cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chlorofluoromethanes in the Environment

A study is presented on the photoprocesses of atmospheric chlorofluoromethanes, including their ultimate sinks. Topics covered include: current inventories of atmospheric trichlorofluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane, absorption cross-sections for photodissociation of chlorofluoromethanes, mechanisms and quantum yields for photodissociation of CF/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ and CFCl/sub 3/, solar irradiation flux versus wavelength and altitude, atmospheric diffusion models, chain reactions in the ozone layer, the chloroxyl chains for decomposition of O/sub 3/, abstraction reactions by thermal chlorine atoms, release of Cl atoms by hydroxyl radical attack on hydrogen chloride, methane concentrations at 50 km, rate constants for ClO/sub x/ reactions with O/sub 3/ and oxygen atoms, chain terminating reactions, the importance of symmetrical dioxychloride in the stratosphere, fluorine atom chains, possible removal of chlorofluoromethanes by electron capture and/or ionic reaction, possible chlorofluoromethane removal by reaction with singlet oxygen, hydrolysis of chlorofluoromethanes, possible reactions of chlorofluoromethanes with aerosol particles in the stratosphere, calculated O/sub 3/ depletion by chlorine-containing species, multi-dimensional calculations, feedback in the ozone depletion calculation, increased odd oxygen production with O/sub 3/ depletion, time delay effects in the appearance of O/sub 3/ depletion, time concentration patterns with a one year stepfunction injection of CF/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ and for several hypothetical models of chlorofluoromethane releasemore » stratospheric concentrations from CF/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ injected by 1975, estimates of consequences for two different manufacturing patterns for CF/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ between 1975 and 1990, current stratospheric levels of chlorine-containing compounds, possible biological and climatological effects of stratospheric O/sub 3/ depletion, and observable trends in the average O/sub 3/ concentration of the atmosphere.« less
Parameter Estimation for Evaluation of In Situ Density and Moisture Content by Using Elastic and Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

Soil density and moisture content are two essential properties in the quality control and quality assurance of projects that involve soil compaction. However, current field practices either are destructive and time-consuming (i.e., sand cone or water balloon for soil density and oven drying for moisture content) or include hazardous substances that require special handling and operating procedures (i.e., nuclear density gauge). Therefore, new robust, reliable, and nonnuclear techniques for the determination of in situ density and moisture content would assist in quality control and quality assurance processes and would allow more measurements to be performed in a shorter time. A methodology for the in situ determination of density and moisture content by using the propagation of elastic and electromagnetic waves through soils was evaluated. It is based on a semiempirical model that relates elastic wave velocity through soils to the water content, porosity, and degree of saturation. An experimental program...
Interhemispheric interaction expands attentional capacity in an auditory selective attention task

Previous work from our laboratory indicates that interhemispheric interaction (IHI) functionally increases the attentional capacity available to support performance on visual tasks (Banich in The asymmetrical brain, pp 261–302, 2003). Because manipulations of both computational complexity and selection demand alter the benefits of IHI to task performance, we argue that IHI may be a general strategy for meeting increases in attentional demand. Other researchers, however, have suggested that the apparent benefits of IHI to attentional capacity are an epiphenomenon of the organization of the visual system (Fecteau and Enns in Neuropsychologia 43:1412–1428, 2005; Marsolek et al. in Neuropsychologia 40:1983–1999, 2002). In the current experiment, we investigate whether IHI increases attentional capacity outside the visual system by manipulating the selection demands of an auditory temporal pattern-matching task. We find that IHI expands attentional capacity in the auditory system. This suggests that the benefits of requiring IHI derive from a functional increase in attentional capacity rather than the organization of a specific sensory modality.
Team play with a powerful and independent agent: operational experiences and automation surprises on the Airbus A-320

Research and operational experience have shown that one of the major problems with pilot-automation interaction is a lack of mode awareness (i.e., the current and future status and behavior of the automation). As a result, pilots sometimes experience so-called automation surprises when the automation takes an unexpected action or fails to behave as anticipated. A lack of mode awareness and automation surprises can he viewed as symptoms of a mismatch between human and machine properties and capabilities. Changes in automation design can therefore he expected to affect the likelihood and nature of problems encountered by pilots. Previous studies have focused exclusively on early generation "glass cockpit" aircraft that were designed based on a similar automation philosophy. To find out whether similar difficulties with maintaining mode awareness are encountered on more advanced aircraft, a corpus of automation surprises was gathered from pilots of the Airbus A-320, an aircraft characterized by high levels of autonomy, authority, and complexity. To understand the underlying reasons for reported breakdowns in human-automation coordination, we also asked pilots about their monitoring strategies and their experiences with and attitude toward the unique design of flight controls on this aircraft.
Role of long-range repulsive forces in organizing axonal neurofilament distributions: evidence from mice deficient in myelin-associated glycoprotein.

When the axon of a motor neuron is sectioned and visualized by electron microscopy, a two-dimensional distribution of neurofilaments (NFs) with nonrandom spacing is revealed; this ordered arrangement implies the presence of physical interactions between the NFs. To gain insight into the molecular basis of this organization, we characterized NF distributions from mouse sciatic nerve cross sections using two statistical mechanical measures: radial distribution functions and occupancy probability distributions. Our analysis shows that NF organization may be described in terms of effective pairwise interactions. In addition, we show that these statistical mechanical measures can detect differences in NF architecture between wild-type and myelin-associated glycoprotein null mutant mice. These differences are age dependent, with marked contrast between the NF distributions by 9 months of age. Finally, using Monte Carlo simulations, we compare the experimental results with predictions for models in which adjacent NFs interact through rigid cross bridges, deformable cross bridges, and long-range repulsive forces. Among the models tested, a model in which the filaments interact through a long-range repulsive force is most consistent with the results of our analysis. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The protective effects of zinc on diethyldithiocarbamate cytotoxicity on rat astrocytes in vitro

Abstract The neurotoxicity of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) has been documented for decades. In particular, cytotoxic effects against rat astrocytes have been noted by a decrease in cell viability and numerous ultrastructural defects. This study indicates an in vitro protective effect by zinc administration prior to DDC insult. Cell groups pre-treated with 50 μM ZnCl 2 prior to the addition of 35 μg/ml DDC showed significant protection when compared with cells treated with DDC alone. Zinc reduced the DDC-mediated toxicity to astrocytes as indicated by an increase in cell adherence and viability. Morphological evaluation indicated a significant decrease in ultrastructural alterations. Metallothionein (MT), a metal regulatory protein known to be induced by zinc was studied to determine its role in this mechanism of protection. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblots showed increased presence of MT in all zinc treated groups. This suggests a protective effect against DDC cytotoxicity on rat astrocytes in vitro may be associated with an increase in MT concentration.
Application of a New Technique (Closing Volume) for the Early Detection of Obstructive Lung Disease in the Elderly

: A new noninvasive technique (closing volume) for measuring early obstruction of the airways was studied in 47 geriatric patients, and pulmonary function was found to be abnormal in 39 (84 per cent). In 31 (66 per cent) of the 47 patients the conventional spirometric FEF25–75 method also indicated obstructive airway disease, but in an additional 8 (17 per cent) the closing volume technique indicated small airway obstruction undetectable by other tests. The closing volume method is more sensitive than previous methods and should be used as a routine part of pulmonary function screening. Obstruction of the small airways is more common in the elderly than is realized, and this technique would provide a means for early detection.
Computerized tomography in the diagnosis of sellar and parasellar lesions.

Multiple thin or overlapping cuts have been found necessary to examine this region properly, since the volume is small and filled with important anatomic structures. The suprasellar cistern defines the area to be evaluated in patients suspected of having lesions in the sellar or parasellar regions. In the routine nonsellar examination of the brain, three or four cuts are made with the patient’s head angled 20” or 25” to Reid base line. The first cut is through the base of the skull at the level of the sphenoid sinus, and subsequent cuts are made at 2.5~cm intervals. During these routine studies, only one or two slices actually demonstrate the suprasellar region. In a review of 100 consecutive cases performed in this routine manner, the suprasellar cistern was visualized on at least one cut in only 85% of cases, and even this cut was often unsatisfactory because of normal asymmetry and rotation of the head. For adequate visualization of the suprasellar
Suspended matter in surface waters: influence of river discharge and of upwelling*

About 4100 samples of suspended matter were collected by filtration of surface ocean waters in three large regions on the western sides of oceans and two on the eastern sides. Comparison of results shows that the non-combustible fraction (chiefly detrital clays and silts with some siliceous and calcareous skeletal debris) generally dominates along the western sides of oceans, where large contributions of solid detrital sediment are made by rivers that drain much of the adjacent continents. The combustible fraction also is important off these rivers, but it is more important (both relative to the non-combustible fraction and in absolute terms) along the eastern sides of oceans, where upwelling is intense.
Personal Tragedy and Presidential Performance: Calvin Coolidge as Legislative Leader

The elevation of Calvin Coolidge to the presidency in the summer of 1923 was impressively smooth. The new president was entirely comfortable in his new role and impressed Washington officialdom with his self-assuredness, political adroitness, and hard work. One of his main initial objectives was to develop a strong and productive relationship with Congress and to lobby it to enact his extensive and progressive legislative agenda. During his first year, he worked vigorously at these tasks and achieved a notable degree of success. However, in July, 1924, the president confronted a devastating personal tragedy–the death of his young son–that left a deep imprint on the remainder of his presidency. He lost interest in legislative affairs and withdrew from interaction with Congress. The result is that he has been ranked among the least successful presidential leaders of Congress in U.S. history. However, incapacitation as a result of severe clinical depression rather than either incompetence or ideology was the...
Appreciating the differences between immunoassays used to diagnose maternal parvovirus B19 infection: understanding the antigen before interpreting the results

Abstract Human parvovirus B19 (B19) capsid contains two structural proteins, VP1 and VP2. During infection, immune-competent individuals produce antibodies against both linear and conformational epitopes of VP1 and VP2. However, the emergence and duration of these antibodies differ; those recognizing linear epitopes appear and decline before those made against conformational epitopes. The platforms most commonly used for detecting B19-specific immunoglobin M or immunoglobin G include enzyme immunoassays, immunofluorescent assays, and Western blots. Because suitable culture systems do not exist to produce sufficient native virus, manufacturers must rely on recombinant proteins to detect B19-specific antibodies. These proteins are most commonly expressed in Escherichia coli or baculovirus-based vectors, as linear or conformational antigens, respectively. Differences in timing of the antibodies being produced against linear and conformational epitopes can lead to differences in immunoassay performance. Using an immunoassay with a high degree of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values can provide an accurate picture of a patient’s immune status. This is critical for the physician faced with making decisions on the extent to which follow-up care, including fetal ultrasound, is necessary. Not only are these additional tests and procedures inconvenient to the patient, but they also add unnecessary expense to an already overburdened healthcare system. Ultimately, a serologic assay that produces far fewer inaccurate results will be more cost effective.
Classroom quality and academic skills: Approaches to learning as a moderator.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine whether approaches to learning moderated the association between child care classroom environment and Head Start children's academic skills. The data came from the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES-2003 Cohort). The dataset is a nationally representative longitudinal study of Head Start children. The sample was selected using the stratified 4-stage sampling procedure. Data was collected in fall 2003, spring 2004, spring 2005, and spring 2006 in the first year of kindergarten. Participants included 3- and 4-year-old Head Start children (n = 786; 387 boys, 399 girls; 119 Hispanic children, 280 African American children, 312 Caucasian children). Head Start children's academic skills in letter-word identification, dictation/spelling, and mathematics at the 4 time points were measured by the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Battery tests. Approaches to learning in fall 2003 was measured by the teacher report of the Preschool Learning Behaviors Scale. Child care classroom quality in fall 2003 was measured by the revised Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. Results of the linear mixed effects models demonstrated that approaches to learning significantly moderated the effect of child care classroom quality on Head Start children's writing and spelling. Specifically, positive approaches to learning mitigated the negative effect of lower levels of classroom quality on dictation/spelling. Results underscore the important role of approaches to learning as a protective factor. Implications for early childhood educators with an emphasis on learning goals for disengaged children are discussed.
Probe-pattern grating focus monitor through scatterometry calibration

This paper presents a new highly sensitive scatterometry based Probe-Pattern Grating (PPG) focus monitor and its printing assessment on an advanced exposure tool. The high sensitivity is achieved by placing transparent lines spaced at the strong focus spillover distance from the centerline of a 90 degree phase-shifted probe line that functions as an interferometer detector. The monitor translates the focus error into the probe line trench depth, which can be measured by scatterometry techniques. The sensitivity of the defocus measurement through scatterometry calibration is around 1.1nm defocus / nm trench depth. This result indicates that the PPG focus monitor from a single wafer focus setting can detect the defocus distance to well under 0.05 Rayleigh Units.
Evidence or Assertions? The Outcomes of Family Preservation Services

challenge the widely held notion that family preservation services (FPS) are effective in preventing the out-of-home placement of children. Careful examination of the studies' methods, thoughtful interpretations of findings, and efforts to integrate this information into existing knowledge about the effects of FPS are clearly warranted. When faced with empirical evidence that contradicts theory, one can dismiss the new evidence, attempt to modify the theory, or ignore the discrepancy. The article by Bath and Haapala presents one approach to the reconciliation of apparent contradictions between theory and research on the effects of FPS.2 After an attempt to dismiss the null findings of several randomized experiments on methodological grounds, the authors cite studies that employed much weaker designs as support for their hypothesis that FPS prevent out-of-home placements. The authors' criticisms of the randomized experiments are incomplete and often inaccurate. They use assertions rather than evidence to dismiss the findings of these studies. Their failure to take into account issues of validity in studies that appear to support their own beliefs constitutes a serious lapse, one that results in misrepresentation of the weight of the evidence in this field. Their review also misses important lessons that can be drawn from the research in this area.
14-3-3 phosphoprotein interaction networks – does isoform diversity present functional interaction specification?

The 14-3-3 proteins have emerged as major phosphoprotein interaction proteins and thereby constitute a key node in the Arabidopsis Interactome Map, a node through which a large number of important signals pass. Throughout their history of discovery and description, the 14-3-3s have been described as protein families and there has been some evidence that the different 14-3-3 family members within any organisms might carry isoform specific functions. However there has also been evidence for redundancy of 14-3-3 function, suggesting that the perceived 14-3-3 diversity may be the accumulation of neutral mutations over evolutionary time and as some 14-3-3 genes develop tissue or organ specific expression. This situation has led to a currently unresolved question – does 14-3-3 isoform sequence diversity indicate functional diversity at the biochemical or cellular level? We discuss here some of the key observations on both sides of the resulting debate, and present a set of contrastable observations to address the theory that sequence diversity does lead to functional diversity among 14-3-3 isoforms. The resulting model suggests strongly that there are indeed functional specificities in the 14-3-3s of Arabidopsis. The model further suggests that 14-3-3 diversity and specificity should enter into the discussion of 14-3-3 roles in signal transduction and be directly approached in experiments designed to address 14-3-3 functional roles. It is hoped that future studies involving 14-3-3s will continue to address specificity in experimental design and analysis.
Low-lying triplet states of diphosphene, HP=PH, and diphosphinylidene, H2P=P

Abstract Self-consistent-field and configuration-interaction studies have been carried out on several isomeric forms of the H 2 P 2 molecule in their closed-shell, n-π * triplet, and π-π * triplet states. Properties determined for each state include the relative energy, molecular geometry, dipole moment, and vibrational frequencies. Some unusual triplet states with highly distorted structures were found.
The Effects of a High-Probability Instruction Sequence and Response-Independent Reinforcer Delivery on Child Compliance.

We compared the effects of a high-probability (high-p) instruction sequence and a fixed-time (FT) schedule of reinforcement on the compliance of 2 typically developing children. A multielement experimental design with a reversal component was implemented according to a multiple baseline across participants arrangement. Both the high-p and FT conditions resulted in increased compliance for both participants during the multielement sessions. These results suggest that it may be possible to increase compliance without a response requirement of the type arranged in the high-p instruction sequence.
A DEFENSE OF “RATIONAL” PERSONNEL SELECTION, AND TWO NEW METHODS

This paper presents two new techniques for use in personnel selection. One is a simple graphical technique which non-technical personnel can use to help in deciding how many minority applicants to admit to an institution. The other is a large-scale computer technique which an institution can use to increase personnel diversity on many variables (including culture) simultaneously. Both techniques appear to have major advantages over the particular technique this author advocated previously (1971). However, the new techniques are based on the same general view the author has expressed earlier (1971, 1973): that personnel selection questions concerning culture must be handled rationally—that is, by human judgment—rather than by mechanical formulas. Early sections of the paper summarize and defend that view.
Epifluorescence Light Collection for Multiphoton Microscopic Endoscopy

Multiphoton microscopic endoscopy (MPM-E) is a promising medical in vivo diagnostic imaging technique because it captures intrinsic fluorescence and second harmonic generation signals to reveal anatomical and histological information about disease states in tissue. However, maximizing light collection from multiphoton endoscopes remains a challenge: weak nonlinear emissions from endogenous structures, miniature optics, large imaging depths, and light scattering in tissue all hamper light collection. The quantity of light that may be collected using a dual-clad fiber system from scattering phantoms that mimic the properties of the in vivo environment is measured. In this experiment, 800nm excitation light from a Ti:Sapphire laser is dispersion compensated and focused through a SM800 optical fiber and lens system into the tissue phantom. Emission light from the phantom passes through the lens system, reflects off the dichroic and is then collected by a second optical fiber actuated by a micromanipulator. The lateral position of the collection fiber varies, measuring the distribution of emitted light 2000μm on either side of the focal point reimaged to the object plane. This spatial collection measurement is performed at depths up to 200μm from the phantom surface. The tissue phantoms are composed of a 15.8 μM fluorescein solution mixed with microspheres, approximating the scattering properties of human bladder and dermis tissue. Results show that commercially available dual-clad optical fibers collect more than 47% of the total emission returning to the object plane from both phantoms. Based on these results, initial MPM-E devices will image the surface of epithelial tissues.
Absence of Dap12 and the αvβ3 integrin causes severe osteopetrosis.

In vitro, ligand occupancy of αvβ3 integrin induces phosphorylation of Dap12, which is essential for osteoclast function. Like mice deleted of only αvβ3, Dap12−/− mice exhibited a slight increase in bone mass, but Dap12−/− mice, lacking another ITAM protein, FcRγ, were severely osteopetrotic. The mechanism by which FcRγ compensates for Dap12 deficiency is unknown. We find that co-deletion of FcRγ did not exacerbate the skeletal phenotype of β3−/− mice. In contrast, β3/Dap12 double-deficient (DAP/β3−/−) mice (but not β1/Dap12 double-deficient mice) were profoundly osteopetrotic, reflecting severe osteoclast dysfunction relative to those lacking αvβ3 or Dap12 alone. Activation of OSCAR, the FcRγ co-receptor, rescued Dap12−/− but not DAP/β3−/−osteoclasts. Thus, the absence of αvβ3 precluded compensation for Dap12 deficiency by FcRγ. In keeping with this, Syk phosphorylation did not occur in OSCAR-activated DAP/β3−/− osteoclasts. Thus, FcRγ requires the osteoclast αvβ3 integrin to normalize the Dap12-deficient skeleton.
X-ray Diffraction and Solid-State NMR Investigation of the Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Dehydration of Thiamine Hydrochloride Monohydrate

The dehydration of a thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) hydrate, commonly referred to as the monohydrate, was investigated by solid-state NMR (SSNMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The hydrate can be classified as a nonstoichiometric solvate since the water content depends on the water vapor pressure of the surrounding atmosphere and essentially maintains the three-dimensional molecular arrangement upon dehydration. Thus, we were able to determine the crystal structures of both the hydrate and the isomorphic desolvate with one single crystal. The loss of water leads to a shrinkage of the unit cell volume of about 5% and to a slight increase in the free volume. This is also accompanied by an increase in molecular motion as is demonstrated by SSNMR 1H and 13C T1 measurements. The largest change in T1 was observed for the carbons of the hydroxyethyl functional group that is hydrogen bonded to the water molecules in the hydrate. This investigation confirms that an increase in free volume results in ...
Copper ions and hydrogen peroxide form hypochlorite from NaCl thereby mimicking myeloperoxidase

Sea urchins have elaborated multiple defenses to assure monospermic fertilization. In this work, we have concentrated on a study of the mechanism(s) by which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) prevents polyspermy in Arbacia punctulata. We found that it is not H2O2 but probably hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl-) derived from H2O2 that is toxic to the supernumerary sperm. The spermicidal activity of H2O2 is potentiated by at least one order of magnitude by cupric ions (Cu2+). This increased toxicity is not due to the formation of hydroxyl radicals (.OH) because .OH scavengers did not counteract the activity of Cu2+. Moreover, substitution of Cu2+ by ferrous ions (Fe2+), which are known to cause formation of .OH from H2O2, had no effect on fertilization even at 10(2)-10(3) times higher concentrations. In contrast, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT), and HOCl/OCl- scavenger, totally reversed the toxic effects of Cu2+. Furthermore, we found that HOCl/OCl- is generated in solutions of H2O2 and Cu2+ in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl and that its accumulation is abolished by AT. Thus it is possible that the antifertility properties of copper are due to its ability to mediate formation of HOCl/OCl-. HOCl/OCl- generated by Cu2+ from H2O2 and Cl-, a low concentration of exogenously added HOCl/OCl-, or increased concentrations of H2O2 has similar inhibitory effects on the fertilization process in sea urchins. Therefore, we suggest that polyspermy is prevented by the action of a myeloperoxidase that affects the formation of HOCl/OCl- from the Cl- present in sea water through reaction with H2O2 generated by the newly fertilized egg.
Can cancer be diagnosed with a blood test during routine examinations

Cancer can be detected in asymptomatic patients by a blood draw for tumor biomarkers during routine examinations in a doctor's office. The reliability of tumor biomarkers to diagnose cancer in asymptomatic patients is a frequently asked question in general practice as well as in an oncology setting.
Lessons from the US growth resurgence

The unusual combination of more rapid growth and lower inflation in the United States from 1995 to 2000 touched off a strenuous debate among economists about whether improvements in US economic performance could be sustained. Despite the recent slowdown in the economy in general and in information technology (IT) in particular, this debate has given way to a broad consensus that IT is the key to understanding the American growth resurgence and recent research has turned to the future of productivity growth. In this paper we review the most recent evidence on growth in the United States and present a model for projecting future productivity growth. Our primary conclusion is that, despite downward revisions to the gross domestic product (GDP) and investment in the annual revisions of the US National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA) in July of 2001 and 2002, the US productivity revival remains intact with IT as the predominant source. The story begins with an increase in total factor productivity (TFP) growth in the IT-producing sectors (computer hardware, software, and telecommunications), which led to falling relative prices and induced capital deepening in IT equipment. These two contributions account for a majority of the acceleration in labor productivity growth after 1995.
Alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life 10 or more years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life ≥10 years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Methods Patients who had undergone esophagectomy with gastric pull-up before 2003 were interviewed regarding their alimentary function and completed the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life and RAND short-form, 36-item, questionnaires. Results We identified 67 long-term survivors after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up. Of these, 40 were located, and all agreed to participate. The median age was 75 years, and the median follow-up period was 12 years (interquartile range, 10-19). Most patients (88%) had no dysphagia, 90% were able to eat ≥3 meals/day, and 93% finished ≥50% of a typical meal. The mean alimentary comfort rating was 9 of 10. Dumping, diarrhea ≥3 times/day, or regurgitation occurred in 33% of patients. Six patients (15%) had aspiration episodes requiring hospitalization. The median weight loss after surgery was 26 lbs, and the current median body mass index was 25 kg/m 2 . Only 2 patients were underweight (body mass index, 2 ). The median Gastrointestinal Quality of Life score was 2.9 of 4. The RAND scores were at the population mean in 1 category (physical function) and above the normal mean in the remaining 7 categories. Conclusions Long-term nutritional status, quality of life, and satisfaction with eating were excellent after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Gastrointestinal side effects were common, but serious complications such as aspiration were uncommon. Pessimism regarding the long-term ability to enjoy a meal and live with a good quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.
Primary Ewing sarcoma/PNET of the kidney: fine-needle aspiration, histology, and dual color break apart FISH Assay.

A 34-year-old previously healthy Hispanic man presented with lower back pain. CT scan revealed an 8-cm space-occupying lesion in the superior pole of the left kidney with numerous small lytic lesions in the skull, vertebrae, ribs, and pelvic bones. CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed a high-grade primitive small round cell tumor with the tumor cells being strongly positive for CD99 and vimentin. The patient subsequently underwent a left nephrectomy. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using a DNA probe for the Ewing Sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) on chromosome 22g12 revealed a rearrangement of the EWSR1 locus. The diagnosis of primary Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney was established. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:353–357. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Active probing of cloud multiple scattering, optical depth, vertical thickness, and liquid water content using wide-angle imaging LIDAR.

At most optical wavelengths, laser light in a cloud lidar experiment is not absorbed but merely scattered out of the beam, eventually escaping the cloud via multiple scattering. There is much information available in this light scattered far from the input beam, information ignored by traditional 'on-beam' lidar. Monitoring these off-beam returns in a fully space- and time-resolved manner is the essence of our unique instrument, Wide Angle Imaging Lidar (WAIL). In effect, WAIL produces wide-field (60-degree full-angle) 'movies' of the scattering process and records the cloud's radiative Green functions. A direct data product of WAIL is the distribution of photon path lengths resulting from multiple scattering in the cloud. Following insights from diffusion theory, we can use the measured Green functions to infer the physical thickness and optical depth of the cloud layer, and, from there, estimate the volume-averaged liquid water content. WAIL is notable in that it is applicable to optically thick clouds, a regime in which traditional lidar is reduced to ceilometry. Here we present recent WAIL data oti various clouds and discuss the extension of WAIL to full diurnal monitoring by means of an ultra-narrow magneto-optic atomic line filter for daytime measurements.
Macrocylic Amines — Precursors to some colorful chemistry

Abstract The interactions of macrocyclic amines with cyclic polyfluorinated olefins provide a route to a rather large new family of one, two, three or four substituted derivatives that are stable to hydrolysis and that have surprising thermal properties. Additionally, these materials are precursors to metal and nonmetal compounds, some of which are highly colored and which show an interesting chemistry in their own right. X-ray crystal structures are most useful in confirming these new macrocycles.
Simulated marine respirometry of biodegradable polymers

Eleven microorganisms were isolated from several temperate marine locations in the northeast Altantic coast of the United States and one tropical location in the Pacific Ocean (Hawaii) for the purpose of developing a rapid and accurate method of screening biodegradable materials for their susceptibility to mineralization. The materials evaluated in this study included chemically modified starch, amylose and pullulan, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate), (PHB/V), cellulose acetate, and a modified lignin/styrene. Some of the soluble, unmodified, biologically produced substrates such as starch, pullulan, and amylose mineralized rapidly. In general, the synthetic, insoluble polymers and the chemically modified polymers, such as acetylated and chlorinated amylose and pullulan, mineralized more slowly, although the ultimate mineralization of some of the substituted polysaccharides equaled or exceeded that of the unmodified substrate. The insoluble bacterial polyester, PHB/V, degraded rapidly after a short induction period. Initial respiration rate data, in general, could not be used as a predictor of ultimate mineralization. It was found that the cumulative level of carbon dioxide evolved signifies the minimum extent of biodegradation of the substrate, and the oxygen consumed is a good indicator of the maximum extent of substrate degradation.
The transcriptional co-activator TAZ interacts differentially with transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (TEF-1) family members

Members of the highly related TEF-1 (transcriptional enhancer factor-1) family (also known as TEAD, for TEF-1, TEC1, ABAA domain) bind to MCAT (muscle C, A and T sites) and A/T-rich sites in promoters active in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, placenta, and neural crest. TEF-1 activity is regulated by interactions with transcriptional co-factors [p160, TONDU (Vgl-1, Vestigial-like protein-1), Vgl-2 and YAP65 (Yes-associated protein 65 kDa)]. The strong transcriptional co-activator YAP65 interacts with all TEF-1 family members, and, since YAP65 is related to TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif), we wanted to determine if TAZ also interacts with members of the TEF-1 family. In the present study, we show by GST (glutathione S-transferase) pull-down assays, by co-immunoprecipitation and by modified mammalian two-hybrid assays that TEF-1 interacts with TAZ in vitro and in vivo. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays with purified TEF-1 and GST-TAZ fusion protein showed that TAZ interacts with TEF-1 bound to MCAT DNA. TAZ can interact with endogenous TEF-1 proteins, since exogenous TAZ activated MCAT-dependent reporter promoters. Like YAP65, TAZ interacted with all four TEF-1 family members. GST pull-down assays with increasing amounts of [35S]TEF-1 and [35S]RTEF-1 (related TEF-1) showed that TAZ interacts more efficiently with TEF-1 than with RTEF-1. This differential interaction also extended to the interaction of TEF-1 and RTEF-1 with TAZ in vivo, as assayed by a modified mammalian two-hybrid experiment. These data show that differential association of TEF-1 proteins with transcriptional co-activators may regulate the activity of TEF-1 family members.
Evaluating the effectiveness of two instructional techniques for teaching food safety principles to food service employees

In this study two techniques for teaching food safety principles to food service employees were evaluated. The typical lecture format was compared to a computer interactive training format in terms of knowledge gained and retained as well any changes in participants' attitudes toward computer usage in their work environment. The results indicated that both methods of training provided significant gains in the amount of food safety knowledge the participant acquired throughout the process. It was determined that the computer interactive training method had some inherent advantages that could not be matched by the lecture format. These advantages included consistency, ease of operation, flexibility of scheduling training time conservation, ability to reuse, and cost effectiveness. The computer interactive training format further was found to be acceptable by a wide demographic variety of food service employees. This study indicated that a one time use of a computer interactive training program did not effect the attitudes that employees currently held concerning the use of computers in their work environment.
The docking technique for posterolateral corner reconstruction.

Abstract Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee are an uncommon but potentially debilitating injury. They are easily missed on physical examination and are often associated with alternate ligament pathology. When identified early, these injuries are best managed by primary repair with or without augmentation of the involved structures. However, chronic injuries are generally not amenable to primary repair and often require reconstruction. Experimental data suggest that the lateral collateral ligament and popliteofibular ligament present critical biomechanical restraints of the posterolateral aspect of the knee and should be incorporated into contemporary reconstruction techniques. We describe a novel method of reconstructing these critical components of the posterolateral corner using a new docking technique for fixation on the femur with a graft placed through a fibular head tunnel.
Unexpected Acute Toxicity of Aminopterin

THIS communication records the occurrence of a somewhat unusual form of acute toxicity which was observed in the course of an experiment designed to investigate the possible carcinogenicity of aminopterin. As part of this investigation aminopterin (C grade) (California Corporation for Biochemical Research, Los Angeles) was examined in new-born mice. The mice used were Swiss from the colony of this laboratory that have been maintained here for 12 years and are randomly bred. Ten litters of newborn mice less than 16 h of age were treated with a single subcutaneous injection in the dorsal region of 10 µg of aminopterin dissolved in 0.05 ml. of distilled water (with 4 drops of 10 per cent potassium hydroxide added to each 5 ml. of the standard solution). The mice were distributed in 9 litters of 8 new-born animals each and 1 of 7 new-born. They were housed in plastic cages on sterilized granular cellulose bedding with the mothers.
Family Violence, Immigration Law, and the Rorschach 1Adapted from a paper in the symposium “Trauma and the Rorschach” at the XVII International Rorschach Congress, Rome, Italy, September 13, 2002.

Dans cet article, nous examinons le cas de Mme A., une citoyenne americaine d'origine pakistanaise dont le mari, selon les termes de son visa, devait retourner pour deux ans au Pakistan. Mme A. demandait aux Services de l'Immigration d'accorder une derogation a son mari afin qu'il reste aux Etats-Unis, au motif qu'elle ne supporterait pas d'etre separee de lui pendant deux ans. Nous presentons brievement les principes de l'evaluation psychologique dans les procedures d'immigration, un domaine nouveau d'expertise psycholegale, ainsi qu'une biographie de Mme A. Celle-ci met en evidence les dangers qu'elle encourrerait au Pakistan et les multiples violences dont elle a ete victime. Nous presentons l'examen psychologique de Mme A. en insistant sur l'apport du Rorschach (SI) dans l'evaluation de l'impact et de l'etendue de son traumatisme psychologique. Nous mettons en lumiere la pertinence du Rorschach dans l'evaluation du traumatisme dans des contextes psycholegaux.
Laminin-10 is crucial for hair morphogenesis

The role of the extracellular matrix in cutaneous morphogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we describe the essential role of laminin-10 (alpha5beta1gamma1) in hair follicle development. Laminin-10 was present in the basement membrane of elongating hair germs, when other laminins were downregulated, suggesting a role for laminin-10 in hair development. Treatment of human scalp xenografts with antibodies to laminin-10, or its receptor beta1 integrin, produced alopecia. E16.5 Lama5 -/- mouse skin, lacking laminin-10, contained fewer hair germs compared with controls, and after transplantation, Lama5 -/- skin showed a failure of hair germ elongation followed by complete hair follicle regression. Lama5 -/- skin showed defective basement membrane assembly, without measurable increases in anoikis. Instead, Lama5 -/- skin showed decreased expression of early hair markers including sonic hedgehog and Gli1, implicating laminin-10 in developmental signaling. Intriguingly, treatment of Lama5 -/- skin with purified laminin-10 corrected basement membrane defects and restored hair follicle development. We conclude that laminin-10 is required for hair follicle development and report the first use of exogenous protein to correct a cutaneous developmental defect.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Anatomical and Effective Connectivity

While temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has been treatable with anti-seizure medications over the past century, there still remain a large percentage of patients whose seizures remain untreatable pharmacologically. To better understand and treat TLE, our laboratory uses several in vivo analytical techniques to estimate connectivity in epilepsy. This paper reviews two different connectivity-based approaches with an emphasis on application to the study of epilepsy. First, we present effective connectivity techniques, such as Granger causality, that has been used to assess the dynamic directional relationships among brain regions. These measures are used to better understand how seizure activity initiates, propagates, and terminates. Second, structural techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, can be used to assess changes in the underlying neural structures that result in seizure. This paper also includes in vivo epilepsy-centered examples of both effective and anatomical connectivity analysis. These analyses are performed on data collected in vivo from a spontaneously seizing animal model of TLE. Future work in vivo on epilepsy will no doubt benefit from a fusion of these different techniques. We conclude by discussing the interesting possibilities, implications, and challenges that a unified analysis would present.
Acousto-optic signal processors for transmission and reception of phased-array antenna signals

Novel acousto-optic processors for control and signal processing in phased-array antennas are presented. These processors can operate in both the antenna transmit and receive modes. An experimental acousto-optic processor is demonstrated in the laboratory. This optical technique replaces all the phase-shifting devices required in electronically controlled phased-array antennas.
Accountable care organizations: the case for flexible partnerships between health plans and providers.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation will guide a number of experimental programs in health care payment and delivery. Among the most ambitious of the ...
Joint order detection and blind channel estimation by least squares smoothing

A joint order detection and blind estimation algorithm for single input multiple output channels is proposed. By exploiting the isomorphic relation between the channel input and output subspaces, it is shown that the channel order and channel impulse response are uniquely determined by finite least squares smoothing error sequences in the absence of noise. The proposed subspace algorithm is shown to have marked improvement over existing algorithms in performance and robustness in simulations.
Development of Nuclear Transfer and Parthenogenetic Rabbit Embryos Activated with Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different activation protocols, enucleation methods, and culture media on the development of parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer (NT) rabbit embryos. Electroporation of 25 mM inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in calcium- and magnesium-free PBS immediately induced a single intracellular calcium transient in 6 out of 14 metaphase II-stage rabbit oocytes evaluated during a 10-min recording period. The percentage of oocytes treated with IP3 followed by 6-dimethylaminopurine (IP3 1 DMAP) that cleaved (83.9%) and reached the blastocyst stage (50%) was significantly higher (p , 0.05) than those activated with multiple pulses (61.6% and 30.1%, respectively) or treated with ionomycin 1 DMAP (52.9% and 5.7%, respectively). Development of IP3 1 DMAP-activated rabbit oocytes and in vivofertilized zygotes in different culture media was studied. Development of activated oocytes to the blastocyst stage in Earle’s balanced salt solution (EBSS) supplemented with MEM nonessential amino acids, basal medium Eagle amino acids, 1 mM L-glutamine, 0.4 mM sodium pyruvate, and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (EBSS-complete) (40.6%) was significantly higher (p , 0.05) than those that developed in either Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)/RPMI 1 10% FBS (15.5%) or CR1aa 1 10% FBS (4%) medium. In addition, 100% of in vivofertilized rabbit zygotes developed to the blastocyst stage in EBSS-complete. A third set of experiments was carried out to study the efficiency of blind versus stained (Hoechst 33342) enucleation of oocytes. Twenty-nine of 48 blind enucleated and IP3 1 DMAP-activated oocytes cleaved (60.4%), and 15 (31.2%) subsequently reached the blastocyst stage, whereas 9 of 52 oocytes enucleated using epifluorescence (17.3%) cleaved, and none of these reached the blastocyst stage. When the above parameters that yielded the highest blastocysts were combined in an NT experiment using adult rabbit fibroblast nuclei, 72.2% (39 of 54) of the fused nuclear transplant embryos cleaved and 29.6% (16 of 54) reached the blastocyst stage.