bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logic Synthesis for a Regular Layout
Authors: Chrzanowska-Jeske Malgorzata , Xu Yang , Perkowski Marek
Published: September 2007

New algorithms for generating a regular two‐dimensional layout representation for
multi‐output, incompletely specified Boolean functions, called, Pseudo‐Symmetric Binary
Decision Diagrams (PSBDDs), are presented. The regular structure of the function
representation allows accurate prediction of post‐layout areas and delays before the
layout is physically generated. It simplifies power estimation on the gate level and allows
for more accurate power optimization. The theoretical background of the new diagrams,
which are based on ideas from contact networks, and the form of decision diagrams
for symmetric functions is discussed. PSBDDs are especially well suited for deep
sub‐micron technologies where the delay of interconnections limits the device performance.
Our experimental results are very good and show that symmetrization of reallife
benchmark functions can be done efficiently.
A VLSI Design for Implementation of TransformDomain Adaptive Filters
Authors: Najafi Ali , Farhang-Boroujeny Behrouz , Samudra Ganesh S.
Published: September 2007

A VLSI implementation of a dedicated digital signal processor is presented. The
processor is tailored for efficient implementation of transform domain adaptive filters. It
incorporates a butterfly processor which performs butterfly operation to implement the
required transformation. It is also able to perform complex addition, subtraction and
multiplication. The butterfly processor makes use of a redundant binary tree multiplier
with a recently proposed coding of signed‐digit numbers which reduces the number of
levels in the tree by one. An on‐chip read only memory holds the transformation
coefficients. The contents of the ROM determine the type of transform. The processor
incorporates an ALU to perform integer arithmetic, address calculations and
implementation of circular memory scheme. For fastest accessibility, the essential
variables of the algorithm are implemented in a register fire.
Empirical Study of Block Placement by Cluster Refinement
Authors: Xu Jin , Guo Pei-Ning , Cheng Chung-Kuan
Published: September 2007

In this paper we propose an efficient cluster refinement approach for macro‐cell placement.
The algorithm selects a cluster of blocks dynamically, and finds an optimal solution
for all the blocks in the cluster simultaneously. This is different from previous zone refinement
approach which optimizes the allocation of one single block in each operation.
Experimental results on the MCNC benchmark circuits show that the approach achieves
excellent area utilization while minimizing the wire length at the same time.
A New Method for Low Power Design of Two‐LevelLogic Circuits
Authors: Theodoridis G. , Theoharis S. , Soudris D. , Goutis C.
Published: September 2007

A new method for implementing two‐level logic circuits, which exhibit minimal power
dissipation, is introduced. Switching activity reduction of the logic network nodes is
achieved by adding extra input signals to specific gates. Employing the statistic properties
of the primary inputs, a new concept for grouping the input variables with similar
features is introduced. Appropriate input variables are chosen for reducing the
switching activity of a logic circuit. For that purpose, an efficient synthesis algorithm,
which generates the set of all groups of the variables and solves the minimum covering
problem for each group is developed. The comparison of the results, produced by the
proposed method, and those from ESPRESSO shows that a substantial power reduction
can be achieved.
Signature Analysis for Test Responses of Sequential Circuits
Authors: Stroele Albrecht P.
Published: September 2007

Many test schemes use signature analyzers to compact the responses of a circuit under
test. Unfortunately, there can be some faulty circuits with erroneous test responses but
exactly the same signature as in the fault‐free case. Hence, methods are required to determine
how many faults become undetectable due to aliasing. Whereas previous work
concentrated on combinational circuits, this paper investigates signature analysis for
a wide range of sequential circuits, where the errors in successive responses are correlated.
It is shown that for almost all faults of these circuits the probability of aliasing
in a signature analyzer with k bits asymptotically approaches 2−k or is 0 if a signature
analyzer with an irreducible characteristic polynomial is used and certain test lengths
are avoided. The limiting value can be used as a good approximation for practical test
lengths. These results are particularly useful for advanced built‐in self‐test techniques
with low hardware overhead.
Delay Time Estimation Model for Large Digital CMOS Circuits
Authors: Kim Dong-Wook , Choi Tae-Yong
Published: September 2007

Delay time estimation in simulation or design verification step during a design cycle
has become more and more important as the meaning of performance prediction. This
paper proposed a delay estimation model for digital CMOS circuits, which works
in gate‐level but the modeling process includes the characteristics of MOSFETs. This
model can handle the variation according to the kind of gates, input transition time,
output load(fan‐out), and transistor sizes of a gate. The procedure to find the general
model was that, a delay model for CMOS inverter was extracted first, then it was
extended to other gate by converting it into an equivalent inverter. The resulting model
was evaluated and compared with SPICE simulation, which showed that the proposed
model has the accuracy of less than 5% relative error rate to the SPICE results for each
case and the speed of about 70 times faster than SPICE.
Low Power VLSI Implementation of the DCT on Single Multiplier DSP Processors
Authors: Masupe S. , Arslan T.
Published: September 2007

A generic multiplication scheme for the low power VLSI implementation of the DCT is
described in this paper. The scheme concurrently processes blocks of cosine coefficient
and pixel values during the multiplication procedure, with the aim of reducing the total
switched capacitance within the multiplier circuit. The cosine coefficients, within each
block, are manipulated such that some are processed using shift operations only. The
remaining coefficients are presented to the multiplier inputs as a sequence, ordered
according to bit correlation between successive cosine coefficients. The paper describes
the multiplication scheme, the power evaluation environment used, and presents results,
with a number of standard benchmark examples, demonstrating upto 50% power saving.
Configurable 2‐D Linear Feedback Shift Registers for VLSI Built‐in Self‐test Designs
Authors: Chen Chien-In Henry , Zhou Yingjie
Published: September 2007

Recently a multiple‐sequence test generator was presented based on two‐dimensional
linear feedback shift registers (2‐D LFSR). This generator can generate a set of precomputed
test vectors obtained by an ATPG tool for detecting random‐pattern‐resistant
faults and particular hard‐to‐detect faults. In addition, it can generate better random
patterns than a conventional LFSR. In this paper we describe an optimized BIST scheme
which has a configurable 2‐D LFSR structure. Starting from a set of stuck‐at faults and
a corresponding set of test vectors detecting these faults, the corresponding test pattern
generator is determined automatically. A synthesis procedure of designing this test
generator is presented. Experimental results show that the hardware overhead is considerably
reduced compared with 2‐D LFSR generators.
Design and Analysis of Radix‐8/4/2 64b/32b Integer Divider Using COMPASS Cell Library
Authors: Wang Chua-Chin , Huang Chenn-Jung , Chang I-Yen
Published: September 2007

A high speed 64b/32b integer divider employing digit‐recurrence division method and
the on‐the‐fly conversion algorithm, wherein a fast normalizer is included, which is used
as the pre‐processor of the proposed integer divider. For the sake of enhancing
throughput rate, the proposed divider uses a mixed radix‐8/4/2 division instead of the
traditional radix‐2 division. On‐the‐fly remainder adjustment is also realized in the
converter module of the divider. The entire design is written in Verilog HDL (hardware
description language) employing COMPASS 0.6 μm 1P3M cell library (V3.0), and then
synthesized by SYNOPSYS. The simulation results indicate that our design is a better
option than the existing long divider designs.
New Self‐dual Circuits for Error Detection and Testing
Authors: Dmitriev A. , Saposhnikov V. , Saposhnikov Vl. , Goessel M. , Moshanin Vl. , Morosov A.
Published: September 2007

In this paper new methods for the transformation of a given combinational circuit into
a self‐dual circuit based on the notion of a self‐dual complement are investigated. The
large variety of self‐dual complements can be utilized to optimize the transformed self‐dual
circuit. Self‐dual duplication and self‐dual parity prediction are considered in
detail. As a method for the reduction of self‐dual outputs, output space compaction of
self‐dual outputs is considered. For the first time we also describe in this paper how a
self‐dual circuit can be modified into a self‐dual fault‐secure circuit.
Novel Single and Double Output TSC CMOS Checkers for m‐out‐of‐n Codes
Authors: Kavousianos X. , Nikolos D. , Sidiropoulos G.
Published: September 2007

This paper presents a novel method for designing Totally Self‐Checking (TSC) m‐out‐of‐n code checkers taking into account a realistic fault model including stuck‐at,
transistor stuck‐on, transistor stuck‐open, resistive bridging faults and breaks. The
proposed design method is the first method in the open literature that takes into account
a realistic fault model and can be applied for most practical values of m and n. Apart
from the above the proposed checkers are very compact and very fast. The single output
checkers are near optimal with respect to the number of transistors required for
their implementation. Another benefit of the proposed TSC checkers is that all faults
are tested by a very small set of single pattern tests, thus the probability of achieving
the TSC goal is greater than in checkers requiring two‐pattern tests. The single output
TSC checkers proposed in this paper are the first known single output TSC checkers
for m‐out‐of‐n codes.
Spectral Interpretation and Applications of Decision Diagrams
Authors: Falkowski Bogdan J. , Stanković Radomir S.
Published: September 2007

Different Decision Diagrams (DDs) for representation of discrete functions are
discussed. DDs can be derived by applying some reduction rules to Decision Trees
(DTs) which in turn are graphical representations of some function expressions for
discrete functions. Various DTs and their generalizations based on lesser known AND‐EXOR
rather than AND‐OR expressions are surveyed. Finally, the concept of spectral
interpretation of DDs and some of their applications and ways of calculation are also
presented.
Simulating Quasi‐ballistic Transportin Si Nanotransistors
Authors: Banoo Kausar , Rhew Jung-Hoon , Lundstrom Mark , Shu Chi-Wang , Jerome Joseph W.
Published: September 2007

Electron transport in model Si nanotransistors is examined by numerical simulation
using a hierarchy of simulation methods, from full Boltzmann, to hydrodynamic, energy
transport, and drift‐diffusion. The on‐current of a MOSFET is shown to be limited by
transport across a low‐field region about one mean‐free‐path long and located at the beginning
of the channel. Commonly used transport models based on simplified solutions
of the Boltzmann equation are shown to fail under such conditions. The cause for
this failure is related to the neglect of the carriers′ drift energy and to the collision‐dominated
assumptions typically used in the development of simplified transport
models.
Symmetric and Programmable Multi‐Chip Module for Low‐Power Prototyping System
Authors: Yen Mao-Hsu , Chen Sao-Jie , Lan Sanko H.
Published: September 2007

The advantages of a Multi‐Chip Module (MCM) product are its low‐power and small‐size.
But the design of an MCM system usually requires weeks of engineering effort, thus
we need a generic MCM substrate with programmable interconnections to accelerate
system prototyping. In this paper, we propose a Symmetric and Programmable MCM
(SPMCM) substrate for this purpose. This SPMCM substrate consists of a symmetrical
array of slots for bare‐chip attachment and Field Programmable Interconnect Chips
(FPICs) for substrate routing. Experimental results demonstrate that our FPIC polygonal
routing module uses 12% less switches than the conventional routing module
for interconnecting bare‐chip slots with 84 pads. Also, experiments are conducted to
determinate proper parameters for the VLSI implementation of our FPIC.
Simultaneous Switching Noise Minimization Technique Using Dual Layer Power Line Mutual Inductors
Authors: Lee Yongha , Choi Jongho , Moon Gyu , Kim Jeomkeun
Published: September 2007

A novel technique for minimization of simultaneous switching noise is presented. Dual
Layer Power Line (DLPL) structure is newly proposed for a possible silicon realization
of a mutual inductor, with which an instant large current in the power line is halfdivided
flowing through two different, but closely coupled, layers in opposite directions.
This mutual inductance between two power layers enables us to significantly minimize
the switching noise. SPICE simulations show that with a mutual coupling coefficient
higher than 0.8, the switching noise reduces by 63% compared to the previously
reported solutions. This DLPL technique can also be applied to PCB artworks.
Defect Level Estimation for Pseudorandom Testing Using Stochastic Analysis
Authors: Jone W. B. , Huang D. C. , Chang S. C. , Das S. R.
Published: September 2007

Pseudorandom testing has been widely used in built‐in self‐testing of VLSI circuits.
Although the defect level estimation for pseudorandom testing has been performed
using sequential statical analysis, no closed form can be accomplished as complex
combinatorial enumerations are involved. In this work, a Markov model is employed to
describe the pseudorandom test behaviors. For the first time, a closed form of the defect
level equation is derived by solving the differential equation extracted from the Markov
model. The defect level equation clearly describes the relationships among defect level,
fabrication yield, the number of all input combinations, circuit detectability (in terms of
the worst single stuck‐at fault), and pseudorandom test length. The Markov model is
then extended to consider all single stuck‐at faults, instead of only the worst single
stuck‐at fault. Results demonstrate that the defect level analysis for pseudorandom
testing by only dealing with the worst single stuck‐at fault is not adequate (In fact, the
worst single stuck‐at fault analysis is just a special case). A closed form of the defect
level equation is successfully derived to incorporate all single stuck‐at faults into
consideration. Although our discussions are primarily based on the single struck‐at fault
model, it is not difficult to extend the results to other fault types.
Design Optimization of Coulomb Blockade Devices
Authors: Müller H.-O. , Williams D. A. , Mizuta H.
Published: September 2007

We investigate the design of a Coulomb blockade device consisting of a rectangular
array of quantum dots or ultrasmall metallic islands with regard to its stability against
geometric size disorder and offset charges. To simulate the device operation we perform
a statistical analysis of the Coulomb blockade voltage which results in practical design
rules.
BIST‐Based Fault Diagnosis in the Presence of Embedded Memories
Authors: Savir Jacob
Published: September 2007

An efficient method is described for using fault simulation as a solution to the diagnostic
problem created by the presence of embedded memories in BIST designs. The
simulation is event‐table‐driven. Special techniques are described to cope with the faults
in the Prelogic, Postlogic, and the logic embedding the memory control or address
inputs. It is presumed that the memory itself has been previously tested, using automatic
test pattern generation (ATPG) techniques via the correspondence inputs, and has been
found to be fault‐free.
Scattered Packet Method for the Simulationof the Spatio‐temporal Evolution of Local Perturbations
Authors: Gaubert P. , Varani L. , Vaissière J. C. , Nougier J. P. , Starikova E. , Shiktorov P. , Gruzhinskis V.
Published: September 2007

To calculate the noise in submicron structures we need the knowledge of the local noise
sources and the generalised impedance fields. The scattered packet method has been
used to obtain both quantities at the same microscopic level. Numerical procedures used
for the calculation of velocity and energy noise sources and the simulation of the spatiotemporal
evolution of local perturbations introduced on velocity or energy are described
and some results obtained for p‐type silicon are given.
A Percolative Approach to Reliability of Thin FilmInterconnects and Ultra‐thin Dielectrics
Authors: Pennetta C. , Reggiani L. , Trefán Gy. , Cataldo R. , De Nunzio G.
Published: September 2007

Degradation of thin film interconnects and ultra‐thin dielectrics is studied within a
stochastic approach based on a percolation technique. The thin film is modelled as a
two‐dimensional random resistor network at a given temperature and its degradation is
characterized by a breaking probability of the single resistor. A recovery of the damage
is also allowed so that a steady‐state condition can be achieved. The main features
of experiments are reproduced. This approach provides a unified description of
degradation and failure processes in terms of physical parameters.
A Simple Model for the QuantumHydrodynamic Simulation of ElectronTransport in Quantum Confined Structuresin the Presence of Vortices
Authors: Barker J. R.
Published: September 2007

It is demonstrated that the ballistic quantum transport properties of an open quantum
dot may be described by an ensemble of spatially correlated virtual classical particles
moving within self‐avoiding strings. The string paths correspond to ray trajectories. The
strings exhibit the necessary properties of self‐avoidance, interference and the non‐local
condition ∮mv · dr=nh. The formalism suggests that numerical simulation of quantum
flows may be constructed ab initio by using the string representation.
Deep‐submicron Placement Minimizing Crosstalk
Authors: Cho Jun Dong , Cho Jin Youn
Published: September 2007

Placement of multiple dies on an MCM or high‐performance VLSI substrate is a nontrivial
task in which multiple criteria need to be considered simultaneously to obtain a
true multi‐objective optimization. Unfortunately, the exact physical attributes of a
design are not known in the placement step until the entire design process is carried out.
When the performance issues are considered, crosstalk noise constraints in the form
of net separation and via constraint become important. In this paper, for better
performance and wirability estimation during placement for MCMs, several performance
constraints are taken into account simultaneously. A graph‐based wirability
estimation along with the Genetic placement optimization technique is proposed to
minimize crosstalk, crossings, wirelength and the number of layers. Our work is
significant since it is the first attempt at bringing the crosstalk and other performance
issues into the placement domain.
Microscopic Modeling of GaN‐based Heterostructures
Authors: Sacconi F. , Sala F. Della , Di Carlo A. , Lugli Paolo
Published: September 2007

Self‐consistent quantum modeling of GaN‐based nanostructure are presented. The
tight‐binding approach is used to calculate optical properties while optimized effective
mass approaches are used to obtain the output characteristics of GaN HEMT.
A Universal, Dynamically Adaptable and ProgrammableNetwork Router for Parallel Computers
Authors: Golota Taras I. , Ziavras Sotirios G.
Published: September 2007

Existing message‐passing parallel computers employ routers designed for a specific
interconnection network and deal with fixed data channel width. There are disadvantages
to this approach, because the system design and development times are
significant and these routers do not permit run time network reconfiguration. Changes
in the topology of the network may be required for better performance or faulttolerance.
In this paper, we introduce a class of high‐performance universal (statically
and dynamically adaptable) programmable routers (UPRs) for message‐passing parallel
computers. The universality of these routers is based on their capability to adapt at run
and/or static times according to the characteristics of the systems and/or applications.
More specifically, the number of bidirectional data channels, the channel size and the
I/O port mappings (for the implementation of a particular topology) can change
dynamically and statically. Our research focuses on system‐level specification issues of
the UPRs, their VLSI design and their simulation to estimate their performance. Our
simulation of data transfers via UPR routers employs VHDL code in the Mentor
Graphics environment. The results show that the performance of the routers depends
mostly on their current configuration. Details of the simulation and synthesis are
presented.
Study of Electronic Transport in TunnelingDevices Using an Incoherent Superpositionof Time Dependent Wave Packets
Authors: Oriols Xavier , Suñé Jordi
Published: September 2007

A quantum beam of conserved particles is described as a Stationary Incoherent
Superposition of Wave packets (SISOW). Mean values of a SISOW are time‐independent
confirming that the SISOW describes a stationary flux of particles. The SISOW
is a general entity that contains the Hamiltonian eigenstates as a particular limit.
The decomposition of the SISOW into wave packets provides intrinsic dynamic information
which is not accessible from Hamiltonian eigenstates. Within the SISOW
approach an exhaustive framework can be developed to be able to study dynamic
phenomena in quantum electronic devices such us current fluctuations, relaxation and
transient phenomena.
Hot Electron Modelling of HEMTs
Authors: Cole Eric A. B. , Snowden Christopher M. , Hussain Shahzad
Published: September 2007

The hot‐electron two‐dimensional HEMT with recessed gate is modelled by solving
the Poisson, current continuity and energy transport equations consistently with the
Schrödinger equation using a finite difference scheme. New expressions are used for the
energy densities inside and outside the quantum wells. A method is described for
pinning the conduction band at the contact edge to produce an extremely stable
numerical solution. Results are presented for an eight layer GaAs‐ALGaAs‐InGaAs
device.
Efficient Low Power/Low Swing Bus Design Architectures
Authors: Rjoub Abdoul , Koufopavlou Odysseas
Published: September 2007

Novel low‐power circuits based on low swing voltage technique, in the internal nodes of
bus architectures, are proposed. Different classes of driver/receiver and repeater circuits
are presented. They are implemented on conventional CMOS technology. The proposed
technique is based on inserting a variable number of MOSFET transistors in the driver
circuits, causing variable low swing voltage levels in the output of the driver circuits. In
order to re‐pull up the low swing voltage to full swing, innovated high‐speed, crosscoupled
latch voltage receiver circuits are proposed. In applications having high load
capacitance due to long interconnections, novel repeater circuits, based also on low
swing voltage technique, are introduced. The difference between the values of threshold
voltage of the nMOS transistor and the pMOS transistors is exploited to decrease the
power dissipation. The effect of the proposed technique in noise margins is also analysed.
Power Optimization of Delay Constrained Circuits
Authors: Nayak Anshuman , Haldar Malay , Banerjee Prith , Chen Chunhong , Sarrafzadeh Majid
Published: September 2007

We present a framework for combining Voltage Scaling (VS) and Gate Sizing (GS)
techniques for power optimizations. We introduce a fast heuristic for choosing gates for
sizing and voltage scaling such that the total power is minimized under delay constraints.
We also use a more accurate estimate for determining the power dissipation of
the circuit by taking into account the short circuit power along with the dynamic power.
A better model of the short circuit power is used which takes into account the load
capacitance of the gates. Our results show that the combination of VS and GS perform
better than the techniques applied in isolation. An average power reduction of 73% is
obtained when decisions are taken assuming dynamic power only. In contrast, average
power reduction is 77% when decisons include the short circuit power dissipation.
Quantum Potential Approachesfor Nano‐scale Device Simulation
Authors: Tsuchiya Hideaki , Winstead Brian , Ravaioli Umberto
Published: September 2007

With the progress of integrated technology, the feature size of experimental electron
devices have already been scaled down deeply into the sub–0.1 μm region. For such
ultra‐small devices, it is increasingly important to take quantum mechanical effects into
account for device simulation. In this paper, we present a new approach for quantum
modeling, applicable to multi‐dimensional ultra‐small device simulation. In this work,
the quantum effects are represented in terms of quantum mechanically corrected
potential in the classical Boltzmann equation. We apply the Monte Carlo method to
solve the quantum transport equation, and demonstrate that the quantum effects such
as tunneling and quantum confinement effects can be incorporated in the standard
Monte Carlo techniques.
Simplex Algorithm for Band Structure Calculationof Noncubic Symmetry Semiconductors:Application to III‐nitride Binaries and Alloys
Authors: Ghillino Enrico , Garetto Carlo , Goano Michele , Ghione Giovanni , Bellotti Enrico , Brennan Kevin F.
Published: September 2007

A set of software tools for the determination of the band structure of zinc‐blende,
wurtzite, 4H, and 6H semiconductors is presented. A state of the art implementation of
the nonlocal empirical pseudopotential method has been coupled with a robust simplex
algorithm for the optimization of the adjustable parameters of the model potentials.
This computational core has been integrated with an array of Matlab functions, providing
interactive functionalities for defining the initial guess of the atomic pseudopotentials,
checking the convergence of the optimization process, plotting the resulting
band structure, and computing detailed information about any local minimum.
The results obtained for wurtzite‐phase III‐nitrides (ALN, GaN, InN) are presented as a
relevant case study.
Efficient Test Application for Core‐Based Systems Using Twisted‐Ring Counters
Authors: Chandra Anshuman , Chakrabarty Krishnendu , Hansen Mark C.
Published: September 2007

We present novel test set encoding and pattern decompression methods for core‐based
systems. These are based on the use of twisted‐ring counters and offer a number of
important advantages–significant test compression (over 10X in many cases), less tester
memory and reduced testing time, the ability to use a slow tester without compromising
test quality or testing time, and no performance degradation for the core under test.
Surprisingly, the encoded test sets obtained from partially‐specified test sets (test cubes)
are often smaller than the compacted test sets generated by automatic test pattern
generation programs. Moreover, a large number of patterns are applied test‐per‐clock to
cores, thereby increasing the likelihood of detecting non‐modeled faults. Experimental
results for the ISCAS benchmark circuits demonstrate that the proposed test
architecture offers an attractive solution to the problem of achieving high test quality
and low testing time with relatively slower, less expensive testers.
Two‐dimensional Placement Using Tabu Search
Authors: Emmert John M. , Bhatia Dinesh K.
Published: September 2007

Search based placement of modules is an important problem in VLSI design. It is always
desired that the search should converge quickly to a high quality solution. This paper
presents a tabu search based optimization technique to place modules on a regular two‐dimensional
array. The goal of the technique is to speed up the placement process. The
technique is based on a two‐step placement strategy. The first step is targeted toward
improving circuit routability and the second step addresses circuit performance. The
technique is demonstrated through placement of several benchmark circuits on
academic as well as commercial FPGAs. Results are compared to placements generated
by commercial CAE tools and published simulated annealing based techniques. The
tabu search technique compares favorably to published simulated annealing based
techniques, and it demonstrates an average execution time speedup of 20 with no impact
on quality of results when compared to commercial tools.
Visualization of Large‐scale Atomic InteractionsDuring the Melting and Crystallization Process
Authors: Ďurikovič Roman
Published: September 2007

Atomic‐scale material model capable of melting, crystallization and amorphization has
been developed to examine the defect formation and crystal growth processes from
melted silicon (Si) based on the ordinary Langevin equations of motion. The developed
computer system consists of simulation and visualization part. Simulation supports the
large‐scale molecular‐dynamics (MD) clusters with solid/liquid interface responding
interactively to the control parameters such as the temperature gradient and pulling
speed. Material behaviour simulation is limited to 104 particle objects representing
different atoms. A particle in proposed dynamic system interacts through attractive
covalent forces and short‐range repulsion forces in all three dimensions. This research
was conducted to understand the processes that can control the quality of single‐crystal
Si grown from the melt by Czochralski crystal puller.
Theoretical Investigation of UltrathinGate Dielectrics
Authors: Demkov Alexander A. , Zhang Xiaodong , Loechelt Heather
Published: September 2007

We describe a theoretical methodology for screening potential gate dielectric materials.
A recently proposed method for constructing realistic structural models of the Si‐dielectric
interface is used to generate the Si‐SiO2‐Si and Si‐SiON‐SiO2‐Si model metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) structures. We discuss methods to estimate the valence
band discontinuity at the corresponding interface. We use Landauer′s ballistic transport
approach to investigate the low bias leakage through these ultrathin dielectric layers.
Endothelial Function and Chronic Exposure to Air Pollution in Normal Male Subjects
Authors: Briet Marie , Collin Cédric , Laurent Stéphane , Tan Alice , Azizi Michel , Agharazii Mohsen , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Alhenc-Gelas François , Boutouyrie Pierre
Published: September 2007

Exposure to urban air pollution, ultrafine particles or gases, is associated with acute cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We investigated the effect of ambient air pollution on endothelial function in 40 healthy white male nonsmokers spontaneously breathing ambient air in Paris, France. Air pollutant levels (nitrogen, sulfur and carbon oxides, and particulate matter) were averaged during the 5 days preceding arterial measurements. Brachial artery endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation and reactive hyperemia induced by hand ischemia and endothelium-independent glyceryl trinitrate dilatation were measured using a radiofrequency-based echo-tracking device at 2-week intervals. Flow-mediated dilatation was independently and negatively correlated with the average levels of sulfur dioxide (
P
<0.001) and nitrogen monoxide (
P
<0.01). Sulfur dioxide levels explained 19% of the variance of flow-mediated dilatation. An increase in gaseous pollutants, 2 weeks apart, was significantly associated with a decreased in flow-mediated dilatation. No association was found between air pollutants and glyceryl trinitrate–induced vasodilatation. Reactive hyperemia was significantly and positively correlated with particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters <10 μm and <2.5 μm (
P
<0.0001 and
P
<0.001, respectively) and nitrogen dioxide (
P
<0.01). An increase in particulate matter, 2 weeks apart, was significantly correlated with an increase in reactive hyperemia. Endothelial function was impaired by ordinary levels of pollution in healthy young males, in an urban area, and may be reduced by 50% between the least and the most polluted day. Gaseous pollutants affect large artery endothelial function, whereas particulate matter exaggerates the dilatory response of small arteries to ischemia.
Meaning without Borders: likn and Distributed Knowledge
Authors: Syverson Ben
Published: September 2007

This paper serves as a narrative companion to likn, an artware application about the nature of knowledge, ideas and language. According to the advocates and engineers of the “knowledge representation” project known as the Semantic Web, electronic ontologies are “a rationalization of actual data-sharing practice”; but where do artists and intellectuals fit into this data-oriented model of discourse? likn critiques the Semantic Web from a postmodern perspective. This account describes how postmodern theory was scrutinized, interpreted and ultimately expressed as “features” in likn.
Employment Performance in OECD Countries
Authors: Bradley David H. , Stephens John D.
Published: September 2007

This article provides the first comprehensive test of the frequent, sharply differing market liberal and insitutionalist political economy recommendations for employment creation. The statistical analysis is a pooled time series for 17 advanced capitalist democracies from 1974 through 1999. Consistent with both neoliberal and institutionalist hypotheses, long-term unemployment replacement rates, social security taxes, and employment protection laws have negative effects on employment levels. Contrary to neoliberal hypotheses but consistent with institutionalist hypotheses, the authors find that short-term unemployment replacement rates, active labor market policy, and neocorporatist bargaining have positive effects on employment levels and that total taxes have no effect on employment levels.
Bad for Business?
Authors: Greenwood Scott
Published: September 2007

Why do business communities in some developing countries support democratization whereas business communities in other developing countries continue to support authoritarian rule? In an effort to answer this question, the author compares the political behavior of entrepreneurs in one region where entrepreneurs have supported democratization, Latin America, with a region where entrepreneurs have not, the Arab world. Although Latin American business communities supported democratization during the 1980s and 1990s in an effort to reestablish their influence over economic policy making, restore competent management of the economy, and help bring about governments' enjoying greater popular legitimacy, entrepreneurs' continued support for authoritarian rule in the Middle East and North Africa is related to the high incidence of regional conflicts, entrepreneurs' fear that democratization will empower Islamist parties seeking to reverse economic liberalization, and the perceived potential for democratization to lead to increased civil strife.
Integration and the Structure of Public Spending
Authors: Hansson Åsa , Olofsdotter Karin
Published: September 2007

The voluminous tax competition literature suggests that increased economic integration leads to reduced tax rates and suboptimal levels of government spending as countries compete for mobile factors of production. Integration may influence not only the size of the government but also the structure of public spending. Comprehensive studies analyzing the effect of integration on the overall structure of government spending are rare, however. This article fills this void by providing an empirical analysis of the effects of economic integration on the overall structure of public spending in a number of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries using panel data on the different government spending components for the period 1970 to 2002. The authors find that integration negatively influences government consumption and investment but that there is no empirical evidence that transfers are positively or negatively affected by integration, as suggested by the compensation and efficiency views, respectively.
Electoral and Mechanical Causes of Divided Government in the European Union
Authors: Manow Philip , Döring Holger
Published: September 2007

Voters who participate in elections to the European Parliament (EP) apparently use these elections to punish their domestic governing parties. Many students of the EU therefore claim that the party—political composition of the Parliament should systematically differ from that of the EU Council. This study shows that opposed majorities between council and parliament may have other than simply electoral causes. The logic of domestic government formation works against the representation of more extreme and EU-skeptic parties in the Council, whereas voters in EP elections vote more often for these parties. The different locations of Council and Parliament are therefore caused by two effects: a mechanical effect—relevant for the composition of the Council—when national votes are translated into office and an electoral effect in European elections. The article discusses the implications of this finding for our understanding of the political system of the EU and of its democratic legitimacy.
Authoritarian Institutions and the Survival of Autocrats
Authors: Gandhi Jennifer , Przeworski Adam
Published: September 2007

Why do some autocrats survive for decades, and others fall soon after taking power? The authors argue that when authoritarian rulers need to solicit the cooperation of outsiders or deter the threat of rebellion, they rely on political institutions. Partisan legislatures incorporate potential opposition forces, giving them a stake in the ruler's survival. By broadening the basis of support for autocrats, these institutions lengthen their tenures. An analysis of all authoritarian rulers in power during the 1946-1996 period provides evidence of the effect of nominally democratic institutions on their political survival.
Does training trigger turnover - or not?
Authors: Sieben Inge
Published: September 2007

This study advances on previous research training and turnover in two ways. First, insights from the human capital perspective are contrasted with insights from the commitment perspective. Second, several aspects of training are simultaneously studied in one model: training intensity (incidence and duration), specificity (type of training, location, and objectives), and funding (payment and timing). The results show, in line with the human capital perspective, that specific training decreases female graduates' probability to search for a new job. Other findings are more in favour of the commitment perspective. After controlling for training intensity and specificity, employer-funded training is associated with lower levels of job search for male graduates. In addition, female graduates who follow management training are less likely to search for a new job. Other aspects of training are not related to job search behaviour, however.
Employment insecurity and social theory: the power of nightmares
Authors: Fevre Ralph
Published: September 2007

Data from the countries which social theorists had in mind when they elaborated the idea of a new age of employment insecurity do not support their theories. If the age of insecurity is dawning anywhere, it is in Spain, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, Finland and Poland. It is not plausible that these examples inspired Beck, Giddens and Sennett. The causes of the different trends revealed by international comparison are more likely to be found in complex, multi-factoral explanations than in an age of insecure employment. The theorists became wedded to their diagnosis because of the problems they encountered in doing theory after the demise of Marxism and the post-modern turn made their critiques insecure. Their need for legitimation made their theorizing vulnerable to co-option in dystopian nightmares that served powerful interests.
“Sensitive and Real Macho All at the Same Time”
Authors: Allen Louisa
Published: September 2007

What is the place of romance in young men's lives? Do young men enact a romantic masculinity? This article examines young men's experience of romance and what investments they have in romantic identity. Drawing on a New Zealand—based sample of seventeen-to nineteen-year-olds, the author investigates the way in which romantic masculinity is evoked during seventeen focus-group discussions. The article explores whether romantic masculinity offers a new form of masculinity in New Zealand and to what extent it departs from hegemonic practices of “hard” masculinity. Its potential as a nonhegemonic form of masculinity that challenges oppressive heterosexual relations is also analyzed. It is argued that the particular expression of romantic masculinity evidenced in this research no longer constitutes a subordinate form of masculinity in New Zealand. Instead, “doing romance” is theorized as being reconfigured within the operation of hegemonic masculinity in a way that highlights the flexibility and stability of these practices of power.
Performative Masculinities in Eric Bogosian's Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll
Authors: Goins Darren
Published: September 2007

Eric Bogosian's Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll provides a case study of masculinities as they were performed in society in the 1980s and performative directions for masculinities in the future. In this article, using Arthur Frank's sociology of the body as an organizing lens, I examine the rich narratives Bogosian wrote and performed. The problematization of the performance of the male form provides fertile ground for testing what it meant to be a man at the time and more importantly how masculinities danced across popular culture using consumer, aggressive-consumer, aggressive, and communicative forms. I interrogate Bogosian's performance as a text that argues against the “sex,” “drugs,” “rock & roll” lifestyle of the era in favor of a more communication-based orientation.
Making Sense of Masculinity and War
Authors: Hutchings Kimberly
Published: September 2007

This article examines modes of theorizing about war in two contemporary literatures: on war and gender and on the changing nature of war. Both these literatures make a connection between masculinity and war. The article argues that, on examination, the link between masculinity and war does not depend on the substantive meanings of either masculinity or war, or on a causal or constitutive relation between the two; rather, masculinity is linked to war because the formal, relational properties of masculinity provide a framework through which war can be rendered both intelligible and acceptable as a social practice and institution.
The Hegemonic Male and Kosovar Nationalism, 2000—2005
Authors: Munn Jamie
Published: September 2007

The article addresses the link between manhood and nationhood in postconflict Kosova. Albanian Kosovars, like many “traditionally” patriarchal societies, have constructed identities of the patriotic man and the exalted childbearing woman as icons of national survival. These designated identities often negate the realities of war-affected communities. The gendered places of man and woman in political reality are marred by the traumatic events of conflict and postconflict life. By thinking about the masculine microcultures of nation building (daily life), especially the construction of over-sexed and under-sexed individuals (i.e., the soldier) and the promiscuous enemies within (i.e., the female rape victim), there develops a connection between monoracial and heterosexual preserves and the need for this society to hold onto the traditional vision of man, at least until there is the political union of nation and state.
Evaluating the child with proteinuria
Authors: Leung A.K.C. , Robson W.L.
Published: September 2007

Proteinuria is a common laboratory finding in children. It might represent a benign condition or herald the presence of a serious underlying renal disease or systemic disorder. Investigation to confirm a diagnosis or seek reassurance is important. This paper discusses the various causes of proteinuria, and those aspects of the history, physical examination, and the laboratory tests that will help determine the cause or reassure that a serious problem is not currently present.
Epistaxis: a review
Authors: Chopra R.
Published: September 2007

Epistaxis, being the commonest ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergency requiring hospital admission, is clearly an important condition - not only to the specialist but also to any general practitioner. This short review looks at the aetiology, associated clinical considerations (especially those of hypertension and hypoxaemia) and evolution of its management. Herein is also suggested a methodical and systematic approach to treating the disorder, both at the level of the accident and emergency department and at that of in-patient care. The patient with epistaxis of a refractory nature is included, too - along with a selection of the options available for treatment.
Lessons to be learned: a case study approach: Ascites and elevated serum CA 125 due to a pancreatic carcinoma. A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Ahmed A.S.M. , Long M. , Donaldson D.
Published: September 2007

A 72 year-old lady with unrecognised cancer of the body of the pancreas presented with a 4-month history of progressive loss of weight and ascites. The results of laboratory investigations were either negative or within normal limits - apart from a raised serum CA 125 level; no tumour mass was detected on diagnostic imaging. She underwent exploratory laparotomy for a suspected ovarian tumour, but this proved not to be the correct diagnosis. A serum CA 19-9 level was subsequently requested and found to be significantly raised; a second contrast CT scan then showed the presence of ill-defined peri-aortic tissue. A further exploratory laparotomy was carried out in order to establish the true nature of the problem; a large pancreatic carcinoma was revealed.
Botanical perspectives on health: Of cystitis and cranberries
Authors: Patel N. , Daniels I.R.
Published: September 2007

With generalised increased use of antibiotics there has been the accompanying development of antibiotic resistance. It has been suggested that the therapy of uncomplicated cystitis is one area in which it is possible to reduce the usage of such compounds. Many women have long drunk cranberry juice - and it has become an 'old wives' tale in the treatment of this infection. Perhaps it is now time for science to investigate further the benefits of the humble cranberry.
'Glue ear' in perspective
Authors: Chopra Rakesh
Published: September 2007

Contrary to common perception 'glue ear' is a vast and complex subject. It is the most common cause of hearing loss in children; its treatment is often questioned and involves utilisation of substantial health service resources. This article is aimed not only at placing the condition in perspective but also at establishing a short yet comprehensive under standing of its many aspects including aetiology and management. There is no intention, however, to dwell here excessively upon its intricacies and abstrusities.