bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Line-Narrowing Spectroscopy as an Off-Line Identification Method for Narrow-Bore Column Liquid Chromatography
Authors: van de Nesse R. J. , Vinkenburg I. H. , Jonker R. H. J. , Hoornweg G. Ph. , Gooijer C. , Brinkman U. A. Th. , Velthorst N. H.
Published: May 2005

Storage of the effluent from a column liquid chromatograph (LC) on a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate was utilized to identify analytes with fluorimetric techniques in the absence of time constraints. As an example, the deposited LC trace of an impure 1-chloropyrene sample was studied in situ by conventional excitation/emission spectroscopy and by fluorescence line-narrowing (FLN) spectroscopy, a high-resolution laser-induced fluorescence technique requiring cryogenic conditions. Pyrene and several mono-, di-, and trichlorinated pyrenes, present in the 1-chloropyrene sample, were identified with the use of the fingerprint structure of the vibrationally resolved FLN spectra. Quantitation on the basis of the FLN signals was achieved by standard addition; compounds could be detected down to the low picogram level. Various TLC materials were used to study the influence of the matrix on the FLN spectra; although peak intensities and hole burning effects are matrix-dependent, the line positions are not influenced.
Matrix-Isolation Infrared Spectroscopy of Hydrogen-Bonded Complexes of Triethyl Phosphate with H2O, D2O, and Methanol
Authors: George Lisa , Sankaran K. , Viswanathan K. S. , Mathews C. K.
Published: May 2005

The infrared spectra of adducts of triethyl phosphate (TEP) with H2O, D2O, and methanol (MeOH), isolated in a nitrogen matrix, are reported. A red shift in the phosphoryl (P=O) stretching vibration of triethyl phosphate was seen, which indicated adduct formation. Adducts of the type 1:1 and 1:2 of TEP…H2O and TEP…MeOH were identified in the matrix. It was observed that adduct formation occurred only with the phosphoryl oxygen and not with the alkoxy oxygen of triethyl phosphate. A red shift in the OH stretching vibration of water, as well as that of methanol, was also observed because of adduct formation. Solution spectra of TEP were also recorded in the same solvents and compared with the matrix spectra.
Erratum: “Thermal Stability Enhancement in Nanostructured Cu Films Containing Insoluble Tungsten Carbides for Metallization” [J. Mater. Res. 20, 1379 (2005)]
Authors: Chu J.P. , Hsieh Y.Y. , Lin C.H. , Mahalingam T.
Published: June 2005

An error occurred while printing this article in the June issue of the Journal of Materials Research. The end of the abstract was cut off, leaving it incomplete. The complete abstract is shown below:
Preparation of Molybdenum-doped Indium Oxide Thin Films Using Reactive Direct-current Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Xifeng , Miao Weina , Zhang Qun , Huang Li , Zhang Zhuangjian , Hua Zhongyi
Published: June 2005

High-mobility molybdenum-doped In2O3 films (IMO) were prepared on the normal glass substrate by reactive direct current magnetron sputtering from the molybdenum-embedded indium metal target. The effects of oxygen partial pressure, substrate temperature, and sputtering current on the optoelectrical properties of IMO films were investigated. The films with the highest carrier mobility of 50 cm2 V−1 s−1, as well as the average visible transmission greater than 80% including the 1.2-mm-thick glass substrate, were obtained. The minimum resistivity of the films is 3.7 × 10−4 ohm cm. The properties of the IMO films are sensitive to the oxygen partial pressure in the sputtering environment. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the films show In2O3 crystal structure.
Inducing Reversible Stiffness Changes in DNA-crosslinked Gels
Authors: Lin D.C. , Yurke B. , Langrana N.A.
Published: June 2005

Researchers have constructed a number of DNA-based nanodevices that undergo stepped configuration changes through the application of single-stranded DNA oligomers. Such devices can be incorporated into gel networks to create new classes of active materials with controllable bulk mechanical properties. This concept was demonstrated in a DNA-crosslinked gel, the stiffness of which was modulated through the application of DNA strands. Each crosslink incorporated a single-stranded region to which a DNA strand with a complementary base sequence (called the fuel strand) bound, thereby changing the nanostructure of the gel network. The gel was restored to its initial stiffness through the application of the complement of the fuel strand, which cleared the fuel strand from the crosslink via competitive binding. Stiffness changes in excess of a factor of three were observed. The ability to switch the mechanical properties of these gels without changing temperature, buffer composition, or other environmental conditions, apart from the application of DNA, makes these materials attractive candidates for biotechnology applications.
Synthesis of Fe-doped ZnO Particle/polymer Hybrid from Metalorganics
Authors: Yogo Toshinobu , Nakafuku Tomoko , Sakamoto Wataru , Hirano Shin-Ichi
Published: June 2005

An Fe-doped ZnO particle/polymer hybrid was synthesized from zinc acrylate (ZA) and iron allylacetylacetonate (IAA) using methylhydrazine. Nanocrystalline ZnO particles were formed in the organic matrix by hydrolysis and polymerization of ZA itself below 100 °C. The crystallinity of undoped ZnO particles in the hybrid was dependent upon the synthesis conditions. Similarly, the ZnO phase was observed for the product formed from ZA-IAA. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis revealed that crystalline ZnO nanoparticles doped with Fe were dispersed in the organic matrix. The absorption edge of the undoped ZnO particle/polymer hybrid was blue-shifted with the decrease in size of the ZnO particles. On the other hand, the Fe-doped ZnO particle/polymer hybrid from ZA-IAA revealed a bathochromic shift of the absorption edge up to 600 nm.
Nanomechanical Testing for Fracture of Oxide Films
Authors: Morasch K.R. , Bahr D.F.
Published: June 2005

The mechanical properties of thermally grown oxide films on various aluminum substrates were tested using nanoindentation. A sudden discontinuity, indicative of film fracture, was observed upon loading portion of the load–depth curve. The 63-nm-thick films were determined to have ultimate strengths between 4.8 and 8.9 GPa. The ultimate stress is a superposition of the bending and membrane stress. The stress intensity at fracture for each of the films was developed by approximating the resulting bending moment and various cracks sizes. At a constant ratio of crack size to oxide thickness of 0.3, the applied stress intensity at fracture of these aluminum oxide films were between 0.46 and 1.20 MPa m1/2. The residual stress in the film was assumed to be negligible in the stress intensity calculation.
Nanostructured Barium Titanate Prepared Through a Modified Reverse Micellar Route: Structural Distortion and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Ahmad Tokeer , Kavitha Gnanasundaram , Narayana Chandrabhas , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: June 2005

A modified and convenient route using microemulsions (avoiding Ba-alkoxide) was evolved for the synthesis of uniform and monodisperse nanoparticles of BaTiO3 at low temperature (800 °C). X-ray line broadening and transmission electron microscopy studies show that the particle size varies in the range of 20–25 nm. Evidence for tetragonal distortion was found in these nano-sized (20–25 nm) particles of barium titanate from careful x-ray diffraction studies as well as from Raman spectroscopy. Our study showed that the critical size of the cubic to tetragonal transition in barium titanate may be much lower than suggested theoretically. The grain size showed an increase on sintering of 35 nm at 900 °C to 120 nm at 1100 °C, which was much lower than the grain size obtained at this temperature by the normal solid state route. The dielectric constant depends on sintering temperature and was found to increase from 210 (900 °C sintering) to 520 (1100 °C sintering) at 100 kHz. The dielectric constant was highly stable with temperature as well as frequency.
Predictive Kinetics-based Model for Shock-activated Reaction Synthesis of Ti3SiC2
Authors: Jordan Jennifer L. , Pelesko John A. , Thadhani Naresh N.
Published: June 2005

A kinetics model based on mass and heat transport has been developed for Ti3SiC2 formation via shock-activated reaction synthesis of powder precursors. The model allows prediction of heat treatment conditions under which an otherwise steady-state reaction is taken over by a “run-away” combustion-type reaction during post-shock reaction synthesis of Ti3SiC2. Shock compression of Ti, SiC, and graphite precursors generates a densely packed highly activated state of reactants, which lowers the activation energy and results in an increased rate of formation of Ti3SiC2 at a lower temperature and in shorter times. The predictive model correlated with experimental results of fraction reacted as a function of time at heat-treatment temperatures of 1400 and 1600 °C illustrates an increased rate of reaction due to lowering activation energy, which also results in the reaction at 1600 °C being taken over by a “run-away” combustion-type reaction, as the rate of heat release due to reaction exceeds the rate of heat dissipation through the compact. Correlation of the model with experimental results illustrates that the predictive model can be used to optimize reaction synthesis conditions in shock-densified compacts of Ti3SiC2-forming powder precursors, to better understand the processes leading to a steady-state reaction being taken over by the combustion mode.
Preparation of Colloidal Bismuth Particles in Polyols
Authors: Goia Corina , Matijević Egon , Goia Dan V.
Published: June 2005

Nano- and micrometer size spherical bismuth particles were prepared by reducing bismuth salts in simple and mixed polyols at elevated temperatures. In general, the conversion to metallic bismuth was preceded by the formation, at intermediate temperatures, of bismuth-polyol compounds. By changing the type of bismuth salt, the composition of the polyol mixture, and the temperature of the process, these precursors were successfully converted into spherical bismuth particles. It was found that the reduction process proceeds only if the temperature of the polyol exceeds the values at which the intermediate bismuth-polyol are stable, which was determined to be around 220 °C.
Tin Whiskers of Bulk Solders Generated Under Resonance
Authors: Song Jenn-Ming , Lui Truan-Sheng , Chang Yea-Luen , Chen Li-Hui
Published: June 2005

In this study, we investigated the vibration properties of Sn–Zn and Sn–Zn–Al alloys. It is notable that, with a small amount of Al addition, Sn whiskers were generated during resonant vibration. This may be the first time that Sn whiskers were found on bulk materials. Microstructural refining and hardening caused by alloying of Al stunted the fiberous type Sn deformation within Sn–Zn eutectics. Vibration-induced extrusion of Zn-free regions in the vicinity of cell boundaries may account for the appearance of the whiskers.
Microstructure and Indentation Fracture of Dysprosium Niobate
Authors: Lee Byong-Taek , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: June 2005

The high-temperature indentation fracture and microstructures of dysprosium niobate (DyNbO4) were investigated by optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (OM, SEM, and TEM). Polycrystalline samples were sintered at 1350 °C for 3 h and cut into 3 mm disks for TEM. The disks were indented in a Nikon QM (Tokyo, Japan) hot hardness indenter at room temperature up to 1000 °C. Many lamellar twins having different widths were observed by TEM as well as intergranular microcracks. The room temperature hardness was relatively low at 5.64 GPa and decreased with elevated temperatures. Crack lengths were short, showing a typical micro-cracking effect. In the sample indented at 1000 °C, dislocations in periodic arrays were evident, and their density increased markedly due to heavy plastic deformation.
High Strength FeCo–V Intermetallic Alloy: Electrical and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Sundar R.S. , Deevi S.C. , Reddy B.V.
Published: June 2005

Age-hardening behavior of a new generation of FeCo alloys [Fe–40Co–5V–0.005B–0.015C–0.5Mo–0.5Nb (at.%)] is characterized by microhardness, tensile testing, electrical resistivity, and magnetic properties. The alloy exhibits maximum hardening when aged at 600 °C. Precipitation of γ2(V-rich face-centered cubic phase) during aging appears to be responsible for the observed hardening behavior. The alloy exhibits superior creep resistance when subjected to solutionizing in γ phase field and aged at 600 °C. On the other hand, the room temperature tensile ductility of the aged alloy depends on the grain size, which in turn can be controlled by varying the solutionizing condition. The age-hardened alloy exhibits a room temperature electrical resistivity of 70–75 μΩ cm. The higher resistivity of the present alloy as opposed to the commercial FeCo–2V alloys is attributed to the high V content of the alloy. Structure-sensitive magnetic properties like coercivity and core losses of the alloy are affected by the aging treatment, and the maximum coercivity is observed when the alloy is aged at 600 °C. High coercivity of the alloy is attributed to the fine distribution of paramagnetic γ2precipitate, fine grain size, and internal stress arising from phase transformation.
Improvement in Crystal Orientation and In-plane Alignment of La-doped YBCO Thin Film on BaZrO3-buffered MgO Substrate
Authors: Kamitani Ai , Adachi S. , Wakana H. , Tanabe K.
Published: June 2005

Y0.9Ba1.9La0.2Cu3Oy (La-YBCO) thin films were prepared by an off-axis magnetron sputtering method on MgO substrates with and without a BaZrO3 buffer layer. Insertion of BaZrO3 buffer layer was effective for obtaining La-YBCO films with pure c-axis orientation and in-plane alignment at low temperatures below 600 °C. We prepared La-YBCO thin films on BaZrO3-buffered MgO substrates using a temperature-gradient method, in which a template La-YBCO layer was first deposited at 600 °C, and then the temperature was continuously raised to 700 °C. By this method, La-YBCO thin films with improved crystallinity were successfully prepared. It was also proved that the insertion of the BaZrO3 buffer layer enables us to prepare high-quality La-YBCO films with high reproducibility.
Synthesis and Microstructure of Laser Surface Alloyed Al–Sn–Si Layer on Commercial Aluminum Substrate
Authors: Pramanick Abhijit , Chatterjee Subhradeep , Bhattacharya Victoria , Chattopadhyay Kamanio
Published: June 2005

A new type of bearing alloy containing ultrafine sized tin and silicon dispersions in aluminum was designed using laser surface alloying and laser remelting techniques. The microstructures of these non-equilibrium processed alloys were studied in detail using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructures revealed three distinct morphologies of tin particles namely elongated particles co-existing with silicon, globular particles, and very fine particles. Our detailed analyses using cellular growth theories showed that the formation of these globular tin particles was due to the pinching off of the tin rich liquid in the inter-cellular space by the growth of aluminum secondary dendrite arms. Evidence of fine recrystallized aluminum grains at the top layer due to constrained solidification was shown. Thermal analyses suggested that melting of the spherical shaped tin particles was controlled by the binary aluminum-tin eutectic reaction, whereas non-spherical tin particles melted via the tin-silicon eutectic reaction.
In situ Synthesis of Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticle/organic Hybrid
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Sakamoto Wataru , Yogo Toshinobu
Published: June 2005

A NiFe2O4 particle/organic hybrid was synthesized in situ from iron-organic and nickel organic compounds below 100 °C. A mixture of nickel (II) acetylacetonate (NA) and iron (III) 3-allylacetylacetonate (IAA) was hydrolyzed and polymerized yielding spinel oxide particle/oligomer hybrid. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystallinity of spinel particles was dependent upon the hydrolysis conditions of NA-IAA. Nanocrystalline nickel ferrite particles around 10 nm were uniformly dispersed in the organic matrix. The formation of nickel ferrite was confirmed by energy-dispersive x-ray and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The saturation magnetization of hybrid increased with increasing water amount for hydrolysis. Nano-sized nickel ferrite particle/organic hybrid showed a BH curve with no remanence above 75 K. The magnetization versus H/T curves at 300, 200, and 75 K were superimposed on the same curve and satisfied the Langevin equation. The remanent magnetization and coercive field of the hybrid were 7.4 emu/g and 460 Oe, respectively, at 5 K.
Update on Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia: Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Dickerson Faith B.
Published: May 2005

Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) for schizophrenia has been the focus of clinical trials. This article reviews 17 recent studies including 5 from the United States or Canada. CBT interventions vary by the patient group to whom they are provided. Both individual and group CBT therapies have been developed, some of which have been combined with other psychosocial treatments. There is inconsistency among the study results, but evidence is strongest for the benefit to outpatients who have residual symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, or negative symptoms. Methodological issues include the type of comparison group used, the adequacy of the sample size, and patient attrition. Future investigations of CBT would be improved by a greater standardization of study procedures and by stratifying patients according to clinical characteristics to better understand which patients are more likely to benefit.
Cognitive Therapy for Delusions in Schizophrenia: Models, Benefits, and New Approaches
Authors: Cather Corinne , Penn David , Otto Michael , Goff Donald C.
Published: May 2005

The main purpose of the review is to demonstrate how cognitive models of psychosis translate into cognitive-behavioral approaches for intervening with psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. Several cognitive-behavioral factors which play a role in the maintenance and possibly formation of delusional beliefs are discussed, including attentional bias to threat, “data gathering” deficits, dysfunctional metacognition, and safety behaviors. Strategies for engagement, problem formulation, and psychoeducation with deluded patients are described. Cognitive-behavioral interventions are presented, specifically, cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and coping skills training. Challenges to conducting cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with delusions in schizophrenia are reviewed. Novel cognitive therapies, which address these challenges, are presented.
Cognitive Therapy for Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
Authors: Temple Scott
Published: May 2005

Cognitive therapy has established its efficacy in the United Kingdom as a companion therapy, along with medication, in the treatment of schizophrenia. Randomized controlled trials have been conducted in the UK, showing improvement in both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Yet, less work has been done testing and implementing cognitive therapy for schizophrenia in North America. This article describes the applications of cognitive therapy as a treatment for auditory hallucinations, primarily voices. Cognitive therapy for voices is predicated on the assumption that much of the distress and disability associated with hearing voices is due to the patient’s delusional interpretations of voices. The development of a cognitive therapy case conceptualization will be described, as will specific techniques for managing voices and secondary delusions. The objective of treatment is that of increasing the cognitive and behavioral repertoire available to voice hearers, not only to reduce distress, but also to increase options for living a meaningful life.
Cognitive Conceptualization of the Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Authors: Stolar Neal
Published: May 2005

Cognitive therapy for the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia is in its infancy. Presented here is an outline of the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of these disabling features of schizophrenia. Examination of possible secondary causes of the negative symptoms, including causes involving dysfunctional attitudes, is followed by a framing of primary negative symptoms in terms of the cognitive model of the influence of thoughts on emotion and behavior. Physiological models of the negative syndrome are incorporated into this cognitive framework. Unique features in the cognitive assessment and treatment of the negative symptoms are outlined. Clinical examples of clients with negative symptoms are provided.
Should CBT Target the Social Impairments Associated With Schizophrenia?
Authors: Roberts David L. , Penn David L. , Cather Corinne , Otto Michael , Goff Donald C.
Published: May 2005

Adjunctive cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to reduce the impact of symptoms among individuals with schizophrenia; however, CBT has not been used to address the social deficits in this clinical population. The current article elaborates the rationale for targeting social functioning with CBT. These reasons include the following: (a) Social dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia that is not directly improved with medication; (b) Improved social functioning is a treatment goal of many patients with schizophrenia, and thus treatments designed to improve social functioning may increase treatment motivation and reduce attrition; (c) Adaptive social functioning is a critical component of mental and physical health; and (d) Social dysfunction appears to be responsive to psychosocial intervention. This article concludes with a description of functional cognitive behavior therapy (FCBT), a CBT intervention that has been developed with enhanced focus on social impairments.
Group Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training for Older Outpatients With Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Granholm Eric , McQuaid John R. , Auslander Lisa A. , McClure Fauzia Simjee
Published: May 2005

The number of older patients with schizophrenia is increasing rapidly. There is significant need for empirically validated psychotherapy interventions for these patients. Cognitive-behavioral and social skills training interventions have been shown to improve outcomes for younger patients with schizophrenia, but have not been studied in older patients. This article describes a group intervention for older patients with schizophrenia, cognitive-behavioral social skills training (CBSST), which we are currently studying in a randomized controlled clinical trial. CBSST teaches cognitive-behavioral coping techniques, social functioning skills, problem solving, and compensatory aids for neurocognitive impairments. We highlight special issues and specific techniques relevant to working with older patients, and discuss the costs and benefits of using a group rather than individual approach with this population. To illustrate the approach, two case examples with outcome data are presented.
A Cognitive Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Beck Aaron T.
Published: May 2005

The poor reality testing and the thinking disorder in schizophrenia may be attributed to a deficiency in cognitive resources related to the neurobiological deficiencies. Recent therapy and research have demonstrated that, far from being a bizarre psychologically incomprehensible phenomenon, schizophrenia can be understood within our conventional conception of human nature. This humanizing trend is especially evident in the cognitive approaches to this disorder. Research has established that there is a continuum from normal experiences of paranormal beliefs, hallucinations, thinking problems, and withdrawal to their counterpart in schizophrenia. The kinds of biases in schizophrenia are also evident in common social problems such as prejudices and ethnocentrism as well as in interpersonal strife. Dysfunctional attitudes about attachment and performance in schizophrenia form the infrastructure for persecutory delusions and negative symptoms, respectively. Grandiose delusions, on the other hand, are shown to be an overcompensation for a sense of loneliness, inferiority, and vulnerability.
Maternal Risk Factors for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the Western Cape Province of South Africa: A Population-Based Study
Authors: May Philip A. , Gossage J. Phillip , Brooke Lesley E. , Snell Cudore L. , Marais Anna-Susan , Hendricks Loretta S. , Croxford Julie A. , Viljoen Denis L.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. We defined risk factors for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in a region with the highest documented prevalence of FAS in the world.

Methods. We compared mothers of 53 first-grade students with FAS (cases) with 116 randomly selected mothers of first-grade students without FAS (controls).

Results. Differences between case and control mothers in our study population existed regarding socioeconomic status, religiosity, education, gravidity, parity, and marital status. Mothers of children with FAS came from alcohol-abusing families in which heavy drinking was almost universal; control mothers drank little to no alcohol. Current and past alcohol use by case mothers was characterized by heavy binge drinking on weekends, with no reduction of use during pregnancy in 87% of the mothers. Twenty percent of control mothers drank during pregnancy, a rate that declined to 12.7% by the third trimester. The percentage who smoked during pregnancy was higher for case mothers than for control mothers (75.5% vs 30.3%), but the number of cigarettes smoked was low among case mothers. The incidence of FAS in offspring of relatively young women (28 years) was not explained by early drinking onset or years of drinking (mean, 7.6 years among case mothers). In addition to traditional FAS risk factors, case mothers were smaller in height, weight, head circumference, and body mass index, all anthropomorphic measures that indicate poor nutrition and second-generation fetal alcohol exposure.

Conclusions. Preventive interventions are needed to address maternal risk factors for FAS.
Cancer Prevention Among Working Class, Multiethnic Adults: Results of the Healthy Directions–Health Centers Study
Authors: Emmons Karen M. , Stoddard Ann M. , Fletcher Robert , Gutheil Caitlin , Suarez Elizabeth Gonzalez , Lobb Rebecca , Weeks Jane , Bigby Judy Anne
Published: June 2005

Objectives. We analyzed outcomes from a study that examined social-contextual factors in cancer prevention interventions for working class, multiethnic populations.

Methods. Ten community health centers were randomized to intervention or to control. Patients who resided in low-income, multiethnic neighborhoods were eligible; the intervention targeted fruit and vegetable consumption, red meat consumption, multivitamin intake, and physical activity. Outcomes were measured at 8 months.

Results. The intervention led to significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and multivitamin intake and reductions in red meat consumption; no change was found in physical activity levels. The intervention effect was not changed when contextual variables that may function as confounders or effect modifiers (e.g., gender, education, race/ethnicity, respondent and parents’ country of birth, and poverty status) were included in the analyses.

Conclusions. The intervention led to significant improvements in health behaviors among a working class, multiethnic population, regardless of race/ ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Interventions that respond to the social context of working class individuals across racial/ethnic categories hold promise for improving cancer-related risk behaviors.
Predictors of Work-Related Repetitive Strain Injuries in a Population Cohort
Authors: Cole Donald C. , Ibrahim Selahadin , Shannon Harry S.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. We assessed predictors of work-related repetitive strain injuries using data from 4 waves of the Canadian National Population Health Survey.

Methods. Participants were 2806 working adults who completed an abbreviated version of the Job Content Questionnaire in 1994–1995 and did not experience repetitive strain injuries prior to 2000–2001. Potential previous wave predictors of work-related repetitive strain injuries were modeled via multivariate logistic regression.

Results. Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.24, 3.18), some college or university education (OR=1.98; 95% CI=1.06, 3.70), job insecurity (OR=1.76; 95% CI=1.07, 2.91), high physical exertion levels (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.29, 3.12), and high levels of psychological demands (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.52) were all positively associated with work-related repetitive strain injuries, whereas working less than 30 hours per week exhibited a negative association with such injuries (OR=0.2; 95% CI=0.1, 0.7).

Conclusions. Modifiable job characteristics are important predictors of work-related repetitive strain injuries.
The Role of Binder Content on Microstructure and Properties of a Cu‐base Active Brazing Filler Metal for Diamond and cBN
Authors: Elsener H. R. , Klotz U. E. , Khalid F. A. , Piazza D. , Kiser M.
Published: May 2005

Melting experiments of Cu‐Sn‐Ti‐Zr filler metal powder containing cellulose nitrate and graphite, respectively, resulted in the formation of nanosized TiC particles in both Cu‐rich phase and CuSn3Ti5 intermetallic regions of the alloy (see figure). The variation of the binder type and content allows to tailor the properties of the filler metals in terms of erosion resistance, decisive for a new generation of superabrasive tools.
Nanostructured Complex Cobalt Oxides as Potential Materials for Solar Thermoelectric Power Generators
Authors: Robert R. , Romer S. , Reller A. , Weidenkaff A.
Published: May 2005

Thermoelectrically active and stable perovskite‐type materials e.g. La1–xCaxCoO3 (0<x<0.4), La1–xCaxCo0.99Ti0.01O3 (0<x<0.2), and Ca3Co4O9 have been successfully synthesized using selected precursor compounds. This soft chemistry route allows the control of the elemental composition from 1% level to 50% substitution. Accordingly the Co valency and therefore the transport properties of the product phases can be controlled. It has been found that the pH of the precursor solution results in a pronounced influence on the morphology of the products. The thermoelectric values measured of the nanostructured “misfit cobaltite Ca3Co4O9” shows a Seebeck coefficient of S300K ∼ + 123 μVK–1, and a resistivity of ρ ∼ 1.9 mΩ cm at room temperature, which is comparable to the reported value for single crystals. Ca‐ and Ti‐substituted LaCoO3 reveal thermopower values in the range from S300K ∼ + 70 to + 180 μVK–1. The electrical conductivity of the nanostructured compounds is high in spite of the fact that the grain boundary influence is increasing. The Seebeck coefficient values of the products are positive in the whole temperature range indicating p‐type conduction.
Cleavage Fracture of Brittle Semiconductors from the Nanometre to the Centimetre Scale
Authors: Wasmer K. , Ballif C. , Gassilloud R. , Pouvreau C. , Rabe R. , Michler J. , Breguet J.‐M. , Solletti J.‐M. , Karimi A. , Schulz D.
Published: May 2005

The objective of this paper is to present the fundamental phenomena occurring during the scribing and subsequent fracturing process usually performed when preparing surfaces of brittle semiconductors. In the first part, an overview of nano‐scratching experiments of different semiconductor surfaces (InP, Si and GaAs) is given. It is shown how phase transformation can occur in Si under a diamond tip, how single dislocations can be induced in InP wafers and how higher scratching load of GaAs wafer leads to the apparition of a crack network below the surface. A nano‐scratching device, inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM), has been used to observe how spalling (crack and detachment of chips) and/or ductile formation of chips may happen at the semiconductor surface. In the second part cleavage experiments are described. The breaking load of thin GaAs (100) wafers is directly related to the presence of initial sharp cracks induced by scratching. By performing finite element modelling (FEM) of samples under specific loading conditions, it is found that the depth of the median crack below the scratch determines quantitatively the onset of crack propagation. By carefully controlling the position and measuring the force during the cleavage, it is demonstrated that crack propagation through a wafer can be controlled. Besides, the influence of the loading configuration on crack propagation and on the cleaved surface quality is explained.
Nanocomposite Hard Coatings: Deposition Issues and Validation of their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Schwaller P. , Haug F.‐J. , Michler J. , Patscheider J.
Published: May 2005

The limitations of conventional coatings due to inferior hardness or poor oxidation stability can be overcome by nanocomposite hard coatings such as nc‐TiN/a‐SiNx, which consists of nanocrystalline TiN and a non‐crystalline tissue phase of SiNx which are mutually immiscible. The properties of nanocomposite coatings, especially their increased hardness, can be explained by their nanostructure, which leads to a maximum hardness at typically 80 atomic percent of the crystalline phase. We show that enhanced hardness can only be attained when the silicon nitride phase is sufficiently nitrided. The accurate and reliable measurement of the hardness and elastic modulus requires the use of appropriate nanoindentation equipment and a careful tip correction with periodical validation. It is shown that for a correct hardness determination of a few microns thick nanocomposite coatings, an indentation depth of 100 nm is sufficient. The maximum hardness of our nc‐TiN/a‐SiNx coatings deposited by a hybrid UBM/arc‐PVD process is about 40 GPa. This value represents a global hardness value, due to the nanocomposite structure there may be a local hardness variation of about ±10 %.
Induction Plasma Synthesis of Carbide Nano‐Powders
Authors: Leparoux M. , Schreuders C. , Shin J.‐W. , Siegmann S.
Published: May 2005

This paper presents a short overview of the high flexibility and potential of inductively coupled thermal plasmas for the synthesis of nanoparticles and especially high refractory carbide nanopowders. The high energy and temperature of theses plasmas enable the evaporation of all materials allowing the use of solid precursors that are cheap and commercially available. By controlling the temperature history of each particle, the growth mechanisms can be stopped at the requested particle size. Therefore in‐situ monitoring and process modelling are proved to be powerful tools.
Reactively Synthesized Nanostructured PM Aluminium Composite – Microstructure Stability and Elevated Temperature Hardness Response
Authors: Kleiner S. , Bertocco F. , Khalid F. A. , Beffort O.
Published: May 2005

Reactive synthesis by mechanical alloying and subsequent hot consolidation is an appropriate way to produce an Al‐Al3Ti‐Al2O3 nanocomposite from readily available and inexpensive aluminium powder and nanosized TiO2. This processing route provides a fine grained and thermally stable microstructure with a controllable amount of dispersoids. The respective material shows a high hardness at room and elevated temperature and does not suffer from softening during long‐term annealing at 250°C. It is therefore considered to be a promising light‐weight material for elevated temperature applications.
Micromachining by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) for Materials Characterization
Authors: Jud P. P. , Nellen P. M. , Sennhauser U.
Published: May 2005

Surface patterning was investigated first to analyze the creep behavior of lead‐free solder and second to optimize FIB milling parameters. It was found that surface patterning, consisting of thin ion etched lines and dots, is a useful method to quantify local deformation. Concerning the milling parameters redeposition was found to be a crucial point for the FIB micro‐ and nanometer 3D structuring.
Observation of Instabilities during Plastic Deformation by in‐situ SEM Indentation Experiments
Authors: Moser B. , Kuebler J. , Meinhard H. , Muster W. , Michler J.
Published: May 2005

This communication presents results on the observation of pop‐ins and shear band formation during indentation in a Zr‐based bulk metallic glass (Vitreloy‐105). The focus is on in‐situ SEM experiments using a recently developed miniaturized instrumented indentation system that can be used inside the SEM chamber. Using frames from a video sequence, a partial correlation between displacement bursts in the load‐displacement curve and shear band activity at the specimen surface could be established for the first time.
Formation of Al4Cu9 on the 5 fold Surface of Icosahedral AlPdMn
Authors: Bielmann M. , Barranco A. , Ruffieux P. , Gröning O. , Fasel R. , Widmer R. , Gröning P. A.
Published: May 2005

The authors report about the formation of Al4Cu9 from a thin Cu film evaporated on the five‐fold surface of icosahedral AlPdMn. By heating up to 350°C Al diffuses from the quasicrystal into the Cu film forming well crystalline Al4Cu9 present in 5 domains rotated by 72° with respect to each other and exposed in the (110) surface. The investigation was performed using Low Energy Electron Diffraction, X‐ray Photoelectron Diffraction and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy giving information about long range order, local structure and chemical composition.
Plasma Polymerization of Rhodamine 6G Thin Films
Authors: Barranco A. , Bielmann M. , Widmer R. , Groening P. A.
Published: May 2005

This paper reports the first preliminary results about the direct plasma polymerization of rhodamine thin films at room temperature. These films are coloured, fluorescent, well adhered to the substrate, mechanically tough and insoluble in water. The layers are obtained by sublimating the dye molecule in a remote electron cyclotron resonance microwave argon plasma operating at low pressure and power. Results about the characterization of the films and their optical properties are discussed.
Thermoplastic Extrusion to Highly‐Loaded Thin Green Fibres Containing Pb(Zr,Ti)O3
Authors: Heiber J. , Clemens F. , Graule T. , Hülsenberg D.
Published: May 2005

Because of their piezoelectric properties lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibres are used in several electronic applications. Such fibres can be produced by extrusion. Therefore the extrusion behaviour of highly loaded thermoplastic feedstocks (PZT‐polymer compound) has been investigated depending on the surfactant concentration and the powder preparation method. After sintering butterfly curves were measured for single fibres.
Tailored Material Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoates through Biosynthesis and Chemical Modification
Authors: Zinn M. , Hany R.
Published: May 2005

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of polyesters produced as reserve materials by many archae and eubacteria (gram– and gram+) in aerobic and anaerobic habitats. Special growth conditions in bioreactors allow the tailored biosynthesis of PHA. It was found that olefinic monomers could be integrated in such PHA during biosynthesis and thus allowed an additional tailoring by mild chemistry to suit particular applications in industry and medicine.
Cross Section Investigations of Compositions and Sub‐Structures of Tips Obtained by Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition
Authors: Utke I. , Michler J. , Gasser Ph. , Santschi C. , Laub D. , Cantoni M. , Buffat P.th A. , Jiao C. , Hoffmann P.
Published: May 2005

The spatial evolution of compositions and sub‐structures inside focused‐electron‐beam‐deposited tips from dicobalt‐octacarbonyl Co2(CO)8 precursor at 25 keV and varying beam current (20 pA – 3 μA) is extensively studied for the first time by means of energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, back‐scattered electron imaging, and ion‐induced secondary electron imaging. Transverse and longitudinal tip cross sections and lamellae were prepared by focused ion beam milling. Two sub‐structure types can be distinguished: a nano‐composite sub‐structure is grown during the initial deposition stage (small‐aspect‐ratio tips). It consists of cobalt nano‐crystals embedded in a carbonaceous matrix. A second distinct cobalt‐grain‐rich sub‐structure develops in high‐aspect ratio tips. Both sub‐structures vary in appearance and composition with increasing beam current: the initial nano‐composite sub‐structure increases in cobalt content and nano‐crystal size, and the cobalt‐grain sub‐structure develops polycrystal‐, texture‐, whisker‐, or platelet‐like habits. The directed precursor flux from a micro‐tube prevents a radial symmetry of the sub‐structures with respect to the impinging focused electron beam, at medium to high beam current. Homogeneous nano‐composite high‐resolution tips with small diameter and length were obtained at low beam current. Observations suggest an additional contribution to pure electron induced precursor molecule decomposition. The influence of electron beam heating and related chemical reactions is discussed.
Phase Change Materials for the Improvement of Heat Protection
Authors: Rossi R. M. , Bolli W. P.
Published: May 2005

The use of phase change materials (PCM) that absorb and store heat by an aggregate state change for applications in fire fighters' protective clothing was studied. PCM can help improve the heat protection of the clothing combination, and thus contribute to a reduction of the weight of the equipment and an improvement of the wearing comfort. It was found that PCM have a positive effect on heat protection, but the efficiency of the heat absorption depends on the location of the PCM layer and the incident heat intensity. Furthermore, as the PCM used was made of paraffin, its burning behavior has to be improved for a commercial use in fire fighters' protective clothing.
Microelectrochemical Studies of Pit Initiation on High Purity and Ultra High Purity Aluminum
Authors: Suter T. , Müller Y. , Schmutz P. , von Trzebiatowski O.
Published: May 2005

The onset of pitting on high purity and ultra high purity aluminum has been studied in the micrometer range by using a microelectrochemical cell in order to evaluate influences that induce localized corrosion. Microelectrochemical tests on polished samples of Al 99.999 and Al 99.9999 in 1 M NaCl showed that pitting at large areas occurred at several hundreds mV more negative than at small areas, suggesting that even very pure Al contains weak points. On rough surfaces weak points are more “activated” than on smooth surfaces. Locally measured pitting potentials of polished samples were shifted to more positive values than those measured on ground samples. Larger areas contain always small scratches, even on polished samples. Hence, the surface roughness showed a minor influence on the onset of pitting on larger areas. Microelectrochemical measurements performed on pure Al 99.99 with small amounts of copper showed that a copper content below 30 ppm is too small to have a beneficial or detrimental effect, whereas a copper content above 300 ppm probably leads to the formation of small inclusions or precipitations that acted as preferential corrosion initiation sites. A copper content around 100 ppm showed a beneficial effect on very small areas but not on larger ones.
Ceramic Materials for Advanced Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Holtappels P. , Vogt U. , Graule T.
Published: May 2005

Solid oxide fuel cells are ceramic fuel cells that convert chemical into electrical energy at temperatures between 650 °C and 1000 °C. Today, this type of fuel cell is receiving ever‐increasing attention due to its principle capability to provide electricity from both fossil and renewable fuel sources. Systems are currently under development for a variety of applications, including small and large‐scale stationary combined heat and power systems, and power generation systems in the automotive area. Materials involved in advanced SOFC cells and their fabrication techniques are described in this contribution. The trends to enable lowering of the SOFC operating temperatures to around 800 °C and the resulting materials, as well as concept‐related solutions, are addressed in particular.
Investigation of the Exchange Bias Effect by Quantitative Magnetic Force Microscopy
Authors: Kappenberger P. , Schmid I. , Hug H. J.
Published: May 2005

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) measurements were performed on an exchange‐biased CoO/(Co/Pt) multilayer sample at 8.0 K. Applying an external magnetic field of up to 7.0 T saturates the ferromagnetic layer and the remaining uncompensated antiferromagnetic spins at the antiferromagnet/ferromagnet interfaces are imaged with high lateral resolution. The coupling between the uncompensated spins and the spins in the ferromagnet are found to be antiferromagnetic. In addition, a method to quantitatively analyze the MFM data is presented which allows the determination of the uncompensated spin density at the AF/FM interfaces. It was found that 7% of the spins at the interfaces are uncompensated and contribute to the exchange biasing.
Nanotechnology: An Approach to Mimic Natural Architectures and Concepts
Authors: Gröning P. A.
Published: May 2005

With the invention of the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM) in 1981 by G. Binnig and H. Rohrer, the gate to the nanoworld was pushed open. The prospect to control matter and units on molecular and atomic level, inspired many scientists to think about new technological approaches – nanotechnology in the sense of Richard Phillips Feynman became reality. Thus, nanotechnology is not only the next step of the miniaturisation following microtechnology – nanotechnology is an approach to investigate natural architectures and to mimic them for technological problems. In the present article we try to show that nanotechnology is an evolutionary process of our technological society with the potential to solve everyday problems with revolutionary concepts and devices.
Variant lymphoproliferative disorder of granular lymphocytes (LDGL) following Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Jenkins Brian Douglas , Snower Daniel , Mohamed Anwar , Al‐Katib Ayad
Published: May 2005

A 41‐year‐old Caucasian female was diagnosed with a CD3+ CD4+ CD8+ variant of lymphoproliferative disorder of granular lymphocytes (LDGL) in the third year of remission following treatment of stage III‐B Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The patient was asymptomatic at diagnosis, without clinical evidence of immune disorder or recurrence of HL. Diagnosis was made incidentally, secondary to lymphocytosis discovered on a routine follow‐up post HL therapy. Clonal chromosomal abnormalities were seen in 20% of peripheral blood lymphocytes with a karyotype 46, XX, t(2;6;2;11) (p13;q23;q24;q23). The breakpoint on 11q23 is distal to the MLL gene as shown by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of variant LDGL in association with HL treatment with documented clonal chromosomal abnormalities. Am. J. Hematol. 79:128–131, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.