bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and Optical Investigations of Silicon Carbon Nitride Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Tomasella Eric , Spinelle Laurent , Bousquet Angélique , Rebib Farida , Dubois Marc , Eypert Céline , Gaston Jean Paul , Cellier Joel , Sauvage Thierry 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSilicon carbon nitride thin films are deposited by sputtering a silicon carbide target under mixed Ar–N2 atmosphere. The flow ratio (RF = [N2]/[N2] + [Ar]) of these two gazes is set between 0 and 1. The deposits were analyzed by Rutherford backscattering (RBS), infrared, Raman, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopies. Nitrogen content in thin film was found to be sensitive to the sputtering atmosphere until RF = 0.3 and reached a plateau between 0.3 and 1. From a structural point of view, the analysis revealed that the sp2 carbon character and the C≡N or CN bonds increased with the nitrogen percentage in the gas mixture. These effects induced an increase of the structural disorder and the amount of dangling bonds in the layer bulk. The optical properties in terms of optical gap (Eg) and Urbach parameter (Eu) were also determined. Eg was found to increase with nitrogen percentage in the sputtering mixture, whereas Eu exhibited an opposite behavior. We also show that the refractive index and the extinction coefficient determined by ellipsometric spectroscopy are sensitive to the structural modification.
New Antimicrobial Materials Based on Polymers With Nanostructured Surface Modified by Organic Fullerene[60] Derivatives
Authors: Ellinson Vera M. , Yurovskaya Marina A. , Lyamin Andrey N. , Ovchinnikova Natalia S. , Naumkin Alexander V. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn the present work, the surface of natural and artificial polymers was modified by plasma treatment using reactive gases mixture, ion‐beam‐induced deposition of α‐C:H films and organic C60 derivatives deposition. The study of prepared biomaterials with nanostructured surface was carried out by means of atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurement and surface energy calculation. The investigation of antimicrobial activity of the materials was carried out by application method in relation to Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 54383 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) microorganisms and fungi (Candida albicans).
Density and Aging Behavior of Primary Amino Groups on Afterglow Plasma‐Treated Low‐Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Authors: Lachmann Kristina , Michel Benedikt , Klages Claus‐Peter 
Published: April 2009

AbstractQuantitative determination of primary amino group densities using chemical derivatization (CD) ATR FT‐IR spectroscopy was applied to study the amination rate in N2 + NH3 and Ar + NH3 dielectric barrier discharge afterglows. Compared to N2 + H2 mixtures and pure N2, the initial plasma‐amination rate is reduced, presumably due to a smaller concentration of reactive species that are consumed by reactions with NH3. The aging behavior of LDPE samples plasma treated in the afterglow of N2, N2 + H2, and N2 + NH3 discharges was also studied using CD XPS and CD ATR FT‐IR measurements over a period of 6 weeks after the treatment. Using gas mixtures of N2 + H2, the highest amount of primary amino groups was obtained. It has been ascertained that the primary amino groups are not stable during the storage under ambient conditions due to the oxidation of the surface and migration processes.
Increased serum interleukin‐5 and vascular endothelial growth factor in children with acute mycoplasma pneumonia and wheeze
Authors: Choi Ic Sun , Byeon Jung Hye , Yoo Young , Lee Kwang Chul , Choung Ji Tae 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAcute mycoplasma pneumonia may be accompanied by wheeze in some children considered not to have asthma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate cytokine secretion in children with acute mycoplasma pneumonia and wheeze. We studied 58 patients with mycoplasma pneumonia (12 with wheeze, Group 1; 46 without wheeze, Group 2) and 36 patients of non‐mycoplasma pneumonia (Group 3). Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The mean ± SD IL‐5 level of Group 1 was 97.1 ± 73.0 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than that of Group 2 (28.2 ± 32.2 pg/ml) and that of Group 3 (35.7 ± 42.0 pg/ml). The mean ± SD VEGF level of Group 1 was 687.5 ± 385.8 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than that of Group 2 (310.0 ± 251.9 pg/ml) and that of Group 3 (402.3 ± 279.5 pg/ml). No significant differences in serum levels of IL‐4, IFN‐γ, and IgE were observed between the groups. Our results show that children with mycoplasma pneumonia and wheeze have significantly higher serum levels of IL‐5 and VEGF. These increased immune responses may be associated with the pathophysiological mechanisms by which the Mycoplasma pneumoniae contribute to the development of wheeze during acute mycoplasma pneumonia. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:423–428. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lower respiratory infections by adenovirus in children. Clinical features and risk factors for bronchiolitis obliterans and mortality
Authors: Murtagh Patricia , Giubergia Verónica , Viale Diana , Bauer Gabriela , Pena Hebe Gonzalez 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAdenovirus (Ad) respiratory infections have a profound impact in Argentina. Severe chronic disease and a high mortality rate are observed in children after acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) by Ad.MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed to describe clinical characteristics and to analyze risk factors for bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and death in 415 children hospitalized with ALRI caused by Ad from March 1988 to May 2005.ResultsMean age of patients was 10.7 months (±9.2) Overall 80% of patients were healthy before ALRI. Forty‐nine percent recovered, sequelae were observed in 36% and 15% died. Independent risk factors for BO were: >30 days of hospitalization (odds ratio (OR) 27.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.6–50.9), multifocal pneumonia (OR 26.6, 95% CI 5.3–132) and hypercapnia (OR 5.6, 95% CI 3.5–9). Independent risk factors for death in acute stage of disease were: mechanical assistance (OR 121, 95% CI 18.2–814), multifocal pneumonia (OR 102, 95% CI 9.5–31.1), hypercapnia (OR 42.6, 95% CI 10.2–177.1), coagulation disorders (OR 17, 95% CI 8.25–35), neurological symptoms (OR 12.7, 95% CI 3.5–6.6) and co‐infection with measles (OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.1–44.2).ConclusionsHigh incidence of sequelae and mortality in previously healthy children after Ad infection was observed in a population of children from Argentina. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:450–456. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in lung function in young cystic fibrosis patients between two courses of intravenous antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Béghin Laurent , Michaud Laurent , Loeuille Guy‐André , Wizla‐Derambure Nathalie , Sayah Hocine , Sardet Anne , Thumerelle Caroline , Deschildre Antoine , Turck Dominique , Gottrand Frédéric 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground and AimsRepeated intravenous antibiotic therapy (IVAT) against chronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often necessary in cystic fibrosis patients (CF). The aim of this study was to monitor kinetics of degradation of pulmonary and nutritional status after IVAT in CF patients.MethodsLung function, nutritional status and physical activity (PA) were measured for 21 CF patients (mean ± SD age, 16 ± 1.9 years; 9 boys) who were chronically colonized by P. aeruginosa. Each parameter was measured every 15 days during 3–6 months.ResultsNutritional status as well as PA did not change in the interval of 2 IVAT. In contrary, lung function worsened with a decrease of −14.6% of the FEV1 (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn CF, there is a progressive decrease in lung function without any evident deterioration of nutritional status and PA between two IVAT. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:464–471. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extreme BMI predicts higher asthma prevalence and is associated with lung function impairment in school‐aged children
Authors: Chu Yu‐Te , Chen Wu‐Yuan , Wang Tsu‐Nai , Tseng Hsing‐I , Wu Jiunn‐Ren , Ko Ying‐Chin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of obesity and asthma has increased in recent decades. We investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lung function, and also tried to determine if asthma prevalence differs between obese and non‐obese children.MethodsAn International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) video questionnaire survey that included 170,457 students in junior high school was conducted during a 1‐year period. Using random selection, 15,761 students were selected for lung function testing; 14,654 (93.0%) completed the lung function tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factor of asthma, such as atopic diathesis, BMI, exercise habits, smoking and secondary smoking. The detailed comparison in lung functions was plotted by asthmatic versus non‐asthmatic, and between both sexes.ResultsThe risk factor of ISAAC‐identified asthma were male sex, atopy, elevated BMI, higher education levels of the parents (higher than senior high school), family smoking ≥1 pack/day, self‐reported smoking. The prevalence of asthma increased as BMI elevated in both sex. The FEV1/FVC declined as BMI elevated in both sex. The thin and underweight male students had declined FEF 25–75% and PEF.ConclusionsExtreme BMI is associated with different lung function impairment. This study showed that high BMI in both sexes was associated with low FEV1/FVC and low BMI in males are associated with poor PEF and FEF 25–75% and contributed to the symptoms of asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:472–479. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oropharyngeal flora in healthy infants: Observations and implications for cystic fibrosis care
Authors: Carlson David , McKeen Elizabeth , Mitchell Michael , Torres Brenda , Parad Richard , Comeau Anne Marie , O'Sullivan Brian P. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this preliminary study was to determine normal oropharyngeal flora in healthy, non‐CF infants in order to help care givers better interpret culture results obtained from infants with CF.MethodsOropharyngeal cultures were obtained from 104 healthy infants <12 months old. Cultures were obtained using the same methods as for CF patients and were inoculated onto routine CF culture media. Approximately 20 infants from each of 5 age groups (0–2 days, 3 days to <3 months, 3 months to <6 months, 6 months to <9 months or 9 months to <1 year) were included in the well child sample. In addition, we reviewed serial results of upper airway cultures obtained during the first year of life from 20 CF‐affected infants whose diagnosis was suggested by newborn screening.ResultsWell infants in the first 48 hr of life had very few pathogenic organisms found in their oropharyngeal cultures; 1/21 had S. aureus. Of the 83 samples from infants over 48 hr of age, we found that 27% (23/83) had S. aureus in their oropharyngeal cultures. Many infants had polymicrobial cultures. Eleven percent of culture samples had E. coli, E. cloacae, H. influenzae, or M. catarrhalis. Three of 83 cultures were positive for non‐mucoid Ps. aeruginosa (3.6%), while 2 others were positive for Ps. putida.ConclusionHealthy infants can have multiple gram‐negative and gram‐positive organisms recovered from their oropharynx. S. aureus and enteric gram‐negative organisms, including non‐mucoid Ps. aeruginosa, can be found in the oropharynx of well children up to 1 year of age. Care should be taken to not over interpret the presence of some of these organisms in the oropharyngeal cultures of asymptomatic CF infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:497–502. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Residual efficacy of pyriproxyfen and hydroprene applied to wood, metal and concrete for control of stored‐product insects
Authors: Arthur Frank H , Liu Siwei , Zhao Baige , Phillips Thomas W 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Pyriproxyfen and hydroprene are insect growth regulators (IGRs) that have been evaluated to control insect pests of field crops, but there are limited reports of efficacy against stored‐product insects. A laboratory study was conducted to determine residual efficacy of pyriproxyfen and hydroprene on wood, metal and concrete surfaces. Pyriproxyfen was applied to the surfaces at 1.15 and 2.3 mg active ingredient [AI] m−2, while hydroprene was applied at the label rate of 19 mg AI m−2. Late‐instar larvae of Tribolium confusum Jacqueline DuVal, T. castaneum (Herbst), Oryzaephilus surinamenis L., Lasioderma serricorne (F.) and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) were exposed with a food source on the treated surfaces. Residual testing was conducted at 1, 28 and 56 days post‐treatment.RESULTS: Hydroprene was least persistent on concrete and generally most persistent on metal. Pyriproxyfen gave greater residual persistence than hydroprene, and there was no consistent difference in efficacy among the three surfaces. Efficacy varied among the five insect species, but generally P. interpunctella was the most tolerant species to both IGRs.CONCLUSIONS: Pyriproxyfen gave effective residual control of primary stored‐product insect species by inhibiting adult emergence of exposed larvae. Results show that pyriproxyfen can be a useful addition for pest management programs in mills, warehouses and food storage facilities. Published 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimisation of the pheromone blend of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, for monitoring
Authors: Boddum Tina , Skals Niels , Wirén Marit , Baur Robert , Rauscher Stefan , Hillbur Ylva 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer, is a serious pest in crucifers. Its pheromone is a blend of (2S,9S)‐diacetoxyundecane, (2S,10S)‐diacetoxyundecane and (2S)‐acetoxyundecane. The pheromone is used in monitoring traps, and this study examines possible ways to optimise the traps.RESULTS: Two dispenser types were compared: polyethylene dispensers and cotton dispensers. Polyethylene dispensers attracted male C. nasturtii for more than 6 weeks, whereas cotton dispensers were attractive for only 2 weeks. All three pheromone components were important for attraction of male midges in the field. The importance of the stereoisomeric compositions of the pheromone compounds was also tested—both in the wind tunnel and in the field. In the case of 2,9‐diacetoxyundecane and 2‐acetoxyundecane, the non‐natural stereoisomers did not inhibit male C. nasturtii attraction, whereas one or both of the stereoisomers of 2,10‐diacetoxyundecane did.CONCLUSION: Pheromone traps with the synthetic pheromone in a 1:2:0.02 ratio emitted from PE dispensers were highly effective and long lasting. As the mixture of stereoisomers of 2,10‐diacetoxyundecane strongly inhibited attraction of male C. nasturtii while those of 2,9‐diacetoxyundecane and 2‐acetoxyundecane did not have any inhibitory effect, it is possible to produce traps that are effective and long lasting but cheaper to produce and maintain. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural and spectroscopic study of the Fe doped TiO2 thin films for applications in photocatalysis
Authors: Mathews N. R. , Jacome M. A. Corte , Morales Erik R. , Antonio J. A. Toledo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn this work we are presenting the results of structural and optical investigations of TiO2 and Fe doped TiO2 films using XRD, XPS, UV‐VIS transmittance spectroscopy, and the application of these films in photocatalysis is demonstrated. Fe‐doped TiO2 films were prepared by sol‐gel method. The concentration of Fe utilized for doping ranged from 0.5 to 4% by atomic weight. For lower concentrations of Fe the transformation from amorphous‐to‐polycrystalline occurred at 400 °C. However, as the Fe concentration was increased to 4% this transformation occurred only after annealing at 600 °C. The average grain size for 4% Fe doped sample was in the range of 13 nm. In the case of pure TiO2 the XPS analysis showed only the presence of Ti 4+, where the 4% Fe doped film showed the presence of two species of Ti atoms; one of unperturbed Ti atoms and another of negatively charged surface of Ti atoms due to the interaction with Fe atoms in the anatase lattice of TiO2. The optical band gap was found to decrease with Fe concentration. The resistivity was found to decrease by one order after doping. The 4% Fe doped TiO2 films showed an increased photocatalytic activity. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characteristics of high‐quality homoepitaxial ZnO (0001) films grown by the plasma‐assisted reactive evaporation method
Authors: Nakagawa A. , Abe T. , Chiba S. , Endo H. , Meguro K. , Kashiwaba Y. , Ojima T. , Aota K. , Niikura I. , Kashiwaba Y. , Fujiwara T. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHomoepitaxial growth of high‐quality non‐doped and nitrogen‐doped ZnO (0001) films could be achieved by the plasma‐assisted reactive evaporation (PARE) method under the conditions of constant oxygen gas flow rate and several nitrogen gas flow (Nf) rates for nitrogen doping. The values of FWHM of XRC for (0002) and (10‐10) planes of the non‐doped ZnO thin film were 31 and 35 arcsec., respectively. The values of FWHM of XRC for (0002) and (10‐10) planes of the nitrogen‐doped ZnO thin film were 49 and 38 arcsec., respectively. The RMS roughness of surfaces of those films measured by AFM was about 0.1‐0.2 nm. In PL spectra (5 K) of the films, the intensity of D0X emission was decreased with increase in Nf rate. However, A0X and DAP emissions were clearly observed in the films grown under conditions of nitrogen gas flow. The intensity ratio between A0X and D0X emissions increased with increase in Nf rate. A‐free exciton (FEA) and n=2 state of FEA emissions were observed at around 3.378 and 3.424 eV, respectively, independently of the Nf rate. Again, in PL spectra (300 K) of the films, the intensity of visible light emission decreased and that of near‐band‐edge emission also decreased with increase in Nf rate. PL spectra of nitrogen‐doped ZnO thin films and emission of ultraviolet light from diodes fabricated using the nitrogen‐doped ZnO films showed that the homoepitaxial films grown by the PARE method were of high quality and that nitrogen atoms fulfilled oxygen vacancies and acted as acceptors in the nitrogen‐doped ZnO thin films. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Energy upconversion in erbium doped sodium lead germano tellurite glass
Authors: Bommareddi Swaroop , Dokhanian Mostafa , Reddy B. Rami 
Published: April 2009

AbstractErbium doped sodium lead germano tellurite glass was prepared by the melt quenching technique. Optical characterization of the material was done using absorption and laser induced fluorescence measurements. Energy upconversion signals were observed from the sample at 415 nm and/or 546 nm under 488 or 806 nm laser excitations. Our results indicate that this material is useful for upconversion laser development. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of the cyclometallated moiety on the second order nonlinear optical properties of cationic Ir(III) organometallic NLO‐phores
Authors: Dragonetti Claudia , Righetto Stefania , Roberto Dominique , Valore Adriana 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe second order nonlinear optical (NLO) response of the new complexes [Ir(bzq)2(5‐R‐1,10‐phen)][Y] (bzq = cyclometallated benzo[h]quinoline; phen = phenanthroline, R = Me, NO2; Y = PF6, C12H25SO3) and [Ir(bzq)2(4‐R,7‐R‐1,10‐phen)][Y] (R = Me, Ph) have been investigated experimentally by the Electric Field Induced Second Harmonic generation (EFISH) technique in CH2Cl2 solution and compared with that of [Ir(ppy)2(5‐R‐1,10‐phen)][PF6] (ppy = cyclometallated 2‐phenylpyridine, R = Me, NO2) and [Ir(ppy)2(4‐R,7‐R‐1,10‐phen)][PF6] (R = Me, Ph). It appeared that substitution of ppy with the more π‐delocalized bzq does not affect significantly the large second‐order NLO response of this class of complexes. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependence of the energy gap, refractive index and optical‐oscillator parameters of amorphous GaxSe1–x (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6) thin films
Authors: Mustafa Falah I. , Gupta Shikha , Goyal N. , Tripathi S. K. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThin films of a‐GaxSe1–x (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6) are prepared by vacuum evaporation technique onto well‐cleaned glass substrates. The transmittances of the films are measured at various temperature ranges (100 K‐400 K) in the wavelength range of 400‐1100 nm. Optical absorption obeyed the non‐direct transition process. The temperature dependence of the optical energy gaps in that range are fitted with four equations beginning with linear, non linear, Varshni and Bose Einstein equations. The results have got appeared the best fitting is with the Varshni equation. We have found that the energy gap decreases with the increase in Ga percentage in these thin films and increase in energy gap with the decrease of temperature. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of absorption of Ce3+, Pr3+ and Yb3+ in single crystals of BaR2F8
Authors: Kyiko V. V. , Pushkar A. A. , Uvarova T. V. , Egorov A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAbsorption spectra of Ce3+ (0.19‐0.27 at.%), Pr3+ (0.383‐0.53 at.%), and Yb3+ (0.427 at.% ‐3 at.%) in BaY2F8 single crystals have been studied in visible, and IR spectral range at a temperature of 300 K. The absorption coefficients of Ce3+, Pr3+, Yb3+ ions in BaY2F8 crystals have been measured depending on orientation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transient reflectivity response with negative time delay caused by femtosecond pulse propagation in GaAs thin films
Authors: Watanabe Shingo , Kojima1 Osamu , Kita Takashi , Wada Osamu , Isu Toshiro 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe have investigated the propagation effects on the transient response of confined excitons in GaAs thin films by a reflection‐type pump‐probe technique. The spectrally integrated signal demonstrated slower rise than the pulse width in the negative time region. Moreover, reflectivity change spectra indicate that the response in the negative time region originates from the effect of the confined excitons and that the signal rise time at each exciton state is different. The propagation velocities estimated from the rise times and the film thickness correspond to the group velocities of the exciton polariton in bulk crystals. Therefore, the origin of the responses in the negative time region is the pulse modulation caused by the propagation effect of exciton polariton. In addition, it was confirmed that this propagation disappears with an increase in temperature due to the spatial decoherence of excitons. These results demonstrate that the propagation effect of exciton polariton on optical response in femtosecond time scale has a considerable influence in the realization of ultrafast optical devices. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced luminescence and two‐photon absorption of silver nano‐clusters
Authors: Aiboushev A. V. , Astafiev A. A. , Lozovik Yu E. , Merkulova S. P. , Nadtochenko V. A. , Sarkisov O. M. , Willander M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLuminescence of silver nanoparticles photo‐deposited on titan dioxide nanoparticles of mesoporous film is studied. Luminescence was registered under the two‐photon excitation by femto‐second laser pulses of Ti:sapphire laser. It was observed that Ag/ TiO2 mesoporous films have high concentration of bright luminescence spots which reveal stability to degradation under long illumination. Various configurations of silver nanoparticles are analyzed to explain the physics of bright luminescence spots (“hot spots”). Luminescence intensity reveals “hot spots” dependence on the polarization of excitation laser pulse. Properties of Ag/TiO2 system can be useful for single molecule spectroscopy and visualization of biological objects. Aapplication of Ag/ TiO2 mesoporous films for Raman scattering spectroscopy de‐menstruated for the case of Rhodamine B. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)