cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
50 Years of Literacy Research and Instruction: 1961–2011

The purpose of this study was to identify trends and issues in 50 years of research in Literacy Research and Instruction, the journal of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER). For the 1,099 articles examined, the authors, methods, participants, and topics were recorded. A trend was noted toward multiple authorship and from non-research to research articles, especially qualitative. The most studied populations were teachers, elementary grade students, and struggling readers. The most studied topics were comprehension, teacher practices, and assessment. Focus on writing, struggling readers, preservice teacher education, technology, and culture/English learners (ELs) increased across the decades. Focus on word identification, vocabulary, and readability declined. Comparisons with Literacy Research Association publications showed similar results. A discussion of the results in historical context by decade is also presented.
Guilty Property: A quantitative analysis of civil asset forfeiture

The objective of this article is to explore how property seized under the federal civil-judicial forfeiture laws for drug law violations is proceeded against by the government. The methodology is primarily exploratory. A sample of federal civil-judicial drug forfeiture cases is described and then analyzed in regard to the relative importance of the cases’ characteristics. The findings raise serious questions about the use of this policy and the government’s intent behind forfeiture. Implications and suggestions for future research are also presented.
Structural characterization of the TAP molecule: A phosphatidylinositol-linked glycoprotein distinct from the T cell receptor/T3 complex and Thy-1

Abstract Here we characterize the T-cell-activating protein (TAP), an Ly-6 gene product involved in T cell activation, as a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 10–12 kd under nonreducing conditions and 15–18 kd under reducing ones. Two of the three bands that are precipitated from metabolically labeled cells are expressed on the cell surface and can be recovered from the supernatants of cells treated with a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Thus TAP appears to be attached to the cell membrane via this lipid. Precisely the same anchorage is observed for the activating Thy-1 molecule, and is therefore of particular interest as a potentially novel linkage involved in membrane signal transduction.
Polger on the Illusion of Contingent Identity

Abstract Thomas Polger has argued in favour of the mind–brain type‐identity theory, the view that mental states or processes are type‐identical to states of the central nervous system. Acknowledging that the type‐materialist must respond to Kripke’s modal anti‐materialist argument, Polger insists that Kripke’s argument rests on dubious assumptions concerning the identity conditions of brain states. In brief, Polger claims that one knows that x and y are non‐identical when one knows the identity conditions for both x and y. Replace x and y with ‘brain states’ and ‘sensations’ and it follows that one can know that brain states and sensations are non‐identical only if one knows the identity conditions for brain states. But according to Polger, we do not know the identity conditions for brain states. Hence, we should not be so confident that brain states and sensations are non‐identical after all. But Polger’s account is terribly flawed. Ironically, if Polger’s scepticism is warranted, then Polger himself has...
Study on the postbaking process and the effects on UV lithography of high aspect ratio SU-8 microstructures

In recent years, a relatively new type of negative photoresist, EPON SU-8, has received a lot of attention in the MEMS field because of its excellent lithography properties. Significant research efforts have been made to study the lithographic properties of SU-8 to obtain high aspect ratio microstructures with good sidewall quality. Currently, selection of optimal wavelengths of the UV light for lithographic and reduction of the diffraction effects are believed to be the two most important factors for achieving high-quality lithography of SU-8 as reported in the literature. Other reported efforts also include modifications of the chemical properties of SU-8 for better lithographic quality. We report a study on stress reduction during the postbaking process and the effects on lithography of ultra-thick high aspect ratio SU-8 microstructures. Our research proves that aspect ratios up to 40:1 in isolated open field structures of thicknesses between 1 and 1.5 mm can be obtained without any modifications of the resist chemistry or changes in light spectrum applied from a standard broadband UV source. The principal factor in this achievement is the reduction of internal stress during the postexposure bake process that eliminates large plastic deformations present during standard bake procedures. This process may be used for the fabrication of ultra-thick high aspect ratio microstructures that have to date only been obtainable using x-ray lithography-based LIGA processes.
Inverse problem for structural acoustic interaction

Abstract We consider an inverse problem of determining a source term for a structural acoustic partial differential equation (PDE) model that is comprised of a two- or a three-dimensional interior acoustic wave equation coupled to an elastic plate equation. The coupling takes place across a boundary interface. For this PDE system, we obtain uniqueness and stability estimates for the source term from a single measurement of boundary values of the “structure” (acceleration of the elastic plate). The proof of uniqueness is based on a Carleman estimate (first version) of the wave problem within the chamber. The proof of stability relies on three main points: (i) a more refined Carleman estimate (second version) and its resulting implication, a continuous observability-type estimate; (ii) a compactness/uniqueness argument; (iii) an operator theoretic approach for obtaining the needed regularity in terms of the initial conditions.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Occupational Therapy Students Regarding AIDS

In this pilot study, knowledge regarding AIDS was tested in 36 occupational therapy students and 33 education students. Also measured were the students' attitudes toward AIDS patients and the resulting health care controversies. An analysis of the results revealed no significant differences in knowledge between the two groups. Attitudinal differences between the two groups, however, were significant for two items. Implications for occupational therapy curricula are discussed.
Parallel construction of large circular cartograms using graphics processing units

Cartograms are a cartographic approach that is based on the geometric transformation of enumeration units to enhance spatial presentation of variables of interest. The automatic construction of cartograms within digital computing environments, as recognized in the literature, is impeded by the issue of computational efficiency. Parallel computing is a potential solution for tackling the computational issue of cartogram construction, and its importance is increasingly acknowledged with the wider spread and application of advanced cyberinfrastructure into geographic studies. The purpose of this article is to investigate the use of a state-of-the-art parallel computing approach, graphics processing units GPUs, to accelerate the construction of large circular cartograms, a special form of area cartograms. GPUs, built on many-core computing architecture and thread parallelism, provide tremendous high-performance computing and even supercomputing support for general-purpose geocomputation. In this study, the construction of a circular cartogram is divided into a large number of fine-grained subtasks that can be efficiently and simultaneously computed on the underlying many-core GPUs. Simulated and real data were used in experiments to examine the computational performance of GPU-enabled construction of circular cartograms. Experimental results suggest that the GPU-enabled parallel computing approach offers significant acceleration performance for the construction of large circular cartograms, and thus sheds further light on the resolution of computationally intensive spatial and spatiotemporal problems using advanced cartographic and geovisualization approaches.
The Population Census of 1917 and its Relationship to Egypt's Three 19th Century Statistical Regimes

This article traces the pattern of data collection of population statistics under three different statistical regimes in 19th century Egypt. The first statistical collection regime was during the reign of Muhammad Ali from 1805-48. Data were collected on population and agricultural resources. The second regime was under Said Pasha during 1854-62 and Ismail Pasha during 1863-79. Indexes measured progress in education transportation and other factors in development. The third regime was after the British occupation of 1882. Data pertained to the management of a colonial government. The 1917 Census in particular was proposed as a management tool for balancing population and resources. J.I. Craig who was in charge of the 1917 Census described his data collection methods in detail and urged government departments to keep detailed statistical records. Every dwelling place was numbered. The 1917 Census included 19 questions for households and individuals. 65980 census enumerators were assigned to about 45 dwellings each. An attempt was made to record information from people away from home and homeless persons. Craig involved other departments in the census taking in order to show how statistical data could be used for proper administration. His efforts focused on the development of a national economy when this concept was in its infancy. The Muhammad Ali regime provided highly contextual and relational information on households as the basic unit of society. Under the Said and Ismail regime the family unit was replaced by a registry of births and deaths and national figures were used for international comparisons. Craigs input lasted into independence and its use defined the debate about social problems of poverty ignorance and disease.
Sensitivity of LiDAR-derived three-dimensional shape signatures for individual tree crowns: a simulation study

Following previous research that demonstrates the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) shape signatures for characterizing individual tree crowns derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, this letter presents a simulation study on the sensitivity of 3D shape signatures. Based on the observation of LiDAR point clouds for tree crowns, a mathematical model is designed to generate simulation data. Factors affecting LiDAR-derived 3D shape signatures of individual tree crowns are then tested, including the number of points, the size and location of sampling circles and the influence of neighbouring crowns. The results suggest that it is possible to obtain 3D shape signatures of individual crowns based on automated treetop detection, and that a combination of multiple sample circles may provide more reliable results than single sample circles in characterizing 3D crown shapes.
Enhanced enzyme stability through site-directed covalent immobilization.

Breakthroughs in enzyme immobilization have enabled increased enzyme recovery and reusability, leading to significant decreases in the cost of enzyme use and fueling biocatalysis growth. However, current enzyme immobilization techniques suffer from leaching, enzyme stability, and recoverability and reusability issues. Moreover, these techniques lack the ability to control the orientation of the immobilized enzymes. To determine the impact of orientation on covalently immobilized enzyme activity and stability, we apply our PRECISE (Protein Residue-Explicit Covalent Immobilization for Stability Enhancement) system to a model enzyme, T4 lysozyme. The PRECISE system uses non-canonical amino acid incorporation and the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition “click” reaction to enable directed enzyme immobilization at rationally chosen residues throughout an enzyme. Unlike previous site-specific systems, the PRECISE system is a truly covalent immobilization method. Utilizing this system, enzymes immobilized at proximate and distant locations from the active site were tested for activity and stability under denaturing conditions. Our results demonstrate that orientation control of covalently immobilized enzymes can provide activity and stability benefits exceeding that of traditional random covalent immobilization techniques. PRECISE immobilized enzymes were 50 and 73% more active than randomly immobilized enzymes after harsh freeze–thaw and chemical denaturant treatments.
Subacute pneumonia in children

Summary A subacute form of pneumonia has been described which cannot be classified on a pathologic basis since all our typical cases recovered. It is frequently associated with infections of the upper respiratory tract and has a subacute or prolonged course. Because of its possible tendency to cause permanent damage to the lung, the disease should be treated, even when mild. The upper respiratory infection must not be neglected, and postural drainage of the lung should invariably be used, together with bronchoscopy in severe cases or when collapse of a lobe occurs. Cases which have not cleared completely on roentgenologic examination or by physical signs should have a bronchogram before a diagnosis of bronchiectasis is excluded.
Cockamamie state laws threaten genetic rights

In the US, states anxious to establish genetic rights are acting in the absence of clear, informed leadership. The result is specious legislative language and conflicting proposals that create confusion and disrupt genetic research and healthcare activities. It's time to look beyond our state and national borders for guidance.
A derivative of the melanocortin receptor antagonist SHU9119 (PG932) increases food intake when administered peripherally

Melanocortin receptors are considered promising candidates for the treatment of behavioral and metabolic disorders ranging from obesity to anorexia and cachexia. These experiments examined the response of mice to peripheral injections of two compounds. PG932 is a derivative of SHU9119 which is non-selective antagonist of melanocortin-3 and melanocortin-4 receptors (Mc3r and Mc4r). PG946 is a derivative of a hybrid of alpha- and beta-MSH, and is a moderately selective Mc3r antagonist. SHU9119 increases food intake when administered intracerebroventricularly but is without effect when injected into the periphery. In contrast, PG932 was found to be highly effective at stimulating food intake when administered peripherally by intraperitoneal injection. The orexigenic effect of PG932 required functional Mc4r, suggesting that inhibition of this receptor is involved in the stimulation of food intake. PG946 did not significantly affect on feeding behavior. PG932 is thus a useful new compound for studies examining the regulation of appetite and energy balance, and may also prove useful for the treatment of cachectic conditions.
Ependymomas of the Third Ventricle

Third ventricular ependymomas are rare tumors that have not been specifically examined. Four cases of these tumors are reported. The presenting symptoms included headache, ataxia, vertigo, and Parinaud's syndrome. All the patients underwent computed tomographic scanning and cerebral angiography, followed by craniotomy and microsurgical resection of the tumor. In addition, all patients had or developed symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus requiring shunting procedures. Three of the patients are alive with a follow-up of 4 to 12 years. It is remarkable that these tumors are so rare, given that the ependymal surface area of the third ventricle is greater than that of the fourth. The management of these tumors should include aggressive surgical resection, radiation therapy, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion.
Token economy process variables: Effects of increasing and decreasing the critical range of savings

Two experiments tested Winkler's hypothesis about the role of economic variables in token economies. Psychiatric patients in a token economy were exposed to two economic manipulations: inflation in Experiment I and increased income in Experiment II. Effects on two types of dependent variables were assessed: “work” behavior that produced income, and selected target behaviors that produced no income. Results showed a differentially higher increase in target behaviors than work behaviors in Experiment I. Where effects on work behavior were examined in Experiment II, work behavior decreased when income was increased. Results support Winkler's hypothesis regarding income-producing behavior.
The tumor suppressors Merlin and Expanded function cooperatively to modulate receptor endocytosis and signaling.

Summary The precise coordination of signals that control proliferation is a key feature of growth regulation in developing tissues [1]. While much has been learned about the basic components of signal transduction pathways, less is known about how receptor localization, compartmentalization, and trafficking affect signaling in developing tissues. Here we examine the mechanism by which the Drosophila Neurofibromatosis 2 ( NF2 ) tumor suppressor ortholog Merlin ( Mer ) and the related tumor suppressor expanded ( ex ) regulate proliferation and differentiation in imaginal epithelia. Merlin and Expanded are members of the FERM (Four-point one, Ezrin, Radixin, Moesin) domain superfamily, which consists of membrane-associated cytoplasmic proteins that interact with transmembrane proteins and may function as adapters that link to protein complexes and/or the cytoskeleton [2]. We demonstrate that Merlin and Expanded function to regulate the steady-state levels of signaling and adhesion receptors and that loss of these proteins can cause hyperactivation of associated signaling pathways. In addition, pulse-chase labeling of Notch in living tissues indicates that receptor levels are upregulated at the plasma membrane in Mer; ex double mutant cells due to a defect in receptor clearance from the cell surface. We propose that these proteins control proliferation by regulating the abundance, localization, and turnover of cell-surface receptors and that misregulation of these processes may be a key component of tumorigenesis.
LMX Differentiation: A Multilevel Review and Examination of its Antecedents and Outcomes

We examine antecedents and outcomes of leader–member exchange (LMX) differentiation, or the variability in LMX patterns within work groups. Individual-level characteristics and behaviors of leaders and followers, group context, and organizational context variables are presented as antecedents. We review and offer theoretical extensions to research examining the outcomes of LMX differentiation at the individual, group, and organizational levels. Our aim is to contribute to a meso-model of leadership and stimulate research that attends to the core element of the LMX model–LMX differentiation.
A comparison of correlations between press performance and dome tests results using two dome test procedures

Two dome test procedures were compared by seeking correlation of the test results with press performance in a small hood outer panel tool set. The first procedure involves selecting the sample width in the dome test so that the critical minor strains in the panel and the dome test are matched. In the second procedure the dome test sample width which yields the minimum dome height is used, and that height is taken as a general measure of near-plane strain stretchability. The minihood tools were “tuned” by adjusting blank shape, blank holder load, tool radii, etc., so that a slight neck consistently occurred when a “typical” lot of 6010-T4 aluminum auto body sheet (ABS) was formed. The tools were then used to rate 24 lots of 6010-T4 as “good” or “bad.” The correlation between the dome test results and press performance was slightly better for the second procedure (minimum dome height), because lot-to-variability in the critical minor strains in the panel and the dome test caused the match to be less than perfect for the other procedure. It was concluded that the minimum point procedure is a viable test method, which is highly attractive because it does not require gridding.
ASSIGNMENT OF THE GENE FOR ADRENAL P450cl7 (STEROID 17α-HYDR0XYLASE⁄17,20 LYASE) TO HUMAN CHROMOSOME 10.

P450c17 is the single enzyme mediating both 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. We identified several human P450c17 cDNA clones in a human adrenal cDNA library we constructed in lambda gt10. A short clone containing the 3'-terminal 650 bases of the full-length sequence was used to examine Southern blots of DNA from normal persons and from a panel of mouse/human somatic cell hybrid lines. The pattern of hybridization of this cDNA to normal human DNA cut with 8 restriction endonucleases suggests the human genome has two (or more) P450c17 genes. The pattern of hybridization to the somatic cell hybrid cell lines, each containing a limited, known number of human chromosomes, indicates the human adrenal P450c17 gene lies on chromosome 10. The chromosomal locations of the other P450c17 genes could not be determined.
Anionic Phospholipids Activate ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels *

The ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) controls insulin release in pancreatic β-cells and also modulates important functions in other cell types. In this study we report that anionic phospholipids activated KATP in pancreatic β-cells, cardiac myocytes, skeletal muscle cells, and a cloned KATP composed of two subunits (SUR/Kir6.2) stably expressed in a mammalian cell line. The effectiveness was proportional to the number of negative charges on the head group of the anionic phospholipid. Screening negative charges with polyvalent cations antagonized the effect. Enzymatic treatment with phospholipases that reduced charge on the lipids also reduced or eliminated the effect. These results suggest that intact phospholipids with negative charges are the critical requirement for activation of KATP, in distinction from the usual cell signaling pathway through phospholipids that requires cleavage. Mutations of two positively charged amino acid residues at the C terminus of Kir6.2 accelerated loss of channel activity and reduced the activating effects of phospholipids, suggesting involvement of this region in the activation. Metabolism of anionic phospholipids in plasmalemmal membrane may be a novel and general mechanism for regulation of KATP and perhaps other ion channels in the family of inward rectifiers.
Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor gene polymorphisms and risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective:Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) levels are elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum of patients with acute lung injury. There are several suspected functional polymorphisms of the corresponding PBEF gene. We hypothesized that variations in PBEF gene polymorphisms alter
A High-Speed CAMAC Data Acquisition System for PDP-11

This paper describes a high-speed data acquisition system for a PDP-11 running under the RSX-11M operating system. It has been used by several high-energy physics experiments at Fermilab. The system consists of several coordinated tasks which acquire data through a CAMAC interface, log data to magnetic tape, supply data to independent monitoring and analysis tasks (such as RSXMULTI), and perform control functions. A data buffer extending beyond the 18-bit address space of the PDP-11 is implemented using Konelar bank-switchable memory. Supported configurations range from small systems with single data acquisition and analysis tasks on the same processor, to large multi-processor systems with data acquisition on several PDPs and analysis on separate PDPs or VAXs.
Relationship of Urinary Myelin Basic Protein-Like Material With Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Advanced Multiple Sclerosis

Background A significant correlation exists between disability and the volume of black holes (BHL VOL), defined as hypointense lesions on T1-weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging. A consistent correlation has also been reported between urinary myelin basic protein–like material (MBPLM) and the transition toward secondary progression (SP) from relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To improve the management of MS through a noninvasive and cost-effective test for monitoring disease activity or disease status. Design and Methods From 662 patients with MS (86 with RR MS, 259 with SP MS without continued attacks, and 317 with SP MS with continued attacks), 24-hour urine samples were obtained at enrollment in the phase 3 Linomide (roquinimex) drug study. The urine specimens were analyzed for MBPLM and correlated with clinical features and findings on cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Results Significant but weak correlations existed between urinary MBPLM and BHL VOL in all patients with MS ( r = 0.114, P = .003; n = 662), patients with SP MS without attacks ( r = 0.185, P = .003; n = 259), and all patients with SP MS ( r = 0.122, P = .003; n = 576). No significant correlations were detected in the RR MS group or any of the disease groups or subgroups whose Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 5.0 or lower. In subgroup analysis, the most significant correlation was detected between urinary MBPLM after adjustment for creatinine and BHL VOL in patients with SP MS with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 5.5 or higher but without continued relapses ( r = 0.417, P Conclusions In patients with advanced SP MS, urinary MBPLM may possibly serve as an indicator of failed remission and axonal damage. Urinary MBPLM correlates with disease status in MS, especially the transition of RR MS to SP MS with advancing disability.
Book Review: Modeling Nature with Cellular Automata using Mathenmtica by Richard Gaylord and Kazume Nishidate

This new book by Gaylord and Nishidate is the third by Gaylord on Mathematica applications, and the second on applications in the physical sciences. In this one, the authors focus exclusively on the Cellular Automata (CA) approach for modeling complex physical phenomena. For those not immediately familiar with the approach, CA's approximate the interaction of agents (which could be anything, from molecules to bacteria, ants, and cars) by assigning a finite number of states to each agent, and specifying rules which dictate the next state of the agent as a function of its own state and the states of its immediate nearest neighbors. Then, the time evolution of the system is deterministic after specifying the initial state of each agent. As such, the approach is extremely general, and can in general approximate any macroscopic behavior of a collection of agents that is otherwise described by differential equations. The advantage of the approach becomes apparent when modeling phenomena that become laborious to describe via the differential equation approach, especially when very many agents are concerned, and the interactions are not simple. The most famous example of a CA is the celebrated "Game of Life", which displays complex emerging behavior that would be extremely hard to describe analytically, even though this must of course be possible in principle. This example fittingly constitutes the first application of the book.
Immunologic recovery after autologous blood stem cell transplantation in patients with AL-amyloidosis

We prospectively studied absolute lymphocyte (ALC) and monocyte counts (AMC), lymphocyte subsets and proliferative in vitro responses to mitogen and antigen in 12 patients with AL-amyloidosis (AL) undergoing autologous blood stem cell transplantation (SCT) with high-dose i.v. melphalan. Myeloid and lymphoid recovery (>500 per microl) occurred in a median of 10 days post SCT. While there was a continuous decline in the number of CD4+ T cells at 3 months, ALC, AMC, B cells (CD19+), CD8+ T cells, and NK cells (CD16+/56+) returned to baseline. While T cell proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) remained depressed, B cell function measured by the proliferative response to staphylococcal antigen returned to baseline by 3 months. To supplement our findings, we retrospectively evaluated ALC, AMC and serum immunoglobulin levels in a separate group of patients treated with the same protocol at our institution. ALC and AMC recovery was similar to the pattern observed in the initial study group. Immunoglobulin levels remained within normal ranges at 3 and 12 months after SCT. Of 50 patients who were followed for a minimum of 1 year following SCT, seven (14%) developed shingles and one (2%) had PCP pneumonia. In conclusion, cellular immune function, reflected by absolute numbers of CD4+ T cells and PHA responsive T cell proliferation, is significantly suppressed at 3 months after SCT in patients with AL, and this post-transplant immunosuppression is associated with a low but clinically meaningful occurrence of opportunistic infections typical of T cell immunosuppression.
Kinetic and biophysical analysis of the m2 muscarinic receptor.

Abstract The recombinant Pm2 muscarinic receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was used as a model system to examine receptor-effector coupling and ligand binding. In CHO cells, equilibrium binding studies and the dependence on receptor number per cell of the maximum response and EC 50 values for agonist stimulation of phosphatidylinositol metabolism and inhibition of cAMP formation were consistent with a modified ternary complex model of signal transduction that included a physiologically noncompetent receptor state. Detailed kinetic studies of oxotremorine M (Oxo-M) binding to CHO cell membranes suggested that agonist interactions at the high affinity class of binding sites are complicated and depend on receptor expression levels. At low levels of expression, kinetic data were consistent with a special case of a mechanism in which Oxo-M shifts the equilibrium between two receptor conformations while at high levels of expression, it was necessary to evoke receptor-receptor interactions to explain the kinetic data. Far ultraviolet circular dichroism studies of the purified recombinant receptor showed a high content of α-helical secondary structure and small changes in secondary structure upon antagonist, but not agonist, binding.
Syndrome of Orthostatic Headaches and Diffuse Pachymeningeal Gadolinium Enhancement

Objective To characterize clinical and imaging features, biopsy findings, etiologic factors, and outcome in the syndrome of intracranial hypotension, headaches, and diffuse pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods We describe our experience with 26 consecutive patients with orthostatic headaches and diffuse pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement, for all of whom clinical, imaging, and follow-up data were available. For 10 patients who had undergone meningeal biopsy, slide material was also reviewed. Results The 15 men and 11 women ranged from 24 to 76 years of age. All 26 patients had postural headaches; in 22 patients, the headaches were completely alleviated by recumbency. Nausea or emesis, neck pain, horizontal diplopia, changes in hearing, photophobia, upper limb pains or paresthesias, visual blurring, or dysgeusia was noted in some of the patients. Cardinal MRI features were diffuse pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement (100%), subdural collections of fluid (69%), and evidence of descent of the brain (62%) that sometimes resembled type I Chiari malformation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressures were 40 mm or less in only 46%. In three patients, CSF pressures were consistently no less than 90 and as high as 130 mm of water. A variable pleocytosis of 5 or more cells/mm3 was noted in 15 patients (more than 40 cells/mm3 in 4 patients). A variable increase in CSF protein was noted in at least one spinal tap in 23 patients. Six patients had overdraining CSF shunts; CSF leak was documented in another 11 patients. Shunt revision or ligation and surgical correction of the leak led to a resolution of the clinical and MRI abnormalities in all cases thus treated. Improvement occurred with epidural blood patch in four patients. Three of the 12 patients treated supportively have remained symptomatic. Histologically, a thin subdural zone of fibroblasts and thin-walled vessels was noted in an amorphous matrix. Two patients with prolonged symptoms had a more pronounced proliferative reaction. Conclusion The syndrome of low-pressure headaches and pacbymeningeal gadolinium enhancement is being recognized with increasing frequency. The source of the CSF leak can be demonstrated in many patients. Meningeal abnormalities are likely attributable to decreased CSF volume and hydrostatic CSF pressure changes. The prognosis is typically good.
Assessment of single vessel coronary artery disease: results of exercise electrocardiography, thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging and radionuclide angiography.

The sensitivity of the commonly used stress tests for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease was analyzed in 46 patients with significant occlusion (≥70% luminal diameter obstruction) of only one major coronary artery and no prior myocardial infarction. In all patients, thallium-201 perfusion imaging (both planar and seven-pinhole tomographic) and 12 lead electrocardiography were performed during the same graded treadmill exercise test and radionuclide angiography was performed during upright bicycle exercise. Exercise rate-pressure (double) product was 22,307 ± 6,750 on the treadmill compared with 22,995 ± 5,622 on the bicycle (p = NS). Exercise electrocardiograms were unequivocally abnormal in 24 patients (52 %). Qualitative planar thallium images were abnormal in 42 patients (91 %). Quantitative analysis of the tomographic thallium images were abnormal in 41 patients (89%). An exercise ejection fraction of less than 0.56 or a new wall motion abnormality was seen in 30 patients (65%). Results were similar for the right (n = 11) and left anterior descending (n = 28) coronary arteries while all tests but the planar thallium imaging showed a lower sensitivity for isolated circumflex artery disease (n = 7). The specificity of the tests was 72, 83, 89 and 72% for electrocardiography, planar thallium imaging, tomographic thallium imaging and radionuclide angiography, respectively. The results suggest that exercise thallium-201 perfusion imaging is the most sensitive noninvasive stress test for the diagnosis of single vessel coronary artery disease.
Effective beam energy spreads with molecular ion beams

Abstract For several reasons it is sometimes desirable or necessary to use molecular hydrogen beams to produce nuclear reactions for materials analysis purposes. This paper presents the results of a study of the detailed characteristics of (p, γ) resonance yield curves obtained with molecular beams. Experimental gamma-ray yield curves have been measured (1) for the H2+ beam on a thick aluminum target (992 keV resonance) and (2) for the H10 beam (stripped from the H2+ beam in a gas cell) on a thin aluminum target. Each of these yield curves has been calculated in detail from first principles and with no free parameters. The agreement between theoretical and experimental curves is excellent, leading to confidence that one can correctly interpret the peculiar features of yield curves from the H2+ beam and from its stripped components.
One Step Closer to Imaging Vulnerable Plaque in the Coronary Arteries

Notwithstanding the major improvements in diagnosis and therapy, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. About every 26 s, an American will undergo a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from one (American Heart Association computation based
Modeling challenges of advanced doping technologies

Ultra shallow junction with high activation is necessary to reduce source/drain resistance and enable continued device scaling. The adoption of non-planar device architectures also presents new doping profile engineering challenges due to the 3D nature of the channel and source/drain regions. Advanced doping technologies are emerging to meet the new USJ and profile engineering challenge. Due to the increasing process complexity and development cost, predictive TCAD modeling will be critical. The modeling challenges of the advanced doping technologies are discussed.
Survival into adulthood of patients with unoperated single ventricle

Adult patients with double-inlet left ventricle and perfectly balanced circulation may survive into the sixth decade with good functional capacity and preserved ventricular function. This should be considered before such patients are referred for a Fontan repair.
Dendroecological Analysis of Spruce Budworm Outbreaks and their Relation to Climate Near the Prairie-Forest Border in Northwestern Minnesota

This paper investigates the effects of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) on balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and white spruce (Picea glauca) at Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota. We studied the species composition, age structure, and radial growth patterns in tree rings along five belt transects at sites infested with spruce budworm. Our objectives were to: (1) discover when the latest spruce budworm outbreak started; (2) determine whether tree growth was similarly reduced in earlier decades, suggesting earlier spruce budworm outbreaks; and (3) test whether radial tree growth and the start of the outbreak(s) were correlated with climate. We used the computer program OUTBREAK to determine that the current spruce budworm infestation began to reduce tree growth in the 1990s, before it was detected by park officials in 2001. The tree-ring record indicated that growth of the host-species trees was periodically reduced at all sites prior to the 1990s. We found no consistent relationship between tem...
The macroalgal component in monospecific seagrass beds from Papua New Guinea

Abstract Macroalgae associated with 9 seagrass beds have been studied qualitatively and quantitatively, according to a modified Braun-Blanquet scale. The diversity and abundance of benthic marine algae increased with variability of hard stabilized substrata. The spatial pattern of macroalgae coincided with 3 physiographic units: the “inner” reef flat, with a dominance of Sargassum oligocystum Mont. and a sub-dominance of Cystophyllum trinode (Forsk.) J. Ag., Padina tenuis (Bory) Wom. & Bail. and Dictyosphaeria versluysii Weber-van Bosse; the “middle” reef flat showed an abundance of seagrasses (mainly Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers. and Cymodocea rotundata Ehrenb. and Hempr. ex. Aschers.) and 2 macroalgae ( Champia parvula (C.Ag.) Harv. and Hypnea boergesenii Tanaka); and the “outer” reef flat dominated by Turbinaria spp., Sargassum spp. and Hormophysa triquetra (L.) Kutz. The temporal pattern of benthic macroalgae varied with location and was related to the availability of suitable substrata. More than 100 species have been found, with as many as 67 species in a Thalassia-Montipora community and as few as 16 in a meadow of Cymodocea serrulata (R.Br.) Aschers. and Magnus. Year-to-year changes in the floristic composition and abundance are presented for 3 localities.
The effect of insufficient quadriceps strength on gait after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Abstract Objective. To determine the effect of quadriceps strength and joint stability on gait patterns after anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction. Design. Cross-sectional comparative study in which four groups underwent motion analysis with surface electromyography. Background. Individuals following anterior cruciate ligament rupture often demonstrate reduced knee angles and moments during the early stance phase of gait. Alterations in gait can neither be ascribed to instability nor to quadriceps weakness alone when both are present. Methods. Twenty-eight individuals with complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture (10 patients with acute rupture, 8 patients following reconstruction with quadriceps strength >90% of the uninvolved side [strong-anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed group], and 10 patients after reconstruction with quadriceps strength Results. Knee angles and moments of the strong group were indistinguishable from the uninjured group during early stance of both walking and jogging. The weak subjects had reduced knee angles and moments during walking, and jogged similarly to the deficient subjects. Regression analysis revealed a significant effect between early stance phase knee angles and moments and quadriceps strength during both walking and jogging. Conclusion. Inadequate quadriceps strength contributes to altered gait patterns following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Relevance Rapid strengthening following anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction may contribute to a safe return to high-level activities.
Modeling radiation dosimetry to predict cognitive outcomes in pediatric patients with CNS embryonal tumors including medulloblastoma

Purpose: Model the effects of radiation dosimetry on IQ among pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Methods and Materials: Pediatric patients with CNS embryonal tumors ( n = 39) were prospectively evaluated with serial cognitive testing, before and after treatment with postoperative, risk-adapted craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and conformal primary-site irradiation, followed by chemotherapy. Differential dose–volume data for 5 brain volumes (total brain, supratentorial brain, infratentorial brain, and left and right temporal lobes) were correlated with IQ after surgery and at follow-up by use of linear regression. Results: When the dose distribution was partitioned into 2 levels, both had a significantly negative effect on longitudinal IQ across all 5 brain volumes. When the dose distribution was partitioned into 3 levels (low, medium, and high), exposure to the supratentorial brain appeared to have the most significant impact. For most models, each Gy of exposure had a similar effect on IQ decline, regardless of dose level. Conclusions: Our results suggest that radiation dosimetry data from 5 brain volumes can be used to predict decline in longitudinal IQ. Despite measures to reduce radiation dose and treatment volume, the volume that receives the highest dose continues to have the greatest effect, which supports current volume-reduction efforts.
Displays In Flight Simulation

Training simulators include displays of several types, using a variety of techniques. These are categorized as traditional, enhanced and visual scenes. Examples of these displays are described. The computation required in the simulator is contrasted with the process employed in the actual aircraft.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Planetary protection trajectory analysis for the Juno mission

Juno is an orbiter mission expected to launch in 2011 to Jupiter. Juno's science orbit is a highly eccentric orbit with a period of about 11 days and a nominal duration of one year. Initially, the equatorial crossing near apojove occurs outside Callisto's orbit, but as the mission evolves the apsidal rotation causes this distance to move much closer to Jupiter. This motion could lead to potential impacts with the Galilean satellites as the ascending node crosses the satellite orbits. In this paper, we describe the method to estimate impact probabilities with the satellites and investigate ways of reducing the probabilities for the Juno mission.
Computer communications networks

Advances in computer and communication technologies are profoundly affecting the nature, structure, and operation of computer-communications networks. The joint exploitation of these technologies while promising seemingly unlimited operational possibilities, generates an almost endless parade of issues for the designer, supplier, user, and regulator of such networks. This series of four sessions reports on the results of recent research on various technical issues in the area of computer-communications networks.
Alterations in oxidative metabolism and glutamine transport support glucose production in the tumor-influenced hepatocyte

Abstract Glutamine is the primary substrate whose hepatic transport is upregulated in the tumor-bearing host; however, the subsequent metabolism of transported glutamine is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if glutamine is an important oxidative fuel source for hepatocytes in cancer. Specifically we compare rates of glutamine transport and oxidation in hepatocytes from control and tumor-bearing animals. We also compare rates of glucose oxidation and rates of glucose production from glutamine in control hepatoctyes versus those from tumor-bearing animals. Hepatocytes from rats bearing the MCA fibrosarcoma were isolated when tumors comprised 5 and 15% of total body weight and compared to sham-implanted and pair-fed control animals. [3H]GLN transport, GLN and glucose oxidation to CO2, and glucose production from glutamine were assayed. Tumor burden of 5% stimulated a 2.52-fold increase in hepatocyte glutamine transport and a 2-fold increase when tumor burden reached 15%. Rates of oxidation of glutamine were suppressed by 1.5-fold when tumors comprised 5% of body weight compared to sham animals and were equivalent to sham animals when tumors comprised 15% of body weight. Significant alterations in glucose oxidation were observed when tumors were both small and large—glucose oxidation was suppressed by 3.6- and 3.7-fold when tumors comprised 5 and 15% of body weight respectively compared to sham-implanted rats. Incubation of hepatocytes from tumor-bearing animals with glutamine as a gluconeogenic substrate induced a 1.84-fold increase in glucose production compared to sham hepatocytes. In conclusion, (i) despite a doubling of GLN transport by the tumor-influenced hepatocyte, GLN oxidation by hepatoctyes was not increased. (ii) Glucose oxidation by hepatocytes from tumor-bearing animals was decreased compared to sham hepatocytes and, simultaneously, glucose production by tumor-influenced hepatocytes from glutamine was increased. The augmentation of hepatic glutamine transport and decreased glutamine oxidation seen in tumor-influenced hepatocytes appear to support hepatocyte gluconeogenesis from glutamine.
Plagioclase preferred orientation in layered mylonites: Evaluation of flow laws for the lower crust

Thesis (S.M.)--Joint Program in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2008.
Running on Iraq or Running from Iraq? Conditional Issue Ownership in the 2006 Midterm Elections:

The authors examine the role of Iraq as a campaign issue in the 2006 midterm elections, analyzing more than 400 television advertisements produced by ninety-four candidates in forty-seven competitive races for the U.S. House of Representatives. Generally, the authors find that the issue of the war was not as central an element of candidate appeals as the conventional wisdom and media storyline leading up to Election Day implied. On the issue of Iraq, as well as other issues central to 2006, the authors find evidence that challengers pursued different issue strategies than either incumbents or open-seat candidates of the same party.