cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Contributions to Electromagnetic Fields in Living Systems

Life is a very complex process. Its fundamental activities — nutrition, metabolism, growth and reproduction depend critically on various forms of electromagnetic fields and waves. The major source of natural electromagnetic energy on earth is the sun, without which life as we know it would be impossible. For example, electromagnetic emission from the sun provides heat, light, and the energy for photosynthesis of green plants on which all life ultimately depends. The sun’s spectrum includes gamma and x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves, radio-frequency fields, and the slowly varying electric and magnetic fields. Although the visible wavelengths are the most noticeable, about 60 per cent of the radiant energy of the sun is in the invisible infrared region that is the major source of heat on earth. Natural electromagnetic environments at the surface of the earth also include microwaves and radio-frequency (RF) fields from the stars and extra-terrestrial bodies, emissions from the breakdown of radioactive elements on the earth’s crust, and the cosmic rays coming from the depth of space. Most of these emissions are not only harmless in ordinary quantities but are actually necessary for life.
Posttreatment prognosis of patients with esthesioneuroblastoma

Object There is no Class I evidence to guide the appropriate management of esthesioneuroblastoma (EN). Most data currently guiding treatment come from small- or modest-sized series gathered at individual centers that have concluded that surgery with radiotherapy is the preferred treatment. In this study, the authors summarize the published literature on treatment outcomes in patients with EN. The objective was to ascertain what variables predict prognosis in these patients and to determine the relative effect of different therapies. Methods The authors identified 205 published studies containing treatment outcomes for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or multimodal treatment. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the survival of patients who received surgery was compared with that in those who received surgery and radiotherapy. Additionally, Kadish staging was compared with low- and high-grade Hyams criteria to assess for subgroup prognostic significance in survival differences. Results Nine hundred fifty-six p...
Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for enumeration of Streptococcus mutans from oral samples

This study compared SYBR Green real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) with standard plate counting for the enumeration of Streptococcus mutans in oral samples. Oral samples (n = 710) were collected from high-caries-risk children for quantification of S. mutans by qPCR using primer pairs. The S. mutans copy number was calculated with reference to a qPCR quantification cycle (Cq) standard curve and compared with the absorbance value at 600 nm of a standard suspension of S. mutans UA159. The S. mutans copy number results were evaluated in relation to standard plate count (SPC) results obtained from each sample following culture on Petri plates containing S. mutans selective media and reported as colony-forming units (CFUs). The mean S. mutans copy number calculated from qPCR was higher than the SPC CFUs (1.3 × 10(6) and 1.5 × 10(5) CFUs, respectively). The qPCR values were usually higher in individual samples and qPCR detected the presence of S. mutans 84% (231/276) of the time that the SPC did not, compared with 33% (4/12) of the time when qPCR failed to detect S. mutans and the SPC did. The qPCR technique was found to be more sensitive for detection of S. mutans from oral samples, a method that is not dependent on the viability of the sample taken and therefore is proposed as a more reliable and efficient means of quantification of S. mutans.
Development of the Skills of Classification Using Television

1. This study failed to reject the null hypothesis that the televised lesson were as effective as classroom lessons in helping first grade children deveop and use the skill of classification. 2. Free choice of individual follow-up activities for the television science lessons was as effective as teacher-designed pre- and postlesson activities in helping children develop their skills of classification. 3. Students can be motivated by television lessons to continue experimenting of their own volition after the close of the programs.
Genomic and proteomic approaches identify Rab25 as a potential prognostic marker for luminal B breast tumors

Estrogen receptor (ER) +ve luminal B subtype of breast tumors initially respond well to tamoxifen treatment. However, over longer periods of time, their frequent recurrence contributes to the overall high mortality rate of hormone receptor +ve breast cancer patients. Recently, with the development of PARP inhibitors, there is a potential line of treatment for the triple negative subtype. But a huge dearth exists in therapeutically targeting luminal B tumors since these tumors are also insensitive to chemotherapy. Our current research addresses this urgent need by utilizing a systems biology approach to identify potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for luminal B subtype of breast cancer. The endocytic pathway, as demonstrated by our laboratory is a frequent target of genomic aberrations in cancer, and plays a critical role in maintenance of cellular polarity, stem cell function, bioenergetics, proliferation, motility, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis and autophagy. Derailed endocytosis is therefore a hallmark of cancer. The Rab GTPases along with their effectors are critical regulators of this endocytic machinery and can have a huge impact on the cellular itinerary of growth factor as well as integrin receptor signaling. A broad spectrum analysis of distribution of all the Rab family members across 52 breast cancer cell lines reflected a dichotomous distribution of Rab25, with higher mRNA and protein expression in ER+ cell lines. Rab 25 is of immense interest to us because of its unique substitution of leucine for glutamine at position 71 which typically decreases the intrinsic GTPase activity, resulting in a dominant, constitutively active protein, akin to a transforming RAS mutation. Here we evaluate the role of Rab25 as a valuable predictive and prognostic marker for ER+ breast cancers, with critical implication in disease management and predicting response to therapy. Using high throughput data analysis from publicly available mRNA expression datasets, we report that Rab25 and its effector Rab coupling protein (RCP) are frequently coamplified and coordinately elevated in ER +ve breast cancers. Specifically in the luminal B subtypes, they are significantly associated with a markedly worsened outcome. Compatible with Rab25 and RCP being drivers of the amplicons, their respective mRNA levels are highly correlated across multiple tumor sets, most prominently in luminal B tumors (Soritiou p
Migraine as a Risk Factor for Subclinical Brain Lesions

To The Editor: Dr Kruit and colleagues 1 concluded that some patients with migraine, either with or without aura, are at increased risk for subclinical brain lesions. I have several reservations about the design and analysis of this study. First, the study was underpowered due to insufficient outcomes, which limits the number of potential confounding factors that can be included in the analysis. Second, and related to this lack of statistical power, the authorsbasedtheirconclusionontheirsecondaryoutcomeofincreased brain lesion load in the posterior circulation. The primary outcome in the study—increased total brain lesion load in any location—was not statistically different between the patients with migraine headache and those without. The sample size and the power calculation were based on the primary outcome; thus, any secondary outcome results would also be underpowered and would require an additional power calculation.
Portable Device for Preparation and Delivery of Gas Mixtures

Abstract A simple, portable device for the preparation and delivery of gas mixtures has been designed and constructed. The basic feature of the device is the use of gas flow controllers to maintain stable flow rates over a wide range of downstream pressures, instead of the capillary tubes and water-filled barostats commonly used in gas-mixing devices. Elimination of the barostat avoids problems such as water leakage, the loss of gases through the barostat, and changes in gas pressure due to evaporative loss of water from the barostat. The absence of a barostat also provides a closed system, allowing the use of the device for mixing and delivering of toxic gases. The prototype of the device has been used to prepare mixtures of different gases for more than 1 year and has been found to operate consistently and reproducibly. The actual concentrations of O2, CO2, and N2 in gas mixtures (determined by gas chromatography) immediately after mixing were between 2.2 and 6.6% of the desired values in four performance tests. Fluctuations in concentration of gases in mixtures after 9 days of continuous gas delivery was less than 2% in four performance tests.
Measuring Relative Attack Surfaces

We propose a metric for determining whether one version of a system is more secure than another with respcct to a fixed set of dimensions. Rather than count bugs at the code level or count vulnerability reports at the system level, we count a system's attack opportunities. We use this count as an indication of the system's “attackability,” likelihood that it will be successfully attacked. We describe a system's attack surface along three abstract dimensions: targets and enablers, channels and protocols, and access rights. Intuitively, the more exposed the system's surface, the more attack opportunities, and hence the more likely it will be a target of attack. Thus, one way to improve system security is to reduce its attack surface.
Web access for older adults: voice browsing?

We report on a study exploring the use of voice commands by older adults browsing the Web. We sought to develop an understanding of how such commands might make Web navigation and access to Web accessibility transformations easier. The results suggested a number of surprising difficulties in using spoken commands. Some were due to general confusions about how to use the browser. Some were due to mismatches between what was natural to say versus what was natural to do with a mouse. We review some of these difficulties and discuss possible underlying reasons. Finally, we suggest interface changes that would make an otherwise well-engineered user interface better suited for voice commands.
Tiburon: development of an ROV for ocean science research

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is developing Tiburon, a new remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of scientific investigations at 4000 meter depth. Tiburon will be the heart of an innovative oceanographic research platform based on the Small Water Plane Twin Hull research vessel Western Flyer, now under construction. Tiburon represents a synthesis of innovations in ROV technology. Features include brushless DC servo thruster motors, a variable buoyancy system, high performance lighting and video, with support for quantitative data gathering, and an interchangeable toolsled concept. A prototype vehicle has been built and tested, and the final vehicle build is under way. The completed system will start sea trials following delivery of the Western Flyer in late 1995. This paper describes the mission objectives that Tiburon will address and the technical solutions adopted to meet them. A cooperative relationship between MBARI and the Institut francais de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (IFREMER), where a similar ROV is being developed, is also be described. >
Oxygen radicals, oxygen toxicity and the life of microorganisms.

The electronic structure of dioxygen in the ground state dictates that its reduction occur most easily by a univalent pathway which involves the dangerously reactive intermediates 0 2 -, H 2 0 2 and OH. The oxygenation of earth’s biosphere 3.5 x 10 9 years ago provided both opportunity and threat. The opportunity to exploit oxygen for energy-yielding and biosynthetically useful oxidations has been seized, as evidenced by the abundant and predominantly aerobic flora and fauna of this planet. At the same time the threat has been largely neutralized by a variety of defensive strategies. The superoxide dismutases are an important part of this defense against oxygen toxicity. Much of the research on superoxide dismutase has been done with microorganisms, due to their flexibility as laboratory tools and because there appears to be close similarity between oxygen toxicity threat and defense in microorganisms and in higher organisms. Data resulting from this work appear to have application in understanding a number of basic biological and medical phenomena, in particular the mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen toxicity, anoxic tissue damage, anaerobiosis, oxidative damage in aging and mutagenesis, inflammation, phagocytosis, and the pharmacology of certain antitumor drugs and antibiotics. In each of these areas, whether the role of 0 2 - and the other oxygen species ultimately proves to be major or minor, beneficial or harmful, application of the concept of oxygen toxicity to experimental design is resulting in a substantial improvement in our understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Clio's View of the History of Science

Abstract Historical research and scholarship form a matrix of specialties depending on the object studied and the period under examination. The history of science is examined for its particular characteristics as evidenced in the cumulative bibliographies published in Isis, a premier journal devoted to the history of science for 1986–2003. A bibliometric examination of publication trends and specializations are explored through the historical periodizations inherent in historical studies. The history of science conforms to a unique evolution and professional orientation among the various fields in professional and academic history.
Hyperactive BMP signaling induced by ALK2(R206H) requires type II receptor function in a Drosophila model for classic fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

Background: Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by episodic deposition of heterotopic bone in place of soft connective tissue. All FOP-associated mutations map to the BMP type I receptor, ALK2, with the ALK2R206H mutant form found in the vast majority of patients. The mechanism(s) regulating the expressivity of hyperactive ALK2R206H signaling throughout a patient's life is not well understood. Results: In Drosophila, human ALK2R206H receptor induces hyperactive BMP signaling. As in vertebrates, elevated signaling associated with ALK2R206H in Drosophila is ligand-independent. We found that a key determinant for ALK2R206H hyperactivity is a functional type II receptor. Furthermore, our results indicate that like its Drosophila ortholog, Saxophone (Sax), wild-type ALK2 can antagonize, as well as promote, BMP signaling. Conclusions: The dual function of ALK2 is of particular interest given the heterozygous nature of FOP, as the normal interplay between such disparate behaviors could be shifted by the presence of ALK2R206H receptors. Our studies provide a compelling example for Drosophila as a model organism to study the molecular underpinnings of complex human syndromes such as FOP. Developmental Dynamics 241:200–214, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the EDGES receiver and its capability for constraining the EoR

The Experiment to Detect the Global EoR Signature (EDGES) is attempting to place constraints on parameters that characterize the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). This is an important period of the Universe in which the intergalactic medium, mostly atomic Hydrogen (HI), transitioned from a neutral to an ionized state. Models and observations suggest that the EoR occurred between redshifts 13 and 6. There are predictions for the average evolution of HI in this period in the form of a characteristic signature of 21-cm radiation as a function of redshift. This radiation (emitted originally at about 1.4 GHz) needs to be measured in the 100–200 MHz range due to cosmological expansion. The goal of EDGES is to detect this signature using an extremely well characterized spectrometer.
Reliability-aware geocast for mobile ad hoc networks

We present a geocast protocol for mobile ad hoc networks that selects the most statistically reliable path towards the geocast region. The novel aspect of our protocol is the attribution of network layer reliability to space, which enables reliability-aware geocast and provides soft delay guarantees. The proposed approach focuses on route reliability as the end-to-end metric and constructs a map of local reliabilities on the deployment region. We show that the end-to-end reliability of a geographic route is written as a product of the local reliability estimates along the path from the source to the destination. The geocast protocol of this paper exploits this characteristic and discovers geographic routes that pass through the most statistically reliable regions. We evaluate the performance of the geocast protocol in terms of packet delivery ratio and delay, and quantify the effect of node density, velocity, and traffic load on these performance metrics. The simulation results indicate that a high packet delivery rate and an acceptable latency are achieved for a wide range of node densities and velocities.
Adaptive evolution by optimizing expression levels in different environments

Organisms adapt to environmental changes through the fixation of mutations that enhance reproductive success. A recent study by Dekel and Alon demonstrated that Escherichia coli adapts to different growth conditions by fine-tuning protein levels, as predicted by a simple cost-benefit model. A study by Fong et al. showed that independent evolutionary trajectories lead to similar adaptive endpoints. Initial mutations on the path to adaptation altered the mRNA levels of numerous genes. Subsequent optimization through compensatory mutations restored the expression of most genes to baseline levels, except for a small set that retained differential levels of expression. These studies clarify how adaptation could occur by the alteration of gene expression.
Restructing the Philippine electric power industry

Abstract The Philippine electricity industry has shown it can change quickly. By addressing structural changes that need to be made now, it can build on the impetus gained from its privatization mandate to improve accountability, increase efficiency and reduce risk.
Identification of Electron Transfer Complexes between Shewanella Oneidensis Cytochrome C Peroxidase and ScyA through Computational and Biochemical Analysis

Bacterial diheme cytochrome c peroxidases form part of the detoxification pathways in the periplasmic space that convert hydrogen peroxide to water. The turnover of peroxide requires a two-electron reduction, and these reducing equivalents must be delivered to the peroxidase by soluble electron transfer proteins. This study focuses on the electron transfer complexes formed between the diheme cytochrome c peroxidase from Shewanella oneidensis (So CcP) and its native electron donor ScyA. Due to the transient nature of this interaction and its presumed dependence on redox state of the two binding partners, traditional biophysical analysis of this system has proved challenging. Here, we report the use of RosettaDock to predict the protein-protein interaction surfaces on So CcP when in the inactive, oxidized state and the active, semi-reduced state. We validate these models by generating site-directed mutants designed to interfere with specific hydrophobic interfaces suggested in the docking analysis and measuring their kinetic competence for both single-electron reductive activation and two-electron peroxide turnover. These results suggest how redox-driven changes in So CcP conformation regulate protein-protein interactions.
Extracellular Activities of Human Granzymes: I. Granzyme A Induces IL6 and IL8 Production in Fibroblast and Epithelial Cell Lines

Situated in secretory granules of cytotoxic cells, granzymes are essential for induction of target cell apoptosis with perforin. However, since cytotoxic cells constitutively secrete a portion of their synthesized granzymes, these proteases could mediate extracellular functions independently of their role in the lytic event. Thrombin has been shown to function as an activation molecule by cleaving its receptor. We hypothesize that granzymes may act similarly. In this report, we show that purified human granzyme A can induce human lung fibroblasts to produce IL6 and IL8. Cytokine induction is abrogated by treating the serine protease with the suicide serine protease inhibitor 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin. Other fibroblast lines as well as epithelial cells produced cytokines in response to granzyme A. Our data suggest that granzyme A can function as an activation molecule with potentially important immunoregulatory functions.
Metastasis of cancer in the cryptorchid testis to the sigmoid colon

A 20-year-old male with bilateral cryptorchidism and malignant change of the right testicle developed a metastatic tumour in the sigmoid colon.
COLLECTIVE MODES IN NUCLEI

The Hamiltonian of the "unified model" of Bohr and Mottelson has been derived from many-particle quantum mechanics. A point transformation in the configuration space of the $N$ nucleons of the core introduces 6 collective coordinates describing the size and shape of the nucleus and $3N\ensuremath{-}6$ internal coordinates. The collective coordinates are essentially the components of the quadrupole moment tensor of the nucleon distribution. It is assumed that the wave function $\ensuremath{\Psi}$ of the nucleus for the ground state and the low lying excited states can be approximated by the product ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\Phi}$ where ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}$ depends only on the internal coordinates of the core and $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ depends on the collective coordinates of the core and the coordinates of the external nucleons. ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\Phi}$ is treated as a trial function in the Schr\"odinger variational principle. For fixed ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}$ this yields a Schr\"odinger equation for $\ensuremath{\Phi}$. The Hamiltonian in this equation is the Hamiltonian of Bohr and Mottelson plus certain correction terms. ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}$ influences the values of the constant parameters occurring in this Hamiltonian but not its structure. In the strong-coupling approximation the relationship between the moments of inertia of the core and the nuclear quadrupole moment is essentially the same as in the liquid drop model. This result is also independent of detailed assumptions about ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}$.
Potentiometric enzyme electrode for uric acid.

Abstract An enzyme electrode for uric acid, with immobilized uricase on a pCO 2 membrane electrode, is described. Evaluation studies show that the enzyme electrode attains performance characteristics similar to homogeneous enzymatic conversion of uric acid under optimum solution conditions. Comparison of analyses carried out with the enzyme electrode and classical procedures on urine control samples demonstrates acceptable accuracy and precision for the electrode method.
Surgical management of velopharyngeal dysfunction

Velopharyngeal insufficiency can be a postoperative sequela or congenital. Velopharyngeal insufficiency is defined as a degree of nasality that interferes with resonance quality and comprehensibility. The diagnosis and preoperative evaluation is contingent on collaborative evaluation between the surgeon and speech-language pathologist. A thorough history and a complete head and neck examination including a videotaped nasopharyngoscopy optimize planning. Although each patient varies greatly in their presentation, we provide a review of the most commonly implemented procedures to improve velopharyngeal insufficiency and the best way to recognize which will likely improve a patient’s condition based on preoperative evaluation.
Atomic and molecular energies as functionals of the electrostatic potential

Starting from the Hohenberg–Kohn theorem, atomic and molecular energies have been expressed rigorously as functionals of the electronic electrostatic potential, Velec(r). Explicit formulations have been derived for the functionals representing the kinetic energy and electronic interaction contributions to the total energies.
Creatinine kinase concentrations and electrocardiographic changes in extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy

A total of 114 consecutive patients undergoing extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy had serial creatinine kinase (CK) with isoenzymes and serial electrocardiograms (ECG). There were significant changes in both heart rate and CK post-lithotripsy. However, this did not appear to be due to elevation of the myocardial component of CK. While there were some random ECG changes pre- and post-lithotripsy, none appeared to be directly related to the procedure.
Response to Succinylcholine in Porcine Malignant Hyperthermia

The purpose of this study was to gain new insights in the role of succinylcholine in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia (MH). The intravenous (i.v.) administration of succinylcholine (2.0 mg/kg) induced fasciculations and masseter spasm in both normal swine and those susceptible to MH. However, the amplitudes and durations of generalized fasciculations were significantly greater in the susceptible animals that subsequently developed a fulminant episode of MH: succinylcholine induced not only tachycardia, hyperthermia, contractures, and increases in PaCO2 and lactate, all classic indicators of an episode, but also an initial severe hypotension. The mean arterial pressure in these swine decreased from 115 +/- 6 mm Hg to 60 +/- 12 mm Hg (mean +/- SD), 1 min after the administration of succinylcholine. Normal swine developed neither cardiovascular effects nor altered metabolism in response to succinylcholine. The pretreatment of animals with a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant (pancuronium 0.1 mg/kg) minimized fasciculations induced by succinylcholine, but did not prevent the hypotension nor episodes of MH in the susceptible swine. In the pretreated and untreated susceptible swine, dantrolene was an equally effective treatment. Plasma catecholamine levels after succinylcholine administration were increased only in the susceptible swine without the pancuronium pretreatment. We concluded that the effects of succinylcholine on skeletal muscle and/or on other tissues play a significant role in the initiation of a MH episode in swine with this genetic disorder, and that these effects are not dependent on an abnormal sensitivity for succinylcholine-induced skeletal muscle fasciculations in these animals.
Laser in situ keratomileusis in a patient with presumed central cloudy corneal dystrophy of Francois

Purpose To report a case of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery performed in a patient with likely central cloudy corneal dystrophy of Francois (CCDF). Design Observational case report. Methods A 48-year-old woman with likely CCDF had myopic LASIK to establish monovision. Outcome measures included visual acuity, manifest refraction, and slit-lamp examination. Results At 5-year follow-up, the patient had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/100, J1, in the right eye (OD) and 20/20 in the left eye (OS), consistent with monovision correction. Manifest refraction was −1.50 OD and −0.25 OS postoperatively; after retreatment at 1 year for regression, the left eye remained stable over the subsequent 4-year period. Slit-lamp examination revealed no progression of corneal opacities in either eye. Conclusions LASIK may be safe and effective in patients with CCDF. Further observations of a greater number of patients are required to confirm these findings.
Electronic medical record data to identify variables associated with a fibromyalgia diagnosis: importance of health care resource utilization.

Background Diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) is often challenging. Identifying factors associated with an FM diagnosis may guide health care providers in implementing appropriate diagnostic and management strategies.
Electron microscopic and optical studies of prism faces of synthetic quartz

Spirals on quartz are very seldom seen. The centre of the spirals and screw ledges are studied in detail using electron and optical microscopic techniques. Unusual profiles of spirals have been found with overhanging kinks on one side of the centre of these spirals. It is suspected that the complicated structures might have been developed after the completion of the growth of the crystals. It is also conjuctured that such structures would arise when growth-inhibiting substances are adsorbed on the crystal faces and result in imperfect crystals.
Surface reaction modification: The effect of structured overlayers of sulfur on the kinetics and mechanism of the decomposition of formic acid on Pt(111)

Abstract The reaction of formic acid (DCOOH) on Pt(111), Pt(111)-(2×2)S and Pt(111)-(√3×√3)R30°S surfaces was examined by temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy. On the clean surface formic acid decomposed to yield primarily carbon dioxide and the hydrogenic species (H 2 , HD and D 2 ) at low coverages. Although the formation of water and carbon monoxide via a dehydration reaction was observed at these coverages, the yield of these products was small when compared to the other products of reaction. The evolution of CO 2 at low temperature was ascribed to the decomposition of the formate intermediate. In the presence of sulfur the amount of molecularly adsorbed formic acid decreased up to a factor of three on the (√3×√3)R30°S surface, and a decline in the reactivity of over an order of magnitude was also observed. The only products formed were the hydrogenic species and carbon dioxide. The absence of carbon monoxide indicated that the dehydration pathway was blocked by sulfur. In addition to the low temperature CO 2 peak a high temperature CO 2 -producing path was also evident. It was inferred from both the stoichiometry and the coincident evolution of D 2 and CO 2 in the high temperature states that these products also evolved due to the decomposition of the formate intermediate. On increasing the sulfur coverage to one-third monolayer this intermediate was further stabilized, and a predominance of the decomposition via the high temperature path was observed. Stability of the formate intermediate was attributed to inhibition of the decomposition reaction by sulfur atoms. The activation energy for formate decomposition increased from 15 kcal/gmole on the clean surface to 24.3 kcal/gmol on the (√3×√3)R30°S overlayer.
First trimester prediction of growth discordance in twin gestations

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether first trimester ultrasound scanning can identify twin gestations that are at risk for subsequent growth discordance. Study design Ultrasound examinations of dichorionic twin pregnancies between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation were evaluated for growth discordance with crown-rump length. Pregnancies that were complicated by fetal death or anomalies were excluded from the analysis. Birth weight discordance was defined as ≥20% difference in birth weight, relative to the larger twin. Fisher's exact, Mann Whitney U, and Spearman rho tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Of 130 twin pregnancies, 16 pregnancies (12.3%) had discordant birth weight. Crown-rump length disparity was correlated positively with birth weight discordance (r = 0.31; P 3 days discrepancy (P = .004), which resulted in a likelihood ratio of 5.9 for having discordant birth weight. Conclusion Twins who are ultimately discordant at birth may exhibit differences in growth as early as 11 to 14 weeks of gestation.
Abstract C06: Translation of isoform-level gene signature into robust diagnostic assay for glioblastoma subtyping

Abstract: Translating the molecular signatures from classification strategies into robust diagnostic assays is essential for cancer therapy guidance and prognosis determination. To develop a clinically applicable molecular stratification assay for Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with significant prognostic value, we designed a novel classification system based on isoform-level gene expression profiles; an avenue unexplored for diagnostic and prognostic use. Using isoform-level expression clustering of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) samples, we identified four GBM subgroups with significant (p=0.0103) survival differences. A four-class classifier, built with 121 transcript-variants, assigns GBM patients' molecular subtype with 92% accuracy. The classifier was translated to a high-throughput RT-qPCR assay and validated on an independent cohort of 206 glioblastoma samples. We found that proneural patients have the worst prognosis except for younger patients (<40 years), while a better prognosis is observed for neural group among older patients (≥40 years). The isoform-level classifier, transformed from a high-dimensional platform to a low-dimensional RT-qPCR platform, provides a quantitative and reproducible stratification of GBM patients with prognostic significance, a requirement towards personalized medicine. The resulting diagnostic assay from the classifier has immediate clinical implications towards prioritizing patients for standard care versus aggressive therapy regimen. Citation Format: Yingtao Bi, Sharmistha Pal, Luke Macyszyn, Donald O'Rourke, Ramana Davuluri. Translation of isoform-level gene signature into robust diagnostic assay for glioblastoma subtyping. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr C06.
Calf muscle strength in former elite distance runners

The purpose of this investigation was to examine calf muscle strength and cross-sectional area in 29 middle-aged men (current mean = 48.3 +/- 3.1 years) who had significant differences in their physical activity levels. These men were initially evaluated to determine the physiological requirements for successful distance running in the late 1960s at a time when they were all considered elite distance runners. Based on their training regimens in the interim between testing, subjects were described as highly trained (HI; n = 10), fitness trained (FIT; n = 12), or untrained (UT; n = 7). In addition, an aged-matched sedentary group (CON; n = 7) was tested. Each subject was evaluated for VO2max, plantar flexion calf muscle strength and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the lower leg (gastrocnemius and soleus). Muscle CSA was determined by computed tomography, whereas calf strength measurements were made using a specially designed leg restraint system and an isokinetic dynamometer. There were no significant differences in plantar flexion strength (at 60 and 180 degrees/s) or CSA of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles among the groups. Calf muscle strength per CSA was also similar at both test velocities for all groups. These data demonstrate that middle-aged distance runners who have continued to run at a relatively high level for 20-25 years have similar calf muscle CSA and strength compared with aged-matched males who run significantly less or not at all.
A 64-station computer-assisted teaching and research facility

A 64-subject computer-controlled laboratory for use in research and as a teaching aid is described. The laboratory hardware includes an 8K minicomputer, a 64-channel input multiplexor, and a video display generator. The software includes a complete operating system and an easy-to-use programming language. The entire laboratory, including the computer, was built for under $12,000.
The effect of print size on reading speed in dyslexia

This article details a study which predicted that across a wide range of print sizes dyslexic reading would follow the same curve shape as skilled reading, with constant reading rates across large print sizes and a sharp decline in reading rates below a critical print size. It also predicted that dyslexic readers would require larger critical print sizes to attain their maximum reading speeds, following the letter position coding deficit hypothesis. Reading speed was measured across twelve print sizes ranging from Snellen equivalents of 20/12 to 20/200 letter sizes for a group of dyslexic readers in Grades 2 to 4 (aged 7 to 10 years), and for non-dyslexic readers in Grades 1 to 3 (aged 6 to 8 years). The groups were equated for word reading ability. Results confirmed that reading rate-by-print size curves followed the same two-limbed shape for dyslexic and non-dyslexic readers. Dyslexic reading curves showed higher critical print sizes and shallower reading rate-by-print size slopes below the critical print size, consistent with the hypothesis of a letter-position coding deficit. Non-dyslexic reading curves also showed a decrease of critical print size with age. A developmental lag model of dyslexic reading does not account for the results, since the regression of critical print size on maximum reading rate differed between groups.
The effect of spatial scale on Konza landscape classification using textural analysis

Spatial scale is inherent in the definition of landscape heterogeneity and diversity. For example, a landscape may appear heterogeneous at one scale but quite homogeneous at another scale. In assessing the impact of burning and grazing on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (a tallgrass prairie), spatial scale is extremely important. Textural contrast algorithms were applied to various scales of remote sensing data and related to landscape units for assessment of heterogeneity under a variety of burning treatments. Acquired data sets included Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS), with 80 m resolution, Landsat thematic mapper (TM), with 30 m resolution, and high resolution density sliced aerial photography (with a 5 m resolution). Results suggest that heterogeneous areas of dense patchiness (e.g., unburned areas) must be analyzed at a finer scale than more homogeneous areas which are burned at least every four years.
Detection of road boundary

Several researchers have proposed and implemented various systems pertaining to the development of Autonomous Land Vehicles (ALV). One fundamental problem associated with the navigation of an ALV is the ability to efficiently extract the boundaries of the pathway that need to be navigated. In this paper a method is presented that will determine the road boundaries in one pass using a limited search area in the input image. The method employs the statistical information regarding the gray levels present in the images along with geometrical constraints concerning the road. Some examples are given to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.
Inverse approach to atomistic modeling: Applications to a-Si:H and g-GeSe2

Abstract We discuss an inverse approach for atomistic modeling of glassy materials. The focus is on structural modeling and electronic properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon and glassy GeSe2 alloy. The work is based upon a new approach ‘experimentally constrained molecular relaxation (ECMR)’. Unlike conventional approaches (such as molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo simulations(MC), where a potential function is specified and the system evolves either deterministically (MD) or stochastically (MC), we develop a novel scheme to model structural configurations using experimental data in association with density functional calculations. We have applied this approach to model hydrogenated amorphous silicon and glassy GeSe2. The electronic and structural properties of these models are compared with experimental data and models obtained from conventional molecular dynamics simulation.
It's all about power: the political economy and ecology of redefining the Brazilian Amazon.

What happens to rural communities in remote raw materials-rich regions when their definitions of the region's natural resources are confronted with competing and incompatible definitions presented and enforced by external actors? The social constructionist approach in environmental sociology provides an essential counterbalance to environmental determinism, but this article argues that in many contexts social construction is actually a process of the imposition of external actors' material interests over the objections of local groups. New historical materialism, via an interdisciplinary and multimethod research strategy, analyzes the changing definitions and uses of the Brazilian Amazon as a revelatory case study of the political economy and ecology of this process and its consequences for nature, rural communities, and indigenous peoples.
Polycarbonate adsorption on platinum: Thermal curing effects

Adsorption of polycarbonate (I) from dilute chloroform solution on to ‘clean’ platinum flags was investigated through the use of Iodide-125 radio tracer. Coverage versus concentration plots produced a logarithmic dependence of coverage on polymer concentration. A new method for clinging solvent removal was employed which increased the reproducibility of the coating. Both the effect of molecular weight and thermal stability of the polymer were investigated.
U(VI) Adsorption to Heterogeneous Subsurface Media: Application of a Surface Complexation Model

The pH-dependent adsorption of U(VI) onto three heterogeneous, subsurface media from the Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation, Savannah River Site, and Hanford Reservation was investigated. The three materials contained significant quantities of iron and manganese oxides with nearly identical extractable iron oxide contents (25.3-25.8 g/kg). A model independently developed for the adsorption of U(VI) to synthetic ferrihydrite (Waite, T. D.; Davis, J. A.; Payne, T. E.; Waychunas, G. A.; Xu, N. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 1994, 58, 5465-5478) was able to predict the major features of the pH-dependent U(VI) adsorption to the materials under the assumption that all the dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate extractable iron oxide was present as ferrihydrite. Further experiments with the Oak Ridge soil as a function of carbonate and U(VI) concentration indicated that the model could predict pH-dependent U(VI) adsorption to within a root mean square error of 0.163-0.408, even under conditions outside of those for which the model was developed. These results indicate that this model could be used as a first approximation in predicting U(VI) adsorption and transport in the subsurface. U(VI) adsorption also decreased at pH >10, even in the absence of carbonate, which is of potential importance to U(VI) mobility in extreme environments present in the subsurface at some DOE facilities. The pH-dependent adsorption of U(VI) was fundamentally different in systems with a constant CO2 partial pressure as compared to a constant total carbonate concentration. Experiments at constant CO2 partial pressure may not be representative of the conditions present in the subsurface, and a constant carbonate concentration does not always result in decreased U(VI) adsorption at higher pH values.
Biogenic hydrocarbon gases and sulfate reduction in the Orca Basin brine

The composition of light hydrocarbon gases in the Orca Basin, an anoxic, hypersaline intraslope depression on the continental slope of the northern Gulf of Mexico, indicates that both methane and ethane are biogenic in nature with a C1(C2 + C3) ratio of 730 and a δ13C of methane of −73%. relative to the PDB standard. The concentrations of methane (750 mM) and ethane (1300 mM) in the Orca Basin brine are higher than any other marine anoxic basin. These high levels result not from high rates of productivity, but from the long residence time of the brine in the basin, due to its high stability toward mixing with overlying seawater (Δσ1ΔZ = 3.2m). Both methane and ethane show well mixed distributions in the brine. These distributions probably result from convective mixing of the isohaline brine pool due to normal heat flow from the basin sediments. Methane and ethane maxima above the pycnocline at the brine/seawater interface reflect in situ production and/or consumption in the aerobic water column. Concurrent maxima in suspended particulate material distributions in this region suggest methane may be produced there in anaerobic microenvironments associated with the suspended matter. Reduced rates of anaerobic decomposition (including sulfate reduction) in the brine sediments are inferred from preserved Sargassum fronds in the sediments, vertical sulfate profiles in most cores, and the sediment organic carbon content which is two to three times higher in sediments below the high salinity brine than in the normal Gulf sediments nearby.
The Problem of a Transcendent God for the Well‐Being of Continuous Creation

: This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Lynn White's critique of Christianity, which set off the field of eco-theology. At that time, apologetic theologians responded to the White critique, that the Genesis “dominion” command is largely responsible for the contemporary ecological crisis, through reformulating Christian doctrines to address ecological issues. These pioneers have brought us a long way in terms of addressing both how Christianity has been responsible in supporting harmful human-earth relations and what resources within the tradition might be useful for addressing the contemporary ecological crisis. Building on this work, this article suggests that Christian theology (whether eco or not) will continue to support an understanding of the human being as rooted “outside of creation” as long as the concept of a transcendent, Omni, Creator-God is left intact. In place of this theological discourse of transcendence which secularizes the natural realm, I suggest a “radical materialist” (Val Plumwood) understanding of Christianity that moves between idealism and reductive materialism (both are forms of transcendence) through a “planetary” (Spivak) understanding of Creation and a “bio-historical” (Gordon Kaufman) understanding of anthropology.
Cases with ruptured membranes that “reseal”

Among patients with a diagnosis of preterm prepartal rupture of the membranes, an occasional case ceases to leak amniotic fluid before the onset of labor. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine the characteristics and obstetric outcomes of this unique group of patients. This diagnosis was made in 24 such patients who gave birth in 1984 and 1985 at Shands Hospital. Compared with matched control subjects who continued to leak fluid, there were no significant differences in maternal race, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, smoking status, or past obstetric performance. Amniotic fluid volumes, as assessed by ultrasound studies, were less in the group that failed to "reseal." The "reseal" group had longer durations of pregnancy, larger babies, longer maternal hospitalization, less neonatal hospitalization, and less perinatal mortality and morbidity. The occurrence of "resealing" appears to bode well for the mother and infant. Such cases should be sought aggressively but managed conservatively.
Effects of heavy metal pollution on the microflora of pine needles

A leaf washing method was used to compare the numbers and species composition of the phylloplane microflora of corsican pine saplings (a) uncontaminated, (b) exposed to zinc, lead and cadmium pollution from a smelter and (c) artificially dosed with zinc, lead and cadmium oxides to simulate the emissions from the smelter without the complicating effects of other pollutants. There was little difference in total numbers of most groups of micro-organisms isolated from each site, although both sets of metal-contaminated saplings generally supported a higher percentage of metal tolerant isolates than the uncontaminated plants. Artificially dosed plants also supported greater numbers of Aureobasidium pullulans and orange and pink chromogenic bacteria. These particular organisms were also among the most metal-tolerant fungi and bacteria in vitro.