bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain-Induced Phononic and Structural Response in Wurtzite-Gallium Nitride Nanowires
Authors: Loh Jarvis , Baillargeat Dominique 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGallium nitride (GaN) nanowires exist in a myriad of cross-sectional shapes. In this study, a series of classical molecular dynamics simulations is performed to investigate the strain-phononics-structure relationship in rectangular and triangular wurtzite (Wz) - GaN nanowires. The thermal conductivity of the nanowires is linearly dependent on the uniaxial strain in both compressive and tensile regimes, and shows no significant dissimilitude for the same amount of strain exerted on the two types of nanowire. This is coherent with an analytical approach using the Boltzmann transport theory. However, the thermomechanical behaviour at the vertex regions shows palpable differences between the two subfamilies, relative to the non-vertex faceted regions, as the structural morphology is most disparate at the vertices.
Evaluating Oxide Liner and Copper Barrier Integrity of Through-Silicon-Via by Electrical Characterization and Microanalysis
Authors: Yu Minrui , Bhushan Bharat , Kumar Niranjan , Park Mun Kyu , Hua John , Bolagond Shwetha , C-T. Chan Anthony , Jin Miao , Uritsky Yuri , Toh Chin-hock , Sundarrajan Arvind , Dukovic John , Ramaswami Sesh 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT3D integration enabled by through-silicon-via (TSV) allows continued performance enhancement and power reduction for semiconductor devices, even without further scaling. For TSV wafers with all Applied Materials unit processes, we evaluate the integrity of oxide liner and copper barrier by capacitance-voltage (C-V) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements, from which oxide capacitance, minimum TSV capacitance, and leakage current are extracted. The capacitance values match well with model predictions. The leakage data also demonstrate good wafer-scale uniformity. The liner and barrier quality are further verified with microanalysis techniques.
Pulsed DC Magnetron Sputtered Rutile TiO2 films for next generation DRAM capacitors
Authors: Jithin M.A , Kolla Lakshmi Ganapathi , Bhat Navakanta , Mohan S. , Morozumi Yuichiro , Kaushal Sanjeev 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, synthesis and characterization of rutile-Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films using pulsed DC Magnetron Sputtering at room temperature, along with the fabrication and characterization of MIM capacitors have been discussed. XPS and RBS data show that the films are stoichiometric and have compositional uniformity. The influence of electrode materials on electrical characteristics of the fabricated MIM capacitors has been studied. The Al/TiO2/Al based capacitors show low capacitance density (9 fF/μm2) with low dielectric constant (K=25) and high EOT (3.67 nm) due to low dielectric constant TiO2 phase formation on Al/Si substrate. On the other hand, Ru/TiO2/Ru based capacitors show high capacitance density (49 fF/μm2) with high dielectric constant (K=130) and low EOT (0.7nm) values at high frequency (100 KHz) due to high dielectric constant phase (rutile) formation of TiO2, on Ru/Si substrate. Raman spectra confirm that the films deposited on Ru/Si substrate show the rutile phase.
Probing the Chemical Bonding and Electron Structure of the Benzoate model for Fe-MoF-5
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zheng Xiaohong , Liu Chunsheng , Zeng Zhi 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTUsing first-principles density functional theory, we investigated the chemical bonding and electronic structure of the metal-organic-framework with individual structural element OFe4(CO2Ph)6. The calculations showed that there is no obvious structural difference between OFe4(CO2Ph)6 and OZn4(CO2Ph)6. The analysis of electronic structure and chemical bonding reveals that the Fe-O has mainly ionic interaction and partial covalent interaction while O-C, H-C and C-C exhibit mainly covalent interactions. The finding in this paper may shed light on the synthesis of MOF-5 materials with other metal centers.
Electrical Contacts to Vertically Oriented Silicon Nano and Microdevices for Applications in Flexible Systems
Authors: Triplett Mark , Nishimura Hideki , Ombaba Matthew , Islam M. Saif 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTFlexible devices utilizing crystalline semiconductor nano or microstructures materials are attractive for many applications. However, these materials are fabricated or grown in unusable forms for flexible systems due to their rigid crystalline mother substrates. We demonstrate a transfer printing technique for transferring vertical arrays of one-dimensional (1D) materials from mother substrates to flexible substrates with subsequent device fabrication steps to create flexible devices from these arrays. The transfer printing technique is based on vertical embossing of arrays of 1D materials into thermoplastic (Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) transfer layers, while the device fabrication steps rely on encapsulation with insulating polymers and contact deposition. We investigated the use of flexible insulating layers like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyurethane (PU) which are shown to be effective for encapsulation and contact isolation. Representative flexible resistive devices were created from these transferred arrays and insulating layers which showed a reversible tactile characteristic. Electronic characterization and flexibility testing was carried out to show the potential of these methods for enabling large-scale integrations of nano and microstructures into vertical and flexible packages.
Zinc Oxide Nanowire Based Piezoelectric Nano Generators Grown on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Soomro M. Y. , Nur O. , Willander M. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTFlexible substrates, like plastic, paper and cotton fabrics can be of interest for several reasons in connection to the appealing issue of generating voltage-current from piezoelectric ZnO nanowires (NWs). Zinc oxide NWs have shown very high voltage generation and they are possible to grown on plastic, paper and cotton. Since we with these substrates can get a new freedom to bend and also stretch the NWs and to incorporate them into new applications they are of great potential. Here we will describe the mechanical and piezoelectric properties of ZnO NWs grown on ordinary clean room paper and on cotton fabrics substrates as well as possibility of coating the ZnO NWs to maximize the output generated power. An enhancement of 160 times in the piezo-potential was observed from ZnO NWs coated with P3HT p-type polymer compared to non-coated NWs.
Progress and Challenges for Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Gallium Nitride
Authors: Aida Hideo , Doi Toshiro , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Takeda Hidetoshi , Koyama Koji 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTProgress and challenges for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of GaN are discussed in detail by focusing on the importance of GaN surface oxidation during CMP. We report on the significant difference in the removal rates between Ga2O3 and GaN, suggesting that the surface oxidation reaction is the rate-limiting step for CMP of Ga-faced GaN. This is actually proved by the fact that ex-situ surface oxidation by annealing in air prior to CMP exhibits a marked reduction in the required CMP time to produce a damage-free surface. As a future challenge, we outline two of our recent developments, ultraviolet-assisted CMP and atmosphere-controlled CMP, that enable in-situ oxidation, since ex-situ oxidation must be modified to in-situ to further advance CMP.
Characteristics in SiC-CMP using MnO2 slurry with Strong Oxidant under Different Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Kurokawa Syuhei , Doi Toshiro , Ohnishi Osamu , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Tan Zhe , Yin Tao 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSemiconductor technology is the key point of the information society. However, as technology developing, the traditional semiconductor material such as silicon (Si) could not meet the demand of the society. Therefore, the next generation semiconductor material silicon carbide (SiC) is widely concerned. Compared to Si, SiC has some superior physical and chemical properties. On the other hand, it is difficult to polish SiC wafers due to the chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability. To achieve high-efficient CMP processing of SiC substrates, oxygen gas was introduced which might increase removal rates. MnO2 slurry was selected instead of silica slurry and strong oxidant KMnO4 was used to improve SiC-CMP process as an additive. In this paper, the effect of oxidant was inspected first. Meanwhile, we carried out the CMP experiment with the new type CMP machine to control the processing atmospheres including types of gases and gas pressures. As conclusions, oxygen and high atmospheric pressure can increase the removal rate in MnO2 slurry. KMnO4 additive has a great effect on increase of the removal rate. One of additional interesting results is that there seems to be the optimum mixture ratio of N2 and O2 gases to achieve a higher removal rate of SiC wafer.
Accuracy of Self‐Reported Periodontal Disease in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: LaMonte Michael J. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Millen Amy E. , Genco Robert J. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean 
Published: December 2013

Background: This study examines the accuracy of self‐reported periodontal disease in a cohort of older females.Methods: The study comprised 972 postmenopausal females aged 53 to 83 years who completed baseline (1997 to 2001) and follow‐up (2002 to 2006) whole‐mouth oral examinations. Examinations included: 1) probing depth, 2) clinical attachment level, and 3) oral radiographs for alveolar crestal height in a study ancillary to the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI‐OS) conducted in Buffalo, New York, called the OsteoPerio study. Participants also self‐reported any history of diagnosis of periodontal/gum disease on a WHI‐OS study‐wide questionnaire administered during the time interval between the two OsteoPerio examinations.Results: Participants reporting diagnosis of periodontal/gum disease on the WHI‐OS questionnaire (n = 259; 26.6%) had worse oral hygiene habits, periodontal disease risk factors, and clinical periodontal measures compared with those not reporting periodontal/gum disease. Frequency of reported periodontal/gum disease was 13.5%, 24.7%, and 56.2% across OsteoPerio baseline examination categories of none/mild, moderate, and severe periodontal disease, respectively (trend: P <0.001), defined by criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for reported periodontal disease status were 56.2%, 78.8%, 32.8%, and 90.7%, respectively, when CDC/AAP‐defined severe periodontal disease at baseline was the criterion measure (prevalence of 15%) and were 76.0%, 77.4%, 22.0%, and 97.4%, respectively, when tooth loss to periodontitis (prevalence of 7%) was the criterion.Conclusion: A simple question for self‐reported periodontal disease characterizes periodontal disease prevalence with moderate accuracy in postmenopausal females who regularly visit their dentist, particularly in those with more severe disease.
Preterm Birth in the United States: The Impact of Stressful Life Events Prior to Conception and Maternal Age
Authors: Witt Whitney P. , Cheng Erika R. , Wisk Lauren E. , Litzelman Kristin , Chatterjee Debanjana , Mandell Kara , Wakeel Fathima 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We determined whether and to what extent a woman’s exposure to stressful life events prior to conception (PSLEs) was associated with preterm birth and whether maternal age modified this relationship. Methods. We examined 9350 mothers and infants participating in the first wave of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, a nationally representative sample of US women and children born in 2001, to investigate the impact of PSLEs on preterm birth in the United States. We estimated the effect of exposure on preterm birth with weighted logistic regression, adjusting for maternal sociodemographic and health factors and stress during pregnancy. Results. Of the women examined, 10.9% had a preterm birth. In adjusted analyses, women aged 15 to 19 years who experienced any PSLE had over a 4-fold increased risk for having a preterm birth. This association differed on the basis of the timing of the PSLE. Conclusions. Findings suggest that adolescence may be a sensitive period for the risk of preterm birth among adolescents exposed to PSLEs. Clinical, programmatic, and policy interventions should address upstream PSLEs, especially for adolescents, to reduce the prevalence of preterm birth and improve maternal and child health.
CEO Turnover, Financial Distress, and Contractual Innovations
Authors: Evans John Harry , Luo Shuqing , Nagarajan Nandu J. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
The design of CEO incentives is particularly important for firms in financial distress. We compare the resolution of CEO incentive problems in distressed firms between the 1980s versus the 1990s, focusing on how changes in contractual provisions, as well as in the executive labor market, resulted in a shift to a new equilibrium. Our analyses provide evidence that the increased bargaining power of creditors, together with changes in the use of contractual provisions in the 1990s, enabled creditors to more effectively retain highly skilled CEOs with firm-specific knowledge and provide them with incentives to improve firm performance.
Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources identified in the article.
JEL Classifications: G33; G34; M46.
Modulators of amyloid protein aggregation and toxicity: EGCG and CLR01
Authors: Attar Aida , Rahimi Farid , Bitan Gal 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Abnormal protein folding and self-assembly causes over 30 cureless human diseases for which no disease-modifying therapies are available. The common side to all these diseases is formation of aberrant toxic protein oligomers and amyloid fibrils. Both types of assemblies are drug targets, yet each presents major challenges to drug design, discovery, and development. In this review, we focus on two small molecules that inhibit formation of toxic amyloid protein assemblies — the green-tea derivative (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which was identified through a combination of epidemiologic data and a compound library screen, and the molecular tweezer CLR01, whose inhibitory activity was discovered in our group based on rational reasoning, and subsequently confirmed experimentally. Both compounds act in a manner that is not specific to one particular protein and thus are useful against a multitude of amyloidogenic proteins, yet they act via distinct putative mechanisms. CLR01 disrupts protein aggregation through specific binding to lysine residues, whereas the mechanisms underlying the activity of EGCG are only recently beginning to unveil. We discuss current in vitro and, where available, in vivo literature related to EGCG and CLR01’s effects on amyloid β-protein, α-synuclein, transthyretin, islet amyloid polypeptide, and calcitonin. We also describe the toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and mechanism of action of each compound.
Non-invasive cerebellar stimulation in dystonia
Authors: Graetz Lynton , Bradnam Lynley 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Primary isolated dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder whereby involuntary muscle contractions cause twisted and abnormal postures. Dystonia of the cervical spine and upper limb may present as sustained muscle contractions or task-specific activity when using the hand or upper limb. There is little understanding of the pathophysiology underlying dystonia and this presents a challenge for clinicians and researchers alike. Emerging evidence that the cerebellum is involved in the pathophysiology of dystonia using network models presents the intriguing concept that the cerebellum could provide a novel target for non-invasive brain stimulation. Non-invasive stimulation to increase cerebellar excitability improved aspects of handwriting and circle drawing in a small cohort of people with focal hand and cervical dystonia. Mechanisms underlying the improvement in function are unknown, but putative pathways may involve the red nucleus and/or the cervical propriospinal system. Furthermore, recent understanding that the cerebellum has both motor and cognitive functions suggests that non-invasive cerebellar stimulation may improve both motor and non-motor aspects of dystonia. We propose a combination of motor and non-motor tasks that challenge cerebellar function may be combined with cerebellar non-invasive brain stimulation in the treatment of focal dystonia. Better understanding of how the cerebellum contributes to dystonia may be gained by using network models such as our putative circuits involving red nucleus and/or the cervical propriospinal system. Finally, novel treatment interventions encompassing both motor and non-motor functions of the cerebellum may prove effective for neurological disorders that exhibit cerebellar dysfunction.
Change in Drusen Volume as a Novel Clinical Trial Endpoint for the Study of Complement Inhibition in Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: de Amorim Garcia Filho Carlos Alexandre , Yehoshua Zohar , Gregori Giovanni , Nunes Renata Portella , Penha Fernando M. , Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Zhang Kang , Feuer William , Rosenfeld Philip J. 
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the change in drusen volume following treatment with eculizumab, a systemic inhibitor of complement component 5.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Single-center, prospective, randomized, double-masked clinical trial. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive intravenous eculizumab or placebo over 26 weeks. Main outcome measure: decrease in drusen volume of at least 50% at 26-week follow-up.

RESULTS:

Mean drusen cube root volumes were 0.49 mm and 0.47 mm (
P
= .64) at baseline and 0.51 mm and 0.42 mm (
P
= .17) at 26 weeks in the eculizumab and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo group, one eye had a decrease in drusen volume of at least 50% and two eyes developed neovascularization through 26 weeks.

CONCLUSION:
Systemic complement inhibition with eculizumab did not significantly reduce drusen volume. Drusen growth was dependent on the number of complement at-risk alleles. Future trials should consider the use of a composite clinical trial endpoint in which efficacy is defined by the treatment’s ability to prevent drusen growth, neovascularization, and the formation of geographic atrophy over 1 year.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:18–31.]
The effect of individual phosphate emulsifying salts and their selected binary mixtures on hardness of processed cheese spreads
Authors: Buňka František , Nagyová Gabriela , Salek Richados Nikolaos , Černí­ková Michaela , Bacova Helena , Kráčmar Stanislav 
Published: December 2013

The aim of this work was to observe the effects of emulsifying salts composed of trisodium citrate and sodium phosphates with different chain length (disodium phosphate (DSP), tetrasodium diphosphate (TSPP), pentasodium triphosphate (PSTP) and sodium salts of polyphosphates with 5 different mean length (n ≈ 5, 9, 13, 20, 28)) on hardness of processed cheese spreads. Hardness of processed cheese spreads with selected binary mixtures of the above mentioned salts were also studied. Measurements were performed after 2, 9 and 30 days of storage at 6 °C. Hardness of processed cheese increased with increase in chain length of individually used phosphates. Majority of applied binary mixtures of emulsifying salts had not significant influence on hardness charges in processed cheese spreads. On the other hand, a combination of phosphates salts (DSP with TSPP) was found, which had specific effect on hardness of processed cheese spreads. Textural properties of samples with trisodium citrate were similar compared to samples with DSP.
Genetics of inherited platelet disorders
Authors: Gothwal M. , Sandrock-Lang K. , Zieger B. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe current review describes inherited platelet disorders, illustrates their clinical phenotype and molecular genetic defects. Platelets are the key molecules mediating haemostasis via adhesion, activation and clot formation at the site of injury. The inherited platelet disorders can be classified according to their platelet defects: receptor/cytoskeleton defects, secretion disorder, and signal transduction defect.Patients with inherited thrombocytopathia present with mucous membrane bleedings (epistaxis, gingival bleeding) and may present with serious life threatening bleedings following surgery or trauma. Therefore, biochemical and molecular genetic characterization of inherited platelet disorders is important to understand these disorders and to support an efficient therapy.
Le rapport entre le juridique et le clinique dans l’application de la Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse : une perspective relationnelle
Authors: Ricard Laurence 
Published: December 2013

La protection de la jeunesse est une sous-discipline du droit de la famille qui est peu étudiée par les milieux universitaires du monde juridique. Cependant, une analyse des objectifs de la Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse du Québec montre que les fondements cliniques de la Loi se heurtent souvent au fonctionnement rigide du milieu juridique. Par le biais d’une perspective relationnelle qui explique la nouvelle orientation prise par la Loi depuis les modifications de 2006, l’auteure cherche à montrer que plusieurs caractéristiques du système contradictoire ne sont pas cohérentes avec la nouvelle conception de l’enfant et de l’individu véhiculée par la Loi.
Main basse sur le pouvoir dans les sociétés canadiennes. Éclairage sur les finalités et modalités des décisions actionnariales
Authors: Tchotourian Ivan 
Published: December 2013

Les actionnaires sont au coeur des discussions et des réformes entreprises dans de nombreux pays à la suite de la crise économique et financière. En effet, la question du renforcement de leur droit de vote et de la facilitation de leur prise de pouvoir dans les sociétés par actions est au centre des réflexions menées par les régulateurs et les spécialistes du droit des sociétés. Dans le cadre de cette étude, nous analysons les deux aspects d’une telle prise de pouvoir actionnariale: sa finalité et ses modalités. En nous servant des illustrations canadiennes et québécoises, nous démontrons que si le droit de vote des actionnaires ainsi que sa mécanique ait été une préoccupation constante des autorités réglementaires canadiennes depuis les années 70, l’intérêt égoïste qu’ils favorisent — à l’inverse de celui que peuvent promouvoir les administrateurs — amène à n’aborder cette option législative qu’avec prudence. Néanmoins, au regard des enjeux auxquels sont confrontées actuellement les entreprises et la place centrale sur l’échiquier économique, c’est autour du jeu des pouvoirs dans l’entreprise, non seulement ceux des actionnaires, mais aussi ceux des dirigeants, qu’il convient de mener la réflexion.