bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ZnO nanorod growth based on a low‐temperature silicon‐compatible combinatorial method
Authors: Makarona E. , Speliotis Th. , Niarchos G. , Niarchos D. , Tsamis C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractZnO – apart from its interesting optoelectronic properties – has recently attracted a lot of attention for nanopiezotronic applications. In this work, a low‐temperature, silicon‐compatible, solution‐based approach for the fabrication of ZnO nanorods on patterned Si substrates for potential piezoelectric applications, is presented. The method consists of a hydrothermal growth step atop a thin (<300 nm) seeding layer of ZnO prepared by room‐temperature radio frequency magnetron sputtering on Si (100) wafers. A mixture of aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate and hexamine in a water bath at 90 °C constitutes the hydrothermal part of the method. The morphology and structural properties of the ZnO seeding layer and nanowires are studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Three growth parameters are varied in order to obtain films suitable for nanopiezotronic structures: (1) the Ar pressure during the sputtering of the seeding layer, (2) the post‐growth thermal treatment of the seeding layer, and (3) the time duration of the hydrothermal part of the growth, in order to understand and control the mechanisms involved in the nanorod formation. It was shown that annealing of the seeding layer may not be necessary for the successful growth of the nanorods, while patterning of the substrate with standard lithographic techniques) may result into suspended structures but not necessarily to vertically aligned nanords. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A pixel design for X‐ray imaging with CdTe sensors
Authors: Lambropoulos C. P. , Zervakis E. G. , Loukas D. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA readout architecture appropriate for X‐ray Imaging using charge integration has been designed. Each pixel consists of a capacitive transimpedance amplifier, a sample and hold circuit a comparator and an 8 bit DRAM. Pixel level A/D conversion and local storage of the digitized signal is performed. The target sensors are 100 μm x 100 μm CdTe pixel detectors and integration time of 1ms or less can be achieved. Special measures have been taken to minimize the gain fixed pattern noise and the reset noise, while purely digital correlation double sampling can be performed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of polystyrene film coating on the surface of porous silicon
Authors: Tighilt F.‐Z. , Belhaneche N. , Gabouze N. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this work, the polystyrene (PS) coating onto the porous silicon by three different methods (dip coating, spin coating and spreading) has been studied. For this purpose, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) have been carried out to evaluate the surface modification. The FTIR spectra showed the presence of strong hydrogen binding which occurred between the hydroxyl groups present at the surface of the porous silicon substrate and the π electrons of the polystyrene aromatic ring. Moreover, the EDS spectrum showed the presence of a peak attributed to the carbon which is the principal constituent of the PS polymer. Also, SEM observations showed that the morphology of the PS macromolecular chains depends strongly on the deposition‐ coating method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of deposition pressure and post deposition annealing on SmCo thin film properties
Authors: Speliotis Th. , Makarona E. , Chouliaras F. , Charitidis C. A. , Tsamis C. , Niarchos D. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this article we report on the effect of the deposition pressure and the post deposition annealing conditions on the structural and magnetic properties of SmCo thin films deposited on Si(100) wafers employing Ta buffer and capping layers. The films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering and annealed in vacuum at various temperatures. The films under investigation were isotropic with high remanence magnetization, maximum coercive field of 8 kOe and a squareness ratio of coercivity higher than 0.9. It was found that the Ar pressure during the deposition is a key factor in controlling the stoichiometry and the structural and magnetic properties of the SmCo films, while the effect of the annealing temperature is crucial in optimizing the magnetic properties of the films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nano‐ and micro‐scale resolution in ancient obsidian artefact surfaces: The impact of AFM on the obsidian hydration dating by SIMS‐SS
Authors: Liritzis I. , Laskaris N. , Bonini M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe prehistoric tools made by natural glass of obsidian can be dated by the recent method of the secondary ion mass spectrometry with the surface saturation using the surface saturation approach (SIMS‐SS). In its initial tests, the method inhered some limitations mainly derived from surface roughness. Indeed, the surface irregularities i.e. presence of wells, cracks, pits, crystals and/or crests, induce uncertain errors in the dating procedure. Here, we provide further images of the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of obsidian surfaces and discuss the impact of AFM results on the SIMS‐SS dating, investigating the problematic non‐smoothed surfaces. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Topological form of a classical continuum theory of crystalline defects
Authors: Belkadi A. , Young T. D. , Dłuzewski P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe present an extendable framework for computing the distortion field surrounding the straight‐edge dislocation in crystalline materials within a classical continuum field theory. The framework we propose is intended for solving the classical elastic problem while taking into account the dislocation core. This work has particular applications to numerical methods in which the dislocation core and surrounding material are represented in a basis where real‐space is discretised; such as for example, finite differences or finite elements. We present the surface topology of the distortion field and dislocation density. Finally we discuss the limits and extendibility of this framework. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micro and nano on insulator
Authors: Cristoloveanu Sorin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe nano‐size MOS transistor is the ideal device for the smooth transition from micro‐ to nanoelectronics, the stringent condition being to be fabricated ‘On Insulator'. It is the SOI thickness effect which renders the scaling of MOS transistors intrinsically easier than in bulk Si. In addition, SOI is a most suitable substrate for the implementation of non‐classic or pure nanoelectronic components. The dimensions of state‐of‐the‐art SOI MOSFETs are already measurable in nanometers. We illustrate, from experimental and theoretical viewpoints, a number of nano‐size mechanisms and their implications for multiple‐gate MOSFETs and alternative nano‐devices. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photomodulated thermoreflectance microscopy applied on ion‐implanted materials
Authors: Sherifi C. , Papademetriou M. D. , Nestoros M. , Christofides C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPhotomodulated Thermoreflectance Microscopy (micro‐PMTR) combines the non contact and non destructive character of photothermal techniques with the ability of high resolution monitoring of the surface and subsurface status of a sample. In this work the experimental set‐up is presented in detail and a series of micro‐PMTR frequency scans on ion – implanted Si wafers is quantitatively analyzed and discussed. The future research directions in the field of Auger recombination and micro device inspection are also discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Citrus fruit flavonoids influence on neutrophil apoptosis and oxidative metabolism
Authors: Zielińska‐Przyjemska Małgorzata , Ignatowicz Ewa 
Published: September 2008

AbstractCitrus flavonoids are dietary antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress linked to inflammation and reduce the risk of macromolecule damage caused by free radicals. Three citrus flavonoids – naringin, naringenin and hesperidin – have been examined for their ability to activate caspase‐3, a marker of apoptosis execution, in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils in vitro, stimulated and non‐stimulated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate. The flavonoid potency to reduce reactive oxygen species generation was also assessed in measurements of superoxide radical and luminol dependent chemiluminescence. The caspase‐3 activity depended on the time of flavonoid treatment and was increased markedly in phorbol‐treated cells incubated with flavonoids for 24 h. Hesperidin at a concentration of 100 µm exerted the strongest stimulating effect on the enzyme (137% of control). Flavonoids inhibited the neutrophil ability to generate superoxide radical and 10–100 µm hesperidin appeared the most active phytochemical. The antioxidant capacity of the examined flavonoids was most prominently expressed in the chemiluminescent measurements. The obtained results suggest that reactive oxygen species may inhibit apoptosis via caspase‐3 inhibition and the antioxidant action of citrus flavonoids may reverse this process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Flavonoids on Daunorubicin‐induced Toxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Mojžišová Gabriela , Šarišský Marek , Mirossay Ladislav , Martinka Peter , Mojžiš Ján 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDaunorubicin (DNR) is one of the most important antitumor agents belonging to the anthracycline group. However, its use is seriously limited by the development of cardiac toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of quercetin, pycnogenol and naringenin on daunorubicin‐induced cytoxicity in H9c2 cells. Protection of H9c2 cardiomyocyte cells was concentration/dose dependent for quercetin > naringenin > pycnogenol = trolox. Quercetin (10−4–10−5 mol/L) after 24 h of co‐incubation with DNR significantly increased the cardiomyocyte survival (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). A protective effect of other compounds was observed only in the highest concentration/dose used (p < 0.01). After 48 h of incubation quercetin and naringenin significantly decreased daunorubicin‐induced cell death at concentrations of 10−4–10−5 mol/L (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The protective effect of pycnogenol and trolox was weaker but significant in the two highest concentrations/doses (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). This study also investigated DNR‐induced apoptosis and it was shown that both quercetin and naringenin inhibit apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes cells in vitro. The findings provide evidence that quercetin and naringenin may act as survival factors. The protective effect of flavonoids was compared with that of trolox, a known cardioprotective antioxidant. These results are consistent with the notion that the use of flavonoids may be beneficial in modulating or preventing the cardiotoxicity associated with DNR therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output feedback control for uncertain linear systems with faulty actuators based on a switching method
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhao Jun , Dimirovski Georgi M. , Liu Guo‐Ping 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper investigates the problem of output feedback stabilization for a class of uncertain linear systems with faulty actuators via the synergy with a switching strategy. When actuators suffer a ‘destabilizing failure’ and the never‐faulty actuators cannot stabilize the given system, the closed‐loop exponential stability can still be achieved via the average dwell‐time scheme employing an arbitrary switching signal. The prerequisite condition found requires the ratio between the two lapse times, when the system is devoid of faulty actuators and when it is not so, to be less than a certain specified constant. Then the stabilizing output feedback controls are designed via the technique of linear matrix inequalities. The illustrative example and the respective simulation results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design synthesis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On linear‐parameter‐varying (LPV) slip‐controller design for two‐wheeled vehicles
Authors: Corno Matteo , Savaresi Sergio M. , Balas Gary J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the application of linear‐parameter‐varying (LPV) control design techniques to the problem of slip control for two‐wheeled vehicles. A nonlinear multi‐body motorcycle simulator is employed to derive a control‐oriented dynamic model. It is shown that, in order to devise a robust controller with good performance, it is necessary to take into account the dependence of the model on the velocity and on the wheel slip. This dependence is modeled via an LPV system constructed from Jacobian linearizations at different velocities and slip values. The control problem is formulated as a model‐matching control problem within the LPV framework; a specific modification of the LPV control synthesis algorithm is proposed to alleviate controller interpolation problems. Linear and nonlinear simulations indicate that the synthesized controller achieves the required robustness and performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of intellectual assets in client relationships: implications for innovation
Authors: Leiponen Aija 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis empirical study of business‐to‐business service firms examines the determinants and effects of control rights to intellectual assets in a property rights theoretic framework. Regression analyses using survey data suggest that service suppliers that retain control over their intellectual output are more innovative. In long‐term relationships, service firms' clients may thus be better off balancing their need to control outsourced activities with the suppliers' incentives to invest in learning and innovation. Additionally, and aligned with property rights theoretic predictions, service suppliers' bargaining power and their indispensability in service projects are positively associated with their ability to retain control rights. In contrast, innovation capabilities are not very significant in determining control rights allocation between service suppliers and their clients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new chip‐level linear SOR‐SIC multiuser detector for long‐code systems
Authors: Bentrcia Abdelouahab , Zerguine Azzedine , Benyoucef Moussa 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this work, we introduce a new chip‐level linear modified‐SIC multi‐user structure that is asymptotically equivalent to successive over‐relaxation (SOR) iteration, which is known to outperform the conventional Gauss–Seidel iteration by an order of magnitude in terms of convergence speed. The main advantage of this scheme is that it uses directly the spreading codes and not the cross‐correlation coefficients and thus reduces significantly the overall computational complexity. This is critical for the design of low‐complexity multiuser detectors for long‐code CDMA systems such as IS95 and UMTS. We use a matrix algebraic approach to show the equivalence of the proposed scheme to linear matrix filtering. This allows obtaining an analytical expression for both the bit‐error rate (BER) and the asymptotic multiuser efficiency (AME). Moreover, we study the convergence behavior of the proposed scheme and prove that it converges if the relaxation factor is within the interval ]0, 2[. Simulation results are in excellent agreement with theory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of wavelet based OFDM for multipath powerline channel by genetic algorithm
Authors: Kumbasar Volkan , Kucur Oğuz , Ergin A. Arif , Öztürk Ertan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractUsing genetic algorithm (GA), optimal wavelets are obtained to reduce ISI and ICI powers of a wavelet‐based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system over a practical two path low‐voltage powerline channel or two path fading channel by relaxing the perfect quadrate mirror filter (QMF) orthogonality. Optimum wavelet‐based OFDM system experiences less interference compared to conventional and Daubechies (Db) wavelet‐based OFDM systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two sisters with Rett syndrome and non-identical paternally-derived microdeletions in the MECP2 gene
Authors: Rosser Lyndon G. , McKee Shane , Millar David S. , Archer Hayley , Hughes James , Butler Rachel , Chuzhanova Nadia , Cooper David N. , Lazarou Lazarus P. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The unique case of two sisters with symptoms of RTT and two quite distinct, novel, and apparently de novo microdeletions of the MECP2 gene is described. One sister possessed an 18 base-pair (bp) deletion (c.1155_1172del18) within the deletion hotspot region of exon 4, whereas the other sister exhibited a 43 bp deletion at a different location in the same exon (c.1448_1461del14+29). Although these lesions occurred on the same paternally-derived X chromosome, this is probably due to chance co-occurrence owing to the relatively high mutation rate of the MECP2 gene rather than to a constitutional mutator phenotype.
Characterization and Surfactant‐Enhanced Washing Treatability of Drilling Fluids Stored for More than 20 Years
Authors: Fernandez Luis C. , Zegarra Hector , Baca Gustavo , Torres Luis G. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDrilling fluids represent a significant environmental hazard owing to the fact that they are frequently stored in open vessels without any treatment. The drilling fluids studied in this work have been stored for 20–30 years in open cesspits in the state of Tabasco (Mexico). The aim of this work was to characterize the drilling fluids produced in this region and to determine their treatability by means of surfactant‐enhanced washing. Two anionic and two non‐ionic surfactants (sodium lauryl ethersulfate SLES and sodium dodecylsulfate SDS, ethoxylated nonylphenol ENP and an unknown composition ethoxylated nonionic Surfynol 440 respectively) were employed for surfactant‐enhanced washing assessments in the presence of a commercial dispersant. Drilling fluids were contaminated with 135,400 mg of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)/kg soil, including seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from 1.18 to 57.28 mg/kg. TPH removal efficiencies as high as 55.7% were reached when washing drilling fluids with SDS (4%), followed by ENP 906 (1%), which showed a TPH removal of 52.2%, and ENP itself at a lower dose (0.1%). SLES and S440 gave removal of around 10–15% with the assessed doses.
Nutritional Value of Various Ray Fish Liver Oils to the Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Perez‐Velazquez Martin , González‐Félix Mayra L. , Navarro‐García Gerardo , Valenzuela‐Escalante Erasmo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA 32‐day comparative feeding trial was performed to evaluate the nutritional value of four different ray fish liver oils to the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Four feeds were prepared with liver oil extracted from Dasyatis brevis, Rhinoptera steindachneri, Aetobatus narinari, and R. bonasus. A control feed was prepared with Menhaden fish oil. Ray fish liver oils were mainly composed of poly‐ and highly unsaturated fatty acids and contained levels of 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 comparable in magnitude to those of Menhaden fish oil, except for A. narinari liver oil, which had moderately low concentrations of 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 but showed a particularly high level of 20:4n‐6, more than six times greater than that of Menhaden fish oil. Dietary fatty acids significantly influenced the fatty acid composition of shrimp muscle tissue, e.g., the diet with Menhaden fish oil elicited significantly higher shrimp muscle DHA level than diets with oil from D. brevis, and A. narinari, but not than diets with oil from R. steindachneri and R. bonasus. In spite of these differences, all four ray fish liver oils evaluated were as efficient in promoting growth and survival of L. vannamei as Menhaden fish oil, an ingredient known for its adequate nutritional quality to shrimp and fish. This study demonstrated one of the many possible applications of a locally‐available resource that is currently being wasted.
Tele‐guidance of chronic heart failure patients enhances knowledge about the disease. A multi‐centre, randomised controlled study
Authors: Balk Aggie H. , Davidse Wim , van Dommelen Paula , Klaassen Ellen , Caliskan Kadir , van der Burgh Pieter , Leenders Christina M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground:New strategies are required to optimize care in increasing numbers of chronic heart failure patients. The aim of this randomised trial was to evaluate a remote guidance system.Methods:Intervention group patients received a home TV‐channel providing educational materials. Tele‐guidance was performed by a Medical Service Centre. Control group patients were followed by cardiologists and HF‐nurses. Primary endpoints were total days in hospital for all causes and days alive and out of hospital. Secondary endpoints were: quality of life and knowledge of disease and self care.Results:214 patients were enrolled, median age was 66 years, 89% had systolic LV dysfunction, and 90% were in NYHA class II or III. The mean LVEF was 31%. Over a mean follow‐up duration of 288 days, there were 199 hospital admissions in 105 patients. Comparison of the groups revealed no differences for the primary outcomes or for QoL or self care behaviour. Knowledge about heart failure however, increased significantly more in the Intervention group (p<0.001).Conclusion:Tele‐guidance may play a role in the management of heart failure patients since it takes over some of the tasks of HF‐nurses. This may facilitate delivery of optimal care to more patients with the same level of experienced staff.
The socio-economical burden of schizophrenia: A simulation of cost-offset of early intervention program in Italy
Authors: Serretti Alessandro , Mandelli Laura , Bajo Emanuele , Cevenini Nadia , Papili Pietro , Mori Elisa , Bigelli Marco , Berardi Domenico 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSchizophrenia is associated with a high familiar, social and economic burden. During the recent years early and specific intervention for first psychotic episodes has been suggested to improve the long term outcome of the disease. Despite the promising results obtained so far, early intervention is still scarcely applied. One major problem arises from the translation of research findings into stakeholder policies. In fact very few analyses of cost reductions obtained with early intervention have been reported. In the present paper we present a simulation of direct cost reduction that can be obtained with early intervention programmes. We based our analysis on available data about schizophrenia care costs in Italy and the expected cost reduction with the use of early intervention. We observed that the increase in costs due to the more intensive early intervention is largely compensated by the reduction of inpatient admissions with a reduction of direct costs of 6.01%. Despite the apparently small economic gain, early intervention offers more clinical and social benefits as it seems to be effective also in decreasing relapse rates, in improving the patients' quality of life and disability associated with psychosis and in increasing employment rates. Those indirect costs however are difficult to estimate and were not included in our model.In conclusion, our study supports the use of early intervention in schizophrenia, which could allow an outcome improvement with lower direct and indirect costs.