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Many studies have suggested that standardization inhibits technological change via lock-in effects. However, the negative side of standardization has been overemphasized because of insufficient empirical evidence. On the basis of the standard and triadic patents registered during 1977–2010, this study examines the associations between standardization and technological evolution in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. We apply the annual International Patent Classification co-occurrence network to Telecommunications, Computers & Machinery, Consumer electronics, and Other ICTs to measure technological evolution with respect to diversity, openness, and concentration. Consequently, we regressed each aspect of technological evolution against the polynomial distributed lag number of the registered ICT standards per annum. The findings suggest different degrees of associations between standardization and technological diversity, openness, and concentration across each area. We observed that technological diversity increases with technology standardization in telecommunication and consumer electronics. In addition, there is a long time-lag effect on technological diversity in Computer & Machinery. Conversely, negative associations with diversity were observed in Other ICT. No significant associations were found between technology standardization and openness or concentration. These findings support the positive side of technology standards, which can offset the claimed lock-in effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding technology convergence became crucial for pursuing innovation and economic growth. This paper attempts to predict the pattern of technology convergence by jointly applying the Association Rule and Link Prediction to entire IPCs related to triadic patents filed during the period from 1955 to 2011. We further use a topic model to discover emerging areas of the predicted technology convergence. The results show that the medical area is in the center of convergence, and we predict that technologies for treating respiratory system/blood/sense disorders are associated with the technologies of genetic engineering/peptide/heterocyclic compounds. After eliminating the majority of convergence, we found the convergence pattern among activating catalysts, printing, advanced networking, controlling devices, secured communication with in-memory system, television system with pattern recognition, and image processing and analyzing technologies. The results of our study are expected to contribute to firms that seek new innovative technological domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report on the high-frequency insertion loss behaviors of a passive device patterned on a new type of insulating layer that consists of nanoporous anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) on a Si substrate. The transmission line loss and characteristics of simple capacitors were characterized by a series of RF measurements. The insertion loss of the transmission line on the hybrid insulating layer consisting of AAO and silicon dioxide (SiO2) was smaller than that on the SiO2 single insulating layer. This hybrid insulating layer approach appears to be promising for the development of integrated passive devices that require an insertion loss of the order of −0.621dB up to 20GHz. A simple MIM capacitor manufactured on the hybrid insulating layer operated very well in the RF range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Much controversy surrounds the etiology and management of Bell’s palsy, and the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying Bell’s palsy remain obscure despite the extensive body of relevant research. The pathological condition of Bell’s palsy is almost an inflammatory reaction compressing the facial nerve in the fallopian canal, particularly in the narrowest labyrinthine segment, followed by demyelinating neural change. As one of the best method for the visualization of the inflamed facial nerve in the intratemporal segment, temporal bone CT enable us not only to measure the exact length and thickness of individual segments of the facial nerve canal but also to view variable anatomic variations in the intratemporal facial canal. Some suggest that anatomical variation may predispose the nerve to inflammatory processes and also there can be peculiar structures of the temporal bone that are vulnerable to inflammation or neural compression injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe the first year-long hydrographic mooring timeseries from a location just to the south of the Drygalski Ice Tongue – the ice margin that forms the southern boundary of the Terra Nova Bay Polynya in the western Ross Sea. The region is where any northward flowing component of the Victoria Land Coastal Current encounters the ice tongue and supports an occasional polynya. The hydrographic mooring was deployed nearby Geikie Inlet from February 2017 through to March 2018, and was coupled with several contemporaneous oceanographic moorings to the north of the Drygalski Ice Tongue. This provides data with which to examine the water column dynamics in the context of local circulation and interaction with the ice tongue. The Terra Nova Bay region is subject to strong katabatic winds, however the polynya to the south of the Drygalski Ice Tongue operates at different times through the annual cycle when compared to the Terra Nova Bay Polynya to the north, as the sea ice in the south-side region is far more constrained in its motion yet, temperature and salinity are broadly consistent north and south of the ice tongue. Sub-surface Ice Shelf Water is observed south of the ice tongue. Transients in near-bed temperature and salinity are observed on both sides of the ice tongue, albeit with the northside leading by ∼8–9 days. Notably, the temperature transient precedes that of salinity by around 40 days. This suggests that, at this near-coastal position, the circulation beneath the ice tongue is primarily southward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Videooculography (VOG) is an eye movement measurement method used in the objective evaluation of vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR). An important requirement of VOG is to accurately estimate pupil center and ocular torsion, irrespective of drooping eyelids, eyelashes, corneal reflection, and blinking. Finding the accurate center of the pupil is particularly important in three-dimensional VOG, since otherwise, significant errors can occur in measuring torsional eye movement. A fast algorithm was proposed to accurately ascertain the pupil center, in spite of the complicating factors mentioned above. In this study, real-time three-dimensional VOG, which can measure horizontal, vertical, and torsional eye movements and calculate the pupil radius, was implemented using the proposed method. When the pupil radius was determined, the vertical position was measured within an error margin of less than 3%, even though only 10% of the pupil was visible. The time required to measure both three-dimensional eye movements and the pupil radius was less than 16ms. Thus, eye movements can be measured in real-time. The resolutions of horizontal, vertical, and torsional eye movement were 0.2°, 0.2°, and 0.1°, respectively, with maximum ranges of ±35°, ±25°, and ±18°. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This is the first report on the fabrication of AlGaN/GaN HFETs which has a recessed gate structure achieved by the photoelectrochemical etching technique. Optimal photoelectrochemical wet etching conditions were stabilized and applied for the device fabrication. The DC and large-signal RF performance of thus fabricated device is presented as well. The ohmic contacts fabricated on the n+-GaN layer exhibited contact resistivity of mid 10−6 Ω cm2 and resulted in a linear I–V characteristics during an operation of device. The maximum drain–source current density is approximately 174 mA mm−1 (at VGS=1 V), and the transconductance of approximately 68 mS mm−1 (at VGS=−1.1 V, VDS=6 V). The maximum frequency is measured to be approximately 31 GHz, and an RF power of 84 mW mm−1 at 1.8 GHz for a 1400-μm wide gate device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Head and neck tumors are a heterogeneous group and often invade the skull base. Various radiation techniques can be used for these tumors when surgery is unavailable. This study investigated the indications for gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in benign head and neck tumors. Methods Thirty-seven lesions in 35 patients were treated with GKRS for schwannoma, juvenile nasal angiofibroma, choroidal hemangioma, and pleomorphic adenoma. The median follow-up period was 43.0 months (range, 12.2–174.1 months). Results Tumor control was achieved in 35 of 37 lesions (94.6%) at last follow-up after GKRS. Thirty-four lesions (91.9%) decreased, 1 lesion (2.7%) remained stable, and 2 lesions (5.4%) increased in size. Clinically, 15 cases (40.5%) showed improvement, 17 cases (45.9%) were stable, 1 case (2.7%) experienced deterioration, and 4 cases (10.8%) developed new symptoms. Four of the 5 cases that exhibited deterioration or new symptoms improved. Conclusions GKRS is a reasonable alternative to surgery that can effectively control tumor growth and preserve functions of the head and neck in primary, residual, or recurrent benign head and neck tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Visulization of endolymphatic hydrops has been reported using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with Meniere''s disease. However, the relationship between the endolymphatic hydrops visualized by MRI and audio-vestibular functional tests have not been sufficiently investigated, such as pure tone audiometry (PTA), electrocochleography (EcoG), and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP). Methods: Here we attempted to visualize endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Meniere''s disease using 3Tesla (3T)-MRI following intratympanic gadolinium-diethylene-triamnie petaaetic acidbis (Gd-DTPA) injection and correlated the presence of hydrops with auditory testing. Following intratympanic Gd-DTPA contrast injections in 26 patients diagnosed as having definite Meniere''s disease, 3D-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequence imagings were performed. The PTA, EcoG, and VEMP testing was done bilaterally. Patients had typical results of auditory testing for Meniere''s disease. Results: The 3D-FLAIR MRI clearly demonstrated endolymphatic hydrops with signal voids in the cochlea (81%) and saccule (69%) in the definite Meniere''s disease group. Auditory tests verified that the visualized cochlear hydrops (basal turn) was correlated with a high tone hearing threshold in PTA and an abnormal EcoG. Though the absence of VEMP did not correlate with vestibular hydrops on MRI, large vestibular hydrops were detected by imaging. This study demonstrates that endolymphatic hydrops could be visualized by 3D-FLAIR MRI in Meniere''s disease patients. Conclusion: Cochlea hydrops and vestibular (saccular) hydrops are readily visualized using these techniques. Hydrops, as visualized on MRI, may be a reliable means to diagnosis Meniere''s disease; this is supported by appropriate correlations with auditory vestibular functional testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Accurate evaluation of middle ear function is a challenge especially in babies referred from newborn hearing screening programs. The aim was to assess the feasibility of tympanometry using 226- and 1000-Hz probe tones in neonates. Methods: Hearing was evaluated by transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) in 96 ears of healthy neonates in well-baby nursery. Babies with risk factors for hearing loss as identified in Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH, 1994) were excluded. Tympanograms recorded with 226 and 1000Hz probe tones were analyzed and classified. Results: Tympanograms were classified according to Method A (Jerger/Liden) and visual classification systems, Method B (adapted from Marchant et al.) and Method C (adapted from Kei et al.), without difficulty. In 72 ears with normal TEOAE, 226Hz tympanograms were classified as normal in 72 ears in Methods A and B, and 16 ears in Method C. 1000Hz tympanograms were normal in 68 ears in Method A, 72 ears in Method B and 68 ears in Method C. In 24 ears with abnormal TEOAE, 226Hz tympanograms were interpreted as normal in most ears (23 ears in Method A, 24 ears in Method B), whereas 1000Hz tympanograms were abnormal in 13 ears in Method A and 6 ears in Method B, possibly reflecting middle ear dysfunction. Conclusion: In healthy neonates without risk factors for hearing loss, 1000Hz tympanograms can be recorded and interpreted. A single-peaked tympanograms was most common in ears with normal TEOAE. In ears with abnormal TEOAE, tympanograms were classified as abnormal more frequently using 1000Hz than 226Hz. Implementation of tympanometry using 1000Hz probe tone in newborn hearing screening programs may provide valuable information regarding middle ear dysfunction that may cause transient conductive hearing loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Conventional surgical approaches for tonsillar carcinomas have a great risk for developing treatment-related morbidity. To minimize this morbidity, transoral lateral oropharyngectomy (TLO) using the robotic surgical system was performed, and the efficacy and feasibility of this procedure was evaluated. TLO was performed using the da Vinci surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). It consists of a surgeon’s console and a manipulator cart equipped with three robotic arms. The surgeon is provided with three-dimensional magnified images from the endoscopic arm and can control two instrument arms for delicate operations from the console. Safe resection of tonsillar carcinoma was possible with the three-dimensional magnified images. When proceeding with resection of the buccopharyngeal fascia, we could prevent damage to the carotid artery, which is located posterolateral to the tonsillar fossa, since the joint at the distal part of the robotic arm can be bent freely from side to side. By using the 30° endoscope, we can achieve a better surgical view of the base of the tongue area. TLO was performed successfully in all five patients without surgical complications. The mean operating time was 44min, and an average of 19min was required for setting up the robotic system. TLO using the robotic system will be a good option for organ preservation therapy in the treatment of carcinomas of the tonsil and the tonsillar fossa in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To present the surgical outcomes of complete removal of the matrix of labyrinthine fistulas in a large series of middle ear cholesteatomas. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study. We analyzed 38 of 778 patients who were operated on for cholesteatoma and were proved to have labyrinthine fistula from 1991 to 2007. For this study, a more aggressive strategy was adopted that compromised immediate total removal of the matrix, regardless of size. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the procedure, pre and postoperative pure-tone audiometry were compared and the recurrence rate was analyzed. Relevant data from the literature using a wide array of strategies were compared with our results. Results: Only two patients suffered from postoperative hearing deterioration of bone conduction of more than 10dB HL. There was no relationship between the size of labyrinthine fistulas and postoperative hearing deterioration. Recurrence of labyrinthine fistulas was not found. Conclusions: Total removal of the cholesteatoma matrix in one step is a safe and effective method for the treatment of labyrinthine fistulas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: We evaluated outcomes and their significance of a new treatment method for horizontal canal cupulolithiasis that could be applied regardless of the side of the cupula where otoliths are attached. Methods: Consecutive 78 patients who showed persistent apogeotropic horizontal canal positional vertigo (horizontal canal cupulolithiasis) were enrolled, and they were treated with the new cupulolith repositioning maneuver. Results: Horizontal semicircular canal cupulolithiasis was alleviated in 97.4% of patients, after an average of 2.1 repetitions of the maneuver. Otoliths were suspected to be attached to the canal side of the cupula in 30 cases and the utricular side in 44 cases. Conclusion: The cupulolith repositioning maneuver is an effective method for treating horizontal canal cupulolithiasis. It may also provide an insight into the side of the cupula where otoliths are attached. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Lateral line system of the zebrafish is a useful model for study of hair cell toxicity and regeneration. We found that low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) stimulated the regeneration of mechanosensory hair cells after neomycin-induced cell death in zebrafish lateral line. The aims of this study were to quantify the regenerative effects of LMWF and determine their relationship to the Notch and FGF signaling pathways. Methods: Wild-type zebrafish and three different transgenic zebrafish lines (Pou4f3::GFP, scm1::GFP, and ET20::GFP) were used. At 4.5–6 days post-fertilization, lateral line hair cells of larvae were eliminated using neomycin (500 μM). Larvae were then treated with LMWF. Neuromasts were observed using confocal microscopy. Stereocilia morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the location and status of regeneration was assessed using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Results: Hair cells damaged by neomycin treatment regenerated faster in wild-type and Pou4f3::GFP larvae treated with LMWF (50 μg/ml) than in untreated controls. LMWF also enhanced the regeneration of supporting cells in scm1::GFP and ET20::GFP larvae. Increased numbers of BrdU-labeled cells were found after LMWF treatment in neuromast regions corresponding to internal and peripheral supporting cells. The effect of LMWF was mimicked by the Notch signaling inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), but the effects of LMWF and DAPT were not additive. Conclusion: LMWF enhances the regeneration of hair cells damaged by neomycin. The mechanism may involve the Notch signaling pathway. LMWF shows promise as a therapeutic agent for hearing and balance disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Most of the patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) experience sudden hearing deterioration, but the exact mechanism is unclear. We analyzed magnetic resonance (MR) images and the cellular components of endolymph obtained from the endolymphatic sac in patients with EVA, in order to demonstrate the cause of sudden hearing loss. Methods: A total of 25 patients (50 ears) with EVA, who had severe to profound hearing loss, were included in this retrospective clinical study. MR examinations were performed by a 3.0-T MR system using an 8-channel sensitivity-encoding head coil. We analyzed endolymphatic fluid harvested from the endolymphatic sac during cochlear implantations in four patients. Results: The area of low signal intensity in the endolymphatic sac was observed on T2-weighted MR images for 15 of 50 ears. This area was observed more frequently in patients who experienced recent sudden hearing loss (10/12, 83%) than those with stable hearing (5/38, 13%)(Fisher''s exact test, p <0.001). In addition, this area showed high signal intensity on fluid attenuated inversion recovery images. Cytologic analysis of the aspirated endolymph from the endolymphatic sac in the patients with this area revealed many erythrocytes. Conclusion: Our data suggests that hemorrhage in the endolymphatic sac could be a cause of sudden hearing deterioration in patients with EVA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The management of the facial nerve in tumorous temporal lesions is particularly challenging due to its complex anatomic location and potential postoperative complications, including permanent facial paralysis. The most important concern regarding surgical treatment of a tumorous temporal lesion is the inevitable facial paralysis caused by nerve injury during the tumor removal, especially in patients with minimal to no preoperative facial nerve dysfunction. We describe successful four cases in which various surgical techniques were developed for the preservation of the facial nerve in treatment of intratemporal tumorous lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]