bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single sub-anaesthetic dose of propofol to reduce patient recall of peribulbar block
Authors: Hocking G , Balmer H G R
Published: March 2013

We audited a total of 1233 patients scheduled for elective cataract extraction or trabeculectomy using peri-bulbar anaesthesia. A bolus of propofol provided sedation to cover insertion of the block. During an initial two-year period we collected data on the amount of propofol used to sedate 481 patients. Multiple linear regression analysis was then used to obtain an equation to link the dose used to age and weight in those who were adequately sedated. The dose of propofol in milligrams was calculated as 56 + 0.25 x weight (kg) - 0.53 x age (yrs). We subsequently assessed the effectiveness of this formula at abolishing recall of the injections whilst not compromising the airway on a further 752 patients. This simple regime was effective at abolishing recall of the block in 78.6% of the patients studied and avoids the cost and logistic implications of more complicated drug delivery systems. Use of the formula does not significantly alter the incidence of recall compared to sedation provided by an experienced ophthalmic anaesthetist. We hope it will provide a guide for more junior anaesthetists to obtain the satisfactory sedation level that comes with experience.
Penetrating Wounds of the Torso
Authors: Barker P
Published: March 2013

Penetrating trauma is on the increase as a result of interpersonal violence throughout the world. It is essential that military surgeons are familiar with such injuries and trained not only in the principles of their management, but also have first-hand operative experience before deployment in the field of conflict. More often than not, this experience is to be gained in the civilian urban setting in countries such as South Africa and the USA.

The article addresses the first requirement - the principles of management - and outlines basic measures to enable those unfamiliar with penetrating wounds of the torso to make a reasonable and directed approach to dealing with these patients. It does not attempt to give definitive advice on specific injuries.

It is organised according to anatomical regions, but emphasises that this is only in order to put shape to the article; penetrating injuries frequently having no respect for anatomical boundaries. Particular attention is drawn to difficult areas such as mediastinal injuries, and to modern concepts of ‘damage control’ surgery and the ‘abdominal compartment syndrome’. The emphasis throughout is on how to get out of trouble and where particular danger spots may be anticipated. Reference will be made to the differences that may be expected within the military environment as opposed to the civilian setting, where rapid and (usually) safe evacuation to a well-equipped secure facility may not be possible.

The article aims to raise the awareness of those involved in the care of patients with penetrating wounds of the torso that a methodical approach with a practised team of experienced individuals can salvage injuries which at first sight may seem terrifying or hopeless.
Use Of Atypical Anti-Psychotics In The Management Of Post-Traumatic Confusional States In Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Temple M J
Published: March 2013

The use of atypical anti-psychotics (AAP) in the treatment of organic neuropsychiatric syndromes is little reported. We present a case of posttraumatic delirium with delusions treated with Risperidone and discuss the use of AAP’s in this situation.
Use of ultrasound to identify chronic Achilles tendinosis in an active asymptomatic population
Authors: Nicol A M , McCurdie I , Etherington J
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of degenerative change in the Achilles tendons of currently asymptomatic individuals and correlate it with their degree of physical activity.

Methods

We recruited 126 healthy subjects, mean age 33.1, range 20 – 50 (78 males and 48 females). Their levels of physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire and scored using the Allied Dunbar Fitness Survey criteria, modified to exclude non-weight bearing activity. One investigator, who was blinded to the activity levels, ultrasound scanned all 252 tendons. Tendons were examined for evidence of hypoechoic regions, localised fusiform thickening, and the cross-sectional diameter of each was measured.

Results

Overall 59% (149) of tendons had ultrasound evidence of hypoechoic regions. In 50 tendons (in 31 patients) there was a history of previous Achilles pain and 84% of these had hypoechoic regions. Thirty three percent of subjects in the lowest quartile of activity had evidence of hypoechoic regions compared to 72.6% in the most active quartile (Pearson Chi2 p < 0.01). Only 5.6% of all Achilles tendons had ultrasound evidence of localised fusiform thickening, with none in the inactive group compared to 6.4% in the very active group (Pearson Chi2 p =0.03).

Conclusions

Degenerative changes, identified by ultrasound, are common in the Achilles tendon and are often asymptomatic. There is a direct relationship between these changes and levels of current and lifetime activity. The natural history of asymptomatic chronic Achilles tendinosis and their relationship to future pain or tendon pathology is unknown.
Endocrine Aspects of High Altitude Acclimatization and Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: Woods David , Stacey M , Hill N , Alwis N de
Published: March 2013

The acute acclimatization to high altitude is underpinned by a diuresis (and to a lesser extent a natriuresis) that facilitates a reduction in plasma volume. This allows a haemoconcentration to occur that increases the oxygen carrying capacity of a given volume of blood, a vital effect in the presence of a reduced partial pressure of oxygen. This critical acclimatization process is orchestrated by the endocrine system. This review will present the key evidence regarding the changes in several important hormones that affect this process.
Energy at High Altitude
Authors: Hill NE , Stacey MJ , Woods David
Published: March 2013

For the military doctor, an understanding of the metabolic effects of high altitude (HA) exposure is highly relevant. This review examines the acute metabolic challenge and subsequent changes in nutritional homeostasis that occur when troops deploy rapidly to HA. Key factors that impact on metabolism include the hypoxic-hypobaric environment, physical exercise and diet. Expected metabolic changes include augmentation of basal metabolic rate (BMR), decreased availability of oxygen in peripheral metabolic tissues, reduction in VO2 max, increased glucose dependency and lactate accumulation during exercise. The metabolic demands of exercise at HA are crucial. Equivalent activity requires greater effort and more energy than it does at sea level. Soldiers working at HA show high energy expenditure and this may exceed energy intake significantly. Energy intake at HA is affected adversely by reduced availability, reduced appetite and changes in endocrine parameters. Energy imbalance and loss of body water result in weight loss, which is extremely common at HA. Loss of fat predominates over loss of fat-free mass. This state resembles starvation and the preferential primary fuel source shifts from carbohydrate towards fat, reducing performance efficiency. However, these adverse effects can be mitigated by increasing energy intake in association with a high carbohydrate ration. Commanders must ensure that individuals are motivated, educated, strongly encouraged and empowered to meet their energy needs in order to maximise mission-effectiveness.
International Military Medical Engagement with the Indigenous Civilian Health Sector
Authors: Bricknell Martin CM , Cameron E
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the engagement of international military medical services with the indigenous health sector. It focuses on the relationship between security forces, both international and indigenous, with the indigenous civilian health sector based on experiences and observations at the operational and tactical level from engagement with the Afghan civilian health sector in 2009/10. The paper provides a practical description of medical engagement within the ‘Shape-Clear-Hold-Build-Transfer’ construct for counter insurgency operations.
Falls From Height: Injury and Mortality
Authors: Dickinson A , Roberts M , Kumar A , Weaver A , Lockey DJ
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To determine how Injury Severity Score (ISS) and mortality relate to height fallen, and to determine other predictors of mortality including intent and body region injured.

Methods

A pre-hospital retrospective, observational database study was conducted. Injured or deceased patients following a fall from height (FFH), aged 16 or over, attended to by London Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), between Jan 2008 to July 2009 were included in the study. In addition to the database, HEMS mission ‘run sheets’ provided further information.

Results

117 (91 males and 26 females) patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 37 years (range 16 - 85). 34/117 (29%) died. The mean ISS was 28.6 (median 17) and the mean height fallen 9.9m (3rdfloor). In the group that died the mean height was 16.7m (5thfloor). Height fallen was found to be a significant predictor of mortality (p<0.001), as were injuries to the chest and/or head (p<0.05). In patients with head and chest injuries, a 50% mortality rate was estimated to occur at falls from 10.5m, compared to 22.4m in those without injuries to head or chest. Deliberate falls were more common amongst females than males (chi-squared test, p=0.001), were associated with greater ISS (Mann Whitney test, p<0.001) and were more likely to result in death (chi-squared test, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Height fallen correlates with ISS and is a significant predictor of death. Chest and/or head injuries significantly increased the likelihood of death following a FFH. This information may enhance triage criteria applied to tasking of emergency response vehicles, and strategies in injury prevention. Other potential predictors of mortality were not found to be significant.
Effect of adding single-joint exercises to a multi-joint exercise resistance-training program on strength and hypertrophy in untrained subjects
Authors: Gentil Paulo , Soares Saulo Rodrigo Sampaio , Pereira Maria Claúdia , Cunha Rafael Rodrigues da , Martorelli Saulo Santos , Martorelli André Santos , Bottaro Martim
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of adding single-joint (SJ) exercises to a multi-joint (MJ) exercise resistance-training program on upper body muscle size and strength. Twenty-nine untrained young men participated in a 10-week training session. They were randomly divided in 2 groups: the MJ group performed only MJ exercises (lat pulldown and bench press); the MJ+SJ group performed the same MJ exercises plus SJ exercises (lat pulldown, bench press, elbow flexion, and elbow extension). Before and after the training period, the muscle thickness (MT) of the elbow flexors was measured with ultrasound, and peak torque (PT) was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in MT (6.5% for MJ and 7.04% for MJ+SJ) and PT (10.40% for MJ and 12.85% for MJ+SJ) in both groups, but there were no between-group differences. Therefore, this study showed that the inclusion of SJ exercises in a MJ exercise training program resulted in no additional benefits in terms of muscle size or strength gains in untrained young men.
Performance of bent stirrup and headed glass fibre reinforced polymer bars in concrete structures
Authors: Johnson David T. , Sheikh Shamim A.
Published: March 2013

An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of various types of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement, including bent stirrups and headed bars in concrete structures. Results from 11 large beams (400 mm × 650 mm × 3650 mm) tested in monotonic three-point flexure were selected for this paper; some specimens used GFRP bent-bar stirrups and some used double-headed straight bar shear reinforcement. Based on the results from the tests, specimens reinforced with bent-bar stirrups and specimens with headed-bar shear reinforcement were found to perform similarly up until the calculated flexural failure load. Beyond that, beams reinforced with bent-bar stirrups showed significantly more deformability due to confinement of concrete in flexural compression. Strains measured in the transverse reinforcement were found to exceed the code limitations, in some cases exceeding 200% of the limit prescribed in both CSA S6 and ACI440.1R. It was also found that at loads close to the service conditions, the cracking behaviour was very similar for the beams reinforced with transverse headed bars and bent-bar stirrups. Finally, the concept of hybrid reinforcement systems for controlling deflections and cracking was introduced. Results from the experiments show promise that these systems can better control deflections and cracking at expected service load conditions.
Effects of medullary administration of a nitric oxide precursor on cardiovascular responses and neurotransmission during static exercise following ischemic stroke
Authors: Phattanarudee Siripan , Towiwat Pasarapa , Maher Timothy J. , Ally Ahmmed
Published: March 2013

We have reported that in rats with a 90 min left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and 24 h reperfusion, pressor responses during muscle contractions were attenuated, as were glutamate concentrations in the left rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and left caudal VLM (CVLM), but gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels increased in left RVLM and CVLM. This study determined the effects of l-arginine, a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, within the RVLM and (or) CVLM on cardiovascular activity and glutamate/GABA levels during static exercise in left-sided MCAO rats. Microdialysis of l-arginine into left RVLM had a greater attenuation of cardiovascular responses, a larger decrease in glutamate, and a significant increase in GABA levels during muscle contractions in stroke rats. Administration of NG-monomethyl-l-arginine, an NO-synthase inhibitor, reversed the effects. In contrast, l-arginine administration into left CVLM evoked a greater potentiation of cardiovascular responses, increased glutamate, and decreased GABA levels during contractions in stroked rats. However, l-arginine administration into both left RVLM and left CVLM elicited responses similar to its infusion into the left RVLM. These results suggest that NO within the RVLM and CVLM modulates cardiovascular responses and glutamate/GABA neurotransmission during static exercise following stroke, and that a RVLM–NO mechanism has a dominant effect in the medullary regulation of cardiovascular function.
Cytogenetic characterization by in situ hybridization techniques and molecular analysis of 5S rRNA genes of the European hazelnut (Corylus avellana)
Authors: Falistocco E. , Marconi G.
Published: March 2013

The European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is widespread in Europe, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Despite progress in genetics, most of the cytogenetic aspects of this species have been overlooked. The aim of this study was to fill in this gap and obtain basic information on the chromosome structure of this species. Karyomorphological analysis confirmed the chromosome number 2n = 22 and showed that, despite their apparent uniformity, the chromosomes could be separated into three groups of different size: large (L), medium (M), and small (S). As a first step towards the physical mapping of the hazelnut chromosomes, we applied FISH to localize the position of rRNA genes (rDNA). The sites of 45S and 5S rDNA enabled us to identify two chromosome pairs belonging, respectively, to the L and S groups. The self-GISH procedure revealed that repetitive DNA is concentrated in the pericentromeric regions of the chromosomes, as with other species with rather small genomes. The analysis of 5S rDNA repeats offered additional information on the hazelnut genome by obtaining the whole sequence of the transcribed region so far unpublished. The overall results constitute a substantial advance in hazelnut cytogenetics. Further investigation of other species of Corylus could be an effective approach to understanding the phylogenesis of the genus and resolving taxonomic problems.
ROLE OF DISTANCE-BASED ROUTING IN TRAFFIC DYNAMICS ON MOBILE NETWORKS
Authors: YANG HAN-XIN , WANG WEN-XU
Published: March 2013

Despite of intensive investigations on transportation dynamics taking place on complex networks with fixed structures, a deep understanding of networks consisting of mobile nodes is challenging yet, especially the lacking of insight into the effects of routing strategies on transmission efficiency. We introduce a distance-based routing strategy for networks of mobile agents toward enhancing the network throughput and the transmission efficiency. We study the transportation capacity and delivering time of data packets associated with mobility and communication ability. Interestingly, we find that the transportation capacity is optimized at moderate moving speed, which is quite different from random routing strategy. In addition, both continuous and discontinuous transitions from free flow to congestions are observed. Degree distributions are explored in order to explain the enhancement of network throughput and other observations. Our work is valuable toward understanding complex transportation dynamics and designing effective routing protocols.
B-PHYSICS RESULTS FROM TEVATRON
Authors: BORISSOV GUENNADI
Published: March 2013

This review summarizes the most important results in B-physics obtained at the Tevatron. They include the discovery of the new B-hadrons, the measurement of their masses and lifetimes, the measurement of the oscillation frequency of [Formula: see text] meson, the search for its rare decay [Formula: see text] and the study of the CP asymmetry in decays and mixing of B mesons.
HETEROGENEOUS 3D NETWORK-ON-CHIP ARCHITECTURES: AREA AND POWER AWARE DESIGN TECHNIQUES
Authors: AGYEMAN MICHAEL O. , AHMADINIA ALI , SHAHRABI ALIREZA
Published: March 2013

Three-dimensional Network-on-Chip (3D NoC) architectures have gained a lot of popularity to solve the on-chip communication delays of next generation System-on-Chip (SoC) systems. However, the vertical interconnects of 3D NoC are expensive and complex to manufacture. Also, 3D router architecture consumes more power and occupies more area per chip floorplan compared to a 2D router. Hence, more efficient architectures should be designed. In this paper, we propose area efficient and low power 3D heterogeneous NoC architectures, which combines both the power and performance benefits of 2D routers and 3D NoC-bus hybrid router architectures in 3D NoC architectures. Experimental results show a negligible penalty (less than 5%) in average packet latency of the proposed heterogeneous 3D NoC architectures compared to typical homogeneous 3D NoCs, while the heterogeneity provides power and area efficiency of up to 61% and 19.7%, respectively.
A NAKED SINGULARITY STABLE UNDER SCALAR FIELD PERTURBATIONS
Authors: SADHU AMRUTA , SUNEETA VARDARAJAN
Published: March 2013

We prove the stability of a spacetime with a naked singularity under scalar field perturbations, where the perturbations are regular at the singularity. This spacetime, found by Janis, Newman and Winicour and independently by Wyman, is sourced by a massless scalar field and also arises as a certain limit of a class of charged dilatonic solutions in string theory. This stability result opens up specific questions for investigation related to the cosmic censorship conjecture and the mechanism by which it is implemented in nature.
DOES PRESSURE ACCENTUATE GENERAL RELATIVISTIC GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE AND FORMATION OF TRAPPED SURFACES?
Authors: MITRA ABHAS
Published: March 2013

It is widely believed that though pressure resists gravitational collapse in Newtonian gravity, it aids the same in general relativity (GR) so that GR collapse should eventually be similar to the monotonous free fall case. But we show that, even in the context of radiationless adiabatic collapse of a perfect fluid, pressure tends to resist GR collapse in a manner which is more pronounced than the corresponding Newtonian case and formation of trapped surfaces is inhibited. In fact there are many works which show such collapse to rebound or become oscillatory implying a tug of war between attractive gravity and repulsive pressure gradient. Furthermore, for an imperfect fluid, the resistive effect of pressure could be significant due to likely dramatic increase of tangential pressure beyond the "photon sphere." Indeed, with inclusion of tangential pressure, in principle, there can be static objects with surface gravitational redshift z → ∞. Therefore, pressure can certainly oppose gravitational contraction in GR in a significant manner in contradiction to the idea of Roger Penrose that GR continued collapse must be unstoppable.
INFORMATION OVERLAP IN MULTILINGUAL WIKIPEDIA AND SUMMARIZATION
Authors: FILATOVA ELENA
Published: March 2013

Wikipedia is used as a training corpus for many information selection tasks: summarization, question-answering, etc. The information presented in Wikipedia articles as well as the order in which this information is presented, is treated as the gold standard and is used for improving the quality of information selection systems. However, the Wikipedia articles corresponding to the same entry (person, location, event, etc.) written in different languages have substantial differences regarding what information is included in these articles. In this paper we analyze the regularities of information overlap among the articles about the same Wikipedia entry written in different languages: some information facts are covered in the Wikipedia articles in many languages, while others are covered only in a few languages. We introduce a hypothesis that the structure of this information overlap is similar to the information overlap structure (pyramid model) used in summarization evaluation, as well as the information overlap/repetition structure used to identify important information for multidocument summarization. We prove the correctness of our hypothesis by building a summarization system according to the presented information overlap hypothesis. This system summarizes English Wikipedia articles given the articles about the same Wikipedia entries written in other languages. To evaluate the quality of the created summaries, we use Amazon Mechanical Turk as the source of human subjects who can reliably judge the quality of the created text. We also compare the summaries generated according to the information overlap hypothesis against the lead line baseline which is considered to be the most reliable way to generate summaries of Wikipedia articles. The summarization experiment proves the correctness of the introduced multilingual Wikipedia information overlap hypothesis.
TOPONOGOV-TYPE AREA COMPARISON THEOREM OF 2-DIMENSIONAL MANIFOLDS
Authors: SU XIAOLE , SUN HONGWEI , WANG YUSHENG
Published: March 2013

Let △p1p2p3 be a geodesic triangle on M, a complete 2-dimensional Riemannian manifold of curvature ≥ k, and let [Formula: see text] be its comparison triangle on [Formula: see text] (a complete and simply connected 2-dimensional manifold of constant curvature k). Our main result is that if △p1p2p3 is areable, then its area is not less than that of [Formula: see text].
EXPLORING GPU- AND CLUSTER-BASED IMPROVEMENTS FOR OVER-SAMPLED VOLUME RAY CASTING OPACITY CORRECTION
Authors: LEE JONG KWAN , NEWMAN TIMOTHY S.
Published: March 2013

Performance improvements to the known opacity correction mechanisms for over-sampled volume ray casting (VRC), especially using two forms of commodity hardware, are explored. Data-parallel strategies that enable exploitation of parallelism using either: (1) a programmable graphics processing unit (GPU) or (2) cluster computation are a prime focus. The GPU-based approach is finely granular. The cluster-based approaches here utilize less finely granular processing that allows acceleration through multi-processing and multi-threading. These approaches also include features, such as early ray termination, empty-space skipping, term rearrangement, and term reduction, that have not been previously explored in depth for opacity-corrected VRC. A new strategy enabling more accurate opacity correction is also presented. The performance of the improvements on real volume data are also explored. The improvements allow opacity correction to be performed in a way that efficiently exploits either GPU- or cluster-based capabilities.
INVISIBLE CALIBRATION PATTERN FOR PRINT-AND-SCAN DATA HIDING BASED ON HUMAN VISUAL PERCEPTION
Authors: TAKIMOTO HIRONORI , YOSHIMORI SEIKI , MITSUKURA YASUE
Published: March 2013

In print-type steganography and watermarking, visible calibration patterns are arranged around content in which invisible data are embedded, to provide plural feature points for normalization of a scanned image. However, it is clear that conventional visible calibration patterns interfere with the page layout and artwork of original contents. Additionally, visible calibration patterns are not suitable for security services. In this paper, we propose an arrangement of and a detection method for an invisible calibration pattern based on human visual perception. We embed the proposed calibration pattern in an original image by adding a high-frequency component to blue intensity in limited regions. The proposed method protects the page layout and artwork because it is difficult for observers to detect the calibration pattern embedded into an image with a normal background.
HOMOGENIZATION OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION WITH LARGE, RANDOM POTENTIAL
Authors: ZHANG NINGYAO , BAL GUILLAUME
Published: March 2013

We study the behavior of solutions to a Schrödinger equation with large, rapidly oscillating, mean zero, random potential with Gaussian distribution. We show that in high dimension d > 𝔪, where 𝔪 is the order of the spatial pseudo-differential operator in the Schrödinger equation (with 𝔪 = 2 for the standard Laplace operator), the solution converges in the L2 sense uniformly in time over finite intervals to the solution of a deterministic Schrödinger equation as the correlation length ε tends to 0. This generalizes to long times the convergence results obtained for short times and for the heat equation in [2]. The result is based on the decomposition of multiple scattering contributions introduced in [6]. In dimension d < 𝔪, the random solution converges to the solution of a stochastic partial differential equation; see [1, 13].
A SIMULATION OF DISAGREEMENT FOR CONTROL OF RATIONAL CHEATING IN PEER REVIEW
Authors: GRIMALDO FRANCISCO , PAOLUCCI MARIO
Published: March 2013

Understanding the peer review process could help research and shed light on the mechanisms that underlie crowdsourcing. In this paper, we present an agent-based model of peer review built on three entities — the paper, the scientist and the conference. The system is implemented on a BDI platform (Jason) that allows to define a rich model of scoring, evaluating and selecting papers for conferences. Then, we propose a programme committee update mechanism based on disagreement control that is able to remove reviewers applying a strategy aimed to prevent papers better than their own to be accepted ("rational cheating"). We analyze a homogeneous scenario, where all conferences aim to the same level of quality, and a heterogeneous scenario, in which conferences request different qualities, showing how this affects the update mechanism proposed. We also present a first step toward an empirical validation of our model that compares the amount of disagreements found in real conferences with that obtained in our simulations.
Quantum and Classical Quantifiers for Atom-Nonlinear Field System under Decoherence
Authors: Berrada K.
Published: March 2013

The entanglement and coherence of a single qubit and deformed bosonic field inside a phase-damped cavity are discussed. In the classical q → 1 limit, analytic results under certain parametric conditions are obtained. The influence of deformation and dissipation on the negativity, Wehrl entropy, atomic Wehrl entropy and marginal distribution is studied. An interesting relation between the entanglement, deformation and decoherence effects is observed.
Dr Akira Tonomura: Master of Experimental Physics
Authors: Fujikawa Kazuo
Published: March 2013

There appeared a short column in the Asahi, a Japanese daily newspaper, by one of the members of the editorial board, Ms. Atsuko Tsuji, several days after Tonomura's funeral ceremony in Tokyo. This was titled “Goodbye Akira!” and about an address of Professor Chen Ning Yang at the ceremony. The appearance of this column tells how Tonomura was treated in the Japanese community and how his association with Prof. Yang was important for him.
The Graphene Research Centre Singapore
Authors: Castro Neto Antonio H.
Published: March 2013

Human progress and development has always been marked by breakthroughs in the control of materials. Since prehistoric times, through the stone, bronze, and iron ages, humans have exploited their environment for materials that can be either used directly or can be modified for their benefit, to make their life more comfortable, productive, or to gain military advantage. One age replaces another when the material that is the basis for its sustainability runs its course and is replaced by another material which presents more qualities or functionalities.
Phytochrome Cytoplasmic Signaling
Authors: Hughes Jon
Published: March 2013

Extensive studies in both lower and higher plants indicate that plant phytochrome photoreceptors signal not only by regulating transcription in the nucleus but also by acting within the cytoplasm, the latter signaling routes acting within minutes or even seconds and also providing directional information. Directional signals seem to arise from phytochromes attached anisotropically to the plasma membrane. Neochromes—phytochrome-phototropin hybrid photoreceptors probably attached to the plasma membrane—provide this signal in various ferns and perhaps certain algae but are absent from other groups. In mosses and probably higher plants too, a subpopulation of canonical phytochromes interact with phototropins at the plasma membrane and thereby steer directional responses. Phytochromes also seem able to regulate translation in the cytoplasm. This review discusses putative phytochrome functions in these contexts.
Real-Time Dynamics during Recharging Cycles
Authors: Keist Jayme , El Dasher Bassem , Torres Sharron , Evans Jim W. , Wright Paul K. , Ross Frances , Steingart Dan , Orme Christine
Published: March 2013

This paper describes preliminary results from in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC AFM) studies and in situ electrochemical small angle x-ray scattering (EC USAXS). Experiments are designed to quantify the morphological evolution during charge and discharge cycles. From the AFM data we measure feature shapes, nucleation density, island distributions and quantify surface roughness using height-height correlation functions. The USAXS scattering data is modeled as a distribution of islands. The goal of our project is to link early time nucleation events with the onset of large-scale instabilities such as dendrites.
Ionic and Electronic Transport in Metal Fluoride Conversion Electrodes
Authors: Wang Feng , Yu Hui-Chia , Van Der Ven Anton , Thornton Katsuyo , Pereira Nathalie , Zhu Yimei , Amatucci Glenn G. , Graetz Jason
Published: March 2013

Materials that undergo a lithium conversion reaction often accommodate more than one Li per transition metal, and are promising candidates for high-capacity electrodes for lithium batteries. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the conversion process, the origins of the large polarization during electrochemical cycling, and why some materials are reversible (e.g., FeF2) while others are not (e.g., CuF2). We investigated the conversion reaction of metal fluorides, FeF2 and CuF2, to better understand the mechanisms underlying their contrasting electrochemical behavior. Lithium conversion of FeF2 results in the formation of an interconnected network of small iron nanoparticles (< 5nm), which may provide a pathway for electron transport and a high interfacial area between the Fe and LiF phases. Conversely, lithium conversion of CuF2 results in the formation of large isolated Cu particles, which may partially explain the poor reversibility in the CuF2 system.
Time-Dependent Determination of HF Formation in LiPF6 -Containing Electrolytes in Different Cell Types by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Lux Simon F. , Lucas Ivan T. , Chevalier Julie S. , Richardson Thomas J. , Kostecki Robert M.
Published: March 2013

A novel experimental technique was developed to investigate HF formation in organic carbonate based electrolytes containing LiPF6. Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, aging and thermal decomposition of the electrolyte were monitored in a standard glass cell and in a polypropylene vessel. The amount of HF generated was determined by following the etching rate of a thin silicon dioxide layer on a silicon wafer in contact with the electrolyte. The material of cell construction clearly influenced the etching rate of the SiO2 sensor and affected the rate of degradation.
Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy of Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces
Authors: Syzdek Jarosław S , Zorba Vassilia , Mao Xianglei , Russo Richard E. , Kostecki Robert M.
Published: March 2013

Surface phenomena define and control the performance of Li-based battery systems hence direct chemical analysis of electrode/electrolyte interfaces can provide critical information for battery scientists and engineers. Recently introduced femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy has been employed in this work to probe ex situ compositional variations within the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Nanoscale depth-profiling was achieved for atomic and molecular species formed on graphite upon reduction in standard, carbonate-based Li-ion electrolyte. We demonstrate unique capabilities of this laser-based technique that allow for straightforward chemical analysis of interphases in air sensitive samples.
Analytical Studies of Flow Battery Redox Reaction Electrokinetics on a Thin Fiber Film Rotating Disk Electrode
Authors: Hawthorne Krista L. , Wainright Jesse S. , Savinell Robert F.
Published: March 2013

Redox flow batteries utilize high activity/high surface area carbon felt as the electrodes. Using a 3-dimensional structure creates complex current distributions within the electrode, making kinetic analysis difficult. The thin fiber film rotating disk electrode (TFFRDE), based on a similar technique for analyzing reaction kinetics on fuel cell catalysts, shows promise for investigating the complex reaction mechanisms at the individual fiber surfaces. Limiting current plots for the TFFRDE do not follow Levich behavior, indicating complex mass transfer effects. A comparison of the TFFRDEs and a glassy carbon RDE using the iron II/III reaction shows good agreement between the calculated exchange current densities based on a geometric surface area, but much smaller values based on the film surface area. A surface area calculated from an approximation of the penetration depth increased agreement in TFFRDE polarization curves. Rigorous evaluation of mass transfer is will shed light on current distribution within the TFFRDE.
A Self-Aligned Sacrificial Emitter Process for High Performance SiGe HBT in BiCMOS
Authors: Liu Q.Z. , Adkisson James , Benoit John , Camillo-Castillo Renata , Chan Kevin , Cheng Peng , Ellis-Monaghan John , Gabert Tom , Gambino Jeff , Gray Peter , Hasselbach Joe , Jain Vibhor , Khater Marwan , Leidy Bob , Park Dae-Gyu , Pekarik Jack , Tiersch Matt , Willets Christa , Zetterlund Bjorn K. , Harame D. L.
Published: March 2013

A self-aligned sacrificial emitter (SASE) process has been successfully developed in a BiCMOS technology. Selective epitaxy of SiGe originally developed for sub-100 nm CMOS nodes is used for a raised extrinsic base. Process integration includes building a sacrificial emitter pedestal using a CMOS gate-like etch, isolation of the emitter to extrinsic base by oxide CMP, and oxide recess etch to expose the emitter window for the in-situ doped emitter. Electrical results are shown to be comparable to hardware manufactured using other BiCMOS integration schemes. An intriguing growth mode of selective epitaxy has been found to have higher growth rate for high index planes.
Effect of an Atomically Matched Structure on Fermi-level Pinning at Metal/p-Ge Interfaces
Authors: Kasahara Kenji , Yoshioka Hirotaka , Tojo Yuki , Nishimura Toshihiro , Yamada Shinya , Miyao Masanobu , Hamaya Kohei
Published: March 2013

Using low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy (LTMBE), we demonstrate high-quality heterointerfaces consisting of CoFe alloys and germanium (Ge) with a good atomic matching at the (111) plane. Electrical properties of the atomically matched CoFe/p-Ge(111) junctions with the area of (S) < ~10 μm2 clearly show the suppression of the Fermi-level pinning (FLP) effect, similar to the features of the atomically matched Fe3Si/p-Ge(111) junctions with S < ~10 μm2 in our previous work. This means that the suppression of FLP is independent on a kind of metals. As a result, we conclude that the formation of the atomically matched metal/Ge interfaces with almost no defects is important to suppress FLP.
(Invited) Ge Optical Emitters Fabricated by Ge Condensation and Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Oda Katsuya , Tani Kazuki , Saito Shin-ichi , Ido Tatemi
Published: March 2013

Two types of Ge optical emitter, called Ge-on-insulator stripes and Ge-fins, were successfully fabricated on the buried oxide layer of a silicon-on-insulator wafer using a combined Ge condensation and selective epitaxial growth. Intense PL spectra from both structures show that the good crystallinity and the sufficient carrier confinement can be achieved, and the obvious red-shifts of the peaks were observed due to the tensile strain in the Ge active region applied through the fabrication processes. Moreover, the low dark current in I-V characteristics was obtained, and the electroluminescence corresponding to the direct recombination at the Γ valley was also observed by injecting forward currents into the Ge-fins. These results indicate that this combined technique efficiently improves the performance of Ge optical emitters.
(Invited) Group-IV Subcells in Multijunction Concentrator Solar Cells
Authors: King Richard R. , Fetzer Chris , Chiu Philip , Rehder Eric , Edmondson Ken , Karam Nasser
Published: March 2013

Group-IV solar cells have great value for increasing conversion efficiency when integrated with III-V subcells in multijunction solar cells, as in today's 3-junction GaInP/ GaInAs/ Ge concentrator cells that have demonstrated over 40% efficiency. New types of Ge, Si, SiGe, and SiGeSn subcells show the potential to increase multijunction efficiencies to still higher values. Cells incorporating both dilute nitride GaInNAs and active Ge substrate cells can reach over 46% production average efficiencies at 50.0 W/cm2 (500 suns), 25{degree sign}C under the standard concentrated solar spectrum, with champion efficiencies over 48%.
(Invited) Silicon Compatible High Performance Optical Interconnect Technology
Authors: Dutt Birendra (Raj)
Published: March 2013

High speed optical interconnects provide significant performance improvement and power savings over copper-based solutions in high performance computing and data networking applications. APIC's integrated components using wavelength division multiplexing have been demonstrated for avionics networking. Extension of this technology to the chip scale enables multicore processors to be networked using optical interconnects, extending the performance and power benefits to large scale multicore processors. CMOS fabrication compatibility necessitates that the optical transmitters and receivers and other link components be silicon based, which we implement using epitaxial germanium. APIC has demonstrated both optical transmission and detector technology using germanium in silicon and is working on transitioning the fabrication process to a production foundry. Here we show recent results of germanium optical receivers and, more significantly, demonstration of strained germanium optical sources integrated in a silicon chip. The optical link is suitable for integrated chip-scale fabrication.
Characterization of Resistance-Switching Properties of SiOx Films Using Pt Nanodots Electrodes
Authors: Makihara Katsunori , Fukushima Motoki , Ohta Akio , Ikeda Mitsuhisa , Miyazaki Seiichi
Published: March 2013

Pt-NDs as nano-electrodes were formed on SiOx/TiN stacked structures by exposing an ultrathin Pt layer to remote H2-plasma without external heating and evaluate the scalability of SiOx by using a conductive AFM probe technique. AFM images confirm the formation of Pt-NDs with an areal dot density of ~1.5×10^10 cm-2 as a result of surface migration and agglomeration of Pt atoms promoted by the surface recombination of H radicals. By contacting a single Pt-ND with a Rh coated Si cantilever and applying positive bias with respect to the TiN bottom electrode, the uni-polar type resistance switching behavior was observed in despite of contact area between the ND and the SiOx as small as ~900 nm^2. In addition, after electro-forming process, distinct bi-polar type resistive switching of counter-clockwise rotation was also confirmed repeatedly by sweeping positive bias applied to Pt-ND, which suggests that plasma damages is negligibly small.
Strain Evolution of Si1-xGex Selective Epitaxial Growth in Steps
Authors: Koo Sangmo , Kim Sun-Wook , Ko Dae-Hong
Published: March 2013

We studied Si1-xGex epitaxial growth in steps. Epitaxial Si1-xGex films were deposited on recessed source/drain structure by ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition process with different growing steps. Each growing step corresponds from initial stage to over-grown stage. By analyzing microstructures of each step, films depositions and defect generations were investigated. Strain evolution, in addition, was investigated in steps. Nano beam diffraction analysis effectively measured strain generations and distributions in the channel region.
An Arrhenius Argument to Explain Electrical Conductivity Maxima versus Temperature
Authors: Kuntz Colin M. , East Allan L. L.
Published: March 2013

The existence of conductivity maxima in pure molten salt was interpreted by Grantham and Yosim to be due to ion association at low densities. Tödheide used a chloride-transfer shifting-equilibrium hypothesis to explain ion association in the case of bismuth trichloride. We have performed density-functional-theory based molecular dynamics simulations of the molten chlorides of Bi(III), Sn(II), and Hg(II), and Tödheide's hypothesis is not supported. Instead, the simulations imply a hopping barrier for ions between counterions, and we develop this concept into a density-dependent Arrhenius equation to explain the conductivity maxima.
(Keynote) Theoretical Deconstruction of the X-ray Structure Function Exposes Polarity Alternations in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kashyap Hemant K. , Margulis Claudio Javier
Published: March 2013

On a large length scale room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are translationally invariant homogeneous systems suitable for different applications. On smaller length scales they present multiple alternation patterns. Charge alternation can be common in all salts. What is interesting in RTILs is the presence of alternation patterns on longer length scales beyond charge ordering. In this article we describe an improved way of deconstructing the x-ray structure function that clearly shows these longer scale polarity alternations.
Electrochemical Behavior and Solvation Analysis of Rare Earth Complexes in Ionic Liquids Media Investigated by SECM and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Tsuda Nanae , Matsumiya Masahiko , Tsunashima Katsuhiko , Kodama Shun
Published: March 2013

In this study, the electrochemical behavior of neodymium complexes; Nd(III) in the phosphonium ionic liquid; P2225TFSA triethyl-pentyl-phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide was examined by the voltammetric method using a platinum tip electrode. The diffusional behavior of Nd(III) was certificated to be similar behavior of other rare earth complexes such as Sm. The ideal steady-state approach current of the positive feed back was obtained in Nd(III)/P2225TFSA and the fitted function of this approach curve was determined through mathematical treatment. Moreover, the concentration gradient and the related current distribution using ferrocene redox mediator for the electrodeposition process of Nd(III) were investigated by scanning electrochemical microscopy. This result revealed that the current distribution on the platinum substrate for Nd(III) in P2225TFSA was drastically altered after the electrodeposition of Nd(III). Furthermore, it was revealed the interaction between Nd trivalent ion and free TFSA anion would be relatively strong considering from the solvation number analyzed by Raman spectroscopy.
Corrosion of Austenitic Steels and Their Components in Vanadium-Containing Chloride Melts
Authors: Abramov Alexander V. , Polovov Ilya B. , Volkovich Vladimir A. , Rebrin Oleg I. , Denisov Eugenii I. , Griffiths Trevor R.
Published: March 2013

Corrosion behavior of stainless steel types AISI 316L, 316Ti and 321 and their components (iron, chromium, nickel and molybdenum) was studied at 750 0C in NaCl-KCl-VCl2 melts. It was found that iron, chromium and manganese species constitute the major corrosion products of austenitic steels and Fe2+, Cr2+, Ni2+, and Mo3+ ions are formed as a result of interaction of corresponded metal and vanadium-containing chloride melts. It was found that austenitic stainless steels are subjected to high temperature sensitization and this phenomenon determines the intergranular character of steel corrosion. Presence of vanadium ions in electrolyte leads to intensification of corrosion processes due to increased oxidation of electronegative steel components and alloy formation. Metallic molybdenum has highest corrosion resistance among studied construction materials.
Bio-Inspired Autonomous Sentinel System for Screening Invasive Pathogens
Authors: Li Suiqiong , Wikle Howard Clyde , Chai Yating , Park Mi-Kyung , Horikawa Shin , Chin Bryan A.
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the results of a preliminary investigation to develop a bio-inspired autonomous pathogen screening system that mimics the function of natural immune systems, such as white blood cells. This screening system is comprised of multiple magnetoelastic (ME) biosentinels. The sentinels are composed of a wireless magnetoelastic resonator immobilized with a bio-probe layer that captures specific target pathogens. The biosentinels are actuated, monitored, and controlled wirelessly by external magnetic fields. The autonomous sentinel system is envisioned to have the capability of seeking out invasive pathogens in liquid environments, detecting and capturing them. In the paper, the proof-in-principal of the concept of autonomous sentinels is demonstrated by comparing the response of the sentinels in dynamic and static Salmonella analytes.