bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal artefacts severely hamper magnetic resonance imaging of the rotator cuff tendons after rotator cuff repair with titanium suture anchors
Authors: Schröder Femke F. , Huis in’t Veld Rianne , den Otter Lydia A. , van Raak Sjoerd M. , ten Haken Bennie , Vochteloo Anne J. H.
Published: June 2017

Background

The rate of retear after rotator cuff surgery is 17%. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used for confirmative diagnosis of retear. However, because of the presence of titanium suture anchors, metal artefacts on the MRI are common. The present study evaluated the diagnostic value of MRI after rotator cuff tendon surgery with respect to assessing the integrity as well as the degeneration and atrophy of the rotator cuff tendons when titanium anchors are in place.

Methods

Twenty patients who underwent revision surgery of the rotator cuff as a result of a clinically suspected retear between 2013 and 2015 were included. The MRI scans of these patients were retrospectively analyzed by four specialized shoulder surgeons and compared with intra-operative findings (gold standard). Sensitivity and interobserver agreement among the surgeons in assessing retears as well as the Goutallier and Warner classification were examined.

Results

In 36% (range 15% to 50%) of the pre-operative MRI scans, the observers could not review the rotator cuff tendons. When the rotator cuff tendons were assessable, a diagnostic accuracy with a mean sensitivity of 0.84 (0.70 to 1.0) across the surgeons was found, with poor interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.12).

Conclusions

Metal artefacts prevented accurate diagnosis from MRI scans of rotator cuff retear in 36% of the patients studied.
Reassessment of tidal energy potential in India and a decision-making tool for tidal energy technology selection
Authors: Murali K , Sundar V
Published: June 2017

Oceans have significant renewable energy options to provide environmental friendly and clean energy. Technology for ocean energy systems and the feasibility for extraction of the same is an important area on which research is being focused worldwide. This article covers a detailed review of available tidal energy conversion technologies and case studies, with specific focus on tidal power potential in India. The proven option for tidal energy conversion is barraging. Recently, open-type turbine (usually known as tidal stream turbines) has been studied by several researchers and pilot demonstrations have been made. While conventional turbines of 10–20 MW rating are used in barrages, the application of tidal stream turbines of 0.5–2.0 MW has been demonstrated in water depths between 40 and 60 m. A new scale is proposed for categorizing the tidal energy potential in terms of tidal velocity and tidal range which could be used to categorize the potential sites and their ranking. A new systematic approach proposed for the assessment of tidal energy conversion potential can facilitate the suitability of either tidal stream energy or tidal barrage for a location. Within this, one could also decide the site could be developed as a major project or minor project. Therefore, the present work will be useful for engineers and decision makers in technology selection investment potential identification.
Pseudo-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting as multi-organ dysfunction syndrome: A rare complication of pernicious anemia
Authors: Kandel Saroj , Budhathoki Nibash , Pandey Shanta , Bhattarai Bikash , Baqui Aam , Pandey Ramesh , Salhan Divya , Enriquez Danilo , Quist Joseph , Schmidt Frances M
Published: June 2017

Objective:

We present a rare case of pernicious anemia presented as multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, later found to have pseudo-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Methods:

An 86-year-old female presented with respiratory distress, altered mental status, acute renal failure and was intubated in emergency room. She was found to have severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, high lactate, high lactate dehydrogenase and low haptoglobin. Peripheral smear revealed multilobulated neutrophils with schistocytes, poikilocytes and anisocytes.

Results:

She was admitted to intensive care unit for altered mental status, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome with severe metabolic acidosis in setting of hemolysis. She was intubated and managed with intravenous antibiotics and blood transfusion. Patient improved significantly after blood transfusion. Lactic acid normalized, acute kidney injury resolved and mentation improved after transfusion. Laboratory investigation revealed low vitamin B12, high methylmalonic acid, high homocysteine, high lactate dehydrogenase, low haptoglobin, high anti-parietal antibody and high anti-intrinsic factor antibody. Patient was diagnosed with pernicious anemia and pseudo-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with concomitant intramedullary hemolysis. Her hematological parameters and her clinical condition improved significantly after starting therapy with cyanocobalamin.

Conclusion:

Pernicious anemia is a chronic disease with subtle presentation but may present as life-threatening complications. Hemolysis and pseudo-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may present as multi-organ dysfunction syndrome which has dramatic response to appropriate therapy.
Male post-prostatectomy incontinence MDT
Authors: Fairbanks Jessica , Duffy Megan , Hamid Rizwan , Ockrim Jeremy , Greenwell Tamsin J
Published: June 2017

The management of post-prostatectomy incontinence remains controversial with ongoing confusion as to who benefits from male sling or artificial urinary sphincter. We present a post-prostatectomy incontinence MDT format to illustrate key factors in decision-making and determination of best management in post-prostatectomy incontinence.
Elderly Age as a Risk Factor for 30-Day Postoperative Outcomes Following Elective Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Di Capua John , Somani Sulaiman , Kim Jun S. , Phan Kevin , Lee Nathan J. , Kothari Parth , Cho Samuel K.
Published: June 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most commonly performed spinal procedures. Considering the high success and low complications rate of ACDF and high prevalence of age-related degeneration of the cervical spine, the rates of ACDF are expected to continually rise. The objective is to identify the association between patient age and 30-day postoperative outcomes following elective ACDF.

Methods:

The 2010-2014 ACS-NSQIP database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 22551 or 22554. Patients were divided into age quartiles (18-45, 46-52, 53-60, and ≥61 years). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to quantify the increased risk of 30-day postoperative complications in the elderly patient population.

Results:

A total of 20 563 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The analyses found quartile 4 had an increased odds of length of stay (LOS) ≥5 days (odds ratio [OR] = 2.05, confidence interval [CI ] = 1.62-2.60), pulmonary complications (OR = 3.25, CI = 1.81-5.84), urinary tract infections (UTI) (OR = 2.25, 1.04-4.87, P = .038), cardiac complication (OR = 6.01, CI = 1.36-26.62, P = .018), and sepsis (OR = 4.38, CI = 1.30-14.70, P = .017). Quartiles 2 and 4 had an increased odds of venous thromboembolism (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.14-8.56, P = .026; OR = 3.83, CI = 1.44-10.20, P = .007). Quartiles 3 and 4 experienced an increased odds of unplanned readmission (OR = 1.44, CI = 1.01-2.05, P = .045; OR = 1.88, CI = 1.33-2.66). All P values are <.001 unless otherwise noted.

Conclusion:

Elderly patients experienced an increased odds of LOS ≥5 days, pulmonary complications, cardiac compilations, venous thromboembolism, UTI, sepsis, and unplanned readmission. Identification of these factors can improve the selection of appropriate surgical candidates and postoperative safety.
Richness and Reciprocity
Authors: Harding Thomas , Mawson Kerry
Published: June 2017

Recruiting and retaining nurses in mental health practice settings have long been problematic: A situation which is not helped by student nurses being exposed to negative attitudes about mental health nursing or poor clinical experiences. A pilot program in which student nurses were mentored on the mental health clinical placement was initiated at an Australian School of Nursing. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the value of this program for the student mentee and the registered nurse mentor. A questionnaire containing six questions was distributed to all participants before and after the clinical experience. The questions were open format seeking data on (a) the perceived advantages or disadvantages of mentoring, (b) perceptions of whether mentoring contributes to professional development, and (c) whether mentoring contributes personally to the participant. The data were subjected to inductive thematic analysis. The registered nurse mentors found that time diverted from clients was a barrier to mentoring students; however, they experienced reciprocity through nurturance of self, students, and the profession. The student mentees found that they experienced a richer and deeper learning environment. Mentoring provides a satisfying learning environment for both parties if carefully implemented and supported.
Amplitude variation with offset-friendly bootstrapped differential semblance
Authors: Wilson Hamish , Gross Lutz
Published: June 2017

Spectral noise, low resolution, and attenuation of semblance peaks due to amplitude variation with offset (AVO) anomalies hamper the reliability of velocity analysis in the semblance spectrum for seismic data processing. Increasing resolution and reducing noise while accounting for AVO has posed a challenge in various semblance schemes due to a trade-off in resolution and AVO detectability. A new semblance scheme is introduced that aims to remove this trade-off. The new scheme uses the concepts of bootstrapped differential semblance with trend-based AB semblance. Results indicate that the new scheme indeed increases spectral resolution, reduces noise, and accounts for AVO anomalies. These improvements facilitate velocity control for automatic and manual picking methods and, hence, provide a means for more reliable apparent velocity models.
Implementation of Advance Care Planning in Oncology: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Bestvina Christine M. , Polite Blase N.
Published: June 2017

Advance care planning (ACP) should be initiated early and be readdressed often for patients with cancer. This directive is expressed in the Institute of Medicine’s report, “Dying in America,” and is a component of several quality metrics, including ASCO’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Oncology Care Model. Although simple in concept, implementation in practice is challenging. A variety of patient education tools exist in several different forms, including pamphlets, guidebooks, and question prompt lists, with the strongest data supporting the use of video decision aids that depict cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These educational tools should address topics that include anticancer treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and health care surrogates. Physician prompts in the electronic health record to discuss ACP should be considered. Health care provider training should be offered to meet the needs and comfort level of the practitioners who conduct the intervention. Intervention studies that assessed ACP documentation rates as the primary end point increased documentation from 15% to 30% to 40%. Additional well-conducted randomized studies are needed to understand the intervention characteristics that can further improve the completion and documentation of ACP. Further research is needed to determine if there is a difference in outcome based on which provider conducts ACP as well as how to maximize the benefits of the electronic health record, such as prompts to readdress ACP.
Liquidity: A New Monetarist Perspective
Authors: Lagos Ricardo , Rocheteau Guillaume , Wright Randall
Published: June 2017

This essay surveys the new monetarist approach to liquidity. Work in this literature strives for empirical and policy relevance, plus rigorous foundations. Questions include: What is liquidity? Is money essential in achieving desirable outcomes? Which objects can or should serve in this capacity? When can asset prices differ from fundamentals? What are the functions of commitment and collateral in credit markets? How does money interact with credit and intermediation? What can and should monetary policy do? The research summarized emphasizes the micro structure of frictional transactions, and studies how institutions like monetary exchange, credit arrangements, or intermediation facilitate the exchange process. (JEL E24, E31, E42, E44, E52, G10, G21)
School Vouchers: A Survey of the Economics Literature
Authors: Epple Dennis , Romano Richard E. , Urquiola Miguel
Published: June 2017

We review the theoretical, computational, and empirical research on school vouchers, with a focus on the latter. Our assessment is that the evidence to date is not sufficient to warrant recommending that vouchers be adopted on a widespread basis; however, multiple positive findings support continued exploration. Specifically, the empirical research on small-scale programs does not suggest that awarding students a voucher is a systematically reliable way to improve educational outcomes, and some detrimental effects have been found. Nevertheless, in some settings, or for some subgroups or outcomes, vouchers can have a substantial positive effect on those who use them. Studies of large-scale voucher programs find student sorting as a result of their implementation, although of varying magnitude. Evidence on both small-scale and large-scale programs suggests that competition induced by vouchers leads public schools to improve. Moreover, research is making progress on understanding how vouchers may be designed to limit adverse effects from sorting, while preserving positive effects related to competition. Finally, our sense is that work originating in a single case (e.g., a given country) or in a single research approach (e.g., experimental designs) will not provide a full understanding of voucher effects; fairly wide-ranging empirical and theoretical work will be necessary to make progress. (JEL H52, H75, I21, I22, I28, O15)
Review of The Business of Slavery and the Rise of American Capitalism, 1815–1860 by Calvin Schermerhorn and The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism by Edward E. Baptist
Authors: Engerman Stanley L.
Published: June 2017

The two books being reviewed are concerned with the importance of slavery in the antebellum US South for the economic development of the Northern states. One (Schermerhorn) deals primarily with Southern financial arrangements facilitating the sales of slaves and cotton. The other (Baptist) presents a broader picture of masters' treatment of slaves, as well as how the incomes of slaveowners spurred the demand for Northern industrial production. The review argues that both books overstate the importance of slavery and cotton production for US economic growth. (JEL J15, N11, N31, N51, P16)
On the choice of covariance specifications for portfolio selection problems
Authors: Santos André Alves Portela , Ferreira Alexandre R.
Published: June 2017

Two crucial aspects to the problem of portfolio selection are the specification of the model for expected returns and their covariances, as well as the choice of the investment policy to be adopted. A common trade-off is to consider dynamic covariance specifications vis-a-vis static models such as those based on shrinkage methods. This work empirically shows that these two aspects are intrinsically attached to the impact of transaction costs. To address this question, we implement a broad range of covariance specifications to generate a set of 16 portfolio selection policies in a high dimensional sample composed by the 50 most traded stocks of the S\&P100 index. We find that GARCH-type dynamic covariances yield portfolios with superior risk-adjusted performance only in the absence of transaction costs. In more realistic scenarios involving alternative levels of transaction costs, portfolios based on static covariance models outperform. In particular, we find that a risk-averse investor with quadratic utility function is willing to pay an annualized fee of 368 basis points (bp) on average in order to switch from the dynamic covariance models to a static covariance specification when the level of transaction costs is 20 bp. Finally, portfolio policies that seek to alleviate estimation error by ignoring off-diagonal covariance elements as those proposed in \citet{kirby2012s} are more robust specially in scenarios with higher transaction costs.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: June 2017

Helen Cowan presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Reflections of Research
Authors: Avolio Elisa
Published: June 2017

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) annual image competition, Reflections of Research, provides a glimpse into the cutting-edge research that the BHF funds
The rapid access chest pain clinic (RACPC) and the role of the cardiac physiologist
Authors: Mathieson Susan , Victor Kelly , Jarrett-Smith Lucy , Marber Michael
Published: June 2017

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the largest killers in the UK. Rapid access chest pain clinics (RACPCs) provide an effective and efficient method for the early diagnosis of patients with CHD. Currently, specialist nurses lead these services. However, there has been a shift, with the focus moving towards cardiac physiologists (CPs) and the role they have to play in delivering these services. The article reflects on the experiences and challenges of a CP's involvement in RACPC. Through these observations and learning points, we aim to encourage other CPs to implement comparable RACPC service delivery systems for the benefit of patients, the broader integrated workforce and the wider healthcare community.
Laser claims: why they are made and how they can be prevented
Authors: Di-Scala Naomi
Published: June 2017

Naomi Di-Scala first wrote about the trends in laser claims in September 2015, as this was the most common claim type that Hamilton Fraser Cosmetic Insurance were receiving. As this has continued to be a consistent trend ever since, the purpose of this article is to explore the reasons for the claims, present some case studies and look at ways to prevent them from occurring
Why changing data protection regulations may leave your systems needing surgery
Authors: Gregory Caroline
Published: June 2017

The implementation date for the General Data Protection Regulation is fast approaching and aesthetic practitioners are required to take the necessary steps to ensure they are compliant. Caroline Gregory, a specialist broker in cyber and data insurance explains why it is fundamental that practitioners get the ball rolling in advance of May 2018 to leave themselves adequate time to put the correct controls in place
Information security is an essential business consideration for your brand
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: June 2017

Recent global cyber attacks following the use of ransomware have brought information security to the forefront of the public's mind, eroding trust in the use of electronic record systems. Jason Ratcliffe discusses why you should be proactive with securing your aesthetic clinic's information assets, and how demonstrating this to your patients will help to boost their confidence in your brand
Aim for the superleague
Authors: Davis John
Published: June 2017

The tasks outlined here use games and sport as a way of improving pupils' reading and text interpretation skills while extending their capabilities to solve problems.
Actividad antibacteriana in vitro de Ciprofloxacina sobre una cepa autóctona de Escherichia coli: efecto del pH sobre su potencia y efecto de la persistencia bacteriana sobre su modo de acción
Authors: PATRICELLI Paula , DELL'ELCE Antonella , WEIDMANN Carolina , RAMIREZ Eliana , PRESA ROSSA Candela , AGUIRRE María S. , CADOCHE Lilian , FORMENTINI Enrique
Published: June 2017

En este trabajo se evaluó in vitro: (i) el efecto del pH sobre la actividad bactericida de ciprofloxacina (CFX) frente a una cepa autóctona de Escherichia coli y (ii) el efecto de las bacterias persistentes sobre el modo de acción concentración dependiente de CFX. La actividad antibacteriana de CFX disminuyó a causa del descenso del pH, por lo que los valores de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM), concentración bactericida mínima (CBM) y concentración de erradicación bacteriana mínima (CEBM) se incrementaron cuando el pH del medio de cultivo descendió de 7,4 a valores de 6,5 y 5,5. La cinética de eliminación bacteriana de CFX fue bifásica a causa de la selección de una sub-población de bacterias persistentes que presentaron una velocidad de eliminación más lenta. Por lo tanto la actividad bactericida de CFX fue definida por su concentración en relación a la CIM y el tiempo durante el cual se mantuvo la exposición de las bacterias a ésta.
Revisiting nicotine’s role in the ageing brain and cognitive impairment
Authors: Majdi Alireza , Kamari Farzin , Vafaee Manouchehr Seyedi , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed
Published: June 2017

Brain ageing is a complex process which in its pathologic form is associated with learning and memory dysfunction or cognitive impairment. During ageing, changes in cholinergic innervations and reduced acetylcholinergic tonus may trigger a series of molecular pathways participating in oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, amyloid-β toxicity, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and perturb neurotrophic factors in the brain. Nicotine is an exogenous agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and acts as a pharmacological chaperone in the regulation of nAChR expression, potentially intervening in age-related changes in diverse molecular pathways leading to pathology. Although nicotine has therapeutic potential, paradoxical effects have been reported, possibly due to its inverted U-shape dose-response effects or pharmacokinetic factors. Additionally, nicotine administration should result in optimum therapeutic effects without imparting abuse potential or toxicity. Overall, this review aims to compile the previous and most recent data on nicotine and its effects on cognition-related mechanisms and age-related cognitive impairment.
Minute Impurities Contribute Significantly to Olfactory Receptor Ligand Studies: Tales from Testing the Vibration Theory
Authors: Paoli M. , Münch D. , Haase A. , Skoulakis E. , Turin L. , Galizia C. G.
Published: June 2017

Several studies have attempted to test the vibrational hypothesis of odorant receptor activation in behavioral and physiological studies using deuterated compounds as odorants. The results have been mixed. Here, we attempted to test how deuterated compounds activate odorant receptors using calcium imaging of the fruit fly antennal lobe. We found specific activation of one area of the antennal lobe corresponding to inputs from a specific receptor. However, upon more detailed analysis, we discovered that an impurity of 0.0006% ethyl acetate in a chemical sample of benzaldehyde-d5was entirely responsible for a sizable odorant-evoked response inDrosophila melanogasterolfactory receptor cells expressing dOr42b. Without gas chromatographic purification within the experimental setup, this impurity would have created a difference in the responses of deuterated and nondeuterated benzaldehyde, suggesting that dOr42b be a vibration sensitive receptor, which we show here not to be the case. Our results point to a broad problem in the literature on use of non-GC-pure compounds to test receptor selectivity, and we suggest how the limitations can be overcome in future studies.
Episodic Tags Enhance Striatal Valuation Signals during Temporal Discounting in pathological Gamblers
Authors: Wiehler Antonius , Petzschner Frederike Hermi , Stephan Klaas Enno , Peters Jan
Published: June 2017

Similar to many addiction disorders, pathological gambling is associated with an increased preference for immediate rewards (steep temporal discounting). In healthy participants, episodic future thinking has been shown to reduce impulsivity during intertemporal choice. Here, we examine for the first time a modulation of temporal discounting via episodic future thinking in a group of pathological gamblers. We investigated a sample of 24 pathological gamblers and 24 matched healthy controls with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants made intertemporal choices in two experimental conditions. In the control condition, delayed monetary rewards were offered with the respective amount and delay. In the episodic condition, rewards were additionally associated with participant-specific personal future events. We replicated previous findings of increased temporal discounting in pathological gambling. On a trend level, episodic future thinking attenuated discounting across all participants. We found that pathological gamblers could successfully recruit a prospection related network during decision-making in the presence of episodic information. The episodic condition modulated the functional connection between ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and ventral striatum, a mechanism that might support the increase in striatal value coding observed in the episodic condition in gamblers. However, in controls, but not in gamblers, valuation signal changes in the hippocampus were associated with less impulsive behavior. We provide first evidence that by episodic cues during intertemporal decision-making striatal valuation signals can be enhanced in pathological gamblers. Further research is needed to explore interventions that reliably reduce impulsive choice behavior in pathological gambling.
Integration by Design: Bertrand Goldberg, Stanley Tigerman, and Public Housing Architecture in Postwar Chicago
Authors: Brown Marisa Angell
Published: June 2017

Public housing in the United States has been a prime site of negotiation and struggle over racial identity. Integration by Design: Bertrand Goldberg, Stanley Tigerman, and Public Housing Architecture in Postwar Chicago examines a critical moment in the history of public housing, evaluating two projects built in Chicago's Black Belt: Bertrand Goldberg's Raymond Hilliard Homes (1966) and Stanley Tigerman's Woodlawn Gardens (1969). Marisa Angell Brown demonstrates how these projects reflect Goldberg's and Tigerman's thoughtful and empathetic responses to race, poverty, and spatial segregation, which resulted in two very different expressions of an architecture of black empowerment. The article contributes to a more nuanced history of public housing architecture and advances our understanding of the role of race in American architecture.
02-D Magnetohydrodynamics Boundary Layer Flow of Cu-Ag-TiO3-Al2O3-H2O-C2H6O2 Mixtures: Explicit Numerical and Stability Approach
Authors: M. Ferdows  , D. Liu  , B. R. Ramachandran 
Published: June 2017

An analysis is present for an unsteady, viscous incompressible flow with four types of nanoparticles, namely (Cu, Ag, Al2O3, TiO3). It also considers water and Ethylene Glycol (C2H6O2, EG) as base fluids which are electrically conducting in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The transformed nonlinear governing equations which are non-similar are solved with suitable transformations and a robust explicit finite difference method. The controlling flow characteristic parameters such as Prandtl number (Pr), Magnetic parameter (M), Richardson number (Ri), Reynolds number (Re) and volume fraction of nanofluids (φ) are discussed for dimensionless velocity and temperature flow profiles. Stability and convergence of the derived solutions are considered. It is observed that in the momentum profiles, the magnetic field has a great impact on Reynolds number. Richardson number has a significant impact in the momentum boundary layer thickness. The effect of different nanoparticles with different base fluids is analyzed and compared between steady and non-steady states. Shear stress and Nusselt number are also discussed for different parameters. This study has applications in propulsion system and magnetic nanomaterials processing.
Stacked Metal Layers as Gates for MOSFET Threshold Voltage Control
Authors: Gao Wei , Conley John F. , Sharp Yoshi Ono
Published: June 2017

Two layer metal gate stacks allow the effective work function to be tuned by varying the thickness of the first metal layer. Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors were fabricated by using two metals of very different work functions on thermal oxide gate dielectric where the bottom layer thickness is varied over a range from 0 to 50nm. Electrical and thermal stability measurements were performed on the Al on TaN metal gate stack. The effective workfunction is seen to shift from the value of one metal to the other rapidly as the thickness of the first metal layer is varied from 0 to approximately 10nm. The flat band voltage (Vfb) transition matches the workfunction difference of the two metals in the stack. The advantage of this approach when applied to metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs) is that it allows the effective workfunction of the metal stack, and the threshold voltage (Vth) of the device to be fine tuned. It also allows for eventual dual gate complementary MOS (CMOS) device fabrication where two different work function metal stacks are necessary, without processing directly on the gate dielectric. A model is proposed to elucidate the workfunction tuning mechanism.
A Technique for Source/Drain Elevation using Implantation Mediated Selective Etching
Authors: Huda M. Q. , Sakamoto K.
Published: June 2017

A process involving implantation mediated selective etching has been developed for Source/Drain elevation of CMOS devices. 100 nm thick epitaxial silicon/polysilicon layer was formed on patterned Si/SiO2 structure by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 700°C. Structural damage was selectively introduced in polysilicon layer by a low dose Argon implantation at 140 keV. Crystal damage in epitaxial silicon layer was kept minimum by aligning the implantation in vertical <100> channeling direction. A short duration post-anneal at 420°C was usedfor structural recovery of the silicon layer. Polysilicon layer was then removed by wet etching with more than an order of magnitude selectivity over epitaxial silicon. The resulting structure of elevated silicon is free from faceting effects. The process is independent of sidewall/isolation materials, and not bound by thickness limits.
Physical-Chemical Evolution of Hf-aluminates upon Thermal Treatments
Authors: Crivelli B. , Alessandri M. , Alberici S. , Brazzelli D. , Elbaz A. C. , Frabboni S. , Ghidini G. , Maes J. W. , Ottaviani G. , Pavia G. , Wiemer C.
Published: June 2017

This study presents an investigation on physical-chemical stability of (HfO2)x(Al2O3 )1-x alloys upon prolonged post-deposition annealings. Two different Hf-aluminates were deposited by ALCVDTM, containing 34% and 74% Al2O3 mol% respectively. Post-deposition annealings (PDA) were carried out in O2 or N2 atmosphere, at 850°C and 900°C for 30 minutes. Interfacial layer (IL) increase after PDA was detected on all the samples, but with small differences between N2 and O2 treatments. Stack composition was characterized by means of XRR, XRF, RBS and TOF-SIMS. Growth of interface layer was justified by limited oxygen incorporation from external ambient. Silicon diffusion from the substrate into high-k material and aluminum/hafnium redistribution were observed and associated to annealing temperature. XRD and planar TEM analysis evidenced first grain formation and then, in the case of Hf-rich samples, almost complete crystallization. Overall, Hf-aluminates were found to remain XRD amorphous during high temperature prolonged treatments up to 900°C for 74% and 850°C for 34% alloys respectively. Differently from HfO2, (HfO2)0.66(Al2O3 )0.34 alloy was observed to crystallized in orthorhombic phase. Hf-aluminates were also electrically characterized by means of C(V) and I(V) measurements on basic capacitors. Variations in material electrical properties were found consistent with change in physical-chemical film structure. Increase in k value up to 30 was observed on Hf-rich samples crystallized in orthorhombic phase.
Impact of Gate Process Technology on EOT of HfO2 Gate Dielectric
Authors: Ha Daewon , Lu Qiang , Takeuchi Hideki , King Tsu-Jae , Onishi Katsunori , Kim Young-Hee , Lee Jack C.
Published: June 2017

To facilitate CMOS scaling beyond the 65 nm technology node, high-permittivity gate dielectrics such as HfO2 will be needed in order to achieve sub-1.3nm equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) with suitably low gate leakage, particularly for low-power applications. Polycrystalline silicon-germanium (poly-SiGe) is a promising gate material because it is compatible with a conventional CMOS process flow, and because it can yield significantly lower electrical gate-oxide thickness as compared with poly-Si. In this paper, the effects of the gate material (Si vs. SiGe) and gate deposition rate on EOT and gate leakage current density are investigated. Poly-Si0.75Ge0.25 gate material yields the lowest EOT and is stable up to 950°C for 30 seconds, providing 2 orders of magnitude lower leakage current compared to poly-Si gate material. A faster gate deposition rate (achieved by using S2H6 instead of SiH4 as the gaseous Si source) is also effective for minimizing the increases in EOT and leakage current with high-temperature annealing.
Formation of NiSi-Silicided p + n Shallow Junctions Using Implant Through Silicide and Low Temperature Furnace Annealing
Authors: Wang Chao-Chun , Lin Chiao-Ju , Chen Mao-Chieh
Published: June 2017

NiSi-silicided p+n shallow junctions are fabricated using BF2+ implantation into/through thin NiSi silicide layer (ITS technology) followed by low temperature furnace annealing (from 550 to 800°C). The NiSi film agglomerates following a thermal annealing at 600°C, and may result in the formation of discontinuous islands at a higher temperature. The incorporation of fluorine atoms in the NiSi film can retard the formation of film agglomeration and thus improve the film's thermal stability. A forward ideality factor of about 1.02 and a reverse current density of about 1nA/cm2 can be attained for the NiSi(310Å)/p+n junctions fabricated by BF2+ implantation at 35 keV to a dose of 5×1015cm-2 followed by a 650°C thermal annealing; the junction formed is about 60nm measured from the NiSi/Si interface. Activation energy measurements show that the reverse bias junction currents are dominated by the diffusion current, indicating that most of the implanted damages can be recovered after annealing at a temperature as low as 650°C.
NiSi formation in the Ni(Ti) /SiO 2 /Si System
Authors: Lee R.T.P. , Chi D.Z. , Chua S.J.
Published: June 2017

A NiSi silicide process employing a Ni(Ti) alloy has been investigated. It was experimentally demonstrated that a small amount of Ti in Ni could overcome the reaction-inhibiting effect of an interfacial oxide layer on Si. Ti in the deposited Nil film reacts with the interfacial oxide, yielding an altered oxide layer, which acts as a Ni-permeable diffusion membrane during silicidation. Good diode characteristics were obtained from p+/n silicided Ni(Ti)-diodes with an initial interfacial oxide. It is believed that the ability to form silicide effectively in the presence of a native oxide will greatly relieve constraints on processing conditions and significantly enhance manufacturing yield.
THE INFLUENCE OF WATER HARDNESS AND DIETARY CALCIUM ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF POSTLARVAL PRAWN,, Macrabrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Sukadi M. Fatuchri
Published: June 2017

The influence of water hardness on survival of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachiumrosenbergii was investigated in indoor tanks during a 132-day study.
The role of 3D printing in anatomy education and surgical training: A narrative review
Authors: Li Ka Hou Christien , Kui Christopher , Lee Elgin Kah Meng , Ho Cheuk Sang , Wong Sunny Hei , Wu William , Wong Wing Tak , Voll Jessika , Li Guangping , Liu Tong , Yan Bryan , Chan Jessica , Tse Gary , Keenan Iain D.
Published: June 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Recent expansions in the development and availability of three-dimensional printing (3Dp) have led to the uptake of this valuable and effective technology within the modern context of medical education. It is proposed that 3Dp is entirely appropriate for the creation of anatomical models for purposes of teaching and training due to the ability of this technology to produce accurate 3D physical representations based on a processed data set acquired from sources including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). When investigating the currently available educational research with respect to 3Dp, it is important that the best evidence supporting the practical and theoretical benefits of this technology in teaching and training can be identified, while any obstacles to the effective implementation of 3Dp can also be determined. Here, literature describing recent primary research with respect to the capability and utility of 3Dp in anatomy and surgery have been explored in a narrative review. The impact on resources of implementing this technology within medical education have also been investigated. In order to emphasise wider applications in medicine, the role of 3Dp in medical practice and research have also been examined. To identify recent literature appropriate for this review published up to March 2017, suitable search terms were determined and applied using PubMed and results were judged against an established checklist. The research identified was then allocated with respect to the agreed topic areas of anatomy education, surgical training, medical usage and medical research. A student partnership approach was utilised for this review and the focus of the work was driven by undergraduate students in collaboration with anatomy and medical educators. Preliminary findings from this narrative review support the implementation of 3Dp in anatomy education and surgical training as a supplement to traditional learning approaches.
Highlighting common pitfalls to avoid when writing the medical education manuscript
Authors: Ligon B. Lee , Turner Teri L. , Thammasitboon Satid
Published: June 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Medical educators have an unprecedented opportunity to advance the field through dissemination of their work in academic publications. Also, their advancement may depend heavily on the number of publications. However, writing is, for many medical educators, a daunting task. Fortunately, authors have provided valuable articles and tips on the "how-to" of writing, and faculty development workshops have provided venues during which one can write a basic paper. These all are valuable, but they do not cover some of the unforeseen potential problems associated with publishing. Hence, we offer common pitfalls that the unsuspecting author will want to avoid, grouped into four categories--ethics of publishing, aims of discourse, setting boundaries, and accountability--in a reflective framework that most educators will recognize. These highlights should better equip novice medical educators, provide insights for experienced medical education mentors, and enhance the likelihood that the scholarly work will be published.
A novel approach to teaching cardiac auscultation
Authors: Peigh Graham , Majdan Joseph
Published: June 2017

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Purpose: Despite standard instruction, medical students cannot reliably identify common heart sounds and murmurs. The authors developed a novel approach to teach cardiac auscultation that uses process-based techniques to increase the diagnostic ability and confidence of physicians in training. Methods: 64 medical students were initially presented with a random selection of 10 heart sounds from Harvey, The Cardiopulmonary Patient Simulator, and graded on how many they could successfully recognize on a scale from 1-10. All students were then taught the novel approach to cardiac auscultation (the lesson). One day following the lesson, students were presented with another random selection of 10 heart sounds from Harvey, and graded on how many sounds they could correctly identify. Students then completed a survey regarding their confidence levels. Results: Students correctly identified more heart sounds after undergoing the lesson (prior to lesson: 4.1 (1.05); after lesson: 6.7 (1.00); p<0.001). Following the lesson, students also reported increased confidence in their ability to listen to heart sounds (prior: 1.70 (0.46); after: 3.13 (0.33); p<0.001). Conclusion: The novel approach to teaching cardiac auscultation is an effective means of instruction that increases diagnostic ability and confidence among medical students.
Research on steel-plate–concrete walls with inclined studs under combined loads
Authors: Lim Jin-Sun , Yi Seong-Tae
Published: June 2017

A numerical study was conducted to investigate the effect of the shape and spacing of developed inclined studs on the behaviour of steel-plate–concrete shear walls subject to combined loads of axial force, bending moment and shear. Finite-element analyses considering different shapes and stud spacings were carried out. The results showed that the compressive strength of the steel-plate–concrete walls was approximately three times higher than their tensile strength. Comparing the numerical analyses with designs based on the Korean electric power industry code confirmed that all specimens had higher capacities than the design strengths. However, using the design code, the moment capacity and shear strength were not influenced by an axial force of 0·1–0·2 times the axial strength. Finite-element analysis confirmed that, with higher axial force, the moment capacity and shear strength decreased.
Reliable in-plane shear modulus for pultruded-fibre-reinforced polymer sections
Authors: Nguyen Tien-Thuy , Chan Tak-Ming , Mottram James Toby
Published: June 2017

A simple test method to determine the in-plane shear properties of pultruded materials, where the mat reinforcement is of randomly oriented continuous fibres, is presented. Existing standard test methods have a number of weaknesses, but a number of them can be overcome by using the 10° off-axis tensile test method proposed by Chamis and Sinclair in 1976. Straight-sided specimens have unidirectional fibre reinforcement oriented at 10° to the direction of tensile load. Tension generates a biaxial in-plane stress state that, by employing stress and strain transformations, enables the shear modulus to be determined. The mean shear moduli of web material in four shapes, from 20 coupon tests in batches of five, were found to be consistent at 4·2–4·8 GPa. Given that 10° off-axis coupons are easy to prepare, with no technical difficulties, this non-standard method is recommended to characterise the in-plane shearing of pultruded materials having continuous-filament (or strand) mat reinforcement.
Experimental study of flow structure around two in-line bridge piers
Authors: Keshavarzi Alireza , Shrestha Chij Kumar , Zahedani Mohsen Ranjbar , Ball James , Khabbaz Hadi
Published: June 2017

Previous investigations indicate that local scouring is one of the most common causes of waterway bridge failure. The scour mechanism around bridge piers is complicated by the interaction of flow and structure. To explore the local scouring process, it is therefore essential to study the flow–structure interaction around bridge piers. Most previous studies have been based on this interaction around a single pier; however, in practice, many bridges are wide and comprise a number of piers aligned in the flow direction that together support the loading. In this study, a particle image velocimetry technique was used to investigate two-dimensional flow–structure interaction around two in-line bridge piers with different spacings. Various influencing flow characteristics including turbulence intensity, turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stresses were calculated in different vertical planes around the bridge piers. Results indicated that the flow characteristics around two in-line bridge piers are very different than for a single pier and the spacing between two in-line piers significantly influences the flow characteristics, particularly in the rear of the piers. Furthermore, for spacing in the range of 2 ≤ L/D ≤ 3, stronger turbulence structures occurred behind pier 1 and, as a result, a higher scour depth can be expected around pier 1.
"Fair" Mathematics in Assessing Delictual Damages
Authors: Steynberg Loma
Published: June 2017

In assessing delictual damages the plaintiff is burdened with the duty to prove loss with a preponderance of probability, including uncertain future loss. In quantifying such a claim an actuary is often used to make actuarial calculations based on proven facts and realistic assumptions regarding the future. The role of the actuary is to guide the court in the calculations to be made. Relying on its wide judicial discretion the court will have the final say regarding the correctness of the assumptions on which these calculations are based. The court should give detailed reasons if any assumptions or parts of the calculations made by the actuary are rejected. It should preferably refrain from making its own calculations if an actuary is involved and should rather instruct the actuary to do recalculations if necessary. It does, however, fall within the wide discretion of the court to make a general contingency adjustment after the basic calculations have been accepted. In assessing delictual damages it is the duty of the court to ensure that both objective and subjective factors are considered in such a manner that the assessment may be regarded as an application of "fair" mathematics.
Perspectives on the Termination of Debt Review in Terms of Section 86(10) of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005
Authors: Van Heerden C , Coetzee H
Published: June 2017

In assessing delictual damages the plaintiff is burdened with the duty to prove loss with a preponderance of probability, including uncertain future loss. In quantifying such a claim an actuary is often used to make actuarial calculations based on proven facts and realistic assumptions regarding the future. The role of the actuary is to guide the court in the calculations to be made. Relying on its wide judicial discretion the court will have the final say regarding the correctness of the assumptions on which these calculations are based. The court should give detailed reasons if any assumptions or parts of the calculations made by the actuary are rejected. It should preferably refrain from making its own calculations if an actuary is involved and should rather instruct the actuary to do recalculations if necessary. It does, however, fall within the wide discretion of the court to make a general contingency adjustment after the basic calculations have been accepted. In assessing delictual damages it is the duty of the court to ensure that both objective and subjective factors are considered in such a manner that the assessment may be regarded as an application of "fair" mathematics.
Antibiotic sensitivity testing - Pyramimonas, Bigelowiella, Eutreptiella, Neovahlkampfia, Pseudonitzschia v1
Authors: Vanclová and Naoji Yubuki Anna
Published: June 2017

Organisms used for DNA transformation experiments were tested for sensitivity to five antibiotics in two different concentrations. Cell culture growing in F2 media with 3% seawater was divided to fifteen 15ml tubes, i.e. three tubes for testing each of the antibiotics: antibiotic was added to two samples to the final concentrations noted in Table 1, the third tube in the set served as a control. The cultures were incubated under 12h light cycle and 20°C and checked by light microscophy 1, 4, 7 and 19 days after the addition of antibiotics. Table 1: Tested antibiotics and concentrations