bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amorphous silicon‐based multilayers for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Zeman M. , Isabella O. , Tichelaar F. D. , Luxembourg S. L. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMultilayer (ML) structures were fabricated by alternating deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) and amorphous silicon nitride (a‐SiNx:H) using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The ML structures were grown with and without hydrogen dilution of the source gas mixture. A blue shift of the absorption spectra was observed upon reduction of the a‐Si:H thickness below 5 nm. Hydrogen dilution was found to improve the abruptness of the interfaces between subsequent a‐Si:H and a‐SiNx:H layers to below 1 nm. In order to investigate the potential of a‐Si:H based ML structures as absorbers in solar cells and to study transport perpendicular to the interfaces, we have incorporated ML absorbers in a single junction p‐i‐n solar cell. We have determined the J‐V characteristics and the external quantum efficiency of solar cells with a 60 period ML absorber, composed of 5 nm thick a‐Si:H and 1 nm thick a‐SiNx:H layers. The solar cell with ML absorber operated at efficiency of 1.8% (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Combined thermal and zero‐valent iron In Situ soil mixing remediation technology
Authors: La Mori Phillip , Kirkland Elgin , Faircloth Harlan , Bogert Robert , Kershner Mark 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThermal remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater by injection of hot air and steam using large‐diameter auger in situ soil mixing effectively remediates volatile and semivolatile organic compounds. This technology removes large amounts of contamination during the early treatment stages, but extended treatment times are needed to achieve high removal percentages. Combining thermal treatment with another technology that can be injected and mixed into the soil, and that continues to operate after removal of the drilling equipment, improves removal efficiency, and reduces cost. Using field‐determined pseudo first‐order removal rates, the cost of the combined remediation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) by thermal treatment followed by reductive dechlorination by iron powder has been estimated as 57 percent of the cost of thermal treatment alone. This analysis was applied to a case‐study remediation of 48,455 cubic yards, which confirmed the cost estimate of the combined approach and showed over 99.8 percent removal of trichloroethene and other chlorinated VOCs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability of mesohabitat characteristics in riffle‐pool reaches: Testing an integrative evaluation concept (FGC) for MEM‐application
Authors: Hauer Christoph , Unfer Günther , Tritthart Michael , Formann Erik , Habersack Helmut 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper investigates the variability of mesohabitat characteristics in various riffle‐pool reaches. The tested river sections (n = 13) feature clear variation in slope (0.0004–0.0132) and low flow discharge (0.05–915 m3s−1) in different river types (straight to meandering). Mesohabitat characteristics (water depth, flow velocity, bottom shear stress) were calibrated according to the MEM‐concept (MEM—Mesohabitat Evaluation Model). Statistical analysis clearly revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) for the same mesohabitats (e.g. riffles) in different rivers concerning the tested abiotic habitat parameters. A comparative analysis of hydromorphological parameters (width‐depth variance, Froude number) showed no correlation to mesohabitat variability based on 2D/3D numerical modelling related to a range of flows (n = 10) (low flow to annual flood). Only an increasing hydraulic radius (Rhy) was correlated to an increase in fast run and a decrease in run habitats. In a case study, a Fish Guild Concept (FGC) is presented which links mesohabitats to the rheophilic fish guild (12 fish species grouped) at the Sulm River. Mesohabitat suitability (preferred, useable and avoided) for the FGC was determined for spawning, juveniles (0+, 1+), sub‐adult and adult stages based on meso‐unit and point abundance electro‐fishing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article was published online on March 3, 2010. An error was subsequently identified in Figure 1. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [March 10, 2010].
Micromechanics and Advanced Designs for Curved Photodetector Arrays in Hemispherical Electronic‐Eye Cameras
Authors: Shin Gunchul , Jung Inhwa , Malyarchuk Viktor , Song Jizhou , Wang Shuodao , Ko Heung Cho , Huang Yonggang , Ha Jeong Sook , Rogers John A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe fabrication of a hemispherical electronic‐eye camera with optimized designs based upon micromechanical analysis is reported. The photodetector arrays combine layouts with multidevice tiles and extended, non‐coplanar interconnects to improve the fill factor and deformability, respectively. Quantitative comparison to micromechanics analysis reveals the key features of these designs. Color images collected with working cameras demonstrate the utility of these approaches.
13–14‐week fetal anatomy scan: a 5‐year prospective study
Authors: Ebrashy A. , El Kateb A. , Momtaz M. , El Sheikhah A. , Aboulghar M. M. , Ibrahim M. , Saad M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the potential value of an early (first‐trimester) ultrasound examination in depicting fetal anomalies by transabdominal (TAS) and transvaginal (TVS) sonography, to compare it with the traditional mid‐trimester anomaly ultrasound examination and to evaluate the degree of patient acceptance of early sonography by the transvaginal route.MethodsIn this prospective study over a 5‐year period (January 2002 to January 2007) 2876 pregnant women underwent a 13–14‐week ultrasound examination. The scan was performed by TAS at first and then, if a full fetal anatomical survey was not achieved, by TVS. A mid‐trimester fetal anatomy scan was then performed in patients who had not dropped out, miscarried or undergone pregnancy termination (n = 2834).ResultsIn the early scan, analyzable data for 2876 TAS and 1357 TVS examinations showed that TVS was significantly better in visualizing the cranium, spine, stomach, kidneys, bladder and upper and lower limbs (P < 0.001). Complete fetal anatomical surveys were achieved by TAS in 64% of cases versus 82% of the cases in which it was attempted by TVS (P < 0.001). Patient body mass index significantly affected the ability of the sonographer to achieve a complete anatomical survey by both TAS and TVS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). The duration of the scan was significantly longer using TVS. The heart and kidneys were not properly visualized in 42% and 27% of cases, respectively, at the 13‐week scan compared with 1.6% and 0% at the mid‐trimester scan. The total number of cases in which anomalies were detected was 31. At the first‐trimester scan, anomalies were detected in 21 fetuses and in 14 of these cases the parents chose pregnancy termination. At the second‐trimester scan, anomalies were detected in 17 fetuses: 10 new anomalous cases along with seven cases already detected in the first‐trimester scan.ConclusionBesides its importance in screening for chromosomal abnormalities, the early scan has great potential in visualizing with precision fetal anatomy. TVS can be used to compliment difficult TAS examinations; however, patients do not always agree to undergo TVS. The mid‐trimester scan remains crucial for detailed fetal anatomical survey. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproducibility of regional placental vascularity/perfusion measurement using 3D power Doppler
Authors: Lai P. K. , Wang Y. A. , Welsh A. W. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo assess reproducibility and regional variability of placental perfusion measurement using three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler VOCAL™ (Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis).MethodsTwenty pregnant women at 26–34 weeks' gestation with normally grown, biophysically normal, singleton pregnancies with anterior placentae had placental power Doppler mapping data stored digitally from each of the four placental quadrants. Each was imaged by two investigators, with two datasets stored per investigator per quadrant. 5760 data values from the 320 datasets were evaluated by the same two investigators. Power Doppler imaging of the placental cord insertion was performed to generate a value for standardization as ‘fractional moving blood volume’ if appropriate. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were calculated from spherical regions‐of‐interest to assess reproducibility within and between quadrants and between investigators for both acquisition and analysis.ResultsWe found extensive variability for all readings. For repeated measurements within the same dataset the intra‐analyzer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range was: 0.24–0.57 for VI, 0.33–0.78 for FI and 0.12–0.48 for VFI. The corresponding interanalyzer ICC range was: 0.38–0.92 for VI, 0.40–0.85 for FI and 0.10–0.92 for VFI. The intra‐acquirer variability (paired t‐test) mean differences range was: − 3.91 to 4.71 for VI, − 2.68 to 3.31 for FI and − 2.23 to 2.78 for VFI; the corresponding interacquirer variability (paired t‐test) range was: − 1.92 to 5.18 for VI, − 3.06 to 2.04 for FI and − 1.69 to 2.60 for VFI. The regional variability range (coefficient of variation) was: 6.28–126.34% for VI, 2.26–49.01% for FI and 6.09–151.55% for VFI. For all analyzed data, FI showed least variability and cord values for VI were consistently 100% (mean VFI, 98.4 and 98.8 between observers).ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to support the meaning, reliability or reproducibility of VOCAL (VI, FI or VFI) as a tool to quantify placental perfusion, despite its use in multiple publications and journal submissions. There is poor reproducibility at the most fundamental level. Further investigation into the reproducibility of placental perfusion and quantification using VOCAL is required before development and application as a clinically useful tool. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of inter‐ and intraobserver agreement and reliability between three different types of placental volume measurement technique (XI VOCAL™, VOCAL™ and multiplanar) and validity in the in‐vitro setting
Authors: Cheong K. B. , Leung K. Y. , Li T. K. T. , Chan H. Y. , Lee Y. P. , Tang M. H. Y. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo compare XI VOCAL™ (eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis) for three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumetry of the placenta and of phantom objects with a rotational method using VOCAL™ and with the multiplanar method.MethodsWe acquired 3D volume datasets from 32 fetuses at 11–14 weeks' gestation. Placental volume was calculated twice by each of two observers using XI VOCAL (with 5, 10, 15 and 20 slices), multiplanar (1‐mm interval) and VOCAL (with 12°, 18° and 30° rotation) methods. In addition, validity was assessed using the in‐vitro setting with three phantom objects of known volume.ResultsBoth inter‐ and intraobserver reliabilities were very high for all three methods. There was no systematic bias between any two methods except between XI VOCAL (10 slices) and the multiplanar (1‐mm interval) method, with a smaller volume using the former method. The limits of agreement were wide between any two of the three methods. In the in‐vitro setting, there was a trend towards less valid measurements with the XI VOCAL technique and fewer slices. With the same number of steps, measurements made with VOCAL (12° and 18°) were more valid than were those made with XI VOCAL (15 and 10 slices, respectively).ConclusionXI VOCAL cannot be used interchangeably with VOCAL or multiplanar techniques in measuring placental volume at 11–14 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘question mark’ sign as a new ultrasound marker of tetralogy of Fallot in the fetus
Authors: Martínez J. M. , Gómez O. , Bennasar M. , Olivella A. , Crispi F. , Puerto B. , Gratacós E. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a new ultrasonographic marker, the ‘question‐mark’ sign, to assist in the diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in the fetus, and to evaluate its prevalence in TOF as compared with other cardiac defects.MethodsA prospective evaluation over a 5‐year period of a consecutive series of 3998 pregnant women undergoing fetal echocardiography from 12 to 40 weeks' gestation due to high risk for congenital heart disease (CHD). Standard echocardiographic planes with color Doppler assessment and evaluation of the whole aortic arch, from the left ventricular outflow tract to the descending aorta in the axial upper mediastinum views, were performed. The question‐mark sign corresponded with an enlarged and dilated ascending aorta and aortic arch in the three‐vessel view of the upper fetal mediastinum. The frequency of this sign was evaluated in cases with TOF and in other cases of cardiac defects, as well as in fetuses with normal cardiac scans in this series.ResultsCHD was diagnosed in a total of 447 (11.2%) fetuses at a median gestational age of 24 (range, 12–40) weeks. Forty‐two of the 447 (9.4%) had TOF, of which 29 cases (69.0%) had classical TOF (pulmonary stenosis), nine (21.4%) pulmonary atresia and four (9.5%) absent pulmonary valve syndrome. A question‐mark sign was observed in 16/29 (55.2%) cases of classical TOF and in 8/9 (88.9%) cases of TOF with pulmonary atresia. The sign was never observed in any of the cases of TOF with a right‐sided aortic arch. Likewise, the sign was observed in 1/405 (0.2%) cases with other cardiac anomalies (a fetus with a complex cardiac defect) and in none of the fetuses with normal hearts.ConclusionsThe finding of an enlarged aorta with a question‐mark shape should raise a strong suspicion of tetralogy of Fallot, in particular the variant with pulmonary atresia. This sign may be useful in screening considering that prenatal diagnosis of TOF by routine ultrasonography remains a challenge. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of a regional training program in fetal echocardiography for sonographers on the antenatal detection of major congenital heart disease
Authors: McBrien A. , Sands A. , Craig B. , Dornan J. , Casey F. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to ascertain the effect of a regional training program in fetal echocardiography for obstetric radiographers on the antenatal detection of major congenital heart disease (CHD) and to document short‐term outcomes for major CHD.MethodsAll 87 obstetric radiographers in Northern Ireland were invited to attend 2.5 days of training during a 1‐year period. Data were collected before and after the training, over a 5‐year study period, to assess the effect of training on the antenatal detection of CHD in the population.ResultsThe antenatal detection of major CHD rose significantly, from 28% (72/262) pretraining to 43% (36/84) in the year of training (P = 0.008). Antenatal diagnosis of four‐chamber‐view defects rose significantly (from 38% to 54%; P = 0.04), as did detection of outflow‐tract‐view defects (from 8% to 21%; P = 0.05). Twelve per cent (13/108) of cases died spontaneously in utero and 8% (9/108) were terminated. Only 78% (67/86) of live‐born cases in which CHD had been diagnosed antenatally survived the neonatal period, compared to 93% (221/238) with a postnatal diagnosis of CHD (P < 0.001).ConclusionsEven with a relatively simple training program, significant improvements can be made in the antenatal detection of CHD. With training, obstetric sonographers can successfully assess outflow tracts. Antenatally diagnosed cases have more complex CHD and this probably contributes to poor neonatal survival. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Ilizarov Method of External Fixation: Current Intraoperative Concepts
Authors: Lee Daniel K. , Duong Elizabeth Thu Anh , Chang Douglas G. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe Ilizarov method of external fixation is used to treat fractures, complex lower extremity deformities, osteomyelitis, and soft tissue contractures and to lengthen limbs. Tremendous improvements in the Ilizarov method have occurred during the past 60 years, improving intraoperative care and limb salvage management concepts. Improved instrumentation has increased the quantity and complexity of the tray systems required for these procedures. Perioperative nurses must be well versed in optimal preparation and function of Ilizarov fixation systems to ensure safe patient care during Ilizarov external fixation procedures.
Clinical Issues—March 2010
Authors: Denholm Bonnie , Ogg Mary , Ogg Mary 
Published: March 2010

This MonthFlash sterilizationKey words: flash sterilization, routine sterilization cycles, drying time, cooling time, rigid sterilization containers.Eye protectionKey words: protective eye wear, goggles, standard precautions, bloodborne pathogens.Reusing medication syringes and tubingKey words: single‐use devices, reusing syringes, multidose vials, infection prevention.
DJD-Associated Pain in Cats
Authors: Lascelles B Duncan , Sheilah A Robertson 
Published: March 2010

Practical relevance Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a high prevalence in domestic cats and can be associated with pain. This pain should be addressed wherever possible. Audience All practitioners are faced with cats that are mobility impaired due to DJD-associated pain. Patient group Cats of all ages and breeds, and either sex, can experience DJD-associated discomfort. Clinical challenges Recognizing DJD and assessing DJD-associated pain in cats is a challenge. Owner observations of activity and behavior, careful observation and a logical and thorough orthopedic evaluation are key. Current understanding of the etiology of feline DJD and the mechanisms of DJD-associated pain is incomplete, making the rational choice of treatments a further challenge. Evidence base Evidence is emerging on the prevalence of feline DJD, and on how to assess the associated pain and mobility impairment. There is a lack of information on the etiology of feline DJD and a relative lack of data on the efficacy of putative treatments.
Acute Vomiting in Cats
Authors: Trepanier Lauren 
Published: March 2010

Practical relevance The control of nausea and vomiting in cats is important in order to prevent the development of food aversion, anorexia (with its associated complications of weight loss and dehydration), and hepatic lipidosis.Clinical challenges There are several antiemetic drugs that are clinically effective in cats. Making a rational choice from the available options requires knowledge of the likely cause of the vomiting, and the mechanisms of action and side effects of each drug. For example, a drug such as prochlorperazine, which can cause sedation, may be a useful first-line choice in a hospitalized cat that requires mild sedation to be handled, but would be undesirable in a critically ill cat.Audience For companion animal and feline practitioners, the vomiting cat is a common presentation.Evidence base The guidance provided in this review draws on the findings of clinical trials in humans, experimental studies in cats, some clinical trials in cats, and clinical experience.
Mapping interacting QTL for count phenotypes using hierarchical Poisson and binomial models: an application to reproductive traits in mice
Authors: LI JUN , REYNOLDS RICHARD , POMP DANIEL , ALLISON DAVID B. , YI NENGJUN 
Published: March 2010

SummaryWe proposed hierarchical Poisson and binomial models for mapping multiple interacting quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for count traits in experimental crosses. We applied our methods to two counted reproductive traits, live fetuses (LF) and dead fetuses (DF) at 17 days gestation, in an F2female mouse population. We treated observed number ofcorpora lutea(ovulation rate) as the baseline and the total trials in our Poisson and binomial models, respectively. We detected more than 10 QTLs forLFandDF, most having epistatic and pleiotropic effects. The epistatic effects were larger, involved more QTLs, and explained a larger proportion of phenotypic variance than the main effects. Our analyses revealed a complex network of multiple interacting QTLs for the reproductive traits, and increase our understanding of the genetic architecture of reproductive characters. The proposed statistical models and methods provide valuable tools for detecting multiple interacting QTLs for complex count phenotypes.
Between Elite Interests and Pro-Poor Resistance: The Nigerian Courts and Labour-Led Anti-Fuel Price Hike Struggles (1999–2007)
Authors: Okafor Obiora Chinedu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBetween 1999 and 2007, a popular Labour-led movement led a pro-poor struggle to resist the fuel price hike policy of the Nigerian government. Waged in the context of the poverty in which nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians lived, the operation of powerful incentives to raise fuel prices, and Labour's extraordinary socio-political leverage, these struggles triggered much government frustration. One of the strategies adopted by the government to legitimize its attempt to repress the movement was to resort to the courts. This article analyses, from a socio-legal perspective, the key cases relating to the validity of the government's attempts to repress the struggles. The article concludes that, although both pro- and anti-movement trends can be observed in the jurisprudence, the anti-movement tendency having so far prevailed in terms of formal legal precedent, the pro-movement (ie pro-poor) decisions have, as a result of their massive popular legitimacy, actually functioned as the “living law.”
Equitable Bases of the Nigerian Land Use Act
Authors: Nwabueze Remigius N 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDo the terms of the Nigerian Land Use Act permit the application of equitable principles to transactions under it? More particularly, could equity be used to enforce null and void transactions under the Act? Although the Supreme Court answered these questions in the negative in Ajilo, other decisions of the Supreme Court, as well as some sections of the Act itself, suggest that the Act is not incompatible with equitable principles. Nor is it contrary to public policy to enforce null and void transactions under the Act through the intervention of equity. Two relevant equitable concepts are resulting and constructive trusts. While constructive trusts have found some fertile soil in Nigerian equity jurisprudence (despite the discordant tune in Ajilo), Nigerian courts seem to struggle with the principles of resulting trust. This article suggests that resulting and constructive trusts are proper instruments for the interpretation and application of the Act and that Ajilo should be overruled.
The Nicholson Judgment: An Exercise in Law and Politics
Authors: Klaaren Jonathan , Roux Theunis 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe Nicholson judgment was clearly a precipitating factor in the resignation of former South African President Thabo Mbeki in 2008. Engaging with the judgment in its own terms, this note first puts forward a best legal interpretation of the judgment, covering the doctrines of prosecutorial independence and legitimate expectations. It then identifies the degree to which the comment in the judgment may be termed politically activist. In the authors' view, Nicholson tackled political issues in his judgment that he need not have: in particular, allegations of executive interference in the independence of the prosecutions authority. Assuming that Nicholson J's text may be read as an attempt to bolster the legitimacy of the judiciary, the note explores whether it succeeds on those terms and concludes that the judgment is ultimately an example of failed dramatic art.