bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Analyses of Metal Contaminations in the ppb-Range
Authors: Hutterer Albert , Bauhuber Michael , Hummel Helmut , Lechner Alfred
Published: December 2012

In high-tech processing even smallest concentrations of metal ions in process media are of the utmost significance because they cause expensive production failures. Currently, cost-intensive equipment, special trained staff and time consuming analyses are necessary to detect these contaminations in order to avoid failures. The Centers of Excellence Nanochem and Sensorics at the University of Applied Sciences Regensburg (owner of patent PCT/EP2010/064833) and their industrial partner Micro-Epsilon GmbH are developing a new miniaturized measurement device which allows cost-effective real-time analysis of fluidic media for the first time. The system is fully automated and can be directly connected to wet-etch benches. Hence it allows continuous real-time surveillance of metal contaminations in the ppb-range through absorption spectroscopy in process media. For this purpose a very small sample amount of the process medium and a specific complexing agent are mixed together. This leads to an increase in the molar extinction coefficients and though even smallest contaminations become visible. The main parts of our development are the simulation of the different system components, their production and chemical analyses with the evaluation model.
Cleaning in Crystalline Si Solar Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Schweckendiek Juergen , Hoyer Ronald , Patzig-Klein Sebastian , Delahaye Franck , Knoch Gerry , Nussbaumer Hartmut
Published: December 2012

The large scale of production of modern PV manufacturing as well as the cost pressure demand a different approach to cleaning processes in semiconductor and PV applications. The subject of this presentation is, to highlight aspects of similarities and differences. Total added cost/m2of Si are estimated for typical PV manufacturing conditions and compared to semiconductor applications. Typical technical solutions are reviewed. They are compared to the anticipated technical and cost requirements in the near future according to PV roadmaps and cell concepts which are evident today. Starting with typical cleaning processes during the wafering (sawing, cleaning, separation) up to cell processing (texturing, diffusion, coating and plating) the main cleaning processes are presented and their specifics are indicated. Finally recontamination and conditioning in production lines are reviewed.
'Just Clean Enough': Wet Cleaning for Solar Cell Manufacturing Applications
Authors: Wostyn Kurt , Baekelant Wouter , Rip Jens , Haslinger Michael , Kenis Karine , Struyf Herbert , Claes Martine , Mertens Paul W. , De Gendt Stefan
Published: December 2012

The cumulative installed solar power generation has been rising exponentially over the past decade. This has lead to a concomitant rise in production capabilities, leading eventually to excess production capabilities and rapid price declines per unit. In order to compete with the standard electricity generation the cost of solar panel production and installation needs to decrease even further. At the same time the solar panel and cell makers need to be able to keep a healthy margin. A crucial element in this exercise is a close control on the Cost of Ownership (CoO) of a solar cell / panel fabrication site.
Wet-Chemical Conditioning of H-Terminated Silicon Solar Cell Substrates Investigated by Surface Photovoltage Measurements
Authors: Angermann Heike , Stürzebecher U. , Kegel J. , Gottschalk C. , Wolke K. , Laades Abdelazize , Conrad E. , Klimm C. , Stegemann B.
Published: December 2012

For further enhancement of solar energy conversion efficiency the passivation of silicon (Si) substrate surfaces and interfaces of Si-based solar cell devices is a decisive precondition to reduce recombination losses of photogenerated charge carriers. These losses are mainly controlled by surface charges, the density and the character of rechargeable interface states (Dit) [], which are induced by defects localised in a small interlayer extending over only few Å. Therefore, the application of fast non-destructive methods for characterization of the electronic interface properties directly during the technological process has received an increasing interest in recent years.
Combined Ozone/HF/HCI Based Cleaning and Adjusted Emitter Etch-Back for Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Moldovan Anamaria , Birmann Katrin , Rentsch Jochen , Zimmer Martin , Gitte Thomas , Fittkau Jens
Published: December 2012

RCA cleaning in multiple variations is widely used in photovoltaic production lines for high efficiency solar cells. These commonly peroxide based cleaning procedures are effective, but suffering from large chemical consumption and waste generation. A substitution of hydrogen peroxide by ozone in cleaning solutions is not realized yet for PV devices despite its high oxidation potential and facility advantages. The very high potential of ozone cleaning has been shown in various microelectronic applications [1-7]. Dissolved ozone in HF/HCl solution gives the option of cleaning by combined silicon etching and oxidizing as well as complexing metal contaminations due to F- and Cl-.
Aspects of Surface Conditioning for High-Efficient Hetero-Junction Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Breitenstein Lena , Ritzau Kurt Ulrich , Hermle Martin , Warta Wilhelm
Published: December 2012

As a high-efficiency silicon solar cell concept amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon (a-Si:H(n,p)/c-Si (p,n)) hetero-junction solar cells are of great scientific interest [1, . The a-Si:H emitter is deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The biggest challenge is to avoid recombination at the a-Si:H(i)/c-Si interface where the p-n junction is located. A clean, smooth, hydrogen terminated c-Si surface is supposed to be mandatory for a high passivation quality of the deposited layer [3, 4]. It is well established that treatment in dilute hydrofluoric acid (dHF) solution (1-10%) produces a hydrogen-terminated, clean Si surface [e.g. 5, 6, 7]. H-termination is supposed to rise with increasing etch time [8]. Whereas prolonged rinsing after the etch step leads to a formation of OH-groups at the surface [8]. Because of the high sensitivity of the a-Si:H(i)/c-Si interface the influence of prolonged etching in dHF (1%) as well as prolonged rinsing in deionized water (DI water) on the passivation quality of the deposited a-Si:H(i) layer has to be carefully studied. Also the possibility of decreased hydrophobicity and a possible iron recontamination from the HF has been taken into account.
Selective Nickel Silicide Wet Etchback Chemistry for Low Temperature Anneal Process
Authors: Siang Tan Yong , Meng Seah Boon , San Leong Lup , Huang Liu , Ismail Zainab , See Alex
Published: December 2012

The salicide (self-aligned silicide) technology involves selective wet etching step of non-reacted metal with respect to metal silicides. It was introduced in MOSFET fabrication due to the increase of the source, drain and gate resistances with the reduction of device dimensions. The introduction of a low resistive silicide layer on these areas has become mandatory to meet device specifications. NiSi has been widely considered for sub-65nm technology nodes due to its low resistivity, low silicon consumption and low formation temperature [1-2]. The two step annealing sequence is common in the industry for nickel silicide application to control the reverse linewidth effect. However, since Ni is the diffusing element in the NiSi reaction, a first high temperature rapid thermal anneal (RTA) will inadvertently result in Ni lateral diffusion under the spacer towards the gate causing electrical shorts. Indeed, a first low temperature anneal could seriously limit the nickel lateral diffusion and prevent this phenomenon. Minimizing thermal budget by means of reducing the temperature has also been proven to lower junction leakage current [3].
Novel Wet Etching of Silicon Nitride in a Single Wafer Spin Processor
Authors: Yu Bill , Huang Stanley , Yeh Matt , Chen C.C. , Jang S.M. , Ratkovich Anthony , Yang David , Lauerhaas Jeffrey M. , Butterbaugh Jeffery W.
Published: December 2012

Selective etching of silicon nitride films has been an important process step in integrated circuit manufacturing for many years [1-. In the past, this process has been mainly used to remove the silicon nitride mask which protects the transistor active area during the formation of oxide isolation. Recently, this process has also been used to remove silicon nitride spacers after source and drain formation for better management of the strained channel [. Advanced device integration continues to add more steps in which the selective removal of silicon nitride is needed.
Selective Nitride Etch by Using Fluorides in High Boiling Point Solvent
Authors: Wu Hsing Chen , Cooper Emanuel I. , Hsu Heng Kai
Published: December 2012

Conventional wet etching techniques for selectively removing silicon nitride (Si3N4) have utilized hot (approximately 145-180°C) aqueous phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solutions (often referred to as hot phos). The typical Si3N4:SiO2 selectivity is about 40:1 when using 85% fresh hot phosphoric acid. Advantageously, as the nitride layer is removed, hydrated silicon oxide forms and dissolves in the etchant. Consistent with Le Chatelier principle, this inhibits the additional removal of silicon oxide from the device surface; thus selectivity gradually increases with use [.
Surface Preparations Impact on 248nm Deep UV Photo Resists Adhesion during a Wet Etch
Authors: Foucaud Mathieu , Garnier Philippe , Joseph Vincent , Pargon Erwine , Rochat Névine , Tiron Raluca
Published: December 2012

Integrated circuits manufacturing still requires several wet etching operations in presence of photo resist. They are usually used to define the gate oxides or metal in a high k metal gate, gate first integration scheme. During this process step, the resist is used for masking and prevents the underneath material from being etched away. Wet treatments are preferred to plasma etching to perform this operation. Indeed, a smooth channels surface is mandatory to obtain a high carriers mobility. It is then critical to avoid any resist lift-off during the wet treatment in order to guarantee the underlying layers integrity. The observation of the lift-off phenomenon (figure 1) points out two possible root causes: 1) a lateral degradation of the covalent bonds at the interface between the polymer and the underlying material, and 2) a vertical resist degradation, due to the penetration of the etching chemicals into the resist down to the underlying material. Previous observations tend to link the lift-off severity to the bake temperature and the oxidation state of the surface on which the resist is coated.
Surface Preparation of Poly-Si Using Dry Cleaning for Minimizing Interfacial Resistance
Authors: Seong Choong Kee , Lim Tae Soo , Lee Jeong Gil , Lee Jin I , Park Ki Jong , Kim Kyung Hyun , Shin Yu Gyun
Published: December 2012

As the integration density of memory increases, a low resistivity gate electrode is essential to meet the current needs of high speed operation. It has been known that one of major limitation of low resistivity gate is dopant penetration between poly-si and metal gate. Those dopants are penetrated and segregated on the surface of poly-si when annealed, which increases interfacial resistance and causes detrimental performance on the devices. Surface oxidation, level of boron oxide or silicon oxide on the poly-si surface is also getting higher after annealing. Therefore, it is necessary to remove those dopants oxidized layers on the surface of the activated poly-si in order to obtain minimal increases of interfacial resistance.
A Comparative Study for the Backside Illumination (BSI) Technology Using Bonding Wafer Cleaning Process for Advanced CMOS Image Sensor
Authors: Jung Chung Kyung , Joo Sung Wook , Jeong Seoung Hun , Ryu Sang Wook , Lee Han Choon , Cho Jin Youn , Park Gun Woo , Lee Yeon Jong , Cha Yong Won , Han Jae Won
Published: December 2012

Over the last decades, the concept of backside illumination (BSI) sensors has become one of the leading solutions to optical challenges such as improved quantum efficiency (QE), and cross-talk, respectively [1-. Direct wafer bonding is a method for fabricating advanced substrates for micro-electrochemical systems (MEMS) and integrated circuits (IC). The most typical example of such an advanced substrate is the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer.
Clean Process Mechanism of HKMG during N-PMOS Patterning
Authors: Yeh Autumn , Wang Kai Ping , Wang Zhi Jian , Chien Chin Cheng , Guo Ted , Chan Michael , Yang Chan Lon , Wu Jun Yuan , Tan Samantha S.H. , Kabansky Alex , Su Tehtien , Kao Jack
Published: December 2012

Chemical and physical modifications of photoresist and BARC during plasma patterning process on HKMG structure can cause residual defects and yield loss that challenges the subsequent wet cleaning process to resolve this issue. The chemical behavior of materials post dry etching and wet clean was systematically studied by various surface analytical techniques including STEM-EELS, XPS and AES. With a greater understanding of the etching and clean mechanisms, a combined aqueous/solvent cleaning method was developed and tested on a spin clean tool to effectively clean etching by-products. A significant improvement of yield with the application of the new cleaning approach has been observed.
Study of Highly Selective and Sensitive Microarray Structure Based on Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic SAMs (Self-Assembled Monolayers)
Authors: Lee Jung Hwan , Cho Si Hyeong , Lim Hyun Woo , Kim Sung Woo , Busnaina Ahmed A. , Lee Hea Yeon , Park Jin Goo
Published: December 2012

A microarray-based immunoassay requires only small volume of the sample in each array spot, which leads to faster completion of the immunoreactions than with an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) [. However, this method still has some technical limitations such as poor signal sensitivity, poor detection limit, large sample consumption, high evaporation rate, coffee stain effect, low signal/noise ratio (SNR) and poor quality images. Recently, SAM (Self-Assembled Monolayer) method was extensively researched for control the surface wettability [. Especially, hydrophobic SAM functionalizations which has low surface energy are possible to prevent sample evaporation [ and to achieve anti-biofouling on them. Therefore, an introduction of hydrophobic SAM would enhance the detection sensitivity on bio array chip [4]. In this work, we fabricated a highly selective and sensitive pre-patterned microarray structure by using MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System) process and hydrophilic/hydrophobic SAMs with various precursors.
In Situ Studies of III-V Surfaces and High-K Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Brennan B. , McDonnell S. , Zhernokletov D. , Dong H. , Hinkle C.L. , Kim J. , Wallace R.M.
Published: December 2012

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of high dielectric constant (high-k) materials for ULSI technologies is now widely adopted in Si-based CMOS production. Extending the scaling of integrated circuit technology has now resulted in the investigation of transistors incorporating alternative channel materials, such as III-V compounds. The control of the interfacial chemistry between a high-k dielectric and III-V materials presents a formidable challenge compared to that surmounted by Si-based technologies. The bonding configuration is obviously more complicated for a compound semiconductor, and thus an enhanced propensity to form interfacial defects is anticipated, as well as the need for surface passivation methods to mitigate such defects. In this work, we outline our recent results using in-situ methods to study the ALD high-k/III-V interface. We begin by briefly summarizing our results for III-As compounds, and then further discuss recent work on III-P and III-Sb compounds. While arsenides are under consideration for nMOS devices, antimonides are of interest for pMOS. InP is under consideration for quantum well channel MOS structures in order to serve as a better nMOS channel interface. In all cases, a high-k dielectric interface is employed to limit off-state tunneling current leakage.
Cleaning of III-V Materials: Surface Chemistry Considerations
Authors: van Dorp Dennis H. , Cuypers Daniel , Arnauts Sophia , Mertens Paul W. , de Gendt Stefan
Published: December 2012

Compound semiconductors based on group III and V elements of the periodic system have high charge carrier mobility and are, therefore, candidates for channel material in future CMOS devices [1]. In order to design wet chemical solutions that lead to appropriate surface pre-conditioning and allow for nanoscale processing and minimal substrate loss, a thorough understanding of the interactions between the substrate and the chemical solutions is needed and the basic etching mechanisms needs to be resolved. The focus of this research is on InP in acidic solutions. ESH aspects are also considered.
Transfer of CD8+ T Cell Memory Using Bcl-2 as a Marker
Authors: Dunkle Alexis , Dzhagalov Ivan , Gordy Claire , He You-Wen
Published: December 2012

The processes that regulate T cell memory generation are important for therapeutic design and the immune response to disease. However, what allows a subset of effector T cells to survive the contraction period to become memory cells is incompletely understood. The Bcl-2 family is critical for T cell survival, and Bcl-2 has been proposed to be important for the survival of memory cells. However, previous studies have relied on double-knockout models, potentially skewing the role of Bcl-2, and the use of Bcl-2 as a marker in adoptive transfer experiments, a method required to confirm the memory potential of cell subsets, has not been possible because of the intracellular localization of the protein. In this study, we present a novel Bcl-2 reporter mouse model and, to our knowledge, show for the first time that a distinct subset of effector T cells, and also a subset within the CD127hiKLRG1lo memory precursor effector cell population, retains high Bcl-2 expression at the peak of the CD8+ T cell response to Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore, we show that Bcl-2 correlates with memory potential in adoptive transfer experiments using both total responding CD8+ T cells and memory precursor effector cells. These results show that even within the memory precursor effector cell population, Bcl-2 confers a survival advantage in a subset of effector CD8+ T cells that allows differentiation into memory cells and cement Bcl-2 as a critical factor for T cell memory.
Mnk1 and 2 Are Dispensable for T Cell Development and Activation but Important for the Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Gorentla Balachandra K. , Krishna Sruti , Shin Jinwook , Inoue Makoto , Shinohara Mari L. , Grayson Jason M. , Fukunaga Rikiro , Zhong Xiao-Ping
Published: December 2012

T cell development and activation are usually accompanied by expansion and production of numerous proteins that require active translation. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binds to the 5′ cap structure of mRNA and is critical for cap-dependent translational initiation. It has been hypothesized that MAPK-interacting kinase 1 and 2 (Mnk1/2) promote cap-dependent translation by phosphorylating eIF4E at serine 209 (S209). Pharmacologic studies using inhibitors have suggested that Mnk1/2 have important roles in T cells. However, genetic evidence supporting such conclusions is lacking. Moreover, the signaling pathways that regulate Mnk1/2 in T cells remain unclear. We demonstrate that TCR engagement activates Mnk1/2 in primary T cells. Such activation is dependent on Ras-Erk1/2 signaling and is inhibited by diacylglycerol kinases α and ζ. Mnk1/2 double deficiency in mice abolishes TCR-induced eIF4E S209 phosphorylation, indicating their absolute requirement for eIF4E S209 phosphorylation. However, Mnk1/2 double deficiency does not affect the development of conventional αβ T cells, regulatory T cells, or NKT cells. Furthermore, T cell activation, in vivo primary and memory CD8 T cell responses to microbial infection, and NKT cell cytokine production were not obviously altered by Mnk1/2 deficiency. Although Mnk1/2 deficiency causes decreased IL-17 and IFN-γ production by CD4 T cells following immunization of mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide in complete Freund’s adjuvant, correlating with milder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis scores, it does not affect Th cell differentiation in vitro. Together, these data suggest that Mnk1/2 has a minimal role in T cell development and activation but may regulate non–T cell lineages to control Th1 and Th17 differentiation in vivo.
The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Promotes Pancreatic Carcinogenesis and Accumulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Vernon Philip J. , Loux Tara J. , Schapiro Nicole E. , Kang Rui , Muthuswamy Ravi , Kalinski Pawel , Tang Daolin , Lotze Michael T. , Zeh Herbert J.
Published: December 2012

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has an aggressive natural history and is resistant to therapy. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a pattern recognition receptor for many damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. RAGE is overexpressed in both human and murine models of PDA as well as most advanced epithelial neoplasms. The immunosuppressive nature of the PDA microenvironment is facilitated, in part, by the accumulation of regulatory immune cell infiltrates such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). To study the role of RAGE expression in the setting of mutant Ras-promoted pancreatic carcinogenesis (KC), a triple-transgenic model of spontaneous murine PDA in a RAGE-null background (KCR) was generated. KCR mice had markedly delayed pancreatic carcinogenesis and a significant diminution of MDSCs compared with KC mice at comparable time points postweaning. Although RAGE was not required for the development or suppressor activity of MDSCs, its absence was associated with temporally limited pancreatic neoplasia and altered phenotype and function of the myeloid cells. In lieu of MDSCs, KCR animals at comparable time points exhibited mature CD11b+Gr1−F4/80+ cells that were not immunosuppressive in vitro. KCR mice also maintained a significantly less suppressive milieu evidenced by marked decreases in CCL22 in relation to CXCL10 and diminished serum levels of IL-6.
An Organotypic Coculture Model Supporting Proliferation and Differentiation of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells and Promiscuous Gene Expression
Authors: Pinto Sheena , Schmidt Katrin , Egle Stefanie , Stark Hans-Jürgen , Boukamp Petra , Kyewski Bruno
Published: December 2012

Understanding intrathymic T cell differentiation has been greatly aided by the development of various reductionist in vitro models that mimic certain steps/microenvironments of this complex process. Most models focused on the faithful in vitro restoration of T cell differentiation and selection. In contrast, suitable in vitro models emulating the developmental pathways of the two major thymic epithelial cell lineages—cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs)—are yet to be developed. In this regard, lack of an in vitro model mimicking the developmental biology of the mTEC lineage has hampered the molecular analysis of the so-called “promiscuous expression” of tissue-restricted genes, a key property of terminally differentiated mTECs. Based on the close biological relationship between the skin and thymus epithelial cell compartments, we adapted a three-dimensional organotypic coculture model, originally developed to provide a bona fide in vitro dermal equivalent, for the culture of isolated mTECs. This three-dimensional model preserves key features of mTECs: proliferation and terminal differentiation of CD80lo, Aire− mTECs into CD80hi, Aire+ mTECs; responsiveness to RANKL; and sustained expression of FoxN1, Aire, and tissue-restricted genes in CD80hi mTECs. This in vitro culture model should facilitate the identification of molecular components and pathways involved in mTEC differentiation in general and in promiscuous gene expression in particular.
Identification of SERPINB1 As a Physiological Inhibitor of Human Granzyme H
Authors: Wang Li , Li Qian , Wu Lianfeng , Liu Shengwu , Zhang Yong , Yang Xuan , Zhu Pingping , Zhang Honglian , Zhang Kai , Lou Jizhong , Liu Pingsheng , Tong Liang , Sun Fei , Fan Zusen
Published: December 2012

The granzyme/perforin pathway is a major mechanism for cytotoxic lymphocytes to eliminate virus-infected and tumor cells. The balance between activation and inhibition of the proteolytic cascade must be tightly controlled to avoid self damage. Granzyme H (GzmH) is constitutively expressed in NK cells and induces target cell death; however, how GzmH activity is regulated remains elusive. We reported earlier the crystal structures of inactive D102N-GzmH alone and in complex with its synthetic substrate and inhibitor, as well as defined the mechanisms of substrate recognition and enzymatic activation. In this study, we identified SERPINB1 as a potent intracellular inhibitor for GzmH. Upon cleavage of the reactive center loop at Phe343, SERPINB1 forms an SDS-stable covalent complex with GzmH. SERPINB1 overexpression suppresses GzmH- or LAK cell–mediated cytotoxicity. We determined the crystal structures of active GzmH and SERPINB1 (LM-DD mutant) in the native conformation to 3.0- and 2.9-Å resolution, respectively. Molecular modeling reveals the possible conformational changes in GzmH for the suicide inhibition. Our findings provide new insights into the inhibitory mechanism of SERPINB1 against human GzmH.
Isolated Humeral Metastasis in Uterine Cervical Cancer: A Rare Entity
Authors: Malek Mahrooz , Kanafi Alireza Rajabzadeh , Pourghorban Ramin , Nafisi-Moghadam Reza
Published: December 2012

Bone metastasis in cancer of uterine cervix, especially in the form of isolated bone involvement is a rare manifestation. Herein, we report the first case of isolated humeral metastasis in a known case of locally advanced cervical cancer. A fifty-six-year old female presented with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IV A squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix. She was treated with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy and then total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Seven months later, she developed an isolated lytic lesion in the left humerus, which turned out to be a bone metastatic lesion.
Complete Right Lung Agenesis with Dextrocardia: An Unusual Cause of Respiratory Distress
Authors: Nandan Devki , Bhatt Girish Chandra , Dewan Vivek , Pongener Imkongkumzuk
Published: December 2012

Pulmonary agenesis, defined as complete absence of bronchus, parenchyma, and vessels is a very rare condition. Herein, we report a 4-month-old infant who presented with fever, cough, and respiratory distress and was misdiagnosed in a peripheral hospital as a case of pneumonia. The child was, later diagnosed as having right lung agenesis with dextrocardia.
A Rare Case of Primary osteosarcoma of urinary bladder
Authors: Siddappa Jagdeesh Kenthanahalli , Singla Saurabh , Jain Aditi , Kumar Ashok
Published: December 2012

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal soft tissue tumor without attachment to the bone, and is able to produce osteoid or cartilaginous matrix. This entity accounts for 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Thus far, less than 35 cases of bladder osteosarcomas have been reported in the literature. These tumors are associated with very poor prognosis. We report a case of primary osteosarcoma of the urinary bladder presenting with intermittent hematuria, dysuria, and right flank pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen, pelvis, and chest revealed a bladder mass and pulmonary metastases with specks of calcification.
A Rare Coronary Artery Anomaly: Double Left Anterior Descending Artery
Authors: Oncel Guray , Oncel Dilek
Published: December 2012

Double left anterior descending coronary artery arising from the left and right coronary arteries is one of the rarest of coronary anomalies. In this report, we present a case of double left anterior descending coronary artery with one originating from the left main stem and the second one originating from the same ostium with the right coronary artery, passing to the left side following an inter-arterial course between aorta and right ventricular outflow tract and spreading to the anterior wall of the left ventricle. The diagnosis was made with multislice computed tomography angiography. To our knowledge, only a few such cases have been published in the literature so far.
High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein as an Auxiliary Biomarker for Dengue Diagnosis
Authors: Allonso Diego , Vázquez Susana , Guzmán Maria G. , Mohana-Borges Ronaldo
Published: December 2012

Despite the availability of many methods for rapid and early diagnosis of dengue, there is still a need to develop new approaches that not only combine low cost, specificity, and sensitivity, but also are capable of accurately detecting secondary infection in the early stages of the disease. We report the potential of the high mobility group box 1 protein as an auxiliary biomarker for early dengue diagnosis. We tested a 205-sample serum panel that included negative and positive samples from primary and secondary dengue cases, as well as samples from patients with dengue-like symptoms. We observed that high mobility group box 1 protein was generally detected only in dengue-positive samples for persons with primary and secondary infections. These results highlight the possibility of using this endogenous molecule as an auxiliary biomarker to aid in dengue detection and improve current methods for early diagnosis of dengue.
The Assessment of Fetal Neurobehavior with Four-dimensional Ultrasound: The Kurjak Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test
Authors: Antsaklis Aris
Published: December 2012

Fetal neurology is an evolving field in prenatal diagnosis and fetal medicine with great interest. The identification and diagnosis of brain damage prenatally has been a great challenge in obstetrics for many years and early identification of this damage would have implications on the perinatal management and is of great importance in cases of medical litigation. Defining normal and abnormal fetal neurological function in utero in order to better predict antenatally which fetuses are at risk for adverse neurological outcome still is under investigation. Several attempts have been made in the past to form a system that could detect fetuses with compromised central nervous system (CNS) function or brain impairement. Assessment of fetal behavior gave a promising opportunity to understand the hidden function of the developmental pathway of the fetal CNS. The assessment of normal neurobehavioral development by fourdimensional (4D) ultrasound gave the opportunity to investigate functional characteristics of the fetus that could predict neurological developmental dysfunction. These series of studies lead to the formation of Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET). KANET combines the assessment of fetal behavior, general movements and three out of four signs that have been postnatally considered as symptoms of possible neurodevelopmental impairment (neurological thumb, overlapping sutures and small head circumference). Assessment of fetal behavior by 4D ultrasound and application of KANET scoring test has been recently published in several journals and summarized results are presented in this review

How to cite this article

Antsaklis P, Antsaklis A. The Assessment of Fetal Neurobehavior with Four-dimensional Ultrasound: The Kurjak Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(4):362-375.
Maternal-Fetal Bonding: Ultrasound Imaging's Role in enhancing This Important Relationship
Authors: Appleton Kallie , Atluru Aparna
Published: December 2012

New technology in ultrasound imaging is allowing women to view more visually precise images of their fetuses than ever before. Maternal-fetal bonding describes the attachment interaction that forms between a mother and her unborn child. Ultrasound diagnosis modalities including two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) may create differences in the amount of maternal-fetal bonding, depending on the modality used. When relevant literature was reviewed on this topic, no significant difference between maternal-fetal bonding was found when comparing 2D vs 3D vs 4D ultrasound. However, certain measures such as a perceived feeling of closeness to the baby were higher with 3D and 4D ultrasounds as compared with 2D ultrasound. Further exploration is needed to ascertain whether different ultrasound modalities have an effect on maternal-fetal bonding in multigestational pregnancies, pregnancies in which there is fetal demise, and to overall examine the effects of using ultrasound for nonmedical ‘entertainment’ purposes by prospective mothers.

How to cite this article

Atluru A, Appleton K, Kupesic Plavsic S. Maternal-Fetal Bonding: Ultrasound Imaging's Role in enhancing This Important Relationship. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(4):408-411.
Influence of Chitosan Concentration on Cell Viability and Proliferation in Vitro by Changing Film Topography
Authors: Martín-López Eduardo , Nieto-Díaz Manuel , Nieto-Sampedro Manuel
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide which can form gels and scaffolds that support its use as a biomaterial in various tissue engineering applications. A useful feature of chitosan polymer is that you can manipulate its properties easily. Thus, in this work we studied the effect of varying chitosan concentration in the topography and the biological properties of the chitosan films, as well as the effects in the structure of 3D gels in order to be used as nerve bridges.

Methods

Analysis of film topographies were addressed by swelling test and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In vitro biological properties were assessed through MTT viability assays on cultures of blood-brain barrier forming endothelial (bEnd5), glioma (C6) and postmitotic neuron (NGF-differentiated PC12) cell lines. The structure of tridimensional gels was studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Topography of 1% chitosan films showed a AFM profile with higher nano-roughness profile than that observed in 2% films, which was smoother. Moreover, swelling rate was not affected. Topography changes affected cell viability as shown by the MTT assays. Our results showed that 2% chitosan films promoted higher proliferation and viability of C6 and PC12 respectively than 1% films. Conversely, neither 1% nor 2% films promoted viability of bEnd5 cells. In order to establish the feasibility of both type of chitosan solutions as nerve bridges, we constructed 3D gels by alkaline precipitation. Resulting gels showed that only 2% gels were rigid enough to be effectively used as nerve bridges.

Conclusions

These results establish that changes in chitosan concentration affects the polymer surface topography, which has a direct effect in the growing cell behavior. Additionally, higher concentration of chitosan gels are required to be used in neural tissue engineering.
Thermal Decomposition of Nitrated Tri-n-Butyl Phosphate in a Flow Reactor
Authors: Patil Lalit K. , Gaikar Vilas G. , Kumar Shekhar , Mudali U. Kamachi , Natarajan R.
Published: December 2012

Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) is a universal nuclear extractant, commercially used in the PUREX process for the last 60 years. However, it is prone to nitration and thermal degradation, and as a consequence a red-oil event may be initiated under several operating conditions resulting in severe pressurization of vessel/cell if venting is inadequate. In this work, an attempt was made to understand the reaction pathway of thermal decomposition of nitrated TBP in a flow reactor at atmospheric pressure. Many reaction products were identified and quantified by instrumental methods like HPLC-RI and GC-TCD. The experimental data was analysed with a power law model and the apparent rate constants were estimated. The activation energy for thermal decomposition of nitrated TBP, assuming an Arrhenius type of temperature dependency, was estimated to be 47.39 ± 0.25 kJ·mol−1. The effect of both varying temperature and concentration of nitric acid on conversion of TBP into degradation products and products distribution was experimentally studied. Based on the experimental observations, a reaction mechanism framework for thermal decomposition of nitrated TBP is proposed.
Immune Escape Mechanisms in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Procházka V. , Jarošová M. , Prouzová Z. , Nedomová R. , Papajík T. , Indrák K.
Published: December 2012

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas in Western countries. Implementation of immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies to therapeutic protocols has led to dramatic improvements in overall survival. DLBCL became a model of a successful immunochemotherapy concept. Despite this fact, there is still a proportion of patients who do not respond to or relapse early after treatment. Growing evidence suggests that host antitumor immunity is suppressed by lymphoma cells in many ways. First, host cytotoxic T cells are directly suppressed by interaction with programmed cell death (PD) ligand on lymphoma cell surface and a similar mechanism enhances the activity of suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Second, tumor cells escape host cytotoxic cells due to lower immunogenicity caused by reduced expression of HLA antigens. Both mechanisms have an origin in primary genetic events in lymphomagenesis. Rearrangement of MHC class II transcriptional activator (CIITA) gene and amplification of Janus kinase (JAK2) gene lead to enhanced expression of PD ligands 1 and 2, higher proliferation activity, and lower expression of HLA. This paper summarizes current knowledge about clinically relevant immune escape mechanisms in DLBCL.
Phytoliths as a Tool for the Identification of Some Chloridoideae Grasses in Kerala
Authors: Jattisha P. I. , Sabu M.
Published: December 2012

The phytoliths of eight genera including fifteen species of grasses under the subfamily Chloridoideae in Kerala were studied. Phytoliths were studied after chemical isolation. Every species was found to produce a diverse array of phytoliths. However the frequency assemblages of phytoliths, their size, and orientation in the epidermal layer appear to vary among the different species and hence can be used for the delimitation of the taxa. Consequently, an identification key following the International Code for Phytolith Nomenclature was developed for all the species studied.
Pairwise Balanced Design of Order 6n+4 and 2-Fold System of Order 3n+2
Authors: Basu Manjusri , Ghosh Debabrata Kumar , Bagchi Satya
Published: December 2012

In the Steiner triple system, Bose (1939) constructed the 2−(v,3,1) design for v=6n+3 and later on Skolem (1958) constructed the same for v=6n+1. In the literature we found a pairwise balanced design (PBD) for v=6n+5. We also found the 2-fold triple system of the orders 3n and 3n+1. In this paper, we construct a PBD for v=6n+4 and a 2-fold system of the order 3n+2. The second construction completes the 2-fold system for all n∈N.
Some Remarks on the Seismic Demand Estimation in the Context of Vulnerability Assessment of Large Steel Storage Tank Facilities
Authors: Di Carluccio Antonio , Fabbrocino Giovanni
Published: December 2012

The seismic behavior of steel tanks is relevant in industrial risk assessment because collapse of these structures may trigger other catastrophic phenomena due to loss of containment. Therefore, seismic assessment should be focused on for leakage-based limit states. From a seismic structural perspective, damages suffered by tanks are generally related to large axial compressive stresses, which can induce shell buckling near the base and large displacements of unanchored structures resulting in the detachment of piping. This paper approaches the analysis of seismic response of sliding, nonuplifting, unanchored tanks subject to seismic actions. Simplified methods for dynamic analysis and seismic demand estimation in terms of base displacement and compressive shell stress are analyzed. In particular, attention is focussed on some computational issues related to the solution of the dynamic problem and on the extension of the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) technique to storage tanks.
On Generalized Sasakian-Space-Forms
Authors: Nagaraja H. G. , Somashekhara G. , Shashidhar Savithri
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the present paper is to characterize pseudoprojectively flat and pseudoprojective semisymmetric generalized Sasakian-space-forms.
The Yearly Prevalence of Findings in Endoscopy of the Lower Part of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Loffeld R. J. L. F. , Liberov B. , Dekkers P. E. P.
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Endoscopy of the colon and rectum is increasingly used. Aim of the Study. All consecutive endoscopies of the colon and rectum were studied in order to assess the yearly prevalence of significant endoscopic diagnoses. Methods. All consecutive endoscopies of the colon and rectum were included. Endoscopies were done with endoscopes of Olympus. Significant endoscopic diagnoses were defined as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticuli, large sessile polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease. Results. In 20 years a total of 24431 endoscopies were done. The yearly number of sigmoidoscopies was mean 96, range of 42–370. The number of colonoscopies was mean 1126, range of 643–1912. The number of colonoscopies significantly increased. The number of colonoscopies on request of an internist or gastroenterologist showed a slow but steady increase. Successful caecal intubation rose from 70% to 92% in 2011. Since 1996 there is a steep increase in the percentage of procedures with abnormalities. The number of cancer and polyps increased in twenty years. No great changes were seen in inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusion. Colonoscopy is a procedure with a high diagnostic yield. The number of patients with tumours rose in twenty years.
Intracoronary Imaging and Histopathology of Late Phase In-Stent Restenosis after Coronary Stent Implantation
Authors: Ito Shigenori , Nakasuka Kosuke , Sekimoto Satoru , Miyata Kazuyuki , Inomata Masahiko , Yoshida Takayuki , Tamai Nozomu , Saeki Tomoaki , Suzuki Shin , Murakami Yoshimasa , Sato Koichi
Published: December 2012

In the field of coronary artery stenting, restenosis issue has been almost resolved after development of drug-eluting stents (DESs). In-stent restenosis (ISR) is generally considered to be a stable process, with an early peak in intimal hyperplasia followed by a quiescent period beginning 1 year after stent implantation. However, recently, extended-term problem (over 1 year) in both bare-metal stents (BMSs) and DES has been reported. This phenomenon seems to be different from early ISR within one year in terms of its mechanism, prevention, and treatment. In this paper, we discuss this topic from the standpoint of intracoronary imagings and histopathology, referencing several interesting cases we experienced.
Hydropower in the Context of Sustainable Energy Supply: A Review of Technologies and Challenges
Authors: Kaunda Chiyembekezo S. , Kimambo Cuthbert Z. , Nielsen Torbjorn K.
Published: December 2012

Hydropower is an important renewable energy resource worldwide. However, its development is accompanied with environmental and social drawbacks. Issues of degradation of the environment and climate change can negatively impact hydropower generation. A sustainable hydropower project is possible, but needs proper planning and careful system design to manage the challenges. Well-planned hydropower projects can contribute to supply sustainable energy. An up-to-date knowledge is necessary for energy planners, investors, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions concerning hydropower projects. This is basically a review paper. Apart from using expert knowledge, the authors have also consulted extensively from journals, conference papers, reports, and some documents to get secondary information on the subject. The paper has reviewed the world energy scenario and how hydropower fits in as the solution to the global sustainable energy challenge. Issues of hydropower resource availability, technology, environment and climate change have been also discussed. Hydropower is sensitive to the state of environment, and climate change. With global climate change, though globally the potential is stated to slightly increase, some countries will experience a decrease in potential with increased risks. Adaptation measures are required to sustainably generate hydropower. These are also discussed in the paper.
What Is the Nature of Poststroke Language Recovery and Reorganization?
Authors: Kiran Swathi
Published: December 2012

This review focuses on three main topics related to the nature of poststroke language recovery and reorganization. The first topic pertains to the nature of anatomical and physiological substrates in the infarcted hemisphere in poststroke aphasia, including the nature of the hemodynamic response in patients with poststroke aphasia, the nature of the peri-infarct tissue, and the neuronal plasticity potential in the infarcted hemisphere. The second section of the paper reviews the current neuroimaging evidence for language recovery in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages of recovery. The third and final section examines changes in connectivity as a function of recovery in poststroke aphasia, specifically in terms of changes in white matter connectivity, changes in functional effective connectivity, and changes in resting state connectivity after stroke. While much progress has been made in our understanding of language recovery, more work needs to be done. Future studies will need to examine whether reorganization of language in poststroke aphasia corresponds to a tighter, more coherent, and efficient network of residual and new regions in the brain. Answering these questions will go a long way towards being able to predict which patients are likely to recover and may benefit from future rehabilitation.
Evaluation of an Innovative Over-the-Counter Treatment for Symptoms of Reflux Disease: Quick-Dissolving Alginate Granules
Authors: Strugala Vicki , Dettmar Peter W. , Thomas Edward C. M.
Published: December 2012

Traditional antacids and alginate-based reflux suppressants are OTC products commonly used to treat reflux symptoms. There has been a lack of innovation of new formulations in this therapy area despite consumers finding established products unpalatable. Here we evaluate a novel product formulation which takes the form of quick-dissolving alginate granules in single-dose sachets (Gaviscon Direct Powder (GDP)). Market research and taste evaluation confirmed that reflux sufferers considered GDP to have good flavour and taste, no chalky aftertaste and dissolved rapidly in the mouth with 68% noting so within 10 seconds. GDP was considered convenient and easy to use. The consumer-driven product development was also shown to form a strong alginate raft in standardisedin vitroconditions that met the specifications of the BP monograph (raft strength > 7.5 g). Gastric retention of GDP and a test meal was investigated in healthy volunteers using gamma scintigraphy in comparison to Liquid Gaviscon. Both products formed an alginate raft in the stomach above the test meal and emptied after the meal. The gastric retention of the GDP product was found to be noninferior to Liquid Gaviscon. In conclusion, the innovative GDP product formed an effective raft and was well liked by consumers.