bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capacitance–voltage and impedance‐spectroscopy characteristics of nanoplate EISOI capacitors
Authors: Abouzar Maryam H. , Moritz Werner , Schöning Michael J. , Poghossian Arshak 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFrequency‐dependent capacitance–voltage (C–V) and impedance‐spectroscopy characteristics of nanoplate capacitive field‐effect electrolyte‐insulator‐silicon‐on‐insulator (EISOI) structures with various thicknesses (30, 60 and 350 nm) of the top p‐Si layer are investigated for the first time. The frequency‐dependent C–V curves of EISOI structures show an unusual behaviour, which significantly differs from that of conventional EIS structures. Due to the large series resistance of the nanoplate top Si, the C–V curves of the EISOI structures show stronger frequency dependence in the accumulation region. In addition, C–V curves show typical low‐frequency behaviour even at higher frequencies (up to 8 kHz). An equivalent circuit of an EISOI structure is discussed taking into account the series resistance of the nanoplate top Si.
Detecting efficiency‐limiting defects in Czochralski‐grown silicon wafers in solar cell production using photoluminescence imaging
Authors: Haunschild Jonas , Reis Isolde E. , Geilker Juliane , Rein Stefan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractOnly recently, methods for quality control of multicrystalline silicon wafers have been published, which allow the efficiency of solar cells to be predicted precisely from photoluminescence (PL) images taken in the as‐cut state. In this letter it is shown that oxygen precipitates, present in standard Czochralski silicon wafers, can cause efficiency losses of more than 4% (absolute) within an industrial solar cell proc‐ ess. These efficiency losses correlate with ring‐like defect structures of reduced intensity in the PL image. In comparison with QSSPC‐based lifetime measurements, we introduce a PL‐based method of quality control which allows the critical wafers to be identified and sorted out reliably at an early state of production and thus increases yield and average efficiency of production lines. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative comparison of randomization designs in sequential clinical trials based on treatment balance and allocation randomness
Authors: Zhao Wenle , Weng Yanqiu , Wu Qi , Palesch Yuko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTo evaluate the performance of randomization designs under various parameter settings and trial sample sizes, and identify optimal designs with respect to both treatment imbalance and allocation randomness, we evaluate 260 design scenarios from 14 randomization designs under 15 sample sizes range from 10 to 300, using three measures for imbalance and three measures for randomness. The maximum absolute imbalance and the correct guess (CG) probability are selected to assess the trade‐off performance of each randomization design. As measured by the maximum absolute imbalance and the CG probability, we found that performances of the 14 randomization designs are located in a closed region with the upper boundary (worst case) given by Efron's biased coin design (BCD) and the lower boundary (best case) from the Soares and Wu's big stick design (BSD). Designs close to the lower boundary provide a smaller imbalance and a higher randomness than designs close to the upper boundary. Our research suggested that optimization of randomization design is possible based on quantified evaluation of imbalance and randomness. Based on the maximum imbalance and CG probability, the BSD, Chen's biased coin design with imbalance tolerance method, and Chen's Ehrenfest urn design perform better than popularly used permuted block design, EBCD, and Wei's urn design. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A theoretical study of the dependence of the ASxSi6−x cluster structures and properties on composition
Authors: Gao Aimei , Li Guoliang , Finlow David , Chen Hongyu , Li Qian‐Shu 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe effect of the composition ratio between arsenic and silicon atoms on the structures and properties of AsxSi6−x (x = 0–6) have been systematically investigated using the density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐311+G* level. The AsxSi6−x clusters prefer substitutional rather than attaching structures; the Si‐rich clusters favor Si6‐like structures, whereas the As‐rich clusters prefer As6‐like structures. The As atoms locating at the framework may explain the difficulty of removal of arsenic impurities from polycrystalline silicon. In general, the average binding energies gradually decrease, implying the AsxSi6−x clusters become increasingly unstable as x increases. Both the HOMO‐LUMO gaps and the As‐dissociation energies present a strong even–odd alternation, implying alternating chemical stability, with the even x members being more stable than the odd ones. The dissociation energies of an As atom from AsxSi6−x are: 3.07, 2.84, 1.84, 2.52, 1.86, and 2.85 eV, for x = 1–6, respectively, and 3.80, 3.08, 2.64, 3.01, 2.93, 3.16 eV for Si (x = 0–5). These dissociation energy results should provide a useful reference for further experimental investigations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
On the backstepping design procedure for multiple input nonlinear systems
Authors: Liu Xinmin , Lin Zongli 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYIn a recent paper, we developed a structural decomposition for multiple input multiple output nonlinear systems that are affine in control but otherwise general. In this paper, we exploit the structural properties of such a decomposition in the application of the backstepping design technique on multiple input nonlinear systems. In particular, this decomposition simplifies the conventional backstepping design and motivates new backstepping design procedures that are able to stabilize systems on which the conventional backstepping procedure is not applicable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear stochastic passivity, feedback equivalence and global stabilization
Authors: Lin Zhongwei , Liu Jizhen , Lin Yan , Zhang Weihai 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYThis paper addresses several important issues including stochastic passivity, feedback equivalence and global stabilization for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems. Based on a nonlinear stochastic Kalman–Yacubovitch–Popov (KYP) lemma, we investigate the relationship between a stochastic passive system and the corresponding zero‐output system. Different from the deterministic case, it is shown for the first time that feedback equivalence to a stochastic passive system requires a strong minimum‐phase condition, not the minimum‐phase one. Following the stochastic passivity theory, global stabilization results are established for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems with relative degree 1≤r<n. An example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early career secondary science teachers: A longitudinal study of beliefs in relation to field experiences
Authors: Fletcher Steven S. , Luft Julie A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis 3‐year longitudinal study explores the evolving beliefs of five prospective secondary science teachers in a university preparation program from recruitment through their first year in the classroom. As an interpretive qualitative study, data were collected through semistructured interviews and an array of artifacts. The data sources were used to construct cases, which led to a cross‐case analysis to understand the important themes in the project. There are three important conclusions from this study. First, the teachers' beliefs about teaching initially shift to a contemporary focus while participating in their teacher preparation program, but ultimately return to a didactic orientation by their first year in the classroom. At the same time, the teachers' beliefs about learning remain consistently more contemporary in nature. Finally, when the participants were enrolled in coursework with a field placement that emphasized reform‐based teaching, their beliefs about teaching and learning were impacted in different ways based on the context of the placement and the individual. The findings from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the development of science teacher's beliefs about teaching and learning and the role that early field experiences play from preservice education through the induction years. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95:1124–1146, 2011
A mixture model for the joint analysis of latent developmental trajectories and survival
Authors: Klein Entink Rinke H. , Fox Jean‐Paul , van den Hout Ardo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA general joint modeling framework is proposed that includes a parametric stratified survival component for continuous time survival data, and a mixture multilevel item response component to model latent developmental trajectories given mixed discrete response data. The joint model is illustrated in a real data setting, where the utility of longitudinally measured cognitive function as a predictor for survival is investigated in a group of elderly persons. The object is partly to determine whether cognitive impairment is accompanied by a higher mortality rate. Time‐dependent cognitive function is measured using the generalized partial credit model given occasion‐specific mini‐mental state examination response data. A parametric survival model is applied for the survival information, and cognitive function as a continuous latent variable is included as a time‐dependent explanatory variable along with other explanatory information. A mixture model is defined, which incorporates the latent developmental trajectory and the survival component. The mixture model captures the heterogeneity in the developmental trajectories that could not be fully explained by the multilevel item response model and other explanatory variables. A Bayesian modeling approach is pursued, where a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is developed for simultaneous estimation of the joint model parameters. Practical issues as model building and assessment are addressed using the DIC and various posterior predictive tests. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic fragility and cost analyses of actively controlled structures
Authors: Wong Kevin K. F. , Harris John L. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYSeismic fragility represents the probability that structural response exceeds a given performance limit state due to a specified intensity of ground motion, and it has a direct relationship with the cost of rehabilitating the structural system. In this research, a cost analysis framework based on seismic fragility to quantify the expected loss of the structural system was proposed. Incremental dynamic analysis was used to generate the fragility curves, and plastic strain derived from plastic energy dissipation was used to quantify the structural damage at a local level. Two moment‐resisting steel frames and 100 nonstationary Gaussian earthquake ground motions were simulated, and correlations between local damage states and global performance limit states were performed to facilitate the cost analysis study. The results showed that good correlations exist in seismic fragilities, and therefore, the repair cost of the structural system becomes quantifiable. Active control based on the optimal linear control algorithm was included as an auxiliary study to identify the sensitivity of the correlations. It is observed that significant cost reduction can be achieved for structures with few stories when active control is used but may not be cost‐effective if it is installed in taller structures. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Zn(II) ion removal from aqueous solution by using a polyaniline composite
Authors: Katal Reza , Pahlavanzadeh Hassan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aim of this research was to investigate the sorption characteristics of polyaniline/sawdust (PAn/SD) for the removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Batch sorption studies were carried out to determine the effect of initial concentration of the sorbate, agitation time, adsorbent dose, and pH on the removal of Zn(II). The sorptive removal was found to be strongly pH‐dependent. The experimental data fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm. The products were investigated in terms of morphology and chemical structure by using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Also, PAn/SD was used for the removal of heavy metals from urban waste water. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of O3 and NO2 on the natural weathering of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Gallouze N. , Belhaneche‐Bensemra N. , Commereuc S. , Verney V. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the natural aging of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil and Ca/Zn stearates. For that purpose, PVC samples were exposed in Algiers (hot Mediterranean climate) in two sites where the concentration of atmospheric pollutants (NO2 and O3) was known for 2 years. Site I contained NO2 and O3, and site II contained only NO2. Samples were taken off every four months and characterized (mechanical properties and chemical modifications). The results showed a drop in tensile properties and an increase in Shore D hardness. The UV–Visible spectra evidenced the formation of short polyenes. Chemical structures due to the degradation were evidenced by ATR and transmission FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the combination of O3 and NO2 exerted the most deleterious effect. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
An investigation into the thermal stability of PVC/montmorillonite composites
Authors: Zheng X. , Gilbert M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAn effective stabilizing system for poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/clay composites was established. Different types of stabilizers, i.e., organotin, calcium/zinc, barium/zinc, and an epoxy costabilizer, were investigated. The combination of the organotin stabilizer and the epoxy costabilizer was the most effective stabilizing system. Different grades of Cloisite nanoclays were investigated. Cloisite Na did not cause premature degradation of PVC. Cloisite 10A strongly accelerated the degradation of PVC because of the presence of excess surfactant, while a PVC/Cloisite 30B system showed much better thermal stability because there was less organic impurity in the Cloisite 30B. Phosphonium‐modified clays were also prepared. They showed better thermal stability than ammonium‐modified clays, but the drying conditions still need to be optimized in order to produce a dispersible clay powder. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of (Ge9–Ge9)6– Dimeric Zintl Ions in Liquid Ammonia Solutions of K4Ge9: Low‐Dimensional Coordination Networks in the Crystal Structure of the Ammoniates Kn[K([2.2.2]crypt)]6–n[Ge9–Ge9](NH3)m (n = 2, 3, and 4)
Authors: Scharfe Sandra , Fässler Thomas F. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThree new compounds of the dimeric cluster anion [Ge9–Ge9]6– were obtained from liquid ammonia solutions of the Zintl phase K4Ge9. All of them follow the general formula Kn[K([2.2.2]crypt)]6–n[Ge9–Ge9](NH3)m (1: n = 4, m = 14; 2: n = 3, m = 18; 3: n = 2, m = 17.28) and comprise sequestered and non‐sequestered K+ cations in different ratios. The non‐sequestered cations coordinate to the Ge9 cages and support the covalent intercluster bond. Additionally, they are in contact with each other by varying numbers of coordinative ammonia bridges leading to arrangement of the anions. The dimensionality of the cluster arrangements correlates with the amount of sequestering molecules. Layers, double chains and single chains are observed for 1, 2, and 3, respectively, according to an increase of [2.2.2]crypt) per formula unit for 1 to 3.
Two Novel Adamantane‐Like Thio/Selenidogermanates with Complex Cations
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yin Xian‐Hong , Liu Xing , Zhou Jian 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTwo new thio/selenidogermanates [Ni2(μ‐teta)(teta)2]Ge4S10·H2O (1) and [Ni(teta)2]2Ge4Se10·0.5H2O (2) (teta = triethylenetetramine) were solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Both 1 and 2 consist of discrete [Ge4Q10]4– (Q = S, Se) adamantane‐like anions with complex cations as counterions. The [Ge4Q10]4– (Q = S, Se) anions are composed of four nearly tetrahedral GeIV atoms to which are bonded four terminal Q atoms and six bridging Q atoms. Although numerous thio/selenidogermanates with complex cations have been reported, their anions are usually dimeric [Ge2Q6]4– (Q = S, Se) species. 1 and 2 represent the rare examples of the adamantane‐like thio/selenidogermanates with complex cations. The optical absorption spectra indicate that 1 and 2 are wide‐band‐gap semiconductors.
Does Prophylactic Biologic Mesh Placement Protect Against the Development of Incisional Hernia in High‐risk Patients?
Authors: Llaguna O. H. , Avgerinos D. V. , Nagda P. , Elfant D. , Leitman I. M. , Goodman E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the prophylactic use of a biologic prosthesis protects against the development of incisional hernia in a high‐risk patient population.MethodsA prospective, nonrandomized trial was conducted on 134 patients undergoing open Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass by a single surgeon, at two institutions, from January 2005 to November 2007. At Hospital A, all patients (n = 59) underwent fascial closure of the abdominal midline wound with the prophylactic placement of a biologic mesh (AlloDerm®) in an in‐lay fashion. Patients at Hospital B (n = 75) underwent primary abdominal wall closure using #1 PDS in a running fashion. Data collected included patient demographics, abdominal wall closure technique, postoperative wound complications, follow‐up period, and incidence of incisional hernia.ResultsDuring the study period 134 patients (mean age = 40.4 years, 80.7% female) underwent open Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (59.7% mesh, 41.5% nonmesh). Twenty‐eight patients were excluded from the analysis secondary to a short follow‐up period (mesh = 13, nonmesh = 11) and/or reoperative surgery unrelated to the development of an incisional hernia (mesh = 2, nonmesh = 2). The mean follow‐up period was 17.3 ± 8.5 months. The overall incidence of incisional hernia was 11.3% (95% CI: 5.2–17.45). The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower in the mesh group versus the nonmesh group (2.3 vs. 17.7%, P = 0.014). In a multivariate logistic regression model that adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, albumin, smoking, diabetes, prior surgery, seroma formation, weight loss, and mesh placement, the development of incisional hernia was found to be associated with smoking (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 8.46, 95% CI: 1.79–40.00, P = 0.007) while prophylactic mesh was noted to be protective against hernia development (adjusted OR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.006–0.69, P = 0.02).ConclusionThe prophylactic use of biologic mesh for abdominal wall closure appears to reduce the incidence of incisional hernia in patients with multiple risk factors for incisional hernia development.
Characterization of Almond Cultivars by the Use of Thermal Analysis Techniques. Application to Cultivar Authenticity
Authors: Beltrán Sanahuja A. , Grané Teruel N. , Martín Carratalá M. L. , Garrigós Selva M. C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAlmonds are subjected to thermal processes in the production of processed food and this can affect their thermal stability and lead to oxidation processes. In this work, almond samples from three different cultivars (Spanish Guara and Marcona, and American Butte) were characterized by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) at different heating rates. Crystallization and melting parameters were determined by DSC; whereas thermal stability was studied by TGA, showing no apparent degradation for all samples up to around 290 °C. Butte samples showed the lowest DSC values and TGA initial degradation temperature. These results were linked with differences in fatty acid profiles between Butte and Spanish almond cultivars, Butte presenting higher linoleic acid content. Successful discrimination was obtained for samples analyzed at 2 and 10 °C min−1 heating rates for DSC and TGA, respectively, by applying multivariate stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The results obtained proved the suitability of thermal analysis techniques combined with LDA for an easy and fast discrimination among different almond cultivars to control eventual adulteration in food processing.
Food retailer practices, attitudes and beliefs about the supply of healthy foods
Authors: Andreyeva Tatiana , Middleton Ann E , Long Michael W , Luedicke Joerg , Schwartz Marlene B 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveNon-supermarket food retailers can be a promising channel for increasing the availability of healthy foods in underserved communities. The present paper reports on retailer practices, attitudes and beliefs about the supply of healthy foods before and after the introduction of new subsidies for healthy foods by the US Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in October 2009.DesignWe designed and conducted in-person standardized interviews with store owners and managers to assess perceptions of demand and profits for different foods, supply networks, barriers to stocking healthy foods and their changes following implementation of the new WIC packages.SettingNon-supermarket retailers in five towns of Connecticut, USA (n 68 in 2009 and n 58 in 2010).SubjectsOwners and managers of WIC-authorized and non-WIC convenience stores and non-chain grocery stores.ResultsRetailers identified customer demand as the primary factor in stocking decisions. They reported observing a significantly weaker demand for healthy foods compared with unhealthy foods, although it improved for certain foods with the new WIC subsidies. Less healthy foods were also perceived as more profitable. Supplier networks varied by product from convenient manufacturer delivery for salty snacks to self-supply for produce. WIC retailers were able to quickly adapt and supply healthy foods required under the new WIC programme guidelines.ConclusionsRetailers other than supermarkets currently perceive little demand for healthy foods, but new WIC subsidies have the power to change these perceptions. Supply barriers seem secondary in the limited offerings of healthy foods by stores and could be overcome when policy changes generate new demand for healthy foods.
Determination of Resonance Frequency of Two-Dimensional Alluvial Valley by Background Phase Subtraction Method
Authors: Teng Tsung-Jen , Chai Juin-Fu , Yeh Chau-Shioung 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper is to develop the background phase subtraction method to determine the resonance frequency of a two-dimensional alluvial valley subjected to an incident plane SH-wave. The scattered wave due to the alluvium can be expressed in a series of basis functions, and the associated coefficients are related to the coefficients of free field by the so-called T-matrix method. By applying the resonance scattering theory, the effects among all normal modes can be decoupled and hence one can obtain the phase shift of each eigen partial wave. Similarly, the phase shift of each eigen partial wave due to a canyon with the same geometrical shape of the alluvium can be determined, and is recognized as the background effect. Furthermore, based on the phase represented scattering matrix, the resonance frequencies of each normal mode and its overtones can be determined by the subtraction of the associated phase dependent function due to the canyon from that due to the alluvium.