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The wrist is one of the most complex joints in our body, composed of eight bones. Therefore, measuring the angles of this intricate wrist movement can prove valuable in various fields such as sports analysis and rehabilitation. Textile stretch sensors can be easily produced by immersing an E-band in a SWCNT solution. The lightweight, cost-effective, and reproducible nature of textile stretch sensors makes them well suited for practical applications in clothing. In this paper, wrist angles were measured by attaching textile stretch sensors to an arm sleeve. Three sensors were utilized to measure all three axes of the wrist. Additionally, sensor precision was heightened through the utilization of the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) technique, a subtype of deep learning. Rather than fixing the measurement values of each sensor to specific axes, we created an algorithm utilizing the coupling between sensors, allowing the measurement of wrist angles in three dimensions. Using this algorithm, the error angle of wrist angles measured with textile stretch sensors could be measured at less than 4.5°. This demonstrated higher accuracy compared to other soft sensors available for measuring wrist angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural features and mechanical properties of a B 4 C particle-reinforced Cu matrix composite prepared by friction stir welding (FSW) were investigated. For this purpose, the FSW process was carried out along a 0.6-mm-width gap, between two Cu plates, filled with boron carbide (B 4 C) particles. Microstructural observations taken in the stir zone (SZ) revealed that the presence of B 4 C particles led to the evolution of fine grains (∼2 μm). Based on the hardness measurements of the FSW-fabricated samples, the hardness values were significantly improved after the B 4 C particles were incorporated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SPHC/MgO composites were fabricated by friction stir welding (FSW) and then the mechanical property of the composites was investigated. MgO particles were flocculated on the advancing side in the stir zone (SZ) formed by one-pass processing. On the other hand, MgO particles were more homogenously distributed in the SZ formed by two-pass processing. Compared to the SZ without MgO particles, the hardness profile of the SZ with MgO particles was increased to 20–30 Hv due to refined grain by pinning effect. Grain growth in the SZ without MgO particles was observed at elevated temperature. On the other hand, the fine grain produced with MgO particles was maintained at elevated temperature (∼900℃) due to pinning effect by MgO particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a new nanofilter using a carbon nanotube-silver composite material that is capable of efficiently removing waterborne viruses and bacteria. The nanofilter was subjected to plasma surface treatment to enhance its flow rate, which was improved by approximately 62%. Nanoscale pores were obtained by fabricating a carbon nanotube network and using nanoparticle fixation technology for the removal of viruses. The pore size of the nanofilter was approximately 38 nm and the measured flow rate ranged from 21.0 to 97.2 L/(min·m 2 ) under a pressure of 1–6 kgf/cm 2 when the amount of loaded carbon nanotube-silver composite was 1.0 mg/cm 2 . The nanofilter was tested against Polio-, Noro-, and Coxsackie viruses using a sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect the presence of viral particles within the outflow. No trace of viruses was found to flow through the nanofilter with carbon nanotube-silver composite loaded above 0.8 mg/cm 2 . Moreover, the surface of the filter has antibacterial properties to prevent bacterial clogging due to the presence of 20-nm silver nanoparticles, which were synthesized on the carbon nanotube surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During gross anatomy head and neck laboratory session, one dissection group observed an abnormal anatomic variation in the posterior cranial fossa of a 94-year-old male cadaver. The internal occipital crest was not aligned with internal occipital protuberance and groove for superior sagittal sinus. It seemed that the internal occipital protuberance was shifted significantly to the right side. As a result the skull was overly stretched in order to connect with the internal occipital ridge. These internal skull variations of occipital bone landmarks can influence the location of adjacent dural venous sinuses and possibly influence cerebrospinal fluid flow. Similar anatomical anomalies have been attributed to presence of hydrocephalus and abnormalities in cisterna magna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We studied the failure behavior induced by EM test on the Sn–Bi solder joint. [•] We evaluated the EM reliability of Sn–Bi solder joint on various surface finishes. [•] The Bi was segregated from cathode to anode side. [•] The OSP surface finish showed longer time to failure than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Pt/CNT catalysts. [•] Breakthrough curves for multi-component mixtures showed displacement effect. [•] Complete oxidation was realized at temperatures as low as 115°C with 30wt% Pt/CNT. [•] Dependence of sample concentration, Pt loading, and moisture was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is increasingly considered for various industrial applications. CFRP has been applied to the automotive industry to increase fuel efficiency due to its excellent strength and lightweight. Therefore, the demand for dissimilar material joining techniques is gradually increasing. In this study, we investigated the intense pulsed light (IPL) as surface treatment for CFRP. The IPL surface treatment requires a very short processing time and can be easily automated compared with other processes such as chemical and mechanical treatments. The change in morphology and chemical composition of the CFRP-treated surfaces was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, profiler, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bonding strength due to varying IPL exposure time was evaluated by the lap shear test. The apparent shear strength increased by up to 159% in this study. The IPL treatment is very simple and requires short processing time to produce enhanced adhesive joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We investigated the effect of Ag-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ag-MWCNT) on the microstructures and electromigration behaviors of a Sn58%Bi solder and organic solderability preservative (OSP) surface finished on the FR-4 printed circuit board (PCB) joint under a current stress of 3000 A/cm2 at 100 °C. Electromigration of Ag-MWCNT Sn58%Bi composite solder was investigated by daisy-chain test-kit. Reaction layers formed at the anode side and cathode side of the Sn58%Bi solder joints consisted of three microstructures; Bi-rich layer, Sn-rich layer, and intermetallic compounds (IMCs, Cu 6 Sn 5 and Cu 3 Sn). The Bi-rich layer was mainly formed at the anode side in the couple of the Sn58%Bi solder joint with various times of applying current stress. The Bi-rich layer of the Ag-MWCNT Sn58%Bi composite solder joint was approximately 2 times thinner than that of the Sn58%Bi solder joint because the Ag-MWCNT acts as a diffusion barrier. Also, the Cu 6 Sn 5 and Cu 3 Sn IMCs that formed at the interface between the Ag-MWCNT Sn58%Bi composite solder joints were thinner than those of the Sn58%Bi solder joints. The time to failure (TTF) was longest at the 0.05% Ag-MWCNT Sn58%Bi composite solder joint. Therefore, Ag MWCNT is expected to improve the reliability of electromigration in the Sn58%Bi composite solder joint. Highlights • The electromigration of the Ag-MWCNT Sn58%Bi composite solders were investigated. • Ag-coated MWCNTs were widely distributed in the Sn58%Bi solder joint. • MWCNT suppressed growths of Cu-Sn IMCs and Bi-rich layer under current stress. • TTF value of the 0.05 wt% Ag-MWCNT Sn58%Bi composite solder joint was the longest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we identified a novel neuron-specific protein (PAHX-AP1) that binds to Refsum disease gene product (PAHX), and we developed transgenic (TG) mice that overexpress heart-targeted PAHX-AP1. These mice have atrial tachycardia and increased susceptibility to aconitine-induced arrhythmia. This study was undertaken to elucidate the possible changes in ion channels underlying the susceptibility to arrhythmia in these mice. RT-PCR analyses revealed that the cardiac expression of adrenergic β1-receptor (ADRB1) was markedly lower, whereas voltage-gated potassium channel expression (Kv2.1) was higher in PAHX-AP1 TG mice compared with non-TG mice. However, the expression of voltage-sensitive sodium and calcium channels, and muscarinic receptor was not significantly different. Propranolol pretreatment, a non-specific β-adrenoceptor antagonist, blocked aconitine-induced arrhythmia in non-TG mice, but not in PAHX-AP1 TG mice. Our results indicate that, in the PAHX-AP1 TG heart, the modulation of voltage-gated potassium channel and ADRB1 expression seem to be important in the electrophysiological changes associated with altered ion channel functions, but ADRB1 is not involved in the greater susceptibility to aconitine-induced arrhythmia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nickel-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-MWCNTs) were synthesized using a colloidal method and an electroless plating method to form Ni nanoparticles on the surface of MWCNTs. The Ni electroless plating process was optimized with solutions at various pH (5, 6, 7, and 8) levels. The Ni-MWCNTs fabricated at pH 7 show the most stable Ni nanoparticles on the surface of the MWNCTs. After optimization of the Ni plating process, the Ni-MWCNTs/Sn-58Bi composite solder were fabricated with varying contents of (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 wt%) Ni-MWCNTs. The experimental results show that Ni-MWCNTs enhance the mechanical properties of Sn-58Bi solder. The shear strength of Sn-58Bi solder improves by about 14% with 0.1 wt% Ni-MWCNTs. Furthermore, the microstructure evolution after a high temperature storage test shows that Ni-MWCNTs have an effect on grain refining and interrupt growth of the Intermetallic compound layer. The distribution of Ni-MWCNTs could be recognized with the results of EPMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High heat-endurance bonding between Cu Ni was investigated by hybrid transient liquid phase sintering bonding. By simultaneously adding Cu and Ni to SAC305, the IMC was stably formed, and the bonding strength of hybrid TLPS joint was the highest. It is expected to be used for SiC die attachment of power module packaging. [Display omitted] • Novel hybrid transient liquid phase sintering bonding is developed for Cu Ni bonding. • Fast and stable ternary (Cu,Ni)-Sn IMCs were formed by hybrid transient liquid phase sintering bonding. • Electron probe micro-analyzer was used for investigating the atomic distribution of TLPS joints. A novel approach to copper-nickel bonding was investigated by hybrid transient liquid phase sintering (TLPS) method. Hybrid bonding material containing copper, nickel, and Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) and an organic solvent was fabricated to form a fast and stable ternary Cu Ni Sn intermetallic compound (IMC) joint between Cu to Ni joint. The atomic distribution was analyzed by an electron probe micro-analyzer, showing full IMC formation of the hybrid TLPS joint. In addition, by simultaneously adding Cu and Ni to SAC305, the IMC was stably formed, and the bonding strength of hybrid TLPS joint was the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbon nanotube (CNT) has remarkable properties, but it has disadvantages in application because of its dispersal- and bonding-related issues. Metal–CNT composite materials are necessary in solving these problems. In this study, nickel (Ni)–multi-walled CNTs (Ni–MWCNTs) are synthesized through sequential processing, functionalizing, and electroless plating processes to deposit Ni nanoparticles on MWCNTs. The synthesized Ni–MWCNTs are used to fabricate composite solders with various contents (0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%). The test kit used for the 3-point bending test in this study is designed with a differential package structure to evaluate the bending reliabilities of the Ni–MWCNT composite materials with various contents. The crack initiation and propagation in the microstructure evolution solder joints are also investigated. The bending reliabilities improve with the BGA structure and indicate that the highest bending cycle fails with 0.1 wt% of Ni–MWCNTs. The chemical composition and distribution of the Ni–MWCNTs in the solder joints are investigated with electron probe microanalysis. • Test-kits for 3-point bending test were designed with differential structure. • Bending test was performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of solder joints. • Ni-MWCNTs composite solder could improve the bending reliability of Sn58Bi solder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cu-cored solder ball (CCSB) is often used as the interconnection material for 3D package. The CCSB has a Cu core surrounded by Sn-Ag-Cu alloy. The effect of the Cu core on mechanical reliability of the CCSB was investigated using thermal shock test. Microstructure and thermal shock reliability of the CCSB with organic solderability preservative (OSP) surface finish was compared with that of Sn-3.0wt.%Ag-0.5wt.%Cu (SAC) solder. The thermal shock test was performed in the temperature range of −40 °C to 125 °C in compliance with JESD22-A104. Failure mechanism was analyzed by finite element method analysis. Average number of thermal shock cycles for the CCSB/OSP joints was 1.15 times higher than that for SAC/OSP joints. Maximum value of simulated plastic strain for the SAC/OSP joints was 1.25 times higher than that for the CCSB/OSP joints because the stand-off height of the CCSB/OSP joints could be maintained by the Cu core. • Thermal shock reliability of Cu cored solder joint was investigated. • Simulated stress and strain were reduced because stand-off height of solder ball was maintained by Cu core. • Crack of solder joint was propagated through the solder matrix that was highest simulated plastic strain regions. • Thermal shock reliability of solder joint was improved due to stand-off height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]