Optimization of tungsten dual poly-metal gates in memory devices with Ti/Wn/WSiN barrier metal.

Due to the demand of high-speed/high-density and low power application of memory devices, tungsten dual poly gate (W-DPG; W/barrier metals/n+ and p+ poly-Si) electrode could be a good solution in order to reduce gate sheet resistance (Rs). Process optimization is completed for a diffusion barrier metal in a W-DPG. A new noble WSiN layer is inserted between the Ti/WN barrier metal and the tungsten gate electrode to maintain large grain size of W deposited by physical vapor deposition.

Independent associations of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone concentrations with blood pressure among Koreans: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2009-2010.

Although lower vitamin D and higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations have been associated with hypertension, their independent contribution to blood pressure (BP) is unclear. The independent associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and PTH levels with BP were therefore investigated. This is a population-based cross-sectional study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which includes a total of 4,513 participants (2,019 men and 2,494 women) aged ≥ 50 years.

Osteonecrosis of femoral head treated with alendronate in a 14-year-old boy: a case report.

We describe a 14-year-old adolescent with osteonecrosis of femoral head, who was treated successfully with oral bisphosphonate. To prevent physeal damage by surgical treatment, alendronate was administered weekly for 20 months. A complete resolution was achieved.

Treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures in hip arthroplasty.

Background: We analyzed the radiological and clinical results of our study subjects according to the management algorithm of the Vancouver classification system for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures in hip arthroplasty.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 18 hips with postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures. The average follow-up was 49 months.

Hemicallotasis for correction of varus deformity of the proximal tibia using a unilateral external fixator.

Background: Gradual correction of varus deformity of the proximal tibia is generally accepted and produces good results. However, most studies have used circular external fixators, which are complex and cause patient discomfort. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of hemicallotasis with a unilateral external fixator for correction of varus deformity of the proximal tibia.

A biomechanical analysis of locking plate fixation with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in a subtrochanteric fracture model.

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the relative fixation strengths of a locking plate, a dynamic condylar screw (DCS) plate, and a long proximal femoral nail (PFN).

Methods: The study involved three groups of composite large femoral synthetic bones of five specimens per group; plating using a locking compression plate-distal femur (LCP-DF), plating using a DCS plate, and nailing using a long PFN. A gap osteotomy model was used to simulate a comminuted subtrochanteric femur fracture.