bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localized dayside proton aurora at high latitudes
Authors: Bryant C. R. , McWilliams K. A. , Frey H. U.
Published: May 2013

Two types of dayside localized proton‐induced auroral emissions on the dayside were identified in SI12 images from the Imager for Magnetopause‐to‐Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) spacecraft. “Auroral oval spots” occurred at or toward the poleward edge of the dayside proton auroral oval. “Polar cap spots” occurred well into the polar cap. The polar cap spots occurred when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was strongly northward and radially aligned along the Sun‐Earth line, which results in reconnection with northern lobe field lines. For the auroral oval spots that occurred during northward‐IMF only, there was a large azimuthal component of the IMF. During northward IMF conditions, a large azimuthal component of the IMF leads to reconnection at high latitudes on closed geomagnetic field lines. The reconnection site would map closer to auroral oval latitudes, which is consistent with the location of the auroral oval spots. The auroral oval spots were found to be much larger in size and total intensity than the polar cap spots, but the average intensities of the two types of spots were comparable. The average intensity of the auroral oval spots was proportional to the solar wind dynamic pressure and solar wind density, suggesting that the average intensity of the auroral oval spots is dependent on the number of protons precipitating from the reconnection site, rather than the proton energy. No clear trend was found for the polar cap spots, but there was a notable lack of polar cap spots for high solar wind dynamic pressures and densities.
Simulation of permafrost and seasonally frozen ground conditions on the Tibetan Plateau, 1981–2010
Authors: Guo Donglin , Wang Huijun
Published: May 2013

Permafrost and seasonally frozen ground conditions on the Tibetan Plateau were investigated using the Community Land Model, version 4 (CLM4), forced by a suite of new, high‐resolution data. This new data set was highly accurate and had an advantage in the frozen ground simulations for its fine temporal and spatial resolution. The simulated current (1981–2000) near‐surface permafrost area was 151.50 × 104 km2, which is close to, but slightly larger than, the range from previous studies (111.80 ~ 150.0 × 104 km2). The simulated current active layer thicknesses ranged from 0 to 4.74 m, with an average of 2.01 m. The other frozen ground parameters, such as the maximum freezing depths for seasonally frozen ground, the date of freeze start, the date of freeze end, and the freeze duration at 1 m depth, were also examined. Considering the issue of scale mismatch, the simulated soil temperature and other frozen ground parameters were reasonable compared to our observations. In response to the Plateau warming of approximately 0.44°C/decade from 1981 to 2010, the near‐surface permafrost area decreased at a rate of 9.20 × 104 km2/decade, and the area‐mean active layer thickness increased by 0.15 m/decade. The area‐mean maximum freezing depth of the seasonally frozen ground decreased by 0.34 m/decade. At a depth of 1 m, the dates of freeze start for permafrost and seasonally frozen ground delayed linearly by 3.8 and 4.0 days/decade, respectively, while the dates of freeze end for them advanced linearly by 5.9 and 4.6 days/decade, respectively. These trends in the dates of freeze start and freeze end resulted in freeze durations that were shortened by 9.7 and 8.6 days/decade for permafrost and seasonally frozen ground, respectively. These results give detailed permafrost and seasonally frozen ground states as well as their changes, which will be useful for studying frozen ground's response to climate change and frozen ground engineering stabilization.
Arc‐Disjoint Cycles and Feedback Arc Sets
Authors: Florek Jan
Published: May 2013

Isaak posed the following problem. Suppose T is a tournament having a minimum feedback arc set, which induces an acyclic digraph with a hamiltonian path. Is it true that the maximum number of arc‐disjoint cycles in T equals the cardinality of minimum feedback arc set of T? We prove that the answer to the problem is in the negative.
Influence of climate change on IDF curves for the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez Raul , Navarro Xavier , Casas M. Carmen , Ribalaygua Jaime , Russo Beniamino , Pouget Laurent , Redaño Angel
Published: May 2013

The evaluation of the possible climate change influence on extreme precipitation is very interesting in the Mediterranean area due to the usual and characteristic high intensities of its rainfall pattern. This analysis is also very important in urban zones, especially those densely populated with complex sewer systems, generally vulnerable to torrential rainfall. In this work, a total of 114 simulated daily rainfall series, 84 for the period 2000–2099 and 30 for the control period 1951–1999, have been analysed. These series were obtained for six thermo‐pluviometric stations located in the metropolitan area of Barcelona using the information provided by five general circulation models under four future climate scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and applying statistical downscaling methods. The potential changes in the intensity–duration–frequency relationships due to climate change have been investigated. For the last third of the 21st century, under A1B, A2 and B2 climate scenarios, an increase of at least 4% has been found on the expected daily rainfall with return period longer than 20 years. Using a temporal downscaling based on scaling properties of rainfall, future hourly extreme rainfall has been estimated. For almost all the scenarios and periods considered, the increase on the expected hourly rainfall has resulted slightly higher than the corresponding daily rainfall. The greatest differences between the future hourly and daily rainfall estimated have been found in the second third of the century under scenarios A1B (8%) and A2 (9%). © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Biomechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscle–tendon complex 6 months post‐rupture of the achilles tendon
Authors: McNair Peter , Nordez Antoine , Olds Margie , Young Simon W. , Cornu Christophe
Published: May 2013

We compared the effects of a non‐weight bearing protocol (NWB) and a weight bearing (WB) protocol on energy stored, stiffness, and shock absorption in the plantar flexor muscle–tendon unit of patients managed non‐operatively following an Achilles tendon rupture. Thirty‐eight subjects were randomized to a WB cast fitted with a Bohler iron or a traditional non‐weight‐bearing cast. At a 6‐month follow‐up, a biomechanical assessment utilizing an isokinetic dynamometer allowed measurement of peak passive torque, energy stored, shock absorption, and stiffness. The WB group had greater peak passive torque (∼20%). Irrespective of group, peak passive torque in unaffected legs was greater (∼26%) than affected legs. Across the groups, energy stored in the NWB group was 74% of the WB group. The energy stored in affected legs was 80% of that in unaffected legs. Shock absorption was not significantly different across legs or groups. Irrespective of group, affected legs had significantly less stiffness (20–40%). While the augmentation of plaster with a Bohler iron to allow increased weight bearing had positive effects, deficits in affected compared to unaffected legs irrespective of group were notable, and should be addressed prior to participation in vigorous physical activities. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1469–1474, 2013
The effects of potassium fertilization on water‐use efficiency in crop plants
Authors: Grzebisz Witold , Gransee Andreas , Szczepaniak Witold , Diatta Jean
Published: May 2013

The supplies of water and nitrogen to a plant during its critical stages of growth are the main factors that define crop yield. A crop experiences irregular water deficits during its life cycle in rain‐fed agriculture. An effective anti‐stress‐oriented approach therefore ought to focus on increasing the units of water productivity. The main objective of this conceptual review is to confirm that adequate K management can be used as an important tool to alleviate the negative effects of water deficit on plant growth, yield‐component formation, and yield. The French and Schultz approach of using the water‐limited yield (WLY) was modified in this review into a graphical form and was used to discriminate between yield fractions that depended on the volume of transpired water from those that were induced by K fertilizer. By using this method, it was possible to demonstrate the extent of several crop (winter wheat, spring triticale, maize, sugar beet) responses to the K supply. Yield increases resulting from K application mostly appeared under conditions of mild water deficit. As described for sugar beet, finding the critical period of crop K sensitivity is a decisive step in understanding its impact on water‐use efficiency. It has been shown that an insufficient supply of K during crucial stages in the yield formation of cereals (wheat, spring triticale), maize, and sugar beet coincides with a depressed development in the yield components. The application of K fertilizer to plants is a simple agronomic practice used to increase crop tolerance to a temporary water shortage. It may be that the improvement of a plant's access to K during mild water‐deficiency stress will increase water uptake by the root cells, which in turn increases their osmotic potential and thereby allows extension growth. This growth in turn promotes access to other mineral elements (including nitrogen) and water, which favor plant growth and yield.
Feasibility study of novel fast‐switching liquid crystal displays using electric birefringence effect
Authors: Kosuge Masahiro , Naemura Shohei , Fujimura Kaoru
Published: May 2013

Both theoretical and experimental studies were made on electric birefringence effect of nematic liquid crystals in isotropic phase with respect to its applicability to novel LCDs. It was confirmed that response times are <1 ms, and a critical point exists where electro‐optic hysteresis vanishes. Substrate surface treatments were also found to improve the electro‐optic characteristics. The results are promising for both projection and direct view display applications featuring fast switching and high image quality.
Plasma panel‐based radiation detectors
Authors: Friedman Peter , Ball Robert , Beene James , Benhammou Yan , Ben‐Moshe Meny , Bentefour Hassan , Chapman J. W. , Etzion Erez , Ferretti Claudio , Levin Daniel , Silver Yiftah , Varner Robert , Weaverdyck Curtis , Zhou Bing
Published: May 2013

The plasma panel sensor (PPS) is a gaseous micropattern radiation detector under current development. It has many operational and fabrication principles common to plasma display panels. It comprises a dense matrix of small, gas plasma discharge cells within a hermetically sealed panel. As in plasma display panels, it uses nonreactive, intrinsically radiation‐hard materials such as glass substrates, refractory metal electrodes, and mostly inert gas mixtures. We are developing these devices primarily as thin, low‐mass detectors with gas gaps from a few hundred microns to a few millimeters. The PPS is a high gain, inherently digital device with the potential for fast response times, fine position resolution (<50‐µm RMS) and low cost. In this paper, we report on prototype PPS experimental results in detecting betas, protons, and cosmic muons, and we extrapolate on the PPS potential for applications including the detection of alphas, heavy ions at low‐to‐medium energy, thermal neutrons, and X‐rays.
Quantitative analysis of organic vocal fold pathologies in females by high‐speed endoscopy
Authors: Bohr Christopher , Kraeck Angelika , Eysholdt Ulrich , Ziethe Anke , Döllinger Michael
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Quantitative analysis of endoscopic high‐speed video recordings of vocal fold vibrations has been growing in importance in recent years. The videos have mainly been analyzed using subjective evaluation, but this is examiner dependent, and the results show inadequate interobserver agreement. The aims of this study were therefore to identify appropriate objective parameters for analyzing high‐speed recordings to differentiate healthy voice production from organic disorders.

Study Design

 

Methods

A total of 152 females were examined, divided into 77 healthy and 75 with four different pathological conditions: laryngeal epithelial thickening, Reinke edema, vocal fold polyps, and vocal fold cysts. Vocal fold vibrations were recorded with a high‐speed camera (4,000 Hz, 256 × 256 pixels) during sustained phonation. Parameters computed from the glottal area waveform (GAW) and from phonovibrogram (PVG) were analyzed. Multiparametric linear discriminant analysis was performed to classify pathological conditions versus the healthy group.

Results

Twenty of 44 parameters were identified that are capable of distinguishing between the individual types of pathology. PVG parameters showed better performance than GAW parameters. Parameters representing vibrational periodicity via standard deviation showed better performance than absolute parameters. In addition, linear discriminant analysis achieved reliable differentiation between healthy and pathological vocal fold vibrations: 72% for the five‐class problem (all groups separately) and 88% for the two‐class problem (healthy vs. all pathologies taken as one class).

Conclusions

The study succeeded in defining objective parameters for analyzing endoscopic high‐speed videos and suggesting first parameters for differentiation between healthy dynamics and dynamics of organic pathologies.

Level of Evidence

3b
Postdeglutitive residue in idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Narajos Nena , Samejima Yasuhiro , Kumai Yoshihiko , Yumoto Eiji
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To quantitate postdeglutitive residue and determine its association with paralysis duration (≤6 vs. ≥6 months) in patients with idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Study Design

Primary institutional retrospective review.

Methods

Twenty patients (mean age, 72 years) with idiopathic UVFP and 13 patients (mean age, 66 years) with isolated recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) who underwent videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSSs) were included. Vallecular and pyriform sinus (PS) residues in the anteroposterior view were analyzed quantitatively. In both regions, the symmetry of the affected versus nonaffected sides between patients with idiopathic UVFP and RLNP were compared. Residual differences between short‐ versus long‐term paralysis duration in idiopathic UVFP patients alone were also evaluated.

Results

The affected PS of the idiopathic group demonstrated significantly increased residue (P = .007) as compared with the nonaffected PS, but with no significant difference with respect to the vallecula (P = .183). There was no significant difference in the RLNP group. When compared with RLNP patients, the idiopathic group showed significantly increased residue on the affected PS (P = .002), but differences in the vallecular residue were nonsignificant. Pharyngeal residue and the duration of paralysis in idiopathic UVFP patients were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Idiopathic UVFP patients were more likely to demonstrate increased residue and asymmetry toward the involved region as compared with RLNP patients, suggesting that nerve involvement in idiopathic UVFP may not be exclusive to the RLN.

Laryngoscope, 123:2776–2779, 2013
Incremental health care utilization and costs for acute otitis media in children
Authors: Ahmed Sameer , Shapiro Nina L. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the incremental health care costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) in children.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a national health‐care cost database.

Methods

Pediatric patients (age < 18 years) were examined from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. From the linked medical conditions file, cases with a diagnosis of AOM were extracted, along with comorbid conditions. Ambulatory visit rates, prescription refills, and ambulatory health care costs were then compared between children with and without a diagnosis of AOM, adjusting for age, sex, region, race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, and Charlson comorbidity Index.

Results

A total of 8.7 ± 0.4 million children were diagnosed with AOM (10.7 ± 0.4% annually, mean age 5.3 years, 51.3% male) among 81.5 ± 2.3 million children sampled (mean age 8.9 years, 51.3% male). Children with AOM manifested an additional +2.0 office visits, +0.2 emergency department visits, and +1.6 prescription fills (all P <0.001) per year versus those without AOM, adjusting for demographics and medical comorbidities. Similarly, AOM was associated with an incremental increase in outpatient health care costs of $314 per child annually (P <0.001) and an increase of $17 in patient medication costs (P <0.001), but was not associated with an increase in total prescription expenses ($13, P = 0.766).

Conclusions

The diagnosis of AOM confers a significant incremental health‐care utilization burden on both patients and the health care system. With its high prevalence across the United States, pediatric AOM accounts for approximately $2.88 billion in added health care expense annually and is a significant health‐care utilization concern.

Level of Evidence

2C. Laryngoscope, 124:301–305, 2014
Perioperative process errors and delays in otolaryngology at a Veterans Hospital: Prospective study
Authors: Dedhia Raj C. , Shwaish Kawa , Snyderman Carl H. , Monte Robert , Eibling David E.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To understand the leading causes for process errors and delays in the otolaryngology operating room and recognize the impact of process errors and delays on patient safety, operating room resources and hospital costs.

Study Design

Prospective, observational study.

Methods

A 4‐week study was conducted during 1 calendar month in 2012, evaluating 23 elective otolaryngology cases. A standardized data collection tool was developed and refined based on prestudy pilot observations. Two trained observers recorded relevant times and actions from patient check‐in time in the preoperative holding area to the “wheels out” time.

Results

The mean case observation time was 220.0 ± 167.8 minutes, with mean duration of operation length being 107.0 ± 146.2 minutes. The perioperative period was divided into six stages: patient holding, room preparation, preintubation, postintubation, intraoperative, and postextubation. One hundred process errors were recorded (average of 4.3 per case), 34% of which were due to communication failures. Forty delays were observed, resulting in 336 minutes of standstill delay. Again, communication failures represented the most common etiology, with 17 communication failures resulting in 146 minutes of standstill delay. The preintubation stage was most affected by delay, with 1 in 6 minutes comprising standstill delay.

Conclusion

Process errors and significant delays were common in cases performed at our institution; communication errors were the most common etiology. There is opportunity for preoperative team discussion and the use of technology to minimize communication‐related process errors and standstill delays. Further work is currently being undertaken to study this critical issue across specialties.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 123:3010–3015, 2013
Comparison of hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe MRI for the measurement of absolute ventilated lung volume in rats
Authors: Fox Matthew S. , Ouriadov Alexei , Santyr Giles E.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

MRI using hyperpolarized noble gases, 3He and 129Xe, provides noninvasive assessments of lung structure and function. Previous work demonstrated that absolute ventilated lung volumes (aVLV) measured in rats using hyperpolarized 3He agree well with micro‐CT.

Methods

In this work, aVLV measurements were performed in rats using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI and compared with hyperpolarized 3He measurements of aVLV under matched ventilation conditions. Whole‐lung compliance was also determined. Partial volume, apparent diffusion coefficient, and effective transverse relaxation time corrections were applied during postprocessing to reduce bias between methods.

Results

Mean apparent diffusion coefficient of the trachea was 0.83 ± 0.09 cm2/s and 0.067 ± 0.011 cm2/s for 3He and 129Xe, respectively. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient of parenchyma was 0.21 ± 0.07 cm2/s and 0.027 ± 0.008 cm2/s for 3He and 129Xe, respectively. Mean transverse relaxation time values were 1.57 ± 0.25 ms and 2.80 ± 0.25 ms for 3He and 129Xe, respectively, in a model trachea and 3.18 ± 1.00 ms and 4.88 ± 0.60 ms for 3He and 129Xe, respectively, for lung parenchyma. Mean aVLV values were 7.07 ± 0.67 mL and 6.99 ± 1.00 mL at 14 cmH2O and 4.88 ± 0.71 mL and 5.36 ± 0.76 mL at 10 cmH2O obtained with 3He and 129Xe, respectively, demonstrating good agreement between 129Xe and 3He.

Conclusions

129Xe offers an important alternative to 3He for hyperpolarized gas MRI of aVLV in rats. Magn Reson Med 71:1130–1136, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Invasive fibroblasts: Fundamental difference between sporadic inclusion body myositis and polymyositis
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Pantazis Georgios , Lindner Alfred , Mack Andreas , Bornemann Antje
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a progressive disease that leads to extensive muscle weakness. The aim of this study was to determine whether the number and distribution of fibroblasts differ in sIBM when compared with polymyositis. Methods: Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed on 35 biopsies with antibodies directed against perlecan and CD90, procollagen I, CD34, and CD105. In addition, nonserial ultrathin sections were studied from 3 biopsies of each condition. Results: Fibroblasts expressing CD90 and CD34 accumulated in the endomysial compartment in polymyositis and sIBM. In addition, cells expressing CD90 were found beneath the basal lamina in both conditions. At the ultrastructural level in polymyositis, fibroblasts invaded the myofiber, with focal destruction of the basement membrane. In sIBM, by contrast, invasive fibroblasts were ensheathed by the intact myofiber basement membrane. Conclusions: The impact of intruding fibroblasts on satellite cells remains to be established. Muscle Nerve 49: 175–180, 2014
Simple electrodiagnostic method for morton neuroma
Authors: Aydinlar Elif Ilgaz , Uzun Metin , Beksac Burak , Ozden Vahit Emre , Karaarslan Ercan , Oge A. Emre
Published: May 2013

Introduction: We describe a simple and quickly applied electrodiagnostic method for confirming the diagnosis of interdigital neuropathy caused by Morton neuroma (MN). Methods: Interdigital nerves II–III and III–IV were stimulated with surface electrodes simultaneously touching the lateral side of 1 toe and the medial side of the other. Recording was also made with surface electrodes. The results of 20 normal controls and 14 patients with MN were evaluated. Results: The amplitude and peak latency values elicited in the patients as well as the interside differences revealed an acceptable abnormality rate between 57.1% and 71.4%. Conclusions: Although the most popular and effective method of MN diagnosis is clinical evaluation supported by imaging, electrophysiological studies can, in selected patients, provide valuable information. Muscle Nerve 49: 193–197, 2014
Detection rates of the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) 11 key conditions in one unit: is the recommended annual audit of any value?
Authors: Tydeman Graham , Clegg Isobel , Brown Sharon
Published: May 2013

What's already known on this topic?

Detection rates of some of the prenatal conditions have been established only from long term regional or national studies.

No previous published work has evaluated whether the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme recommendation that individual units should annually audit their detection rates of 11 major conditions is of value.

What does this study add?

As they stand, the UK national recommendations for annual audit are of minimal value in the short term.

Conditions of low prevalence and high detection rate are the least useful indicators of performance.

We suggest that the auditing recommendations could be improved by grouping conditions and by expanding the target gestational age (e.g. up to 21 weeks rather than within the 18–20 + 6 period recommended by Fetal Anomaly Scan).
Systematic optimization model and algorithm for binding sequence selection in computational enzyme design
Authors: Huang Xiaoqiang , Han Kehang , Zhu Yushan
Published: May 2013

A systematic optimization model for binding sequence selection in computational enzyme design was developed based on the transition state theory of enzyme catalysis and graph‐theoretical modeling. The saddle point on the free energy surface of the reaction system was represented by catalytic geometrical constraints, and the binding energy between the active site and transition state was minimized to reduce the activation energy barrier. The resulting hyperscale combinatorial optimization problem was tackled using a novel heuristic global optimization algorithm, which was inspired and tested by the protein core sequence selection problem. The sequence recapitulation tests on native active sites for two enzyme catalyzed hydrolytic reactions were applied to evaluate the predictive power of the design methodology. The results of the calculation show that most of the native binding sites can be successfully identified if the catalytic geometrical constraints and the structural motifs of the substrate are taken into account. Reliably predicting active site sequences may have significant implications for the creation of novel enzymes that are capable of catalyzing targeted chemical reactions.
PSA screening and deaths from prostate cancer after diagnosis—a population based analysis
Authors: Wachtel Mitchell S. , Nelius Thomas , Haynes Allan L. , Dahlbeck Scott , de Riese Werner
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

The United States Preventative Health Task Force recently recommended prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening be abandoned, believing the results of prior studies failed to show benefits that outweighed risks. Prior analyses did not include a complete 10 year follow‐up in their analyses.

METHODS

SEER rate sessions were used to obtain for US White and Black men age‐adjusted incidence rates for prostate cancer, in total and by loco‐regional and distant (D2) spread for 1983–2009, as well as for prostate cancer diagnoses with associated prostate cancer deaths within 10 years of diagnosis (incidence based mortality rates) for 1983–1999. The SEER‐Stat Program was used to tabulate rate estimates and calculate standard errors. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used to provide estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of annual percent changes (APC) and times at which APC changed (joinpoints), as well as to test for parallelism to see if APC's differed between groups of rates.

RESULTS

All analyses showed a 1991–1993 joinpoint, consistent with an impact of PSA screening. Between 1991 and 1999, incidence based mortality rates showed a decline for Whites of 10.9% (CI 9.2%–12.7%) and for Blacks of 11.6% (CI 9.7%–13.4%); incidence based mortality and D2 spread rate curves were similar (P > 0.05, test for parallelism).

CONCLUSION

Incidence based mortality declined by about 10% per year between 1991 and 1999 in a fashion similar to that of D2 spread, but not loco‐regional spread or overall, incidence. Prostate 73:1365–1369, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic toxicity of dillapiol and spinosad larvicides in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Aciole Eliezer H Pires , Guimarães Nilza N , Silva Andre S , Amorim Erima M , Nunomura Sergio M , Garcia Ana Cristina L , Cunha Kênya S , Rohde Claudia
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Higher rates of diseases transmitted from insects to humans led to the increased use of organophosphate insecticides, proven to be harmful to human health and the environment. New, more effective chemical formulations with minimum genetic toxicity effects have become the object of intense research. These formulations include larvicides derived from plant extracts such as dillapiol, a phenylpropanoid extracted from Piper aduncum, and from microorganisms such as spinosad, formed by spinosyns A and D derived from the Saccharopolyspora spinosa fermentation process. This study investigated the genotoxicity of dillapiol and spinosad, characterising and quantifying mutation events and chromosomal and/or mitotic recombination using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in wings of Drosophila melanogaster.

RESULTS

Standard cross larvae (72 days old) were treated with different dillapiol and spinosad concentrations. Both compounds presented positive genetic toxicity, mainly as mitotic recombination events. Distilled water and doxorubicin were used as negative and positive controls respectively.

CONCLUSION

Spinosad was 14 times more genotoxic than dillapiol, and the effect was found to be purely recombinogenic. However, more studies on the potential risks of insecticides such as spinosad and dillapiol are necessary, based on other experimental models and methodologies, to ensure safe use. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Steps towards removing some obstacles of industrialization of CIGS solar cells
Authors: Hwang Huey‐Liang , Tseng Bae‐Heng , Jagadhamma Letha Ayra , Zhang Yafei
Published: May 2013

Fundamental obstacles such as low production yields, non‐reproducibility, and non‐uniformity over large area are encountered in the commercialization of copper indium gallium (di) selenide (CIGS) solar cell. The precise control and manipulation of the thin film's local chemical compositional distribution during production is particularly difficult. In this paper, we develop a concept of metal organic (MO) sputtering using metal organic precursor in which the film compositions could be fine‐tuned and tailored according to programmed intelligent material and device design. An essential feedback control of the film compositions using optical spectroscopy is crucial. Moreover, the addition of sulfur to enlarge the band gap of CIGS film is indispensable to improve the cell efficiency. We are also developing the chemical sulfurization technique, in which the sulfur and selenium atoms are interchanged in solution at room temperature and large band gap copper indium gallium sulfur‐selenide (CIGSS) films can be obtained. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ge content dependence of radiation damage in Si1‐xGex source/drain p‐type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors
Authors: Nakashima Toshiyuki , Yoneoka Masashi , Tsunoda Isao , Takakura Kenichiro , Gonzalez Mireia Bargallo , Simoen Eddy , Claeys Cor , Yoshino Kenji
Published: May 2013

The 2‐MeV electron radiation damage of Si1‐xGex source/drain (S/D) p‐type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (p‐MOSFETs) with different Ge contents is studied. Before electron irradiation, an enhancement of the hole mobility with Ge content of the S/D stressors is clearly observed. On the other hand, after electron irradiation, the drain current and the maximum hole mobility decreases with increasing electron fluence for all Ge contents, because of lattice defects are introduced by the electron irradiation in the Si channel. The threshold voltage shifts and the maximum hole mobility degradation is independent on the Ge content for all electron fluences. These results indicate that the strain‐induced hole mobility enhancement due to Ge doping is retained after electron irradiation in the studied device structure. This indicates that the compressive strain is maintained in the channel. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Recycling of CIGS absorber layer for deposition of CIGS film
Authors: Miyazaki Hisashi
Published: May 2013

We tried to recycle CIGS thin film solar cell absorber layer as a deposition source. The deposition source is peeled off from Mo/SLG substrate. The recycled‐CIGS films were evaluated by XRD, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and SEM. As compared with high‐efficiency CIGS films, the XRD patterns and Raman spectra show that the crystallinity of deposited CIGS film using peeling‐off powders was similar. A secondary phase is not generated on the surface of the deposited CIGS film by SEM observation. From these results, we thought that the CIGS materials from solar cell structures were able to be recycled for new solar cell absorber layer. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spin‐polarized exciton transfer in Zn‐Cd‐Mn‐Se multi quantum wells
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi , Iwasaki Fumiaki , Hishikawa Masao , Fukasawa Sakyo , Muranaka Tsutomu , Nabetani Yoichi
Published: May 2013

Four‐quantum‐well structure consisting of a ZnCdMnSe diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) well and three ZnCdSe non‐magnetic semiconductor (NMS) wells separated by 15 nm‐thick ZnSe barrier layers were prepared by using ALE and MBE technique. The sample was excited by CW and pulse lasers with photon energy larger than the barrier layer band gap, and circularly polarized PL spectra due to recombination of excitons localized in each well were measured as a function of external magnetic field in the Faraday geometry up to 8 T at 4 K. The PL from the NMS well next to the DMS well and from the NMS well next‐but‐one to the DMS well showed positive circular polarization due to LO phonon assisted transfer of positively spin polarized excitons from the DMS well to the NMS wells. The two NMS wells showed different magnetic field dependence of the degree of circular polarization of PL, which suggested that the exciton transfer from the DMS well to the NMS well next‐but‐one was governed by direct interaction between the two wells, not by cascade transfer process. The degree of circular polarization of PL from the NMS wells increased from zero to 20∼30% after pulse excitation. Raise time of the polarization degree was discussed on the basis of the difference of distance between the NMS well and the DMS well. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Ga content and growth temperature on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film deposited on heat‐resistant glass substrates
Authors: Higuchi Takashi , Usami Noritaka , Minemoto Takashi
Published: May 2013

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films were deposited on the Mo/heat‐resistant glasses (SS‐8, Nippon Electric Glass) by the three‐stage evaporation process. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of SS‐8 is 8.4×10–6/K, strain point of SS‐8 is 582 °C. SS‐8 has the CTE similar to that of SLG but higher thermal tolerance. Substrate temperature (Tsub) during deposition and Ga/(In+Ga) atomic ratio of CIGS thin films were controlled to 550∼600 °C and 0∼0.7, respectively. The effect of Tsub and Ga/(In+Ga) atomic ratios of CIGS films have been characterized by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements. Grain size and ∑3 grain boundary ratio increased at higher Tsub. ∑3 grain boundary ratio was calculated from the fraction of the length of ∑3 grain boundary by the length of the total grain boundaries on EBSD image. There was the correlation among Ga contents, Tsub, grain size and efficiency. It is difficult to distinguish between effect of grain size and effect of grain boundary to efficiency. However, it is found that high Ga content up to 0.7 results in both high efficiency and ∑3 grain boundary ratio. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In situ ellipsometric study of the three‐stage process in CuInSe2 film deposition
Authors: Shirakata Sho , Takahashi Toshihiro , Matsunaga Hiroaki
Published: May 2013

In Situ ellipsometric study has been carried out during the deposition of the CuInSe2 thin film by means of the three‐stage process. A rotator analyzing ellipsomerter using a 632.8 nm He‐Ne laser was used. Ellipsometric parameters (Ψ and Δ) and reflectivity R was obtained during the entire deposition stages, in which a complex reflection coefficient is ρ=tanΨ exp(iΔ). Cu, In and Se were deposited on the Mo‐coated SLG substrate. At the first‐stage (In‐Se deposition), the In‐Se film deposition rate and its reflactive index has been obtained on the basis of the light interference. At the second‐stage, changes in both Ψ and Δ are observed. Based on the X‐ray diffraction measurement, these changes are related to the stoichiometric composition of the film from In‐rich to Cu‐rich. This signal was utilized as a process switch from the second‐stage to the third‐stage. At the third stage, the weak change in Ψ has been observed showing the change of the stoichiometric composition from the Cu‐ rich to the In‐rich. By means of the in situ ellipsometry‐controlled three‐stage process, the CuInSe2 layer with single phase chalcopyrite structure has successfully been prepared, which exhibits an intense near‐band‐edge photoluminescence at 0.998 eV at room temperature. The preliminary fabricated ZnO/CdS/CuInSe2 solar cell exhibited a conversion efficiency of 5.6%. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rapid direct preparation of Cu2ZnSn(S1–x,Sex)4 films using microwave irradiation
Authors: Kaigawa Ryuji , Hirata Satomi , Sasaki Muneo , Klenk R.
Published: May 2013

Cu2ZnSn(S1−x,Sex)4 (CZTSSe) solid solution films were prepared on Ti foils by means of non‐vacuum, instantaneous, direct synthesis from elemental Cu, Zn, Sn, S, and Se precursor films using microwave irradiation. XRD patterns and Raman scattering spectra show that the resulting films consist of CZTSe crystals. The lattice constants of CZTSSe decreased in direct proportion to the S/(S+Se) ratio almost satisfying Vegard's law. Resulting films were relatively compact and continuous in the inner part. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films grown by spray pyrolysis: characterization by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Gurieva G. , Guc M. , Bruk L. I. , Izquierdo‐Roca V. , Pérez Rodríguez A. , Schorr S. , Arushanov E.
Published: May 2013

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis a fast, cost effective and vacuum‐free method. X‐ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy and grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction, were used to characterize the obtained thin films. The analysis of these data showed a close to stoichiometry composition of the films and CZTS adopts the kesterite type structure but with poor crystalline quality and possible existence of secondary phases, such as ZnS and Cu2SnS3. An annealing procedure in presence of elemental Sn and S was applied in order to improve the quality of the films. The annealing leads to an improvement of the crystalline quality of the thin films. The lattice parameters a and c of the annealed CZTS thin films were obtained as result of the Rietveld analysis of the gracing incidence X‐ray diffraction data. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
0.4 J/10 ns/10 kHz‐4 kW coherent beam combined laser using stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugation mirrors for industrial applications
Authors: Kong Hong Jin , Park Sangwoo , Cha Seongwoo , Kim Jom Sool
Published: May 2013

A laser system that can produce 0.4 J/10 ns/10 kHz‐4 kW using a coherent beam combination with stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirrors (SBS‐PCMs) is proposed. The 4 kW coherent beam combination laser system consists of a front‐end system, a pre‐amplifier module, a coherent beam divider/combiner, and 4 main amplifier modules. The front‐end system produces 1064 nm @ 10 kHz laser pulses, and it is amplified by the pre‐amplifier. After the pre‐amplifier module, the laser beam is divided into 4 sub‐beams. Each sub‐beam is amplified by the main amplifier module in a double‐pass configuration and reflected by SBS‐PCMs. Sub‐beams are combined by a coherent beam combiner, and the output of the total system is designed to be 4 kW. With this 4 kW laser module, high‐speed 2D holographic laser processing will be utilized. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of transparent ceramics by millimeter‐wave sintering
Authors: Bykov Yury , Egorov Sergey , Eremeev Anatoly
Published: May 2013

The distinctive features of the millimeter‐wave sintering which make a method appealing for fabrication of optical ceramics are discussed. Among them are the absence of high temperature resistive heaters and the problem of their service life, favorable for elimination of porosity the inverse temperature distribution inherent in the volumetric microwave heating, highly uniform distribution of the millimeter‐wave energy in applicators allowing for the sintering of large‐size articles. This paper reports the results of the research on fabrication of optically transparent ceramics of compositions Nd:Y2O3, Yb:YAG, and Yb:(LaY)2O3 using a gyrotron‐based set‐up operating at frequency of 24 GHz. The green bodies of different compositions were compacted from powders produced by different methods: Nd:Y2O3 from the powder synthesized by laser evaporation of the target, Yb:YAG from a mixture of commercial powders, Yb:(LaY)2O3 from powder fabricated by self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis. Laser oscillation was obtained from the sintered samples of all compositions. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Experiments on Laguerre‐Gaussian modes selection in ceramic lasers
Authors: Senatsky Yu. , Bisson J.‐F. , Li J. , Shirakawa A. , Thirugnanasambandam M. , Ueda K.
Published: May 2013

A study on Laguerre‐Gaussian (LG) modes selection in cw and pulsed Nd:YAG or Yb:YAG ceramic lasers pumped by diodes or an external laser source was carried out. Methods of scalar and vector LG modes selection from low to high orders, involving shaping of the pump profile, usage of intra‐cavity lenses, uniaxial crystals and polarization selective mirrors, are considered. CCD camera images of beam profiles of hollow scalar LGpm modes (p ‐radial, m ‐azimuth indices) of record high‐orders and Bessel‐like multi‐ring modes with highly directional propagation properties are presented. CW and pulsed ceramic lasers with radially or azimuthally polarized LG vector modes of low and high orders are also demonstrated. Applications of the developed laser schemes and LG beams are discussed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Progress in fluoride laser ceramics
Authors: Doroshenko Maxim E. , Demidenko Alexey A. , Fedorov Pavel P. , Garibin Evgeniy A. , Gusev Pavel E. , Jelinkova Helena , Konyshkin Vasiliy A. , Krutov Mikhail A. , Kuznetsov Sergey V. , Osiko Vyacheslav V. , Popov Pavel A. , Shulc Jan
Published: May 2013

A variety of Er3+‐, Tm3+‐, and Yb3+‐activated CaF2‐, SrF2‐, (Ca, Sr)F2‐ and (Sr, Ba)F2‐based fluoride laser ceramics have been prepared by the hot‐forming technique. Lasing of the SrF2:Yb3+, (Ca, Sr)F2:Er3+, (Ca, Sr)F2:Tm3+, (Ba, Sr)F2:Tm3+ and (Ba, Sr)F2:Yb3+ specimens with diode pumping has been observed for the first time. Thermal conductivity data for the above fluorite‐type laser materials are also presented and discussed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Real‐Time Activity Bioassay of Single Osteoclasts Using a Silicon Nanocrystal‐Impregnated Artificial Matrix
Authors: Alsharif Naif H. , Al‐Said Said A. Farha , Birch Mark A. , Horrocks Benjamin R. , Datta Harish K.
Published: May 2013

The lack of an in vitro real‐time osteoclast (OC) activity assay has hampered mechanistic studies of bone resorption. Such an assay is developed, employing a hydroxyapatite matrix impregnated with alkyl‐capped silicon nanocrystals, which is capable of monitoring the time‐course of resorption by single osteoclasts. Resorption of the matrix by OC releases the nanocrystals, which are internalized by the cell and detected as an increase in OC luminescence. This particular choice of nanocrystals is motivated by their bright pH‐independent luminescence, proportional to concentration, and by their rapid uptake without cytotoxicity. In this in vitro assay, OCs are inhibited by calcitonin (CT) and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MCD), and stimulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) in the expected manner. The kinetics of the assay exhibit a lag phase representing cell attachment and commencement of resorption processes, followed by a growth of cell luminescence intensity, and the whole time‐course is satisfactorily described by the logistic equation.
Intertwined Nanocarbon and Manganese Oxide Hybrid Foam for High‐Energy Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Shirui , Bozhilov Krassimir N. , Yan Dong , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: May 2013

Rapid charging and discharging supercapacitors are promising alternative energy storage systems for applications such as portable electronics and electric vehicles. Integration of pseudocapacitive metal oxides with single‐structured materials has received a lot of attention recently due to their superior electrochemical performance. In order to realize high energy‐density supercapacitors, a simple and scalable method is developed to fabricate a graphene/MWNT/MnO2 nanowire (GMM) hybrid nanostructured foam, via a two‐step process. The 3D few‐layer graphene/MWNT (GM) architecture is grown on foamed metal foils (nickel foam) via ambient pressure chemical vapor deposition. Hydrothermally synthesized α‐MnO2 nanowires are conformally coated onto the GM foam by a simple bath deposition. The as‐prepared hierarchical GMM foam yields a monographical graphene foam conformally covered with an intertwined, densely packed CNT/MnO2 nanowire nanocomposite network. Symmetrical electrochemical capacitors (ECs) based on GMM foam electrodes show an extended operational voltage window of 1.6 V in aqueous electrolyte. A superior energy density of 391.7 Wh kg−1 is obtained for the supercapacitor based on the GMM foam, which is much higher than ECs based on GM foam only (39.72 Wh kg−1). A high specific capacitance (1108.79 F g−1) and power density (799.84 kW kg−1) are also achieved. Moreover, the great capacitance retention (97.94%) after 13 000 charge–discharge cycles and high current handability demonstrate the high stability of the electrodes of the supercapacitor. These excellent performances enable the innovative 3D hierarchical GMM foam to serve as EC electrodes, resulting in energy‐storage devices with high stability and power density in neutral aqueous electrolyte.