bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards 200mm 3D RF interposer technology
Authors: Soussan Philippe , Vaesen Kristof , Vereecke Bart , Zhu Jian
Published: November 2015

With the advent of modern and autonomous electronics, applications using RF (radio frequencies) up to millimeter waves and beyond are proliferating. The systems integration becomes increasingly challenging due to variety of devices and passives that typically compose such RF modules, and careful choices of materials are needed for low loss interconnects. One way to minimize RF losses is to integrate the module with high performance interconnect using Si technology, where the different device are mounted on the interposer and the passive are integrated into the silicon. Thanks to the TSV (Through Silicon Via) technology and use of High Resistivity Si substrate, it is possible to have small form factor modules. Such integration approach allows to benefit from the well-established base of 200mm foundries together with the recent progress made in High Resistivity substrate manufacturing.

In this work, the process development of a 3D RF interposer technology based on a 200mm process line is reported. The build-up contains 2 levels of metals processed by Cu damascene technology, including a thick 2μm top metal for the lower frequencies applications, an integrated MIM (Metal Insulator Metal) capacitor and use trough silicon via in 5kOhm high resistivity 85μm thick substrate. The TSV are 20μm diameter and 85μm deep made in via first manner with via reveal using temporary carrier handling. Various RF passivation techniques for the silicon have been investigated and a comparison to quartz based on similar test structure is discussed..

Variety of passive devices, transmission line and filter have been processed and characterized. The technology yields 1μm pitch interconnect routing layer, a line loss of 0.34 dB/mm at 40 GHz, and high quality factors inductors larger than 30.
Optimal SMT Electronics Assembly Guidelines for Stencil Printing
Authors: Briggs Ed
Published: November 2015

The continuing miniaturization of personal electronics devices, such as mobile phones, personal music devices, and personal computing devices has driven the need for increasingly smaller active and passive electrical components. Not too long ago, 0402 (40 × 20mils) passives were seen as the ultimate in miniaturization, but recently 0201 and now 01005 passives have arrived, with predictions of even smaller sizes to come. For active components, the 30mil CSP (a chip-scale package with the solder balls on 30mil/0.75mm centers) has virtually become a requirement for enabling the many features required in modern portable electronics devices. This miniaturization trend, occurring simultaneously with the conversion to RoHS-compliant lead-free assembly, has put a considerable strain on the electronics assembly industry.

This paper will discuss guidelines to optimize the electronics assembly process focusing primarily on stencil printing. With a smaller process window, each variable in the process contributes to the overall success of the assembly. Simple contributions such as storage and handling of solder paste can make or break a printing process. Many solder defects (some say 60–70%) can be attributed to the printing process. Therefore, stencil printing set-up is discussed, as well as solder paste measurement metrics, to determine the potential for success and assure a reliable solder joint.
Sn-Ag-Cu Solder Joints Interconnection Reliability of BGA Package during Thermal Aging and Cycling
Authors: Shen Chaobo , Zhao Cong , Hai Zhou , Zhang Jiawei , Bozack M. J. , Suhling J. C. , Evans John L.
Published: November 2015

This study illustrates test results and comparative literature data on the influence of isothermal aging and thermal cycling associated with Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC105) and Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) ball grid array (BGA) solder joints finished with ImAg, ENIG and ENEPIG on board side. The resulting degradation data suggests that ENIG is the best surface finish for applications involving long-term isothermal aging. ENEPIG ranks second, followed by ImAg. SAC305, with a higher relative fraction of Ag3Sn IMC within the solder, performs better than SAC105. SEM and polarized light microscope analysis show most cracks happened at package side, propagated from corner to center or even to solder bulk, which eventually cause fatigue failures. Three factors are discussed: IMC, Grain Structure and Ag3Sn particle. The continuous growth of Cu-Sn intermetallic compounds (IMC) and grains increase the risk of failure, while Ag3Sn particle seems helpful to block the crack propagation.
Advances in Wire Bonding Technology for Different Bonding Wire Material
Authors: Qin Ivy , Shah Aashish , Xu Hui , Chylak Bob , Wong Nelson
Published: November 2015

With all the advances in 2.5D and 3D packaging, wire bonding is still the most popular interconnect technology and the workhorse of the industry. Wire bonding technology has been the lower cost solution comparing to flip chip. Wire bonding package cost is much reduced with the introduction of Copper wire bonding. Technology development and innovation in wire bonding provides new packaging solutions that improves performance and reduces cost. This paper reviews the recent innovations in ball bonding technology to provide optimized ball bonding solutions targeted for different bonding wire material. It examines the different challenges for the alternative wire types including Cu wire, Pd coated, and AuPd coated Cu wire and Ag Alloy wire. We will discuss key development in ball bonding equipment, process and material to overcome the challenges and provide robust low cost solutions. The advantages of each wire type are outlined, and guidelines to select the right bonding wire type per application requirements are provided.
A conceptual framework to facilitate the mental health of student nurses working with persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Elsie S. , Poggenpoel Marie , Myburgh Chris
Published: November 2015

Background: Student nurses (SNs) experience emotional discomfort during placement in the clinical psychiatric learning environment. This may negatively influence their mental health. Limited support is available to assist both SNs working with persons with intellectual disabilities and nurse educators during clinical accompaniment.Objectives: This article aims to discuss the generation of this framework to enhance student support.Method: A theory-generative, qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design was utilised to develop the framework by applying four steps. In step 1 concept analysis identified the central concept through field work. Data were collected from 13 SNs purposively selected from a specific higher educational institution in Gauteng through two focus group interviews, reflective journals, a reflective letter, naïve sketches, drawings and field notes and analysed with thematic coding. The central concept was identified from the results, supported by a literature review and defined by essential attributes. The central concept was classified through a survey list and demonstrated in a model case. In step 2 the central concepts were placed into relationships with each other. The conceptual framework was described and evaluated in step 3 and guidelines for implementation were described in step 4. The focus of this article will be on generating the conceptual framework.Results: The central concept was ‘the facilitation of engagement on a deeper emotional level of SNs’. The conceptual framework was described and evaluated.Conclusion: The conceptual framework can enhance the educational practices of nurse educators and can SN’s practices of care for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Cross-species Transcriptomic Comparison of In Vitro and In Vivo Mammalian Neural Cells
Authors: LoVerso Peter R. , Wachter Christopher M. , Cui Feng
Published: November 2015

The mammalian brain is characterized by distinct classes of cells that differ in morphology, structure, signaling, and function. Dysregulation of gene expression in these cell populations leads to various neurological disorders. Neural cells often need to be acutely purified from animal brains for research, which requires complicated procedure and specific expertise. Primary culture of these cells in vitro is a viable alternative, but the differences in gene expression of cells grown in vitro and in vivo remain unclear. Here, we cultured three major neural cell classes of rat brain (ie, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells [OPCs]) obtained from commercial sources. We measured transcript abundance of these cell types by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and compared with their counterparts acutely purified from mouse brains. Cross-species RNA-seq data analysis revealed hundreds of genes that are differentially expressed between the cultured and acutely purified cells. Astrocytes have more such genes compared to neurons and OPCs, indicating that signaling pathways are greatly perturbed in cultured astrocytes. This dataset provides a powerful resource to demonstrate the similarities and differences of biological processes in mammalian neural cells grown in vitro and in vivo at the molecular level.
Segmenting the Human Genome into Isochores
Authors: Cozzi Paolo , Milanesi Luciano , Bernardi Giorgio
Published: November 2015

The human genome is a mosaic of isochores, which are long (>200 kb) DNA sequences that are fairly homogeneous in base composition and can be assigned to five families comprising 33%–59% of GC composition. Although the compartmentalized organization of the mammalian genome has been investigated for more than 40 years, no satisfactory automatic procedure for segmenting the genome into isochores is available so far. We present a critical discussion of the currently available methods and a new approach called isoSegmenter which allows segmenting the genome into isochores in a fast and completely automatic manner. This approach relies on two types of experimentally defined parameters, the compositional boundaries of isochore families and an optimal window size of 100 kb. The approach represents an improvement over the existing methods, is ideally suited for investigating long-range features of sequenced and assembled genomes, and is publicly available at https://github.com/bunop/isoSegmenter .
Alcohol craving in relation to coping with stress and satisfaction with life in the addicted
Authors: Gąsior Krzysztof , Biedrzycka Agata , Chodkiewicz Jan , Ziółkowski Marcin , Czarnecki Damian , Juczyński Artur , Nowakowska-Domagała Katarzyna
Published: November 2015

Background

The present study aimed at finding any relation between alcohol craving and strategies of coping with stress and satisfaction with life in the addicted. Until now, studies have shown that generalized deficits in coping with stress, and the dominance of avoidance strategies, are significantly related to the increase of the risk of addiction and the course of this disease. This relation, which could link strategies of coping with stress and quality of life with experiencing alcohol craving, has only been explained to a small extent. Also, the role of gender in explaining these relations is ambiguous.

Participants and procedure

The study was conducted in a group of 550 addicted subjects in out-patient or in-patient treatment (396 men and 114 women). In the present study the following instruments were used: the Craving Typology Questionnaire by Marinotti et al., the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale by Modell et al., the Mini-Cope by Carver et al., SADD by Reistrick et al., and the Satisfaction with Life Scale by Diener et al. Statistical correlational analysis and structural equations were applied, namely partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM).

Results

There are two types of links between craving and strategies of coping with stress among the addicted. The first dominating type is pointing at casual link between ineffective strategies of coping with stress and craving. The other weaker type indicates the diminishing influence of effective strategies of coping with stress on alcohol craving. Life satisfaction lowers alcohol craving.

Conclusions

Effective strategies of reacting to stress, together with life satisfaction, protect against increase of alcohol craving. Severity of dependence is an important factor which moderates the influence of strategies of coping with stress on alcohol craving.
Temporal Explorations in Cosmic Consciousness: Intra-Agential Entanglements and the Neuro-Image
Authors: Pisters Patricia
Published: November 2015

When Deleuze in the 1980s argued that ‘the brain is the screen’ he introduced the concepts of movement-image and time-image, two different modes of cinema with particular ontological and aesthetic characteristics. Contemporary cinema, however, has moved into yet another aesthetic mode, which I have proposed to call the neuro-image. One of the characteristics of the neuro-image is that we no longer follow the movements and actions of characters in a certain space (as in the movement-image), nor see the world coloured through their eyes (as in the time-image), but we (often quite literally) experience brain worlds more directly, from within mental landscapes. In this essay I will investigate in which ways these brain worlds aesthetically express an embodied and embedded brain, addressing the new materialist dimensions of the neuro-image in a journey of cosmic cinema and, to speak with Barad, ‘meeting the universe halfway.’
Speculative Before the Turn: Reintroducing Feminist Materialist Performativity
Authors: Åsberg Cecilia , Thiele Kathrin , Van der Tuin Iris
Published: November 2015

This is a moment for new conversations and new synergies. While a wealth of contemporary speculative materialisms is currently circulating in academia, art and activism, in this article we focus upon a few ethico-political stakes in the different, loosely affiliated conceptions of ontologies of immanence. More specifically, we are concerned here with the very meaning of speculation itself after the many new headings of immanent ontologies, such as object-oriented ontology (OOO), speculative realism or the (feminist) new materialisms. Our concern is a feminist concern, as some of the immanent ontologies seem to actively connect with the varied feminist archive of speculative thought while others seem to actively disconnect from the very same archive. What does this imply for the feminist scholar who is in want of tools for navigating the contemporary landscape of ontologies of immanence? Here, we highlight some important overlapping as well as poignant clashes between various feminist materialist genealogies and OOO/speculative realism. In our discussion we underline the importance of situatedness and context, relationality and affinity—and the possibility for rewiring relations—amid a plethora of lively historiographies and emergent post-disciplinary movements and world-makings.
Framing, Following, Middling: Towards Methodologies of Relational Materialities
Authors: Tiainen Milla , Kontturi Katve-Kaisa , Hongisto Ilona
Published: November 2015

Through the conceptual triptych of framing, following and middling, this article explores the composition and importance of materialities beyond their seemingly stable and measurable objectivity. Drawing on recent insights about concepts as generative of practice and as a practice in their own right, the article offers this triptych as potential new materialist ‘methodological metamodellings’ that acknowledge and render palpable the plural forces of formation in a research process. The article demonstrates this with the vibrant and relational materialities of Björk’s Biophilia Live (2014). This concert film intersperses the scientific with the affective, audiovisual performance with myriad forms of nature’s mediatised liveness, and the human with more-than-human scales of existence.
Untangling Digital Citizenship
Authors: McCosker Anthony
Published: November 2015

A review of Engin Isin and Evelyn Ruppert, Being Digital Citizens (Rowman and Littlefield International, 2015).
Comparison of the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil, avilamycin and protexin on broiler performance, blood biochemistry and carcass characteristics
Authors: Riyazi S. R. , Ebrahimnezhad Y. , Hosseini S. A. , Meimandipour A. , Ghorbani A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The effects of a probiotic (protexin), a medicinal plant (basil essential oil) and an antibiotic growth promoter (avilamycin) as broiler feed additives on performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters of broilers were studied. A total of 600 Arian broilers were divided into six treatments, with four replicates of 25 birds. Treatments were a plant essential oil in three levels (200, 400 and 600 ppm), the probiotic (150 ppm), the antibiotic (150 ppm) and a control group with no additives. Birds in different treatments received the same diets during the experimental period. Growth performance, blood biochemical parameters and carcass traits were measured. There were no effects of dietary treatment on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the broilers. Internal organ weights and carcass characteristics were not influenced by treatments; however, 200 ppm basil essential oil supplementation decreased abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Biochemical parameters including serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol were not statistically influenced. However, addition of 400 ppm basil essential oil into diet increased serum triglyceride as compared to the control (P < 0.05). Results of this experiment demonstrated that the herbal natural feed additives such as basil may be used as alternatives to an antibiotic growth promoter without any adverse effects on broiler production.
Simulating the SOA formation of isoprene from partitioning and aerosol phase reactions in the presence of inorganics
Authors: Beardsley R. L. , Jang M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The secondary organic aerosol (SOA) produced by the photooxidation of isoprene with and without inorganic seed is simulated using the Unified Partitioning Aerosol Phase Reaction (UNIPAR) model. Recent work has found the SOA formation of isoprene to be sensitive to both aerosol acidity ([H+]) and aerosol liquid water content (LWC) with the presence of either leading to significant aerosol phase organic mass generation and large growth in SOA yields (YSOA). Classical partitioning models alone are insufficient to predict isoprene SOA formation due to the high volatility of the photooxidation products and the sensitivity of their mass yields to variations in inorganic aerosol composition. UNIPAR utilizes the chemical structures provided by a near-explicit chemical mechanism to estimate the thermodynamic properties of the gas phase products, which are lumped based on their calculated vapor pressure (8 groups) and aerosol phase reactivity (6 groups). UNIPAR then determines the SOA formation of each lumping group from both partitioning and aerosol phase reactions (oligomerization, acid catalyzed reactions, and organosulfate formation) assuming a single homogeneously mixed organic–inorganic phase as a function of inorganic composition and VOC / NOx. The model is validated using isoprene photooxidation experiments performed in the dual, outdoor UF APHOR chambers. UNIPAR is able to predict the experimental SOA formation of isoprene without seed, with H2SO4 seed gradually titrated by ammonia, and with the acidic seed generated by SO2 oxidation. Oligomeric mass is predicted to account for more than 65 % of the total OM formed in all cases and over 85 % in the presence of strongly acidic seed. The model is run to determine the sensitivity of YSOA to [H+], LWC, and VOC / NOx, and it is determined that the SOA formation of isoprene is most strongly related to [H+] but is dynamically related to all three parameters. For VOC / NOx > 10, with increasing NOx both experimental and simulatedYSOA increase and are found to be more sensitive to [H+] and LWC. For atmospherically relevant conditions, YSOA is found to be more than 150 % higher in partially titrated acidic seeds (NH4HSO4) than in effloresced inorganics or in isoprene only.
On the validity of effective formulations for transport through heterogeneous porous media
Authors: de Dreuzy J.-R. , Carrera J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Geological heterogeneity enhances spreading of solutes, and causes transport to be anomalous (i.e., non-Fickian), with much less mixing than suggested by dispersion. This implies that modeling transport requires adopting either stochastic approaches that model heterogeneity explicitly or effective transport formulations that acknowledge the effects of heterogeneity. A number of such formulations have been developed and tested as upscaled representations of enhanced spreading. However, their ability to represent mixing has not been formally tested, which is required for proper reproduction of chemical reactions and which motivates our work. We propose that, for an effective transport formulation to be considered a valid representation of transport through Heterogeneous Porous Media (HPM), it should honor mean advection, mixing and spreading. It should also be flexible enough to be applicable to real problems. We test the capacity of the Multi-Rate Mass Transfer (MRMT) to reproduce mixing observed in HPM, as represented by the classical multi-Gaussian log-permeability field with a Gaussian correlation pattern. Non-dispersive mixing comes from heterogeneity structures in the concentration fields that are not captured by macrodispersion. These fine structures limit mixing initially, but eventually enhance it. Numerical results show that, relative to HPM, MRMT models display a much stronger memory of initial conditions on mixing than on dispersion because of the sensitivity of the mixing state to the actual values of concentration. Because MRMT does not restitute the local concentration structures, it induces smaller non-dispersive mixing than HPM. However long-lived trapping in the immobile zones may sustain the deviation from dispersive mixing over much longer times. While spreading can be well captured by MRMT models, non-dispersive mixing cannot.
A dynamical systems approach to the surface search for debris associated with the disappearance of flight MH370
Authors: García-Garrido V. J. , Mancho A. M. , Wiggins S. , Mendoza C.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on the morning of 8 March 2014 is one of the great mysteries of our time. Perhaps the most relevant aspect of this mystery is that not a single piece of debris from the aircraft was found during the intensive surface search carried out for roughly 2 months following the crash. Difficulties in the search efforts, due to the uncertainty of the plane's final impact point and the time that had passed since the accident, bring the question on how the debris scattered in an always moving ocean, for which there are multiple data sets that do not uniquely determine its state. Our approach to this problem is based on the use of Lagrangian descriptors (LD), a novel mathematical tool coming from dynamical systems theory that identifies dynamic barriers and coherent structures governing transport. By combining publicly available information supplied by different ocean data sources with these mathematical techniques, we are able to assess the spatio-temporal state of the ocean in the priority search area at the time of impact and the following weeks. Using this information we propose a revised search strategy by showing why one might not have expected to find debris in some large search areas targeted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and determining regions where one might have expected impact debris to be located, which were not subjected to any exploration.
Evaluating Sucralfate as a Phosphate Binder in Normal Cats and Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Quimby Jessica , Lappin Michael
Published: November 2015

Control of hyperphosphatemia is an important part of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of sucralfate as a phosphate binder in normal cats and normophosphatemic CKD cats. A 500 mg sucralfate slurry was administered orally q 8 hr for 2 wk, and serum phosphorus, urine fractional excretion of phosphorus, and fecal phosphorus concentrations were measured. In normal cats treated with sucralfate, significant changes in serum phosphorus concentration or urinary excretion of phosphorus were not detected, and vomiting occurred after 14.7% of administrations. Of the five normophosphatemic cats with CKD treated with sucralfate, three experienced clinical decompensation, including vomiting, anorexia, constipation, and increased azotemia. Administration of sucralfate did not result in significant changes in fecal phosphorus concentration in these cats. The effects of sucralfate administration on serum phosphorus concentration and urinary excretion of phosphorus in CKD cats was difficult to determine because of dehydration and worsening azotemia associated with decompensation. Due to side effects and the apparent lack of efficacy of the medication, the study was discontinued. This study was unable to confirm efficacy of this sucralfate formulation as a phosphate binder, and side effects were problematic during the study.
Clinical Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 19 cats from a Single Institution (1980–2013)
Authors: Goussev Staci A. , Center Sharon Anne , Randolph John F. , Kathrani Aarti , Butler Brian P. , McDonough Sean P.
Published: November 2015

Clinical features of feline hepatocellular carcinoma (HCA) have been poorly characterized. In this retrospective study, we describe the signalment, clinical features, clinicopathologic parameters, imaging characteristics, hepatic mass size and lobe distribution, concurrent disorders, and survival in 19 cats with HCA. HCA is a rare neoplasm in elderly cats often associated with weight loss, hyporexia, and increased hepatic transaminase activities. Concurrent disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, cholangiohepatitis, copper-associated hepatopathy) often confounded interpretation of clinical and clinicopathologic findings; 42% of HCA were incidentally identified. Although an abdominal mass was palpated in only 21% of cats, many cats had masses identified on ultrasonographic imaging with 47% having lesions >4cm. Tumors were nearly equally distributed between right and left liver lobes, and two cats had HCA in multiple liver lobes. Median survival of eight cats diagnosed antemortem was 1.7 (0.6 to 6.5) yr. Median survival of six cats undergoing HCA surgical resection was 2.4 (1.0 to 6.5) yr with two cats still alive at time of manuscript submission. Following surgical resection, one cat treated with carboplatin survived 4 yr. Two cats with HCA diagnosed antemortem without surgical resection survived for 0.6 and 1 yr.
Cyniclomyces guttulatus Infection in Dogs: 19 Cases (2006–2013)
Authors: Winston Jenessa Andrzejewski , Piperisova Ida , Neel Jennifer , Gookin Jody L.
Published: November 2015

Cyniclomyces guttulatus, a gastrointestinal yeast of rabbits, is considered an uncommon, nonpathogenic, “pass through” organism and possible opportunistic pathogen in dogs that consume rabbit feces. This retrospective study aimed to characterize the presenting complaint, clinical findings, location of organisms, and final diagnosis of dogs in which yeast morphologically consistent with C. guttulatus were identified at a veterinary teaching hospital from 2006–2013. The prevalence of C. guttulatus infection in a general population of dogs from a regional animal shelter was also determined. Nineteen dogs were retrospectively identified as diagnosed with C. guttulatus infection. Among these, 79% presented with a chief complaint and/or clinical signs consistent with gastrointestinal tract disease. The most common clinical sign was chronic diarrhea. The majority of dogs had C. guttulatus identified cytologically within samples obtained from the gastrointestinal tract; however, four dogs had C. guttulatus identified in non-gastrointestinal tract samples, including a nasal biopsy (one dog) and urine (three dogs). C. guttulatus was not identified in any of 105 shelter dogs evaluated, suggesting low prevalence of C. guttulatus in our region. These findings suggest that additional studies to determine if C. guttulatus is a potential cause or consequence of gastrointestinal illness in dogs may be warranted.
The Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Intracardiac Quill Foreign Body in a Dog
Authors: Nucci Daniel Joseph Santiago , Liptak Julius
Published: November 2015

A dog was referred to Alta Vista Animal Hospital with a porcupine quill penetrating the right ventricle. The presenting complaint was tachypnea and dyspnea secondary to bilateral pneumothorax. Computed tomography revealed bilateral pneumothorax without evidence of quills. A median sternotomy was performed and the quill was removed. The dog recovered uneventfully. Quill injuries are common in dogs; however, intracardiac quill migration is rare. Dogs without evidence of severe cardiac injury secondary to intracardiac foreign bodies may have a good prognosis.
The Mathematics and Applications behind Image Warping and Morphing
Authors: Prince Tanvir , Malik Maria , Salva Ildefonso , Mazor Ariel , Aldaylam Sakhr
Published: November 2015

This research is conducted in the summer of 2015 and is possible by the support of various agency, in particular, by the grant of Prof. Angulo Nieves and the New York City Research Initiative.

The purpose of this research is to reveal the mathematics and applications of the computer animation techniques of warping and morphing. A warp is a twist or distortion in the form of an object in an image while a morph is the smooth and gradual transformation of an object in one image into the object in another image. Linear algebra makes these computer animation techniques possible; the first phase of this research delves into how those mathematical processes translate into image warps and morphs. Image morphs and morphs were identified as affine transformations of original images. The second part of this study requires the analysis and application of image warping and morphing techniques in an array of fields. The team utilized the computer software, Abrosoft Fantamorph and Morpheus in order to create a series of warps and morphs. This shows an example of the use of technology in undergraduate research. The final phase of this research was to identify what uses NASA can have for these computer animation techniques and what further research can be done to expand our knowledge of warps and morphs. By identifying the mechanics of warps and morph, we can discover how they can assist scientists and organization, such as NASA, to create depictions of objects, ideas, places, and events. Ultimately, studying morphing and warping techniques allows us to find better ways to represent visual data - whether it is images of the ozone hole or maps of the ever-changing weather in a region. The limitations that were found during the study can be used to conduct further research about warps and morphs - such as distorting images using quadratics or varying the rate at which each part of a transformation happens.
Columella Lengthening with a Full-Thickness Skin Graft for Secondary Bilateral Cleft Lip and Nose Repair
Authors: Lee Yoon Seok , Shin Dong Hyeok , Choi Hyun Gon , Kim Jee Nam , Lee Myung Chul , Kim Soon Heum , Kim Cheol Keun , Jo Dong In , Uhm Ki Il
Published: November 2015

Background Various techniques for lengthening short columellae have been used for bilateral cleft nose repair. However, previous methods have not yielded satisfactory results. We performed a full-thickness skin graft to lengthen short columellae during secondary cleft nose repair in adult patients.

Methods Ten bilateral cleft lip and nose patients underwent secondary cheiloplasty with open rhinoplasty between July 2008 and August 2014. The patients underwent a full-thickness skin graft on the medial crura to elongate the columella. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 22.2 years. Nasal profiles were evaluated before and after the operation using the photogrammetric method.

Results The nasal profiles were improved in all patients, and all skin grafts were well taken, with the exception of one patient. Columellar height, nostril height, and columella-lip angle increased, and nasal width decreased significantly. The ratios of columellar height to nasal height, columellar height to nasal width, and nasal height to nasal width increased to a statistically significant extent.

Conclusions Columella lengthening with a full-thickness skin graft is a simple and effective method for the repair of severely short columellae in bilateral cleft nose patients. We had satisfactory outcomes, with good color matching and aesthetically pleasing contours.
Modified T-Plate Interpositional Arthroplasty for Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A New and Versatile Option
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Mir Mohd Altaf , Bariar Lalit Mohan
Published: November 2015

Background This study has been conducted with the aim of evaluating modified T-plate interpositional arthroplasty.

Methods A prospective comparative study in patients admitted with temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Ankylotic temporomandibular joint arthroplasty included condylectomy gap arthroplasty in 7, temporalis muscle flap interpositional arthroplasty in 8, and modified T-plate interpositional arthroplasty in 13 cases. The patients were followed for three years. Collected data were tabulated and subjected to Fisher's exact test, chi-square test and probability estimation.

Results A significant increase in interincisal distance of 32 mm was seen in 12 (92.31%) patients in the T-plate interposition group, in 2 (25%) cases of the temporalis muscle flap interposition group, and in 1 case (14.28%) of the condylectomy group at 12, 24, and 36 months. Re-ankylosis was observed in 1 case (9.69%) of the T-plate interposition group, while as it was observed in 4 (50%) cases in the temporalis muscle flap interposition group and 4 (57.14%) cases in the condylectomy group, and these differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions Our clinical experience with the use of the T-plate over the past 5 years has been encouraging, and our physiotherapy technique is quite simple. Even illiterate parents can assess it easily. Hence, we recommend this easy technique that does not damage the temporalis muscle for the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis.
A Phase III, Randomized, Multi-Center, Double-Masked, Matched-Pairs, Active-Controlled Trial to Compare the Efficacy and Safety between Neuramis Deep and Restylane in the Correction of Nasolabial Folds
Authors: Pak Changsik , Park Jihoon , Hong Jinmyung , Jeong Jaehoon , Bang Saik , Heo Chan Yeong
Published: November 2015

Background We conducted this clinical study to compare the efficacy and safety between Neuramis Deep and Restylane in the correction of nasolabial folds.

Methods In this phase III, randomized, multi-center, double-masked, matched-pairs, active-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01585220), we evaluated a total of 67 subjects (n=67). All the subjects underwent Neuramis Deep treatment on one side and Restylane on the contralateral side of the bilateral nasolabial folds at a ratio of 1:1. To compare the efficacy of Neuramis Deep and Restylane, we evaluated the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale scores and those of the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. In addition, we compared the safety of Neuramis Deep and Restylane based on adverse events, physical examination, and clinical laboratory tests.

Results Neuramis Deep was not inferior in improving the nasolabial folds as compared with Restylane. In addition, there was no significant difference in the efficacy between Neuramis Deep and Restylane. There were no significant differences in safety parameters between Neuramis Deep and Restylane.

Conclusions In conclusion, our results indicate that Neuramis Deep may be a safe, effective material for improving the nasolabial folds. However, further studies are warranted to compare the tolerability of Neuramis Deep and Restylane based on histopathologic findings.
Fingernail Configuration
Authors: Jung Jin Woo , Kim Kwang Seog , Shin Jun Ho , Kwon Yu Jin , Hwang Jae Ha , Lee Sam Yong
Published: November 2015

Background A number of conditions can alter a person's fingernail configuration. The ratio between fingernail width and length (W/L) is an important aesthetic criterion, and some underlying diseases can alter the size of the fingernail. Fingernail curvature can be altered by systemic disorders or disorders of the fingernail itself. Although the shape and curvature of the fingernail can provide diagnostic clues for various diseases, few studies have precisely characterized normal fingernail configuration.

Methods We measured the W/L ratio of the fingernail, transverse fingernail curvature, hand length, hand breadth, and distal interphalangeal joint width in 300 volunteers with healthy fingernails. We also investigated whether age, sex, height, and handedness influenced the fingernail W/L ratio and transverse fingernail curvature.

Results In women, fingernail W/L ratios were similar across all five fingers, and were lower than those in men. The highest value of transverse fingernail curvature was found in the thumb, followed by the index, middle, ring, and little fingers. Handedness and aging influenced transverse fingernail curvature, but not the fingernail W/L ratio. Fingernails were flatter on the dominant hand than on the non-dominant hand. The radius of transverse fingernail curvature increased with age, indicating that fingernails tended to flatten with age.

Conclusions Our quantitative data on fingernail configuration can be used as a reference range for diagnosing various diseases and deformities of the fingernail, and for performing reconstructive or aesthetic fingernail surgery.
Alignment structures and diffraction properties of chiral nematic liquid crystal cells with periodically patterned photoalignment films
Authors: Sasaki Tomoyuki , Shimura Rei , Kawai Kotaro , Noda Kohei , Sakamoto Moritsugu , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro , Ono Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

Liquid crystal (LC) cells with periodic alignment distributions were fabricated using chiral nematic LCs (N*LCs), which were prepared using mixtures of a nematic LC and a chiral dopant, along with photoreactive liquid crystalline polymer (PLCP) films. Periodic structures were formed by polarization holographic recording in the PLCP films. The director distribution in each cell depended on the ratio of chiral dopant present, i.e., the inherent helical pitch of the N*LCs. These periodic alignment structures with line defects in the LC grating cells were well explained on the basis of the elastic continuum theory of the N*LCs and the photoalignment effect of the PLCP films. The diffraction properties of the grating LC cells were also investigated using a polarized visible laser. The observed intensity and polarization states of the diffracted beams were consistent with theoretical ones calculated using the director distribution models. Our results clarify that the diffraction properties of the grating LC cells can be controlled by the helical pitch of the N*LCs.
Traveling wave ultrasonic motor using polymer-based vibrator
Authors: Wu Jiang , Mizuno Yosuke , Tabaru Marie , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: November 2015

With the characteristics of low density, low elastic modulus, and low mechanical loss, poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is a promising material for fabricating lightweight ultrasonic motors (USMs). For the first time, we used PPS to fabricate an annular elastomer with teeth and glued a piece of piezoelectric-ceramic annular disk to the bottom of the elastomer to form a vibrator. To explore for a material suitable for the rotor surface coming in contact with the PPS-based vibrator, several disk-shaped rotors made of different materials were fabricated to form traveling wave USMs. The polymer-based USM rotates successfully as the conventional metal-based USMs. The experimental results show that the USM with the aluminum rotor has the largest torque, which indicates that aluminum is the most suitable for the rotor surface among the tested materials.
Use of Lung Ultrasound to Assess the Efficacy of an Alveolar Recruitment Maneuver in Rabbits With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Li Dong-kai , Liu Da-wei , Long Yun , Wang Xiao-ting
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To investigate the application of lung ultrasound (US) in the evaluation and implementation of alveolar recruitment maneuvers in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

Twelve rabbits with saline lavage–induced lung injury were randomly divided into 2 groups: one with alveolar recruitment guided by lung US and the other with alveolar recruitment guided by maximal oxygenation. Recruitment maneuvers were applied according to a stepwise incremental positive end‐expiratory pressure method in both groups. In the oxygenation group, a sum of the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide exceeding 400 mm Hg was used to define adequate recruitment. In the lung US group, a new protocol for reaeration in US‐guided lung recruitment was used to guide treatment. Evaluation by lung US, respiratory mechanical parameters, the Smith pathologic score (Crit Care Med 1997; 25:1888–1897), and wet‐to‐dry ratio were compared between the groups.

Results

Opening pressure was significantly higher in the lung US group (mean ± SD, 23.4 ± 3.4 cm H2O) than the oxygenation group (18.7 ± 2.1 cm H2O; P < .05). The reaeration score in the lung US group significantly increased during alveolar recruitment (6.5 ± 1.6 points at baseline versus 13.8 ± 3.0 points after completion; P < .05). Lung compliance, dead space shunts, the Smith pathologic score, and tissue wet‐to‐dry ratio, however, were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Lung US is an effective means of evaluating and guiding alveolar recruitment in ARDS. Compared with the maximal oxygenation–guided method, the protocol for reaeration in US‐guided lung recruitment achieved a higher opening pressure, resulted in greater improvements in lung aeration, and substantially reduced lung heterogeneity in ARDS.
What Is the Rate of Incomplete Fetal Anatomic Surveys During a Second‐Trimester Scan?
Authors: Padula Francesco , Gulino Ferdinando Antonio , Capriglione Stella , Giorlandino Maurizio , Cignini Pietro , Mastrandrea Maria Luisa , D'Emidio Laura , Giorlandino Claudio
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of incomplete fetal anatomic surveys during a second‐trimester scan due to an unfavorable fetal position in a nonobese population.

Methods

All pregnant women who came to the Altamedica Fetal‐Maternal Medical Center, a specialized center for prenatal diagnosis, for a routine second‐trimester scan between January 2012 and April 2013 were retrospectively included in the analysis. Patients with a body mass index higher than 30.0 kg/m2 or anterior fibroids larger than 5 cm were not included in the study.

Results

Of 4000 pregnant women admitted for a second‐trimester scan, 169 (4.2%) came back within 2 weeks to complete the examination because of an unfavorable fetal position. In particular, 104 (2.6%) needed visualization of only 1 view, and 65 (1.6%) needed more than 1 view. The most difficult organ to visualize was the corpus callosum, in 73 cases (1.8%); the face was not visualized in 69 cases (1.7%); the cerebellar vermis was not seen in 47 fetuses (1.1%); and the heart could not be completely examined in 40 fetuses (1.0%). Of the 4000 women, 169 (4.2%) had a nonexhaustive scan; 149 (3.7%) needed a second scan to complete the second‐trimester survey; 14 (0.35%) needed a third scan; and 2 (0.05%) remained with a not completely exhaustive scan.

Conclusions

There is always a small percentage of incomplete fetal anatomic surveys during a second‐trimester scan, which cannot be modified by the sonographer's skill or by technical sonographic innovations.
Role of Sonography in Surgical Decision Making for Iatrogenic Spinal Accessory Nerve Injuries
Authors: Cesmebasi Alper , Smith Jay , Spinner Robert J.
Published: November 2015

The spinal accessory nerve (SAN) is susceptible to iatrogenic injury in the posterior cervical triangle. Early diagnosis and management of suspected SAN transection injuries are crucial in the restoration of shoulder stability and function. Although neurologic examination and electrodiagnostic testing can assess SAN function, they cannot assess nerve continuity. We report the use of sonography to prospectively evaluate the SAN in 6 patients with suspected iatrogenic SAN injury. Sonography directly visualized SAN transection in 4 cases, whereas sonographic findings were reported as “probable” transection in the fifth case and was nondiagnostic in the sixth case in the setting of extensive scarring.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Fetal Thymus Using the Thy‐Box Technique Between 13 and 16 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Weissmann-Brenner Alina , Zemet Roni , Kivilevitch Zvi , Zalel Yaron
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to assess the feasibility of fetal thymus measurement between 13 and 16 weeks' gestation, to evaluate the potential difference using color Doppler sonography with the thy‐box technique, and to construct normal percentile ranges.

Methods

This retrospective study included 287 healthy singleton pregnancies. The fetal thymus was shown in an axial plane of the upper mediastinum. Color Doppler imaging was applied to outline the thy‐box: ie, the area between the brachiocephalic artery posteriorly and internal mammary arteries laterally. Measurements of the lateral and anteroposterior diameters of the thymus with and without color Doppler imaging were compared.

Results

The thymus was shown in 95% of the cases (273 of 287) between 13 and 16 weeks' gestation. The mean lateral thymus diameter ± SD with color Doppler imaging (5.30 ± 0.7 mm) was significantly longer in comparison to the measurement without color Doppler imaging (5.06 ± 0.8 mm; P < .001), whereas the anteroposterior diameter was significantly shorter (3.19 ± 0.9 versus 3.26 ± 0.8 mm; P = .044). Normal percentiles of thymus measurements for gestational age were constructed.

Conclusions

The fetal thymus can be clearly and accurately shown as early as 13 weeks' gestation by using the thy‐box. Measurements with color Doppler imaging were significantly different from those without and hence are preferable, as color Doppler imaging can delineate the thymus borders more accurately.