The U.S. Law of Client Confidentiality: Framework for an International Perspective

In this Article, I will consider two general areas of the U.S. law of confidentiality. In Part I, I will reflect briefly upon what I call “the U.S. culture of lawyer-client confidentiality.” I say “culture” rather than “cult,” and one must guard against temptations to confuse those concepts. Those reflections will serve as background—by way of both match and contrast—to my sketch of the U.S. law of confidentiality in Part II

Hybrid integration on low-cost flex foils using photonic flash soldiering

Soldering of packaged electronic components using industry standard Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) lead-free solders on low-cost foils, which are often the substrate of choice for flexible electronics, is challenging. This is mainly originating from the fact that the reflow temperatures of these solder alloys are normally higher than the maximum processing temperature of the low-cost flex foils. To enable component integration on the low-cost foils a novel method for soldering has been introduced by Holst Centre as an alternative to oven reflow, termed 'photonic soldering'. In this method high intensity photonic flashes are used to deliver the thermal energy required for soldering. By taking advantage of the selectivity of light absorption, the required energy for soldering is delivered to the components and circuit tracks while excessive heating of the foils is avoided. This paper presents successful photonic flash soldering of packaged LED components on low-cost polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foils using conventional SAC solders as a demonstration of the capabilities of this novel soldering technology

Estimating particulate matter health impact related to the combustion of different fossil fuels

International audienceExposure to particulate matter (PM) in ambient air leads to adverse health effects. To design cost effective mitigation strategies, a thorough understanding of the sources of particulate matter is crucial. We have successfully generated a web map service that allows to access information on fuel dependent health effects due to particulate matter. For this purpose, the LOTOS-EUROS air pollution model was equipped with a source apportionment module that tracks the origin of the modelled particulate matter distributions throughout a simulation. Combined with a dedicated emission inventory PM2.5 maps specified by fuel type were generated for 2007-2009. These maps were combined with a health impact calculation to estimate Lost of Life Expectancy for each fuel categories. An user friendly web client was generated to access the results and use the web mapping service in an easy manner

Reactions to peanut at first introduction in infancy are associated with age ≥8 months and severity of eczema

Background: Previous studies have shown the efficacy of the early introduction of peanut to prevent peanut allergy. Due to the exclusion of infants with sensitization to peanut, it remains unclear what the optimal timing of introduction is. Methods: The PeanutNL study was performed in 6 pediatric allergology centers in the Netherlands. Infants referred for the clinical early introduction of peanut to prevent peanut allergy underwent skin prick tests for peanut and an oral peanut challenge at a median age of 6 months. Results: One hundred sixty two of 707 infants (23%) who had never eaten peanut before were sensitized to peanut, of which 80 (49%) had wheals of &gt;4 mm. Sixty seven of 707 infants (9.5%) had a positive oral challenge to peanut at first introduction. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (p &lt;.001) and SCORAD eczema severity scores (p =.001) were significant risk factors. Introduction of peanut at ≥8 months in infants with moderate and severe eczema resulted in an increased risk (odds ratio 5.24 (p =.013) and 3.61 (p =.019), respectively) of having reactions to peanut as compared to introduction before 8 months. A family history of peanut allergy and previous reactions to egg were not identified as independent risk factors. Conclusion: These results suggest that peanut should be introduced before the age of 8 months to reduce the risk of reactions at first exposure in infants with moderate and severe eczema. Furthermore, since children with severe eczema have the highest risk of reactions, the clinical introduction of peanut should be considered, at the latest at the age of 7 months.</p