bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of Lead-free Solder Joints in WLCSP Device with Finite Element Simulation and Taguchi Method
Authors: Zhang Liang , Sun Lei , Han Ji-guang , Guo Yong-huan 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we research the thermo-mechanical reliability of lead-free solder joints in WLCSP assembly subjected to an accelerated thermal cyclic loading based on finite element simulation and Taguchi method. Effects of different control factors, including solder materials, height of solder ball, chip thickness and substrates thickness on the reliability of the lead-free solder joints were examined and calculated. The corner solder joint is the most critical solder joints in the assembly, the top surface of the solder joint is the crack propagated location. The optimal design in the WLCSP assembly has the combination of the SnAgCuAl, height of solder ball at 0.25 mm, chip thickness at 0.6 mm, substrate thickness at 1.0 mm. Moreover, the solder materials is the most important factor among the control factors in the WLCSP assembly.
A statistical study of precursor activity in rain-induced landslides
Authors: Avlonitis Markos , Efremidis George , Konstantinidis Avraam 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSpring-block models were introduced several years ago to model avalanche-like dynamics for catastrophic landslides. This article aims to address precursor phenomena in rain-induced landslides through the enrichment of a two-dimensional spring-block model with displacement gradients and stochasticity. This approach is along the lines of Aifantis and coworkers, who introduced deterministic gradients to stabilize material behavior in the softening regime and later expanded on it by introducing stochastic terms to model the competition between deterministic gradients and random effects. To this end, an appropriate stochastic constitutive relation, introducing an effective dissipation parameter (which is related to structural heterogeneity and deformation processes at the failure plane) is used. It is shown that there is definite precursor activity before rain-induced landslides that can be modeled by a process of material yielding at the failure plane (a “weak” plane at a certain depth, parallel to the surface of the soil or rock mass, over which landslide takes place). This activity is related to the exponent b of the power-law distribution of the slip events within the failure plane. Cellular automaton simulations were used to verify the analytical predictions, which can be useful to geoscientists and engineers, as an early prediction of the initiation of a landslide can minimize its catastrophic results through proper safety and precautionary measures.
TLR8 signaling enhances tumor immunity by preventing tumor‐induced T‐cell senescence
Authors: Ye Jian , Ma Chunling , Hsueh Eddy C , Dou Jie , Mo Wei , Liu Shuai , Han Bing , Huang Yi , Zhang Yanping , Varvares Mark A , Hoft Daniel F , Peng Guangyong 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests the immunosuppressive microenvironments created by malignant tumors represent a major obstacle for effective anti‐tumor immunity. A better understanding of the suppressive mechanisms mediated by tumor microenvironments and the development of strategies to reverse the immune suppression are major challenges for the success of tumor immunotherapy. Here, we report that human tumor cells can induce senescence in naïve/effector T cells, exhibiting potent suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. We further show that tumor‐derived endogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is responsible for the induction of T‐cell senescence. Importantly, activation of TLR8 signaling in tumor cells can block the induction and reverse the suppression of senescent naïve and tumor‐specific T cells in vitro and in vivo, resulting in enhanced anti‐tumor immunity. These studies identify a novel mechanism of human tumor‐mediated immune suppression and provide a new strategy to reverse tumor immunosuppressive effects for tumor immunotherapy.
The Genetic Architecture of Maize (Zea mays L.) Kernel Weight Determination
Authors: Alvarez Prado Santiago , López César G , Senior M Lynn , Borrás Lucas 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Individual kernel weight is an important trait for maize yield determination. We have identified genomic regions controlling this trait by using the B73xMo17 population; however, the effect of genetic background on control of this complex trait and its physiological components is not yet known. The objective of this study was to understand how genetic background affected our previous results. Two nested stable recombinant inbred line populations (N209xMo17 and R18xMo17) were designed for this purpose. A total of 408 recombinant inbred lines were genotyped and phenotyped at two environments for kernel weight and five other traits related to kernel growth and development. All traits showed very high and significant (P &lt; 0.001) phenotypic variability and medium-to-high heritability (0.60−0.90). When N209xMo17 and R18xMo17 were analyzed separately, a total of 23 environmentally stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) and five epistatic interactions were detected for N209xMo17. For R18xMo17, 59 environmentally stable QTL and 17 epistatic interactions were detected. A joint analysis detected 14 stable QTL regardless of the genetic background. Between 57 and 83% of detected QTL were population specific, denoting medium-to-high genetic background effects. This percentage was dependent on the trait. A meta-analysis including our previous B73xMo17 results identified five relevant genomic regions deserving further characterization. In summary, our grain filling traits were dominated by small additive QTL with several epistatic and few environmental interactions and medium-to-high genetic background effects. This study demonstrates that the number of detected QTL and additive effects for different physiologically related grain filling traits need to be understood relative to the specific germplasm.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping Methods for Diversity Outbred Mice
Authors: Gatti Daniel M , Svenson Karen L , Shabalin Andrey , Wu Long-Yang , Valdar William , Simecek Petr , Goodwin Neal , Cheng Riyan , Pomp Daniel , Palmer Abraham , Chesler Elissa J , Broman Karl W , Churchill Gary A 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGenetic mapping studies in the mouse and other model organisms are used to search for genes underlying complex phenotypes. Traditional genetic mapping studies that employ single-generation crosses have poor mapping resolution and limit discovery to loci that are polymorphic between the two parental strains. Multiparent outbreeding populations address these shortcomings by increasing the density of recombination events and introducing allelic variants from multiple founder strains. However, multiparent crosses present new analytical challenges and require specialized software to take full advantage of these benefits. Each animal in an outbreeding population is genetically unique and must be genotyped using a high-density marker set; regression models for mapping must accommodate multiple founder alleles, and complex breeding designs give rise to polygenic covariance among related animals that must be accounted for in mapping analysis. The Diversity Outbred (DO) mice combine the genetic diversity of eight founder strains in a multigenerational breeding design that has been maintained for &gt;16 generations. The large population size and randomized mating ensure the long-term genetic stability of this population. We present a complete analytical pipeline for genetic mapping in DO mice, including algorithms for probabilistic reconstruction of founder haplotypes from genotyping array intensity data, and mapping methods that accommodate multiple founder haplotypes and account for relatedness among animals. Power analysis suggests that studies with as few as 200 DO mice can detect loci with large effects, but loci that account for &lt;5% of trait variance may require a sample size of up to 1000 animals. The methods described here are implemented in the freely available R package DOQTL.
Fine-Mapping Nicotine Resistance Loci inDrosophilaUsing a Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross Population
Authors: Marriage Tara N , King Elizabeth G , Long Anthony D , Macdonald Stuart J 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAnimals in nature are frequently challenged by toxic compounds, from those that occur naturally in plants as a defense against herbivory, to pesticides used to protect crops. On exposure to such xenobiotic substances, animals mount a transcriptional response, generating detoxification enzymes and transporters that metabolize and remove the toxin. Genetic variation in this response can lead to variation in the susceptibility of different genotypes to the toxic effects of a given xenobiotic. Here we use Drosophila melanogaster to dissect the genetic basis of larval resistance to nicotine, a common plant defense chemical and widely used addictive drug in humans. We identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the trait using the DSPR (Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource), a panel of multiparental advanced intercross lines. Mapped QTL collectively explain 68.4% of the broad-sense heritability for nicotine resistance. The two largest-effect loci—contributing 50.3 and 8.5% to the genetic variation—map to short regions encompassing members of classic detoxification gene families. The largest QTL resides over a cluster of ten UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) genes, while the next largest QTL harbors a pair of cytochrome P450 genes. Using RNA-seq we measured gene expression in a pair of DSPR founders predicted to harbor different alleles at both QTL and showed that Ugt86Dd, Cyp28d1, and Cyp28d2 had significantly higher expression in the founder carrying the allele conferring greater resistance. These genes are very strong candidates to harbor causative, regulatory polymorphisms that explain a large fraction of the genetic variation in larval nicotine resistance in the DSPR.
A General Modeling Framework for Genome Ancestral Origins in Multiparental Populations
Authors: Zheng Chaozhi , P. Boer Martin , van Eeuwijk Fred A 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe next generation of QTL (quantitative trait loci) mapping populations have been designed with multiple founders, where one to a number of generations of intercrossing are introduced prior to the inbreeding phase to increase accumulated recombinations and thus mapping resolution. Examples of such populations are Collaborative Cross (CC) in mice and Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) lines in Arabidopsis. The genomes of the produced inbred lines are fine-grained random mosaics of the founder genomes. In this article, we present a novel framework for modeling ancestral origin processes along two homologous autosomal chromosomes from mapping populations, which is a major component in the reconstruction of the ancestral origins of each line for QTL mapping. We construct a general continuous time Markov model for ancestral origin processes, where the rate matrix is deduced from the expected densities of various types of junctions (recombination breakpoints). The model can be applied to monoecious populations with or without self-fertilizations and to dioecious populations with two separate sexes. The analytic expressions for map expansions and expected junction densities are obtained for mapping populations that have stage-wise constant mating schemes, such as CC and MAGIC. Our studies on the breeding design of MAGIC populations show that the intercross mating schemes do not matter much for large population size and that the overall expected junction density, and thus map resolution, are approximately proportional to the inverse of the number of founders.
Multiple Quantitative Trait Analysis Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Scutari Marco , Howell Phil , Balding David J , Mackay Ian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractModels for genome-wide prediction and association studies usually target a single phenotypic trait. However, in animal and plant genetics it is common to record information on multiple phenotypes for each individual that will be genotyped. Modeling traits individually disregards the fact that they are most likely associated due to pleiotropy and shared biological basis, thus providing only a partial, confounded view of genetic effects and phenotypic interactions. In this article we use data from a Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) winter wheat population to explore Bayesian networks as a convenient and interpretable framework for the simultaneous modeling of multiple quantitative traits. We show that they are equivalent to multivariate genetic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and that they are competitive with single-trait elastic net and single-trait GBLUP in predictive performance. Finally, we discuss their relationship with other additive-effects models and their advantages in inference and interpretation. MAGIC populations provide an ideal setting for this kind of investigation because the very low population structure and large sample size result in predictive models with good power and limited confounding due to relatedness.
Novel Distal eQTL Analysis Demonstrates Effect of Population Genetic Architecture on Detecting and Interpreting Associations
Authors: Weiser Matthew , Mukherjee Sayan , Furey Terrence S 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMapping expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) has identified genetic variants associated with transcription rates and has provided insight into genotype–phenotype associations obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Traditional eQTL mapping methods present significant challenges for the multiple-testing burden, resulting in a limited ability to detect eQTL that reside distal to the affected gene. To overcome this, we developed a novel eQTL testing approach, “network-based, large-scale identification of distal eQTL” (NetLIFT), which performs eQTL testing based on the pairwise conditional dependencies between genes’ expression levels. When applied to existing data from yeast segregants, NetLIFT replicated most previously identified distal eQTL and identified 46% more genes with distal effects compared to local effects. In liver data from mouse lines derived through the Collaborative Cross project, NetLIFT detected 5744 genes with local eQTL while 3322 genes had distal eQTL. This analysis revealed founder-of-origin effects for a subset of local eQTL that may contribute to previously described phenotypic differences in metabolic traits. In human lymphoblastoid cell lines, NetLIFT was able to detect 1274 transcripts with distal eQTL that had not been reported in previous studies, while 2483 transcripts with local eQTL were identified. In all species, we found no enrichment for transcription factors facilitating eQTL associations; instead, we found that most trans-acting factors were annotated for metabolic function, suggesting that genetic variation may indirectly regulate multigene pathways by targeting key components of feedback processes within regulatory networks. Furthermore, the unique genetic history of each population appears to influence the detection of genes with local and distal eQTL.
Nondestructive Evaluation on Hydrided LWR Fuel Cladding by Small Angle Incoherent Neutron Scattering of Hydrogen
Authors: Yan Y. , Qian S. , Littrell K. , Parish C. M. , Bell G. L. , Plummer L. K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA non-destructive neutron scattering method was developed to precisely measure the uptake of total hydrogen in nuclear grade Zircaloy-4 cladding. The hydriding apparatus consists of a closed stainless steel vessel that contains Zircaloy-4 specimens and hydrogen gas. By controlling the initial hydrogen gas pressure in the vessel and the temperature profile, target hydrogen concentrations from tens of ppm to a few thousands of ppm have been successfully achieved. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method (VHE), by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentration were selected for the neutron study. Small angle incoherent neutron scattering (SAINS) were performed in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Our study indicates that a very small amount (≈ 20 ppm) hydrogen in commercial Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately in minutes for a wide range of hydrogen concentration by a nondestructive method. The hydrogen distribution in a tube sample was obtained by scaling the neutron scattering rate with a factor, which is determined by calibration process with direct chemical analysis method on the specimen. This scale factor can be used for future test with unknown hydrogen concentration, thus provide a nondestructive method for absolute hydrogen concentration determination.
Temperature Dependent Electrical and Dielectrics Properties of Metal-Insulator-Metal Capacitors with Alumina-Silicone Nanolaminate Films
Authors: Sahoo Santosh K. , Patel Rakhi P. , Wolden Colin A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTAlumina-silicone hybrid nanolaminate films were synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. PECVD allows digital control over nanolaminate construction, and may be performed at low temperature for compatibility with flexible substrates. These materials are being considered as dielectrics for application such as capacitors in thin film transistors and memory devices. Temperature dependent electrical and dielectric properties of the nanolaminate dielectric films in metal-insulator-metal structures are taken in the range of 200- 340 K to better asses their potential applications for different devices. It is observed that the frequency dependent dielectric constant (εr) and ac conductivity (σac) increase with the temperature. Both quadratic (α) and linear (β) voltage coefficient of capacitance (VCC) increases as the temperature increases. The temperature co-efficient of capacitance (TCC) decreases from 894 to 374 ppm/K as the Al2O3 composition increases in the alumina/silicone nanolaminates. Activation energy (Ea) for hopping conduction mechanism varies from 0.011 eV to 0.008 eV as the alumina composition increases from 50 to 83.3%.
Post Deposition Annealing Temperature Effect on White-light Emitting of Sputter Deposited Zr-doped HfO2 Thin Film
Authors: Lin Chi-Chou , Kuo Yue 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe warm white light emission from the MOS capacitor containing the Zr-doped HfO2 high-k thin film on a p-type Si wafer under various post deposition annealing temperatures has been investigated. The light intensity is affected by the annealing temperature and the magnitude of the stress voltage. The annealing temperature changes the defect density and the physical thickness of the high-k stack. The high stress voltage induces the strong light emission because of the passage of a large current through the conductive path. The broad band emission spectrum covers the visible and near IR wavelength range with a large color rendering index. This new light emission device has a very long lifetime of > 1,000 hours at the atmosphere without a protection layer. The device is made of the IC compatible material and fabrication process, which favors the application over a wide range of products.
Bone-Targeting Radiopharmaceuticals for the Treatment of Bone-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Exploring the Implications of New Data
Authors: Ryan Charles J. , Saylor Philip J. , Everly Jason J. , Sartor Oliver 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background.
Clinical features of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are characterized by a high incidence of bone metastases, which are associated with impairment of quality of life, pain, skeletal-related events (SREs), and a negative impact on prognosis. Advances in the understanding of cancer cell-bone stroma interactions and molecular mechanisms have recently permitted the development of new agents.

Purpose.
We review the merits, applications, and limitations of emerging data sets on bone-metastatic CRPC with a focus on radium-223, an α-emitting radiopharmaceutical, and its use in therapy for this disease.

Methods.
References for this review were identified through searches of PubMed and Medline databases, and only papers published in English were considered. Related links in the databases were reviewed, along with relevant published guidelines, recently published abstracts from major medical meetings, and transcripts from a recent round table of clinical investigators.

Results.
Prior to radium-223, available bone-targeted therapies demonstrated the ability to delay SREs and palliate bone pain in patients with metastatic CRPC but without evidence of improvement in overall survival (OS). In a randomized controlled phase III trial, radium-223 demonstrated the ability to improve OS and delay SREs in docetaxel-pretreated or docetaxel-unfit men with symptomatic bone-metastatic CRPC and was not associated with significantly more grade 3 or 4 adverse events than placebo.

Conclusion.
Radium-223 has a targeted effect on bone metastases in CRPC and has an important role in docetaxel-pretreated or docetaxel-unfit men with symptomatic bone-metastatic CRPC.
Where Are They Now? Cash and Counseling Successes and Challenges Over Time
Authors: Simon-Rusinowitz Lori , Schwartz Abby J. , Loughlin Dawn , Sciegaj Mark , Mahoney Kevin J. , Donkoh Yaw 
Published: September 2014

The positive results of the Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) led to the funding of a replication project that included 12 more states in 2008. Since then, the political and economic environments have changed. The authors sought to investigate how well the 3 original and 12 replication CCDE programs are coping with current challenges and how their experiences may inform the growth and sustainability of emerging participant-directed programs. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with the 15 Cash and Counseling state program administrators. Key topics addressed included successful aspects of state programs, biggest challenges for each program, and information program administrators would like to learn from state colleagues. Themes related to budget issues (e.g., staff shortages and program funding cuts) and non–budget-related issues (e.g., understanding of program operations) emerged from the interviews. State program administrators also discussed program successes. To promote the sustainability and growth of participant-directed programs, existing participant-directed programs should be tied to national policy trends as well as review whether or not the programs address participant-directed principles. The development of new participant-directed programs should be based on other states’ experiences as discussed in this article.