cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune Responses and Viral Persistence in Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus SHIV.C.CH848-Infected Rhesus Macaques.

Chimeric simian/human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs) are widely used in nonhuman primate models to recapitulate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in humans, yet most SHIVs fail to establish persistent viral infection. We investigated immunological and virological events in rhesus macaques infected with the newly developed SHIV.C.CH848 (SHIVC) and treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Similar to HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, SHIV.C.CH848 infection established viral reservoirs in CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells, accompanied by productive infection and depletion of CD4+ T cells in systemic and lymphoid tissues throughout SHIV infection. Despite 6 months of cART-suppressed viral replication, integrated proviral DNA levels remained stable, especially in CD4+ T cells, and the viral rebound was also observed after ART interruption. Autologous neutralizing antibodies to the parental HIV-1 strain CH848 were detected, with limited viral evolution at 5 months postinfection. In comparison, heterogenous neutralizing antibodies in SHIV.C.CH848-infected macaques were not detected except for 1 (1 of 10) animal at 2 years postinfection. These findings suggest that SHIV.C.CH848, a novel class of transmitted/founder SHIVs, can establish sustained viremia and viral reservoirs in rhesus macaques with clinical immunodeficiency consequences, providing a valuable SHIV model for HIV research.IMPORTANCE SHIVs have been extensively used in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model for HIV research. In this study, we investigated viral reservoirs in tissues and immune responses in an NHP model inoculated with newly generated transmitted/founder HIV-1 clade C-based SHIV.C.CH848. The data show that transmitted founder (T/F) SHIVC infection of macaques more closely recapitulates the virological and clinical features of HIV infection, including persistent viremia and viral rebound once antiretroviral therapy is discontinued. These results suggest this CCR5-tropic, SHIVC strain is valuable for testing responses to HIV vaccines and therapeutics.
Production and reproduction in dairy cows

Economic models suggest maximum income is realized when cows calve every 12 to 13 months. Increasingly, farmers have questioned the feasibility and economic justification of achieving a 12 to 13 month calving interval in cows producing over 9,000 kg of milk. Concerns have arisen over two issues. One is biological: are higher yields of milk associated with reduced conception rate (CR); the other is managerial: are longer calving intervals more profitable in higher producers. Breeding is often delayed in high producing cows, particularly when expensive semen is used, because managers feel CR is reduced at days in milk that correspond to a yearly calving interval. Additionally, the impression exists that higher producing cows make more money when calving intervals are longer than average producing herd mates. This paper will examine the biological and managerial relationships between milk yield and reproduction.
Lightning-Induced State of Polarization Change in OPGW Using a Transmission Line Model

A transmission line model is employed to study the effects of direct lightning strikes on the state of polarization of optical signals within an optical ground wire.
Depth restoration from defocused images using simulated annealing

The recovery of depth from defocused images is formulated as a 3-D image restoration problem. A defocused image is modeled as the combinatorial outcome of the depths and intensities of the volume elements (voxels) of an opaque 3-D object. A large depth-of-field image is used to constrain the intensities of the voxels. The depths of voxels are estimated from a highly defocused image by using simulated annealing to solve a constrained optimization problem. It is concluded that the method provides a framework for high-resolution depth recovery from defocused images. The method is computationally-intensive; however, it is amenable to parallel processing and is well suited for small field-of-interest applications. >
A Survey of Multiple Criteria Integer Programming Methods

Several methods have been proposed for solving multiple criteria problems involving integer programming. This paper contains a brief survey as well as a typology of several such methods. Although computational date is scanty to date, an attempt is made to evaluate the methods from a user orientation as well as from the perspective of a researcher trying to develop a workable user-oriented method.
Microcontroller-based Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for wearable health monitoring systems

This paper presents a prototype design of a small form factor microcontroller-based Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) platform for integration with health monitoring systems. Existing EIS systems are expensive and relatively large in size to be integrated with wearable medical devices. The focus of this paper is to present prototype based on a hardware software co-design to be conceived as a stand-alone module for easy integration with medical devices. Currently, the system is able to analyze samples within the frequency range of 0.02 Hz to 200 kHz or measurements of impedance phase and magnitude. The platform is tested with cell impedance models and is able to calculate the magnitude and phase of the complex impedance with a percentage error of less than 5%.
Service-learning and political engagement, efficacy, and apathy: A case study at Sam Houston State University

Given the decline in political engagement among the electorate, especially among youth, there has been an effort to increase engagement through service-learning courses at both the high school and ...
Extreme computing on the distributed European infrastructure for supercomputing applications: DEISA

Scientists' dream of accessing any supercomputer in the world, independentlyfrom time and space, is currently coming true, to perform even largerand more accurate computer simulations, at their finger tip. Today, high-speed networks transport data at the speed of light, middleware manages distributedcomputing resources in an intelligent manner, portal technology enable secure,seemless, and remote access to resources, applications, and data, and sophisticatednumerical methods approximate the underlying mathematical equations ina highly accurate way. With the convergence of these core technologies into onecomplex service oriented architecture, we see the rise of large compute and datagrids currently being built and deployed by e-Infrastructure initiatives such asDEISA, EGEE, NAREGI, and TERAGRID.With the aid of one example, in this keynote presentation, we will elaborate onthe Distributed European Infrastructure for Supercomputing Applications,DEISA, which recently entered its second phase. We will describe the system architecture,called the DEISA Common Production Environment (DCPE) and theDEISA Extreme Computing Initiative DECI attracting scientists all overEurope to use the networked supercomputing environment, and we will highlighta few impressive success stories from scientists who achieved breakthroughresults so far which would not have been possible without such an infrastructure.Finally, we will summarize main lessons learned and provide some usefulrecommendations.
Cadmium-induced sterility: possible involvement of the cholinergic system.

Acute and chronic effects of cadmium exposure on spermatozoan choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were studied to investigate the mechanism of cadmium induced sterility. Cadmium at dosages of 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg given orally inhibited ChAT in all segments of spermatozoa obtained from rat epididymis. Maximum inhibition was observed about 72 hr after treatment. Decreased ChAT activity was seen in chronic experiments where animals were exposed to cadmium via drinking water; surprisingly, a greater decrease was observed at the lower dosage. Cadmium also inhibited ChAT activity of rat cauda spermatozoa, and human spermatozoa when they were incubatedin vitro at a concentration of 5 × 10−4M. Cadmium decreased human spermatozoan motility when incubated at a concentration of 5 × 10−4M. Acetyl-choline (ACh) and physostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor), however, increased spermatozoan motility. The results indicate that cadmium may produce sterility by inhibiting spermatozoan choline acetyltransferase, decreasing acetyl choline synthesis, and impairing spermatozoan motility, and could be a potential reproductive hazard to humans.
An evaluation of a patient satisfaction survey: validity and reliability

Abstract Patient reports about their medical care can be an important component of quality assessment of medical services. Recently, many medical centers and health care providers have focused their attention to a consumer oriented evaluation and assessment of services. Research literature indicates that the assessment of quality of care from the patient’s perspective has been operationalized as patient satisfaction. The purpose of this report is to evaluate a southern medical center’s External Patient Satisfaction Survey instrument for validity and reliability and provide a basis that providers might use routinely and systematically to assess the quality of medical care. This article reports on the initial appraisal of content validity, factor structure, and estimated internal consistency reliability of the instrument.
Retarded dispersion forces between conducting spheres

The retarded dispersion forces between conducting spheres are calculated. It is shown that for perfect conductors, the contribution of magnetic dipole terms and higher-multipole terms are important, amounting to about 50% of the force asymptotically, and an even greater percentage at shorter distances. It is argued that ordinary conducting and superconducting spheres will behave as perfect conductors insofar as retarded dispersion forces are concerned, provided that the radius of the spheres is greater than about ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ cm for superconductors, and provided that the separation is less then ${10}^{2}a$ for ordinary conductors. Some comments on the measurability of these forces are presented.
Countering a“Culture of Violence.” Can It Be Done?1

Taking the United Nations Agenda for Peace and Justice in the 21st Century as a vantage point, this article deals with the attempt to create “peace consciousness” among college students. With the creation of “peace projects,” students face the challenge of translating some of the rather abstract concepts of the Agenda into concrete outcomes and grassroots-level community actions. The “peace projects” should reflect the spirit of the Agenda and at the same time address the importance of working toward consensus and understanding; of avoiding conflicts or resolving conflicts without violence; and of providing an opportunity to make the voices of people heard regarding the issues that affect them. By giving voice to their own concerns against the backdrop of the language of the Agenda, students understand and internalize the intent of the document, and as a result of this creative process, they feel empowered and optimistic.
Predicted secondary structures of four penicillin beta-lactamases and a comparison with two lysozymes.

We have predicted the secondary structures of four beta-lactamases (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli R-TEM) by the statistical method of Chou & Fasman as well as by the information theory method of Garnier et al. The secondary structures of all four beta-lactamases are of the alpha/beta type (Levitt & Chothia's nomenclature), with helices at N- and C-termini. There are about eight short regions each of alpha-helical (30--50%) and beta-strand (10--20%) structure separated by about 20 reverse turns. The conformation of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative beta-lactamases are generally similar although a few differences are predicted between the S.aureus and E.coli structures. Surprisingly, the two bacilli structures differ significantly in three short regions. In all four enzymes the region near the catalytically-implicated tyrosine has similar secondary structure. The secondary structure of hen egg white lysozyme, a penicillin-binding enzyme, as well as T4 phage lysozyme, has similarities to the N-terminal half of the penicillin-destroying beta-lactamases.
Reliability of magnitude matching

In each of four experimental sessions, each of 16 subjects gave magnitude estimates of the taste intensities of NaCl and the loudness of noise on a single, common scale—the method of magnitude matching. In all sessions, the intensity levels of the noises were identical; but in two sessions, the concentrations of NaCl were low, and in two they were high. Cross-modality matches (magnitude matches) between NaCl and noise were derived from the judgments, revealing two main findings: First, given constant NaCl concentrations, individual subjects showed reliably different magnitude matches. Second, changing the NaCl concentrations (context) strongly affected the magnitude matches. These findings suggest that magnitude matching may be useful in assessing inter individual as well as intergroup differences, though caution must be taken to minimize effects of context: Context effects are pervasive; they suggest the presence of a complex relativistic process operating when people judge the intensities of qualitatively different-stimuli.
Music therapy career aptitude and generalized self-efficacy in music therapy students.

BACKGROUND While the Music Therapy Career Aptitude Test (MTCAT) provides a measure of student aptitude, measures of perceived self-efficacy may provide additional information about a students' suitability for a music therapy career. OBJECTIVE As a first step in determining whether future studies examining combined scores from the MTCAT and the Generalized Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale would be useful to help predict academic success in music therapy, we explored the internal reliability of these two measures in a sample of undergraduate students, and the relationship (concurrent validity) of the measures to one another. METHODS Eighty undergraduate music therapy students (14 male; 66 female) completed the MTCAT and GSE. To determine internal reliability we conducted tests of normality and calculated Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha for each measure. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to ascertain the strength of the relationship between the MTCAT and GSE. RESULTS MTCAT scores were normally distributed and had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.706). GSE scores were not normally distributed, but had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.748). The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that MTCAT and GSE scores were moderately correlated ((r = 0.426, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION MTCAT scores can be used to partially determine perceived self-efficacy in undergraduate music therapy students; however, a more complete picture of student suitability for music therapy may be determined by administering the GSE alongside the MTCAT. Future studies are needed to determine whether combined MTCAT and GSE scores can be used to predict student success in an undergraduate music therapy program.
Inhibition of desmin expression blocks myoblast fusion and interferes with the myogenic regulators MyoD and myogenin

The muscle-specific intermediate filament protein, desmin, is one of the earliest myogenic markers whose functional role during myogenic commitment and differentiation is unknown. Sequence comparison of the presently isolated and fully characterized mouse desmin cDNA clones revealed a single domain of polypeptide similarity between desmin and the basic and helix-loop-helix region of members of the myoD family myogenic regulators. This further substantiated the need to search for the function of desmin. Constructs designed to express anti-sense desmin RNA were used to obtain stably transfected C2C12 myoblast cell lines. Several lines were obtained where expression of the anti-sense desmin RNA inhibited the expression of desmin RNA and protein down to basal levels. As a consequence, the differentiation of these myoblasts was blocked; complete inhibition of myoblast fusion and myotube formation was observed. Rescue of the normal phenotype was achieved either by spontaneous revertants, or by overexpression of the desmin sense RNA in the defective cell lines. In several of the cell lines obtained, inhibition of desmin expression was followed by differential inhibition of the myogenic regulators myoD and/or myogenin, depending on the stage and extent of desmin inhibition in these cells. These data suggested that myogenesis is modulated by at least more than one pathway and desmin, which so far was believed to be merely an architectural protein, seems to play a key role in this process.
Drug Treatment of Hypertensive Crisis in Children

Hypertensive crisis is a relatively rare event and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in adults and pediatric patients alike. Rapid, safe, and effective treatment is imperative to alleviate immediate presenting clinical symptoms, prevent devastating morbidity, preserve long-term quality of life, and prevent mortality. Many medications in the hypertensive crisis arsenal have been used for nearly half a century. Nearly all treatment options have been utilized in children for decades, yet reliable data and sound clinical literature remain elusive. Every agent considered to be a first-line, second-line, or adjunctive option has yet to be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial in pediatric patients. With a paucity of clinical data to form evidence-based decisions, the clinician must rely entirely on the extrapolation from adult data and small retrospective studies, case series, and case reports of medication use in pediatric patients. Although more research in the treatment of pediatric hypertensive crisis is desperately needed, current practice demands a sharp knowledge of the pediatric clinical literature and pharmacology in this area as an essential tool to consistently improve patient outcomes with respect to morbidity and mortality.
The volatile constituents of camphorweed, Heterotheca subaxillaris

Abstract Forty-one mono-and sesquiterpenoids are identified from the leaf volatiles of Heterotheca subaxillaris . Affinities to related genera are briefly discussed.
Specific and Shared Targets of Ephrin A Signaling in Epidermal Keratinocytes

Both ephrins (EFNs) and their receptors (Ephs) are membrane-bound, restricting their interactions to the sites of direct cell-to-cell interfaces. They are widely expressed, often co-expressed, and regulate developmental processes, cell adhesion, motility, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Both tumor suppressor and oncogene activities are ascribed to EFNs and Ephs in various contexts. A major conundrum regarding the EFN/Eph system concerns their large number and functional redundancy given the promiscuous cross-activation of ligands and receptors and the overlapping intracellular signaling pathways. To address this issue, we treated human epidermal keratinocytes with five EFNAs individually and defined the transcriptional responses in the cells. We found that a large set of genes is coregulated by all EFNAs. However, although the responses to EFNA3, EFNA4, and EFNA5 are identical, the responses to EFNA1 and EFNA2 are characteristic and distinctive. All EFNAs induce epidermal differentiation markers and suppress cell adhesion genes, especially integrins. Ontological analysis showed that all EFNAs induce cornification and keratin genes while suppressing wound healing-associated, signaling, receptor, and extracellular matrix-associated genes. Transcriptional targets of AP1 are selectively suppressed by EFNAs. EFNA1 and EFNA2, but not the EFNA3, EFNA4, EFNA5 cluster, regulate the members of the ubiquitin-associated proteolysis genes. EFNA1 specifically induces collagen production. Our results demonstrate that the EFN-Eph interactions in the epidermis, although promiscuous, are not redundant but specific. This suggests that different members of the EFN/Eph system have specific, clearly demarcated functions.
Hyper-excitability and epilepsy generated by chronic early-life stress

Epilepsy is more prevalent in populations with high measures of stress, but the neurobiological mechanisms are unclear. Stress is a common precipitant of seizures in individuals with epilepsy, and may provoke seizures by several mechanisms including changes in neurotransmitter and hormone levels within the brain. Importantly, stress during sensitive periods early in life contributes to ‘brain programming’, influencing neuronal function and brain networks. However, it is unclear if early-life stress influences limbic excitability and promotes epilepsy. Here we used an established, naturalistic model of chronic early-life stress (CES), and employed chronic cortical and limbic video-EEGs combined with molecular and cellular techniques to probe the contributions of stress to age-specific epilepsies and network hyperexcitability and identify the underlying mechanisms. In control male rats, EEGs obtained throughout development were normal and no seizures were observed. EEGs demonstrated epileptic spikes and spike series in the majority of rats experiencing CES, and 57% of CES rats developed seizures: Behavioral events resembling the human age-specific epilepsy infantile spasms occurred in 11/23 (48%), accompanied by EEG spikes and/or electrodecrements, and two additional rats (9%) developed limbic seizures that involved the amygdala. Probing for stress-dependent, endogenous convulsant molecules within amygdala, we examined the expression of the pro-convulsant neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and found a significant increase of amygdalar--but not cortical--CRH expression in adolescent CES rats. In conclusion, CES of limited duration has long-lasting effects on brain excitability and may promote age-specific seizures and epilepsy. Whereas the mechanisms involved require further study, these findings provide important insights into environmental contributions to early-life seizures.
A survey of fuzzy set and topos theory

Abstract This paper is a comparison and contrast of approaches to many-valued mathematics offered by Fuzzy Set Theory and topos theory. It gives a survey of the categorical foundations of Fuzzy Set theory and related topoi. Topoi are not a basis for Fuzzy Set theory butthey do suggest appropriate directions to go and questions to ask for a synthesis which does provide a foundation. One possible structure which has a lopos-like internal logic and the rich variety of loggical connectives used in fuzzy sets is included.
What do we expect from imaging

The objectives of imaging in gynecologic cancer include tumor detection, tumor diagnosis, staging, and follow-up. In addition, both monitoring response to treatment and differentiating tumor recurrence from post-treatment changes are important indications for imaging. In 2001 it was estimated that there would be 38,300 cases of endometrial cancer, 23,400 cases of ovarian cancer, and 12,900 cases of cervical cancer. This article reviews what information is required by the practicing gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist prior to surgery and briefly summarizes state-of-the-art imaging in answering clinically pertinent questions.
The Utilization of Solar Energy in a Multiple-Effect Desalinization System.

Abstract The University of Arizona has developed a sea water desalinization system which can economically utilize low temperature solar energy. The system consists of a horizontal plastic-covered solar collector, a packed-tower evaporator, and a finned-tube surface condenser. Incoming sea water is preheated in the surface condenser and then pumped to the solar collector where it is heated 5 to 10C. The heated sea water is pumped from the collector to the packed-tower evaporator, where a small fraction is evaporated into a circulating air stream and condensed as distilled water in the finned-tube surface condenser. To evaluate the system a pilot plant has been constructed in cooperation with the University of Sonora at Puerto Penasco on the Gulf of California. This plant is designed to produce between 2500 and 5000 gallons of fresh water daily. The energy for evaporation in the system is derived from ocean water heated in the solar collector during the day. In order to allow design optimization for the ent...
The Participation of Elevated Levels of Cyclic GMP in the Recovery from Radiation-induced Mitotic Delay

SummaryThe levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP have been measured in Physarum plasmodia before and after treatment with gamma-radiation, 2 mM caffeine, or combinations of the two agents and compared to the length of the radiation-induced mitotic delay. Caffeine alone produces a rapid transient elevation of cyclic AMP and a slower delayed elevation of cyclic GMP. Irradiation elicits an immediate transient increase in cyclic AMP and a later cyclic GMP increase which accompanies or precedes the delayed mitosis. A composite pattern is produced by combinations of radiation and caffeine, a distinctive feature of which is an elevated level of cyclic GMP near the time of the radiation-delayed and caffeine-promoted mitosis. With pretreatment by caffeine, the least radiation-induced mitotic delay occurs when plasmodia are irradiated during the caffeine-elicited increase in cyclic GMP. The plasmodium becomes refractory to the reduction of mitotic delay by caffeine at approximately the time it becomes refractory to t...
EDC DAAC: serving the land processes science community

The primary objective of the Earth Resources Observation System (EROS) Data Center (EDC) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for land processes data is to promote the interdisciplinary study and understanding of the integrated Earth system by providing remotely sensed and related ancillary data for the study, characterization, and monitoring of natural and anthropogenic conditions and processes existing and operating at or near the land surface. Generating, distributing, and preserving data and products from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) earth observing system (EOS) are primary functions of the DAAC. To that end, the EDC DAAC is using existing data sets in developing capabilities to efficiently and effectively ingest, process, manage, distribute, and archive for future generations land-related data collected by EOS sensors. Capabilities also are being developed to help users search for and acquire data and products, as well as to support their scientific application of those data and products. EDC DAAC programs and capability development activities address DAAC-defined science support requirements that relate to a broad spectrum of services and capabilities needed by science users.
Effects of Simultaneous Boron and Nitrogen Implantation on Microhardness and Fatigue Properties of Fe-13Cr-15Ni Alloys

Eight complex austenitic stainless steel alloys based on the composition Fe-13Cr-15Ni-2Mo-2Mn-0.2Ti-0.8Si-0.06C were implanted simultaneously with 400-keV B+ and 550-keV N+ ions and were investigated for changes in fatigue properties and surface microhardness. The nearsurface hardness of all eight alloys improved, but the fatigue life of each decreased. These findings were contrary to those obtained in an earlier study using four simple Fe-13Cr-15Ni alloys, where the dual implantation improved fatigue life by up to 250 pct. While unimplanted specimens failed by slip-band crack initiation, it was hypothesized that the dual implantation suppressed slip to the extent that fewer slip-band cracks were initiated and these were subjected to accelerated crack propagation. In addition, grain-boundary cracking was promoted, yielding a lower fatigue life. Support for this hypothesis was obtained by a study of single crystals of Fe-15Cr-15Ni, which were also implanted with B+ and N+. The dual implantation caused a lower fatigue life due to concentration of slip along a few slip bands to relieve applied stress. Evidence of grain-boundary cracking was obtained using the four simple alloys, which were subjected to triple ion implantation with B+, N+, and C+. The triple implantation decreased the fatigue life of the alloys and caused accelerated growth of fewer slip bands and grain-boundary cracking due to suppression of surface slip bands. This study thus shows the existence of an optimum level of strengthening when multiple ion implantation is used to improve the fatigue properties of alloys.
Predicting the functional result of anastomoses to the anus: The paradox of preoperative anal resting pressure

This article examines the effect of ileal pouch-anal (n=134) and coloanal (n=16) anastomoses on resting anal canal pressures in 150 patients. METHODS: Patients underwent anal manometry before ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and coloanal anastomosis (CAA) and again six weeks after ileostomy closure following these procedures. A water-perfused catheter system with four radial ports was used for manometry, pressures being recorded during both station and continuous pull through. RESULTS: Patients with IPAA were younger than those with CAA (34 years vs. 50 years) and had a different ratio of hand-to-stapled anastomosis (1∶2.6 vs. 1.3∶1). All CAA patients had had rectal cancer while IPAA patients suffered mainly from ulcerative colitis (n=114) or familial polyposis (n=10). The mean preoperative resting pressure for all patients was 79 mmHg (75–87, 95 percent confidence limit) and the mean fall in this pressure after surgery was 25 mmHg (−21 to −29, 95 percent confidence limit). There was no difference in preoperative pressure or fall between handsewn and stapled anastomoses, or between IPAA and CAA. CONCLUSION: There was a significant relationship between preoperative pressure and change in pressure that held true for all subgroups (change=−0.7 × preoperative pressure + 31,r=0.69). Analysis of the functional results confirmed that patients with high preoperative pressure are at risk for severe falls after surgery and are not guaranteed a good result. Conversely, patients with low preoperative pressures may actually have an increase with surgery and are not always incontinent. Patients with low preoperative anal resting pressures should not be denied anastomosis to the anus if they are continent.
Smoking cessation treatment on the Internet: Content, quality, and usability

The explosive growth in access to the Internet suggests that the Internet may be a viable channel through which we can reach and treat the large population of smokers who are unlikely to use other modes of intervention. We applied national guidelines from the U.S. Public Health Service to assess the quality of interventions for smoking cessation that are available on the Internet. The Public Health Service guidelines were codified into two instruments to record and to rate quality of the intervention contents. Usability guidelines established by the National Cancer Institute were used to develop an instrument to assess Web site usability. Of the 202 Web sites identified in searches, 77% did not provide direct intervention over the Internet and were excluded from analyses. A total of 46 Web sites were included in our review. Usability assessments showed mixed results. Web sites were visually well organized and used consistent graphical design; however, reading difficulty averaged above the 8th-grade level. Over 80% of Web sites provided no coverage of one or more of the key components of tobacco treatment recommended in the guidelines. Ironically, areas receiving the least coverage were those most amenable to the interactive capabilities of the Internet, such as providing tailored, personalized advice to quit and arranging follow-up contact. Smokers seeking quality tobacco dependence treatment on the Internet may have difficulty distinguishing among the numerous Web sites available. Web sites that provide direct treatment often fail to fully implement treatment guidelines and do not take full advantage of the interactive and tailoring capabilities of the Internet.
Characterization of responding cells in oxidative mitogen stimulation. III. Presence of I-A- and I-J, E, C-subregion gene products on the surface of required cells.

Ia antigens coded by genes of the murine major histocompatibility complex are expressed on the surface of a population of cells critical to the proliferative response of murine spleen cells to the oxidative mitogen neuraminidase/galactose oxidase. By selective depletion with antiserum and complement, Ia antigens coded (or determined) by theI-A andI-J, E, C subregions of theIr region can be detected on the surface of cells required for the response. In addition, I-A-subregion products have a functional significance in cellular activation which can be demonstrated by blocking experiments with anti-la serum in the absence of complement.
Anatomical mapping of epidermal Langerhans cell densities in adults

The densities of T6 antigen-bearing Langerhans cells in 112 biopsies of human skin from sixteen surgical out-patients and four cadavers were determined for eight anatomical regions. The regional mean densities (+/- s.e.m.) of epidermal Langerhans cells per mm2 were: head and neck, 489 +/- 27; chest, 466 +/- 22; back, 466 +/- 11; upper extremities, 458 +/- 25; lower extremities, 431 +/- 30; buttocks, 411 +/- 11; genitalia, 298 +/- 45; soles, 58 +/- 12. No statistically significant differences were found between any of these Langerhans cell densities except for that of the soles which was lower than those of all other regions (P less than 0.002). No significant differences were detected between the mean densities of patients and cadavers, Caucasians and Hispanics or males and females.
Synaptic Vesicle Distribution by Conveyor Belt

The equal distribution of synaptic vesicles among synapses along the axon is critical for robust neurotransmission. Wong et al. show that the continuous circulation of synaptic vesicles throughout the axon driven by molecular motors ultimately yields this even distribution.
Entrainment of the Human Circadian Clock to the Natural Light-Dark Cycle

The electric light is one of the most important human inventions. Sleep and other daily rhythms in physiology and behavior, however, evolved in the natural light-dark cycle [1], and electrical lighting is thought to have disrupted these rhythms. Yet how much the age of electrical lighting has altered the human circadian clock is unknown. Here we show that electrical lighting and the constructed environment is associated with reduced exposure to sunlight during the day, increased light exposure after sunset, and a delayed timing of the circadian clock as compared to a summer natural 14 hr 40 min:9 hr 20 min light-dark cycle camping. Furthermore, we find that after exposure to only natural light, the internal circadian clock synchronizes to solar time such that the beginning of the internal biological night occurs at sunset and the end of the internal biological night occurs before wake time just after sunrise. In addition, we find that later chronotypes show larger circadian advances when exposed to only natural light, making the timing of their internal clocks in relation to the light-dark cycle more similar to earlier chronotypes. These findings have important implications for understanding how modern light exposure patterns contribute to late sleep schedules and may disrupt sleep and circadian clocks.
Pharmacodynamics in older adults: a review.

Abstract Background: Older individuals experience physiologic changes in organ function related to aging or to specific disease processes. These changes can affect drug pharmacodynamics in older adults. Objective: The goal of this article was to review age-related changes in pharmacodynamics and their clinical relevance. Methods: PubMed and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched (January 1980-June 2006) for the following combination of terms: pharmacodynamic and elderly, geriatric or aged. References cited in other reviews were also evaluated. The current review focused on age-related pharmacodynamic changes in agents affecting the central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and endocrine functions. Results: Older adults frequently demonstrate an exaggerated response to CNS-active drugs. This is in part due to an underlying age-related decline in CNS function and in part due to increased pharmacodynamic sensitivity for some benzodiazepines, anesthetics, and opioids. The most important pharmacodynamic differences with age for cardiovascular agents are the decrease in effect for J3-adrenergic agents. This decline in response in vascular, cardiac, and pulmonary tissue may be due to a decrease in Gs protein interactions. Most studies indicate there is no decrease in cx-receptor sensitivity with age. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors do not show age-related differences in elderly patients. With the dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, there was a slight increase in effect for older adults, but this was only for treatment-naive patients and was transient. Nondihydropyridines did not show an age- associated change in pharmacodynamic effect; however, in the elderly, there appeared to be a decrease in the PR interval prolongation normally seen with these agents. Studies of diuretics indicated that the changes in diuretic and natriuretic effects seen in the elderly were associated with pharmacokinetic changes and were not pharmacody- namic in nature. There was a lack of consistent evidence regarding whether sulfonylureas show age-related changes in pharmacodynamic effect. Conclusions: There is a general trend of greater pharmacodynamic sensitivity in the elderly; however, this is not universal, and these age-related changes must be investigated agent-by-agent until further research yields greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the aging process.
Reductive Alkylation of Fluorinated Graphite

Fluorinated graphite (CFX) was alkylated reductively to yield functionalized graphite platelets comprised of six to 23 graphene sheets. A free radical mechanism involving a single electron transfer was proposed. The higher level of functionalization that resulted from the fluorinated substrate led to materials that exhibited an enhanced solubility in organic solvents.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Current review of the technique and literature.

Aim: To visit the operative technique and to review the current published English literature on the technique, and outcomes following robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Materials and Methods: We searched the published English literature and the PubMed (TM) for published series of 'robotic partial nephrectomy' (RPN) using the keywords; robot, robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic surgery. Results: The search yielded 15 major selected series of 'robotic partial nephrectomy'; these were reviewed, tracked and analysed in order to determine the current status and role of RPN in the management of early renal neoplasm(s), as a minimally invasive surgical alternative to open partial nephrectomy. A review of the initial peri-operative outcome of the 350 cases of select series of RPN reported in published English literature revealed a mean operating time, warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay, of 191 minutes, 25 minutes, 162 ml and 2.95 days, respectively. The overall computed mean complication rate of RPN in the present select series was about 7.4%. Conclusions: RPN is a safe, feasible and effective minimally invasive surgical alternative to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for early stage (T 1 ) renal neoplasm(s). It has acceptable initial renal functional outcomes without the increased risk of major complications in experienced hands. Prospective randomised, controlled, comparative clinical trials with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) are the need of the day. While the initial oncological outcomes of RPN appear to be favourable, long-term data is awaited.
Enlarging the Sphere of Recognition: A Hegelian Approach to Animal Rights

The problem of extending our ethical duties and obligation to animals is an issue of considerable philosophical interest. Even as animals have continued to be the focus of certain forms of rights, the problem of extending moral consideration to animals remains controversial. But it can be argued that a firmer ethical foundation for the extension of ethical obligation and laws protecting the welfare of animals can be grounded within the unique approach to ethical life laid out by Hegel, specifically through his concept of recognition. Animals possess certain traits and characteristics that endow them with recognitive status and, as a result, are also constitutive of our own ethical life and ethical self-understanding. Allowing the harm, abuse, or exploitation of animals constitutes a distortion in our recognitive relations not only with animals, but with ourselves and with other human beings as well. What results from this is a pathology of ethical life, an erosion of our ethical sensibilities and concepts. From this it follows that the inflicting of pain on animals degrades the ethical capacities and the ethical status of human agents themselves and therefore the recognition of their protection from unnecessary harm and suffering ought to be defended on those grounds. Perhaps of greater importance is the question of the legitimacy of extending our ethical obligation to animals, securing that ethical duty, and creating a compelling pretext for the legal protection of animals from abuse. In this sense, an ethics that is reflexive in nature can provide us with a more compelling perspective that can justify the ethical treatment of animals but also be extended to other areas of moral philosophy as well. In his Philosophy of Right, Hegel puts forth an intriguing thesis with roots in much of his earlier writings and ideas about ethical life and rational agents.
NONCOMPLIANCE IN AN INFANT HOME MONITORING PROGRAM

Although an average rate of noncompliance of 54% has been reported in conjunction with other pediatric therapies, noncompliance has not previously been associated with infant home monitoring. We studied 24 consecutive infants placed on home apnea monitors because of near-miss sudden infant death (SIDS) episodes, subsequent siblings of SIDS victims, and apneic preterm infants at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. In 8 cases(33%) noncompliance was noted. The monitor was prematurely terminated in 5 cases, and was continued in use in 3 cases despite medical advice to the contrary. A semi-structured interview was administered to the parents of all 24 monitored infants. Discriminant analysis was performed to determine what variables were connected with noncompliance in this population. Socioeconomic status, severity of preceding illness, or diagnosis were not predictors of noncompliance. Noncompliance in home monitoring programs may be more significant than previously recognized. Clearer guidelines for both the use of the monitor and the physician's responsibility when noncompliance is an issue need to be established. Pediatric and psychiatric collaboration is crucial in order to deliver optimal care to these vulnerable infants and their families.
Inner shelf response to Tropical Storm Floyd

[1] A continuously operated coastal observatory off the southern coast of New Jersey provides an opportunity to study both long-term trends and episodic events. On the evening of 16 September 1999, Tropical Storm Floyd moved up the New Jersey coast directly over the observatory. The response of the inner shelf is characterized using a depth-averaged (DA) and surface layer (SL) model in conjunction with direct observations. During the storm, the DA model was more representative of the observed response. While there was a peak in the near-inertial band of the depth average current, the response was not the typical clockwise ringing response seen in deepwater stratified regions. Instead the shallow, well-mixed inner shelf responded with an alongshore current oscillation balanced by the alongshore pressure gradient and bottom stress. The increased influence of bottom friction damps the typical inertial tail seen in deeper ocean responses and shortens the relaxation phase from several days to hours. Immediately following the storm, the surface layer model better represents the observed currents. It appears that the excessive rainfall associated with the storm and the resulting freshening of the inner shelf isolate the surface layer from the effect of bottom friction. The large waves and currents associated with the storm increase the potential for a sediment resuspension and transport event. Unlike the typical nor'easter in which the transport in this location is alongshore toward the south and onshore, the currents coinciding with the largest waves are alongshore toward the south but with an offshore component.
Hemodynamic effects of inspired carbon dioxide after the Norwood procedure

Abstract Background . Mortality in the early postoperative period after the Norwood procedure remains substantial. Inspired carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has been suggested to improve hemodynamic status in this setting. Inspired CO 2 can be delivered by one of two strategies, ie, with or without an accompanying increase in minute ventilation. The hemodynamic effects of these two strategies have not previously been studied in a controlled fashion. Methods . Seventeen infants (median age, 9 days; range, 4 to 49 days) undergoing Norwood procedures were prospectively enrolled in this crossover study. Patients were studied while sedated, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated 1 day to 6 days after operation. The inspired oxygen fraction was kept constant (mean value, 0.24 ± 0.01). Measurements were made at five time points: 1=baseline; 2=inspired CO 2 with increased ventilation; 3=baseline; 4=inspired CO 2 alone; and 5=baseline. Mixed venous oxygen saturation was monitored using indwelling lines in the superior vena cava. Results . Inspired CO 2 with increased ventilation produced a rise in mean airway pressure with no change in arterial CO 2 tension or pH. This strategy had no effect on hemodynamic status or oxygen delivery. Inspired CO 2 alone produced a rise in arterial CO 2 tension and a fall in arterial pH (respiratory acidosis). This strategy resulted in significant improvement in both variables of systemic oxygen delivery: mixed venous oxygen saturation increased from 48% ± 2% to 56% ± 2% ( p p Conclusions . Inspired CO 2 after the Norwood procedure can improve oxygen delivery. This improvement occurs only if minute ventilation is kept constant. There is no improvement if minute ventilation is increased. Clinical use of inspired CO 2 may be limited by the accompanying fall in pH. Differentiation of cerebral from total-body effects of inspired CO 2 will require further study.
Anthropomorphic Concepts of God

Three of the most venerable objections to anthropomorphic conceptions of the divine are traceable to Xenophanes and his critique of the early Greek gods. Though suitably revised, these ancient criticisms have persisted over the centuries, plaguing various religious communities, particularly those of classical Christian commitment. Xenophanes complained that anthropomorphism leads to unseemly characterizations, noting that both over the ages, the list of unseemly characteristics has expanded somewhat.
Effect of enantiomeric excess on the phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystals.

Null transmission ellipsometry and resonant x-ray diffraction are employed to study the effect of enantiomeric excess (EE) on the phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystal 10OTBBB1M7. Phase sequence, layer spacing, and pitch of the helical structures of the smectic-$C$${}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{*}$ and smectic-$C$${}^{*}$ phases are studied as a function of temperature and EE. Upon reducing EE, a liquid-gas-type critical point of the smectic-$C$${}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{*}$ to smectic-$C$${}^{*}$ transition is observed, as well as the disappearance of the smectic-$C$${}_{d4}^{*}$ and the smectic-$C$${}_{d3}^{*}$ phases. Results are analyzed in a mean-field model.