cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The MFMU Cesarean Registry: Impact of fetal size on trial of labor success for patients with previous cesarean for dystocia

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of change in infant birth weight between pregnancies on the outcome of a trial of labor for women whose first cesarean delivery was performed for dystocia. Study design Secondary analysis of 7081 patients with 1 previous cesarean delivery and no other deliveries after 20 weeks' gestation, undergoing a trial of labor with a singleton gestation. Cases were classified as dystocia if the listed indication for the cesarean delivery in the first pregnancy was failed induction, cephalo-pelvic disproportion, failure to progress, or failed forceps or vacuum. Outcomes of the trial of labor were correlated with fetal size relative to birth weight in the initial pregnancy for those women whose initial cesarean delivery was for dystocia and those with other indications. Results For the cohort being studied (n = 7081), dystocia was the indication for the first cesarean delivery for 3182 (44.9%). Trial of labor resulted in vaginal delivery for 54% of patients whose first cesarean delivery was performed for dystocia, compared with 67% for those with other indications ( P Conclusion For women with previous cesarean delivery for dystocia, increasing birth weight in the subsequent trial of labor relative to the first birth weight diminishes the chances of successful vaginal delivery.
Computer programing for geosciences: Teach your students how to make tools

When I announced my intention to pursue a Ph.D. in geophysics, some people gave me confused looks, because I was working on a master's degree in computer science at the time. My friends, like many incoming geoscience graduate students, have trouble linking these two fields. From my perspective, it is pretty straightforward: Much of geoscience evolves around novel analyses of large data sets that require custom tools—computer programs—to minimize the drudgery of manual data handling; other disciplines share this characteristic. While most faculty adapted to the need for tool development quite naturally, as they grew up around computer terminal interfaces, incoming graduate students lack intuitive understanding of programing concepts such as generalization and automation. I believe the major cause is the intuitive graphical user interfaces of modern operating systems and applications, which isolate the user from all technical details. Generally, current curricula do not recognize this gap between user and machine. For students to operate effectively, they require specialized courses teaching them the skills they need to make tools that operate on particular data sets and solve their specific problems. Courses in computer science departments are aimed at a different audience and are of limited help.
Apical and lateral shoot apex-specific expression is conferred by promoter of the seed storage protein β-phaseolin gene

A previous analysis with deletion mutants of the native β-phaseolin gene demonstrated that removal of a negative element 5′ upstream of−107 permitted phaseolin expression in stem cortex and secondary root (Burowet al., 1992). Here we employed the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene to visualize, by histochemical staining, the cell type-specificity of phaseolin expression in stem and root, and to understand further the spatial control of the β-phaseolin gene. The 782 bp 5′ upstream promoter and its deletion mutants were fused to the GUS gene, and these chimaeric genes were used to transform tobacco. Histochemical staining for GUS activity demonstrated that phaseolin promoters truncated downstream of −227 conferred cell-type specific expression in internal/external phloem and protoxylem of mature stem. Surprisingly, GUS staining was prominent in both apical and lateral shoot apices of plants that contain the full-length −782 promoter and mutant promoters deleted up to −64. GUS expression was extended to all cell types of shoot tips, including epidermis, cortex, vasculature, procambium and pith. Expression in vasculature of petioles was limited to plants with promoters truncated to −106 and −64. The current results are in agreement with our previous findings with the native phaseolin gene: that the major positive element (−295/−228) is sufficient for seed-specific late-temporal expression of the phaseolin gene. We conclude that the 5′ upstream sequence of the β-phaseolin gene directs spatially- and temporally-controlled gene expression in developing seeds during the reproductive phase, but also confers expression in shoot apices during the vegetative phase of plant development.
Neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry

Abstract The use of neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry for polyatomic species has grown rapidly in the last 3 years. Mass-selected positive or negative ions are charge exchanged to form fast neutrals of chosen internal energies. Energy can be added to the neutrals by collision or photoexcitation, the neutral products reionized to positive or negative ions, and mass-selected product ions structurally characterized by further collisional dissociation and mass analysis. The method has found broad applicability for ion structure characterization and analysis; the lower isomerization tendency of neutrals, vs. that of the corresponding ions, has been particularly useful for hydrocarbon ion characterization. Of probably the broadest interest is the method's ability to prepare unusual, unstable neutral species from stable ions and to characterize the unimolecular chemistry of these neutrals. Detailed energy surfaces have been reported for carbenes, ylides, diradicals, clusters, organometallics, and hypervalent, sterically strained, and anti-aromatic molecules.
Calibration accuracy and data correction for Waverider buoys deployed during ARSLOE

During the Atlantic Remote Sensing Land Ocean Experiment (ARSLOE), Oct.Nov., 1980, a large number of meteorological and oceanographic instruments, especially wave-measurement instruments, were deployed in the ocean near the Army Corps of Engineers Pier, Duck, NC. About 9 Waverider buoys were deployed in an approximately rectangular pattern, about 30 km wide by 40 km seaward. The Waveriders were an accepted reference for study of other wave measurement instrument systems. Almost all of the Waverider buoys were calibrated on the rotating-arm facility of the NOAA, Engineering Support Office. Pre-and post-deployment calibrations formed the basis for tables and equations for correction of the Waverider measurements. The calibrations discussed here established that the Waveriders were measuring lower than specification, averaging about 5 percent low (10 percent for variance spectra coefficients.) Corrections for effects of fluctuations in water temperature on Waverider sensitivity were required and are provided. The manufacturer's modification to prevent future drift in sensititvity is also described.
Critical current density across 45° misoriented grain boundaries in YBCO thin films

Abstract The question of critical current reduction across 45° misoriented grain boundaries was addressed in this study. The reduction in J c for a polycrystalline c-axis perpendicular film with complete and partial in plane a-axis texturing was calculated using a limiting-pathe model. The numerical results were then compared to experimental results obtained with YBCO on YSZ substrates, which had a particular texturing that is most suited for this study. The results indicated that the J c reduction was not so large as indicated in the bicrystal studies of Dimos et al.
A cell for extended x‐ray absorption fine structure studies of oxygen sensitive products of redox reactions

We describe a cell suitable for extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) studies of oxygen and/or water sensitive products of redox reactions. The cell utilizes aluminized Mylar windows that are transparent to x rays, provide low gas permeability, and allow vacuum to be maintained in the cell. The windows are attached to the glassware with an epoxy that resists attack by common organic solvents. Additional side arms allow multiple spectroscopic probes of the same sample under anaerobic and anhydrous conditions.
Theory of the upper critical field in layered superconductors with magnetic intercalates

Abstract We propose a model for the layered superconductors with electronically isolated magnetic intercalates in which the electrons propagate freely in the dirty superconducting layers with arbitrarily strong spin-orbit scattering, and spin-flip scatter off the magnetic ions during interlayer tunneling. We calculate the upper critical field Hc2 including demagnetization effects. In a parallel field below the dimensional-crossover temperature T∗, a new type of spin ordering is predicted.
Aging disrupts cell subpopulation dynamics and diminishes the function of mesenchymal stem cells

Advanced age is associated with an increased risk of vascular morbidity, attributable in part to impairments in new blood vessel formation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have previously been shown to play an important role in neovascularization and deficiencies in these cells have been described in aged patients. Here we utilize single cell transcriptional analysis to determine the effect of aging on MSC population dynamics. We identify an age-related depletion of a subpopulation of MSCs characterized by a pro-vascular transcriptional profile. Supporting this finding, we demonstrate that aged MSCs are also significantly compromised in their ability to support vascular network formation in vitro and in vivo. Finally, aged MSCs are unable to rescue age-associated impairments in cutaneous wound healing. Taken together, these data suggest that age-related changes in MSC population dynamics result in impaired therapeutic potential of aged progenitor cells. These findings have critical implications for therapeutic cell source decisions (autologous versus allogeneic) and indicate the necessity of strategies to improve functionality of aged MSCs.
Characterizing the HER2/neu status and metastatic potential of breast cancer stem/progenitor cells.

Treatment resistance, long latency, and high recurrence rates suggest that breast cancers arise from defective breast stem cells. Within cancers, subpopulations of cells will demonstrate differences in stem/progenitor potential, HER2/neu amplification, and gene expression. Related cells will be found in normal breast tissue. ER-/PR-/HER2/neu + breast cancer cells were flow-sorted into subpopulations: (A) CD49f+ CD24−, (B) CD49f+CD24+, (C) CD49f CD24−, and (D) CD49f−CD24+. Gel matrix cell invasion, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) HER2/neu amplification, and qRT-PCR gene expression were measured in all groups. Cells from sorted groups were implanted into rat brains. Resultant tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and FISH. Normal breast tissue was examined by IHC. Tumor development varied among sorted groups (25–75%), but was highest in group A. Tumor cells were mostly CD49f−CD24−, with variable fractions of other stem/progenitor cells. Tumors showed HER2/neu amplification, but fewer chromosome 17 per cell than inoculates. Group A tumors exhibited cells with normal chromosome 17 copy number and near normal HER2/neu amplification. Cell invasion was 61% higher in unsorted cells and 34–42% in sorted groups compared with controls. Sorted groups showed significantly different expression of development, proliferation, and invasion associated genes. In normal breast tissue, CD49f+ cells were identified in CD14+ CK19− basal epithelial layers of mammary glands; these were 95% CD24+ and 60% CD44+. Breast cancer stem/progenitor cell populations differ in tumor-initiating potential but are not solely responsible for metastasis. Cancer stem/progenitor cells are less polyploid than cancer cells in general and may not be HER2/neu amplified. In normal breast tissue, breast stem/progenitor cell-like populations are present.
Nanotechnology applications in diagnosis and treatment of metastasis.

The lethality of solid tumors is in large part dependent on their ability to metastasize through hematologic and lymphatic transport pathways. The dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumor to undergo transport, their ability to survive in transit and then to subsequently form metastatic colonies, is facilitated by a complex concert of signaling pathways and cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Elucidating these mechanistic components is highly valuable to guide the development of technologies for efficiently detecting and treating metastasis. To this end, in recent years nanotechnology approaches have provided several unique detection, characterization and treatment strategies. The current article will review these approaches to discuss their promise and challenges, specifically in metastatic cancer, above and beyond the usual nanomedicine applications in cancer therapy.
Dynamics of reproductive growth of lesquerella (Physaria fendleri) over different planting dates

Abstract Vegetative and reproductive growth information of lesquerella (Physaria fendleri), a new oilseed crop targeted for bio-products, is important to understand especially in the early commercialization stage of this new crop. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fall, winter, and spring planting dates over three years on the ontogeny of the crop including biomass, floral buds, flowers, and siliques. Fall plantings always produced more than the other plantings due to the extended season. Winter and spring plantings had less biomass and produced fewer buds, flowers, and siliques. The compensation of lower crop management costs and a shorter growing season could make winter a viable option for planting in the southwest. Spring planting could become viable if seed shatter due to summer rains could be reduced. The information will help decide growing regions suitable for crop production and determine what reproductive stages could be manipulated to improve seed yields.
Differential regulation of metallothionein-thymidine kinase fusion genes in transgenic mice and their offspring

A fusion plasmid, pMK, containing the mouse metallothionein-I promoter/regulatory region joined to the structural gene of herpesvirus thymidine kinase, was introduced into mice by microinjection into fertilized eggs followed by reinsertion of the eggs into foster mothers. Fifteen percent (10 of 69) of the mice developing from this procedure carried pMK sequences. Seven of these mice expressed high levels of viral thymidine kinase in the liver. This enzyme is inducible by heavy metals, as indicated by assay of thymidine kinase activity following sequential partial hepatectomies with or without cadmium treatment. However, glucocorticoid treatment has been ineffective in all transgenic mice tested. The pMK sequences are extensively methylated at a variety of restriction sites, indicating the existence of a de novo methylation enzyme. We have analyzed the inheritance of pMK sequences and their expression in several pedigrees. These fusion genes are inherited as though they were integrated into a single chromosome; however, their expression may be extinguished, diminished or enhanced in the offspring relative to that of the parent. In some animals there is a correlation between changes in DNA methylation and expression of these fusion genes.
Effect of various physical treatments on certain organochlorine hydrocarbon insecticides found in milk fat.

Abstract Series of experiments were carried out to determine whether heat, deodorization, steam deodorization, and freeze-drying contributed to a reduction or caused the elimination of heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin from butteroil. Freeze-drying and mild deodorization treatments were not effective. More severe deodorization reduced the insecticide levels significantly; as did heating at very high temperatures. Steam deodorization at 180–195 C and 0.01–0.5 mm Hg for five hours completely removed these organochlorine insecticide residues.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SYNTHETIC LINKING FUNCTION ON SMALL SAMPLE EQUATING

The synthetic function, which is a weighted average of the identity (the trivial linking function for forms that are known to be completely parallel) and a traditional equating method, has been proposed as an alternative for performing linking with very small samples (Kim, von Davier, & Haberman, 2006). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the benefits of the synthetic function using various real data sets gathered from different administrations of tests from a licensure testing program. We investigated the chained linear, Tucker, Levine, and mean equating methods, along with the identity and the synthetic functions with small samples (N = 19 to 70). Neither the identity nor the synthetic functions worked as well as did other linear equating methods, because test forms differed markedly in difficulty. The synthetic function cannot be used as a solution or methodological fix to a problem that is caused by poor data collection design.
Noisy Stepped Frequency (NSF) waveform in RF tomography

Radio Frequency (RF) tomography has been proposed for imaging dielectric and conducting anomalies above-ground. Accordingly, low-cost electromagnetic transmitters are placed arbitrarily above ground, surrounding a large area of interest. In a preliminary stage, sensors identify their position, orientation, and time reference. Subsequently, a transmitter radiates a known waveform. The probing wave impinges upon a target (represented in terms of dielectric or conducting anomaly), thus producing scattered elds. Spatially distributed receivers collect samples of the total electric eld, remove noise, clutter and the direct path, and store the information concerning only the scattered eld. In the next iteration, a dierent transmitter is activated, or dierent wave- forms are used. Then, the collected data is typically relayed to a centralized location for processing and imaging. To ensure persistent sensing, fast back-propagation algorithms are implemented (either involving correlation or multiplication by a hermitian matrix). Resolution using back-propagation is aected by the sidelobe structure of the ambiguity function of the wave. Clearly, Linearly Stepped Frequency (LSF) waveform requires the lowest instantaneous bandwidth, but produces poor correlation properties. On the converse, Noise waveforms exhibit the idealized thumb-tack ambiguity function but typically require large instantaneous bandwidths. In an eort to exploit the benets of both individual waveforms, a noisy LSF waveform is developed. The NLSF performance, limitation and spectral dominance in reference to RF Tomography, along with its theoretical bounds, will be provided. Reconstructed images from simulated and experimental data will be compared.
Low Power MEMS Modulating Retroreflectors for Optical Communication

We report on the design, development and testing of a new low-power, light-weight and low-cost modulating retroreflector system for free-space covert optical communication and remote sensor interrogation. The central component of the system is a MEMS modulator mirror, which is physically similar to a very low modulation reflective diffraction grating that has actively controlled groove depth and can operate at frequencies up to 1MHz. One facet of the hollow corner cube retroreflector consists of the MEMS mirror, providing intensity modulation of a reflected interrogating beam by switching from an unpowered flat mirror state to a powered diffractive state. The system is optimized for performance at 1550nm and has a field of view of 60 degrees. For covert operation it uses "wake-up" circuitry to control a low-power shutter that remains closed between data transfers. The system's compact driver electronics employs power scavenging and resonant properties for minimal power consumption and extended autonomous operational life. Interrogation field test results for the modulating retroreflector will be presented.
Reduced threshold vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Etched-pillar vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser structures have been fabricated incorporating sidewall sulphide passivation to reduce the surface recombination velocity at the exposed quantum well edges. The passivated devices exhibit a 25% reduction in surface recombination velocity and a minimum 0.67 mA threshold current.
The Plane Symmetry Groups: Their Recognition and Notation

(1978). The Plane Symmetry Groups: Their Recognition and Notation. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 85, No. 6, pp. 439-450.
Myasthenia gravis in uncontrolled juvenile hyperthyroidism.

Summary The occurrence of hyperthyroidism followed by myasthenia gravis was documented in a 10-year-old male. His response to thyroid surgery was poor. Therapy with thiourea compounds followed by the institution of anticholinesterase therapy has produced a clinical remission. The association and interrelationships of these two diseases are discussed in regard to their interrelationships and therapy.
The molecular pathology of Alzheimer's disease.

The salient features of the altered biochemistry of AD brain tissue and the possible role of these changes in the pathogenesis of this complex disease are reviewed here
Generality and Correlates of Risks Taking

(1971). Generality and Correlates of Risks Taking. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 85, No. 2, pp. 259-283.
Constituents of the Stem Bark of Pongamia pinnata with the Potential to Induce Quinone Reductase

Activity-guided fractionation of the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark of Pongamia pinnata, using cultured Hepa 1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cells to evaluate quinone reductase (QR) inducing activity, led to the isolation of four new flavanone derivatives (1-4), one new flavone (5), one new chalcone (6), and 13 known compounds of the flavonoid, terpenoid, and fatty acid types. The structures of 1-6 were characterized on the basis of the interpretation of their spectroscopic data. The absolute stereochemistry of compounds 1-4 was determined from their CD data and by Mosher ester determination. All isolates obtained were evaluated in the quinone reductase induction assay.
The aqueous geochemistry of the rare earth elements. Part XIV: The solubility of rare earth element phosphates from 23 to 150 °C

Abstract Rare earth element (REE) phosphates such as monazite and xenotime are important as ore minerals, potential hosts of radioactive waste, and target phases for isotopic dating. However, there are still insufficient thermodynamic data with which to model dissolution and precipitation of these phases in crustal fluids quantitatively. Therefore, the solubilities of end-member La(III)-, Nd(III)-, Sm(III)-, and Y(III)- phosphates were determined at 23 and 50 °C in NaCl–HCl and NaClO 4 –HClO 4 solutions with pH m from 0 to 2 and ionic strengths of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 m. The solubility of Nd(III)-phosphate was also determined in chloride solutions at 150 °C. The La(III)- and Nd(III)-phosphates had the monazite structure, and Sm(III)-phosphate and Y(III)-phosphate had the rhabdophane and xenotime structures, respectively. The dependence of solubility on pH and chloride concentration, together with data from the literature, indicated that H 3 PO 4 0 and Ln 3+ (where Ln 3+ represents any free, hydrated trivalent REE ion) were the predominant species in our experimental solutions. At each ionic strength and temperature investigated, conditional equilibrium constants ( Q s3 ) were determined for reactions of the following type: LnPO 4 +3H + ↔Ln 3+ +H 3 PO 4 0 The conditional equilibrium constants determined at various ionic strengths were extrapolated empirically to obtain the equilibrium constants at infinite dilution ( K s3 ). These constants were then converted to solubility products ( K s0 ) for the following reaction: LnPO 4 (s)↔Ln 3+ +PO 4 3− using acid dissociation constants for H 3 PO 4 0 available in the literature. The values of log K s0 so obtained are: 23°C 50 °C 150 °C La −25.7 −25.4 – Nd −25.8 −26.6 −30.8 Sm −24.6 −24.8 – Y −27.9 −27.8 – These values are in reasonable agreement with the majority of those in the literature, with the exception of the values for Y(III)-phosphate, which are substantially lower. Our results, combined with data in the literature, suggest that the solubility products of REE phosphates are retrograde (i.e., decrease with increasing temperature) up to at least 300 °C. Moreover, the solubility of REE phosphate is quite low up to 300 °C, even at low pH and high chloride concentrations, confirming the robustness of these phases as hosts for radionuclides.
An examination of self-medication and rebound effects: Psychiatric symptomatology before and after alcohol or drug relapse

Abstract This study evaluated psychiatric symptoms preceding and following initial posttreatment substance use episodes. 125 veterans meeting DSM-IV criteria for alcohol, cannabis, and/or stimulant dependence at treatment entry were followed with quarterly interviews for one year. Approximately half of the sample met criteria for substance use disorders only ( n = 65; SUD-only) and half additionally met criteria for an independent non-substance related Axis I disorder ( n = 60; SUD–PSY). SUD–PSY adults reported more psychiatric symptoms preceding and following substance use compared to SUD-only adults. Depression and anxiety symptoms were commonly reported by both groups. Symptoms typically did not change or worsened after substance use, with depression worsening more than anxiety or psychotic symptoms. Findings are discussed in relation to the Self-Medication Hypothesis and the Rebound Hypothesis.
Advantage analysis of sigmoid based RBF networks

By introducing an extra dimension to the inputs, sigmoid function can simulate the behavior of traditional RBF units. This paper introduces a sigmoid based RBF neuron and compares it with traditional RBF neuron. Neural networks composed of these neurons are trained with ErrCor algorithm on two classic experiments. Comparison results are presented to show advantages of the sigmoid based RBF model.
Traits, Commitments, and College Satisfaction among Black American Community College Students.

Prior research has largely examined determinants of student satisfaction in four-year institutions and faculty job satisfaction in two-year institutions. The present study investigated the relationship between background traits, initial commitments, and satisfaction among African Americans attending two-year community colleges. Findings reveal that age is positively associated with satisfaction, while family responsibilities are inversely related to students' subjective evaluation of college. Regression results account for 13% of the variance in student satisfaction. Important implications for future research and practice are highlighted.
Autocatalytic and other general networks for chemical mechanisms, pathways, and cycles: Their systematic and topological generation

Methods to generate a priori all the finite number of possible mechanisms of chemical reactions and/or synthetic pathways or thermodynamic cycles, which we represent by general networks, are given for any number of reaction steps or total number of species (reactants, products, catalysts, and intermediates). General networks do not place limitations on the types of species, e.g. intermediates can be short-lived, thereby participating in at most two elementary reaction steps, or longer-lived, participating in more than one way. Step stoichiometric coefficients can be more than unity. Reactants or products may also act as catalysts or inhibitors. Species vertices and the general networks themselves in which they occur are classified topologically. Topological invariants of the networks with respect to the number of reaction steps are found. Mechanisms with desired features, e.g. containing certain numbers of generalized catalysts, chains, autocatalysts, etc., are generated using the invariants, from the simplest prototypes, for successively larger numbers of reaction steps. Special emphasis is given to autocatalytic networks due to their role in chemical oscillations, dynamical instabilities and in selfreplicating reactions. Examples given include the malic acid cycle, oscillatory cycles in glycolysis, Lotka-Volterra-Prigogine-Glansdorff models, and others. Oscillating and/or self-replicating cycles that have been invoked in various contexts are shown to have a common topological feature. The methods are useful also in the many autocatalytic processes of chemical engineering importance.
ACTH-mediated induction of synthesis and activity of cytochrome P-450s and related enzymes in cultured bovine adrenocortical cells

1. Cytochromes P-450sec and P-450(11) beta, adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase, mitochondrial components of the adrenocortical steroid hydroxylase pathway, are synthesized as higher molecular weight precursors; cytochrome P-450C-21, a microsomal component of this pathway, is synthesized as the mature form. 2. Synthesis of the above mitochondrial components is induced by ACTH in a co-ordinated fashion. Synthesis of cytochrome P-450C-21 and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase is also induced by ACTH, however, the induction of these microsomal components is not co-ordinated with that of the mitochondrial components. 3. Following treatment of cultured cells with ACTH, the pattern of glucocorticoid output changes from approximately equal amounts of cortisol and corticosterone to predominately cortisol within 24 h. This change results from a large induction of cytochrome P-450(17) alpha activity in response to ACTH. 4. Bovine adrenocortical cells in culture become refractory to continued treatment with ACTH. This refractoriness is manifested in terms of steroid output; synthesis of cytochromes P-450scc, P-450(11) beta and P-450C-21, adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase; and activities of cholesterol side-chain cleavage, 11 beta-hydroxylase and 17 alpha-hydroxylase.
Growth and characterization of human skin epithelial cell cultures.

In 129 of 140 attempts, human skin cells were successfully cultured on the dermal collagen bed of sterile, dead pigskin. Diploid epithelial cells grew selectively on the collagen bed; fibroblasts grew on the glass surfaces of the culture dishes. The cultures could be subdivided physically up to six times at a 1:2 split ratio, but at least 24 to 48 cell generations were produced over the months the cells could be carried. Much of the cell multiplication resulted in maturation into distinct basal, squamous, granular, and keratinized cell layers. The cultured cells were considered epithelial because of their shape, possession of intercellular bridges, desmosomes and tonofibrils, and because they formed maturating epithelium in vitro and upon transplantation back to the original human donor. As the cells grew they digested the pigskin collagen, thus producing clear zones that could be used to monitor and quantitate cell growth. Multiplication of epithelial cells, rather than migration, was indicated by mitotic figures in colchicine-treated cultures and by DNA synthesis.
Particulate contaminant relocation during shuttle ascent

The dislodgement, venting, and redeposition of particles on a surface in the shuttle bay by the vibroacoustic, gravitational, and aerodynamic forces present during shuttle ascent have been investigated. The particles of different sizes which are displaced, vented, and redistributed have been calculated; and an estimate of the increased number of particles on certain surfaces and the decrease on others has been indicated. The average sizes, velocities, and length of time for certain particles to leave the bay following initial shuttle doors opening and thermal tests have been calculated based on indirect data obtained during several shuttle flights. Suggestions for future measurements and observations to characterize the particulate environment and the techniques to limit the in-orbit particulate contamination of surfaces and environment have been offered.
Statistical model checking for unbounded until formulas

Statistical model checking of unbounded time properties is challenging, because it requires an algorithm to estimate the measure of paths satisfying an unbounded until property from samples of finite length paths. In this paper, we survey all proposed algorithms for this problem, and critically evaluate them.
Preliminary investigations into utilizing standard/hybrid x-pinch line radiation as a probe for x-ray Thomson scattering experiments

Summary form only given. The x-pinch has proven to be a valuable continuum and line radiation source in high energy density (HED) plasma diagnostics such as x-ray absorption spectroscopy1 and monochromatic backlight imaging2. Landen et al.3 have shown laser-produced plasma x-ray sources can be successfully used to probe the high densities (ne > 1021 cm−3) encountered in many HED plasmas of interest by way of x-ray Thomson scattering, which can yield information on plasma temperature, density and charge state in the noncollective and collective scattering regimes. We attempt to determine if line radiation from certain materials in a standard/hybrid X-pinch configuration can meet the stringent probe radiation source requirements for x-ray Thomson scattering experiments4, i.e. photon count (minimum 1012 photons into the scattering volume), bandwidth (ΔE/E ≈ 0.01 for noncollective scattering, ΔE/E ≈ 0.002 for collective scattering) and sufficient separation from other characteristic line structures. Previous experiments have shown that the K-line radiation output from an X-pinch can reach upwards of 30J with almost 1J going into a single line in certain materials. A lower limit estimate of 10mJ into an intense and narrow K-shell line would yield roughly 1014 photons into 4π sr, which would translate to about 1012 photons into a scattering volume with a reasonable solid angle of 0.1 sr. Experimentally and computationally determined photon counts and time-integrated spectra obtained for the different materials studied are presented.
Lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophageal body motor functioning, and esophageal acid sensitivity.

Esophageal acid sensitivity is believed to develop as a result of esophageal acid exposure, contributing factors being gastroesophageal reflux and delayed esophageal acid clearance. The relationshi...
The GOEDEL Program

The GOEDEL program is an ever-growing collection of currently more than thirty thousand rewrite rules for transforming expressions in Godel's class theory in the hope of thereby simplifying them. A brief survey of the program and its use is presented. A few striking results obtained recently using the program are featured to provide some of the flavor of the author's on-going research over the past fifteen years.
Alpha neoprotein molecules in normal lenses from animals of different ages and in cataractous lenses.

Abstract Alpha neoprotein molecules are formed by an association of A and B subunits resulting in a different quaternary structure than in alpha crystallin. The content of alpha neoprotein vs. alpha crystallin was estimated separately on the crystallin, cryoprotein and albuminoid fractions in lenses of animals of different species and ages, in lenses with experimentally induced cataracts and in human cataractous lenses. Alpha crystallin was determined on immunoadsorbents with bound antibodies restricted to quaternary determinants of this protein. Alpha neoprotein molecules were determined in the filtrate containing lens proteins not bound on the above immunoadsorbent. The filtrate was applied on an anti-A chain immunoadsorbent, and after desorption the A chain-containing molecules were applied on an anti-B chain immunoadsorbent. The amount of lens proteins bound to the latter immunoadsorbent gave a measure of molecules formed by an association of A with B chains other than in alpha crystallin, that is of alpha neoproteins. No alpha neoprotein was present in lenses from 2-week-old rats or in the 3- to 6-month-old calf lens cortex. The 2-year-old bovine lens nucleus did contain alpha neoproteins, but only in the albuminoid fraction. The lenses of adult rats (i.e. 3- to 4-month-old) contained alpha neoprotein molecules mainly in the albuminoid fraction: small amounts were also found in the cryoprotein fraction. All three fractions of lens proteins from 1-year-old rats contained alpha neoprotein molecules. No significant differences in the content of alpha neoprotein molecules were found in lenses with experimentally induced X-ray and galactose cataracts and in normal controls. This finding does not exclude possible structural differences between normal and cataractous alpha neoproteins. In human senile cataractous lenses, the content of alpha neoprotein molecules in all fractions analyzed equaled or exceeded the content of alpha crystallin present. The present findings demonstrate an age-dependent formation in the mammalian lens of alpha crystallin neoproteins lacking native quaternary determinants. The data obtained point to the possibility that the structural lability of alpha crystallin may be a contributing factor in cataractogenesis.
Asymptotic model of electrical stimulation of nerve fibers

We present a novel theory and computational algorithm for modeling electrical stimulation of nerve fibers in three dimensions. Our approach uses singular perturbation to separate the full 3D boundary value problem into a set of 2D “transverse” problems coupled with a 1D “longitudinal” problem. The resulting asymptotic model contains not one but two activating functions (AF): the longitudinal AF that drives the slow development of the mean transmembrane potential and the transverse AF that drives the rapid polarization of the fiber in the transverse direction. The asymptotic model is implemented for a prototype 3D cylindrical fiber with a passive membrane in an isotropic extracellular region. The validity of this approach is tested by comparing the numerical solution of the asymptotic model to the analytical solutions. The results show that the asymptotic model predicts steady-state transmembrane potential directly under the electrodes with the root mean square error of 0.539 mV, i.e., 1.04% of the maximum transmembrane potential. Thus, this work has created a computationally efficient algorithm that facilitates studies of the complete spatiotemporal dynamics of nerve fibers in three dimensions.
Seasonal canopy reflectance patterns of wheat, sorghum, and soybean

The author has identified the following significant results. Reflectance characteristics of agronomic crops are of major importance in the energy exchanges of a surface. In addition, unique reflectance patterns may be an aid in crop identification by means of remote sensing. This study suggests that the ratio of the reflectances of the 545-nm to to the 655-nm wavebands provides information about the viewed surface, regardless of the crop. The reflectance ratio is less than unity early and late in the growing season. For all crops studied, the ratio closely followed crop growth and development and appeared to be more desirable than the near-infrared reflectance as an index of growth.
Plasticity of seed output in response to soil nutrients and density in Abutilon theophrasti: implications for maintenance of genetic variation.

Seed output is determined by two processes: resource acquisition and the allocation of resources to seeds. In order to clarify how the reaction norm of seed output is controlled by the phenotypic expression of its two components, we examined the genetic components of plasticity of seed dry mass, plant size, and reproductive allocation under different conditions of soil nutrient availability and conspecific competition among eight families of Abutilon theophrasti. Without competition, the reaction norm of seed mass of the families crossed between the lowest and other nutrient levels, although neither of its components, plant size and reproductive allocation, showed such a response. The crossing reaction norm (i.e., reversal of relative fitnesses of different genotypes along the environmental gradient) of seed mass resulted from (1) a trade-off between plant size and reproductive allocation, and (2) changes in the relative magnitude of genetic variances in plant size and reproductive allocation with soil nutrient availability. While allocation was more important in determining seed mass under limiting nutrient conditions, plant size became more important under high-nutrient conditions. There were no significant genetic variances in seed mass, plant size, and reproductive allocation in the competition treatment, except at the highest nutrient level. The results show that plant competition mitigated the effects of genetic differences in plant performance among the families. We discuss the results in relation to maintenance of genetic variation within a population.
Immunoglobulin G and bovine serum albumin streaming dielectrophoresis in a microfluidic device

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has demonstrated to be a versatile tool to manipulate micro- and nanoparticles with applications for positioning, separation and fractionation. Recent developments of DEP have also shown that DEP can be used for the manipulation of biomolecules, such as DNA. Here, we focus on the manipulation of proteins using insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP). We designed suitable post arrays in a microfluidic channel and use numerical simulations to calculate the electric field distribution as well as concentration of proteins according to a convection-diffusion model for both negative and positive DEP. Experimentally, we find DEP trapping of mainly protein aggregates in phosphate buffer. However, when adding a charged zwitterionic detergent, we observed DEP streamlining of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our experimental observations are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations and indicate positive DEP behavior of IgG and BSA under the employed experimental conditions. Our results demonstrate DEP streaming of proteins in an iDEP device for the first time and indicate the potential of protein DEP for separation and fractionation.
The clinical challenge of multiple pancreatic pseudocysts.

To evaluate the frequency of multiple pancreatic cysts, the likelihood of preoperative diagnosis, and therapeutic outcome, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 157 patients who underwent operation for pancreatic pseudocysts at 2 institutions between 1970 and 1992. Multiple pseudocysts were found in 29 (18.5%). The 8 women and 21 men ranged in age from 21 to 79 years. The etiology was alcohol abuse in 15 (52%), biliary tract disease in 6 (21%), alcohol abuse and biliary tract disease in 3 (10%), and a variety of other causes in the remaining 5 (17%). There was no difference in age, sex, race, etiology, or presenting signs and symptoms between patients with single pseudocysts and those with multiple cysts. Serum amylase levels were significantly higher in patients with multiple cysts compared to those with single cysts ( P Computed tomography accurately demonstrated the extent of disease in 20 of 25 patients (80%), while 1 or more cysts were missed in 5 (20%). The mean number of cysts per patient was 2.7, with a range of 2 to 5. Average pseudocyst diameter was 7.8 cm, with a range from 3 to 20 cm. Multiple internal drainage procedures were performed in 19 patients, a combination of internal and external drainage in 6, external drainage in 1, and resection of multiple cysts in the tail in 2. There was no operative mortality. With a mean follow up of 38.5 months, only 1 recurrent pseudocyst has been found. There were six attempts at percutaneous drainage in six patients. Two of these patients were referred to our institution following failure of percutaneous drainage at other hospitals. Three other patients had residual symptomatic pseudocysts following percutaneous drainage at our hospitals and then underwent multiple internal drainage. The sixth patient refused operative drainage despite the persistence of residual symptomatic pseudocysts after attempted percutaneous drainage. The incidence of multiple pseudocysts (18.5%) is higher than previously reported. There is no difference in the clinical features of patients with single versus multiple pseudocysts. Patients with multiple cysts have higher serum amylase levels. Preoperative computed tomography underestimated the number of cysts in 20% of patients. Careful intraoperative exploration is still needed to avoid missing multiple pseudocysts. Internal drainage is the preferred therapy. A thorough search for multiple cysts at the initial operation should eliminate one potential cause for pseudocyst recurrence.
Posttraining Estradiol Injections Enhance Memory in Ovariectomized Rats: Cholinergic Blockade and Synergism

The present experiments examined acute posttraining estrogenic influences on memory in ovariectomized rats. In experiment 1 rats received a single 8-trial (30-s ITI) training session with a submerged escape platform located in the same quadrant of a circular water maze on all trials. Following trial 8, rats received a posttraining intraperitoneal injection of either an estradiol-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg/kg) or saline. On a retention test session 24 h later, the escape latencies of rats given injections of estradiol (0.2 mg/kg) were significantly lower than those of saline-treated rats, indicating an enhancement of memory. Injections of estradiol delayed 2 h posttraining did not affect retention, demonstrating a time-dependent effect of estradiol on memory storage processes. In experiment 2a, posttraining injections of the cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) impaired memory in ovariectomized rats. In experiment 2b, the memory-enhancing effect of estradiol (0.2 mg/kg) was blocked by concurrent posttraining administration of a subeffective dose (0.1 mg/kg) of scopolamine, suggesting an interaction between estradiol and muscarinic cholinergic systems in memory modulation. In experiment 3a, posttraining injections of the cholinergic muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine (0.2 mg/kg) enhanced memory in ovariectomized rats. In experiment 3b, concurrent posttraining injection a subeffective dose of estradiol (0.1 mg/kg) and a subeffective dose of oxotremorine (0.1 mg/kg) enhanced memory, indicating a synergistic effect of estradiol and muscarinic receptor activation on memory.
Phospholipid methylation of kidney cortex brush border membranes. Effect on fluidity and transport

Exposure of intact brush border membrane vesicles of hog kidney cortex to cholesterol oxidase resulted in 24% oxidation of membrane cholesterol compared with more than 95% oxidation of cholesterol in lipids isolated from membranes, showing that cholesterol is asymmetrically distributed in membranes. Phospholipase C, hydrolyzed 76% of phosphatidylcholine and 10-12% phosphatidylethanolamine while phosphatidylserine was not hydrolyzed, thus indicating that majority of phosphatidylcholine is present on the outer surface of these vesicles while phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine are present on the inner surface. Methylation of phospholipids in brush border membrane with S-adenosyl-[methyl-3H]methionine resulted in the formation of phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-N,N]dimethylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine from endogenous phosphatidylethanolamine. The Km for S-adenosylmethionine was 1.10(-4) M with an optimum pH 9.0 for the formation of all three methyl derivatives. Mg2+ was without any effect between pH 5 to 10. Addition of exogenous mono- and dimethylphosphatidylethanolamine derivatives enhanced methyl group incorporation by 4-5-fold as compared to the addition of phosphatidylethanolamine. The conversion of endogenous phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine or addition of exogenous phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine to brush border membrane did not result in a change in bulk membrane fluidity as determined by fluorescence polarization of diphenylhexatriene. Methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine in brush border membrane did not affect the Na+-dependent uptake of either D-glucose or phosphate, although the accessibility of cholesterol in membrane to cholesterol oxidase was diminished by 21%, presumably due to altered flip-flop movement of cholesterol in the membrane.