bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously improved toughness and dielectric properties of epoxy/graphite nanosheet composites
Authors: Min Chao , Yu Demei
Published: March 2010

Very thin graphite nanosheets are obtained using an ultrasonic irradiation method, and epoxy/graphite nanosheet composites with different filler content are fabricated using the diglycidylether of bisphenol A epoxy matrix. An investigation of structural characteristics and mechanical and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites is carried out. SEM micrographs shows that the thickness of a single layer graphite nanosheet is about 20 nm whereas FTIR studies indicates that the surfaces of the graphite nanosheets are enriched with hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. The dielectric constants of the composites are increased with increases in graphite nanosheet content lower than 3.5 wt%, and are still higher than 100 in the high frequency range with 3.5 wt% graphite filler content. The tensile strength and storage modulus of the composites increase with increasing nanosheet concentration. These epoxy/graphite nanosheet composites, which show both high dielectric constant and toughness, could have potential application in embedded capacitor technology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1734–1742, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of acetylene‐terminated polybenzoxazines based on polyaralkyl‐phenolic prepolymer
Authors: Qi Huimin , Pan Guangyan , Zhuang Yuanqi , Huang Farong , Du Lei
Published: March 2010

Xylok polybenzoxazine with acetylene group terminals (XPBZAs) were synthesized by the Mannich‐like condensation of Xylok prepolymer, formaldehyde, aminophenylacetylene, and aniline, and their structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The curing behavior of XPBZAs was determined by differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR. Thermal behavior and dynamic mechanical properties of the cured XPBZAs were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. The results showed glass transition temperature (Tg), the thermal stability, and anaerobic char residue of cured XPBZAs increased as the content of acetylene groups increased. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1751–1757, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Benzophenone incorporated polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels as photo‐induced antimicrobial materials
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa , Sun Gang
Published: March 2010

Photoactive antimicrobial hydrogels were produced by incorporating benzophenone (BP) into glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Structural and functional properties of the BP incorporated PVA/GA (BP:PVA/GA) hydrogels were investigated by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and antimicrobial tests. The durability of the functions was also examined by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, MS, and antimicrobial tests. The concentrations of BP and GA in the BP:PVA/GA hydrogels affected the formation of the hydrogels as well as their structures. All BP:PVA/GA hydrogels showed antimicrobial abilities under UVA (365 nm) irradiation, and the effectiveness increased as the amounts of BP in the hydrogels increased. In particular, as‐prepared BP:PVA/GA hydrogels exhibited prominent durability in the photo‐induced antimicrobial ability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1780–1787, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical properties of fine line printed and light‐induced plated contacts on silicon solar cells
Authors: Hörteis M. , Bartsch J. , Binder S. , Filipovic A. , Merkel J. , Radtke V. , Glunz S. W.
Published: March 2010

The properties of fine‐line printed contacts on silicon solar cells, in combination with light‐induced plating (LIP), are presented. The seed layers are printed using an aerosol system and a new metallization ink calledSISCdeveloped at Fraunhofer ISE. The influence of multiple layer printing on the contact geometry is studied as well as the influence of the contact height on the line resistivity and on the contact resistance. The dependence between contact resistance and contact height is measured using the transfer length model (TLM). Further on, it is explained by taking SEM images of the metal–semiconductor interface, that a contact height of less than 1 µm or a minimum ink amount of only 4–6 mg is sufficient to contact a large area (15·6 cm × 15·6 cm) silicon solar cell on the front side and results in a contact resistanceRc × W < 0·5 Ω cm. As the line resistivity of fine‐line printed fingers needs to be reduced by LIP, three different plating solutions are tested on solar cells. The observed differences in line resistivity betweenρf = 5 × 10−8and 2 × 10−8 Ω m are explained by taking SEM pictures of the grown LIP‐silver. Finally, the optimum LIP height for different line resistivities is calculated and experimentally confirmed by processing solar cells with an increasing amount of LIP silver. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidized metabolites from cyclopenta‐fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (CP‐PAHs). A DFT model study of their carbocations formed by epoxide ring opening
Authors: Borosky Gabriela L. , Laali Kenneth K.
Published: March 2010

A density functional theory (DFT) study aimed at understanding structure–reactivity relationships in the oxidized metabolites of cyclopenta‐fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (CP‐PAHs) is reported. Epoxidation at various positions was examined in order to identify the most stable epoxide in each class of CP‐PAHs. Relative energies of the carbocations resulting from O‐protonation and epoxide ring opening were analyzed and compared, taking into account the available biological activity data on these compounds. Geometrical, electronic, and conformational issues were considered. Charge delocalization modes in the resulting carbocations were deduced via the natural population analysis (NPA)‐derived changes in charges. Computational results pointed to the importance of the unsaturated cyclopenta ring on the reactivity of these compounds. The reported bioactivity of this highly mutagenic/carcinogenic family of PAHs was observed to parallel their relative carbocation stabilities. A different behavior was observed in crowded non‐planar structures possessing a distorted aromatic system. A covalent adduct formed between a CP‐PAH epoxide and a purine base was computed inside a DNA fragment employing the ONIOM method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tunneling in enzymatic and nonenzymatic hydrogen transfer reactions
Authors: Truhlar Donald G.
Published: March 2010

This paper is a response to an invitation to share my viewpoint by writing an opinion piece (not a review) on proton tunneling, especially from the point of view of whether it has a greater importance in enzymatic reactions than in other reactions. The paper begins with a discussion of the emergence of a conceptual framework for including tunneling in reaction rate calculations; the framework is general enough to include not only transfer of protons but also transfer of hydrogen atoms and hydride ions and their isotopes, and not only enzymatically catalyzed reactions but also nonenzymatic reactions. Then the paper discusses the special issues that arise when the reaction rate under consideration is for an enzyme‐catalyzed reaction. The emphasis is on physical considerations in reaction rate calculations, not on system‐specific comparison of results for different modes of reaction. It is argued that enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions may be treated within the same basic framework except that ensemble averaging, which is not usually required for gas‐phase reactions, is essential for treating enzyme reactions. Enzymes explicitly discussed include methylamine dehydrogenase, aromatic amine dehydrogenase, E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, hyperthermophilic dihydrofolate reductase, liver alcohol dehydrogenase, methylmalonyl‐CoA mutase, soybean lipoxygenase, copper amine oxidase, pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase, morphinone reductase, enolase, xylose isomerase, and 4‐oxalocrotonate tautomerase. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual functioning along the cancer continuum: focus group results from the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®)
Authors: Flynn Kathryn E. , Jeffery Diana D. , Keefe Francis J. , Porter Laura S. , Shelby Rebecca A. , Fawzy Maria R. , Gosselin Tracy K. , Reeve Bryce B. , Weinfurt Kevin P.
Published: March 2010

Objective: Cancer and treatments for cancer affect specific aspects of sexual functioning and intimacy; however, limited qualitative work has been done in diverse cancer populations. As part of an effort to improve measurement of self‐reported sexual functioning, we explored the scope and importance of sexual functioning and intimacy to patients across cancer sites and along the continuum of care.

Methods: We conducted 16 diagnosis‐ and sex‐specific focus groups with patients recruited from the Duke University tumor registry and oncology/hematology clinics (N=109). A trained note taker produced field notes summarizing the discussions. An independent auditor verified field notes against written transcripts. The content of the discussions was analyzed for major themes by two independent coders.

Results: Across all cancers, the most commonly discussed cancer‐ or treatment‐related effects on sexual functioning and intimacy were fatigue, treatment‐related hair loss, weight gain and organ loss or scarring. Additional barriers were unique to particular diagnoses, such as shortness of breath in lung cancer, gastrointestinal problems in colorectal cancers and incontinence in prostate cancer. Sexual functioning and intimacy were considered important to quality of life. While most effects of cancer were considered negative, many participants identified improvements to intimacy after cancer.

Conclusion: Overall evaluations of satisfaction with sex life did not always correspond to specific aspects of functioning (e.g. erectile dysfunction), presenting a challenge to researchers aiming to measure sexual functioning as an outcome. Health‐care providers should not assume that level of sexual impairment determines sexual satisfaction and should explore cancer patients' sexual concerns directly. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On classical de Sitter vacua in string theory
Authors: Wrase T. , Zagermann M.
Published: March 2010

We review the prospect of obtaining tree‐level de Sitter (dS) vacua and slow‐roll inflation models in string compactifications. Restricting ourselves to the closed string sector and assuming the absence of NSNS‐sources, we classify the minimal classical ingredients that evade the simplest no‐go theorems against dS vacua and inflation. Spaces with negative integrated curvature together with certain combinations of low‐dimensional orientifold planes and low‐rank RR‐fluxes emerge as the most promising setups of this analysis. We focus on two well‐controlled classes that lead to an effective 4D, 𝒩 = 1 supergravity description: Type IIA theory on group or coset manifolds with SU(3)‐structure and O6‐planes, as well as type IIB compactifications on SU(2)‐structure manifolds with O5‐ and O7‐planes. While fully stabilized AdS vacua are generically possible, a number of problems encountered in the search for dS vacua are discussed.
Flavour physics
Authors: Branco G.C. , Rebelo M.N.
Published: March 2010

We present a short summary of the invited lectures entitled “Flavour Physics” given by G. C. Branco and of the invited talk entitled “Leptogenesis and low‐energy leptonic physics” given by M. N. Rebelo.
Predictive models before and after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Capitanio Umberto , Briganti Alberto , Gallina Andrea , Suardi Nazareno , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Montorsi Francesco , Scattoni Vincenzo
Published: March 2010

CONTEXT

In the last 10 years, several user‐friendly predictive tools have been developed to help clinicians in decision‐making process before and after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To review the most known and used predictive models in pre‐operative and post‐operative setting.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A structured, comprehensive literature review was performed using data retrieved from recent review articles, original articles, and abstracts. Used keywords were predictive models, nomograms, look‐up tables, classification and regression‐tree analysis, artificial neural networks, and radical prostatectomy.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A great amount of predictive models has been provided in oncology setting: nomograms, look‐up tables, classification and regression‐tree analysis, propensity scores, risk‐group stratification models, and artificial neural networks. Pre‐surgery predictive tools offer the opportunity of getting the most evidence‐based and individualized selection of available treatment alternatives. Post‐operative predictive models usually provide higher accuracy relative to the pre‐surgery models.

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions and treatment should be tailored to each individual patient and to the specific characteristics of patients. A number of available predictive models represent a tool to provide accurate prediction of cancer natural history and to improve patients' care. Prostate 70:1371–1378, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Density functional theory study of the electronic properties of naphthofuranquinone compounds with antitrypanocidal activity
Authors: Manzoni V. , Lyra M. L. , Cavada B. S. , Neto N. Saker , Freire V. N.
Published: March 2010

We perform a first‐principles calculation of the electronic properties of three recently synthesized naphtofuranquinone compounds that have an enhanced biological activity against the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi that causes the Chagas disease. Using density functional theory, we show that the most active iodinized molecules have three stable conformations associated with the torsion angle of the iodine radical. For each stable conformation of these molecules, we compute the charge distribution, absorption electronic energy, and NMR‐shielding in the gas phase as well as in the presence of distinct solvent media. Our results show that the most active compound has a larger dipole moment and electronic absorption energy. The estimated chemical shifts are in good agreement with experimental findings, except for the carbon bonded to the Iodine atom. We discuss on potential improvements of the calculation prescription that can potentially overcome this point. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Beyond mean‐field effects in attractive Bose‐Einstein condensate
Authors: Debnath P. K. , Chakrabarti Barnali , Das Tapan Kumar
Published: March 2010

Various zero temperature ground state properties of the 85Rb condensate with tunable interaction (JILA experiment) are studied by using correlated many body method incorporating appropriate approximation. Our observed results are clear evidence of beyond mean‐field effects in attractive Bose‐Einstein condensate. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Mikheev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein effect in chiral molecules
Authors: Bargueño Pedro , Pérez de Tudela Ricardo , Gonzalo Isabel
Published: March 2010

In a recent article (Phys Rev A 2009, 80, 012110), we have proposed an alternative method to measure the parity‐violating energy difference between enantiomers of chiral molecules by modifying the dynamics of the two‐state system using an external chiral field, in particular circularly polarized light. When this field is properly tuned, the two‐state system becomes resonant, thus being maximal the probability of interconversion between enantiomers. In this work, we show that the resonance found in our previous work is identical to that found in two‐flavor neutrino oscillations, known as Mikheev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) resonance. We use some analogies between neutrinos and chiral molecules to derive some interesting properties of the oscillations between enantiomers. In particular, we obtain an expression for the transition probability between them when their energy difference is time‐dependent. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Exploring the G3 method in the study of rotational barrier of some simple molecules
Authors: Ducati Lucas Colucci , Custodio Rogério , Rittner Roberto
Published: March 2010

The G3 method was used to determine the internal rotation barriers of some simple molecules (H2O2, H2S2, N2H4, CH3OH, CH3NH2, and C2H6). The barriers were accurate with deviations lower than 0.5 kcal mol−1 with respect to the experimental data and comparable with other methods like CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ results. The G3 components showed that the MP4/6‐31G(d) energy is quantitatively improved according to: ΔEG3Large > ΔE2df,p > ΔE+ > ΔEQCI. However, the relative energies showed that molecules containing lone pairs in neighbor atoms presented high barriers, which were particularly sensitive to polarization and diffuse functions. The G3Large and QCI effects showed no qualitative or quantitative relative contribution. Molecules containing lone pairs in one atom or only bond pairs presented low barriers and were sensitive not only to the polarization and diffuse effects but also depending on the improvement of the basis set through the G3Large correction. The QCI effect showed no qualitative or quantitative relevant contribution in any of the cases studied. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
DFT study of the ligand effects on the regioselectivity of the insertion reaction of olefins in the complexes [HRh(CO)2(PR3)(L)] (R = H, F, Et, Ph, OEt, OPh, and L = propene, styrene)
Authors: Dias Roberta P. , Prates Mauro S. L. , De Almeida Wagner B. , Rocha Willian R.
Published: March 2010

In this work, we have applied Density Functional Theory calculations to investigate the electronic and spacial effects of different phosphorus ligands on the selectivity of the olefin (propene and styrene) insertion reaction into the RhH bond of the complexes HRh(PR3)(CO)2(olefin), where the modified ligand PR3, is a phosphine (R = H, F, Et, Ph) or phosphite (R = OEt, OPh). M06/SBKJC/cc‐pVDZ calculations revealed that the olefin coordination and insertion reaction are dominated by the electronic effects of the phosphorus ligands. A very good correlation between the Tolman electronic factor, χ, with the backdonated charges from the metallic center to the olefin and also with the interaction energy of the olefin with the four‐coordinated HRh(CO)2(PR3) catalyst was found. Using the propene as the substrate and for all the phosphorus ligands investigated, the insertion always proceeds through the reaction path leading to the linear metal‐alkyl intermediate. However, when styrene is used, the branched metal‐alkyl intermediate is always favored. The structural results obtained for the transition states do not support the existence of a π‐allilic intermediates. The regioselectivity obtained for the insertion reaction of styrene results from thermodynamic aspects of the reaction in which the branched metal‐alkyl intermediate is always favored by ∼5 kcal/mol. The M06/SBKJC/cc‐pVDZ results are in good agreement with the experimental findings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Efforts to improve detection sensitivity for capillary electrophoresis coupled to atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Axén Jakob , Malmström David , Axelsson Bengt‐Olof , Petersson Patrik , Sjöberg Per J. R.
Published: March 2010

Electrospray ionization performs best with volatile buffers. However, generally the best separation performance for capillary electrophoresis (CE) is achieved with non‐volatile buffers. Hyphenation of CE with mass spectrometry (MS) utilizing atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) enables use of a wider range of separation buffers without compromising detection sensitivity. As APPI is considered to be mass flow sensitive, the use of a larger inner diameter separation capillary (75 µm) allows larger volumes to be injected, without decreased separation performance, thus providing improved sensitivity (approx. a factor of 10), compared to the use of a 25 µm capillary. However, nebulizing gas flow and position of capillary tip in the sprayer have to be carefully optimized to prevent excessive band broadening. Further improvement in sensitivity (approx. a factor of 2) was obtained by decreasing the distance between the sprayer and ionization region, indicating that a specially designed CE/APPI‐MS interface for low flow rates will be favourable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil moisture effects on the carbon isotope composition of soil respiration
Authors: Phillips Claire L. , Nickerson Nick , Risk David , Kayler Zachary E. , Andersen Chris , Mix Alan , Bond Barbara J.
Published: March 2010

The carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of recently assimilated plant carbon is known to depend on water‐stress, caused either by low soil moisture or by low atmospheric humidity. Air humidity has also been shown to correlate with the δ13C of soil respiration, which suggests indirectly that recently fixed photosynthates comprise a substantial component of substrates consumed by soil respiration. However, there are other reasons why the δ13CO2 of soil efflux may change with moisture conditions, which have not received as much attention. Using a combination of greenhouse experiments and modeling, we examined whether moisture can cause changes in fractionation associated with (1) non‐steady‐state soil CO2 transport, and (2) heterotrophic soil‐respired δ13CO2. In a first experiment, we examined the effects of soil moisture on total respired δ13CO2 by growing Douglas fir seedlings under high and low soil moisture conditions. The measured δ13C of soil respiration was 4.7‰ more enriched in the low‐moisture treatment; however, subsequent investigation with an isotopologue‐based gas diffusion model suggested that this result was probably influenced by gas transport effects. A second experiment examined the heterotrophic component of soil respiration by incubating plant‐free soils, and showed no change in microbial‐respired δ13CO2 across a large moisture range. Our results do not rule out the potential influence of recent photosynthates on soil‐respired δ13CO2, but they indicate that the expected impacts of photosynthetic discrimination may be similar in direction and magnitude to those from gas transport‐related fractionation. Gas transport‐related fractionation may operate as an alternative or an additional factor to photosynthetic discrimination to explain moisture‐related variation in soil‐respired δ13CO2. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Malta cistern mapping project: Underwater robot mapping and localization within ancient tunnel systems
Authors: White Cory , Hiranandani Daniel , Olstad Christopher S. , Buhagiar Keith , Gambin Timmy , Clark Christopher M.
Published: March 2010

This paper documents the development of an underwater robot system enabled with several mapping and localization techniques applied to a particular archaeological expedition. The goal of the expedition was to explore and map ancient cisterns located on the islands of Malta and Gozo. The cisterns of interest acted as water storage systems for fortresses, private homes, and churches. Such cisterns often consisted of several connected chambers, still containing water. A sonar‐equipped remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was deployed into these cisterns to obtain both video footage and sonar range measurements. Six different mapping and localization techniques were employed, including (1) sonar image mosaics using stationary sonar scans, (2) sonar image mosaics using stationary sonar scans with Smart Tether position data, (3) simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) while the vehicle was in motion, (4) SLAM using stationary sonar scans, (5) localization using previously created maps, and (6) SLAM while the vehicle was in motion with Smart Tether position data. Top‐down‐view maps of 22 different cisterns were successfully constructed. It is estimated that the cisterns were built as far back as 300 B.C., and few records of their size, shape, and connectivity existed before the expedition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation, modification and cellular evaluation of PEG–PEGd supports with titania nanoparticle loads
Authors: Vaquero Vanessa Sánchez , Noval Alvaro Muñoz , Sánchez Nuria Tejera , Pérez Roldán María Jesus , Valsesia Andrea , Ceccone Giaccomo , García Ruiz Josefa Predestinación , Manso Silván Miguel , Rossi Francois
Published: March 2010

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) films with PEG diacrylate (PEGd) have been prepared comprising a Ti alkoxyde that turns the film into a nano‐hybrid with potential interest for the production of controlled bioadhesive surfaces. Precursor sols were cast onto Si (100) surfaces, producing conformed films. Modification of such surfaces was performed by exposing the surfaces to UV light (365 nm) at different exposure times. The surface of the hybrid films was characterized by using atomic force microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is concluded that the UV exposure induces a densification of the film and an in‐film coalescence of the titania nanoparticles. This had a direct effect on the wettability of the films as determined by water contact angle measurements. Both as‐cast and UV modified surfaces were proved to be biocompatible as deduced from nuclear immunocytochemistry proliferation assays. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoride concentration effect on the anodic growth of self‐aligned oxide nanotube array on Ti6Al7Nb alloy
Authors: Kaczmarek A. , Klekiel T. , Krasicka‐Cydzik E.
Published: March 2010

The formation of nanotube oxide layers on Ti6Al7Nb alloy in H3PO4 acid solutions containing fluoride ions is presented here. Among several parameters influencing the quality of nanotubes formed anodically such as potential, time of anodizing, fluoride ions concentration and scan rate of polarization, in particular, the last two seem to be the most responsible for the structure and morphology of nanotubes. The effect of fluoride ions concentration on the morphology of nanotubes on the two‐phase (α + β) Ti6Al7Nb implant alloy, has been evaluated in our work. The formation of nanotubes was performed by polarizing the Ti6Al7Nb alloy samples in 1 M H3PO4 containing 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% wt. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) to 20 V using scan rate 500 mV/s and then holding them at that potential for further 2 h in the same electrolyte. Nanotubes of diameter ranging from 50 to 80 nm, with thicker walls over β‐phase grains than over α‐phase grains, were obtained. During the formation process, which includes two stages–the first, potentiodynamic and the second, potentiostatic (20 V)–different electrochemical behavior was observed in electrolytes of various fluoride concentration. The clear relationship between the highest currents and the biggest diameter of nanotubes for 0.3% wt. HF containing electrolyte observed during the first stage of anodizing is explained with regard to electrochemical characteristics of alloying elements and transport of electrolyte anions in oxide layers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of substrate surface topography on forensic development of latent fingerprints with iron oxide powder suspension
Authors: Jones B. J. , Downham R. , Sears V. G.
Published: March 2010

Latent fingerprint deposition and effectiveness of detection are strongly affected by the surface on which prints are deposited. Material properties, surface roughness, morphology, chemistry and hydrophobicity can affect the usefulness or efficacy of forensic print development techniques. Established protocols outline appropriate techniques and sequences of processes for broad categories of operational surfaces. This study uses atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate a series of surfaces classified as smooth, non‐porous plastic. Latent prints developed with iron oxide powder suspension are analysed on a range of scales from macro to nano to help elucidate the interaction mechanisms between the latent fingerprint, development agent and underlying surface. Differences between surfaces have a strong effect, even within this single category. We show that both average roughness and topographical feature shape, characterised by skew, kurtosis and lay, are important factors to consider for the processing of latent fingerprints. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of soil characteristics for forensic applications
Authors: Dawson Lorna A. , Hillier Stephen
Published: March 2010

Soils may constitute evidence that connects a person or object to a particular location. The value of soil stems from its ubiquity and transferability to objects or persons. Due to the complexity of soil, the analysis of its inorganic and organic components can provide complementary and independent types of information about its geological origin, dominant vegetation, management and environment. We present an overview of a range of soil characterisation methods including chemical analysis, mineralogy and palynology, along with new approaches such as DNA profiling and profiling of other digital data such as that obtained from X‐ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and organic marker analysis.

Individual analytical techniques have different scales of resolution and relevance depending on the nature of the criminal case and context. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. As more methods have become digital and quantitative, their use in combination as digital profiles will help to characterise soils more accurately and at different scales. These new approaches can be tested using existing soil databases, and database development and use will help to refine and narrow probable origin of a questioned sample in police intelligence, as well as giving increasingly robust sample comparisons for evidence. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructures produced by SPM voltage ramping in metal oxide films
Authors: Bukauskas V. , Mironas A. , Šetkus A. , Strazdienė V.
Published: March 2010

In metal oxide film‐based nanosystems, the changes were produced and investigated by a scanning probe microscope (SPM). It is demonstrated that nanograins can be formed on the surfaces of ultrathin films (4 ÷ 10 nm) based on tin and indium oxides by the SPM electrical mode if the SPM tip is kept still on the surface and the bias voltage applied to the film is negative. In contrast to this, the positive bias voltage does not result in detectable changes of the film structures. The traceable transformations of the films are obtained only if the bias voltage exceeds a critical magnitude equal to about 2–3 V in SnO2 and about 5 V in In2O3. The nanograins are typically larger after a longer period of the electrical influence (typically 3 ÷ 5 min). The short‐term SPM analysis of the metal oxide surfaces during which a bias voltage is applied to the sample does not destroy the structure of the films in the tested points. The formation is faster and the nanogains are larger in the atmospheres with reduced amount of oxygen, e.g. in pure nitrogen, or with reducing gas, e.g. CO in air. The irreversible changes of the structure are shown being related to the hysteresis of voltamperic characteristics measured by the SPM before and during the initial stage of the grain formation. Based on this, the changes in the tin and indium oxides are explained by a redistribution of oxygen ions in the bulk of the films. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface analysis of cylinder liners from tribological model experiments and internal combustion engines
Authors: Tomastik C. , Jech M. , Wopelka T. , Franek F.
Published: March 2010

Hypereutectic aluminium‐silicon (AlSi) alloys have been increasingly used in the fabrication of internal combustion engines in recent years. They combine low weight with good mechanical properties and high wear resistance at the cylinder surface. Owing to the inhomogeneous structure of these alloys, the tribological processes taking place at the surface are highly complex. Therefore, interest in the tribological properties of the surfaces of these alloys has increased. Several tribological experiments with AlSi alloys have been reported in literature, as well as some surface analytical investigations. This work investigates the surfaces of AlSi alloy cylinder liners from an internal combustion engine and from a tribometer experiment. Surface hardness and elastic modulus were investigated with nanoindentation measurements, and the chemical composition of the surface was analyzed with XPS. The most striking difference between the samples from engine and tribometer was a layer of soot and residual lubricant on the Al matrix of the engine cylinder liner, whereas no such layer was found on the tribometer samples. This shows that the combustion process and its resulting products have a significant influence on the formation of tribolayers on the cylinder liner surface. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of innovative resistive memories studied by X‐ray and UV photoemission
Authors: Martinez E. , Guedj C. , Calka P. , Minoret S. , Buckley J. , Bernard Y. , Jousseaume V.
Published: March 2010

Pt/NiO‐based devices are promising candidates for the next generation of resistive random access memories (RRAMs). X‐ray (XPS) and ultraviolet (UPS) photoemission are performed to investigate the chemical and electronic properties of this stack. After resistive switching of the nickel oxide, the as‐deposited and switched areas are compared in situ. The surface of the conductive area is characterised by a higher oxygen content as well as an enhancement of Ni3+ oxidation state, which can be related to defects such as Ni vacancies. The results are compatible with a bias‐induced diffusion of O2− towards the anode, and a migration of Ni2+ towards the cathode. The NiO electron affinity is estimated to be 1.6 eV by UPS in the OFF state, leading to a Pt/NiO barrier height of 3.6 eV. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dead‐layer effect in silicon detectors: yield spectra of reflected electrons
Authors: Chaoui Zine‐El‐Abidine , Azli Tarek
Published: March 2010

Knowledge of the exact energy deposited of keV and sub‐keV electron in solid‐state detectors with a dead layer depends strongly on the fraction of electrons backscattered and implanted. A new Monte Carlo (MC) simulation approach has been developed to describe electron scattering processes from silicon. In the present study, we show results concerning yield spectra of backscattered electrons. Backscattered fractions of primary, secondary and total yields are presented together with their energy spectra. Experimental databases of D. C. Joy and original experimental measurements recently made by K. Goto are used for comparison. Good agreement has been found suggesting the use of the present MC code to simulate a solid state silicon detector for low electron energies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auger electron from silicon: comparison of full Monte Carlo simulations with experiment
Authors: Chaoui Zine‐El‐Abidine , Goto Keisuké
Published: March 2010

A Monte Carlo simulation approach has been developed to describe electron scattering processes from silicon in the keV and sub‐keV electron energy range. Ionizations, excitations, secondary electron production, relaxation and auger emissions are considered during the simulations. In the present study, we show results concerning K and L Auger electrons. Good agreement has been found when comparing our theoretical calculations and original experimental measurements recently made by Goto et al. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of thin and ultrathin transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films and TCO‐Si interfaces with XPS, TEM and ab initio modeling
Authors: Diplas S. , Løvvik O. M. , Nordmark H. , M Kepaptsoglou D. , Graff J. Moe , Ladam C. , Tyholdt F. , Walmsley J. C. , Gunnaes A. E. , Fagerberg R. , Ulyashin A.
Published: March 2010

Interfaces play an important role in solar cell heterostructures, especially when film thicknesses decrease. In this work, we use XPS, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and density functional theory (DFT) to study both the film and the film–Si interface of electron beam deposited indium tin oxides (ITO) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) deposited ZnO on p‐Si (100). Vacuum evaporation of ITO resulted in a film that contained elemental Sn and In which oxidized after annealing at 300 °C for 30 min. Ar etching of the HF‐treated Si substrate in the PLD deposition chamber caused an increase of the interfacial oxide thickness independently of the deposition temperature as a result of Ar etching‐induced dangling bonds. Deposition as well as annealing at elevated temperature also increases the interfacial oxide thickness for both ITO‐Si and ZnO‐Si systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of P3HT/PCBM bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices using advanced secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques
Authors: Audinot J.‐N. , Lévêque P. , Bechara R. , Leclerc N. , Guillot J. , Migeon H.‐N. , Hadziioannou G. , Heiser T.
Published: March 2010

In this work, we applied low‐impact energy secondary ion mass spectrometry (known as Sc‐Ultra SIMS) and high lateral resolution (NanoSIMS50) to characterize the P3HT/PCBM (poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester bulk heterojunction photovoltaic (PV) devices. Here we report results obtained on Al/P3HT:PCBM/PEDOT:PSS/ITO (poly(3‐hexylthiophene:phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester/poly(ethylene‐dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/indium tin oxide) using advanced SIMS measurements to monitor 3D molecular compositions and metal/organic interface. The measurements have been performed on as‐deposited as well as‐annealed samples of Al/polymer interface. Blend macrophase separation and polymer/fullerene distribution have been investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ovarian cancer prediction in adnexal masses using ultrasound‐based logistic regression models: a temporal and external validation study by the IOTA group
Authors: Timmerman D. , Van Calster B. , Testa A. C. , Guerriero S. , Fischerova D. , Lissoni A. A. , Van Holsbeke C. , Fruscio R. , Czekierdowski A. , Jurkovic D. , Savelli L. , Vergote I. , Bourne T. , Van Huffel S. , Valentin L.
Published: March 2010

Objectives

The aims of the study were to temporally and externally validate the diagnostic performance of two logistic regression models containing clinical and ultrasound variables in order to estimate the risk of malignancy in adnexal masses, and to compare the results with the subjective interpretation of ultrasound findings carried out by an experienced ultrasound examiner (‘subjective assessment’).

Methods

Patients with adnexal masses, who were put forward by the 19 centers participating in the study, underwent a standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination by a gynecologist or a radiologist specialized in ultrasonography. The examiner prospectively collected information on clinical and ultrasound variables, and classified each mass as benign or malignant on the basis of subjective evaluation of ultrasound findings. The gold standard was the histology of the mass with local clinicians deciding whether to operate on the basis of ultrasound results and the clinical picture. The models' ability to discriminate between malignant and benign masses was assessed, together with the accuracy of the risk estimates.

Results

Of the 1938 patients included in the study, 1396 had benign, 373 had primary invasive, 111 had borderline malignant and 58 had metastatic tumors. On external validation (997 patients from 12 centers), the area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) for a model containing 12 predictors (LR1) was 0.956, for a reduced model with six predictors (LR2) was 0.949 and for subjective assessment was 0.949. Subjective assessment gave a positive likelihood ratio of 11.0 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.14. The corresponding likelihood ratios for a previously derived probability threshold (0.1) were 6.84 and 0.09 for LR1, and 6.36 and 0.10 for LR2. On temporal validation (941 patients from seven centers), the AUCs were 0.945 (LR1), 0.918 (LR2) and 0.959 (subjective assessment).

Conclusions

Both models provide excellent discrimination between benign and malignant masses. Because the models provide an objective and reasonably accurate risk estimation, they may improve the management of women with suspected ovarian pathology. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of higher, lower and mean second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler resistance indices in screening for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Napolitano R. , Santo S. , D'Souza R. , Bhide A. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: March 2010

Objectives

First‐trimester Doppler studies have reported that the lower uterine artery (UtA) resistance index (RI) is better for the prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) than is either the mean or higher indices. The aim of this study was to determine if this relationship is true in the second trimester.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 24 859 singleton pregnancies. During the study period second‐trimester UtA Doppler assessment was routinely available to all nulliparous women and to parous women at increased risk of PE. UtA‐RI was obtained at the time of the anomaly scan. Receiver–operating characteristics curves for the lower, mean and higher UtA‐RI for the prediction of PE were calculated.

Results

There were 1037 cases of PE. There were significant associations between UtA‐RI and PE, the association being stronger for early and preterm than late or term PE. There was no significant difference in the strength of the association between lower, mean and higher RI with PE at any gestation.

Conclusion

Performance of UtA‐RI in predicting PE is no different for the lower, higher or mean RI of the two UtAs. The most likely explanation for the discrepancy with first‐trimester studies is that the placental‐side effect on Doppler indices may change with advancing gestational age and progressive trophoblast development and invasion. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enlarged nuchal translucency in chromosomally normal fetuses: strong association with orofacial clefts
Authors: Timmerman E. , Pajkrt E. , Maas S. M. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: March 2010

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) and orofacial clefts.

Methods

The pregnancy outcome of women who underwent an NT measurement between January 2000 and November 2008 was reviewed. All orofacial clefts detected prenatally and postnatally in karyotypically normal fetuses/infants were reviewed and a distinction was made between isolated defects and clefts as part of multiple congenital anomalies (associated).

Results

The cohort included 8638 fetuses. The NT was enlarged in 746 (8.6%). The karyotype was normal in 8347 fetuses, including 513 of the fetuses with an enlarged NT. Isolated or associated cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (CL/P), or cleft palate (CP) were diagnosed in 18 chromosomally normal fetuses (an incidence of 2.2 per 1000). In eight of these cases the NT was normal (8/7834; an incidence of 1.0 per 1000) and in the remaining 10 it was enlarged (10/513; an incidence of 19.5 per 1000). CL/P and CP were isolated or associated in three and seven of the chromosomally normal fetuses with an enlarged NT, respectively. Euploid fetuses with an enlarged NT had a relative risk for any clefts of 19 and a relative risk for isolated or associated clefts of 8 and 53, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Chromosomally normal fetuses with an enlarged NT have an increased risk of orofacial clefts. CL/P and CP are, in these fetuses, mostly associated findings, frequently part of a genetic syndrome. A detailed ultrasound examination with special attention given to the orofacial area is indicated in these fetuses. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WCDS‐DCR: an energy‐efficient data‐centric routing scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chakchouk Nesrine , Hamdaoui Bechir , Frikha Mounir
Published: March 2010

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) typically consist of a large number of battery‐constrained sensors often deployed in harsh environments with little to no human control, thereby necessitating scalable and energy‐efficient techniques. This paper proposes a scalable and energy‐efficient routing scheme, called WCDS‐DCR, suitable for these WSNs. WCDS‐DCR is a fully distributed, data‐centric, routing technique that makes use of an underlying clustering structure induced by the construction of WCDS (Weakly Connected Dominating Set) to prolong network lifetime. It aims at extending network lifetime through the use of data aggregation (based on the elimination of redundant data packets) by some particular nodes. It also utilizes both the energy availability information and the distances (in number of hops) from sensors to the sink in order to make hop‐by‐hop, energy‐aware, routing decisions. Simulation results show that our solution is scalable, and outperforms existing schemes in terms of network lifetime. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Bedeutung von Fachhochschulen für die regionale Wirtschaftsentwicklung
Authors: Hamm Rüdiger , Wenke Martin
Published: March 2010

This article deals with the importance of the “Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences” (NUAS) for regional development in the Middle Lower Rhine Area. After some general theoretical considerations, the demand-side effects of the university are estimated by means of a regional multiplier analysis. The most important supply-side effects are analysed through a survey of firms. This shows that the university is noticed by only two thirds of regional enterprises, and that courses of study, activities in research and development and in further education, and also other potentials for co-operation, are scarcely recognised by the firms. The NUAS thus has a serious image problem.
Anpassung an den Klimawandel — Herausforderungen für Gesellschaft, Wirtschaft und Staat
Authors: Hecht Dieter
Published: March 2010

Climate change cannot be avoided entirely. Hence, there is a need for actions to cope with a changing climate. In contrast to the avoidance of greenhouse gases households, firms and other owners of resources are self-interested in the adaptation to the consequences of climate change. Some kind of governmental or EU actions are justified by e.g. insufficient information, biased discounting of future costs and inappropriate incentives. As the uncertain impacts of climate change will differ regionally, rules and instruments should allow freedom of choice to those affected by climate change. A one-size-fits-all approach will clearly not be appropriate.
Vision Zero Emission Cities
Authors: Sturm Peter , Diefenbach Nikolaus , Enseling Andreas , Werner Peter
Published: March 2010

Emissions caused by towns and cities of industrialised countries can be regarded as a main problem in terms of global pollution and the reasons for the greenhouse effect. For this reason, strategies and concepts aiming at a reduction of greenhouse emissions should focus on urban structures. In this paper it is discussed if the concept of a “Zero-Emission-City” (ZEC) — a city which is to a large extent emission free (which seems to be utopian at first view) — might be an appropriate guideline vision for a sustainable urban development. The paper shows spatial and technological opportunities, which are suitable both for a ZEC-strategy and as recommendations for technological approaches for its implementation. Finally concrete target values are provided, in order to give orientation for a notional master plan for reaching ZEC until 2050.