Conduction band states of transition metal (TM) high-k gate dielectrics as determined from X-ray absorption spectra

This paper uses X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study the electronic structure of the high-k gate dielectrics including TM and RE oxides. The results are applicable to TM and rare earth (RE) silicate and aluminate alloys, as well as complex oxides comprised of mixed TM/TM and TM/RE oxides. These studies identify the nature of the lowest conduction band d^* states, which define the optical band gap, E_g, and the conduction band offset energy with respect to crystalline Si, E_B. E_g and E_B scale with the atomic properties of the TM and RE atoms providing important insights for identification high-k dielectrics that meet performance targets for advanced CMOS devices.     

Bioprocess applications of model-based estimation techniques

The last decade has seen the development of a number of approaches for estimating those variables which are difficult to measure on-line in industrial process situations. Whilst a range of techniques is available, a common element is the use of process knowledge in the form of a system model. In the case of bioprocess systems, although a large range of models has been presented in the literature, their use in estimation schemes on an industrial scale has been limited. A number of reasons can be identified for their low level of utilisation. Of particular significance is the uncertainty which exists in quantifying system performance and the process-model mismatch which inevitably results. The level of ‘pre-defined model’ uncertainty, together with the knowledge gained during the course of the fermentation, serves to dictate estimator structure. The paper considers a range of estimation strategies and contrasts, through industrial applications, their performance characteristics and utility.     

Aspects of three-dimensional constrained Delaunay meshing

Presented in this paper are the theoretical aspects of node addition to a non-convex, multiboundary mesh of tetrahedral elements as used in finite element modelling. The method used is derived from Watson¹ and Shenton and Cendes² and is extended to deal with node addition on inter-material boundaries. Several situations are identified that result in an illegal insertion polyhedron (IP), these could be caused by the ‘constrained’ nature of the mesh, adjacent objects with different material properties, or degenerate node configurations. A new Delaunay algorithm is described that checks for illegal cases of the IP and then corrects them, this checking relies on the consistent ordering of the element nodes. It is shown that a particular type of illegal IP can easily be identified and corrected using this technique. The Delaunay algorithm is then applied to automatic mesh generation, and modification to the basic Delaunay algorithm is described so that previously meshed edges and faces of the current object being meshed are not deleted during the addition of subsequent nodes. This ‘protection’ method only becomes viable by recognizing the node ordering sense of the IP faces.     

Effect of pulmonary artery stenoses on the cardiopulmonary response to exercise following repair of tetralogy of Fallot

Data from exercise tests, echocardiograms, and lung perfusion scans were analyzed to determine whether the excessive minute ventilation (VE) often encountered among patients with tetralogy of Fallot is due to ventilation-perfusion mismatch secondary to branch pulmonary artery stenoses. Patients with branch PA stenoses had lower peak oxygen consumptions and higher VE during exercise than did patients without stenoses, and a strong correlation existed between the degree of pulmonary blood flow maldistribution on lung perfusion scan and the amount of excessive VE during exercise.     

Incremental Composition in Distributional Semantics

Journal of Logic, Language and Information - Despite the incremental nature of Dynamic Syntax (DS), the semantic grounding of it remains that of predicate logic, itself grounded in set theory, so...     

The Causes and Potential Injurious Effects of Elevated Serum Leptin Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Leptin is an adipokine that regulates appetite and body mass and has many other pleiotropic functions, including regulating kidney function. Increased evidence shows that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hyperleptinemia, but the reasons for this phenomenon are not fully understood. In this review, we focused on potential causes of hyperleptinemia in patients with CKD and the effects of elevated serum leptin levels on patient kidney function and cardiovascular risk. The available data indicate that the increased concentration of leptin in the blood of CKD patients may result from both decreased leptin elimination from the circulation by the kidneys (due to renal dysfunction) and increased leptin production by the adipose tissue. The overproduction of leptin by the adipose tissue could result from: (a) hyperinsulinemia; (b) chronic inflammation; and (c) significant lipid disturbances in CKD patients. Elevated leptin in CKD patients may further deteriorate kidney function and lead to increased cardiovascular risk.     

Direct Ink-Jet Printing of Vertical Walls

Direct jet printing can assemble ceramic powder into a three dimensional shape by firing droplets of ink through a nozzle to build a multiple layered structure. As with stereolithography and selective laser sintering, the surface texture is expected to witness the layered assembly. The ability to create vertical walls by direct ink-jet printing was explored using a test piece based on a maze. The structure and topography are discussed in terms of droplet spreading and drying.