cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The theory-driven approach to validity

Abstract Current approaches for dealing with validity tend to focus on one type of validity and play down the importance of others. For example, internal validity is treated by Campbell and Stanley as “sine qua non,” whereas, Cronbach judges external validity to be prime importance in research. However, these single validity oriented approaches may achieve one type of validity at the expense of other types of validity. As an alternative, we propose a theory-driven approach to validity. Our central argument is that a model or theory should be formulated in a program evaluation and the modeling process should include the identification of potential threats to validity in research. In this sense, the purpose of applying a technique such as randomization is to strengthen rather than to replace the model or theory. That is, program evaluation should be model or theory-oriented instead of research design oriented. Randomization can be used in any research if it is applicable, but we need rely less on randomization as a safeguard to internal validity if the threats in a research can be adequately identified and controlled. Since the structural relationships among the relevant variables and intervening processes are carefully modeled, the theory-driven approach avoids the pitfalls of black-box evaluation and provides better understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the relationships between treatment and effects. Unlike randomized experiments which aim only at internal validity, a theory-driven approach provides a general framework to deal with internal, external, construct and statistical conclusion validity.
Femtosecond fluorescence dynamics and molecular interactions in a water-soluble nonlinear optical polymeric dye

Abstract The excited state dynamics of a water-soluble polymeric dye poly(S-119) was investigated using femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence upconversion. Multi-exponential relaxation of fluorescence was observed for poly(S-119) in picosecond and sub-picosecond time ranges. The azo-chromophore of the functionalized polymeric dye Sunset Yellow was used as a model compound for detailed investigations of intermolecular interactions. Excited state decay of this azo-dye can be described by a two-exponential decay law with time-constants of ∼0.48 ps and 1 ps. Fluorescence anisotropy decay was investigated for both systems. The difference in excited state dynamics between the polymeric dye and the azo-chromophore is explained in terms of inter-molecular interactions resulting in intra-chain aggregate formation.
Electronic Documents Give Reproducible Research a New Meaning

A revolution in education and technology transfer follows from the marriage of word processing and software command scripts. In this marriage an a.uthor attaches to every figure caption a pushbutton or a name tag usable t,o recalculate the figure from all its data, parameters, and programs. This provides a concrete definition of reproducibility in computationally oriented research. Experience at the Stanford Exploration Project shows that preparing such electronic documents is lit,tle effort beyond our customary report writing; mainly, we need to file everything in a systematic way.
Using economic geography to reinvigorate land-change science

Abstract In this paper we review the implications of neoclassical economic framings within the interdisciplinary field of land-change science. We argue that current pressing global environmental problems, such as land grabs, loss of critical carbon sinks and the increasing importance of corporate actors in land-use decision-making, necessitate a reconsideration of neoclassical conceptualizations of what the economy is, who economic actors are and how they make decisions, and how environment–economy linkages operate in a globalized world. We argue that concepts from economic geography can help land change science move beyond neoclassical framings. The first concept is that the economic (including markets, commodities, and rational decision-makers) is neither separate nor universal, but is historical and socially embedded. The second is to use these notions to understand the spatial organization of economic activity. The framework of global production networks, in particular, will help land change scientists conceptualize and represent teleconnections. Using economic geography to move beyond neoclassical economic framings will bring a fresh approach to economic change that holds much promise for invigorating land change science.
The subset of mouse B1 (Alu-equivalent) sequences expressed as small processed cytoplasmic transcripts

B1 (Alu-equivalent) is a murine short interspersed element whose amplification probably involved an RNA intermediate. B1-homologous RNA comprise a population of heterogenous transcripts of questionable function. A cloned B1 is expressed in the injected frog oocyte by RNA polymerase III transcription, ribonucleoprotein formation, post-transcriptional 3'-processing, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. The present study characterizes small cytoplasmic B1 transcripts of mouse cells. Analyses of ten cDNA clones revealed a subset of a high degree of sequence identity (98%) from which a novel consensus was developed. Structural analyses of these RNAs demonstrated a conserved Alu domain originally identified as part of the 7SL RNA within the translational control domain of the signal recognition particle, while this structure was not conserved in the majority of B1s in the sequence database. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that 3'-processing occurred in only a subset of B1 transcripts in-vitro using homologous nuclear extracts, and in the injected oocyte. The data demonstrate that a limited set of B1 sequences are expressed as processed RNA polymerase III-transcripts of a high degree of structural conservation. Although this subset is transcriptionally active, the selective expression may be due to regulation at the levels of processing and cytoplasmic accumulation. Their lack of Poly-(A) or 3'-oligo-(U) tracts argue that these RNAs are unlikely to represent transposition intermediates. Rather, their cytosolic compartmentalization and conservation of a biologically recognized structure, suggests potential involvement in other aspects of cellular metabolism.
Modeling the Incubation Period of Inhalational Anthrax

Ever since the pioneering work of Philip Sartwell, the incubation period distribution for infectious diseases is most often modeled using a lognormal distribution. Theoretical models based on underlying disease mechanisms in the host are less well developed. This article modifies a theoretical model originally developed by Brookmeyer and others for the inhalational anthrax incubation period distribution in humans by using a more accurate distribution to represent the in vivo bacterial growth phase and by extending the model to represent the time from exposure to death, thereby allowing the model to be fit to nonhuman primate time-to-death data. The resulting incubation period distribution and the dose dependence of the median incubation period are in good agreement with human data from the 1979 accidental atmospheric anthrax release in Sverdlovsk, Russia, and limited nonhuman primate data. The median incubation period for the Sverdlovsk victims is 9.05 (95% confidence interval = 8.0-10.3) days, shorter than previous estimates, and it is predicted to drop to less than 2.5 days at doses above 10(6) spores. The incubation period distribution is important because the left tail determines the time at which clinical diagnosis or syndromic surveillance systems might first detect an anthrax outbreak based on early symptomatic cases, the entire distribution determines the efficacy of medical intervention-which is determined by the speed of the prophylaxis campaign relative to the incubation period-and the right tail of the distribution influences the recommended duration for antibiotic treatment.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of early Lyme disease in patients with microbiologically confirmed erythema migrans.

In major endemic areas in the United States, Lyme disease commonly presents as erythema migrans with homogeneous or central redness and nonspecific flu-like symptoms. Clinical outcome is excellent ...
Combined Viable Composite Graft And Temporal Semicircular Skin Flap Procedure

The tarsal-conjunctival-margin portion of a composite graft can be covered with a temporal semicircular flap to ensure its survival. The procedure provides a method of reconstructing full-thickness upper or lower eyelid defects in which there is loss of approximately 33% to 66% of the eyelid. The technique is especially valuable in reconstructing the temporal half of the eyelids, for which major reconstructive procedures are usually required. The procedure has been successful in 21 cases.
Discordance in the predictors of mortality vs. those of ischemic complications following transcatheter coronary intervention.

Outcomes of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) depend upon the skill of the angioplasty team and on the characteristics of the patient population. Comparisons of outcomes from different laboratories must take into account the latter. A discordance may exist between the baseline predictors of death in hospital following PTCA and those for periprocedural ischemia. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics of 3,725 patients who underwent PTCA during 1991 and 1992 were compared with complications by multivariate analysis. The age of the patient and the occurrence of an Ml within the previous 30 days were the most powerful independent predictors of death. Ischemic complications were not independently associated with these factors. Emergency CABG was associated independently with target lesion complexity and abrupt reclosure, with unstable angina or attempted saphenous vein graft dilatation. Thus, mortality may more directly reflect baseline clinical characteristics than the skill of operators in avoiding ischemic complications. © 1994 Wiley-Liss,Inc..
Transdermal water mobility in the presence of electrical fields using MR microscopy.

Magnetic resonance microscopy of skin from hairless rats under the influence of electrical fields was conducted for two cases: 1) low voltage constant electrical fields and 2) high-voltage short pulse, electrical fields. Under conditions of the low voltage and low current iontophoresis, i.e., 0 to 20 V, and 0 to 0.5 mA/cm2, it was found that the skin structure, as observed by magnetic resonance microscopy, did not significantly change until 20 Volts were applied across the 0.1 cm thick skin. Under these conditions, the viable epidermis appeared to swell, and this result corresponded to observations from scanning electron microscopy and other research from the literature. High voltage electrical fields, i.e., 220 V 1 ms pulses repeated once per second, appeared to hydrate the stratum corneum as is consistent with published literature on electroporation. In the case of iontophoresis, water self-diffusion coefficients in the epidermis and hair follicle regions at all voltages were affected by the electrical field. Statistical analysis at the 95% confidence level for the comparison of the average differences between diffusion coefficients with the electrical field on and with the electrical field off for pair matched pixels for the viable epidermis show that for 5 V (p = 0.00377), 10 V (p = 0.0108), 20 V (p = 0.0219) regimes there are statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) changes due to the applied electric field. The same analysis for the hair follicle region at 5 V (p = 6.89 x 10(-7)), 10 V (p = 1.42 x 10(-5)), 20 V (p = 3.23 x 10(-3)) also show statistically significant changes (p < or = 0.05). When the electroporation pulse was applied, the water diffusion coefficients increased by about 30% to 6.6 x 10(-6) cm2/s +/- 2.4 x 10(-7) cm2/s and 8.3 x 10(-6) cm2/s +/- 3.7 x 10(-7) cm2/s, for the epidermis and hair follicle regions, respectively. Significant differences were noted between diffusion coefficients in the viable epidermis and the hair follicles for all cases.
Resistance in psychotherapy: What conclusions are supported by research?

Theoretical literature is contradictory in most areas, but virtually all theories agree on the existence of patient resistance and propose similar implications, meanings, and effects of its manifestation. However, theories differ widely in both the assumed causes of resistance and the methods of dealing with resistant patients. Common to various theoretical definitions is an assumption that resistance is both a dispositional trait and an in-therapy state of oppositional, angry, irritable, and suspicious behaviors. Reactance is a special class of resistance that is manifest in oppositional and uncooperative behavior. Resistance bodes poorly for treatment effectiveness. Nondirective and paradoxical strategies have been found to be quite successful in overcoming resistant and reactant states, while matching low-directive and self-directed treatments with resistant patients circumvents the effects of resistance traits.
Purification and characterization of the monoterpene cyclase γ-terpinene synthase from Thymus vulgaris

Abstract The monoterpene cyclase, γ-terpinene synthase, from Thymus vulgaris (thyme) leaves was purified to apparent homogeneity by isoelectric focusing and dye-ligand, anion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and gel permeation chromatography. The enzyme has a native molecular weight of 96,000 as determined by gel permeation chromatography, and exhibited a specific activity of 538 nmol/h · mg protein (turnover number of ~0.01/s). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed the enzyme to be composed of two apparently identical subunits of Mr ~ 55,000. The protein was very hydrophobic, and possessed a pI value of 4.85 as determined by isoelectric focusing. Maximum activity was observed at pH 6.8 in the presence of 20 m m Mg2+; 5 m m Mn2+ could support catalysis, albeit at a much lower rate. The Km value for the substrate, geranyl pyrophosphate, was 2.6 μ m . Cyclase activity was inhibited by cysteineand histidine-directed reagents. Purified γ-terpinene synthase also possessed the ability to cyclize geranyl pyrophosphate to small amounts of α-thujene and to lesser quantities of myrcene, α-terpinene, limonene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol, all of which appear to be coproducts of the reaction sequence leading to γ-terpinene. In general properties, the γ-terpinene synthase from thyme leaves resembles other monoterpene cyclases as well as sesquiterpene and diterpene cyclases.
Differential distribution of 5HT2A and NMDA receptors in single cells within the rat medial nucleus of the solitary tract.

Activation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) receptors of the 2A subtype (5HT2A) in the intermediate portion of the medial nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS) produces marked hypotension and bradycardia. This portion of the mNTS receives major input from glutamatergic baroreceptor afferents. Thus, the cardiorespiratory effects of 5HT2A agonists may be attributed, in part, to interactions involving the glutamatergic target neurons, some of which express N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. To determine the functional sites for activation of 5HT2A receptors and their relationship to NMDA receptors in this region, we used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry for the localization of antipeptide antisera selectively recognizing each receptor protein in the intermediate mNTS in rat brain. Of 1,052 5HT2A-labeled profiles, 38% were dendrites and dendritic spines, 27% were unmyelinated axons, 14% were axon terminals, and 11% were glial processes. These 5HT2A-labeled profiles frequently contained NR1 gold particles with dendrites comprising 68% of the total dual-labeled profiles. In dendrites, the 5HT2A immunoreactivity was localized to cytoplasmic organelles or discretely distributed on synaptic or extrasynaptic segments of the plasma membrane. In contrast, NR1 immunoreactivity was prominently localized to postsynaptic junctions and these were distinct from the 5HT2A receptor labeling when coexpressed in the same dendrites. Dendrites containing both receptors composed 56% (224/399) of the total 5HT2A-labeled dendrites and 34% (224/659) of the total NR1-labeled dendrites. Our results provide the first ultrastructural evidence that in the intermediate mNTS, 5HT2A receptor agonists may affect the postsynaptic excitability of many of the same neurons that show NMDA-evoked responses to glutamate.
A quantitative association between soil moisture content and the frequency of the cyanogenic form of Lotus corniculatus L. at Birsay, Orkney

A quantitative association between soil moisture content and the frequency of the cyanogenic form of Lotus corniculatus L. at Birsay, Orkney
An Analysis of Three States' Alignment between Language Arts and Mathematics Standards and Alternate Assessments:

Recent guidelines for No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB; 2001) permit the use of alternate achievement standards for counting up to 1% of students with significant cognitive disabilities as proficient in adequate yearly progress (AYP) calculations. This provision increases the importance of assessing the technical quality of alternate assessments and their alignment to academic content standards. This study used a quantitative method of alignment to estimate the match between three states' alternate assessments and their state academic content standards. The results indicate that alternate assessments are aligned to academic content standards, but alternate assessments only capture a narrow range and depth of the content standards. Recommendations for using alignment procedures to address critical elements in Title I as amended by NCLB are discussed.
Effect of Cholesterol in the Larval Diet on Ovarian Development in the Adult House-Fly

THE adult house-fly has been reported to require a dietary source of both protein and carbohydrate for ovarian maturation and to show little or no ovarian growth on an adult diet consisting solely of carbohydrates1–5. This requirement of the adult for protein could not be fulfilled by supplementing the larval diet with additional protein4.
Explaining Jury Verdicts: Is Leniency Bias for Real?

Laboratory research suggests juries that begin deliberation with a strong majority (i.e., 2/3 or more) usually end up choosing the verdict favored by this majority, whereas those without a strong majority generally acquit or hang. We tested the robustness of these findings in the field by examining trial and deliberation correlates of jury verdicts using data from 79 criminal jury trials held in Indiana. As expected, several trial characteristics and the first-vote preference distribution were related to jury verdicts. However, there was no evidence of leniency bias—75% of those juries without a 2/3 majority on the first deliberation vote ended up convicting. Contributions of the study, limitations, and alternative explanations for the observed severity bias are discussed.
Good Neighbor, No Neighbor Visual Fidelity in U.S. Network Television's Portrayals of Mexico President Vicente Fox

A content analysis of U.S. television news reports about Mexican President Vicente Fox from January 2001 through March 2005 explored the main visual themes and the presence or absence of visual stereotypes. Lack of coverage and a neighborly theme corresponded to U.S. political priorities. Flattering television portrayals of Fox were sandwiched between violent images of Mexico. Stereotypical news stories were attributed to news production conventions, especially file footage reliance and story packaging. The article introduces the concept of visual fidelity and implications for international news are discussed.
Boreholes in Mississippian spiriferide brachiopods and their implications for Paleozoic gastropod drilling

Abstract Bored specimens of the spiriferide brachiopod genera Brachythyris and Spirifer from several localities of the Mississippian Fort Payne Formation (Kentucky, USA) represent 7.0% of the total sampled population. The boreholes are typically single, complete, circular in plan view, and with their long axes perpendicular to the valve. These traits and stereotypy with respect to the pedicle valve and the fold and sulcus are consistent with a predatory/parasitic origin of the holes. The presence of platyceratid gastropods in the Fort Payne localities with bored brachiopods, the previously documented drilling abilities of these gastropods, and the occurrence of a platyceratid snail attached to specimen of a bored Devonian brachiopod, Atrypa, argue for platyceratids as the most probable culprits.
DOGSET: pre-designed primer sets for fine-scale mapping and DNA sequence interrogation in the dog.

Summary DOGSET is an online resource that provides access to primer sequences that have been computationally mined from the reference genome using heuristic algorithms. The electronic repository includes PCR primers corresponding to 32 135 markers for genetic mapping and 334 657 sequence-tagged gene elements for targeted re-sequencing and mutation discovery. A customized report that tailors primer design to wet bench protocols can be exported for a region of interest by specifying genome coordinates in a graphical user interface.
Hemofiltration: From the origin to the new wave

Abstract A brief historical review of the major developments for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is given, followed by several observations on present CRRT membrane design characteristics and transport performance. It is projected that evolution of the CRRT methodology will eventually lead to the "holy grail" of artificial kidney therapy, namely, a continuously operating wearable device.
Strain evolution and dopant activation in P-implanted metastable pseudomorphic Si(100)/Ge 0.12 Si 0.88

A metastable Ge0.12Si0.88 layer 265 nm thick was deposited pseudomorphically on a Si(100) substrate and then implanted with 100 keV phosphorus ions at room temperature for doses of 5 × 1013/cm2 to 1.5 × 1015/cm2. The ions stop within the epilayer (projected range ∼125 nm). MeV4He backscattering/channeling spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and double-crystal x-ray diffractometry were used to characterize the damage and strain in the films. The samples were subsequently annealed in high vacuum from 400-800°C for 30 min at each temperature. For the nonamorphized samples (doses of 5 and 10 × 1013/cm2), most of the implantation-induced damage and strain disappear after annealing at 400-550°C, but the implanted P ions activate poorly. After annealing at 700-800°C, near complete activation is achieved but the strain relaxes. For the amorphized samples (dose of 1.5 × 1015/cm2), the amorphous GeSi regrows by solid-phase epitaxy and the dopants are ∼100% activated after annealing at 550°C, but the regrown GeSi relaxes with a high density of dislocations. The strain relaxes more extensively upon annealing in an implanted sample than in a nonimplanted one, other conditions being equal. This effect is more pronounced at higher ion doses, probably due to the increased amount of damage introduced at high doses.
Suicidal ideation is associated with HIV transmission risk in men who have sex with men.

Even in the era of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), the suicide rate remains elevated among HIV-positive persons.1 Individuals who are at increased risk for suicide often have a more pessimistic, hopeless view of the future2, 3 and tend to preferentially attend to immediate sensations.4 These cognitive changes promote behavioral disinhibition, which places one at higher risk for attempting suicide and may also increase engagement in other risk taking behaviors.5 The present cross-sectional investigation with 232 HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) examined a cognitive escape model of HIV transmission risk behavior.6 Suicidal ideation was conceptualized as a vulnerability factor that is accompanied by a constellation of cognitive changes that predisposes individuals to behavioral disinhibition. Consequently, we hypothesized that participants experiencing suicidal ideation would report increased rates of HIV transmission risk behavior after controlling for other cognitive and affective symptoms of depression. Because stimulant use has been associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in HIV transmission risk behavior,7, 8 it was examined as a releasing stimulus that may explain the relationship between suicidal ideation and HIV transmission risk.
Interferons as gene activators: A cluster of six interferon-activatable genes is linked to the erythroid α-spectrin locus on murine chromosome 1

Abstract Several interferon-activatable murine genes were mapped to murine chromosomes by hybridizing cDNA probes to Southern blots of genomic DNA samples from a panel of mouse-hamster somatic cell hybrid lines. The 12 gene is located on chromosome 12 and it specifies a 3.6-kb mRNA. The 204 gene (specifying a 2.5-kb mRNA), and three genes of the 203 gene family (hybridizing to five mRNAs of sizes between 2 and 4.5 kb), together with the 202 gene (specifying a 2-kb mRNA) are located on murine chromosome 1. By restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of DNA samples prepared from a panel of recombinant inbred mouse lines (C57BL/6J × DBA/2J) and from 95 [(C3H/HeJ-gld/gld × Mus spretus) F1 × C3H/HeJ-gld/gld] backcross mice we established a close linkage of the 202, 203, and 204 genes to the erythroid α-spectrin gene (Spna-1) on distal murine chromosome 1. Cosmids containing the 202, 203, and 204 genes were isolated from a library derived from AKR mouse DNA. Southern blot analysis of such cosmids revealed: (a) hybridization of a partial 203 cDNA to three genes of the 203 gene family; (b) cross-hybridization of the 202 and 204 genes with one another and with a third gene (designated as 201 gene), and (c) a close linkage of genes of the 203 family with the 201, 202, and 204 genes. These results indicate the existence of a cluster of at least six closely linked, interferon-activatable genes on distal murine chromosome 1 in the vicinity of the Spna-1 locus and also of the Minor lymphocyte stimulating locus (MIsa).
Static Dielectric Constants for Liquid Water from 300 K to 350 K at Pressures to 13 MPa Using a New Radio-Frequency Resonator

A stainless steel reentrant cavity with primary resonances at three frequencies has been constructed and used to make dielectric constant measurements on liquid water between 300 K and 350 K, at pr...
Abstract 4480: Combination of a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor at suboptimal dose significantly inhibits growth of lung adenocarcinoma tumors in KrasG12D-LSL mice

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The KrasG12D-LSL conditional GEMMs (genetically engineered mouse models) are a valuable tool in translational research to study tumor progression and to investigate efficacy of anti-tumor compounds in a variety of cancer types. Here, intranasal delivery of adeno-Cre resulted in the expression of mutant Kras leading to development of tumor lesions in the lungs including adenomatous hyperplasia, large adenoma and adenocarcinoma. Treatment of tumor bearing mice at adenocarcinoma stage (at 14 weeks post adeno-cre inhalation) with suboptimal dose of PF-04691502 (PI3Ka/mTOR inhibitor; 7.5 mg/kg; SID) and PD-0325901 (MEK inhibitor, 1.5 mg/kg; SID) reduced tumor lesions in mice treated with single agents and significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice treated with combination of both compounds. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed inhibition of pS6 in the treated animals particularly in the combination group providing a proof of mechanism for the tumor growth inhibition. Similar response was observed when mice bearing H460 (carry Kras and PIK3CA mutations) orthotopic lung tumors were treated with the combination regimen. These observations provide some clue to further pursue efficacy of PF-04691502 plus PD-0325901 in the clinical settings and also in more invasive models such as KrasG12D-LSLp53flox/flox mice. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4480. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4480
Solid-State Quantification of General Activity

The number of 0.1-sec. (or longer) time units in which activity of an animal makes any electrical contact can be registered in pulses from a completely solid-state circuit with a built-in time cycler. On white rats, measures obtained, when compared with time-sampling observations, confirm previous findings supporting a concept of general activity.
The number of functional digraphs

Our object is to find a generating function whose coefficients give the number of isomorphism types of functional digraphs with a given finite number of points. I t will be seen that functional digraphs correspond to functions which are fixed-point-flee. DAvis [1] has already found an explicit formula for the number of types of functions on a finite set, and his methods may be readily adapted to the solution of this variation of his problem. However, m the process of deriving this generating function, we find certain geometric properties of functional digraphs which are of independent interest. We shall see that, a finite functional digraph is constructibte from directed cycles and rooted trees. In addition, we obtain a geometric characterization of infinite functional digraphs which has applications in recursion theory; see MYHILL [6]. In addition to enumerating all functional digraphs, using the elegant enumeration methods of PSLYA [7], we consider functional digraphs having the three different kinds of conneetedness proposed in [2] and enumerate these. We conclude by deriving the generating function for isomorphism classes of functions. 2. Geometric properties of functional digraphs
Relationship between the standards of removable partial denture construction, clinical acceptability, and patient satisfaction.

Abstract Statement of Problem. Little is known about the importance of published fabrication standards in determining the outcome of treatment with mandibular distal extension removable partial dentures in patients of community practices. Purpose. This study describes mandibular partial dentures worn by patients from King County, Wash., and examines the validity of standards of design and fabrication by relating the standards to measures of clinical acceptability and patient satisfaction. Material and Methods. Eighty-two people treated in private dental practices who responded to a mail survey about satisfaction with a partial denture were examined. Eight standards of fabrication, overall clinical acceptability of the prosthesis, and tissue health were evaluated clinically. Patient satisfaction was assessed by questionnaire. Associations between variables were assessed by contingency tables and odds ratios. Results. Half the prostheses met 4 or fewer of the 8 standards, and these were responsible for nearly all the displacement of tissue by the framework. Forty-three percent of the dentures (35/82) were rated clinically acceptable. Of the remaining dentures, 38 could be made acceptable by modifications. The remaining 9 dentures needed replacement. Sixty-three percent of the patients examined were satisfied with the dentures. There was a relationship between tissue health and the fabrication standards related to rest form, base extension, stress distribution, and framework fit. This study found no relation between tissue health and other design or fabrication features. None of the standards were found to be related to patient satisfaction. Conclusion. This study found partial support for the validity of design/fabrication standards for removable partial dentures. The most important standards are rest form, base extension, and stress distribution. The standards appear to be unrelated to patient satisfaction. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;83:521-7.)
Sexual dimorphism in pollen grain size in cryptically dioecious Thalictrum macrostylum

While several plant species are initially described as androdioecious, upon more thorough investigation, many of these are found to be cryptically dioecious with functionally male flowers and perfect flowers that produce inaperturate pollen or are otherwise functionally female on separate plants. The change in function of pollen produced by perfect flowers opens up the possibility for the evolution of sexual dimorphism in pollen grain size. We found that Thalictrum macrostylum (Ranunculaceae) is cryptically dioecious, and produces apparently inaperturate pollen in perfect flowers. In four field sites throughout North Carolina, inaperturate grains are larger than grains from staminate flowers and also show a greater variance in size. We also found substantial variation in pollen grain size among plants. The sites with lower soil nutrient content also had smaller pollen grains of both types, although local adaptation or genetic drift may also be causing among-site variation.
The athermal component of the flow stress in crystalline solids

Abstract The theoretical and experimental aspects of the athermal component of the flow stress in crystalline solids are reviewed. The available data clearly support the existence of a long-range internal stress in deformed crystals. Moreover, there is reasonably good agreement between the values of the athermal component determined by various experimental methods, if comparisons are made under the conditions which are presumed to apply for a given method. Theoretical considerations and experimental results indicate that for most practical cases the measured value of the athermal component represents essentially the maximum value of the long-range internal stress.
Environmental conditions affecting concentrations of He, CO2, O2 and N2 in soil gases

Abstract The measurement of concentrations of volatile species in soil gases has potential for use in geochemical exploration for concealed ore deposits and for monitoring of subsurface contaminants. However, the interpretation of anomalies in surficial gases can be difficult because soil-gas concentrations are dependent on both meteorological and environmental conditions. For this study, concentrations of He, CO 2 , O 2 and N 2 and meteorological conditions were monitored for 10–14 months at eight nonmineralized sites in both humid and dry environments. Gases were collected at 0.6–0.7-m depth at seven sites. At one site, gases were collected from 0.3-, 0.6-, 1.2-, and 2.0-m depths; diurnal monitoring studies were conducted at this site also. Rain and snowfall, soil and air temperatures, barometric pressure, and relative humidity were monitored at all the sites. The sand, silt and clay content, and the organic carbon content of surficial soil were measured at each site. Meteorological conditions generally affected He and CO 2 concentrations in the same way at all the sites; however, these effects were modified by local environmental conditions. Both seasonal and diurnal concentration changes occurred. The most important seasonal concentration changes were related to rain and snowfall and soil and air temperatures. Seasonal changes tended to be larger then the diurnal changes, but both could be related to the same processes. Local conditions of soil type and organic content affected the amount of pore space and moisture present in the soil and therefore the soil-gas concentrations.
Nutrient Intake and Supplement Practices of Cancer Rehabilitation Patients

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify dietary patterns and supplement practices of patients enrolled in a three month out-patient Cancer Rehabilitation Program. The goal of a cancer rehabilitation program is to optimize a cancer patient's physical and emotional well-being. At our institution this is done through an individualized exercise and nutrition program, along with group support and educational sessions. Nutrition plays a significant role in empowering the cancer patient to take some control of their well-being. Baseline three-day food records of 49 participants (46 women, 3 men) were analyzed using the Nutritionist software. Results indicate that 78% of the participants consumed diets deficient in 5 or more nutrients. Deficient was defined as not meeting 80% of the RDA for a specific nutrient. In examining food choices. 24 (49%) failed to meet the recommended minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Thirteen (27%) consumed over 30% of their calories from fat. Thirty-three (67%) consumed less than 20 grams of fiber daily. Regular use of food supplements was reported by 38 (78%) of the participants, with many participants consuming multiple supplements. Twenty-seven (55%) consumed megadoses of supplements, and 3 (6%) drank fortified beverages. Seventeen (35%) consumed multi-vitamin supplements, some of them being imbalanced formulations. Sixteen (33%) consumed a variety of non-traditional supplements, such as pyenogenol, barley green, saw palmetto, milk thistle, immune booster, and essiac. This analysis indicates a need for professional nutrition guidance for this population group.
Reduced P50 auditory gating response in psychiatrically normal chronic marihuana users: a pilot study.

Abstract Background: Neurophysiological studies of marihuana (THC) often contain uncontrolled confounds [psychiatric diagnoses, polydrug use, central nervous system (CNS)-relevant injury, etc.] that can alter electrophysiological measures. This P50 sensory gating report is part of a larger neurophysiological and neurocognitive investigation of chronic THC exposure using rigorously screened medically and psychiatrically normal individuals without concurrent use of non-THC substances. Methods: Following medical and psychiatric screening, including serial urine drug screens, technically adequate P50 paired auditory recovery tests were obtained on 19 chronic THC users and 14 control subjects. Fifty pairs of 80-dB auditory clicks (1 pair per 10 sec, 500-msec interclick separation) were delivered through earphones. The sensory gating measure was the ratio between the P50 amplitudes at the vertex elicited by the conditioning (first) and test (second) click. Results: THC subjects had significantly higher sensory gating ratios (i.e., reduced suppression) than did control subjects. Among THC users, sensory gating ratios did not correlate with duration or frequency of THC use, although subjects with ratios above 40 had nearly twice the number of “joint-years” of THC exposure than did those with lower ratios. Conclusions: Reduced P50 suppression in the sensory gating paradigm may be a possible neurophysiological CNS sequela of long-term cumulative exposure to THC.
Image registration in range using a constrained piecewise linear model

A formulation is presented for the registration of two images in range. This is in contrast to the typical registration of images that occurs over their domain and ignores any exposure differences that might exist between the images. The registration is accomplished by approximating the camera's nonlinear comparametric function with a constrained piecewise linear model so that the nonlinear optimization needed to estimate the exposure difference can be simply performed using linear least squares. Results are shown illustrating the effectiveness of the approach.
Oxidative metabolism of Pasteurella pestis grown in vitro and in vivo.

distinctive property which could be correlated with virulence, although virulence-related differences in gross response (as measured by ability to multiply) to oxygen tension and temperature, glucose, divalent cations, pH, and COo have been noted by Fukui et al (1957), Wessman et al (1958), Higuchi et al (1959), Ogg et al (1958), and Delwiche et al (1959), respectively. Avirulent strains were studied by Santer and Ajl (1954, 1955a, 1955b), by Englesberg et al (1954a, 1954b) and Englesberg and Levy (1955), by Slein (1955), and by Dodin and Brygoo (1959, 1960); comparative studies were made by Srikantan et al (1957) and by Saxena et al (1957). Interest in conducting a study of cells grown in vivo was stimulated by the report of Segal and Bloch (1956) that Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells grown in the host animal had greatly reduced respiratory responses to various substrates compared with cells grown in vitro.
CMV pp65 antigen testing is of limited utility in the diagnosis of concomitant CMV disease in HIV-infected patients in the HAART era.

Abstract Background: There are limited data on the utility of the CMV pp65 antigen (Ag) test for the diagnosis of concomitant CMV end-organ disease (EOD) in HIV+ patients in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era. Objectives: We sought to assess the predictive value of a single pp65 test for the diagnosis of concomitant CMV EOD in HIV-infected patients. Study design: A review of all pp65 Ag tests conducted at a large county teaching hospital from January 1998 through July 1999 was conducted. A diagnosis of CMV EOD required histopathologic evidence (except for retinitis). Concomitant disease was defined as CMV EOD within 30 days of Ag test. Results were reported as number of Ag positive cells/300 000 cells counted. Results: Two-hundred and thirty patient charts (308 antigen tests) were reviewed. The median follow-up time was 334 days. Thirty-two patients had a prior diagnosis of CMV EOD. The most common reasons for testing were fever (45), pneumonia (10), and monitoring for recurrent retinitis (8). Ag tests were positive (range 1–1042 cells) in 51 patients. Twelve patients were diagnosed with concomitant CMV EOD. A diagnosis other than CMV was made in a significant majority of patients (154). The mean initial pp65 level was significantly higher in patients with concomitant CMV EOD versus those without concomitant CMV: 314 cells versus 13 cells, P Conclusions: The CMV pp65 Ag test is useful in excluding concomitant CMV disease, but has limited utility in the diagnosis of acute CMV disease. The highest test utility will be in patients with a high likelihood of CMV disease based on symptoms, and CD4 cell count.
Interaction of Plasminogen Activators with the Neuronal Surface

Extensive structural and cellular changes are conspicuous features of the developing organism. The mechanisms underlying these changes are in general unknown and few of the molecules responsible for dynamic events such as morphogenesis and differentiation have been identified. Proteolytic activity is an ideal mechanism for producing many of the changes characteristic of the developing organism. Proteases have been implicated in a number of prominent developmental events including trophoblast implantation,1,2 pattern formation,3 migration,4 cell proliferation,5–7 and differentiation.8 Proteases present in the nervous system have been implicated in a number of developmental events including glial proliferation,9,10 neural crest and granule cell migration,11–13 and neurite outgrowth.14–20
Mucosal Immunization with a Staphylococcus aureus IsdA-Cholera Toxin A2/B Chimera Induces Antigen-Specific Th2-Type Responses in Mice

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of opportunistic infection worldwide and a significant public health threat. The iron-regulated surface determinant A (IsdA) adhesin is essential for S. aureus colonization on human nasal epithelial cells and plays an important role in iron acquisition and resistance to human skin defenses. Here we investigated the murine immune response to intranasal administration of a cholera toxin A(2)/B (CTA(2)/B) chimera containing IsdA. Plasmids were constructed to express the IsdA-CTA(2)/B chimera and control proteins in Escherichia coli. Proper construction of the chimera was verified by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, GM1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and confocal microscopy. Groups of female BALB/c mice were mock immunized or immunized with IsdA-CTA(2)/B, IsdA mixed with CTA(2)/B, or IsdA alone, followed by one booster immunization at 10 days postpriming. Analysis of serum IgG and nasal, intestinal, and vaginal IgA suggested that mucosal immunization with IsdA-CTA(2)/B induces significant IsdA-specific humoral immunity. Functional in vitro assays revealed that immune serum significantly blocks the adherence of S. aureus to human epithelial cells. Splenocytes from mice immunized with IsdA-CTA(2)/B showed specific cellular proliferation and production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) after in vitro stimulation. Immunization with IsdA-CTA(2)/B drove isotype switching to IgG1, indicative of a Th2-type response. Our results suggest that the immunogenicity of the S. aureus IsdA-CTA(2)/B chimera merits further investigation as a potential mucosal vaccine candidate.
Use of electronic adherence with PK parameters to predict outcomes of older adult heart failure patients

Data from electronic dosing monitors may be used in conjunction with the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a monitored drug and could predict health outcomes. We derived an adherence metric modeling the estimated mean serum concentration of metoprolol Cp (Cpave) from standard PK parameter values of the study drug (ka and k) and times of administration from electronic dosing monitors. A target serum concentration (Cṕave) was determined using the same model assuming perfect adherence to the prescribed dose and administration schedule i.e. perfect adherence. The difference Δ= Cṕave −Cpave represented the deviation from the target Cp and was used as the new kinetic-derived adherence measure with a larger Δ representing a greater gap between prescribed and actual serum concentrations resulting from poorer adherence. We analyzed the electronic monitor records of 80 older heart failure patients who had been prescribed metoprolol. The mean of Δ was 8.2 ng/ml (SD=9.9). Δ correlated negatively with the percentage of dose taken (ρ=−0.5075) and the percentage dose taken on schedule (ρ= −0.3813). Log-linear models adjusted for functional severity indicated that Δ strongly predicted the numbers of patient hospitalizations and emergency visits (p<0.0001). The new adherence measure summarizes gaps between the targeted and actual metoprolol serum concentration using data from electronic dosing monitors and predicts health outcomes of older adult patients with heart failure. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P76–P76; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.289
Three-dimensional radiobiological dosimetry (3D-RD) with 124I PET for 131I therapy of thyroid cancer.

Radioiodine therapy of thyroid cancer was the first and remains among the most successful radiopharmaceutical (RPT) treatments of cancer although its clinical use is based on imprecise dosimetry. The positron emitting radioiodine, 124I, in combination with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT has made it possible to measure the spatial distribution of radioiodine in tumors and normal organs at high resolution and sensitivity. The CT component of PET/CT has made it simpler to match the activity distribution to the corresponding anatomy. These developments have facilitated patient-specific dosimetry (PSD), utilizing software packages such as three-dimensional radiobiological dosimetry (3D-RD), which can account for individual patient differences in pharmacokinetics and anatomy. We highlight specific examples of such calculations and discuss the potential impact of 124I PET/CT on thyroid cancer therapy.