cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB-106: Expression of stem cell biomarkers in benign breast tissue from patients with triple negative breast cancer

Numerous studies suggest that breast cancers contain a subpopulation of cancer stem cells that are thought to maintain the heterogeneity and self-renewing potential of the tumor. In our previously published data, we had described a breast cancer stem cell signature comprised of 493 statistically significant differentially expressed genes, which were present in a tumorigenic subpopulation of cells. Cells from patient samples with the cell surface markers CD44+CD49f+CD133/2+ have been shown to have self-renewal and tumorigenic properties – characteristics of breast cancer stem cells. In this study, we investigated the benign tissue from 42 patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy to examine the incidence CD44+CD49f+CD133/2+ positive cells. Benign tissue was obtained at a distant site, at least 5 cm from the primary tumor, and examined with hematoxylin-eosin by a breast pathologist (AS), only samples containing normal breast tissue with at least 60% epithelial content were selected. A significant increase in expression of CD44+CD49f+CD133/2+ by immunofluorescence was identified in the benign tissue associated with patients with triple negative (ER negative/PR negative/Her2 negative) disease (8 out of 8), compared with ER positive and Her2 positive tumors combined (5 out of 36), P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-106. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-106
Characterizing multipartite entanglement with uncertainty relations

We report the characterization of multipartite photonic entanglement consisting of a single photon shared among four optical paths using uncertainty relations. We discuss an extension of this method to detect entanglement of four atomic ensembles.
Reliability of Tin-Lead and Lead-free Solders of Surface Mounted Miniaturized Passive Components for Extreme Temperature Space Missions *

Surface mount electronic package test boards have b een assembled using tin/lead (Sn/Pb) and lead-free (Pb-free or SnAgCu or SAC305) solders. The soldered surface mount packages include ball grid arrays, flat packs , various sizes of passive chip components, etc. They have been optically inspecte d after assembly and subsequently subjected to extreme temperature thermal cycling to assess their reliability for future deep space, long-term, extreme temperature environmental missions. In this study, the employed temperature range (-185 o C to +125 o C) covers military specifications (-55 o C to +100 o C), extreme cold Martian (-120 o C to +115 o C), asteroid Nereus (-180 o C to +25 o C) and JUNO (-150 o C to +120 o C) environments. The boards were inspected at room temperature and at various intervals as a function of extreme temperature thermal cycling and bake duration. Electrical resistance measureme nts made at room temperature are reported and the tests to date have shown some chan ge in resistance as a function of extreme temperature thermal cycling and some showed increase in resistance. However, the change in interconnect resistance becomes more noticeable with increasing number of thermal cycles. Further research work will be carr ied out to understand the reliability of packages under extreme temperature applications (-1 85 o C to +125 o C) via continuously monitoring the daisy chain resistance for BGA, Flat -packs, lead less chip packages, etc. This paper will describe the experimental reliabili ty results of miniaturized passive components (01005, 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805, and 1206) assembled using surface mounting processes with tin-lead and lead-free sold er alloys under extreme temperature environments.
Experimental Diabetes Produced by Alloxan.

SummaryThe administration of alloxan in one suitable dose produces a pancreatic experimental diabetes. Satisfactory animals exhibit a prolonged high blood-sugar level that is maintained for weeks. KO renal lesions are observed in such animals and the fat and glycogen content of the liver is within normal limits. Adrenal and pancreatic islet cellular changes may explain the character of the acute phase.
A malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheter: Answers

1. The dialysis catheter lumen has most likely migrated into the bowel lumen. 2. Perform routine cell count and culture studies on the dialysate. Diagnostic imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT), with contrast delivered via the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter would confirm whether the location of the catheter is appropriate given the completely asymptomatic nature of the presentation and patient’s complex abdominal anatomy. 3. An interdisciplinary decision was made to remove the catheter without exploratory laparotomy while monitoring for signs of peritonitis and providing treatment with intravenous antibiotics and antifungals. Commentary
Testing a multimedia module in cancer pain management

Background The technologies for providing better pain management for cancer patients are widely available, but barriers still exist that prevent their optimal use. One of the most important barriers is a knowledge deficit among primary care physicians in adequate pain assessment, in opioid pharmacology, and in the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the management of pain. Method The authors prepared a CD-ROM multimedia cancer pain management module to overcome the physician knowledge barrier. Results Tests of the module with primary care physician and primary care resident volunteers indicate that the cancer pain management multimedia module meets its educational objectives.
Reproductive and Urogenital Microsurgery

A new interspecialty has evolved, based on the knowledge of reproductive endocrinology, the awareness of gynecologic and urologic pathologies, and the techniques of microsurgery. This article discusses the applications of microsurgery to such procedures as vaginal or tubal reconstruction, ureterotomy, vasoepididymostomy, vasovasostomy, testicular transplantation, and penile reconstruction.
Genitourinary Cancers in Older Adults

Prostate and bladder carcinoma are, in large part, diseases of older adults, and they are discussed in this context. Pathology, diagnosis, and staging are reviewed. Surgical and medical approaches to these malignancies, and the limitations of these approaches, are highlighted. Renal cell carcinoma, while a relatively rare neoplasm, remains a formidable challenge: approximately 50% of patients die within 5 years of diagnosis. Advances in molecular genetics and histopathologic classification, as well as surgical management and investigational therapies, are emphasized.
Comparing a Computer-Assisted Image Analyzer to a Pathologist in the Scoring of Ki-67 Breast Cancer Images

In 2011, the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer panel recommended that ER+, Her2 negative breast cancers be differentiated by their Ki-67 values, with < 14% as luminal A and a high Ki-67 as luminal B subtype. Treatment for the two categories of breast cancer is different, making an accurate determination of …
Zinc fractionation in a Cecil soil as influenced by organic acid treatments

A greenhouse study was conducted to examine the effect of organic acid additions on Zn distribution within various Zn fractions in a Cecil soil. Four aliphatic acids were used, oxalic, malonic, succinic acids and L-malic, at three different concentration levels, 10−2mol L−1, 10−3mol L−1 and 10−4mol L−1. Organic acid treatments were applied to wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in a greenhouse during a 10 week period. A sequential Zn extraction technique was performed on the soil for each treatment, with the quantity of Zn in each fraction being determined. Organic acid treatments were found to alter the quantity of Zn in the exchangeable, organic and Mn oxide fractions. An inverse relationship was found between Zn extracted from the exchangeable fraction and organic acid concentration for all acid treatments. Succinic and malonic acids at 10−2 and 10−3 mol L−1 were the only treatments that resulted in significantly higher Zn levels in the organic fraction compared to the control. Zn levels in the manganese oxide fraction were significantly lower than the control treatments. Zn associated with the amorphous and crystalline Fe oxide soil fractions was not affected by organic acid additions. The Zn concentration in wheat tissue showed an inverse relationship between exchangeable Zn and organic acid concentration similar to that in the exchangeable fraction. Differences in Zn wheat tissue concentration were attributed to both organic acid type and concentration. It was postulated that the observed shifts in Zn levels between the various Zn fractions resulted from the dissolution of Mn and Fe oxide fractions by organic acids and the readsorption of organo-Zn complexes onto the exchangeable — organic fraction of the soil.
Mechanism of SOS PR-domain autoinhibition revealed by single-molecule assays on native protein from lysate

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Son of Sevenless (SOS) plays a critical role in signal transduction by activating Ras. Here we introduce a single-molecule assay in which individual SOS molecules are captured from raw cell lysate using Ras-functionalized supported membrane microarrays. This enables characterization of the full-length SOS protein, which has not previously been studied in reconstitution due to difficulties in purification. Our measurements on the full-length protein reveal a distinct role of the C-terminal proline-rich (PR) domain to obstruct the engagement of allosteric Ras independently of the well-known N-terminal domain autoinhibition. This inhibitory role of the PR domain limits Grb2-independent recruitment of SOS to the membrane through binding of Ras·GTP in the SOS allosteric binding site. More generally, this assay strategy enables characterization of the functional behaviour of GEFs with single-molecule precision but without the need for purification.
A Novel Organic Conversion Coating based on N-Benzoyl-N-Phenylhydroxylamine Chemistry for the Corrosion Protection of AA2024-T3

Abstract This work demonstrates a novel organic conversion coating treatment on an AA2024-T3 substrate. The process is based on simple immersion in aqueous solutions containing an organic molecule, N-Benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine (BPHA), after a hydrothermal oxide has been formed on the alloy surface. Potentiodynamic polarization results indicate that BPHA conversion coating outperforms coatings formed in the same concentration of other corrosion inhibitors, including NaVO 3 , Na 2 SiO 3 , CeCl 3 , and benzotriazole. BPHA coating also displays strong and persistent corrosion inhibition under ASTM B117 salt spray exposure conditions and static immersion testing. The cross-section of BPHA-coated substrate is prepared by focus ion beam-scanning (FIB), and analyzed by high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which show a thick surface film with a three-layer structure. Raman spectroscopy and XPS are used to examine the surface chemistry of BPHA-coated samples, both of which suggest the formation of a BPHA surface film, possibly stabilized by the keto-to-iminol conversion that made the BPHA molecule strongly nucleophilic. The formation of BPHA-metal oxide complex seems to be closely related to the excellent corrosion resistance of BPHA coating.
Characterization of sleep patterns and problems in healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVES Restrictions in sleep can have important adverse effects on health and job performance. We collected information about sleep from US healthcare workers to determine whether they had sleep difficulties. METHODS We used an Internet-based survey to collect information on sleep patterns and sleep quality in healthcare workers at a tertiary care hospital. We classified these workers into short sleepers (<7 hours), normal sleepers (7-8 hours), and long sleepers (≥9 hours). We compared these three groups using simple descriptive statistics. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with short sleep times. RESULTS Of 3012 questionnaires distributed, 376 healthcare workers (12.5%) replied to this survey. The median age was 38 years, the median body mass index was 28 kg/m, and 76% were women. The median sleep duration on weekdays was 7 hours. Sixty-nine respondents (18.4%) were short sleepers, 269 of the respondents (71.5%) were normal sleepers, and 38 respondents (10.1%) were long sleepers. A total of 113 (30.1%) had sleep difficulties more than 50% of the time and 140 respondents (37.3%) were bothered by lack of energy from poor sleep. Short sleepers were less likely than other types of sleepers to have normal bedtimes and regular mealtimes. Eighty-four respondents (22.3%) went to bed between 2 AM and 2 PM. These workers were younger; slept less on the weekdays and weekends; and reported more difficulty with sleeping, feeling depressed, overconsumption of alcoholic beverages, and personal stressors. CONCLUSIONS Most healthcare workers have healthy sleep patterns; however, many workers have poor sleep quality. Workers with "odd" bedtimes have abnormal sleep patterns and abnormal sleep quality; these workers need additional evaluation to understand the causes and consequences of their sleep patterns.
Passions of the Mind: The Moral Martyrdom of Emma Courtney

This chapter argues that the female philosopher as Mary Hays sees her is a fundamentally tragic figure: self-conscious, self-aware, and self-destructive. The unstable superimposition of rationality onto sensibility makes the novel’s autobiographical protagonist into a philosopher and allows her to understand the world in ways denied to ordinary women. However, sensibility and rationality in tandem propel her toward alienation, misery, and self-destruction. The exploration of this seemingly intractable problem is the novel’s primary focus, as Hays’s proxy Emma Courtney struggles for happiness against the very qualities that distinguish her as a female philosopher, and finally settles on “moral martyrdom” as her only recourse.
Rechargeable Manganese Oxide Electrodes and Cells

Rechargeable batteries are indispensable as subsidiary power plants or as auxiliaries in a large segment of industrial products. The necessity of their further development increases with the rapid expansion of industries using throwaway primary cells and with the concern about energetic and environmental problems. Primary batteries contribute to a considerable energy waste (the energy expended in manufacturing may exceed ten times the energy supplied by the battery during its lifetime), valuable material waste, and waste disposal problems. Secondary batteries presently in use might have to be replaced if the use of toxic lead and cadmium were to be prohibited.
Characterizing Health Disparities in the Age of Autism Diagnosis in a Study of 8-Year-Old Children

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often delayed from the time of noted concerns to the actual diagnosis. The current study used child- and family-level factors to identify homogeneous classes in a surveillance-based sample (n = 2303) of 8-year-old children with ASD. Using latent class analysis, a 5-class model emerged and the class memberships were examined in relation to the child’s median age at ASD diagnosis. Class 3, with known language delays and a high advantage socioeconomically had the lowest age of ASD diagnosis (46.74 months) in comparison to Classes 1 (64.99 months), 4 (58.14 months), and 5 (69.78 months) in this sample. Findings demonstrate sociodemographic and developmental disparities related to the age at ASD diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Approximately one out of every eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This chapter summarizes key concepts for breast cancer screening, with an emphasis on imaging. The breast cancer screening recommendations from the most prominent medical societies are presented and summarized. Screening recommendations are broadly divided for women at average risk, at moderate risk, and at high risk for developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Guidance is provided as to what risk factors may place a woman into one of these categories. Current concepts regarding cancer screening in women with dense breasts are also discussed, as well as an overview of what can be expected when diagnostic imaging is pursued to evaluate a patient’s symptom.
Temperature, Crystalline Phase and Influence of Substrate Properties in Intense Pulsed Light Sintering of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticle Thin Films

Intense Pulsed Light sintering (IPL) uses pulsed, visible light to sinter nanoparticles (NPs) into films used in functional devices. While IPL of chalcogenide NPs is demonstrated, there is limited work on prediction of crystalline phase of the film and the impact of optical properties of the substrate. Here we characterize and model the evolution of film temperature and crystalline phase during IPL of chalcogenide copper sulfide NP films on glass. Recrystallization of the film to crystalline covellite and digenite phases occurs at 126 °C and 155 °C respectively within 2–7 seconds. Post-IPL films exhibit p-type behavior, lower resistivity (~10−3–10−4 Ω-cm), similar visible transmission and lower near-infrared transmission as compared to the as-deposited film. A thermal model is experimentally validated, and extended by combining it with a thermodynamic approach for crystal phase prediction and via incorporating the influence of film transmittivity and optical properties of the substrate on heating during IPL. The model is used to show the need to a-priori control IPL parameters to concurrently account for both the thermal and optical properties of the film and substrate in order to obtain a desired crystalline phase during IPL of such thin films on paper and polycarbonate substrates.
Lower bound development in a flow shop electronic assembly problem with carryover sequence-dependent setup time

Abstract A flow shop group-scheduling problem in the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs) is addressed in this paper. We have developed search algorithms yet their quality cannot be attested to when optimal solutions or lower bounds are unavailable. A very effective and efficient lower-bounding mechanism based on the underlying concepts of column generation and branch-and-price is developed. The problem remains so complex even after decomposition. Thus, optimal properties and strategies are developed to facilitate efficiently solving the sub problems. Accompanied by an experimental design and statistical analysis, comprehensive computational tests for a wide range of problems are carried out. The findings suggest that the lower bound and search algorithms are very effective even for large-size problem instances.
A Primer on US Sugar in the 2007 US Farm Bill

This background paper is devoted to US sugar policy. A first section describes the features and economics of the US sugar program; a second section is devoted to the welfare and trade effects of the US sugar program; and a final section reports on potential emerging reforms, their expected effects, and implications. Beyond well-established findings on the social cost and inefficiency of the US sugar program, the main findings of this paper are as follows. The current sugar program is becoming unsustainable because sugar imports are progressively creeping into the US market through regional trade agreements, eventually inducing large sugar inventories, or contracting domestic production to unpalatable low levels in order to maintain high internal prices. The sugar program in its current form is also a potential target for reform because of likely reductions in amber box limits under a potential Doha Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The current support accounting for sugar under the WTO favors abandoning the current program. A possible outcome would be to change the current sugar program into a standard program, removing the domestic supply controls (allotments), lowering the loan rate, implementing countercyclical, and direct payments, but keeping the current trade protection nearly intact thanks to the high bound-tariff on sugar. Slightly lower consumer prices would result. Payment limitations would penalize large growers. The paper also looks at the cost and implications of a buy-out. The recent resolution of the sweetener dispute (sugar, and corn syrup) between the US and Mexico removes much uncertainty from these markets. Long-term expansion of Mexican sugar exports into the US remains a possibility in 2008. A standard crop program with a lower loan rate would reduce incentives for Mexican producers to export sugar to the US market.
Diffusion in Lamellae, Cylinders, and Double Gyroid Block Copolymer Nanostructures

We study transport of penetrants through nanoscale morphologies motivated by common block copolymer morphologies, using confined random walks and coarse-grained simulations. Diffusion through rando...
A bio-inspired approach to ligand design: folding single-chain peptoids to chelate a multimetallic cluster

Synthesis of biomimetic multimetallic clusters is sought after for applications such as efficient storage of solar energy and utilization of greenhouse gases. However, synthetic efforts are hampered by a dearth of ligands that are developed for multimetallic clusters due to current limitations in rational design and organic synthesis. Peptoids, a synthetic sequence-defined oligomer, enable a biomimetic strategy to rapidly synthesize and optimize large, multifunctional ligands by structural design and combinatorial screening. Here we discover peptoid oligomers (≤7 residues) that fold into a single conformation to provide unprecedented tetra- and hexadentate chelation by carboxylates to a [Co4O4] cubane cluster. The structures of peptoid-bound cubanes were determined by 2D NMR spectroscopy, and their structures reveal key steric and side-chain-to-main chain interactions that work in concert to rigidify the peptoid ligand. This efficient ligand design strategy holds promise for creating new scaffolds for the abiotic synthesis and manipulation of multimetallic clusters.
Predictors of missed appointments by international patients (IntlPts) in the International Assessment Center (IAC) at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC).

e17506 Background: Missed outpatient appointments adversely impact medical outcomes and result in loss of revenue. We studied multiple variables for correlation with no shows (NSh) among IntlPts re...
Creatine electrolyte supplement improves anaerobic power and strength: a randomized double-blind control study

Creatine supplementation aids the Phosphagen system by increasing the amount of free creatine and phosphocreatine available to replenish adenosine triphosphate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a creatine and electrolyte formulated multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) on strength and power performance compared to a placebo. Maximal strength along with total concentric work, mean rate of force development (mRFD), mean power, peak power, and peak force for both bench press and back squat were determined at pre-test and post-test separated by 6 weeks of supplementation. Twenty-two subjects (6 females, 21 ± 2 yrs., 72.46 ± 11.18 kg, 1.72 ± 0.09 m) performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) for back squat and bench press. Eighty percent of the subject’s pre-test 1RM was used for a maximal repetition test to assess performance variables. Testing was separated by 6 weeks of supplementation of a MIPS dose per day in a double-blind fashion for comparison. A two-way mixed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied with an alpha level of 0.05. For their back squat 1RM, the MIPS group displayed significant increase of 13.4% (95% CI: 2.77, 23.8%) while placebo displayed a decrease of − 0.2% (95% CI: − 1.46, 2.87%) (p = 0.047, ηp2 = 0.201). The MIPS displayed a significant increase of 5.9% (95% CI: 2.5, 10.1%) and placebo displayed a non-significant increase of 0.7% (95% CI: − 3.49, 3.9%) in bench press maximal strength (p = 0.033,0.217). The MIPS group displayed a significant increase as well in total concentric work (26.5, 95% CI: 6.07, 46.87%, p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.330) and mean power (17.9, 95% CI: 3.42, 32.46%, p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.402) for the maximal repetition bench press test at 80% of their 1RM. The MIPS was found to be beneficial to recreationally trained individuals compared to a placebo. The greatest benefits are seen in bench press and back squat maximal strength as well as multiple repetition tests to fatigue during the bench press exercise.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Abstract Background Alcoholism is associated with variable effects on the coagulation system. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze the currently unknown association between chronic alcohol consumption and the risk of venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods We performed a 2-y (2013-2014) analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. All trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 16 were included. We excluded patients with acute alcohol intoxication, hematologic disorders, and cancer. Patients were divided into two groups (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and were matched using propensity score matching (1:1) for demographics, ISS, injury location, and admission vitals. Outcomes measures were the prevalence of venous thromboembolism in each group. Results Of the 91,066 trauma patients included in our analysis, 35,460 patients were matched (alcoholics: 17,730; nonalcoholics: 17,730). The mean was age 45 ± 18 y, and 81% were males. Matched groups were similar in age (P = 0.32), heart rate (P = 0.31), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.46), location of injury (P = 0.85), ISS (P = 0.76), and Glasgow Coma Scale (P = 0.38). Prevalence of DVT was lower in alcoholics compared with nonalcoholics (2.34% versus 5.12%, P = 0.01). The overall incidence of PE was 1.2%, and there was no difference between the two groups (1.1% versus 1.3%, P = 0.22). Similarly, there was no difference in mortality (14.8% versus 15.4%, P = 0.32) between the groups. Conclusions Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with a low risk of DVT in trauma patients. This association warrants further investigation of the possible physiological effects of alcohol in trauma patients. Level of evidence Level III Prognostic.
Settler-colonial temporality and ‘phantom sound’ in Mohanad Yaqubi’s Off Frame

Bringing together scholarship on settler-colonialism, film theory and sound studies, this paper is an attempt to grapple with the problem of settler-colonial time. Building on the work of Patrick W...
Development and current state of robotic surgery

Abstract Robotic surgery has evolved to address several of the key problems with laparoscopic surgery and improve even further on the surgeon-augmenting capability of performing complex operations through small incisions in previously challenging to access areas of the body. While our surgical robots are not yet operating independently of the surgeon, setting this as the benchmark for what impresses us does a disservice to the immeasurable complexity of the technology currently in use, and lessen its impact on the field. The details of these differences and the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over traditional laparoscopy will be covered further in this chapter.
Iliac-enteric fistula managed by endovascular covered stent placement using extra-vascular microwire snaring: a case report

Although snaring technique is a commonly used tool in the interventional radiologists’ armamentarium, there are no reports of its use in an extra-vascular space to achieve access across a pseudoaneurysm that was otherwise non-traversable. We describe a case of an iliac-enteric fistula between a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the external iliac artery and a surrounding contained colonic perforation, where access across the pseudoaneurysm was achieved only after snaring of the microwire from within the contained colonic perforation and back into the intra-vascular space, allowing the placement of a covered stent and control of the bleeding. The described technique may be useful in situations where other, more conventional, endovascular techniques fail to achieve access across the bleeding pseudoaneurysm. While it was life-saving in this case, this technique should only be used in very limited scenarios, specifically in the palliative setting and when surgical management is not an option.
Non-volatile Logic and Memory based on Reconfigurable Ferroelectric Transistors

This paper presents an overview of the operation and applications of reconfigurable ferroelectric transistors (R-FEFETs) which offer unique logic-memory coupling in the device characteristics leading to novel circuit design possibilities. R-FEFETs feature dynamic reconfiguration between (a) volatile mode for logic operations and (b) nonvolatile mode for memory operation. An R-FEFET consists of two FE stacks which interact with each other and a common underlying transistor, to enable run-time tuning of hysteresis and the aforementioned reconfigurability. We discuss how such novel features of R-FEFETs can be utilized to design energy-efficient non-volatile memory (NVM) and non-volatile flip-flop (NVFF) designs. For NVMs, read-write conflicts can be effectively mitigated. In particular, R-FEFETs based 3T NVM exhibit significant advantage over existing standard FEFET based NVM design with 55% lower write power and 37-72% lower read power at iso-access time. R-FEFET based NVFFs offer the design options of an auto-backup (RNVFF-1) without the need of any additional circuitry / back-up control signals, or on-demand backup (RNVFF-2) with lower normal operational energy over RNVFF-1. Compared to an FEFET based NVFF, RNVFF-1 achieves 47% lower check-pointing energy, with a penalty of 6% in operation energy. RNVFF-2 shows 30% lower check-pointing energy with similar operation energy. At the system level, the RNVFFs achieve 25-33% register-level energy savings, in a state-of-the-art intermittently powered platform.
Are some COVID vaccines better than others? Interpreting and comparing estimates of efficacy in trials of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccine trials provide valuable insight into the safety and efficacy of vaccines, with individually-randomized, placebo-controlled trials being the gold standard in trial design. However, a myriad of variables must be considered as clinical trial data are interpreted and used to guide policy decisions. These variables include factors such as the characteristics of the study population and circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, the force of infection, the definition and ascertainment of endpoints, the timing of vaccine efficacy assessment, and the potential for performance bias. In this Viewpoint, we discuss critical variables to consider when comparing efficacy measurements across current and future COVID-19 vaccine trials.
Employer Internship Recruiting on College Campuses: 'The Right Pipeline for Our Funnel'.

This case study examines the ways in which employers recruit undergraduate students on U.S. college campuses for internship opportunities. More students today are completing internships than ever b...
Existential Terror

Many of us feel existential terror when contemplating our future nonexistence. I examine several attempts to rationally justify existential terror. The most promising of these appeals to the effects of future nonexistence on the meaningfulness of our lives. I argue that even this justification fails, and therefore existential terror is irrational.
System Design of a 1 MW North-facing, Solid Particle Receiver

Abstract Falling solid particle receivers (SPR) utilize small particles as a heat collecting medium within a cavity receiver structure. The components required to operate an SPR include the receiver (to heat the particles), bottom hopper (to catch the falling particles), particle lift elevator (to lift particles back to the top of the receiver), top hopper (to store particles before being dropped through the receiver), and ducting. In addition to the required components, there are additional features needed for an experimental system. These features include: a support structure to house all components, calibration panel to measure incident radiation, cooling loops, and sensors (flux gages, thermocouples, pressure gages). Each of these components had to be designed to withstand temperatures ranging from ambient to 700 °C. Thermal stresses from thermal expansion become a key factor in these types of high temperature systems. The SPR will be housing ∼3000 kg of solid particles. The final system will be tested at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility in Albuquerque, NM.
THE CRITICAL U.S. ENERGY SITUATION

The United States is already in a critical energy supply and demand situation. We cannot meet our present energy demand. There is no way that we can meet the fantastic energy demand between now and the year 2000 without a yearly increase in the energy imported from overseas. It chills one's blood to know that we spent over $3 billion in 1971 for imported energy. We have been driven into this corner by senseless, inflexible, governmental regulations. We are unable to work ourselves out of this corner because of the demands of extreme environmentalists. If we are to continue to have increasing governmental control, we engineers must provide reliable technical guidance to offset the over-zealous hysteria that finally comes to the attention of our law makers. Engineers are the ones with the background to help. You must make yourself heard--you must meet with and serve on boards an committees where your voices can be heard before decisions are made.
The diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease, which can cause considerable morbidity due to osteoporotic fractures. Knowledge of the cause of osteoporotic bone loss would help implementation of the appropriate treatment. There are two pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of osteoporosis: ¶1) achievement of a relatively low peak bone density in young adulthood which increases the risk of osteoporosis because only a modest bone loss later in life results in bone densities in the osteoporotic range, and 2) a rapid bone loss rate at menopause and/or later in life. Most patients exhibiting osteoporosis have some combination of these two pathogenic mechanisms. There are basically two causes for osteoporosis: 1) a normal peak bone mass with rapid bone loss, and 2) low peak bone mass with a normal bone loss rate. Proper management of osteoporosis involves early diagnosis of the disease and appropriate treatments. With respect to diagnosis of osteoporosis, we now have two important diagnostic tools: a) instruments that measure bone density with high precision, and b) serum and urine biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption assays that allows rapid and frequent monitoring of bone turnover rates. Bone density measurements allow the diagnosis of osteoporosis before fractures occur. Biomarkers can identify patients with a high bone turnover, a situation that leads to rapid bone loss. These two diagnostic tools together can help identify osteoporosis in its earliest form so that preventative measures can be instituted. With respect to treatment of osteoporosis, we now have several forms of effective therapies, such as estrogens, bisphosphonates, calcitonins, and vitamin D (and/or active vitamin D metabolites), that are approved for the use in the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis. Consequently, most patients with osteoporosis can now be treated with effective therapies that will have a positive impact on the disease.
A Phase Cell Approach to Yang-Mills Theory III. Local Stability, Modified Renormalization Group Transformation

For the abelian Yang-Mills theory, a one-to-one correspondence is established between continuum gauge potentials and compatible lattice configurations on an infinite sequence of finer and finer lattices. The compatibility is given by a block spin transformation determining the configuration on a lattice in terms of the configuration on any finer lattice. Thus the configuration on any single lattice is not an “approximation” to the continuum field, but rather a subset of the variables describing the field.
Cloning for Profit

Cloning farm animals with desirable genotypes can be commercially advantageous. In their commentary, Anderson and Seidel discuss recent results in this field (including a report in last week9s issue by Cibelli et al. ) and argue that our understanding of the cell biology of cloning still has many unanswered questions.
Derivatization of cysteine and cystine for fluorescence amino acid analysis with the o-phthaldialdehyde/2-mercaptoethanol reagent.

Previous reports (Drescher, D.G., and Lee, K.S. (1978) Anal. Biochem. 84, 559-569; Lee, K.S., and Drescher, D.G. (1978) Int. J. Biochem. 9, 457-467) have shown that high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of amino acids with the o-phthaldialdehyde/2-mercaptoethanol reagent (OPA/2-ME) is one of the most sensitive procedures currently available for micro amino acid analysis. In the present paper, methods are presented for the modification of cysteine and cystine in proteins for micro amino acid analysis using OPA/2-ME. Cysteine and cystine, which both show low fluorescence with OPA/2-ME, are converted to cysteic acid with performic acid directly, or to S-3-sulfopropylcysteine with 1,3-propane sultone after reduction of cystine with tri-n-butylphosphine. Cysteic acid and S-3-sulfopropylcysteine form highly fluorescent adducts with OPA/2-ME. The formation of S-3-sulfopropylcysteine in proteins and the subsequent hydrolysis of the proteins with methanesulfonic acid are particularly useful for complete amino acid analysis at the picomole level using a single sample.
The cell cycle and the development and regeneration of hair cells.

Abstract The replication of cells occurs by a process known as the cell cycle, which is under multiple forms of regulation. Cell proliferation is an integral part of the development of the inner ear. Generation of the otic sensory epithelia involves coordinated periods of cell division. However, commitment of cells in the developing sensory epithelia to a hair cell fate and the differentiation of hair cells from committed precursors are postmitotic processes, which occur after the establishment of a zone of nonproliferating cells within the epithelium. The suppression of cell division by regulators of the cell cycle is both temporally and functionally linked to hair cell development. Animals lacking cell cycle regulatory proteins can exhibit supernumerary hair cells and exhibit hearing loss. The absence of hair cell regeneration in mammals appears to be related to both mitotic and postmitotic factors. Unlike in fish and birds, cell proliferation is rare in mammalian sensory epithelia following hair cell damage. Cell division can be dramatically increased in mammalian vestibular sensory epithelia by a variety of factors. However, the resulting cells rarely adopt a hair cell fate. As with the cell cycle, our increased understanding of the factors that determine hair cell fate selection may allow us to overcome barriers to hair cell regeneration in mammals.
Group Blind Digital Signatures: A Scalable Solution to Electronic Cash

In this paper we construct a practical group blind signature scheme. Our scheme combines the already existing notions of blind signatures and group signatures. It is an extension of Camenisch and Stadler's Group Signature Scheme [5] that adds the blindness property. We show how to use our group blind signatures to construct an electronic cash system in which multiple banks can securely distribute anonymous and untraceable e-cash. Moreover, the identity of the e-cash issuing bank is concealed, which is conceptually novel. The space, time, and communication complexities of the relevant parameters and operations are independent of the group size.
Topological, affine and isometric actions on flat riemannian manifolds II

Abstract Explicit examples of finite subgroups of the group of homotopy classes of self-homotopy equivalences of some flat Riemannian manifolds which cannot be lifted to effective actions are given. It is also shown that no finite subgroups of the kernel of π0(Homeo(M))→Out π1(M) can be lifted back to Homeo(M), for a large class of flat manifolds M. Some results of an earlier paper by the authors are refined and related to recent work of R. Schoen and S.T. Yau.
Immunocytochemical localization of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR) in the cuneate nucleus of the rat and its relationship to cytochrome-oxidase activity

Abstract Immunohistochemical staining for the 75-kDa, low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75 NGFR ), within the cuneate nucleus (CN) of the adult rat revealed that this receptor is concentrated rostrocaudally in the middle CN (approximately 0.2–0.9 mm caudal to the obex), corresponding to that portion of the CN receiving densest projections of cutaneous primary afferent terminals. Furthermore, dense patches of p75 NGFR -like immunoreactivity appear to correspond to the ‘blotches’ of cytochrome-oxidase activity observed in the middle region of the CN. This close correspondence between the localization pattern of p75 NGFR in the CN and its functional organization suggests an important role for trophic factors in the CN's development and/or maintenance.
Colonoscopy or barium enema for population colorectal cancer screening

There is good evidence from faecal occult blood testing trials that detection and removal of non-advanced colorectal neoplasms can achieve a reduction in colorectal cancer mortality. Both colonoscopy and barium enema have potential advantages and disadvantages if implemented for population screening. The relative merits of each are discussed.
Measurement of absolute blood iodine concentration during digital subtraction ventriculography.

A system to measure the absolute iodine concentration (mg iodine/milliliter blood) in the left ventricle (LV) during digital subtraction ventriculography has been developed. The technique uses a catheter to draw blood from the LV through a detection cell. This occurs as the iodine bolus passes through the heart. The cell determines iodine concentration by measuring x‐ray attenuation as the iodinated blood passes between a low‐power x‐ray tube and a diode detector.In vitro and in vivotesting of the system was conducted. The system response was linear (r=0.99) with respect to iodine concentration. This response was independent of hematocrit. Dispersion of contrast medium in the catheter caused distortion of the shape of the time–concentration curve. The impulse response of the system was measured and found to be independent of hematocrit. A correction algorithm based on Wiener filter deconvolution was developed. In vitrotesting using simulated time–concentration curves demonstrated that the rms error in the iodine measurement after dispersion correction did not exceed 4% over the region of the time–concentration curve extending from the peak to the point on the tail where the signal fell to 50% of its peak value. Cardiac output was measured from the time–concentration curve via the indicator‐dilution method in an animal model. This cardiac output measurement (CO I ) agreed closely with cardiac output measured simultaneously with an aortic flow probe (CO P ), namely, CO I =1.02 CO P −0.03 L/min, r=0.95, SEE=10%, p<0.001. The application of the blood iodine concentration measurement to the densitometric measurement of absolute LV volume from digital subtraction angiography(DSA) images is discussed.
Scientists Provide Perspectives as Drilling Reaches Subglacial Antarctic Lake Vostok

Culminating decades of effort, researchers drilled to subglacial Lake Vostok on 5 February. The glacial drilling team of the 57th Russian Antarctic Expedition penetrated to the waters of the lake at a depth of 3769.3 meters through deep ice borehole 5G, according to a report sent to the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute by the head of Vostok station and the head of the glacial drilling team. Researchers collected about 1.5 cubic meters of water while working to prevent contamination of the lake before a plug of frozen water sealed the lake again, as researchers had planned. The accomplishment culminates decades of effort to reach Lake Vostok—a freshwater lake roughly the size of Lake Ontario located near the middle of the continent—and it opens up a new era in investigating subglacial Antarctic lakes. Some scientists speculate that Lake Vostok, the largest of more than 280 known subglacial lakes on the continent, could harbor life forms in an environment that has been sealed off from light and air for possibly tens of millions of years. They also speculate that the Vostok environment could be analogous to that of some icy moons in the solar system.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. XXV. Significance of the Ph1 (including unusual translocations) in various acute leukemias.

The following rare Ph1-positive chromosome constitutions, based on the cytogenetic findings in three cases with acute leukemia, are presented. 1) A hypodiploid karyotype, primarily 43, -X, -7, -8,9p+ and a Ph1, in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in relapse, followed by a complete remission and a normal chromosomal picture and then by the appearance of cells with a 46,XX,Ph1 karyotype. The Ph1 was due to a standard translocation between chromosomes no. 9 and no. 22. 2) The first demonstration of an unusual Ph1-translocation between chromosomes no. 19 and no. 22 in a condition other than chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), i.e., acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). 3) The presence of a Ph1 in acute erythroleukemia (EL) due to a translocation between chromosomes no. 4 and no. 22, this apparently being the first description of such a translocation in any disease. The cytogenetic findings, particularly those in the Ph1-positive case of ALL, were evaluated in relation to the cytologic and immunologic features, clinical courses and implications, and the interrelationship between the three conditions (AML, blastic phase of CML and ALL), which have to be considered in cases of Ph1-positive acute leukemia.
Influence of thyroid hormones on rat cerebellar cell aggregation and survival in culture.

Abstract In order to study the effect of thyroid hormones on rat cerebellar granule cells, cerebellar perikarya isolated from 5–7-day old rats were cultured in the presence of normal fetal calf serum, fetal calf serum treated with Dowex-2 ion exchange resin to remove thyroid hormones, or ion exchange-treated serum resupplemented with physiological concentrations of T4 and T3. Granule cells grown under hypothyroid conditions showed abnormal cellular aggregation, neurite fasciculation and cell survival. Cell aggregation, which may be an in vitro correlate of cerebellar granule cell migration to the internal granule layer, was reduced by over 50% under hypothyroid conditions. The rate of protein synthesis in hypothyroid cultures was stimulated by as much as 3-fold compared to thyroid hormone-containing cultures consistent with a proposal that the normal developmental pattern of diminishing protein synthesis specific activity is delayed or prevented under hypothyroid conditions. In addition ultrastructural studies revealed abnormalities in the density of cold-stable microtubules in thyroid hormone-deficient cultures. These results demonstrate that thyroid hormones can influence granule neuron behavior in the absence of Purkinje cells. Furthermore, the observed defects bear numerous similarities to documented abnormalities within the hypothyroid cerebellum, suggesting that this in vitro culture system may serve as a useful model for studying the mechanism of action of thyroid hormones on the cells of the cerebellum.