bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐temperature deposition of high quality β‐FeSi2 films by co‐sputtering of Fe and Si for β‐FeSi2/Si heterojunction solar cell
Authors: Hou Guofu , Yu Cao , Liu Fang , Sun Jian , Geng Xinhua , Zhao Ying 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSingle‐phase β‐FeSi2 films have been prepared by Fe‐Si mixed targets in a facing target sputtering (FTS) system. Compared with depositing iron on silicon, co‐sputtering of Fe and Si atoms in as‐deposited samples guarantees that Fe and Si atoms only need relative low energy via short distance migration to form iron silicide during the annealing process, which helps decreasing annealing temperature and reducing annealing time. Then pure single‐phase β‐FeSi2 films can be obtained at a low annealing temperature 600 °C in this instance. By adjusting the sputtering areas of Fe and Si targets, it’s convenient to control the Fe/Si atom ratios in as‐deposited samples and thus p‐type and n‐type films can be obtained easily. The best n‐type β‐FeSi2 film on Si(111) substrate shows an electron concentration of 1.7×1016 cm‐3 and a Hall mobility of 488cm2/Vs, respectively. An n‐β‐FeSi2/p‐Si(111) heterojunction solar cell has been fabricated with a conversion efficiency 0.54% (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First principles structure modeling for amorphous Si‐rich transition metal silicides
Authors: Miyazaki Takehide , Uchida Noriyuki , Kanayama Toshihiko 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe present a first‐principles theoretical study for the atomic and electronic structures of amorphous Si‐rich transition metal silicides (a‐MxSiy, where M is the transition metal). For M =Mo and y /x =12 (a‐MoSi12), we found that each Mo atom is encapsulated by nine Si atoms while Si atoms form the network similar to that in amorphous Si (a‐Si). We also found that Mo atoms terminate the Si dangling bonds (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of hydrogen dilution on surface roughness development of a‐Si:H thin films grown by remote plasma deposition
Authors: Wank M. A. , Illiberi A. , Tichelaar F. D. , van Swaaij R. A. C. M. M. , van de Sanden M. C. M. , Zeman M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractHydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) films are grown at different hydrogen dilutions. For high dilutions we observe a discrepancy in the surface roughness analysis between real‐time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. With RTSE a much higher roughness layer thickness is measured than with AFM. Additionally we observe what appears to be a strong roughening phase in the first 30‐50 nm of film growth for all conditions. A mechanism that involves the formations of a hydrogenrich overlayer and etching of higher hydrides in this overlayer is suggested.This mechanism explains the difference in RTSE roughness layer thickness evolution. At higher hydrogen dilutions, we obtain a thicker overlayer dominated by lower hydrides. RTSE interprets this overlayer as additional surface roughness and consequently overestimates the surface roughness for higher dilutions. The initial strong roughening phase is related to the built‐up of this over‐layer. In this phase, we obtain much denser films compared to the bulk film. The presence of columnar growth at higher dilutions is attributed to reduced surface mobility under these conditions (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
N‐type hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide containing a microcrystalline silicon phase as an intermediate reflector in silicon thin film solar cells
Authors: Grundler Thomas , Lambertz Andreas , Finger Friedhelm 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTo decrease the extent of degradation of a‐Si:H/μc‐Si:H tandem solar cells it is important to reduce the thickness of the a‐Si:H component cell. A silicon oxide intermediate reflector between top and bottom cell reflects the light back into the a‐Si:H top cell and thus increases its current. For this purpose the reflector material has to fulfill certain optical and electrical requirements. Phosphorous doped silicon oxide films (a‐SiOx:H<n>) with a certain volume fraction of microcrystalline silicon (μc‐Si:H<n>) are used for this purpose and the trade‐off between the material's optical and electrical properties is studied in detail. A suitable intermediate reflector is implemented in a tandem solar cell resulting in an increase in top cell current density by 1.3 mA/cm2 with similar FF and Voc compared to cells without intermediate reflector. An efficiency of 11.5% is achieved at a top cell absorber layer thickness of only 250 nm (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bioremediation of TCE in a fractured limestone aquifer using a novel horizontal passive biobarrier
Authors: Riis Charlotte E. , Christensen Anders G. , Mortensen Annette P. , Jannerup Henrik 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis article discusses a project demonstrating the successful use of a novel horizontal biobarrier approach to protect a fractured limestone aquifer from continuing contamination while passive bioremediation of the overlying clay till source area is in progress. The emplacement of the biobarrier has significantly reduced the concentrations of chlorinated ethenes and dechlorination activity in the limestone aquifer, promoting complete reductive dechlorination of the trichloroethene plume. The biobarrier strategy has thus met the challenge of protecting the limestone from the overlying overburden. Direct GeoProbe injections performed in the source area, which consist of a clay till overburden, have also reduced the contaminant concentrations in the clay till due to enhanced dechlorination activity; however, repeat injections may be required to address the areas of the till in which the injectate has not yet been distributed. The time frame for remediating the source area in the till is expected to be on the order of a decade. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plant selection for a pilot phytoremediation study at a former skeet range
Authors: Kuzovkina Yulia A. , Zhivotovsky Olena P. , Schulthess Cristian P. , Pettinelli Dawn 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA pilot phytoremediation project was conducted at the Mukluk site in Sprague, Connecticut, formerly a private skeet shooting range. A series of experiments was conducted to investigate if any plants can be effective lead phytoextractors for this site that has very high soil lead concentrations and low soil pH. Greenhouse screening of plants for lead resistance and accumulation using field soil was implemented as the initial step before the field installation. Herbaceous plant species with known lead phytoextraction capabilities included Indian mustard and blue fescue; a few willow clones with purported heavy metal resistance were also tested. Based on the results of the greenhouse experiments, blue fescue appeared to be sensitive to high lead concentration in soil, and only willows and Indian mustard along with various soil amendments were selected for the field installation. Indian mustard grew poorly in most of the treatments at the site except in the compost and lime treatment. Lead accumulation by this species was low in all treatments. In contrast, willows showed tolerance to very high lead concentrations present in the soil and were able to uptake and translocate lead into aboveground tissues. However, lead content in aerial tissues was low, and no change in soil lead concentration at the site was recorded post‐harvest after one growing season. It appeared that highly unfavorable soil characteristics at the Mukluk site complicated the species selection, and no effective phytoextractors have been found for this location. These suggest that the feasibility of phytostabilization and possible production of biofuel from willow biomass on these types of sites should be further investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visual and nondestructive evaluation inspection of live gas mains using the Explorer™ family of pipe robots
Authors: Schempf Hagen , Mutschler Edward , Gavaert Alan , Skoptsov George , Crowley William 
Published: March 2010

AbstractVisual inspection and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of natural gas distribution mains is an important future maintenance cost‐planning step for the nation's gas utilities. These data need to be gathered at an affordable cost with the fewest excavations and maximum linear feet inspected for each deployment, with minimal to no disruption in service. Current methods (sniffing, direct assessment) are either postleak reactive or too unreliable to offer a viable and Department of Transportation–acceptable approach as a whole. Toward achieving the above goal, a consortium of federal and commercial sponsors funded the development of Explorer™. Explorer™ is a long‐range, untethered, self‐powered, and wirelessly controlled modular inspection robot for the visual inspection and NDE of 6‐ and 8‐in. natural gas distribution pipelines/mains. The robot is launched into the pipeline under live (pressurized flow) conditions and can negotiate diameter changes, 45‐ and 90‐deg bends and tees, as well as inclined and vertical sections of the piping network. The modular design of the system allows it to be expanded to include additional inspection and/or repair tools. The range of the robot is an order of magnitude higher (thousands of feet) than present state‐of‐the‐art inspection systems and will improve the way gas utilities maintain and manage their systems. Two prototypes, Explorer‐I and ‐II (X‐I and X‐II), were developed and field‐tested over a 3‐year period. X‐I is capable of visual inspection only and was field‐tested in 2004 and 2005. The next‐generation X‐II, capable of visual and NDE inspection [remote field eddy current (RFEC) and magnetic flux leakage (MFL)] was developed thereafter and had field trials in 2006 and late 2007. It was successfully deployed into low‐pressure (<125 psig) and high‐pressure (>500 psig) distribution and transmission natural gas mains, with multi‐1,000‐ft inspection runs under live conditions from a single excavation. This paper will describe the overall engineering design and functionality of the Explorer™ family of robots, as well as the results of the field trials for both platforms. It will highlight the importance of the various design and safety features of the in‐pipe crawler and showcase the value of data types and position‐tagged visual∼NDE data collected in working pipelines under live flow conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of discharge and temperature on the ability of upstream migrant adult river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) to pass experimental overshot and undershot weirs
Authors: Kemp Paul S. , Russon Iain J. , Vowles Andrew S. , Lucas Martyn C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe efficiencies of fish passes specifically designed and constructed to facilitate the movement of a limited number of species and life‐stages past structural barriers are likely to decline as site‐specific conditions shift with a changing climate. There is a need to develop realistic fish passage criteria based on understanding swimming capability and behaviour of multiple species in relation to temperature and flow. The influence of temperature and discharge on behaviour and ability of groups of migrating adult river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), a threatened species, to pass a small overshot or undershot weir at night was investigated using a large experimental flume. Lamprey approached the weirs less, and more often maintained station by using the oral disk to attach to structure, under high flows. Oral disk attachment was more commonly observed during tests employing the undershot weir. Upstream movement tended to be in close proximity to the channel walls and floor where, compared to the mid‐channel, velocities were generally lower and velocity vectors more likely to be in a direction other than the bulk flow. Upstream movement was positively related to temperature, and was higher for the overshot weir. Weir passage rate was higher for undershot than overshot weirs, and negatively related to the maximum velocity at the weir. Passage rate was low when maximum velocities at the weir exceeded 1.5 m s−1, although some fish passed at c. 1.7 m s−1. Passage efficiency, the number of weir passes as a percentage of the number of approaches, was also higher for the undershot weir, but was not affected by discharge because lamprey approached less frequently at high flows. This study provides fish passage criteria under realistic conditions for an infrequently studied anguilliform species of conservation concern and provides a methodological perspective by which to improve fishway suitability for a wider range of species subject to changing climate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article was published online on March 3, 2010. An error was subsequently identified in the Article title. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [April 12, 2010].
Papain‐gel degrades intact nonmineralized type I collagen fibrils
Authors: Bertassoni L. E. , Marshall G. W. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractPapain‐gel has been utilized as a chemo‐mechanical material for caries removal due to its ability to preserve underlying sound dentin. However, little is known about the effect of the papain enzyme on intact type I collagen fibrils that compose the dentin matrix. Here we sought to define structural changes that occur in intact type I collagen fibrils after an enzymatic treatment with a papain‐gel. Intact and nonmineralized type I collagen fibrils from rat tail were obtained and treated with a papain‐gel (Papacarie) for 30 s, rinsed with water and imaged using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Additionally, polished healthy dentin specimens were also treated using the same protocol described above and had their elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) measured by means of AFM‐based nanoindentation. AFM images showed that the papain‐gel induced partial degradation of the fibrils surface, yet no rupture of fibrils was noticed. The distinction between gap and overlap zones of fibrils vanished in most regions after treatment, and overlap zones appeared to be generally more affected. Mechanical data suggested a gradual decrease in E and H after treatments. A significant two‐fold drop from the values of normal dentin (E=20±1.9, H=0.8±0.08 GPa) was found after four applications (E=9.7±3.2, H=0.24±0.1 GPa) (P<0.001), which may be attributed to the degradation of proteoglycans of the matrix. In summary, this study provided novel evidence that intact nonmineralized type I collagen fibrils are partially degraded by a papain‐gel. SCANNING 31: 253–258, 2009. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluorescent–Magnetic Hybrid Nanoparticles Induce a Dose‐Dependent Increase in Proinflammatory Response in Lung Cells in vitro Correlated with Intracellular Localization
Authors: Lehmann Andrea D. , Parak Wolfgang J. , Zhang Feng , Ali Zulqurnain , Röcker Carlheinz , Nienhaus G. Ulrich , Gehr Peter , Rothen‐Rutishauser Barbara 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIron–platinum nanoparticles embedded in a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) polymer shell and fluorescently labeled with the dye ATTO 590 (FePt–PMA–ATTO‐2%) are investigated in terms of their intracellular localization in lung cells and potential to induce a proinflammatory response dependent on concentration and incubation time. A gold core coated with the same polymer shell (Au–PMA–ATTO‐2%) is also included. Using laser scanning and electron microscopy techniques, it is shown that the FePt–PMA–ATTO‐2% particles penetrate all three types of cell investigated but to a higher extent in macrophages and dendritic cells than epithelial cells. In both cell types of the defense system but not in epithelial cells, a particle‐dose‐dependent increase of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is found. By comparing the different nanoparticles and the mere polymer shell, it is shown that the cores combined with the shells are responsible for the induction of proinflammatory effects and not the shells alone. It is concluded that the uptake behavior and the proinflammatory response upon particle exposure are dependent on the time, cell type, and cell culture.
Characterization of Peptide‐Nanostructure‐Modified Electrodes and Their Application for Ultrasensitive Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Badihi‐Mossberg Michal , Gazit Ehud , Rishpon Judith 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDense arrays of self‐assembled nanostructures are highly important for the fabrication of high‐performance sensors of large surface area. The organized incorporation of novel biocompatible organic nanostructures into extremely sensitive amperometric biosensors is demonstrated. Peptide nanoforest biosensors for phenol detection were 17‐fold more sensitive than uncoated electrode and more sensitive than those modified with carbon nanotubes or combined coating. The high sensitivity reported, together with the biocompatibility and the ability to chemically and biologically modify these elements, may provide a novel platform for biosensors design and fabrication for environmental monitoring, homeland security, and other applications.
Effect of antihypertensive therapy with α‐methyldopa on uterine artery Doppler in pregnancies with hypertensive disorders
Authors: Khalil A. , Harrington K. , Muttukrishna S. , Jauniaux E. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesAntihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure by direct vascular effects or central vasodilatory mechanisms. Their effect on uterine artery Doppler resistance indices in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of antihypertensive therapy with α‐methyldopa on maternal uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) in women presenting with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 51 women with pre‐eclampsia, 29 with gestational hypertension and 80 matched normotensive controls. Uterine artery PI and RI were measured at recruitment (between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation) and, in the hypertensive groups, 24–48 h after starting α‐methyldopa. Differences between mild and severe, and between early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia were compared using the Mann–Whitney test. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare measurements before and after treatment.ResultsPrior to treatment, uterine artery PI and RI were significantly higher in women with pre‐eclampsia compared with those with gestational hypertension and controls (P < 0.0001). The median uterine artery PI multiple of the median (MoM) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in early‐onset than in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia (1.83 (range, 0.88–3.65) vs. 1.19 (range, 0.91–1.72)) and in severe compared with mild disease (2.26 (range, 2.02–3.65) vs. 1.29 (range, 0.88–2.9)). Uterine artery PI‐ and RI‐MoMs in both pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension, before and after 34 weeks' gestation, were not affected by α‐methyldopa treatment.ConclusionsAntihypertensive therapy using α‐methyldopa in women presenting with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has no significant effect on uterine artery resistance to blood flow, suggesting that it does not impair uteroplacental circulation in these cases. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of tissue harmonic imaging on measurement of nuchal translucency thickness
Authors: Pasquini L. , Tondi F. , Rizzello F. , Pontello V. , Paoletti E. , Fontanarosa M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) on the measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT).MethodsOne‐hundred and three pregnant women underwent first‐trimester NT measurement according to The Fetal Medicine Foundation criteria. NT was evaluated using conventional ultrasonography (CUS) and THI without modifying any other ultrasound parameter (e.g. gain). For each patient three images with CUS and three images with THI were stored and then measured independently on the ultrasound system by two different operators. The maximum measurements using CUS and THI were compared. Differences between the values of CUS and THI NT measurements were tested using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Bland–Altman plots were constructed, and intraobserver and interobserver variabilities were assessed by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient. Probability values of < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsMean maternal age was 32.8 (range, 20–42) years, mean gestational age at examination was 12 + 1 (11 + 0 to 13 + 6) weeks and mean crown–rump length (CRL) was 55.8 (SD, 7.2) mm. Median fetal NT was 1.4 (0.8–3.5) mm using CUS and 1.2 (0.6–3.3) mm using THI (P < 0.001) for the first operator. A second operator remeasured the first 51 cases: median fetal NT was 1.4 (0.8–3.8) mm using CUS and 1.1 (0.6–3.1) mm using THI (P < 0.001). Fetal NT measurements were above the expected median value according to CRL in 49 cases (47.6%) using CUS and in only 24 cases (23.3%) using THI.ConclusionsTHI leads to a small, but significant, reduction of the NT measurement and this could reduce the sensitivity of screening for Down syndrome. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degree of cervical shortening after initial induction of labor as a predictor of subsequent successful induction
Authors: Kang W. S. , Park K. H. , Kim S. N. , Shin D. M. , Hong J.‐S. , Jung H. J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether the degree of cervical length shortening is valuable in predicting the success of serial induction of labor on the second day in women in whom it failed on the first day, and to compare its performance with that of cervical length.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study. We enrolled 92 consecutive women with singleton gestations at > 34.0 weeks' gestation who failed labor induction on the first day of serial induction. Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length and determination of the Bishop score were undertaken before performing each labor induction on the first and second days.ResultsThe overall success rate of labor induction performed on the second day was 65% (60/92). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the degree of cervical length shortening and cervical length were significantly associated with the successful induction of labor after adjustment for body mass index, parity, use of prostaglandin and Bishop score. There were no significant differences between areas under the ROC curves for degree of cervical length shortening and cervical length.ConclusionsThe degree of cervical length shortening is valuable in predicting the success of induction of labor on the second day in women in whom induction failed on the first day. However, compared with sonographic cervical length it is no better at predicting the success of subsequent induction of labor. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.