bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain Effectiveness Dependence on Fin Dimensions and Shape for n-type Triple-Gate MuGFETs
Authors: Bühler Rudolf T. , Giacomini Renato C. , Agopian Paula G. , Martino João A.
Published: September 2011

We analyze in this work, for the first time, the effectiveness and the dependence of the induced uniaxial stress on process variables, using the CESL technique on n-type MuGFETs thought 3D simulations. The fin cross-section shape variation is also included with a complete study on the stress distribution and the electric characterization of the device to measure the impact on its performance. The stress distribution and the device performance exhibited dependence with the shape and fin dimensions, with longer and taller inverse trapezium fin possessing better stress and DC characteristics, and better AC performance on the regular trapezium.
SOI n- and pMuGFET Devices with Different TiN Metal Gate Thickness under Influence of Sidewall Crystal Orientation
Authors: Rodrigues Michele , Galeti Milene , Martino João A. , Collaert Nadine , Simoen Eddy , Claeys Cor
Published: September 2011

This work presents an analysis of SOI p- and nMuGFET devices with different TiN metal gate electrode thickness for rotated and standard structures. Thinner TiN metal gate allows achieving large gain in spite of the reduced variation observed of gm/IDS characteristics. This effect can be attributed to the increased Early voltage values observed for thinner TiN metal gate. Even with the lager mobility of the rotated nMuGFET devices when compared with the standard ones, the larger output conductance degradation resulted in an almost similar intrinsic voltage gain. p- Channel devices when implemented on the rotated layout offer a lower intrinsic voltage gain.
Impact of the Series Resistance in the I-V Characteristics of nMOS Junctionless Nanowire Transistors
Authors: Doria Rodrigo T. , Trevisoli Renan D. , Pavanello Marcelo A.
Published: September 2011

The series resistance (RS) of Junctionless Nanowire Transistors (JNTs) with different doping concentrations was extracted from 473 K down to 100 K. The source/drain parasitic resistance presented by JNTs was compared to the one presented by classical inversion mode (IM) triple gate devices and the impact of the series resistance on the drain current of the devices was evaluated. The RS analysis was carried out through experimental results and devices tridimensional numerical simulations. According to the study, RS presents opposite behavior with the temperature variation in IM triple transistors and JNTs. In the latter, a reduction on RS is noted with the temperature increase, whereas a resistance decrease is obtained with the temperature lowering in IM devices. The parasitic resistance in JNTs affects the drain current in such a way that there may not be a Zero Temperature Coefficient (ZTC) operation point.
Analog Performance of Gate-Source/Drain Underlap Triple-Gate SOI nMOSFET
Authors: Santos Sara D. , Nicoletti Talitha , Martino João A.
Published: September 2011

The electrical characteristics of triple-gate SOI nMOSFET with gate-source/drain underlap are studied in this paper, focusing on the main analog parameters through 3D numerical simulations.The use of underlap has been reported as one alternative to avoid short channel effects mainly in non-planar transistors. The results indicate that in spite of the underlapped devices show lower drain current (IDS) and transconductance (gm), superior characteristics are achieved in terms of transistor efficiency (gm/IDS ratio), output conductance (gD), Early voltage (VEA) and intrinsic voltage gain (AV) which are required for analog applications.
A Compact Model and an Extraction Method for the FinFET Spreading Resistance
Authors: Parada Marcelo G. , Malheiro Cristiano , Agopian Paula G. , Giacomini Renato C.
Published: September 2011

This work presents a study of the FinFET series resistance focused on the spreading component. A new simple analytical expression is proposed to easily estimate and model this parasitic parameter. The extraction method departs from the drain current versus gate voltage curves of several channel and source/drain lengths. The resistance values extracted from simulated devices are compared to the outputs of the analytic model and a very good agreement is achieved. The proposed model showed accurate estimative for a wider range of devices then previously published models.
(Invited) Integrated Photodetectors in CMOS Chips and their Spectral Sensitivity
Authors: Bach Konrad , Voerckel A. , Franke M.
Published: September 2011

Diodes inherent in a CMOS process are light sensitive and could be exploited as photodetectors. To detect light the photo generated carriers need to be separated by the electrical field of an internal pn junction. They are either generated inside the depletion region or can get there by diffusion. The depth where these carriers are generated depends strongly on the wavelength. The generation profile, the pn junction depth and the diffusion length all impact the spectral sensitivity. A simple model is presented to describe these dependencies. It has enabled spectral response to be optimized within physical limits. Furthermore, a special diode was built and integrated which achieved more than 90% efficiency in the demanding blue corner of the visible spectrum. As the analytical description is based on only 5 parameters it can be incorporated in a behavioral diode model to support computer aided circuit design.
SAW Sensors and RF ID Tags without a Reference Channel
Authors: Balashov Sergey , Balachova O.V. , Pavani Filho A. , Swart J. W.
Published: September 2011

A new approach for design of SAW sensors and tags is discussed. We propose to use a two-path SAW oscillator as a sensor. This structure does not require a reference channel as a traditional SAW sensor does. Also we show that the use of fan-shaped transducers in sensors and RF ID tags allows one to utilize different frequency bands in the same propagation path for reference and code parts of the signal. In the article we present prototypes of SAW chemical alarm sensor and SAW RF tag.
Si-Micromachined Thermal Flow Sensors: Devices, Simulations and Applications
Authors: Lange Peter , Poech Max
Published: September 2011

A thermal mass flow sensor in bulk micromaching membrane technology is presented. This anemometric sensor is suitable for measurements of gaseous and liquid media. Semiconductor fabrication technology and thus low costs per single device enable an application in large numbers due to upcoming demands for all kind of environmental control including water flow monitoring.
pH Meter Based in Suspended Gate Field Effect Transistors to Application in Monitoring of Water Quality
Authors: Rodrigues Bruno D. , De Sagazan Olivier , Crand Samuel , Mohammed-Brahim Tayeb , Morimoto Nilton I.
Published: September 2011

The protocol to monitor the water pH variation during a long time using a full electronic pH-meter consisting of a SGFET (Suspended Gate Field Effect Transistor) is presented after the analysis of the transconductance and the drain current drifts under pH. The main advantages of using this device are its high sensitivity and the ability to integrate it with the electronic treatment into a miniaturized system.
Analysis of Focused Ion Beam Damages in Optoelectronic Devices Fabrication
Authors: Vallini Felipe , Barea Luís A. , Dos Reis Elohim F. , Von Zuben Antônio A. , Frateschi Newton C.
Published: September 2011

A study of the damages caused by gallium focused ion beam (FIB) is presented. Potential damages caused by local heating, ion implantation, and selective sputtering are presented. Preliminary analysis shows that local heating is negligible. Gallium implantation is shown to occur over areas tens of nanometers thick. Gallium accumulation as well as selective sputtering during III-V compound milling is expected. Particularly, for GaAs, this effect leads to gallium segregation and the formation of metallic clusters. Microdisks resonators are fabricated using FIB milling of different emission currents. It is shown that for higher emission current, thus higher implantation doses, the cavity quality factor rapidly decreases.
Photoluminescence in Non-Stoichiometric Silicon Nitride Films Obtained by Reactive Sputtering
Authors: Sombrio Guilherme , De Mattos Antônio Eudócio P. , Franzen Paulo L. , Pereira Marcelo B. , Boudinov Henri I.
Published: September 2011

The quest to improve silicon properties for optoelectronic applications is a challenge for many researchers. The answer appears to rely on microelectronic compatible materials enhanced with embedded nanostructures. We used reactive sputtering to produce films with non-stoichiometric silicon nitride. The excess of silicon in those samples is then aggregated by subsequent thermal annealing. By carefully choosing deposition parameters and annealing temperatures, an improved photoluminescence response was obtained. The temperature effect on the photoluminescence from the samples was investigated between 10 and 300 K. We observed a moderate signal improvement at lower temperatures, with no significant spectral response change. The composition of the samples was obtained by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and the sample thickness was measured by spectral ellipsometry. We observed a large increase in photoluminescence response for samples with increased oxygen concentrations.
MOSFET on Thin Si Diaphragm as Pressure Sensor
Authors: De Sagazan Olivier , Jacques Emmanuel , Mohammed-Brahim Tayeb
Published: September 2011

This paper presents original designs of pressure sensor combining thin membrane micro-technology with a simple MOSFET (Metal Oxide Silicon Field Effect Transistor) detection. The proposed microelectronic process (fig. 1) is quite simple and could lead to the development of low pressure sensor. The sensor designs are based on square and cross shaped P-channel MOSFET directly integrated on the diaphragm. Electrical characterization of the FET-sensor shows wide drift of the characteristics in response to mechanical strain on the membrane. The shift importance is shown to depend on the different designs used to fabricate the FET-sensors.
Increased Sensitivity of Love Wave Delay-Lines for Heavy Metal Detection through the Deposition of a Mesoporous TiO2 Coating
Authors: Blanc Laurianne , Gammoudi Ibtissem , Tarbague Hakim , Boissière Cédric , Kalfat Rafik , Dejous Corinne , Tetelin Angélique , Rebière Dominique
Published: September 2011

This work deals with the design of a highly sensitive biosensor for heavy metal detection in liquid medium. The developed biosensor consists in an acoustic Love wave sensor with polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) and E.coli bacteria as bioreceptors. The PEM represent a versatile polymeric matrix, deposited with an efficient "layer-by-layer" method. Bacteria are immobilized on the PEM, and are used to detect the presence of cadmium because of the modification of their viscoelastic properties induced by heavy metals. The PEM and bacteria deposition, as well as the detection of cadmium are measured through the real-time resonant frequency shifts of the sensor. The impact of the addition of a mesoporous TiO2 layer between the Love wave guiding layer and the PEM has been studied. The subsequent results are compared to those obtained with a "classic" Love wave device (Quartz + SiO2) and highlight an increased sensitivity of the acoustic platform towards cadmium.
Ti3O5 Nano- and Microfibers Prepared via Annealing of C-doped TiO2 Thin Films Aiming at Solar Cell and Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Stem Nair , Chinaglia Eliane D. , Dos Santos Filho Sebastião G.
Published: September 2011

Ti3O5 nano- and microfibers were obtained via annealing of C-doped TiO2 thin films aiming at solar cell electrodes and photocatalysis applications. 1.5wt% and 3.0 wt% carbon-doped TiO2 films were deposited by e-beam evaporation and were annealed for 120min at 700oC, 900oC and 1000oC in wet nitrogen (0.8%H2O). The films were analyzed by different techniques such as Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) conducted in a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). It was noteworthy that the nano- and microfibers were formed for TiO2 films annealed at 1000oC temperature. In this case, the amorphous TiO2 phase gave rise to crystalline phases of λ-Ti3O5 (75%) and rutile + trace of TiO2-xCx (25%) with a mesh of Ti3O5 fibers over a C-doped TiO2 layer.
Quality Improvements of Titanium Oxide/Gallium Arsenide MOS Capacitors by Post-Metallization Annealing and Sulfur-Treatment
Authors: Lee Ming-Kwei , Yen Chih-Feng , Yang Sheng-Hsiung
Published: September 2011

The characteristics of post-metallization annealed TiO2 with various thicknesses on (NH4)2S-treated GaAs were investigated. The electrical characteristics of TiO2 films grown on (NH4)2S-treated GaAs were improved due to the removal of native oxide. The post-metallization annealing treatment can further passivate the grain boundary of TiO2 film and interface of TiO2/GaAs. With both treatments, the leakage current densities of thick TiO2 (77nm)/GaAs are 1.4 × 10-7 and 2.3 × 10-5 A/cm2 at ± 1.5 MV/cm, and that of thin TiO2 (7.5 nm) are 1.7 × 10-6 and 4.5 × 10-5 A/cm2 at ± 2 V (2.7 MV/cm). The dielectric constant and equivalent oxide thickness can reach 52 and 0.53 nm, respectively. The lowest interface state density is 3.8 × 1012 cm-2eV-1 by the high-low frequency capacitance method.
Technological Aspects and Simulation of Efficient Solar Cells based on In1-xGax N Thin Films, Deposited by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Semchinova O. , Neff H. , Alexeev Alexey , Krasovitsky Dmitry , Chaly Victor
Published: September 2011

Photovoltaic properties of n-In1-xGaxN/p-Si,Ge (IGN) heterostructures have been evaluated by device simulation and are compared with the performance of c-Si homojunction solar cells. Best achievable cell performance for tandem cells under AM1.5 illumination conditions were 18% for p-Ge and up to 27% for n- InGaN/p-Si contacts, achievable under optimum cell design, material quality and operation parameters. It was shown that the quality of the deposited semiconductor films (IGN) determines the solar cell efficiency. Some critical aspects of the IGN growth, as effects of substrate temperature and V/III ratio, using MBE technique were investigated. Possible routes to overcome crucial problems in growth of high quality IGN films are discussed.
Industrial Technologies For III-Nitride-Based Electronics
Authors: Krasovitsky Dmitry , Alexeev Alexey , Dudin Anatoly , Kokin Sergey , Katsavets Nickolay , Chaly Victor
Published: September 2011

The industrial level technologies including molecular beam epitaxy and submicron planar processing are developed to realize novel electron devices based on III-nitride multilayer heterostructures. Wide conditions range available on growth equipment used as well as flexible heterostructure designs allows controlling of device oriented material properties. For microwave applications, thick AlN "templates" grown at extremely high (up to 1100 degrees C) substrate temperature in conjunction with multilayer transition region design both provide low dislocation density in the order of 10^8 cm-2. The strong carrier confinement in two-dimensional electron gas for collapse-free transistor operation is provided by placing GaN channel between AlGaN barriers of various Al content, keeping high sheet conductivity of 260-320 Ohm/square. Based on these heterostructures a number of power amplifiers for L-, S-, C- and X-band are realized. For various types of bulk acoustic resonators, stress-controlling technology of AlN/GaN layers having high depth uniformity on Si substrates is also developed.
Evaluation of Low Cost Metallization Process for Power Electronic Modules by Wire Wedge Bond Process on Nickel/Copper and Nickel/Copper/Silver Pads
Authors: Biasotto C. , Isoda Luiz B. , Franco Cibele S. , Armigliato Nelson
Published: September 2011

Wire-bonding is the dominant method used for chip interconnections and it is very important to the development and manufacturing of power electronic modules. It has been used in microelectronic packaging for years using aluminum or gold wire. In this work, a low cost process using wire wedge bond on nickel/copper and nickel/copper/silver metal stack are presented. Rupture tests were performed in order to investigate the mechanical reliability of the metal layer for wire bonding application.
Fabrication of Porous Anodic Alumina by Single-Step Anodization: Influence of the Molar Concentration and effect of the Chemical Etching
Authors: Bustamante Rina H. , Raimundo Daniel , Champi Hipólito Alan , Kim H. Y. , Salcedo Walter J.
Published: September 2011

Porous anodic alumina (PAA) films have been fabricated by single-step anodization for different concentrations of oxalic acid. The influence of the molar concentration on their average pore diameter was investigated and chemical etching processes for different times on the as-etched layer was performed in order to study its effect on the formation of self-organized nanopores. The experimental results show that controlling both, molar concentration and chemical etching times after anodization pores with different diameters can be easily prepared. This procedure leads to form porous alumina layers with high-quality two-dimensional hexagonal lattices and provide an ideal template for preparation of many one-dimensional nanomaterials.
Morphological and Chemical Analysis of Silicon Etched by SF6+O2 and CF4+O2 Low Pressure Constricted Plasma Jet
Authors: Wakawaiachi Shirley M. , Tezani Leandro L. , Pessoa Rodrigo S. , Medeiros Henrique S. , Maciel Homero S. , Petraconi Gilberto
Published: September 2011

In this work, the surface of silicon etched by sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) plasma jet, pure or mixed with oxygen gas (O2), was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical perfilometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Through these techniques it was possible to investigate the etching rate, etched surface roughness and chemistry on Si surface as a function of O2 concentration in the SF6+O2 and CF4+O2 mixture. The results indicate high etching rates of up to 1.0 µm/min obtained for rf power and operating pressure at about 150W and 3.2 mTorr, respectively. The conditions whose etched profile showed higher anisotropy were obtained with CF4. Regarding the chemical analysis of the etched Si surface it was possible to identify elements of the sample surface such as F, C, N and O, as well as, their respective bonds with the Si.
Analysis of Pin in Paste Soldering on Printed Circuits Boards Assembly Using Lead Free Solder Paste
Authors: Lima R. B. , Cardoso V. F. , Da Silva Ana N.
Published: September 2011

The THC (Through Hole Components) assembly in a SMT board using Pin-in-Paste (PIP) process was studied and implemented using SAC lead-free solder paste. The main idea of this process is to solder in the same thermal step THCs and SMDs (Surface Mount Devices), eliminating the step of wave soldering which is the most used in electronics assembly today for THCs. As results one could achieve reduction on production time and costs, as well as improvements in soldering quality and also environmental aspects. The experiment was conducted to identify the best PCB and stencil design parameters. Printing and reflow parameters were also considered to reach the best solder joints. Some problems could be found with solder excess but the solder quality of the reflowed boards was acceptable for almost all components.
Design and Fabrication of Silicon PiezoMOS Transistors for Applications on MEMS
Authors: Guimarães Daniel D. , Garcia Vitor , Fruett Fabiano
Published: September 2011

This article describes the project, manufacturing and characterization of silicon piezoMOS transistors made entirely in Brazil. PMOS transistors were designed observing some rules to maximize the piezoMOS effect. A back-side bulk micromachining post-process based on KOH etching was used to make a membrane which was aligned with the piezo transistors on the front side. Experimental results show that the drain current variation amounts for 8% due to a differential pressure of 25 psi applied on opposite sides of the silicon membrane. PiezoMOS transistors can be widely used in MEMS as a low-power alternative comparing to piezo resistors.
Process Modeling and Fabrication of Microlens Array in Thick Photoresist
Authors: Cirino Giuseppe A. , Montagnoli Arlindo N. , Neto Luiz G.
Published: September 2011

In this work, the design and fabrication of a low f-number cylindrical microlens array is presented. The lenses were fabricated in thick photo resist of 12 μm thickness, using a contact printer exposure through a mask with a repetitive 6 μm line - 4 μm space pattern. Numerical calculations based on scalar diffraction theory were employed to model the light propagation inside the resist, determining the aerial image as a function of its thickness. Than the resist response characteristics, expressed by its contrast curve, and absorption rate were used to obtain a cross section profile. A good match between numerical and experimental results were found.
Impact of Mold Properties on the Reliability of Ball Grid Array Packaging
Authors: Carpi Enio L. , Mazon Talita
Published: September 2011

A fatigue model based on viscoplastic material properties and accumulated plastic work was applied to predict crack initiation and crack propagation on Pb-free solder joints. The fatigue model relies on finite element analysis of Ball Grid array electronic packages and Design of Experiments methodology to explore the impact of mold material properties and thickness on the package reliability. It was observed that the outermost solder joint has the lowest failure free life in agreement with the literature.
Low Voltage Organic Devices with High-k TiOxNy and PMMA Dielectrics for Future Application on Flexible Electronics
Authors: Zanchin Vinicius R. , Cavallari Marco Roberto , Fonseca Fernando J. , Albertin Katia F. , Pereyra Inés , Andrade Adnei M.
Published: September 2011

We report the first low voltage organic P3HT transistor over glass substrates and titanium oxynitride (TiOxNy) deposited by reactive r.f. magnetron sputtering. The transistor operating voltage was -3V with a maximum current of 1.11 μA. Charger carrier mobility (μ) was 0.01 cm2/Vs, threshold voltage (Vt) -0.5 V, on-off current ratio (ION/OFF) 200 and subthreshold swing (S) 0.75 V/decade. We also present a study of the dielectric constant (k) of organic insulator PMMA in several processing conditions. ITO/PMMA/Au capacitors provided a dielectric constant of ca. 3.5, which is very similar to SiO2 performance.
Simulator for Microfluidics Based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Komori Fabio S. , Mielli Murilo Z. , Carreño Marcelo N.
Published: September 2011

In this paper we present the development of a software to simulate the fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems. The simulator is based on the Lattice Boltzmann method, which is an alternative to the traditional approach to solve Navier-Stokes equation. At this moment the software deals with 2D problems and we present the results of simulations performed in common structures found in microfluidics.
Oriented Micro and Nanofibers Containing Polyethylene Oxide and Pectin
Authors: Furlan Rogerio , Rodriguez Gerardo G. , Fachini Estevao R. , Da Silva Ana N.
Published: September 2011

The use of biocompatible materials in the formation of oriented fibers opens the possibility to obtain engineered tissues that can be used in medicine, environmental engineer, security and defense, among other applications. Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide that besides being biocompatible is biodegradable and bioactive. In this work the formation of oriented fibers using solutions containing different amounts of pectin, polyethylene oxide, and chloroform is investigated. The injection of solution inside an intense electric field defined between two floating parallel electrodes was used to obtain the fibers. This approach is a modification of the conventional electrospinning process. The presence of pectin in the fibers was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Fibers with diameters of hundreds of nanometers can be collected. The incorporation of pectin leads to a higher variation of the fibers diameter, resulting in the collection of more fibers with an increased diameter, in the range of micrometers.
The Dependence of OLED External Efficiency on the Mass Concentration of Europium(III) Dispersed in PVK
Authors: Santos Gerson , Fonseca Fernando J. , Andrade Adnei M.
Published: September 2011

A very sharp wavelength response and significant electroluminescence and high internal quantum efficiency makes rare earth complexes promising materials to produce OLED devices with high performance. In this work a three layer device has been investigated to study the influence of the mass concentration of an europium complex [Eu(DBM)3Phen] dispersed in poly(9-vinylcarbazole) [PVK], on the external efficiency.
The Red Blood Cell as a Gender-Associated Biomarker in Metabolic Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Straface Elisabetta , Gambardella Lucrezia , Mattatelli Antonella , Canali Emanuele , Boccalini Francesca , Agati Luciano , Malorni Walter
Published: September 2011

In the present pilot study (56 patients), some red blood cell parameters in samples from patients with metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis, but without any sign of coronary artery disease, have been analyzed. The main goal of this work was to determine, in this preclinical state, new peripheral gender-associated bioindicators of possible diagnostic or prognostic value. In particular, three different “indicators” of red blood cell injury and aging have been evaluated: glycophorin A, CD47, and phosphatidylserine externalization. Interestingly, all these determinants appeared significantly modified and displayed gender differences. These findings could provide novel and useful hints in the research for gender-based real-time bioindicators in the progression of metabolic syndrome towards coronary artery disease. Further, more extensive studies are, however, necessary in order to validate these findings.
Chaotic Attractor Generation via Space Function Controls
Authors: Shi Hong , Xie Guangming , Liu Desheng
Published: September 2011

The analysis of chaotic attractor generation is given, and the generation of novel chaotic attractor is introduced in this paper. The underlying mechanism involves two simple linear systems with one‐dimensional, two‐dimensional, or three‐dimensional space functions. Moreover, it is demonstrated by simulation that various attractor patterns are generated conveniently by adjusting suitable space functions′ parameters and the statistic behavior is also discussed.
More Similar than Different? Exploring Cultural Models of Depression among Latino Immigrants in Florida
Authors: Martinez Tyson Dinorah (Dina) , Castañeda Heide , Porter Milagro , Quiroz Marisel , Carrion Iraida
Published: September 2011

The Surgeon General's report, “Culture, Race, and Ethnicity: A Supplement to Mental Health,” points to the need for subgroup specific mental health research that explores the cultural variation and heterogeneity of the Latino population. Guided by cognitive anthropological theories of culture, we utilized ethnographic interviewing techniques to explore cultural models of depression among foreign-born Mexican (n=30), Cuban (n=30), Columbian (n=30), and island-born Puerto Ricans (n=30), who represent the largest Latino groups in Florida. Results indicate that Colombian, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican immigrants showed strong intragroup consensus in their models of depression causality, symptoms, and treatment. We found more agreement than disagreement among all four groups regarding core descriptions of depression, which was largely unexpected but can potentially be explained by their common immigrant experiences. Findings expand our understanding about Latino subgroup similarities and differences in their conceptualization of depression and can be used to inform the adaptation of culturally relevant interventions in order to better serve Latino immigrant communities.
A Fixed Point Approach to Superstability of Generalized Derivations on Non‐Archimedean Banach Algebras
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Ghaemi M. B. , Alizadeh Badrkhan
Published: September 2011

We investigate the superstability of generalized derivations in non‐Archimedean algebras by using a version of fixed point theorem via Cauchy functional equation.
Scale Expansion of Community Investigations and Integration of the Effects of Abiotic and Biotic Processes on Maintenance of Species Diversity
Authors: Wang Zhenhong , Zhang Ming , Yu Junfeng , Jiang Ruicong , Yin Xiaolu , Yu Dan
Published: September 2011

Information on the maintenance of diversity patterns from regional to local scales is dispersed among academic fields due to the local focus of community ecology. To better understand these patterns, the study of ecological communities needs to be expanded to larger scales and the various processes affecting them need to be integrated using a suitable quantitative method. We determined a range of communities on a flora-subregional scale in Yunnan province, China (383210.02 km2). A series of species pools were delimited from the regional to plot scales. Plant diversity was evaluated and abiotic and biotic processes identified at each pool level. The species pool effect was calculated using an innovative model, and the contribution of these processes to the maintenance of plant species diversity was determined and integrated: climate had the greatest effect at the flora-subregional scale, with historical and evolutionary processes contributing ∼11%; climate and human disturbance had the greatest effect at the local site pool scale; competition exclusion and stress limitation explained strong filtering at the successional stage pool scale; biotic processes contributed more on the local community scale than on the regional scale. Scale expansion combined with the filtering model approach solves the local problem in community ecology.
Sparse Representation of Deformable 3D Organs with Spherical Harmonics and Structured Dictionary
Authors: Wang Dan , Tewfik Ahmed H. , Zhang Yingchun , Shen Yunhe
Published: September 2011

This paper proposed a novel algorithm to sparsely represent a deformable surface (SRDS) with low dimensionality based on spherical harmonic decomposition (SHD) and orthogonal subspace pursuit (OSP). The key idea in SRDS method is to identify the subspaces from a training data set in the transformed spherical harmonic domain and then cluster each deformation into the best-fit subspace for fast and accurate representation. This algorithm is also generalized into applications of organs with both interior and exterior surfaces. To test the feasibility, we first use the computer models to demonstrate that the proposed approach matches the accuracy of complex mathematical modeling techniques and then both ex vivo and in vivo experiments are conducted using 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for verification in practical settings. All results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm features sparse representation of deformable surfaces with low dimensionality and high accuracy. Specifically, the precision evaluated as maximum error distance between the reconstructed surface and the MRI ground truth is better than 3 mm in real MRI experiments.
The Hausdorff Dimension of the Penrose Universe
Authors: Marek-Crnjac L.
Published: September 2011

Penrose fractal tiling is one of the simplest generic examples for a noncommutative space. In the present work, we determine the Hausdorff dimension corresponding to a four-dimensional analogue of the so-calledPenrose Universe and show how it could be used in resolving various fundamental problems in high energy physics and cosmology.
Copper(I)-BINOL Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of 1,4-Benzoxathiines through -O Bond Formation
Authors: Korupalli Chiranjeevi , Dandapat Arpan , Prasad D. J. C. , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: September 2011

1,4-benzoxathiine moieties can be synthesized by domino 2 ring opening of epoxide with o-halothiophenols followed by the copper(I)-BINOL catalyzed Ullmann-type coupling cyclization (intramolecular -O bond formation) with moderate to good yields.
AT1 Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in relation to Postprandial Lipemia
Authors: Klop B. , van den Berg T. M. , Rietveld A. P. , Chaves J. , Real J. T. , Ascaso J. F. , Carmena R. , Elte J. W. F. , Castro Cabezas Manuel
Published: September 2011

Background. Recent data suggest that the renin-angiotensin system may be involved in triglyceride (TG) metabolism. We explored the effect of the common A1166C and C573T polymorphisms of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene on postprandial lipemia.Methods. Eighty-two subjects measured daytime capillary TG, and postprandial lipemia was estimated as incremental area under the TG curve. The C573T and A1166C polymorphisms of the AT1R gene were determined.Results. Postprandial lipemia was significantly higher in homozygous carriers of the 1166-C allele (9.39±8.36 mM*h/L) compared to homozygous carriers of the 1166-A allele (2.02±6.20 mM*h/L) (P<0.05). Postprandial lipemia was similar for the different C573T polymorphisms.Conclusion. The 1166-C allele of the AT1R gene seems to be associated with increased postprandial lipemia. These data confirm the earlier described relationships between the renin-angiotensin axis and triglyceride metabolism.
Extracellular NM23 Protein as a Therapeutic Target for Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Okabe-Kado Junko , Kasukabe Takashi , Kaneko Yasuhiko
Published: September 2011

An elevated serum level of NM23-H1 protein is a poor prognostic factor in patients with various hematologic malignancies. The extracellular NM23-H1 protein promotes thein vitrogrowth and survival of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells and inversely inhibits thein vitrosurvival of normal peripheral blood monocytes in primary culture at concentrations equivalent to the levels found in the serum of AML patients. The growth and survival promoting activity to AML cells is associated with cytokine production and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways. Inhibitors specific for MAPK signaling pathways inhibit the growth/survival-promoting activity of NM23-H1. These findings indicate a novel biological action of extracellular NM23-H1 and its association with poor prognosis. These results suggest an important role of extracellular NM23-H1 in the malignant progression of leukemia and a potential therapeutic target for these malignancies.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Pathological Myopia: 12-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Lorenzo Daniel , Arias Luis , Alcubierre Rafel , Pujol Octavio , Caminal J.M. , Rubio Marcos , Català Jaume , Garcia-Bru Pere , Arruga Jorge
Published: September 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to pathological myopia (PM). Methods: This retrospective case series studied outcomes in patients with CNV secondary to PM who were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, which included best-corrected visual acuity testing measured with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and baseline fluorescein angiography (FA). Indications for retreatment included the persistence of subretinal fluid on OCT as well as hemorrhages and new CNV on FA. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Results: We treated 29 eyes in 29 patients; the mean age was 56.8 years. Thirteen eyes were naïve, while 16 had been previously treated with photodynamic therapy or intravitreal bevacizumab. The mean initial visual acuity was 44.8 letters; at the 12-month follow-up, it was 53.7 letters. The mean OCT foveal thickness decreased by 35.3 µm. Patients received an average of 1.38 injections. Statistically significant differences were observed both in visual acuity and in central foveal thickness. All subgroups had favorable outcomes. None of the patients developed injection-induced complications or drug-related side effects. Conclusion: Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab appears to be safe and efficacious in patients with CNV secondary to PM followed over a 12-month period.
One-Year Results of Intravitreal Ranibizumab with or without Photodynamic Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Song Min-Hye , Ryu Hyun-Wook , Roh Young-Jung
Published: September 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab with or without photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Korean patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 22 patients (24 eyes) with PCV was conducted. Nine eyes were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab combined with a single session of PDT (group 1), and 15 eyes were treated only with ranibizumab (group 2). Such clinical evaluations as best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, central retinal thickness (CRT) by optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were done at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the first injections. Ranibizumab was reinjected on an as-needed basis guided by OCT, FA and ICGA, or at the doctor’s discretion. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 22.5 months (range 12–37). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) improved, and the mean CRT decreased throughout 12 months in both groups; no statistically significant difference between the groups was found (p = 0.327, p = 0.073, respectively). The number of ranibizumab injections was not significantly different either (p = 0.555). Conclusions: Intravitreal ranibizumab with or without PDT for PCV in Korean patients resulted in visual and anatomical improvement over the 1-year follow-up period.
Effect of Therapeutic Hypothermia in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy on Platelet Function
Authors: Christensen Robert D. , Sheffield Mark J. , Lambert Diane K. , Baer Vickie L.
Published: September 2011

Objective: Platelet dysfunction has been described in adults during hypothermia. We sought to determine whether it also occurs in neonates. Methods: We measured bleeding times and PFA-100 (platelet function analyzer) times in 10 neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during and after head cooling. Results: The 10 neonates were born at 38.2 ± 1.6 weeks’ gestation (mean ± SD), with birth weights of 3,222 ± 746 g, pH 6.79 ± 0.17, base excess –25 ± 8, and 10-min Apgar 4 ± 2. Cooling was instituted 111 min (range: 66–180) after birth and continued 72 h. Bleeding times before cooling averaged 170 s (95% CI: 100–240). These lengthened during hypothermia, averaging 410 s (p = 0.000) and shortened after rewarming (p = 0.000). PFA-100 times were similar: prolongation during cooling and normalization after rewarming. Six neonates had clinical bleeding problems in the first 24 h of cooling, but were managed successfully, and no intracranial hemorrhages were identified. Conclusion: Defective platelet plug formation occurs during therapeutic hypothermia of neonates in a manner similar to that described in adults. Platelet impairment can be severe, but rapidly improves after rewarming.
Recombinant Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus Containing Cry1Ac Gene Codes for 130-kDa Toxin Protein
Authors: Subashini M. , Moushumi Priya A. , Sundarakrishnan B. , Jayachandran S.
Published: September 2011

Recombinant Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus containing Cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki borne on pKT230, shuttle vector, was generated. PCR amplification of Cry1Ac gene present in recombinant G. diazotrophicus yielded a 278-bp DNA product. The nitrogenase assay has revealed that the recombinant G. diazotrophicus in sugarcane stem produced similar levels of nitrogenase compared to wild-type G. diazotrophicus. The presence of 130-kDa protein in apoplastic fluid from sugarcane stem harvested from pots inoculated with recombinant G. diazotrophicus shows that the translocated G. diazotrophicus produces 130-kDa protein which is recognized by the hyperimmune antiserum raised against 130-kDa protein. The first instar Eldana saccharina neonate larvae that fed on artificial medium containing recombinant G. diazotrophicus died within 72 h after incubation.
Description of Bursaphelenchus kiyoharai n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) with remarks on the taxonomic framework of the Parasitaphelenchinae Rühm, 1956 and Aphelenchoidinae Fuchs, 1937
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Maehara Noritoshi , Aikawa Takuya , Masuya Hayato , Giblin-Davis Robin M.
Published: September 2011

A Bursaphelenchus species was isolated from an ambrosia
beetle, Xyleborus seriatus, during a biodiversity survey of
entomophilic nematodes in a conserved forest in the Shirakami mountain
range, Aomori, Japan. The nematode has several interesting morphological
characters that do not fit the morphological definition of
Bursaphelenchus, e.g., males have a
tail spike instead of a bursal flap and lack the P1 ventral single papilla,
and females have a very long and tapering tail (filiform). The molecular
phylogenetic status of the new species inferred by the near-full-length
small subunit (SSU: 18S) and the D2/D3 expansion segments of the large
subunit (LSU: 28S) suggests, however, that the nematode is included in the
B. fungivorus group, and is most closely related to
B. thailandae and B. willibaldi.
Despite these unique morphological characters, its spicule morphology, which
is almost identical to that of B. gonzalezi, B.
thailandae and B. willibaldi, and vulval
structure, i.e., lacking a vulval flap, are in accordance
with the molecular phylogenetic status of the nematode. The new species,
which shows evidence of secondary loss of the bursal flap and P1 papilla, is
described herein as B. kiyoharai n. sp. The typological
descriptions of the genus and Parasitaphelenchinae were reconsidered and the
taxonomic framework of the Aphelenchoidinae and Parasitaphelenchinae
revised. Bursaphelenchus asiaticus n. comb. is proposed for
Ruehmaphelenchus asiaticus.
Plato on the Norms of Speech and Thought
Authors: Evans Matthew
Published: September 2011

Near the beginning of the Cratylus (385e-387d) Plato’s Socrates argues, against his friend Hermogenes, that the standards of correctness for our use of names in speech are in no way up to us. Yet this conclusion should strike us, at least initially, as bizarre. After all, how could it not be up to us whether to call our children by the names of our parents, or whether to call dogs “dogs”? My aim in this paper will be to show that, although Plato’s argument does not succeed in establishing this apparently bizarre conclusion, it may well succeed in establishing an equally momentous conclusion: that the standards of correctness for our use of concepts in thought are in no way up to us.
Senses of Dunamis and the Structure of Aristotle’s Metaphysics Θ1
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Andreas
Published: September 2011

This essay aims to analyze the structure of Aristotle’s Metaphysics Θ by explicating various senses of the term δύναµις at issue in the treatise. It is argued that Aristotle’s central innovation, the sense of δύναµις most useful to his project in the treatise, is the kind of capacity characteristic of the pre-existent matter for substance. It is neither potentiality as a mode of being, as recent studies maintain, nor capacity for ‘complete’ activity. It is argued further that, in starting with the κύρι&ogr;ς sense of δύναµις as capacity for change, Aristotle begins with the most familiar and acknowledged kind of capacity, in order to move to the less familiar but ultimately more useful notion of capacity for substance, and to bring these two kinds together through an analogical relation.
Portrait of a Local Saint: Hanna of Jerusalem
Authors: Ervine Roberta
Published: September 2011

Among the vast array of priceless treasures in the collection of Jerusalem’s Armenian Patriarchate is a votive portrait of a local Jerusalem saint, the priest Hanna, a native son of Jerusalem’s Armenian community. The existence of the portrait is all but unknown, despite the fact that its subject has inspired generations of Jerusalem monks to dedicate their lives to the service of the Sts. James. As vicar to Jerusalem’s Patriarch Grigor IV Shirvants‘i (Shght‘ayakir) Hanna was instrumental in reviving the fortunes of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, which, in the early eighteenth century, had suffered a near-total eclipse. Although Hanna died before the age of forty, the many activities of his short career included such major achievements as the renovation of the Armenian sections of the Holy Sepulchre Church and the transformation of the Patriarchate compound into a fully enclosed and self-sufficient enclave.
Investigating (in) Multi-Cultural Jerusalem: Jonathan Kellerman’s The Butcher’s Theatre
Authors: Fischer Nina
Published: September 2011

This paper examines Jonathan Kellerman’s 1988 novel “The Butcher’s Theatre” as a means to represent Jerusalem’s citizenry and cityscape. The generic characteristics of the detective novel allow for a realistic depiction and investigation of contemporary Jerusalem and its multiple social and political problems. Kellerman highlights the multicultural and multireligious features of the city instead of representing it as a topos of cultural memory.
Catullus in Jerome? Notes on the Cohortatoria de paenitentia ad Sabinianum (Epist. 147)
Authors: Adkin Neil
Published: September 2011

Recently it has been argued that the letter in which Jerome urges Sabinian to repentance contains an echo of Catullus. The attempt is made in the present article to rebut this view: the wording in question would in fact appear to have been appropriated instead from St. Cyprian. Evidence is also adduced to show that the same epistle is characterized by a number of similarly unidentified reminiscences of the pagan classics: if Catullus must be discounted, this letter does evince a debt to Cicero, Florus, Sallust and Virgil.
Federalism, Ethnicity and Human Rights in Nepal. Or: Althusius meets Acharya
Authors: Føllesdal Andreas
Published: September 2011

The article addresses one of the difficult tasks of the Nepal Constituent Assembly: how to translate the idea and mechanisms of federalism in ways that are faithful to the best interests of the Nepal people into a constitution of a democratic, human rights-respecting Nepal republic. The reflections concern four varieties of federal elements, discussing arguments in favour and against each drawn from an interpretation of other states' experiences. Two of the four are territorial: constitutional: an entrenched split of powers, and political: decentralised autonomy. Two are non-territorial: minority rights and minority representation in common decision making bodies. Some of these arguments and lessons may be helpful also for Nepal's challenges, two features of which are especially noteworthy: there are very many different groups that must be accommodated fairly. And members of these groups very often live side by side on the same territory. Human rights protections combined with federal elements of Nepal's new Constitution must serve to prevent future domination, especially by the centres, over these many ethnic groups and castes.
Two Pahlavi Chapters on Medicine
Authors: Adhami Siamak
Published: September 2011

The medical sciences in Sasanian society, in late Antiquity, constitute a rather neglected field of inquiry. Our most reliable sources for the study of this particular period in the history of science include a number of texts that were written in several older Iranian languages. In the following pages, we offer translations and commentaries on two such texts, written in Middle Persian, dealing with the life sciences. The topics discussed include copulation, pregnancies in various species, lactation, and moral and physical characteristics in the offspring. Placed in juxtaposition, the two texts, furthermore, clarify some of the obscure points in each of them. It is hoped that this preliminary study will help to sketch the path for future studies of the field.