cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An open-label dosing study of paroxetine in depressed children and adolescents

Abstract Background: Depression is a common disorder in children and adolescents. It is often associated with psychologic distress, academic dysfunction, intrafamilial conflict, and the risk for suicide. For these reasons, safe and effective treatments are needed for depression in pediatric patients. Objective: This study considered the effectiveness of initiating the antidepressant paroxetine at a low dose and explored clinical and biochemical factors associated with response in juvenile depression. Methods: In this 8-week, single-center, open-label trial, children and adolescents with major depression were assessed weekly. Patients were initially treated with paroxetine at a dosage of 10 mg/d for 4 weeks. If a priori criteria for improvement were not met, the dosage of paroxetine was increased to 20 mg/d. Standard psychometric outcome measures were used. Prior to treatment, patients' phenotypes for cytochrome P450 2D6 and catechol O -methyltransferase activity were determined. Platelet-rich plasma serotonin was measured before and after 4 weeks of therapy. Plasma paroxetine concentration was measured after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: Thirty children and adolescents (15 boys, 15 girls) aged 6 to 17 years were enrolled and 29 were treated. Of the 27 patients who received at least 4 weeks of paroxetine treatment, 18 (66.7%) met improvement criteria at week 4. Open-label paroxetine was generally well tolerated and was associated with significant symptom amelioration by week 8 for most patients. Age, other demographic characteristics, and biochemical variables did not differ between the patients who had their dose of paroxetine increased and those who did not. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that paroxetine 10 mg/d is effective in the open-label treatment of most depressed children and adolescents. For those who do not respond to this dosage, an increase to 20 mg/d appears to be an empirically supported treatment strategy.
Intensional Specifications of Truth-Conditions: ‘Because’, ‘In Virtue of’, and ‘Made True By…’

Although a number of truth theorists have claimed that a deflationary theory of ‘is true’ needs nothing more than the uniform implication of instances of the theorem ‘the proposition that p is true if and only if p’, reflection shows that this is inadequate. If deflationists can’t support the instances when replacing the biconditional with ‘because’, then their view is in peril. Deflationists sometimes acknowledge this by addressing, occasionally attempting to deflate, ‘because’ and ‘in virtue of’ formulas and their close relatives. I examine what I take to be the most promising deflationist moves in this direction and argue that they fail.
Secondary mastopexy in the augmented patient: a recipe for disaster.

BACKGROUND Augmentation mammaplasty is popular procedure, but one that is associated with a relatively high rate of revisionary surgery. Over time, the augmented breast frequently becomes ptotic and patients may return requesting mastopexy. Experience has shown that secondary mastopexy in the augmented breast is fraught with potential complications, including fat necrosis, skin flap loss, and nipple ischemia. METHODS Factors that contribute to increased morbidity when mastopexy is performed in the previously augmented breast are analyzed; the surgical options available for correcting ptosis in these cases are systematically reviewed. RESULTS The long-term presence of implants typically results in changes in breast anatomy and physiology, including parenchymal atrophy, tissue thinning, and diminished skin blood supply. These factors greatly increase the surgical risks of secondary mastopexy. CONCLUSIONS When planning and executing mastopexy in the previously augmented patient, the plastic surgeon must carefully consider the potential adverse effect of implants on the blood supply to the breast. With thoughtful planning and cautious operative technique, good results can be achieved in most cases, and the risk of serious complications can be minimized.
Psoriasis in the elderly

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases, and unprecedented increases in the elderly population will make diagnosis and management of geriatric psoriasis increasingly important. Management of psoriasis in the elderly requires consideration of several important factors. Many commonly prescribed drugs can precipitate psoriasis or aggravate pre-existing psoriasis. In addition, elderly patients are at increased risk of adverse drug reactions due to polypharmacy, adverse drug–drug interactions, adverse drug–disease interactions, incorrect use of medication and concomitant comorbidities. Psoriasis is a highly variable disease that requires individualized treatment. The major classes of topical medications include topical corticosteroids, coal tar preparations, calcipotriol, tazarotene and salicylic acid. Phototherapy, including narrowband ultraviolet B, photochemotherapy, psoralen ultraviolet A and excimer laser treatment, can be effective in properly selected patients. Systemic therapy for pso...
Corporeal fibrosis as a result of priapism prohibiting function of self-contained inflatable penile prosthesis

Corporeal fibrosis and erectile impotence are known sequelae of priapism. Fibrosis following priapism may make subsequent placement of a penile prosthesis, especially inflatable devices, difficult or impossible. A case is described in which a self-contained inflatable prosthesis (Dynaflex) was successfully placed to treat impotence resulting from idiopathic priapism. However, fibrosis of the distal tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa rendered them noncompressible, and thus precluded inflation of the device with its distally placed pump mechanism. This anatomic problem is added to the list of potential contraindications to placement of self-contained inflatable penile prostheses, and the advisability of having patients who desire such a prosthesis also choose a secondary prosthesis type is emphasized.
A method for determination of Avrami parameters directly from isothermal calorimetry data

Abstract A method for determining Avrami parameters directly from isothermal calorimetry data has been developed. Using the method, we have determined values of the time constant τ and exponent n . The τ values agree reasonably well with results from a previous, more cumbersome graphical method of analysis. There are greater discrepancies between the n values derived using the two techniques, presumably due to differences in the magnitudes of time increments by which the data fits are shifted in the two methods. The method is illustrated by analysis of isothermal calorimetry curves for the precipitation in several aluminum alloy samples.
Impact on the family: Psychosocial adjustment of siblings of children who survive serious burns

This study examined the psychosocial adjustment of 79 siblings of children suffering from burn injuries. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare psychosocial adjustment of the study group, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist with an age-matched and gender-matched reference groups. Analyses found that the study group was better adjusted than the normative group on psychological dimensions; however, the study group faired worse than the normative group on overall competence, particularly social competence. Further analyses found significant differences in sibling adjustment as a function of the severity of the burn injury. The siblings of children with moderate burn injuries did significantly better on psychological adjustment than the normative group, and siblings of children with moderate and severe burn injuries did significantly poorer on social competence. Descriptive analysis of measures developed for the study for parent and sibling reports supported findings of the Child Behavior Checklist quantitative analysis and offered insight into reasons for findings. Results indicate that the burn injury to one child in a family significantly impacts the siblings of that child. The noninjured child may be strengthened in the process of adapting to the changes imposed on the family, but it is also possible that the sibling's growth in one dimension is at the cost of success in another dimension.
Quantum capacitance extraction for carbon nanotube interconnects

Carbon nanotubes, especially the ones with diameters of the order of a few nanometers exhibit correlated electron transport and are best described using the Tomanaga Luttinger liquid model. Recently the TL model was used to create a convenient transmission line like phenomenological model for carbon nanotubes. In this paper, we have attempted to quantify the quantum capacitances of individual metallic single walled carbon nanotubes and bundles of single walled tubes. Quantum capacitances and values of the interaction parameter `g' are presented for small diameter metallic nanotubes while quantum capacitances are calculated for bundles of carbon nanotubes.
Volatile semiochemical impact on trapping and distribution in maize of northern and western corn rootworm beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract 1 Field studies evaluated plant attractants and analogues as tools to move corn rootworm beetles (Diabrotica spp.) into areas to be treated with toxic baits for population suppression via mass removal/annihilation of reproductive adults. 2 When dispensed from sticky traps in maize, 2-phenyl-1-ethylamine and 2-phenyl-1-ethanol captured more northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi, than did 4-methoxyphenethanol. Only 2-phenyl-1-ethanol attracted the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, but not until maize matured beyond milk stage. 3 Attraction of D. barberi to the amine, alone or blended with 2-phenyl-1-ethanol, occurred before and after maize flowered but not during intervening silk or blister stages. Attraction recurred during early milk stage at or before 50% emergence of adult female D. barberi or D. v. virgifera, respectively, and before populations declined for the season. 4 Synergistic interaction of 2-phenyl-1-ethylamine with 2-phenyl-1-ethanol in attracting D. barberi females did not occur until maize matured to late milk stage. 5 The amine-alcohol blend (0.44 point sources m−2) doubled the density of D. barberi but not D. v. virgifera when applied to small plots within mostly milk-stage or younger maize. Traps without bait within attractant-treated plots captured more female, but not male, D. barberi than did traps in untreated control plots, hinting that females accounted for most of the observed increase in beetle density. 6 The results suggest that attractants can be used despite phenological limitations to concentrate preovipositional females within field areas and thus to complement a variety of corn rootworm control strategies.
Enhanced Raman scattering from silicon microstructures

Electromagnetic-structure-resonance enhancement of scattering from Si phonon modes is reported for a number of submicrometer structures. Enhancements of greater, similar100 over the Raman intensity from bulk Si are observed for ~0.1-microm-diameter Si spheres. An analytic calculation of the Raman intensity for this geometry is in good qualitative agreement with the experiment and demonstrates that the enhancement arises from the coupling of both the incident and the scattered fields with the low-order-structure resonances in this high-index dielectric.
Staphylococcus aureus sortase A exists as a dimeric protein in vitro.

We report the first direct observation of the self-association behavior of the Staphylococcus aureus sortase A (SrtA) transpeptidase. Formation of a SrtA dimer was observed under native conditions ...
Visualizing Design Spaces Using Two-Dimensional Contextual Self-Organizing Maps

Visualization of design spaces is a complex problem that has the potential to provide many benefits. Design spaces can be easily visualized with two or three design variables using a range of methods. However, once a problem exceeds this limit, direct visualization that captures all necessary behaviors becomes difficult. To visualize these higher dimensions, it is necessary to use visual cues such as color, size, and/or symbols to show the added dimensions. The disadvantage to using visual cues is the inability to expand much beyond three dimensions. This research focuses on using contextual self-organizing maps to provide a solution to visualizing high-dimensional design spaces by using the dimensionality-reduction capabilities of self-organizing maps. A visual representation is created by generating a self-organizing map and applying objective function values as the contextual labels. The map is then broken into three different maps containing separate contextual information, namely the mean, minimum, a...
Study on Flow Field Character Around Bypass Crossover Sub in Fracturing Process of Horizontal Wells

Based on Reynolds Stress Model (RSM), numerical simulation of flow field around Bypass Crossover Sub in the fracturing process of horizontal wells is carried out by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. Distribution rules of axial velocity, tangential velocity and radial velocity of fluid field in calculation region are achieved. Results show that strong vortexes and reverse flow exist at the slots on Bypass Crossover Sub, which brings the impact of the fluid on the wall at certain angle. Impacting velocity and angle at different positions of the wall are studied in detail. A Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA) is applied to examine the flow field velocity distribution. Experimental results agree well with the numerical simulation results, which prove the validity of turbulence model and computational method. Numerical simulation is carried out at different Length-Breadth ratio of slots on the Bypass Crossover Sub. Effect of the Length-Breadth ratio on the scale of vortexes, speed distributions and flow field near the wall area is discussed. All of these will provide some reference on structural optimization and the analysis of erosion.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Comparison of properties of thin films of CuInSe2 and its alloys produced by evaporation, RF-sputtering and chemical spray pyrolysis

This paper summarizes a six-year research program aimed at preparation and characterization of thin films of the chalcopyrite semiconductor CuInSe2 suitable for photovoltaic solar cells and other semiconductors devices. The thin film deposition methods used were evaporation, flash evaporation, RF-sputtering and chemical spray pyrolysis. Problems with producing films of reproducible properties by these methods are discussed. Gaps in our knowledge of the dependence of the opto-electronic properties of CuInSe2 crystals and films on structural defects and other imperfections are pointed out.
Micro- and macroscale coefficients of friction of cementitious materials

Abstract Millions of metric tons of cementitious materials are produced, transported and used in construction each year. The ease or difficulty of handling cementitious materials is greatly influenced by the material friction properties. In the present study, the coefficients of friction of cementitious materials were measured at the microscale and macroscale. The materials tested were commercially-available Portland cement, Class C fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag. At the microscale, the coefficient of friction was determined from the interaction forces between cementitious particles using an Atomic Force Microscope. At the macroscale, the coefficient of friction was determined from stresses on bulk cementitious materials under direct shear. The study indicated that the microscale coefficient of friction ranged from 0.020 to 0.059, and the macroscale coefficient of friction ranged from 0.56 to 0.75. The fly ash studied had the highest microscale coefficient of friction and the lowest macroscale coefficient of friction.
GENERAL DIFFUSE-INTERFACE THEORIES AND AN APPROACH TO PREDICTIVE TUMOR GROWTH MODELING

While a large and growing literature exists on mathematical and computational models of tumor growth, to date tumor growth models are largely qualitative in nature, and fall far short of being able to provide predictive results important in life-and-death decisions. This is largely due to the enormous complexity of evolving biological and chemical processes in living tissue and the complex interactions of many cellular and vascular constituents in living organisms. Several new technologies have emerged, however, which could lead to significant progress in this important area: (i) the development of so-called phase-field, or diffuse-interface models, which can be developed using continuum mixture theory, and which provide a general framework for modeling the action of multiple interacting constituents. These are based on generalizations of the Cahn–Hilliard models for spinodal decomposition, and have been used recently in certain tumor growth theories; (ii) the emergence of predictive computational methods...
Determination of intracellular free magnesium by nuclear magnetic resonance in human magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is a common clinical problem. As Mg is predominantly an intracellular cation and Mg deficiency may exist despite normal serum Mg (sMg) concentrations, we have utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques in an attempt to measure intracellular free Mg (Mg2+) in red blood cells (RBC). Twenty normal subjects, 22 hypomagnesemic patients, and 17 normomagnesemic alcoholic patients were studied. Mean RBC Mg2+ in normal subjects (178 +/− 6.3 microM) was significantly greater than in hypomagnesemic patients (146 +/− 7.1 microM, p less than 0.002). RBC Mg2+ correlated with sMg concentration (r = 0.54, p less than 0.001). In addition, four normal subjects were given a low Mg diet for 3 weeks. There was a progressive fall in both the sMg concentration and RBC Mg2+ during Mg depletion, with a concomitant rise in retention of a parenterally administered Mg load. These data suggest that the determination of intracellular Mg2+ by NMR may be a useful research tool in assessing the effect ...
Situational Determinants of Coping in Smoking Relapse Crises1

Interviews with 264 callers to a relapse prevention hotline were used to explore situational determinants of coping among exsmokers facing temptations to smoke. As hypothesized, subjects were more likely to perform cognitive and behavioral coping early in abstinence. Coping was also more likely in situations where subjects had habitually smoked. Discriminant function analyses were used to predict the performance of coping from situational variables. Cognitive coping could not be predicted. Performance of behavioral coping was predictable from six situational variables which accounted for 28% of the variance in coping performance. These situational variables also accounted for the decay of behavioral coping over time. The findings imply that individual differences play a limited role in coping performance and have implications for clinical efforts to enhance smoking cessation through coping interventions.
Hospital admission risk profile (HARP): identifying older patients at risk for functional decline following acute medical illness and hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate an instrument for stratifying older patients at the time of hospital admission according to their risk of developing new disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL) following acute medical illness and hospitalization. DESIGN: Multi-center prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four university and two private non-federal acute care hospitals. PATIENTS: The development cohort consists of 448 patients and the validation cohort consists of 379 patients who were aged 70 and older and who were hospitalized for acute medical illness between 1989 and 1992. MEASUREMENTS: All patients were evaluated on hospital admission to identify baseline demographic and functional characteristics and were then assessed at discharge and 3 months after discharge to determine decline in ADL functioning. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis identified three patient characteristics that were independent predictors of functional decline in the development cohort: increasing age, lower admission Mini-Mental Status Exam scores, and lower preadmission IADL function. A scoring system was developed for each predictor variable and patients were assigned to low, intermediate, and high risk categories. The rates of ADL decline at discharge for the low, intermediate, and high risk categories were 17%, 28%, and 56% in the development cohort and 19%, 31%, and 55% in the validation cohort, respectively. Patients in the low risk category were significantly more likely to recover ADL function and to avoid nursing home placement during the 3 months after discharge. CONCLUSION: Hospital Admission Risk Profile (HARP) is a simple instrument that can be used to identify patients at risk of functional decline following hospitalization. HARP can be used to identify patients who might benefit from comprehensive discharge planning, specialized geriatric care, and experimental interventions designed to prevent/reduce the development of disability in hospitalized older populations. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:251–257, 1996.
Toward mechanically robust and intrinsically stretchable organic solar cells: Evolution of photovoltaic properties with tensile strain

This paper describes the effect of tensile strains of up to 20% on the photovoltaic properties of organic solar cells based on two different conjugated polymers and their blends with (6,6)-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The two conjugated polymers are poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and a donor–acceptor polymer whose repeat unit comprises a diketo pyrrolo-pyrrole moiety, thiophene, thienothiophene, and thiophene (DPPT-TT). The stretchable substrate, transparent electrode, and top electrode are, respectively, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn). Analysis of the results of mechanical testing using a buckling based metrology, atomic force and optical microscopy, and linear and cyclic applications of strain yielded six major conclusions. (i) The identity of the conjugated polymer significantly affects the response of the solar cells to strain. Blending of PCBM in bulk heterojunction films stiffens P3HT more than it stiffens DPPT-TT, as determined by buckling-based measurements of elastic moduli. (ii) The greater elastic modulus of P3HT:PCBM than that of DPPT-TT:PCBM is correlated with a greater tendency of P3HT:PCBM to fracture under strain. (iii) PEDOT:PSS has the effect of an adhesion layer of the bulk heterojunction films to PDMS; its presence increases the crack-onset strain from <2% to 8% for P3HT:PCBM and from 6% to 12% for DPPT-TT:PCBM. (iv) Cracks dominate the characteristics of the devices under strain. The differences in the response to strain between devices comprising P3HT:PCBM and DPPT-TT:PCBM are correlated to the unequal brittleness of the polymer:fullerene films. (v) Devices based on both P3HT and DPPT-TT exhibit increased open-circuit voltage with strain, which is greatest for devices containing P3HT. These effects are attributed to disruption of the gallium oxide “skin” that covers the top electrode, EGaIn. (vi) Wave-like buckles appear in the films upon stretching ≤ 10% for the first time. These buckles permit reversible stretchability.
Chemical and Structural Characterization of the Interaction of Bleomycin A2 with d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2. Efficient, Double-Strand DNA Cleavage Accessible without Structural Reorganization

A detailed description of the interaction between Fe(II)·bleomycin A2 and the Dickerson-Drew dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 is presented. The reaction between bleomycin and this substrate leads to DNA cleavage at two major sites, adenosine5 and cytidine11, and two minor sites, cytidine3 and thymidine8. The pattern and relative intensities of cleavage at these sites was not entirely consistent with what would be predicted based on the preference of the drug for cleavage at the pyrimidines of 5‘-GC-3‘ and 5‘-GT-3‘ sites. Insight into the origins of the apparent alteration of selectivity was provided by examination of the structure of the duplex which had been determined by X-ray crystallography. This indicated that the C4‘ hydrogens of the two nucleotides located at the strongest cleavage sites, C11 on one strand and A5 on the other, were oriented toward each other in the minor groove. Two-dimensional NMR measurements and molecular dynamics modeling indicated that a metalloBLM could bind to the duplex in an ori...
Regulation of erythroid differentiation: characterization of Rauscher and Friend virus-transformed proerythroid cells.

SummaryThe induction of differentiation in two Friend and two Rauscher virus-transformed proerythroid cell lines was studied. The benzidine assay for hemoglobin was used to determine differentiation. The Rauscher virus-transformed lines, RV-133 and RV-187, were induced to differentiate in the presence of eight known inducers, including dimethyl-sulfoxide, butyric acid, and N-methylpyrrolidone. One Friend virus-transformed line, FV-BDF1 did not differentiate on exposure to any inducer. The second Friend virus-transformed line, FV-BALB, differentiated only on exposure to N-methylpyrrolidone.
Trace element and radionuclide mass balances at a coal-fired electric generating station

Abstract Coal, bottom ash, and fly ash from Milliken Station, a coal-fired 270 MW power plant, were analyzed for 20 elements (Ag, Al, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Tl, V, and Zn) and the major natural radionuclides ( 238 U series, 232 Th series, and 40 K). Mass balance calculations showed that most of the Hg, and some of the Sb and Se, were unaccounted for by ash collection, suggesting their possible discharge into the atmosphere. Silver, As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Zn were more concentrated in the fly ash than in the bottom ash while all of the other elements were equally distributed, by concentration, between the ash fractions. The radionuclides showed a 46% higher concentration in fly ash than in bottom ash, and 210 Pb was enriched in the fly ash relative to the other radionuclides by a factor of 2.4. Mass balance calculations indicated a balance within statistical error for the radionuclides, except for 210 Pb.
Preparing Classroom Teachers to Meet Students’ Physical Activity Needs

(2011). Preparing Classroom Teachers to Meet Students’ Physical Activity Needs. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 82, No. 3, pp. 40-52.
Active Nanostructures at Interfaces for Photocatalytic Reactors and Low-power Consumption Sensors

Active nanostructures which provide unique transformations are being introduced to phase matched porous silicon (PS) nano/micropores to form a platform for low power consumption highly selective sensors and microreactors. TiO2-xNx photocatalysts have been formed in seconds at room temperature at the nanoscale via the direct nitration of anatase TiO2 nanocolloids. Tunability throughout the visible depends upon the degree of agglomeration and the ability to seed these nanoparticles with metal ions. Co metal ion seeding leads to the efficient room temperature phase transformation, of anatase to rutile TiO2, where normally much higher temperatures are required. Seeding of a properly nitridated TiO2 nanocolloid with transition metal ions (Co, Ni) allows for the enhancement of the infrared spectra of the TiO2-xNx nitridated titania surface in excess of 10-fold, providing a means to analyze for minor contaminants and intermediates. Evidence for nitrogen fixation is found in Fe treated systems. The TiO2-xNx systems act as visible light absorbing photocatalyts. These photocatalysts and additional nanostructured metal oxides can be placed on the surface of PS-based sensor and microreactor configurations to greatly improve the interface response.
On the nature of permeability of sarcoma-180 cells to amethopterin in vitro

Abstract The rate of net influx of amethopterin into sublines of Sarcoma-180 cells in vitro (4.6 · 10 −8 cm/sec at 36°) was shown to be dependent on at least four processes: (a) slow influx, apparently by diffusion; (b) rapid, energy-dependent efflux; (c) very rapid binding of inhibitor to intracellular folic acid reductase (EC 1.5.1.3); and (d) slow dissociation of the latter complex. The influx of amethopterin requires a large activation energy of 30.5 kcal which is explained by poor lipid solubility and the net negative charge of the molecule. Influx is increased by increasing the H + -ion concentration, and also by high concentrations of Ca 2+ . Both of these are likely to decrease the ionization of the two carboxyl groups at the glutamyl-end of the molecule and thus facilitate their entry through the negatively charged cell surface. Ca 2+ probably acts by forming an [amethopterin-Ca 2 ] 2+ chelate. Combination of Ca 2+ and 2,4-dinotrophenol, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, increased the apparent rate of influx of amethopterin by 5–6-fold. Riboflavin, a natural ingredient of the growth medium, and folinic acid were found to be able to partially slow down the apparent rate of influx of amethopterin.
A Design-Driven Validation Approach Using Bayesian Prediction Models

In most of the existing work, model validation is viewed as verifying the model accuracy, measured by the agreement between computational and experimental results. Due to the lack of resource, accuracy can only be assessed at very limited test points. However, from the design perspective, a good model should be considered the one that can provide the discrimination (with good resolution) between competing design candidates under uncertainty. In this work, a design-driven validation approach is presented. By combining data from both physical experiments and the computer model, a Bayesian approach is employed to develop a prediction model as the replacement of the original computer model for the purpose of design. Based on the uncertainty quantification with the Bayesian prediction and, subsequently, that of a design objective, some decision validation metrics are further developed to assess the confidence of using the Bayesian prediction model in making a specific design choice. We demonstrate that the Bayesian approach provides a flexible framework for drawing inferences for predictions in the intended, but maybe untested, design domain. The applicability of the proposed decision validation metrics is examined for designs with either a discrete or continuous set of design alternatives. The approach is demonstrated through an illustrative example of a robust engine piston design.
Improvements in Microsequencer Performance for Low Picomole Sequence Analysis

Abstract Five years ago, we reported several simple modifications of the Applied Biosystems 477A-120A sequencing system to improve femtomole PTH-amino acid analysis and to make the process more routine ( Anal. Biochem . 183, 290). Since then, several laboratories have obtained extensive sequencing runs with 2-3 picomol initial yield, using either our or their own optimizations. Unfortunately, similar instrument performance has eluded other groups. Optimized ultrasensitive systems can be standard and are easy to operate, even by novice researchers, provided some basic preventive and corrective maintenance routines are strictly adhered to. Here, we review the basics of Edman chemistry, polypeptide sequencing automation, and various limitations inherent to this technique. We describe protocols for (i) peptide preparation and handling, for (ii) improving instrument sensitivity by background reduction and by HPLC optimizations, and for (iii) continued performance assurance. We discuss routine practical operation and what to expect, realistically, from a polypeptide sequencing facility.
Methods for registration of magnetic resonance images of ex vivo prostate specimens with histology.

Purpose: To evaluate two methods of scanning and tissue processing to achieve accurate magnetic resonance (MR)-histologic correlation in human prostate specimens. Materials and Methods: Two prostates had acrylic paint markers injected to define the plane of imaging and serve as internal fiducials. Each was placed on a polycarbonate plane-finder device (PFD), which was adjusted to align the imaging and cutting planes. Three prostates were aligned by use of a plane finder key (PFK), a polycarbonate plate that locks the specimen in a cylindrical carrier. Markers were injected for registration analysis. Prostates were imaged, then sectioned. Imaging software was used to create registration maps of the MR and histology images. Measurements between control points were made and compared. Results: Accurate correlation was achieved between MR and histologic images. The mean displacement (MD) between the corresponding registration points using the PFD technique ranged from 1.11–1.38 mm for each section. The MD for all sections was 1.24 mm. The MD using the PFK technique ranged from 0.79–1.01 mm for each section, and the MD across all sections for the PFK was 0.92 mm. Conclusion: We describe two methods that can achieve accurate, reproducible correlation between MR imaging and histologic sections in human prostatectomy specimens. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:206–212. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical anisotropy of polypeptide chains.

Optical anisotropies γ2 of N-t-butylacetamide (tBA), N-Methylacetamide (MA), and N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) have been determined from the Rayleigh ratios for depolarzed scattering by dilute solutions of the amides in p-dioxane. Traceless optical polarizability tensors for the amides are derived from these results in conjunction with the Kerr constant for tBA determined by LeGevre and co-workers. It is shown that the tensor i for the glycyle unit in a polypeptide chain may be identified with MA. Methods for deriving corresponding tensors for other peptide units are indicated and the traceless polarizability tensor for a polypeptide chain in any specified configuration is formulated.
Reconciling field size distributions of the US NASS (National Agricultural Statistics Service) cropland data

A novel methodology to match NASS cropland data with actual field size distributions.Automated GIS procedures to process cropland data from county to national scale.Final reconciled data matches actual crop-specific field size distributions.The resulting cropland dataset is more suitable for spatial simulation and analysis.The methodology has broad applicability to other digitized land cover data. Cropping system models and decision support tools are increasingly structured to provide the capability for simulation and analysis at multiple spatial scales. A major challenge is having access to large volumes of geo-referenced data. The Cropland Data Layer (CDL) products from the U.S. National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provide digitized maps on the types and distributions of major agricultural crops and non-agricultural lands. However, the CDLs have too many single pixels or small pixel clusters that are classified as crop fields due to spectral artifacts, and unrealistically large polygons classified as fields due to CDL's limited ability to distinguish field boundaries. This paper presents a methodology to reconcile NASS CDLs with observed field size distribution data. The reconciliation algorithm consists of several automated steps, including field delineation by road networks, streams, and road extension; pixel merging; fishnet subdivision; and distribution optimization. The distribution optimization uses both pixel merging and fishnet subdivision to match the reconciled data with observed field size distribution. Observed field size data for rice and cotton (2009-2012), and corn and sorghum (2012) from selected counties in Texas were used to test the algorithm. The 2009-2012 CDLs underestimated total rice acreage by 2-12% for Colorado County and overestimated total cotton acreage by 1-10% for Dawson County, while the CDLs overestimated the number of fields by up to 714% for rice and 280% for cotton. In contrast, the 2009-2012 optimized CDLs underestimated the number of rice fields by 4-13% and overestimated the number of cotton fields by 6-13%. The corresponding acreage ranges from 1% increase to 4% reduction for rice and 5-12% reduction for cotton. Most of the reduction in acreage is due to areas that were classified as rice or cotton fields but now identified as road networks since the CDLs have limited capability to separate fields from road networks. Summary results were also provided for other land types. Field size distributions of the reconciled CDLs closely match observed data and are appropriate for use in cropping systems simulations and analyses such as crop rotation, land use change, and biorefinery site selection. The methodology has broad applicability to other digitized land cover data.
Compound nucleus contributions to the 18O(d,p)19O reaction

Abstract Angular distribution and excitation function measurements of the cross section and vector analyzing power were made near 10 MeV for transitions in 18O(d, p)19O to the states at 0.0, 1.47, 2.37 and 2.78 MeV. Ericson fluctuations were observed with a coherence width of 290±50 keV. The variance in both the polarized and unpolarized excitation functions and energy averaged cross section were used to obtain the compound nucleus component of the reaction cross section. This component was about 1 4 of the smallest reaction cross section and 1 10 that expected theoretically. The remaining reaction cross section is direct, as evidenced by nonvanishing energy-averaged values of iT11 for the 2.37 MeV state. For the strong stripping transitions the inclusion of compound nucleus effects in the distorted wave Born approximation calculation has a negligibly small effect.
Oxidative Activity of Hydrogen on Nickel and Inconel

Experiments were carried out to determine whether nickel or Inconel are catalytically active for hydrogen oxidation. The work was motivated by the problem of flame flashback and/or inlet pre-ignition in hydrogen-rich syngas fueled premixed/prevaporized gas turbine combustors. The experiments were performed using small resistively heated tubular reactors with matrix isolation/ infrared diagnostics. Reactors were manufactured from stainless steel, nickel and Inconel. For the flow conditions studied, the conversion efficiency was about 3% for the nickel reactor and 0.9% for the Inconel reactor. No activity was seen for stainless steel. Comparison with a published surface kinetic reaction mechanism for nickel suggests that the surface oxidation rate of H 2 in our reactors is about two orders of magnitude less than for specially prepared surfaces.
The effect of ekman suction on a flow over a shallow topography in the beta plane

Abstract The effect of bottom Ekman layer suction on a homogeneous, constant depth, eastwards, low Rossby number flow over a shallow bottom topography in the beta plane is studied. The governing vorticity equation is obtained by expanding the velocities in the continuity and momentum equations in powers of the Rossby number, ϵ, and matching the vertical velocity with the vertical velocity at the outer edge of the bottom Ekman layer obtained from the Ekman layer solution. The suction effect is then linearized using an Oseen approxiamation and the resulting linear model is solved using Fourier transforms with the requirement that the solution behave like a vortex near the origin which is equivalent to the effect of an isolated bump, i.e., a Green's function solution is obtained. An analytical solution is thus, obtained in integral form and then numerically integrated. The effect of Ekman suction is found to be a damping of the downstream Rossby waves in a distance of order 2√2U/f 0 E 1 2 , an increased upstream influence, and a counterclockwise rotation of the closed streamline region about the origin. It is pointed out that the vortex solutions can be superimposed in order to obtain the solution for flow over topographies of finite horizontal text. This technique was used to compute the flow over a right circular cylinder. The results agree favorably with the experimental results of McCartney (1975).
Prosaposin : A myelinotrophic protein that promotes expression of myelin constituents and is secreted after nerve injury

Recently, we demonstrated that prosaposin and prosaptides (peptides encompassing the neurotrophic sequence in prosaposin) prevent cell death and increase extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and sulfatide content in primary Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes (Hiraiwa et al., 1997a). Here, we examine the effect of prosaptide on other myelin constituents, on Schwann cell morphology and proliferation, and characterize the time course of expression of prosaposin protein after sciatic nerve injury. After 24 h of treatment with 10 nM TX14(A), a 14-mer prosaptide, the specific activity of UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (GalT) in primary Schwann cells was increased by 150% over controls. Under the same conditions, the maximum content of sulfatide increased 3-fold over controls after 48 h of treatment. Northern blot analysis, probed with oligonucleotide sequences from the GalT and P0 cDNAs, revealed that the mRNA levels of GalT and P0 protein were elevated about 30 and 200%, respectively, over controls after 24 h of treatment with TX14(A). Treatment of primary Schwann cells with TX14(A) also induced a morphological change at 10 nM; the peptide-treated cells had a bipolar (spindle-shaped) appearance after 48 h of treatment, compared to control cells which were irregular and multipolar. TX14(A) did not induce cell proliferation, indicating that TX14(A), unlike IGF-I, is not mitogenic. After sciatic nerve transection, Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of intact prosaposin in tubular fluid in a silicon chamber into which the proximal and distal nerve stumps were sutured. The concentration of prosaposin in the fluid was maximum after 9 days post-surgery and returned to normal after 28 days post-surgery. In uninjured and injured nerve, prosaposin immunolocalized to the smooth muscle of epineurial and endoneurial vessels. These findings indicated that sciatic nerve secreted prosaposin after injury and that prosaposin is a naturally occurring injury-repair protein which acts to prevent degeneration and to promote regeneration of peripheral nerves.
Labelling of benzocaina with tritium

A convenient method is described to label a local anesthetic, benzocaine, with tritium. The bromoester of para — aminobenzoic acid (PABA) was prepared from para-nitrotoluene and was reduced with tritium. The generation of isotopic hydrogen and labelling of benzocaine was achieved in one-step. A mixture of sodium borohydride (NaB3H4) with cobalt (II) chloride was used to generate tritium gas. 5% Pd/C was used as a catalyst. This constitutes the first report of tritium labelled benzocaine.
VRFire: an Immersive Visualization Experience for Wildfire Spread Analysis

Wildfires are a frequent summer-time concern for land managers and communities neighboring wildlands throughout the world. Computational simulations have been developed to help analyze and predict wildfire behavior, but the primary visualization of these simulations has been limited to 2-dimensional graphics images. We are currently working with wildfire research groups and those responsible for managing the control of fire and mitigation of the wildfire hazard to develop an immersive visualization and simulation application. In our visualization application, the fire spread model will be graphically illustrated on a realistically rendered terrain created from actual DEM data and satellite photography. We are working to improve and benefit tactical and strategic planning, and provide training for firefighter and public safety with our application
Influence of PDGF-BB on Proliferation and Transition Through the MyoD-myogenin-MEF2A Expression Program During Myogenesis in Mouse C2 Myoblasts

We have previously demonstrated that PDGF-BB enhances proliferation of C2 myoblasts. This has led us to examine whether the mitogenic influence of PDGF-BB in the C2 model correlates with modulation of specific steps associated with myogenic differentiation. C2 myoblasts transiting through these differentiation specific steps were monitored via immunocytochemistry. We show that the influence of PDGF on enhancing cell proliferation correlates with a delay in the emergence of cells positive for sarcomeric myosin. We further monitored the influence of PDGF-BB on differentiation steps preceding the emergence of myosin+ cells. We demonstrate that mononucleated C2 cells first express MyoD (MyoD+/myogenin-cells) and subsequently, myogenin. Cells negative for both MyoD and myogenin (the phenotype preceding the MyoD+ state) were present at all times in culture and comprised the majority, if not all, of the cells which responded mitogenically to PDGF. Additionally, the frequency of the MyoD+/myogenin+ cell phenotype...
HLA-DM targets the hydrogen bond between the histidine at position β81 and peptide to dissociate HLA-DR–peptide complexes

The peptide editor HLA-DM (DM) mediates exchange of peptides bound to major histocompatibility (MHC) class II molecules during antigen processing; however, the mechanism by which DM displaces peptides remains unclear. Here we generated a soluble mutant HLA-DR1 with a histidine-to-asparagine substitution at position 81 of the beta-chain (DR1betaH81N) to perturb an important hydrogen bond between MHC class II and peptide. Peptide-DR1betaH81N complexes dissociated at rates similar to the dissociation rates of DM-induced peptide-wild-type DR1, and DM did not enhance the dissociation of peptide-DR1betaH81N complexes. Reintroduction of an appropriate hydrogen bond (DR1betaH81N betaV85H) restored DM-mediated peptide dissociation. Thus, DR1betaH81N might represent a 'post-DM effect' conformation. We suggest that DM may mediate peptide dissociation by a 'hit-and-run' mechanism that results in conformational changes in MHC class II molecules and disruption of hydrogen bonds between betaHis81 and bound peptide.
Self-diffusion in crystalline hexamethylethane and cyclooctane*

Abstract Self-diffusion in the rotationally disordered crystalline phases of hexamethylethane and cyclooctane has been studied by high-resolution NMR linewidth measurements. The measured activation enthalpy for self-diffusion in hexamethylethane is 20·6 kcal/mole, or about twice the triple point sublimation enthalpy (9·33 kcal/mole), and it agrees well with the reported activation enthalpy for creep (19·7 kcal/mole). This suggests that high temperature creep in hexamethylethane is due to the diffusion controlled climb of dislocations. Both the activation enthalpy and entropy of selfdiffusion in hexamethylethane are nearly twice the corresponding vacancy formation parameters ( H D = 20·6 kcal/mole, H r = 10·4 kcal/mole, S D = 31 e.u., S v = 17 e.u.), as we have previously observed for benzene. The results indicate that diffusion occurs predominantly by a vacancy mechanism in hexamethylethane and benzene with both the enthalpy and entropy of motion nearly equal to the corresponding vacancy formation parameters. In contrast with b.c.c. hexamethylethane in which all molecules are equivalent, cyclooctane is primitive cubic with two different molecular sites. As a result, vacancy diffusion in cyclooctane is more complicated, requiring at least two different jump frequencies, with corresponding temperature dependences and jump distances. A calculation assuming zone jump frequency and one jump distance yields H D = 9·4 kcal/mole and D 0 = 0·025 cm 2 /sec, as compared with vacancy formation parameters H r = 7·0 kcal/mole and S r = 13 e.u.