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Chagas disease affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States, and as many as 300 congenital infections are estimated to occur annually. The level of knowledge about Chagas disease among obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States has not been assessed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 members about Chagas disease. Among 421 respondents, 68.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 63.5–72.6) described their knowledge level about Chagas disease as "very limited." Only 8.8% (95% CI = 6.2–12.0) knew the risk of congenital infection, and 7.4% (95% CI = 5.1–10.4) were aware that both acute and chronic maternal infections can lead to congenital transmission. The majority of respondents (77.9%; 95% CI = 73.5–81.9) reported "never" considering a diagnosis of Chagas disease among their patients from endemic countries. Most of those who did consider the diagnosis did so "rarely." Knowledge of Chagas disease among obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States is limited. Greater awareness may help to detect treatable congenital Chagas cases.
Chagas disease, caused by infection with the vector-borne parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects an estimated 8–11 million persons throughout much of Mexico and Central and South America.1 In endemic areas, Chagas disease is primarily transmitted by triatomine insects (i.e., kissing bugs). Infection also can occur through congenital transmission as well as through receipt of contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplantations, laboratory accidents, and ingestion of triatomine-contaminated food or drink.2–5 If untreated, infection is life-long, with low-level intermittent parasitemia. Many chronically infected persons remain asymptomatic. However, an estimated 30% develop clinical manifestations, usually decades after the initial infection. Chronic infection may affect the cardiovascular system (leading to cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, or sudden death), gastrointestinal system (with megaesophagus or megacolon), or rarely, both.2,6,7
Although much less common in the United States, it has been estimated that more than 300,000 people in the United States may have Chagas disease,8,9 and congenital transmission occurs in 1–10% of infants born to infected mothers.10 The majority of Chagas cases in the United States are chronically infected persons who have migrated from endemic areas where they acquired the infection; most are asymptomatic and likely unaware of their infection.8 However, the detection of asymptomatic infections in the United States has increased after the initiation of widespread screening of the blood supply for T. cruzi in early 2007.11 Many newly diagnosed chronic infections are identified among blood donors who are women of reproductive age and at risk of transmitting the infection to their newborns.
Obstetrician-gynecologists may be faced with questions from seropositive patients about the implications of testing results, treatment options, and risk of congenital transmission. In addition, obstetrician-gynecologists can facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment of congenital Chagas cases by identifying T. cruzi infection in pregnant patients who are unaware of their illness. However, little is known about the level of Chagas disease knowledge among obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States.
A questionnaire about Chagas disease was developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The questionnaire included questions about the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and risk for congenital transmission. Data were also collected on demographic characteristics, clinical practice type, and patient population served by respondents. In March 2008, the questionnaire was mailed to 1,000 ACOG members, including 600 members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN) and 400 non-CARN members. CARN members are practicing obstetricians-gynecologists who voluntarily agree to participate in periodic surveys conducted by ACOG. A quasi-random sample of each group was selected. The CARN membership list was stratified into groups of 100 so that each group was representative of the ACOG membership based on gender breakdown and year of birth. Six of those groups were then randomly selected for this study. The same procedure was followed for the non-CARN sample, except that four groups were randomly selected for this study. Second, third, and fourth follow-up mailings were sent to non-respondents in May, June, and August 2008, respectively. Questionnaires were compiled, and data was entered at ACOG headquarters in Washington, DC.
Data were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 4.0 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Response proportions were calculated for CARN and non-CARN groups. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method, and proportions were compared using the Fisher's exact test. Associations between respondent characteristics and knowledge about Chagas disease were investigated using logistic regression. Findings with a P value of < 0.05 were considered significant.
The survey was determined to be exempt from review by the institutional review boards at ACOG and CDC.
Of the 1,000 ACOG members who were mailed the survey, a total of 421 (42%) responded, including 277 (46%) CARN members and 144 (36%) non-CARN respondents. The 421 respondents included residents of 49 states. Respondents had been in practice for a median of 18 years, and 51% were male.
Responses to questions about Chagas disease are presented in Table 1. There were no significant differences in responses between CARN and non-CARN members. Overall, most respondents (77%) described their knowledge level about Chagas disease as "very limited" or "never heard of it." Although 66.9% reported that at least 1% of their patient population is from Mexico or Central or South America (Chagas-endemic areas), the majority of respondents (78%) reported "never" considering a diagnosis of Chagas disease among their patients from those regions. Those serving a population where > 10% of patients are from endemic areas more frequently reported ever considering the diagnosis of Chagas disease (N = 28, 35%) compared with those with fewer patients from endemic areas (N = 60, 19%; P value = 0.002). Males more frequently reported ever considering the diagnosis (N = 55, 28%) compared with females (N = 32, 16%; P value = 0.008). However, among all those who ever considered the diagnosis (N = 88), 90% did so "rarely."
Although 58% of all respondents reported that Chagas is caused by a parasite, 32% correctly identified the various possible clinical manifestations of Chagas disease. Only 8.8% correctly reported that the risk of congenital transmission from a mother with chronic Chagas disease to her child is 1–10%, and only 7.4% were aware that both acute and chronic maternal infections can lead to infection in the newborn. Regarding testing for Chagas disease, 20.2% correctly responded that when Chagas disease is suspected in a pregnant patient, testing should be performed on the mother, her newborn, and any other children of the mother.
For five questions with defined correct answers (Table 1), 61% (N = 257) provided at least one correct response. Only 1% (N = 5) of participants gave correct answers to all five questions. Characteristics associated with providing correct answers to each question are presented in Table 2. Respondents serving a population where > 10% of the patients are from Mexico and Central and South America more commonly reported that Chagas disease is caused by a parasite compared with those who care for a smaller proportion of patients from Chagas-endemic areas. On univariate analysis, both male gender and having completed residency at least 20 yr prior were associated with knowing that Chagas can be transmitted congenitally if the mother became infected at any point during or before the pregnancy; however, on multivariate analysis, only duration since completing residency remained significantly associated. Male gender was significantly associated with correctly reporting the risk of transmission from a mother with chronic Chagas to her newborn.
When asked about sources where respondents would seek information about Chagas disease, the most frequent responses were infectious disease specialist, Medline/Pubmed search, and medical text books (Table 1).
Our study showed a very limited level of knowledge about Chagas disease among practicing obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States. The most common response to our survey questions was "I don't know," suggesting a lack of information rather than misinformation. Based on our data, obstetricians-gynecologists rarely consider the possibility of Chagas disease, even when their patient population includes people from endemic countries in Latin America. Also, most respondents reported that they did not know the risk of congenital transmission for Chagas disease or testing procedures for at-risk mothers and infants when the disease is suspected.
We found that serving a population where > 10% of patients are from Chagas-endemic areas, having completed residency more than 20 years ago, and male gender were associated with knowledge about congenital transmission of Chagas disease. Obstetricians-gynecologists providing care for substantial numbers of patients from endemic areas may have had more opportunities to learn about Chagas disease through their clinical experiences. Similarly, those who trained more than two decades ago may have had more opportunities to encounter cases of Chagas during their years of clinical practice; alternatively, the association between years since training and correct responses may reflect a change in medical school or residency curricula over time. Although the difference in Chagas disease knowledge by gender was statistically different, we investigated the role of gender primarily to adjust for the increasing proportion of female obstetrician-gynecologists over time as we examined the impact of years since completing training. The observed association between gender and knowledge about Chagas disease may be the result of unmeasured confounders. Overall, even among the groups with more frequent correct responses, the level of knowledge and index of suspicion for Chagas disease were suboptimal.
Reports in the literature show that cases of Chagas disease among pregnant women in the United States have been newly diagnosed by their obstetric providers.12,13 Although there have been no documented cases of congenitally acquired Chagas in the United States, it is likely that such transmission has occurred. Studies of Chagas disease among blood donors in the United States have identified three suspect cases of congenital transmission; however, the source of infection could not be confirmed.14,15 A cross-sectional study of pregnant women in Houston, Texas by Di Pentima and others16 found that 0.4% of Hispanic pregnant women had antibodies to T. cruzi present in their sera. Based on census data and an assumed congenital transmission rate of 1–4%, the authors estimated that ~10–40 cases of congenital Chagas disease occur annually in the state of Texas. Buekens and others17 used the seroprevalence reported by Di Pentimi and others16 and national data on live births of Hispanic origin to estimate that 189 cases of congenital Chagas disease occur annually in the United States.17 Bern and Montgomery9 applied country-specific seroprevalence and birth rates to estimated populations of authorized and unauthorized immigrants from endemic countries residing in the United States and assumed a congenital transmission rate of 1–5%; the authors estimated that each year, there are 63–315 new cases of congenital Chagas in the United States.9 Cases of congenital transmission of Chagas disease have been documented in other non-endemic areas, including Spain,18,19 Switzerland,20 and areas in South America with no vectorial transmission.21,22
Congenital Chagas disease cases are most commonly asymptomatic or may present with non-specific findings such as low birth weight, hepatosplenomegaly, or respiratory distress.23 The lack of defining clinical characteristics in infected newborns highlights the importance of detecting T. cruzi infection among pregnant women. If a mother is known to be infected, her baby can be promptly tested and treated, if necessary. Cord blood or a blood sample from the newborn should be tested by culture, smear, serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR; if available); if initial results are negative, testing should be repeated at 4–6 weeks, and serology should be tested again at 9–12 months.24 Infected babies should be treated as soon as possible, because treatment is more efficacious when initiated in the first days to weeks of life.25 Two anti-parasitic medications used for treatment of Chagas disease—nifurtimox and benznidazole—are available in the United States only through the CDC. In order for cases of congenital Chagas disease to be promptly detected and treated, obstetric providers must consider the diagnosis in their patients and be aware of the need to test pregnant women and their children. However, we found that obstetrician-gynecologists rarely suspected the diagnosis, and most were unaware of testing recommendations.
Although congenital Chagas disease is relatively rare in the United States, the estimated number of annual cases is not dissimilar from other rare diseases for which all newborns are screened, such as phenylketonuria (estimated 215 cases) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (estimated 202 cases).26 Because untreated congenital Chagas may lead to substantial morbidity or death and effective treatment is available, it is important for obstetric providers to be aware of the risk factors for disease among their patient population. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that treatment of chronic asymptomatic Chagas disease in older children and adults may help prevent or halt the progression of clinical manifestations, and treatment is now advocated for a much wider group of patients with chronic Chagas disease.27 Therefore, detection of Chagas disease among obstetric patients can facilitate treatment of the mother (generally after delivery because of potentially adverse effects of the medications on the fetus) as well as the diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease in the newborn and any older siblings.
This study was limited by the use of self-reported data, which may be subject to social desirability bias. We also had a relatively low response rate, which may limit the ability of generalizations of the findings more broadly to all obstetrician-gynecologists. However, neither of those limitations would be expected to lead to an underestimation of respondents' knowledge about Chagas disease. Our data suggest that a greater awareness of Chagas disease may help to detect treatable congenital cases in the United States.
This study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Grant R60 MC 05674 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
Authors' addresses: Jennifer R. Verani, Susan P. Montgomery, and Jeffrey L. Jones, Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA, E-mails: vog.cdc@inarevj, vog.cdc@6uqz, and vog.cdc@1jlj. Jay Schulkin and Britta Anderson, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,Washington, DC, E-mails: gro.goca@nikluhcSJ and gro.goca@nosrednAB.
PubMed Central Canada is a service of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) working in partnership with the National Research Council's national science library in cooperation with the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the U.S. National Library of Medicine(NCBI/NLM). It includes content provided to the PubMed Central International archive by participating publishers.


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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Oct 1, 1991
|Filing date
|Jul 5, 1990
|Priority date
|Jul 5, 1990
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Ranjit Biswas, Hazen Curtis, III
|Original Assignee
|At&T Bell Laboratories
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (12), Non-Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (37), Classifications (25), Legal Events (4)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention concerns with molded hybrid integrated circuit (HIC) package and with a lead frame structure for use in forming the HIC package.
Hybrid integrated circuits (HICs) are microelectronic devices which combine several electronic functions on a single substrate and which are relatively large in comparison to integrated circuits (ICs). To protect and prolong the reliability of microelectronic devices, they are often encapsulated (packaged) in a suitable plastic material, such as epoxy. The encapsulation is conducted so as to produce molded packages which are uniform in size and are easy to handle. The main interest lies primarily in small size packages with a large number of peripheral contacts (e.g. in quad form) and in the protection afforded the device by the encapsulating plastic material. Outside dimensions of the molded HIC packages correspond to the sizes standardized by Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC); therefore the molded HICs may be used in spaces typically provided for ICs.
Typically, HIC's were packaged utilizing a mounting pad-and-lead frame. A schematic representation of one of such prior art encapsulated HIC package, denominated 1, is shown in crossection in FIG. 8 wherein a carrier substrate 2, such as a ceramic substrate or a printed wiring board, with a plurality of various electronic elements commonly identified as 3, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, ICs and other elements of a HIC, was mounted on a lead frame comprising a mounting pad 4 and a plurality of leads 5. After wiring connections 6 were made to various devices, pads on the substrate and the leads of the lead frame, the entire assembly was encapsulated in a suitable plastic material, 7, such as epoxy. One variant of such prior art HIC package is disclosed in an article by T. Sasamota, N. Senba, Ohnishi and A. Sato, entitled "A New Type Hybrid IC in a Transfer-molded Standard Package", published in Proc. IEEE Int. Electronic Manufacturing Technology Symp., 1987, pp. 16-21. Unfortunately this type of design leads to thermal stresses during and post molding of the package which may affect the integrity of the wire connections 6 to leads 5, as well as of the molded package. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a molded HIC-design which would eliminate or at least reduce the possibility.
The present invention is a molded Hybrid Integrated Circuit package in which a carrier substrate with a various circuit elements including an integrated circuit is supported within a resilient craddle formed by down-set and compliant portions of leads arranged in a quad configuration around the periphery of the carrier substrate, with ends of the down-set portions being secured to pads arranged on the periphery of the carrier substrate. Prior to the assembly with carrier substrate and molding of the resultant subassembly, the leads form a part of a lead frame including elongated bar and dam-bar on each of the quad sides interconnecting end and central portions, respectively, of the leads, and an interconnecting array of connecting links and bridges at the ends of the dam-bars. The lead-frame design, including the down-set and resilient portions of the leads, provides for the stress relief between the carrier substrate and the lead frame, especially during the termo-bond lead attachment and molding of an encapsulating resin around the carrier substrate and leads subassembly.
FIG. 1 is a perspective bottom view of an encapsulated HIC package embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic crossectional side view of the HIC package embodying the invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a lead frame embodying the invention prior to its assembly with a HIC.
FIGS. 4 and 5 each is a schematic, enlarged top and side view, respectively, of a section of an inner portion of one lead of the lead frame showing the down-set and compliant sections of the lead.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the lead frame assembled with a HIC.
FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged view of a corner section of the lead frame shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a schematic crossectional view of a representative prior art encapsulated HIC package comprising pad-and-lead frame and wire bond lead attachment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a sideview crossection of an encapsulated HIC package with lead bond attachment according to the present invention showing displacement between mold temperature (˜170� C.-dashed outline) and room temperature (˜25� C.-solid outline).
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a sideview crossection of a prior-art encapsulated HIC package with wire bond attachment and pad-and-lead frame showing displacement between mold temperature (˜170� C.-dashed outline) and room temperature (˜25� C.-solid outline).
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the molded HIC package of the invention. The package, generally designated by reference numeral 10, comprises a molded encapsulating resin, 11, a carrier substrate, 12, and leads, 13, arranged in quad configuration around the carrier substrate. As shown in this embodiment, leads 13 have a "J"-leg configuration, although other configurations, e.g. "L"-leg, can be employed. The resin encompasses the carrier substrate and parts of the leads connected to the substrate and protects various elements of the HIC arranged on the carrier substrate, from damage and the environment.
One schematic variant of carrier substrate 12 with various elements surface-mounted on the substrate is shown in FIG. 6 prior to the encapsulation. Carrier substrate 12 comprises a flat, relatively thin plate of rigid material, such as, but not limited to, ceramic. A plurality of various HIC elements including at least one IC die 14, capacitors 15, resistors 17 and other elements of a particular HIC are mounted on the carrier substrate. A plurality of conductors 16 for connecting the various elements of the HIC to one another and to a plurality of contact pads 18, are positioned around the periphery of the carrier substrate 12. As is known in the art, conductors 16 can be embedded within the carrier substrate, or built-up layer by layer on the surface of the carrier substrate. Terminal areas on the ICs may be connected to conductors 16 and/or contact pads 18 by gold wire, gold tape or tape like bonds.
A plurality of conductive leads or terminals 13 are spaced in a quad arrangement around the periphery of molded package 10 and comprise ribbon-like members formed of a flexible metal such as copper alloy. Depending on the size of the package, as many as 1,000 or more leads can be used around the periphery spaced as close as 0.01 of an inch (0.026 cm) apart. As shown in FIG. 2, each lead 13 includes an outer portion 21 extending outside the molded resin and an inner portion extending into the molded resin and including a down-set portion 22, a compliant portion 23 and a shoulder portion 24.
An embodiment of a lead frame 30 for use in fabricating the encapsulated HIC according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings. The lead frame may be integrally formed by die stamping or by etching a pattern from a thin strip of conductive material, such as copper, about 0.03 cm (0.01 inch) thick, with a width dependent on the size of the carrier substrate and the quad number of leads in the package. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive material is copper per ASTM B 465 Alloy 194 spring temper and drawn to from 70 to 76 KPS.
The purpose of lead frame 30 is to support electrical conductor leads 13 in spaced relationship prior to and during the assembly with a HIC, whereat tips of leads 13 may be bonded to contact pads 18 (FIG. 6) formed on the surface and arranged around the periphery of carrier substrate 12. The bonding may be accomplished by suitable means including thermocompression (thermobond) or ultrasonic means.
The lead frame 30 forms an integral unit which is composed of an outer frame portion including strips 31 and elongated bars 32 and inner lead frame portion including dam-bars 33 which interconnect inwardly extending leads 13 spaced in quad arrangement around the periphery of the frame. Dam-bars 33 interconnect leads 13 intermediate their free ends and the elongated bars a short distance outside of an area encircled by a dashed profile 34 (FIG. 3) representing an outer boundary of the encapsulant 11. Each end of dam-bar 33 is connected to a link member 35 and to a corner bridge 36. Outwardly facing end portions of leads 13 and link members 35 are connected to narrow elongated bars 32. Bars 32 join wide strips 31 at the corners of lead frame 30. An elongated cutout 37 runs alongside of each bar 32. Cutout 37 separates bars 32 of lead frame 30 thermally and mechanically from the wide strips 31 and also from similar narrow strips 32 of adjacent lead frames on either side of lead frame 30. Each of the cutouts typically extends for a distance lesser than the extent of the lead frame.
FIG. 3 discloses an intermediate state of lead frame 30 as formed from a flat, elongated strip of metal. A plurality of lead frames may be formed side by side on the strip. In this state, leads 13 are formed such that the inward facing edges of the leads form a centrally located rectangular shaped opening, with an edge of each penultimate lead in a row being in a near vicinity of or even in contact with an edge of a penultimate lead in an adjoining row. An end portion of each last lead 13a in each row is truncated so as to avoid overlap of these leads each with another. The truncated leads also form a stop for respective corners of carrier substrate 12 during the assembly of carrier substrate 12 with the lead frame. As is shown in FIG. 6, the inward facing portions of leads 13 are down-set from the plane of the lead frame preform shown in FIG. 3 so as to form a flat down-set portion 22 and an inclined compliant portion 23 which are dislocated vertically relative to shoulder portion 24 of lead 13 and the remaining plane of the lead frame. (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5).
Down-set portions 22 lay in a plane, which is different from the main plane of the lead frame 30, in a number of ways. In one instance, the down-set portion is depressed to a plane which is below the original flat plane of the lead frame with compliant portion 23 being at an angle to and inter-connecting the down-set portion 22 and the shoulder portion 24 of leads 13. Down-set portions 22 and compliant portions 23 form a cradle within which is placed carrier substrate 12 with the device-carrying surface and contact pads facing down. The size of the craddle is such as to accomodate carrier substrates of sizes, selected such as 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 3.8 cm (1.5 in) or greater square. The depth of the cradle is, preferably, less than the height (the thickness) of the carrier substrate so that the non-device-carrying surface of the carrier substrate is above the plane of the shoulder portion 23 of the lead 13. In another instance, portions corresponding to the down-set portion 22 and the compliant portion 23 of leads 13 are deformed such that most of the plane of the lead frame either remains at or is depressed down relative to an original main plane of the lead frame 30. The lead frame may then be placed over the carrier substrate such that the free ends of down-set portions of the leads are in overlapping contact with contact pads on the substrate. In still another version the flat frame may be placed over the carrier substrate, with the circuit and the pads facing upwards, and the leads may be deformed in situ so as to form an inverted cradle-like configuration over the carrier substrate.
Each one of leads 13 is provided with a wider section, 38, extending from dam-bar 33 for about 1/10 to 1/3 the distance toward bar 32, and a narrower section, 39, connecting into bar 32. The wider section is provided to remove heat first from carrier substrate 12 during the thermal soldering step and later from inside of the molded plastic shape during and after the molding step.
Compliant portion 23 of each lead 13 permits limited movement of the down-set portion of the lead so as to accommodate stresses formed during the thermal expansion and/or contraction of members of the package during molding and/or thermal cycling in the field. Each compliant portion is provided with notches 42, on opposite sides of the lead 13. The notches are offset each relative to another and impart additional resiliency to the compliant portion.
Lead frame 30 is also provided with a thermally responsive corner section shown in greater detail in FIG. 7 of the drawings. Each corner section is composed of truncated leads 13a, link members 35, bridge 36 and a disk, 43. Link members 35 and bridge 36, which are narrower than narrower section 39 of leads 13, cooperate during the thermal cycle of assembly of the lead frame and the carrier substrate so as to transmit heat away from the inner portions of the assembly and to absorb and equalize stresses resulting from the thermal step.
To assemble lead frame 30 with carrier substrate 12, the carrier substrate is placed into the cradle formed by down-set portions 22 and compliant portions 23 of leads 13 such that contact pads 18 arranged around the periphery of the substrate overlap end portions of leads 13. The end portions of leads 13 and the contact pads are then conductively secured each to another. This may be accomplished by means of conductive adhesive or or by some other means, such as thermo-bonding, thermo-compression bonding, soldering, brazing or other suitable procedures. A convenient way of producing effective electrical connections is by providing either the contact pads 18 or ends of the leads 13 with solder and establishing the connection along all four sides at once by thermal means with a minimum of pressure. Due to the non-rigid compliant nature of the lead frame 30, down-set portion 22 and compliant portion 23 of each lead 13, the leads are directly attached to the pads without any intermediate connections such as wires. Any distortion or warpage of the carrier substrate 12 caused by thermal expansion and contraction or mechanical stresses resulting from thermal connection processing or during the molding step are accommodated by the resilience of the lead frame 30 and inner portions 22 and 23 of leads 13.
Once the down-set portions 22 of leads 13 are in overlapping relation with contact pads 18 on the carrier substrate, this sub-assembly is subjected to a thermode solder reflow process. In this embodiment the sub-assembly is subjected simultaneously to heat, e.g. around 220� C., to reflow solder on the pads and to moderate pressure to keep the leads in contact with the contact pads, and then to cool-down, still under pressure, to permit the solder to solidify and to secure the contact pads and the leads together. Care should be taken that the pressure is such as not to cause any damage to the carrier substrate.
The subassembly including carrier substrate 12 and lead frame 30 is subjected to a molding operation either at the same station as the soldering step or is passed-on to an encapsulant molding station. A suitable encapsulating resin is molded about subassembly forming the encapsulant 11 of a desired shape to protect the HIC circuitry from damage and environment. The encapsulating resin is typically an epoxy resin, such as Novalac epoxy resin. The molding is typically conducted at relatively low temperatures, such as about 160�-180� C., preferably at, about 170�-175� C.
During the molding cycle (molding and cooling) the sub-assembly is subjected to mechanical strains. Strains are developed because the coefficient of thermal expansion for the materials of the lead frame, carrier substrate, and molding compounds are all different. The lead-frame design provides for the stress relief between the carrier substrate and the lead frame, when the assembly is molded.
After the molding is completed, the lead-interconnecting metal areas including the strips 31, bars 32, dam-bars 33, connecting links 35 and bridges 36 are removed leaving outer portions 21 of leads 13 free outside of mold 11. These portions are then bent into a desired configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the leads are in a "J-form" with an end, 40, of each lead being enclosed within its private well 41. This arrangement reduces the possibility of damage to and dislocation and misalignment of the ends of the leads during further assembly of the molded HICs into larger circuits.
The lead frame design of this invention is a significant improvement over prior art designs such as disclosed in FIG. 8, wherein, the integrated circuit is connected to leads 5 by means of wire bonds 6. During the encapsulation and in a field use involving sizable temperature differences e.g. from -40� C. to 175� C., gap 8 between the circuit on the substrate and the lead frame is variable resulting in severe stress gradients due to thermal variations encountered in the manufacturing process. A primary cause of these stresses is the die-paddle 4 required in the prior-art lead-frame to support and position carrier substrate 2. Die-paddle 4 does not permit the molding compound to adhere to the non-component side of the carrier substrate 2 and results in uneven internal stresses in the molded assembly, creating conditions for gold wire failures. In contrast, the leads in the design in accordance with the present invention are attached directly to the carrier substrate, forming a cradle for the substrate and functioning as reinforcing members bearing the stresses, with compliant sections 23 taking up and relieving the strain on the structure. The differences in the action of stress forces on the molded package may be appreciated from the drawings wherein FIGS. 9 and 10 show a schematic representation of each molded assembly at the end of a molding procedure (dash-and-dot) at temperatures of about 175� C. and at the end of the cool-down to room (solid lines) temperature (about 25� C.). One may envision the stresses being applied onto wires, shown in FIG. 8, during the encapsulating cycle causing damage or even breakage of the connections and wires. In contrast, bonds between leads 13 and contact pads 18 remain intact due to the nature of deformation of the assembly and absorption of the stresses by the resiliency of compliant section 23 of the leads. A similar effect would arise when the finished article would be subjected to the temperature cycling in the field use.
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|International Rectifier Corporation
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|Oct 22, 1997
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|Siliconware Precision Industries, Co., Ltd.
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|Mar 2, 2004
|Continental Isad Electronic Systems Gmbh & Co. Ohg
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|Texas Instruments Incorporated
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|Aug 16, 2005
|Texas Instruments Incorporated
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|Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
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|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jul 5, 1990
Owner name: AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY, A CORP
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:BISWAS, RANJIT;CURTIS, HAZEN III;REEL/FRAME:005367/0465
Effective date: 19900626
|Mar 6, 1995
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Mar 29, 1999
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Mar 26, 2003
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12


text:
P.O. Box 90153
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Tilburg University - Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Utrecht University of Applied Sciences
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Call for Entry - Photo Books
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- Abecedarian Gallery in Denver, Colorado is now accepting entries for Photo Books, an exhibition of artists' books that include photography as a primary element of content. Books may be editioned or unique, sculptural or more traditionally bound.
Entry Deadline August 14, 2010, exhibition dates are September 30 - November 13, 2010. Entry fee is $10 per entry. All entries are to be submitted via digital upload. For more information visit www.abecedariangallery.com and click on the opportunities for artists link or send an email to alicia@...
Alicia Bailey, Director, Abecedarian Gallery
910 Santa Fe, Unit #101
Denver, CO 80204
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keep up with gallery news
Web site: www.abecedariangallery.com
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text:
- Wilmington
- (910) 763-1607
- Map it
Take a trip to the edge of Downtown Wilmington to dive into authentic Irish cuisine with a visit to The Harp – a subtle little eatery that's found just a couple blocks away from the Cape Fear Riverfront, and which features a casual but lively and friendly environment where pub fare can be enjoyed at its best.
The restaurant is the brainchild of Irishman Val Cleary, who moved to Wilmington in 1995, and spent 15 years plotting his authentic "taste of home" restaurant. Realized in 2010, the full menu features breakfast fare, soups, salads, sandwiches, and casual and traditional Irish dishes that are sure to make anyone a convert to the full flavors of Ireland. Hungry patrons can start with Scottish Smoked Salmon or Irish Potato Cakes, which are served with sour cream and apple sauce, or hold out for the main course, which can include familiar staples like a house Ruben, blackened chicken sandwich or a Harp Cheese Steak sandwich, or which can border or the more unusual, like the hearty Beef Braised in Guinness, the West Country Corned Beef and Cabbage, or the classic Steak and Chips. Always completely filling, with plenty of prime brews to accompany a filling meal, The Harp will make any southerner become a fan of Irish fare.


text:
Today I will start a series of articles on Windows Server?? 2008 RMS. In this first one I will explain what is RMS and why use it in your environment.
RMS (Right Management Services) is a role that can be installed on Windows Server 2008, and represents yet another way how system administrator can increase security within company with very little effort. It is not meant to be singe way of protecting sensitive data, rather it should be used with other protection methods such as NTFS permissions, EFS and IPSec.
RMS was available as add on for Windows Server 2003, now it has been integrated directly within operating system itself. RMS client is available as part of MS Windows Vista or as separate download for MS Windows XP. Some of the most popular MS applications are enabled to create and access RMS protected documents.
Here is the list:
- Microsoft Office System 2003 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Microsoft Office 2007 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, InfoPath
- Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007
- Exchange Server 2007
- XPS (XML Paper Specification) v1.0
- Internet Explorer (through use of the RM Add-on for IE)
Deploying and configuring RMS in your environment will bring you these benefits:
- Protect sensitive information: Users can create protected document from a variety of applications, they can define who can open, modify, print or forward these documents. They can also create custom actions and apply them to protected data.
- Persistent protection: NTFS can protect documents while they are within your company on your file servers, but when document leaves your environment little you can do to ensure its secrecy if you haven't used RMS. RMS protection is embedded within the documents so even if the document leaves your server it is still protected.
- Flexible and customizable technology: Microsoft also created RMS SDK so other vendors can create RMS enabled applications.
Windows Server 2008 RMS? features:
- Active Directory Rights Management Services: This service must be installed so AD RMS components can create and consume protected content.
- Identity Federation Support: This is optional component that enables federated identities to create and consume protected content by using Active Directory Federation Services
In the next article I will cover hardware and software requirements.


text:
Definition of destitute
1 : lacking something needed or desirable a lake destitute of fish
2 : lacking possessions and resources; especially : suffering extreme poverty a destitute old man
destitute was our Word of the Day on 05/24/2009. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of destitute in a Sentence
His business failures left him destitute.
many families were left destitute by the horrible fire
Recent Examples of destitute from the Web
Black people, who have a little money, but not a lot, but aren't destitute on the street and who've grown up with all sorts of people.
The term appears to have first been used in mainstream media in 2014 by Feargus O'Sullivan of The Atlantic, in an article about a tower in once-destitute East London that had been redeveloped for high-paying tenants.
The mod, created by Steam user Snakeeater337 and which requires the Brave New World expansion pack, adds the destitute Arstotzka to the world of Civilization V as a playable country.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'destitute'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
You may be surprised to learn that "destitute" is related to words like "statue," "statute," and even "statistics." The Latin word status, meaning "position" or "state," is the source of these and other English words. Some terms of this family are directly related to "status," while others come to English through "statuere," a Latin derivative of "status" that means "to set up." "Destitute" came from "destituere" ("to abandon" or "to deprive"), a joining of "statuere" and the prefix de- ("from, down, away"). "Statuere" also gave us "constitute," "institute," and "restitution," among other similar-sounding words.
Origin and Etymology of destitute
Middle English, from Latin destitutus, past participle of destituere to abandon, deprive, from de- + statuere to set up — more at statute
First Known Use: 14th centurySee Words from the same year
Other Economics Terms
DESTITUTE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of destitute for English Language Learners
: extremely poor
: without something that is needed or wanted
DESTITUTE Defined for Kids
Definition of destitute for Students
1 : lacking something needed or desirable The room was destitute of comforts.
2 : very poor The charity helps destitute people.
Learn More about destitute
See words that rhyme with destitute Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for destitute Spanish Central: Translation of destitute Nglish: Translation of destitute for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of destitute for Arabic speakers
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text:
Sam Webb: Set the scene after the 2007 game, Michigan wins and obviously there is some popping off there, as there generally is in this contest. It really seemed to be something that was used as a motivational tool, not only for that team but for that program. Just take us back to that time.
Otis Wiley: "I can paint you a picture. It was third and 20 and Ryan Mallett came in for Chad Henne. Ryan Mallett snapped the ball, he got hit, fumbled and we thought we was going to recover it and we won the game. Then you have Mike Hart that magically grabs the ball and scurries away and runs for a 20 yard gain to get the first down. After that, Chad Henne comes back in and drives down and wins the game last minute. Then Mike Hart makes that comment and the best thing I still remember is Coach D making that statement, pride comes before the fall. You could see it in his eyes where he took the players perspective in how we were being beat down by Michigan and just kind of being the red headed stepchild in the state, but then he took it upon himself and take the name of our program and say hey, next year it is going to be a battle. It is going to be a blood brawl. I still remember that game. When he made that comment, he kind of recognized that we had that game won and they just came back and won at the end. It took that whole rivalry to another level when they made that comment. They were arrogant about it and just the way he said, it just gets my blood hot."
For more from Wiley on the Spartans' rise to prominence, their strengths & weaknesses this year, and more, press play below.


text:
On an evening in 1985, not long after she had formed Over-the-Rhine's Our Daily Bread, Cookie Vogelpohl was up to her elbows in paint. She was renovating the dining area that each morning saw scores of homeless men, women and children lining up for a warm breakfast. Father Chris Hall, pastor of Old Saint Mary's and Randy Lafond dropped by to visit. Cookie gave each of them a paintbrush. Fr. Chris and Randy had just started their own helping organization, one dedicated to serving individuals both homeless and mentally ill. They called it Tender Mercies.
Cookie recalls that the three of them were scared, nervous and excited about their new ventures. They could see plainly the call to the poor, but they could also see they would need help. They needed the community to be involved. Cookie, Fr. Chris and Randy sat around on paint cans talking and wondering how they could raise awareness and funds, not only for their individual work, but for one another, too. They came up with an idea for a cooperative--CUP.
Father Chris, as Cookie recalls, was a nuts-and-bolts type and always on the move. In no time he was drawing up a code of regulations and creating committees. In October 1985, CUP, held its first fundraiser. It was a spaghetti dinner in the basement of Assumption Church. Father Chris was in charge of the Parmesan Cheese. He showed up with several ounces in a sandwich bag. Cookie, with a crowd of 100 gathering behind her, just looked at him and smiled.
That first event raised $1,100. A spaghetti dinner the next year did even better. By 1988, CUP was setting fundraising goals of $100,000.
The breadth of CUP has expanded dramatically since 1985. In the beginning, five small organizations participated--Our Daily Bread, Tender Mercies, Bethany House Services, Over-the-Rhine Kitchen, and the Practical Family Living Center. But by the end of the 1980s, larger and more established helping organizations were joining as well. They included St. John Social Service Center, Mary Magdalen House, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (helping the poor since 1869). All of the agencies were tied together by their desire to uplift the poor. Father Chris served as the first board chair and Cookie took over later and led the group for ten years.
The goals of CUP are three-fold. The member agencies want to raise awareness of the poor, share information and resources, and raise funds for their work. CUP Trustees, consisting of the directors of each agency, meet regularly to collaborate, problem-solve, share materials and raise funds. CUP speaks to organizations and uses mail solicitation to ask for financial support.
Friends from all parts of our community have become contributing CUP donors. People of all faiths make substantial contributions because they know CUP helps many diverse people, through social service agencies that assist those in greatest need.
Small Miracles
What can CUP funds do? Tricia Roddy, from Bethany House Services, knows that it can help stabilize women and support their family reunification process through Bethany's Transitional Housing and Counseling Programs. Daphne, a guest at Bethany House Services' Emergency Shelter adds, "I don't know how I would have ever saved my kids from the street without the assistance of Bethany House Services."
CUP support also helps agencies to provide transportation assistance, job training, day care, case management services, shelter, food, and a variety of other necessities to get individuals and families on their feet.
Giancarlo Bonutti, of Mary Magdalen House, feels, "It is our hope to refresh their souls as well as their bodies and we are sincerely blessed by the generosity of our benefactors who participate in our ministry of serving our brothers and sisters through the various agencies in CUP. As Mother Teresa said, 'It's not how much you give, but how much love you put into the giving that really matters.'"
Just as in the beginning years, money goes to CUP organizations working directly with the poor, organizations that combined touch the lives of thousand of less fortunate men, women and children each year. "These are agencies that would love to be out of work," Marcia Simmons explains. "Today's economic times are prosperous for many families. Unfortunately, poor families continue to struggle in low paying jobs, having few educational opportunities, and with dwindling support services."
The spirit of CUP is strong and positive as the member agencies begin a new century. You can unite with us in serving the poor by "Filling the CUP" and in doing so, give hope and help to those in need throughout our community.
Mary Stanton, a founding member of CUP who was the emcee at that first spaghetti dinner over 20 years ago feels, "People working together in a cooperative spirit for a common purpose for more than twenty years is a little miracle itself."
If you would like to learn more about CUP,
call us at (513) 471-4990. If you would like to make a financial
contribution, CUP's mailing address is: PO Box 14548, Cincinnati, OH 45250.


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Talk to yourself as you would your best friend. This type of self-compassion advice is quite common these days. And I agree this helps. But what about talking to yourself like you would as the… Read The Post
Why You Don't Feel Like a Woman
WHY YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE A WOMAN "My biggest frustration is not feeling like a woman . . ." I hear this a lot from women. And you may have felt it too. For women… Read The Post
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Not sure if you heard, but Sunday was National Go Topless Day. Yep. And it's exactly what you think. P.S. this post contains NSFW content. If you were in midtown NYC on Sunday afternoon, you… Read The Post
Messages Matter: What Body-Shaming Ads Can Teach Us About the Messages We Tell Ourselves
A few months ago I wrote an article speaking out against an NYC subway ad that shamed women into getting plastic surgery. I thought this body-shaming ad was a New York phenomenon, but it turns out that… Read The Post
The Great Padded Bra Debate: To Push-up or Not to Push-up? That is the Question . . . Or Is It??
The Great Padded Bra Debate: To Push-up or Not to Push-up? That is the Question . . . Or Is It?? Are you someone who won't leave the house unless you're wearing a push-up bra?… Read The Post
10 Myths the Lingerie Industry Causes Small-Breasted Women to Believe
10 Myths the Lingerie Industry Causes Small-Breasted to Believe Part of feeling comfortable in your body is rising above the urge to compare yourself to others. I know, easier said than done. Especially when the messages we… Read The Post
Changing the Conversation with Healthy Is the New Skinny
Today I want to share an article and video that Healthy Is the New Skinny featured of me on their Body Love blog. I talk about the body shaming that women experience related to breast size… Read The Post
How To Love Your Breasts: 4 Lessons from Photography Therapy
How To Love Your Breasts: 4 Lessons from Photography Therapy Body image insecurities can be extremely hard to overcome. Oftentimes they become ingrained as a result of confirmation bias — the idea that once we have formed… Read The Post


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Nigel Rothband becomes BEN's new Chief Operating Officer
Spanning more than 35 years, Rothband has had an extensive career in the retail industry and latterly the charity sector. After a firm grounding with BHS he moved to Arcadia Group, where he spent 14 years in various senior positions including Retail Director. Rothband then moved to The Body Shop where he spent he spent three years as Retail Managing Director working directly with Anita Roddick. 2003 saw Rothband's first move into the charity sector when he was appointed CEO of Retail Trust. With his guidance the charity launched a number of new support initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme and enjoyed a significantly raised industry profile.
Commenting on his move Nigel said: "The team at BEN have made real progress in recent years despite the difficult economic climate which I know from experience has impacted the charity sector more than most. I am wholly committed to helping shape the future of BEN and reinforcing its bond with everyone involved in the automotive industry."
Speaking about the new appointment David Main commented: "Our Executive team have worked tirelessly over many years to grow BEN's services and strengthen the fund's financial position. The creation of this new role is the next stage in our strategic development and resolve to deliver the vision we have always held for BEN. I am delighted that Nigel has agreed to join our team as his experience will ensure that BEN continues to progress and adapt to the changing needs of everyone involved in our industry. Maximising operational efficiency is fundamental to BEN's future and I am also proud to say we have we have managed this key structural change without affecting overall headcount."
For more information: www.ben.org.uk


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Mohawk, also known as iro or mohican as hairstyle probably originated from Native Americans and later adopted by a few subcultures. It's a relatively high-maintenance haircut with plenty of styling options. A less radical version is called fauxhawk ('fake – mohawk') featuring longer hair on sides, oftentimes combined with a crewcut.
1. To cut a mohawk, you need somewhat longer hair (they should preferably be more than 1 inch in length). Before cutting, decide on how you plan to style it – are you going to gel it or let it lay (lazyhawk)? In this case you might prefer doing an undercut. Obviously, you'll need hair clippers, but that's that.
2. If you want to cut a mohawk, you need to be very cautious about centering the hair correctly. Start with forming this central part first and worry about lower parts later. Use any lower number of guards (for example #2 or #3 – see this post for sizes) to buzz your hair off on each side of the mohawk.
How to center your hair correctly?
This tutorial suggests a very good idea for centering your mohawk – by simply using a piece of masking tape. What you do is simply stick a long piece of tape on the top of your head, align it until you're happy with it, and then clip your hair following these lines.
3. When you got the mohawk about right, use a shorter sized guards to fade your way down to sideburns and back hairline. Then you can start with styling. People use gel, spray, blowdryer, or even starch or sugar to make their mohawk stand up.
How do I make my mohawk stand up?
Wash your (remaining) hair and while they're still wet, put your head upside down and blow-dry them. Then, while still standing with your head between your legs, apply hair gel or glue and, depending on the length, use (a lot of) hairspray and let it dry. THEN you may lift your head back up.
Examples of Mohawk


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Officine Generale leather bomber jacket - men - Leather/Acetate/Viscose - M
Black leather leather bomber jacket from Officine Generale.
Officine Generale Wool-Panelled Suede Jacket
Reach for Officine Generale 's suede jacket when the weather cools. Impeccably crafted in Italy in a versatile charcoal shade, it's panelled with ribbed wool to optimise warmth retention and ensure the most comfortable fit. Wear yours with smart-casual looks. Shown here with Burberry sweater, Burberry jeans, Edward Green boots, Lanvin pouch. - - Charcoal suede and wool- Ribbed collar and back, buttoned cuffs, two front slash pockets, two internal pockets, partially lined- Button fastenings- Fabric1: 100% suede (sheep); fabric2: 100% wool; lining: 50% acetate, 50% viscose- Specialist clean- Made in Italy
Officine Generale Joshua Suede Bomber Jacket
Designed exclusively for MR PORTER. To ensure superior fit and quality, Officine Generale founder Mr Pierre Mahéo won't release a new product without trying it out himself. Refined yet relaxed, this bomber jacket is made from butter-soft suede in a stormy dark-grey shade. It's finished with comfortable ribbed jersey trims and a smooth satin-twill lining that ensures it slips on easily over attire. Team yours with chinos and leather sneakers. Shown here with Oliver Spencer trousers, visvim T-shirt, AMI sneakers. - - Dark-grey suede- Zipped sleeve pocket and pen slots, two front welt pockets, ribbed jersey trims, two internal pockets, fully lined- Two-way zip fastening- 100% suede (sheep); lining: 53% acetate, 47% viscose- Specialist clean- Imported
Officine Generale Leo Slim-Fit Suede Jacket
Officine Generale 's 'Leo' jacket is made from supple, lightweight suede. It's cut to drape relaxedly from the shoulders and is fully lined so it slips on easily over layers. The olive-green hue will pair perfectly with dark denim. Shown here with Officine Generale T-shirt, A.P.C. trousers, Oliver Spencer boots. - - Olive-green suede- Snap-fastening cuffs, two front welt pockets, two internal pockets, fully lined- Two-way zip fastening- 100% suede; lining: 53% acetate, 47% viscose- Specialist clean- Imported


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Selecting the best Jims Security – Alarm Systems for your business can be a daunting task. Each system chosen can be the difference between security and lack of it. This is why one will need to take their time to pick the right system. There are a wide variety of gadgets in the market to choose. Before picking one of them for your business, here are some factors that should be given a thought.
Location of the business and the type
The kind of crimes which is common to an area should be a guideline. There are some areas where vandalism is quite common and thus cameras may be requires. Also, the type of business that one has kept will be a factor to determine the kind of security to go for. For instance, when one is running a shop with jewelry, this may need a tight security than one which sells food stuffs.
Weak points in the business
The entrance to a building is usually a weak point that can be used by intruders. It can be a door or even an air vent which will give access to the building. In such places, there is need to have a camera installed. This one will help to monitor who comes in and gets out.
Making the systems visible
Informing people of the presence of cameras helps to discourage those with intentions of breaking. When cameras are in areas where they can be seen, most people avoid taking the risk and keep off such areas. This will keep the business safe from intrusion.


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The Butterfly Club
Written by Jacqueline Wilson
Illustrated by Nick Sharratt
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The Lovereading4Kids comment
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | January 2016 Book of the Month Best-selling Jacqueline Wilson unfolds a compelling new story about the importance of both family and friends. Tina is the youngest and the smallest of the triplets. She was so little when she was a baby and so ill that she very nearly died. Tina and her triplet sisters Phil and Maddie have always done everything together so, even though they just starting in the juniors, Mum is still very protective of her. But the scary teacher separates the triplets and Tina has to learn to manage on her own. Can she do it? Especially when she has to sit next to the ferocious Selma? Helped by butterflies, Tina finds a way to win through and, in doing so, to become far stronger than she has ever thought possible. ~ Julia Eccleshare
The Good Book Guide Review. Tina, Phil and Maddie are triplets. They do everything together. However, when they go into Miss Lovejoy's class, they get separated. Tina is very unhappy – she has been paired with the bully, Selma. Then Tina and Selma begin making a butterfly garden together, and things start to change. This compassionate and moving story shows how friendship can blossom in the unlikeliest of places. (Ages 8–11)
~ Andrea Rayner
The Butterfly Club by Jacqueline Wilson
Tina is a triplet, but she's always been the odd one out. Her sisters Phil and Maddie are bigger and stronger and better at just about everything. Luckily, they look after teeny-tiny Tina wherever they go - but when the girls start in scary, super-strict Miss Lovejoy's class, they're split up, and Tina has to fend for herself for the first time. Tina is horrified when she's paired up with angry bully Selma, who nobody wants to be friends with. But when Miss Lovejoy asks them to help her create a butterfly garden in the school playground, Tina discovers she doesn't always need her sisters - and that there's a lot more to Selma than first meets the eye.
Browse inside this book
She should be prescribed for all cases of reading reluctance. -- Independent on Sunday
Has a rare gift for writing lightly and amusingly about emotional issues. -- Bookseller
About the Author
Other Formats
Book Info
400 pages
Interest Age: From 9
Jacqueline Wilson
More books by Jacqueline Wilson
Author's Website
Author's Facebook Latest
Corgi Childrens an imprint of Random House Children's Publishers UK
Publication date
31st December 2015
It's really exciting to read and review new books, thrilling to see my reviews online and I love finding the final published copies on sale.Sam Harper – age 10
A great way to introduce kids to great books, authors & genres. Parents can find age-appropriate books to share with their children.Judi Davies – Aberdare Girls Sch
Writing reviews help the children with their literacy skills and we always read the books together which gives us good quality family time!Cat Bisland (on behalf of the Bi
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I love Lovereading because I often never know what to read and this helps you find a good book. I have recommended this to many people.Shannon-Louise Masters – age 15
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It has introduced my children to books we hadn't come across before. Real children's reviews gives a great insight into what others think toLorraine Woods
Lovereading4kids is great, we get books really early never late. We love to read and review, and think you would like it too. The excitementJasmine Harris-Hart, age 12


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RE: [podcasters] Adam Curry Visits Today In Podcasting on Show 3
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process of making a vidcast is. I have my video in .m4v file and in ipod
ratio. But I cant get it to go through my feed. is it the same as a mp3
podcast. Ex -  please help
Kris - random teen cast
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I've been travelling for 12 hours now. I have been unfortunately assigned a seat beside an alcoholic lady who, for like every 5 minutes needs to use the bathroom. I'm in the aisle seat and she's in the window seat. I know you can imagine how that's like. I haven't had a real sleep. After this 12 hour flight, I have another 2 hour stopover in Helsinki plus another 2-3 hours flight from Helsinki to Paris CDG airport.
OK. Plane landed, passengers start to deplane one by one. I get off and start to walk towards the arrival area. I picked up my backpack from the baggage claim carousel and walked to the exit. I'm in Paris! I made it! …. So now what? I'm here on another continent, a non-english speaking country, well they never speak english even if its obvious I'm not a local, and alone. What scary shit have I put myself into? Don't get me wrong here. I love travelling solo. I've done it a lot of times. But every time I reach a new destination, there's that small voice inside me saying, you're here, so now what?
It's a thought we all, solo travellers have, I think. You're here, so now what? What are we to do to explore and deep dive into this new destination? But I tell you, and also assure you, it's perfectly normal. Every time you have something new in your hands, there's always that feeling of being unsure, hence that question. Its the same thing that you have when travelling solo to a new destination.
OK, get your act together and put up that brave face. There must be some activities other solo travellers do out there when they arrive to a new wonderful destination. You've done your research and have all the information. You are armed. You got this. Again. You got this.
It's been a while since I've been travelling solo, so I share you my list of activities that you can do when you're on your own in a foreign country. Fun things to do actually, so here it goes
Do a photo walk
Ditch your map, grab your camera or phone and go out there, go around the block where you are staying. Feel the ambience. Learn where the important places are, learn where the nearest drugstore is, or nearest local market, nearest boulangerie, nearest ferry or bus station, pub or cafe. Take a photo of everything that is new and interesting to you. Take a photo of what is being sold at the local market, take a photo of what's going on in the ferry station or the local cafe or pub. For me, I love arrival areas. I love the comings and goings.
Related Post: 5 Essential Tips to Awesome Street Photography
Sit and watch
Go in cafe or pub. In a pub I usually sit at the bar and look back at the whole dining area. I love watching people reaching out with warm hugs to the people they've been waiting for. I simply love this kind of scenes. How about you? What's your style of sit and watch?
Go local
Go to the local market. Talk to the guy selling that apples or an unknown fruit that you're seeing for the first time. Smile and make a conversation. Shouldn't be that hard. Just smile first. Everything is easier when you're smiling and make the first positive approach. If the guy turns out to be a snub, then you move on to the next one. When you go into the boulangerie, greet the lady behind the counter and ask her how her day is going. You'll be amazed at different answers you get. I tried this trick and got snubbed at first few tries and the third lady gave me a lesson on how many different fruit tarts you will find in Paris! Amazing!
Join classes
Do your research on the destination you are travelling to. Maybe there is a class or activity that you can join in that will give you a fresh perspective on an old destination. Cooking class while you're in Thailand perhaps? Or maybe a wine tasting session and tour in New Zealand?
Group tours
I enlisted the service of Paris Greeters before arriving Paris. It was fun and I gained a new friend and a new insight to what is Paris usually known for. Imagine walking thru the streets of 13th arrondissement and learning about their street art and how it is being used by the new generation to express their views on current events.
You can read about my wonderful experience with a Paris Greeter here.
When I was in northern Sweden, I joined the Aurora hunting tour and accomplished my mission of seeing the aurora! Here's my previous post on this amazing amazing amazing experience.
Travelling solo is not all fun and charming activities. Sometimes you will find that you get bored and that you want to share your daily experience with someone. Well that's what the social network and the free wifi is for. Call your mom or sister and show her around your new "villa" via video call. I'm sure they miss you and you miss them. Sometimes, during your long walks, you realize you're lost. Dude, don't fret. Just ask around. I am pretty sure the locals are more than willing to help you with directions. You just gotta ask. Again. You got this."Not all those who wander are lost." – J.R.R. Tolkien Click To Tweet
So just go and enjoy your trip!
A photo posted by carla abanes (@justtravellingsolo) on
Do you enjoy solo travels too? You can share you memorable experience in the comments section below! Sharing is giving!


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Quick Fat Burning Breakfast Recipe: Breakfast of Champions
I hope by now you realize boxed cereals are not an appropriate breakfast option to Live Lean. Most people fall into this trap because they're quick, easy, and they probably enjoy the taste of the sugar rush. You're also probably saying, "But the box says it's high in whole grains and contains vitamins and minerals". Sure that may sound good…but it's not. Our bodies and digestive systems were not intended to consume as many whole grains as the government tells us. Plus the vitamins and minerals "added to" a lot of these cereals are synthetic. They're not natural. The body only absorbs a smaller amount of these vitamins.
Also the quick surge of sugar is throwing your body's hormones off, causing spikes in your blood sugar levels, and eventually causing you cravings throughout the day.
What if I told you you could have a quick fat burning breakfast that contains REAL WHOLE FOODS, high in muscle building, fat burning, and satiating proteins, and healthy fat. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with a side of higher fiber and nutrient based fruit.
This is a breakfast of champions using eggs…
So lets cook this quick fat burning breakfast together by watching the video below!!
Click the video below to watch me prepare this quick fat burning breakfast:
Here are the ingredients and instructions…
– 4 whole eggs
– small handful of raw almonds
– 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1. Spray egg poacher cups with non-stick spray.
2. Add a cup of water to pan. Crack one egg into each cup. Cover and add egg poacher to stove top and cook for 5-7 mins (until eggs full cooked)
3. Once eggs are cooked, remove from cup holder, add poached eggs to a plate, alongside raw almonds.
4. Dice fruit up and add to a separate bowl.
5. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Get your own copy of my meal planner software
Questions For You:
– What are your favorite quick fat burning breakfast foods?
– Do you make it a habit of eating breakfast every morning?
Be sure to share your answers in the comment section below and share this post with your friends via the social media icons on the side or below.
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If you liked this recipe, be sure to check out the Quinoa Energy Bar recipe.
Also be sure to subscribe to my Live Lean TV YouTube Channel so you never miss a recipe or workout!


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Get a Good Look at the Glorious 2017 Dodge Viper
No matter how you slice it, there sure is an awful lot to appreciate about Dodge's sports car standout, the 2017 Viper.
"Such as what?" you ask.
Well, we're glad you did, as The Fast Lane Car critic Roman Mica is here today to shed some light on the issue. Join him in the clip below:
Tremendously appointed, the Viper's base trim -- the SRT -- is most certainly a sight for sore eyes.
Standard features on this model include 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels with high-performance tires, keyless ignition and remote entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an…


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Vučić: EU most significant destination for Serbia
At a joint press conference with Mogherini, Vučić said the EU was the most significant destination for Serbia and that he believed much improvement could be made in Serbia-EU relations.
Noting she was always welcome in Serbia, Vučić thanked Mogherini for the opening of Chapters 20 and 26 in Serbia's EU accession talks, adding that he believed Serbia's economic environment and judiciary could be improved, and that Serbia expected assistance and support in those efforts.
He also noted Belgrade felt wronged by instances of double standards in European policy.


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La maison de Cristhian
Ce que vous allez adorer dans ce logement
For me this place is a caravan without wheels, a ship without sea, a piece of heaven to share with guests and friends.
In the historic center of Lecce, with big terraced roof. It's a fresh and relaxing apartment in the historic heart of the city, just a few steps from the Cathedral, the main square of Piazza Oronzo, and the most important streets.
A huge terrace to enjoy the sunshine or cool off with a glass of wine in the evenings.
Guests may use the kitchen and the washing machine, and if they like they can get to know the local culture. If you enjoy good food there is also a chef available. :)
We provide maps and information about the area and all the events happening in the city and through out the Salento. If you like I can accompany you on visits to historic and natural sites, beaches and to traditional concerts with music and dance.
The furniture is a bit retro, but the house is actually an artistic laboratory and we are always working to make it more beautiful and unique.
Ce que vous allez adorer dans le quartier
Lecce, capital of Baroque architecture, is nicknamed the "Florence of the South." It's small but rich with architectural gems and important archeological sites like the Roman Ampitheater.
The area around Lecce, known as the Salento, is a stupendous region, with the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy (along with Sardinia), home to ancient traditions, forests of olive trees, cicadas, red earth, local cuisine and wine warmed by the heat of the southern sun, and friendly smiling inhabitants.
There is a rich arts scene and very active social and cultural life.
Le mot de la fin
When you are here you'll get your own keys so that you can come and go freely, and if you like you can join us for cultural events in the city and get to know friends and local residents.
You can use the kitchen and all the food you find in the house. I'm not a vegetarian, but the house is, so please no meat or fish.
Guests will have full access to the large terraced roof, the kitchen and all the food there, the large living room with tv, speakers, washing machine, bathroom with shower, bedrooms for sleeping, sunsets for contemplating, and friends to talk with
I like interacting with guests, if they enjoy company. Sometimes I don't want to interact as much, but I still love them.
We are in the heart of the city, and lucky enough to have a small grocery and convenience store under the house that is open until evening. You are just a few steps from everything.
There is free on street parking just a few minutes walk from the apartment. The train station is just over a kilometer away, and I can come and pick you up there if you like.
You can connect to free internet from the terrace. Internet in the house is available for an extra fee, and must be coordinated before booking.
There are many other services available: private chef for lunches and dinners, driver, etc.
There may be other guests in the home. Some guests may be given a bed in a room that connects the kitchen and living room. If this would bother you let me know at the time of booking.
Order and cleanliness is important. Please clean up after yourself, and keep your room, the bathroom and the kitchen tidy.
Please be mindful of resources: i.e. lights, gas, hot water etc. Its kinder to the wallet and more importantly to our environment.
The cleaning fee or the deposit (30 euro) will only be charged if the house is not left clean and in order.
Règles de vie
Pour organiser un échange de maisons, vous devez devenir membre