Ultra-dry air plasma treatment for enhancing the dielectric properties of Al2O3-GPTMS-PMMA hybrid dielectric gate layers in a-IGZO TFT applications.

We assessed the effects of ultra dry-air plasma surface treatments on the properties of Al2O3-GPTMS-PMMA hybrid dielectric layers for applications to high-performance amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs). The hybrid layers were deposited by an easy dip coating sol-gel process at low temperature and then treated with dry-air plasma at 1, 2 and 3 consecutive cycles. Their properties were analyzed as a function of the number of plasma cycles and contrasted with those of the untreated ones. The dielectric characteristics of the hybrid layers were determined from I-V and C-f measurements performed on metal-insulator-metal and metal-insulator-semiconductor devices. The results show that the plasma treatments increase the surface energy and wettability of the hybrid films. There is also a reduction of the OH groups and oxygen vacancies in the hybrid network improving the dielectric properties. The incorporation of nitrogen into the hybrid films surface is also observed. The plasma-treated hybrid dielectric layers were applied as dielectric gate in the fabrication of a-IGZO TFTs. The best electrical performance of the fabricated TFTs was achieved with the 3 cycles plasma-treated hybrid dielectric gate, showing high mobility, 29.3 cm2 V-1 s-1, low threshold voltage, 2.9 V, high I ON/OFF current ratio, 106, and low subthreshold swing of 0.42 V dec-1.

Ferroelectric-Paraelectric Transition In A Membrane With Quenched-Induced δ-Phase Of PVDF.

The stabilization of δ-phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF in a 14 µm-thickness ferroelectric membrane is achieved by a simple route based on the use of a dimethylformamide (DMF)/acetone solvent, in which the application of external electric field is not required. X-ray diffraction and calorimetric experiments on heating reveal that, at 154 °C, the original mixture between ferroelectric δ-phase and paraelectric α-phase transits to a system with only this latter phase in the crystalline fraction. A gradual and slight increment of amorphous fraction up to the melting at 161 °C is also observed. The existence of δ-phase is corroborated by the occurrence of a broad maximum around 154 °C in dielectric permittivity measurements, as well as the hysteresis loops observed at room temperature. These results suggest a wide thermal window for a stable δ-phase, between room temperature and 154 °C, a subsequent transition into α-phase and the corresponding melting at 161 °C. The broad dielectric maximum observed around 154 °C in dielectric and calorimetric measurements, can be associated with a diffuse ferroelectric-paraelectric transition.

The link between behavioural type and natal dispersal propensity reveals a dispersal syndrome in a large herbivore.

When individuals disperse, they modify the physical and social composition of their reproductive environment, potentially impacting their fitness. The choice an individual makes between dispersal and philopatry is thus critical, hence a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the decision to leave the natal area is crucial. We explored how combinations of behavioural (exploration, mobility, activity and stress response) and morphological (body mass) traits measured prior to dispersal were linked to the subsequent dispersal decision in 77 roe deer Capreolus capreolus fawns. Using an unusually detailed multi-trait approach, we identified two independent behavioural continuums related to dispersal. First, a continuum of energetic expenditure contrasted individuals of low mobility, low variability in head activity and low body temperature with those that displayed opposite traits. Second, a continuum of neophobia contrasted individuals that explored more prior to dispersal and were more tolerant of capture with those that displayed opposite traits. While accounting for possible confounding effects of condition-dependence (body mass), we showed that future dispersers were less neophobic and had higher energetic budgets than future philopatric individuals, providing strong support for a dispersal syndrome in this species.

Thin film transistors for flexible electronics: contacts, dielectrics and semiconductors.

The development of low temperature, thin film transistor processes that have enabled flexible displays also present opportunities for flexible electronics and flexible integrated systems. Of particular interest are possible applications in flexible sensor systems for unattended ground sensors, smart medical bandages, electronic ID tags for geo-location, conformal antennas, radiation detectors, etc. In this paper, we review the impact of gate dielectrics, contacts and semiconductor materials on thin film transistors for flexible electronics applications. We present our recent results to fully integrate hybrid complementary metal oxide semiconductors comprising inorganic and organic-based materials. In particular, we demonstrate novel gate dielectric stacks and semiconducting materials. The impact of source and drain contacts on device performance is also discussed.

Critical appraisal of the revised Ghent criteria for diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder with major features in cardiovascular, ocular and skeletal systems. Recently, diagnostic criteria were revised where more weight was given to the aortic root dilatation. We applied the revised Marfan nosology in an established adult Marfan population to define practical repercussions of novel criteria for clinical practice and individual patients. Out of 180 MFS patients, in 91% (n = 164) the diagnosis of MFS remained. Out of 16 patients with rejected diagnosis, four patients were diagnosed as MASS (myopia, mitral valve prolapse, borderline non-progressive aortic root dilatation, skeletal findings and striae) phenotype, three as ectopia lentis syndrome and in nine patients no alternative diagnosis was established. In 13 patients, the diagnosis was rejected because the Z-score of the aortic root was <2, although the aortic diameter was larger than 40 mm in six of them. In three other patients, the diagnosis of MFS was rejected because dural ectasia was given less weight in the revised nosology. Following the revised Marfan nosology, the diagnosis of MFS was rejected in 9% of patients, mostly because of the absence of aortic root dilatation defined as Z-score ≥2. Currently used Z-scores seem to underestimate aortic root dilatation, especially in patients with large body surface area (BSA). We recommend re-evaluation of criteria for aortic root involvement in adult patients with a suspected diagnosis of MFS.

Unexplained sexual segregation in polygamous ungulates: a defense of an ontogenetic approach.

Two processes are generally mixed when considering ungulate sexual segregation: the social segregation which appears to be a rule in polygamous ungulate species and the spatial segregation which is facultative. Early in life, there is evidence that males and females exhibit different levels of activity and patterns of interaction which could lead to behavioural incompatibility. It is proposed that juvenile females, differently motivated than males to interact socially, may soon avoid the pseudo-sexual and agonistic male behavioural components. as body and behavioural dimorphism increase with age, the behavioural incompatibility would be intensified. Since adults often interact agonistically with or avoid them, juveniles will attend to interact with same-sex peers of similar status. Because social experiences are occurring since early stages of development, i.e., during sensitive periods, a social auto-segregation by sex/age classes is expected. Then population would be structured in coherent socio-spatial sets of compatible individuals, sharing similar constraints and properties. Around the birth period, females become asocial promoting a temporal social segregation. Costs linked to gestation and lactation may make females more dependent on water and rich food resources. Female with offspring are also likely to select areas where the risks of predation are reduced, sometimes at detriment to energy intake, while other animals exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviour, resulting in seasonally ecological segregation. Body growth channels a lot of energy for males which are expected to use the best feeding areas. However, indirect competition for the same resources may result in a spatial segregation between the sexes. Sex- and age-specific activity budgets are suspected to favour social and spatial segregations. The social segregation among males and females use exclusive ranges. Whether spatial segregation results in ecological segregation would however depend on habitat heterogeneity, population density, local ecological conditions and the biological cycle periods. It is suggested that spatial segregation will occur not only between the sexes but also among males. If populations are structured in coherent socio-spatial units, spatial segregation among individuals of age and sex classes may result from indirect interactions between sets of individuals (of same age and sex class), that may be translated as an indirect competition between individuals. Studies on ethogenesis are considered as fundamental as they allow to know on what basis social and spatial segregations are set up. In particular, studies on behavioural development could highlight how social segregation between adults may result from a process that originates much earlier in the life of animals. By considering the role of behaviour, we defend the idea that social and spatial segregations may be logically distinguished.

[Early diagnosis of hip dysplasia--arguments for a general ultrasonographic screening]. / Frühdiagnose der Hüftdysplasie--Argumente für ein generelles sonographisches Screening in der Schweiz.

We propose a systematically performed ultrasonographic screening of the infant's hip in Switzerland. This demand is based on shorter treatment of dysplastic or dislocated hips, if the diagnosis is established before the age of three months. In addition, the costs of treatment are remarkably reduced if treatment can begin at an early age. In order to avoid late surgery causing high costs, an early treatment of the dysplastic hip is indispensable.

Social tendencies of the Corsican Mouflon Ovis ammon musimon in the caroux-espinouse massif (South of France).

Mouflons, according to their age and sex, show particular social tendencies during the annual cycle. During its life, each individual builds on its own "ontogenetic social trajectory" whose annual variations are representative of its social tendencies. Males and females present major differences from the beginning of their second year of life. As they grow older, a process of social segregation develops between the sexes. Individual behaviour is considered here as one of the major causes of group formation in mouflons. This point of view, inspired by Mason, appears quite complementary to Hinde's conceptual framework and leads us to a new viewpoint of social system in ungulates.

[A rapid method for continuous flow measurement of cholesterol contained in high density lipoproteins (HDL) (author's transl)]. / Méthode de dosage rapide du cholestérol des lipoprotéines de haute densité (HDL) en flux continu.

The authors utilized a reagent containing concanavalin A, a vegetal lecithin, to selectively precipitate lipoproteins containing apoprotein B, a component of VLDL, LDL, and Lp (a) which are well known for their atherogenic risk. During this precipitation "true" high density lipoproteins remain in solution. HDL cholesterol determination which constitutes an indirect indication of HDL activity or concentrations is performed by an enzymatic method using an automated continuous flow technique carried out on an Auto Analyzer II (Technicon Corp.). This rapid, easy determination obtains results comparable to other methods, particularly those chosen by the Société Française de Biologie Clinique (French Society of Clinical Biology). This technique should permit all laboratories to confirm an atherogenic index.

Abnormalities of glucose tolerance as a late consequence of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis surgically treated in the neonate.

75,375 males called to military service were screened to discover the incidence of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. 49 men gave a history of previous surgery for this condition and were given a 45 g/m2 oral glucose tolerance test. Fourteen had impaired glucose tolerance. In no case was there a family history of diabetes mellitus.

[Detection of diabetes mellitus in young adults. Survey on 161,500 male subjects]. / Dépistage du diabète chez le jeune adulte Enquête portant sur 161 500 sujets masculins

In the course of previous studies concerned with the detection of diabetes in 143,000 persons aged between 19 and 20 years, on the basis of testing for fasting glycosuria, the occurrence of the disorder had been estimated at 1.2 per thousand. By virtue of modifications in technique--in particular testing for glycosuria using special dipsticks after a standard high carbohydrate breakfast (170 Gm carbohydrate)--it emerged that in 6,000 subjects the frequency of diabetes was 20 per thousand. Thus from the age of 20 years onwards, the prevalence of the disorder is high, in the region of levels observed in middle age and close to the occurrence rates for purine metabolism abnormalities and hyperlipidaemias.