Ta/Si Schottky diodes fabricated by magnetron sputtering technique

Electrical properties of Ta/n-Si and Ta/p-Si Schottky barrier diodes obtained by sputtering of tantalum (Ta) metal on semiconductors have been investigated. The characteristic parameters of these contacts like barrier height, ideality factor and series resistance have been calculated using current voltage (I-V) measurements. It has seen that the diodes have ideality factors more than unity and the sum of their barrier heights is 1.21 eV which is higher than the band gap of the silicon (1.12 eV). The results have been attributed the effects of inhomogeneities at the interface of the devices and native oxide layer. In addition, the barrier height values determined using capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements have been compared the ones obtained from I-V measurements. It has seen that the interface states have strong effects on electrical properties of the diodes such as C-V and Rs-V measurements. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

The prevalence of microalbuminuria and relevant cardiovascular risk factors in Turkish hypertensive patients

Objectives: A growing body of data illustrates the importance of microalbuminuria (MAU) as a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk in the hypertensive population. The present study was designed to define the prevalence of MAU and associated cardiovascular risk factors among Turkish hypertensive outpatients. Study design: Representing the Turkish arm of the multinational i-SEARCH study involving 1,750 sites in 26 countries around the world, a total of 1,926 hypertensive patients from different centers were included in this observational and cross-sectional survey study. Patients with reasons for a false-positive MAU test were excluded. The prevalence of MAU was assessed using a dipstick test, and patients were inquired about comorbidities, comedication, and known cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of MAU was 64.7% and there was no difference between genders. Most of the patients (82.5%) had uncontrolled hypertension, 35.6% had dyslipidemia, and 35.5% had diabetes, predominantly type 2. Almost one-third of the patients (26.4%) had at least one cardiovascular-related comorbidity, with 20.3% having documented coronary artery disease (CAD). Almost all patients (96.8%) had one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease in addition to hypertension, including family history of myocardial infarction or CAD, diabetes, dyslipidemia, lack of physical exercise, and smoking. A trend towards higher MAU values in the presence of CAD was determined. Conclusion: Microalbuminuria tests should be routinely used as a screening and monitoring tool for the assessment of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among hypertensive patients. © 2011 Turkish Society of Cardiology