cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Solder-Magnetic Particle Composites and Their Reflow Using AC Magnetic Fields

Localized heating of solder interconnects in electronic packaging can help alleviate undesirable thermal stresses during the conventional reflow process, where the package is subjected to high temperatures. Localized heating is possible for conductors by electromagnetic induction of eddy currents which results in Joule heating, when subjected to AC magnetic fields. However, for typical solder pastes with fine solder powders dispersed in a flux medium, the eddy current losses, which have strong size dependence, become too small to cause significant heating at reasonable field amplitudes and frequencies. Magnetic materials exhibit losses from hysteretic and relaxation processes, in AC magnetic fields. We investigated the feasibility of solder paste reflow by localized heating of novel solder magnetic particle composites in AC magnetic fields. A solder paste magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) composite was prepared by mechanical mixing of FeCo MNPs with Type III Sn96.5/Ag3.0/Cu0.5 (SAC305) Pb-free solder paste. The pristine solder paste show an insignificant temperature rise when subjected to AC magnetic field of 500 Oe at 280 kHz, whereas the solder-MNP composite samples with particle concentration of 2 wt% or more were able to reflow due to magnetic heating. Here we report first demonstration of a new approach for solder melting in AC magnetic fields using MNPs.
Data movement in hybrid analytic systems: a case for automation

Hybrid data analysis systems integrate an analytic tool and a data management tool. While hybrid systems have benefits, in order to be effective data movement between the two hybrid components must be minimized. Through experimental results we demonstrate that under workloads whose inputs vary in size, shape, and location, automation is the only practical way to manage data movement in hybrid systems.
Landscape, monumental architecture, and ritual: a reconsideration of the South Indian ashmounds

Abstract During the South Indian Neolithic period (3000–1200 BC), the agro-pastoral inhabitants of the South Deccan/North Dharwar region constructed large mounded features by heaping and burning accumulations of cattle dung. These ‘ashmound’ features were comprised of a myriad of variegated strata of ash, vitrified dung, and other culturally modified sediments, many of which reached monumental proportions. Ashmounds have been the subject of considerable debate since coming to the attention of scholars in the early 19th century. Current debate has centered largely on the function and spatial context of these features in relation to Neolithic settlement. This article examines the South Indian ashmounds as monumental forms of architecture and the loci of ritual and ceremonial activity within the context of Neolithic agro-pastoral landscape production. By situating ashmound construction within the social rhythm of cattle pastoralism and carefully examining the emplotment, depositional histories, and post-Neolithic afterlives of these unique features this paper argues that social practices likely originating in quotidian activities were gradually transformed into regular, public ceremonial activities producing monumental forms, relating and reinforcing socio-symbolically charged information.
Getting in the Door: Sampling and Completing Elite Interviews

Many factors are important when it comes to conducting high quality elite interviews. As my colleagues have noted in their presentations in San Francisco and in their essays in this issue, gaining valid and reliable data from elite interviews demands that researchers be well prepared, construct sound questions, establish a rapport with respondents, know how to write up their notes, and code responses accurately and consistently. Improving these skills will certainly reduce the amount of measurement error contained in interview data. Unfortunately, none of these skills matter if you do not get the interview. In other words, everything that my colleagues have talked about depends on getting in the door, getting access to your subject. A well-prepared personable researcher who would be able to control an open-ended and wide-ranging interview, while establishing a strong informal rapport with an elite respondent will never get to demonstrate his or her interviewing skills—or ability to decrease measurement error—if the meeting never takes place. Furthermore and fundamentally, systematic error will also be introduced if researchers only get access to certain types of respondents.
Recent Mass Mortality of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) at Malibu and a Review of Purple Sea Urchin Kills Elsewhere in California

Abstract Mass mortalities of intertidal purple sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus occurred at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, California, in 2010 and 2011. Both events followed the first heavy rain of the season, and coincided with the illegal breaching of a coastal lagoon. Osmotic shock from low-salinity lagoon water, the likely cause of death, may have acted jointly with stress from subaerial exposure during especially low tides. Massive die-offs of purple sea urchins have occurred at other localities, usually after natural conditions created lethal levels of osmotic or thermal stress, or because of human efforts to harvest or to eradicate the species. Annually recurring lagoon ruptures at Malibu, combined with predation by western gulls, can have a profound impact on the local population of S. purpuratus and on intertidal ecology.
Understanding the Concerns of Parents of Students with Disabilities: Challenges and Roles for School Counselors

Parents of children with disabilities share concerns common to all parents, but they also have additional concerns that are unique to their children's disabilities. Professional school counselors c...
Determinants of S. cerevisiae Dynein Localization and Activation: Implications for the Mechanism of Spindle Positioning

Abstract Background: During anaphase in budding yeast, dynein inserts the mitotic spindle across the neck between mother and daughter cells. The mechanism of dynein-dependent spindle positioning is thought to involve recruitment of dynein to the cell cortex followed by capture of astral microtubules (aMTs). Results: We report the native-level localization of the dynein heavy chain and characterize the effects of mutations in dynein regulators on its intracellular distribution. Budding yeast dynein displays discontinuous localization along aMTs, with enrichment at the spindle pole body and aMT plus ends. Loss of Bik1p (CLIP-170), the cargo binding domain of Bik1p, or Pac1p (LIS1) resulted in diminished targeting of dynein to aMTs. By contrast, loss of dynactin or a mutation in the second P loop domain of dynein resulted in an accumulation of dynein on the plus ends of aMTs. Unexpectedly, loss of Num1p, a proposed dynein cortical anchor, also resulted in selective accumulation of dynein on the plus ends of anaphase aMTs. Conclusions: We propose that, rather than first being recruited to the cell cortex, dynein is delivered to the cortex on the plus ends of polymerizing aMTs. Dynein may then undergo Num1p-dependent activation and transfer to the region of cortical contact. Based on the similar effects of loss of Num1p and loss of dynactin on dynein localization, we suggest that Num1p might also enhance dynein motor activity or processivity, perhaps by clustering dynein motors.
Wavelength-Dependent Conformational Changes in Collagen after Mid-Infrared Laser Ablation of Cornea

We ablated porcine corneas with a free electron laser tuned to either 2.77 or 6.45 μm, two matched wavelengths that predominantly target water and protein, respectively. The ejected nonvolatile debris and the crater left behind were examined by circular dichroism, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the postablation conformation of collagen proteins. We found near-complete unfolding of collagen secondary and tertiary structure at either ablating wavelength. On the other hand, we found excess fibril swelling and evidence for excess cis-hydroxyproline in the 6.45-μm debris. These results support the hypothesis that the favorable ablative properties of protein-targeting wavelengths rest on selective heating of tissue proteins.
Optimal communications filters for multirate applications

The author describes optimal communications filters used for multirate applications. The closed-form solution is presented for the lowpass filtering problem where the passband is constrained to be maximally flat and the stopband energy is minimized. The optimal filter is shown to exist for specific passband constraints which are related to a matrix of the Vandermonde type. The relationship between filters of similar design with one or two passband constraints is described. Several design examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design technique. >
Behavior Detection Using Confidence Intervals of Hidden Markov Models

Markov models are commonly used to analyze real-world problems. Their combination of discrete states and stochastic transitions is suited to applications with deterministic and stochastic components. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are a class of Markov models commonly used in pattern recognition. Currently, HMMs recognize patterns using a maximum-likelihood approach. One major drawback with this approach is that data observations are mapped to HMMs without considering the number of data samples available. Another problem is that this approach is only useful for choosing between HMMs. It does not provide a criterion for determining whether or not a given HMM adequately matches the data stream. In this paper, we recognize complex behaviors using HMMs and confidence intervals. The certainty of a data match increases with the number of data samples considered. Receiver operating characteristic curves are used to find the optimal threshold for either accepting or rejecting an HMM description. We present one example using a family of HMMs to show the utility of the proposed approach. A second example using models extracted from a database of consumer purchases provides additional evidence that this approach can perform better than existing techniques.
A high-speed clockless serial link transceiver

We present a high-speed, clockless, serial link transceiver for inter-chip communication in asynchronous VLSI systems. Serial link transceivers achieve high off-chip data rates by using multiplexing transmitters and demultiplexing receivers that interface parallel on-chip data paths with high-speed, serial off-chip buses. While synchronous transceivers commonly use multi-phase clocks to control the data multiplexing and demultiplexing, our clockless transceiver uses a token-ring architecture that eliminates complex clock generation and synchronization circuitry. Furthermore, our clockless receiver dynamically self-adjusts its sampling rate to match the bit rate of the transmitter. Our SPICE simulations report that in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology this transceiver design operates at up to 3-Gb/s and dissipates 77 mW of power with a 1.8-V supply voltage.
Effects of Compositional Segregation and Short Channel on Threshold Voltage of nMOSFET

This study calculates the threshold voltage (VT) roll-off behavior caused by short channel effect (SCE) as a result of scaling and the reverse short-channel effect (RSCE) due to B segregation around source and drain junctions by using the 2D device simulator - SILVACO™-ATLAS. The simulation results are comparable with the experimental data. It suggests that the drift diffusion physics can predict SCE and RSCE very well to sub-0.25µ Si n-MOSFET devices. The modeling results indicate the VT roll off at shorter channel length for devices with higher substrate doping concentration. VT increases if the local p-dopant segregation exists around the source and drain junction. It is observed that RSCE is more significant for devices with lower substrate doping concentration and shorter channel length.
Brief Report: Reduced Prioritization of Facial Threat in Adults with Autism

Typically-developing (TD) adults detect angry faces more efficiently within a crowd than non-threatening faces. Prior studies of this social threat superiority effect (TSE) in ASD using tasks consisting of schematic faces and homogeneous crowds have produced mixed results. Here, we employ a more ecologically-valid test of the social TSE and find evidence of a reduced social TSE in adults with ASD (n = 21) relative to TD controls (n = 28). Unlike TD participants, the ASD group failed to show the normative advantage for detecting angry faces faster than happy faces, either within crowds of neutral or emotional faces. These findings parallel prior work indicating a reduced sensitivity in ASD to facial cues of untrustworthiness, and may reflect a vulnerability for evaluating social harm.
Plasma Membrane Calcium Transport and Membrane-Bound Enzymes

This chapter will consider evidence demonstrating the existence in the plasma membrane of an active transport system for calcium. (The terms calcium and Ca are used here to denote calcium in general, including bound calcium and, possibly, free ionized calcium. When free ionized calcium is meant, the symbol Ca2+ will be employed.) Evidence gained mainly from studies using the human red blood cell (RBC) will be reviewed. Reference and inference to calcium transport in other plasma membranes will be made where this seems justified. The relationship of plasma membrane calcium transport to several membrane-bound enzymes will be discussed, consideration of the potential significance of plasma membrane transport to cellular biology will be undertaken, and the possible role of plasma membrane calcium transport in several diseases will be considered. We shall attempt to critically assess the evidence for plasma membrane calcium transport and will attempt to show that transport of calcium in the RBC plasma membrane is representative of most cellular plasma membranes. While not necessarily comprehensive this approach reflects our desire to bridge the gap between basic biochemistry-biophysics and clinical medicine.
Left ventricular assist device management in patients chronically supported for advanced heart failure.

Purpose of reviewThis review summarizes management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients supported chronically with implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).Recent findingsAs the population of patients supported with long-term LVADs has grown, patient sele
Index of Suspicion in the NurseryCase 1: Term Infant With an Absolute Neutrophil Count of ZeroCase 2: Coagulopathy, Hepatomegaly, and Ascites in a Term Newborn

A male infant is born at 38 weeks’ gestation via emergency repeat cesarean delivery after the mother presented in labor with thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid present. Apgar scores are 2, 7, and 8 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. After initial resuscitation in the delivery room that required intubation and suctioning of meconium, the infant is transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. Respiratory support is weaned to high-flow nasal cannula. Hypoglycemia and neutropenia are found on initial blood work. A blood culture is performed, and ampicillin and cefotaxime are administered for high clinical suspicion of neonatal infection. Maternal blood work includes blood type O, Rh positive, and negative antibody screen result. The mother tests negative for hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, group B Streptococcus, and syphilis. She is immune to rubella. She did not have prolonged rupture of placental membranes or fever. There is no maternal history of hypertension or preeclampsia. On physical examination, the infant weighs 3.2 kg, and vital signs are as follows: pulse oxygen saturation, 96% to 100% on 4-L/min high-flow nasal cannula with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.40; respiratory rate, 46 to 83 breaths per minute; heart rate, 110 to 160 beats per minute; blood pressure, 89/52 mm Hg; and afebrile. The infant is alert, and newborn reflexes are intact. There is no pallor, petechiae, ecchymosis, or jaundice. Peripheral perfusion is normal. Findings of the remainder of the physical examination are unremarkable. Laboratory studies on admission reveal the following: hemoglobin, 12.2 g/dL (122 g/L); hematocrit, 34.5% (0.35); platelet count, 149 × 103/μL (149 × 109/L); …
The Influence of dl-Alpha-Tocopherol on Efficiency of Feed Utilization in the Chick

Abstract During attempts at determination of the role of vitamin E in chick nutrition it was observed that chicks on certain vitamin E inadequate rations consumed approximately the same amount of feed yet grew slower than those receiving rations adequate in vitamin E. The vitamin E free ration contained dextrinized corn starch, lard, strains S and G dried brewers’ yeast, fish meal, gelatin, casein, a salt mixture, cellulose, vitamin A concentrate, choline, 2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone and vitamin D. The casein, yeast, and fish meal were freed of vitamin E by extraction with hot Skellysolve B for 48 hours in a soxhlet extractor. The influence of dl-alpha-tocopherol on efficiency of feed utilization in chicks in summarized in Table 1. The results indicate that chicks require vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) activity for efficient feed utilization. The feed required to produce one gram of gain, when only the basal ration was consumed, was much greater than . . .
Preparation and application of modified chitosan flocculant for decoloration

Chitosan was grafted with acrylamide (AM) and dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC) and polymerized in water with ammonium persulfate / sodium hydrosulfite redox system to give modified chitosan flocculant for decoloration. The polymer structure was demonstrated with IR spectrometry. The optimal conditions for the synthesis were: m(chitosan)∶m(AM)∶m(DMDAAC)=1∶10∶1, reaction temp. 55 ℃, and initiator amt. 0.05% (based on wt of reaction media). The properties of the polymer were researched to find that the color removal ratio from dyeing and printing wastewater was ca 96.0% and CODCr removal ratio ca 86.5%.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in the Treatment of Heart Failure

Heart failure remains a major medical burden with an estimated six million people affected in the United States of America alone making it the most common diagnosis in all hospital admissions [1, 2]. Coronary artery disease (CAD) with subsequent ischemic cardiomyopathy is the underlying cause of heart failure in roughly 70 % of all heart failure patients [3]. Indeed, myocardial infarctions (MI) are responsible for 750,000 deaths annually with an estimated 60,000 of the survivors developing congestive heart failure [4]. Transplantation has traditionally been the only surgical treatment for end stage heart failure but the scarcity of donor organs, the recipient suitability for organ transplantation as well as the rapid rise of heart failure have made this less than an ideal solution for all. Increasingly, surgical intervention has concentrated on coronary revascularization, valvular repair/replacement, ventricular restoration/remodeling, ventricular assist devices, stem cell therapy and external restraint devices [4, 5]. In this chapter, we aim to highlight the utility and selection of offering revascularization to the subgroup of heart failure patients who will benefit from this intervention.
Islam, Violence and the New Barbarism

What is termed the ‘new barbarism thesis’ has appeared in a number of contexts. These include the apparent recidivism of sub-Saharan Africa’s domestic unrest and the internecine enmities of the Balkans to the rise of neo-Orientalism, the West’s retreat from multiculturalism and the Malthusianism of environmental scarcity.2 While frequently neither coherent nor especially sophisticated, its influence has been, and continues to be, profound. At its heart lies an overarching concern to construct what Dag Tuastad calls ‘explanations of political violence that omit political and economic interests and contexts when describing violence, and presents violence as a result of traits embedded in local cultures’.3 For Mahmood Mamdani, it assumes, in other words, ‘that every culture has a tangible essence that defines it, and it then explains politics as a consequence of that essence’. It is, he continues, ‘no longer the market(capitalism), nor the state (democracy), but culture (modernity) that is said to be the dividing line between those in favour of a peaceful, civic existence and those inclined to [participate in] terror’ and violence.4
Leveraging the test effect to improve maintenance of the gains achieved through cognitive rehabilitation.

Objective An important aspect of the rehabilitation of cognitive and linguistic function subsequent to brain injury is the maintenance of learning beyond the time of initial treatment. Such maintenance is often not satisfactorily achieved. Additional practice, or overtraining, may play a key role in long-term maintenance. In particular, the literature on learning in cognitively intact persons has suggested that it is testing, and not studying, that contributes to maintenance of learning. The present study investigates the hypothesis that continuing to test relearned words in persons with anomia will lead to significantly greater maintenance compared with continuing to study relearned words. Method The current study combines overtraining with the variable of test versus study in examining the effects of overtesting and overstudying on maintenance of word finding in 3 persons with aphasia. First, treatment successfully reestablished the connections between known items and their names. Once the connections were reestablished (i.e., items could be named successfully), each item was placed into 1 of 4 overtraining conditions: test and study, only test, only study, or no longer test or study. Maintenance was probed at 1 month and 4 months following the end of overtraining. Results The results are consistent with an advantage of testing compared with studying. All 3 participants showed significantly greater maintenance for words that were overtested than for words that were overstudied. This testing benefit persisted at 1 month and 4 months after completion of the treatment. In fact, there was no clear evidence for any benefit of overstudying. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that overtesting, but not overstudying, leads to lasting maintenance of language rehabilitation gains in patients with anomia. The implications for the design of other treatment protocols are immense. (PsycINFO Database Record
A Single Institution Retrospective Comparison Study of Locoregional Recurrence After Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using External Beam Fractionation Compared with Whole Breast Irradiation with 8 Years of Follow-Up

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) was developed to address disadvantages of overall treatment time and potentially unnecessary radiation associated with whole breast irradiation (WBI). We report updated results of our single institution study using an external beam APBI regimen with a median follow-up of 8 years. A total of 290 APBI patients with AJCC Stage 0–II breast cancer were compared with 290 WBI patients with matched tumor characteristics. Toxicities were scored based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3.0). Cox regression models were used to predict likelihood of freedom from ipsilateral failure. Median follow-up was 8 years in the APBI group and 7.5 years in the WBI group. In the APBI group, there were 18 (6.2%) ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), 13 (72%) had elsewhere failures (EF), and 5 (28%) had local failures (LF) with a median time to failure of 64.1 months. In the WBI group, there were three (1.0%) IBTR; one (33%) was an EF and two (67%) were LF with a median time to failure of 91 months. APBI was 4.6 times more likely (hazard ratio 4.57, 95% confidence interval 1.3–16.2, p = 0.02) to have an IBTR than WBI after adjusting for age, tumor size, histology, grade, and estrogen receptor status. Fatigue, erythema, and desquamation toxicities were significantly less in the APBI group then the WBI group. IBTR rates were higher in external beam APBI group compared with WBI, but APBI had fewer toxicities. Clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits of APBI when making a recommendation for partial breast irradiation after lumpectomy.
Draft Genome Sequences of One Methicillin-Sensitive and Seven Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 5 Isolates Obtained in California.

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal bacterium of humans that can cause a spectrum of diseases. An isolate’s capacity to cause disease is partially attributed to the acquisition of novel mobile genetic elements. This report provides the draft genome sequence of one methicillin-susceptible and seven methicillin-resistant clinical human S. aureus isolates.
Temperature and Pressure Coefficients of Resistance for Thomas 1 Ω Resistors

While preparing to move the precision 1 Ω resistance measurement service to the new Advanced Measurement Laboratory (AML) in the spring of 2004, staff at the National Institute of Standards and Tec...
Neuromodulation of hippocampal population coding: place field development and phase precession

It has been shown repeatedly that a broad class of theoretical models known as “associative memory networks” have the ability to learn and recall static patterns of information stored across their spatial extent.1,2 Hebbian-type learning in conjunction with a pronounced anatomical background of recurrent excitatory synapses has served as a foundation for many models of associative memory in hippocampal region CA3.3–7 A problem becomes apparent, however, when one attempts to store and recall temporal patterns of information in associative networks using realistic approximations of long-term potentiation (LTP). Experimental observations have shown that LTP of a synapse occurs preferentially when a pre-synaptic cell fires prior to post-synaptic cell activation within a time window of approximately 50 milliseconds.8,9 How, then, are temporal associations learned in the hippocampus if the time interval spanning two distinct events is greater than this value? As has been remarked on elsewhere, most hippocampal models of sequence learning have failed to address this issue without relying on mechanisms unsupported by existing physiological observations.10 The question of how temporal sequences are learned and recalled in the hippocampus provides a general framework for asking how relational memories are biologically supported. For example, if one makes the analogy between a particular pattern in a temporal sequence given to a model network and a rat’s spatial location in a maze during a memory task, then the temporal sequence of such patterns is analogous to the rat’s path through space. Thus, understanding how temporal sequences are learned and recalled in biophysically realistic models of the hippocampus, may shed light on questions concerning how organisms remember navigational routes. A physiological basis for solving this problem may reside in several lines of converging evidence involving the modulation of cellular behavior in the hippocampus by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and how this modulation may alter firing activity on a time scale comparable to the endogenous 4–9 Hz theta rhythm.6,11
Behavior Modeling of Mixed Analog-Digital Circuits

Over the past few years a number of simulation approaches for mixed analog-digital hardware designs have been described. The IEEE standard Hardware Description Language (VHDL), standardized by the IEEE in 1987 and primarily used to model digital behavior, also has the descriptive capability to model analog behavior for event-driven simulation [4]. This chapter describes an approach for mixed analog-digital event-driven simulation and physical design verification using VHDL. Specifically, this chapter presents a general VHDL simulation model and a standard-cell based physical design verification methodology. It demonstrates the applicability of this general simulation model to transfer function modeling through a detailed amplifier example. This general simulation model and its associated physical design verification methodology were used to verify both the analog-digital functional interaction and the physical interconnection of a Bipolar/CMOS chip (5.5mm × 5.5mm) used in hard disk drive products.
Empty stack Pushdown ω-tree automata

In this paper we consider Pushdown automata on infinite trees with empty stack as the accepting condition (ω-EPDTA). We provide the following regarding ω-EPDTA (a) its a relationship to other Pushdown automata on infinite trees, (b) a Kleene-Closure theorem and (c) a single exponential time algorithm for checking emptiness. We also discuss the relevance of the results presented here to modelchecking.
The Theory of Voting

Voting theory has recently become a popular topic in mathematics courses aimed at nonmathematicians—liberal arts majors, for example—and has a natural home in discrete mathematics courses.
Ring-Opening Polymerization of Allyl-Functionalized Lactams

Aliphatic polyamides containing pendent allyl groups were prepared by anionic ring-opening copolymerization of e-caprolactam with monomer 1, the substituted lactam 3-(3-propenyl)-2-azepanone. Copolymerization experiments revealed that up to 11 mol % of 1 was integrated successfully into these novel polyamides, which ranged in molecular weight from 27 to 72 kDa. Relative to the well-known commercial polyamide-6 (PA-6), the degree of crystallinity of the copolymers decreased with incorporation of functional monomer. Moreover, the pendent allyl groups afforded rapid access to numerous functional aliphatic polyamides, using photoinitiated thiol–ene chemistry, providing a pathway to cross-linked polyamide films and gels.
Thermal Shock Reliability of Isothermally Aged Doped Lead-Free Solder With Semiparametric Estimation

This paper offers a statistical methodology for evaluating Pb-free solder alloy performance for high–reliability products using Cox proportional regression analysis and provides a detailed application of the technique based upon a 15-mm BGA package. Specifically, the effects of doping SAC305 solder balls with small amounts of Bi, Co, In, Mn, Ni, and Sb either directly or from the solder paste used for assembly have been studied. The test results have led to a downselection of optimum material combinations that offer a potential solution to the well-known material degradation of SAC305 solder alloys with aging. The test conditions had two different time/temperature periods: 10 days at 25 °C and an accelerated condition of 180 days at 125 °C. Each test board was temperature shocked 3000 times (−40 °C–125 °C) with a 15-min thermal profile (5-min dwell time and 2.5-min transition time). The electrical continuity of solder interconnect was examined during the tests, and the effect of solder doping and aging on the failure rate (hazard rate) were assessed at 90% confidence level using the proportional hazard model. We found that the solder doping combination, aging time and temperature, and the interactions between these parameters have significant impacts on the failure rate. BGA with Sn–Ag–Cu doped with Sb, Bi, Co, and Ni can significantly reduce the failure rate after aging with a 90% level of confidence. The failure analysis shows recrystallized assisted crack nucleation in the solder joints.
Association Between Declared Hurricane Disasters and Survival of Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Radiation Treatment.

This study uses National Cancer Database data to estimate associations between hurricane disaster declarations, which could disrupt electrical power, and survival of patients undergoing radiotherapy for nonoperative locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer between 2004 and 2014.
The photoelectron spectroscopy of NiCl2

Abstract Cl 3p and Ni 3d ionization energies are computed at the complete-active-space self-consistent-field level. The calculations yield 224 ion states within 25 eV of the neutral ground state. Of these, only about 11 are predicted to contribute sizably to the photoelectron spectra. The calculations show that the low-lying states of the ion correspond to ligand holes, not 3d holes as previously assigned. This conclusion is discussed in relation to the intensity differences between the He(I) and He(II) spectra.
Real-Time Analysis of Individual Ebola Virus Glycoproteins Reveals Pre-Fusion, Entry-Relevant Conformational Dynamics

The Ebola virus (EBOV) envelope glycoprotein (GP) mediates the fusion of the virion membrane with the membrane of susceptible target cells during infection. While proteolytic cleavage of GP by endosomal cathepsins and binding of the cellular receptor Niemann-Pick C1 protein (NPC1) are essential steps for virus entry, the detailed mechanisms by which these events promote membrane fusion remain unknown. Here, we applied single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) imaging to investigate the structural dynamics of the EBOV GP trimeric ectodomain, and the functional transmembrane protein on the surface of pseudovirions. We show that in both contexts, pre-fusion GP is dynamic and samples multiple conformations. Removal of the glycan cap and NPC1 binding shift the conformational equilibrium, suggesting stabilization of conformations relevant to viral fusion. Furthermore, several neutralizing antibodies enrich alternative conformational states. This suggests that these antibodies neutralize EBOV by restricting access to GP conformations relevant to fusion. This work demonstrates previously unobserved dynamics of pre-fusion EBOV GP and presents a platform with heightened sensitivity to conformational changes for the study of GP function and antibody-mediated neutralization.
Communicating death with humor: Humor types and functions in death over dinner conversations.

Using Death over Dinner conversations, we examined 83 family and/or friend groups comprising 424 participants to understand how humor is used when talking about death and dying. Thematic analysis r...
Performance of a new molecular assay for the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens.

Introduction Conventional diagnostic laboratory algorithms for determining the cause of infectious gastroenteritis include culture, biochemical identification and immunoassays. In addition, multiplex PCR-based testing has advanced into the gastroenterology diagnostic arena in recent years. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new molecular test (Diagnostics Solutions Laboratory GI-MAP) for the detection of bacterial and parasitic pathogens in stool samples spiked with known organisms. Methodology Faeces from a healthy human subject were pooled into a standard matrix and screened for the absence of bacteria, parasites and Helicobacter pylori antigen. Once confirmed negative single faecal aliquots from the matrix were spiked with solely one pathogen-type from a panel of 14 bacterial pathogens or one of 2 parasitic pathogens at a density of 5×106 organisms ml-1. Sixteen spiked samples in appropriate transport media were sent to two testing labs, specifically a reference site using the PCR-based BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel, and a second lab using the GI-MAP assay. Seven negative control samples comprised solely of stool matrix were also submitted. Results Significant variability was found when the GI-MAP assay was used to test normal stool matrix with and without known bacteria and parasites at densities well within the expected limits of detection. The GI-MAP assay displayed a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of only 26 % due to many false positive results. This assay also reported quantitative numbers for pathogens. The BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 100 %. Conclusion The highly variable results for the GI-MAP assay were unexpected due to the precise pre-spike analysis and the overall maturation of nucleic acid amplification methods within the industry. Problematic to this assay is the poor level of specificity displayed by this assay reporting the presence of several pathogens, which could cause clinicians to treat with antibacterial and/or antiparasitic agents in the absence of any true pathogens.
Hand Sanitizing Within the College Setting

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, educate and promote the importance of hand sanitizing within the Elmhurst College community. We are looking to provide insight into the impact hand sanitizer plays in the everyday activities of our students. Our proposed findings would indicate that increased usage of hand sanitizing with the use of hand sanitizer would lower the chances of illness, illness spreading and doctor visits associated with poor hand hygiene.
Stakeholders’ perception of sound in Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs)

Abstract With various possibilities associated with their planning and design from walkable pockets to ample public spaces for different socio-demographic cohorts, Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) claim to improve their residents’ quality-of-life (QoL). Having been explored from various aspects, very few studies have explored their sound implications, particularly when they reflect transportation and planning impacts. This paper explores the sound policy considerations of transportation experts and local officials, what their designers have envisioned, and the sound perceptions of TOD residents. Using in-depth interviews with policy experts, designers, and residents, this study adopted a qualitative approach. Some unorthodox findings between the residents’ perceptions and designers’ visions as well as policy experts’ attitudes toward sound emerged. While policy experts regulate and designers designate various sound sources to promote urban life in TODs, in addition to receiving these sounds, residents perceive higher sound level sources i.e., traffic. This observed discrepancy adds a different lens into transportation practice and policy that requires appropriate attention among the said stakeholders.
Don't Let Another Crisis Go to Waste: The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Imperative for a Paradigm shift

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how globalized, market-based economies critically depend on a foundation of nonmarket goods, services, and productive activities that interact with capitalist institu...
Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension in children

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease in childhood and is characterized by a combination of vasculopathy, inflammation, autoimmunity, and fibrogenesis with individually varying expression pattern. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious complication of SSc and affects approximately 10% of SSc patients. SSc-PAH is complex and difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are non-specific and may be complicated by other SSc-associated diseases such as interstitial lung disease or left heart disease. SSc-PAH patients can deteriorate rapidly, and disease progression can occur even in patients with mild PAH symptoms at diagnosis. Therefore, interdisciplinary care of SSc patients is essential, and treating physicians must be aware of the association between SSc and PAH. In order to detect PAH early, children with SSc should be regularly screened for PAH by pediatric cardiologists. If PAH is detected, a systematic diagnostic approach by trained PH specialists including careful phenotyping of PAH is required. Relevant interstitial lung disease and left heart disease should be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of SSc-PAH before starting any targeted therapy. Due to the progressive character of SSc-PAH known from adult studies, it appears appropriate to initiate targeted PAH-therapy in juvenile SSc-PAH early. Adapted from adult treatment algorithms, combination therapy regimens (addressing at least two pathophysiological pathways) are increasingly used for pediatric PAH patients, and there is growing evidence to support this approach also in SSc-PAH patients.
Stabilized open metal sites in bimetallic metal-organic framework catalysts for hydrogen production from alcohols

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers such as alcohols and polyols are a high-capacity means of transporting and reversibly storing hydrogen that demands effective catalysts to drive the (de)hydrogenation reactions under mild conditions. We employed a combined theory/experiment approach to develop MOF-74 catalysts for alcohol dehydrogenation and examine the performance of the open metal sites (OMS), which have properties analogous to the active sites in high-performance single-site catalysts and homogeneous catalysts. Methanol dehydrogenation was used as a model reaction system for assessing the performance of five monometallic M-MOF-74 variants (M = Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni). Co-MOF-74 and Ni-MOF-74 give the highest H2 productivity. However, Ni-MOF-74 is unstable under reaction conditions and forms metallic nickel particles. To improve catalyst activity and stability, bimetallic (NixMg1−x)-MOF-74 catalysts were developed that stabilize the Ni OMS and promote the dehydrogenation reaction. An optimal composition exists at (Ni0.32Mg0.68)-MOF-74 that gives the greatest H2 productivity, up to 203 mL gcat−1 min−1 at 300 °C, and maintains 100% selectivity to CO and H2 between 225–275 °C. The optimized catalyst is also active for the dehydrogenation of other alcohols. DFT calculations reveal that synergistic interactions between the open metal site and the organic linker lead to lower reaction barriers in the MOF catalysts compared to the open metal site alone. This work expands the suite of hydrogen-related reactions catalyzed by MOF-74 which includes recent work on hydroformulation and our earlier reports of aryl-ether hydrogenolysis. Moreover, it highlights the use of bimetallic frameworks as an effective strategy for stabilizing a high density of catalytically active open metal sites.
Scalable Performance Prediction of Irregular Workloads in Multi-Phase Particle-in-Cell Applications

The demand for reliable performance prediction of large-scale systems is ever-increasing. With the constant need of application users for faster execution and the expectation on system administrators to efficiently allocate system resources, reliable performance prediction frameworks are crucial for identifying scalability bottlenecks which result in suboptimal performance and poor resource utilization. Such challenges in scalable performance prediction are further exacerbated by irregular applications which present dynamic workload fluctuations across processors. In this paper, we propose a novel trace-driven performance prediction framework to reliably predict the performance of a class of irregular applications that employs the Particle-in-Cell (PIC) method. The framework provides multiple advantages in terms of scalability prediction, algorithm evaluation, and performance tuning. To demonstrate scalability prediction, we predicted the performance of CMT-nek, a large-scale scientific application which employs the PIC method, on Quartz (a DOE HPC system) with an average Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 8.42%. For algorithm evaluation, we evaluated the efficiency of two candidate particle mapping algorithms used in CMT-nek. For performance tuning, we performed a parameter study to assess the impact of a key problem parameter in CMT-nek on application performance.
Genipin guides and sustains the polarization of macrophages to the pro-regenerative M2 subtype via activation of the pSTAT6-PPAR-gamma pathway.

Abstract M2 macrophages are associated with deposition of interstitial collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins during the course wound healing and also inflammatory response to biomaterials. Developing advanced biomaterials to promote the M2 subtype may be an effective way to improve tissue reinforcement surgery outcomes. In this study, the effect of genipin, a naturally derived crosslinking agent, on M0 → M2-polarization was investigated. Genipin was introduced either indirectly by seeding cells on aligned collagen biotextiles that are crosslinked by the agent or in soluble form by direct addition to the culture medium. Cellular elongation effects on macrophage polarization induced by the collagen biotextile were also investigated as a potential inducer of macrophage polarization. M0 and M2 macrophages demonstrated significant elongation on the surface of aligned collagen threads, while cells of the M1 subtype-maintained a round phenotype. M0 → M2 polarization, as reflected by arginase and Ym-1 production, was observed on collagen threads only when the threads were crosslinked by genipin, implicating genipin as a more potent inducer of the regenerative phenotype compared to cytoskeletal elongation. The addition of genipin to the culture medium directly also drove the emergence of pro-regenerative phenotype as measured by the markers (arginase and Ym-1) and through the activation of the pSTAT6-PPAR-gamma pathway. This study indicates that genipin-crosslinked collagen biotextiles can be used as a delivery platform to promote regenerative response after biomaterial implantation. Statement of significance The immune response is one of the key determinants of tissue repair and regeneration rate, and outcome. The M2 macrophage subtype is known to resolve the inflammatory response and support tissue repair by producing pro-regenerative factors. Therefore, a biomaterial that promotes M2 sub-type can be a viable strategy to enhance tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated genipin-crosslinked electrochemically aligned collagen biotextiles for their capacity to induce pro-regenerative polarization of M0 macrophages. The results demonstrated that genipin, rather than matrix-induced cellular elongation, was responsible for M0 → M2 polarization in the absence of other bioinductive factors and maintaining the M2 polarized status of macrophages. Furthermore, we identified that genipin polarizes the M2 macrophage phenotype via activation of the pSTAT6-PPAR-gamma pathway.
A community-based partnership collaborative practice agreement project to disseminate and implement evidence-based practices in community pharmacy.

Abstract Background and purpose The objective of this study is to explore the impact of an educational intervention including (1) collaborative practice agreement (CPA)-focused lecture and (2) a student project in partnership with a community-based pharmacy on dissemination and implementation of CPAs in community pharmacy practice. Educational activity and setting A CPA-focused classroom lecture and related project were given to five sequential years of second-year pharmacy students enrolled in a community pharmacy elective course. Community pharmacist feedback provided at the completion of the project was compared to present-day data collected via telephone survey. Responses for each survey question were summarized using frequencies, and chi-square analysis was conducted to assess the association between pharmacist perceptions at the time of the project vs. the present day. Findings Forty-seven projects representing 47 unique CPAs were completed over five sequential years of the course. The most commonly targeted disease states by CPAs were influenza/streptococcus pharyngitis (25.5%), therapeutic interchange (6.4%), oral contraceptives (6.4%), and tobacco cessation (6.4%). Pharmacists noted that students facilitated their progress toward CPA implementation by serving as a means for CPA law education (23.4%) and by saving time in CPA development (12.8%). Summary This study demonstrated that a student project partnering with a local community pharmacy improved knowledge dissemination but did not have any direct impact on implementation of CPAs in a community pharmacy. However, students may have a role in dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices, such as CPAs, when appropriately matched to setting-specific implementation barriers.
Nonlinear Equalization for Optical Interconnects

This paper focuses on nonlinearity compensation schemes for optical interconnects. Receiver-side digital nonlinear equalizers are investigated, and a custom piecewise-linear equalizer is proposed as an energy-efficient candidate. Transmitter-side techniques utilizing nonlinear electrical drivers or segmented optical modulators are reviewed.