bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Plane Pre-Stress Analysis for Automotive Airbag Electronic Control Unit’s Printed Circuit Board Transverse Vibration
Authors: Xiaochuan Guo
Published: November 2018

For design of automotive airbag electronic control units (AB ECU), it is essential to have a validated and reliable finite element (FE) simulation model in place in order to allow already in an early design stage for the accurate prediction of the ECU’s structural vibration behavior. A “bottom-up” approach which described in the ASME guide for verification and validation (ASME V&V 10-2006) is applied for the validation of the AB ECU simulation model. The AB ECU is decomposed into different assembly level. Single printed circuit board (PCB) is the lowest elementary component level. In the PCB level simulation and validation, the influence of in-plane pre-stress on PCB’s transverse vibration characteristic has been encountered, but it has been found out that the source of the in-plane pre-stress can not be explained by classical beam/plate theory. Analysis and simulation for PCB fixation reveals that the fundamental source of the in-plane pre-stress is structure’s geometric nonlinearity.
A Review of Degradation Behavior and Modeling of Capacitors
Authors: Gupta Anunay , Yadav Om Prakash , DeVoto Douglas , Major Joshua
Published: November 2018

This paper firstly reviews the failure causes, modes and mechanisms of two major types of capacitors used in power electronic systems — metallized film capacitors and electrolytic capacitors. The degradation modeling related to these capacitors is then presented. Both physics-of-failure and data-driven degradation models for reliability and lifetime estimation are discussed. Based on the exhaustive literature review on degradation modeling of capacitors, we provide a critical assessment and future research directions.
Interconnect Fatigue Failure Parameter Isolation for Power Device Reliability Prediction
Authors: Marbut Cody J. , Montazeri Mahsa , Huitink David
Published: November 2018

Flip chip (FC) packaging techniques in modern power electronics have enabled increased power density in module performance, but mechanical stresses induced by thermal expansion during inherent operating conditions in the power devices and packages create a need for understanding thermomechanical fatigue mechanisms that lead to reliability concerns. Moreover, in actual use, these mechanical stresses impact the reliable lifetime alongside thermal factors (such as diffusion and microstructural transformation) and other process history effects. This amalgam of damage inducing phenomena make development of a concise association between damage, fatigue, and stress factors difficult to determine. For reliability demonstration under fatigue loading, accelerated life testing (ALT), such as Thermal Cycling (TC), are commonly used in industry; however, long duration and expensive equipment required for TC limit its utility, especially when considering the high cost of wide-bandgap devices and modules, and the limitation of high temperature (> 150°C) testing standards. As a result, alternative test methodologies are needed to provide faster, cheaper, and design integrable reliability determination. In this work, an accelerated test methodology is introduced and designed to simulate these mechanical stresses at isothermal conditions, which is demonstrated using test chips that are analogous to power devices. By stressing these devices in a controlled environment, mechanical stresses become de-coupled from the design and temperature, such that useful lifetimes can be predictable. Mechanical shear stress was cyclically applied directly to device-relevant, flip-chip solder interconnects while monitoring cycles-to-failure (CTF).

Also, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to extract various damage metrics of different solder materials (including PbSn37/63, SAC305 and Nano-silver) in both thermal operation and the introduced alternative mechanical testing conditions. In doing so, test protocol translations to common qualification tests (or use condition thermal profiles) can be determined and are validated using the mechanical shear stress testing method. Plastic work density and maximum shear were calculated in the critical solder interconnects for different isothermal mechanical testing temperatures (22°C, 75°C, 100°C and 125°C) and the results are compared with the simulation results of different TC test conditions. This reliability determination with failure parameter isolation allows for improved integration with FEA modeling for a priori reliability prediction during the design process.
On Thermal Interface Materials With Polydisperse Fillers: Packing Algorithm and Effective Properties
Authors: Chowdhury Piyas , Sikka Kamal , De Silva Anuja , Seshadri Indira
Published: November 2018

Thermal interface materials (TIMs), which transmit heat from semiconductor chips, are indispensable in today’s microelectronic devices. Designing superior TIMs for increasingly demanding integration requirements, especially for server-level hardware with high power density chips, remains a particularly coveted yet challenging objective. This is because achieving desired degrees of thermal-mechanical attributes (e.g. high thermal conductivity, low elastic modulus, low viscosity) poses contradictory challenges. For instance, embedding thermally conductive fillers (e.g. metallic particles) into a compliant yet considerably less conductive matrix (e.g. polymer) enhances heat transmission, however at the expense of overall compliance. This leads to extensive trial-and-error based empirical approaches for optimal material design. Specifically, high volume fraction filler loading, role of filler size distribution, mixing of various filler types are some outstanding issues that need further clarification. To that end, we first forward a generic packing algorithm with ability to simulate a variety of filler types and distributions. Secondly, by modeling the physics of heat/force flux, we predict effective thermal conductivity, elastic modulus and viscosity for various packing cases.
Thermal Characterization of Si BEOL Microelectronic Structures
Authors: El Helou Assaad , Raad Peter E. , Venugopal Archana , Kande Dhishan
Published: November 2018

Resistor reliability rules are defined by certain electrical parameters that depend on operating temperature. As shown by Black’s Equation, a temperature change of 5°C can lead to a 30% reduction in expected lifetime [1]. The temperature rise of a resistor depends on its dimensions and thermal properties as well as those of surrounding materials that separate the resistor from the heat sink. In this study, a modified approximate model based on Schafft’s equation is developed to estimate the operating temperature and assess the reliability of BEOL microresistor structures. The additional contribution of the substrate thermal resistance is added to the model and validated through a combined approach of experimental thermal mapping and numerical modeling. The developed analytical and numerical model are validated with the experimental temperature maps and could then be used for parametrization to aid the BEOL design process.
Multifunctional Chip for Use in Thermal Analysis of Power Systems
Authors: Gonzalez-Nino David , Boteler Lauren , Urciuoli Damian P. , Kierzewski Iain M. , Ibitayo Dimeji , Quintero Pedro O.
Published: November 2018

Many military electronic systems experience thermal transient pulses, in the sub-second range, during operation. Transient thermal solutions are being developed to address these transient pulses. In order to determine the performance of these thermal solutions, precise measurement of device junction temperature during the pulse is critical. Researchers have been patterning heaters onto chips using high temperature coefficient of resistance materials, thus allowing the use of the heater as a resistance temperature detector (RTD). For a given RTD material, in order to increase the sensitivity, a high resistance value is required; however, this equates to high voltages needed to get high heat fluxes. This work aims to design a test chip which balances between the instrumentation preferring a large resistance and the desire to maintain reasonable input voltages prompting a low resistance.

This work demonstrates a novel multi-functional thermal test chip, which consists of 25 high resistance RTDs connected in parallel. This parallel connection strikes the desired balance by allowing a small overall chip resistance while allowing probing on a much higher resistance single RTD. Furthermore, this design allows optional temperature sensing at multiple locations on the chip’s surface, the possibility to create thermal gradients by controlled powering of individual resistors at different locations on the chip’s surface, and uniform heat flux over the entire chip surface.
The Effects of Curing Profile, Temperature, and Aging on the Mechanical Behavior of Solder Mask Materials
Authors: Chowdhury Promod R. , Suhling Jeffrey C. , Lall Pradeep
Published: November 2018

In this work, the mechanical behavior of a typical UV curable solder mask material has been explored as a function of ultra violet (UV) curing time, testing temperature, and isothermal aging exposure. Mechanical testing has been performed using standard tensile testing. For the tensile testing, a specimen preparation procedure has been developed to make 80 × 3 mm uniaxial tension test samples with a defined thickness (e.g. 0.30 mm), and both stress-strain and creep tests were performed. The solder mask test specimens were prepared in a unique way and no release agent is required to extract them from the mold. The mechanical behavior changes of the solder mask material were recorded for different curing profiles including various durations of UV exposure and subsequent isothermal curing.

The results showed that an optimum UV exposure time was critical to provide acceptable mechanical properties. In addition, the stress-strain and creep behavior of the solder mask were recorded for various temperatures from 25 to 125 °C, and the mechanical properties were found to degrade significantly at elevated temperatures as expected. The experimental results showed that variations of thermal curing profile (curing temperature and time) also change the mechanical properties significantly, so that solder masks have a very small optimum processing window. Finally, the effects of isothermal aging at 100 °C on the material behavior were characterized for different aging times. Using the recorded data, the changes in the elastic modulus, strength, and creep rate were characterized as a function of aging time. Significant variations were observed in the elastic modulus (250%) and ultimate strength (150%) of the aged samples.
Microstructural Evolution in SAC305 and SAC-Bi Solders Subjected to Mechanical Cycling
Authors: Chowdhury Md Mahmudur R. , Hoque Mohd Aminul , Fahim Abdullah , Suhling Jeffrey C. , Hamasha Sa'd , Lall Pradeep
Published: November 2018

Fatigue failure of solder joints is one of the most common methods by which electronic packages fail. Electronic assemblies usually must cope with a temperature varying environment. Due to the mismatches in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the various assembly materials, the solder joints are subjected to cyclic thermal-mechanical loading during temperature cycling. The main focus of this work is to investigate the changes in microstructure that occur in SAC305 and SAC+Bi lead free solders subjected to mechanical cycling. In this paper, we report on results for the SAC+Bi solder commonly known as SAC_Q or CYCLOMAX. Uniaxial solder specimens were prepared in glass tubes, and the outside surfaces were polished. A nanoindenter was then used to mark fixed regions on the samples for subsequent microscopy evaluation. The samples were subjected to mechanical cycling, and the microstructures of the selected fixed regions were recorded after various durations of cycling using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Using the recorded images, it was observed that the cycling induced damage consisted primarily of small intergranular cracks forming along the subgrain boundaries within dendrites. These cracks continued to grow as the cycling continued, resulting in a weakening of the dendrite structure, and eventually to the formation of large transgranular cracks. The distribution and size of the intermetallic particles in the inter-dendritic regions were observed to remain essentially unchanged.
Thermal-Hydraulic Performance and Optimization of Tube Ellipticity in a Plate Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Khan Tariq Amin , Li Wei , Zhu Hua , Sun Zhijian , Zhang Zhengjiang , Du Jincai , Zhou Jianxin
Published: November 2018

The flow field inside the heat exchangers is associated with maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop. Designing a compact heat exchanger and employing various techniques to enhance its overall performance has been widely investigated and still an active research field. However, few researches deal with thermal optimization. The application of elliptic tube is an effective alternative to circular tube which can reduce the pressure drop significantly. In this study, numerical simulation and optimization of variable tube ellipticity is studied at low Reynolds numbers. The three-dimensional numerical analysis and a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with surrogate modelling is performed. Two row tubes in staggered arrangement in fin-and-tube heat exchanger is investigated for combination of various elliptic ratio (e = minor axis/major axis) and Reynolds number. Tube elliptic ratio ranges from 0.2 to 1 and Reynolds number ranges from 150 to 750. The tube perimeters are kept constant while changing the elliptic ratio.

The numerical model is derived based on continuum flow approach and steady-state conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy. The flow is assumed as incompressible and laminar due to low inlet velocity. Results are presented in the form of Colburn factor, friction factor, temperature contours and streamline contours. Results show that increasing elliptic ratio increases the friction factor due increased flow blocking area, however, the effect on the Colburn factor is not significant. Moreover, tube with lower elliptic ratio followed by higher elliptic ratio tube has better thermal-hydraulic performance.

To achieve maximum heat transfer enhancement and minimum pressure drop, the Pareto optimal strategy is adopted for which the CFD results, Artificial neural network (ANN) and MOGA are combined. The tubes elliptic ratio (0.2 ⩽ e ⩽ 1.0) and Reynolds number (150 ⩽ Re ⩽ 750) are the design variables. The objective functions include Colburn factor (j) and friction factor (f). The CFD results are input into ANN model. Once the ANN is computed and its accuracy is checked, it is then used to estimate the model responses as a function of inputs. The final trained ANN is then used to drive the MOGA to obtain the Pareto optimal solution. The optimal values of these parameters are finally presented.
Variations of the field of view depending on the Si deflector shape in a microcolumn
Authors: Kim Hyung Woo , Lee Young Bok , Kim Dae-Wook , Ahn Seungjoon , Oh Tae Sik , Kim Ho Seob , Kim Young Chul
Published: November 2018

A microcolumn is widely investigated as one of the strong candidates for multiple electron beam systems. In the microcolumn, one or two octupole deflectors are usually adopted to scan the electron beam, and the octupole deflector is assembled by placing eight deflector electrodes symmetrically around the electron beam path. The deflector electrodes are composed either of Mo rods or of Si electrodes fabricated through appropriate micro electro mechanical systems processes. Usually, to expand the field of view and reduce the electron beam distortion, the double-deflector method is used. However, the wiring for electrical connection to each electrode and the operation of the octupole deflector are rather complicated. In order to improve the assembly and performance of the octupole deflector, the authors devised a modified Si deflector and tested its performance.
A cytoskeletal anchor connects ischemic mitochondrial fission to myocardial senescence
Authors: Boyer Michael J. , Eguchi Satoru
Published: November 2018

Filamin and the mitochondrial fission factor Drp1 induce cardiomyocyte senescence after heart attacks (Nishimura
et al.
, in 13 November 2018 issue).
Combination of Nonstructural Protein 1-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays Can Detect and Distinguish Various Dengue Virus and Zika Virus Infections
Authors: Tyson Jasmine , Tsai Wen-Yang , Tsai Jih-Jin , Brites Carlos , Mässgård Ludvig , Ha Youn Han , Pedroso Celia , Drexler Jan Felix , Stramer Susan L. , Balmaseda Angel , Harris Eva , Wang Wei-Kung
Published: November 2018

The recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) and associated birth defects in regions of dengue virus (DENV) endemicity emphasize the need for sensitive and specific serodiagnostic tests. We reported previously that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of DENV serotype 1 (DENV1) and ZIKV can distinguish primary DENV1, secondary DENV, and ZIKV infections.
An HIV-1 Broadly Neutralizing Antibody from a Clade C-Infected Pediatric Elite Neutralizer Potently Neutralizes the Contemporaneous and Autologous Evolving Viruses
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Panda Harekrushna , Makhdoomi Muzamil Ashraf , Mishra Nitesh , Safdari Haaris Ahsan , Chawla Himanshi , Aggarwal Heena , Reddy Elluri Seetharami , Lodha Rakesh , Kumar Kabra Sushil , Chandele Anmol , Dutta Somnath , Luthra Kalpana
Published: November 2018

More than 50% of the HIV-1 infections globally are caused by clade C viruses. To date, there is no effective vaccine to prevent HIV-1 infection. Based on the structural information of the currently available HIV-1 bNAbs, attempts are under way to design immunogens that can elicit correlates of protection upon vaccination. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of an HIV-1 N332 supersite-dependent bNAb, AIIMS-P01, from a clade C chronically infected pediatric elite neutralizer. The N332 supersite is an important epitope and is one of the current HIV-1 vaccine targets. AIIMS-P01 potently neutralized the contemporaneous and autologous evolving viruses and exhibited substantial indels despite low somatic hypermutations. Taken together with the information on infant bNAbs, further isolation and characterization of bNAbs contributing to the plasma breadth in HIV-1 chronically infected children may help provide a better understanding of their role in controlling HIV-1 infection.
Priming with a Potent HIV-1 DNA Vaccine Frames the Quality of Immune Responses prior to a Poxvirus and Protein Boost
Authors: Asbach Benedikt , Kibler Karen V. , Köstler Josef , Perdiguero Beatriz , Yates Nicole L. , Stanfield-Oakley Sherry , Tomaras Georgia D. , Kao Shing-Fen , Foulds Kathryn E. , Roederer Mario , Seaman Michael S. , Montefiori David C. , Parks Robert , Ferrari Guido , Forthal Donald N. , Phogat Sanjay , Tartaglia James , Barnett Susan W. , Self Steven G. , Gottardo Raphael , Cristillo Anthony D. , Weiss Deborah E. , Galmin Lindsey , Ding Song , Heeney Jonathan L. , Esteban Mariano , Jacobs Bertram L. , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Wagner Ralf
Published: November 2018

The evaluation of HIV vaccine efficacy trials indicates that protection would most likely correlate with a polyfunctional immune response involving several effector functions from all arms of the immune system. Heterologous prime-boost regimens have been shown to elicit vigorous T cell and antibody responses in nonhuman primates that, however, qualitatively and quantitatively differ depending on the respective vector systems used. The present study evaluated a DNA prime and poxvirus and protein boost regimen and compared how two poxvirus vectors with various degrees of replication capacity and two different delivery modalities—conventional intramuscular delivery and percutaneous delivery by scarification—impact several immune effectors. It was found that despite the different poxvirus boosts, the overall immune responses in the three groups were similar, suggesting the potent DNA priming as the major determining factor of immune responses. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting optimal priming agents in heterologous prime-boost vaccination settings.
Randomised study comparing heart rate measurement in newly born infants using a monitor incorporating electrocardiogram and pulse oximeter versus pulse oximeter alone
Authors: Murphy Madeleine C , De Angelis Laura , McCarthy Lisa K , O’Donnell Colm Patrick Finbarr
Published: November 2018

Aim

To determine whether IntelliVue (ECG plus Masimo pulse oximeter (PO)) measures heart rate (HR) in low-risk newborns more quickly than Nellcor PO (PO alone).

Methods

Unmasked parallel group randomised (1:1) study.

Results

We studied 100 infants, 47 randomised to IntelliVue, 53 to Nellcor. Time to first HR was shorter with IntelliVue ECG than Nellcor (median (IQR) 24 (19, 39) vs 48 (36, 69) s, p<0.001). There was no difference in time to display both HR and SpO2 (52 (47, 76) vs 48 (36, 69) s, p=0.507). IntelliVue PO displayed initial bradycardia more often than the Nellcor (55% vs 6%). Infants monitored with IntelliVue were handled more frequently and for longer.

Conclusions

IntelliVue ECG displayed HR more quickly than Nellcor PO. IntelliVue PO often displayed initial bradycardia. Infants monitored with IntelliVue were handled more often. Study of ECG in high-risk infants is warranted.
Early neonatal vitamin A supplementation and infant mortality: an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors:   Neonatal Vitamin A Supplementation Evidence group
Published: November 2018

Background

Biannual vitamin A supplementation is a well-established survival tool for preschool children 6 months and older in vitamin A deficient populations but this schedule misses the opportunity to intervene on most young infant deaths. Randomised trials of neonatal vitamin A supplementation (NVAS) in the first few days of life to assess its impact on under 6-month mortality in low/middle-income countries have had varying results.

Methods

Investigators of 11 published randomised placebo-controlled NVAS trials (n=163 567 children) reanalysed their data according to an agreed plan and pooled the primary outcomes of mortality from supplementation through 6 and 12 months of age using random effects models and meta-regression. One investigator withdrew but allowed use of the data.

Findings

Overall there was no effect of NVAS on infant survival through 6 (risk ratio (RR) 0.97; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.06) or 12 months of age (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.08) but results varied by study population characteristics.

NVAS significantly reduced 6-month mortality among the trials conducted in Southern Asia (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98), in contexts with moderate or severe vitamin A deficiency (defined as 10% or higher proportion of women with serum retinol <0.7 µmol/L or 5% or more women with night blindness) (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.94), early infant mortality was 30 or more per 1000 live births (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98), 75% or more of infant mortality occurred in the first 6 months of life (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.01), or where >32% mothers had no schooling (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.96). NVAS did not reduce mortality in the first 6 months of life in trials conducted in Africa, in contexts characterised by a low prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, lower rates of infant mortality and where maternal education was more prevalent. There was a suggestion of increased infant mortality in trials conducted in Africa (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.15).

Individual-level characteristics such as sex, birth weight, gestational age and size, age at dosing, parity, time of breast feeding initiation, maternal education and maternal vitamin A supplementation did not modify the impact of NVAS.

Conclusion

NVAS reduced infant mortality in South Asia, in contexts where the prevalence of maternal vitamin A deficiency is moderate to severe and early infant mortality is high; but it had no beneficial effect on infant survival in Africa, in contexts where the prevalence of maternal vitamin A deficiency is lower, early infant mortality is low.
Epidemiology and healthcare factors associated with neonatal enterococcal infections
Authors: Wang Joanna , Kortsalioudaki Christina , Heath Paul T , Buttery Jim , Clarke Paul , Gkentzi Despoina , Anthony Mark , Tan Kenneth
Published: November 2018

Objective

To investigate the epidemiology and healthcare factors associated with late-onset neonatal enterococcal infections.

Design

Multicentre, multinational retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected infection data from a neonatal infection surveillance network between 2004 and 2016; this was supplemented with healthcare data from a questionnaire distributed to participating neonatal units.

Setting

Sixty neonatal units across Europe (UK, Greece, Estonia) and Australia.

Patients

Infants admitted to participating neonatal units who had a positive culture of blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine after 48 hours of life.

Results

In total, 414 episodes of invasive Enterococcus spp infection were reported in 388 infants (10.1% of a total 4083 episodes in 3602 infants). Enterococcus spp were the second most common cause of late-onset infection after coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp and were strongly associated with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) (adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.03, p=0.038), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (adjusted OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.70, p=0.016), increasing postnatal age (per 1-week increase: adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06, p<0.001) and decreasing birth weight (per 1 kg increase: adjusted OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.97, p=0.017). There was no evidence that inadequate nurse to patient staffing ratios in high-dependency units were associated with a higher risk of enterococcal infections.

Conclusions

Enterococcus spp were the second most frequent cause of late-onset infections. The association between enterococcal infections, NEC and TPN may inform empiric antimicrobial regimens in these contexts and provide insights into reducing these infections.
Sudden cardiac arrest in sports: a video analysis
Authors: Steinskog Didrik Magnus , Solberg Erik Ekker
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Information about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in sports arises from registries, insurance claims and various reports. Analysing video footage of SCA during sports for scientific purposes has scarcely been done. The objective of this study was to examine videotaped SCA in athletes to better understand the mechanisms of SCA.

Methods

Publicly available online video databases were searched for videos displaying SCA in athletes.

Results

Thirty-five online videos (26 from professional and 9 from amateur sport; 34 male victims) were obtained. Twenty-one events resulted in survival and 14 in sudden cardiac death. Level of physical activity prior to SCA was assessable in 28 videos; 19 events occurred during low-intensity, 6 during moderate-intensity and 3 during high-intensity activity. SCA predominately occurred during low-intensity compared with both moderate-intensity and high-intensity activities (p<0.01). In 26/35 videos, it was possible to observe if resuscitation was provided. Resuscitation was carried out in 20 cases; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) alone (8 cases), CPR+defibrillation (10), cardiac thump (1) or shock from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (1). Thirteen of the 20 cases with resuscitation received an intervention within 1 min after collapse. Survival was high when intervention occurred within 1 min (12/13) compared with those who received delayed (3/5) or no intervention (1/6). Associated signs of SCA such as agonal respirations and seizure-like movements were observed in 66% of the cases.

Conclusions

SCA during sport most often occurred during low-intensity activity. Prompt intervention within 1 min demonstrated a high survival rate and should be the standard expectation for witnessed SCA in athletes.
Confidentiality in medicine: how far should doctors prioritise the confidentiality of the individual they are treating?
Authors: Peterson Jennifer L H
Published: November 2018

There is a premium placed on the maintenance of our privacy and confidentiality as individuals in society. For a productive and functional doctor–patient relationship, there needs to be a belief that details divulged in confidence to the doctor will be kept confidential and not disclosed to the wider public. However, where the information disclosed to the doctor could have implications for the safety of the wider public, for example disclosures with potential criminal implications, or have serious consequences for another individual, as is the case in genetic medicine, should doctors feel confident about breaching confidentiality? This essay firstly explores the legal rulings regarding cases in which confidentiality has been breached where there was risk of significant harm to others following the patient’s disclosure, and secondly, focusing on the evolving legal position with regard to confidentiality in contexts where information sharing would be beneficial to others, for example the evolving case of the implications of genetic diagnosis on families (eg, ABC v St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust; 2017).
Relationship between alternate bearing and apical bud development in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Authors: Bolivar-Medina Jenny L. , Zalapa Juan E. , Atucha Amaya , Patterson Sara E.
Published: November 2018

Similar to other woody crops, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) exhibits alternate bearing or a tendency to produce heavier yields one year, followed by lighter yields the next year. Unfortunately, despite the occurrence in many fruit crops, this trait is not well understood. The variable differentiation of floral initials in cranberry uprights is a distinguishing characteristic associated with alternate bearing. This study evaluates bud morphology and the presence of floral initials through characterization of longitudinal sections of apical buds from vegetative and fruiting uprights of alternate and non-alternate bearing genotypes. Our results reveal that differentiation of floral initials in fruiting uprights only occurs in non-alternate bearing genotypes and after initiation in vegetative uprights. In addition, a strong positive correlation was found between the increase of bud width and the presence of floral initials. Lastly, uprights from the alternate bearing genotype exhibited significantly faster growth rates of the reproductive buds compared with the vegetative buds. In summary, our study shows marked differences in timing and growth rates of floral initials between uprights of the two genotypes, suggesting a possible correlation with resource allocation during the growth season, and thus could contribute to cultivar selection and management practices.
Forearc strike-slip displacement as an alternative to subduction erosion, with examples from Mexico and California (sinistral Nacimiento fault)
Authors: Ingersoll Raymond V.
Published: November 2018

Slip on the Nacimiento fault of the central Coast Ranges of California has been variably interpreted as dextral, sinistral, or reverse. The currently prevailing interpretation is that the Nacimiento fault represents subduction erosion, by which the central to eastern part of the Cretaceous California batholith was thrust over the western part of the batholith and forearc basin, resulting in juxtaposition of the Salinian batholithic block against the Franciscan Complex, concurrently with Laramide flat-slab subduction (75–55 Ma) and underplating of the Pelona-Orocopia-Rand schist. No modern convergent plate margin includes such overthrusting. The closest modern analog to the likely configuration of the Salinian continental margin near the end of the Laramide deformation is southern Mexico, where arc plutons are exposed near the trench. Although commonly considered an example of subduction erosion, this margin is “missing” parts of the plutonic arc and forearc because they have been displaced to the southeast by sinistral slip. By analogy, the Nacimiento forearc was modified as a trench-trench-transform triple junction migrated southeastward along the continental margin during flat-slab subduction. This model makes testable predictions involving northwest-to-southeast younging of deep-marine deposits on batholithic crust underlain by contemporaneous schist. Correct restoration of later Cenozoic primarily dextral slip and Maastrichtian – Early Eocene primarily sinistral slip must result in realignment of north–south-trending belts of the Sierra Nevada – Salinia – Peninsular Ranges batholith, Great Valley forearc, and Franciscan Complex. These modern and ancient examples suggest that several “erosional” subduction zones are more plausibly explained by strike-slip truncation of forearcs.
Generalized stem taper and tree volume equations applied to eucalyptus of varying genetics in Brazil
Authors: Scolforo Henrique Ferraco , McTague John Paul , Burkhart Harold , Roise Joseph , Carneiro Rafaela Lorenzato , Stape José Luiz
Published: November 2018

Lack of generalized equations has prevailed in Brazil, because it is assumed that localized or climate-specific equations are needed. This study aimed to develop generalized stem taper and volume equations applicable to 11 eucalyptus clones and evaluate if climate variation impacts the accuracy of the estimates. A total of 693 trees evenly distributed across 11 clones at 21 sites were used for model fittings and predictive validation. The penalized mixed spline (PMS) approach was developed for predicting stem taper and volume along the stem profile. The Schumacher and Hall (1933) equation was used to predict total tree volume, while volume ratio equations were applied to predict merchantable volume. For every fitted equation, an annual climatic variable was included to assess the improvement in model performance. The overall results highlighted that climatic variation does not need to be accounted for in stem taper and volume modeling. All of the equations displayed desirable accuracy, but the generalized PMS equation may be preferred when the forestry enterprise looks to furnish a range of multiple forest products. The generalized total tree volume equation, combined with the ratio equations, is highly recommended when the forestry enterprise produces a single product.
Interacting holographic Ricci dark energy as running vacuum
Authors: George Paxy , Shareef V. Mohammed , Mathew Titus K.
Published: November 2018

Earlier studies have shown that in a two component model of the universe with dark matter and the running vacuum energy, which is phenomenologically a combination of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] either eternal deceleration or acceleration is produced in the absence of a bare constant in the density of the running vacuum. In this paper, we have shown that in the interaction scenario, where the interaction between matter and vacuum is introduced through a phenomenological term, the two component model is capable of causing a transition from a prior decelerated to a later accelerated epoch without a bare constant in the running vacuum density. On contrasting the model with the cosmological data, we have found that the interaction coupling constant is small enough for a slow decay of the running vacuum. The model is subjected to dynamical system analysis, which revealed that the end de Sitter phase of the model is a stable one. We did an analysis on the thermal behavior of the system, which shows that the entropy is bounded at the end stage so that the system behaves like an ordinary macroscopic system. Apart from these, we have also performed the state finder diagnostic analysis which implies the quintessence nature of running vacuum and confirms that the model will approach the standard [Formula: see text]CDM in the future.
THE EFFECT OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL DERIVED MICROVESICLES IN REPAIR OF FEMORAL CHONDRAL DEFECTS IN DOGS
Authors: Sabry Dina , Shamaa Ashraf , Amer Mohamed , El-Tookhy Omar , Abdallah Ahmed , Abd El Hassib Dalia Mohamed , Amer Eman , Elamir Azza
Published: November 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) releases in culture extracellular vesicles called microvesicles (MVs). MVs have beneficial cytokines that prevent progression of the disease and help in the regeneration process. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of MSCs derived MVs in repair of induced chondral defect in a dog model. Methods: Chondral defects were created surgically ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) in both femoral condyles of nine dogs, autologous MSCs were isolated and MVs were prepared and injected intraarticularly in the right joint. The left joint was injected with normal saline as control negative. Evaluation of the treatment after first injection was carried out by physical examination and histopathology at different time periods ([Formula: see text]½, 3 and 6 months). Results: Treated joints showed marked degree of cartilage regeneration and restoration of chondral histomorphological picture on the contrary of the control joints that showed deterioration over time and defect filling with only fibrous tissue forming a fibrocartilage at the end of six months period. Conclusion: We demonstrated in this study that administration of MVs was effective on the functional and morphological recovery of the injured cartilage and could be exploited as a cell free therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine.
Classification of double octic Calabi–Yau threefolds with h1,2 ≤ 1 defined by an arrangement of eight planes
Authors: Cynk Sławomir , Kocel-Cynk Beata
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose a combinatorial approach to study Calabi–Yau threefolds constructed as a resolution of singularities of a double covering of [Formula: see text] branched along an arrangement of eight planes. We use this description to give a complete classification of arrangements of eight planes in [Formula: see text] defining Calabi–Yau threefolds modulo projective transformation with [Formula: see text] and to derive their geometric properties (Kummer surface fibrations, automorphisms, special elements in families).
Modeling tripartite entanglement in quantum protocols using evolving entangled hypergraphs
Authors: Anticoli Linda , Ghahi Masoud Gharahi
Published: November 2018

The notion of entanglement is the most well-known nonclassical correlation in quantum mechanics, and a fundamental resource in quantum information and computation. This correlation, which is displayed by certain classes of quantum states, is of utmost importance when dealing with protocols, such as quantum teleportation, cryptography and quantum key distribution. In this paper, we exploit a classification of tripartite entanglement by introducing the concepts of entangled hypergraph and evolving entangled hypergraph as data structures suitable to model quantum protocols which use entanglement. Finally, we present a few examples to provide applications of this model.
Optimal LSBs-based quantum watermarking with lower distortion
Authors: Zhou Ri-Gui , Hu Wen Wen , Luo Gao Feng , Fan Ping , Ian Hou
Published: November 2018

Based on the NEQR representation of quantum grayscale images and binary images, the optimal LSBs-based quantum watermarking scheme is investigated in this paper, which embeds several binary images (watermark images) into a grayscale image (cover image). The size of the cover image and secret image are both assumed to be [Formula: see text]. Compared to quantum simple LSBs substitution method generating one stego-pixel, our presented quantum optimal LSBs-based method can generate three stego-pixel simultaneously first. Then one of them with lowest visual distortion is chosen as the final stego-pixel. To this end, first of all, the quantum circuits for a few basic quantum modules (i.e. Quantum Comparator, Parallel CNOT, Parallel Swap, ADDER MOD, Subtracter (SUB.ER) MOD and Absolute Value) are predefined. Following that, based on these simple modules, two composite quantum modules (i.e. the ADDER and SUB.ER MOD [Formula: see text] module and Choose final stego-pixel module) are further constructed. With the help of the basic and composite quantum modules, the integrated quantum circuit implementation of the optimal LSBs-based quantum watermark images embedding/extracting procedures are illustrated. Then, the experiment result are simulated under the classical computer software MATLAB 2014(b), which illustrates our presented optimal LSBs-based quantum watermarking methods are superior to the simple LSBs scheme in terms of PSNR and histogram graphs on the basis of visual effect, and the circuit’s complexity analysis also demonstrates our investigated scheme with a very low computational complexity. Finally, we analyze the security of quantum cryptography system, which verifies the quantum watermarking data can be securely transmitted to other legal normal users.
Four interactions in the sedenion curved spaces
Authors: Weng Zi-Hua
Published: November 2018

The paper aims to apply the complex-sedenions to explore the field equations of four fundamental interactions, which are relevant to the classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, in the curved spaces. Maxwell was the first to utilize the quaternions to describe the property of electromagnetic fields. Nowadays, the scholars introduce the complex-octonions to depict the electromagnetic and gravitational fields. And the complex-sedenions can be applied to study the field equations of the four interactions in the classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Further, it is able to extend the field equations from the flat space into the curved space described with the complex-sedenions, by means of the tangent-frames and tensors. The research states that a few physical quantities will make a contribution to certain spatial parameters of the curved spaces. These spatial parameters may exert an influence on some operators (such as, divergence, gradient, and curl), impacting the field equations in the curved spaces, especially, the field equations of the four quantum-fields in the quantum mechanics. Apparently, the paper and General Relativity both confirm and succeed to the Cartesian academic thought of ‘the space is the extension of substance’.
On the non-cyclic graph of a group
Authors: Vatandoost E. , Golkhandypour Y.
Published: November 2018

Here we study some algebraic properties of non-cyclic graphs. In this paper, we show that [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], respectively. We characterize all groups of order [Formula: see text] like [Formula: see text] in which [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text].
SOFIA-HIRMES: Looking Forward to the HIgh-Resolution Mid-infrarEd Spectrometer
Authors: Richards Samuel N. , Moseley Samuel H. , Stacey Gordon , Greenhouse Matthew , Kutyrev Alexander , Arendt Richard , Atanasoff Hristo , Banks Stuart , Brekosky Regis P. , Brown Ari-David , Bulcha Berhanu , Cazeau Tony , Choi Michael , Colazo Felipe , Engler Chuck , Hadjimichael Theodore , Hays-Wehle James , Henderson Chuck , Hsieh Wen-Ting , Huang Jeffrey , Jenstrom Iver , Kellogg Jim , Kimball Mark , Kovács Attila , Leiter Steve , Maher Steve , McMurray Robert , Melnick Gary J. , Mentzell Eric , Mikula Vilem , Miller Timothy M. , Nagler Peter , Nikola Thomas , Oxborrow Joseph , Pontoppidan Klaus M. , Rangwala Naseem , Rhodes Alan , Roberge Aki , Rosner Stefan , Rostem Karwan , Rustemeyer Nancy , Sharp Elmer , Sparr Leroy , Stevanovic Dejan , Taraschi Peter , Temi Pasquale , Vacca William D. , de Lorenzo Jordi Vila Hernandez , Wohler Bill , Wollack Edward J. , Wilks Shannon
Published: November 2018

The HIgh-Resolution Mid-infrarEd Spectrometer (HIRMES) is the 3rd Generation Instrument for the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), currently in development at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and due for commissioning in 2019. By combining direct-detection Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometer arrays, grating-dispersive spectroscopy, and a host of Fabry-Perot tunable filters, HIRMES will provide the ability for high resolution ([Formula: see text]), mid-resolution ([Formula: see text]), and low-resolution ([Formula: see text]) slit-spectroscopy, and 2D Spectral Imaging ([Formula: see text] at selected wavelengths) over the 25–122[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m mid to far infrared waveband. The driving science application is the evolution of proto-planetary systems via measurements of water-vapor, water-ice, deuterated hydrogen (HD), and neutral oxygen lines. However, HIRMES has been designed to be as flexible as possible to cover a wide range of science cases that fall within its phase-space, all whilst reaching sensitivities and observing powers not yet seen thus far on SOFIA, providing unique observing capabilities which will remain unmatched for decades.
High-Precision Camera Localization in Scenes with Repetitive Patterns
Authors: Liu Xiaobai , Xu Qian , Mu Yadong , Yang Jiadi , Lin Liang , Yan Shuicheng
Published: November 2018

This article presents a high-precision multi-modal approach for localizing moving cameras with monocular videos, which has wide potentials in many intelligent applications, including robotics, autonomous vehicles, and so on. Existing visual odometry methods often suffer from symmetric or repetitive scene patterns, e.g., windows on buildings or parking stalls. To address this issue, we introduce a robust camera localization method that contributes in two aspects. First, we formulate feature tracking, the critical step of visual odometry, as a hierarchical min-cost network flow optimization task, and we regularize the formula with flow constraints, cross-scale consistencies, and motion heuristics. The proposed regularized formula is capable of adaptively selecting distinctive features or feature combinations, which is more effective than traditional methods that detect and group repetitive patterns in a separate step. Second, we develop a joint formula for integrating dense visual odometry and sparse GPS readings in a common reference coordinate. The fusion process is guided with high-order statistics knowledge to suppress the impacts of noises, clusters, and model drifting. We evaluate the proposed camera localization method on both public video datasets and a newly created dataset that includes scenes full of repetitive patterns. Results with comparisons show that our method can achieve comparable performance to state-of-the-art methods and is particularly effective for addressing repetitive pattern issues.
Adaptive Online One-Class Support Vector Machines with Applications in Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Anaissi Ali , Khoa Nguyen Lu Dang , Rakotoarivelo Thierry , Alamdari Mehrisadat Makki , Wang Yang
Published: November 2018

One-class support vector machine (OCSVM) has been widely used in the area of structural health monitoring, where only data from one class (i.e., healthy) are available. Incremental learning of OCSVM is critical for online applications in which huge data streams continuously arrive and the healthy data distribution may vary over time. This article proposes a novel adaptive self-advised online OCSVM that incrementally tunes the kernel parameter and decides whether a model update is required or not. As opposed to existing methods, this novel online algorithm does not rely on any fixed threshold, but it uses the slack variables in the OCSVM to determine which new data points should be included in the training set and trigger a model update. The algorithm also incrementally tunes the kernel parameter of OCSVM automatically based on the spatial locations of the edge and interior samples in the training data with respect to the constructed hyperplane of OCSVM. This new online OCSVM algorithm was extensively evaluated using synthetic data and real data from case studies in structural health monitoring. The results showed that the proposed method significantly improved the classification error rates, was able to assimilate the changes in the positive data distribution over time, and maintained a high damage detection accuracy in all case studies.