cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The vaginal microbiome: New information about genital tract flora using molecular based techniques

Vaginal microbiome studies provide information that may change the way we define vaginal flora. Normal flora appears dominated by one or two species of Lactobacillus. Significant numbers of healthy women lack appreciable numbers of vaginal lactobacilli. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not a single entity, but instead consists of different bacterial communities or profiles of greater microbial diversity than is evident from cultivation-dependent studies. BV should be considered a syndrome of variable composition that results in different symptoms, phenotypical outcomes, and responses to different antibiotic regimens. This information may help to elucidate the link between BV and infection-related adverse outcomes of pregnancy.
Probabilistic quantifiers, adversaries, and complexity classes: an overview

We consider inclusion relations among a multitude of classical complexity classes and classes with probabilistic components. A key tool is a method for characterizing such classes in terms of the ordinary quantifiers ∃ and ∀ together with a quantifier ∃+, which means roughly “for most”, applied to polynomial-time predicates. This approach yields a uniform treatment which leads to easier proofs for class-inclusion and hierarchy-collapse results. Furthermore the method captures some recently introduced game classes and game hierarchies.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Homologies Among Some Pseudomonas Species

Phylogenetic relationships among a number of strains belonging to the genus Pseudomonas were explored by the use of in vitro deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization. The fluorescent nomenspecies (P. fluorescens, P. putida, P. aeruginosa, P. cichorii, P. syringae, and related species), as well as the nonfluorescent species P. stutzeri, P. mendocina, P. alcaligenes, and P. pseudoalcaligenes, were shown to belong to a single DNA homology complex which is isolated from other Pseudomonas species that have been studied [P. cepacia (= P. multivorans), P. caryophylli, P. marginata (= P. alliicola), P. pseudomallei, P. acidovorans, P. testosteroni, P. solanacearum, P. diminuta, P. facilis, P. delafieldii, P. saccharophila, P. palleronii]. A limited numerical analysis of the phenotypic properties of the examined strains supported, with some exceptions, their previous allocation to nomenspecies and biotypes. The internal structure and nomenclature of the “P. fluorescens homology complex” are discussed.
What Do We Know About the Physical Abuse of Stepchildren

Abstract Assumptions of the increased risk for stepchildren of physical abuse by a stepparent are based on a very limited and increasingly outdated literature. Although the majority of the 11 studies reviewed suggest that stepchildren are overrepresented as physical abuse victims, most of these studies are limited by their small sample sizes, consideration of households rather than victim-offender relationship, and the use of a low comparison population estimate of children living in stepfamilies, leaving questions remaining about the comparative risk of physical abuse by a stepparent. The following provides summaries of the studies' research questions, theoretical foundations, methods, and findings. Additionally, recommendations for future research are offered that center on the need for process studies of family interactions.
Does Praxis Make Perfect? A Personal Journey through the Praxis II: World Language Test

Abstract For initial certification in French, German, and Spanish, teacher candidates in most states are required to pass one of the Praxis II subject matter tests. As of October 2010, a new test was added to the Praxis Series. This Praxis II: World Language Test represents a significant change from previous versions and relies heavily upon the Program Standards developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Given the novelty of the World Language Test, and based on my experience with previous versions of this subject matter test, I registered for and took this test. Suggestions for test-takers and those responsible for preparing foreign language teacher candidates are provided.
Myrosinase-dependent and -independent formation and control of isothiocyanate products of glucosinolate hydrolysis.

Brassicales contain a myrosinase enzyme that hydrolyzes glucosinolates to form toxic isothiocyanates, as a defense against bacteria, fungi, insects and herbivores including man. Low levels of isothiocyanates trigger a host defense system in mammals that protects them against chronic diseases. Because humans typically cook their brassica vegetables, destroying myrosinase, there is a great interest in determining how human microbiota can hydrolyze glucosinolates and release them, to provide the health benefits of isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are highly reactive electrophiles, binding reversibly to thiols, but accumulating and causing damage when free thiols are not available. We found that addition of excess thiols released protein-thiol-bound isothiocyanates, but that the microbiome supports only poor hydrolysis unless exposed to dietary glucosinolates for a period of days. These findings explain why 3 – 5 servings a week of brassica vegetables may provide health effects, even if they are cooked.
Additive pulse limiting

Actively modelocked lasers are convenient sources of transform-limited pulses which are synchronized to a master clock in optical communications. A convenient source for communications is the erbium fiber laser, which generally has a cavity length 1 m or greater. To achieve a high bit-rate, 1 Gbit/s or greater, with such a long-cavity laser, the modelocking may be done at a harmonic of the laser roundtrip frequency with multiple pulses in the pulse. It has been found in such cases that the pulse energies may fluctuate from pulse to pulse. This is due to the fact that the relaxation time of the gain medium is much longer than the laser roundtrip time, and thus the saturation of the gain medium cannot stabilize against such fluctuations. >
Ion-exchange packing with high temperature stability for gas—solid chromatography

Abstract An ion-exchange packing for use in gas—solid chromatography was prepared with a high temperature stable polymer and characterized in Cu2+ form using several aromatic amines. Silica glass beads were coated at 2.2% (w/w) with poly-2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide which was then sulfonated and exchanged using Cu2+. Capacity of the material was determined through titration as 0.16 mequiv./g of packing or 7.4 mequiv./g of polymer. Selectivity of amines versus aromatic hydrocarbon analogs was exhibited by the packing in Cu2+ form and t′R increased for aromatic amines: primary > secondary > tertiary. These results are consistent with steric hindrance in group specific interactions such as complexation. Changes in k′ for aniline and N,N.-dimethylaniline were less than 5–6% for the Cu2+ form during a 48h period with column temperature of 250°C. No shrinkage of the column packing was observed under these conditions. Properties of thermal stability and specificity exhibited by this material are satisfactory for further characterization as a selective absorbent for amines in atmospheric samples.
Cardiovascular Prevention in the Cancer Survivor

Cancer survivorship should be defined starting not from completion of treatment, but from the time of diagnosis. Assessing and controlling the cancer patient’s cardiovascular risk before, during, and after treatment is crucial to improving their overall outcome. There are many cancer therapies, including but not limited to anthracyclines, radiation, and vascular signaling pathway inhibitors which should be considered nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors with significant morbidity. Monitoring novel populations, such as a younger age group, for ischemic coronary disease or congestive heart failure (CHF) is not intuitive to many clinicians. Symptoms of CHF and coronary artery disease overlap with common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Cancer survivors may also have fewer typical symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Increased surveillance and aggressive control of cardiovascular disease is important in cancer patients both while undergoing active treatment and in the long term. Despite the increasing interest in cardio-oncology, data-driven guidelines are lacking due to small study sizes and low event rates over a short period of time. Most practice guidelines have been based on clinical practice and expert opinion. The list of cardiotoxic cancer therapies continues to grow each year. This review is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all cancer therapy toxicity, but will focus on recent literature regarding prevention of CHF and coronary artery disease (CAD) during active cancer therapy as well as current screening guidelines for long-term survivors.
The role of categorization in the contribution of conditional then : Comments on Iatridou

Dans cet article, L'A. examine le point de vue de Iatridou (1994) concernant la contribution de then dans l'interpretation du conditionnel if p, then q. Selon Iatridou, l'effet de then consiste a nier le fait que le schema O[.]q soit synmetrique avec p et ∼p ; la ou le conditionnel asserte que le schema O[.]q est valable pour p, la presupposition exige qu'il ne soit pas valable pour ∼p. L'A. suggere ici une revision de ce point de vue et propose une alternative structuree d'une maniere plus riche, selon laquelle la presupposition introduite par le conditionnel then implique un scheme de categorisation defini sur la totalite des cas/etats pertinents des choses (∼O[p']q)
Heat-Exchanger Deposits in an Inverted Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage Operation. Part 2. Organic Acid Analysis by Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

As a complement to the bulk analyses presented in part 1 (Jennings, D. W.; Shaikh, A. Energy Fuels 2007, 21, 176-184), we report detailed compositional analysis of the organic acids from heat-exchanger deposits and produced water from an inverted steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) bitumen production process. The current analyses were performed by ultrahigh-resolution negative-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry [(-) ESI FT-ICR MS] and reveal distributions of molecular weight, heteroatom content, aromaticity, and carbon number for several thousand organic acids in each sample. High mass accuracy combined with Kendrick mass defect analysis allows for assignment of a unique elemental composition, C c -H h N n ,O o S s , to each mass spectral peak. Three-dimensional mass spectral images generated from the molecular formulas reveal compositional differences that may be rationalized on the basis of sample processing. In particular, we report lower overall heteroatom content, higher average carbon number, and lower aromaticity for early stage deposits and the produced bitumen compared to later stage samples that show increased water solubility. Little was previously known about those species other than the presence of organic acid/acid salt functionality. Moreover, we report the first in vacuo isolation and tandem mass spectrometry of individual components of petroleum mixtures. Tandem mass spectrometry by infrared multiphoton dissociation of trapped ions indicates dicarboxylic acid structures for predominant C c H h O 4 and dicarboxylic acid structures with thiophenic sulfur for predominant C c H h SO 4 species. In this manner, we provide a highly detailed landscape for the organic acid content of inverted SAGD heat-exchanger deposits, to further illuminate the nature of fouling in those systems.
Calculation of the Complex Electrical Conductivity of Superconducting Lead and Tin

The complex electrical conductivity is calculated by the strong-coupling theory for superconducting lead and tin. The theory is shown to be internally consistent and in agreement with Palmer and Tinkham's experiments. We demonstrate that the real part is simply related to the real part of the gap function for large frequencies.
Canonical dual least square method for solving general nonlinear systems of quadratic equations

This paper presents a canonical dual approach for solving general nonlinear algebraic systems. By using least square method, the nonlinear system of m-quadratic equations in n-dimensional space is first formulated as a nonconvex optimization problem. We then proved that, by the canonical duality theory developed by the second author, this nonconvex problem is equivalent to a concave maximization problem in ? m , which can be solved easily by well-developed convex optimization techniques. Both existence and uniqueness of global optimal solutions are discussed, and several illustrative examples are presented.
Ladder networks, fixpoints, and the geometric mean

Using fixed-point arguments, existence and uniqueness results are obtained for the joint resistance of infinite positive operator networks with noncommuting operators in the branches. Explicit representations for the joint resistance are given using the geometric mean of positive operators.
The development of an in-process surface roughness adaptive control system in turning operations

An in-process surface roughness adaptive control (ISRAC) system in end milling operations was researched and developed. A multiple regression algorithm was employed to establish two subsystems: the in-process surface roughness evaluation (ISRE) subsystem and the in-process adaptive parameter control (IAPC) subsystem. These systems included not only machine cutting parameters such as feed rate, spindle speed, and depth of cut, but also cutting force signals detected by a dynamometer sensor. The multiple-regression-based ISRE subsystem predicted surface roughness during the finish cutting process with an accuracy of 91.5%. The integration of the two subsystems led to the ISRAC system. The testing resulted in a 100% success rate for adaptive control, proving that this proposed system could be implemented to adaptively control surface roughness during milling operations. This research suggests that multiple linear regression used in this study was straightforward and effective for in-process adaptive control.
Adaptation, Spatial Heterogeneity, and the Vulnerability of Agricultural Systems to Climate Change and CO2 Fertilization: An Integrated Assessment Approach

In this paper we develop economic measures of vulnerability to climate change with and without adaptation in agricultural production systems. We implement these measures using coupled, site-specific ecosystem and economic simulation models. This modeling approach has two key features needed to study the response of agricultural production systems to climate change: it represents adaptation as an endogenous, non-marginal economic response to climate change; and it provides the capability to represent the spatial variability in bio-physical and economic conditions that interact with adaptive responses. We apply this approach to the dryland grain production systems of the Northern Plains region of the United States. The results support the hypothesis that the most adverse impacts on net returns distributions tend to occur in the areas with the poorest resource endowments and when mitigating effects of CO2 fertilization and adaptation are absent. We find that relative and absolute measures of vulnerability depend on complex interactions between climate change, CO2 level, adaptation, and economic conditions such as relativeoutput prices. The relationship between relative vulnerability and resource endowments varies with assumptions about climate change, adaptation, and economic conditions. Vulnerability measured with respect to an absolute threshold is inversely related to resource endowments in all cases investigated.
Modeling the kinetics of silica nanocolloid formation and precipitation in geologically relevant aqueous solutions

Abstract The kinetics of the formation and precipitation of nanocolloidal silica from geologically relevant aqueous solutions is investigated. Changes in monomeric (SiO2(mono)), nanocolloidal (SiO2(nano)) and precipitated silica (SiO2(ppt)) concentrations in aqueous solutions from pH 3 to 7, ionic strengths (IS) of 0.01 and 0.24 molal, and initial SiO2 concentrations of 20.8, 12.5 and 4.2 mmolal (reported in [Icopini, G.A., Brantley, S.L., Heaney, P.J., 2005. Kinetics of silica oligomerization and nanocolloid formation as a function of pH and ionic strength at 25 °C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 69(2), 293–303.]) were fit using two kinetic models. The first model, termed the concentration model, is taken from Icopini et al. (2005) and assumes that the rate of change of SiO2(mono) as a function of time has a fourth-order dependence on the concentration of SiO2(mono) in solution. The second model, termed the supersaturation model, incorporates the equilibrium concentration of amorphous silica and predicts that polymerization will be a function of the degree of silica supersaturation in solution with respect to amorphous silica. While both models generally predicted similar rate constants for a given set of experimental conditions, the supersaturation model described the long-term equilibrium behavior of the SiO2(mono) fraction more accurately, resulting in significantly better fits of the monomeric data. No difference was seen between the model fits of the nanocolloidal silica fraction. At lower pH values (3–4), a metastable equilibrium was observed between SiO2(mono) and SiO2(nano). This equilibrium SiO2(mono) concentration was found to be 6 mmolal, or three times the reported solubility of bulk amorphous silica under the experimental conditions studied and corresponds to the predicted solubility of amorphous silica colloids approximately 3 nm in diameter. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the average size of the primary nanocolloidal particles to be ∼3 nm, which is in direct agreement with the solubility calculations. Larger aggregates of the primary nanocolloids were also observed to range in size from 30 to 40 nm. This work provides the first kinetic models describing the formation and evolution of nanocolloidal silica in environmentally relevant aqueous solutions. Results indicate that nanocolloidal silica is an important species at low pH and neutral pH at low ionic strengths and may play a more important role in geochemical cycles in natural aqueous systems than previously considered.
Perioperative transfusions associated with colorectal cancer surgery: clinical judgment versus the hematocrit.

We prospectively studied 123 patients with colorectal cancer in order to identify determinants of perioperative blood transfusions and unnecessary transfusions. Transfusions were considered unnecessary if the preoperative hematocrit reading exceeded 36% or the discharge hematocrit level exceeded 33%. Age, sex, admission hematocrit reading, operative procedure, specimen length, duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, tumor size, tumor differentiation, nodal status, Dukes' staging, and attending surgeon were evaluated in relation to perioperative blood transfusion using stepwise logistic regression. Fifty-one (41%) of the 123 patients in the study were transfused and 35 patients (28%) received at least 1 unnecessary unit of blood. Advanced age, low admission hematocrit reading, high estimated operative blood loss, prolonged procedures, and lengthy specimens were significantly related to the administration of blood. Excessive intraoperative transfusions and the practice of administering blood in pairs of units accounted for the unnecessary transfusions. This study indicates that factors that influence clinical judgment and thereby the decision to transfuse a patient are not accurate indicators of when blood should be given. Greater use of pre-transfusion hematocrit testing, especially in the operating room and before transfusing a second unit of blood, will dramatically reduce blood usage in elective colorectal cancer surgery.
Elevated blood pressure is not related to saliva flow in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether systolic and diastolic blood pressures are associated with salivary flow, dry mouth, or dry eye symptoms in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome as compared with xerostomic control subjects. Study Design. One hundred forty consecutive patients seen at the Sjogren's Syndrome Clinic were categorized retrospectively with various classification schemes: (1) subjective dry mouth; (2) subjective dry eye; (3) European criteria; and (4) international criteria. Data collection included age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, salivary flow rate, focus score, Schirmer's test, and laboratory findings, including antinuclear antibodies, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, IgG, IgA, IgM, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor. Results. No meaningful associations of salivary flow rates with systolic or diastolic blood pressures were found in patients with Sjogren's syndrome or in xerostomic control subjects. An inverse correlation was seen between salivary flow and elevated diastolic blood pressure in xerostomic control subjects only. Conclusion. Elevated blood pressure was not related to saliva flow in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;94:179-83)
Mollusk shell nacre ultrastructure correlates with environmental temperature and pressure.

Nacre, or mother-of-pearl, the tough, iridescent biomineral lining the inner side of some mollusk shells, has alternating biogenic aragonite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) tablet layers and organic sheets. Nacre has been common in the shells of mollusks since the Ordovician (450 million years ago) and is abundant and well-preserved in the fossil record, e.g., in ammonites. Therefore, if any measurable physical aspect of the nacre structure was correlated with environmental temperatures, one could obtain a structural paleothermometer of ancient climates. Using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, Photoelectron emission spectromicroscopy (PEEM), and X-ray linear dichroism we acquired polarization-dependent imaging contrast (PIC) maps of pristine nacre in cross-section. The new PIC-map data reveal that the nacre ultrastructure (nacre tablet width, thickness, and angle spread) is species-specific in at least eight mollusk species from completely different environments: Nautilus pompilius, Ha...
Ultrastructural changes in nurse and follicle cells during late stages of oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

During stages 11 and 12, follicle cells surrounding the nurse cells produce lysosomes which presumably aid in the breakdown of the nurse cells. Accompanying a DNA reduction in nurse cell nuclei are several characteristic morphological changes including the appearance of intranuclear rod-like structures and nuclear granules about 300 A in diameter. Similarities between structures seen in Drosophila nurse cell nuclei and those seen in other organisms are discussed.
Comparison of patterns of allergen sensitization among inner-city Hispanic and African American children with asthma.

Background Among Hispanics, the largest minority ethnic group in the United States, asthma prevalence is increasing, particularly in innercity neighborhoods. Although allergen sensitization among asthmatic African Americans has been extensively studied, similar details are not available for Hispanic children. Objectives To examine patterns of allergen sensitization, including the association with illness severity, in asthmatic children overall and in Hispanic and African American children living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area of New York City. Methods A retrospective medical record review of asthmatic children attending a community hospital in the South Bronx area of New York City was performed. Information abstracted included demographics, asthma severity classification, reported exposures to indoor allergens, and results of allergy testing. Results Among 384 children in the analysis, 270 (70.3%) were Hispanic and 114 (29.7%) were African American. Sensitization to indoor and outdoor allergens, respectively, did not differ between Hispanic (58.5% and 27.0%) and African American (58.8% and 32.6%) children. Allergen sensitization exhibited a direct, significant association with asthma severity for indoor allergens for the 2 ethnic groups combined and for Hispanics separately but not between asthma severity and outdoor allergens ( P Conclusions Patterns of allergen sensitization among innercity Hispanic asthmatic children resemble those among African American children, a finding that is likely explained by the similarity in levels of environmental exposures. With the increasing prevalence of asthma among innercity Hispanic children, skin testing should be used frequently for objective evaluation of asthma in this ethnic group.
Redistribution of BRCA1 among Four Different Protein Complexes following Replication Blockage

The BRCA1 protein is known to participate in multiple cellular processes. In these experiments, we resolved four distinct BRCA1-containing complexes. We found BRCA1 associated with the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme (holo-pol), a large mass complex called the fraction 5 complex, the Rad50-Mre11-Nbs1 complex, and a complex that has not been described previously. We observed this new complex after treating cells with hydroxyurea, suggesting that the hydroxyurea-induced complex (HUIC) is involved with the response to DNA replication blockage. After hydroxyurea treatment of cells, BRCA1 content decreased in the holo-pol and the fraction 5 complex, and BRCA1 was redistributed to the HUIC. The HUIC was shown not to contain a number of holo-pol components or the Rad50-Mre11-Nbs1 complex but was associated with the BRCA1-associated RING domain protein BARD1. These data suggest that BRCA1 participates in multiple cellular processes by multiple protein complexes and that the BRCA1 content of these complexes is dynamically altered after DNA replication blockage.
Time estimation abilities in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Accurate time estimation abilities are assumed to play an important role in efficient performance of many daily activities. The authors investigated the role of episodic memory impairment in temporal perception using a prospective verbal time estimation paradigm. Verbal time estimations were made for filled intervals both within (i.e., 30 s) intervals. The verbal time estimates of both older adult groups, however, deviated more significantly from true time when compared with younger adult controls. In Experiment 2, 17 individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) demonstrated greater error and variability in their time estimates, but no disproportionate differences emerged between short- and long-duration estimates when compared with age-matched controls. The findings did not support a noteworthy role for episodic memory impairment in temporal perception but rather elucidated a significant effect of normal aging, as well as a detrimental effect of AD on temporal perception.
Steady‐State Pharmacokinetics of Theophylline in COPD Patients Treated With Dirithromycin

Steady-state theophylline pharmacokinetic parameters were studied in a panel of 14 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated before, during, and after a 10-day regimen of the macrolide antibiotic, dirithromycin. The addition of dirithromycin (500 mg orally once daily at 7:00 am) to a sustained-release theophylline dosing regimen (every 12 hours) elicited small changes in the steady-state pharmacokinetics of theophylline, which were not statistically significant. Mean steady-state plasma theophylline trough concentrations (Css,min) were invariant before, during, and after dirithromycin treatment. Mean average steady-state plasma theophylline concentrations (Cav) declined by 7% during dirithromycin treatment (NS), and mean peak plasma concentrations (Css,max) declined by 12% (NS). Theophylline clearance (CL/F) also remained relatively unchanged during dirithromycin treatment exhibiting an increase of only 11% (NS). Dirithromycin treatment does not significantly affect the steady-state pharmacokinetics of theophylline, and its use in COPD patients is not likely to modify treatment outcomes with theophylline.
The effect of aluminum hydroxide cream on absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract

Since aluminum hydroxide is employed extensively as an enzyme adsorbent, it appeared possible that when administered orally it might interfere with di: gestion by adsorbing gastro-intestinal enzymes. Experiments conducted to test this hypothesis showed that relatively large doses of aluminum hydroxide cream did not alter the nitrogen or fat content of the feces of three normal dogs on a standard diet. This confirmed preliminary in vitro findings.
Electron microscopic and immunolabeling studies of the lesional and normal skin of patients with mycosis fungoides treated by total body electron beam irradiation

Biopsy specimens were taken from lesional and normal skin of nine patients with mycosis fungoides before and after total body electron beam therapy. By electron microscopy, lesional skin had one and one-half to ten times as many epidermal Langerhans cells and indeterminate cells as did the normal skin. In successfully treated lesional skin 1 month after the end of electron beam therapy, the density of epidermal Langerhans cells and indeterminate cells had decreased markedly. In incompletely resolved lesions, Langerhans cells and indeterminate cells were still at pretreatment levels. Epidermal T6 and la antigens showed the same pattern of response. Epidermal cell suspensions from lesional and normal skin before and after electron beam therapy were assayed fox epidermal thymocyte activating factor. The values of production of this factor did not correlate with the source of the epidermal cells, response to therapy, or the patient's disease course. Skin lesions resembling xerosis and parapsoriasis and histologically lacking the criteria for mycosis fungoides appeared during clinical remissions. These nonspecific skin lesions had densities of epidermal Langerhans cells, indeterminate cells, and T6-positive and Ia-positive cells comparable to levels found in pretreatment lesional skin.
HINGE ESTIMATORS OF LOCATION: ROBUST TO ASYMMETRY

Robust estimators have been developed and tested for symmetric distributions via simulation studies. The primary objective of these robust estimators was to show that these estimators had a higher efficiency than the sample mean over these symmetric distributions. Little attention has been given to how these estimators perform on data that are from asymmetric distributions or from distributions that have inherent anomalies-so called 'messy data'. This study is intended to supplement previous studies by examining the behavior of several robust estimators over asymmetric distributions. The objective is to demonstrate several adaptive 'asymmetric' robust estimators which utilize sample selector statistics to identify the underlying distribution and to demonstrate the efficiency of these adaptive estimators. From a methodology point rather than a theoretical basis, reasonable alternatives should be available. In the asymmetric data distributions faced on a daily basis, estimators that adapt themselves to the data may be formulated and used. We recommend the use of the following algorithm in examining data sets: (a) compute the ancillary statistics-skewness and tail-length to classify the data distribution; (b) analyze each data set using at least one alternative estimator to the usual XM; (c) if the results are similar, report the XM analysis; (d) if the results are dissimilar, report the alternative analysis and the reasons for using the alternative analysis (i.e. t-tests based on a T alpha, HQ1, HQ2, or SK5).
Factors affecting relevance judgment: a report from TREC Legal track

– This study intends to identify factors that affect relevance judgment of retrieved information as part of the 2007 TREC Legal track interactive task., – Data were gathered and analyzed from the participants of the 2007 TREC Legal track interactive task using a questionnaire which includes not only a list of 80 relevance factors identified in prior research, but also a space for expressing their thoughts on relevance judgment in the process., – This study finds that topicality remains a primary criterion, out of various options, for determining relevance, while specificity of the search request, task, or retrieved results also helps greatly in relevance judgment., – Relevance research should focus on the topicality and specificity of what is being evaluated as well as conducted in real environments., – If multiple relevance factors are presented to assessors, the total number in a list should be below ten to take account of the limited processing capacity of human beings' short‐term memory. Otherwise, the assessors might either completely ignore or inadequately consider some of the relevance factors when making judgment decisions., – This study presents a method for reducing the artificiality of relevance research design, an apparent limitation in many related studies. Specifically, relevance judgment was made in this research as part of the 2007 TREC Legal track interactive task rather than a study devised for the sake of it. The assessors also served as searchers so that their searching experience would facilitate their subsequent relevance judgments.
The bicameral principle in the new mexico legislature of 1925

The final installment of an article begun in the last issue is a further indictment of the bicameral principle as practised in our state legislatures.
Monoclonal antibodies in the diagnosis of renal disease: a preliminary report.

A 74-year-old, previously healthy woman sought medical advice because of multiple erythematous pustular skin lesions, which had started on her hands and had progressed to her arms, back, abdomen, chest, and legs. The patient had no history of renal dysfunction, renal stones, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, urinary tract infections, or analgesic abuse. She was taking no medications. She had no history of documented hypotension, fever, or chills. The patient denied sore throat, swollen glands, chest pain, shortness of breath, arthritis, and seizures. She had had rheumatic fever when she was a child. Physical examination on admission revealed a blood pressure of 140/ 70 mm Hg; pulse, 80 beats per minute and regular; temperature, 98.6F, and an estimated central venous pressure of 8 cm H20. Numerous pustular lesions, most of which were crusted, were noted on the hands, arms, trunk, buttocks, and soles. No adenopathy was present. The chest was clear. Cardiac examination disclosed an S4, with no S3 or pericardial friction rub. A grade TI/VI blowing diastolic murmur was present at the left sternal border. No opening snap was heard. The abdomen was soft and nontender without evidence of guarding or rebound. The kidneys, liver, and spleen were not palpable. Moderate left costovertebral angle tenderness was present. Rectal and pelvic examinations were unremarkable, The stool was guaiac negative. There was no peripheral edema and no evidence of active synovitis. The patient was alert, oriented, and had full range of motion in a11 extremities; she had no localizing neurologic abnormalities. All reflexes were equal and reactive throughout, with bilateral plantar responses. Laboratory data on admission showed a hematocrit of 39.4%, a white blood cell count of 17,300/mm3 with a normal thiferential, and a sedimentation rate of 90 mm/hr. Sodium was 138 mEq/liter; potassium,
Primary Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Antiphospholipid Antibody–Positive Patients: Where Do We Stand?

Persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) with thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity are the hallmark of the antiphospholipid syndrome. However, aPL-positive patients with no prior history of thrombosis exist. On the basis of a limited number of studies that predominantly included systemic lupus erythematosus patients, aPL-positive patients without previous thrombosis have a 0% to 3.8% annual incident thrombosis risk. Given that every positive aPL test is not clinically significant and every aPL-positive patient does not have the same thrombosis risk, risk stratification (based on aPL profile, age, systemic autoimmune diseases, and traditional cardiovascular disease or venous thrombosis risk factors) is crucial to determine the first thrombosis risk in aPL-positive patients. The optimal primary thrombosis prevention strategy in patients with clinically significant aPL profiles should include 1) regular monitoring and elimination of non-aPL thrombosis risk factors, 2) aggressive management of clinical and subclinical systemic autoimmune disease activity, and 3) patient counseling and education. The protective effect of low-dose aspirin against incident thrombosis in patients with clinically significant aPL profiles is not supported by randomized controlled data; general population cardiovascular disease risk prediction tools and prevention guidelines formulated based on risk–benefit calculations should play a role in the decision whether to recommend low-dose aspirin. The effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, statins, or their combination remains to be determined by well-designed randomized controlled trials.
New Monomeric Cobalt(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes of a Mixed N,S(alkylthiolate) Ligand: Model Complexes of (His)(His)(Cys) Metalloprotein Active Sites

The new N2S(alkylthiolate) ligand 2-methyl-1-[methyl-(2-pyridin-2-ylethyl)amino]propane-2-thiolate, PATH (1), has been prepared and reacted with zinc(II) and cobalt(II) to give the monomeric complexes [(PATH)ZnBr] (2), [(PATH)ZnNCS] (3), [(PATH)CoBr] (4), and [(PATH)CoNCS] (5). The molecular structures of 4 and 5 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Each complex displays a distorted tetrahedral geometry at the metal center, with the PATH ligand providing the N2S(alkylthiolate) donors. These complexes are close structural mimics of the active site of metalloproteins with a His2Cys−MII site such as that found in peptide deformylase. Complexes 4 and 5 are the first examples of crystallographically characterized CoII complexes with an N2SL (L ≠ N,S) donor set. Only one diastereomer for 2−5 is observed in the solid state, and simple molecular mechanics (Chem3D) calculations suggest this isomer is stable because of a favorable ligand conformation. NMR studies in the case of ZnII and UV−vis studies in the ...
On the variety of complexes

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the characteristic-free study of the Buchsbaum–Eisenbud varieties of complexes in detail with the use of Young diagrams and Young tableaux to give an explicit basis for . Buchsbaum and Eisenbud have studied the varieties of complexes from the point of view of resolutions and have proven the results for the variety W(k, 1). A Young tableau is a filling of the boxes of a Young diagram σ with integers out of 1,2,…., and σ is called the shape of the Young tableau. The chapter presents a proposition that states that ach element in can be written as a linear combination of standard multitableaux.
A new salting-out technique for colorimetric free fatty acid assays.

Abstract A colorimetric assay for measuring long chain (C > 10) free fatty acids in plasma is described. The basic assay procedure of R. J. Schimmel and E. Knobil ((1970) Amer. J. Physiol. 218 , 1540–1547) was modified in three ways: 1) by not buffering the cobalt-triethanolamine reagent, 2) by replacing potassium sulfate with lithium sulfate, and 3) by making a single reagent of chloroform, heptane, and methanol. In the absence of the buffer system, the soap complex was chemically more stable. A loss of sensitivity incurred by omitting the buffer system was corrected by using a salt solution of 20% (w/w) Na 2 SO 4 /10% (w/w) Li 2 SO 4 instead of saturated Na 2 SO 4 /K 2 SO 4 . The number of pipettings was reduced by making a single reagent of chloroform, heptane, and methanol. Because of improved assay stability, large numbers of samples (90) can be processed simultaneously. The method is adequately linear over the range of 100–1250 μequiv/liter. The standard deviation is independent of the mean over the range of 250–1000 μequiv/liter and is about 40 μequiv/liter ( n = 15).
Photoionizaton electronic spectroscopy of AgK

Abstract An electronic spectrum is observed for the new heteronuclear metal dimer, AgK. Two electronic states are observed with origins near 315 nm. Spectra are detected for three isotopomers with mass-resolved one-color two-photon photoionization spectroscopy (R2PI). The vibrational bands in the more intense state (ω e = 85.8 cm −1 ) have rotational structure consistent with a 1 Σ + → 1 Π transition. This structure is red-shaded, consistent with an excited state having a significantly longer bond (3.02 A) than the ground state (2.40 A). The possible importance of ionic bonding is discussed.
Structure–property relationships in building blocks for open-shell molecules and materials

Abstract The utility of cross-conjugated, redox-active molecules for exploration and elucidation of molecular structure–property relationships is demonstrated. In particular, connections between mixed valency and exchange coupling in two different oxidation states of cross-conjugated molecules are made.
1206 ACROMESOMELIC DYSPLASIA, A HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE ENDOCHONRAL GROWTH PLATE

Endochondral growth plate cartilage from a patient with the typical clinical and radiographic features of acromesomelic dysplasia was studied histochemically and immunohistochemically. The investigation revealed many previously undescribed abnormalities. The cartilage was hypercellular in general. There were numerous small areas of matrix degeneration scattered through the resting zone and a few large islands of hypertrophic cartilage in the growth plate region. Staining indicated excessive amounts of chondroitin sulfate and an absence of collagen fibers in both of these areas. In the remaining cartilage, collagen fibers tended to aggregate around the cells. The resting chondrocytes were irregular in size and distribution, and many exhibited protein containing cytoplasmic inclusions. The growth plate per se was poorly organized; hypertrophic chondrocytes were randomly oriented. The provisional calcification of cartilage matrix was absent, but the mineralization of subchondral bone appeared normal except along the outer margin where bone formation extended into the perichondrial space. These abnormalities appear to be distinct for acromesomelic dysplasia. Moreover, they provide several clues regarding the pathogenesis of the disorder.
Three-Dimensional Mechanical Characterization of Anisotropic Composites

The problem of complete characterization of a general linearly elastic, anisotropic material is discussed. An experimental procedure of testing a normally oriented and an obliquely oriented cubical specimen of the material is proposed, from which the 36 constants in the compliance matrix can be determined. A multiaxial test cell for applying homogeneous compressive stresses to the cubical specimen is described and the procedure is applied to Scotchply, a reinforced plastic. The compliance matrix for Scotchply is determined and it is shown to be orthotropic.
A hierarchical system for evaluating regional ecological resources

Abstract A methodology has been developed to measure the ecological quality of potential wilderness areas under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE-II) Program. Four major parameters were chosen to quantify land areas located anywhere in the conterminous United States. These are: (1) vegetation; (2) avian communities and the quality of habitat provided by an area; (3) mammal communities; and (4) endangered or threatened species. The results are shown for the Douglas-fir ecoregion of the United States and are used in a conflict matrix to segregate identified tracts according to their ecological ratings and energy and mineral resource ratings.
Transport-theoretical analysis of relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Relativistic heavy-ion collisions at energies of the order of 1 GeV are analysed in terms of a covariant transport model that is based on nucleon and Delta -degrees of freedom and mesonic mean fields. The questions of possible classical meson-field radiation and of the thermal properties of the system during the collision are addressed. A detailed comparison with the experimental data obtained by the Plastic-Ball group at the BEVALAC shows that the combination of mean-field dynamics and two-body collisions is well suited for gaining an understanding of the dynamics of heavy-ion collisions. How far quantitative conclusions about the properties of nuclear matter at high densities and temperatures can be made and how future experiments can help to achieve this goal is also considered.
THE PREDICTION OF GRADES IN OCCUPATIONAL AND ACADEMIC CURRICULA IN 2-YEAR COLLEGES

Test scores and high school grades were correlated with end-of-second-year college grades for 2,707 students in 12 curricular groups at 27 2-year colleges. Optimally weighted combinations of the aptitude/achievement predictors were found to predict grades for occupational curricula with about the same accuracy as they predict grades in academic criteria. For women, however, the aptitude test scores correlated much less with grades in occupational curricula than with grades in academic curricula.
Active Wave Control of the Axially Moving String: Theory and Experiment

The active wave control of the linear, axially moving string with general boundary conditions is presented in this paper. Considerations of general boundary conditions are important from both practical and experimental viewpoints. The active control law is established by employing the idea of wave cancellation. An exact, closed-form expression for the transverse response of the controlled system, consisting of the flexible structure, the wave controller, and the sensing and actuating devices, is derived in the frequency domain. Two actuation forces, one upstream and one downstream of an excitation force, are applied. The proposed control law shows that all modes of the string are controlled and the vibration in the regions upstream and downstream of the control forces can be cancelled. However, these results are based on ideal conditions and the assumption of zero initial conditions at the non-fixed boundaries. Effects of non-zero boundary motions at the instant of application of the control forces are examined and the control is shown to be effective under these conditions. The stability and robustness of the control forces are improved by the introduction of a stabilization coefficient in the control law. The effectiveness, robustness and stability of the control forces are demonstrated by simulations and verified by experiments on axially moving belt drive and chain drive systems.