bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and characterization of silicon nanocrystallites embedded in amorphous silicon carbon matrix by PECVD
Authors: Coscia U. , Ambrosone G. , Basa D. K. , Rigato V. , Ballarini M. , Virga A. , Ferrero S. , Mercaldo L. V. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNanostructured silicon carbon films, composed of silicon nanocrystals embedded in hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbon matrix, have been prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique using silane and methane gas mixture diluted in hydrogen. The composition, structure and surface morphology of the films have been investigated by nuclear techniques, Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The study has demonstrated that the nanostructured silicon carbon films can be deposited at low temperature (250 °C) by varying rf power and the crystallinity degree of silicon is quite uniform along the growth direction. Further, it has established that with increase in rf power crystalline volume fraction decreases while carbon content increases in the films (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phosphorous doping of superlattice silicon quantum dots in silicon dioxide
Authors: Simonds Brian J. , Perez‐Würfl Ivan , So Yong‐Heng , Wan Alan S. , McMurray Sarah , Taylor P. Craig 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHere we investigate the effects of phosphorous (P) doping of silicon quantum dots in a silicon dioxide superlattice structure. The doping occurs by diffusion of P during high‐temperature annealing from P‐rich silicon dioxide regions to directly adjacent layers containing the quantum dots embedded in oxide. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) is used to clearly show that after annealing, the P preferentially resides in the regions containing the dots. Once in these regions, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) shows that a relatively small fraction of this P is used to passivate dangling bonds on the surfaces of the quantum dots. Additionally, EPR shows no evidence that any of the P is located in the interior of the dot. Using calibrated SIMS values along with the EPR evidence allows us to conclude that the P is concentrated in the area surrounding the dots in a non‐paramagnetic configuration. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silicon processing for photovoltaics based on incoherent radiation power
Authors: Serra João M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIt is well known that impurity contamination is a very important factor in silicon processing. Contamination arises from crucibles or graphite susceptors during crystal growth, from the use of fibers or dies as in the case of String ribbon or EFG technologies respectively. Furthermore, every hot part in a crystal growth system will contribute to increase impurity contamination. Optical processing using halogen lamps provides clean method, with available fast rise and fall ramps, cold wall furnaces, with great flexibility in many situations related to materials processing and in particular in photovoltaics. Optical power provided by halogen lamps is very cheap, which is an important aspect for an industry that needs to reduce process costs. Techniques based in lamp power radiation have been in use in our laboratory at the University of Lisbon for many years. Several examples of the use of such optical techniques are presented, illustrating its application to silicon ribbon growth, kerfless techniques and on its successful application for photovoltaics in a gas‐to‐wafer path, bypassing both the Siemens and the traditional wafering steps. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New advances in metallurgical solar grade silicon based on recent Norwegian research activities
Authors: Øvrelid Eivind , Tangstad Merete , Tranell Gabriella , Lohne Otto , Ceccaroli Bruno 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAmong the new routes for the production of solar grade silicon, the metallurgical refining leading to upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG) silicon emerge as serious alternatives to replace the feedstock produced by the Siemens process (commonly called polysilicon). Most of these new alternative processes generally consist of a sequence of purification steps. The most effective and frequently used among these refining steps will be described. Some recent results based on research studies carried out in Norway will be presented with more details. The intention is to give an overview and an understanding of these emerging processes and provide some tools to optimize and further develop new cost efficient processes for production of solar grade silicon (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface‐modulated magnetization of magnetite microspheres
Authors: Ma Ji , Chen Kezheng 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFunctional coatings of magnetite particles always reduce their magnetic response and greatly limit their biological in‐vivo applications. In this Letter, an effective solution was proposed by inducing large lattice strain in magnetite microspheres with silver. Their saturation magnetization was found to be larger than that of their parent magnetite spheres at 300 K. Also, an increment of saturation magnetization with temperature was observed, which has not been reported in ferrimagnetic systems before. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A survey on unsupervised outlier detection in high‐dimensional numerical data
Authors: Zimek Arthur , Schubert Erich , Kriegel Hans‐Peter 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHigh‐dimensional data in Euclidean space pose special challenges to data mining algorithms. These challenges are often indiscriminately subsumed under the term ‘curse of dimensionality’, more concrete aspects being the so‐called ‘distance concentration effect’, the presence of irrelevant attributes concealing relevant information, or simply efficiency issues. In about just the last few years, the task of unsupervised outlier detection has found new specialized solutions for tackling high‐dimensional data in Euclidean space. These approaches fall under mainly two categories, namely considering or not considering subspaces (subsets of attributes) for the definition of outliers. The former are specifically addressing the presence of irrelevant attributes, the latter do consider the presence of irrelevant attributes implicitly at best but are more concerned with general issues of efficiency and effectiveness. Nevertheless, both types of specialized outlier detection algorithms tackle challenges specific to high‐dimensional data. In this survey article, we discuss some important aspects of the ‘curse of dimensionality’ in detail and survey specialized algorithms for outlier detection from both categories. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2012
Breast Cancer in South East Asia: Comparison of Presentation and Outcome Between a Middle Income and a High Income Country
Authors: Saxena Nakul , Hartman Mikael , Bhoo‐Pathy Nirmala , Lim Jennifer N. W. , Aw Tar‐Ching , Iau Philip , Taib Nur Aishah , Lee Soo‐Chin , Yip Cheng‐Har , Verkooijen Helena M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere are large differences in socio‐economic growth within the region of South East Asia, leading to sharp contrasts in health‐systems development between countries. This study compares breast cancer presentation and outcome between patients from a high income country (Singapore) and a middle income country (Malaysia) in South East Asia.MethodsWithin the Singapore Malaysia Breast Cancer Registry we identified all consecutive patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 1993 and 2007 at the National University Hospital in Singapore (high income country, n = 2,141) and the University of Malaya Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (middle income country, n = 3,320). We compared demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival between patients from both countries.ResultsIn Malaysia, patients were less often diagnosed with in situ breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 0.2; 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI] 0.1–0.3), more likely to be diagnosed with late stage (III and IV) disease (ORadj for stage III 1.6; 95 % CI 1.3–2.0; ORadj for stage IV 1.2; 95 % CI 1.1–1.4) as compared to patients from Singapore. Univariate analysis showed that Malaysian patients were at a 72 % increased risk of death as compared to Singaporeans. After adjusting for other prognostic factors, the risk decreased by only 5 % (ORadj 1.67, 95 % CI 1.44–1.92).ConclusionsDifferences in way of presentation (except stage and tumor size) and treatment of breast cancer patients from the two countries are small. The overall survival of breast cancer patients from Malaysia is much lower than that of Singaporean patients.
Computer Simulation of Water-Mediated Adhesion Between Phospholipid Bilayer and Solid Support Functionalized with Self-Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Pertsin Alexander , Grunze Michael 
Published: August 2012

An attempt is made to estimate, via computer simulation of the force–distance relation, the free energy of adhesion between a phosphatidylethanolamine bilayer and an alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM) in aqueous medium. The simulations are performed using the grand canonical Monte Carlo technique and atomistic force fields. The bilayer adhesion free energy is predicted to be −22 ± 3 mJ/m2 (–1.4 ± 0.2 kcal/mol) on a hydrophilic carboxyl-terminated SAM and −1 ± 1 mJ/m2 (–0.06 ± 0.06 kcal/mol) on a hydrophobic methyl-terminated SAM.
Misoprostol as first‐line treatment for incomplete abortion at a secondary‐level health facility in Nigeria
Authors: Fawole Adeniran O. , Diop Ayisha , Adeyanju Alaruru O. , Aremu Oyewole T. , Winikoff Beverly 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of introducing misoprostol as first‐line treatment for incomplete abortion at a secondary‐level health facility.MethodsAn open‐label prospective study was conducted in a secondary‐level health facility in Nigeria. Eligible women diagnosed with incomplete abortion received 400‐μg sublingual misoprostol as first‐line treatment. Nurse–midwives took the lead in diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and assessment of final outcome. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who completed the abortion process.ResultsComplete evacuation was achieved in 83 of 90 (92.2%) eligible women. The most common adverse effects were abdominal pain/cramps (58 [64.4%]), heavy bleeding (21 [23.3%]), spotting (15 [16.7%]), and fever/chills (11 [12.2%]). More than 90% of women reported that the procedure was satisfactory, that pain and adverse effects were tolerable, and that bleeding was acceptable. Eighty‐four (93.3%) and 86 (95.6%) women, respectively, would use the method in the future and recommend it to friends.ConclusionMisoprostol is an effective, safe, and acceptable method for treating incomplete abortion. It can be successfully used as first‐line treatment by nurse–midwives. Success rates over 90% are consistent with findings from previous studies in which drug administration was controlled solely by physicians.Clinical trials.gov: NCT01539408.
Decreased leptin concentration in neonates is associated with enhanced postnatal growth during the first year
Authors: Wang Ling‐Jen , Mu Shu‐Chi , Cheng I , Chen Yi‐Ling , Chen Bing‐Fang , Jow Guey‐Mei 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLeptin regulates maternal metabolism and fetal growth by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure, particularly during the third trimester. In this study, we investigated the relationships between leptin and growth, and explored the longitudinal change of leptin in early postnatal life. A total of 58 infants were categorized according to gestational length and birth weight. Arterial blood samples were taken within 24 hours (Day 1), and on Days 4 and 7 of life. Plasma leptin levels were measured by commercial human leptin enzyme immunometric assay. The average serum leptin level declined in the first week of life. There was a positive correlation between leptin level and body weight on Day 4. Neonates with leptin decrease between Day 1 and Day 4 had better weight gain at one year old, and the hospital stay day was shorter. Furthermore, the full feeding days and the duration of feeding priming and full feeding days in the leptin decrease group were less than in the leptin increase group. Serum leptin was significantly decreased and positively correlated with neonates' body weight gain in the first week of life. A rapid decline in serum leptin after birth is associated with greater future weight gain and physiological advantage for infants' life.
Expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and MMP‐11 in dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting , Chen Wan‐Tzu , Huang Wan‐Ting , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Chai Chee‐Yin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDermatofibroma (DF) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) are the spindle cell mesenchymal neoplasms of the dermis and subcutis. Their histogenesis still remains uncertain and controversial. Traditionally, CD34 and factor XIIIa or other markers have been widely used to distinguish these two diseases. However, the results of these markers reveal overlapping and they lack specificity. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded blocks were collected from the biopsied cases in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan between 2004 and 2006. This study included 19 cases of DF and 17 cases of DFSP. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies CD34, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, and MMP‐11 was performed. We found that the expression of CD34, MMP‐2 and MMP‐11 shows significant statistical differences in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) study positive or negative reactivity (positive of CD34 in DFSP and positive of MMP‐2 and MMP‐11 in DF; p = 0.03, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) between DF and DFSP. The result for expression of MMP‐9 reveals no differences. The results indicate that the pathogenesis of DF and DFSP are affected by different expressions of extracellular matrix proteins. Metalloproteinases may play a direct role in these two diseases. Since no single marker can completely distinguish DF from DFSP, a combination of more than two or three stains may elevate the accuracy of diagnosis.
Woody vegetation, fuel and fire track the melting of the Scandinavian ice-sheet before 9500 cal yr BP
Authors: Carcaillet Christopher , Hörnberg Greger , Zackrisson Olle 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNew studies indicate the presence of early Holocene ice-free areas far north in Scandinavia. Post-glacial fire and vegetation were investigated based on sedimentary charcoal and pollen from two small lakes in northern Sweden. Accumulation of organic sediment started around 10,900 and 9200 cal yr BP, showing that both lake valleys were ice-free extremely early given their northerly location. Fire events started after 9600 cal yr BP and became less common around the ‘8.2-ka event’. Woody vegetation provided fuel that contributed to fires. The first vegetation in our pollen record consisted ofHippophae,Dryas, grasses and sedges. Subsequently broadleaved trees (Betula,Salix) increased in abundance and laterPinus,Alnus, ferns andLycopodiumcharacterized the vegetation. Pollen fromLarix,PiceaandMaluswere also found. The change in vegetation composition was synchronous with the decrease in lake-water pH in the region, indicating ecosystem-scale processes; this occurred during a period of net global and regional warming. The changes in fire frequency and vegetation appear independent of regional trends in precipitation. The reconstructed fire history and vegetation support the scenario of early ice-free areas far north in Scandinavia during early Holocene warming, creating favorable conditions for woody plants and wildfires.
Two–stage Method for the Extraction of a Horizontally Impacted Lower Third Molar
Authors: Kubota Yasutaka , Oka Shoji , Yahara Yoshie , Shirasuna Kanemitsu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA modification of the surgical technique for extracting impacted lower third molars is required to decrease the rate of complications including inferior alveolar nerve injury. In this study, a new two–stage extraction method for the horizontally impacted lower third molar was developed. During the first stage, only the crown was removed after separating the impacted tooth at the neck. Thereafter, the root(s) was pulled toward the anterior direction with an elastic band at 130–150 g over a 7­day period. Next, the root(s) was extracted. This method was firstly attempted for 20 horizontally impacted lower third molars, the roots of which had been close to the mandibular canal in panoramic radiographs and were pulled for 20.8 ± 11.5 (n = 20) days. The roots in 17 of 20 cases (85%) were loosened from the sockets and extracted easily without any complications. These outcomes suggest that this two­stage method is useful for the extraction of a horizontally impacted lower third molar in order to decrease the rate of inferior alveolar nerve injury.
Nerve Growth Factor in Saliva Stimulated by Mastication
Authors: Komatsu Kiyomi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Honda Takashi , Yabashi Atsuko , Kawasaki Tateharu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to measure the amount of nerve growth factor (NGF) present in saliva, and investigate the relationship with aging, gender, and number of retained teeth. The subjects were 93 healthy volunteers (35 males and 58 females) aged 18–87 years. Stimulated saliva was collected during gum chewing, and saliva secretion per minute and NGF concentration per unit volume were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We found that NGF in saliva was measurable in all subjects. The mean NGF concentration in saliva was 55.70 ± 38.27 pg/ml, and no relationship was found between NGF concentration and aging, gender, and the number of retained teeth. The mean NGF amount in saliva was 84.38 ± 71.06 pg/min. The NGF amount in saliva decreased with age, especially for the group aged 70 years and older. It was higher in male than female subjects, and was significantly higher in the group without tooth loss compared to the edentulous group. In addition, regarding the relationship between the saliva flow rate per minute and NGF amount in saliva, the latter increased significantly with a rise in the former. These results indicate that the NGF amount in saliva is influenced by aging, masticatory function, and saliva amount. It is speculated that human salivary glands play an important role in the synthesis and expression of NGF.
Development of Computer‐assisted Diagnosis Using Digital Radiography for the Evaluation of Dental Implant Osseointegration
Authors: Hayashi Kiyonobu , Kaku Yusuke , Kawamata Ryota , Nakamura Koji , Sakurai Takashi , Kashima Isamu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTo develop an osseointegration analyzing system for dental implants, a new analyzing system which can assess the level of osseointegration between an implant and trabecular bone was constructed using digital radiography with morphological filter and node‐strut analysis. For assessment of this system, a grayscale test chart that simulates six levels of an osseointegration was created. In addition, digital implant images were made in which the trabecular pattern around the implant was varied over a total of five levels. Implant osseointegration was evaluated on the basis of seven parameters related to the number of nodes (Nd) and terminuses (Tm) of the skeleton bound to the implant (Im) and the skeletal length. The seven parameters were as follows : the number of struts connecting the Im with the Nd and Tm (N.ImNd, N.ImTm), the total number of N.ImNd and N.ImTm (N.Im), the strut length connecting the Im with the Nd and Tm (ImNd, ImTm), and the ratios of the struts connecting the Im with the Nd and Tm (ImNd/TSL, ImTm/ TSL), where TSL is the total strut length.Strong correlations (R2 = 0.971–1.0) between the theoretical values from the test charts and the measured values were demonstrated. N.ImNd showed the strongest correlation, R2 = 0.948, from the digital implant images, followed by N.Im and ImNd, with correlations of R2 = 0.86 and R2 = 0.84, respectively. This new system for evaluating implant osseointegration by applying morphological processing and node‐strut analysis could be useful for computer‐assisted diagnosis of digital dental implant images.
An Anti‐apoptotic Role of NF‐κB in TNFα‐induced Apoptosis in an Ameloblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Hendarmin Laifa , Kawano Shintaro , Yoshiga Daigo , Sandra Ferry , Mitsuyasu Takeshi , Nakao Yu , Higuchi Yoshinori , Nakamura Norifumi , Nakamura Seiji 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is involved in the promotion of cell survival in a variety of cell types. The present study focused on the role of NF‐κB in TNFα‐induced apoptosis in an ameloblastoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed p65 NF‐κB protein to be expressed in ameloblastoma tissues. Furthermore, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry analyses showed that the stimulation of TNFα in an ameloblastoma cell line (AM‐1) induced p65 NF‐κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, indicating NF‐κB activation. These findings were confirmed by an NF‐κB luciferase reporter assay, which detected enhanced NF‐κB transcription activity of AM‐1 cells by TNFα stimulation. Moreover, pretreatment with SN50, a nuclear translocation inhibitor, prior to TNFα stimulation, effectively inhibited TNFα‐induced NF‐κB activation in AM‐1 cells. In order to reveal the role of NF‐κB activation during TNFα‐induced apoptosis in AM‐1 cells, an apoptosis assay was performed, and showed that the potential of TNFα in inducing apoptosis in AM‐1 cells was significantly elevated by inhibiting the NF‐κB activation. These results suggest that NF‐κB plays an anti‐apoptotic role in TNFα‐induced apoptosis in AM‐1 cells.
Effect of Preliminary Amifostine Administration in Irradiation of Parotid Glands
Authors: Yachi Yoshifumi , Nasu Masanori , Yosue Takashi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTo investigate the effect of amifostine, we administered amifostine, a radioprotective agent, 30 minutes before exposing the maxillary region of mice, including the parotid gland, to 5 Gy or 10 Gy X‐ray irradiation. The survival rate was recorded, and changes in the parotid gland morphology were investigated by examining the hematoxylin and eosin (HE)‐stained specimens and light microscope autoradiography (LMARG) images obtained 30 days after irradiation. A survival rate of 100% was not observed in any group administered 200 mg/kg amifostine with or without irradiation. Among the groups irradiated with 10 Gy X‐rays, the survival rate was higher and the survival period was longer in the 100 mg/kg amifostine group than in the no amifostine group. The histological findings in the group that received 5 Gy irradiation without amifostine were as follows : auxetic growth of acinar cells, nuclei of all sizes, cells in the mitotic phase, and cells undergoing apoptosis. Further, the treated groups were compared with the no amifostine and no irradiation group (untreated control). LMRG imaging revealed that the number of reduced silver grains per mm2 of acinar cells after 30 min of 3H‐leucine administration was higher than that after 120 min in mice treated with 100 mg/kg amifostine with or without 5 Gy irradiation. This observation was similar to that in the untreated control.This finding suggests that although amifostine administration reduces the adverse effects of irradiation on the parotid gland, higher doses of amifostine may be fatal.