cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Long Bone Growth in Vertebrates; It Is Time to Catch Up

The regulation of organ size is essential to human health and has fascinated biologists for centuries. Key to the growth process is the ability of most organs to integrate organ-extrinsic cues (eg, nutritional status, inflammatory processes) with organ-intrinsic information (eg, genetic programs, local signals) into a growth response that adapts to changing environmental conditions and ensures that the size of an organ is coordinated with the rest of the body. Paired organs such as the vertebrate limbs and the long bones within them are excellent models for studying this type of regulation because it is possible to manipulate one member of the pair and leave the other as an internal control. During development, growth plates at the end of each long bone produce a transient cartilage model that is progressively replaced by bone. Here, we review how proliferation and differentiation of cells within each growth plate are tightly controlled mainly by growth plate-intrinsic mechanisms that are additionally modulated by extrinsic signals. We also discuss the involvement of several signaling hubs in the integration and modulation of growth-related signals and how they could confer remarkable plasticity to the growth plate. Indeed, long bones have a significant ability for "catch-up growth" to attain normal size after a transient growth delay. We propose that the characterization of catch-up growth, in light of recent advances in physiology and cell biology, will provide long sought clues into the molecular mechanisms that underlie organ growth regulation. Importantly, catch-up growth early in life is commonly associated with metabolic disorders in adulthood, and this association is not completely understood. Further elucidation of the molecules and cellular interactions that influence organ size coordination should allow development of novel therapies for human growth disorders that are noninvasive and have minimal side effects.
Effects of passivation layer on stress relaxation in Cu line structures

In this study, we investigate the effect of passivation layer on mass transport by measuring stress relaxation in Cu damascene line structures. SiC and SiN/sub x/ passivation layers are investigated and compared with no passivation to examine the bonding effect on mass transport. The observed stress relaxation behavior is analyzed by a kinetic model considering the contribution to mass transport via various diffusion paths including the passivation interface. Results of this study show a significant effect due to the passivation layer that can be attributed to the interfacial chemistry.
CASFISH: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in situ labeling of genomic loci in fixed cells

Direct visualization of genomic loci in the 3D nucleus is important for understanding the spatial organization of the genome and its association with gene expression. Various DNA FISH methods have been developed in the past decades, all involving denaturing dsDNA and hybridizing fluorescent nucleic acid probes. Here we report a novel approach that uses in vitro constituted nuclease-deficient clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated caspase 9 (Cas9) complexes as probes to label sequence-specific genomic loci fluorescently without global DNA denaturation (Cas9-mediated fluorescence in situ hybridization, CASFISH). Using fluorescently labeled nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) protein assembled with various single-guide RNA (sgRNA), we demonstrated rapid and robust labeling of repetitive DNA elements in pericentromere, centromere, G-rich telomere, and coding gene loci. Assembling dCas9 with an array of sgRNAs tiling arbitrary target loci, we were able to visualize nonrepetitive genomic sequences. The dCas9/sgRNA binary complex is stable and binds its target DNA with high affinity, allowing sequential or simultaneous probing of multiple targets. CASFISH assays using differently colored dCas9/sgRNA complexes allow multicolor labeling of target loci in cells. In addition, the CASFISH assay is remarkably rapid under optimal conditions and is applicable for detection in primary tissue sections. This rapid, robust, less disruptive, and cost-effective technology adds a valuable tool for basic research and genetic diagnosis.
Modifications of traditional spark sources to produce adjustable current waveforms

The adjustable-waveform, high-voltage spark source has found application in several production situations in the alloy industry. Commercial versions of this source have appeared using an auxiliary air-gap, or a hydrogen thyratron, for controlling spark formation. It would appear that some of the practical utility of these sources is associated with increased precision and reduced Matrix effects, as compared to other forms of excitation, arising from use of the pulsating unidirectional spark current that they produce as one of a variety of readily-adjustable waveforms. It is not yet clear that a particular mode Of triggering is more critical to improved spectrochemistry than is the pulsating unidirectional waveform, which suggests that traditional air-gap or rotary-gap high-voltage spark sources that are already in production use could be modified to produce this, and other, waveforms with attendant analytical benefits.
A Model for Presenting Threats to Legitimation at the Planning and Interpretation Phases in the Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Components of a Dissertation

The assessment of validity—or more appropriately known as legitimation—is the most important step in all research studies, whether the research study represents a quantitative research study, a qualitative research study, or a mixed research study. Despite its importance, a significant proportion of authors do not discuss to any degree the legitimation issues that emerged in their studies. It is likely that the prevalence rate among authors of dissertations is even higher, not only because they represent beginning researchers but also because many of their advisors/supervisors themselves do not discuss (adequately) the limitations of findings/interpretations. Thus, in this article we provide a model for presenting threats to legitimation both at the planning and interpretation phases in the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research components of a dissertation. In so doing, we provide an exemplar of the legitimation process, which we believe provides evidence of a comprehensive technique for identifying and addressing threats to legitimation for researchers in general and dissertation researchers in particular.
Effects of microbial community diversity on the survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the wheat rhizosphere

Ecological theory suggests that microbial communities with greater microbial diversity would be less susceptible to invasion by potential opportunistic pathogens. We investigated whether the survival of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the wheat rhizosphere would be affected by the presence of natural and constructed microbial communities of various diversity levels. Three levels of microbial community diversity were derived from wheat roots by a dilution/extinction approach. These wheat rhizosphere inocula, as well as a gnotobiotic microbial community consisting of seven culturable wheat rhizobacterial isolates, were introduced into the nutrient solution of hydroponically grown wheat plants on the day of planting. Phenotypic characterization of the culturable microbial communities on R2A medium, Shannon microbial diversity index, community-level physiological profiles, and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to assess the varying microbial diversity levels. At day 7 the roots were invaded with P. aeruginosa and the number of P. aeruginosa colony forming units per root were measured at day 14. The average number of surviving P. aeruginosa cells was 3.52, 4.90, 7.18, 6.65 log(10) cfu/root in the high, medium, low, and gnotobiotic microbial community diversity level treatments, respectively. The invasibility of the rhizosphere communities by P. aeruginosa was inversely related to the level of diversity from the dilution extinction gradient. The gnotobiotic community did not confer protection against P. aeruginosa invasion. Although these data indicate that invasibility is inversely related to diversity, further study is needed to both reproduce these findings and define the specific mechanisms of the diversity effect.
The coincident time-space patterns of septate junction development in normal and exogastrulated sea urchin embryos.

Abstract Earlier studies have shown that two types of septate junction are formed during early sea urchin morphogenesis. One type is the straight, unbranched, double septum septate (SUDS) which is found in the ectodermal layer throughout early development. The second type is formed only in cells which invaginate to become endoderm and to form the digestive tract. This junction is characterized by pleated, anastomosing, single septum septates (PASS). In order to ascertain in which parts of the digestive tract these junctions are formed, we studied exogastrulae because the endoderm is everted and forms constricted areas of the gut which are easily recognizable. Our results show that, in control embryos, SUDS septates are found in the mouth, esophagus and coelom and that PASS septates are found in the stomach, intestine and anus. These junctional types are also found in the same areas in exogastrulae; SUDS septates are found in the stomadeum, esophagus and coelom, and PASS septates are found in the stomach and intestine. The transition from SUDS to PASS junctions takes place within the same time period in exogastrulae as in normal embryos, i.e., from the time of mid-gastrulation through the pluteus stage. These results indicate that septate junction formation in the sea urchin embryo digestive tract may be genetically programmed in terms of both time and spatial location. This program is not altered either by the major dislocation of cells from their normal position within the embryo or from normal contacts with neighboring cells.
Understanding urban exposure environments: new research directions for informing implementation of U.S. air quality standards

This article explores the role that scientific information can play in improving implementation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards and discusses some of the key policy-relevant questions related to implementation that could be informed by advances in the scientific research. This article expands on the concept of urban exposure environments as useful constructs in helping to improve research into the roles of air pollution mixtures and population exposure patterns in air pollution health effects. Recommendations for potential research areas related to urban exposure environments are discussed, including (1) improving the understanding of the role that individual pollutants play within the overall mixture of pollutants that determine air quality and health outcomes in an urban area, (2) understanding the causes of heterogeneity (or similarity) across urban areas in the relative risks associated with air pollution, and (3) improving air quality characterization within urban exposure environments, recognizing the complex air pollution mixtures in many environments which may result from emissions from multiple sources, including regional and local contributors. Informed implementation policies focused on multipollutant risk-based management objectives guided by an improved understanding of multipollutant exposures are likely to lead to greater improvements in public health through more effective and efficient emissions controls.
Converting Mathematical Models of Physiological Systems to Relational Database Schemes for Analysis and Comparison

It is proposed that computable mathematical models of physiological systems can be explained and studied by a query language based upon converting the source code into a relation database scheme. In such a scheme, each assignment statement is assumed to be equivalent to a functional dependency. The dependencies formed constitute a lossless decomposition of the model scheme when the derived dependencies are augmented by a key consisting of input attributes. The method is demonstrated on two common computational forms: simultaneous equations and the Euler solution to ordinary differential equations. A simple example is used to show that computing closure on attributes can establish the difference between two models.
Electrical Contact Resistance Between Gas Diffusion Layers and Bipolar Plates for Applications to PEM Fuel Cells

The electrical contact resistance between gas diffusion layers and bi-polar flow channel plates is one of the important factors contributing to the operational voltage loss in fuel cells. Effective analysis and design of fuel cells therefore need to account for the contact resistance in deriving the polarization curve for the cell. Despite its significance, relatively scant work is reported in the open literature on the measurement and modeling of the contact resistance in fuel cell systems, and the present work aims to fill this void. Experimental data are reported for the first time to show the effects of different gas diffusion layer materials and contact pressure on the electrical contact resistance. A fractal asperity based model is adopted to predict the contact resistance as a function of pressure, material properties, and surface geometry. Good agreement is observed between the data and the model predictions for a wide range of contacting pressures and materials.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A monochromosomal hybrid cell assay for evaluating the genotoxicity of environmental chemicals

The development and utilization of a monochromosomal hybrid cell assay for detecting aneuploidy and chromosomal aberrations are described. The monochromosomal hybrid cell lines were produced by a two-step process involving transfer of a marker bacterial gene to a human chromosome and then by integration of that human chromosome into a mouse complement of chromosomes through microcell fusion. For chemically induced aneuploidy, the segregation of a single human chromosome among mouse chromosomes is used as a cytogenetic marker. The genetic assay for aneuploidy is based on the ability of the cells to grow in a medium that selects for the loss of the human chromosome. The assay for clastogenicity is based on survival of the cells after treatment with the chemicals in medium that selects for retention of the human chromosome but loss of its segment containing diphtheria toxin locus. The assays greatly simplify the detection of chromosomal aberrations induced by environmental factors at low-dose levels.
Stability Analysis of Cr-MIS Solar Cells

The 50 A Cu/30 A Cr/20 A SiO,/Si solar cell structure has been analyzed by Auger, ESCA and ellipsometer measurements. An oxidation-reduction failure mechanism has been proposed for shelf-life degradation, and experimental evidence for such behavior is presented. The effect of this degradation is a decrease in the oxide thickness at the interface bringing about a photovoltaic performance degradation. The performance degradation involves a typical change in Voc, from about 0.55 V to 0.52 V with little or no change in Jsc or fill factor. The performance of all Cr-MIS devices then stabilizes when a thermodynamic equilibrium is attained. The light-effect degradation is more complex and the rearrangement of bonding in the interface oxide and at the SiOx/Si interface might reduce the rate of degradation. The Cr-MIS solar cell should be designed with an oxide thickness more than the static optimum value to allow for a decrease in oxide thickness to the optimum value.
Q&A: what is regeneration, and why look to planarians for answers?

Historically, philosophers, naturalists and biologists alike have referred to the restoration of missing body parts after traumatic injury as regeneration. While still valid today, the concept of regeneration has expanded through the years to include a diverse set of phenomena. For instance, August Weisman considered physiological cell renewal to be regeneration and wrote so in a chapter dedicated to regeneration in his seminal 1893 book
Autoantibodies to phosphorylcholine and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes in the ATLAS ACS-TIMI 46 trial

Atherogenesis is a complex inflammatory process stemming from the accumulation and oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL). IgM autoantibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) bind to the PC epitope on oxidized LDL (OxLDL), inhibiting the uptake of oxLDL by macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions. Anti-PC autoantibodies have been reported to be protective against atherothrombosis. We investigated the relationship of anti-PC concentrations with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We measured anti-PC levels within 7 days of an ACS in 3,356 patients enrolled in the ATLAS ACS-TIMI 46 trial, a randomized dose ranging study of rivaroxaban versus placebo. The primary endpoint was death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or severe recurrent ischemia (SRI) requiring revascularization during 6 months. The median baseline anti-PC concentration was 40.9 U/mL (25th, 75th percentiles: 25.4, 67.4). There was no significant association between anti-PC levels and the primary endpoint (Q1: 6.8 %, Q2: 4.2 %, Q3: 7.8 %, Q4: 5.4 %, p-trend = 0.87), all-cause mortality (Q1: 1.4 %, Q2: 0.7 %, Q3: 2.4 %, Q4: 0.9 %, p-trend = 0. 96), or any of the other individual endpoint components (MI: p-trend = 0.87, Stroke: p-trend = 0.43, SRI: p-trend = 0.66). Using the previously reported anti-PC cutpoint of 17 U/mL did not reveal a significant relationship between anti-PC concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes (<17 U/mL: 8.1 % vs. ≥17 U/mL: 5.8 %; p = 0.11). Similarly, evaluation of anti-PC as a continuous variable did not reveal a significant association (p = 0.30). In this study of patients early after ACS undergoing intensive secondary preventive therapy, IgM anti-PC titers did not exhibit a significant relationship with cardiovascular outcomes.
A whole genome simulator of prokaryote genome evolution

With the increase of the number of available prokaryotic genomes, studies focusing on the higher level evolutionary events, including the evolution of whole genomes, are now possible. Simulated datasets are essential components in both the development and evaluation stages for all evolutionary studies. In this paper, we implemented the first random events-based high level bacterial genome evolution simulator with models for a large number of possible events at both the gene- and replicon-scale. We call this simulator Prokaryote Evolutionary Genomics Simulator (PEGsim). PEGsim also implements the concept of conserved blocks, which can be biologically related to both Operons and/or regulons. We present results showing genome sizes and replicon numbers in simulated data and in real data. These results demonstrate that PEGsim is capable of generating evolutionary-related bacterial genome datasets with diverse realistic properties.
The Radiological Society of North America’s medical image resource center: An update

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) has initiated a long-term project called the Medical Image Resource Center (MIRC). The overall goal of the effort is to create an on-line library of medical images and related information and to maintain and index a number of other medical image resources. The rationale for the project, a summary of the overall requirements and objectives, and a finally a brief description of the future plans for MIRC are presented.
EARLY PREDICTION OF COLLEGE GPA USING PRE‐COLLEGE SCHOOL GRADES

Twenty-foyr colleges and universities reported to a middle-class suburban high school the first semester college grades of the high school graduating classes of 1958, 1959, and 1960. The subjects included in the study were in the cooperating elementary school district for their whole elementary school careers. College as well as pre-college GPA's were computed on the basis of A = 5 through F = 0, with the exception of the first three grades which were Very Satisfactory growth 5, Fair Achievement 3, and Improvement Needed = 1. The weights given the various elementary school subjects in arriving at a single grade point average are given in Table 1. These weights were supplied by the curriculum coordinator of the elementary school district from which the students graduated.
Diagnostic laparoscopy in gastroenterology - A 14-year experience

Between 1970 and 1983, we performed 1121 diagnostic laparoscopies in 1119 patients. More than 50% of the examinations were performed for malignant disease. An adequate examination was accomplished in 917 (82%) procedures. The most frequent reason for inadequate evaluation was the presence of dense intraabdominal adhesions from previous surgery. We observed 105 (9.4%) minor complications and 20 (1.8%) major complications including one death following hemorrhage from liver biopsy. Major complications included abdominal wall hematoma, perforated abdominal viscus, hemoperitoneum, bleeding from liver biopsy, and respiratory depression. We observed a trend to decreased use of laparoscopy. Ascites of unknown origin and certain specific situations in patients with chronic liver disease remain as major indications for this diagnostic technique.
The effect of room-temperature prestraining on the creep behaviour of alpha-brass

Etude experimentale dans l'alliage Cu-30,5% Zn, predeforme puis soumis a des essais de fluage a 773 K. La vitesse de fluage a l'etat stable est plus basse pour un degre de predeformation de 10%. Une predeformation superieure a 10% conduit a une augmentation de la vitesse de fluage qui atteint une valeur constante avec un degre de predeformation egal a 15%. Explication des resultats par la variation de la contrainte interne due aux differentes microstructures
Pharmacological chaperones in the age of proteomic pathology.

In the age of “big data,” where thousands of proteins or protein precursors can be interrogated and assembled into large-scale networks, it is still the case that in the setting of disease singular proteins act as hubs in driving pathology (1). Once identified, a pathogenic protein—which can be deficient, dysfunctional, or even overly abundant—becomes a legitimate target for drug discovery. In some cases the protein is an enzyme, receptor, or channel, with easily identifiable and functional binding sites against which pharmaceuticals can be designed with predictable effects (2). In fact, most currently available drugs are directed against this class of proteins. Many pathogenic proteins, however, do not neatly fall into this category. Among the ∼20,000 proteins that make up our proteome, the vast majority falls outside of this rare category, and are therefore not easily “druggable” when implicated in a disease.
Effects of predator presence on territorial establishment

A variety of factors can affect defensive costs of territorial residents, including familiarity with neighbors, frequency of intrusions, and the topography of the territory. Here we investigate the effects of a predator's presence on fighting during territorial settlement. In a laboratory study of a cichlid fish, the blockhead ( Steatocranus casuarius ), we manipulated the focal fish's perception of predation risk by showing the fish a predator in an adjacent aquarium in half the trials, and we found that fish attempting to establish territories were affected in several ways by the increased risk. First, they reduced the amount of time spent fighting, with fish able to see a predator fighting less than one-tenth as much as fish that never saw a predator. In addition, the blockheads spent more time in refuges when the predator was present, and they reduced the intensity level of the fights that they did have, avoiding for example high-intensity acts that involved physical contact in favor of low-level displays. Finally, fish that saw a predator accepted territories that were smaller than those of fish that did not see a predator suggesting that predation risk could influence territory size in the field, particularly during the period of territorial settlement.
Outcomes of Client Transfers in a Training Setting

Although transferring clients from one clinician to another is a common practice in most training facilities and community clinics, there is a dearth of empirical studies that explore the impact on client retention and subsequent therapeutic gains. This study explored client retention following transfer to a new clinician in a COAMFTE accredited master level marriage and family therapy program in a Midwestern university over a period of five years. The researchers analyzed the relationship between client, clinician, and therapy process variables and client retentions following transfer. Although client and therapist variables were not significantly correlated with successful transfers, the number of sessions missed prior to transfer and the numbers of co-therapy transfer sessions were. We conclude that at least four co-therapy transfer sessions are appropriate to optimize successful transfers.
Clonal analysis of cmp44E, which encodes a conserved putative transmembrane protein, indicates a requirement for cell viability in Drosophila

We have identified the cmp44E gene which encodes a putative multi-pass transmembrane protein that is conserved from yeast to humans. The expression of cmp44E during embryogenesis is ubiquitous with notably higher levels in the CNS and brain. It is also expressed in the germline during the germarial stages as well as several later stages of oogenesis. Utilizing a P-element insertion at the 5' end of cmp44E we have isolated several deletions, created by imprecise excision events which eliminate most or all of its coding region. Analysis of these deficiencies has revealed that cmp44E is an essential gene required for embryogenesis. Results obtained from germline clone analysis indicate that cmp44E is not only required in the germline slem cells early in oogenesis, but is also required in other tissues probably due to it being required for cell viability. Finally, using germline transformation, we have identified a minimal genomic fragment capable of fully rescuing a null allele of cmp44E.
TG-43U1 parameterization of elongated RadioCoil 103Pd brachytherapy sources.

Recently RadioCoil? 103Pd sources have been introduced for interstitial prostate implants to eliminate problems associated with seed type sources. These sources are available in integral lengths ranging from 1.0 cm to 6.0 cm. Dosimetric characteristics of these sources have been determined following the TG-43U1 recommendations with consideration of our recent publication on the evaluation of 2D anisotropy function for elongated sources. Dosimetric parameters of these sources were determined experimentally in Solid Water? and theoretically using Monte Carlo simulation in Solid Water? and liquid water. As per TG-43U1 protocol, the consensus of these results would be utilized for clinical applications.
Chordally signed graphs

Define a chordally signed graph to be a signed chordal graph (meaning that each edge is designated as being positive or negative and every induced cycle is a triangle) in which every positive cycle C (meaning every cycle C that contains an even number of negative edges) has a chord e such that C ∪ {e} forms two positive cycles. Two characterizations of chordally signed graphs support the naturalness of this definition. In addition, chordally signed graphs can be easily recognized when the underlying graph has at most two maximal complete subgraphs (with minimal balancing vertex sets playing a key role).
Polysome‐ribosome distribution in isogenic RCstr and RCrel strains of Escherichia coli

Study of the relative proportions of ribosomes and polysomes released by a standardized lysing procedure from isogenic RC(str) and RC(rel) strains of Escherichia coli shows that a 20-min period of amino acid starvation of RC(str) bacteria reduces the fraction of ribosomes recovered in polysomes to about 60% of its value characteristic of exponentially growing cells: A similar starvation treatment of the RC(rel) bacteria causes no appreciable reduction in the fraction of polysomal ribosomes.
Water Temperature Affects Smallmouth Bass and Channel Catfish in a Tailwater Stream on the Great Plains

Abstract We assessed selected aspects of the population dynamics of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in a tailwater stream at a relatively high elevation (> 1,286 m above mean sea level) where these species were introduced to enhance sport fishing. Water temperatures in the stream exceeded 16°C for 102–135 d (range for three stations) and 20°C for 16–38 d during 1992. Smallmouth bass exhibited low proportional stock density (PSD), moderate relative weight (Wr ), very slow growth, and successful reproduction. Channel catfish had high PSD, moderately high Wr , and rapid growth, but spawned late in the year and the young were too small to survive their first winter. Stocked channel catfish were larger and able to recruit to age 1. The high PSD of channel catfish was attributable to survival and growth of' stocked fingerlings. Maintenance of a channel catfish fishery will require routine stocking. The slow growth of smallmouth bass will provide a limited fishery, ev...
Role of surface temperature in the precursor-mediated dissociative chemisorption of N2 on W(100).

Molecular-beam techniques have been used to probe the dynamical origin of the surface-temperature (${T}_{s}$) dependence of the precursor-mediated dissociative chemisorption of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ on W(100). Measurements of the angular and velocity distributions of scattered molecules have revealed that increasing ${T}_{s}$ primarily serves to reduce the fraction of precursor molecules that go on to dissociate, by biasing the kinetics in favor of desorption. In contrast, the trapping probability into the precursor state is found to be relatively insensitive to this parameter, accounting for \ensuremath{\lesssim}20% of the observed effects.
Influence of impurity scattering on the traversal time and current-voltage characteristics of resonant tunneling structures

Abstract The transmission line technique to solve the time independent Schrodinger equation is modified to include the effect of elastic scattering by introducing a scattering impedance Z s = 4 jV 0 /ℏ. The method is applied to calculate the current-voltage and traversal time characteristics of double barrier resonant tunneling structures. The peak current density for a random distribution of scatterers in the quantum well decreases while it increases for scattering at a fixed location compared to its value in the absence of any scatterers. Traversal time decreases with applied bias and shows distinct dips at resonance. The traversal time through an asymmetric resonant tunneling structure is also investigated.
Psychometric Properties and Participant Characteristics for Persons with Intellectual Disability using the Matson Evaluation of Drug Side-effects (MEDS)

In study one, 163 adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) who chronically received psychotropic medications were evaluated to further establish psychometric properties of the Matson Evaluation of Drug Side-effects (MEDS). Test–retest reliability was also examined for 76 adults. Cutoff scores for total and subfactors are reported as well as the implications of the present data for evaluating antipsychotic medications. In study two of our paper, we explored drug prescription practices for the same 163 participants. While most participants had been switched to atypical antipsychotic drugs, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia were still typical and frequent side effects. The implication of the data in these studies is discussed with respect to using the MEDS as a means of assessing side effects resulting from chronic antipsychotic drug use.
Approximating an infinite stage search problem with a finite horizon model

A target is moving randomly on a lattice. A searcher, starting at the origin, wants to follow a search plan that has minimum expected cost. Very general cost functions are allowed. The cost function depends on the time to capture and the search procedure followed. At each stage, the searcher can move only to adjacent positions or remain at his current position. The target's motion may depend on the search procedure, thus allowing for the possibility that the target may take evasive action. It is shown that only a finite number of plans need to be considered in order to approximate the optimal cost. It is also shown that the leading elements of optimal finite horizon plans eventually become the leading elements of optimal infinite horizon plans. The case of search on the real line, where the cost is Oτk, where k ≥ 1 and τ is the time to capture, is considered in detail. The results of this paper also generalise the important planning horizon theorems of Bean and Smith Bean, J. C., Smith, R. L. 1984. Conditions for the existence of planning horizons. Math. Oper. Res.9 391--401..
Comparison of the hybrid AM1/TIP3P and the OPLS functions through Monte Carlo simulations of acetic acid in water

The hybrid quantum mechanicaI (QM) AM1/TIP3P and the empirical OPLS potential functions have been examined through statistical mechanical Monte Carlo simulations of acetic acid in water at 25 o C and 1 atm. It was found that the results obtained from thee two approache are in good accord, supporting the validity of the combined QM and molecular mechanical (MM) approximation in condensed-phase simulations. In the AMI/TIP3P treatment, acetic acid was characterized by the valence electrons and the nucleus cores with the AM1 theory, while the TIP3P model was adopted for the solvent molecule
ON THE ANATOMY OF CYSTISOMA (AMPHIPODA: HYPERIIDEA)

ABSTRACT The anatomy of three species of hyperiid amphipods of the genus Cystisoma is discussed. Aspects of the digestive, muscular, nervous, and reproductive systems are described and compared with previous descriptions and illustrations.
The effects of internal gains on residential space-heating analyses

Abstract Analyses of the energy used for winter space heating in residences (and other buildings) often involve only the energy source used in the space-heating system. We demonstrate that serious errors can result from this approach, since the internal heat gains from other energy sources may play an important or dominant role in meeting the heating requirements. It is even possible for energy-conservation measures to lead to apparent increases in energy consumption if the analysis does not include all energy sources. Internal gains should also be considered in analyses of annual energy consumption.
Density functional theory studies of the structures of some compounds having 12 valence electrons with a central sulfur atom

Abstract Systematic density functional theory (DFT) computational studies of two bipyramidal, 12-valence-electron sulfur compounds were undertaken in order to select a reliable DFT theory model that can properly evaluate similar molecular systems. Computational studies were performed with five groups of DFT methods (hybrid, DFT methods with Becke's 88 functional, DFT methods with the Xα exchange functional only, DFT methods with Slater's exchange functional, and exchange functionals only) using a Gaussian basis set.
Low-temperature performance of Li-ion cells with a LiBF 4 -based electrolyte

The effect of LiBF4 on the low-temperature performance of a Li-ion cell was studied by using a 1:1:1 (wt) EC/DMC/DEC mixed solvent. The results show that the LiBF4-based electrolyte has a 2- to 3-fold lower ionic conductivity and shows rather higher freezing temperature compared with a LiPF6-based electrolyte. Owing to electrolyte freezing, cycling performance of the Li-ion cell using LiBF4 was significantly decreased when the temperature fell below –20 °C. However, impedance data show that at –20 °C the LiBF4 cell has lower charge-transfer resistance than the LiPF6 cell. In spite of the relatively lower conductivity of the LiBF4-based electrolyte, the cell based on it shows slightly lower polarization and higher capacity in the liquid temperature range (above –20 °C) of the electrolyte. This fact reveals that ionic conductivity of the electrolytes is not a limitation to the low-temperature performance of the Li-ion cell. Therefore, LiBF4 may be a good salt for the low-temperature electrolyte of a Li-ion cell if a solvent system that is of low freezing temperature, high solubility to LiBF4, and good compatibility with a graphite anode can be formulated.
Effect of choice of task sequence on responding

Abstract Choice between alternative response options has received much attention in both basic and applied research. However, there is limited study on the effects of choice of task order on responding. This study examined the effect of choice of task order on on-task behavior, duration to complete the tasks, and problem behaviors in 2 children with autism and 1 child diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome. Low preference tasks were identified via a brief multiple-stimulus preference assessment without replacement (MSWO). These tasks were then presented to participants in a variety of conditions. Alternating treatments (with yoking) and concurrent operants phases were used to assess the effects of choice of task order. The results suggested that when given the opportunity to choose between two conditions (concurrent operants), participants preferred to choose the task order, and on-task behavior increased in 2 participants, duration to complete the tasks decreased for all participants, and rate of problem behaviors decreased to zero for 2 participants. During the concurrent operants assessment, the alternative associated with the opportunity to choose task order produced a higher percentage of on-task behavior, decreased duration to complete tasks, and decreased problem behavior.
Using Peer Ranking to Enhance Student Writing.

What do we want our students to get out of the introductory physics course? Often these goals include improved conceptual understanding, improved critical thinking and improved writing and communication. These can be difficult goals to accomplish. One possible way to address these goals is through the use of peer ranking of student writing. In a peer ranking assignment, students not only answer a conceptual question but they also evaluate other students' answers. With a normal writing assignment, once students answer a question the students' involvement has ended. With a peer ranking assignment, students actively focus on both writing and physics.
The Effect of a Videotape about Death on Bereaved Children in Family Therapy.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a videotape of childrens' reactions to death on viewer's subsequent verbalizations about death in the course of family therapy. Two groups of thirty children in family therapy who had lost a member of their family participated as viewers and non-viewers of the videotape. The two groups were compared on the change in frequency with which they spoke about death during recorded family therapy sessions before and after the viewer group was shown the videotape. Significant gains in frequency were found for the viewer group and none were found for the non-viewer group.
Analysis of lognormal survival data

The failure rate and the mean residual life function (MRLF) of a lognormal distribution are known to be nonmonotonic. It is of interest to study the point at which the monotonicity changes (the change point). In this article we study the change points of the failure rate and the MRLF for the lognormal distribution. It is shown that the change points are the solutions of certain nonlinear equations. We apply these results to estimate the change points for survival data on guinea pigs given by Bjerkedal. The standard deviation of the estimate is obtained using bootstrap and jackknife methods. Finally confidence bands for the failure rate and the MRLF are also provided to illustrate the behavior of the estimates.
Employment in the information age: information technology and information work

Examines information work changes in relation to investment in IT, from 1970‐1995. States IT’s tend to render routine information handling occupations redundant while simultaneously contributing to growth in non‐routine handling of information. Employs an appendix giving information occupations as types of information work, with 6 different categories. Argues wide‐scale investment in It’s contributes to slowing employment growth but this requires more monitoring.
Guest editorial: What distance education can learn from other disciplines

(1990). Guest editorial: What distance education can learn from other disciplines. American Journal of Distance Education: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 3-9.
Feeling The Urge: Affect in Impulsive and Compulsive Buying

The constructs of impulsive buying tendencies (IBT) and compulsive buying tendencies (CBT) have individually received much attention. However, prior research has neither fully explored their distinctiveness nor the relationships between IBT or CBT and the affect involved in the shopping experience. In order to extend our understanding of both literatures, the current research finds support for the differential effects of IBT and CBT on urge to buy through affect, as well as discrimination, of the two tendencies, using a mixed methodology of a survey and an online shopping diary.
Inflammatory mediators in sepsis: rationale for extracorporeal therapies?

Abstract Sepsis is an increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in patients in the intensive care units. Sepsis represents a systemic response to infection, and is part of a broader syndrome called systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). SIRS is an exagerated host defense response to different triggering factors such as gram-negative bacterial endotoxin, trauma, and burns leading to the release of biologically active mediators such as cytokines, arachidonic acid metabolites, platelet activating factor, and nitric oxide. Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 target secondary cellular sites and activate several inflammatory cascades, leading to organ dysfunction and multiple organ failure. Conventional therapy of sepsis involves treatment of the nidus of infection, and hemodynamic and respiratory support. Innovative strategies targeting endotoxin and inflammatory mediators of SIRS have been effective in animal models. However, human trials using antiendotoxin or anticytokine strategies have been disappointing, partly because of the enormous complexity of the pathogenesis of sepsis, and the futility of attempts to block a single inflammatory mediator, while ignoring the interplay of different biologically active mediators. These frustrations have led to a renewed interest in extracorporeal therapies such as hemo(dia)filtration, plasma exchange, and hemoperfusion using activated charcoal to decrease circulating levels of inflammatory mediators, and hemoperfusion using polymyxin-B immobilized polystyrene fibers to adsorb circulating bacterial endotoxin. These promising adjunctive therapies are often nonselective, but appear to have additional therapeutic potential, as part of the complex therapy of sepsis. However, their efficacy in the clinical situation awaits further investigation.
Qualitative Analysis of the Role of Metabolites in Inhibitory Drug-Drug Interactions : Literature Evaluation Based on the Metabolism and Transport Drug Interaction Database

Guidance from the Food and Drug Administration on drug interaction studies does not include a specific section on contributions of metabolites to observed inhibitory drug-drug interactions, and the quantitative role of drug metabolites in inhibitory drug-drug interactions is not presently known. The current work was undertaken to evaluate what fraction of inhibitors of common drug-metabolizing enzymes [cytochrome P450 (P450) 1A2, 2E1, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, 2C8, 2B6, and 3A4] have circulating metabolites that may contribute to observed in vivo interactions. A literature analysis was conducted using the Metabolism and Transport Drug Interaction Database to identify all precipitants (i.e., inhibitors) that cause more than a 20% increase in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of marker substrates. The database, PubMed, and product labels were then used to determine whether circulating metabolites were present after administration of these inhibitors. Of the total of 129 inhibitors identified, 106 were confirmed to have metabolites that circulate in plasma. An additional 14 inhibitors were identified that are extensively metabolized but whose metabolites either have not been identified or have not been investigated. Hence, only 7% of the inhibitors did not have circulating metabolites. Of the 21 potent inhibitors (>or=5-fold increase in AUC) currently known, 17 had circulating metabolites, and the remaining four were all extensively metabolized. On the basis of available in vitro data, 24 of all of the inhibitors were mechanism-based inactivators of P450 enzymes, while 105 were characterized as reversible inhibitors. In vitro evaluation of inhibition potential was conducted for only 32% of the circulating metabolites of the inhibitors. In conclusion, circulating metabolites are often present with inhibitors of P450 enzymes, suggesting a need for increased efforts to characterize the inhibitory potency of metabolites of candidate drugs and for newer models for in vitro to in vivo extrapolations.
Restoration of Vagal Tone: A Possible Mechanism for Functional Abdominal Pain

Functional abdominal pain (FAP) causes disruption of daily activities/missed school days, over utilization of healthcare, unnecessary surgeries, and anxiety in 10-15% of children. Its etiology is not clearly understood, however the success of several clinical protocols suggests that autonomic dysregulation is a factor. In this study autonomic activity, including heart rate variability (HRV), was compared between children with FAP and a comparison group. Twenty children with FAP and 10 children without FAP between the ages of 5 and 17 years old were compared on autonomic regulation using an ambulatory system at baseline and 8 weeks later. Children with FAP participated in 6 sessions of HRV biofeedback aimed at normalizing autonomic balance. At baseline, children with FAP appear to have more autonomic dysregulation than children without FAP. After completing HRV biofeedback, the FAP group was able to significantly reduce their symptoms in relation to significantly increasing their autonomic balance. In a sample of children with FAP, it appears that HRV biofeedback treatment improved their symptoms and that a change in vagal tone was a potential mediator for this improvement. The present study appears to point to excessive vagal withdrawal as an underlying mechanism of FAP.
Justice for All? Factors Affecting Perceptions of Environmental and Ecological Injustice

Moving beyond the typical focus on individual injustices, we examine individual-level and contextual factors affecting perceptions of justice with regard to the environment. Specifically, we examine decision-making procedures pertaining to environmental resource use and harms across groups of people; the distribution of environmental harms; and the direct treatment of the natural environment (i.e., procedural environmental justice, distributive environmental injustice, and ecological injustice, respectively). To test our hypotheses, we use data from a survey administered to a cohort of first-year college students at a southeastern university. Results demonstrate that environmental identity and perceptions of the extent to which the university context encourages sustainability consistently enhance perceptions of all three types of justice. Other factors differentially affect each type of justice. We discuss the importance of the patterns that emerge for environmental and sustainability education and speculate on the implications of moving from thinking about (in)justice related to the environment as an individual issue to one of the collectivity.