cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Femtonewton Entropic Forces Can Control the Formation of Protein-Mediated DNA Loops

We show that minuscule entropic forces, on the order of 100 fN, can prevent the formation of DNA loops-a ubiquitous means of regulating the expression of genes. We observe a tenfold decrease in the rate of LacI-mediated DNA loop formation when a tension of 200 fN is applied to the substrate DNA, biasing the thermal fluctuations that drive loop formation and breakdown events. Conversely, once looped, the DNA-protein complex is insensitive to applied force. Our measurements are in excellent agreement with a simple polymer model of loop formation in DNA, and show that an antiparallel topology is the preferred LacI-DNA loop conformation for a generic loop-forming construct.
A single strain-based growth law predicts concentric and eccentric cardiac growth during pressure and volume overload

Adult cardiac muscle adapts to mechanical changes in the environment by growth and remodeling (G&R) via a variety of mechanisms. Hypertrophy develops when the heart is subjected to chronic mechanical overload. In ventricular pressure overload (e.g. due to aortic stenosis) the heart typically reacts by concentric hypertrophic growth, characterized by wall thickening due to myocyte radial growth when sarcomeres are added in parallel. In ventricular volume overload, an increase in filling pressure (e.g. due to mitral regurgitation) leads to eccentric hypertrophy as myocytes grow axially by adding sarcomeres in series leading to ventricular cavity enlargement that is typically accompanied by some wall thickening. The specific biomechanical stimuli that stimulate different modes of ventricular hypertrophy are still poorly understood. In a recent study, based on in-vitro studies in micropatterned myocyte cell cultures subjected to stretch, we proposed that cardiac myocytes grow longer to maintain a preferred sarcomere length in response to increased fiber strain and grow thicker to maintain interfilament lattice spacing in response to increased cross-fiber strain. Here, we test whether this growth law is able to predict concentric and eccentric hypertrophy in response to aortic stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation, respectively, in a computational model of the adult canine heart coupled to a closed loop model of circulatory hemodynamics. A non-linear finite element model of the beating canine ventricles coupled to the circulation was used. After inducing valve alterations, the ventricles were allowed to adapt in shape in response to mechanical stimuli over time. The proposed growth law was able to reproduce major acute and chronic physiological responses (structural and functional) when integrated with comprehensive models of the pressure-overloaded and volume-overloaded canine heart, coupled to a closed-loop circulation. We conclude that strain-based biomechanical stimuli can drive cardiac growth, including wall thickening during pressure overload.
Gene therapy for genetic diseases: On the horizon

Abstract Gene therapy offers the potential to treat a wide range of inherited and acquired human diseases. In general, this approach involves the treatment of disease by introducing new genetic instructions into the tissues of patients in order to compensate for abnormal or missing genes or to convey a new function. Moreover, this involves the manipulation of gene expression in somatic cells that are corrective to the patient, but not inherited by subsequent generations; in this sense, gene therapy is no different than other more conventional forms of pharmacological intervention. The therapeutic genes are transferred into the cells of the patient either through the use of recombinant virus vectors or plasmid DNA conjugates. There are currently over 600 gene therapy trials completed, ongoing or pending worldwide. The majority of these are phase I safety trials in the United States and Europe directed toward the treatment of cancer, followed by monogenetic, infectious and vascular diseases. This review includes a brief description of the various vector systems used for gene therapy, as well as an overview of several landmark clinical gene therapy trials, which serve to illustrate the recent evolution and current status of the field. Taken together, these examples illustrate that clinical gene therapy has been marked by both well-publicized failures and a growing potential for profound success.
Free vibration of laminated cylindrical shells with a circular cutout

A semi-analytical solution method is presented for determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of laminated cylindrical shells containing a circular cutout. The method utilizes Hamilton's principle to obtain the governing equations for the vibration response of the shell. In the derivation of governing equations, Lagrange multipliers are employed to relax the kinematic admissibility requirements on the displacement representations through the use of idealized elastic edge restraints. Specifying appropriate stiffness values for the elastic extensional and rotational edge restraints (springs) allows the imposition of the kinematic boundary conditions in an indirect manner, which enables the use of a broader set of functions for representing the displacement fields. The natural frequencies and the corresponding modes of the shell are determined by transforming the governing equations into a matrix eigenvalue problem. The present semi-analytical solution method accurately predicts the natural frequency and vibration modes of the shells with a cutout. The focus of this study is to investigate the effects of varying cutout size, shell radius, and laminate layup, as well as the effects of two types of boundary conditions on the shell vibration response. Selected results of the parametric studies are presented for several geometric parameters to demonstrate that this semi-analytical approach is a powerful means for optimizing design parameters.
Incentives for Technology Adoption Under Environmental Policy Uncertainty: Implications for Green Payment Programs

Water quality protection policy in the UnitedStates has been based on the provision offinancial incentives to farmers for adoptingimproved nutrient management practices.Increasing reliance on subsidy programs couldresult in expectations for such programs in thefuture. Using an option-value model thatindicates uncertainty can lead to a delay ininvestment, this paper analyzes the extent towhich uncertainty about cost-share subsidypolicies would impact adoption decision.Application of the model to adoption ofsite-specific technologies indicates thatuncertainty about subsidy policies has thepotential to impact the investment decision.When there is currently no cost-share subsidy,an increase in the probability of an expectedpolicy delays adoption. If the policy is ineffect, an increase in the probability of awithdrawal of the program encouragesinvestment. Cost-share subsidy policy is mosteffective when it is immediately offered andguaranteed that it will be removed soon.
l-Arginine, the substrate for NO synthesis: An alternative treatment for premature atherosclerosis?

L-Arginine is the substrate of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the main precursor of nitric oxide (NO) in the vascular endothelium. L-Arginine improves endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smokers, while its role in diabetes remains unclear. Oral supplementation of L-arginine leads to a significant improvement of endothelium-dependent forearm vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic patients, while intravenous infusion of L-arginine improves endothelial function in healthy smokers. L-Arginine has anti-hypertensive properties, although its effects on endothelial function in hypertensive patients needs further evaluation. In conclusion, L-arginine administration may be useful in patients with premature atherosclerosis.
Impaired sensory nerve function and axon morphology in mice with diabetic neuropathy

Diabetes is the most prevalent metabolic disorder in the United States, and between 50% and 70% of diabetic patients suffer from diabetes-induced neuropathy. Yet our current knowledge of the functional changes in sensory nerves and their distal terminals caused by diabetes is limited. Here, we set out to investigate the functional and morphological consequences of diabetes on specific subtypes of cutaneous sensory nerves in mice. Diabetes was induced in C57Bl/6 mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After 6–8 wk, mice were characterized for behavioral sensitivity to mechanical and heat stimuli followed by analysis of sensory function using teased nerve fiber recordings and histological assessment of nerve fiber morphology. Diabetes produced severe functional impairment of C-fibers and rapidly adapting Aβ-fibers, leading to behavioral hyposensitivity to both mechanical and heat stimuli. Electron microscopy images showed that diabetic nerves have axoplasm with more concentrated organelles and frequent axon-myelin separations compared with control nerves. These changes were restricted to the distal nerve segments nearing their innervation territory. Furthermore, the relative proportion of Aβ-fibers was reduced in diabetic skin-nerve preparations compared with nondiabetic control mice. These data identify significant deficits in sensory nerve terminal function that are associated with distal fiber loss, morphological damage, and behavioral hyposensitivity in diabetic C57Bl/6 mice. These findings suggest that diabetes damages sensory nerves, leading to functional deficits in sensory signaling that underlie the loss of tactile acuity and pain sensation associated with insensate diabetic neuropathy.
Spike layer phenomena for pairs of second-order equations

A system of two second-order ordinary differential equations with a small parameter multiplying the second derivative in one of the equations and Dirichlet boundary conditions is studied. Under appropriate hypotheses, the existence of a solution having a narrow spike at a certain point in the interval is established. Such solutions are of interest in applications that exhibit contrasting spatial structures.
Gas-Phase Silicon Atom Densities in the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Silicon from Silane

Silicon atom number density profiles have been measured using laser-induced fluorescence during the chemical vapor deposition of silicon from silane. Measurements were obtained in a rotating-disk reactor as a function of silane partial pressure and the amount of hydrogen added to the carrier gas. Absolute number densities were obtained using an atomic absorption technique. Results were compared with calculated density profiles from a model of the coupled fluid flow, gas-phase and surface chemistry for an infinite-radius rotating disk. An analysis of the reaction mechanism showed that the unimolecular decomposition of SiH{sub 2} is not the dominant source of Si atoms. Profile shapes and positions, and all experimental trends are well matched by the calculations. However, the calculated number density is up to 100 times smaller than measured.
High‐Temperature Stability of the Al2O3‐LaPO4 System

The compatibility of Al2O3 and LaPO4 at temperatures up to 1600°C is examined. Provided the ratio of La to P was close to 1:1, no reactions were observed after 200 h at 1600°C. Moreover, the Al2O3/LaPO4 interface remained sufficiently weakly bonded to cause deflection of cracks, as reported previously. In the presence of excess P or La, reactions occurred as expected, forming AlPO4 in the case of excess P, and LaAlO3 and LaAl11O18 in the case of excess La.
Development of spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of cerebellum in tissue culture.

Abstract The development of spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of the cerebellar cortex was studied in tissue cultures derived from newborn mice. Occasional spontaneous spikes were observed after 1 day in vitro . Sustained, large-amplitude cortical spikes were initially evident at 8 days in vitro , and by 15 days in vitro irregular, frequently occurring, spontaneous discharges like those of mature cultures had become established. Single cortical cellular spikes were first evoked by parallel fiber stimulation at 8 days in vitro , and barrages of evoked cortical spikes were initially observed at 12 days in vitro . Inhibitory evoked responses also first appeared at 8 days in vitro , and developed subsequently with increasing age of the explants. Sequences of excitation-inhibition-excitation in response to cortical stimulation were initially observed at 12 days in vitro and had assumed a mature form by 15 days after explantation. Evoked summated fiber responses were elicted in deep portions of the cortex prior to their appearance in superficial regions. The development of increasingly complex electrical activity in concert with the structural maturation of synapses in vitro and the sequence of functional maturation in cultures in parallel with that of development in situ suggest that both overall synaptogenesis and the specific sequence of synaptic development of cerebellar cortex are intrinsically programmed, as both are expressed in the cerebellum maintained in total isolation.
Interaction of Acid -Treated Wool and Silk with Water Vapor and Water

Extensive results are given on the effects of HCI and picric acid on the capacity of wool to absorb water. Both the effect of changing the relative humidity and the effect of changing the acid content of the fibers were studied. Less extensive results were obtained using H2SO4, oxalic acid, and Orange II acid and salt on wool, and HC1 on silk. Collateral measurements were also made on the swelling of human hair in picric acid solution and on the electrical resistance of wool fibers containing acid at various relative humidities.The absorption of acid decreases the capacity of wool to absorb water at low and moderate relative humidities. The efficiency with which the absorption of water is reduced depends on the identity of the acid.At the highest relative humidities the acids divide into two groups. In the case of the first group, of which picric acid is an example, the effect of acid on the absorption of water is the same as at lower humidities. In the case of the second group, of which HCI is an example...
Effects of notch root radius on crack initiation and growth toughnesses of a cross-ply Ti6Al4V/SiC composite

Effects of notch root radius on the crack initiation and growth toughnesses of a cross-ply [90{degree}/0{degree}]{sub 2s} Ti-6Al-4V/SiC{sub f} composite have been studied. The initiation toughness was found to be independent of the notch root radius, below a critical value of {rho} {approximately} 50 {micro}m. Beyond this value, the initiation toughness increases linearly with the notch root radius. In contrast, the crack growth toughness was found to be more or less independent of the initial notch root radius. The results are rationalized on the basis of the mechanism of fracture as well as the strain concentrations ahead of the notch.
Off-shell effects in the energy dependence of the 7Be(p, γ)8B astrophysical S factor

Abstract I show that off-shell effects, like antisymmetrization and 7 Be distortions, can significantly influence the energy dependence of the nonresonant 7 Be( p , γ ) 8 B astrophysical S factor at higher energies. The proper treatment of these effects results in a virtually flat E 1 component of the S factor at E cm = 0.3 – 1.5 MeV energies in the present eight-body model. The energy dependence of the nonresonant S factor, predicted by the present model, is in agreement with the low-energy radiative capture data and the existing high-energy Coulomb dissociation data. Irrespective of whether or not the present energy dependence is correct, off-shell effects can cause 15–20% changes in the value of S (0) extrapolated from high-energy ( E cm > 0.7 MeV) data.
Shear stress in cells generated by ultrasound.

Abstract An experimental study using a mason horn of 21.4 kHz indicated that the threshold shear stress for cell sonoporation was 12±4 Pa for ultrasound exposure time up to 7 min. Numerical calculations have shown that shear stress associated with microstreaming surrounding encapsulated bubbles may be large enough to generate sonoporation at 0.1 MPa of 1 or 2 MHz ultrasound.
Dielectrophoretic Traps for Single-Particle Patterning

We present a novel microfabricated dielectrophoretic trap designed to pattern large arrays of single cells. Because flowing away untrapped cells is often the rate-limiting step during cell patterning, we designed the trap to be strong enough to hold particles against practical flow rates. We experimentally validated the trap strength by measuring the maximum flow rate that polystyrene beads could withstand while remaining trapped. These bead experiments have shown excellent agreement with our model predictions, without the use of fitting parameters. The model was able to provide us with a fundamental understanding of how the traps work, and additionally allowed us to establish a set of design rules for optimizing the traps for a wide range of cell sizes. We provide the foundations for an enabling technology that can be used to pattern cells in unique ways, allowing us to do novel cell biology experiments at the microscale.
Regional crustal thickness variations of the Peninsular Ranges, southern California

We used the teleseismic receiver function technique to obtain a profile of the crustal thickness of the northern Peninsular Ranges, California. Depth to the Moho varies from ∼37 km beneath the western Peninsular Ranges batholith to ∼27 km at the western edge of the Salton trough, an average apparent dip of ∼10° to the west over a lateral distance of 60 km. We previously obtained a similar result for a profile ∼100 km to the south (a Moho dip of ∼20° over 30 km lateral distance). In both cases, the Moho depth variations do not correlate with topography of the eastern batholith, but rather appear to parallel the trend of a boundary that separates compositionally distinct eastern and western terranes. These observations suggest that a steeply dipping Moho is a regional feature beneath the eastern Peninsular Ranges, and that compensation is through lateral variations in crustal or upper mantle density rather than through an Airy root.
An extracorporeal system that modifies hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell anemia.

The authors have developed an extracorporeal device, the Sickle Cell Machine (SCM), which adds sodium cyanate to the blood, allows time for irreversible reaction with hemoglobin (carbamylation), removes the excess free cyanate by dialysis and monitors the flowing blood to prevent excess free cyanate from returning to the patient. In vivo trials on sheep confirmed the safety and reliability of the SCM and performance criteria for the three disposable components in the extracorporeal circuit: 1) the Hemo-Reactor, in which sodium cyanate reacts predominantly with NHAerminal valine on hemoglobin chains; 2) the Hemo-Detoxifier, which is a specially designed hollow fiber dialyzer with an extraction efficiency of 97% or more at Qsbb/sb> = 20–40 ml/min and Qsbd/sb> = 500 ml/min; and 3) the Hemo-Analyzer, which is a small hollow fiber dialyzer for continuous on-line analysis of the concentration of free (unreacted) sodium cyanate in blood returned continuously to the patient during a treatment. For a 70-Kg patient at steady state, the average degree of carbamylation following one 4-hr treatment will be about 1.8 moles cyanate/mole sickle cell hemoglobin tetramer and will drop to about 1.2 at the end of a two-to-three-week intertreatment period. The postcarbamylation distribution will be such that about 90% of the red cells will have been treated whereas the precarbamylation distribution will be such that 55% will still be carbamylated. The system described herein can be modified to continuously treat whole blood with any chemical agent that binds to blood components and then remove the unreacted chemical before it is returned to the patient. A special on-line monitor continuously measures the concentration of the residual drug in the blood before it is returned. It then compares by computer both the rate and total amount of drug returned with respect to pre-set limits and automatically isolates the patient from the extracorporeal circuit if these limits are exceeded. The first clinical trials of the SCM will begin soon. It is important to understand that, whereas the machine is safe to use on patients, there is no conclusive evidence that cyanate will indeed prevent sickle cell crises. It is anticipated that it will take several years to determine whether or not cyanate treatment of sickle cell blood with the SCM will prove of benefit to patients with sickle cell disease.
Effects of exercise, dietary cholesterol, and dietary fat on blood lipids.

• Exercise, a low fat diet, or a diet low in saturated fat content can each lower plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. We investigated whether these factors together could prevent the lipid-raising effects of dietary cholesterol. Ten healthy, athletic, normolipidemic male volunteers were studied. Two diets of 4 weeks duration each were compared in a randomized, blind crossover design. Diets were identical except for cholesterol content: one contained 600 mg/d; the other 200 mg/d. Both diets contained 15% of calories as protein, 55% as carbohydrate, 30% as fat, and the polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat ratio was 1.5. Exercise level and body weight were kept constant in each subject. As compared with plasma values obtained following the 200-mg/d cholesterol diet, mean values following the 600-mg/d cholesterol diet significantly increased for LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B by 10% and 13%, respectively. Mean plasma triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein 2 and 3, and apolipoprotein A-1 levels did not change significantly. Individual responses, however, were highly variable. Three subjects increased LDL cholesterol by more than 25%; 2 subjects increased LDL cholesterol by 10% to 25%; and 5 subjects had 5% or less change in LDL cholesterol. A dietary cholesterol increase can significantly elevate plasma LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B in certain normolipidemic, healthy men even when they are exercising regularly and consuming a moderately fat restricted, low saturated fat diet. Dietary cholesterol restriction may therefore be justifiable even when other life-style and dietary measures to minimize blood cholesterol are undertaken. (Arch Intern Med.1990;150:137-141)
Analysis of bacterial adhesion using a gradient force analysis method and colloid probe atomic force microscopy

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has been used to examine the stickiness of bacteria on the basis of the analysis of approach and retraction force curves between the AFM tip and the bacterial surface. One difficulty in analyzing approach curve data is that the distance between the AFM tip and the surface of the bacterium is difficult to define. The exact distances are difficult to determine because the surface of the bacterium deforms during force imaging, producing a highly nonlinear region in the approach curve. In this study, AFM approach and retraction curves were obtained using a colloid probe AFM for three strains of Escherichia coli (D21, D21f2, and JM109). These strains differed in their relative adhesion to glass surfaces, on the basis of measurements of sticking coefficients in packed bed flow through column tests. A gradient force curve analysis method was developed to model the interactions between the colloid probe and a surface. Gradient analysis of the approach curve revealed four different regions of colloid-surface interactions during the approach and contact of the probe with the bacterial surface: a noninteraction region, a noncontact phase, a contact phase, and a constant compliance region. The noncontact phase, which ranged from 28 to 59 nm for the three bacterial strains, was hypothesized to arise primarily from steric repulsion of the colloid by extracellular polymers on the bacterial surface. The contact phase, spanning 59-113 nm, was believed to arise from the initial pressure of the colloid on the outer membrane of the cell. The constant compliance region likely reflected the response of the colloid probe to the stiff peptidoglycan layer that confers strength and rigidity to gram negative bacteria. It was shown that the sticking coefficients reported for the three E. coli strains were correlated with the length of the noncontact phase but not the properties of the other phases. Sticking coefficients were also not correlated with any parameters determined from retraction force curves such as pull-off distances or separation energies. These results show that gradient analysis is useful for studying the contribution of the length of the exopolymers on the cell surface to bacterial adhesion to glass surfaces.
Cytoplasmic and mitochondrial arginine kinases in Drosophila: evidence for a single gene.

Mitochondrial and cytoplasmic isozymes of arginine kinase have been identified inDrosophila melanogaster. On the basis of their immunological similarity, parallel dosage responses, and cosegregation of electrophoretic mobility differences, it is concluded that both isozymes are the product of a single gene. The consequences of this in relation to the regulation and evolution of this unusual gene-enzyme system are discussed. It is inferred that the origin of the phosphagen shuttle must predate the divergence of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Electron Tunneling in Superconducting Cd-Al 2 O 3 -Al Junctions

Studies were performed of the superconducting tunneling characteristics of Cd-${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-Al junctions. The superconducting energy gap $2{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{cd}}(0)$ was found to be 0.130 mV. Its variation with temperature was studied and has been compared with the predictions of the BCS theory. Measurements were also made in the presence of magnetic fields, and an effort was made to compare measurements with the Ginzburg-Landau theory. Extra structure in the first derivative of the tunneling characteristics ($\frac{\mathrm{dV}}{\mathrm{dI}}$ versus $V$) was observed, and experiments were undertaken to ascertain whether this structure was caused by edge effects in the films or was a more basic feature of the films.
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy associated with pegylated interferon α 2a therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection

The combination of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin is the standard of care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treatment. In general, common side effects related to this combination therapy are mild and are very well tolerated. However, peripheral neuropathy including demyelinating polyneuropathy related to Peg-IFN is extremely rare. We present the first case of an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) associated with Peg-IFN-α 2a (Pegasys) after 16 wk of a combination therapy with Pegasys and ribavirin in a 65-year-old woman with chronic HCV infection. She developed tingling, numbness, and weakness of her upper and lower extremities and was hospitalized for acute neurological deficits. Her clinical course, neurological findings, an electromyogram (EMG), nerve conductions studies (NCS), muscle biopsy, and a sural nerve biopsy were all consistent with AIDP likely related to Pegasys use. The patient recovered completely with the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) including physical therapy and neurological rehabilitation. It is very important that gastroenterologists and/or hepatologists recognize this rare neurological complication related to Peg-IFN treatment very early, since it requires a prompt discontinuation of therapy including an immediate referral to a neurologist for the confirmation of diagnosis, management, and the prevention of long-term neurological deficits.
Statins and prostate cancer recurrence following radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In this meta-analysis, we evaluated associations between statins and recurrence-free survival (RFS) following treatment of localized prostate cancer, with attention to potential benefits among patients treated primarily with radiotherapy (RT) versus radical prostatectomy. Patients and methods: We identified original studies examining the effect of statins on men who received definitive treatment of localized prostate cancer using a systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases through August 2012. Our search yielded 17 eligible studies from 794 references; 13 studies with hazard ratios (HRs) for RFS were included in the formal meta-analysis. Results: Overall, statins did not affect RFS (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.74–1.08). However, in RT patients (six studies), statins were associated with a statistically significant improvement in RFS (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.49–0.93); this benefit was not observed in radical prostatectomy patients (seven studies). Sensitivity analyses suggested that primary treatment modality may impact the effect of statins on prostate cancer recurrence. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests a potentially beneficial effect of statins on prostate cancer patients treated with RT but not among radical prostatectomy patients. Although limited by the lack of randomized data, these results suggest that primary treatment modality should be considered in future studies examining associations between statins
Nutrition and the kidney donor.

ACCORDINGTOTHEUnited States Department of Health and Human Services Organ Procurement and TransplantationNetwork, 3,276 individuals served as living kidney donors in 2013. Many donors are family members, but nondirected donation is also increasing for transplant donations. This type of donation occurs when the individual and donor do not necessarily know the recipient receiving the organ. There are several benefits when the kidney donor comes from a living source. For individuals who are family members, genetics are more likely to be compatible, and this therefore reduces the risk of kidney rejection. The surgical time of kidney removal and transplant is less than when compared with a deceased donor, which supports a more rapid transplant function response. Last, testing for the donor and recipient can be done before the scheduled surgery, making the matching process more of a success. If living donation is not an option, deceased donor transplantation has also been successful for individuals requiring kidney transplantation. After kidney donation, one of the most common concerns is how quickly the donor will heal and return to normal health. Nutrition in particular is of concern, because donors hope to continue with their normal eating habits. According to the National Kidney Foundation and National Kidney Registry, there is no specific nutrition regimen suggested after donation, but a diet supporting a
Conceptions of Educational Achievement

Two major conceptions of educational achievement are characterized: achievement as basic skills, and facts versus achievement as higher order skills and advanced knowledge. The impact of such conceptions on the topics pursued by researchers, the ways teachers think about their teaching, and the public's view of educational goals are noted. In addition, the author argues that present dominant conceptions are inadequate given the importance they have. More adequate conceptions need to (a) integrate divergent views of achievement, (b) carry clear instructional implications, and (c) focus on long-term goals of education
Effect of expansion of extracellular fluid volume on proximal sodium reabsorption in hyponatremic dogs

The effects of infusions of equivalent volumes of saline solutions on proximal tubule sodium reabsorption and sodium excretion were studied in normonatremic and hyponatremic dogs. Similar expansion of the extracellular fluid volumes resulted in 48.1 per cent ± 3.63 per cent and 19.4 per cent ± 7.45 per cent decreases in proximal tubule reabsorption in the normonatremic and hyponatremic dogs respectively (p < 0.005). Sodium excretions increased from 7.3 ± SE 1.78 μEq./min. to 289 ± SE 45.9 μEq./min. in normal dogs (p NA 144 mEq./L.) and from 3.1 ± 0.87 μEq./min. to 63.2 ± 23.0 μEq./min. in hyponatremic dogs (p Na 126 mEq./L.) following infusion of saline solutions. Expansion of the extracellular fluid volume of the hyponatremic dogs resulted in a significantly smaller decrease in sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule and a significantly smaller increase in sodium excretion than in normonatremic dogs.
Resource allocation games in connection-oriented networks under imperfect information

Game-theoretic formulations of the resource allocation problem have existed for a while. However, the issue of perfect knowledge continues to be a significant hurdle on the path to realistic implementations. In this paper, the notion of playing bandwidth allocation games is investigated under imperfect information. Specifically we look at the case of connection oriented networks regulated by resource pricing. We devise a distributed adaptive control strategy based on dynamic estimation in order to cope up with the uncertainty of noise and delay. Simulation results illustrate the scalability and accuracy of the algorithms under multiple scenarios. Potential applications include teletraffic and optical networks, as well as ad hoc wireless networks, enabling users to partition bandwidth without the need of a centralized synchronizing entity.
The geochemical associations of nitrate and naturally formed perchlorate in the Mojave Desert, California, USA

Abstract Perchlorate is a widely studied environmental contaminant that may adversely affect human health, and whose natural occurrence has emerged as a subject of great interest. Naturally formed perchlorate has been found to co-occur with nitrate in arid environments worldwide, but the relationship is not fully understood in the desert soils of the southwestern United States. The main objective of this research was to explore the origin, pedogenic distribution, and possible preservation of perchlorate and nitrate in the Mojave Desert mud hill deposits of California and to determine if the co-occurrence of putatively natural perchlorate was significantly correlated with nitrate in these soils. We identified 39 soil horizons in the Mojave Desert, California that contained reportable levels of perchlorate (MRL >165 μg kg −1 ) with a maximum concentration of 23 mg kg −1 . A weak yet significant correlation was observed between perchlorate and nitrate ( r 2 = 0.321∗∗∗), which could be indicative of similar mechanisms of accumulation. When compared to published data for the Atacama Desert, the Mojave Desert perchlorate concentrations were remarkably lower for a given nitrate concentration. Oxygen isotopes in the nitrate were examined to identify variation within the Mojave Desert field sites, and to compare with the available literature for the Atacama Desert. The Mojave Desert Δ 17 O values ranged from 7‰ to 13‰, indicating a mixture of biologically and atmospherically-derived nitrate. An investigation of the distribution of perchlorate among soil horizons revealed that over sixty percent of the samples containing perchlorate were from C horizons while only twenty percent of the samples were from B horizons and even fewer in the overlying A horizons. Soil chemical, morphologic, and geologic characteristics of the soils suggest that the perchlorate, nitrate and/or other soluble salts have moved in a “bottom–up” manner wherein the salts were deposited in strata through geological time and have since been redistributed and evapo-concentrated into the upper soil horizons by capillary rise.
Analysis of Dynamical Systems for Generalized Principal and Minor Component Extraction

In this paper globally stable dynamical systems for the standard and the generalized eigenvalue problem are developed. These systems may be viewed as generalizations of known learning rules applied to nondefinite and/or nonsymmetric matrices. We also modified the original Oja's systems to obtain new dynamical systems with a larger domain of attraction. For certain class of matrices which satisfy positive definiteness condition, the modified rules are globally stable. The convergence behavior has been examined to identify the stationarity conditions, stability conditions, and domains of attraction for some of these systems
Non-destructive evaluation of slot-die-coated lithium secondary battery electrodes by in-line laser caliper and IR thermography methods

Non-destructive, in-line quality control methods were adopted for evaluating the thickness and homogeneity of wet and dry lithium secondary battery electrodes. Laser caliper and infrared (IR) thermography methods were implemented in a systematic fashion for the first time to evaluate the quality of electrodes during the coating process on a slot-die coater. Laser caliper sensors were mounted, aligned, and subsequently calibrated at the oven inlet of the coating line in order to examine the thicknesses of different cathodes and anodes. The effect of various factors such as substrate vibration, temperature, surface reflectivity and laser positions on the thickness measurement during slot-die coating were evaluated. The setup was used to monitor the wet thickness of the cathode and anode, and the precision of the in-line laser thickness measurement was determined to be less than ±2%. Thickness deviation for cathodes was typically ±2.0–2.3%, and for anodes it was typically ±2.2–2.6%, which confirms excellent precision of the measurement. The homogeneity of the dried electrodes was also evaluated by IR thermography at the oven outlet of the coating line. Temperature profiles from thermography images of dry electrodes were carefully examined to detect any flaws and inhomogeneity present in the electrodes. An increase or decrease in the temperature profiles indicated defects/flaws in the electrodes that could not be observed in optical images. The techniques applied in this work will be helpful for detection of electrode flaws and contamination during large-scale manufacturing and to identify flawed product prior to lithium-ion cell assembly.
Earnings Management and Ethical Decision Making: Choices In Accounting for Security Investments

General Electric, Matell, NationsBank, and W. R. Grace are among companies recently under scrutiny for managing their earnings. This case uses a fictitious data set to simulate a decision environment in which earnings are managed in the context of accounting for investments in marketable securities. Decisions are made from the perspective of management interests and other stakeholders, the FASB's conceptual framework, and GAAP. These competing interests may lead to inconsistent conclusions. As a result, proper analysis of the issues and framing of defensible positions requires more than application of professional accounting standards. Resolution of conflicts of interest is made using appropriate ethical analysis based upon a philosophical framework of Utilitarian‐Theory, Rights‐Theory and Justice‐Theory.
MOLECULAR TRANSPORT AND FLUIDICS IN CARBON NANOTUBE

In this article we review recent developments in molecular transport and fluidics in carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanochannels. Atomic molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical studies based on Fokker–Planck diffusion equation on the transport of large and long polymer molecules in CNTs are the focus of the article. Fast translocation and diffusion processes of large molecules in CNTs are reviewed and discussed, considering the effects of interfacial interactions and molecular conformations and structures at interface. The transport features for multiple molecules diffusing through CNTs are also discussed.
Effects of parenting style and involvement in sibling conflict on adolescent sibling relationships

This study examined relationships among maternal and paternal parenting styles, patterns of involvement in adolescent sibling conflict, and sibling relationship quality. Students (N = 272) in grades 9 and 11 from a public high school in a metropolitan area of the Northeastern US completed measures of parenting styles, parental sibling conflict intervention styles, sibling closeness, sibling support, and sibling warmth and conflict. An authoritative parenting style was associated with sibling support and closeness. Cluster analyses identified gender-specific patterns of parental involvement. Participants reporting maternal or paternal coaching involvement style reported greater sibling warmth compared with those who did not report such patterns. The results highlight indirect and direct relationships between parental behavior and sibling relationship quality. In addition, the study identifies the existence of a meaningful typology of parental involvement in sibling conflict.
StePSIM - A method for stepwise peak selection and identification of metabolites in 1H NMR spectra

A method for stepwise selection of peaks in NMR spectra from multiple groups is described. This method is based on initial peak-finding among the spectra and uses jacknife classification performance as the basis for selection of peaks. The selection process is followed by the construction of correlation maps to identify sets of multiplets that are related to each of the selected peaks, aiding in the identification of metabolites that are responsible for differences among the groups. For illustrative purposes, this methodology is applied to a data set that contains 52 spectra from renal cell carcinoma and normal renal tissue samples. The new method is denoted as StePSIM, Stepwise Peak Selection and Identification of Metabolites.
On the Impact of Scheduling Limits: A Case Study at Newark Liberty International Airport

Scheduling limits have become commonplace at congested airports throughout the world. This paper describes, first, a demand smoothing DS optimization model that generates a new flight schedule at busy U.S. airports in response to the introduction of scheduling limits. Given an existing schedule that has been created through the airlines' scheduling choices, the model produces a feasible modified schedule that obeys the scheduling limits specified for an airport without canceling any flights. At the same time, the model respects all aircraft itineraries, so that aircraft fly their original daily routes through the airport network. In addition, it preserves all passenger connections, in the sense that any connecting passenger will be able to connect between exactly the same two flights under the modified schedule as under the existing one. We then demonstrate, through a detailed example based on operations at the hub airport of Newark Liberty International EWR, an approach that combines the DS model with a new special-purpose network queuing model to estimate both the local and nationwide effects of alternative scheduling limits at a major airport. We examine the relationship between the scheduled demand and the capacity at EWR to identify plausible scheduling limits that may have a significant impact on delays. The DS model shows that, with a small schedule displacement of 30 minutes or less for any flight during the day, it is possible to obtain a feasible schedule that obeys slot limits as low as the airport's capacity under Instrument Flight Rules. We find that the local delay savings that would result from introducing such scheduling limits at EWR can be of the order of 20% for arrivals and 50% for departures on busy days; we may also expect a reduction of 20% in delays propagated from EWR to the rest of the U.S. network of airports.
Nursing Home Resident Use of Care Directives

Background. The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 requires that nursing homes reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid inform all residents upon admission of their rights to enact care directives in the event of terminal illness. This study investi­ gated the relationship between care directive use and resident functional status. Methods. We analyzed a version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS+) from a single state. We selected residents who were ad­ mitted to a nursing home in the first half of 1993 and followed them in the nursing home through the end of 1994. We created logistic models to examine independent correlates associated with having an advance directive or a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on admission. We then created similar logistic models to examine independent correlates associated with writing an ad­ vance directive or DNR order subsequent to admission. Results. Of the 2,780 residents, 11% (292) had advance directives and 17% (466) had DNR orders upon admission. Of those without care directives upon admission, 6% (143) subsequently had an advance directive and 15% (339) subsequently had a DNR order. Cross-sectionally, older individuals and whites were more likely to have a care directive. Having poor cogni­ tive and physical function was associated with having a DNR order upon admission. Longitudinally, longer stayers and whites were more likely to have an advance directive. Residents who lost physical function were more likely to have an advance direc­ tive and those who lost cognitive function were more likely to have a DNR order. Conclusions. Care directive use is influenced by a number of sociodemographic and functional characteristics.
Quantitative measures of sexual selection reveal no evidence for sex-role reversal in a sea spider with prolonged paternal care

Taxa in which males alone invest in postzygotic care of offspring are often considered good models for investigating the proffered relationships between sexual selection and mating systems. In the pycnogonid sea spider Pycnogonum stearnsi, males carry large egg masses on their bodies for several weeks, so this species is a plausible candidate for sex-role reversal (greater intensity of sexual selection on females than on males). Here, we couple a microsatellite-based assessment of the mating system in a natural population with formal quantitative measures of genetic fitness to investigate the direction of sexual selection in P. stearnsi. Both sexes proved to be highly polygamous and showed similar standardized variances in reproductive and mating successes. Moreover, the fertility (number of progeny) of males and females appeared to be equally and highly dependent on mate access, as shown by similar Bateman gradients for the two sexes. The absence of sex-role reversal in this population of P. stearnsi is probably attributable to the fact that males are not limited by brooding space but have evolved an ability to carry large numbers of progeny. Body length was not a good predictor of male mating or reproductive success, so the aim of future studies should be to determine what traits are the targets of sexual selection in this species.
High Energy Benthic Boundary Layer Experiment: HEBBLE

HEBBLE's precise aim is to develop and to test explicit predictions about the response of adhesive/cohesive marine sediments to imposed and controlled stresses [Hollister et al., 1980; Kerr, 1980]. Pursuit of this goal has necessitated a co-ordinated, interdisciplinary effort, to date including physical oceanographers, sedimentologists, radiochemists and biochemists, and biological oceanographers. Current produced bed features reflect significant momentum exchange between the fluid boundary layer and the sediment surface. From photographs, and the few current meter records available, it appears that vast areas of the deep sea are presently being modified by energetic flows. The bed forms range in scale from kilometers to millimeters and are found where near bottom currents have been delineated by maxima in near bottom potential temperature. Moreover, on the Scotian Rise for example, many of these bedforms are being produced by present day currents because rapid destruction of the features by benthic organisms is evidenced in stereo-photographs.