Large Scallops Research Articles

Анатомо-топографические особенности флексоров тазобедренного сустава у шакало-псовой собаки

The article presents the anatomical features of the hip flexor muscles in shalaika, which are absent in the available literature. The points of fixation of the large lumbar, iliac, sartorial and scallop muscles have been established. The material for the research was a sectional material - pelvic limbs (n=9), selected from adult canine hybrids (shalayki), without external signs of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.It was found that the tensioner of the wide fascia of the thigh has two parts with a versatile direction of bundles of muscle fibers: in the cranial part – from the muckle along the cranial edge of the quadriceps femoris downward, and in the lateral part – from the place of transition of the muckle to the wing (cranial edge), along the middle gluteus muscle in the caudal direction, to the fascial node, on the where the broad fascia proper, the gluteal fascia and the superficial gluteal muscle converge. This circumstance undoubtedly affects the function of this muscle, i.e. together with the flexion of the hip joint, the muscle strains the broad fascia of the thigh itself, interacts in synergy with the gluteal fascia and the kneecap.Fusing the fascia in the distal part with the quadriceps femoris muscle, it creates a pressor effect on this muscle and helps it to unbend the knee joint. It is shown that the tailor's muscle is highly developed and consists of two heads. The cranial head is involved in the flexion of the hip joint, but at the same time in the extension of the knee joint. The caudal head – femoral part is directed along the medial surface of the thigh along the medial condyle of the femur, and the tibial part – along the medial surface of the capsule of the knee joint and the medial condyle of the tibia, which indicates adduction of the hip in the knee joint area and possibly optionally acts as a knee flexor.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus provides insights into the genetic characteristics and adaptive evolution of large scallops

Placopecten magellanicus (Gmelin, 1791), a deep-sea Atlantic scallop, holds significant commercial value as a benthic marine bivalve along the northwest Atlantic coast. Recognizing its economic importance, the need to reconstruct its genome assembly becomes apparent, fostering insights into natural resources and generic breeding potential. This study reports a high-quality chromosome-level genome of P. magellanicus, achieved through the integration of Illumina short read sequencing, PacBio HiFi sequencing, and Hi-C sequencing techniques. The resulting assembly spans 1778 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 86.71 Mb. An intriguing observation arises – the genome size of P. magellanicus surpasses that of its Pectinidae family peers by 1.80 to 2.46 times. Within this genome, 28,111 protein-coding genes were identified. Comparative genomic analysis involving five scallop species unveils the critical determinant of this expanded genome: the proliferation of repetitive sequences recently inserted, contributing to its enlarged size. The landscape of whole genome collinearity sheds light on the relationships among scallop species, enhancing our broader understanding of their genomic framework. This genome provides genomic resources for future molecular biology research on scallops and serves as a guide for the exploration of longevity-related genes in scallops.

Deep reactive ion etching of cylindrical nanopores in silicon for photonic crystals

Periodic arrays of deep nanopores etched in silicon by deep reactive ion etching are desirable structures for photonic crystals and other nanostructures for silicon nanophotonics. Previous studies focused on realizing as deep as possible nanopores with as high as possible aspect ratios. The resulting nanopores suffered from structural imperfections of the nanopores, such as mask undercut, uneven and large scallops, depth dependent pore radii and tapering. Therefore, our present focus is to realize nanopores that have as cylindrical as possible shapes, in order to obtain a better comparison of nanophotonic observations with theory and simulations. To this end in our 2-step Bosch process we have improved the mask undercut, the uneven scallops, pore widening and positive tapering by optimizing a plethora of parameters such as the etch step time, capacitively coupled plasma (ion energy) and pressure. To add further degrees of control, we implemented a 3-step DREM (deposit, remove, etch, multistep) process. Optimization of the etching process results in cylindrical nanopores with a diameter in the range between 280 and 500 nm and a depth around 7 μm, corresponding to high depth-to-diameter aspect ratios between 14 and 25, that are very well suited for the realization of silicon nanophotonic structures.

Large Fenestrations Versus Scallops for the Superior Mesenteric Artery during Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Does it Matter?

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair is an established customized treatment for aortic aneurysms with 3 current commercially available configurations for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-a single-wide scallop, large fenestration, or small fenestration, with the scallop or large fenestration most utilized. Outcomes comparing SMA single-wide scallops to large fenestrations with the Zenith fenestrated (ZFEN) device are scarce. As large fenestrations have the benefit of extending the proximal seal zone compared to scalloped configurations, we sought to determine the differences in seal zone and sac regression outcomes between the 2 SMA configurations. We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained complex endovascular aneurysm repair database and included all patients treated with the Cook ZFEN device with an SMA scallop or large fenestration configuration at its most proximal build. All first postoperative computed tomography scans (1-30days) were analyzed on TeraRecon to determine precise proximal seal zone lengths, and standard follow-up anatomic and clinical metrics were tabulated. A total of 234 consecutive ZFEN patients from 2012 to 2021 were reviewed, and 137 had either a scallop or a large fenestration for the SMA as the proximal-most configuration (72 scallops and 65 large fenestrations) with imaging available for analysis. The mean follow-up was 35months. The mean proximal seal zone length was 19.5±7.9mm for scallop versus 41.7±14.4mm for large fenestration groups (P<0.001). There was no difference in sac regression between the scallop and large fenestration at 1year (10.1±10.9mm vs. 11.0±12.1, P=0.63). Overall, 30-day mortality (1.3% vs. 2.5%, P=0.51) and all-cause 3-year mortality (72.5% vs. 81.7%, P=0.77) were not significantly different. Reinterventions within 30days were primarily secondary to renal artery branch occlusions, with only 1 patient in the scallop group requiring reintervention for an SMA branch occlusion. Despite attaining longer proximal seal lengths, large SMA fenestrations were not associated with a difference in sac regression compared to scalloped SMA configurations at a one-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in reinterventions or overall long-term survival between the 2 SMA strategies.

Modeling Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) scope for growth on the Northeast U.S. Shelf

AbstractAtlantic sea scallops support one of the most valuable fisheries in the eastern United States. The scallop population is susceptible to climate‐related environmental stress. Assessing and projecting climate impacts rely on the fundamental understanding of scallop ecophysiology, including the influences of temperature and food supply on its energy balance and growth potential. In this study, we developed a scope for growth (SFG) model driven by high‐resolution hydrodynamic and biological models to assess the spatial and seasonal variability of scallop energy dynamics. The overall SFG on the Northeast U.S. Shelf is higher in May–June and lower in January–February, with substantial spatial heterogeneity. In the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB), negative SFG occurs from July to October due to strong thermal stress. Particulate organic matter in detrital form is an important food source for scallops, with higher/lower contribution in the cold/warm seasons, respectively. Warming and food deficiency induce a noticeable contraction of suitable scallop habitats in the MAB, while their impacts on Georges Bank are insignificant. Known seasonal spawning patterns and observed growth rates in these regions match the patterns of SFG generated by the model. The sensitivity of SFG to the variations in food and temperature increases with scallop size. Large scallops are more likely to experience low or negative SFGs than smaller ones, implying that the habitats shrink as scallops grow older/bigger. This study provides key information about scallop growth potential and biogeography from the perspective of energy balance, thus helping the development of adaptive fisheries management strategies.

Large Fenestrations Versus Scallops For The SMA During Fenestrated EVAR: Does It Matter?

<h3>OBJECTIVE</h3> FEVAR is an established customized treatment for aortic aneurysms with two general strategies for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Outcomes comparing SMA single-wide scallops to large fenestrations with the commercially available ZFEN device are scarce. We sought to determine the outcomes of seal zone and sac regression between the two SMA configurations. <h3>METHODS</h3> We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained complex EVAR database for all Cook ZFEN patients undergoing SMA scallop or large fenestration configurations. All first post-operative CT scans (1-30 days) were analyzed on Terarecon for proximal seal zone lengths, and standard follow-up anatomic and clinical metrics were tabulated. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 234 consecutive ZFEN patients from 2012-2021 were reviewed, and 137 had either a scallop or large fenestration for the SMA with imaging available for analysis (72 scallops and 65 large fenestrations). Mean follow-up was 35 months. Mean proximal seal zone length was 19.5±7.9 mm for scallop vs 41.7±14.4 mm for large fenestration groups (P<.001). There was no difference in sac regression between scallop and large fenestration at latest follow-up (10.1±10.9 mm vs 11.0±12.1, P=.63) (FIGURE). Percentage of proximal neck reinterventions in the large fenestration group was 1.3% (n=1) and 3.8% (n=3) in the scallop group (P=.33). Overall, 30-day mortality (1.3% vs 2.5%, P=.51) and all-cause three-year mortality (72.5% vs 81.7%, P=.77) were not significantly different.Figure 1Sac Regression at 1 year between two SMA ConfigurationsFigure 1 <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Despite attaining longer seal lengths, large SMA fenestrations were not associated with a difference in sac regression compared to scalloped SMA configurations. There were no differences in reinterventions or overall long-term mortality between the two SMA strategies.

Size selectivity of the scallop fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence: Effects of ring size and washer type

In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL), there is a mostly supplementary fishery for sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) concentrated on three primary scallop beds in the Northumberland Strait. The fishery is not subject to an enforced minimum size limit and small scallops (<90 mm shell height) are often removed from this population before they have had time to adequately contribute to population recruitment, resulting in sub-optimal fishery yields and a partially size-suppressed population. This study aimed to provide stakeholders with information related to gear configuration changes that could potentially reduce catches of small scallops in the sGSL fishery by quantifying size-selectivity of different ring sizes (82.6 mm and 88.9 mm) and washer types (rubber and steel). We also compared the catches of small, fecund scallops (45–90 mm) across the different gear configurations. The gears with 82.6 mm rings had high retention of small scallops, with lengths of 50 % retention estimated to be 72.8 and 76.0 mm with rubber and steel washers, respectively. This increased to 87.9 mm and 95.5 mm, respectively, in the gears with 88.9 mm rings. It was estimated that with rubber washers, increasing ring size from 82.6 mm to 88.9 mm will reduce catch of small fecund scallops by 51 %, while reducing catch of large scallops by 27 %. Increasing ring size was more effective than changing washer type at increasing size selectivity of the gear. Previous research on scallop life history suggests that this reduction of large scallops will be temporary because the larger gear will ultimately shift the population size distribution towards larger scallops resulting in higher yield-per-recruit. These results will be useful to resource managers and stakeholders for stock assessments, and for future gear type decisions.

Effects of a non-native cyanobacterium on bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) in a New England seagrass ecosystem

Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) are an economically valuable species whose populations have declined in recent decades due in part to harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms. Nantucket, Massachusetts hosts one of the last remaining bay scallop fisheries in the U.S., but recently documented the occurrence of a non-native cyanobacterium (Hydrocoleum sp.). Hydrocoleum can form dense mats in seagrass beds, the primary habitat of scallops, but is also diazotrophic, potentially augmenting bioavailable nitrogen to primary producers and fueling secondary production. We conducted surveys to explore the relationships between Hydrocoleum and scallop condition, reproductive potential, and density in eelgrass beds in Nantucket Harbor as well as effects of other habitat characteristics (e.g., eelgrass cover) on these same scallop traits. We found low Hydrocoleum cover during our sampling, but found fewer large scallops in plots with Hydrocoleum, suggesting that this size class may be especially vulnerable to negative effects of Hydrocoleum. Contrary to expectation, we found a positive correlation between Hydrocoleum cover and scallop condition. These patterns suggest that Hydrocoleum may enhance scallop condition, but also affect habitat use, highlighting the need for manipulative experiments to clarify mechanisms driving these relationships. Understanding how non-native species such as Hydrocoleum impact fishery species will help advance conservation and resource management efforts.

Interactions between predatory sea stars ( Asterias amurensis and Distolasterias nipon ) and Japanese scallops ( Mizuhopecten yessoensis ) and implications for scallop seeding in mariculture

Sea stars are a key group of species in benthic marine ecosystems and represent the primary cause of mortality for cultured scallops. In the mariculture grounds of Japanese scallops (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) in north-eastern Japan, two sea star species, Asterias amurensis (AA) and Distolasterias nipon (DN), are serious predators. However, the predatory impact of these sea stars on scallops remains unquantified, with limited information being available on the biological characteristics of DN. We compared the predatory impact of both sea star species by evaluating their predatory behaviour (i.e. probability of predation and number of captured scallops) on scallops in laboratory experiments. Both sea star species preferred smaller scallops over large ones, with the probability of predation and the number of scallops being preyed on increasing with increasing water temperature. However, DN had a greater predation impact than AA. For instance, the probability of predation by DN was higher, with more scallops being consumed. In particular, compared to AA, DN continuously captured small scallops and fed on larger scallops. Furthermore, the predatory impact of both sea star species (particularly DN) on small scallops peaked at high temperatures. In conclusion, our results present information that could help improve the survival rate of seeded scallops in mariculture systems.

Grid Mapping the Northern Plains of Mars: Using Morphotype and Distribution of Ice‐Related Landforms to Understand Multiple Ice‐Rich Deposits in Utopia Planitia

AbstractThis work in Utopia Planitia is the first continuous regional mapping of ice‐related landforms integrated into an effort to study the three main basins (Arcadia, Acidalia, and Utopia Planitiae) in the northern plains. The distribution and morphotypes of these landforms, SHAllow RADar detections, and crater size‐frequency distribution measurements (&gt;50 m in diameter) were used to understand the permafrost cryolithology and its past evolution in relation to climate in Utopia Planitia. Three assemblages of landforms were identified based on their spatial correlation and correlation with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter surface roughness along a strip from 30°N to 80°N. At 30°–38°N, the assemblage is formed by kilometer‐scale polygons, high‐albedo mounds, and thumbprint terrains. This assemblage is associated with a lobate deposit of 30 m in thickness with a crater retention age of 1 Ga. At 38°–47°N, the assemblage is comprised of large scallops, 100‐m‐diameter polygons, pits, and mantled deposits. This assemblage is correlated with a deposit of 80 m in thickness containing excess ice (~50–85% by volume) with a crater retention age of about 10 Ma. At 47°–78°N, the assemblage is composed of mantled deposits, textured terrains, and 30‐m‐diameter polygons. This assemblage is related to the ice‐rich, debris‐covered, latitude‐dependent mantle that has a crater retention age of about 1.5 Ma. Utopia Planitia appears to be a region of combined depositions of sediment and continuous cold climatic conditions that leaded to a complex distribution of ground ice.

Plunge milling with constant scallop height by adaptively modifying the step interval for pocket wall

Plunge milling plays an important role in machining of components with cavity structures. As a non-continuous material removal strategy, residual material is inevitably remained between two adjacent plunge cutter locations, also named as scallop. Large scallop height causes machining error, as well as fluctuations of cutting width in the following machining operation like semi-finish milling. As such, a constant scallop from plunge milling is essential to improve machining stability and tool life in following operation. In this paper, a new plunge milling toolpath generation method with adaptive interval is developed to restrict the maximum scallop height within a given value. Geometric relationship between plunge tool location and cusp of the constant scallop is firstly analyzed to determine the curves that the cusp of the constant scallop and plunge tool location located on. Then an iterative cusp of the constant scallop calculation algorithm is constructed based on the constructed geometric relationship. The next plunge tool location is obtained through a similar algorithm. Therefore, interval between current and its previous tool location is determined. In this way, the generated plunge milling toolpath can satisfy the given machining error allowance and keep a constant scallop height. It also has minimum number of plunge cutter locations to achieve maximum machining efficiency. Advantages of the proposed method are validated through a machining experiment by comparing the machining results with conventional plunge milling toolpath with constant step interval.

Deep Dry Etching of Silicon with Scallop Size Uniformly Larger than 300 nm

High aspect ratio features in silicon have broad applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems, microfluidic control and advanced packaging. This structure is usually fabricated by Bosch process, and the corresponding scallop should be controlled. Obtaining large scallop size seems easier than that of small scallop, however, it is a big challenge to obtain uniform large scallop. Herein, by using dry etching system, we demonstrate a novel high aspect ratio silicon trench with scallop size uniformly larger than 300 nm in both single crystal silicon and polycrystalline silicon. Additionally, the difference between single crystal silicon etching and polycrystalline silicon etching is compared. This work is beneficial to understanding the silicon etching mechanism in Bosch process and has potential applications in microelectronic and microfluidic devices.

Contrasting trends in the Northeast United States groundfish and scallop processing industries

In the northeast United States, groundfish landings have declined almost continually since 1983. Fresh groundfish processors have redeployed their marketing capital by substituting other seafood products in place of regional groundfish and expanding into different markets. Meanwhile, northeast U.S. Atlantic sea scallop landings sharply increased starting in 1998, peaked in 2004, remained relatively constant until declining in 2013 and 2014. In order to leverage their favorable access to increased landings, scallop processors invested in development of new products, such as individually quick frozen (IQF) scallops, and invested in marketing activities to attract new customers, including those located in foreign nations. This behavior is consistent with Montgomery and Wernerfelt's theory of diversification in response to excess capacity of firm-specific resources and investments in product development and marketing in firm specific resources. Price and quantity indicators were used to examine the effects of shifting landings and composition of landings on exvessel values. These indicators show that declines in groundfish exvessel values were driven by declining quantities, which is consistent with processors substituting other products rather than biding up exvessel prices. Increases in scallop exvessel values were driven by both increasing prices for all sizes and by increasing quantities for large scallops, which is consistent with investment in marketing for larger scallops.

A Feasibility Study of Off-the-Shelf Scalloped Stent-Grafts in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Purpose: To evaluate the applicability of an off-the-shelf scalloped stent-graft to preserve left subclavian artery (LSA) flow in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute type B aortic dissection. Methods: The computed tomography angiograms (CTA) of 70 consecutive patients (median age 64 years; 44 men) with acute Stanford type B aortic dissection were retrospectively analyzed to identify patients in whom a short proximal landing zone (<15 mm from the retrogradely dissected wall layers) would require LSA overstenting during TEVAR. A scalloped stent-graft was deemed possible in those patients with the intimal entry tear located at least 20 mm distant from the LSA ostium. Results: The LSA needed to be covered in 56 (80%) patients. Of these, an off-the-shelf scalloped stent-graft would have been applicable in 23 (41%) patients. In the latter group, the median aortic diameter was 31 mm (range 26–37), the median length of the LSA ostium was 13 mm (range 10–20), and the median width of the LSA ostium was 15 mm (range 11–24). Three differently sized off-the-shelf stent-grafts with the largest scallop possible could have adequately treated 20 (36%) of the 56 patients in the acute phase. Conclusion: In this single-center imaging-based study, involvement of the LSA in the setting of acute type B aortic dissection was seen in 80% of patients treated with TEVAR. Three off-the-shelf stent-grafts would suffice to treat one-third of these acute type B aortic dissections and may offer a relatively simple solution to preserve LSA flow, thereby lowering the risk of malperfusion of the (posterior) cerebrum, spinal cord, and left arm in an urgent/emergent setting.

Influence of phosphorous content on microstructure development at the Ni-P Plating/SAC interface

Studies of the commonly used Ni-P surface finish of 4.3 and 11.6 wt. % of P content electroless plated on nickel substrates followed by their reaction with SAC305 solder were performed. It was demonstrated that the Ni-4.3P plating was crystalline, while the Ni-11.6P was mostly amorphous. The transformation of the Ni-P into Ni3P phase took place at 672 K and 605 K for low and high P amount, respectively. The activation energy (E a ) of the crystallization processes in the Ni-P plating was lower for the Ni-11.6P plating. Interaction of SAC305 solder with both types of the inspected plating showed the creation of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 phase in the form of thin layer and large scallops, while for Ni-11.6P/SAC305 interface also (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 phase. The thickness of these phases was larger in the case of low phosphorous containing plating. The Ni-11.6P plating after the reaction with SAC305 totally transformed into Ni12P5, while the enrichment in P up to 10.5 wt. % occurred in the Ni-4.3P which did not lead to the appearance of any NixPy type phases. After the reaction of plating with solder the Ni2SnP phase was not identified. This was related to the absence of spalling phenomenon of the intermetallics into solder.

Two decades of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. blooms and king scallop (Pecten maximus) contamination by domoic acid along the French Atlantic and English Channel coasts: Seasonal dynamics, spatial heterogeneity and interannual variability

King scallop contamination (Pecten maximus) by domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by some species of the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia, is highly problematic because of its lengthy retention in the bivalve tissue, leading to prolonged fishery closures. Data collected within the French Phytoplankton and Phycotoxin monitoring network (REPHY) over the 1995–2012 period were used to characterize the seasonal dynamics and the interannual variability of P.-nitzschia spp. blooms as well as the contamination of king scallop fishing grounds, in six contrasted bays distributed along the French Atlantic coast and English Channel. Monitoring revealed that these toxic events have become more frequent since the year 2000, but with varying magnitudes, frequencies and timing depending on the bay. Two bays, located in southern Brittany, exhibited both recurrent contaminations and high P.-nitzschia abundances. The Brest bay and the Seine bay were intermittently affected. The Pertuis Breton exhibited only one major toxic event related to an exceptionally intense bloom of P.-nitzschia in 2010, and the Saint Brieuc bay neither showed significant contamination nor high P.-nitzschia abundance. While high P.-nitzschia abundance appeared to be correlated to scallop toxicity, this study highlights the difficulty in linking P.-nitzschia spp. blooms to king scallop contamination through monitoring. Indeed, P.-nitzschia was determined at the genus level and data regarding species abundances and their toxicity levels are an absolute prerequisite to further assess the environmental control of ASP events. As results describe distinct P.-nitzschia bloom dynamics along the French coast, this may suggest distinct controlling factors. They also revealed that major climatic events, such as the winter storm Xynthia in 2010, can trigger toxicity in P.-nitzschia over a large spatial scale and impact king scallop fisheries all along the coast.

Fisheries Closed Areas Strengthen Scallop Larval Settlement and Connectivity Among Closed Areas and Across International Open Fishing Grounds: A Model Study.

This study examined whether a measured increase in average body size of adult sea scallops inside three fishery closed areas on Georges Bank (GB), United States (US), was sufficient to increase larval supply to closed areas and open fishing areas in both US and Canadian areas of the Bank. The effects of adult scallop density-at-size and fecundity-at-size on egg production were compared among open and closed fishery areas, countries, and time periods before and after the closed areas were established. Estimated egg production was then used to define spawning conditions in a coupled biological-physical larval tracking model that simulated larval development, mortality, and dispersal. Results showed that order of magnitude increases in larval settlement after closure were facilitated by increases in size-dependant egg production inside and dispersal from Closed Areas I and II, but not Nantucket Lightship Closed Area. The distributions of both egg production and larval settlement became more uniform across the Bank, causing the relative contribution of Canadian larvae to US scallop aggregations to decrease after establishment of Closed Areas I and II. Decreases in small and medium-sized scallop density in Canada and decreases in large scallops over the US-Southern Flank after closure caused local declines in egg production but were not sufficient to negatively affect larval settlement at the regional scale. Our model suggests that the establishment of fishery closed areas on GB considerably strengthened larval supply and settlement within and among several adult scallop aggregations.

Through silicon via profile metrology of Bosch etching process based on spectroscopic reflectometry

Through silicon via (TSV) technology is a key feature of new 3D integration of circuits by creation of interconnections using vias, which go through the silicon wafer. Typically, the highly-selective Bosch Si etch process is used which is characterized by a high etch rate and high aspect ratio forming a series of scallops on the sidewall. The large scallops may reduce the reliability of the devices, appearing as leakage currents, thermo-mechanical stress or slow device response. The etch profile which is defined by top and bottom dimensions, depth, scallop size (period and amplitude) need to be both monitored and well controlled. Usually using secondary electron microscopy (SEM) cross-section image analysis is destructive, time consuming and depends on the cutting technique. In this work, the nondestructive 3D metrology of deeply-etched structures with an aspect ratio of more than 10 and patterns with lateral dimensions from 3 to 7μm was performed by spectroscopic reflectometry. The TSV depths were determined using the interference effect between waves reflected from TSV’s top and bottom surfaces. The scallop size was estimated from the back diffraction effect of light from the side wall. The rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) has been applied for scallop amplitude and top and bottom dimensions evaluation. By the characterization of the scallop size variation, the etch process (etch depth, rate, and reproducibility) can be controlled.

New Method of Posterior Scallop Augmentation for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

We report a new method of posterior middle scallop (P2) augmentation for ischemic mitral regurgitation to achieve deep coaptation. First, P2 was divided straight at the center and partially detached from the annulus in a reverse Tshape. A narrow pentagon-shaped section of pericardium was sutured to the divided P2 and annular defect. The tip of the pentagon was attached directly to the papillary muscle, thus creating a very large P2 scallop. A standard-sized ring was placed. We adopted this technique in 2 patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy, and no mitral regurgitation was observed during a 1-year follow-up.

The influence of tectonics on flank margin cave formation on a passive continental margin: Naracoorte, Southeastern Australia

Intensive cave development within the highly porous and permeable Eocene–Middle Miocene Gambier Limestone in southeastern South Australia is restricted to a 1×11km area at Naracoorte. The caves are overwhelmingly horizontal, consisting of large solutional domes connected by smaller passages, with bell holes, small pendants and large non-directional scallops on the walls and ceilings. Orientation is strongly controlled by NW/SE joints. Cave entrances have been opened by subsequent collapse, and breakdown is common.The caves are located on the Kanawinka Fault escarpment, which was uplifted in the Late Miocene–Early Pliocene and then overlain by a series of Pleistocene carbonate strandline dunes, deposited as the sea retreated following a Late Miocene transgression. The coastline lay along the Kanawinka escarpment at ~0.9–1.1Ma, when the caves formed just inland of the shoreline within the zone of enhanced dissolution at the seaward margin of the freshwater lens. They have the typical flank margin cave morphology, except that joint development adjacent to the fault caused the strong linear orientation parallel to the coastline.The beach dune deposited to the west of the Kanawinka escarpment shows that sea-level had dropped sufficiently to completely drain the caves at 780–880ka. Cave development was therefore confined to a period spanning ~0.8–1.1Ma. Continuing gradual uplift through the Pleistocene means that the caves are now >100km inland, obscuring the essentially coastal nature of the Naracoorte karst.Speleogenesis at Naracoorte reflects the interaction of neotectonics with coastal dissolution, and emphasizes the role that tectonism can play in Pleistocene karst development even on passive continental margins, where glacio/eustatic sea-level fluctuations are generally ascribed as the dominant role.