bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Plant Nutrition and Outbreaks of the Coconut Caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker in Sri Lanka
Authors: CAMMELL M. E. , PERERA P. A. C. R. , WAY M. J. , JEGANATHAN M.
Published: March 2013

The coconut caterpillar, Opisina arenosella, causes locally serious outbreaks with severedefoliation to coconut palms and subsequent loss of yield. However, there appears to be anatural resistance in the host plant to 0. arenosella attack, for infestations are confined tomature and senescing fronds and even within a heavily attacked plantation a few palms mayremain unattacked or only slightly damaged. Also previous work had indicated that potassiumdeficiency benefited O. arenosella. Therefore experiments were carried out to examine thepossible role in host resistance of major plant nutrients and also of certain amino acids.Comparisons were made between plantations with a history of frequent outbreaks('attacked') and those that had never been attacked ('unattacked'). The results showed thatthere were no significant differences between mean amounts of foliar potassium, nitrogen,phosphorus, calcium and magnesium at 'attacked' and 'unattacked' sites. However, thesesamples were taken at the end of unusually long dry seasons when differences in potassiumwould be expected to be relatively small because uptake is limited from dry soil. Potassiumlevels were highest in the youngest fronds which are those not normally attacked whereaspeak amounts of nitrogen occurred in those fronds which are most susceptible to attack. Alsoamounts of 'amide' were notably higher at 'unattacked' sites.It was concluded that further work was required on the relationship between major plantnutrients and levels of attack by 0. arenosella, particularly in relation to changes in nutrientconcentrations which occur at different times of the year. Thus, palms may be moresusceptible to pest attack during critical periods which need to be defined in order to optimisecontrol strategies.
EFFICACY OF SINGLE DOSE ANTICOAGULANTS AGAINST RODENTS DAMAGING COCONUT
Authors: SADAKATHULLA S. , KAREEM A. ABDUL
Published: March 2013

Crown baiting with bromodiolone 0.005 per cent ready made rodenticide cake @ four bits,weighing 16.5 g each at the base of the four bunches bearing the tender nuts of fist size and aboveon four sides in the crown of palm was found very effective in controlling rodent damage.
EVALUATION OF HONEY BEE VISITS ON COCONUT GENOTYPES
Authors: SADAKATHULLA S.
Published: March 2013

The three species of honey bees viz., Indian bee Apis ceratm indica F. little bee, Apis floreaF. and dammer bee, Melipona iridipennis D. were observed in different proportions in theinflorescence of 47 coconut genotypes comprising 28 varieties and 19 hybrids. The number ofIndian bees visiting was 2.5 times more than the dammer bee. The number of honey bees visitingthe hybrids was 36 percent more than the varieties.
The in-house psychologist: do we speak the same language? Short report of a qualitative practice project
Authors: Schoenmakers Birgitte , De Lepeleire Jan
Published: March 2013

Interdisciplinary collaboration is gaining importance. Although general practices (GP’s) have a comprehensive experience in collaboration with psychologists, research on this topic is scarce. In house referrals to a psychologist are assumed to lower the thresholds for patients and GP’s. In this study it was investigated whether the GP’s reasons to refer in were accordance with the treatment strategy of the residing psychologist. The study is performed in a retrospective, observational cross section design. The studied population were the residing psychologist and GP’s. Both were asked to complete a questionnaire. Outcome measures where the referral reasons of the GP’s and the treatment strategy of the psychologist. A total sample of 92 patients of 6 GP’s was studied. Over 60% of the patients were referred for counseling but only in 25% of the cases this proposal was carried out by the psychologist. Overall, the referral reasons of the GP’s were not in accordance with the treatment strategy of the psychologist. A close collaboration and communication between general practitioners and psychologists is both difficult and indispensable. This practice research demonstrated that the referral motives of the GP’s usually do not correspond to the treatment policy of the psychologist. This observation is partly explained by a lack of understanding of the GP in the treatment strategies of the psychologists. Another part of the explanation is that there is a pre-selection of the GPs referrals rather influenced by patient characteristics than by pathology.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy under local anesthesia
Authors: Karahan Ö , Okuş A , Sevinç B , Eryilmaz MA , Ay S , Çayci M , Duran C
Published: March 2013

Background:

More than 85% of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) cases are due to solitary, benign parathyroid adenomas. Recently, the success rate of Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy in localization has made minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) more prominent. MIP is as effective as conventional bilateral neck exploration. Moreover, it offers lower morbidity, cost effectiveness, and better cosmetics effects.

Aim:

We aimed to evaluate the success of MIP, which happens only under local anesthesia, in this study.

Materials and Methods:

Total of 63 patients were operated for PHPT, of which 54 had solitary adenoma. Five patients underwent bilateral neck exploration under general anesthesia for thyroid nodules or unlocalizated adenomas. A total of 49 patients underwent MIP under local anesthesia without any sedation. During MIP, gamma probe was used for all patients. The patients were followed for parathyroid functions.

Results:

The mean age of 49 patients with MIP (5 male, 44 female) was 59 years. The mean follow-up time was 16.4 (±10.1) months (range: 2-36 months). Of the 49 patients, 47 (96%) were totally cured. In 2 patients, the procedure was switched to conventional bilateral neck exploration. Temporary hypocalcaemia was noted in 4 patients.

Conclusions:

If the adenoma is localizated, MIP under only local anesthesia can be performed with a high success rate. Gamma probe-guided MIP under local anesthesia is an effective and safe method. It has the advantage of being minimally invasive and, therefore, it should be preferred over the conventional method.
Development of new equations for basal metabolic rate for adolescent student Indian population
Authors: Patil SR , Bharadwaj J
Published: March 2013

Background:

Calculation of daily calorie needs is extremely essential in several aspects of public health nutrition.

Aims:

To check the applicability of the existing equations for the prediction of basal metabolic rate (BMR) for Indian adolescent population and to develop an appropriate equation for the estimation of BMR for Indian adolescent population.

Materials and Methods:

BMR was assessed in 152 healthy, adolescent student aged between 18 and 20 years. BMR is calculated from the measured skinfold parameters. Body density was determined by the equation suggested by Durnin and Wormley using the skinfold parameters (triceps, subscapula, biceps, and SIM). Siri's equation is employed for calculating the percentage of body fat from the body density. Eventually, the BMR is calculated using Cunningham's equation. The actual BMR's were compared with values obtained from published prediction equations that used solely, or in various combinations, measures of height, weight, and age.

Results:

The equations suggested in the literature (Henry, Schofield, and Cole) are not able to predict the BMRs for Indian adolescent population. Hence, a new equation involving weight of an individual is suggested for Indian adolescent population.

Conclusions:

There is a need for generation of appropriate BMR prediction equations for Indian population for various age groups.
Pure red cell aplasia following autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Saha M , Ray S , Kundu S , Chakrabarti P
Published: March 2013

A 26-year-old previously healthy female presented with a 6-month history of anemia. The laboratory findings revealed hemolytic anemia and direct antiglobulin test was positive. With a diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), prednisolone was started but was ineffective after 1 month of therapy. A bone marrow trephine biopsy revealed pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) showing severe erythroid hypoplasia. The case was considered PRCA following AIHA. This combination without clear underlying disease is rare. Human parvovirus B19 infection was not detected in the marrow aspirate during reticulocytopenia. The patient received azathioprine, and PRCA improved but significant hemolysis was once again documented with a high reticulocyte count. The short time interval between AIHA and PRCA phase suggested an increased possibility of the evolution of a single disease.
Equity Market Liberalization, Credit Constraints and Income Inequality
Authors: Sun Puyang , Sen Somnath , Jin Shujing
Published: March 2013

This paper provides compelling evidence that equity market liberalization, as the most efficient way to smooth financial market frictions such as credit constraints, can alleviate persistent cross-dynastic income inequality by promoting increased human capital accumulation. The authors examine the effect of equity market liberalization on inequality by using data from 72 countries for 1980–2006. Their measured effect is robust to alternative measures of equity market liberalization. Finally, The authors show that foreign equity flows benefit initially lessactive stock markets more than the active ones, providing evidence that foreign equity flows act as a substitute for domestic financial markets. This finding emphasizes the possibility of reducing inequality and poverty through equity market liberalization.
Key chemical NOx sink uncertainties and how they influence top-down emissions of nitrogen oxides
Authors: Stavrakou T. , Müller J.-F. , Boersma K. F. , van der A R. J. , Kurokawa J. , Ohara T. , Zhang Q.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Triggered by recent developments from laboratory and field studies regarding major NOx sink pathways in the troposphere, this study evaluates the influence of chemical uncertainties in NOx sinks for global NOx distributions calculated by the IMAGESv2 chemistry-transport model, and quantifies their significance for top-down NOx emission estimates. Our study focuses on four key chemical parameters believed to be of primary importance, more specifically, the rate of the reaction of NO2 with OH radicals, the newly-identified HNO3-forming channel in the reaction of NO with HO2, the reactive uptake of N2O5 on aerosols, and the regeneration of OH in the oxidation of isoprene. Sensitivity simulations are performed to estimate the impact of each source of uncertainty. The model calculations show that, although the NO2 + OH reaction is the largest NOx sink globally accounting for 50–70% of the total sink, the reaction contributing the most to the overall uncertainty is the formation of HNO3 in NO + HO2, leading to NOx column changes reaching a~factor of two over tropical regions, and to a 35% decrease in the global tropospheric NOx lifetime. Emission inversion experiments are carried out using model settings which either miminize (MINLOSS) or maximize (MAXLOSS) the total NOx sink, both constrained by one year of OMI NO2 column data from the DOMINO v2 KNMI algorithm. The choice of the model setup is found to have a major impact on the top-down flux estimates, with 50% higher emissions for MAXLOSS compared to the MINLOSS inversion globally. Even larger departures are found for soil NO (factor of 2) and lightning (70%), whereas the global anthropogenic source is comparatively better constrained, especially in China. Evaluation of the emission optimization is performed against independent satellite observations from the SCIAMACHY sensor, airborne NO2 measurements, observed NOx lifetimes at megacities, as well as with two new bottom-up inventories of anthropogenic emissions in Asia (REASv2) and China (MEIC). Neither the MINLOSS nor the MAXLOSS setup succeeds in providing the best possible match with all independent datasets. Whereas the minimum sink assumption leads to better agreement with aircraft NO2 profile measurements, comforting the results of a previous analysis (Henderson et al., 2012), the same assumption leads to unrealistic features in the inferred distribution of emissions over China. Clearly, although our study addresses an important issue which was largely overlooked in previous inversion exercises, and demonstrates the strong influence of NOx loss uncertainties on top-down emission fluxes, additional processes need to be considered which could also influence the inferred source.
Aerosol airmass type mapping over the urban Mexico City region from space-based multi-angle imaging
Authors: Patadia F. , Kahn R. A. , Limbacher J. A. , Burton S. P. , Ferrare R. A. , Hostetler C. A. , Hair J. W.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Using Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) and sub-orbital measurements from the 2006 INTEX-B/MILAGRO field campaign, in this study we demonstrate MISR's ability to map different aerosol air mass types over the Mexico City metropolitan area. The aerosol air mass distinctions are based on shape, size and single scattering albedo retrievals from the MISR Research Aerosol Retrieval algorithm. In this region, the research algorithm identifies dust-dominated aerosol mixtures based on non-spherical particle shape, whereas spherical biomass burning and urban pollution particles are distinguished by particle size. Four distinct aerosol air masses are identified in the MISR data on 6 March 2006; these results are supported by coincident, airborne high-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL) measurements. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) gradients are also consistent between the MISR and sub-orbital measurements, but particles having SSA558≈0.7 must be included in the retrieval algorithm to produce good absolute AOD comparisons over pollution-dominated aerosol air masses. The MISR standard V22 AOD product, at 17.6 km resolution, captures the observed AOD gradients qualitatively, but retrievals at this coarse spatial scale and with limited spherical absorbing particle options underestimate AOD and do not retrieve particle properties adequately over this complex urban region. However, we demonstrate how AOD and aerosol type mapping can be accomplished with MISR data over urban regions, provided the retrieval is performed at sufficiently high spatial resolution, and with a rich enough set of aerosol components and mixtures.
Mean age of carbon in fine roots from temperate forests and grasslands with different management
Authors: Solly E. , Schöning I. , Boch S. , Müller J. , Socher S. A. , Trumbore S. E. , Schrumpf M.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Fine roots are the most dynamic portion of a plant's root system and a major source of soil organic matter. By altering plant species diversity and composition, soil conditions and nutrient availability, and consequently belowground allocation and dynamics of root carbon (C) inputs, land-use and management changes may influence organic C storage in terrestrial ecosystems. In three German regions we measured fine root radiocarbon (14C) content to estimate the mean time since C in root tissues was fixed from the atmosphere in 54 grassland and forest plots with different management and soil conditions. Although root biomass was on average greater in grasslands 5.1 ± 0.8 g (mean ± SE, n = 27) than in forests 3.1 ± 0.5 g (n = 27), the mean age of C in fine roots in forests averaged 11.3 ± 1.8 yr and was significantly older and more variable compared to grasslands 1.7 ± 0.4 yr. We further found that management affects the mean age of fine root C in temperate grasslands mediated by changes in plant species diversity and composition. Fine root mean C age is positively correlated to plant diversity (r = 0.65) and to the number of perennial species (r = 0.77). In temperate grasslands the mean age of fine root C is also influenced by the study region mainly driven by differences in soil characteristics and climate which reflect in plant composition variations, with averages of 0.7 ± 0.1 yr (n = 9) on mostly organic sandy soils in northern Germany and of 1.8 ± 0.3 yr (n = 9) and 2.6 ± 0.3 (n = 9) in more silty and clayey soils respectively in central and southern Germany. Our results indicate an internal redistribution of C in perennial species and suggest linkages between fine root C age and management in grasslands. These findings improve our ability to predict and model belowground C fluxes across broader spatial scales.
Controls of Caribbean surface hydrology during the mid- to late Holocene: insights from monthly resolved coral records
Authors: Giry C. , Felis T. , Kölling M. , Wei W. , Lohmann G. , Scheffers S.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Several proxy-based and modeling studies have investigated long-term changes in Caribbean climate during the Holocene, however, very little is known on its variability on short timescales. Here we reconstruct seasonality and interannual to multidecadal variability of sea surface hydrology of the southern Caribbean Sea by applying paired coral Sr/Ca and δ18O measurements on fossil annually banded Diploria strigosa corals from Bonaire. This allows for better understanding of seasonal to multidecadal variability of the Caribbean hydrological cycle during the mid- to late Holocene. The monthly resolved coral Δδ18O records are used as a proxy for the oxygen isotopic composition of seawater (δ18Osw) of the southern Caribbean Sea. Consistent with modern day conditions, annual δ18Osw cycles reconstructed from three modern corals reveal that freshwater budget at the study site is influenced by both net precipitation and advection of tropical freshwater brought by wind-driven surface currents. In contrast, the annual δ18Osw cycle reconstructed from a mid-Holocene coral indicates a sharp peak towards more negative values in summer, suggesting intense summer precipitation at 6 ka BP (before present). In line with this, our model simulations indicate that increased seasonality of the hydrological cycle at 6 ka BP results from enhanced precipitation in summertime. On interannual to multidecadal timescales, the systematic positive correlation observed between reconstructed sea surface temperature and salinity suggests that freshwater discharged from the Orinoco and Amazon rivers and transported into the Caribbean by wind-driven surface currents is a critical component influencing sea surface hydrology on these timescales.
The faint young Sun problem revisited with a 3-D climate-carbon model – Part 1
Authors: Le Hir G. , Teitler Y. , Fluteau F. , Donnadieu Y. , Philippot P.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Considering the weak luminosity of the early Sun, it is generally inferred that high concentrations of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4) are required to prevent the early Earth's surface temperature to drop below the freezing point of liquid water. Conversely, a new controversial assumption based on banded iron formation mineralogy hypothesizes that the Archean atmosphere was potentially characterized by low concentrations of CO2. To solve the faint young Sun problem, it was suggested that a reduced albedo associated to less reflective clouds was able to prevent the Earth to jump into a snowball state. In this very active debate, we have investigated the early Earth climate using a general circulation model to test this scenario. Our simulations include the ice albedo feedback and specific Archean climatic factors such as a different cloudiness, a faster Earth's rotation rate, and a reduced continental surface. We demonstrate that when larger cloud droplets are accounted for, clouds warm high latitudes and inhibit sea-ice formation. This process limits the ice-albedo feedback efficiency and may prevent a global glaciation. Due to this particular mechanism, low pCO2 allow maintaining a mild climate during the early Archean. This conclusion will be challenged in the second part of this paper, where the carbon cycle is considered.
Flowmeter data validation and reconstruction methodology to provide the annual efficiency of a water transport network: the ATLL case study in Catalonia
Authors: Quevedo J. , Pascual J. , Puig V. , Saludes J. , Sarrate R. , Espin S. , Roquet J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The object of this paper is to provide a flowmeter data validation/reconstruction methodology that determines the annual economic and hydraulic efficiency of a water transport network. In this paper, the case of Aigües Ter Llobregat (ATLL) company, that is in charge of managing the 80% of the overall water transport network in Catalonia (Spain), will be used for illustrating purposes. The economic/hydraulic network efficiency is based on the daily data set collected by the company using about 200 flowmeters of the network. The data collected using these sensors are used by the remote control and information storage systems and they are stored in a relational database. All the information provided by ATLL is analyzed to detect inconsistent data using an automatic data validation method deployed in parallel with the evaluation of the network efficiency. As a result of the validation process, corrections of flow measurements and of the volume of billed water are introduced. The results of the ATLL water transport network obtained during year 2010 will be used to illustrate the approach proposed in this paper.
Investigating the spatio-temporal variability in groundwater and surface water interactions: a multi-technical approach
Authors: Unland N. P. , Cartwright I. , Andersen M. S. , Rau G. C. , Reed J. , Gilfedder B. S. , Atkinson A. P. , Hofmann H.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The interaction between groundwater and surface water along the Tambo and Nicholson Rivers, southeast Australia, was investigated using 222Rn, Cl, differential flow gauging, head gradients, electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature profiling. Head gradients, temperature profiles, Cl concentrations and 222Rn activities all indicate higher groundwater fluxes to the Tambo River in areas of increased topographic variation where the potential to form large groundwater–surface water gradients is greater. Groundwater discharge to the Tambo River calculated by Cl mass balance was significantly lower (1.48 × 104 to 1.41 × 103 m3 day−1) than discharge estimated by 222Rn mass balance (5.35 × 105 to 9.56 × 103 m3 day−1) and differential flow gauging (5.41 × 105 to 6.30 × 103 m3 day−1). While groundwater sampling from the bank of the Tambo River was intended to account for the variability in groundwater chemistry associated with river-bank interaction, the spatial variability under which these interactions occurs remained unaccounted for, limiting the use of Cl as an effective tracer. Groundwater discharge to both the Tambo and Nicholson Rivers was the highest under high flow conditions in the days to weeks following significant rainfall, indicating that the rivers are well connected to a groundwater system that is responsive to rainfall. Groundwater constituted the lowest proportion of river discharge during times of increased rainfall that followed dry periods, while groundwater constituted the highest proportion of river discharge under baseflow conditions (21.4% of the Tambo in April 2010 and 18.9% of the Nicholson in September 2010).
Editor’s Introduction
Authors: Damrosch Lori Fisler , Oxman Bernard H.
Published: March 2013

The disagreements among states bordering the South China Sea pose extraordinarily complex legal issues. Sovereignty over small islands that lie at some distance from the continental and insular coasts that surround the sea is contested. So are the maritime entitlements generated by these features. Notably, rocks that cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own generate no entitlement to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf beyond a twelve-mile territorial sea, which may be the case for many of the disputed islands. Yet another series of questions relates to the delimitation of overlapping maritime entitlements, including the relative effect to be accorded entitlements generated by these small islands vis-à-vis those generated by the continental and insular coasts that surround the South China Sea.
A Legal Analysis of China’s Historic Rights Claim in the South China Sea
Authors: Dupuy Florian , Dupuy Pierre-Marie
Published: March 2013

The recent turmoil created by the competing sovereignty claims of several countries over islands and waters in the South China Sea has caused the resurgence of the concept of “historic rights.” Although the term historic rights (sometimes confusingly used in this context in combination with other germane notions, such as historic waters and historic title) has often been imbued with a certain degree of confusion and controversy in international law, it seems bound to play an important part inthe arguments brought by states claiming sovereignty in this region and, in particular, by the People’s Republic of China (China). The vagueness of the legal terminology used by China raises the issue of whether that very vagueness is being used as an element of political strategy.
Air Transport Association of America V. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
Authors: Plant Glen
Published: March 2013

In a landmark decision, on December 21, 2011, the Court of Justice upheld the extension to international aviation activities of the greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme (ETS) of the European Union (Union or EU) against a challenge that it violates several treaties and principles of customary international law. In addition to its broader significance in the context of global versus unilateral approaches to tackling climate change, and its related role in fueling a major international trade dispute, the ruling pronounces on important aspects of international aviation law and clarifies the principles governing conformity of EU internal legislation with international law.
Pulseiras de equilíbrio melhoram o equilíbrio estático?
Authors: Teruya Thiago Toshi , Matarelli Bruno Machado , Romano Fillipe Soares , Testa Daniela , Mochizuki Luis
Published: March 2013

Introdução: O controle do equilíbrio busca manter o centro de massa dentro da base de apoio. A mídia divulga que pulseiras podem aumentar o equilíbrio. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do uso de uma pulseira de equilíbrio no controle postural de adultos. Métodos: Participaram 12 adultos saudáveis. Foi utilizada uma pulseira de equilíbrio (Power Balance®), uma pulseira placebo e um acelerômetro 3D. Foram calculados a amplitude média e desvio-padrão da aceleração horizontal da aceleração. Formaram-se dois grupos: experimental e placebo. Foram feitos testes com os olhos abertos e fechados no apoio unipodal por 30 s. A análise de variância de três fatores foi usada para verificar o efeito da condição, visão e orientação na aceleração média e variabilidade. Resultados e Conclusão: A aceleração foi maior sem visão (F(1,126)=43, p
Efeitos dos treinamentos aeróbio, resistido e combinado sobre a composição corporal de diabéticos tipo 2
Authors: Lima Gabriela Do Nascimento , Queiroz Stevia Lira , Cruz Pedro Weldes da Silva , Santos Heva Lílian Bezerra Albuquerque dos , Cavalcanti Cláudio Barnabé dos Santos , Vancea Denise Maria Martins
Published: March 2013

Introdução: O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) possui grande relação com sedentarismo e obesidade, estimando-se que 60% a 90% dos diabéticos têm excesso de peso. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito de um treinamento aeróbio, resistido e combinado na composição corporal de DM2. Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada com 16 DM2, durante 11 semanas. Dividiu-se a amostra em três grupos: treinamento aeróbio (TA), n=5, MI= 66,8 ±5,67, que realizou 40 minutos de exercício aeróbio; treinamento resistido (TR), n=6, MI; 64,16 ±10, que praticou oito exercícios de resistência e treinamento combinado (TC), n=5, MI= 59,6 ±10,8, que efetuou 20 minutos do TA e quatro exercícios do TR. O IMC foi mensurado no pré-treinamento e no pós-treinamento. Resultados: Observou-se uma diferença estatisticamente significativa do IMC nos três grupos, comparando-se o pré-treino com o pós-treino (p=0,02). Conclusão: O treinamento aeróbio resistido e o combinado são eficazes na diminuição do IMC.
Identificação dos fatores de risco e prevalência de infecção do trato urinário em trabalhadoras do serviço de teleatendimento
Authors: Silva Samanta Cordeiro , Poppe Shaista , Barnabé Anderson Sena , Fornari João Victor , Ferraz Renato Ribeiro Nogueira
Published: March 2013

Introdução: Funcionárias do teleatendimento cumprem horários predeterminados para uso do banheiro, o que as faz evitar o consumo regular de água, aumentando o risco de Infecção do Trato Urinário (ITU). Objetivo: Quantificar a prevalência de ITU e identificar os fatores de risco possivelmente envolvidos. Método: Aplicou-se um questionário buscando identificar fatores de risco para ITU. Resultado: Das 86 entrevistadas, 46 (53%) afirmaram ter apresentado ITU em um ano. Destas, mais de um terço apresentaram ITU de repetição, sendo os principais fatores envolvidos a reduzida ingestão hídrica, o reduzido número de micções, o uso de vestimenta inadequada e a não realização de práticas preventivas durante e após o ato sexual. Conclusão: A prevalência de ITU em funcionárias do teleatendimento mostrou-se o dobro da estimada. Sugere-se a criação de campanhas visando a reduzir o número de infectadas, minimizando o desconforto e os custos gerados pelas internações e absenteísmo das funcionárias acometidas.
Comparação do alongamento estático, de 15 ou 30 segundos, na extensibilidade de isquiotibiais
Authors: Battisti Aline , Silva Danilo De Oliveira , Kessler Emanuele Catarine Hirt , Albert Jaqueline , Kiara Priscila Yumi , Vilagra José Mohamud , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: March 2013

Introdução: Não há um consenso sobre frequência, intensidade, número de repetições e tempo de duração do alongamento muscular. Objetivo: Verificar em que tempo, 15 ou 30 s, é produzido maior ganho de extensibilidade após a intervenção e no decorrer do tempo. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 16 mulheres com retração de isquiotibiais, divididas em dois grupos, com protocolos em três séries de alongamento estático. O G1 realizou alongamento durante 15s; e o G2, em 30s. Utilizou-se um período controle entre avaliações (AV1-AV2) de sete dias, em seguida, ocorreram os alongamentos por cinco dias consecutivos, com nova avaliação ao final destes (AV3); após dois dias sem intervenção (AV4), e finalmente após cinco dias (AV5). Resultados e Conclusão: Para o G1 e o G2, houve aumento da extensibilidade, mas, na comparação entre os grupos, o G2 mostrou maior aumento e manutenção dos valores.
Efeitos imediatos do reequilíbrio tóraco-abdominal em crianças com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico – relato de série de casos
Authors: Ajambuja Anelise Zimmermann de , Parazzi Paloma Lopes Francisco , Ries Lilian Gerdi Kittel , Schivinski Camila Isabel Santos
Published: March 2013

Introdução: O retorno involuntário e frequente do conteúdo gástrico na doença do refluxo gastro-esofágico (DRGE) pode desencadear alterações respiratórias. O método fisioterapêutico de Reequilíbrio Tóraco-Abdominal (RTA) tem como característica minimizar alterações na mecânica respiratória, melhorando a ventilação e o consequente esforço respiratório. Objetivo: Avaliar efeitos imediatos dos manuseios do RTA em parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, sinais de desconforto respiratório (Boletim de Silvermann-Anderson), dor (escala de Lawrence), comportamento (escala de Prechtl e Beinteman) e sintomas (questionário) em crianças. Métodos: Foram avaliadas dez crianças, com média de idade de 15,01+18,20 meses, sendo os parâmetros de avaliação supracitados verificados antes, imediatamente após e 15 minutos depois da aplicação do RTA. Resultados: A técnica apresentou efeitos positivos no sistema cardiorrespiratório, evidenciado pelo aumento da SpO2, e diminuição da fr, na maioria das crianças com DRGE. Conclusão: A aplicação do Reequilíbrio Tóraco-Abdominal apresentou benefícios nas crianças com DRGE, sem repercutir no comportamento ou provocar intercorrências.
Capacidade de impulsão e agilidade em praticantes de basquetebol regulares e não regulares suplementados com creatina
Authors: Gayoso Neto José Cândido De Almendra , Santos Francisco Nilson dos , Rebelo Filho Gerardo , Branco Filho Glauber Castelo , Prada Francisco José Andriotti
Published: March 2013

Introdução: O basquetebol requer dos praticantes boa capacidade de impulsão e agilidade, e a suplementação com creatina (Cr) está associada a melhoras no desempenho muscular. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da suplementação de Cr nos praticantes de basquetebol. Métodos: Participaram 16 homens, com média de idade de 21±2,34 anos, organizados em dois grupos randomicamente, suplementados conforme modelo duplo-cego, recebendo o grupo placebo (GP) 5 gramas de talco nutricional; e o grupo experimento (GE), 5 gramas de Cr, durante 30 dias. Realizaram-se os mesmos testes de impulsão vertical e agilidade (quatro cantos), antes e após suplementação. Resultado: Houve melhora significativa na impulsão vertical, comparando-se os períodos pré e pós-suplementação de Cr (p=0,018). Nos testes de agilidade, não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas entre períodos pré e pós-suplementação. Conclusão: A suplementação de Cr proporcionou maior rendimento no salto vertical, melhorando o desempenho motor da força explosiva.
Fabrication of Zinc Oxide Nanopatterns by Quick Gel-Nanoimprint Process toward Optical Switching Devices
Authors: Araki Shinji , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Zhang Min , Doe Takahiro , Lu Li , Horita Masahiro , Nishida Takashi , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: March 2013

We proposed a quick patterning method using a gel-nanoimprint process to fabricate a photonic crystal layer using zinc oxide (ZnO). The X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the ZnO layer had a wurtzite structure by annealing in air or oxygen ambient. We demonstrated the nanopatterning with a short imprinting time of 5 min by the gel-nanoimprint process. We achieved shrinkage factors of ZnO nanopatterns of as low as 8 and 3% in the width and height directions, respectively. In addition, the uniformity in size of the patterned area was found to be 3% in our process, suggesting that the gel-nanoimprint process allows us to fabricate optical switching devices.
Double-Crystalline Silicon Channel Thin Film Transistors Fabricated Using Continuous-Wave Green Laser for Large Organic Light-Emitting Diode Displays
Authors: Hayashi Hiroshi , Kanegae Arinobu , Nishida Kenichirou , Kawashima Takahiro , Saitoh Tohru , Komori Kazunori
Published: March 2013

We developed double-crystalline silicon channel thin film transistors (TFTs) whose active region consisted of a polysilicon layer and a microcrystalline silicon layer. The polysilicon layer was formed by continuous-wave green laser annealing with scalability to large substrates. The microcrystalline silicon layer formed on the polysilicon layer provides a sufficient channel etching margin for the fabrication of TFTs on large substrates without degradation of TFT mobility. The kink-free output characteristics were realized by a band-gap engineering method using a microcrystalline silicon layer. The TFT characteristics desirable for organic light-emitting diode display applications, namely, high mobility, high reliability, and kink-free output characteristics, have been successfully demonstrated.
Influence of Oxide Semiconductor Thickness on Thin-Film Transistor Characteristics
Authors: Nakata Mitsuru , Tsuji Hiroshi , Sato Hiroto , Nakajima Yoshiki , Fujisaki Yoshihide , Takei Tatsuya , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Fujikake Hideo
Published: March 2013

We discuss here the influence of oxide semiconductor thickness on thin-film transistor (TFT) characteristics. We have determined this influence by measuring the transfer characteristics of amorphous InGaZnO (IGZO) TFTs having various IGZO thicknesses and using a simple method to calculate the depletion width in IGZO films. ON current was nearly constant with respect to IGZO thickness because it depended on a high electron density in an accumulation region sufficiently thinner than the IGZO film. The threshold voltage shifted negatively with increasing IGZO thickness, which indicates that a thicker IGZO film requires a higher negative gate voltage for it to be fully depleted. Calculation results suggest that threshold voltage variation due to IGZO thickness variation increases with increasing donor density and IGZO thickness.
Scaling of Coplanar Homojunction Amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Baek Gwanghyeon , Abe Katsumi , Kumomi Hideya , Kanicki
Published: March 2013

Channel length (L) and width (W) scaling of amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been investigated by coplanar homojunction a-IGZO TFTs. The fabricated TFTs have a mobility around 12 cm2V-1s-1, sub-threshold slope (S) of ∼110 mV/decade, threshold voltage around 0.3 V and off-current below 10-13A. The TFTs withL> 5 µm have the reduced transconducance (gm) at lowerVGS, however, the shortL< 5 µm TFTs have thegmreduction at higherVGS. Even though the TFTs with smaller channel length (L≤5 µm) show proper switching characteristics, threshold voltage lowering and sub-threshold slope degradation are clearly observed.
Thin-Film Transistors Using Uniform and Well-Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Channels by Dielectrophoretic Assembly
Authors: Toda Tatsuya , Frusawa Hiroshi , Furuta Mamoru
Published: March 2013

A single-walled carbon nanotube thin-film transistor (SWCNT TFT) was formed by an aligned SWCNTs channel assembled by the dielectrophoretic (DEP) process. In this work, we investigated the effects of the DEP factors (frequency, solution concentration) on structural (orientation and density in the SWCNT channels) and electrical properties of SWCNT TFTs. A uniform, well-aligned and density controlled SWCNT channel was achieved by optimizing the DEP assembly process, and as a result, electrical properties (mobility and on/off current ratio) of SWCNT TFTs were improved. In addition, we also discussed the effect of uniformity of assembled SWNTs in a channel on performance variation of the SWCNT TFTs. We found that the tube density and uniformity are key parameters which determine electrical properties and performance variation of SWCNT TFTs.
Compact Decoder-Type Gate Driver Circuits with Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Transistors for Active Matrix Displays
Authors: Kim Jong-Seok , Park Gyu-Tae , Kim Hyun-Woo , Choi Byong-Deok
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we propose an integrated hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) gate driver circuit with parallely connected TFTs to resolve problems of the large circuit area and large number of input signals which are founded in the previously reported decoder-type and demultiplexer-type integrated gate drivers. The proposed gate driver can alleviate the demerits of previous gate drivers while maintaining their advantages: reduction of the threshold voltage (V
th) shift of the a-Si:H TFTs with an AC-driving structure and provide a stable low-impedance output. The key idea is to construct a novel decoder based on parallely connected TFTs instead of serially connected ones that are very common for decoders. The simulation results show that the rising time and falling time are 1.27 and 1.63 µs respectively with -5 to 30 V output voltage swing which are suitable for high resolution active-matrix displays.
Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes Based on Transparent Flexible Clay Substrates
Authors: Venkatachalam Shanmugam , Hayashi Hiromichi , Ebina Takeo , Nakamura Takashi , Nanjo Hiroshi
Published: March 2013

In the present work, transparent flexible polymer-doped clay (P-clay) substrates were prepared for flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) applications. Nanocrystalline indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were prepared on P-clay substrates by ion-beam sputter deposition method. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of as-prepared ITO/P-clay showed that the as-prepared ITO thin film was amorphous, and the average optical transparency and sheet resistance were around 84% and 56 Ω/□, respectively. The as-prepared ITO/P-clay samples were annealed at 200 and 270 °C for 1 h to improve the optical transparency and electrical conductivity. The average optical transparency was found to be maximum at an annealing temperature of 200 °C. Finally, N,N-bis[(1-naphthyl)-N,N '-diphenyl]-1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB), tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) thin films, and aluminum (Al) electrode were prepared on ITO/P-clay substrates by thermal evaporation method. The current density–voltage (J–V) characteristic of Al/NPB/ITO/P-clay showed linear Ohmic behaviour. In contrast, J–V characteristic of Al/Alq3/NPB/ITO/P-clay showed non-linear Schottky behaviour. Finally, a very flexible OLED was successfully fabricated on newly fabricated transparent flexible P-clay substrates. The electroluminescence study showed that the emission intensity of light from the flexible OLED device gradually increased with increasing applied voltage.
Spin Relaxation in Weak Localization Regime in Multilayer Graphene Spin Valves
Authors: Yamaguchi Takehiro , Moriya Rai , Masubuchi Satoru , Iguchi Kazuyuki , Machida Tomoki
Published: March 2013

The temperature dependence of the spin relaxation time τs in multilayer graphene (MLG) spin valve devices was measured using a non-local magnetoresistance (NLMR) measurement. A weak localization (WL) was observed from magnetoresistance (MR) measurements below ∼70 K, suggesting coherent transport of the charge carriers. Within the same temperature range, we observed a large increase in the spin relaxation time τs and spin diffusion length λs even though the diffusion constant D
s was suppressed by the WL. This demonstrated that the spin relaxation time in MLG could be significantly extended when the charge experiences quantum interference effect in the coherent charge transport regime.
Minority Carrier Annihilation in Lateral Direction Caused by Recombination Defects at Cut Edges and Bear Surfaces of Crystalline Silicon
Authors: Sameshima Toshiyuki , Furukawa Jun , Yoshidomi Shinya
Published: March 2013

We report on the photo-induced minority carrier annihilation effect in the lateral direction caused by cut edges and partially formed bare surfaces for 500-µm-thick n-type silicon substrates coated with thermally grown SiO2 layers. A 9.35 GHz microwave transmittance measurement system with illumination with a 0.2-cm-wide 635-nm continuous wave light beam was used to measure spatial distribution of the minority carrier effective lifetime τeff. A mechanical cut decreased τeff in a 0.9-cm-wide region from the cut edges. τeff decreased from 3.4×10-3 (initial) to 6.5×10-4 s at cut edges. A simple model of carrier diffusion in the lateral direction with a carrier lifetime of 3.4×10-3 s and a recombination velocity of 500 cm/s at the cut edges well explained the experimental spatial change in τeff near the cut edges. A similar widely spatial decrease in τeff was also observed in the region coated with thermally grown SiO2 layers near the bare silicon surface formed by partial etching of SiO2.
Determined Optical Constants of ZnSe Glass from 0.83 to 21 µm by Transmittance Spectra: Methods and Measurements
Authors: Li Dong , Ai Qing , Xia Xinlin
Published: March 2013

Based on the transmittance spectra modeling, spectroscopic methods were developed to determine the optical constants of glass materials including extinction coefficient and refractive index. The transmittance spectrograms of ZnSe glass slabs at normal incidence with different thicknesses in the infrared wavelength 0.83–21 µm were measured by a Bruke V70 Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. These values were introduced into spectroscopic methods to calculate the optical constants of ZnSe glass. The results showed most of the optical constants of ZnSe determined by the new method had a good agreement with previously data, indicating that the spectroscopic methods can be used to determine the optical constants of glass materials in most infrared spectra.
Electrokinetic Delivery of Biomolecules into Living Cells for Analysis of Cellular Regulation
Authors: Nagai Moeto , Torimoto Tatsuro , Miyamoto Tokuma , Kawashima Takahiro , Shibata Takayuki
Published: March 2013

Current biomolecule-delivery systems, which function via pressure-driven flow, possess several significant limitations. We herein present a novel delivery method for biomolecules based on electrokinetic flow. The electrokinetic flow method uses capillaries to more easily deliver solutions than the pressure-driven flow method, which enables controllable injection of biomolecules into living cells. We characterized the electrokinetic flow of molecules to determine the parameters required for reproducible injections. Then, we successfully demonstrated the electrokinetic injection of a fluorescent DNA and dye solution into a living HeLa cell through a glass needle (1 µm in diameter). The monitoring of changes in ion current during the delivery process also allowed for the precise detection of penetration through the cell membrane with the tip of the needle.
W versus Co–Al as Gate Fill-Metal for Aggressively Scaled Replacement High-k/Metal Gate Devices for (Sub-)22 nm Technology Nodes
Authors: Veloso Anabela , Chew Soon Aik , Schram Tom , Dekkers Harold , Ammel Annemie Van , Witters Thomas , Tielens Hilde , Heylen Nancy , Devriendt Katia , Sebaai Farid , Brus Stephan , Ragnarsson Lars-Åke , Pantisano Luigi , Eneman Geert , Carbonell Laure , Richard Olivier , Favia Paola , Geypen Jef , Bender Hugo , Higuchi Yuichi , Phatak Anup , Thean Aaron , Horiguchi Naoto
Published: March 2013

In this work we provide a comprehensive evaluation of a novel, low-resistance Co–Al alloy vs W to fill aggressively scaled gates with high aspect-ratios [gate height (H
gate) ∼50–60 nm, gate length (L
gate) ≥20–25 nm]. We demonstrate that, with careful liner/barrier materials selection and tuning, well-behaved devices are obtained, showing: tight gate resistance (R
gate) distributions down to L
gate∼20 nm, low threshold voltage (V
T) values, comparable DC and bias temperature instability (BTI) behavior, and improved RF response. The impact of fill-metals intrinsic stress, including the presence of occasional voids in narrow W-gates, on devices fabrication and performance is also explored.
Quantitative Evaluation of Dopant Concentration in Shallow Silicon p–n Junctions by Tunneling Current Mapping with Multimode Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Bolotov Leonid , Fukuda Koichi , Arimoto Hiroshi , Tada Tetsuya , Kanayama Toshihiko
Published: March 2013

Quantitative evaluation of the dopant concentration across silicon p–n junctions has been performed on oxide-passivated surfaces by using tunneling current mapping in theconstant-gapmode of a multimode scanning probe microscope (MSPM). A distinct difference between regions with different impurity concentrations was observed in tunneling current maps when a constant tunneling gap was maintained by using repulsive force acting on the MSPM probe. To extract impurity profiles, the results of three-dimensional device simulations within the current continuity model were compared with measured bias-dependent current profiles. The obtained impurity profiles showed agreement with the actual donor concentration in the p–n junction region. The results demonstrate the applicability of the method forquantitativeanalysis of the local impurity distribution in modern semiconductor devices with improved sensitivity and nanometer spatial resolution.