bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Dimension Measurement of an Extreme-Ultraviolet Mask Utilizing Coherent Extreme-Ultraviolet Scatterometry Microscope at NewSUBARU
Authors: Harada Tetsuo , Nakasuji Masato , Tada Masaki , Nagata Yutaka , Watanabe Takeo , Kinoshita Hiroo
Published: June 2011

We have developed a coherent extreme ultraviolet scatterometry microscope (CSM) for actinic inspection and metrology of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask. It was installed at the BL-3 beamline of the NewSUBARU synchrotron radiation facility. The CSM is a lens-less system with no objective, and aerial images and critical dimension (CD) values are estimated using the recorded diffraction image. A method of measuring CD values by reconstruction of aerial images using diffraction intensity has been developed. A repeatability of 0.3 nm (3σ) with a high precision is achieved with the actinic method. We also evaluate the CD uniformity of the 88 nm lines-and-spaces patterns on the finished EUV mask, which corresponds well with that obtained by critical-dimension scanning electron microscopy (CD-SEM) results.
Impact of Process-Effect Correction Strategies on Variability of Critical Dimension and Electrical Characteristics in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography
Authors: Ng Philip C. W. , Chien Sheng-Wei , Chang Bo-Sen , Tsai Kuen-Yu , Lu Yi-Chang , Li Jia-Han , Chen Alek C.
Published: June 2011

The conventional correction strategy used to compensate for imaging errors in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is accomplished by incorporating independent corrections in which rule-based corrections are used to compensate for EUV-specific imaging effects such as mask shadowing, and a model-based correction is used to compensate for proximity effects. Because most rule-based corrections are empirically developed by using simple Manhattan patterns, some of the simplified approximation approaches would not be applicable in a circuit layout with complicated geometric patterns. These kinds of approximation approaches can lead to ineffective corrections of EUV-specific imaging effects, resulting in inaccurate patterns printed on a wafer which will significantly alter the electrical characteristics of fabricated circuits. In order to prevent the problems due to rule-based corrections, a promising correction strategy has been proposed to simultaneously deal with EUV-specific imaging effects and proximity effects. In this study, the impact of two different correction strategies on the critical dimension (CD) variation caused by defocus and the deviation of electrical characteristics from the design intent is explored. Numerical experiments indicate that the variability of CD and electrical characteristics is significantly improved by the proposed correction strategy.
Effect of Electron Density on Extreme Ultraviolet Output of a Z-Pinch Xe Discharge Produced Plasma Source
Authors: Huang Bin , Takimoto Yasuhiro , Watanabe Masato , Hotta Eiki
Published: June 2011

The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) source has many applications, including EUV lithography, EUV diagnostics, and so on. Numerous research groups have developed many EUV light sources and studied their characteristics. In this paper, we measured the temporal EUV emission of a Xe discharge produced plasma (DPP) EUV source and later, attempted to clarify the relationship between electron density evolution and EUV emission. The maximum EUV emission occurred at the optimum electron density of about 1019 cm-3. A preliminarily discussion of the relationship between EUV radiation and electron density evolution based on these experimental results is presented.
New Design Based Metrology for Fast Detection of Crucial Lithographic Defects
Authors: Hur Duck-Hyung , Kim Tae-Heon , Park Chul-Hong , Lee Sang-Hoon , Yoo Moon-Hyun , Cho Jun-Dong
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we proposed a new design based metrology system to save runtime for the detection of crucial lithographic defects. To the best of our knowledge, we developed for the first time the weak point management system that is a database control environment with the repeated design related systematic defects after model-based verification. Then, the defects are again verified with design based metrology (DBM). Using the result of model-based verification and the weak point management system, we efficiently verify the most crucial hotspots with DBM, resulting in significant saving in processing time. The communication between DBM and the results of model based verification is improved by the proposed DBM, as much as 10-fold process time reductions, compared to the conventional counterpart. There was negligible accuracy degradation for the application on sub 50 nm node dynamic random access memory (DRAM). We believe that the proposed method can be used for the next DRAM generation that requires significant runtime.
A Highly Sensitive Inorganic Resist for Directly Fabricating Thermally Stable Oxide Pattern on Si Substrate by Low-Energy Electron-Beam Direct Writing
Authors: Matsuda Kazuhiro , Ushio Shoji , Hirokawa Yuki , Gotou Taiki , Kaneko Tadaaki
Published: June 2011

A simple process of 1-keV-range low-energy electron-beam direct writing (LE-EBDW) is proposed for a direct pattern of a thermally stable oxide layer on a Si substrate. An ultrathin multilayered structure is used as a highly sensitive inorganic negative resist for LE-EBDW, and it consists of an amorphous GaAs layer of 3 nm thick and its surface oxide. The EB-irradiated area is transformed into a thermally stable oxide pattern by heating the substrate to 750 °C in a vacuum after LE-EBDW. The heating process induces removal of the multilayered structure, while the oxide pattern can remain on the substrate. The remaining pattern can directly act as an ultrathin template for successive selective area growth on the Si substrate. It is assumed that the pattern is composed of thermally stable oxides such as SiO2and Ga2O3formed below the amorphous layer, not the surface oxide, of the multilayered structure.
Robust Noise Characteristics in Carbon Nanotube Transistors Based on Stochastic Resonance and Their Summing Networks
Authors: Hakamata Yasufumi , Ohno Yasuhide , Maehashi Kenzo , Inoue Koichi , Matsumoto Kazuhiko
Published: June 2011

Robust noise characteristics in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) based on stochastic resonance (SR) were demonstrated to detect small signals in noisy environments. When weak pulse trains were applied to a CNT-FET in the subthreshold regime, the correlation coefficient between the input and output signals increased upon adding an appropriate intensity of noise. Offset-voltage dependences were investigated, and moreover, a virtual summing network was formed using CNT-FETs having different offset voltages. The measurement indicated that responses correlated with the input signals were enhanced in a wide range of noise intensity. Therefore, the summing network based on SR is a promising candidate for highly sensitive label-free sensors which are to be utilized in unintentionally noisy environments.
Thickness Control of Graphene Overlayer via Layer-by-Layer Growth on Graphene Templates by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Negishi Ryota , Hirano Hiroki , Ohno Yasuhide , Haehashi Kenzo , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Kobayashi Yoshihiro
Published: June 2011

We examined graphene growth on graphene templates prepared by the mechanical exfoliation of graphite crystals using a sloped-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus with ethanol. The structural characterization of the grown graphene layers in detail by atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy reveals that the film thickening of graphene overlayers proceeds by the layer-by-layer growth mode, and that film thickness increases linearly as a function of growth time. This result indicates that a graphene growth technique using the CVD apparatus is a potential approach to precisely controlling the number of graphene layers, which is one of the important subjects for fabricating practical devices with uniform electrical properties using graphene as the channel material, such as field effect transistors.
Flexible Sensing Arrays Fabricated with Carbon Nanofiber Composite Thin Films for Posture Monitoring
Authors: Chang Fuh-Yu , Wang Ruoh-Huey , Lin Yu-Hsien , Chen Tse-Min , Lee Yueh-Feng , Huang Shu-Jiuan , Liu Chia-Ming
Published: June 2011

Faulty posture increases joint stress and causes postural pain syndrome. In this paper, we present a portable strain sensing system with flexible sensor arrays to warn patients to correct inappropriate posture. A 3×3 flexible strain sensing array system was fabricated using patterned surface treatment and the tilted-drop process with carbon nanofiber composite solutions on polyimide substrates. Atmospheric plasma was used to enhance or reduce the surface energy in specific areas for patterned surface treatment. A scanning circuit was also developed to capture the signal from the flexible sensing array. The developed system has been used to measure the bent angle of the human neck from 15 to 60°. The results indicate that human posture can be successfully captured by analyzing the measured strains from a flexible strain sensing array.
Study of Graphene Growth by Gas-Source Molecular Beam Epitaxy Using Cracked Ethanol: Influence of Gas Flow Rate on Graphitic Material Deposition
Authors: Maeda Fumihiko , Hibino Hiroki
Published: June 2011

To understand what is going on during graphene growth by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy with cracked ethanol and to gain insights into how to optimize this growth method to produce high-quality graphene, we investigated the influence of gas flow rate on the growth rate. From the core-level photoelectron intensities, we found that the deposition rate decreases with increasing gas supply rate. We introduced growth efficiency using the photoelectron intensities and environmental pressure of the growth system during ethanol supply and found that the efficiency decreases with increasing supply rate. To understand this phenomenon, we supplied the cracked ethanol to the previously deposited graphitic material on the substrate and found that the graphitic material was removed from the substrate surface. These results indicate that, under the supply of cracked ethanol, deposition and etching of graphitic material occur simultaneously. This process of competitive reactions, deposition and etching, results in the extremely low growth rate, and the reactions are almost balanced at our growth condition.
Performance of an Ultraviolet Photoconductive Sensor Using Well-Aligned Aluminium-Doped Zinc-Oxide Nanorod Arrays Annealed in an Air and Oxygen Environment
Authors: Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Khusaimi Zuraida , Zahidi Musa Mohamed , Mahmood Mohamad Rusop
Published: June 2011

Ultraviolet (UV) photoconductive sensors were fabricated using an aluminium (Al)-doped zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanorod array with a diameter between 40 and 150 nm and thickness of approximately 1.1 µm. The nanorod arrays were prepared using a sonicated sol–gel immersion and annealed at 500 °C under different ambient conditions of air and oxygen. The annealing process induced the formation of nanoholes on the nanorod surfaces, which increased the nanorod surface area. The nanoholes existed in larger quantities on the nanorod surfaces annealed in air compared with the nanorods annealed in an oxygen environment. This condition reduced the rise and decay time constants of the air-annealed UV sensor. However, the sample annealed in an oxygen ambient shows the highest responsivity of 1.55 A/W for UV light (365 nm, 5 mW/cm2) under a 10 V bias mainly due to defect reduction and improvement in stoichiometric properties. To the best of our knowledge, a UV photoconductive sensor using this ZnO nanostructure has not yet been reported.
Investigating the Role of Dye Dipole on Open Circuit Voltage in Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Pandey Shyam S. , Lee Kyung-Young , Hayat Azwar , Ogomi Yuhei , Hayase Shuzi
Published: June 2011

To eliminate the possibility of perturbation caused by a liquid electrolyte and predict the role played by the nature of dipole of sensitizers with respect to the observed open circuit voltage (V
oc) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) more precisely, solid-state DSSCs were fabricated using different sensitizing dyes. Results obtained by surface potential measurement indicate that increasing the alkyl chain length in symmetrical squaraine dyes leads to a relatively positive shift in surface potential. The use of dyes exhibiting higher surface potentials leads to the observation of increased V
oc, which has been explained by the dye dipole formation at the TiO2/hole transporting layer interface leading to an upward shift of the TiO2 conduction band. It is thus possible to obtain a high V
oc in DSSCs by designing new dyes either having long alkyl chains or a molecular structure having a higher dipole moment exhibiting a relatively positive shift in surface potential.
High-Voltage Schottky Barrier Diode on Silicon Substrate
Authors: Ha Min-Woo , Roh Cheong Hyun , Hwang Dae Won , Choi Hong Goo , Song Hong Joo , Lee Jun Ho , Park Jung Ho , Seok Ogyun , Lim Jiyong , Han Min-Koo , Hahn Cheol-Koo
Published: June 2011

New GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) on Si substrates are proposed to achieve a high-breakdown voltage. We have fabricated GaN SBDs using doped GaN/unintentionally doped (UID) GaN because doped GaN with the thickness of 200 nm is suitable for high-current operation. The 1-µm-deep mesa and low-temperature annealing of ohmic contacts suppress the leakage current of GaN SBDs. Annealing of Schottky contacts also improves the interface between a Schottky contact and GaN. Annealing of ohmic contacts at 670 °C yields the low leakage current of 2.8 nA through the surface and the buffer. When the anode–cathode distance is 5 µm, the fabricated GaN SBD successfully achieves a low forward voltage drop of 1.3 V at 100 A/cm2, low on-resistance of 4.00 mΩ cm2, and the low leakage current of 0.6 A/cm2 at -100 V. The measured breakdown voltage of GaN SBDs is approximately 400 V.
A Theoretical Study of a Novel Single-Electron Refrigerator Fabricated from Semiconductor Materials
Authors: Ikeda Hiroya , Salleh Faiz
Published: June 2011

We propose a novel single-electron refrigerator (SER) that can be fabricated from semiconductor materials such as a silicon-on-insulator wafer. The SER consists of a single-electron box and a single-electron pump (SEP). An equivalent circuit of the SEP refrigerator was derived. Its stability diagram (Coulomb diamond) was theoretically calculated and found to have a distorted honeycomb structure. In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation based on the orthodox theory for the Coulomb blockade phenomenon predicts successful single-electron extraction and injection.
Nanograting Fabrication on the Surface of Silicon and Gallium Arsenide Using Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Kim Dae-jin , Kim Tae-hong , Jang Woo-young , Lim Ki-Soo , Lee Myeongkyu , Sohn Ik-Bu
Published: June 2011

Self-organized nanogratings were formed with a period of sub-wavelength on the surfaces of Si and GaAs wafers by scanning a femtosecond laser beam at 800 nm with appropriate irradiation conditions. The periodicity and shape of the nanogratings formed on the surfaces of two semiconductors were studied with different laser polarizations and various scan speeds. We also studied the profile and variation of the nanograting depth from the surface by atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis, and merged neighboring nanogratings to form a large area of grating structure.
Nanofabrication of Nickel Stamp for Replication of Polymer Multilevel Nanolens Arrays via Modified Two-Step Anodization Process
Authors: Cha Kyoung Je , Lee Bong-Kee , Kim Dong Sung
Published: June 2011

In the present study, we propose a novel and low-cost nanofabrication technique for a nickel stamp for mass replication of polymer multilevel nanolens (MLNL) arrays. The present nanofabrication technique consists of a modified two-step anodization process and successive electroforming processes. As the first step in the fabrication of the nickel stamp, an aluminum template with multilevel nanodimple (MLND) arrays on an aluminum substrate was precisely fabricated by a modified two-step anodization, in which the processing condition of the second anodization step was changed. A nickel stamp with MLND arrays for the replication of a polymer substrate with MLNL arrays was achieved by electroforming onto the aluminum template with MLND arrays (a nickel template with MLNL arrays) followed by a second electroforming onto the obtained nickel template with MLNL arrays. The fabricated nickel stamp with MLND arrays was successfully used to replicate the polymer substrates with MLNL arrays via a hot embossing process.
Grating Pitch Measurement Beyond the Diffraction Limit with Modified Laser Diffractometry
Authors: Pan Shan-Peng , Liu Tzong-Shi , Tasi Min-Ching , Liou Huay-Chung
Published: June 2011

The demand for accurate measurements of nanostructures is increasing for the microprocesses and nanotechnology used in the semiconductor industry. In this study, we present an improved method for measuring gratings with a pitch size lower than one-half of the laser wavelength by using a modified laser diffractometer (LD). In experiments, the modified LD with a 633 nm laser is used to measure a grating with a 288 nm pitch size. This result is compared with results measured by both a metrological atomic force microscope and the traditional LD with a 543 nm laser. The validity of this method is demonstrated. The difference between the pitch size of 288 nm obtained by these three methods is approximately 0.17 nm.
Effect of Dropping Hydrofluoroether in Thermal Nanoimprint on Polycarbonate
Authors: Mekaru Harutaka , Hiroshima Hiroshi
Published: June 2011

We introduced a hydorofluoroether (HFE) liquid with a low boiling point in thermal nanoimprint lithography (T-NIL) of polycarbonate (PC) and experimentally confirmed that molding uniformity improved at low contact pressures where conventional T-NIL had been unsuccessful. In conventional T-NIL, the conditions to imprint on PC with a glass transition temperature of 150 °C are prescribed as: heating temperature = 180 °C, cooling temperature = 140 °C, contact pressure = 20 MPa, and contact time = 10 s. With a contact pressure of 10 MPa, which is half the value normally employed in T-NIL, imprinting on PC under such low-contact pressure resulted in incomplete fillings. To investigate the cause of incomplete fillings, imprinting results of T-NIL in air and in vacuum were compared. As a result, we learned that defective molding can be avoided by simply removing the residual air trapped in the mold pattern. To solve the air bubble defect problem encountered in UV-NIL when working with low-contact pressure T-NIL, we applied a method of inserting a condensable gas into the system. In our technique, HFE gas was used, which improved the accuracy remarkably, and realized a complete filling at a contact pressure of 5 MPa. This method of employing reduced contact pressure in T-NIL is of great advantage in large-area imprinting.
Off-Axis Diffractive Focusing Reflectors for Refractive Index Sensing in Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroaki , Sagawa Yu-ichi , Furukawa Norihiro , Okamoto Shintaro , Hirata Yoshinori , Nishii Junji
Published: June 2011

Microfluidic devices with off-axis diffractive focusing reflectors (DFRs) were fabricated for refractive index sensing in biological and chemical fields. Such devices can detect refractive index changes of dielectric liquid samples just above the DFRs by measuring the changes of diffracted power from the fluidic devices. The focusing reflectors consist of curved SiO2 lines with periods which gradually varied from 1.23 to 3.73 µm. When a probe laser with 632.8 nm wavelength was coupled to the DFRs at the off-axis angle of 20°, a focal spot of 3.5 µm was observed at the distance of 1000 µm from the lens surface, which was close to theoretical value.
Fabrication of Microfluidic Platform with Optimized Fluidic Network toward On-Chip Parallel Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment Process
Authors: Kim Tae Kyung , Lee Sang Wook , Ahn Ji-Young , Laurell Thomas , Kim So Youn , Jeong Ok Chan
Published: June 2011

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a microplatform with the optimal fluidic network for an on-chip parallel “systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment” (SELEX) process. The effectiveness of the optimized fluidic network for on-chip five-plex aptamer screening was verified by measuring the airflow rate at the elution ports and visualizing the specific elution during the SELEX process. The proposed device with an optimally designed hydraulic resistance-balanced channel network could be feasible and utilized as a multiplex selection module for a parallel SELEX process.
Microelectromechanical Systems Resonator Utilizing Torsional-to-Transverse Vibration Conversion
Authors: Kiso Masaya , Okada Mitsuhiro , Tamano Akimasa , Fujiura Hideaki , Miyauchi Hideo , Niki Kazuya , Tanigawa Hiroshi , Suzuki Kenichiro
Published: June 2011

A silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonator utilizing the torsional-to-transverse vibration conversion is designed, fabricated and evaluated. The resonant frequency for the torsional modes mostly depends on only beam length, providing a large tolerance in the fabrication process. It has been, however, a critical issue to investigate the mechanism for generating the torsional vibration and the reduction of motional resistance. We propose a new beam structure, in which four torsion beams are vibrated by twist force generated by a transverse beam. The novel process for fabricating resonators provides a narrow gap surrounded by flat surfaces, which can reduce the motional resistance. The fabricated resonators are measured with a laser-Doppler (LD) vibrometer. The scanning function of the LD vibrometer confirms the torsional-to-transverse vibration conversion has been successfully achieved. The measured resonant frequency, 10.96 MHz, is in good agreement with the simulated one. The Q-factor has been also measured to be as high as 2.2 ×104 in vacuum. The electrical characteristic is evaluated with an impedance analyzer. At the resonant frequency, the extracted motional resistance for the 0.5-µm-gap resonator is 2.0 MΩ, which is greatly reduced, owing to the narrow gap effect, from that of the 1-µm-gap resonator. The temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency between -40 and 85 °C, has been measured to be -24.4 ppm/deg. The resonant frequency linearly decreases as the temperature rises.
Microjoining of LSI Chips on Poly(ethylene naphthalate) Using Compliant Bump
Authors: Shuto Takanori , Watanabe Naoya , Ikeda Akihiro , Higashimachi Takao , Asano Tanemasa
Published: June 2011

We show that microjoining of LSI chips on a film made of poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), whose glass transition temperature is 155 °C, can be realized by using a cone-shaped compliant bump for flexible electronics. A 20-µm-pitch area array of cone-shaped Au bumps was fabricated on a Si wafer by photolithography and electroplating. The counter electrode on the PEN film was composed of a Au (top)/Ni/Al (bottom) layered structure, where Ni and Au layers were deposited by electroless plating on patterned Al. The bonding was carried out at 150 °C. More than 10,000 connections with 108 mΩ/bump were achieved. Mechanical analysis using finite element method indicates that the joining is due to deformation of the cone-shaped Au bumps.
Crosstalk Reduction of Tactile Sensor Array with Projected Cylindrical Elastomer over Sensing Element
Authors: Sohgawa Masayuki , Uematsu Tatsuya , Mito Wataru , Kanashima Takeshi , Okuyama Masanori , Noma Haruo
Published: June 2011

A tactile sensor array covered by a projected cylindrical elastomer has been designed and fabricated for crosstalk reduction among sensor elements caused by the lateral deformation of the elastomer. The analysis of elastomer deformation by the finite element method showed that the optimal thickness of the flat elastomer between cylinders and the substrate is 50–100 µm, because the sensor structure has not only a low crosstalk but also a high robustness. A tactile sensor array having the flat elastomer of 70 µm thickness has little crosstalk and high robustness.
Whole-Body MRI and Ethnic Differences in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Distribution in Overweight Black and White Adolescent Boys
Authors: Lee SoJung , Kim YoonMyung , Kuk Jennifer L. , Boada Fernando E. , Arslanian Silva
Published: June 2011

It is unclear whether ethnic differences exist in adipose tissue (AT) and skeletal muscle (SM) distribution in black and white youth. Investigation into the pattern of AT and SM distribution in black versus white youth may provide insight into the previously reported health disparities between these ethnicities. Therefore, we examined total and regional AT and SM in overweight black and white boys. The study sample included overweight black (n=19) and white (n=21) boys (11–18 yr, BMI ≥ 85th) whose body composition was evaluated using whole-body MRI. Despite similar age, Tanner stage, and BMI, black boys had significantly (P<.05) less visceral AT than white boys and more (P<.05) total and lower-body subcutaneous AT (SAT) in both absolute (kg) and relative (%) terms. There was a main effect (P<.05) of ethnicity on the relationship between total and regional AT, such that for a given amount of total body AT (kg), black boys had a greater (P<.05) lower-body SAT and less visceral AT than their white peers. For a given amount of total SM, black boys had more (P<.05) SM in the thigh. Compared with overweight white boys, overweight black boys have less visceral fat, more subcutaneous fat, and more thigh skeletal muscle.
Comparative Genotoxicity of Cadmium and Lead in Earthworm Coelomocytes
Authors: Muangphra Ptumporn , Gooneratne Ravi
Published: June 2011

To determine genotoxicity to coelomocytes,Pheretima peguanaearthworms were exposed in filter paper studies to cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) for 48 h, at concentrations less than the LC10—Cd: 0.09, 0.19, 0.38, 0.75, and 1.50 μg cm−2; Pb: 1.65, 3.29, 6.58, 13.16, and 26.32 μg cm−2. For Cd at 0.75 μg cm−2, in the micronucleus test (detects chromosomal aberrations), significant increases () in micronuclei and binucleate cells were observed, and in the comet assay (detects DNA single-strand breaks), tail DNA% was significantly increased. Lead was less toxic with minimal effects on DNA, but the binucleates were significantly increased by Pb at 3.29 μg cm−2. This study shows that Cd is more acutely toxic and sublethally genotoxic than Pb toP. peguana. Cadmium caused chromosomal aberrations and DNA single-strand breaks at 45% of the LC10concentration. Lead, in contrast, did not induce DNA damage but caused cytokinesis defects.
Extension of Jensen′s Inequality for Operators without Operator Convexity
Authors: Mićić Jadranka , Pavić Zlatko , Pečarić Josip
Published: June 2011

We give an extension of Jensen′s inequality for n‐tuples of self‐adjoint operators, unital n‐tuples of positive linear mappings, and real‐valued continuous convex functions with conditions on the operators′ bounds. We also study operator quasiarithmetic means under the same conditions.
Multicenter Experience with Nonischemic Multiport Laparoscopic and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Partial Nephrectomy Utilizing Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Coagulator
Authors: Bazzi Wassim M. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Berkowitz Jared , Atalah Hany N. , Parekattil Sijo , Derweesh Ithaar H.
Published: June 2011

Objective. To investigate feasibility of multiport and laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nonischemic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (NI-LPN) utilizing bipolar radiofrequency coagulator. Methods. Multicenter retrospective review of 60 patients (46 multiport/14 LESS) undergoing NI-LPN between 4/2006 and 9/2009. Multiport and LESS NI-LPN utilized Habib 4X bipolar radiofrequency coagulator to form a hemostatic zone followed by nonischemic tumor excision and renorrhaphy. Demographics, tumor/perioperative characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed. Results. 59/60 (98.3%) successfully underwent NI-LPN. Mean tumor size was 2.35 cm. Mean operative time was 160.0 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 131.4 mL. Preoperative/postoperative creatinine (mg/dL) was 1.02/1.07 (). All had negative margins. 12 (20%) patients developed complications. 3 (5%) developed urine leaks. No differences between multiport and LESS-PN were noted as regards demographics, tumor size, outcomes, and complications. Conclusion. Initial experience demonstrates that nonischemic multiport and LESS-PN is safe and efficacious, with excellent short-term preservation of renal function. Long-term data are needed to confirm oncological efficacy.
TGR5 Sequence Variation in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Hov Johannes R. , Keitel Verena , Schrumpf Erik , Häussinger Dieter , Karlsen Tom H.
Published: June 2011

TGR5, the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1), has been linked to inflammatory pathways and homeostasis, and could therefore be involved in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a chronic inflammatory bile duct disease associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). In addition, the TGR5 gene is localized at chromosome 2q35, close to a genetic variant associated with both PSC and UC in recent genome-wide association studies. This provided a strong rationale for a recent study searching for novel genetic variants of TGR5 in PSC. In the study, resequencing of TGR5 was performed in 267 PSC patients and 274 healthy controls. Six nonsynonymous mutations were identified in addition to 16 other novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In experimental studies, five of the nonsynonymous mutations were found to reduce or abolish TGR5 function by affecting localization or activity. Fine-mapping of the chromosome 2q35 locus in large patient panels revealed an overall association between a common TGR5 single-nucleotide polymorphism and PSC and UC, but strong linkage disequilibrium precluded demarcation of TGR5 from neighboring genes. In conclusion, the data from the experimental evaluation of novel nonsynonymous mutations represent an important insight into the structural biology of TGR5. In addition, the combination of the known roles of the receptor, the genetic associations and the mutations which affect receptor function, suggests that TGR5 variation may contribute to PSC and UC susceptibility. However, this conclusion needs to be strengthened in further research.
Treatment of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis with Ursodeoxycholic Acid, Budesonide and Fibrates
Authors: Poupon Raoul
Published: June 2011

Long-term treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA; 13–15 mg/kg/day) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) improves biochemical liver tests, delays histological progression and prolongs survival without liver transplantation. UDCA monotherapy appears sufficient for many patients as suggested by long-term observational data. However, the transplant-free survival rate of UDCA-treated patients remains significantly lower than that of an age- and sex-matched control population. Therefore, there is a continued need for new therapeutic options in PBC. In this article we review and discuss the following issues: the appropriate selection of patients requiring new therapeutic options, the role of budesonide in the management of these patients, and the emerging place of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α ligands as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating agents in PBC.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid for Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease and Dyslipidemia in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Marschall Hanns-Ulrich , Wagner Martin , Zollner Gernot , Fickert Peter , Lackner Caroline , Thorell Anders , Trauner Michael
Published: June 2011

Bile acids have recently been identified as major integrators of hepatic fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism. We explored potential mechanism(s) of action of ursodeoxycholic acid (20 mg/kg/day in 3 weeks) in 40 morbidly obese patients (mean BMI >40 kg/m2) with suggested fatty liver disease awaiting bariatric surgery. At follow-up half a year after surgery, patients had decreased their BMI by approximately 10 kg/m2, which resulted in significant improvements of liver function tests, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wanner Christoph , Krane Vera
Published: June 2011

Despite best treatment efforts reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a substantial number of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients still experience progression of cardiovascular risk. Even with intensification of statin therapy, a substantial residual cardiovascular risk remains and atherogenic dyslipidemia is an important driver of this so-called residual risk. Besides statin therapy, new strategies evaluate the role of intensive combination lipid treatment for the entire type 2 diabetic population. The results from the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) Lipid trial suggest that there is a lipid-related modifiable component to cardiovascular residual risk in statin-treated type 2 diabetic patients, and that further research should address patients with triglycerides above 204 mg/dl and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol below 34 mg/dl. Based on their respective lipid-modifying activity, the combination of a fibrate and statin is a logical approach to improving achievement of lipid targets in statin-treated patients with a glomerular filtration rate of >60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and with residual atherogenic dyslipidemia. The link between dyslipidemia treatment and diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy is an emerging new field and microvascular complications are targets for new treatments.
Soft Bone – Hard Arteries: A Link
Authors: London Gérard M.
Published: June 2011

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by mineral and various bone disorders associated with extraosseous and cardiovascular calcifications. Experimental studies and clinical observations in the general population and in chronic kidney disease patients show an inverse relationship between the extent of cardiovascular calcifications and bone mineral density or bone metabolic activity. Arterial calcification and osteoporosis are frequently observed in the same subjects and progress in parallel in postmenopausal women, and associations between histomorphometric indices of bone activity and vascular calcifications were also observed in patients with chronic and end-stage kidney diseases. The biological linkage between vascular calcifications and bone changes is certainly a part of the aging process, but in many studies these bone-vascular associations remained significant after adjustment for age, which suggests an age-independent causal relationship. Based on clinical and experimental evidence showing an association between bone disorders and functional and structural changes of the arterial system the concept of a bone-vascular axis was established complementary to the classical kidney-bone axis. Nevertheless, the factors or mechanisms accounting for these associations are not well understood, and could result from (1) arterial disease responsible for bone abnormalities; (2) action of common dysmetabolic or ‘toxic’ factors and mechanisms acting on bones and vessels, or (3) direct or indirect influence of bone cells and metabolism on the arterial system. This short review aims to illustrate these possible mechanisms.
Update on Pregnancy in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Castellano Giuseppe , Losappio Vincenzo , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: June 2011

The occurrence of pregnancy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been considered a dangerous event both for the mother and for the fetus. However, increasing evidence shows that the stage of CKD is the leading factor that can predict possible acceleration in the declining of renal function and complications of pregnancy. This review summarizes recent data on pregnancy in patients with CKD, dialysis and kidney transplantation.
Rich and Equal in the Eyes of Almighty God! Creflo Dollar and the Gospel of Racial Reconciliation
Authors: Mumford Debra J.
Published: June 2011

Prosperity preachers are generally critiqued by outsiders because of their contention that God wants all believers to be rich. They take the money of sincere parishioners and live lavish lifestyles while many of their hearers continue to live in poverty. However, there is another danger inherit in prosperity preaching: the denial of the relevance of race to the social existence of all Christians. This essay examines the writings and sermons of Creflo Dollar, Jr. to explore his teachings about race. Though Dollar presents his theology as antiracist in theory, I seek to delineate and disclose the perils of his teachings on racial identity and racial reconciliation in order to demonstrate how he, in fact, sabotages the potential of true racial reconciliation for his adherents. True racial reconciliation acknowledges the existence of not only individual sin but also systemic sin that negatively impacts the lives of all people.
In Search of the ‘Song Of Zion’: Abraham Portaleone on Music in the Ancient Temple
Authors: Harrán Don
Published: June 2011

Abraham Portaleone’s massive disquisition on the Ancient Temple (Sefer shiltei ha-gibborim, 1612) stands alone among Hebrew writings of the early seventeenth century. Of its ninety chapters, ten along with comments in various appendices present his views on the so-called ‘Song of Zion’ (Psalms 137:3), or music sung and played by the Levites for worship in the Temple. Portaleone takes off from the premise that its components, thought to have gradually been forgotten by the Hebrews in their wanderings after 70 CE, were, from earliest times, imitated and preserved by Christians in their art music. He thus described it after the example, however historically incongruous, of late sixteenth-century Italian polyphony (music for two or more voices). But he also spoke of the cantillation of Scriptures in connection with Temple services, even though cantillation—as we know it—evolved mainly in the medieval synagogue. Realizing the contingency of his remarks, he predicted that both polyphony and cantillation will be eclipsed in future times by a return to the original ‘Song’ in its “intrinsic perfection.” By examining Portaleone’s treatise along with writings of his contemporaries, it is possible to unravel some of the difficulties in defining music as practiced or thought to have been practiced in the First and Second Temples.
Law and Architecture: The Pollution Crisis in the Italian Ghetto
Authors: Malkiel David
Published: June 2011

Much has been written about the establishment of ghettos in Italy and some attention has been paid to social structures and cultural forms that emerged during the ghetto period, but there is a great deal more to be learned about how living in a ghetto affected the Jewish family, society and culture. The present study sheds light on the ghetto’s physical presence, specifically on the impact on religious life of the architecture and urban development of this uniquely Jewish space.Rabbinic responsa published in the Pahad Yitzhak, an encyclopedia of Jewish law published by Isaac Lampronti of Ferrara in the mid-eighteenth century, represent an eruption of anxiety, expressed in a flurry of intense literary activity, about the ostensible impossibility of escaping “tent pollution,” contracted by anyone present under the same roof as someone deceased. The pollution seemed inescapable because the architecture and urban layout seemed to allow for it to pass from building to building across the entire ghetto. The tent pollution material is thus an instance of the interplay of architecture, urban development and Jewish law.Tent pollution particularly exercised the Jews of early modern Italy. Jews living both before and after the age of the Italian ghetto evinced virtually no interest in the tent pollution problems posed by urban development. There is a smattering of writing on the subject from northern Europe and the Ottoman Empire, which only underscores that this was a particularly Italian problem.The present study spotlights this moment in early modern Jewish life, which stands out for the agitation it aroused among Italy’s Jews, and explores its implications for the social and cultural concerns of Jews in the early modern era. Lampronti’s encyclopedia affords us entrée, serving as a kind of seismograph to draw attention to areas which were the focus of heightened concern and activity in his historical setting.
Connait-on des voyelles longues fermées en cyrénéen? À propos de αρΕς, χΕν, ετυχΕν et δωρΕσαι
Authors: Izquierdo Enrique Nieto
Published: June 2011

In her work on the Cyrenaean dialect, C. Dobias-Lalou concluded that the dialect of Cyrene had in the fourth century BC a dissymmetric system of long vowels, with one /:/ but /ε:/ and /e:/. This new theory is motivated by some anomalous forms with  instead of expected  from e + e contraction. In this paper I firstly bring arguments against D.-L.’s interpretation in order to prove that the Cyrenaean of the fourth century had only one /e:/. Secondly I try to explain otherwise the anomalous forms with  for .
Qatar’s Recycling Regulations: A Comparative Case Study
Authors: Malaeb Hanan N.
Published: June 2011

During the last 40 years, the State of Qatar has shown tremendous development at a rapid pace, thus becoming a powerful state both in the Gulf and international arena. The State of Qatar shares a concern for protecting the environment with the rest of the world. Rapidly increasing populations, pollution and wastes are increasing as well. The State of Qatar is addressing this concern by issuing many environmental regulations. In fact, it has ratified international conventions related to protecting the environment and waste management and has created environmental bodies such as the Ministry of Environment. Using collected data and comparison with other countries, this article will provide an assessment of Qatar’s recycling waste regulations, their efficiency and implications. Having evaluated the data, I propose that steps now be taken and plans made for the future.
Commercial Diplomats in the Context of International Business
Authors: Naray Olivier
Published: June 2011

Drawing on literature from various disciplines that directly address commercial diplomacy (diplomacy, political economy and international marketing) as well as empirical research, this article brings to commercial diplomacy the approach of management and organizational science. Methods used include qualitative case study research from in-depth semi-structured interviews with numerous commercial diplomats and related stakeholders, such as concerned business firms. A large share of the data was gathered in Switzerland. Naray analyses the roles of commercial diplomats by creating a framework composed of three main groups of roles — facilitation (F), advisory (A) and representation (R) — or ‘FAR’. These three roles cut across activity areas such as trade promotion, investments, ‘made-in’ and corporate image, cooperation in science and technology, and the protection of intellectual property. Two key dimensions of factors that shape the nature of commercial diplomacy are identified: organizational (such as arrangements between ministries and trade-promotion organizations, etc.); and individual (education, background and motivation). Implications arising from the organizational dimension concern organizational design, seeking effective arrangements between the commercial diplomat’s organizational unit and the headquarters. The individual dimension implies rethinking recruitment and talent management. If governments are to reorganize their commercial diplomacy, these two dimensions should be considered and acted upon.
God as the Equilibrium of the Hobbesian Political Philosophical System
Authors: Di Leo Razuk Andrés
Published: June 2011

In this work we will try to demonstrate the presence and the role that God has in Thomas Hobbes's political philosophy. We consider that this religious belief, that it is the system's equilibrium, guaranties that the Hobbesian political project does not fall into revolutionary or totalitarian excesses. Thus, we shall analyse the arguments of the existence of God that are introduced by the philosopher Malmesbury with the objective of proving that reason does not necessarily lead to atheism, but that such faculty requires the Revelation intervention to be able to channel it into a peaceful and lasting life.
Odi et Amo? Hobbes on the State of Nature
Authors: Rosler Andrés
Published: June 2011

Very few—if any—will doubt Hobbes's aversion to the state of nature and sympathy for civil society. On the other hand, it is not quite news that it would be inaccurate to claim that Hobbes rejected the state of nature entirely. Indeed, he embraced or at the very least tolerated the state of nature at the international level in order to escape from the individual state of nature. Hobbes's recommended exchange of an individual state of nature for an international one does seem to have a smack of contradiction, arguably first noted by Rousseau. There is yet another charge of contradiction lurking around Hobbes's account of the state of nature. Hobbes's political thought would still reflect an ambivalent attitude towards a third instantiation of the state of nature, i.e. civil war. This is one of the main reasons why the political allegiance of Thomas Hobbes has been an issue ever since the publication of De Cive at the very least. This paper deals with Hobbes's differential treatment of the original and the international states of nature and discusses the source of Hobbes's somewhat ambivalent attitude towards civil war. It is here argued that Hobbes can fairly hold his ground vis-à-vis Rousseau's criticism, in spite of the normative resemblance between the international state of nature and the initial state of nature, and that Hobbes ambivalent attitude of attraction and repulsion towards civil war is actually due not so much to opportunism on his part as to the normative autonomy he has granted to the state of nature.
Theology and Politics in Thomas Hobbes's Trinitarian Theory
Authors: Colodrero Andrés Jiménez
Published: June 2011

This article intends to analyse the Hobbesian version of the Christian dogma of the Trinity as it is observed in the corresponding sections of Leviathan, De Cive and Heresy, and alluded to in other texts (controversy with Bramhall). It shall be important to specify: (a) As a starting point, the exact place of such concept within the general problem expressed by the difference between "political theology" and "theologico-political problem" (C. Altini); (b) The main items of the philosopher's Trinitarian exposition as well as his intention while writing it, according to the "secularist", "theistic" and "Divine Omnipotence" interpretations. (J. Overhoff, A. Martinich, P. Springborg, L. Foisneau, F. Lessay, G. Wright); (c) His relationship with the contemporary orthodox currents (Trinitarian) and heterodox currents (antitrinitarian), as well as with the elements from ancient antitrinitarian heresies (subordinationism, modalism, sabellianism).