bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Approach for Al2O3 rear surface passivation of industrial p‐type Si PERC above 19%
Authors: Vermang Bart , Goverde Hans , Tous Loic , Lorenz Anne , Choulat Patrick , Horzel Jorg , John Joachim , Poortmans Jef , Mertens Robert 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTAtomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin Al2O3 (≤10 nm) films is used to improve the rear surface passivation of large‐area screen‐printed p‐type Si passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC). A blister‐free stack of Al2O3/SiOx/SiNx is developed, leading to an improved back reflection and a rear recombination current (J0,rear) of 92 ± 6 fA/cm2. The Al2O3/SiOx/SiNx stack is blister‐free if a 700°C anneal in N2 is performed after the Al2O3 deposition and prior to the SiOx/SiNx capping. A clear relationship between blistering density and lower open‐circuit voltage (VOC) due to increased rear contacting area is shown. In case of the blister‐free Al2O3/SiOx/SiNx rear surface passivation stack, an average cell efficiency of 19.0% is reached and independently confirmed by FhG‐ISE CalLab. Compared with SiOx/SiNx‐passivated PERC, there is an obvious gain in VOC and short‐circuit current (JSC) of 5 mV and 0.2 mA/cm2, respectively, thanks to improved rear surface passivation and rear internal reflection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
All the fundamental massless bosonic fields in superstring theory
Authors: Manoukian E.B. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA systematic analysis of all the massless bosonic fields in superstring theory is carried out. Emphasis is put on the derivation of their propagators, their polarization aspects and the investigation of their underlying constraints as well as their number of degrees of freedom. The treatment is given in the presence of external sources, in the celebrated Coulomb gauge, ensuring the positivity of the formalism ‐ a result which is also established in the process. The challenge here is the investigation involved in the self‐dual fourth rank anti‐symmetric tensor field. No constraints are imposed on the external sources so that their components may be varied independently, thus the complete expressions of the propagators may be obtained. As emphasized in our earlier work, the latter condition is an important one in dynamical theories with constraints giving rise to modifications as Faddeev‐Popov factors. The analysis is carried out in 10 dimensions, not only because of the consistency requirement by the superstrings, but also in order to take into account of the self‐duality character of the fourth rank anti‐symmetric tensor field as spelled out in the paper.
Completing the web of ℤ3‐quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau manifolds
Authors: Candelas P. , Constantin A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe complete the study [1] of smooth ℤ3‐quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau threefolds by discussing the six new manifolds that admit free ℤ3 actions that were discovered in [2]. These manifolds were missed in [1] and complete the web of smooth ℤ3‐quotients in a nice way. We discuss the transitions between these manifolds and include also the other manifolds of the web. This leads to the conclusion that the web of ℤ3‐free quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau threefolds is connected by conifold transitions.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20 alloyed with Se
Authors: Su Taichao , Zhou Youmo , Li Hongtao , Li Shangsheng , Li Xiaolei , Deng Le , Su Yantao , Liu Jian , Sui Yu , Ma Hongan , Jia Xiaopeng 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThermoelectric materials Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20 alloyed with Se in the composition of Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20–x Sex (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) were prepared by a high‐pressure method. The composition dependence of transport properties was studied from 100 K to room temperature. The thermal conductivity of Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20 was depressed sharply by alloying with Se, and the Seebeck coefficient and resistivity were tuned effectively by adjusting the Se content. The maximum figure of merit ZT = 0.43 was obtained at x = 10, which is about 70% higher than that of the unalloyed sample.
Ru‐doped TiO2 nanotubes: Improved performance in dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: So Seulgi , Lee Kiyoung , Schmuki Patrik 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn the present work we use a series of Ti–Ru alloys, with minor amounts of Ru (0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.2 at%) to grow anodic self‐organized Ru‐doped TiO2 nanotube layers. When used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the nanotube layers with an optimum amount of Ru (0.02 at% Ru in the alloy) show a considerable increase in solar cell efficiency (η = 5.2%) under AM1.5 (100 mW/cm2) conditions compared with non‐doped TiO2 nanotubes (η = 4.3%).magnified image(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of matrix‐induced effects in multi‐residue determination of pesticides by online gel permeation chromatography‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yu Sha , Xu Xiao‐min 
Published: March 2012

RATIONALEMulti‐residue determination of pesticides in a complex matrix by online gel permeation chromatography‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GPC‐GC/MS) is increasingly concerned for its high throughput, efficiency and accuracy. Study of matrix‐induced suppression or enhancement of the instrument signals is important for the application of this technique.METHODSMatrix suppression and enhancement effects for 176 pesticides were studied by online GPC‐GC/MS and post‐extraction addition. Suppression effects induced by co‐eluted compounds were examined in the matrices tea and human breast milk. The prepared matrix was studied to confirm the results by deliberate addition of phthalates or caffeine to the matrix of Chinese cabbage.RESULTSBoth suppression and enhancement effects induced by co‐eluted matrix were found. The different results may depend on the concentration of the matrix. Enhancement effects for carbamate and polar pesticides were found because of the blocking of active sites in the instrument by the large volume injection (LVI) technique combined with on‐column and programmed temperature vaporization (PTV) mode. The results can explain the significant difference in instrument signals between isomers or native and isotope labels in some matrices.CONCLUSIONSOnline GPC‐GC/MS with combined PTV and on‐column LVI mode is presumed to be applicable for the multi‐residue method including the studied pesticides if calibrated by matrix‐matched standards. However, further cleanup steps should be deloped to remove co‐eluted matrix if remarkable suppression effects are found. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting for spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Wehman Brody , Lehr Eric Joseph , Mukherjee Ratnakar , Grigore Alina , Griffith Bartley , Bonatti Johannes 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection may require surgical revascularization. Reports on the surgical management of this pathology are primarily limited to classic coronary artery bypass grafting via sternotomy on cardiopulmonary bypass, although a limited number of reports of alternatives also exist.MethodsWe describe a case of robotic completely endoscopic coronary surgery using the daVinci® Si™ system in a patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.ResultsRobotically assisted single left internal mammary artery grafting to the left coronary artery system was carried out successfully in a completely endoscopic fashion.ConclusionsSelected patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection may benefit from a totally endoscopic approach to surgical coronary revascularization. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete‐time output feedback for Markov jump systems with uncertain transition probabilities
Authors: Fioravanti André R. , Gonçalves Alim P.C. , Geromel José C. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThis article addresses the output feedback control for discrete‐time Markov jump linear systems. With fully known transition probability, sufficient conditions for an internal model based controller design are obtained. For the case where the transition probabilities are uncertain and belong to a convex polytope with known vertices, we provide a sufficient LMI condition that guarantees the norm of the closed‐loop system is below a prescribed level. That condition can be improved through an iterative procedure. Additionally, we are able to deal with the case of cluster availability of the Markov mode, provided that some system matrices do not vary within a given cluster, an assumption that is suitable to deal with packet dropout models for networked control systems. A numerical example shows the applicability of the design and compares it with previous results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the interference from space research service uplink transmissions into the inter‐satellite links of a non‐GSO system operating in the 22‐GHz band
Authors: Fortes José Mauro P. , Goicochea Juan Otalora 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThis paper presents a compatibility analysis involving space research service lunar mission uplink transmissions and the inter‐satellite links of non‐geostationary orbit systems operating in the 22‐GHz band. Three points differentiate this analysis from the currently available studies: (1) the mathematical model used here allows for the consideration of the time varying nature of the inclination of the Moon orbital plane; (2) besides the usual unconditional interference cumulative distribution functions, this analysis also considers the conditional cumulative distribution functions given that the victim satellite is receiving interference, important to characterize the interference affecting users that, because of their location, are most of the time using satellites, which are under interference; and (3) instead of dynamic time simulation, the analytical method in Recommendation ITU‐R S.1529 is used to determine the various cumulative distribution functions involved. Four scenarios are examined in the paper. Their main differences concern the number and location of the space research service transmitting Earth stations and the strategy under which they are active (transmitting). In all scenarios, cumulative distribution functions of the ratio I/N were determined for both the in‐band and the out‐of‐band interference cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the security of the extended version for the ISO/IEC international standardized block cipher SEED
Authors: Kim Jongsung 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we analyze the block cipher SEED‐192, which is an extended version of the ISO/IEC block cipher SEED. According to the result of this paper, there exist weak keys in 8 out of the 20 rounds of SEED‐192 against related‐key differential attacks, and there exist weak keys in 16 out of the 20 rounds of SEED‐192 against related‐key rectangle/boomerang attacks. This is the first cryptanalytic result for the key schedule of SEED‐192. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Birth Weight and Perceived Stress Reactivity in Older Age
Authors: Schlotz Wolff , Phillips David I. W. ,   Hertfordshire Cohort Study Group
Published: March 2012

AbstractStress reactivity is a disposition that underlies individual differences in stress responses, thereby affecting vulnerability for the development of disease. Besides genetic and early postnatal environmental factors, stress reactivity has been shown to be influenced by an adverse prenatal developmental environment, but it is unclear if such effects persist into older age. We tested associations between fetal growth and perceived stress reactivity in 421 participants from the Hertfordshire Cohort at age 66–75 years. Regression analysis showed a U‐shaped association between birth weight and perceived stress reactivity with increased levels of stress reactivity at the lower and upper end of the birth weight distribution. These effects were stable after adjustment for markers of early adversity and recent adversity and chronic stress. Although the effects were small, they are consistent with findings from studies in younger cohorts, and demonstrate that such effects can persist into older age. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis of archeological metal artifacts from the Final Bronze Age
Authors: Bottaini C. E. , Silva A. L. M. , Covita D. S. , Moutinho L. M. , Veloso J. F. C. A. 
Published: March 2012

Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is widely used in the study of archeological metal artifacts, heritage and art history, where the fragile nature of the objects requires the use of noninvasive techniques such as the EDXRF, which in addition, is fast and very affordable.An EDXRF analysis of copper‐based artifacts from Late Bronze Age metal hoards from Central Portugal is presented.The EDXRF measurements were carried out by using an X‐ray tube with a Mo anode and a commercial Si‐PIN detector. The data acquisition was performed by keeping small distances between the X‐ray window, the sample and the detector. Both patinated and polished areas were analyzed: the relative composition of the artifacts was inferred from the fluorescence spectra obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative Hungry Bone Syndrome in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Renal Origin
Authors: Goldfarb Melanie , Gondek Stephan S. , Lim Susan M. , Farra Josephina C. , Nose Vania , Lew John I. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundHungry bone syndrome (HBS) is a postoperative condition of severe hypocalcemia that can be seen in patients who have undergone parathyroidectomy (PTX) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) of renal origin. This study examines HBS in patients after PTX for 2HPT.MethodsProspectively collected data was retrospectively reviewed in patients who underwent PTX for 2HPT of renal origin at a single institution. HBS was defined as the need for additional days of hospitalization or readmission for intravenous calcium supplementation due to clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia, including tingling, muscle spasms, and bone pain and/or immediate postoperative low serum calcium ≤7.5 mg/dl.ResultsOf 79 patients who underwent PTX for 2HPT, 27.8% (n = 22) experienced HBS. Young age (≤45 years, p = 0.02) was the only preoperative variable that predicted HBS. Most patients developed HBS within 18 h after surgery and required a prolonged hospital stay (19/22) compared to those requiring hospital readmission within the first 7 days (3/22). Initial postoperative serum calcium levels within 18 h of surgery were significantly lower in those patients who developed HBS (7.1 vs. 8.3 mg/dl, p = 0.001), and those patients also had a greater absolute decrease in serum calcium (2.8 vs. 3.5 mg/dl, p = 0.04).ConclusionHBS develops in a significant proportion of patients generally within the first 18 h after subtotal PTX for 2HPT. The only identifiable preoperative risk factor for HBS was young age. Additionally, low initial calcium levels and greater absolute decrease in serum calcium may help identify those patients that will develop HBS requiring judicious calcium supplementation.
A Prospective Evaluation of Quick Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay at the Time of Skin Closure in Predicting Clinically Relevant Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Yih Patricia Chun‐Ling , Ng Ka Kin 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundPost‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a major contributing factor in delayed hospital discharge and dissuading surgeons from ambulatory thyroidectomy. We prospectively evaluated the accuracy and reliability of quick parathyroid hormone level measurement at skin closure (PTH‐SC) in predicting clinically relevant hypocalcemia (i.e., patients requiring calcium ± calcitriol supplements on hospital discharge).MethodsOf the 117 patients who underwent a total or completion total thyroidectomy and PTH‐SC, 17 (14.5 %) had hypocalcemic symptoms or adjusted calcium <1.90 mmol/L requiring calcium and/or calcitriol supplements on discharge. Serum calcium was checked regularly in the perioperative period until stabilization and an additional quick PTH was checked on the following morning (PTH‐D1). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate potential preoperative clinicopathologic factors and postoperative day 0 biochemical indicators. Youden’s index and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to determine the best cutoff value and predictability of significant variables or criteria, respectively.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, low preoperative adjusted calcium (p = 0.041) and low PTH‐SC (p = 0.001) were the two independent variables associated with hypocalcemia. PTH‐SC (≤1 or >1 pmol/L) had a higher specificity (95.0 %) and AUC (0.887) than serial calcium monitoring or PTH‐D1 alone. Although 3/98 of patients with PTH‐SC >1 pmol/L required calcium supplements on discharge, they required only the minimum amount to maintain normocalcemia.ConclusionPTH‐SC is an accurate and reliable means of predicting clinically relevant hypocalcemia. It would be reasonable to discharge those with PTH‐SC >1 pmol/L on the same operative day as the risk of life‐threatening hypocalcemia would seem unlikely.
Novel endophytic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain PTD3 I: production of xylitol and ethanol
Authors: Bura Renata , Vajzovic Azra , Doty Sharon L 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
An endophytic yeast, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain PTD3, that was isolated from stems of hybrid poplar was found to be capable of production of xylitol from xylose, of ethanol from glucose, galactose, and mannose, and of arabitol from arabinose. The utilization of 30 g/L of each of the five sugars during fermentation by PTD3 was studied in liquid batch cultures. Glucose-acclimated PTD3 produced enhanced yields of xylitol (67% of theoretical yield) from xylose and of ethanol (84, 86, and 94% of theoretical yield, respectively) from glucose, galactose, and mannose. Additionally, this yeast was capable of metabolizing high concentrations of mixed sugars (150 g/L), with high yields of xylitol (61% of theoretical yield) and ethanol (83% of theoretical yield). A 1:1 glucose:xylose ratio with 30 g/L of each during double sugar fermentation did not affect PTD3’s ability to produce high yields of xylitol (65% of theoretical yield) and ethanol (92% of theoretical yield). Surprisingly, the highest yields of xylitol (76% of theoretical yield) and ethanol (100% of theoretical yield) were observed during fermentation of sugars present in the lignocellulosic hydrolysate obtained after steam pretreatment of a mixture of hybrid poplar and Douglas fir. PTD3 demonstrated an exceptional ability to ferment the hydrolysate, overcome hexose repression of xylose utilization with a short lag period of 10 h, and tolerate sugar degradation products. In direct comparison, PTD3 had higher xylitol yields from the mixed sugar hydrolysate compared with the widely studied and used xylitol producer Candida guilliermondii.
Exercise Recommendations in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Fibromyalgia
Authors: Wilson Brad , Spencer Horace , Kortebein Patrick 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate exercise recommendations in patients newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia.DesignA retrospective chart review.SettingA public university rheumatology clinic.PatientsPatients newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia (N = 122).Main Outcome MeasurementsFrequency and type of exercise recommendations.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) age of these patients with fibromyalgia was 45 ± 12 years; 91% were women. Exercise was recommended as part of the documented treatment plan in 47% of these patients (57/122); only 3 patients had a documented contraindication for exercise. Aquatic exercise was most frequently recommended (56% [32/57]), followed by combined aquatic‐aerobic exercise (26% [15/57]), and, infrequently, aerobic exercise only (5% [3/57]); only 7% of these patients (4/57) were referred for physical therapy. The primary method of communication was verbal discussion (94% [54/57]).ConclusionsAlthough there is well‐documented evidence that exercise is beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia, we found that less than half of patients with newly diagnosed fibromyalgia in our study were provided recommendations to initiate an exercise program as part of their treatment plan. Further investigation of these findings are warranted, including evaluation of other university and community rheumatology practices as well as that of other physicians caring for patients with fibromyalgia. However, our findings indicate that there appears to be an opportunity to provide more specific and practical education regarding the implementation of an exercise regimen for patients with newly diagnosed fibromyalgia. Physiatrists may be particularly well suited to manage the exercise component of patients with fibromyalgia because of their specialized training in exercise prescription.
Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness at T5, T10, and L3 Levels in Normal Subjects
Authors: Kumar Shrawan 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo measure, by using standardized device and protocol, posteroanterior (PA) spinal stiffness at the 5th and 10th thoracic (T5 and T10) and 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebral levels in asymptomatic adult volunteers.DesignA cross‐sectional study.SettingOsteopathic Heritage Foundation Physical Medicine Core Research Laboratory where the Therapeutic Spinal Mobilizer was fabricated to standardize the testing protocol.ParticipantsSixteen asymptomatic adult volunteers.MethodsVolunteers were in the prone position on the treatment plinth and the loading block of the loading piston was placed at T5, T10, and L3. The subjects were instructed to remain still, to not contract any muscle, and to stop breathing mid cycle for 15 seconds when the data acquisition was initiated for a 10‐second test cycle. The force was measured by using the load cell, and the spinal deformation was measured by the linear variable differential transducer. The data were extracted and subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance to determine the effect of independent variables on spinal stiffness.ResultsThe PA spinal stiffness at 3 spinal levels was significantly different (P < .0001). The spinal stiffness was significantly affected by the testing load, age, gender, and body weight of the subjects (P < .0001). The PA stiffness of the entire sample at 3 spinal levels ranged from 4.8‐8.8 N/mm. The spinal stiffness values could be predicted as the function of testing load and body weight (P < .01).ConclusionsResults of this experiment suggest that the standardized and repeatable methodology will result in reliable stiffness values. Because the spinal stiffness is an indicator of patient's symptoms and it is an important variable in selection of treatment regimen, it is important to be able to measure this variable with a standardized protocol. Values from asymptomatic subjects can be used to study and to compare the symptomatic patients.