cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Acid Hydrolysis Procedures for the Composition Analysis of Herbaceous Biomass

The accurate characterization of biomass is critical for development of bioenergy feedstocks and their utilization. Most analytical approaches involve acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharides in biomass, leaving most of the lignin as insoluble residue. A limitation of this approach is that the same conditions used to hydrolyze polysaccharides also degrade the liberated monosaccharides. The NREL-compiled procedures account for this effect with “Sugar Recovery Standards”, in which a solution of the expected monosaccharides is prepared and subjected to the dilute-hydrolysis portion of the procedure; however, this tends to overestimate monosaccharide degradation and introduce bias between polysaccharides of different lability. The following recommended method modifications are intended to reduce these errors: (1) quantification of immediate degradation products of monosaccharides and their stoichiometric addition to the monosaccharide yield; (2) the adjustment of this combined yield with sugar recovery standard...
Recognizing runaway IS projects when they occur: the bank consortium case

Runaway projects have been a problem in information systems (IS) for quite some time. In 1988, KPMG found that 35% of their largest clients currently had a runaway project, and in 1991 the percentage of firms increased to 60%. Plus, over 50% of the respondents considered this to be normal (Rothfeder, 1988; Cringely, 1994). The traditional definition of a runaway is any project that grossly exceeds budget and time targets but yet has failed to produce an acceptable deliverable. Given that each runaway project is a dysfunctional use of organizational resources, it is important for practitioners to be able to identify them early and react appropriately. On the other hand, this ease will help practitioners realize that the issues within runaway projects are complex and difficult. The case could be used in MIS courses for non-IS majors, systems analysis and project management classes for IS majors or EDP auditing courses in accounting.
Studies on DNA in leucocytes and related cells of mammals

After a summary of the theory, some complementary techniques are given (measurement of the area, selection of wavelengths, overall performance of the apparatus), in order to insure, at the factual level, the theoretical accuracy of the two-wavelength method of microspectrophotometry.
Cyclic Nucleotide Metabolism

This chapter deals with the enzymes that synthesize and degrade cyclic nucleotides in the central nervous system. The actions of the cyclic nucleotides themselves were reviewed in Volume 1 of this series.
Hippocampal phospho-tau/MAPT neuropathology in the fornix in Alzheimer disease: an immunohistochemical autopsy study

Whereas early Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology and mild cognitive impairment are relatively common in aging, accurate prediction of patients that will progress to dementia requires new biomarkers. Recently, substantial work has focused on phospho-tau/MAPT (p-MAPT) neuropathology since its regional propagation correlates with the degree of cognitive impairment in AD. Recent diffusion tensor imaging studies in AD suggest that increased diffusion in the fornix secondary to p-MAPT-related axonal injury could serve as a predictive biomarker of the risk of disease progression. However, our knowledge of p-MAPT neuropathology in the fornix is limited. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined p-MAPT neuropathology in the fornix and basal forebrain nuclei via AT8 immunohistochemistry in 39 brain autopsies spanning the spectrum of AD neuropathologic changes. We found that the fornix and its precommissural efferent target nuclei (septum and nucleus accumbens) demonstrated neuronal and thread-like p-MAPT neuropathology only in National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer Association (NIA/AA) stages B2 and B3 of neurofibrillary degeneration, consistent with involvement after (and propagation from) the hippocampal formation. Interestingly, although tau astrogliopathy was frequently observed in the mammillary bodies in stage B2, neuronal tauopathy was not observed in the postcommissural targets (mammillary bodies and anterior thalamic nucleus) until stage B3. Tauopathy in the nucleus basalis of Meynert was strongly correlated with p-MAPT-positive axons in the fornix, suggesting that projections to the hippocampus also likely contribute to fornix tauopathy. Our cross-sectional autopsy findings indicate that the fornix is involved by p-MAPT neuropathology secondary to hippocampal involvement by AD neuropathology. Furthermore, our findings are compatible with the goal of in vivo detection of p-MAPT-related axonal pathology in the fornix in AD as a possible biomarker of p-MAPT progression from the hippocampal formation and underscore a need for additional clinical-radiologic-pathologic correlation studies.
Lipolytic Activity During Storage of Human Milk: Accumulation of Free Fatty Acids1

Lipolysis was quantitated during storage of fluid and freezedried human whole and skim milks. Fatty acid accumulation was faster in whole fluid milk stored for 1 week at 4°C than in frozen (-20°C) samples stored for 180 d. The rapid accumulation of fatty acids during 24 h of storage at 4°C was enhanced in previously frozen milk samples. While freeze-dried whole milk showed no lipolysis when stored at -20°C, accumulation of free fatty acids was rapid in samples stored at room temperature. Fluid and freeze-dried skim milk samples exhibited no appreciable lipolysis.
Identification of stable reference genes for lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage gene expression studies

Gene expression studies which utilize lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages to model immune signaling are widely used for elucidating the mechanisms of inflammation-related disease. When expression levels of target genes are quantified using Real-Time quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), they are analyzed in comparison to reference genes, which should have stable expression. Judicious selection of reference genes is, therefore, critical to interpretation of qRT-PCR results. Ideal reference genes must be identified for each experimental system and demonstrated to remain constant under the experimental conditions. In this study, we evaluated the stability of eight common reference genes: Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), Cyclophilin A/Peptidylprolyl isomerase A, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatedehydrogenase (GAPDH), Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase 1, Large Ribosomal Protein P0, TATA box binding protein, Ubiquitin C (UBC), and Ribosomal protein L13A. Expression stability of each gene was tested under different conditions of LPS stimulation and compared to untreated controls. Reference gene stabilities were analyzed using Ct value comparison, NormFinder, and geNorm. We found that UBC, closely followed by B2M, is the most stable gene, while the commonly used reference gene GAPDH is the least stable. Thus, for improved accuracy in evaluating gene expression levels, we propose the use of UBC to normalize PCR data from LPS-stimulated macrophages.
Outcomes of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clostridium difficile Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has recently been shown to be a promising therapy for recurrent and refractory Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) despite lack of protocol standardization. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) present a particular challenge to CDI therapy as they are reported to have worse clinical outcomes, including higher colectomy rates and increased mortality. We aimed to assess the outcomes of FMT for recurrent CDI in patients with IBD at our healthcare system. We constructed a retrospective cohort of all patients who underwent FMT at our healthcare system between December 2012 and May 2014. Patients with concurrent IBD were identified. We evaluated the differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, along with the outcomes to FMT between patients with IBD as compared to the general population. Over the study period, 201 patients underwent FMT of which 20 patients had concurrent IBD. Patients with IBD were younger but did not differ from the general population in terms of CDI risk factors or disease severity. The response to FMT and rate of CDI relapse in the IBD group were not statistically different compared to the rest of the cohort. The overall response rate in the IBD population was 75% at 12 weeks. Of the patients who failed FMT 4 of 5 patients had active or untreated IBD. Fecal microbiota transplantation provides a good alternative treatment option with high success rates for recurrent or refractory Clostridium difficile infection in patients with well-controlled IBD who fail standard antimicrobial therapy.
Scaling Properties of a Family of Transformations Defined on Cellular Automaton Rules

A one-parameter family of transformations defined on the set of one-dimensional two-state cellular automaton rules is studied. The class of a given cellular automaton is unchanged under these transformations. For class-3 cellular automata, the probability distribution of the asymptotic density of nonzero-value sites satisfies a simple scaling property.
Which patients with respiratory disease need long-term azithromycin?

Azithromycin is prescribed for a variety of acute respiratory and nonrespiratory infections. However, it is also used in several chronic respiratory diseases. Macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin inhibit bacterial growth and replication by interrupting protein synthesis. But azithromycin also
A survey of crop-derived transgenes in activated and digester sludges in wastewater treatment plants in the United States

The use of transgenic crops has become increasingly common in the United States over the last several decades. Increasing evidence suggests that DNA may be protected from enzymatic digestion and acid hydrolysis in the digestive tract, suggesting that crop-derived transgenes may enter into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) intact. Given the historical use of antibiotic resistance genes as selection markers in transgenic crop development, it is important to consider the fate of these transgenes. Herein we detected and quantified crop-derived transgenes in WWTPs. All viable US WWTP samples were found to contain multiple gene targets (p35, nos, bla and nptII) at significantly higher levels than control samples. Control wastewater samples obtained from France, where transgenic crops are not cultivated, contained significantly fewer copies of the nptII gene than US activated and digester sludges. No significant differences were measured for the bla antibiotic resistance gene (ARG). In addition, a nested PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay was developed that targeted the bla ARG located in regions flanked by the p35 promoter and nos terminator. Overall this work suggests that transgenic crops may have provided an environmental source of nptII; however, follow-up studies are needed to ascertain the viability of these genes as they exit WWTPs.
Horizontal Branch Evolution

In 1973 the outstanding problems confronting the theory of horizontal branch evolution were the “second parameter” problem and the Oosterhoff Effect. Despite significant progress, particularly in the observations and in the observation/theory interface, they remain as the outstanding problems of 1988. The Oosterhoff Effect is now discussed primarily in the guise of the Sandage Period Shift Effect. The morphology of the HB seems more complicated than ever. E.g., many clusters show bimodal distributions along the HB. Here we will tentatively consider those to be manifestations of the second parameter problem. We will indicate why we feel that all previously suggested solutions have all been chimeras.
MESOSCALE METEOROLOGY | Microbursts

The fundamentals of downdrafts with an emphasis on those events, referred to as microbursts, that produce strong outflow winds near the surface are discussed.
Biogenesis of Condensed Tannins — An Overview

There are currently four hypotheses as to how condensed tannins are produced in nature. In order to explain the 2,3-cis configuration of frequently encountered proanthocyanidin polymers, each of these biosynthetic proposals invoke isomerase enzymes or chemical intermediates not yet encountered in nature. Thus, substantial further study is required to clarify the pathways involved. An experimental program is proposed to achieve this objective.
Existence and Uniqueness Theorems

This chapter elaborates existence and uniqueness theorems applicable to differential equations of all types. These theorems reveal whether a solution exists and, if so, if the solution is unique. Corresponding to the difficulty of the subjects involved, there are more theorems applicable to ordinary differential equations than partial differential equations, linear equations than nonlinear equations, and initial value problems than boundary value problems. This chapter discusses some of the simple theorems that are frequently useful. One theorem is applicable to partial differential equations, while others are applicable to ordinary differential equations. The first and last theorems are for vector systems, the other theorems are for scalar equations. The chapter highlights that it is often possible to determine when a linear ordinary differential equation has a unique solution. When the solution is not unique, it is sometimes possible to describe the degrees of freedom that make it non-unique. Fixed point theorems are a specific method that can be used to prove the existence of a solution.
I learn from you, you learn from me: How to make iList learn from students

We developed a new model for iList, our system that helps students learn linked list. The model is automatically extracted from past student data, and allows iList to track students' problem-solving behavior in order to provide targeted feedback. We evaluated the new model both intrinsically and extrinsically. We show that the model can match most student actions after a relatively small sequence of observations, and that iList can effectively use the new student tracker to provide feedback and help students learn.
Battery Storage for Off-Grid Systems

Many off-grid electrical systems in developing countries use energy storage to increase their reliability and operational flexibility. The primary goals of this chapter are to provide nonspecialists with an understanding of the basic electrochemistry occurring in chemical batteries and to describe the operation and performance of batteries from an electrical viewpoint. Particular attention is given to interpreting specifications provided by battery manufacturers. A circuit model of a chemical battery is developed which is used in subsequent chapters to analyze the operation of off-grid systems. The chapter considers flooded, absorbed glass mat (AGM), gel, and various lithium–ion batteries. Safety and maintenance aspects are covered.
Single-Electron Redox Chemistry on the [Cp*Rh] Platform Enabled by a Nitrated Bipyridyl Ligand

[Cp*Rh] complexes (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) are attracting renewed interest in coordination chemistry and catalysis, but these useful compounds often undergo net two-electron redox cycling that precludes observation of individual one-electron reduction events. Here, we show that a [Cp*Rh] complex bearing the 4,4′-dinitro-2,2′-bipyridyl ligand (dnbpy) (3) can access a distinctive manifold of five oxidation states in organic electrolytes, contrasting with prior work that found no accessible reductions in aqueous electrolyte. These states are readily generated from a newly isolated and fully characterized rhodium(III) precursor complex 3, formulated as [Cp*Rh(dnbpy)Cl]PF6. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, previously unavailable for the dnbpy ligand bound to the [Cp*Rh] platform, confirm the presence of both [η5-Cp*] and [κ2-dnbpy]. Four individual one-electron reductions of 3 are observed, contrasting sharply with the single two-electron reductions of other [Cp*Rh] complexes. Chemical preparation and the study of the singly reduced species with electronic absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies indicate that the first reduction is predominantly centered on the dnbpy ligand. Comparative cyclic voltammetry studies with [NBu4][PF6] and [NBu4][Cl] as supporting electrolytes indicate that the chloride ligand can be lost from 3 by ligand exchange upon reduction. Spectroelectrochemical studies with ultraviolet (UV)-visible detection reveal isosbestic behavior, confirming the clean interconversion of the reduced forms of 3 inferred from the voltammetry with [NBu4][PF6] as supporting electrolyte. Electrochemical reduction in the presence of triethylammonium results in an irreversible response, but does not give rise to catalytic H2 evolution, contrasting with the reactivity patterns observed in [Cp*Rh] complexes bearing bipyridyl ligands with less electron-withdrawing substituents.
UNIT 8.6G Macronutrient Selection in Experimental Animals

To address the question of how animals choose diets from an array of nutritionally different foods, researchers have designed experiments in which animals are provided with separate sources of the three macronutrients, protein, fat and carbohydrate. These experiments are useful for investigating the neuroanatomical and neurochemical mechanisms involved in food choice, as well as for assessing the effects of changes in physiological status (e.g., pregnancy; lactation and increased energy expenditure) or disease states (e.g., diabetes; and obesity) on nutrient intakes.
UAV data reliability improvements based on multifunctional GCPs

Commercial off-the shelf systems of UAVs and sensors are touted as being able to collect remote-sensing data on crops that include spectral reflectance and plant height. Historically a great deal of effort has gone into quantifying and reducing the error levels in the geometry of UAV-based orthomosaics, but little effort has gone into quantifying and reducing the error of the reflectance and plant-height. We have been developing systems and protocols involving multifunctional ground-control points (GCPs) in order to produce crop phenotypic data that are as repeatable as possible. These multifunctional GCPs aid not only geometric correction, but also image calibration of reflectance and plantheight. The GCPs have known spectral-reflectance characteristics that are used to enable reference-based digital numberto-reflectance calibration of multispectral images. They also have known platform heights that are used to enable reference-based digital surface model-to-height maps. Results show that using these GCPs for reflectance and plantheight calibrations significantly reduces the error levels in reflectance (ca. 50% reduction) and plant-height (ca. 20% reduction) measurements.
Understanding the Nature and Activity of Supported Platinum Catalysts for the Water–Gas Shift Reaction: From Metallic Nanoclusters to Alkali-Stabilized Single-Atom Cations

Identifying the nature of an active site and understanding the reaction mechanism at the atomic level are of critical importance in the design of efficient catalysts for targeted applications. While extended metal surfaces have been studied extensively for various catalytic processes and relative activities of different metals were predicted using volcano relationships, much less is known with regard to catalysis at metal/oxide interface sites. This Perspective focuses on recent computational studies that were aimed at understanding catalysis at such metal/oxide interface sites. The water–gas shift (WGS) reaction catalyzed by supported Pt catalysts has been chosen as a model system for such an analysis, since extensive computational studies with varying sizes of Pt clusters and supports are available and, thus, by comparison to experimental data, a deeper understanding of the active sites can be attained. Pt catalysts with different sizes and shapes stabilized on various supports were found to be active f...
The impact of drug order complexity on prospective medication order review and verification time.

OBJECTIVE To assess if the amount of time a pharmacist spends verifying medication orders increases as medication orders become more complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted by observing pharmacist verification of adult medication orders in an academic medical center. Drug order complexity was prospectively defined and validated using a classification system derived from 3 factors: the degree of order variability, ISMP high-alert classification, and a pharmacist perception survey. Screen capture software was used to measure pharmacist order review time for each classification. The annualized volume of low complexity drug orders was used to calculate the potential time savings if these were verified using an alternate system that did not require pharmacist review. RESULTS The primary study hypothesis was not achieved. Regression results did not show statistical significance for moderate (n = 30, 23.7 seconds, sd = 23.3) or high complexity (n = 30, 18.6 seconds, sd = 23.1) drugs relative to the low complexity drugs (n = 30, 8.0 seconds, sd = 14.4) nor for moderate vs high complexity; (βmoderate vs low = 15.6, P = .113), (βhigh vs low = 10.3, P = .235), (βmoderate vs high = 5.3, P = .737). The sensitivity analysis showed statistical significance in the high vs low comparison (βhigh vs low = 13.8, P = .017). DISCUSSION This study showed that verifying pharmacists spent less time than projected to verify medication orders of different complexities, but the time did not correlate with the classifications used in our complexity scale. Several mitigating factors, including operational aspects associated with timing antimicrobial orders, likely influenced order verification time. These factors should be evaluated in future studies which seek to define drug order complexity and optimize pharmacist time spent in medication order verification. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that there may be other factors involved in pharmacist decision-making that should be considered when categorizing drugs by perceived complexity.
Positive matrix factorization of ultrafine particle mass (PM0.1) at three sites in California

Abstract Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are an emerging air quality concern because of their enhanced toxicity compared to larger airborne particles. This study aims to better understand source contributions to UFP mass (PM0.1) at multiples sites across California. Three-day average samples of PM0.1 collected over a full year at San Pablo, East Oakland, and Los Angeles were analyzed using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Seven PM0.1 source-factors were identified at all locations: Factor1- Gasoline+Motor Oil+Meat Cooking+Natural Gas+SOA (31–53% PM0.1 mass), Factor 2- Diesel+Motor Oil (25–45% PM0.1 mass), Factor 3-Wood Burning (6–12% PM0.1 mass), Factor 4-Shipping and other heavy fuel oil combustion (2–3% PM0.1 mass), Factor 5-Sea Spray (4–8% PM0.1 mass), Factor 6-Sb Brake Wear (1–3% PM0.1 mass) and Factor 7-Sn - Unknown (1–7% PM0.1 mass). PM0.1 wood burning contributions were highest in the winter season when residential wood combustion was active. The monthly-averaged PM0.1 source apportionment results calculated by PMF are consistent with the PM0.1 source apportionment results calculated using Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) from the same sampling campaign. PMF distinguished Diesel+Motor Oil from Gasoline+Motor Oil+Meat Cooking+Natural Gas+SOA based on the species EC3 (a sub-fraction of elemental carbon that is volatilized and oxidized at temperatures between 700 and 775 °C), but PMF failed to further resolve the major sources of PM0.1 OC because unique tracers were not measured. PMF resolved “Shipping and other heavy fuel oil combustion” and Sea Spray sources based on inorganic tracers V and Br. The PMF factor rich in Sb very likely comes from brake wear associated with on-road vehicles and railway operations. The undefined Sn factor may be indicative of local industrial sources and traffic emission, but further research will be required to confirm this hypothesis. The PM0.1 source apportionment results contained in the current study further characterize the seasonal and spatial patterns of UFP concentrations in California.
Safe use of Interleukin-17 Inhibitors for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis in Two Patients with a History of Lymphoproliferative Disease

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated diseases that affect the skin and joints, respectively. The older systemic agents that have been used to treat these conditions are associated with many side effects, including an increased risk of malignancies, specifically lymphoma. In the last few years, there has been a wave of development of novel systemic biologic therapies to target psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. While long-term safety data is lacking, the newer therapies targeting interleukins 12, 23, and 17 reveal a much more favorable side effect profile, specifically with regards to lymphoma. Here we report two cases of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who had histories of lymphoma, both successfully treated with an interleukin-17 inhibitor without any recurrence or worsening of lymphoproliferative disease.
Parental expectations for children with intellectual disability or autism in Ghana and Zambia: A concept mapping study.

Abstract Introduction Parent expectations have an important impact on children's outcomes. Despite a wealth of research on the familial experience of children with disabilities in African countries, very few studies have examined expectations these children's parents hold for them. Aims This study explores parental expectations for children with intellectual disability, or autism and assesses their perceived importance and likelihood of attainment. Methods and procedures Concept mapping methodology with focus groups comprised of parents of children with intellectual disability or autism were employed. Outcomes and results Results revealed several expectation themes: independence, acceptance and inclusion, public awareness, education, governmental assistance, resources, and healthcare. Whereas some expectations were congruent with themes in the broader literature, nuances within themes reflected cultural and societal conditions. Themes unique to each country also emerged, and importance and likelihood ratings revealed some cultural variation across the two countries. Expectations and the value placed on them differ across countries. Implications This study represents an important first step in efforts to understand the developmental contexts of children with disabilities on the African continent. Findings inform future research and potential strategies for policy and practice.
Acute Pericarditis Due to SARS-COV-2 in a Kidney Transplant Recipient

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious and typically presents with respiratory complications. Non-respiratory etiology has been increasingly identified in the literature, including cardiac manifestations. Here, we discuss an atypical case recently treated for SARS-CoV-2 presenting with acute pericarditis. Our patient's medical history of autoimmune disease and renal transplant further complicated her care. There is currently no standard of therapy for SARS-CoV-2-related pericarditis. We would like to highlight increased awareness of this rare complication as well as successful treatment regimens for acute management of the disease.
Exploring Resilience Factors in Medical Students with Adverse Childhood Experiences: a Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that medical students consider to have promoted their resilience and are thought to be protective against risks associated with a high number of adverse childhood experience (ACEs). METHODS The authors invited medical students in all 4 years of education at a single medical school to complete an online survey (n = 1440). The survey included the 10-item ACE Study Questionnaire and simultaneously added the number of "yes" responses. Participants who reported experiencing four or more ACEs were asked to provide their email address if they consented to a follow-up interview to discuss protective factors and resilience. The authors analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics and used the framework method of thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS A total of 131 (9%) students completed the ACEs questionnaire. The mean ACE score was 1.69, with 25 students reporting 4 or more ACEs (19%). Five students participated in a follow-up interview (25%) which averaged 1 h in length. Thematic analysis revealed four protective and resilience factors: non-parental support, role models, volunteering, and use of mental health services. CONCLUSIONS Medical students reported comparable prevalence of ACEs as the general population and all interviewees with 4 or more ACEs endorsed the use of mental health services in medical school to promote resilience. Medical students with ACEs should be encouraged to use mental health services and have access to mentors and role models to promote resilience and combat risks of ACEs.
Ethnicity, Culture, and Drug Therapy

This chapter reviews the two aspects of pharmacology and psychology of mental disorders from the perspective of ethnicity and culture. While drug therapy for mental disorders involves pharmacology, it also includes the psychology of prescribing and receiving medication. The former is seen primarily from a biological perspective, potentially related to race or ethnicity in terms of genetic or biological factors. In contrast, the latter is mainly associated with psychological variables, involving the understanding, attitudes, expectations, and psychological reactions toward medication. Therefore, the two aspects exist side by side. It is therefore influenced by customs, beliefs, and values related to taking drugs, with much room for cultural impact. Although the prescribing and intake of medicine seems primarily a psychopharmacological matter, and can be grasped from a biological perspective, it is actually a combination of biosociocultural phenomena, which is greatly influenced by social and cultural dimensions. This can be elaborated from several perspectives, which are highlighted in the chapter. The chapter also explains that in psychiatric practice, the giving and receiving of medication involves various factors, including biological (either genetic- or nongenetic-related) and psychological ones. These factors together affect the total process and function of medication. Finally, the chapter highlights that, even with genetically related biological factors, there are multiple variations at the interpersonal as well as the interethnic/racial level.
Renormalization Group Method. Applications to Partial Differential Equations

Our aim in this article is to present a simplified form of the renormalization group (RG) method introduced by Chen, Goldenfeld, and Oono and to derive a rigorous study of the validity in time of the asymptotic solutions furnished by the RG method. We apply the renormalization group method to a slightly compressible fluid equation and to the Swift–Hohenberg equation.
Estimation of nonstationary heterogeneous panels

We introduce a new Stata command, xtpmg, for estimating nonstationary heterogeneous panels in which the number of groups and number of time-series observations are both large. Based on recent advan...
Identifying and eliminating inconsistencies in mappings across hierarchical ontologies

Many applications require the establishment of mappings between ontologies. Such mappings are established by domain experts or automated tools. Errors in mappings can introduce inconsistencies in the resulting combined ontology. We consider the problem of identifying the largest consistent subset of mappings in hierarchical ontologies. We consider mappings that assert that a concept in one ontology is a subconcept, superconcept, or equivalent concept of a concept in another ontology and show that even in this simple setting, the task of identifying the largest consistent subset is NP-hard. We explore several polynomial time algorithms for finding suboptimal solutions including a heuristic algorithm to this problem. We experimentally compare the algorithms using several synthetic as well as real-world ontologies and mappings.
Pictures as Prose-Learning Devices

Popular strategies for improving prose processing consist of procedures that force attention either to the texťs macrostructure or to the organization and interconnections of the texťs propositions. These strategies are assumed to enhance students' comprehension of the text as encoded, as well as to afford students with an efficient storage and retrieval scheme for long-term recall of text information. However, with expository or instructional texts containing factual information that is unfamiliar, complex, abstract, or–for whatever reason–simply difficult to remember, comprehension strategies of the kind just described may not be optimally suited for enhancing long-term recall. Rather, mnemonic strategies that are designed expressly for storage and retrieval of difficult-to-remember information would seem to be preferable. Several recent experiments are reported, to provide preliminary support for this view. It is proposed that prose-learning strategies that combine the critical components of comprehension-directed techniques with those of memory-directed techniques will ultimately prove to be the most successful.
A Piece of Your Mind

How the Mind Works . Steven Pinker. Norton, New York, 1997. 672 pp. $29.95, C$39.99. ISBN 0-393-04535-8.
Splenic and granuloma T-lymphocyte responses to fractionated soluble egg antigens of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice

Soluble egg antigens (SEA) secreted by the eggs of Schistosoma mansoni worms induce a T-cell-mediated granulomatous response that is principally responsible for the pathology of the disease. In the present study sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-separated SEA proteins were divided into nine fractions (less than 21, 25 to 30, 32 to 38, 40 to 46, 50 to 56, 60 to 66, 70 to 90, 93 to 125, and greater than 200 kDa), electroeluted, and utilized in in vitro lymphoproliferation assays. T-cell-enriched spleen cells from acutely infected mice responded to all nine fractions, while those from chronically infected mice responded to only the 50- to 56- and the 60- to 66-kDa fractions. Depletion of the CD4+ T-cell subset among acute and chronic-infection spleen cells abrogated the response. Depletion of the CD8+ T-cell population resulted in increased proliferation in response to fractions by acute-infection T cells and facilitated responsiveness to hitherto-inactive SEA fractions in chronic-infection T cells. Acute-infection CD4+ granuloma T cells responded to the 40- to 46-, 50- to 56-, 70- to 90-, 93- to 125-, and greater than 200-kDa fractions, while the chronic-infection granuloma T cells responded only to the greater than 200-kDa fraction of SEA. Selective depletion of the CD4+ T-cell subset when acute-infection granuloma lymphocytes were tested abrogated proliferation, whereas subset depletions when chronic-infection granuloma cells were tested indicated that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells respond to the greater than 200-kDa fraction. The present study reveals differences between acute- and chronic-infection splenic and granuloma T cells in the pattern of T-cell blastogenic responses to fractionated SEA.
Synchronization of noisy systems by stochastic signals.

We study, in terms of synchronization, the {ital nonlinear response} of noisy bistable systems to a stochastic external signal, represented by Markovian dichotomic noise. We propose a general kinetic model which allows us to conduct a full analytical study of the nonlinear response, including the calculation of cross-correlation measures, the mean switching frequency, and synchronization regions. Theoretical results are compared with numerical simulations of a noisy overdamped bistable oscillator. We show that dichotomic noise can instantaneously synchronize the switching process of the system. We also show that synchronization is most pronounced at an optimal noise level{emdash}this effect connects this phenomenon with aperiodic stochastic resonance. Similar synchronization effects are observed for a stochastic neuron model stimulated by a stochastic spike train. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Prediction of multicomponent azeotrope composition and temperature

Abstract Wilson and NRTL correlations are used to derive equations for predicting the composition and temperature of multicomponent azeotropes from binary equilibrium data. The equations lead to an efficient and reliable algorithm for their solution. The model is used successfully for ternary and quaternary systems. The effect of the pressure on the composition and boiling point of ternary azeotropes was investigated, and it is shown that if the variation of the composition of ternary azeotropes with pressure is plotted on a triangular diagram it produces a straight line.
EFFECTS OF CRITERION-LEVEL PROBING ON DEMONSTRATING NEWLY ACQUIRED DISCRIMINATIVE BEHAVIOR

The purpose of the study was to determine whether probes of the final criterion-level discrimination administered during and after training provided an accurate measure of acquisition. Training and probe stimuli were designed to make training and probe trials initially very discriminable and then progressively less discriminable as training progressed. Initially, the discrimination required on probe trials was more difficult than the discrimination required on training trials. However, this difference in difficulty was gradually eliminated as training stimuli were topographically altered and made identical to probe stimuli by the end of training. Results showed that while correct responding was maintained throughout training, error patterns occurred on all probe trials administered during training. Error patterns developed regardless of whether probe trials occurred only at the beginning of training sessions (temporally discriminable probes) or were randomly interspersed in the training sessions (temporally indiscriminable probes). Probe error patterns seemed to be controlled by the stimulus properties of training and probe trials. Thus, probes did not measure acquisition as it occurred during training. Probe error patterns were maintained when probes were administered after completion of training. This final measure of acquisition did not agree with the demonstration of acquisition provided by the final training trial. The results suggest that probe trials can measure a different stimulus-response relationship from that trained when training starts with an easier or known discrimination and probes involve a final or criterion test of a more difficult or unknown discrimination. Stimulus control of correct responses versus error patterns is discussed.
Parts quality management: Direct part marking of data matrix symbol for mission assurance

A United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of twelve NASA programs found widespread parts quality problems contributing to significant cost overruns, schedule delays, and reduced system reliability. Direct part marking with Data Matrix symbols could significantly improve the quality of inventory control and parts lifecycle management. This paper examines the feasibility of using direct part marking technologies for use in future NASA programs. A structural analysis is based on marked material type, operational environment (e.g., ground, suborbital, Low Earth Orbit), durability of marks, ease of operation, reliability, and affordability. A cost-benefits analysis considers marking technology (label printing, data plates, and direct part marking) and marking types (two-dimensional machine-readable, human-readable). Previous NASA parts marking efforts and historical cost data are accounted for, including in-house vs. outsourced marking. Some marking methods are still under development. While this paper focuses on NASA programs, results may be applicable to a variety of industrial environments.
Preserving the Commons in Private Cluster-Home Developments

The thesis of "The Tragedy of the Commons," as developed and popularized by ecologist Garrett Hardin (Science 162, 1968), is a striking recognition of the dangers of freedom of action in an environment which is limited. The "commons" consists of those resources that are needed but are not or can not be assigned private ownership. The concept applies throughout the world and over many different types of resources, such as fisheries, forests, grazing lands, and irrigation systems. Hardin studied the eroding situation of American communal and natural resources and found that "freedom in a commons brings ruin to all."
Orthostatic Hypertension Due to Vascular Adrenergic Hypersensitivity

Autoregulatory mechanisms ensure relatively small fluctuations of blood pressure with postural changes in healthy people. Although orthostatic hypotension is well recognized and commonly encountered, there are only a few reports of orthostatic hypertension. Most of the reported cases of orthostatic hypertension were related to excessive venous pooling, with an initial drop in cardiac output followed by overcompensation with an excessive release of catecholamines, or to nephroptosis with orthostatic activation of the renin-angiotensin system. We describe a 44-year-old woman with normal supine blood pressure and severe orthostatic hypertension who did not demonstrate an initial decrease in cardiac output and had normal plasma and urinary catecholamines and renin release. Pharmacological tests of autonomic nervous system function showed an increased pressor sensitivity to norepinephrine (11 to 14 times normal), normal sensitivity to isoproterenol, diminished baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, and exquisite sensitivity to α-adrenergic blockers. This unusual case of orthostatic hypertension appears to be secondary to vascular adrenergic hypersensitivity.
Electroosmotic Capillary Flow with Nonuniform Zeta Potential

The present work is an analytical and experimental study of electroosmotic flow (EOF) in cylindrical capillaries with nonuniform wall surface charge (ζ-potential) distributions. In particular, this study investigates perturbations of electroosmotic flow in open capillaries that are due to induced pressure gradients resulting from axial variations in the wall ζ-potential. The experimental inquiry focuses on electroosmotic flow under a uniform applied field in capillaries with an EOF-suppressing polymer adsorbed onto various fractions of the total capillary length. This fractional EOF suppression was achieved by coupling capillaries with substantially different ζ-potentials. The resulting flow fields were imaged with a nonintrusive, caged-fluorescence imaging technique. Simple analytical models for the velocity field and rate of sample dispersion in capillaries with axial ζ-potential variations are presented. The resulting induced pressure gradients and the associated band-broadening effects are of particul...
Photonic Crystal Surfaces as a General Purpose Platform for Label-Free and Fluorescent Assays

Photonic crystal surfaces can be designed to provide a wide range of functions that are used to perform biochemical and cell-based assays. Detection of the optical resonant reflections from photonic crystal surfaces enables high sensitivity label-free biosensing, while the enhanced electromagnetic fields that occur at resonant wavelengths can be used to enhance the detection sensitivity of any surface-based fluorescence assay. Fabrication of photonic crystals from inexpensive plastic materials over large surface areas enables them to be incorporated into standard formats that include microplates, microarrays, and microfluidic channels. This report reviews the design of photonic crystal biosensors, their associated detection instrumentation, and biological applications. Applications including small molecule high throughput screening, cell membrane integrin activation, gene expression analysis, and protein biomarker detection are highlighted. Recent results in which photonic crystal surfaces are used for enhancing the detection of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, and the development of high resolution photonic crystal-based laser biosensors are also described.
Preliminary analysis of experiments on the climatic effects of increased CO2 with an atmospheric general circulation model and a climatological ocean

Preliminary results from numerical experiments designed to show the seasonal and geographical distribution of the climatic changes resulting from increased atmospheric CO2 concentration are presented. These simulations were made for both doubled and quadrupled CO2 levels with an improved version of the two-level OSU atmospheric GCM. In these experiments and in a control run with normal CO2, the solar radiation incident at the top of the model atmosphere and the sea-surface temperature and sea ice were given prescribed seasonal climatological variations. In January the globally averaged tropospheric temperature is increased with respect to the control mean by 0.30°C (0.48°C) for doubled (quadrupled) CO2, which may be compared with an interannual January temperature variability of 0.15°C in the control (as measured by the root-mean-square of January monthly averages in a 3-year control integration). In July, the globally averaged tropospheric temperature rises by 0.33°C (0.60°C) for doubled (quadrupled) CO2, with an average warming over land surfaces of 0.71°C (1.04°C); these values may be compared with a root-mean-square interannual July temperature variability of only 0.03°C in the control. These results are clearly due to the model's differing thermal response over ocean and continent in the summer and winter seasons. In comparison with the results from models using a swamp ocean (which absorbs no heat), the present experiments with a climatological ocean represent the opposite limiting case in which the ocean is an infinite reservoir of heat. Although the present model gives a small but significant overall warming without poleward amplification, and does not indicate a significant change of the atmosphere's general circulation or hydrological cycle, these results are due to the unrealistic suppression of water vapor- and albedo-temperature feedbacks.
Variation in cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) resting metabolic rates

Abstract The study of intra- and inter-individual variation in the metabolic response to environmental variation can provide mechanistic explanations to large-scale ecological and evolutionary patterns. In a study of range-limiting factors, variation in resting metabolic rates of cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) was investigated along a latitudinal gradient in southern populations and in populations near and at the northern range limit. CO2 production rates of 53 snakes were measured in response to body mass, temperature, time of day, latitude of origin, and sex. The within-subjects effects were similar to those reported for other pit vipers. Metabolic cold adaptation appears to exist, with cottonmouths from northern populations having higher low temperature metabolic rates. Calculations suggest that Arkansas cottonmouths allocate almost twice as much energy to resting metabolism during non-feeding periods (brumation) as Louisiana cottonmouths. While maintenance metabolism alone during brumation is more costly near the northern range limit, it is most likely not a limiting factor in geographic distribution and may be used to fuel important processes other than activity metabolism.