Effect of under-bump-metallization structure on electromigration of Sn-Ag solder joints

Chen, Hsiao-Yun,Ku, Min-Feng,Chen, Chih Techno-Press 2012 Advances in materials research Vol.1 No.1

The effect of under-bump-metallization (UBM) on electromigration was investigated at temperatures ranging from $135^{\circ}C$ to $165^{\circ}C$. The UBM structures were examined: 5-${\mu}m$-Cu/3-${\mu}m$-Ni and $5{\mu}m$ Cu. Experimental results show that the solder joint with the Cu/Ni UBM has a longer electromigration lifetime than the solder joint with the Cu UBM. Three important parameters were analyzed to explain the difference in failure time, including maximum current density, hot-spot temperature, and electromigration activation energy. The simulation and experimental results illustrate that the addition 3-${\mu}m$-Ni layer is able to reduce the maximum current density and hot-spot temperature in solder, resulting in a longer electromigration lifetime. In addition, the Ni layer changes the electromigration failure mode. With the $5{\mu}m$ Cu UBM, dissolution of Cu layer and formation of $Cu_6Sn_5$ intermetallic compounds are responsible for the electromigration failure in the joint. Yet, the failure mode changes to void formation in the interface of $Ni_3Sn_4$ and the solder for the joint with the Cu/Ni UBM. The measured activation energy is 0.85 eV and 1.06 eV for the joint with the Cu/Ni and the Cu UBM, respectively.

Treatment outcomes of patients with stage II pure endometrioid-type endometrial cancer: a Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (TGOG-2006) retrospective cohort study

Hung-Chun Fu,Jen-Ruei Chen,Min-Yu Chen,Keng-Fu Hsu,Wen-Fang Cheng,An Jen Chiang,Yu-Min Ke,Yu-Chieh Chen,Yin-Yi Chang,Chia-Yen Huang,Chieh-Yi Kang,Yuan-Yee Kan,Sheng-Mou Hsiao,Ming-Shyen Yen 대한부인종양학회 2018 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.29 No.5

Objective: Choice of hysterectomy and adjuvant treatment for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) is still controversial. Aims of this study were to evaluate survival benefits and adverse effects of different hysterectomies with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), and to identify prognostic factors. Methods: The patients at 14 member hospitals of the Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group from 1992 to 2013 were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into simple hysterectomy (SH) alone, SH with RT, radical hysterectomy (RH) alone, and RH with RT groups. Endpoints were recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), adverse effects and prognostic factors for survival. Results: Total of 246 patients were enrolled. The 5-year RFS, OS, DSS and recurrence rates for the entire cohort were 89.5%, 94.3%, 96.2% and 10.2%, respectively. Patients receiving RH had more adverse effects including blood loss (p<0.001), recurrent urinary tract infections (p=0.013), and leg lymphedema (p=0.038). Age over 50-year (HR=9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–70.9) and grade 3 histology (HR=7.28; 95% CI, 1.45–36.6) were independent predictors of OS. Grade 3 histology was an independent predictor of RFS (HR=5.13; 95% CI, 1.38–19.1) and DSS (HR=5.97; 95% CI, 1.06–58.7). Patients receiving adjuvant RT had lower locoregional recurrence (p=0.046), but no impact on survival. Conclusion: Different treatment modalities yield similar survival outcomes. Patients receiving SH with RT had lower locoregional recurrent with acceptable morbidity. Age and tumor grading remained significant predictors for survival among patients with FIGO 2009 stage II EEC.

The Relationship Between Night Shift Work and the Risk of Abnormal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone: A Hospital-Based Nine-Year Follow-up Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan

Chen, Hsin-Hao,Chiu, Hsiao-Hui,Yeh, Tzu-Lin,Lin, Chi-Min,Huang, Hsin-Yi,Wu, Shang-Liang Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2021 Safety and health at work Vol.12 No.3

Background: Health-care providers typically undergo shift work and are subjected to increased stress. Night shift work may induce disturbed sleep cycles and circadian rhythm. The objective of this study was to explore if night shift workers (NSWs) show an increased risk of abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 574 employees without thyroid disease and abnormal TSH at baseline who underwent annual check-ups between 2007 and 2016 in a medical center. NSWs were defined as those with working time schedules other than daytime hours. We calculated the incidence rate and estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident abnormal TSH and subclinical hypothyroidism compared with non-NSWs using a Cox regression model. Results: A total of 56 incident abnormal TSH cases and 39 subclinical hypothyroidism cases in NSWs were identified during 3000 person-years of follow-up. In models adjusted for age, sex, obesity, and working departments, we found no increased relative risk for incident abnormal TSH (HR: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.33-1.60) or subclinical hypothyroidism (HR: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.19-1.45) when comparing NSWs to non-NSWs; nor were incidence rates significantly different among exclusively medical employees after excluding administrative staff. Conclusion: In this hospital-based nine-year follow-up retrospective cohort study, NSWs were not associated with increased relative risk of incident abnormal TSH and subclinical hypothyroidism, in contrast to previous cross-sectional studies.

Deficiency or activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α reduces the tissue concentrations of endogenously synthesized docosahexaenoic acid in C57BL/6J mice

Hsiao, Wen-Ting,Su, Hui-Min,Su, Kuan-Pin,Chen, Szu-Han,Wu, Hai-Ping,You, Yi-Ling,Fu, Ru-Huei,Chao, Pei-Min The Korean Nutrition Society 2019 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.13 No.4

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), is acquired by dietary intake or the in vivo conversion of ${\alpha}$-linolenic acid. Many enzymes participating in LCPUFA synthesis are regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha ($PPAR{\alpha}$). Therefore, it was hypothesized that the tissue accretion of endogenously synthesized DHA could be modified by $PPAR{\alpha}$. MATERIALS/METHODS: The tissue DHA concentrations and mRNA levels of genes participating in DHA biosynthesis were compared among $PPAR{\alpha}$ homozygous (KO), heterozygous (HZ), and wild type (WT) mice (Exp I), and between WT mice treated with clofibrate ($PPAR{\alpha}$ agonist) or those not treated (Exp II). In ExpII, the expression levels of the proteins associated with DHA function in the brain cortex and retina were also measured. An n3-PUFA depleted/replenished regimen was applied to mitigate the confounding effects of maternal DHA. RESULTS: $PPAR{\alpha}$ ablation reduced the hepatic Acox, Fads1, and Fads2 mRNA levels, as well as the DHA concentration in the liver, but not in the brain cortex. In contrast, $PPAR{\alpha}$ activation increased hepatic Acox, Fads1, Fads2, and Elovl5 mRNA levels, but reduced the DHA concentrations in the liver, retina, and phospholipid of brain cortex, and decreased mRNA and protein levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in brain cortex. CONCLUSIONS: LCPUFA enzyme expression was altered by $PPAR{\alpha}$. Either $PPAR{\alpha}$ deficiency or activation-decreased tissue DHA concentration is a stimulus for further studies to determine the functional significance.

Deficiency or activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ⍺ reduces the tissue concentrations of endogenously synthesized docosahexaenoic acid in C57BL/6J mice

Wen-Ting Hsiao,Hui-Min Su,Kuan-Pin Su,Szu-Han Chen,Hai-Ping Wu,Yi-Ling You,Ru-Huei Fu,Pei-Min Chao 한국영양학회 2019 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.13 No.4

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), is acquired by dietary intake or the in vivo conversion of α-linolenic acid. Many enzymes participating in LCPUFA synthesis are regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Therefore, it was hypothesized that the tissue accretion of endogenously synthesized DHA could be modified by PPARα. MATERIALS/METHODS: The tissue DHA concentrations and mRNA levels of genes participating in DHA biosynthesis were compared among PPARα homozygous (KO), heterozygous (HZ), and wild type (WT) mice (Exp I), and between WT mice treated with clofibrate (PPARα agonist) or those not treated (Exp II). In ExpII, the expression levels of the proteins associated with DHA function in the brain cortex and retina were also measured. An n3-PUFA depleted/replenished regimen was applied to mitigate the confounding effects of maternal DHA. RESULTS: PPARα ablation reduced the hepatic Acox, Fads1, and Fads2 mRNA levels, as well as the DHA concentration in the liver, but not in the brain cortex. In contrast, PPARα activation increased hepatic Acox, Fads1, Fads2, and Elovl5 mRNA levels, but reduced the DHA concentrations in the liver, retina, and phospholipid of brain cortex, and decreased mRNA and protein levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in brain cortex. CONCLUSIONS: LCPUFA enzyme expression was altered by PPARα. Either PPARα deficiency or activation-decreased tissue DHA concentration is a stimulus for further studies to determine the functional significance.

Experiences of Family of Patient with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Terminal Stage Hepatocellular Cancer

Shih, Whei-Mei Jean,Hsiao, Ping-Ju,Chen, Min-Li,Lin, Mei-Hsiang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.8

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide due to its generally poor prognosis. Caregiver burden for liver cancer cases is higher than with other cancer and needs especial attention. Methods: To explore the experiences of families of patients with newly diagnosed advanced terminal stage hepatocellular cancer by interview. Results: Nine participants were recruited in this study. Content analysis of the interviews revealed four themes: blaming oneself, disrupting the pace of life, searching all possible regimens, and not letting go. Conclusions: This study provides new insight into the needs and support of family members especially when they are facing loved ones with newly diagnosed advanced terminal stage HCC. These results will inform future supportive care service development and intervention research aimed at providing assistance in reducing unmet supportive care needs and psychological distress of these family members.

Applying Multi-Objective Planning in Low-Carbon Product Design

Tsai Chi Kuo,Hsiao Min Chen,Chia Yi Liu,Jui-Che Tu,Tzu-Chang Yeh 한국정밀공학회 2014 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

In low-carbon product design, product environment, as well as economic and manufacturing capabilities, should be considered simultaneously. The purpose of this paper is to improve the product carbon footprint calculation efficiency. This study not only considers cost, supplier manufacturing capacity, and transport modes of product components from the viewpoint of low-carbon product design, but it also provides information on product GHG values, design phase cost, as well as the product decisions made by enterprises. In this way, enterprise objectives about carbon footprints and product cost can be met. Based on the product life cycle and product category specifications, this study, following the actual industry process flow, collects and calculates data on GHG emissions of components within the product life cycle, cost and supplier production capacity. The aim is to determine the operational parameters and constraint equations. Multi-objective planning is used to establish a low carbon optimal evaluation model. By reviewing carbon emissions in each phase, the study further determines whether or not to modify product structure and consumption in order to improve the efficiency of product carbon footprint calculation, reduce R&D cost, and help enterprises design low-carbon products. Finally, the findings are used for a case analysis.

Tests of reinforced concrete deep beams

Wen-Yao Lu,Hsin-Tai Hsiao,Chun-Liang Chen,Shu-Min Huang,Ming-Che Lin 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2015 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.15 No.3

This study reports the test results of twelve reinforced concrete deep beams. The deep beams were tested with loads applied through and supported by columns. The main variables studied were the shear span-to-depth ratios, and the horizontal and vertical stirrups. The shear strengths can be effectively enhanced for deep beams reinforced with both horizontal and vertical stirrups. The test results indicate the shear strengths of deep beams increase with the decrease of the shear span-to-depth ratios. The normalized shear strengths of the deep beams did not increase proportionally with an increase in effective depth. An analytical method for predicting the shear strengths of deep beams is proposed in this study. The shear strengths predicted by the proposed method and the strut-and-tie model of the ACI Code are compared with available test results. The comparison shows the proposed method can predict the shear strengths of reinforced concrete deep beams more accurately than the strut-and-tie model of the ACI Code.

Metallic Stent Placement in Hemodialysis Graft Patients after Insufficient Balloon Dilation

Huei-Lung Liang,Huay-Ben Pan,Yih-Huie Lin,Chiung-Yu Chen,Hsiao-Min Chung,Tung-Ho Wu,Kang-Ju Chou,Pin-Hong Lai,Chien-Fang Yang 대한영상의학회 2006 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.7 No.2

Objective: We wanted to report our experience of metallic stent placement after insufficient balloon dilation in graft hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three patients (13 loop grafts in the forearm and 10 straight grafts in the upper arm) underwent metallic stent placement due to insufficient flow after urokinase thrombolysis and balloon dilation. The indications for metallic stent deployment included 1) recoil and/or kinked venous stenosis in 21 patients (venous anastomosis: 17 patients, peripheral outflow vein: four patients); and 2) major vascular rupture in two patients. Metallic stents 8 10mm in diameter and 40 80 mm in length were used. Of them, eight stents were deployed across the elbow crease. Access patency was determined by clinical follow-up and the overall rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: No procedure-related complications (stent fracture or central migration) were encountered except for a delayed Wallstent shortening/migration at the venous anastomosis, which resulted in early access failure. The overall primary and secondary patency rates ( standard error) of all the vascular accesses in our 23 patients at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 69% 9 and 88% 6, 41% 10 and 88% 6, 30% 10 and 77% 10, and 12% 8 and 61% 13, respectively. For the forearm and upper-arm grafts, the primary and secondary patency rates were 51% 16 and 86% 13 vs 45% 15 and 73% 13 at 6 months, and 25% 15 and 71% 17 vs 23% 17 and 73% 13 at 12 months (p = .346 and .224), respectively. Conclusion: Metallic stent placement is a safe and effective means for treating peripheral venous lesions in dialysis graft patients after insufficient balloon dilation. No statistically difference in the patency rates between the forearm and upper-arm patient groups was seen.

A Fatal Case of Naegleria fowleri Meningoencephalitis in Taiwan

Mei-Yu Su,Ming-Shih Lee,Ling-Yuh Shyu,Wei-Chen Lin,Pei-Ching Hsiao,Chi-Ping Wang,Dar-Der Ji,Ke-Min Chen,Shih-Chan Lai 대한기생충학열대의학회 2013 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.51 No.2