cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TAILS identifies candidate substrates and biomarkers of ADAMTS7, a therapeutic protease target in coronary artery disease

Loss-of-function mutations in the secreted enzyme ADAMTS7 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 7) are associated with protection for coronary artery disease (CAD). ADAMTS7 catalytic inhibition has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for treating CAD; however, the lack of an endogenous substrate has hindered the development of activity-based biomarkers. To identify ADAMTS7 extracellular substrates and their cleavage sites relevant to vascular disease, we used TAILS (terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates), a method for identifying protease-generated neo-N termini. We compared the secreted proteome of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells expressing either full-length mouse ADAMTS7 WT, catalytic mutant ADAMTS7 E373Q or a control luciferase adenovirus. Significantly enriched N-terminal cleavage sites in ADAMTS7 WT samples were compared to the negative control conditions and filtered for stringency, resulting in catalogs of high confidence candidate ADAMTS7 cleavage sites from our three independent TAILS experiments. Within the overlap of these discovery sets, we identified 24 unique cleavage sites from 16 protein substrates, including cleavage sites in EFEMP1 (EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1/Fibulin-3). The ADAMTS7 TAILS preference for EMEMP1 cleavage at the amino acids 123.124 over the adjacent 124.125 site was validated using both endogenous EFEMP1 and purified EFEMP1 in a binary in vitro cleavage assay. Collectively our TAILS discovery experiments have uncovered hundreds of potential substrates and cleavage sites to explore disease related biological substrates and facilitate activity-based ADAMTS7 biomarker development. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=146 SRC="FIGDIR/small/469331v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (37K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1520ad4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@144f148org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13cdbc1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7f7b4f_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG Graphical Abstract C_FIG
Handbook of Optofluidics

Foundations of Optofluidics Introduction to Microfluidic and Optofluidic Transport Mekala Krishnan and David Erickson Microfabrication Aaron R. Hawkins, Matthew R. Holmes, Tao Shang, and Yue Zhao Passive Integrated Optics Siegfried Janz Photonic Crystal Hollow Waveguides Fetah Benabid and P. John Roberts Optoelectronics Romeo Bernini and Luigi Zeni Spectroscopic Methods Jin Z. Zhang Lab-on-a-Chip Su Eun Chung, Wook Park, Seung Ah Lee, Sung Eun Choi, Jisung Jang, Sung Hoon Lee, and Sunghoon Kwon Optical Elements and Devices Fluid-Controlled Optical Elements Christian Karnutsch and Benjamin J. Eggleton Optofluidic Imaging Elements Xiaole Mao, Zackary S. Stratton, and Tony Jun Huang Optofluidic Switches and Sensors Steve Zamek, Boris Slutsky, Lin Pang, Uriel Levy, and Yeshaiahu Fainman Optofluidic Ring Resonators Jonathan D. Suter and Xudong Fan Optofluidic Light Sources Anders Kristensen and N. Asger Mortensen Bioanalysis Single-Molecule Detection Benjamin Cipriany and Harold Craighead Optical Trapping and Manipulation Eric Pei-Yu Chiou Fluid-Filled Optical Fibers Michael Barth, Hartmut Bartelt, and Oliver Benson Integrated Optofluidic Waveguides Holger Schmidt Raman Detection in Microchips and Microchannels Melodie Benford, Gerard L. Cote, Jun Kameoka, and Miao Wang Plasmonics David Sinton, Alexandre G. Brolo, and Reuven Gordon Flow Cytometry and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting Chun-Hao Chen, Jessica Godin, Sung Hwan Cho, Frank Tsai, Wen Qiao, and Yu-Hwa Lo Appendix A: Optical Properties of Water Appendix B: Refractive Index of Liquids and Solids Appendix C: Viscosity and Surface Tension of Typical Liquids Appendix D: Common Fluorescent Dyes Appendix E: Common Physical Constants Appendix F: Common Biological Buffers Index
A Simple Multi-Factor, Time-Dependent-Parameter Model for the Term Structure of Interest Rates

In this paper, we present a simple version of the Duffie and Kan model (1996). Our model can perfectly fit the yield curve and the volatility curve and further provide true closed form solutions to the pure discount bond price and its European contingent claims. Due to the specific factor structure in our model, the calibration exercise is easy to implement. This advantage will improve the computational efficiency in pricing American style claims.
Model based diagnosis and contexts in self adaptive software

Self Adaptive Software monitors its own operation and attempts to correct deviations from required behavior. In the self adaptive architectures we are developing, it accomplishes this by diagnosing the sources of deviant behavior, whether internal program problems, or contextual changes in an embedded program's environment. The software then responds by reconfiguring itself, to use alternate procedures that either correct the malfunction, or perform better in the current context. We present the GRAVA architecture as an example, and show how it utilizes diagnosis of the external context to limit complexity and enhance robustness in several vision applications.
Specificity, sensitivity, and prevalence in the design of randomized trials: a univariate analysis.

Abstract The number of cases needed to conduct a randomized trial is related to the sensitivity and specificity of a measurement indicative of a condition, to the prevalence of the comdition, to the expected benefit of therapy (or other basis for change), and to the statistical precision desired. Sample size calculations frequently ignore sensitivity and specificity (at least qualitatively) probably because no simple formula is provided in the literature. Such a formula is included here. As an example, the number of patients required for a randomized clinical trial was calculated for a clinical outcome (nonfatal myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease death) used to detect atherosclerotic heart disease and is compared to the sample sizes required for each of three noninvasive diagnostic studies (exercise ECG ST depression, exercise LVEF reduction, and thallium myocardial imaging) performed for the detection of atherosclerotic heart disease. We calculated that the sample size should be much smaller when these diagnostic studies are employed compared to the clinical outcome, thereby offering the potential for reduced cost and complexity of a randomized clinical trial.
Cross-Sectional Imaging of the Female Urethra

Diagnosis of female urethral and periurethral pathology is challenging for clinicians because patients present with nonspecific symptoms. In many cases, these symptoms can be attributed to diagnoses such as urethritis, which have no imaging findings. However, these symptoms may be caused by a variety of lesions, which may be diagnosed by imaging.
Receptivity toward Immigrants in Rural Pennsylvania: Perceptions of Adult English as Second Language Providers*

This article uses interview and questionnaire data to examine how adult English as a second language (ESL) providers in rural Pennsylvania perceive community receptivity toward immigrants and the factors they believe foster or hinder receptivity and immigrants' integration. ESL providers' depictions of local responses to immigrants ranged from welcoming to hostile. They identified four constellations of factors that influenced receptivity: national and local politics, the labor market and immigrant occupations, immigrants' ability to look or act like native-born residents, and community institutions. This study reveals how differing contexts of reception are believed to influence immigrants' incorporation into rural communities. It also highlights the role of educators and educational institutions in creating a welcoming atmosphere that supports immigrants' socioeconomic well-being. Language: en
Effects of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin F2α, prostaglandin E2, and arginine vasotocin on induction of birth in vivo and in vitro in a viviparous lizard (Sceloporus jarrovi)

Abstract The ability of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandins of the two series to induce parturition in vivo and oviducal contraction in vitro was studied in the viviparous lizard Sceloporus jarrovi . Injection of PGF 2α , PGE 2 , or AA during late pregnancy stimulated parturition within 2 hr in a threshold-dependent fashion. In contrast, during mid pregnancy, females did not respond. Surgically removed and cultured oviducts from females in late pregnancy gave “birth” in response to AA, PGF 2α , and PGE 2 . Oviducts from S. jarrovi in mid pregnancy responded to PGF 2α but not to AA. Addition of arginine vasotocin, a potent stimulator of PG synthesis, either alone or with AA to oviduct cultures stimulated rapid and complete birth in vitro from oviducts obtained from late, but not mid pregnant, females. Stage of pregnancy mediates the response of the lizard oviduct to prostaglandin stimulation.
Histologic Artifacts of Autolytic Müller Cell Foot Process Swelling in Postmortem Examination of Infant Eyes: Potential Pitfall in the Evaluation of Traumatic Retinal Hemorrhages

Importance Retinal hemorrhages are an important sequela of fatal head trauma. The accurate pathologic diagnosis of retinal hemorrhages has critical implications for determination of the manner of death. Observations We describe an autolytic postmortem histologic artifact of eosinophilic Muller cell foot process swelling that mimics a nerve fiber layer hemorrhage. From April 24, 2012, through November 11, 2014, we conducted postmortem examination of the eyes of 23 infants and children who were referred to our institution for possible nonaccidental head trauma. A focal artifact of Muller cell foot process swelling was identified in most patients (16 of 23) up to 4 years of age. Three infants, all of whom were younger than 3 months, demonstrated diffusely swollen Muller cell foot processes with intensely eosinophilic cytoplasm that mimicked erythrocytes of nerve fiber layer hemorrhages. The difference in the mean age between patients with diffuse eosinophilic artifacts (1.7 months) and patients with only a multifocal, focal, or absent artifact (13.3 months) was 11.6 months (95% CI, 6.5-16.7 months). Glycophorin C immunohistochemical analysis was useful to differentiate this artifact from nerve fiber layer hemorrhage. Conclusions and Relevance Our case review demonstrates an artifact of eosinophilic Muller cell foot processes swelling in postmortem examination of young infant eyes, a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of retinal hemorrhages. Our findings have important implications for the diagnosis of retinal hemorrhages in potential cases of nonaccidental head injury.
Statistical analysis of static shape control in space structures

The article addresses the problem of efficient analysis of the statistics of initial and corrected shape distortions in space structures. Two approaches for improving efficiency are considered. One is an adjoint technique for calculating distortion shapes: the second is a modal expansion of distortion shapes in terms of pseudo-vibration modes. The two techniques are applied to the problem of optimizing actuator locations on a 55 m radiometer antenna. The adjoint analysis technique is used with a discrete-variable optimization method. The modal approximation technique is coupled with a standard conjugate-gradient continuous optimization method. The agreement between the two sets of results is good, validating both the approximate analysis and optimality of the results.
REPEATED SIGNIFICANCE TESTS IN FREQUENCY AND TIME DOMAINS

*Reprinted from Handbook of Sequential Analysis; Ghosh, B.K., Sen, P.K., Eds.; Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York, 1991, 169–198.
The theoretical diagnosis of skepticism

Radical skepticism about the external implies that no belief about the external is even prima facie justified. A theoretical reply to skepticism has four stages. First, show which theories of epistemic justification support skeptical doubts (show which theories, given other reasonable assumptions, entail skepticism). Second, show which theories undermine skeptical doubts (show which theories, given other reasonable assumptions, do not support the skeptic’s conclusion). Third, show which of the latter theories (which non-skeptical theory) is correct, and in so doing show that all of the rival theories of justification, skeptical and non-skeptical alike, are mistaken. Fourth, explain why skeptical doubts are sometimes (or sometimes merely seem) intuitive, and thereby accommodate skeptical doubts without capitulation. Michael Williams has pioneered the very idea of a theoretical reply. A theoretical diagnosis consists in just the first two stages. An adequate reply, which is correct at each stage, would rebut the skeptic entirely. Williams’ own reply, I argue, is inadequate. I offer in its place an exhaustive and accurate diagnosis of skepticism. I distinguish four kinds of skepticism and five theories of justification. I then show which theories do, and which theories do not, support which kinds of skepticism.
Longer-term effects of Washington, DC, law on drivers' hand-held cell phone use.

Objectives. To determine whether the substantial short-term declines in drivers' use of hand-held phones achieved in the District of Columbia (DC) were sustained 1 year after a ban. Methods. Drivers' daytime hand-held cell phone use was observed in DC and nearby areas of Virginia and Maryland, states without bans. Observations were conducted several months before the ban, shortly after, and 1 year later. The number of vehicles observed in all three surveys combined was 51,945 in DC, 36,796 in Maryland, and 43,033 in Virginia. Results. The rate of talking on hand-held phones declined significantly from 6.1 percent before the law to 3.5 percent shortly after; when measured 1 year later, use was 4.0 percent, still significantly lower than baseline. Based on increases in rates of talking on hand-held phones in Maryland and Virginia, longer-term phone use in DC was estimated to be 53 percent lower than would have been expected without the ban. Declines in DC were identified for drivers of vehicles registered i...
Effects of gelation on spinodal decomposition kinetics in gelatin

Abstract We have studied the kinetics of spinodal decomposition in a gelatin-water-methanol mixture, which undergoes a sol-gel transition simultaneously with phase separation, using light scattering techniques. The kinetics of the sol-gel transition was investigated using falling-ball microviscometry techniques. We found that the kinetics of phase separation depend very strongly on temperature; and for deep quenches, where the rates of phase separation and gelation are comparable, the phase-separation process does not go to completion. Prior to the onset of gelation the initial growth rate of the structure factor can be described according to the Cahn-Hilliard model, even though the wavevector at maximum scattered intensity decreases as k m ∼ t −0.6 . For deep quenches after the onset of gelation, k m remains unchanged with time, while the peak intensity exhibits a slow growth. The final domain size, k −1 final , at which the phase-separating morphology becomes pinned decreases with increasing quench depth. Micrographs of the phase-separated domains reveal a connected structure on length scales of a hundred micrometres superimposed on a finer network structure due to gelation.
Efficacy of atovaquone in treatment of toxoplasmosis in patients with AIDS

Abstract Atovaquone (formerly 566C80) is a hydroxynaphthoquinone with potent activity against Toxoplasma in vitro and in laboratory animals. Eight patients with AIDS and presumed or biopsy confirmed toxoplasmosis who were intolerant of or had not responded to standard therapies were treated with oral atovaquone 750 mg four times a day. Seven patients showed radiographic improvement; the other remained radiographically stable. Six patients died 6-60 weeks after enrolment with no clinical (six) or necropsy (three) evidence of recurrent toxoplasmosis; two patients relapsed at 10 and 32 weeks. Toxicity was mild: only one patient required temporary discontinuation of drug due to a rash. Atovaquone is a well-tolerated drug that appears to be an effective alternative for patients with toxoplasmosis who are intolerant of standard therapies.
Recovery of Energy Stores of Non-Heart-Beating Donor Livers Following Preservation by Hypothermic Machine Perfusion

The shortage of donor organs for liver transplantation requires investigations into expanding the donor pool. Non-heart beating donor (NHBD) livers are an untapped source of organs. NHBD organs are those that have had a period of warm ischemia prior to cold preservation. A main concern of NHBD livers is that there is a depletion of energy stores during the warm ischemia and subsequent cold storage. This study is to investigate the use of hypothermic machine perfusion to regenerate energy stores in the liver during 5hr storage and after 1hr rewarming in a rat transplantation model. Results will be compared with control. (no warm ischemia) and simple cold stored tissues.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
REGGE POLES IN RESONANCE PRODUCTION.

The theory of Regge trajectory exchange is applied to the high-energy production of meson and baryon resonances. The helicity representation is used for the production amplitudes. The predictions are compared with experimental data on production of the ${N}^{*}(1238)$ nucleon resonance by pions and kaons, and also the production of the ${f}^{0}$ and $\ensuremath{\rho}$ mesons by pions. The energy dependence of the differential cross section is found to be consistent with the Regge-pole exchange model. Values for the $\ensuremath{\rho}$, ${A}_{2}$, and $\ensuremath{\pi}$ trajectories are determined. The $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and ${A}_{2}$ values are compared with those determined by analysis of elastic and charge-exchange scattering data. The $\ensuremath{\pi}$ trajectory values have not been determined in other reactions, but they are consistent with the known general properties of Regge trajectories. The spin density matrix elements are not strongly restricted by the theory, but the predictions that can be made are also consistent with experiment.
Low-velocity impact response of small-angle laminated composites

Reducing delamination is essential in increasing the impact resistance of laminated composites. In this study, two methods were used to improve energy-absorption capabilities of laminated glass/epoxy composites; one was based on small fiber angle changes between adjacent laminae, and the other was based on through-thickness stitching reinforcement. Penetration thresholds were determined for small-angle laminated composites [0/θ] 6 for which θ = 0, 5, 10, and 15 deg. The small-angle laminated composites, especially [0/15] 6 , were found to have higher penetration thresholds than the conventional large-angle laminated composites, such as [0/90] 6 , due to damage progression (most notably, fiber bridging). Stitched small-angle laminated composites were also found to have higher impact resistance than unstitched specimens with the same stacking sequence. The use of small-angle composites was extended to multi-axis laminated composites, such as biaxis, triaxis, and sexiaxis laminated composites. Penetration thresholds of the multi-axis laminates were found to be very comparable with the uniaxis laminated composites, that is, [0/θ] 6 .
A phonology and lexicon of the Yonghe variety of Qiang

Yonghe, a variety of Qiang (Tibeto-Burman, China) has never been described in the literature. This paper is the first publication specifically about the Yonghe variety. This variety is interesting in that it has a rather simplified segmental phonology, but has not undergone tonogenesis. This paper also appends a lexicon which will be useful for future reconstructive and comparative work on Qiang varieties.
Voluntary and neuromuscular electrical stimulation‐induced torque production in the elderly

Four male and five female elderly subjects (ages 62 to 82 years) participated in this study to determine the effect of cutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps and hamstring peak isometric and isokinetic torque production. Following habituation, subjects performed voluntary isometric and isokinetic (1.05, 1.57, and 2.09 rad.s‐1) quadriceps and hamstring contractions with and without NMES on a Kin‐Com dynamometer. Tests were performed on 4 separate days and randomized for muscle group, contraction velocity, and NMES application. The maximal tolerable level of NMES (symmetrical biphasic waveform, 0.250 msec duration, 50 pps) was applied via two pairs of surface electrodes each placed over motor points of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Peak torque produced with NMES alone ranged from only 1 to 20% maximum voluntary isometric contraction. For both muscle groups, there were no significant differences (p >0.05) in either peak isometric or isokinetic torque between voluntary eff...
Static aspects of a model for metastable fluid states

Abstract A mean field-theory originally presented by Brout is used to obtain the limit of (meta-) stability for a Lennard-Jones system. Certain aspects of the theory are discussed in relation to recent results for liquid-solid phase transitions.
On the Sound Financial Valuation of Flexibility in Information Systems

Flexibility often represents the key area of value added by investing into an information system (IS) but also carries significant costs. Therefore, its quantitative financial valuation is of vital importance to make economically informed decisions about flexibility. This is challenging due to varying flexibility definitions and the complexity of the flexibility construct in itself. To address this challenge, this paper analyzes the scientific literature concerned with the financial valuation of flexibility in information systems (FIS). In the first part, it introduces fundamental requirements for a proper financial valuation, discusses the characteristics of FIS that are driving its economic value and identifies suitable financial valuation approaches. In the second part, a structured review of literature focusing on the application of FIS valuation analyzes to what extend the existing literature supports economically informed decisions within flexibility design. Further research is indicated with regard to dependencies between flexibility and the existing IS landscape as well as to a more structured and comprehensive approach to examine all interacting features of an IS enabling flexibility in the first place. In summary, joining the theoretical basis and the application of FIS valuation, this paper gathers all necessary fundamentals for a sound financial valuation of FIS and reveals the need for further development within this stream of BISE research.
Striatal Contributions to Declarative Memory Retrieval

Declarative memory is known to depend on the medial temporal lobe memory system. Recently, there has been renewed focus on the relationship between the basal ganglia and declarative memory, including the involvement of striatum. However, the contribution of striatum to declarative memory retrieval remains unknown. Here, we review neuroimaging and neuropsychological evidence for the involvement of the striatum in declarative memory retrieval. From this review, we propose that, along with the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the striatum primarily supports cognitive control of memory retrieval. We conclude by proposing three hypotheses for the specific role of striatum in retrieval: (1) striatum modulates the re-encoding of retrieved items in accord with their expected utility (adaptive encoding), (2) striatum selectively admits information into working memory that is expected to increase the likelihood of successful retrieval (adaptive gating), and (3) striatum enacts adjustments in cognitive control based on the outcome of retrieval (reinforcement learning).
Pharmacology and therapeutic uses of theanine

Except for water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage worldwide, primarily because of its perceived relaxant effects.[1][1]–[3][2] Recently, interest has peaked in one component of green tea, theanine, which was isolated and identified in 1949 by a Japanese scientist.[1][1],[4][3] Its
The twelfth annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition: team approaches to intelligent vehicles

The Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) is one of three, unmanned systems, student competitions that were founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in the 1990s. The IGVC is a multidisciplinary exercise in product realization that challenges college engineering student teams to integrate advanced control theory, machine vision, vehicular electronics, and mobile platform fundamentals to design and build an unmanned system. Both U.S. and international teams focus on developing a suite of dual-use technologies to equip ground vehicles of the future with intelligent driving capabilities. Over the past 12 years, the competition has challenged undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students with real world applications in intelligent transportation systems, the military and manufacturing automation. To date, teams from over 43 universities and colleges have participated. This paper describes some of the applications of the technologies required by this competition and discusses the educational benefits. The primary goal of the IGVC is to advance engineering education in intelligent vehicles and related technologies. The employment and professional networking opportunities created for students and industrial sponsors through a series of technical events over the three-day competition are highlighted. Finally, an assessment of the competition based on participant feedback is presented.
Coming Out: Considering the Closet of Illness

This essay explores key concerns surrounding “coming out” as a person with illness and addresses important professional and social considerations for those who are closeted in various kinds of illness. Using central tenets of Queer Theory and Disability and Cultural Studies as a theoretical base, I examine the politics of coming out in the specific context of my lived experience during the 2002 NEH Summer Institute, “Medicine, Literature, and Culture” While such an environment might foster unusual candor about personal illness experience, I discovered that the choice to come out as a person with chronic, non-infectious disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) was nevertheless complicated in interesting ways.
Quantum-Theoretical Comparison of Nonlinear Susceptibilities in Parametric Media, Lasers, and Raman Lasers

The steady-state response of a nonlinear medium to several simultaneously applied monochromatic electromagnetic fields is described by the density matrix method. A Fourier series expansion in terms of ascending powers of the amplitudes of the applied fields is especially useful to describe the parametric response in spectral regions, where the absorption is small. As the resonances of the material system are approached, the general formalism exhibits the mixture and interference between parametric processes and single- and multiple-photon absorption and emission processes. previously discussed examples of the two-level and three-level system are generalized. The reaction of the general nonlinear medium on the electromagnetic fields is incorporated.
Experiential input alters the phosphorylation of specific proteins in brain membranes

The effects of a training experience that involves foot shock on the endogenous phosphorylation of membrane-bound proteins from brain were studied. Crude membrane fractions were prepared from the cerebral cortex and neostriatum of animals that had been sacrificed by quick freezing. In vitro incubation of the membranes with gamma-32P-ATP, follwed by SDS-gel electrophoresis of the phosphorylated substrates, revealed that the phosphorylation of two protein components (designated F and H-I) increased in preparations from animals that were subjected to a training experience 24 hr prior to sacrifice. These effects were greater in preparations from the neostriatum than from the cerebral cortex, and were observed in experiments using both rats and mice. Although all trained animals showed a high phosphorylation of bands F and H-I, control animals showed a greater variability in the phosphorylation of these bands. The results indicate that the phosphorylation of specific proteins may play a mediatory role in the processing of experiential information.
Raeder's paratrigeminal syndrome due to spontaneous dissection of the cervical and petrous internal carotid artery

The combination of pain, ipsilateral oculosympathetic defect (ptosis and miosis), and ipsilateral trigeminal dysfunction constitutes Raeder's syndrome. We describe a patient with an acute presentation of Raeder's syndrome due to spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection. True trigeminal dysfunction due to carotid dissection is rare, and the potential mechanisms for its involvement are reviewed in this paper. Finally, we remind clinicians to consider dissection in the differential diagnosis of Raeder's syndrome because of its potential for ischemic cerebral neurologic sequelae and suggest early cranial and neck imaging in the evaluation of such patients.
Argument structures in decision‐making groups

Within the context of a continuing research program on argument and group decision‐making, this study reports refinements in an existing coding scheme of interpersonal argument, and an analysis of argument structures in consensus and dissensus groups. Four argument structures were identified: simple, compound, eroded, and convergent. In addition, consensus groups had a greater proportion of convergent arguments than did dissensus groups. Discussion focuses on future directions for interpersonal and small‐group argument research.
Topical Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Aqueous Dynamics in Glaucoma

Systemic delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), administered either by smoking marihuana or as synthetic THC in soft gelatin capsules, lowers ocular tension in various glaucomas, but at the expense of significant decreases in systolic blood pressure. Topical THC in light mineral oil vehicles, though effective in laboratory animals, was not shown effective in 0.05 and 0.1% topical solutions when administered to six subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma in a randomized, balanced, double-masked protocol. Light mineral oil, which has an affinity for corneal epithelium, is an optimum vehicle for administering drugs whose mechanisms of action are systemic rather than local within the eye. Further glaucoma research should therefore proceed with marihuanas containing insignificant levels of THC (less than 0.4%) and with various local delivery systems of the ocular-active cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa.
The complete matter sector in a three-generation compactification

We consider a Calabi-Yau compactification paradigm with three light generations and anR-symmetry. From a special form of the Tian-Yau manifold, we also construct a new three-generation model with markedly different phenomenology. Thecomplete spectrum of all light matter fields is obtained in a universal way and moreover in a physically suitable basis, allowing a straightforward analysis of all their couplings. Here we discuss all the renormalizable Yukawa couplings. This computation can equally well be repeated for all compactification models based on Calabi-Yau complete intersections in products of homogeneous spaces.
ASSESSING QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS SIX MONTHS AFTER A MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION USING THE SF‐12

OBJECTIVES: To assess patients' quality of life (HQL) post-myocardial infarction and to identify related variables. METHODS: Patients admitted to the University of Michigan Medical Center with diagnosis of MI were identified consecutively and prospectively from October 1999 to May 2000. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Six months after discharge, patients were administered the Short Form-12 (SF-12), via telephone, to determine physical (PCS-12) and mental (MCS-12) functional status. RESULTS: Complete information was obtained from 148 patients. The mean age of patients was 64.7 years (±13.2) and 79.1% were male. The mean PCS-12 scores were 35.4 (±9.12), and the mean MCS-12 scores were 51.6 (±10.01). The median PCS-12 scores were significantly lower in patients with an ejection fraction (EF) <40% (31.9 versus 38.4 for EF340%, p = 0.02), and prior MI (31.2 versus 38.5 without a history of MI, p = 0.01), congestive heart failure (CHF) (32.6 versus 37.4 without a history of CHF, p = 0.03), renal insufficiency (27.9 versus 37.7, p = 0.003), or peripheral vascular disease (29.4 versus 38.2 without a history of PVD, p = 0.004). The median MCS-12 scores were significantly lower for patients under 65 years of age (49.6 versus 57.4 for patients 365 years of age, p = 0.001) and with a history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (60.1 versus 54.7 without history of CABG, p = 0.01). There were no differences detected between gender, type of MI, diabetes, hypertension, angina, or smoking. CONCLUSIONS: HQL scores were lower for patients post-MI with various comorbidities. Physical scores were significantly lower for patients with low EFs, prior MI, or CHF. Mental scores were significantly lower for patients <65 and those not having already undergone CABG surgery. Post-MI, particular attention should be paid to these patients. Further work is needed to determine whether interventions aimed at these patients will result in improved quality of life.
Interaction of the surfaces of the moon and Mercury with their exospheric atmospheres

A model of atmosphere-surface interactions on the moon and on Mercury is presented. This model rejects the traditional assumption that the atmospheric particle source is a 'saturated' absorbed surface layer of gas and instead assumes that interaction is with solid atoms bound in a lattice structure so that most collisions with the light atmospheric particles are free-free rather than free-bound. The energy accommodation per collision for He and H is dominated by first-order interaction terms and is generally less than 0.1 per collision. It follows that estimated thermal escape is drastically reduced for the light atoms on both bodies. Thus the model requires much reduced solar wind collection efficiencies for protons and alpha particles. Some peculiarities of the Mercury He and H atmospheres might possibly be explained by the nature of the gas-surface coupling.
Making pions with heavy ions

Pion production in heavy ion collisions is reviewed with emphasis on recent subthreshold experiments. The first data with true heavy ion beams show a very interesting cross section enhancement. The first coincidence experiments are also discussed.
A Parametric Study of an Irreversible Closed Intercooled Regenerative Brayton Cycle

Entropy generation minimization technique is used in the analysis of an irreversible closed intercooled regenerative Brayton cycle coupled to variable-temperature heat reservoirs. Mathematical models are developed for dimensionless power and efficiency for a multi-stage Brayton cycle. The dimensionless power and efficiency equations are used to analyze the effects of total pressure ratio, intercooling pressure ratio, thermal capacity rates of the working fluid and heat reservoirs, and the component (regenerator, intercooler, hot- and cold-side heat exchangers) effectiveness. Using detailed numerical examples, the optimal power and efficiency corresponding to variable component effectiveness, compressor and turbine efficiencies, intercooling pressure ratio, total pressure ratio, pressure recovery coefficients, heat reservoir inlet temperature ratio, and the cooling fluid in the intercooler and the cold-side heat reservoir inlet temperature ratio are analyzed.
Differential depletion of carotenoids and tocopherol in liver disease.

Carotenoids and tocopherols are major natural protective agents against free radical–mediated liver damage, but their levels in diseased liver are largely uncharted. Therefore we carried out measurements with high-pressure liquid chromatography of α- and β-carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, total retinoids and α- and γ-tocopherol. Liver tissue was obtained from percutaneous needle biopsies, livers of transplant recipients or a donor bank. Compared with controls (transplant donors; n = 13), levels of all carotenoids and retinoids were extremely low at all stages of liver disease. Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 11) had 20- and 25-fold decreases of levels of lycopene (p <0.001) and α- and β-carotene (p <0.005), respectively. Even in subjects with less severe alcoholic liver disease (steatosis, perivenular fibrosis, portal fibrosis; n = 14) and in patients with nonalcoholic liver disease (n = 13), levels were four to six times lower than those in normal subjects. By contrast, levels of α-tocopherol were decreased significantly only in patients with cirrhosis, who displayed a threefold reduction. In the serum of most patients, lycopene and tocopherol concentrations were not depressed, whereas one third of α- and β-carotene levels were low, probably reflecting poor dietary intake. A significant correlation was observed between serum and liver α- and β-carotene levels (p <0.0001; r = 0.715). However, of the patients with extremely low liver α- and β-carotene concentrations, more than half had blood levels in the normal range, suggesting that liver disease interferes with the uptake, excretion or, perhaps, metabolism of α- and β-carotene. In the cirrhotic livers of eight candidates for liver transplantation, the ratios of α- and β-carotene to total retinoids and of β-carotene to retinoids were much higher than those in normal livers, suggesting some impairment in the conversion of α- and β-carotene to retinoids. In most cases, even with high ratios, absolute levels of heptic α- and β-carotene and retionids were severely depressed. We concluded that, even in the presence of normal serum levels α- and β-carotene, tocopherol and lycopene, patients with cirrhosis have extremely low hepatic levels. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;17:977–986.)
Vascular Access Nursing Practice, Standards of Care, and Strategies to Prevent Infection: A Review of Skin Cleansing Agents and Dressing Materials (Part I of a 3-Part Series)

Abstract This three-part series of articles (parts 2 and 3 will be published in the Spring and Summer 2007 journal issues, respectively) will include information appropriate for the novice and the expert vascular access nurse. The series will include primers on vascular access devices, along with review of skin cleansing agents, dressing materials, catheter flush solutions, and injection caps. The focus of the article series will be the issue of catheter-related bloodstream infection, practice, technologies developed to prevent or decrease infections, current standards, and guidelines and preventive strategies.
Maximum likelihood estimation in generalized broken-line regression

The author examines the existence, uniqueness, and identifiability of estimators produced by maximum likelihood for a model where the canonical parameter of an exponential family gradually begins to drift from its initial value at an unknown change point. He illustrates these properties with theoretical examples and applies his results to global warming data and failure data for emergency diesel generators. Estimation a vraisemblance maximale en regression a ligne brisee generalisee L'auteur traite de l'existence, de l'unicite et de l'identifiabilite de I'estimation a vraisemblance maximale dans le cadre d'un modele ou le parametre canonique d'une famille exponentielle commence a s'eloigner graduellement de sa valeur initiale a un moment indetermine. II illustre ces proprietes par des exemples theoriques et applique ses resultats a des donnees sur le rechauffement de la planete et sur la fiabilite de generatrices de secours a moteur diesel.
Making Democracy Count

18. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, quoted in Danner, op. cit. note 11, 48. 19. The ascription of incompetence to 'naive' and minority voters (presumed to be aligned with the Democrats) was confounded when a number of news organizations began to report results of their reviews of disputed ballots in Florida. In early April 2001, the national newspaper USA Today summarized the reviews of 61,195 'undervotes' by a national accounting firm BDO Seidman, hired by The Miami Herald and Knight Ridder Newspapers. USA Today presented four different tallies based on standards of what to count, ranging from 'lenient' (count any ballot with a mark on or near the box for a specific candidate) to 'strict' (only count completely punched ballots that, for some reason, eluded machine counts). The results were contrary to presumptions by both parties that Gore would benefit from a more 'lenient' standard for counting votes, whereas Bush would benefit from a strict standard. The tallies showed Gore ahead by a bare three votes for the strictest standard, and Bush gaining increased margins of victory when the standards were relaxed. See Dennis Cauchon, 'Newspapers' Recount Shows Bush Prevailed in Florida Vote', USA Today (4 April 2001), 1A, 8A-9A. 20. See Lucy Suchman, Plans and SituatedActions (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987), 163-70 (a more specific reference will appear in the forthcoming 2nd edn of this book). 21. The argument presumes that machine counts are definitive and begs the question of why Florida's election code includes provisions for hand recounts. A discrepancy of several hundred votes between the machine count and recount in Florida, and the fact that some punch-card ballots in the 'undervote' pile had fully detached chads, indicate that machines may have missed 'legal' votes as Rehnquist defines them. This is to leave aside the fact that there is more than one way to mark a ballot in accordance with the instructions Rehnquist quotes.
Models for organometallic molecule-support complexes. Very large counterion modulation of cationic actinide alkyl reactivity

The reaction of Cp' 2 Th(CH 3 ) 2 (Cp'=η 5 -(CH 3 ) 5 C 5 ) with HN n Bu 3 + B(C 6 F 5 ) 4 − yields the crystallographically characterized, cationic thorium alkyl Cp' 2 ThCH 3 + B(C 6 F 5 ) 4 − . The B(C 6 F 5 ) 4 − anion is weakly coordinated, the NMR spectroscopic parameters are similar to those of Cp' 2 Th(CH 3 ) 2 adsorbed on dehydroxylated alumina, and the complex is a highly active catalyst for ethylene polymerization and 1-hexene hydrogenation
TU-C-203-03: Negotiation for Women

Women and men have different approaches to negotiation. Many studies have overwhelming shown that men are typically much more successful at negotiating than women. This results in women having fewer resources such as starting salaries, startup packages, space and other benefits. These factors often lead to an initial lower salary difference for women results in less money throughout her career, including in her retirement package. Other barriers to successful negotiation for women can include a lack of respect for a woman's time as well as delivering due recognition and credit to women for their work. Dr. Jane Ammons will speak to these issues from her perspective as an engineer, mentor to women faculty, and administrator. She will also share strategies for successful negotiation for women. Dr. Ammons is Associate Dean of Engineering for Faculty Affairs, Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and President of the Institute of Industrial Engineers. She has also been an NSF ADVANCE professor as part of the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE project to increase the support and numbers of tenured women faculty in science and engineering.
Carcinogen-induced chromosome breakage in chromosome instability syndromes

Abstract Cultured fibroblasts from patients with chromosome instability syndromes (Fanconi's anemia (FA), ataxia telangiectasia (AT), Bloom's syndrome (BS), xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)) and from normal individuals were examined for their susceptibility to diepoxybutane (DEB)-induced chromosome breakage. Clear differences in patterns of spontaneous and induced chromosome breakage in the different syndromes were found. In two of the syndromes (FA and AT), chronic exposure to a low concentration of the carcinogen induced extensive chromosome damage without reduction in cell viability. Exposure to the same concentration of carcinogen had no clastogenic effect on BS, XP, or normal fibroblasts. Furthermore, when normal fibroblasts were exposed to a higher dose of the same chemical, there was significant reduction in viability with little increase in chromosome aberrations. These experiments separate the clastogenic effect of the carcinogen from its cytotoxic effect, and show genetic differences in susceptibility of cells to carcinogen-induced chromosome damage.
Hydrophobically associating polymers and their interactions with rod-like micelles

Abstract Several families of anionic and cationic hydrophobically associating acrylamide-based copolymers have been synthesized. This study focuses on the characterization in aqueous environments of water-soluble copolymers in which low levels of alkyl, i.e. methylene, units are incorporated into the polymer chain structure. These hydrophobic monomers have built-in surfactant character; therefore, no non-polymerizable surfactants are required in the preparation of these copolymer materials. These hydrophobically associating copolymers are shown to possess both polyelectrolyte and hydrophobic character, especially as the ionic strength of the solution is varied. The results confirm that, even at low concentrations of hydrophobe (typically ≤ 1 mol%), interesting solution properties are observed, i.e. enhanced rheology as compared to its non-associating parent, marked time-dependent rheology at low shear rates, ‘anti-polyelectrolyte effect’ in high-ionic-strength solutions and the ability to interact preferentially with hydrophobically associating rod-like micelles. These latter materials are capable of forming highly viscoelastic solutions themselves. The rheological properties of these latter solution mixtures are very sensitive to the fraction of each component in the mixture and to the length of the alkyl chain copolymerized into the acrylamide chain backbone.
Origin of Hydroxylated Brominated Diphenyl Ethers: Natural Compounds or Man-Made Flame Retardants?

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used as flame retardants. The structurally related hydroxylated PBDEs (OH-PBDEs) and methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) occur in precipitation, surface water, wildlife, and humans. The formation of OH-PBDEs in wildlife and humans is of considerable concern due to their greater toxicities relative to PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs. Research to date suggests that OH-PBDEs are formed by hydroxylation of PBDEs, and MeO-PBDEs are then formed by methylation of the OH-PBDEs. Here we show significant metabolic production of OH-PBDEs from MeO-PBDEs while hydroxylation of synthetic PBDEs to OH-PBDEs was negligible. Concentrations of PBDEs, OH-PBDEs, and MeO-PBDEs were analyzed in tuna, albatross, and polar bears collected from marine environments worldwide, and we found a closer relationship between OH-PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs than had been previously reported. Furthermore, for the first time the metabolic relationships between PBDEs, OH-PBDEs, and MeO-PBDEs were elucidated in vi...
Photoelectrochemical etching of silicon derivatized with an electroactive thiophene-terminated alkyl monolayer: toward a redox center-induced etching activation and anisotropy

Abstract The photoelectrochemical oxidation of n -Si(1 1 1)-C 10 H 20 COOC 2 H 5 ( 1 ) and n -Si(1 1 1)-C 10 H 20 C(2-thienyl) 2 OH ( 2 ) in CH 3 CN + 10 −1 M Bu 4 NPF 6 lead to the formation of macropores resulting from the dissolution of underlying silicon. The cyclic voltammetry study indicates that this etching phenomenon is electrocatalyzed by the oxidation product of terminal di(2-thienyl)carbinol moieties present in 2 . Further AFM analysis demonstrates that the etching of silicon derivatized with the electroactive monolayer is of an anisotropic nature because characteristic morphological features are produced. In contrast, randomly distributed macropores without specific geometrical shapes are photoelectrogenerated from 1 .