island is enhanced by parallel ion velocity. The mechanism of zonal flow generation depends on the viscosity. When the viscosity is small, the flow driven by the Reynolds stress is diminished by the Maxwell stress, and the small difference between them is overcome by the ion diamagnetic stress, and thus the zonal flow directs toward the ion diamagnetic direction. When the viscosity is large, the viscous stress is counteracted by the Reynolds and the Maxwell stresses, and the small difference between them is overcome by the ion diamagnetic stress, and thus zonal flow directs toward the ion diamagnetic direction.
Giant tunneling magnetoresistance with electron beam evaporated MgO barrier and CoFeB electrodes
Authors: Kurt H. , Oguz K. , Niizeki T. , Coey J. M. D.
Published: May 2010

Electron-beam (EB) evaporated MgO grows with (001) texture on amorphous CoFeB when the deposition rate is kept below 5 pm/s. Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) fabricated using this method exhibit ∼240% magnetoresistance at room temperature for a 2.5 nm thick EB-MgO barrier, which is similar to the value for a radio frequency (rf) sputtered barrier with the same junction geometry. The average barrier height of the EB-MgO is 0.48 eV, which is higher than previously reported values for rf-MgO barriers and it increases with increasing annealing temperature. Our results show that EB-MgO could be a simpler alternative to rf-MgO in MTJs without any compromise in the tunnelling magnetoresistance.
Strain induced modification of quasi-two-dimensional electron gas state on √3×√3-Ag structure
Authors: Mochizuki Izumi , Negishi Ryota , Shigeta Yukichi
Published: May 2010

To establish fundamental understanding of the influence of lattice strain to a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas state (2DEG), the both effects of compressive and tensile strains induced in the √3×√3-Ag structure formed on the Ge/Si(111) and the Si/Ge(111) surfaces were investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy and angle resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The effective mass of the 2DEG is decreased by the compressive strain and that is increased by the tensile strain. The results indicate the dispersion of the electronic state will be modified by controlling the lattice strain.
Surprising behaviors in flapping locomotion with passive pitching
Authors: Spagnolie Saverio E. , Moret Lionel , Shelley Michael J. , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2010

To better understand the role of wing and fin flexibility in flapping locomotion, we study through experiment and numerical simulation a freely moving wing that can “pitch” passively as it is actively heaved in a fluid. We observe a range of flapping frequencies corresponding to large horizontal velocities, a regime of underperformance relative to a clamped (nonpitching) flapping wing, and a surprising, hysteretic regime in which the flapping wing can move horizontally in either direction (despite left/right symmetry being broken by the specific mode of pitching). The horizontal velocity is shown to peak when the flapping frequency is near the immersed system’s resonant frequency. Unlike for the clamped wing, we find that locomotion is achieved by vertically flapped symmetric wings with even the slightest pitching flexibility, and the system exhibits a continuous departure from the Stokesian regime. The phase difference between the vertical heaving motion and consequent pitching changes continuously with the flapping frequency, and the direction reversal is found to correspond to a critical phase relationship. Finally, we show a transition from coherent to chaotic motion by increasing the wing’s aspect ratio, and then a return to coherence for flapping bodies with circular cross section.
On the periodic orbits of Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Rodrigues Ana
Published: May 2010

We show how to apply to Hamiltonian differential systems recent results for studying the periodic orbits of a differential system using the averaging theory. We have chosen two classical integrable Hamiltonian systems, one with the Hooke potential and the other with the Kepler potential, and we study the periodic orbits which bifurcate from the periodic orbits of these integrable systems, first perturbing the Hooke Hamiltonian with a nonautonomous potential, and second perturbing the Kepler problem with an autonomous potential.
Relativistic Jahn–Teller effects in the quartet states of K3 and Rb3: A vibronic analysis of the 2 E4′←1 A42′ electronic transitions based on ab initio calculations
Authors: Hauser Andreas W. , Auböck Gerald , Callegari Carlo , Ernst Wolfgang E.
Published: May 2010

We apply second-order multireference Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory to obtain the adiabatic potential energy surface of the 1 A42′ lowest quartet state and the 2 E4′ excited state of K3 and Rb3. Both trimers show a typical E⊗e Jahn–Teller distortion in their 2 E4′ state, which is analyzed in terms of relativistic Jahn–Teller effect theory. Linear, quadratic, and spin-orbit coupling terms are extracted from the ab initio results and used to generate simulated spectra for a direct comparison with laser-induced fluorescence and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of alkali-doped helium nanodroplets [Auböck et al., J. Chem. Phys. 129, 114501 (2008)].
Self-consistent field lattice model study on the phase behavior of physically associating polymer solutions
Authors: Han Xiang-Gang , Zhang Cheng-Xiang
Published: May 2010

The phase behavior of physically associating polymer solutions, where the polymer chain contains a small fraction of “stickers” regularly placed along the backbone, is studied using self-consistent field lattice model. Two inhomogenous morphologies are observed. One is a microfluctuation homogenous (MFH) morphology, where the mean-field values of the local average concentrations of polymers ϕP(r) and stickers ϕst(r) slightly fluctuate around their respective bulk average values ϕ¯P and ϕ¯st and regularly from site to site. The other is a randomly close-packed micelle (RCPM) morphology. The structure of the micelle in RCPM morphology is similar to that of the “flower micelle” in the telechelic associative polymer system, where stickers are located in the core of the micelle and nonsticky groups in the corona. When ϕ¯P≳0.08, if homogenous associating polymer solutions are cooled, MFH morphology appears, and the system entirely changes from homogenous solutions (HS) to MFH morphology; If the solutions are cooled further, RCPM morphology appears. When ϕ¯P<0.08, however, RCPM morphology appears immediately. If ϕ¯P<0.53, a macroscopic phase separation, where the polymer rich phase is RCPM morphology, occurs. If ϕ¯P≳0.53, only RCPM morphology is found in the system. A peak appears in the temperature-dependent specific-heat curve CV(χ) at each transition point. For the HS-MFH transition, CV(χ) has an abrupt increase and a slow decrease, whereas for the MFH-RCPM transition, both the increase and the decrease in CV(χ) are slow. Furthermore, the system with only MFH morphology may be trapped in one of the two energy basins in a experimental time scale. However, the appearance of RCPM morphology means that the system is trapped in one of a series of “deeper” energy basins, and it is very difficult to jump off this deep basin into the one of MFH morphology or one of the other RCPM morphologies through thermal fluctuations.
Lensfree on-chip imaging using nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Khademhosseinieh Bahar , Sencan Ikbal , Biener Gabriel , Su Ting-Wei , Coskun Ahmet F. , Tseng Derek , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: May 2010

We introduce the use of nanostructured surfaces for lensfree on-chip microscopy. In this incoherent on-chip imaging modality, the object of interest is directly positioned onto a nanostructured thin metallic film, where the emitted light from the object plane, after being modulated by the nanostructures, diffracts over a short distance to be sampled by a detector-array without the use of any lenses. The detected far-field diffraction pattern then permits rapid reconstruction of the object distribution on the chip at the subpixel level using a compressive sampling algorithm. This imaging modality based on nanostructured substrates could especially be useful to create lensfree fluorescent microscopes on a compact chip.
A multilevel recording method of phase-change materials
Authors: Xiang Chaoyu , Chou Lih-Hsin
Published: May 2010

In this letter, a method of using ellipsometer parameters to analyze the phase-change material effects of polarized light is exhibited theoretically. The potential usage of polarized light on phase-change materials for information recording is demonstrated by calculating the polarized reflective light angle difference between amorphous and crystalline phases of Te doped GeSb9 films based on this exhibited theory from the ellipsometer data.
Crossed-beam dc slice imaging of chlorine atom reactions with pentane isomers
Authors: Estillore Armando D. , Visger Laura M. , Suits Arthur G.
Published: May 2010

We present the first in a series of detailed investigations of the reaction of Cl atoms with hydrocarbons in crossed beams. This study focuses on reaction with the pentane isomers n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane. These crossed-beam ion imaging experiments rely on “universal” 157 nm probe of the pentyl radical product, with dc sliced detection providing the scattering distributions directly. The results for the different target reactants were studied at two collision energies: ∼5 and ∼9 kcal/mol. The scattering results are quite similar for all reactants, suggesting that the nature of the abstraction site has surprisingly little influence on the dynamics. The angular distributions are broad with a backscattered peak at low collision energy and a sharp forward peak at high collision energy. The translational energy distributions are strongly coupled to the angular distributions and show, for the forward scattered products, a sharp peak at 80% of the collision energy for all reactants at both collision energies. The sideways-scattered products show the lowest fraction of energy in translation, while the backscattered translational energy distribution peaks at the lowest energy but extends to the highest, showing evidence of coupling of the internal degrees of freedom and the reaction exoergicity, into translation. The results are discussed in view of the extensive literature on related systems.
Optical and electronic properties of post-annealed ZnO:Al thin films
Authors: Kim Yumin , Lee Woojin , Jung Dae-Ryong , Kim Jongmin , Nam Seunghoon , Kim Hoechang , Park Byungwoo
Published: May 2010

This study examined the optical and electronic properties of post-annealed Al-doped ZnO (ZnO:Al) thin films. The lowest resistivity was observed after annealing a sputter-deposited ZnO:Al film at 350 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a ∼0.4 eV shift in the Fermi level when the carrier concentration was increased to 1.6×1020 cm−3 by Al doping and annealing. The optical band gap increased from 3.2 eV for insulating ZnO to 3.4 eV for conducting ZnO:Al, and was associated with conduction-band filling up to ∼0.4 eV in a renormalized band gap. Schematic band diagrams are shown for the ZnO and ZnO:Al films.
Structural transformation induced changes in the optical properties of nanocrystalline tungsten oxide thin films
Authors: Gullapalli S. K. , Vemuri R. S. , Ramana C. V.
Published: May 2010

Nanocrystalline tungsten oxide (WO3) films were grown by reactive magnetron sputter-deposition. The structure and optical properties of WO3 films were evaluated using grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopic measurements. The effect of ultramicrostructure was significant on the optical characteristics of WO3 films. The band gap decreases from 3.25 to 2.92 eV with increasing grain-size from ∼9 to 50 nm while the films exhibit a transition from monoclinic to tetragonal phase. A direct microstructure-property relationship found suggests that tuning properties of WO3 films for desired applications can be achieved by tuning the conditions and controlling the phase.
Exergy analysis of particle dispersed latent heat thermal storage system for solar water heaters
Authors: Jegadheeswaran S. , Pohekar S. D.
Published: May 2010

Phase change material (PCM) based latent heat thermal storage (LHTS) systems offer a challenging option to be employed as an effective energy storage and retrieval device if the energy source is intermittent and time dependent. However, the performance of LHTS systems is limited by the poor thermal conductivity of PCMs employed. The addition of high conductivity particles is proposed as one of the promising performance enhancement techniques for LHTS. In our study, an attempt is made to investigate the performance enhancement of a shell and tube storage unit applicable to solar water heaters due to the addition of high conductivity particles (copper) through exergy analysis. The enthalpy based two dimensional-transient equations are solved numerically for discharging process using FLUENT—a commercial computational fluid dynamics code. The numerical results show good agreement with experimental results available in the literature. The thermal behavior and performance of particle dispersed PCM unit in terms of exergy efficiency and total exergy recovered are compared with that of pure PCM unit. It is observed that the discharging time is reduced by around 28% by adding particles of volume fraction 0.1 and by around 85% with 0.6 volume fraction. However, the decrease in discharging time is not much appreciable beyond the particle volume fraction of 0.4. Similarly, the exergy efficiency and total exergy recovered are increased by 12% and 15%, respectively, with 0.1 volume fraction and by 50% and 60%, respectively, with 0.4 volume fraction. Different Reynolds numbers (i.e., Re=200–10 000) are considered in the numerical trials to investigate the influence of mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid (HTF) on the performance of the system. The results reveal that the role of HTF mass flow rate in increasing the overall thermal performance of LHTS unit is insignificant.