Mm2 Of Area Research Articles

Application of a paste-type acellular dermal matrix for coverage of chronic ulcerative wounds.

BackgroundChronic wounds occur due to failure of the normal healing process, associated with a lack of deposition of cellular components and a suitable microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is viewed as an ECM substitute, and a paste-type ADM has recently been introduced. We hypothesized that CGPaste, an injectable paste-type ADM, could serve as a scaffold and promote wound healing.MethodsWe retrospectively studied seven patients in whom CGPaste was applied between 2017 and 2018, who had pressure ulcers, necrotizing fasciitis, diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic defects, and osteomyelitis. The goal of applying CGPaste was to achieve complete wound healing with re-epithelialization or growth of granulation tissue, depending upon the wound bed status. CGPaste was injected based on the wound size along with the application of a dressing.ResultsFour of the seven patients showed granulation tissue on their wound bed, while the other three patients had a bony wound bed. The mean wound area was 453.57 mm2 and the depth was 10.71 mm. Wound healing occurred in five of the seven patients (71.43%). The mean duration of complete healing was 2.4 weeks. Two patients showed failure due to paste absorption (29.57%); these patients had wound beds comprising bone with relatively large and deep wounds (40×30 and 30×20 mm2 in area and 15 and 10 mm in depth).ConclusionsCGPaste is an effective option for coverage of small and deep chronic wounds for which a flap operation or skin grafting is unfeasible.

A 2.7-$\mu$ W Neuromodulation AFE With 200 mVpp Differential-Mode Stimulus Artifact Canceler Including On-Chip LMS Adaptation

We present a 65-nm CMOS neuromodulation SoC with a stimulus artifact canceler allowing simultaneous recording and stimulation. A first-order ${\Delta \Sigma }$ -modulated switched capacitor DAC injects artifact canceling charges at the LNA input, handling up to 200 mV $_{\text{pp}}$ differential-mode artifacts with only a 10% noise penalty. An on-chip LMS engine adapts tap coefficients of an integrated FIR filter that reconstructs the artifact signals. Residual artifacts are further canceled with another FIR/LMS filter in the digital backend. This canceler achieves a state-of-the-art effective dynamic range of 77 dB while retaining low power consumption. The AFE including the canceler consumes $2.7~ {\mu }\text{W}$ of power and occupies 0.18 mm2 of area per channel.

18-31 GHz GaN wideband low noise amplifier (LNA) using a 0.1 μm T-gate high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) process

GaN technology has attracted main attention towards its application to high-power amplifier. Most recently, noise performance of GaN device has also won acceptance. Compared with GaAs low noise amplifier (LNA), GaN LNA has a unique superiority on power handling. In this work, we report a wideband Silicon-substrate GaN MMIC LNA operating in 18-31 GHz frequency range using a commercial 0.1 μm T-Gate high electron mobility transistor process (OMMIC D01GH). The GaN MMIC LNA has an average noise figure of 1.43 dB over the band and a minimum value of 1.27 dB at 23.2 GHz, which can compete with GaAs and InP MMIC LNA. The small-signal gain is between 22 and 25 dB across the band, the input and output return losses of the MMIC are less than −10 dB. The P1dB and OIP3 are at 17 dBm and 28 dBm level. The four-stage MMIC is 2.3 × 1.0 mm2 in area and consumes 280 mW DC power. Compared with GaAs and InP LNA, the GaN MMIC LNA in this work exhibits a comparative noise figure with higher linearity and power handling ability.

Debridement, Curettage, Microfracture, and Fixation Techniques for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are a challenging clinical pathology for orthopaedic surgeons. To date, the treatment guidelines for these lesions have been based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions on key topics regarding cartilage lesions of the talus. Debridement, curettage, microfracture, and fixation techniques are surgical modalities to treat the lesion and were discussed as one portion of the first International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. The purpose of this abstract is to explain the process and delineate the consensus statements derived from this consensus meeting on debridement, curettage, microfracture, and fixation techniques for osteochondral lesions of the talus. Methods: 75 national and international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle, representing 25 countries and all six continents, were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Experts were assigned to groups separated by topics, including debridement, curettage, microfracture, and fixation techniques. Questions and statements were drafted within the groups and a comprehensive literature review was performed and, where possible, used to confirm or dispute the recommendations made. In addition, the available evidence for each statement was graded. Once the statements achieved majority vote within the groups, a vote to the overall group was undertaken. The statements were then further edited on the basis of the discussion and votes within the entirety of the consensus group. A final vote then occurred, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus: 51 - 74%; strong consensus: 75 - 99%; unanimous: 100%. Results: 29 statements addressing debridement, curettage, microfracture, and fixation techniques reached some degree of consensus. In the case of microfracture, 94% (strong consensus) agreed that the ideal size guidelines are lesions <10 mm in diameter, <100 mm2 in area, and <5 mm in depth. In addition, 92% (strong consensus) voted that lesion size, location, presence of cyst(s), containment of lesion, joint alignment, bone marrow edema, ankle stability, and previous cartilage repair procedures are all important local prognostic factors for microfracture. For fixation, 90% of participants (strong consensus) voted that a stable displaced OLT fragment or a nondisplaced OLT fragment should be fixed as soon as possible in order to maximize healing potential and minimize intra-articular damage. Conclusion: There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines available to direct treatment for clinicians when managing osteochondral lesions of the ankle. This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with a combination of expert- and evidence-based guidelines to consider in the treatment of a cartilage lesion of the talus using debridement, curettage, microfracture, and fixation techniques.

Broodstock development, induced breeding and larval rearing of Indian pompano, Trachinotus mookalee, (Cuvier, 1832) – A new candidate species for aquaculture

The present study describes the first trial on broodstock development, induced breeding and larval rearing of Indian pompano, Trachinotus mookalee. Indian pompano fingerlings were collected from wild and raised to adults having an average size of 2.84 ± 0.10 kg weight and 47.6 ± 1.43 cm length. These adult fishes were stocked in 125 t capacity circular tank having re-circulatory facility for broodstock development. The fishes were fed with squid along with clam meat and matured in four months. Mature females with >500 μm ova and oozing males were selected in the ratio of 1:2 (female:male) and were induced with single dose of hCG at the rate of 350 IU /kg body weight. Three trials with same sex ratio and hormonal doses were tried. The fish spawned after 36–38 h of induction at a temperature 29 ± 1 °C. Eggs were collected and treated with iodophore and stocked in 1 t FRP tank for hatching. The eggs hatched out after 18–20 h of incubation at a temperature of 29 ± 1 °C. The overall fertilization and hatching rate was found to be 69 ± 1.55% and 87.67 ± 0.81%, respectively. Larval rearing was carried out in 2 t capacity fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks using green water system. The newly hatched larvae was 2.12 ± 0.02 mm in total length, with an oval shaped yolk sac of 0.55 mm2 and an oil droplet of 0.06 mm2 in area. The mouth opening was formed 40–46 h post hatch with mouth gape measuring 228.10 ± 1.31 μm. A systematic and overlapping regime of live feed beginning from copepod nauplii, rotifer, Artemia nauplii and artificial pellet were utilized during larval rearing. Weaning of larvae to inert diet was started from 15th day post hatching (DPH) onwards. Larvae started metamorphosis by 17th DPH onwards and was completed by 21st DPH, when the larvae reached 27.33 ± 0.10 mm. The larval rearing protocol resulted in an average survival rate of 21.53 ± 1.45% till complete metamorphosis. The present study showed T. mookalee to mature in captive conditions. The potential for induced spawning in captivity and larval rearing with a survival rate of 21.53% makes Indian pompano an excellent candidate for mariculture. This forms the first report of broodstock development, induced breeding and larval rearing of this species in captivity. The results of this study would facilitate mass scale seed production of Indian pompano in captivity, which is essential for its aquaculture.

A Linear Differential Transimpedance Amplifier for 100-Gb/s Integrated Coherent Optical Fiber Receivers

This paper presents the design and measurements of a 32-Gb/s differential-input differential-output transimpedance amplifier (TIA) employed in dual polarization integrated coherent receivers for 100-Gb Ethernet. A circuit technique is shown that uses a replica TIA to stabilize the operating point of the two shunt-feedback input stages as well as to cancel the dc part of the two complementary input currents and balances their offset. The TIA can be operated in two modes, an automatic gain control mode to retain a good total harmonic distortion (THD) over a wide dynamic range and a manual gain control mode. Electrical as well as optical-electrical characterization of the TIA are presented. It achieves a maximum differential transimpedance of 74 dB $\Omega $ , 33 GHz of 3-dB bandwidth, 12.2 pA/ $\sqrt {\text {Hz}}$ of average input-referred noise current density with the photodiode, 900 mVpp of maximum differential output swing, less than 1% of THD for 600 mVpp differential output swing, and 500 $\mu \text{A}_{\text {pp}}$ differential input current. The linearity of the TIA is furthermore demonstrated with PAM4 measurements at 25 Gbaud. The dual TIA chip is fabricated in a 0.13- $\mu \text{m}$ SiGe:C BiCMOS technology, dissipates 436 mW of power and occupies 2 mm2 of area.

Micro-light-emitting diodes with III–nitride tunnel junction contacts grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Micro-light-emitting diodes (µLEDs) with tunnel junction (TJ) contacts were grown entirely by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. A LED structure was grown, treated with UV ozone and hydrofluoric acid, and reloaded into the reactor for TJ regrowth. The silicon doping level of the n++-GaN TJ was varied to examine its effect on voltage. µLEDs from 2.5 × 10−5 to 0.01 mm2 in area were processed, and the voltage penalty of the TJ for the smallest µLED at 20 A/cm2 was 0.60 V relative to that for a standard LED with indium tin oxide. The peak external quantum efficiency of the TJ LED was 34%.

Near-Zero-Power Temperature Sensing via Tunneling Currents Through Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Transistors

Temperature sensors are routinely found in devices used to monitor the environment, the human body, industrial equipment, and beyond. In many such applications, the energy available from batteries or the power available from energy harvesters is extremely limited due to limited available volume, and thus the power consumption of sensing should be minimized in order to maximize operational lifetime. Here we present a new method to transduce and digitize temperature at very low power levels. Specifically, two pA current references are generated via small tunneling-current metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) that are independent and proportional to temperature, respectively, which are then used to charge digitally-controllable banks of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors that, via a discrete-time feedback loop that equalizes charging time, digitize temperature directly. The proposed temperature sensor was integrated into a silicon microchip and occupied 0.15 mm2 of area. Four tested microchips were measured to consume only 113 pW with a resolution of 0.21 °C and an inaccuracy of ±1.65 °C, which represents a 628× reduction in power compared to prior-art without a significant reduction in performance.

A 36-V 49% Efficient Hybrid Charge Pump in Nanometer-Scale Bulk CMOS Technology

This paper introduces a hybrid charge pump (HCP) architecture. The HCP enables high-voltage dc outputs in a nanometer-scale CMOS technology at improved power efficiency by optimally mixing different charge pump (CP) types that trade off voltage range and power efficiency. Conventional CP outputs in a bulk CMOS process are limited to a single-diode breakdown voltage (~12 V in a 65-nm technology node). To support >12 V outputs, the HCP extends the voltage tolerance of bulk CMOS substrates via two technology methods: double-diode substrate isolation and field oxide isolation. To enable these isolation methods, two specialized CP cells are devised: an all-nMOS voltage doubler and an improved-drive Dickson-type pump. Two HCP design examples with opposite voltage polarities are implemented in a 65-nm CMOS technology, and their measurement results are discussed. The positive voltage HCP achieves a 36 V output and 49% peak efficiency at a 20-μA load current and occupies 0.18 mm 2 in area. This output voltage represents a 3× increase in the technology's voltage range compared to ranges attainable by conventional designs.

The cutoff value of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) for early diagnosis of myelopathy using somatosensory evoked potential in cervical OPLL patients.

Retrospective study. The objective of this study was to find out whether ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) characteristics, including size, shape and subtype, can be used to diagnose myelopathy using somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) in cervical OPLL patients. Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 153 cervical OPLL patients who underwent SEP study. OPLL anterior-posterior (AP) diameter, area and involved longitudinal vertebral level were measured. OPLL was classified into subtypes according to longitudinal continuity and shape. Correlation analysis and receiver operating curve were used. Tibial SEP latency was significantly correlated with OPLL AP diameter (P=0.001), diameter occupying ratio (P=0.019), area (P=0.007), area occupying ratio (P=0.008), involved longitudinal vertebral level (P=0.028) and space available for the spinal cord (P=0.019). The cutoff values that were diagnostic for SEP prolongation suggesting myelopathy were 4.91 mm for OPLL AP diameter, 6.02 mm for space available for the spinal cord, 44.5% for diameter occupying ratio, 63.4 mm2 for area, 36.1% for area occupying ratio and level 2 for the involved longitudinal vertebral level. Our results revealed that tibial SEP latency was significantly correlated with OPLL size and suggested cutoff values of OPLL diameter (4.91 mm, 44.5%) and area (63.4 mm2, 36.1%) for early diagnosis of myelopathy. These results can help to establish treatment plans.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for moderate-sized kidney stones

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with that of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for managing moderate-sized kidney stones measuring between 100 and 300 mm2 in area. Background Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is considered a standard treatment for patients with upper-tract stones that are less than 10 mm in diameter, whereas stones that are larger than 20 mm are best managed with PCNL. The management of stones between these sizes remains controversial. Our purpose was to review our contemporary series of SWL, ureteroscopy, and PCNL outcomes for intermediate-sized upper-tract calculi (100–300 mm2). Patients and methods This study was conducted at the Urology Department, Menoufia Teaching Hospital, Menoufia University, between December 2013 and February 2015. It study included all patients with moderate-sized renal calculi (range: 1–3 cm) who were planned for management of renal calculi either with PCNL or with ESWL. Patient data were taken as follows: (a) preoperatively, clinical assessment and laboratory investigations; (b) during surgery; and (c) postoperatively, complications and residual stone. Results This study included 70 patients with nonstaghorn calculi with an area between 100 and 300 mm. Thirty patients underwent PCNL and 40 underwent ESWL; 49 (70%) patients were male and 21 (30%) were female; 29 (41.4%) patients had right-sided stones and 41 (58.5%) had left sided stones. The mean age of the patients was 34.1 years and the average BMI was 29.0 kg/m2. The mean operative time in our study was 2.36 ± 0.8 h. Conclusion This study demonstrates that PCNL and up to two SWL treatments are safe and comparably effective in treating patients with intermediate-sized upper-urinary-tract stones between 100 and 300 mm2 in area.

Effectiveness evaluation of a new surgical marker for anterior capsulorhexis

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical device that intented to help in the preparation of the anterior capsulorhexis analyzing the design and shape, comparing with capsulorhexis made by free hand. Methods: Three ophthalmology residents(R3) at the HUOL and one surgeon in training, participate in this research as volunteers. Each surgeon perform 5 capsulorhexis in porcine eyes using the device, and five others by free hand as a control. All capsulorhexis were photographed having a ruler as reference to guide and calibrate a computer application for morphometric evaluation (Cambui Labs, Natal, Brazil). All surgeons aimed to produce a circular continuous capsulorhexis of 5 mm diameter that represents 15,7mm in perimeter and 19,652mm2 in area. Each wet-lab capsulorhexis was evaluated in regard to these criteria: diameter (mean, maximum and minimum), perimeter, area, deviation from the ideal diameter and ideal shape. Results: Compare to control groups, capsulorhexis with the aid of the surgical device showed: 5,44mm ±0,89 vs 6,37mm ±0,67, for capsulorhexis diameter (p=0,001); 17,52mm ±1,92 vs 20,14mm ±2,09 for capsulorhexis perimeter (<0.001); 24,73mm2 ±1,92 vs 32,62mm2 ±6,36 for capsulorhexis area (p<0,001). A tendency for better result with the aid of the surgical device was observed for deviation of an ideal diameter or ideal aspect were appreciated: 0,87mm ±0,05 vs 0,9 ±0,04 for deviation of a curve (p=0,06); 1,26mm ±0,12 vs 1,21mm ±0,7 for the capsulorhexis aspect (p=0,09). Conclusion: Capsulorhexis produced with the aid of the surgical device, significantly improved wet-lab capsulorhexis performance.

Current management of talar osteochondral lesions.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) occur in up to 70% of acute ankle sprains and fractures. OLT have become increasingly recognized with the advancements in cartilage-sensitive diagnostic imaging modalities. Although OLT may be treated nonoperatively, a number of surgical techniques have been described for patients whom surgery is indicated. Traditionally, treatment of symptomatic OLT have included either reparative procedures, such as bone marrow stimulation (BMS), or replacement procedures, such as autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT). Reparative procedures are generally indicated for OLT < 150 mm2 in area. Replacement strategies are used for large lesions or after failed primary repair procedures. Although short- and medium-term results have been reported, long-term studies on OLT treatment strategies are lacking. Biological augmentation including platelet-rich plasma and concentrated bone marrow aspirate is becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of OLT to enhance the biological environment during healing. In this review, we describe the most up-to-date clinical evidence of surgical outcomes, as well as both the mechanical and biological concerns associated with BMS and AOT. In addition, we will review the recent evidence for biological adjunct therapies that aim to improve outcomes and longevity of both BMS and AOT procedures.

Lesion Size Is a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes After Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review

Background: The critical lesion size treated with bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) has been 150 mm2 in area or 15 mm in diameter. However, recent investigations have failed to detect a significant correlation between the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs. Purpose: To systematically review clinical studies reporting both the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed in March 2015 based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included studies were evaluated with regard to the level of evidence (LOE), quality of evidence (QOE), lesion size, and clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-five studies with 1868 ankles were included; 88% were either LOE 3 or 4, and 96% did not have good QOE. The mean area was 103.8 ± 10.2 mm2 in 20 studies, and the mean diameter was 10.0 ± 3.2 mm in 5 studies. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 62.4 ± 7.9 preoperatively to 83.9 ± 9.2 at a mean 54.1-month follow-up in 14 studies reporting both preoperative and postoperative scores with a mean follow-up of more than 2 years. A significant correlation was found in 3 studies, with a mean lesion area of 107.4 ± 10.4 mm2, while none was reported in 8 studies, with a mean lesion area of 85.3 ± 9.2 mm2. The lesion diameter significantly correlated with clinical outcomes in 2 studies (mean diameter, 10.2 ± 3.2 mm), whereas none was found in 2 studies (mean diameter, 8.8 ± 0.0 mm). However, the reported lesion size measurement method and evaluation method of clinical outcomes widely varied among the studies. Conclusion: An assessment of the currently available data does suggest that BMS may best be reserved for OLT sizes less than 107.4 mm2 in area and/or 10.2 mm in diameter. Future development in legitimate prognostic size guidelines based on high-quality evidence that correlate with outcomes will surely provide patients with the best potential for successful long-term outcomes.

Bond strength and chemical interaction of self-adhesive resin cements according to the dentin region

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and level of chemical interaction of self-adhesive resin cements (SRCs) according to the dentin region. One hundred eight sound human third molars and three SRCs were selected: Bifix SE (Voco), Maxcem Elite (Kerr), and RelyX U200 (3M ESPE). Ninety human molars were used for the bond strength test and 18 teeth for the X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization. A flat surface of superficial, deep, or axial dentin was exposed. For bond strength evaluation, 90 indirect composite resin restorations (10mm in diameter, 2.0mm-thick) were built and cemented with one of the SRCs according to the manufacturer's instructions. The restored teeth were then cut into sticks with cross-sectional areas of 0.8mm2 and tested in tensile at a speed of 0.5mm/min (n=10). The results of bond strength were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The fractured specimens were classified under SEM. The remaining teeth were further sectioned in order to build dentin fragments with 2.0mm2 of area and 0.2mm in thickness for XRD analysis. In general, significantly higher bond strength was found when bonding to axial and deep dentin compared to superficial dentin. Comparing the bonding effectiveness of the SRCs, taking into account the mean bond strength obtained in the 3 dentin regions, the study found no significant difference (p>0.05). Although RelyX U200 showed similar bond strength irrespective of the dentin region (p>0.05), the bonding results of the other 2 SRCs varied significantly (p<0.05). There was a higher incidence of cohesive failure in the SRCs for all groups. The XRD analysis detected different perceptual reductions of hydroxyapatite crystallinity for all SRCs, indicating a particular chemical interaction in each experimental condition. Thus, it can be concluded that the bond strength and chemical interaction of the SRCs can vary significantly according to the dentin region.

A 10 Gbps differential low-power loss of signal detector for AC-coupled serial transceivers in 28 nm CMOS technology

This work presents a differential low-power 10Gbps loss of signal (LOS) detector for high-speed AC-coupled serial transceivers. The detector is designed in 28nm CMOS technology. It includes a novel comparator circuit that compares a differential input signal to a differential reference voltage with minimal sensitivity to the common mode voltage of the input signal. The LOS detector is capable of properly detecting a valid signal that has an external eye opening as low as 85mV and an internal eye opening as low as 36mV at the input pads. It asserts LOS if the external eye opening is below 50mV. It consumes 113uW from a 0.9V nominal power supply at 10Gbps date rate and properly asserts an LOS state in 25.5nS at typical corner operation. It occupies 0.00169mm2 of area. In simulations that include metal parasitic resistance and capacitance, the detector is shown to withstand process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations and satisfy the commercial operating temperature range. The design and layout of the system were implemented in Synopsys Custom Designer using 28nm CMOS device models.

Gelled colloidal crystals as tunable optical filters for spectrophotometers

We examined the performance of charged colloidal crystals immobilized in a polymer gel as tunable optical filters. The colloidal crystals of charged silica particles (particle diameter = 121 nm; particle concentration = 3.5 vol %; and Bragg wavelength λB = 630–720 nm) were produced by unidirectional crystallization under a temperature gradient. Photocurable gelation reagents were dissolved in the sample beforehand; this enabled gel immobilization of the crystals under ultraviolet illumination. The crystals had dimensions of more than 25 mm2 in area and 1 mm in thickness, and spatial λB variations of less than 1%. Upon mechanical compression, λB values shifted linearly and reversibly over almost the entire visible spectrum. Using the gelled crystals as tunable optical filters, we measured the transmittance spectra of various samples and found them to be in close agreement with those determined using a spectrophotometer equipped with optical gratings.

Pit Formation on the Basal Plane of Ice in Antifreeze Protein Type III Solution for Different Growth Mechanisms of Ice

When a single crystal of ice that has the basal plane several tenths of mm2 in area grows in a moderately active antifreeze protein (AFP) solution, numerous pits consisting of six pyramidal planes are formed on the basal plane. This pit formation suggests some interactions between the AFPs and the basal plane. In this study, we observed pit formation on the basal plane of ice growing in a 5 mg/mL fish AFP (type III) solution and examined three growth mechanisms (normal, spiral, and two-dimensional (2D) nucleation) of the basal plane by measuring the relationship between the growth rate and the degree of supercooling. We also measured the number density of pits in ice and found that the number density of pits for normal growth mode on molecularly rough surfaces was lower than that for spiral growth mode on relatively smooth surfaces, whereas pit formation was not observed during 2D nucleation growth mode. On the basis of these results, we proposed a model of pit formation during spiral growth mode. In this...

Fabrication of double-sided thallium bromide strip detectors

Double-sided strip detectors were fabricated from thallium bromide (TlBr) crystals grown by the traveling-molten zone method using zone-purified materials. The detectors had three 3.4-mm-long strips with 1-mm widths and a surrounding electrode placed orthogonally on opposite surfaces of the crystals at approximately 6.5×6.5mm2 in area and 5mm in thickness. Excellent charge transport properties for both electrons and holes were observed from the TlBr crystals. The mobility-lifetime products for electrons and holes in the detector were measured to be ~3×10−3cm2/V and ~1×10−3cm2/V, respectively. The 137Cs spectra corresponding to the gamma-ray interaction position were obtained from the detector. An energy resolution of 3.4% of full width at half maximum for 662-keV gamma rays was obtained from one “pixel” (an intersection of the strips) of the detector at room temperature.

Interactions between resin-based temporary materials and immediate dentin sealing

Bonded indirect restorations require two appointments: one for provisional treatment and one for luting with resin cement and dentin bonding agents (DBA). The DBA layer may be accomplished during a delayed dentin sealing (DDS) step following the provisional phase or an immediate dentin sealing (IDS) step after tooth preparation and during final luting procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of resin-based provisional material (RBPM) on the tensile bond strength to human dentin developed using DDS and IDS procedures. Flat dentin surfaces were prepared on 48 molars for microtensile testing. The specimens were restored using a 3-step etch-and-rinse DBA and composite resin (CR). A set of control specimens (G1) was directly restored using DBA and CR, while the remaining samples were treated using a provisional restoration procedure for 2 weeks: DDS + acrylic resin (AR) + calcium hydroxide cement (CHC) (group G2), DDS + AR + eugenol-free cement (G3), DDS + RBPM (G4), IDS + glycerin + RBPM (G5), or IDS + RBPM (G6). After storage of the final restoration in water for 24 h, the specimens were serially sectioned to obtain bonded sticks 0.8 mm2 in area. The tensile strength was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The mean (standard-deviation) bond strengths for groups G1–G6 were 42.18 (±2.63); 40.14 (±3.46); 37.77 (±0.93); 37.16 (±2.61); 34.11 (±1.08) and 23.79 (±0.49) MPa. The mean bond strength of group G6 was significantly lower (p < 0.05), suggesting that adhesion to dentin is influenced by use of RBPM with IDS prior to placement of a definitive restoration.