Wide-range resistivity characterization of semiconductors with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

Resistivity is one of the most important characteristics in the semiconductor industry. The most common way to measure resistivity is the four-point probe method, which requires physical contact with the material under test. Terahertz time domain spectroscopy, a fast and non-destructive measurement method, is already well established in the characterization of dielectrics. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of two Drude model-based approaches to extract resistivity values from terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements of silicon in a wide range from about 10-3 Ωcm to 102 Ωcm. One method is an analytical approach and the other is an optimization approach. Four-point probe measurements are used as a reference. In addition, the spatial resistivity distribution is imaged by X-Y scanning of the samples to detect inhomogeneities in the doping distribution.

Comparing the optical properties and thermal stability of green (TbPO4), yellow (DyPO4), and red (PrPO4) emitting single crystal samples.

Blue, green and red-emitting phosphors for near-UV/blue based phosphor blend converted white-light emitting devices have been investigated extensively over the past years. Herein, we present our results on the optical spectroscopy of single crystal samples of TbPO4, DyPO4 and PrPO4 exhibiting prominent emission at green (545 nm), yellow (574 nm) and red (616 nm) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, respectively. We study the temperature dependence of their emission spectra for excitations at 365 and 455 nm, to mimic experimental conditions for phosphor converted light emitting diodes, to show that their thermal quenching temperature is 730 K for TbPO4 (excitation 365 nm), 490 and 520 K for DyPO4 (excitation at 365 and 455 nm), and 540 K for PrPO4 (excitation 455 nm). The TbPO4 emission does not show any considerable blue/red shift at elevated temperatures, while DyPO4 emission is observed close to the center of CIE coordinate diagram. The PrPO4 sample possesses high color purity which shows slight yellow-shift at elevated temperatures. The ground state of Pr3+ and Tb3+ are found to be within the band gap suggesting that both are able to trap holes from the valence band as evinced from the thermoluminescence glow curve data which shows peak maxima at 422 and 437 K due to hole release from the Pr4+ and Tb4+, respectively. The result suggests that the samples have large potential for solid state lighting devices upon choice of an appropriate excitation wavelength.

Non-quenching photoluminescence emission up to at least 865 K upon near-UV excitation in a single crystal of orange-red emitting SmPO4.

The adjustment of photoluminescence emission spectrum and an enhancement in the thermal stability of red/orange-red emitting phosphors is an important issue for the whole lighting industry. Herein, we present our results on the luminescence spectroscopy of a single crystal sample of SmPO4 exhibiting a prominent orange-red emission at 597 nm, along with a charge-transfer absorption (O2- → Sm3+) around 200 nm. We study the temperature dependence of emission spectra in SmPO4 for excitations at 365 and 455 nm, to mimic experimental conditions for phosphor converted light emitting diodes, to show that the sample has a non-quenching photoluminescence emission up to at least 865 K for an excitation at 365 nm, and ∼865 K for an excitation at wavelength, 455 nm. The thermal stability of SmPO4 was found to be much higher than its structural analogue, EuPO4, which is also an orange-red emission phosphor, but possesses a thermal quenching temperature of 710 K (exc. 365 nm), and 735 K (exc. 455 nm). The extraordinary thermal stability of SmPO4 is a result of the energy transfer from deep defects to the Sm3+ ions at high temperatures. The color purity of SmPO4 (65%) was found to be slightly lower than the EuPO4 sample (70%), at room temperature. The results suggests that the rare earth orthophosphate, SmPO4, has a large potential for near-UV excited phosphor converted solid state lighting devices.

Extending the temperature sensing range using Eu3+ luminescence up to 865 K in a single crystal of EuPO4.

Temperature evaluation through the measurement of emission intensities (the intensity ratio method) requires two distinct bands, one of which is used as a reference, and the emission intensity of the other is monitored as a function of a change in temperature. Herein, we report the influence of the excitation wavelength and a coupling scheme between the lanthanoid and defect emission from the host lattice to extend the temperature sensing range by using a single crystal of europium(iii) phosphate. The temperature dependence of the emission intensity was studied for different excitation wavelengths: 365 (intraconfigurational 4f2 excitation), 338 (defect excitation), and 254 nm (O2- → Eu3+ charge-transfer excitation), in the temperature range 293-865 K. We determined the Boltzmann equilibrium among different coupling schemes using a linear regression model to infer that for excitation at a 338 nm wavelength, and evaluating the intensity ratio between defect emission and the Eu3+ 5D0,17FJ transitions, the temperature sensing range can be extended up to at least 865 K, with relative sensitivity in the range 0.33-1.94% K-1 (at 750 K). The results showed a resolution of <1 K with excellent reproducibility, suggesting that the thermometers can be used with high reliability.

Fast 2D Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy Mapping of Rare Earth Elements in Rock Samples.

Due to the rapidly increasing use of energy-efficient technologies, the need for complex materials containing rare earth elements (REEs) is steadily growing. The high demand for REEs requires the exploration of new mineral deposits of these valuable elements, as recovery by recycling is still very low. Easy-to-deploy sensor technologies featuring high sensitivity to REEs are required to overcome limitations by traditional techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence. We demonstrate the ability of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to detect REEs rapidly in relevant geological samples. We introduce two-dimensional LIF mapping to scan rock samples from two Namibian REE deposits and cross-validate the obtained results by employing mineral liberation analysis (MLA) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Technique-specific parameters, such as acquisition speed, spatial resolution, and detection limits, are discussed and compared to established analysis methods. We also focus on the attribution of REE occurrences to mineralogical features, which may be helpful for the further geological interpretation of a deposit. This study sets the basis for the development of a combined mapping sensor for HSI and 2D LIF measurements, which could be used for drill-core logging in REE exploration, as well as in recovery plants.

Food web framework for size-structured populations.

We synthesise traditional unstructured food webs, allometric body size scaling, trait-based modelling, and physiologically structured modelling to provide a novel and ecologically relevant tool for size-structured food webs. The framework allows food web models to include ontogenetic growth and life-history omnivory at the individual level by resolving the population structure of each species as a size-spectrum. Each species is characterised by the trait 'size at maturation', and all model parameters are made species independent through scaling with individual body size and size at maturation. Parameter values are determined from cross-species analysis of fish communities as life-history omnivory is widespread in aquatic systems, but may be reparameterised for other systems. An ensemble of food webs is generated and the resulting communities are analysed at four levels of organisation: community level, species level, trait level, and individual level. The model may be solved analytically by assuming that the community spectrum follows a power law. The analytical solution provides a baseline expectation of the results of complex food web simulations, and agrees well with the predictions of the full model on biomass distribution as a function of individual size, biomass distribution as a function of size at maturation, and relation between predator-prey mass ratio of preferred and eaten food. The full model additionally predicts the diversity distribution as a function of size at maturation.

Transfer Printing of Freestanding Nanoassemblies: A Route to Membrane Resonators with Adjustable Prestress.

Freestanding nanoassemblies represent a new class of functional materials with highly responsive optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. Hence, they are well-suited for applications in advanced sensor devices. Here, it is shown that transfer printing enables the well-controlled fabrication of freestanding membranes from layered nanoassemblies: Using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp, thin films (thickness: ∼45 to ∼51 nm) of 1,6-hexanedithiol cross-linked gold nanoparticles (diameter: ∼3.9 ± 0.8 nm) were transferred onto surface-oxidized silicon substrates featuring square microcavities with edge lengths of ∼78 µm. After adjusting the contact pressure to 1.8 bar, intact membranes were printed in yields of ∼70%. The prestress of printed membranes was determined by measuring their resonance frequencies under electrostatic actuation. In general, the prestress values were in the ∼10 MPa range with standard deviations below 10% for parallel printed resonators. The deviations in average prestress between resonators printed onto different substrates were 21% or less. By increasing the temperature during the final transfer step from 5 to 48 °C, it was possible to tune the average prestress from ∼14 to ∼28 MPa. This effect was attributed to the pronounced thermal expansion of the PDMS stamp. Finally, by transfer printing layered films of graphene oxide/silk fibroin (GO/SF), it is shown that the approach can be adapted for the fabrication of freestanding membranes from very different nanomaterials.

Therapy of isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis (ICMVT) is controversial. There are no data from prospective, controlled studies. Objective of this article was to compare the efficacy and safety of a short-term course of anticoagulation with compression therapy alone. METHODS: We prospectively randomized patients with symptomatic, sonographically proven ICMVT in the soleal and/or gastrocnemial muscle veins in two treatment arms. The first received low-molecular-weight heparin for 10 days at therapeutic dosage (nadroparin 180 anti-activated factor X units once daily) and compression therapy for three months, and the second received compression therapy alone. Primary efficacy endpoint of the study was sonographically proven progression of ICMVT into the deep veins and clinical pulmonary embolism (PE) as confirmed by objective testing. Secondary efficacy and primary safety endpoints were major bleeding, death not due to PE, and complete sonographically proven recanalization of the muscle vein. We assessed transient and permanent risk factors for venous thromboembolism. RESULTS: One-hundred seven patients were finally ruled eligible for evaluation: 89% outpatients, 11% hospitalized patients. In the heparin group (n=54) progression to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurred in two patients (3.7%), in the group compression therapy alone (n=53) progression to DVT occurred in two patients (n.s.). No clinical PE and no death occurred. Thrombus recanalization after 3 months was not statistically significant different between the two study groups. No major bleeding occurred. CONCLUSION: The data do not show superiority of a short-term regimen of low-molecular-weight heparin and compression therapy in comparison with compression therapy alone in patients with ICMVT in a rather low-risk population.

Influence of Cyclosporin A on human gingival keratinocytes in vitro.

PURPOSE: Gingival hyperplasia is a well known side effect of Cyclosporine A therapy. The aetiology of this is not totally understood and there is debate whether it is hyperplasia of the gingival epithelium or of the submucosal connective tissue, or both, and what roles play factors like age and gender of the patients, duration and dosage of the drug. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The influence of different Cyclosporine A concentrations (10(-6) g/ml; 5 x 10(-7) g/ml; 10(-9) g/ml) and of no medication (controls) on growth and proliferation of cultured human gingival keratinocytes was investigated after a culture period of 3, 6 and 9 days. Cell proliferation was assessed by counting anti Ki-67 stained nuclei, cell growth by counting total number of nuclei and by the EZ4U-assay. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation of the cell proliferation rate and cellular growth with either gender (p > 0.568) or duration of medication (p > 0.876); but Cyclosporine A concentration showed a highly significant influence on cellular growth (p = 0.0001). Inhibition of cell growth was dependent on drug dosage, but a low concentration of 10(-9) g/ml even stimulated cell growth. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that Cyclosporine A in low concentrations (10(-9) g/ml as applied in long-term therapy) stimulates gingival keratinocyte growth and therefore might be related to hyperplasia of the gingiva. However, high Cyclosporine A concentrations may inhibit cell growths and factors like gender of the patient did not show any influence in-vitro.

How optimal life history changes with the community size-spectrum.

This paper derives optimal life histories for fishes or other animals in relation to the size spectrum of the ecological community in which they are both predators and prey. Assuming log-linear size-spectra and well known scaling laws for feeding and mortality, we first construct the energetics of the individual. From these we find, using dynamic programming, the optimal allocation of energy between growth and reproduction as well as the trade-off between offspring size and numbers. Optimal strategies were found to be strongly dependent on size spectrum slope. For steep size spectra (numbers declining rapidly with size), determinate growth was optimal and allocation to somatic growth increased rapidly with increasing slope. However, restricting reproduction to a fixed mating season changed optimal allocations to give indeterminate growth approximating a von Bertalanffy trajectory. The optimal offspring size was as small as possible given other restrictions such as newborn starvation mortality. For shallow size spectra, finite optimal maturity size required a decline in fitness for large size or age. All the results are compared with observed size spectra of fish communities to show their consistency and relevance.

[Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Prophylaxis and therapy]. / Venenthrombose und Lungenembolie. Prophylaxe und Behandlung.

Venous thromboembolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality with an estimated annual incidence of 1:1,000. Several patient groups at risk can be differentiated, according to the presence of endogenous factors (such as hereditary thrombophilic disorders), but much more by exogenous factors (underlying disease). This results in risk-adapted recommendations for prophylaxis and therapy, which will be discussed in the following overview.

Venous thrombosis after long-haul flights.

BACKGROUND: The risk for venous thromboembolism after long-haul flights represents a controversial issue. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of venous thrombosis associated with long-haul flights in a prospective, controlled cohort study. METHODS: We included 964 passengers returning from long-haul flights (flight duration, > or =8 hours) and 1213 nontraveling control subjects. We excluded participants who were being treated with anticoagulant drugs or who used compression stockings. Main outcome measures were the incidence of ultrasonographically diagnosed thrombosis in the calf muscle and deep veins, symptomatic pulmonary embolism, and death. RESULTS: We diagnosed venous thrombotic events in 27 passengers (2.8%) and 12 controls (1.0%) (risk ratio [RR], 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-5.49). Of these, 20 passengers (2.1%) and 10 controls (0.8%) presented with isolated calf muscle venous thrombosis (RR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.20-5.26), whereas 7 passengers (0.7%) and 2 controls (0.2%) presented with deep venous thrombosis (RR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.04-18.62). Symptomatic pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in 1 passenger with deep venous thrombosis (P =.44). All of these individuals had normal findings at baseline ultrasonography. Passengers with isolated calf muscle venous thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis had at least 1 risk factor for venous thrombosis (>45 years of age or elevated body mass index in 21 of 27 passengers). The follow-up after 4 weeks revealed no further venous thromboembolic event. CONCLUSIONS: Long-haul flights of 8 hours and longer double the risk for isolated calf muscle venous thrombosis. This translates into an increased risk for deep venous thrombosis as well. In our study, flight-associated thrombosis occurred exclusively in passengers with well-established risk factors for venous thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis: Current diagnostic strategy.

Over the last 15 years, diagnostic strategies to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have changed significantly. The gold standard for detecting DVT is still venography, but invasivity, radiation, contrast media, and the painful injection in pedal veins are limiting factors for initial and repeat examinations. The introduction of DVT scores, D-dimer testing, and venous ultrasound has made venography replaceable in most cases. This review focuses on different diagnostic strategies for clinicians in hospitals as well as for general practitioners using practical approaches.

Complete compression ultrasonography of the leg veins as a single test for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.

Noninvasive diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is based on ultrasound examination of the leg veins, usually restricted to only compression of the proximal veins (CUS). Patients with negative CUS findings require a second examination or a combination with other tests, which impairs clinical efficiency. In this prospective outcome study, 1646 consecutive patients with clinically suspected DVT were examined once by a standardized protocol of complete compression ultrasound comprising all proximal and distal veins (CCUS) as the only diagnostic test. The examination was equivocal in 15 patients (1% technical failure rate). Another 366 patients (22%) were tested positive for proximal DVT, distal DVT, muscle vein thrombosis, or phlebitis. Of 1265 patients in whom CCUS findings were negative, 242 met exclusion criteria for follow-up (age <18, life expectancy <3 months, other reasons for anticoagulation, postthrombotic lesions of the leg veins, or lack of informed consent). During the 3 months of follow-up, three of 1023 patients with negative CCUS findings experienced a symptomatic venous thromboembolic event (0.3% [95% CI 0.1%-0.8%]). We conclude that the CCUS protocol has a low technical failure rate and is safe with respect to excluding DVT, thereby reducing the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected DVT to a single ultrasound examination.

[Anticoagulant therapy in venous thromboembolism]. / Antikoagulationstherapie bei venöser Thromboembolie.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality with an estimated annual incidence of 1 : 1,000. Patients show individual risk profiles with regard to recurrent VTE and treatment-associated bleeding, which are characterized by the presence of endogenous factors (such as hereditary thrombophilic disorders), but much more by exogenous factors (underlying disease). This results in risk-adapted therapeutic recommendations, which will be discussed in the following review.