Process Optimization to Eliminate Automatic Alignment Failures on the Scalable Device

The paper focused in addressing the auto align defect at in-strip testing of a semiconductor scalable device in a leadframe technology. Pareto diagram and potential risk analysis were completed to identify the top reject contributors and eventually come-up with the robust solution. Reverse flow was employed to eliminate the alignment issues. The reverse flow, which is testing prior singulation process, eventually resolved the auto align and other singulation related defects as testing is done on a strip form. Ultimately, the error-proofing or Poka-Yoke approach by reverse flow lead to the elimination of auto align failures at final test. For future works, the parameters and learnings could be used on devices with similar assembly defect occurrence.

Effects of KPC Variant and Porin Genotype on the In Vitro Activity of Meropenem-Vaborbactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

ABSTRACT Meropenem-vaborbactam is a new agent with the potential to treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections. We describe the in vitro activity of meropenem-vaborbactam against representative CRE genotypes and laboratory-engineered Escherichia coli isolates harboring mutant blaKPC genes associated with ceftazidime-avibactam resistance. We also compared disk diffusion and gradient strip testing methods to standard broth microdilution methods. Against 120 CRE isolates, median ceftazidime-avibactam and meropenem-vaborbactam MICs were 1 and 0.03 µg/ml, respectively. Ninety-eight percent (117/120) of isolates were susceptible to meropenem-vaborbactam (MICs ≤ 4 µg/ml). Against Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates harboring mutant blaKPC, the addition of vaborbactam lowered the meropenem MICs in 78% of isolates (14/18); 100% were susceptible to meropenem-vaborbactam. Median meropenem-vaborbactam MICs were higher against K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae isolates with mutant ompK36 porin genes (n = 26) than against those with wild-type ompK36 porin genes (n = 54) (0.25 versus 0.03 µg/ml; P < 0.0001). Against E. coli TOP10 isolates with plasmid constructs containing wild-type blaKPC or mutant blaKPC, the addition of vaborbactam at 8 µg/ml lowered the meropenem MICs 2- to 512-fold, resulting in meropenem-vaborbactam MICs of 0.03 µg/ml. The rates of categorical agreement with broth microdilution for disk diffusion or gradient strips ranged from 90 to 95%. Essential agreement rates were higher for research-use-only (RUO) gradient strips manufactured by bioMérieux (82%) than for those manufactured by Liofilchem (48%) (P < 0.0001). Taken together, our data highlight the potent in vitro activity of meropenem-vaborbactam against CRE, including isolates resistant to ceftazidime-avibactam. Vaborbactam inhibited both wild-type and variant KPC enzymes. On the other hand, KPC-producing K. pneumoniae isolates with ompK36 mutations displayed higher meropenem-vaborbactam MICs than isolates with wild-type ompK36. The results of susceptibility testing with RUO bioMérieux gradient strips most closely aligned with those of broth microdilution methods.

A Methodical Approach in Critical Processes Optimization of New Scalable Package Semiconductor Device for ESD Applications

The technical paper presents a systematic approach to deal with a new product trend that will survive during assembly production ramp-up. The project was intended to determine the required process flow and platforms for high-density and high-complexity scalable device. Critical processes were shown and top reject contributor was addressed through methodological way by using statistical tools and in depth engineering analysis.The New Scalable Device is one of the newest and latest developed device in the plant, with main application as an Electrostatic Device (ESD) protection device.  The device is considered high density as its 6” single wafer is equivalent to 400,000 units compared to conventional device consisting of only 1,000 units.  Moreover, it is considered as a device with high complexity as state-of-the-art platforms were needed to satisfy its output process.  The device has a very thin die and with the smallest total package dimension. The process of assembly manufacturing includes a step cutting method of wafers, compression molding, and in-strip testing, which are unlikely to be found on other semiconductor industries. Compared to the conventional and universal approach, complex errors and top reject contributor of identified critical processes were corrected and required process capability index was ultimately achieved.

Line Stressing Critical Processes Optimization of Scalable Package Passive Device for Successful Production Ramp-up

The technical paper presents a systematic and methodological approach to deal with a new product trend that will be successfully manufactured during assembly production ramp-up. The project is intended to determine the required process flow and machine platforms for high-density and high-complexity scalable device. Critical processes are shown and top reject contributors are addressed through systematic method by using statistical tools and in-depth engineering analysis. The Scalable Package Passive Device is one of the newest and latest developed device in the plant, which functions as a diode for mobile and computer applications. The device is considered high density as its 6” single wafer is equivalent to 400,000 units compared to conventional device consisting of only 1,000 units. Moreover, it is considered as a device with high complexity as state-of-the-art platforms are needed to satisfy its output process. Furthermore, the device has a very thin die and with the smallest total package dimension. The process of assembly manufacturing includes a step cutting method of wafers, compression molding, and in-strip testing, which are unlikely to be found on other semiconductor industries. Ultimately, complex errors and top reject contributor of identified critical processes are corrected and the target or required process capability index is effectively achieved.

Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Mongolia

Introduction.The resistance of Helicobacter pylori to recently available antibiotic treatment regimens has been recognized as a growing problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among H. pylori strains isolated from Mongolians. Methodology. All gastric biopsy specimens were obtained during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from patients referred for the exploration of dyspepsia. The urease positive samples by rapid urease test were cultured according to standard microbiological procedures and H. pylori were grown under microaerophilic conditions on selective Pylori agar. H. pylori antibiotic sensitivity was examined using E-test. In addition, the mutations of the corresponding gene were studied by GenoType HelicoDR DNA strip testing. Results. Three hundred twenty patients, 216 female and 104 male in the ages range of 18 to 83 years were included in this study. Rapid urease test yielded positive results for 65.9% (211/320). Among them, we have successfully obtained 72% H. pylori isolates. The antibiotic resistance rates were 35.5% for clarithromycin, 68.4% metronidazole, 23.0% amoxicillin, 25.0% tetracycline, 28.2% erythromycin and 14.5% nitrofuranton. Resistance for 2 drugs was 34.5% and that of 3 drugs was observed in 14.5% of isolates. The most prevalent mutation was A2147G followed by A2146G and D91Y. The prevalence of H. pylori infection increased among Mongolian population and the prevalence of resistance of H. pylori is very high to metronidazole, and moderate to clarithromycin. Conclusion. The data on antimicrobial susceptibilities provided by the present study is may assist the clinicians on the effectiveness of treatment regimens.

Frequency of Epstein–Barr Virus Genotypes in Pakistani Trangender SexWorkers

Background Transgender community large association with sex work has put them at a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) genotypes in transgender sex workers (TSWs) of twin-cities of Pakistan. The high prevalence of EBV-2 genotype in sex workers has been previously reported. EBV genotypes were investigated in transgender sex workers to find out EBV-2 occurrence in Pakistani population. Methods A total of 86 transgender (Hijras) sex workers were randomly included in this study. Demographics, including age, the number of sex partners, sexual habits, and awareness about protective methods were obtained. Blood was collected from all subjects and The presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C virus were determined by antibody strip testing. EBV detection and genotyping were performed by extracting genomic DNA from all whole blood samples. Β-globin and EBNA-1 were amplified to assess the quality and presence of EBV DNA. Analysis of EBNA-2 genotyping was done by nested PCR. Results HIV was the most prevalent infection in 40 transgender sex workers (46.51%) followed by HCV in 15 (17.44%). Among HIV-seropositive TSW’s, EBV genotype determination was only achievable in 60% of cases, where 62.5% were EBV-1, 29.16% of EBV-2 and co-infection was found in 8% samples. Among HIV-negative individuals, 78% were EBV-1, whereas EBV-2 genotype and co-infections were absent. All non-typable samples were amplifiable for the EBNA-1 gene in both populations, confirming EBV genome in the samples. Conclusion EBV-1 was the most common genotype of EBV in HIV seropositive and seronegative TSW’s but the high occurrence of EBV-2 and co-infection of both types was observed only in HIV seropositive individuals. This is the first report of frequency of EBV infections in the HIV-positive transgender community of Pakistan. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

A clinical utility of a strip test for influenza A/B and comparison with detection by RT PCR.

In June 2009 the World Health Organization announced influenza pandemic caused by A/H1N1/v virus. It became crucial to recognize new cases of A/H1N1/v infection. An effective screening diagnostic procedure was needed for patients suffering from influenza-like symptoms for making an initial diagnosis and analyzing epidemiological pattern of infection. We used a strip test for influenza A/B as a screening diagnostic procedure for patients suffering from influenza-like symptoms for making an initial diagnosis. For comparison, RT PCR for detecting A/H1N1/v was performed. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and sensitivity of the strip test and its value for making initial diagnosis of influenza A/H1N1/v. Strip testing for the influenza A/B infection was performed on 1123 patients with influenza-like symptoms in the Admission Unit of the Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital in Warsaw. Strip test results were analyzed according to the age of patients and season of the year. For 97 patients strip test results for detecting A/H1N1 infection were compared with those obtained by RT PCR. There were no statistically significant differences found between the methods and strip testing demonstrated sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 71%. No statistically significant differences were found between the two methods, however, strip test had low sensitivity and specificity.