bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) on Coagulation and Anticoagulation Systems in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ayatollahi Hossein , Javan Atefeh Ordoei , Khajedaluee Mohammad , Shahroodian Masood , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: June 2013

Saffron showed some effects on blood coagulation and platelet aggregation in in vitro and in vivo studies. In a clinical trial with a limited number volunteers, saffron tablets influenced on bleeding time. In this study, the effect of saffron on plasma level of fibrinogen, factor VII (as coagulant agent), C and S protein (as anti‐coagulant agent), PT and PTT in a larger sample size was evaluated. The study was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study consisting of 1 week treatment with 200 mg and 400 mg saffron tablets. Sixty healthy volunteers (age range 20–50 years) were selected for the study. The volunteers were divided into three groups of 20 each. Group 1 received placebo; Groups 2 and 3 received 200 mg and 400 mg saffron tablets, respectively, for 7 days (1 tablet per day). Before and after 7 days treatment and also 1 month after that, blood samples were taken. The plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, C and S protein, PT and PTT were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed no difference between groups for any of evaluated factors. This study rejected any effect of saffron with dose of 200 and 400 mg for 1 week on coagulant and anticoagulant system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon nanotube growth on high modulus carbon fibres: Morphological and interfacial characterization
Authors: Boura O. , Diamanti E. Κ. , Grammatikos S. A. , Gournis D. , Paipetis A. S.
Published: June 2013

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown directly on the surface of carbon fibres, using the catalytic chemical vapour deposition. FeCo bimetallic catalysts were deposited on carbon fibres using a simple wet impregnation method. CNTs were synthesized over the prepared catalysts by the catalytic decomposition of acetylene at 750oC. The uniform CNT formation on the fibre surface was verified using scanning electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy was employed to evaluate non‐destructively the CNT growth and the CNT quality. Thermo gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis were employed as destructive methods to confirm the spectroscopic data. Single CNT‐coated fibre fragmentation tests were performed to examine the interfacial shear strength (ISS) of the modified fibres. Acoustic emission was employed to monitor the fragmentation process in real time. Thus, the coated fibre structural integrity was assessed together with its stress transfer properties. Polarized optical microscopy was employed to cross validate the acoustic emission data. It was found that the ISS of the nanotube‐reinforced interphase was improved without affecting the fibre mechanical properties. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: Role of DEK in Stem/Progenitor Cell Biology
Authors: Broxmeyer Hal E. , Mor-Vaknin Nirit , Kappes Ferdinand , Legendre Maureen , Saha Anjan K. , Ou Xuan , O'Leary Heather , Capitano Maegan , Cooper Scott , Markovitz David M.
Published: June 2013

Understanding the factors that regulate hematopoiesis opens up the possibility of modifying these factors and their actions for clinical benefit. DEK, a non-histone nuclear phosphoprotein initially identified as a putative proto-oncogene, has recently been linked to regulate hematopoiesis. DEK has myelosuppressive activity in vitro on proliferation of human and mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells and enhancing activity on engraftment of long-term marrow repopulating mouse stem cells, has been linked in coordinate regulation with the transcription factor C/EBPα, for differentiation of myeloid cells, and apparently targets a long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cell for leukemic transformation. This review covers the uniqueness of DEK, what is known about how it now functions as a nuclear protein and also as a secreted molecule that can act in paracrine fashion, and how it may be regulated in part by dipeptidylpeptidase 4, an enzyme known to truncate and modify a number of proteins involved in activities on hematopoietic cells. Examples are provided of possible future areas of investigation needed to better understand how DEK may be regulated and function as a regulator of hematopoiesis, information possibly translatable to other normal and diseased immature cell systems.
The DSM‐5: Classification and criteria changes
Authors: Regier Darrel A. , Kuhl Emily A. , Kupfer David J.
Published: June 2013

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) marks the first significant revision of the publication since the DSM‐IV in 1994. Changes to the DSM were largely informed by advancements in neuroscience, clinical and public health need, and identified problems with the classification system and criteria put forth in the DSM‐IV. Much of the decision‐making was also driven by a desire to ensure better alignment with the International Classification of Diseases and its upcoming 11th edition (ICD‐11). In this paper, we describe select revisions in the DSM‐5, with an emphasis on changes projected to have the greatest clinical impact and those that demonstrate efforts to enhance international compatibility, including integration of cultural context with diagnostic criteria and changes that facilitate DSM‐ICD harmonization. It is anticipated that this collaborative spirit between the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) will continue as the DSM‐5 is updated further, bringing the field of psychiatry even closer to a singular, cohesive nosology.
Capture Success Higher Near Roads for San Clemente Island Foxes
Authors: Snow Nathan P. , Andelt William F.
Published: June 2013

Recently, island fox (Urocyon littoralis) populations on 4 of 6 California Channel Islands (USA) were greatly reduced by colonizing golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and a suspected outbreak of disease, creating concern for subspecies on all islands. Consequently, efforts of live‐trapping foxes for research, monitoring, and vaccination has increased. Despite increased trapping efforts, evaluation of factors that influence capture success has not been conducted. We examined capture success of island foxes at 85 random trapping locations on San Clemente Island during 170 trap‐nights during 2006–2007. We captured 98 island foxes, and found that traps placed ≤10 m from primary roads had higher overall capture success (i.e., 1.52 times more likely to capture foxes) than traps placed at random locations throughout the study area. We found no evidence to suggest that the density of edges between land‐cover types (i.e., sum length of edges per 100‐m buffered area [m/m2]), nightly temperature, proportions of land‐cover, or type of attractant tested (n = 3) affected capture success. All attractants captured similar proportions of sex and age classes of foxes. Our findings suggest that future trapping efforts would have the most success if conducted along roads. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Determinants of Distal Radius Fracture Management in Polytrauma Patients
Authors: Adkinson Joshua M. , Soltys Anna M. , Miller Nathan F. , Eid Sherrine M. , Murphy Robert X.
Published: June 2013

Background

Over 640,000 distal radius fractures occur annually in the United States. No studies have been performed looking specifically at polytrauma patients who sustain distal radius fractures. We sought to determine variables affecting management of distal radius fractures in polytrauma patients.

Methods

An IRB-approved review of trauma patients from 2008–2011 was performed. Records for patients with distal radius fractures were examined, assessing age, gender, Glascow Coma Score, Injury Severity Score, mechanism, type, and characteristics of injury, as well as operative repair. A logistic regression was performed using SPSS 15.0.

Results

The database identified 12,054 patients, 434 sustaining a distal radius fracture. No statistically significant difference in operative repair based on mechanism of injury (p=0.465) was identified. A total of 285 patients (65.7 %) underwent surgery for distal radius fractures. In univariate analysis, younger age was the only statistically significant demographic predictor of surgical intervention (p=0.003). In both univariate analysis and logistic regression, open, intra-articular, displaced, and comminuted fractures, as well as those with concomitant ulna fractures were statistically significantly associated with operative repair. Fracture displacement was the most likely variable to be associated with surgical intervention (OR= 12.761, 95 % CI [7.219, 22.556]) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

In polytrauma patients, surgery for distal radius fractures is associated with younger age, open, intra-articular, displaced, and comminuted fractures, as well as concomitant ulna fractures. Displaced fractures were almost 13 times more likely to undergo surgical intervention than non-displaced fractures. Gender and mechanism of injury are not predictive of surgical intervention.
Trans Fat Supplementation Increases UV‐Radiation‐Induced Oxidative Damage on Skin of Mice
Authors: Barcelos R. C. S. , Segat H. J. , Benvegnú D. M. , Trevizol F. , Roversi K. , Dolci G. S. , Dias V. T. , Piccolo J. , Veit J. C. , Emanuelli T. , Bürger M. E.
Published: June 2013

We evaluated the influence of fish oil (FO, rich in n‐3 FA), soybean oil (SO, rich in n‐6 FA) and hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF, rich in trans FA) on the oxidative status and viability of skin cells of mice exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Mice were supplemented with FO, SO or HVF for three months and exposed to UVR (2.72 mJ/cm2) for 2 days. One day after the last UVR session, the FO group showed higher levels of n‐3 fatty acids (FA), while the HVF showed higher incorporation of trans FA (TFA) in dorsal skin. UVR increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels of the HVF and to a lesser extent of the control and SO groups. Although all irradiated groups showed increased skin thickness, this increase was slighter in FO mice. UVR exposure reduced skin cell viability of the control, SO and HVF groups, while FO prevented this. Catalase activity was reduced independently of the supplementation and SOD level was increased in C and FO groups after UVR exposure; FO prevented the UVR‐induced increase in glutathione levels, which was observed in skin of the control, SO and HVF mice. Our results showed the beneficial effects of FO supplementation, as well as the harmful effects of trans FA, whose intensity can increase vulnerability to skin diseases.
A live birth from vitrified‐warmed oocytes in a Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoid leukemia patient 5 years following allogenic bone marrow transplantation and after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan
Authors: Doshida Masakazu , Nakajo Yukiko , Toya Mayumi , Kyono Koichi
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To report a live birth from vitrified‐warmed oocytes for a Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoid leukemia (Ph‐ALL) patient.

Methods

A 20‐year‐old single woman with Ph‐ALL requested oocyte cryopreservation at a private fertility clinic using assisted reproduction technology (ART). In cases of leukemia, there is a very short time before chemotherapy, follwed shortly by total body irradiation (TBI), and although she had already received the chemotherapy, ten oocytes were vitrified and stored for 59 months before warming. Soon after the oocyte cryopreservation, she received TBI and bone marrow transplant (BMT). During the storage, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred making oocyte transport necessary. The embryo transfer was planned in a hormone replacement cycle, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed on the vitrified‐warmed oocytes. On day 3, two embryos were transferred.

Results

The patient became pregnant and delivered a healthy girl after ICSI using vitrified‐warmed oocytes.

Conclusions

Oocyte cryopreservation is the best option for fertility preservation of young single women with leukemia. Oncologists and gynecologists who conduct ART should cooperate to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Communicating with graduate medical trainees: the Cleveland Clinic
experience
Authors: Greenwald Laura R. , Stoller James K.
Published: June 2013

.Optimizing communication with graduate medical trainees is critical, as they
contribute importantly to the mission of academic medical centres. Yet, communication is
challenged by their complex schedules, geographic separation, and time constraints. Few
studies have examined this issue to offer valuable solutions. Because traditional
approaches are suboptimal, two communication tools were implemented: (1) a web-based
intranet site called [graduate medical education] GME|com, and (2) an electronic
newsletter, GME|com Headlines. The goals were to: (1) build a single repository of
information relevant to trainees, programme directors, and coordinators, and (2)
minimize their email burdens. A post-launch survey showed that >75 % of respondents
indicated they visited the site and, of those, >90 % perceived value to the site.
Analysis of use over the first year showed 39,377 visits (mean 108/day) and 93,785
pageviews. Sixty percent of users visited GME|com between 9 and 201 times and 18 %
>201 times. A survey of programme directors from the 25 largest training programmes
in the US confirmed the challenges of communicating with trainees and suboptimal results
of current solutions. GME|com and Headlines represent complementary communication tools
that have been well-received and frequently used. Future opportunities include assessing
the association of GME|com use with increments in quality and patient safety.
Health‐related quality of life among patients with ovarian cancer at Mulago Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Katumba Jerome , Obore Susan , Kaye Dan K.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Most patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. The symptoms and the surgery‐induced loss of sexual and reproductive function have an impact on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of affected women. The present study described the HRQOL among women with ovarian cancer at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

This was a case series involving 36 women with histologically confirmed ovarian cancer admitted to the gynecologic oncology unit at Mulago Hospital. Clinical and histologic characteristics were determined using an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. The abbreviated version of the WHO Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL‐BREF) was used to assess quality of life.

Results

All patients had symptoms (mainly abdominal symptoms) before diagnosis and had previously sought medical care without being diagnosed. The majority (88.9%) had advanced disease (mainly serous epithelial tumors). Most patients were dissatisfied with their life and scored low on all HRQOL domains (physical, psychological, and social well‐being; environment). The overall mean WHOQOL‐BREF score was 27.5%; the score was lowest (mean 18.7%) in the psychological domain.

Conclusion

All patients experienced symptoms before diagnosis and the majority presented with advanced disease. The quality of life was poor in all domains, with psychological well‐being most affected.
Dispersion and nonlinearity of multi-layer non-hydrostatic free-surface flow
Authors: Bai Yefei , Cheung Kwok Fai
Published: June 2013

Non-hydrostatic multi-layer models have become a popular tool in describing wave transformation from deep water to the surf zone, but the numerical approach lacks a theoretical framework to guide implementation and assist interpretation of the results. In this paper, we formulate a non-hydrostatic model in an analytical form for the derivation and examination of dispersive and nonlinear properties. Depth integration of the dimensionless continuity and Euler equations over each layer yields the conventional multi-layer formulation. A variable transformation converts the conventional form into an integrated series form, which provides separate descriptions of flux- and dispersion-dominated processes. Substitution of the non-hydrostatic pressure and vertical velocity in the governing equations by high-order derivatives of the horizontal velocity and surface elevation provides a direct comparison with the Boussinesq equations published in the literature. Implementation of a perturbation expansion extracts the first- and second-order governing equations with respect to the nonlinear parameter. Based on that, we derive analytical solutions of the linear dispersion and the second-order super- and sub-harmonics for up to three layers and optimize the solutions in terms of the layer arrangement. In relation to the Boussinesq equations at comparable orders of expansion, the two- and three-layer models provide slightly higher errors in shallow and intermediate water in terms of dispersion and super-harmonics, but show superior performance in describing sub-harmonics in deep water.
Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA gene sequences ofSchellackiaparasites (Apicomplexa: Lankesterellidae) reveals their close relationship to the genusEimeria
Authors: MEGÍA-PALMA R. , MARTÍNEZ J. , MERINO S.
Published: June 2013

In the present study we detectedSchellackiahaemoparasites infecting the blood cells ofLacerta schreiberiandPodarcis hispanica, two species of lacertid lizards from central Spain. The parasite morphometry, the presence of a refractile body, the type of infected blood cells, the kind of host species, and the lack of oocysts in the fecal samples clearly indicated these blood parasites belong to the genusSchellackia. Until now, the species of this genus have never been genetically characterized and its taxonomic position under the Lankesterellidae family is based on the lack of the exogenous oocyst stage. However, the phylogenetic analysis performed on the basis of the 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed that species of the genusSchellackiaare clustered withEimeriaspecies isolated from a snake and an amphibian species but not withLankesterellaspecies. The phylogenetic analysis rejects that both genera share a recent common ancestor. Based on these results we suggest a revision of the taxonomic status of the family Lankesterellidae.
When is region crossing change an unknotting operation?
Authors: CHENG ZHIYUN
Published: June 2013

We prove that region crossing change on a link diagram is an unknotting operation if and only if the link is proper. This generalizes the related results in [10] and [2]. Furthermore by studying the relation between region crossing change and the Arf invariant, a new approach to the Arf invariant of proper links is given.
Do community-level predictors of pneumococcal carriage continue to play a role in the conjugate vaccine era?
Authors: HSU K. K. , RIFAS-SHIMAN S. L. , SHEA K. M. , KLEINMAN K. P. , LEE G. M. , LAKOMA M. , PELTON S. I. , FINKELSTEIN J. A. , HUANG S. S.
Published: June 2013

This paper examined whether previously identified community-level factors (high proportion of crowded households and/or persons below the poverty level) remained associated with childhood pneumococcal carriage in the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) era. Using logistic regression, individual factors were used to develop base models to which community-level factors were added to evaluate impact on pneumococcal carriage within two paediatric study cohorts from Massachusetts (urban Boston, outside Boston). Six years after introduction of universal childhood PCV7 vaccination, we found no consistent evidence that census tract characteristics (e.g. population size and density, age and race distribution, percent participating in group childcare, parental education, percent lacking in-unit plumbing, poverty, and community stability) affected odds of pneumococcal carriage when added to individual predictors (e.g. younger age, current respiratory tract infections, and attendance in group childcare). How community-level factors influence pneumococcal carriage continues to change in the era of increasing immunization coverage.
Aberrant subclavian artery origin in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis is associated with chromosomal or genetic abnormality
Authors: Oswal Nilesh , Christov Georgi , Sridharan Shankar , Khambadkone Sachin , Bull Catherine , Sullivan Ian
Published: June 2013

We determined the relationship between aortic arch anatomy in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis and chromosomal or genetic abnormality, by performing analysis of 257 consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair from January, 2003 to March, 2011. Chromosomal or genetic abnormality was identified in 49 of the 257 (19%) patients. These included trisomy 21 (n = 14); chromosome 22q11.2 deletion (n = 16); other chromosomal abnormalities (n = 9); CHARGE (n = 2); Pierre Robin (n = 2); and Kabuki, Alagille, Holt–Oram, Kaufman McKusick, Goldenhar, and PHACE (n = 1 each). Aortic anatomy was classified as left arch with normal branching, right arch with mirror image branching, left arch with aberrant right subclavian artery, or right arch with aberrant left subclavian artery. Associated syndromes occurred in 33 of 203 (16%) patients with left arch and normal branching (odds ratio 1); three of 36 (8%) patients with right arch and mirror image branching (odds ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.1–1.6); seven of eight (88%) patients with left arch and aberrant right subclavian artery (odds ratio 36, 95% confidence interval 4–302); and six of 10 (60%) patients with right arch and aberrant left subclavian artery (odds ratio 8, 95% confidence interval 2–26). Syndromes were present in 13 of 18 (72%) patients with either right or left aberrant subclavian artery (odds ratio 15, 95% confidence interval 4–45). Syndromes in patients with an aberrant subclavian artery included trisomy 21 (n = 4); chromosome 22q11.2 deletion (n = 5); and Holt–Oram, PHACE, CHARGE, and chromosome 18p deletion (n = 1 each). Aberrant right or left subclavian artery in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis is associated with an increased incidence of chromosomal or genetic abnormality, whereas right aortic arch with mirror image branching is not. The assessment of aortic arch anatomy at prenatal diagnosis can assist counselling.
Default investment strategies in a defined contribution pension system: a pension risk model application for the chilean case
Authors: BERSTEIN SOLANGE , FUENTES OLGA , VILLATORO FÉLIX
Published: June 2013

In a defined contribution pension system, one of the main risks faced by members refers to the investment of funds. In this context, we discuss which is the most suitable risk measurement for the affiliates to the pension system. Different life-cycle investment strategies are evaluated under this measure for different types of workers. We point out the importance of designing well-suited default investment options in light of the economic behavior of members, characterized by low financial knowledge, inertia and myopia in decision-making. We calibrate a pension risk model for the Chilean economy, including measures of life-cycle income, human capital risk, investment and annuitization risks. Our results suggest that affiliates can gain (loss) around 0.85 percentage points in terms of average replacement rates in return for an increase (decrease) of 1 percentage point in risk, measured as standard deviation of replacement rates. Using a stochastic dominance analysis, we find that there are no dominated strategies when subsidies from the Solidarity Pillar are excluded. When the Solidarity Pillar is considered, the most appropriate investment strategies for affiliates that receive these subsidies are concentrated on the riskier funds. However, this also means that there could be increased pressure on Government spending in order to grant additional benefits to affiliates. Our model has a wide range of practical applications that go from informing affiliates about the degree of uncertainty associated to their expected replacement rate to a guide to evaluate how different investment strategies affect the expected values of affiliates' pensions and their associated risk.
Business actors in armed conflict: towards a new humanitarian agenda
Authors: Slim Hugo
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this article is to give an overview of current understandings of the various roles of business actors in armed conflict. It traces the expanding discussion of business and conflict in today's civil wars, and the discussion's importance to humanitarian, human rights, corporate and peacebuilding policymakers. It shows how the humanitarian understanding of business roles in conflict has progressed beyond some simple and largely negative stereotypes about business in war to become more sophisticated. The article then looks at the significant diversity of business actors, which can determine their experience of armed conflict. It is suggested that there are six potential roles of business in armed conflict – that of victim, perpetrator, supplier, humanitarian actor, peacebuilder, and conflict preventer. Finally, the article recommends a range of ways to improve humanitarian policy so that humanitarian actors engage with business more actively and appropriately on law, business relief, and business continuity.
Is Dispositional Happiness Contagious?
Authors: Matteson Lindsay K. , McGue Matt K. , Iacono William
Published: June 2013

A recent study reported evidence that happiness is contagious, spread through social networks ( Fowler & Christakis, 2008 ). However, past research with twins (e.g., Lykken & Tellegen, 1996 ) concluded that the shared environment has little to no influence on well-being. We used longitudinal data from 615 adoptive and nonadoptive families to address this discrepancy. If happiness is contagious, then family members should have similar levels of happiness even when they are not genetically similar to one another. However, we found that the happiness level of family members was unrelated to the target level of happiness at all assessments when family members were not genetically related. In addition, biometrical modeling produced an estimate of χ2 that was not different from zero.
The right to care and the expectations of society—controversial stem cell therapy in Italy
Authors: Bifulco Maurizio , Gazzerro Patrizia
Published: June 2013

Claiming that a disease is incurable does not justify the use of unsafe or ineffective therapies. Instead, the process of drug approval as a whole should be improved, with all involved giving clear and honest answers to ensure the dignity of patients and quality of care.
A dual role of SNAP‐25 as carrier and guardian of synaptic transmission
Authors: Kochlamazashvili Gaga , Haucke Volker
Published: June 2013

In this issue, Matteoli and colleagues show that SNAP‐25 levels regulate the efficacy of presynaptic glutamate release and thereby alter short‐term plasticity, with potential relevance for psychiatric diseases.
Inheritance of poor writing habits
Authors: Bredan Amin
Published: June 2013

More than a century spent lamenting the terrible habits and conceits of scientific writing has done little to improve things. A sea change is going to require the concerted efforts of all those involved in writing up and publishing research.
Human deforestation outweighs future climate change impacts of sedimentation on coral reefs
Authors: Maina Joseph , de Moel Hans , Zinke Jens , Madin Joshua , McClanahan Tim , Vermaat Jan E.
Published: June 2013

Near-shore coral reef systems are experiencing increased sediment supply due to conversion of forests to other land uses. Counteracting increased sediment loads requires an understanding of the relationship between forest cover and sediment supply, and how this relationship might change in the future. Here we study this relationship by simulating river flow and sediment supply in four watersheds that are adjacent to Madagascar’s major coral reef ecosystems for a range of future climate change projections and land-use change scenarios. We show that by 2090, all four watersheds are predicted to experience temperature increases and/or precipitation declines that, when combined, result in decreases in river flow and sediment load. However, these climate change-driven declines are outweighed by the impact of deforestation. Consequently, our analyses suggest that regional land-use management is more important than mediating climate change for influencing sedimentation of Malagasy coral reefs.
Highly integrated CMOS RF SPDT switch with ESD and unit cell optimisation in MCM
Authors: Chen A.Y.‐K.
Published: June 2013

Presented is the performance of a highly integrated RF single‐pole double‐throw (SPDT) switch fabricated in a 0.18 µm bulk CMOS process and housed in a low‐cost laminated multi‐chip module (MCM‐L) package. A switch controller is also implemented and consumes ∼40 µA from a 3.4 V supply. The switch, based upon the 1.8 V thin‐oxide devices with resistive body‐floating and unit cell layout optimisation techniques, achieves an insertion loss of 0.52/0.78 dB at 0.9/2.45 GHz, respectively. TX‐to‐RX isolation of > 29 dB and return loss of > 15 dB are achieved at these frequencies. The measured IP1dB of 21.7/21.2 dBm and IIP3 of 38.3/37.4 dBm are accomplished at 0.9/2.45 GHz, respectively. Finally, the switch achieves a RF electrostatic discharge (ESD) rating of 4 kV for the ± 2 kV human body model and 500 V for the ± 200 V machine model.
Nearest feature line embedding for face hallucination
Authors: Jiang Junjun , Hu Ruimin , Han Zhen , Lu Tao
Published: June 2013

A new manifold learning method, called nearest feature line (NFL) embedding, for face hallucination is proposed. While many manifold learning based face hallucination algorithms have been proposed in recent years, most of them apply the conventional nearest neighbour metric to derive the subspace and may not effectively characterise the geometrical information of the samples, especially when the number of training samples is limited. This reported work proposes using the NFL metric to define the neighbourhood relations between face samples to improve the expressing power of the given training samples for reconstruction. The algorithm preserves the linear relationship in a smaller local space than traditional manifold learning based methods, which better reflects the nature of manifold learning theory. Experimental results demonstrate that the method is effective at preserving detailed visual information.
Compact super‐wideband asymmetric monopole antenna with dual‐branch feed for bandwidth enhancement
Authors: Liu J. , Esselle K.P. , Hay S.G. , Zhong S.S.
Published: June 2013

A novel compact super‐wideband (SWB) antenna with an optimised feed is presented. The antenna is composed of an asymmetric trapezoid ground plane and a modified rectangular monopole patch. It is demonstrated that the bandwidth of the antenna is significantly enhanced by introducing an asymmetric dual‐branch feed with an L‐shaped feed branch. The measurements indicate that the 2:1 VSWR bandwidth is from 1.05 to 32.7 GHz with a ratio bandwidth of 31:1. Since the antenna features an extremely wide bandwidth and the entire size is only 74 × 80 mm, it is useful for modern wireless communication applications.
Model for clipping‐induced timing error of bandwidth‐limited comparators
Authors: Ritter P. , Le Tual S. , Allard B. , Möller M.
Published: June 2013

A comparator timing error model is presented for comparators with a limiting transfer characteristic and a first‐order lowpass behaviour. It shows that the delay from the reference crossing at the input to the zero crossing at the output deviates from the lowpass phase shift if the signal amplitude exceeds the comparator linearity range (clipping). This deviation is a timing error since it varies nonlinearly with the signal amplitude, the signal frequency and the reference level and may cause significant distortion in the comparator application. Evaluation of the timing error shows that generally a signum function transfer characteristic is inappropriate for timing critical applications, e.g. analogue‐to‐digital converters, unless the lowpass bandwidth is multiple times higher than the signal frequency.
CMOS 1.98–5.58 GHz transformer‐based VCO with current‐reused topology
Authors: Fan Xiangning , Li Bin , Wang Zhigong
Published: June 2013

A fully integrated ultra‐wideband voltage‐controlled‐oscillator (VCO) constructed in a current‐reused configuration is proposed. An ultra‐wide tuning range is achieved thanks to the adopted transformer‐based resonator, which makes use of the transformer and the proper arrangement of capacitors, while the current‐reused topology can dramatically save DC power consumption. The transformer layout has been properly designed to attain a die area comparable to a single inductor VCO. Fabricated in a 0.18 µm CMOS technology, the VCO provides a frequency tuning range as high as 95% from 1.98 to 5.58 GHz and exhibits a phase noise of −122.8 to −108.6 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from the carrier across the entire frequency range. The VCO core consumes 5.6–7.2 mA of current from a 1.8 V supply and occupies approximately an area of 0.8 mm2. Despite the ultra‐wide tuning range, the proposed VCO has the outstanding figure‐of‐merit (FOMT) of −192 to −199 dBc/Hz.
Efficient FDTD algorithms for dispersive Drude‐critical points media based on bilinear z‐transform
Authors: Prokopidis K.P. , Zografopoulos D.C.
Published: June 2013

Finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) schemes based on the bilinear z‐transform are introduced for modelling time‐domain wave propagation in dispersive Drude‐critical points media. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed technique are verified by comparisons with other FDTD algorithms and analytical solutions.
3 Gbit/s optical receiver IC with high sensitivity and large integrated pin photodiode
Authors: Brandl P. , Zimmermann H.
Published: June 2013

An optoelectronic integrated circuit in a 0.35 µm BiCMOS technology containing a 200 µm diameter pin photodiode for optical wireless communication systems is presented. The design consists of a highly efficient integrated Si pin photodiode, a transimpedance amplifier and 50 Ω output driver. The overall transimpedance of the whole receiver is 86.6 dBΩ. At a data rate of 3 Gbit/s with a pseudorandom bit sequence of 231 − 1 a sensitivity of − 23.4 dBm is achieved (BER = 10− 9, λ = 675 nm).
SPR properties of 2D ZnO nano‐holes fabricated by laser interference lithography
Authors: Kim S.H. , Kim D.G. , Lee B.H. , Kim T.U. , Ki H.C. , Kim H.J. , Choi Y.W. , Lee B.‐T.
Published: June 2013

ZnO nanostructures are proposed to enhance the performance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The ZnO nanostructures on a 50 nm‐thick Au thin‐film are composed of nano‐holes with a period of 300 nm. The ZnO nano‐holes coupled SPR was simulated using the three‐dimensionanl finite‐difference time‐domain method. The ZnO nano‐holes have been fabricated by a laser interference lithography and wet etching process. The measured resonance angle of 47.5° was obtained; this agreed well with the simulated result. In comparison with the author's previous report, the figure of merit of ZnO nano‐holes coupled SPR was two times higher than that of the ZnO grating structure.
Adaptive robust controls of biped robots
Authors: Li Zhijun , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a structure of robust adaptive control for biped robots, which includes balancing and posture control for regulating the centre‐of‐mass (COM) position and trunk orientation of bipedal robots in a compliant way. First, the biped robot is decoupled into the dynamics of COM and the trunks. Then, the adaptive robust controls are constructed in the presence of parametric and functional dynamics uncertainties. The control computes a desired ground reaction force required to stabilise the posture with unknown dynamics of COM and then transforms these forces into full‐body joint torques even if the external disturbances exist. Based on Lyapunov synthesis, the proposed adaptive controls guarantee that the tracking errors of system converge to zero. The proposed controls are robust not only to system uncertainties such as mass variation but also to external disturbances. The verification of the proposed control is conducted using the extensive simulations.
Multi‐agent iterative learning control with communication topologies dynamically changing in two directions
Authors: Meng Deyuan , Jia Yingmin , Du Junping
Published: June 2013

This study aims to develop an iterative learning control (ILC) approach to solving finite‐time output consensus problems of multi‐agent systems. The communication topologies among agents are considered to dynamically change in two directions (along both time axis and iteration axis), for which a framework is presented to construct effective distributed protocols. It is shown that a protocol can be derived through ILC to enable multi‐agent systems to accomplish the finite‐time consensus, which moreover can possess an exponentially fast convergence speed. In particular, for any desired terminal output that is available to not all of but only a portion of agents, multi‐agent systems can be guaranteed to achieve the finite‐time consensus at the desired terminal output. Simulation tests are given to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the obtained consensus results.
Constant false alarm rate detectors for pareto clutter models
Authors: Weinberg Graham Victor
Published: June 2013

Pareto distribution has been introduced into the radar community recently as a suitable model for X‐band high resolution maritime sea clutter returns. This intensity clutter model is a simple two parameter power law distribution. It is thus important to consider the development of constant false alarm rate detection processes for targets embedded within such clutter. It is shown that a simple functional transform can produce such detection schemes, whose false alarm probability and threshold are related through simple analytical expressions. These relationships are related intrinsically to Gaussian detection counterparts. Three detectors will be introduced and their performance analysed in both homogeneous and heterogeneous clutter environments. The effect of interfering targets in the training cells will also be examined.
On the application of the expectation‐maximisation algorithm to the relative sensor registration problem
Authors: Fortunati Stefano , Gini Fulvio , Farina Alfonso , Graziano Antonio , Greco Maria S. , Giompapa Sofia
Published: June 2013

An important prerequisite for successful multisensor integration is that the data from the reporting sensors are transformed to a common reference frame free of systematic or registration bias errors. The relative sensor registration (or grid‐locking) process aligns remote data to local data under the assumption that the local data are bias free and that all biases reside with the remote sensor. In this study, an algorithm based on the expectation‐maximisation approach is proposed to estimate all the registration errors involved in the grid‐locking problem, that is, attitude, measurement and position biases. Its statistical performance is investigated by Monte Carlo simulation and compared with that of a previously derived linear least squares estimator and to the hybrid Cramér–Rao lower bound.
Detection of chaff centroid jamming aided by GPS/INS
Authors: Yang Yong , Feng De‐Jun , Zhang Wen‐Ming , Wang Xue‐Song , Xiao Shun‐Ping
Published: June 2013

Chaff centroid jamming released by vessel makes the target indicated azimuth angle of radar seeker of anti‐ship missile bias off the target. The failure to detect the presence of chaff centroid jamming is catastrophic to target tracking for the radar seeker. In this study, the authors take the azimuthal in‐phase monopulse ratio of radar seeker as test statistic and detect the presence of chaff centroid jamming with the aid of GPS/INS. Probability density functions of the azimuthal in‐phase monopulse ratio when jamming is absent and present are derived at first. Then the authors propose a method using the measured information of both GPS/INS and radar seeker to estimate the target off‐boresight azimuth angle which is vital for detection threshold setting. Finally, the authors show the performance of the chaff centroid jamming detection by simulations and analyse the effects of some key jamming parameters on detection performance.
Raman spectroscopy of piezoelectrics
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Raman spectroscopy represents an insightful characterization tool in electronics, which comprehensively suits the technological needs for locally and quantitatively assessing crystal structures, domain textures, crystallographic misalignments, and residual stresses in piezoelectric materials and related devices. Recent improvements in data processing and instrumental screening of large sampling areas have provided Raman spectroscopic evaluations with rejuvenating effectiveness and presently give spin to increasingly wider and more sophisticated experimental explorations. However, the physics underlying the Raman effect represents an issue of deep complexity and its applicative development to non-cubic crystallographic structures can yet be considered in its infancy. This review paper revisits some applicative aspects of the physics governing Raman emission from crystalline matter, exploring the possibility of disentangling the convoluted dependences of the Raman spectrum on crystal orientation and mechanical stress. Attention is paid to the technologically important class of piezoelectric materials, for which working algorithms are explicitly worked out in order to quantitatively extract both structural and mechanical information from polarized Raman spectra. Systematic characterizations of piezoelectric materials and devices are successively presented as applications of the developed equations. The Raman response of complex crystal structures, described here according to a unified formalism, is interpreted as a means for assessing both crystallographic textures and stress-related issues in the three-dimensional space (thus preserving their vectorial and tensorial nature, respectively). Statistical descriptions of domain textures based on orientation distribution functions are also developed in order to provide a link between intrinsic single-crystal data and data collected on polycrystalline (partly textured) structures. This paper aims at providing rigorous spectroscopic foundations to Raman approaches dealing with the analyses of functional behavior and structural reliability of piezoelectric devices.
Use of a multichannel collimator for structural investigation of low-Z dense liquids in a diamond anvil cell: Validation on fluid H2 up to 5 GPa
Authors: Weck Gunnar , Garbarino Gaston , Ninet Sandra , Spaulding Dylan , Datchi Frederic , Loubeyre Paul , Mezouar Mohamed
Published: June 2013

We report the first application of a multichannel collimator (MCC) to perform quantitative structure factor measurements of dense low-Z fluids in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) using synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The MCC design, initially developed for the Paris-Edinburgh large volume press geometry, has been modified for use with diamond anvil cells. A good selectivity of the diffracted signal of the dense fluid sample is obtained due to a large rejection of the Compton diffusion from the diamond anvils. The signal to background ratio is significantly improved. We modify previously developed analytical techniques for quantitative measurement of the structure factor of fluids in DACs [J. H. Eggert, G. Weck, P. Loubeyre, and M. Mezouar, Phys. Rev. B 65, 174105 (2002)10.1103/PhysRevB.65.174105] to account for the contribution of the MCC. We present experimental results on liquids argon and hydrogen at 296 K to validate our method and test its limits, respectively.
Characterization of room temperature recrystallization kinetics in electroplated copper thin films with concurrent x-ray diffraction and electrical resistivity measurements
Authors: Treger Mikhail , Witt Christian , Cabral Cyril , Murray Conal , Jordan-Sweet Jean , Rosenberg Robert , Eisenbraun Eric , Noyan I. C.
Published: June 2013

Concurrent in-situ four-point probe resistivity and high resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements were used to characterize room temperature recrystallization in electroplated Cu thin films. The x-ray data were used to obtain the variation with time of the integrated intensities and the peak-breadth from the Cu 111 and 200 reflections of the transforming grains. The variation of the integrated intensity and resistivity data with time was analyzed using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model. For both 111-textured and non-textured electroplated Cu films, four-point probe resistivity measurements yielded shorter transformation times than the values obtained from the integrated intensities of the corresponding Cu 111 reflections. In addition, the JMAK exponents fitted to the resistivity data were significantly smaller. These discrepancies could be explained by considering the different material volumes from which resistivity and diffraction signals originated, and the physical processes which linked these signals to the changes in the evolving microstructure. Based on these issues, calibration of the resistivity analysis with direct structural characterization techniques is recommended.
Accurate determination of minority carrier mobility in silicon from quasi-steady-state photoluminescence
Authors: Giesecke J. A. , Schindler F. , Bühler M. , Schubert M. C. , Warta W.
Published: June 2013

Minority carrier mobility is a crucial transport property affecting the performance of semiconductor devices such as solar cells. Compensation of dopant species and novel multicrystalline materials call for accurate knowledge of minority carrier mobility for device simulation and characterization. Yet, measurement techniques of minority carrier mobility are scarce, and published data scatter significantly even on monocrystalline material. In this paper, the determination of minority carrier mobility from self-consistent quasi-steady-state photoluminescence measurements of effective carrier lifetime is presented. The measurement design is distinguished by a limitation of carrier recombination through minority carrier transport—with excess carrier generation and recombination confined to opposite interfaces, respectively. Minority carrier mobility is inferred from the minority carrier diffusion coefficient via the Einstein relation. An experimental proof of concept on monocrystalline p-type material is provided, showing good agreement with state-of-the-art data and models. Considerations for the applicability of the method to compensated and multicrystalline silicon materials are discussed.
On the characterization of non-degenerate foliations of pseudo-Riemannian manifolds with conformally flat leaves
Authors: Gómez-Lobo Alfonso García-Parrado
Published: June 2013

A necessary and sufficient condition for the leaves of a non-degenerate foliation of a pseudo-Riemannian manifold to be conformally flat is developed. The condition mimics the classical condition of the vanishing of the Weyl or Cotton tensor establishing the conformal flatness of a pseudo-Riemannian manifold in the sense that it is also formulated in terms of the vanishing of certain tensors. These tensors play the role of the Weyl or the Cotton tensors and they are defined in terms of the curvature of a linear torsion-free connection (the bi-conformal connection).