bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified Tensile Work Hardening Behaviour of Thin Section Plate and Forged Thick Section 9Cr-1Mo Ferritic Steel
Authors: Choudhary B.K. , Samuel E. Isaac , Palaparti D.P. Rao , Christopher J. , Mathew M.D.
Published: November 2012

Detailed investigation has been performed on tensile work hardening behaviour in terms of the variations of instantaneous work hardening rate (θ = dσ/dεp, where σ is true stress and εp is true plastic strain) with stress and true plastic strain rate (ε̇p) for temperature range 300–873 K in two different material conditions, (i) normalised and tempered plate and (ii) quenched and tempered tubeplate forging of 9Cr-1Mo ferritic steel. Both plate and tubeplate forging exhibited two-stage work hardening and three different temperature regimes in the variation of θ with σ. The variations of θ with respect to ε̇p exhibited unified work hardening in terms of a single master curve independent of temperature and initial microstructure. θ varied linearly with reciprocal of plastic strain rate, i.e. 1/ε̇p, and as a consequence, linear correlation between the rate of change of true stress and true plastic strain rate independent of temperature and microstructure has been obtained.
Sex-related perceptions associated with sexual activity status among Japanese adolescents who heavily use text messaging
Authors: Kawamura Yoko
Published: November 2012

This study examines the relationship between sex-related perceptions and engagement in sexual intercourse among adolescents in Japan who were heavy users of text massaging. Using the data from the 6th National Survey on Youth Sexual Behavior of 548 high school students who heavily use text messaging, multinomial logistic regression analyses on variables constructing sexual norms and gender-role attitudes were conducted to assess the relationship with sexual activity status as the first step. A backward stepwise elimination method of multinomial logistic regression was used as the second step at which variables for each set of two factors were tested, and as the third step at which variables of two factors were simultaneously tested. The study results showed that perceptions were related to engagement in sexual intercourse among adolescents who heavily used text messaging. In particular, those who perceived that sex is an act to be engaged in at an earlier stage of a relationship and that men have a stronger sex drive tended to be sexually active or have experienced sexual intercourse. These findings could be utilized to design more effective sexual health education messages for Japanese adolescents who are at an elevated risk.
Community singing: what does that have to do with health?
Authors: Sun Jing , Buys Nicholas J. , Merrick Joav
Published: November 2012

No abstract available.
Addressing the needs of adolescent mothers and their offspring in Nigeria: a community-based study
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O. , Ebuehi Olufunke M.
Published: November 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the perinatal profile of adolescent mothers with surviving offspring against the backdrop of limited community-based data on the outcomes of adolescent pregnancy in low-income countries.

Methods: A case-control study of adolescent mothers (13–19 years) attending four community-based clinics for routine childhood immunization from July 2005 to March 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria, matched for infant age and sex. Maternal and infant factors associated with adolescent mothers were determined using unconditional and conditional multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results: A total of 241 adolescent mothers (mean age, 18.2±1.2 years) were consecutively recruited over the study period and matched with 1205 controls (mean age, 27.3±3.9 years). Adolescent mothers in this population were significantly more likely to be unmarried, of the Hausa ethnic tribe, without postsecondary education, unemployed, and primiparous. Although all received antenatal care, they were also more likely to deliver outside hospital without skilled attendants, and their offspring were likely to be undernourished.

Conclusions: Socio-demographic profile of adolescent girls who become pregnant is likely to have a significant influence on their health-seeking behavior for obstetric services. Teenagers especially from the most vulnerable ethnic groups in resource-poor countries should be educated on the developmental risks of early childbearing in their surviving offspring.
Parental beliefs and knowledge about male human papillomavirus vaccination in the US: a survey of a pediatric clinic population
Authors: Griebeler Meridith , Feferman Helayne , Gupta Vibha , Patel Dilip
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine US parental knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) in males, views on vaccination, and correlation to vaccination rates. The survey was conducted of clinic population about parental knowledge and beliefs of male HPV health outcomes and vaccination. There were a total of 102 participants who completed the survey. Perceived parental knowledge about the virus was reported as “a lot” by 11%, “some” by 50%, and “very little/nothing” by 38% of the participants. However, knowledge of HPV was moderate, with only 14% of the respondents answering all knowledge questions correctly; 64% of the respondents correctly identified HPV as a cause of genital warts in males, 43% identified at least one HPV-related cancer, and 30% were unable to identify any health outcomes in males. There was a statistically significant correlation between perceived and actual knowledge, with >15% of the survey respondents correctly identifying that HPV does not clear up on its own (p=0.004). Of the participants who did not vaccinate, reasons included the following: 54% fulfilled the child’s wish not to be vaccinated, 38% reported belief vaccine is unsafe, and 38% indicated that their children are too young and/or expressed fear that the vaccine would negatively affect behavior. This study supports the fact that parental beliefs and attitudes are more important than actual knowledge about HPV or HPV vaccination. The implication to physicians is to tailor discussions to address fears about the dangers or complications, emphasize the safety of the vaccine, and address sources of misinformation.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among Greek students: a short report
Authors: Bakogianni Giannoula D. , Goutsou Spiridoula C. , Liti Maria V. , Rizopoulou Sophia I. , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos M. , Nikolakopoulou Nikoleta M.
Published: November 2012

Cervical cancer is a major cause of death in the developing world. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a screening test that detects abnormal cells before they advance to cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among Greek students. A sample of 472 female students participated in the present study. Interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. Of the participants, 94.07% were aware of the Pap test and 67.34% reported that the Pap test should be done yearly. The majority of them were informed about cervical cancer screening test by their parents. Of the participants, 44.82% had received Pap testing at least once in their life, whereas 36.2% had a Pap test yearly. The reported mean time of the respondents’ first Pap test was 13.3±10.6 months after their first sexual intercourse. The reasons given by the participants for being noncompliant were lack of appreciation of the importance of the screening, embarrassment, fear, and high cost. Of the participants, 9.23% declared that those who had been administered the human papillomavirus vaccine do not need a Pap test. The results highlight the need for additional education and health promotion regarding cervical cancer screening.
If I value myself, I value school: The protective effect of self-esteem among abused females
Authors: Chang Kelly B.T. , Jurecska Diomaris E. , Lee-Zorn Chloe E. , Merrick Joav
Published: November 2012

Children who have been severely maltreated tend to perform significantly below their non-maltreated peers in standardized tests, earn lower grades and have the most discipline issues in the school setting. There is evidence that self-esteem (SE) may be a protective factor for youth with regard to negative emotional outcomes. The role of self-esteem needs to be explored further in more collectivistic cultures. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical abuse, SE and school attitudes. Participants included 14 females rescued from a city landfill in Nicaragua (ages 7–17 years, M=12.44), half of whom had reported being beaten. SE and attitude toward school (ATS) were assessed using the Spanish Behavior Assessment System for Children. Grade point average (GPA) was obtained from their schools. Females who were beaten had significantly lower SE and a more negative ATS. Their GPA was lower, but not significantly. When SE and abuse were considered together, the effect of abuse on school attitudes was non-significant, suggesting that SE is a protective factor for the effects of abuse on ATS.
The poverty puzzle: the surprising difference between wealthy and poor students for self-efficacy and academic achievement
Authors: Jurecska Diomaris E. , Chang Kelly B.T. , Peterson Mary A. , Lee-Zorn Chole E. , Merrick Joav , Sequeira Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

This study explored the relationship between intellectual ability, socioeconomic status (SES), academic achievement and self-efficacy in a cross-cultural sample. Data from 90 students (63 students from Central America and 27 from the US) showed that regardless of culture or IQ, students from low SES families had significantly lower grade point averages than students from medium- or high-SES families. Unexpectedly, data showed that regardless of culture or IQ, students from high-SES families had the lowest self-efficacy, but the highest academic performance. Results suggest that self-efficacy is likely to be related to expectations and self-perception beyond IQ or culture.
Preclinical evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Pandey Awanish Kumar , Gupta Prem Prakash , Lal Vijay Kumar
Published: November 2012

Background: The use of medicinal plants has turned out to be an alternative method for the treatment of diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. The recommendation of the World Health Organization Committee on Diabetes encouraging research on hypoglycemic agents of plant origin used in traditional medicine has greatly motivated research in this area. The hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber extract was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: An oral administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of I. digitata tuber (100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide was given for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h in the acute study and at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in the chronic study. The weight of rats was recorded before and after the study period of 28 days.

Results: In the acute study, both doses of the extract showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose level compared with the control but less significant than glibenclamide. In the chronic study, all treatments showed a significant blood glucose reduction in diabetic rats. The extract and glibenclamide not only prevented a further body weight loss but also maintained the body weight during the study period.

Conclusions: The result of the study concluded that I. digitata exhibits a considerable hypoglycemic activity, which could be due to the presence of flavonoids and β-sitosterol as active principles, although the mechanism of action remains to be determined. Thus, the plant can be the key contributor in the treatment of diabetes as an alternative medicine.
Inverse problem for elliptic equation in a Banach space with Bitsadze–Samarsky boundary value conditions
Authors: Orlovsky Dmitry G.
Published: November 2012

The two inverse problems of determining an unknown parameter in a nonhomogeneous
part of the equation for an abstract second-order elliptic equation in a Banach space with
boundary conditions of Bitsadze–Samarski type are considered. For the first problem we use the conditions
of Dirichlet, and for the second problem we use the conditions of Neumann.
Theorems of existence and uniqueness of solutions for both direct and inverse problems are proved.
Explicit formulas for the solutions are obtained.
New security notions and relations for public-key encryption
Authors: Sepahi Reza , Pieprzyk Josef , Shahandashti Siamak F. , Schoenmakers Berry
Published: November 2012

Since their introduction, the notions of indistinguishability and non-malleability have been changed and extended by different authors to support different goals. In this paper, we propose new flavors of these notions, investigate their relative strengths with respect to previous notions, and provide the full picture of relationships (i.e., implications and separations) among the security notions for public-key encryption schemes. We take into account the two general security goals of indistinguishability and non-malleability, each in the message space, key space, and hybrid message-key space to find six specific goals, a couple of them, namely complete indistinguishability and key non-malleability, are new. Then for each pair of goals, coming from the indistinguishability or non-malleability classes, we prove either an implication or a separation, completing the full picture of relationships among all these security notions. The implications and separations are respectively supported by formal proofs (i.e., reductions) in the concrete-security framework and by counterexamples.
Differential proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in pregnancy
Authors: Hills Frank A. , Iles Ray K. , Sullivan Mark H.
Published: November 2012

The insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins are important for placental and foetal growth. In this study, we have investigated the presence of proteolytic activity directed against insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in pregnancy. In addition, the effect of protease activity on IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity and IGF binding was characterised. 125I-IGFBP-1 was incubated with maternal and foetal serum, amniotic fluid and placental extracts. Breakdown of 125I-IGFBP-1 was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The size distribution of endogenous IGFBP-1 was determined by Western immunoblotting. Protease inhibitor studies characterised the proteolytic activity, and Western ligand blotting with 125I-IGF-I was used to determine IGF binding capacity of proteolysed IGFBP-1. Amniotic fluid samples collected after labour onset contained proteolytic activity that generated 12- and 19-kDa IGFBP-1 fragments that did not bind to 125I-IGF-I. This activity was not detected in amniotic fluid collected prior to labour onset or in other tissues. Activity was blocked by aprotinin, leupeptin, phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride, and Kunitz soybean trypsin inhibitor but not by ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid or pepstatin. Incubation of IGFBP-1 with trypsin generated fragments of a similar size to the amniotic fluid protease. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the presence in vivo of a trypsin-like proteolytic activity that alters the IGF-binding function of IGFBP-1 in pregnancy.
Natalus macrourus (Gervais, 1856) (Chiroptera: Natalidae) is a senior synonym of Natalus espiritosantensis (Ruschi, 1951)
Authors: Garbino Guilherme S.T. , Tejedor Adrian
Published: November 2012

We present evidence that the name
Targeting the pain, inflammation and immune (PII) axis: plausible rationale for LLLT
Authors: Hahm Eason , Kulhari Snehlata , Arany Praveen R.
Published: November 2012

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in many clinical contexts. Although its precise mechanism is unclear, its current use is based predominantly on its non-invasive nature and popular patient acceptance. This review attempts to provide a framework for the clinical disease-disorder states focusing on the etiopathology namely; pain, inflammation and immune response termed the PII axis. Following a brief introduction, the literature on the ability of LLLT to modulate the PII axis in specific disease states is reviewed. The triad of critical parameters for LLLT namely, the dose, the biological context and the mechanism are highlighted. This work suggests that LLLT could be a potent primary interventional modality when used to specifically target the PII axis in clinical disease management.
Effect of silica fume on durability of concrete composites containing fly ash
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Qing-fu
Published: November 2012

In this paper, the effect of silica fume on the workability and durability of concrete composites containing fly ash, including water impermeability, dry shrinkage property, carbonation resistance and freeze-thaw resistance, are presented. Four different silica fume contents (3%, 6%, 9% and 12%) were used. The results indicate that the addition of silica fume has greatly improved the durability of water impermeability, the carbonation resistance and the freeze-thaw resistance of the concrete composites containing fly ash. With the increase in silica fume content, the length of water permeability and the carbonation depth of the specimens decrease gradually, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus of the specimens has a tendency to increase. However, the addition of silica fume has a little adverse effect on the workability and dry shrinkage property of concrete composites containing fly ash. With the increase in silica fume content, both the slump and the slump flow decrease gradually, and the dry shrinkage strain increases gradually.
Thermal buckling load optimization of laminated general quadrilateral and trapezoidal thin plates
Authors: Topal Umut
Published: November 2012

This paper deals with thermal buckling load optimization of symmetrically laminated angle-ply general quadrilateral and trapezoidal thin plates. The objective function is to maximize the critical temperature capacity of the quadrilateral and trapezoidal laminated plates and the fiber orientation is considered as a design variable. The mathematical formulation is based on the classical laminated plate theory for the frequency analysis. The modified feasible direction method is used as the optimization routine. Therefore, a program based on FORTRAN is used. Finally, the significant effects of aspect ratios, boundary conditions, taper ratios and unsymmetric trapezoidal plates on the optimal results are investigated and the results are compared.
Auf unsicherem Boden: Zur epigraphischen Evidenz von Erdbeben
Authors: Ehmig Ulrike
Published: November 2012

Im Blick auf die epigraphische Evidenz von Erdbeben fällt auf, daß diese nur selten als Todesursachen in Grabinschriften genannt wurden. Bisher deutete man den Befund dahingehend, daß die antiken Menschen auf einen entsprechenden Hinweis bewußt verzichteten, um Hybris und eine Provokation der Götter zu vermeiden. Die betreffenden Epitaphe werden hier im Gesamtkontext der inschriftlichen Überlieferung seismischer Ereignisse betrachtet. Vor diesem Hintergrund können andere Erklärungen vorgeschlagen werden. Sie gründen in unterschiedlichen Mentalitäten im lateinischen Westen und dem griechischsprachigen Osten, damit einhergehenden epigraphic habits und den Faktoren, die die Auswahl erinnerungswürdiger Nachrichten bestimmen.
De anfiarao el adivino a Filipo el Médico: mántica y medicina en Acarnania
Authors: Martín César Sierra
Published: November 2012

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo reconstruir el proceso de plena integración de Acarnania en la Hélade a partir del siglo V a. C. Para analizar dicho proceso estudiaremos las relaciones políticas y la evolución cultural atestiguada en las fuentes escritas.
Demetrio, un antico autore di Argolika: a proposito dello xoanon di Era a Tirinto
Authors: Fontana Federica
Published: November 2012

Riassunto

Questo lavoro si propone il riesame delle antiche testimonianze superstiti sullo storico locale Demetrio (FGrH 304), forse un autore argivo che visse e scrisse i suoi Argolika prima dell’età ellenistica. In particolare, la data (la fine del V o più probabilmente il IV sec. a. C.) e la nazionalità (Argiva) suggerite da Felix Jacoby per l’autore, possono essere stabilite con maggiore precisione se messe in relazione con alcuni eventi della storia locale argiva svoltisi durante la metà e la fine del V sec. a. C. (come la cattura e la distruzione delle vicine di Argo, Tirinto e Micene, il passaggio dell’Heraion di Argo sotto l’esclusivo controllo argivo, l’incendio che distrusse il tempio arcaico di Era dell’Heraion nel 423 a. C.). Una nuova lettura del solo frammento attribuito con certezza a Demetrio (F 1) fornisce qualche indizio sulla natura e sulla struttura della sua opera storica e sul metodo storiografico con cui egli lavorò sul racconto tradizionale sulle origini di alcune istituzioni culturali della sua polis.
Persia, Alexander the Great and the Kingdom of Asia
Authors: Nawotka Krzysztof
Published: November 2012

Historicity of the proclamation of Alexander the Great on the battlefield of Gaugamela as the King of Asia related by Plutarch should not be put in doubt. Quite numerous evidence speaks to the usage of this title by Alexander since at least the end of 333 BC. The overwhelming evidence of fifth and fourth c. BC sources demonstrates that for the Greeks (and Macedonians) at the age of Alexander the title King of Asia meant “the King of the Persian Empire”. This title was not related to any known title in use of the Persian King and reflected the Greek way of thinking about their eastern neighbours. Its selection by Alexander may have belonged to the realm of the war propaganda of Alexander as the leader of the League of Corinth waging a war of revenge on the Persian Empire.
The Aftermath of the Apamean Settlement: Early Challenges to the new Order in Asia Minor
Authors: Petković Žarko
Published: November 2012

Launching an offensive against Sinope and, shortly after, entering the war against Eumenes II, the Pontic king Pharnakes and his Gallatian allies challenged the newly established order in Asia Minor. The post Apamean territorial gains of Eumenes II were at stake, as in the previous war, in which Pharnakes had fought on the side of Prusias I. In the second campaign, Pharnakes besieged Tieion, the πολίχνιον under Eumenes’ control. It was the perfect opportunity for the Pergamene king to exercise his diplomatic abilities. At that moment, as can be deduced from scattered information, Eumenes transferred the possession of Tieion to his former enemy, Prusias II, who was eager, like Bithynian kings before him, to gain control over ports on the Black Sea shore. This maneuver brought the Bithynian king into the anti-pontic coalition.
Los herederos de Artabazo. La satrapía de Dascilio en la tradición de la dinastía Mitridátida
Authors: Ballesteros Pastor Luis
Published: November 2012

Los gobernantes de la dinastía Mitridátida decían ser descendientes de los sátrapas persas de Dascilio. Esos reyes consideraban como su ancestro a Artabazo, hijo de Farnaces, que habría recibido esos dominios de Jerjes. El interés de los soberanos Mitridátidas en el Euxino Noroccidental representó una reivindicación del antiguo gobierno de los sátrapas de Dascilio sobre esos territorios, considerados por los persas como “El país del mar” (o „más allá del mar”). Éste podría ser el origen del término “reino del Ponto” que había sido aplicado también a los dominios de ciertos reyes Espartócidas. Así, podemos comprender las fuentes que consideraron a esta región como el antiguo territorio de la dinastía Mitridátida. Junto a esto, algunas monedas reales pónticas aludieron a la leyenda de Télefo, el hijo de Heracles que fue rey de Misia, la región en donde estaban Cío y Dascilio. En relación con esta perspectiva dinástica, Eupátor reclamó la provincia de Asia como parte de la antigua tierra de sus ancestros.
Im Gewebe der Geschichte(n). Memoria, Monumente und ihre mythhistorische Vernetzung
Authors: Hölkeskamp Karl-Joachim
Published: November 2012

Die Reiterstatue des Q. Marcius Tremulus, der als Consul 306 v. Chr. einen Triumph über die Herniker gefeiert hatte, stand noch Jahrhunderte später an höchst sichtbarer Stelle: auf dem Forum Romanum, vor dem Tempel der Dioskuren. Das Monument, der Anlaß seiner Aufstellung und seine prominente Positionierung in der dicht vernetzten politischen und sakralen Topographie der urbs Roma, die auch und zugleich als ,Erinnerungslandschaft‘ des populus Romanus und seiner glorreichen Geschichte fungierte, einerseits und die Mythen und Legenden um die Anfänge der Hegemonie Roms über Latium und Mittelitalien andererseits bildeten ein eigentümliches „Gewebe von Bedeutung(en)“ im Sinne von Clifford Geertz, das auf verschiedenen, aber eng miteinander vermittelten Ebenen ,gelesen‘ werden konnte.
Tribunus legionis IIII (Italicae)? – Zu einer Notiz in der Historia Augusta und zur Vita des Maximinus Thrax vor seiner Kaisererhebung
Authors: Wiegels Rainer
Published: November 2012

Maximinus Thrax gehört trotz seiner kurzen Regierungszeit nicht zuletzt hinsichtlich seiner Herkunft und Karriere zu den meist behandelten, aber auch besonders umstrittenen Imperatoren unter den sogenannten ,Soldatenkaisern‘. Die vor allem bei Herodian und mit der Vita des Maximinus in der Historia Augusta vorliegende Überlieferung weist manche Ungenauigkeiten, Irrtümer und Lücken auf, die zu erheblichen Differenzen in der Forschung geführt haben. Der Beitrag versucht mit Hilfe neuerer Zeugnisse (Inschriften) und Erkenntnisse zu Karriereschemata in der fraglichen Zeit die Möglichkeiten einer sachgerechten Rekonstruktion der Vita des nachmaligen Kaisers auszuloten. Das besondere Interesse gilt der Frage, ob es bereits in der Zeit des Severus Alexander eine legio IIII Italica gab, in der Maximinus als Tribun gedient haben soll, was beim Stand unseres Wissens nicht belegt werden kann und darüber hinaus als unwahrscheinlich angesehen wird.
Crystal structure of the oxygen conducting compound Nd5Mo3O16
Authors: Alekseeva Olga A. , Gagor A. B. , Pietraszko A. , Sorokina N. I. , Bolotina N. B. , Artemov V. V. , Kharitonova E. P. , Voronkova V. I.
Published: November 2012

Structure of the Nd5Mo3O16 single crystal grown in the Nd2O3–MoO3 system was studied using the X-rays diffraction technique at 293 K and 110 K temperatures. The unit-cell values were always cubic relating to that of CaF2 fluorite as a ≈ 2af
(a

f
= 5.5 Å). The structure was solved within the Pn-3n symmetry group. It was found that the Nd5Mo3O16 compound has a fluorite-like structure with all atoms disordered. An indirect confirmation for the violation of translational periodicity in the distribution of Mo and Nd atoms was obtained. The possible oxygen diffusion paths were analyzed using the one-particle potentials of the oxygen atoms. The ionic conductivity of Nd5Mo3O16 compound is associated with the disordering of the oxygen atoms in several positions, and their deficiency in comparison with the initial fluorite.
Effects of Exposure to 1‐Bromopropane on Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes in Rat Brain
Authors: Mohideen Sahabudeen Sheik , Ichihara Sahoko , Subramanian Kaviarasan , Huang Zhenlie , Naito Hisao , Kitoh Junzoh , Ichihara Gaku
Published: November 2012

Effects of Exposure to 1‐Bromopropane on Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes in Rat Brain: Sahabudeen Sheik MOHIDEEN, et al. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University—

Objectives

Human cases of 1‐bromopropane (1‐BP) toxicity showed ataxic gait and cognitive dysfunction, whereas rat studies showed pyknotic shrinkage in cerebellar Purkinje cells and electrophysiological changes in the hippocampus. The present study investigated the effects of 1‐BP on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the rat cerebellum and hippocampus to find sensitive markers of central nervous system toxicity.

Methods

Forty‐eight F344 rats were divided into four equal groups and exposed to 1‐BP at 0, 400, 800 and 1,000 ppm for 8 h/day; 7 days/week, for 4 weeks. Nine and three rats per group were used for biochemical and histopathological studies, respectively.

Results

Kluver‐Barrera staining showed pyknotic shrinkage in the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells and nuclei of granular cells in the cerebellum at 1,000 ppm. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased length of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive processes of astrocytes in the cerebellum, hippocampus and dentate gyrus at 800 and 1,000 ppm. The myelin basic protein (MBP) level was lower at 1,000 ppm. The numbers of astrocytes and granular cells per tissue volume increased at 400 ppm or higher.

Conclusion

The present study showed that elongation of processes of astrocytes accompanies degeneration of granular cells and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the rats exposed to 1‐BP. The decrease in MBP and number of oligodendrocytes suggest adverse effects on myelination. The increase in astrocyte population per tissue volume in the cerebellum might be a sensitive marker of 1‐BP neurotoxicity, but the underlying mechanism for this change remains elusive.
Generation Rate of Carbon Monoxide from CO2 Arc Welding
Authors: Ojima June
Published: November 2012

Generation Rate of Carbon Monoxide from CO2 Arc Welding: Jun OJIMA. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health—

Objectives

CO poisoning has been a serious industrial hazard in Japanese workplaces. Although incomplete combustion is the major cause of CO generation, there is a risk of CO poisoning during some welding operations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the generation rate of CO from CO2 arc welding under controlled laboratory conditions and estimate the ventilation requirements for the prevention of CO poisoning.

Methods

Bead on plate welding was carried out with an automatic welding robot on a rolled steel base metal under several conditions. The concentration of emitted CO from the welding was measured by a real‐time CO monitor in a wellventilated laboratory that was free from ambient CO contamination. The generation rate of CO was obtained from the three measurements—the flow rate of the welding exhaust gas, CO concentration in the exhaust gas and the arcing time. Then the ventilation requirement to prevent CO poisoning was calculated.

Results

The generation rate of CO was found to be 386−883 ml/min with a solid wire and 331−1,293 ml/min with a flux cored wire respectively. It was found that the CO concentration in a room would be maintained theoretically below the OSHA PEL (50 ppm) providing the ventilation rate in the room was 6.6−25.9 m3/min. The actual ventilation requirement was then estimated to be 6.6−259 m3/min considering incomplete mixing.

Conclusions

In order to prevent CO poisoning, some countermeasures against gaseous emission as well as welding fumes should be taken eagerly.
Determination Method for p‐Phenylazoaniline and 2‐methyl‐4‐(2‐tolylazo)aniline in Workplace Air by High‐performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Takeuchi Akito , Jukurogi Akira , Kaifuku Yuichiro , Natsumeda Shuichiro , Ota Hirokazu , Yamada Shu , Sumino Kimiaki , Kanno Seiichiro
Published: November 2012

Determination Method for p‐Phenylazoaniline and 2‐methyl‐4‐(2‐tolylazo)aniline in Workplace Air by High‐performance Liquid Chromatography: Akito TAKEUCHI, et al. Osaka Occupational Health Service Center, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association—

Objectives

The purpose of this research was to develop a method for the simultaneous determination of p‐phenylazoaniline (also called 4 aminoazobenzene, AAB) and 2‐methyl‐4‐(2tolylazo)aniline (also called o‐aminoazotoluene, AAT) in workplace air for risk assessment.

Methods

The characteristics of the proposed method, such as recovery, limit of quantitation, reproducibility and storage stability of the samples were examined.

Results

An air sampling cassette containing two sulfuric acidtreated glass fiber filters was chosen as the sampler. The AAB and AAT were extracted from the sampler filters by methanol and then analyzed by a high‐performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a photodiode array detector. The overall recoveries from spiked samplers were 77−98 and 85−98% for AAB and AAT, respectively. The recovery after 5 days of storage in a refrigerator exceeded 96%. The overall limits of quantitation were 5.00 and 2.50 μg/sample for AAB and AAT, respectively. The relative standard deviations, which represent the overall reproducibility defined as precision, were 0.6−1.8 and 0.5−2.2% for AAB and AAT, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed method enables 4‐h personal exposure monitoring of AAB and AAT at concentrations of 21 to 2,000 μg/m3for AAB and 10 to 2,000 μg/m3for AAT, respectively. The proposed method is useful for estimating worker exposure to AAB and AAT.
The amorphization and crystallization of Ge2Sb2Te5: an ab initio molecular dynamics study
Authors: Branicio Paulo S. , Bai Kewu , Ramanarayan H. , Wu David.T. , Song Wendong , Wang Weijie , Li Minghua , Zhao Rong , Shi Luping , Srolovitz David J.
Published: November 2012

The reversible switching between the amorphous and crystalline phases of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) is investigated with ab initio molecular dynamics. We apply different quench rates (-16 K/ps, -5 K/ps, -2 K/ps, and -0.45 K/ps) and different annealing temperatures (500 K, 600 K, 700 K, and 800 K) to amorphize and crystallize GST respectively. Results show that the generated amorphous is strongly dependent on the quench rate. For -16 K/ps and -5 K/ps, generated amorphous samples have different density of crystal seeds, higher in the later. The amorphous structure formed at -2 K/ps contains a single crystalline cluster, while that formed at the quench rate of -0.45 K/ps had sufficient time to completely crystallize the amorphous phase. Annealing the amorphous systems formed at different rates shows that crystallization depends both on the annealing temperature and on the structure of the initial system (i.e., whether or not it contains crystalline clusters or crystal seeds). At 500 K, formation of crystalline clusters occurs readily within a few ps while the rate at which they grow is slow, taking 0.9 ns to complete the crystallization. In contrast, crystalline cluster formation is inhibited at 800 K. In the intermediate temperature range, both crystalline cluster formation and growth occur within a few hundred ps indicating that these temperatures leads to the fastest crystallization. The crystallization of a 63-atom at ∼900 K resulted in a highly relaxed crystal structure showing a clear tendency for separation of Ge and Sb species in layers. This model also indicates a tendency of segregation of vacancies, suggesting that vacancy layering may play a key role in the crystallization process.
Combined Application of Section and Projection Topography to Defect Analysis in PVT-Grown 4H-SiC
Authors: Wang H. , Wu F. , Byrappa S. , Shun S. , Raghothamachar B. , Dudley M. , Sanchez E. K. , Chung G. , Hansen D. , Mueller S. G. , Loboda M. J.
Published: November 2012

The combined application of section and projection topography carried out using synchrotron white beam radiation can be a powerful tool for the determination of the three-dimensional configurations of defects in single crystals. In this paper, we present examples of the application of this combination of techniques to the analysis of defect configurations in PVT-grown 4H-SiC wafers cut perpendicular and parallel to the growth axis. Detailed correlation between section and projection topography of threading screw dislocations (TSDs) is presented with particular emphasis being laid on the determination of the signs of the dislocations. Further, information can also be determined regarding the position of the dislocations within the crystal depth. In addition, similar correlation is presented for threading edge dislocations (TEDs) and basal plane dislocations (BPDs). The section topography images of dislocations can comprise direct, intermediary and dynamical contrast and all three types are observed. The application to the study of stacking faults will be also discussed in detail.
Properties of Al and Pd Contacts on n-type SiC Membranes
Authors: Nasir N.F. Mohd , Leech P.W. , Holland A.S. , Reeves G.K. , Tanner P.
Published: November 2012

Membranes with dimensions up to 10 mm x 15 mm have been fabricated in epitaxial 3C-SiC/Si wafers. An array of CTLM metal contacts was deposited onto the upper surface of the n-SiC membrane. Both Al/n-SiC and Pd/n-SiC contacts which were formed on the membrane and on the adjacent substrate have shown an ohmic current/ voltage response. Values of specific contact resistance, ρc, were measured directly on the membranes. These results have shown no consistent difference in ρc of the contacts located either on the membrane or off the membrane. The exposure of SiC surfaces to reactive ion etching in CF4 plasma during the fabrication of a membrane has resulted in ρc which was higher by a factor of 103 than with as-grown and KOH etched silicon surfaces.
CdTe Solar Cell from Sputtering Method
Authors: Dhakal Tara P. , Ganta Lakshmi K. , Ferizovic Dino , Rajendran Surya , Vanhart Daniel , Seymour Michael A. , Westgate Charles R.
Published: November 2012

We report CdTe/CdS solar cell with CdTe layer grown by sputtering method. A controlled etch and anneal process on the sputter-grown CdTe films was performed to increase the average grain size of the film. The process involved dipping the CdTe films in a saturated solution of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in methanol (2.08 gram in 100 ml) followed by a 30 minute annealing at 400 °C. We performed various experiments on this process by varying the dipping times, drying process and annealing times and analyzed the resultant films using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We could see a clear increase in grain size from 200 nm to 5 μm after CdCl2 treatment. The process also increased the overall roughness of the sample so that more light is absorbed than reflected. We prepared solar cells using CdTe as p-type layer and CdS as n-type layer. The efficiency of the cell improved from 1.1% to 4.2% after air annealing. The effect of air-annealing is studied by means of quantum efficiency measurement.
Advanced metrology of Laser Groove Buried Contact processing for silicon CPV
Authors: Maniscalco B , Kaminski P M , Bass K , Abbas A , West G , Rowley P.N. , Claudio G , Walls J M
Published: November 2012

The solar cells employed in low to medium (50 to 200 suns) concentration photovoltaic (CPV) are usually mono-crystalline silicon. Laser Groove Buried Contacts (LGBC) are preferred to screen printing in these cells due to the high currents generated in the system. In this paper, we report on the use of Coherence Correlation Interferometry (CCI) to accurately measure the width and depth of the laser-ablated grooves. In addition, the technique is also used to measure the surface roughness at the bottom of the trenches, since this can determine the success of the subsequent plating process, and at the top surface to optimize the debris control and obtain clean surfaces and well-shaped groove edges. The laser ablation process was also optimized to obtain the groove aspect ratio and surface quality required. Process parameters to be controlled include laser power, pulse energy, stage speed and focal length. The CCI technique is capable of providing all the groove and surface metrology required for this process optimization.
Gold nanoparticles on nanodiamond for nanophotonic applications
Authors: Orlanducci S. , Cianchetta I. , Tamburri E. , Terranova M.L. , Cassani M. C. , Matassa R. , Rossi M.
Published: November 2012

We present here some recent results of a research focused on the preparation of detonation nanodiamond/Au nanoparticles hybrid materials. Two different experimental routes are followed for the decoration of diamond nanoparticles by Au nanoparticles, that are in turn prepared by an innovative electroless approach.

Structure and morphology at the nanoscale level of the Au-on-nanodiamond deposits have been deeply investigated by electron microscopy (FE-SEM, HR-TEM) and diffraction (XRD) techniques.

Optical properties of these systems have been determined by performing scattering and UV-Vis absorption measurements, and by comparing the experimental data with simulated extinction spectra. The results highlighted very interesting plasmonic and scattering behaviors, mainly related to the high refractive index of diamond.
Heterogeneous Integration of LSI Amplifier and the Tactile Sensor Using Stacking and Through-Si-Via Techniques
Authors: Sohgawa Masayuki , Yokoyama Hokuto , Kanashima Takeshi , Okuyama Masanori , Noma Haruo
Published: November 2012

We have developed the tactile sensor using the microcantilevers with strain gauge film which can detect normal and shear forces simultaneously. In this work, the tactile sensor and the IC amplifier have been integrated heterogeneously to shorten the wire length by chip-on-chip stacking and reduce the noise in the output voltage. Standard deviation of the noise can be reduced from 27.6 mV to 3.3 mV by heterogeneous integration of the tactile sensor and the IC amplifier using Au wire bonding. By this heterogeneous integration, the device size and wiring numbers can be reduced, and installation of more sensors is allowed on fingertips of the robot. Moreover, through-silicon-via (TSV) holes were fabricated to mount an IC amplifier on the backside of the sensor chip, instead of using Au wires. Although TSV can be fabricated successfully, resistance to sacrificial etching process is problem. As a result, Si3N4 used instead of SiO2 has improved insulation between TSVs.
Growth Stress in SiO2Formed by Oxidation of SiC
Authors: Hay Randall S.
Published: November 2012

Growth stresses in amorphous SiO2scales formed during SiC fiber oxidation were calculated. A numerical method using Deal-Grove oxidation kinetics and shear-stress dependent SiO2viscosity was used. Initial compressive stresses in SiO2of ∼25 GPa from the 2.2× oxidation volume expansion rapidly relaxes. At >1200°C, viscous flow of amorphous SiO2further relaxes stress to negligible levels. At 700° - 900°C, axial and hoop stress at the GPa level persist in SiO2near the SiC-SiO2interface. Radial expansion of the scale causes hoop stress to become tensile, and axial stresses are driven to tensile values by the Poisson effect. These tensile stresses can be >1 GPa for thick scales formed at lower temperatures on surfaces with high curvature. Approximate analytical expressions for growth stress are discussed. Effects of viscosity variation as well as other assumptions and limitations of the calculation method are discussed.
Terahertz Detectors Based on Silicon Technology Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Knap Wojciech , Schuster Franz , Coquillat Dominique , Teppe Frédéric , Giffard Benoît , But Dmytro B. , Golenkov Oleksander G. , Sizov Fedor F.
Published: November 2012

The concept of THz detection based on excitation of plasma waves in two-dimensional electron gas in Si FETs is one of the most attractive ones, as it makes possible the development of the large-scale integrated devices based on a conventional microelectronic technology including on-chip antennas and readout devices integration. In this work we report on investigations of Terahertz detectors based on low-cost silicon technology field effect transistors. We show that detectors, consisting of a coupling antenna and a n-MOS field effect transistor as rectifying element, are efficient for THz detection and imaging. We demonstrate that in the atmospheric window around 300 GHz, these detectors can achieve a record noise equivalent power below 10 pW/Hz0.5 and a responsivity above 90 kV/W once integrated with on-chip amplifier. We show also that they can be used in a very wide frequency range: from ∼0.2 THz up to 1.1 THz. THz detection by Si FETs pave the way towards high sensitivity silicon technology based focal plane arrays for THz imaging.
Improved hydrogen storage kinetics of nanoconfined LiBH4-MgH2 reactive hydride composites catalyzed with nickel Nanoparticles
Authors: Nielsen Thomas K. , Polanski Marek , Hansen Bjarne R. S. , Tolborg Søren , Ravnsbæk Dorthe B. , Besenbacher Flemming , Bystrzycki Jerzy , Skibsted Jørgen , Jensen Torben R.
Published: November 2012

LiBH4 and MgH2 both have high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage densities. Unfortunately, their commercial application is prevented by high thermal stability and unfavorable thermodynamic properties. Combining the two hydrides leads to a new decomposition pathway with suitable enthalpy of reaction. However, the kinetics for hydrogen release remains an obstacle but can be improved by nanoconfinement in nano porous carbon materials. Here we report on nanoconfinement of 2LiBH4-MgH2 in Ni functionalized carbon aerogels. 11B MAS NMR reveals that the nanoconfined hydrides react reversibly with hydrogen whereas simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and mass spectroscopy clearly show that nanoconfinement facilitates lower hydrogen release temperatures than ball milling. Furthermore, Ni functionalization of the nanoporous aerogel leads to even lower hydrogen release temperatures from nanoconfined 2LiBH4-MgH2.
An Efficient Implementation of Multiscale Simulation Software PNP-cDFT
Authors: Meng Da , Lin Guang , Sushko Maria L.
Published: November 2012

An efficient implementation of PNP-cDFT, a multiscale method for computing the chemical potentials of charged species is designed and evaluated. Spatial decomposition of the multi particle system is employed in the parallelization of classical density functional theory (cDFT) algorithm. Furthermore, a truncation strategy is used to reduce the computational complexity of cDFT algorithm. The simulation results show that the parallel implementation has close to linear scalability in parallel computing environments. It also shows that the truncated versions of cDFT improve the efficiency of the methods substantially.
Rare-Earth-doped Laser Materials: Spectroscopy and Laser Properties
Authors: Merkle Larry D.
Published: November 2012

Trivalent rare earth ions in crystalline or fiber hosts are among the most successful of laser materials, but new dopant-host combinations and more detailed understanding of existing materials continue to be needed. This paper presents a few examples from the work of our team at the Army Research Laboratory, highlighting the interrelation between spectroscopic properties and laser behavior. It focuses on bulk solids, though rare-earth-doped fiber lasers are also extremely important. One system discussed is Nd:YAG, particularly concentration quenching in heavily doped ceramic YAG. Spectroscopic properties of Yb:Y2O3 and Yb:Sc2O3 help to elucidate their laser performance. Spectra indicate that Er:YAG is more promising than Er:Sc2O3 for room temperature laser operation, but that the reverse is true for operation at and somewhat above liquid nitrogen temperature.