bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Keynote) Material Challenges and Opportunities in Ge/III-V Channel MOSFETs
Authors: Takagi Shinichi , Kim Sang-Hyeon , Yokoyama Masafumi , Nishi Koichi , Zhang Rui , Takenaka Mitsuru
Published: September 2014

CMOS utilizing high mobility III-V/Ge channels on Si substrates is expected to be one of promising devices for high performance and low power logic LSIs in the future. Here, viable CMOS structures using III-V and/or Ge channels are still strongly dependent on coming progress in the device/process/integration technologies. Also, planar ultrathin body/ultrathin BOX-based multi-gate structures are preferred to suppress short channel effects and to control Vth in static and/or dynamic way. In this paper, we address several key technologies to enhance the performance of III-V/Ge MOSFETs. In InGaAs/InAs n-channel MOSFETs, a parasitic resistance reduction technique is newly introduced for Ni-InGaAs metal S/D. Sub-20-nm-Lch Tri-gate InGaAs/InAs /InGaAs-OI QW MOSFETs have been demonstrated with good electrostatics. In GaSb p-MOSFETs, a metal S/D technology based on Ni is also applied to GaSb channels. The Ni-GaSb self-aligned S/D GaSb p-MOSFETs have successfully operated. In Ge MOSFETs with GeOx interfacial layers formed by plasma post oxidation, optimization of plasma post oxidation temperature and atomic Deuterium annealing were introduced. The reduction in interface roughness and interface states has effectively enhanced mobility in high Ns region.
(Invited) First-Principles Studies of the Defect Formation in III-V FETs Grown by Fin Replacement Method
Authors: Minari Hideki , Yoshida Shinichi , Sawada Ken , Nakazawa Masashi , Caymax Matty , Merckling Clement , Waldron Niamh , Guo Weiming , Jiang Sijia , Collaert Nadine , Simoen Eddy , Lin D , Pourtois Geoffrey
Published: September 2014

First-principles investigations are used to study the formation of defects in III-V fins grown using the fin replacement method or aspect ratio trapping technique. We show that, during the growth of the III-V, the formation of intermediate chemical states with the precursors leads to the creation of in-diffused Mg/Zn and Al2O3 sub-oxide. We also show that the poor quality of the III-V crystals could enhance the in-diffusions of Mg/Zn and lead to the deposition of Al- and Mg-oxides at the III-V/SiO2 interface. Our prediction is consistent with experimental observations. These defect formations could be an origin of the degradation of the electrical reliability of III-V fin-shaped field-effect transistors. In order to find a way to prevent these defect-related issues, alternative p-type dopants with a high tolerance to these defect formations have been investigated theoretically. To decrease the difficulties met in the fabrication of III-V fin, it is important to understand the nature of the defects present using ab initio approaches.
Formation of Shallow n-p Junctions in Cz-Si by Low-Energy Implantation of Carbon Ions
Authors: Romanyuk B. , Melnik V. , Popov V. , Litovchenko V. , Babich V. , Ilchenko V. , Kladko V. , Vanhellemont J.
Published: September 2014

A low-temperature method for shallow n-p junction formation in thin subsurface layers of р-type Cz-Si wafers is presented. Junctions are formed due to the enhanced formation of thermal donor centers by C ion implantation. It is shown that by C ion implantation with doses between 0.6 and 1.0×1014 cm-2 and subsequent annealing at temperatures in the range between 600 and 650 oC, n-p junctions with breakdown voltages of 100 to 150 V and reverse currents below 1×10-10 A at 20 V bias, can be formed. The highest breakdown voltages and lowest leakage currents were obtained for a C ion implantation dose of 1x1014 cm-2 and for annealing at 600 oC.
A New Method to Increase the Doping Efficiency of Proton Implantation in a High-Dose Regime
Authors: Jelinek Moriz , Laven Johannes , Job Reinhart , Schustereder Werner , Schulze Hans-Joachim , Rommel Mathias , Frey Lothar
Published: September 2014

Besides the application of local lifetime control, proton implantations can be used to create deep donor profiles in crystalline silicon. At a certain annealing temperature, the maximum hydrogen-related donor (HD) concentration is limited to a few 1015 cm-3 in the end-of-range depth of the radiation damage profile. This behavior is explained with a passivation of the shallow donors due to an excess supply of hydrogen at high proton doses. The impact of hydrogen remaining in the substrate from prior processing steps is investigated. As a countermeasure to the over-decoration effect, a pre-annealing step at elevated temperatures is investigated. This procedure is fully applicable in a commercial manufacturing environment. Experimental results from spreading resistance measurements are shown that clearly show the beneficial effect of the pre-conditioning. DLTS results of pre-conditioned samples are reported, that show a dominant deep defect level that was previously assigned to be vacancy related.
Modeling of Carbon Clustering and Associated Metal Gettering
Authors: Jin Yu , Dunham Scott T.
Published: September 2014

A moment-based carbon precipitation model is developed based on ab initio calculations of the energetics of carbon interstitial clusters and silicon carbide precipitates. A metal gettering model is also built using results of DFT calculations for metal binding to carbon species in silicon. Simulations based on the model are compared to experiments.
Deep Levels in W-Doped Czochralski Silicon
Authors: Simoen Eddy , Saga Koichiro , Lauwaert Johan , Vrielinck Henk
Published: September 2014

The deep levels introduced by W diffusion at 950 oC in p- and n-type Czochralski silicon have been studied by Deep-Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS). It is shown that in p-type Si, two prominent hole traps are present, one around mid-gap, showing a steeply decaying concentration profile within 1 mm from the surface and a second center with activation energy of 0.409 eV above the valence band, exhibiting a rather flat profile beyond 0.4 mm from the surface. In n-type Si, a small peak has been consistently found, which most likely corresponds with the 0.22 eV W-related electron trap previously reported in the literature.
(Invited) Nature of Point Defects at High-Mobility Semiconductor/Interfaces Probed by Electron Spin Resonance: Thermal GaAs/GaAs-Oxide Structures
Authors: Stesmans Andre , Nguyen Sang , Afanas'ev Valery V
Published: September 2014

Electron spin resonance study of (100)GaAs/native oxide structures thermally grown in the range 350-615 °C on both powders and slices of semi-insulating (100)GaAs compellingly reveals substantial generation (~ 1´1013 cm-2) of interfacial 75AsGa
+ antisites in registry with the GaAs substrate layer. This provides solid evidence of substantial interfacial As enrichment, appearing as endemic to thermal oxidation of GaAs. Given the known electrical deep double donor attribute of AsGa
+, direct identification is thus established of a major system of detrimental interface traps. Additionally observed are centers at g=2.063 and g=1.937, where the former is speculated to originate from an unpaired bond defect located in the thermal GaAs film.
Novel Electrostatically Doped Planar Field-Effect Transistor for High Temperature Applications
Authors: Krauss Tillmann Adrian , Wessely Frank , Schwalke Udo
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we investigate by simulation and by evaluation of experimental data the feasibility of an electrostatically doped and therefore voltage-programmable, planar, CMOS-compatible field-effect-transistor (FET) structure which is based on our already published Si-nanowire (SiNW) technology. The key technology for this dual-gated general purpose FET contains Schottky S/D junctions on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. In combination with electrostatic doping and a dual-gate configuration, the Schottky junctions significantly increase the temperature robustness of the device.
(Invited) Development, Characterization, and Modeling of a TaOx ReRAM for a Neuromorphic Accelerator
Authors: Marinella Matthew J. , Mickel Patrick R , Lohn Andrew J , Hughart David R. , Bondi Robert , Mamaluy Denis , Hjalmarson Harold P. , Stevens James E , Decker Seth , Apodaca Roger T , Evans Brian , Aimone James Bradley , Rothganger Fred , James Conrad D. , DeBenedictis Erik P
Published: September 2014

Resistive random access memory (ReRAM), or memristors, may be capable of significantly improving the efficiency of neuromorphic computing, when used as a central component of an analog hardware accelerator. However, the significant electrical variation within a single device and between devices degrades the maximum efficiency and accuracy which can be achieved by a ReRAM-based neuromorphic accelerator. In this report, the electrical variability is characterized, with a particular focus on that which is due to fundamental, intrinsic factors. Analytical and ab initio models are presented which offer insight into the factors responsible for this variability.
Implications of Lower Zero-Field Activation Energy of Dielectric in Al2O3/HfO2 Bi-Layer Dielectric RRAM Forming Process
Authors: Sarkar Biplab , Lee Bongmook , Misra Veena
Published: September 2014

Bi-layer Al2O3/HfO2 dielectric RRAM shows reduction in forming voltage compared to single HfO2 layer RRAM device. It was found that Al2O3 dielectric has lower zero-bias activation energy which helps in faster filament growth than HfO2. In addition to low zero-bias activation energy, Al2O3 have lower dielectric constant leading to higher electric field drop in Al2O3 layer. Incorporation of a thin Al2O3 dielectric in HfO2 based RRAMs lowers the forming voltage and increases the Ion/Ioff ratio without sacrificing the physical thickness. Therefore, Al2O3/HfO2 bi-layer dielectric RRAM can be a potential solution for future RRAM which can provide lesser forming voltage and higher Ion/Ioff ratio.
(Invited) Non-Equilibrium Transport Theory Applied to Nano Electronics Problems
Authors: Asai Yoshihiro , Nakamura Hisao
Published: September 2014

Theory of non-equilibrium transport has progressed a lot. The self-consistent theory of both electric and phonon (and hence heat) currents including the electro-phonon coupling effects between them has been developed and it provides us useful information of the heat generation and the heat dissipation effects accompanying the currents. It will be a useful basic theory for the device simulator, if it could be combined with a large scale electronic structure method something like the DFTB method with which micron meter scale devices can be handled within realistic computational resources. The progress in this direction would be very fruitful for both semiconductor physics and device physics. Yet another useful example is a more material oriented study. In terms of the standard first principle Non-Equilibrium Green Function (NEGF) method, for an example, we discuss channel and electrode material dependence in electric current versus bias voltage profile of the resistive random access memory cell.
(Invited) Electric-Field-Induced Ultralow Power Switching in Superlattice Phase Change Materials
Authors: Shintani Toshimichi , Soeya Susumu , Saiki Toshiharu
Published: September 2014

The superlattice (SL) phase change materials, consisting of GeTe/Sb2Te3 (GeTeSL) or SnTe/Sb2Te3 (SnTeSL), were demonstrated to achieve extremely low power RESET operation. The eight-layered SnTeSL consisting of Sn10Te90 showed 10-3 lower RESET power than Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST225) with the same film thickness. The electric and optical experimental results indicate that the mechanism of the low power switching is the RESET operation induced not by thermal energy but by the electric field, which can reduce the dynamic current. This hypothesis was supported by the first principle molecular dynamics. The single-layered SnTeSL showed 10-4 RESET power, which is explained by the electric-field-induced switching.
Non-Melting Phase Change Memory – Topological-Switching RAM (TRAM)
Authors: Ohyanagi Takasumi , Kitamura Masahito , Tai Mitsuharu , Kinoshita Masaharu , Morikawa Takahiro , Akita Kennichi , Takaura Norikatsu
Published: September 2014

The electrical characteristics of topological-switching random access memory (TRAM) fabricated from superlattice films of [GeTe/Sb2Te3] were studied in order to show non-melting switching. A rectangular pulse with a very short width enabled SET/RESET switching, which was evidence of the non-melting feature. Moreover, we found clear interference fringes in the superlattice films by direct observation by transmission electron microcopy (TEM) after 10 million cycles switching. This was another piece of evidence of the non-melting feature of the TRAM.
Charge Trapping Properties of Silicon Carbonitride Storage Layers for Nonvolatile Memories
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyoteru , Naito Shinji , Tanaka Shin , Ito Yoshina
Published: September 2014

We studied the programming and erasing characteristics and charge retention characteristics of memory capacitors with a blocking oxide-SiCN-tunneling oxide stacked film. The SiCN memory capacitor yielded a high erasing speed, which was attributed to high-speed hole trapping and the low dielectric constant of the SiCN film. The life time of the charge retention test at 85 ˚C on the SiCN memory capacitors was estimated to be long enough for the nonvolatile memory application.
Study on Oxide Thickness Dependence of Current-Voltage Characteristics for HfOx Based ReRAM Device
Authors: Hamada Yoshifumi , Otsuka Shintaro , Shimizu Tomohiro , Shingubara Shoso
Published: September 2014

In this letter, we investigated HfOx thickness dependence of current-voltage characteristics and temperature dependence of resistance for Ni/HfOx/Pt resistance random access memory (ReRAM) device. There was a significant difference in switching properties between these devices whose oxide thicknesses differ only 1 or 2 nm. The devices showed bipolar resistive switching behaviors. The ON state resistance indicated a linear decrease of resistance with lowering temperature, which was typical for a metal. It should be noted that SET voltage as well as resistance of high resistance state increased almost linearly with increasing oxide thickness from 4.0 to 5.6 nm.
Rapid Directed Sintering of CdTe/CdS Thin Film Solar Cells Using Intense Pulsed Light
Authors: Dharmadasa Ruvini , Druffel Thad
Published: September 2014

Thin film solar cells typically require post-growth heat treatment to improve the materials properties. In order to manufacture market competitive solar cells, material processing methods with low capital and running costs are required. Atmospheric processing techniques with a high throughput can achieve this. Here we report the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to process cadmium sulfide (CdS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films. IPL is an ultra-fast technique for the heat treatment of materials. Pulses of light from the UV to IR wavelengths are absorbed by the material, leading to localized heating and sintering. The effect of energy input and the energy density (ED) of the pulse on the films optical, compositional and morphological properties of the films were investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence and scanning electron microscopy. IPL sintering resulted in significant improvement to the crystallinity with processing times of less than 2 minutes.
Photon-Assisted Electrochemical Construction of <0001>-n-ZnO/<111>-p-Cu2O Photovoltaic Devices with Intermediate TiO2 Layer
Authors: Mohd Zamzuri Mohammad Zain , Sasano Junji , Binti Mohamad Fariza , Izaki Masanobu
Published: September 2014

The <111>-Cu2O/<0001>-ZnO photovoltaic (PV) device has been constructed by a photon-assisted electrochemical reaction in aqueous solutions, and the effect of the insertion of the TiO2 layer prepared by a sol-gel technique on the photovoltaic performance was investigated. The structural, optical, and electrical characterizations were carried out with XRD, FE-SEM, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer, and solar simulator. The <0001>-ZnO/TiO2/<111>-Cu2O PV-devices showed a photovoltaic performance under AM1.5 illumination, and the performance changed depending on the preparation condition for the TiO2 formation. The substrate-type <0001>-ZnO/TiO2/<111>-Cu2O PV device prepared under optimized condition showed a photovoltaic performance with the short-circuit current density of 2. 14 mAcm2.
Defect Analysis of Monolithic GaInP/GaInAs/Ge Triple-Junction Solar Cells by Luminescence Technology
Authors: Lin Shih-Hung , Cheng Tzu-Huan
Published: September 2014

The luminescence of solar cell gives unique signatures of the bandgap and cell composition. Electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) of the monolithic GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells are investigated to probe the quality of each subcell. The band-to-band emissions from GaInP, GaInAs, and Ge junctions are observed at the wavelengths of 0.7, 0.9, and 1.8 μm, respectively. The emission from tunneling junction and defects are also characterized. By adjusting the excitation wavelength, PL spectra can probe individual subcell. EL spectra can measure spectral uniformity and defect level of individual subcell with selected filter. PL and EL mapping with selected filter corresponding to relative emission wavelength range can help to determine the spatial uniformity, defect, and hot spots of individual layer. The PL and EL emission spectra are corresponding to absorption edge and temperature coefficient. PL complementary to EQE measurement can give a quick look of the current matching for cell design.
Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Spray Pyrolysed Ti-Doped ZnO Films
Authors: Murali Kollegal Ramakrishna
Published: September 2014

Un-doped and Ti-doped ZnO films were deposited on microscopic glass substrates using spray pyrolysis technique systematically by controlling the deposition parameters. Zinc acetylacetonate was dissolved in ethanol and sprayed at substrate temperature of 400°C. For doped ZnO, titanyl acetylacetonate solution was added to the starting solution. The solution was sprayed using different doping concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.9%. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the principle lines of the hexagonal wurzite ZnO. The band gap of the films decreases from 3.62 eV to 3.52 eV as the concentration of Ti doping increases. As deposited undoped films exhibited resistivity around 105 ohm cm. Annealing in vacuum, decreased the resistivity by three orders. As the doping concentration increased, the resistivtiy decreases further to 8 ohm cm for 0.9 % Ti doping. Dye sensitized solar cells fabricated with the undoped and Ti doped ZnO films indicated that the doped films exhibited higher photo outpurt compared to undoped ones.
Detail Analysis of External Quantum Efficiency Measurement for Tandem Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Tzu-Huan , Lin Shih-Hung
Published: September 2014

The tandem junction solar cells require accurate external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurement to determine the current match condition for high efficiency approach. The EQE measurement of tandem-junction solar cells requires kinds of bias spectrum and voltage biasing. The optimization of bias spectra and adjusted bias voltage are necessary to minimize a measurement artifact due to the simultaneously measured response of the other subcell. Additionally, the shape of the spectral response curve is influenced under certain measurement conditions such as bias light and voltage bias. In this paper, the difference between AC and DC mode EQE measurements are compared and the influence of bias light and voltage biasing in EQE measurement are discussed. The bias light and voltage biasing should be applied for short-circuit condition of the subcell under test. To further improve the accuracy of EQE measurement, the heating due to the bias light illumination should be taken into consideration.
Performance Improvement of Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells with Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Tarek M , Younes Enas m , Namkoong Gon , El-Maghraby E. M. , Elsayed Adly , Abo Elazm A. H.
Published: September 2014

We fabricated polymer solar cells with two different bulk heterojunction (BHJ), thieno(3,4-b)-thiophene/benzodithiophene copolymer:(6,6) phenylC71butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7:PC71BM), and poly (3-hexyl- thiophene):[6,6]-phenylC71 butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC71BM). For the two polymer solar cell (PSC) devices, the titanium suboxide (TiOx) layer was inserted between the (BHJ) and metal electrode. The performance enhancement of the devices with / without TiOx layer was reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis measurements were used to investigate the structural and optical properties of samples. The current density–voltage (J-V) curves of the polymer solar cells were measured. We found that the TiOx layer improved the efficiency and stability of the devices compared with the same devices without TiOx layer. Also we observed that the PTB7/PC71BM/TiOx device was much stable compared with P3HT/PC71BM/TiOx device.
(Invited) Dual-Faced Nano-Mushrooms for Multi-Functional Cell Diagnosis
Authors: Hsieh Hsin-Yi , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: September 2014

This paper introduces an approach to fabricate dual-faced polystyrene beads (DFPSBs) with tri-functions of tumor cells recognition, drug delivery, and real-time Raman sensing, by one-step oxygen-plasma treatment and then gold thin film deposition on the corrugated etching surface. Sulfo-NHS-SS-biotin disulfide linkers and anti-CD44 antibodies can be modified and added onto the top gold surfaces and the bottom carboxyl groups through Au-S and peptide bonds, respectively. Then, the surface-modified AuFNM suspension can be employed to target overexpressive glycoproteins (CD44) on the surfaces of cancer cells and release their loads via the cleavage of disulfide bonds in the cytoplasm environment. These anti- CD44-modified DFPSBs exhibit a 12-fold cancer targeting ability on HeLa cells when compared to a normal chondrocyte cell.
Investigation of the Hydroxyl Radical Sensor with Conductance Change of Polyaniline
Authors: Fang Jung-Ying , Fang Kuan Chung , Hsu Chen-Pin , Chu Chia Ho , Liu Johnny , Wang Yu-Lin
Published: September 2014

Free radicals have been demonstrated in related to various human health problems. Among these free radicals, hydroxyl radical is the highest oxidized species. We developed a novel, simple and cheap polyaniline microchip sensor that can detect hydroxyl radical generated from Fenton reaction in real time. The notable current (or conductance) change of sensor was induced when ferrous ion was added, indicating that hydroxyl radical react with polyaniline to cause the current decreased. There are many advantages of polyaniline microchip sensor, including simple fabrication of sensor, easy measurement and portable design. Furthermore, the polyaniline microchip sensor is a potential tool for cancer biomarkers, cholesterol and glucose detection.
Synthesis of Gold@Iron Oxide Core-Shell Nanostructures via an Electrochemical Procedure
Authors: Lin Kuan-Che , Valle Celeste del , Huang Yu-Fen
Published: September 2014

Core-shell nanostructures have attracted considerable interest as a new class of nanomaterials due to the fascinating physical and chemical characteristics relative to their single-component counterparts. Herein, a facial and low-cost approach was reported for the synthesis of core-shell nanostructures. By using the citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles as seeds, the gold@iron oxide nanostructures were prepared via an electroxidation of iron nail at 1.0 V between the electrodes in aqueous solution. Parameters such as reaction time play important roles in growing different shell thicknesses of gold@iron oxide core-shell nanostructures. The appropriate shell thicknesses were further optimized to yield the surface-enhanced Raman scattering effects in Raman molecules.
Topological Insulator Bi2Se3 Nanowire Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhu Hao , Zhao Erhai , Richter Curt A. , Li Qiliang
Published: September 2014

Topological insulator is characterized as a new class of materials which have an insulating band gap in the bulk and gapless surface state which is protected by its intrinsic time-reversal symmetry. Here, we report high-performance topological insulator nanowire field effect transistors (FETs) with sharp turn-on, clear cutoff current, large On/Off current ratio (~ 108) and well-saturated, strong inversion-mode output current-voltage characteristics. The metallic electron transport at surface, with effective mobility of 200 cm2V-1s-1 ~ 1000 cm2V-1s-1, and bulk conduction, with activation energy close to band gap of bulk Bi2Se3 can be effectively separated and tuned by gated field effect. We also report the first experimental observation of anomalous Aharonov-Bohm oscillation in Bi2Se3 nanowire FET under strong surface disorder. The magnetotransport properties demonstrated here of topological insulator nanostructure provide effective approaches of surface states modulations, and can enable more spintronics device applications and sensing applications.
III-V Nanowire MOSFETs in RF-Applications
Authors: Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: September 2014

InAs nanowires have been used to fabricate high-performance MOSFETs that have been integrated into small-scale RF-circuits. We describe the strategy for the design of the transistor architecture and present data for the DC and high-frequency performance. Studies of the 1/f-noise show competitive normalized noise spectral density although it suggests the presence of defects within the high-k film that affect the number of carriers in the transistor channel. These transistors have been used in single-balanced down-conversion mixers operating up to a few GHz.
Structural Damage Detection Based on Modal Parameters Using Continuous Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Majumdar Aditi , Nanda Bharadwaj , Maiti Dipak Kumar , Maity Damodar
Published: September 2014

A method is presented to detect and quantify structural damages from changes in modal parameters (such as natural frequencies and mode shapes). An inverse problem is formulated to minimize the objective function, defined in terms of discrepancy between the vibration data identified by modal testing and those computed from analytical model, which then solved to locate and assess the structural damage using continuous ant colony optimization algorithm. The damage is formulated as stiffness reduction factor. The study indicates potentiality of the developed code to solve a wide range of inverse identification problems.
A Preliminary Observation of Weight Loss Following Left Gastric Artery Embolization in Humans
Authors: Gunn Andrew J. , Oklu Rahmi
Published: September 2014

Background/Objectives. Embolization of the left gastric artery (LGA), which preferentially supplies the gastric fundus, has been shown to produce weight loss in animal models. However, weight loss after LGA embolization in humans has not been previously established. The aim of this study was to evaluate postprocedural weight loss in patients following LGA embolization.Subjects/Methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent LGA embolization for upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was performed. Postprocedural weight loss in this group was compared to a control group of patients who had undergone embolization of other arteries for upper GI bleeding.Results. The experimental group (N=19) lost an average of 7.3% of their initial body weight within three months of LGA embolization, which was significantly greater than the 2% weight loss observed in the control group (N=28) (P=0.006). No significant differences were seen between the groups in preprocedural body mass index (BMI), age, postprocedural care in the intensive care unit, history of malignancy, serum creatinine, or left ventricular ejection fraction.Conclusions. The current data suggest that body weight in humans may be modulated via LGA embolization. Continued research is warranted with prospective studies to further investigate this phenomenon.
Ocular Infection Preceding Major Epidural Abscess
Authors: Dunbar Liam , Johnstone Ryan
Published: September 2014

Staphylococcal bacteremia is an important clinical entity. A 74-year-old lady presented with an isolated staphylococcal ocular infection; this was treated with a short course of antibiotics, a prolonged course of steroids, and discharge from hospital with outpatient clinic followup. She represented three weeks later to the emergency department with back pain, raised inflammatory markers, and positive blood cultures. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an extensive epidural collection was seen. This was surgically decompressed, and she was treated with appropriate intravenous antibiotics. Despite a complicated postoperative course, she made an excellent recovery. This case reviews the important clinical and radiological features of the presentation of a major epidural abscess and it also suggests a potentially unusual primary source. The clinician is reminded to always have a high index of suspicion regarding staphylococcal bacteremia and the potential for seeding to the epidural space.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structure of Pyridinium Tetrakis{1-trifluoromethyl-3-(1′-pyreno)-1,3-propanedionato}lanthanate(III) Complex
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Yoza Kenji , Tsuge Akihiko
Published: September 2014

The reaction of 1-trifluoromethyl-3-(1′-pyreno)-1,3-propanedione with lanthanum(III) trichloride in the presence of pyridine leads to halide ligand exchange, yielding a novel pyridinium tetrakis{1-trifluoromethyl-3-(1′-pyreno)-1,3-propanedionato}lanthanate(III) complex with four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon moieties. This reaction easily proceeds under mild conditions (25°C, 24 h) producing the complex in a 90% isolated yield. The complex was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and positive fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and its precise structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and X-ray analysis demonstrated that the four pyrene moieties were independently oriented.
Absence of HPV Infection Is Associated with Smoker Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx
Authors: Soares Gláucia Resende , Demathé Adriana , Mattar Neivio José , Biasoli Éder Ricardo , Miyahara Glauco Issamu
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival of patients with SCC of the oropharynx, according to the presence of HPV and tobacco consumption. A total of 37 patients were followed up for at least 5 years after being diagnosed with SCC of the oropharynx. The biopsy tissue was submitted to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods for broad determination of HPV presence, to identify the presence of high-risk viruses (16 and 18). 12 of the 37 (32.4%) samples were HPV positive, whereas the two specific types of virus were identified in two samples for HPV-16 and in no samples for HPV-18. We observed no significant effect of the virus in survival analysis, irrespective of tobacco consumption. The level of tobacco consumption was significantly higher in the group of HPV-negative patients (P=0.0283), in which all the patients in this group were smokers. Therefore, HPV did not change the survival of patients with SCC of the oropharynx in this study, indicating that factors other than tobacco need to be studied in conjunction with it, and the level of tobacco consumption is significantly higher in the group of HPV-negative patients.
Dual Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Arabidopsis Guard Cells in Response to Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Yi Huilan , Liu Xin , Yi Min , Chen Gang
Published: September 2014

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a major air pollutant and has significant impacts on plant physiology. Plant can adapt to SO2 stress by controlling stomatal movement, gene expression, and metabolic changes. Here we show clear evidences that SO2-triggered hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production mediated stomatal closure and cell death in Arabidopsis leaves. High levels of SO2 caused irreversible stomatal closure and decline in guard cell viability, but low levels of SO2 caused reversible stomatal closure. Exogenous antioxidants ascorbic acid (AsA) and catalase (CAT) or Ca2+ antagonists EGTA and LaCl3 blocked SO2-induced stomatal closure and decline in viability. AsA and CAT also blocked SO2-induced H2O2 and [Ca2+]cyt elevation. However, EGTA and LaCl3 inhibited SO2-induced [Ca2+]cyt increase but did not suppress SO2-induced H2O2 elevation. These results indicate that H2O2 elevation triggered stomatal closure and cell death via [Ca2+]cyt signaling in SO2-stimulated Arabidopsis guard cells. NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI blocked SO2-induced cell death but not the stomatal closure triggered by low levels of SO2, indicating that NADPH oxidase-dependent H2O2 production plays critical role in SO2 toxicity but is not necessary for SO2-induced stomatal closure. Our results suggest that H2O2 production and accumulation in SO2-stimulated plants trigger plant adaptation and toxicity via reactive oxygen species mediating Ca2+ signaling.
Hybrid Particle and Kalman Filtering for Pupil Tracking in Active IR Illumination Gaze Tracking System
Authors: Chi Jian-nan , Xie Li-hua , Zhang Peng-yun , Lu Yi-fang , Zhang Guo-sheng
Published: September 2014

A novel pupil tracking method is proposed by combining particle filtering and Kalman filtering for the fast and accurate detection of pupil target in an active infrared source gaze tracking system. Firstly, we utilize particle filtering to track pupil in synthesis triple‐channel color map (STCCM) for the fast detection and develop a comprehensive pupil motion model to conduct and analyze the randomness of pupil motion. Moreover, we built a pupil observational model based on the similarity measurement with generated histogram to improve the credibility of particle weights. Particle filtering can detect pupil region in adjacent frames rapidly. Secondly, we adopted Kalman filtering to estimate the pupil parameters more precisely. The state transitional equation of the Kalman filtering is determined by the particle filtering estimation, and the observation of the Kalman filtering is dependent on the detected pupil parameters in the corresponding region of difference images estimated by particle filtering. Tracking results of Kalman filtering are the final pupil target parameters. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of this method.
Isolated Abdominal Wall Metastasis of Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Luz Rita , Leal Rui , Simões Jorge , Gonçalves Matilde , Matos Isabel
Published: September 2014

A woman in her mid-60s presented with a bulky mass on the anterior abdominal wall. She had a previous incidental diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma FIGO stage IB following a vaginal hysterectomy. Physical exam and imaging revealed a well circumscribed bulging tumour at the umbilical region, measuring 10 × 9 × 9 cm, with overlying intact skin and subcutaneous tissue. Surgical resection was undertaken, and histological examination showed features of endometrial carcinoma. She began chemotherapy and is alive with no signs of recurrent disease one year after surgery. This case brings up to light an atypical location of a solitary metastasis of endometrial carcinoma.
Designing and Validating a Model for Measuring Innovation Capacity Construct
Authors: Doroodian Mahmood , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , Kamarulzaman Yusniza , Muhamad Norhamidi
Published: September 2014

In today’s rapid changing and highly competitive business environment, innovation is broadly recognized as a powerful competitive weapon. Innovation is a dynamic process that needs continuous, evolving, and mastered management. Thus, companies need to monitor and measure their innovation capacity to manage the innovation process. Yet, there is lack of a psychometrically valid scale for innovation capacity construct in the current innovation literature. The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable and valid scale of measurement for innovation capacity. To test its unidimensionality, reliability, and several components of validity, we used data collected from 175 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iran and performed a series of analyses. The reliability measures, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and several components of validity tests strongly support a four-dimensional scale for measuring innovation capacity. The dimensions are knowledge and technology management, idea management, project development, and commercialization capabilities.
Energy Cane: Its Concept, Development, Characteristics, and Prospects
Authors: Matsuoka Sizuo , Kennedy Anthony J. , Santos Eder Gustavo D. dos , Tomazela André L. , Rubio Luis Claudio S.
Published: September 2014

Unlike conventional sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) energy cane is a cane selected to have more fiber than sucrose in its composition. This is obtained simply by altering the genetic contribution of the ancestral species of sugarcane using traditional breeding methods. The resulting key feature is a significant increase in biomass yield. This happens because accumulating sugar is not physiologically a simple process and results in penalty in the side of fiber and yield. This review paper describes the initial conception of fuel cane in Puerto Rico in the second half of 1970s, the present resurgence of interest in it, how to breed energy cane, and the main characteristics that make it one of the most favorable dedicated bioenergy crops. The present status of breeding for energy cane in the world is also reviewed. Its potential contribution to the renewable energy market is discussed briefly.
Training in Dietary Practices and Physical Activity to Improve Health among South Asian Medical Students
Authors: Shani Divyanshi , Nimbalkar Archana , Phatak Ajay , Nimbalkar Somashekhar
Published: September 2014

Introduction.We designed a pilot intervention to test the effect of a training program on the dietary and physical activities of medical students after weekly group discussions about healthy living, maintaining a healthy diet, and healthy lifestyle.Methods.Two groups of students from first and second years of medical school were selected with the intervention group having high BMI (overweight or obese) while control group had normal BMI. An eight-week educational intervention was completed. A closed Facebook group ensured continuous communication.Results.Out of 42 participants, 19 were controls and 21 received educational training. Male : female ratio was 1 : 1.7 in control group and 1 : 1.3 in intervention group. The mean (SD) weight gain in controls (1.16 Kg, SD = 1.51) was higher than that in intervention (0.13 Kg,SD=3.22) group (P=0.2). The average reduction in caloric intake was higher in control group (117.85,SD=258.48) vis-a-vis the intervention group (73.22, SD = 266.84) (P=0.61).Conclusion.Educational intervention in small groups for bringing about behavioral changes towards dietary, nutrition, and physical activity can lead to changes in the target population. The short duration of our study was a limitation which should be overcome in future studies.
Swarm Intelligence‐Based Hybrid Models for Short‐Term Power Load Prediction
Authors: Wang Jianzhou , Jin Shiqiang , Qin Shanshan , Jiang Haiyan
Published: September 2014

Swarm intelligence (SI) is widely and successfully applied in the engineering field to solve practical optimization problems because various hybrid models, which are based on the SI algorithm and statistical models, are developed to further improve the predictive abilities. In this paper, hybrid intelligent forecasting models based on the cuckoo search (CS) as well as the singular spectrum analysis (SSA), time series, and machine learning methods are proposed to conduct short‐term power load prediction. The forecasting performance of the proposed models is augmented by a rolling multistep strategy over the prediction horizon. The test results are representative of the out‐performance of the SSA and CS in tuning the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) and support vector regression (SVR) in improving load forecasting, which indicates that both the SSA‐based data denoising and SI‐based intelligent optimization strategy can effectively improve the model’s predictive performance. Additionally, the proposed CS‐SSA‐SARIMA and CS‐SSA‐SVR models provide very impressive forecasting results, demonstrating their strong robustness and universal forecasting capacities in terms of short‐term power load prediction 24 hours in advance.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Short-Stemmed Femoral Component in the Presence of a Long Dynamic Condylar Screw Osteosynthesis Plate
Authors: Buttaro Martin , Piuzzi Nicolas , Comba Fernando , Zanotti Gerardo , Piccaluga Francisco
Published: September 2014

We present a potential indication of a short-stemmed femoral component in a patient with multiple comorbidities presenting with hip posttraumatic osteoarthritis and a long dynamic condylar screw osteosynthesis plate. Removal of the plate and implantation of a long stem would have been related to a much longer operative time and potential local or systemic complications.
Redundant VoD Streaming Service in a Private Cloud: Availability Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: De Melo Rosangela Maria , Bezerra Maria Clara , Dantas Jamilson , Matos Rubens , De Melo Filho Ivanildo José , Maciel Paulo
Published: September 2014

For several years cloud computing has been generating
considerable debate and interest within IT corporations.
Since cloud computing environments provide storage and processing
systems that are adaptable, efficient, and straightforward,
thereby enabling rapid infrastructure modifications to be made
according to constantly varying workloads, organizations of
every size and type are migrating to web‐based cloud supported
solutions. Due to the advantages of the pay‐per‐use model and
scalability factors, current video on demand (VoD) streaming
services rely heavily on cloud infrastructures to offer a
large variety of multimedia content. Recent well documented
failure events in commercial VoD services have demonstrated
the fundamental importance of maintaining high availability in
cloud computing infrastructures, and hierarchical modeling has
proved to be a useful tool for evaluating the availability of
complex systems and services. This paper presents an availability
model for a video streaming service deployed in a private
cloud environment which includes redundancy mechanisms in
the infrastructure. Differential sensitivity analysis was applied
to identify and rank the critical components of the system
with respect to service availability. The results demonstrate that
such a modeling strategy combined with differential sensitivity
analysis can be an attractive methodology for identifying which
components should be supported with redundancy in order to
consciously increase system dependability.
Relapsing Polychondritis
Authors: Sosada Beata , Loza Katarzyna , Bialo-Wojcicka Ewelina
Published: September 2014

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic disease characterized by recurrent, widespread chondritis of the auricular, nasal, and tracheal cartilages. Additional clinical features include audiovestibular dysfunction, ocular inflammation, vasculitis, myocarditis, and nonerosive arthritis. Although the cause remains unknown, the etiology is suspected to be autoimmune. We describe a case of a 31-year-old woman with a four-month history of bilateral auricular and nasal chondritis. Infectious and neoplastic diseases were excluded by imaging and laboratory examinations. RP was diagnosed based on three McAdam’s criteria. The patient was medicated with oral prednisolone and methotrexate with positive clinical response. In this case clinical history and detailed physical examination were fundamental in concluding the correct diagnosis and administrating the appropriate medication.
Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis of the Mesentery: Report of a Sporadic Case with Emphasis on Differential Diagnostic Problems
Authors: Li Destri Giovanni , Ferraro Maria Jessica , Calabrini Martina , Pennisi Monica , Magro Gaetano
Published: September 2014

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm with local aggressiveness. The incidence of desmoid-type fibromatosis is 2–5/million/year with intra-abdominal fibromatosis, such as that which is reported in this clinical case, occurring only in 12–18% of cases. After having analyzed the pathogenetic hypotheses of desmoid-type fibromatosis, the authors point out that the diagnosis of this disease, especially in the intra-abdominal form, is often late, specifically when highly demolitive interventions are needed or when the limits of radical surgery have been exceeded. In the clinical case reported, the tumor was infiltrating both ileus and sigma. The authors consider the differential diagnosis of desmoid-type fibromatosis, especially with GISTs, with regard to both the radiological preoperative diagnostic and histological studies on the surgical specimen. Radical surgical excision is not always, for this disease, a sign of healing; in fact, even when the resection margins are negative, the incidence of recurrence is between 13 and 68%. The average time of recurrence is between 15 and 24 months; in this case report, the patient, who has not been subjected to complementary therapies, is tumor-free for over 30 months since surgery; his prognosis may be satisfactory if we consider the negativity of resection margins, which in any case remains the most important prognostic factor.
Factors Significantly Contributing to a Failed Conventional Endoscopic Stone Clearance in Patients with “Difficult” Choledecholithiasis: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Christoforidis Emmanuel , Vasiliadis Konstantinos , Tsalis Konstantinos , Patridas Dimitrios , Blouhos Konstantinos , Pramateftakis Manousos-Georgios , Moysidis Moysis , Lazaridis Charalampos
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study is to retrospectively evaluate factors significantly contributing to a failed stone extraction (SE) in patients with difficult to extract bile duct stones (BDS). Patients and Methods. During a 10-year period 1390 patients with BDS underwent successfully endoscopic sphincterotomy. Endoscopic SE was graded as easy; relatively easy; difficult; and failed. Difficult SE was encountered in 221 patients while failed SE was encountered in 205. A retrospective analysis of the criteria governing the difficulty of endoscopic SE following the index endoscopic intervention was performed to evaluate their significance in determining failure of complete SE among patients with difficult to extract bile duct stones. Results. Age ≥ 85 years, periampullary diverticula, multiple CBD stones (>4), and diameter of CBD stones (≥15 mm) were all significant contributing factors to a failed SE in univariate statistical tests. In the definitive multivariate analysis age, multiple stones and diameter of stones were found to be the significant, independent contributors. Conclusion. Failed conventional endoscopic stone clearance in patients with difficult to extract BDS is more likely to occur in overage patients, in patients with multiple CBD stones >4, and in patients with CBD stone(s) diameter ≥15 mm.
A Novel RFID Sensing System Using Enhanced Surface Wave Technology for Battery Exchange Stations
Authors: Lai Yeong-Lin , Chang Li-Chih , Liu Tai-Hwa , Sung Yi-Chun , Yin Cheng-Lun
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a novel radio‐frequency identification (RFID) sensing system using enhanced surface wave technology for battery exchange stations (BESs) of electric motorcycles. Ultrahigh‐frequency (UHF) RFID technology is utilized to automatically track and manage battery and user information without manual operation. The system includes readers, enhanced surface wave leaky cable antennas (ESWLCAs), coupling cable lines (CCLs), and small radiation patches (SRPs). The RFID sensing system overcomes the electromagnetic interference in the metallic environment of a BES cabinet. The developed RFID sensing system can effectively increase the efficiency of BES operation and promote the development of electric vehicles which solve the problem of air pollution as well as protect the environment of the Earth.