cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Scale of Consent

We often speak of consent in binary terms, boiling it down to "yes" or "no." In practice, however, consent varies by degrees. We tend to afford expressly consensual transactions more respect than transactions backed by only implied consent, for instance, which we in turn regard as more meaningful than transactions justified by merely hypothetical consent. A mirror of that ordinal ranking appears in our judgments about unconsensual transactions. This working paper reviews how legal and other authorities regard consent, revealing that they treat consent as a matter of degree and a measure of justification. The scale described here plays a vital role in a larger project, one that will also explain consent's importance and apply graduated consent theory to such longstanding puzzles as the enforceability of standard form agreements, the justifiability of political coercion, and the meaning of a constitution. As a preliminary to that project, this working paper explains how consent and justification vary by degree and covary in value.
Algorithms for simultaneous motion control of multiple T. pyriformis cells: Model predictive control and Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper investigates the use of single control signal (magnetic field direction) and PSO-MPC algorithm to control multiple magnetized Tetrahymena pyriformis (T. pyriformis) cells to move from their initial positions to their target positions simultaneously while avoiding the obstacle. The magnetized T. pyriformis cells are generated by adding iron-oxide spherical particles into the cells. We control the cells' moving direction by changing the magnetic field direction. Based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm, we define a cost function which is composed of the target cost function and the obstacle potential function. The target cost function is to measure the sum of differences between cells' predicted positions and their target positions. The obstacle potential function is used to measure the repulsive force of the obstacle. The input variables of the cost function are the sequence of control signals. We use Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method to find a cost value which is close to the global minimum of the cost function. In the experimental result section, we show the control of three m3pi robots to move from their initial positions to their target positions with avoiding the obstacle. Since the similar control strategy has successfully controlled one T. pyriformis cell in our previous work, we believe our PSO-MPC algorithm is applicable on the multiple T. pyriformis cells' control task.
Electrophoretic mobility and N-acetyl neuraminic acid content of human normal and leukemic lymphocytes and granulocytes.

Studies have been conducted to determine the electrophoretic mobility and the N-Acetyl Neuraminic Acid (NANA) content of different human leukocyte types. Leukemic granulocytes and lymphocytes do not differ significantly from their normal counterparts in rate of electrophoretic mobility. An absolute comparison between leukemic and normal myeloblasts could not be made; however, populations of leukemic myeloblasts were often similar in mobility to normal immature granulocytes. Immature granulocytes had a significantly higher surface-charge density than PMNGs, and this is due primarily to differences in NANA carboxyl groups contributing to the electro-kinetic surface of the cell. The small lymphocyte has a surface-charge density more similar to that of immature granulocytes and myeloblasts than to that of PMNGs. The surface-dependent behavior of different leukocyte types may be related, in part, to the density or arrangement of NANA molecules at the cell periphery; alternatively, the distribution of surface NANA may be a reflection of other differences in molecular arrangement of the cell membrane which are important in determining functional capacities. Total cellular NANA is greater in the PMNG than the lymphocyte, and this is likely to be a reflection of the larger surface area of external and internal membranes of the PMNG. These data also suggest that the surface area of the PMNG and lymphocyte is not reflected by the assumption of a smooth sphere. Neither total NANA nor neuraminidase-susceptible NANA can be used as an estimate of comparative NANA-dependent surface-charge density which must depend on electrophoretic mobility measurements with and without neuraminidase treatment.
Failure analysis of micron scaled silicon under high rate tensile loading

Structures have been built at micro scales with unique failure mechanism not yet well understood, in particular, under high-rate loading conditions. Consequently, MEMS devices suffer from inconsistent performance and insufficient reliability. This research aims to understanding the failure mechanisms in micro-scaled specimens deforming at high rates. Single crystal silicon micro beams that are 4 μm thick are subjected to tensile loading at average strain rates of 100 s−1 using a miniature modified Kolsky tension bar. A capacitance displacement system and piezoelectric load cell are incorporated to measure the strain and stress of the silicon micro beams directly to ensure precision. Extreme fragmentation of the beams occurs during failure and this phenomenon is observed using a high speed camera. A debris retention system is used to capture the silicon fragments for direct inspection using a Scanning Electron Microscope. The failure mechanism of the micro beams is attributed the presence of sub micron scaled surface defects rather than any one large critical flaw.
Face detection in low-resolution color images

Most face detection methods require high or medium resolution face images to attain satisfactory results. However, in many surveillance applications, where there is a need to image wide fields of view, faces cover just a few pixels, which makes their detection difficult. Despite its importance, little work has been aimed at providing reliable detection at these low resolutions. In this work, we study the relationship between resolution and the automatic face detection rate with the Modified Census Transform, one of the most successful algorithms for face detection presented to date, and propose a new Color Census Transform that provides significantly better results than the original when applied to low-resolution color images.
In Situ Structural Characterization of Platinum Dendrimer- Encapsulated Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts

In situ electrochemical extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) was used to evaluate the structure of Pt dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The DENs contained an average of just 225 atoms each. The results indicate that the Pt coordination number (CN) decreases when the electrode potential is moved to positive values. The results are interpreted in terms of an ordered core, disordered shell model. The structure of the DENs is not significantly impacted by the presence of dioxygen, but other electrogenerated species may have a significant impact on nanoparticle structure.
Optimal one-dimensional inversion and bounding of magnetotelluric apparent resistivity and phase measurements

Abstract The properties of the log of the admittance in the complex frequency plane lead to an integral representation for one-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) apparent resistivity and impedance phase similar to that found previously for complex admittance. The inverse problem of finding a one-dimensional model for MT data can then be solved using the same techniques as for complex admittance, with similar results. For instance, the one-dimensional conductivity model that minimizes the χ2 misfit statistic for noisy apparent resistivity and phase is a series of delta functions. One of the most important applications of the delta function solution to the inverse problem for complex admittance has been answering the question of whether or not a given set of measurements is consistent with the modeling assumption of one-dimensionality. The new solution allows this test to be performed directly on standard MT data. Recently, it has been shown that induction data must pass the same one-dimensional consistency test if they correspond to the polarization in which the electric field is perpendicular to the strike of two-dimensional structure. This greatly magnifies the utility of the consistency test. The new solution also allows one to compute the upper and lower bounds permitted on phase or apparent resistivity at any frequency given a collection of MT data. Applications include testing the mutual consistency of apparent resistivity and phase data and placing bounds on missing phase or resistivity data. Examples presented demonstrate detection and correction of equipment and processing problems and verification of compatibility with two-dimensional B-polarization for MT data after impedance tensor decomposition and for continuous electromagnetic profiling data.
Tendon allograft interposition for failed distal ulnar resection: 2- to 14-year follow-up.

Purpose To evaluate the mid- to long-term outcome of distal radioulnar interposition arthroplasty using an Achilles allograft for salvage of painful instability after distal ulnar resection. Methods Twenty-six patients with an average age of 43 years were treated with Achilles tendon allograft interposition for failed distal ulnar resection. The average follow-up period was 79 months (range, 25–174 mo). Patients had an average of 2 previous procedures. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. At the final follow-up, pain level, satisfaction, forearm rotation, grip strength, and Mayo Modified Wrist Score were assessed. Results All clinical parameters demonstrated statistically significant improvement at the final follow-up. Mean patient pain scores improved from 8.1 to 1.3, and patient satisfaction scores improved by an average of 6.8 points. Preoperative and postoperative forearm rotation and grip strength measurements improved by an average of 28° in pronation, 41° in supination, and 72% in grip strength. The mean Mayo Modified Wrist Score improved from 42 to 85. Postoperative radiographs showed preservation of an adequate space between the distal radius and the resected distal ulna. No postoperative infections and no foreign body reactions relating to the allograft were observed. Conclusions Interposition arthroplasty with an Achilles allograft was an effective salvage procedure for the treatment of failed distal ulnar resection, preventing impingement of the ulnar stump on the radius. This procedure potentially provides a safe and reliable treatment, especially for patients who may not be candidates for implant arthroplasty. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Return-stroke multiplicity of negative cloud-to-ground lightning flashes

The percentage of negative lightning flashes composed of a single stroke is examined. This percentage is estimated from data reported by the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) for Florida and New Mexico and is compared with that determined from electric field and optical observations in these two states. The latter observations allowed a very accurate stroke count and, therefore, were used as the ground truth in the comparison. The percentage of negative single-stroke flashes reported by the NLDN is a factor of 2‐3 higher than from the accurate-stroke-count studies in Florida (44% vs 17%) and is a factor of 3‐4 higher in New Mexico (51% vs 14%). The observed discrepancies suggest that many small subsequent strokes are missed by the NLDN because these strokes fail to exceed the system’s trigger threshold level so that only one stroke per flash is recorded in many multiple-stroke flashes. The percentage of negative single-stroke flashes reported by the Austrian lightning detection network is 40%, similar to the percentages reported by the NLDN for Florida and New Mexico. Percentages of single-stroke flashes determined from accurate-stroke-count studies in Sweden and Sri Lanka, which represent additional meteorologically distinct regimes, are 18% and 21%, respectively, in fair agreement with the Florida and New Mexico accurate-stroke-count studies. From comparison of the NLDNreported and ground-truth data, it is possible to estimate the NLDN stroke and flash detection efficiencies. If the NLDN stroke detection efficiency were the same for both first and subsequent strokes, the percentage of single-stroke flashes and number of strokes per flash reported by the NLDN for Florida (44% and 2.4, respectively) would correspond to a stroke detection efficiency of about 40% and a flash detection efficiency of about 78%. A similar approach to the New Mexico data would yield a stroke detection efficiency of about 20% and a flash detection efficiency of about 62%.
Long-term culture of epithelial cells from the normal rat colon.

Serial passage cultures of colonic epithelial cells from young rats have been maintained for more than 6 months in Eagle's minimum essential medium buffered with HEPES (25 mM) and supplemented with 2.5% fetal bovine serum, 0.5 μg/ml insulin, 5.0 μg/ml transferrin, and antibiotics. The cells proliferated in this medium with a population doubling time of approximately 53 h. The cells retained differentiated morphology as evidenced by secretory activity and the presence of secretory granules, microvilli, tonofilaments, and desmosomal junctions. Further cells at the fourth passage had normal karyotypes with 42 chromosomes and exhibited anchorage dependent growth. High concentrations of fetal bovine serum (10 to 15%) exerted toxic effects on the colonic epithelial cell cultures.
Diversity and accommodation : essays on the cultural composition of the Virginia frontier

Focusing on the early Virginia frontier, the essays in Diversity and Accommodation stress the importance of cultural pluralism in backcountry society and the need to replace stereotypical images with realistic conclusions based on a detailed case-study approach. The contributors to this collection argue that traditional views - of ethnic and cultural isolation, of German clannishness and Scots-Irish individualism - contain a kernel of truth but are far too restrictive and simplistic. While acknowledging that distinct ethnic and cultural groups did exist on the Virginia frontier and that their effect on the development and heritage of the region was significant, these scholars show that accommodation, adaptation, exchange, and coexistence among such groups played a more important part in the cultural dynamics of the area than previous studies have indicated. Drawing on the methods and findings of various disciplines - including social history, archaeology, ethnic studies, and material culture studies - the essays encompass key aspects and phases of the Virginia frontier experience. Among the topics covered are the earliest trade relationships between English Virginians and the Native American societies, the impact of immigrants from Ulster and the Rhineland, the African American presence and the nature of slavery in the region, and the development of community ties in southwest Virginia. The final section examines the ways in which backcountry architecture reflected both the early settlers' backgrounds as well as their adaptations to their new environment. With their fresh insights and innovative analysis, the essays in Diversity and Accommodation make an important contribution to thegrowing body of scholarship on the role of the frontier and backcountry regions in American history.
Effect of trypsin on prothrombin.

Summary1. Trypsin converts prothrombin into thrombin. Calcium and accessory clotting factors are not essential. Calcium does, however, accelerate the rate of thrombin formation but without affecting the thrombin yield. 2. Conversion of prothrombin by trypsin is incomplete. 3. Heparin, in low concentrations, can inhibit the clotting effect of trypsin by increasing plasma antithrombic activity.
Characterization of a pentasaccharide in salivary mucin from the stumptail monkey, Macaca arctowes

Abstract Oligosaccharides were prepared by alkaline cleavage and sodium borotritide reduction. Following gel filtration on Sephadex G-25, [ 3 H]-oligosaccharides were further fractionated by anion-exchange and preparative paper chromatography. The principal neutral oligosaccharide contained GalNAcol:GlcNAc:Gal:Fuc (1:1:2:1). Using a combination of exoglycosidase digestion, periodate oxidation and methylation analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, it structure was determined to be: Gal β1→ 4 GlcNAc β1 → 3(Fuc α1 → 2 Gal 1 → 6)GalNAcol.
A dynamic isotope power system for Space Exploration Initiative surface transport systems

The Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) Demonstration Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy with support funding from NASA, is currently focused on the development of a standardized 2.5-kWe portable generator for multiple applications on the lunar or Martian surface. A variety of remote and mobile potential applications have been identified by NASA, including surface rovers for both short- and extended-duration missions, remote power to science packages, and backup to central base power. Recent work focused on refining the 2.5-kWe design and emphasizing the compatibility of the system with potential surface transport systems. Work included an evaluation of the design to ensure compatibility with the Martian atmosphere while imposing only a minor mass penalty on lunar operations. Additional work included a study performed to compare the DIPS with regenerative fuel cell systems for lunar mobile and remote power systems. Power requirements were reviewed and a modular system chosen for the comparison.
Landau theory of thin ferroelectric films

Abstract Landau-Devonshire theory1 is a useful phenomenological model to describe the properties of ferroelectric phase transitions. Below the transition temperature, the Landau model can be generalized to describe the thermodynamic stability of a ferroelectric crystallite in a bistable polarized configuration, and to predict the response of the crystallite to external fields and charges. The three primary elements to be considered in modeling thin-film ferroelectric devices are the polar response of the ferroelectric itself, the contribution of electrode interfaces, and the interaction of mobile and immobile charged defects and carriers with the ferroelectric and the electrodes. First, the hysteresis properties of a single domain or crystallite are derived. This result is generalized to find the polar response in a polycrystalline film where there may be variations in the size and orientation of the crystallites and in the coercivity, remanence and offset of the domains. After postulating that metal elec...
Substrate Atomic-Termination-Induced Anisotropic Growth of ZnO Nanowires/Nanorods by the VLS Process

In the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of 1D nanostructures, the electronic structure of the substrate surface may critically affect the morphology of the grown nanowires/nanorods. In this paper, using a model system of the Sn-catalyzed growth of ZnO nanostructures on a single-crystal ZnO substrate, we demonstrate the effect of substrate surface termination on nanowire growth. Symmetric nanoribbons have been grown on the nonpolar surfaces of ((21 h10) (or ((011 h0)), but the polar surface ((0001) substrates have asymmetrically grown nanostructures. For the Zn-terminated (0001) substrate surface, uniform, long, and epitaxially aligned nanowires have been grown. For the oxygen-terminated (0001 h) substrate surface, short nanotrunks have been grown. These asymmetrical growth features are related to the atomic termination of the substrate, surface charges, and interface adhesion. These observations provide some insight into the physical chemical process in VLS growth.
Analytical Modeling Framework and Applications for Space Communication Networks

There is a growing number of resource-constrained small satellites that are currently performing and are proposed to accomplish novel science and technology missions. These missions seek to download large quantities of data to ground-station networks that currently have limited ability to support these missions. This limitation motivates the development of modeling and simulation tools to assess and optimize these mission scenarios. In this paper, we develop an extensible, analytical modeling framework for satellite operations. This framework captures dynamic states, subsystem functions, and interactions of the satellite with the external environment and ground-communication networks. This foundational framework enables assessment and optimization of complex space and ground networks under both deterministic and stochastic conditions. We apply this framework to develop a communication-focused model for an operational satellite mission. We implement the analytical model in a simulation environment and use ...
Hepatitis C Virus Infection of Human T Lymphocytes Is Mediated by CD5

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease. Although infection of hepatocytes is mainly responsible for manifestations of hepatitis C, the virus also invades the immune system by a yet-to-be-identified mechanism. Using human T cell lines and primary T lymphocytes as targets and patient-derived HCV as inocula, we aimed to identify how HCV gains entry into these cells. HCV replication was determined by detection of the HCV RNA replicative (negative) strand and viral proteins, while specific antibodies, knocking down gene expression and making otherwise-resistant cells prone to HCV, were employed to identify a receptor molecule determining T lymphocyte permissiveness to HCV infection. The results revealed that T cell susceptibility to HCV requires CD5, a lymphocyte-specific glycoprotein belonging to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich family. Blocking of T cell CD5 with antibody or silencing with specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) decreased cell susceptibility to HCV, while increasing CD5 expression by mitogen stimulation had the opposite effect. Moreover, transfection of naturally CD5-deficient HEK-293 fibroblasts with CD5 facilitated infection of these otherwise HCV-resistant cells. In contrast to T cells, hepatocytes do not express CD5. The data revealed that CD5 is a molecule important for HCV entry into human T lymphocytes. This finding provides direct insight into the mechanism of HCV lymphotropism and defines a target for potential interventions against HCV propagating in this extrahepatic compartment.
Characterizing bacterial gene circuit dynamics with optically programmed gene expression signals

Gene circuits are dynamical systems that regulate cellular behaviors, often using protein signals as inputs and outputs. Here we have developed an optogenetic 'function generator' method for programming tailor-made gene expression signals in live bacterial cells. We designed precomputed light sequences based on experimentally calibrated mathematical models of light-switchable two-component systems and used them to drive intracellular protein levels to match user-defined reference time courses. We used this approach to generate accelerated and linearized dynamics, sinusoidal oscillations with desired amplitudes and periods, and a complex waveform, all with unprecedented accuracy and precision. We also combined the function generator with a dual fluorescent protein reporter system, analogous to a dual-channel oscilloscope, to reveal that a synthetic repressible promoter linearly transforms repressor signals with an approximate 7-min delay. Our approach will enable a new generation of dynamical analyses of synthetic and natural gene circuits, providing an essential step toward the predictive design and rigorous understanding of biological systems.
Competition and growth of six cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes, sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and common purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

Abstract Varietal growth habit could play a key role in the competitiveness of crop plants with weeds. The relative competitiveness of two erect, two semierect, and two prostrate cowpea genotypes with a tall-growing (common sunflower) or a low-growing (common purslane) species was evaluated in 12 replacement-series experiments conducted in 2003 and 2004. Growth analysis of the six cowpea genotypes and two weed species were also conducted to investigate the relationship of competitiveness and growth. Cowpea genotype and competitor biomass were used to calculate relative yield total (RYT) and aggressivity indices (AI). RYT and AI means of six cowpea genotypes were compared using ANOVA, and an isotonic regression was used to confirm the relative competitive superiority of the cowpea growth types. All cowpea genotypes had similar RYTs when grown with sunflower or common purslane, indicating that cowpea used the same resources as sunflower or purslane. When grown with sunflower, erect and semierect genotypes h...
Energetics of the Radical Ions of the AT and AU Base Pairs: A Density Functional Theory (DFT) Study

In this work, we present DFT calculations of the energetics of the base-pair anion and cation radicals of adenine−thymine (AT) and adenine−uracil (AU). At the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level, we find that the adiabatic electron affinities (AEAs) are 0.30 eV for AT and 0.32 eV for AU. These values are both positive but slightly smaller than previously reported values for the AEA of guanine−cytosine (GC) and the hypoxanthine−cytosine base pair (IC). Furthermore, the AT and AU anion radical vertical electron detachment energies are also smaller than those of GC and IC, with that of AT only about half of GC's. For electron transfer between two identical isolated base pairs, the reorganization energies, λ, are calculated to be AT(0.76), AU(1.06), IC(1.25), and GC(1.31 eV). These results indicate that the AT base pair has a shallow trap depth and provides a favorable route for electron transfer, which explains previous experimental results that electron-transfer rates were higher in polydAdT than in polydGdC. Values of t...
Linear robust trajectory control of flexible joint manipulators

This paper presents a practical approach for the point-to-point control of elastic-jointed robot manipulators. With the proposed approach only position and velocity feedback are referenced, as opposed to most of the existing control schemes of elastic-jointed manipulators which require additional acceleration and/or jerk feedback. To guarantee the robustness of the controller, it is designed on extreme parameter uncertainties due to highly elastic joints of manipulators and energy motivated Lyapunov functions are used to derive the control law. Four pertinent controller gains are chosen in light of the on-line position and velocity feedback of the links and joint sensors. Through a simulated experimental verification, it is demonstrated that the designed simple position and velocity feedback controller, similar to that used for rigid-jointed robots, can globally stabilize the elastic-jointed robot for a bounded reference position. In addition, the tracking performance of the controller reveals that this simple control algorithm is robust in terms of joint flexibility. And the simplicity of the presented control algorithm, as compared to other model-based techniques for flexiblejoint robots, is particularly advantageous. Even though the simulated experiments are conducted on a single-link flexible joint robot, control law derived in this paper has general meaning for multi-link flexible joint robots.
Destabilization of the Emulsion Formed during Aqueous Extraction of Soybean Oil

Characterization and destabilization of the emulsion formed during aqueous extraction of oil from soybean flour were investigated. This emulsion was collected as a cream layer and was subjected to various single and combined treatments, including thermal treatments and enzymatic treatments, aimed at recovery of free oil. The soybean oil emulsion formed during the aqueous extraction processing of full fat flour contains high molecular weight glycinin and β-conglycinin proteins and smaller oleosin proteins, which form a multilayer interface. Heat treatment alone did not modify the free oil recovery but freeze–thaw treatment increased the oil yield from 3 to 22%. After enzymatic treatment of the emulsion, its mean droplet size changed from 5 to 14 μm and the oil recovery increased to 23%. This increase could be attributed to the removal (due to enzymatic hydrolysis) of large molecular weight polypeptides from the emulsion interface, resulting in partial emulsion destabilization. When enzymatic treatment was followed by a freeze–thaw step, the oil recovery increased to 46%. This result can be attributed to the thinner interfacial membrane after enzymatic hydrolysis, partial coalescence during freeze–thaw, and coalescence during centrifugation. Despite the reduction in emulsion stability achieved, additional demulsification approaches need to be pursued to obtain an acceptably high conversion to free oil.
Genetic variation in the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway and survival after diagnosis with colon and rectal cancer

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is an essential regulator of cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling and is involved in angiogenesis and inflammation.1 TGF-β mediates its cellular effects through interaction with smooth muscle actin/mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) proteins. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), another part of the TGF-β signaling pathway, trigger an Smad-signaling cascade that has been linked to reduced cell proliferation and cellular growth kinetics of glioblastomas.2,3 The Runt-related transcription factors (RUNX), including RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3, also are related to the TGF-β signaling pathway. Studies in RUNX3 knockout mice have demonstrated apoptotic defects in response to TGF-β, and RUNX2 transgenic mice reportedly were hypersensitive to TGF-β.4 It has been demonstrated that all 3 RUNX genes bind Smads,5-7 further altering the TGF-β signaling pathway. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), is involved in eukaryotic signal transduction. It has been demonstrated that MAPK1 activates RUNX28 and is involved in both TGF-β and Smad signaling.9,10 Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) plays a key role in cell growth and reportedly is overexpressed in colon tumors.11 Studies indicate that the expression of eIF4E in human colon cancer cells promotes the TGF-β stimulation of adhesion molecules.12 The importance of the TGF-β signaling pathway in colon and rectal cancer has been supported in numerous studies; our previous work illustrated the risk associated with genetic variation in these genes in colon and rectal cancer etiology.13-15 It is plausible biologically that this pathway may influence prognosis as well as initial disease development given its role in influencing angiogenesis, inflammation, and growth factors. For the current study, we evaluated the associations between genetic variability in the TGF-β signaling pathway and survival after a diagnosis of colon cancer or rectal cancer. We evaluated genetic variation in key elements of the TGF-β signaling pathway, including TGFβ1 and its receptor, Smad genes, BMP genes, RUNX genes, MAPK1, and eiF4E and its binding proteins.
A motivational/metaphysical model analysis of platoon

This essay extends the tradition of organically explicating dialectical conflict in feature film. The author creates the Motivational/Metaphysical Model to analyze Platoon—exploring not only how the filmic and narrative elements function to channel viewers into the “Vietnam experience,” but also how the mythic conflict between humane and destructive impulses of war is symbolically resolved. What results is an interpretation of the film that suggest the presence of a previously unidentified pattern of conflict resolution the author refers to as dialectical centering. It is this new pattern, the essay concludes, that permits the film to move beyond providing a unifying homage to those who served in Vietnam to a point where it prescriptively outlines a message with foreign policy implications.
Reversibility Preceding Conservation and Reading Readiness

Summary First grade boys and girls (N = 81) were assessed for reversibility and conservation on five Piagetian tasks. Reading readiness achievement was measured by the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests: Readiness Skills. Of the 81 children, 19 were conservers (succeeded on all five tasks for both reversibility and conservation); 39 were transitional conservers (attained reversibility but not conservation); and 23 were nonconservers (did not acquire consistent reversibility or conservation). The transitional conservers were found to be indistinguishable from nonconservers on seven reading readiness tasks. Both groups were readily discernible from the conservers on these tasks.
The catecholamine response to multisystem trauma.

• We studied the catecholamine response in two groups of patients with multisystem injuries according to the presence (group 1, N=124) or absence (group 2, N=82) of head injury. Markers of injury severity included the Injury Severity Score, the Glasgow Coma Scale, the need for intubation, admission hypotension, the amount of blood products and fluid expanders administered during the first 24 hours, and patient outcome. In group 1, higher norepinephrine levels always and epinephrine concentrations usually were associated with worsening indexes of injury severity. The best correlations were between the Injury Severity Score and the Glasgow Coma Scale and norepinephrine concentrations. In group 2, despite elevated catecholamine levels, such associations were seldom present. Thus, circulating catecholamine levels, especially norepinephrine levels, significantly correlated with the severity of injury in patients who had suffered multisystem injury, but only if the injury included the brain. ( Arch Surg . 1992;127:899-903)
Influence of plant growth regulators on the development of the azalea lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Field experiments were conducted in 1985 and 1986 to determine the effects of the plant growth regulators dikegulac sodium (Atrinal), chlormequat chloride (Cycocel), mefluidide (Embark), and methyl octanoate and decanoate (Off-Shoot-O) on development of azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), on Rhododendron sp. Foliar sprays of mefluidide significantly slowed ALB development 11 d after treatment in both years. Accelerated development occurred with methyl octanoate and decanoate 19 d after foliar treatment in both years. These inhibitory and stimulatory effects may have been related to azalea nutritional quality.
Magnetic molecular imaging: Sensitivity, resolution, and specificity

Molecular imaging usually employs a labeling technique, mainly optical labeling or magnetic labeling, to highlight target molecules. While optical labeling uses a wavelength parameter to achieve molecular specificity, there is no analogous parameter in magnetic labeling to achieve molecular specificity. In addition, a technique with high sensitivity is required to measure the quantity of the magnetically labeled molecules and provide their spatial information. Using scanning magnetic imaging (SMI) and force-induced remnant magnetization spectroscopy (FIRMS) techniques that are based on atomic magnetometry, we have achieved high sensitivity, good spatial resolution, and molecular specificity for magnetic sensing.
Point Defects in Copper

The atomic configurations and energies for point defects in copper have been studied theoretically using a classical model. The atoms near the defect are treated explicitly while the remainder of the crystal is treated as an elastic continuum with atoms imbedded in it. A Born-Mayer repulsive force law, $A{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}r}$, is assumed to act between nearest neighbors. Vacancies, interstitials, di-vacancies, and di-interstitials have been considered. Configurations are found by choosing a starting configuration roughly approximating the situation under consideration, and an iterative process of successively adjusting the value of each variable occurring in the equation for energy such that the magnitude of the generalized force acting on it is minimized. The energy calculations include changes in bond energy in the discrete region, energy in the elastic field, and work done against cohesive forces, but neglect changes due to the redistribution of electrons. Various aspects of the model and method of calculation have been investigated, and the effects of electron redistribution are discussed. Predicted activation energies for motion of interstitials and vacancies are 0.05 and 0.43 eV, respectively. An upper limit of 0.26 eV has been found for the activation energy for migration of di-interstitials. The isolated interstitial has been thoroughly investigated, and eight well-defined equilibrium configurations have been found. Only one of these is stable, being the case in which two atoms are symmetrically split in the $〈100〉$ direction about a vacant normal lattice site. The configuration in which the interstitial is located at a body center is found to be a local maximum, but the saddle point configuration for migration of interstitials is quite close to it.
Biological Aspects of the Link between Smoking and Depression

A link between smoking and depressive symptoms has been described in the literature for over a decade. The neurotransmitter systems affected by cigarette smoke mirror the neurotransmitter pathways thought to be involved in the biological mechanisms of depression. Cigarette smoke contains several psychoactive chemicals; nicotine is the best studied among these and is widely accepted to be the addictive substance in tobacco. Nicotine binds to nicotinic receptors in the brain, augmenting the release of numerous neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate. Cigarette smoke has other psychoactive properties apart from nicotinic receptor stimulation. For example, it inhibits monoamine oxidase (the enzyme responsible for breaking down the biogenic amine neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine) in the brain. Various antidepressants act through modulation of the biogenic amine neurotransmitter pathways. That the neural substrates modified by both smoking and antidepressant drugs overlap has relevance to smoking cessation. The use of antidepressants as adjuvants to smoking-cessation treatment can enhance cessation success rates. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the association between smoking and depression may improve physicians' ability to assist smokers in their efforts to quit and will contribute to a more thorough comprehension of both the biology of addiction and the etiology of depression.
Effects of cash deposits on attendance and weight loss in a large-scale clinical program for obesity.

The effects of a cash deposit for attendance were examined in 579 clients at a fee for service obesity clinic. The weight loss and attendance of 26 groups required to submit a refundable attendance deposit were compared to 34 no-deposit groups. Significant differences in weight loss and attendance favored those groups who submitted refundable deposits.
Food-elicited increases in cortical acetylcholine release require orexin transmission.

Abstract The corticopetal basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) is crucial for normal attentional function and cortical acetylcholine release is increased by stimuli with high motivational salience. Projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the basal forebrain have been previously described and have been hypothesized to relay interoceptive information to this area but little is known about the phenotypic and functional nature of hypothalamic modulation of the BFCS. We have previously shown that orexin (hypocretin) fibers from the hypothalamus distribute densely among basal forebrain choline acetyltransferase–positive neurons and that intrabasalis administration of orexin A increases cortical acetylcholine release. Here, we used in vivo microdialysis to test the hypothesis that the orexin system is necessary for activation of the BFCS in response to a food-related stimulus in food-restricted rats. Elimination of the majority of orexin neurons with the toxin orexin B–saporin significantly blunted the cholinergic response to presentation of palatable food in these animals. Similar effects were seen in animals acutely pretreated with the orexin 1 receptor antagonist, SB-334867, which also increased feeding latency. Collectively, these data suggest that orexin interactions with the BFCS may be a critical component of the neurobiological substrates by which interoceptive cues bias the allocation of attentional resources toward exteroceptive stimuli related to homeostatic challenges.
IPMN involving the main pancreatic duct: biology, epidemiology, and long-term outcomes following resection.

OBJECTIVES To describe the characteristics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) with predominant involvement of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), analyzing predictors for survival and recurrence. BACKGROUND IPMNs involving the MPD harbor a high likelihood of malignancy and different biological features. The appropriateness of including cases with minimal noncircumferential MPD involvement has been challenged because these show clinicopathological features that are similar to branch duct IPMN. Accordingly, their exclusion has led to a redefinition of MPD IPMN (MD-IPMN). METHODS Retrospective review of resected MD-IPMN from 1990 to 2013. All slides were reviewed by a single pancreatic pathologist and classified on the basis of epithelial type and invasive component. RESULTS A total of 223 patients underwent resection for IPMN involving the MPD. Of these, 50 were excluded because of minimal MPD involvement. Among the 173 patients analyzed, median age was 68 years and 55% were males. Predominant epithelial phenotype was intestinal (50%). Forty-eight patients (28%) had low- or intermediate-grade dysplasia, whereas 125 (72%) had either high-grade dysplasia (33%) or invasive carcinoma (39%). Of the 67 invasive IPMNs, 39 were tubular carcinomas (58%) and invasion was minimal (<5 mm) in 28 (42%). The 5-year overall survival rate was 69% and the disease-specific survival rate was 83%. The estimated recurrence rate at 10 years was 25%. Size and type of the invasive component, lymph node positivity, and a positive resection margin were predictors for both survival and recurrence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MD-IPMN is mainly intestinal-type and malignant. After resection, it has a very favorable prognosis, especially in the absence of macroscopic invasive carcinoma.
Theory of melting at high pressures: Amending density functional theory with quantum Monte Carlo

We present an improved first-principles description of melting under pressure based on thermodynamic integration comparing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) treatments of the system. The method is applied to address the longstanding discrepancy between density functional theory (DFT) calculations and diamond anvil cell (DAC) experiments on the melting curve of xenon, a noble gas solid where van der Waals binding is challenging for traditional DFT methods. The calculations show excellent agreement with data below 20 GPa and that the high-pressure melt curve is well described by a Lindemann behavior up to at least 80 GPa, a finding in stark contrast to DAC data.
Effects of zonisamide on the electroencephalogram of a patient with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Zonisamide, a newer antiepileptic drug (AED) with multiple mechanisms of action, has been increasingly used in patients with generalized epilepsies. This case study focuses on the effects of zonisamide on the EEG of a patient with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The patient had complete resolution of myoclonic jerks and absence and generalized seizures on introduction and titration of therapy with zonisamide; his EEG showed almost complete resolution of generalized spike and wave discharges and electrographic absence seizures. This case report suggests that zonisamide may be effective in the treatment of medication-resistant idiopathic generalized epilepsy and that it may lead to a significant improvement of the EEG.
The Staged Self in Mary Carleton's Autobiographical Narratives

In her paper, "The Staged Self in Mary Carleton's Autobiographical Narratives," Geraldine Wagner examines Mary Carleton's use of romance and picaresque modes of self-representation to appropriate and redefine counterfeiting as a legitimate means to identity. The most notorious female criminal of the English Restoration, Mary Carleton, captured the public's imagination in 1662 when she stood trial for bigamy. Although acquitted on insufficient evidence, the allegation that she was a common shoemaker's wife counterfeiting the identity of a German noblewoman spawned a war of pamphlets of competing biographical accounts between Carleton and her detractors. Wagner argues that these attempts to confine Carleton to an essentialist view of selfhood demonstrate how her self-styling tapped a deep well of cultural anxiety regarding the instability of gender, class, and ethnic identity. She contends that to read Carleton's life as a German noble as a mere criminal con or even an inventive fiction is to discredit her lived experience unjustly. For, in staging herself through live and textual performance, Carleton not only created a valuable literary (and theatrical) commodity, but also subverted successfully an economics in which counterfeits were otherwise considered worthless. Geraldine Wagner, "The Staged Self in Mary Carleton's Autobiographical Narratives" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 7.3 (2005):
Insulin clearance: confirmation as a highly heritable trait, and genome-wide linkage analysis.

Aims/hypothesis We have previously documented a high heritability of insulin clearance in a Hispanic cohort. Here, our goal was to confirm the high heritability in a second cohort and search for genetic loci contributing to insulin clearance.
Aralichus porrectus (Mégnin & Trouessart) and related feather mite species (Acarina, Pterolichidae) from parrots of the genus Brotogeris Vigors (Aves, Psittacidae)

A species complex of the large genus Aralichus Gaud (Pterolichoidea, Pterolichidae) is restricted to Central and South American parrots of the genus Brotogeris Vigors. Aralichus porrectus (Megnin & Trouessart) from Brotogeris jugularis (Muller) is redescribed, and five new species are described: A. chrysopteri from B. chrysopterus (L.), A. cyanopterae from B. cyanoptera (Salvadori), A. crassisetosus and A. sanctithomae from B. sanctithomae (Muller), and A. tiricae from B. tirica (Gmelin). Hostcommensal relationships are discussed.
Evaluation of the hemodynamic effects of intravenous administration of ionic and nonionic contrast materials. Implications for deriving physiologic measurements from computed tomography and digital cardiovascular imaging.

The effects of intravenous injection of an ionic contrast material (Renografin-76 [meglumine sodium diatrizoate]) on left ventricular pressure, internal diameter, and wall thickness, and on coronary and femoral hemodynamics were compared with those of a hydrolytically stable nonionic contrast material (iohexol). Renografin-76 caused drastic biphasic changes in left ventricular pressure and dp/dt (rate of change of left ventricular pressure), and moderate changes in end systolic dimension. Iohexol caused little or no change in left ventricular pressure and dimensions. In addition, Renografin-76 caused marked arterial hypotension and large increases in coronary and femoral blood flows, while iohexol caused no significant change in arterial pressure and coronary blood flow, and a mild increase in femoral blood flow. Based on these findings, it is concluded that iohexol is preferable to standard ionic contrast material for deriving basal physiologic information from computed tomographic and digital vascular s...