cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Process reliability based trojans through NBTI and HCI effects

In this paper, we introduce the notion of process reliability based trojans which reduce the reliability of integrated circuits through malicious alterations of the manufacturing process conditions. In contrast to hardware/software trojans which either alter the circuitry or functionality of the IC respectively, the process reliability trojans appear as a result of alterations in the fabrication process steps. The reduction in reliability is caused by acceleration of the wearing out mechanisms for CMOS transistors, such as Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) or Hot Carrier Injection (HCI). The minor manufacturing process changes can result in creation of infected ICs with a much shorter lifetime that are difficult to detect. Such infected ICs fail prematurely and might lead to catastrophic consequences. The paper describes possible process alterations for both NBTI and HCI mechanisms that might result in creation of process reliability trojans. The paper also explores some possible detection techniques that can help identify the hidden trojans and discusses the various scenarios when process reliability based trojans lead to severe damages.
MuSync: a smart glove that balance personal safety and music control in urban environment

The newly coined term "Ipod Oblivion" Refers to a common urban phenomena: The pedestrians would not be alert to the surrounding environment and approaching danger because of the plugged-in earphones. Although not illegal, this phenomena has caused many vital accidents. In this paper we discuss the development of an interactive glove that address the safety issue of urban runners. This smart glove response to the environment change and Augment the user's ability when encountered emergencies. It also allows phone control through gestures.
The “Clean for Gene” Phenomenon: The Effect of Students' Appearance on Political Campaigning1

Field experiments investigated the relationship between a political campaigner's dress and appearance and his campaign effectiveness. In one study deviant, “freaky” appearing campaigners attempting to hand out innocuous leaflets in a shopping center had a lower acceptance rate than did more conventionally dressed campaigners. Those shoppers who did accept leaflets from “freaks” were more likely to throw them away unread. The first experiment suggested that deviant-appearing campaigners have difficulty communicating information to potential voters, but it was argued that, in another sense, they convey all too much information. Knowing only that the campaigners for one candidate were deviant and “hippy” in appearance as compared to the conventionally dressed campaigners supporting a second candidate, voters in a second experiment were willing to ascribe more radical opinions to the deviants' candidate. Voters then used their inferences as the basis on which to select a candidate. The rationality of inferring beliefs from appearances is discussed in terms of correspondent inference theory.
Applications of the Phase Transition Theory in Visual Recognition and Classifications

Abstract Total discrimination is a measure of information defined by Kullback. It has been shown that total discrimination is useful in measurements of performance and optimization of classifications in visual recognition. Using the Monte Carlo numerical simulation method, we studied some of these behaviors in a system of data, which were generated from visual diagnoses of cell preparations in medicine, of different sample sizes N. The processes categorize cell abnormalities into m classes. Our study suggests that there is a "data structural change" or possibly a "phase transition" in the data system, as the number of classes m in the classification changes through the previously identified optimal classification number mC. We found that the total discrimination peaked at mC and seemed to diverge at the optimization point as N → ∞, based on finite-size scaling analysis technique from the phase transition theory. Using the finite-size analysis method, we calculated the "thermal" exponent v for the data system and the "critical" exponent φ for total discrimination, and the calculation gave v = 3.33 ± 1.00 and φ = 0.40 ± 0.10. An order parameter 〈n〉 which differentiated an "ordered" phase (below mC) from a "disordered" phase (above mC ) was also defined. The behaviors of 〈n〉 near mC supports the hypothesis that there is a possible "phase transition" of the system taking place. Therefore, mC is both an optimization point in visual classification and a "critical point" in the context of the theory of phase transition. The connection of these two will not only provide the theoretical basis in the optimization in visual classification, but also widen the applications of the theory of phase transitions.
Polymorphic type-checking in scheme

This paper presents a type-inference system for Scheme that is designed to be used by students in an introductory programming course. The major goal of the work is to present a type system that is simple enough to be used by beginner students, yet is powerful enough to express the ideas of polymorphism, abstract data types (ADTs), and higher-order procedures. The system also performs some rudimentary syntax checking. The system uses subtyping, but only in a primitive fashion. It has a type datum which is a supertype of all types, and a type poof which is a subtype of all types. It uses intersection types to control the use of datum and to generate simple but accurate types.
Ab initio MODPOT/VRDDO/MERGE calculations on energetic compounds. I. Mechanism of initiation of cationic polymerization from electrostatic molecular potential contour maps

Abstract : Experimentally it had been observed in 1969 for cyclic ethers with conventional substituents that their propensity to polymerize was influenced by their basicities and ring strain. For energetic new polymers it was desired to predict their propensity to polymerize of cyclic ethers substituted with energetic groups prior even to synthesis of monomers themselves. We carried out ab-initio quantum chemical calculations on these energetic cyclic ethers and generated the electrostatic molecular potential contour maps. These maps indicate vividly the basicities of the cyclic ethers and permit the relative ranking of their tendencies to polymerize. The maps also allow optimal choice of good copolymer candidates. (Author)
Preparation and Characterization of Al2O3/TiO2/PVDF Polymer Composites Ultrafiltration Membrane

The polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were modified by blending with nanometer particles to improve its hydrophilic property and anti-fouling performances in the process of waste water treatment. The organic macromolecule composite ultrafiltration (UF) membranes modified by the inorganic nanometer TiO2 and Al2O3 were prepared by a phase inversion process. The composite membranes performances, such as water flux, mechanical strength, water contact angle, retention rate, pores size and pores size distribution, were compared to those of organic membranes. The surface and sectional structures of membranes were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results show that the composite membrane water fluxes increases 79.5% than that of organic membrane with 3% nanometer particles addition and the proportion of TiO2 and Al2O3 is 1:1. The composite membrane average pore size is larger than that of organic membrane and the pore size distribution is more uniform. The composite UF membrane has not only maintained PVDF membrane’s favorable performances but also improved its permeation performance, intensity, hydrophilic and anti-fouling performances.
The relationship between criteria used to select residents and performance during residency

Purpose Can data available at time of interview and evaluation predict level of performance during residency? Methods General surgery residents were studied. Applicant information available prior to admission was used to predict performance during residency as measured by faculty judgment of residents' knowledge, technical skill, maturity and judgment, and overall ability. Results No relationship was found between admission data and final evaluation (using Spearman's coefficient r s = 0.27; p = 0.13). We could not distinguish between the top 10 and the bottom 10 ranked residents on admission variables. Nine of the top 10 and 3 of the bottom 10 residents remained in general surgery. Performance on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination accounted for 37% of the variance in faculty grading (F 5,28;.05 = 3.26; P = 0.02). Conclusions Residents' interpersonal and technical skills and qualities of character may have a significant role in faculty perception of success during surgical residency. These qualities are not well reflected in candidates' credentials at admission.
Carboxyl ester lipase deficiency exacerbates dietary lipid absorption abnormalities and resistance to diet-induced obesity in pancreatic triglyceride lipase knockout mice

This study evaluated the contributions of carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) and pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL) in lipid nutrient absorption. Results showed PTL deficiency has minimal effect on triacylglycerol (TAG) absorption under low fat dietary conditions. Interestingly, PTL(-)(/)(-) mice displayed significantly reduced TAG absorption compared with wild type mice under high fat/high cholesterol dietary conditions (80.1 +/- 3.7 versus 91.5 +/- 0.7%, p < 0.05). Net TAG absorption was reduced further to 61.1 +/- 3.8% in mice lacking both PTL and CEL. Cholesterol absorption was 41% lower in PTL(-/-) mice compared with control mice (p < 0.05), but this difference was not exaggerated in PTL(-/-), CEL(-/-) mice. Retinyl palmitate absorption was reduced by 45 and 60% in PTL(-/-) mice (p < 0.05) and PTL(-/-), CEL(-/-) mice (p < 0.01), respectively. After 15 weeks of feeding, the high fat/high cholesterol diet, wild type, and CEL(-/-) mice gained approximately 24 g of body weight. However, body weight gain was 6.2 and 8.6 g less (p < 0.01) in PTL(-/-) and PTL(-/-), CEL(-/-) mice, respectively, despite their consumption of comparable amounts of the high fat/high cholesterol diet. The decrease body weight gain in PTL(-/-) and PTL(-/-), CEL(-/-) mice was attributed to their absorption of fewer calories from the high fat/high cholesterol diet, thereby resulting in less fat mass accumulation than that observed in wild type and CEL(-/-) mice. Thus, this study documents that PTL and CEL serve complementary functions, working together to mediate the absorption of a major portion of dietary fat and fat-soluble vitamin esters. The reduced lipid absorption efficiency due to PTL and CEL inactivation also resulted in protection against diet-induced obesity.
Preliminary Regional Forecasts for the Outcome of an Estimation Problem

Abstract Sets bounded by random variables that are functions of the first k, k < n, members of a random sample of n members from a normal distribution are studied. These sets have the property that, before the random sample is drawn, the probability is 1 − α, 0 < a < 1, that they contain a point whose coordinates are specified functions of all of the n members of the random sample. Usually, these specified functions will be estimates of the distribution parameters. After numerical values are obtained for the k members of the subsample, the set is fixed and affords a regional forecast along with an index of the reliance to be placed on the forecast for the eventual parameter estimate which will be based on all n members of the random sample. Such sets and indices are called “forecast sets” and “forecast coefficients,” respectively.
Occurrence of trans-ribosylzeatin in Agrobacterium tumefaciens tRNA.

THE cytokinin-active N-6-isoprenoid-substituted purine nucleosides have wide distribution as minor components of the tRNA of animals, bacteria and plants. Skoog, Hall and others (refs in ref. 1) have shown that there are three classes of cytokinin nucleosides, and that one member of each predominates in the tRNA of organisms from each kingdom. Thus, animal tRNA contains 6-(3-methylbut-2-enylamino)-9-β-D-ribofuranosyl purine2 (iPA); whereas in bacterial tRNA, the purine ring is thiomethylated and the predominant cytokinin-active nucleoside is 6-(3-methylbut-2-enylamino)-2-methylthio-9-β-D-ribofuranosyl purine3 (ms-iPA). In plants, the isoprenoid side chain is hydroxylated and the predominant cytokinin-active nucleoside is 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino)-9-β-D-ribofuranosyl purine4 (zeatin riboside, ZR). Minor amounts of 2-methylthio zeatin riboside (ms-ZR) are also present5. But the distribution of these nucleosides may not be quite so clearcut. The plant pathogenic prokaryote Corynebacterium fascians has been shown6 to release cis-zeatin into the culture medium. Other evidence7 suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa tRNA contains ms-ZR. It may be that some prokaryotes have acquired the ability to hydroxylate the isoprenoid side chain and that zeatin and its derivatives are not restricted to plants. We have now examined the cytokinin-active nucleosides from the tRNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the causative organism of plant crown gall disease. Besides the expected ms-iPA and small amount of iPA, trans-ZR was present in significant amounts.
Electoral equilibria with restricted strategies

We construct a spatial election model in which candidates inherit initial positions in the strategy space, presumably from previous political activity, and they are restricted to strategies close to their initial positions. We establish sufficient conditions for the existence of an equilibrium. The equilibrium need not entail an expectation of a zero plurality for each candidate. We then apply this model to a sequence of elections in which a series of opposition candidates challenge incumbents. Given certain regularity conditions, the result will be an apparent incumbency advantage, corresponding to that observed in recent congressional elections.
SeeStar: A low-cost, modular and open-source camera system for subsea observations

Scientists and engineers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have collaborated to develop SeeStar, a modular, light weight, self-contained, low-cost subsea imaging system for mid- to long-term monitoring of marine ecosystems. SeeStar is composed of separate camera, battery, and LED lighting modules, each rated to 300 meters depth. The system can be deployed in a variety of scenarios utilizing stills and video and can be operated either autonomously or tethered on a range of platforms, including ROVs, AUVs, landers, piers, and moorings. The priorities for implementation included using off-the-shelf and readily available components as much as possible, and providing all designs, schematics and fabrication documents online as open source, so that others can easily build and adapt the camera system for their own uses. The long-term goal of this project is to have a widely distributed marine imaging network across thousands of locations, to develop baselines of biological information.
Cytoprotective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and catechol ring-fluorinated CAPE derivatives against menadione-induced oxidative stress in human endothelial cells

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural polyphenolic compound with many biological activities, has been shown to be protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We have synthesized six new catechol ring-fluorinated CAPE derivatives and evaluated their cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects against menadione-induced cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results provide some insights into the structural basis of CAPE cytoprotection in this assay, which does not appear to be based solely on direct antioxidant properties.
Operator product coefficients in non-standard SU(2) Wess-Zumino-Witten models

Abstract Operator product coefficients in the D and E 7 SU(2) models are computed using properties of fusion matrices and extended chiral algebras.
Evangelicals in the Public Square

Christian evangelicals are not normally regarded as serious contributors to discussions about the role of religion in the American “public square.” The dominance of evangelical politics in recent decades by the agenda of the so-called “religious right” has led to the popular perception that evangelicals are interested almost exclusively in promoting a narrow set of moral and cultural issues. However, as this article shows, the “evangelical” strain in American politics is the historical key to our long legacy of democratic idealism, and in many ways continues to be so. The very idea of America itself is founded on the conviction of a higher, transcendent purpose reflected in a shared set of freedoms and a common collective morality. The recent efforts to re-inscribe religious thoughts and value prescriptions within the sphere of political discourse represent a search for a new “moral commons” upon which our identity as a nation can be rebuilt. Because their Biblical faith is rooted in the assurance of a clear calling for certain Christians to play a special or an “exceptional” role in human history they can offer a distinctive perspective on how America’s own unique role among the “nations” can be identified and articulated for future generations.
The effect of pH, thiol reagent and time on properties of urea-induced whey protein gels

Abstract Solutions of whey protein isolate (11.0% by weight) in 6 mol/dm 3 urea spontaneously formed gels at 25°C. The gelling rate increased exponentially, but the gels became less elastic and more fragile, as the pH was increased from 7 to 10. The addition of N -ethylmaleimide at 3 increased gel strength, whereas gelation was inhibited above 5 mmol/dm 3 . Gel strength increased by 25% during storage at 25°C for 7 days.
β-Galactosidase of Pediococcus species: induction, purification and partial characterization

Six strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus and two of P. acidilactici had intracellular β-galactosidase (β-gal) activity when grown in the presence of lactose; all but two strains of P. pentosaceus and one of P. acidilactici had such activity when grown in the presence of glucose. Synthesis of β-gal by P. pentosaceus ATCC 25745 was inducible with lactose, galactose, melibiose, lactobionic acid and possibly cellobiose but not with glucose, sucrose, maltose, glycerol, fructose or mannose. Lactose, galactose and possibly maltose, melibiose and lactobionic acid but not glucose, sucrose, glycerol, cellobiose, fructose or mannose induced β-gal synthesis by P. acidilactici ATCC 25740. Synthesis of β-gal was partially inhibited in P. pentosaceus ATCC 25745 and P. acidilactici ATCC 25740 by glucose added to the medium during growth in the presence of galactose or lactose. Isopropyl β-d-thiogalactopyranoside failed to induce synthesis of β-gal by either strain during growth on glucose. β-Gal from P. pentosaceus ATCC 25745 had a molecular weight of 66,000 and activity optima of pH 6.5 and 45° C. Activity of the enzyme was stimulated by reducing agents, Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ but not by Ca2+, and was markedly inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), HgCl2, 1,10-phenanthroline, and an oxidizing agent. The K mvalues of the enzyme for o-nitrophenol-β-d-galactopyranoside and lactose were 3.07 and 7.0 mM, respectively, suggesting its low affinity for lactose.
Competing non-covalent interactions in alkali metal ion-acetonitrile-water clusters.

Competitive ion−dipole, ion−water, and water−water interactions were investigated at the molecular level in M+(CH3CN)n(H2O)m cluster ions for M = Na and K. Different [n,m] combinations for two diff...
The Pivotal Twin-Histidine Element of the Escherichia Coli Ammonium Channel AmtB Functions as a Substrate Selectivity Filter

Ammonium functions as both a primary nutrient and waste product and, thus, its transport across biological membranes is of fundamental importance. Because the uncharged form, NH3, readily traverses phospholipid bilayers by simple diffusion the role of protein-catalyzed transport of the protonated species, NH4+, is unusually interesting. The Amt family of channels mediates the transport of NH4+ and is required for microbial growth when diffusion of NH3 becomes limiting for nitrogen uptake. Whereas all other characterized channels facilitate downhill substrate movement, Amt proteins are active channels - hybrids between passive channels and active transporters - and concentrate NH4+ against a gradient. Amt family members function as homotrimers, with each monomeric unit carrying a pore for substrate conduction. Each pore is lined entirely with hydrophobic residues, save for a pair of conserved hydrogen-bonded histidines postulated to play a critical role in mediating NH4+ transport. We examined the impact that changes to this histidine pairing had on the function of one of the best-characterized members of the Amt family, the AmtB protein of Escherichia coli. Our initial analysis indicated that AmtB can accommodate, by either direct substitution or suppressor generation, acidic residues at one or both positions of the twin-histidine site while retaining good-to-excellent transport activity. Subsequent work shows that a number of mutant AmtB proteins carrying such alterations leak K+ ions and that this leakage is energetically costly. These findings lead us to conclude that whereas the twin-histidine element is not required to conduct NH4+ it serves as a filter to prevent AmtB-mediated K+ transport.
Mechanism of Ethylene Action Biological Activity of Deuterated Ethylene and Evidence against Isotopic Exchange and cis-trans-Isomerization

Deuterated ethylene was used to study the mechanism of ethylene action in etiolated pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska). No apparent differences were observed in the biological activity of tetradeuteroethylene (C(2)D(4)) and ordinary ethylene (C(2)H(4)) using the pea stem straight growth assay. The absence of an isotopic effect is discussed in relation to the possibility that ethylene binds to a metal or that carbon to hydrogen bonds of ethylene are broken during its mechanism of action.Analyses by gas chromatography of gas samples obtained from chambers containing intact etiolated pea plants exposed to 2 microliters of C(2)D(4) per liter of air for up to 5 days resulted in no detectable exchange between the deuterium atoms of C(2)D(4) and the hydrogen atoms of the tissue. Similarly, infrared spectra of gas samples obtained from chambers containing plants exposed to either cis or trans-C(2)D(2)H(2) indicated that no conversion had occurred to the corresponding trans or cis isomer. These results suggest that the mechanism of ethylene action does not involve an intermediate ethylene complex resulting in hydrogen exchange or cis-trans isomerization during a possible catalytic activation of the receptor site(s).
Improved detection of substantia nigra pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

The role of substantia nigra pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is uncertain. Detection of pathology may be obscured by intraneuronal neuromelanin and influenced by stains. We determined methods...
Endoscopic placement of the small-bowel video capsule by using a capsule endoscope delivery device.

Background Capsule endoscopy performed via the traditional peroral route is technically challenging in patients with dysphagia, gastroparesis, and/or abnormal upper-GI (UGI) anatomy. Objective To describe the indications and outcomes of cases in which the AdvanCE capsule endoscope delivery device, which has recently been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, was used. Design Retrospective, descriptive, case series. Setting Tertiary care, university hospital. Patients We report a case series of 16 consecutive patients in whom the AdvanCE delivery device was used. The study period was May 2005 through July 2006. Interventions Endoscopic delivery of the video capsule to the proximal small bowel by using the AdvanCE delivery device. Main Outcome Measurements Indications, technique, and completeness of small bowel imaging in patients who underwent endoscopic video capsule delivery. Results The AdvanCE delivery device was used in 16 patients ranging in age from 3 to 74 years. The primary indications for endoscopic delivery included inability to swallow the capsule (10), altered UGI anatomy (4), and gastroparesis (2). Of the 4 patients with altered UGI anatomy, 3 had dual intestinal loop anatomy (ie, Bilroth-II procedure, Whipple surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) and 1 had a failed Nissen fundoplication. In all cases, the capsule was easily deployed without complication, and complete small intestinal imaging was achieved. Limitations Small patient size. Conclusions Endoscopic placement of the Given PillCam by use of the AdvanCE delivery device was safe and easily performed in patients for whom capsule endocsopy would otherwise have been contraindicated or technically challenging.
SINGLE CORONARY ARTERY WITH FISTULOUS COMMUNICATION. REPORT OF TWO CASES.

Two cases of single coronary artery with fistulous communication (one to the right ventricle and one to the pulmonary artery) are presented as extremely rare combinations of two rare coronary anomalies. There have been two, previous, similar cases reported in the medical literature.
Texture evolution in combined reaction transformed equiatomic ferromagnetic L10-ordered FePd intermetallics

Abstract Binary FePd has been isothermally annealed at 600 °C after cold deformation in metastable face-centered cubic (fcc) state to produce equiaxed L1 0 -ordered polycrystals. Combinations of X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy have been used to study microstructural and texture evolution during annealing. A model has been proposed to explain the unexpected retention of the major components of the cold-deformed fcc texture in the fully phase transformed L1 0 -ordered FePd.
Genomic but not antigenomic hepatitis delta virus RNA is preferentially exported from the nucleus immediately after synthesis and processing

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) contains a viroid-like circular RNA that replicates via a double rolling circle replication mechanism. It is generally assumed that HDV RNA is synthesized and remains exclusively in the nucleus until being exported to the cytoplasm for virion assembly. Using a [32P]orthophosphate metabolic labeling procedure to study HDV RNA replication (T. B. Macnaughton, S. T. Shi, L. E. Modahl, and M. M. C. Lai. J. Virol. 76:3920-3927, 2002), we unexpectedly found that a significant amount of newly synthesized HDV RNA was detected in the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, Northern blot analysis revealed that the genomic-sense HDV RNA is present almost equally in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas antigenomic HDV RNA was mostly retained in the nucleus, suggesting the specific and highly selective export of genomic HDV RNA. Kinetic studies showed that genomic HDV RNA was exported soon after synthesis. However, only the monomer and, to a lesser extent, the dimer HDV RNAs were exported to the cytoplasm; very little higher-molecular-weight HDV RNA species were detected in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that the cleavage and processing of HDV RNA may facilitate RNA export. The export of genomic HDV RNA was resistant to leptomycin B, indicating that a cell region maintenance 1 (Crm1)-independent pathway was involved. The large form of hepatitis delta antigen (L-HDAg), which is responsible for virus packaging, was not required for RNA export, as a mutant HDV RNA genome unable to synthesize L-HDAg was still exported. The proportions of genomic HDV RNA in the nucleus and cytoplasm remained relatively constant throughout replication, indicating that export of genomic HDV RNA occurred continuously. In contrast, while antigenomic HDV RNA was predominantly in the nucleus, there was a proportionally large fraction of antigenomic HDV RNA in the cytoplasm at early time points of RNA replication. These findings uncover a previously unrecognized presence of HDV RNA in the cytoplasm, which may have implications for viral RNA synthesis and packaging.
320 × 256 infrared focal plane array based on type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice with a 12-μm cutoff wavelength

In the past few years, significant progress has been made in the structure design, growth and processing of Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodetectors. Type-II superlattice demonstrated its ability to perform imaging in the middle and long infra-red range, becoming a potential competitor for technologies such as QWIP and HgCdTe. Using an empirical tight-binding model, we developed a superlattice design that matches the lattice parameter of GaSb substrates and presents a cutoff wavelength of 12 mm. Electrical and optical measurements performed on single element detectors at 77 K showed an R0A averaging 13 O.cm2 and a quantum efficiency as high as 54%. We demonstrated high quality material growth with x-ray FWHM below 30 arcsec and an AFM rms roughness of 1.5 A over an area of 20x20 mm2. A 320x256 array of 25x25mm2 pixels, hybridized to an Indigo Read Out Integrated Circuit, performed thermal imaging up to 185 K with an operability close to 97%. The noise equivalent temperature difference at 81 K presented a peak at 270 mK, corresponding to a mean value of 340 mK.
Formulas for the Healthy Term Infant

Human milk remains the gold standard for infant nutrition. As a nutritional source, it shows a relatively large degree of both intra- and inter-individual variability in composition. It can be said that the more we learn about the unique compositional qualities of human milk, the more there is to learn. Although it is unreasonable to expect any artificial formula to duplicate this mammary gland secretion, this has remained an elusive goal of nutritionists and formula companies throughout the 20th century. Infant formulas have changed substantially since the burgeoning of the modern formula industry in the 1950s. Many of these changes, such as the additions of iron, vitamin D, and perhaps vitamin K, addressed specific well-documented deficiencies and actually moved infant formula away from the composition of human milk. However, the majority of the changes made in recent years have been attempts to bring formulas closer in composition to human milk. The additions of taurine and carnitine, further reductions in sodium content, and increases in the percent of whey protein, though advantageous theoretically, have remained of questionable benefit when subjected to rigorous scientific methods. Much of the supporting research for formula modifications is sponsored by the formula industry, the results of which are then widely advertised in circulars aimed at practitioners involved in the care of infants.
“No more hot fish”: California’s push for literature in basal readers

California has undertaken an ambitious reform of its language arts instruction. This article describes the reform and its implementation, as well as the state's adoption procedures, its selection and appraisal of new language arts materials, and its interaction with publishers. It also provides suggestions for policymakers in other states who wish to learn from California’s experience.
A new mouse model mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: correction of symptoms by recombinant human ADAMTS13

Deficiency of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13), a VWF-cleaving protease, is the key factor in the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy. It is well established that ADAMTS13 deficiency results in elevated plasma levels of ultra-large VWF multimers (ULVWF), which are prone to induce platelet aggregation; however, the actual trigger of TTP development remains uncertain. Here we describe a new animal model in which some TTP-like symptoms can be triggered in ADAMTS13 knockout mice by challenge with 2000 units/kg body weight of recombinant human VWF containing ULVWF multimers. Animals rapidly showed clinical symptoms and developed severe thrombocytopenia. Schistocytosis, a decrease in hematocrit, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were observed. The heart was identified as the most sensitive target organ with rapid onset of extensive platelet aggregation in the ventricles and myocardial necrosis. Prophylactic administration of 200 units/kg recombinant human ADAMTS13 protected ADAMTS13 knockout mice from developing TTP. Therapeutic administration of 320 units/kg rhADAMTS13 reduced the incidence and severity of TTP findings in a treatment interval-dependent manner. We therefore consider this newly established mouse model of thrombotic microangiopathy highly predictive for investigating the efficacy of new treatments for TTP.
Utility of a One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) Assay for Comprehensive Examination of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer.

IntroductionMolecular testing for detection of epithelial and/or breast-specific mRNA has the potential to aid in the comprehensive examination of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in breast cancer. We evaluated the performance of a One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification assay (OSNA; Sysmex), an automated assay for detection of cytokeratin 19 mRNA in chemotherapy(CT)-naive and -treated ALNs of breast cancer patients using conventional histopathologic examination (HE) as the gold standard.METHODSALNs obtained from complete axillary dissections were serially sectioned at 1-mm intervals using a proprietary lymph node cutter (Sysmex), and alternate slices were used for OSNA and HE, which included one hematoxylin and eosin stain and a pancytokeratin (CK) immunostain. Isolated tumor cells were classified as micrometastases (MiM) in CT-treated ALNs and as negative in CT-naive ALNs. The presence of tumor cells in either stained preparation was used for categorization of metastatic carcinoma. The agreement between OSNA and HE results for detection of metastatic carcinoma was estimated by using the kappa coefficient for CT-treated and -naive ALN groups separately.RESULTSWe studied 279 ALNs from 39 patients with breast cancer; these included 162 CT-treated and 117 CT-naive ALNs. In the CT-naive group, metastatic carcinoma was detected by HE in 15 of the 117 ALNs (12.8%), 7 classified as micrometastases and 8 as macrometastases. All but 3 of the 7 micrometastases were detected by OSNA. The kappa coefficient between HE and OSNA for this group was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72–1.00) which implies near perfect agreement between the two methods. In the 162 CT-treated ALNs, metastatic carcinoma was detected in 44, 13 classified as micrometastases and 31 as macrometastases. The results for 17 ALNs in the CT-treated group were discordant between the two methods: 3 ALNs were considered positive by OSNA but negative by HE; 10 ALNs with a mean size of metastasis of 0.5 mm (MiM) and 4 with a mean size of metastasis of 2 mm (macrometastases) were considered positive by HE and negative by OSNA. The kappa coefficient between the two methods for this group was estimated to be 0.71 (95% CI, 0.58–0.84) which implies substantial agreement between the two methods for this group.CONCLUSIONS1. The detection of metastatic carcinoma was highly comparable between the OSNA assay and conventional HE in both CT-naive and -treated ALNs in breast cancer.2. The minimal discordance between HE and OSNA in the results for detection of very small metastases in ALNs in both CT-naive and –treated groups was most likely the result of tissue-allocation bias.3. The OSNA assay has the potential to be used as either a stand-alone test or integrated with conventional HE for the comprehensive examination of ALNs in breast cancer, thus likely improving current methods of evaluation of ALNs for more accurate axillary staging. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1012.
Mammogram Use and Self-Efficacy in an Urban Minority Population.

Objectives (1) To compare a sample of low-income African American and Hispanic women in general and mammogram specific self-efficacy and other factors potentially associated with screening to identify any differences related to ethnicity and in the use of mammogram screening; and (2) to examine the association of general self-efficacy and mammography specific self-efficacy and mammogram screening in these two ethnically different groups of women. Design and Sample Cross-sectional. A convenience sample of 139 women. Measures General and mammogram specific self-efficacy, having ever had a mammogram, acculturation, and demographics. Results Mammogram specific self-efficacy was significantly associated with having had a mammogram (p < .001), as was insurance status (p = .027). Using logistic regression, older women (OR: 1.3) and those with insurance (OR: 4.8) were more likely to have been screened. When mammogram specific self-efficacy was added to the model, overlap between this construct and insurance prevented insurance from reaching significance. Conclusions An association between insurance status and mammogram specific self-efficacy was found. It is likely that mammogram specific self-efficacy will vary with mammogram adherence and insurance status, rather than predict screening. General self-efficacy, higher in screened women, may be an effective mediator through which to develop interventions to increase preventive health-seeking behaviors.
Memories of and reflections on play

I am pleased to prepare a brief snippet about my early childhood play in honor of a long-time friend and colleague, Brian Sutton-Smith. We met many years ago in a New York conference hotel, enjoyed...
A peek into the evolution of the sexual lifestyles of yeast.

Abstract Tsong et al. (2003)(this issue of Cell ) characterize the role of mating type genes in Candida albicans and identify a new regulator of mating type and several mating type target genes. Comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides an in-depth view into the evolution of a well-characterized genetic regulatory circuit.
Conservation of the spiralian developmental program: cell lineage of the nemertean, Cerebratulus lacteus.

Lineage tracers were injected into individual blastomeres in embryos of the indirect-developing nemertean Cerebratulus lacteus through the formation of the fourth quartet of micromeres. Subsequent development was followed to the formation of feeding pilidium larvae to establish their ultimate fates. Results showed that these blastomeres have unique fates, and their clones give rise to highly predictable regions of the larval body. As in other spiralians, four discrete cell quadrants can be identified. For the most part, their identities are homologous to the typical spiralian A, B, C, and D cell quadrants. In some respects their fates differ from the typical spiralian fate map; however, these can be understood in terms of simple modifications of the early cleavage program. Unlike most spiralians, the first quartet micromeres in the eight-celled embryo are larger than the corresponding vegetal macromeres, and generate most of the larval ectoderm. All four of these micromeres contribute to the apical organ and generate four bilaterally situated domains of ectoderm, where the progeny of the 1a and 1d micromeres lie to the left of the median plane while those of 1b and 1c lie to the right. Unlike the progeny of the first quartet, those of the second quartet are situated in left (2a), ventral (2b), right (2c), and dorsal (2d) positions. The third quartet micromeres generate clones situated in a bilaterally symmetrical fashion similar to those of the first quartet. The alternating axial relationships exhibited by successive micromere quartets are a characteristic of spiralian development. Unlike other spiralian larvae possessing a ciliary band, the pilidium larval ciliary band is formed by all blastomeres of the first and second micromere quartets, as well as 3c and 3d. Ectomesoderm is derived from two blastomeres (3a and 3b), which give rise to the extensive array of the larval muscle cells. C. lacteus also possesses a true mesentoblast (4d) which gives rise to a pair of mesodermal bandlets, and scattered mesenchymal cells. The dual origin of the mesoderm, as both ectomesoderm and endomesoderm, appears to be a condition present in all spiralians. The gut is formed by all the fourth quartet micromeres as well as the vegetal macromeres (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D). Despite differences in the determination of axial properties and some modifications in quadrant fates, nemerteans appear to be constructed on the typical spiralian developmental platform.
Hölder Regularity of Solutions to Second-Order Elliptic Equations in Nonsmooth Domains

We establish the global Holder estimates for solutions to second-order elliptic equations, which vanish on the boundary, while the right-hand side is allowed to be unbounded. For nondivergence elliptic equations in domains satisfying an exterior cone condition, similar results were obtained by J. H. Michael, who in turn relied on the barrier techniques due to K. Miller. Our approach is based on special growth lemmas, and it works for both divergence and nondivergence, elliptic and parabolic equations, in domains satisfying a general "exterior measure" condition.
Influence of visual and haptic cues on podokinetic after-rotation.

ABSTRACT Active countercircling on a rotating platform for 15 min causes individuals to involuntarily circle in the same direction when they step in place on firm ground. This is referred to as podokinetic after-rotation (PKAR). It is unclear how interjecting brief periods of visual or haptic inputs for a stable orientation reference affects PKAR. The authors studied this issue in 16 healthy individuals who participated in three sessions each. Following active countercircling, participants attempted to step in place for 30 min on firm ground. In two of three sessions, participants received full visual input or made fingertip contact with a stationary object for 30 s during 30 min of ongoing PKAR. All participants slowed or stopped rotating during the presence of visual or haptic inputs and resumed PKAR after removal of these inputs. Exponential functions fitted to angular trunk velocity versus time plots revealed no significant differences across conditions (p > .05). The preservation of PKAR after brief ...
SU-GG-T-205: Limitations of Delta4 IMRT QA for Large Field Sizes

Purpose: Pre‐treatment QA of IMRT plans are critical to uphold patient safety. Given that IMRT plans are becoming more prevalent in radiation oncology it is important to exam the limitations of current IMRT QA devices. Current IMRT QA devices use a 2D array of detectors to examine IMRT QA plans, and 3D analysis is lacking. The Delta4 is a relatively new IMRT QA device, that can perform 3D plan analysis, however the field size limitations of the device are unknown. We herein examine the abilities of the Delta4 to perform IMRT QA on 80 IMRT plans on various treatment sites. Methods and Materials: Clinical IMRT plans from an in‐house TPS, PlanUNC, were retrospectively examined to determine the field size limitation on the Delta4. 20 IMRT plans for each of the following sites were examined: head and neck (H&N), prostate, breast, and pelvis. We determined if the entire intensity map could be measured using the Delta4 based upon the treatment field size using the suggested isocentric set‐up. We also determined which treatment field intensity maps with large field sizes could be completely measured using isocenter shifts for the Delta4. Results: Using the Delta4, 6 H&N, 20 prostate, and 3 pelvis IMRT QA plans were deliverable. Due to large field sizes 14 H&N, and 17 Pelvis plans required a shift to complete measure the dose fluence. All 20 breast IMRT QA plans were deliverable on the Delta4, however all fields were prescribed a table kick out, which greatly increased the time required to measure the plans. Conclusions: The 20cm × 20cm field size of the Delta4 limits its ability to measure large treatment fields using the isocentric set‐up. However shifting the device can increase the detector size, but also decreases IMRT QA efficiency.
Patient Handoffs: Pediatric Resident Experiences and Lessons Learned

Background: Within pediatrics, there is a paucity of data on pediatric resident handoff systems. Methods: Seventy-seven of 139 eligible pediatric housestaff participated in a cross-sectional survey that was distributed at an annual residency fall retreat in September 2007. Results: Seventy-three percent of the respondents noted uncertainty regarding patient care plans due to receipt of an incomplete verbal handoff. Nursing questions, phone, and page interruptions were noted barriers to giving an effective verbal sign-out. Personal fatigue was also reported to affect the accuracy of housestaff’s written sign-outs more than verbal sign-outs (43% vs 23%, P = .026). Only 19% of the residents reported that written sign-outs were reflective of current patient information and care plans. Conclusion: Written and verbal patient handoffs were perceived by pediatric housestaff to be important parts of patient care but often incomplete. New systems that provide a more protected handoff environment, reduce housestaff ...
Phase Equilibria in the System BaO–TiO2

The system BaO-TiO2 was investigated using quenching, strip-furnace, and thermal techniques. Five compounds were found to exist in the system: Ba2TiO4, BaTiO3, BaTi2O5, BaTi3O7, and BaTi4O9. Of these, only barium metatitanate (BaTiO3) melts congruently (at 1618°C.). The dititanate melts incongruently at 1322° C. to yield BaTiO3 and liquid; the trititanate melts at 1357°C. to yield BaTi4O9 and liquid; the tetra-titanate melts to TiO2 and liquid at 1428° C. The nature of melting of the orthotitanate could not be determined accurately because of the high temperature involved and the rapid reaction with platinum. The two eutectics in the system occur between Ba2TiO4 and BaTiO3 at 1563°C. and between BaTi2O5 and BaTi3O7 at 1317°C. The temperature of the cubic-hexagonal transition in barium metatitanate was determined as 1460°C. and the transition has been shown to be reversible. The transition temperature is raised sharply by the addition of a small percentage of TiO2 although the extent of solid solution is quite limited. Some applications to the manufacture of titanate bodies and to the growth of single crystals of barium metatitanate are discussed.
An ANOVA-based GPS multipath detection algorithm using multi-channel software receivers

We present a statistical detection test for GPS multipath based on the one-way ANOVA method. Given an antenna array with a GPS software receiver in tracking mode, the signal from each channel is correlated with a reference signal in blocks of one CA code period. When the relative phase delay for the direct GPS signal is stripped off from each channel, the expected values of the correlates is the same for all of the channels only if no multipath is present. A one-way ANOVA test can then used to detect the presence of multipath. An analysis of this method is presented which shows that the parameters affecting its detection performance can be grouped into three classes: the array size, the signal AOAs, and the processed multipath SNR. Receiver operating characteristic curves are given as a function of the processed multipath SNR for fixed array sizes. They show that good detection performance can be achieved under most operating conditions with less than 10 CA code periods of data. It is also shown that the detection performance of this method improves as the multipath time delay decreases. This suggests that the method could be a useful tool in aiding multipath mitigation techniques whose ability to detect multipath typically degrades as the multipath time delay decreases.