cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulus-response contiguity in the development of stimulus-bound drinking and eating.

Abstract Albino rats bearing lateral hypothalamic electrodes were tested for stimulus-bound drinking (SBD) and stimulus-bound eating (SBE). In an attempt to manipulate ahead of time which of these behaviors would emerge upon testing, ICS was delivered during a 1 hr training period to water and food deprived rats contingent upon drinking and eating responses, respectively. The training did not determine which SB behavior appeared. Anomalous patterns of SBD were observed in trained rats, however; this effect is discussed in terms of marked differences in the drinking behavior of rats that received lick contingent ICS after water deprivation.
Measurements on radiation reflected obliquely from a rough surface

Experiments are described, and their results analysed, of the reflection (at oblique incidence) of microwaves of 8 mm wavelength from a rippled water surface. The surface profile was, to a good approximation, randomly rough, and a series of roughness states, extending from `slightly rough? to `very rough? and whose statistical characteristics were known, were used. The time variation of the amplitude and phase of the reflected radiation was observed for the two principal polarizations of the incident radiation, as well as their covariation when the incident radiation was polarized in a direction at 45° to the plane of incidence. The results are discussed in terms of recently proposed theories, and some encouraging agreement is found.
Multi-sensor networked state estimation with delayed and irregularly-spaced observations

The performance of a continuous-discrete Kalman filter using multi-sensor observations with irregular sampling patterns and/or delay in the measurement path is analyzed in terms of the associated error-covariance matrix. Such irregularities occur in geographically-distributed systems (such as the electric power grid) when observations are transmitted to an estimation/control center via an unreliable communication link. We extend here our earlier results on lower and upper bounds for the average error covariance to include the effects of communication delay and a more general class of sensor sampling irregularities.
Reynolds-shear-stress measurements in a compressible boundary layer within a shock-wave-induced adverse pressure gradient

The results of an experimental investigation of the mean- and fluctuating-flow properties of a compressible turbulent boundary layer in a shock-wave-induced adverse pressure gradient are presented. The turbulent boundary layer developed on the wall of an axially symmetric nozzle and test section whose nominal free-stream Mach number and boundary-layer-thickness Reynolds number were 4 and 105, respectively. The adverse pressure gradient was induced by an externally generated, conical shock wave.Mean and time-averaged fluctuating-flow data, including the experimental Reynolds shear stresses and experimental turbulent heat-transfer rates, are presented for the boundary layer and external flow, upstream, within and downstream of the pressure gradient. The turbulent mixing properties of the flow were determined experimentally with a hot-wire anemometer. The calibration of the wires and the interpretation of the data are discussed.From the results of the investigation, it is concluded that the shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction significantly alters the shear-stress characteristics of the boundary layer.
Biotransformation of N-acetylphenothiazine by fungi

Cultures of the fungi Aspergillus niger, Cunninghamella verticillata, and Penicillium simplicissimum, grown in a sucrose/peptone medium, transformed N-acetylphenothiazine to N-acetylphenothiazine sulfoxide (from 13% to 28% of the total) and phenothiazine sulfoxide (from 5% to 27%). Phenothiazin-3-one (4%) and phenothiazine N-glucoside (4%) were also produced by C. verticillata. The probable intermediate, phenothiazine, was detected only in cultures of P. simplicissimum (6%).
Disseminating the Maps of a Postwar World: A Case Study of the University of Florida's Participation in Government Depository Programs

Worldwide map production increased exponentially during the Second World War. This essay is concerned with what happened to those maps after the war. Undertaking a case study exploring the development of the University of Florida Library's collection of maps emphasizes the importance of government depository programs (particularly the Army Map Service Depository program) in instigating and perpetuating the dissemination of cartographic materials.
X-parameter techniques for signal integrity in high-speed links

X-parameters have been shown to have a wide array of applications in the modeling of nonlinear devices and systems. In this work we demonstrate that they can be combined with LIM and IBIS to produce robust models for high-speed links. In particular IBIS data generation from X parameters is demonstrated and its advantage over currently available methods is discussed.
Proton affinity determinations using the kinetic method in an ion trap mass spectrometer

Abstract Proton affinities for various compounds have been estimated using a quadrupole ion trap by generating and mass-selecting proton-bound dimers and measuring their dissociation kinetics (A–H + −B → AH + + B and/or BH + + A). From the relative abundances of the fragment ions ([BH + ] and [AH + ]), which are related to their relative proton affinities by ln ([AH + ]/[BH + ]) = ΔPA/ RT , it is shown that the proton affinities of the alicyclic carboxylic acids decrease in the order: cyclohexane- > cyclopropane- > cyclopentane- > cyclobutanecarboxylic acid. Proton affinity values for these species, measured from their proton-bound dimers with specific ketones, esters and carboxylic acids of known PA, are determined to be 198.3 ± 0.2 kcal mol −1 , 198.0 ± 0.2 kcal mol −1 , 197.8 ± 0.2 kcal mol −1 and 197.0 ± 0.2 kcal mol −1 , respectively. The major contribution to the estimated uncertainties in these values results from the uncertainties in literature proton affinity values for the reference compounds. Proton affinity differences of ≤ 0.1 kcal mol −1 are measurable and differences as small as 0.04 ± 0.02 kcal mol −1 are estimated to be detectable. Similarly, the proton affinities for o- , m- and p -methylbenzoic acid are determined to be 201.3 ± 0.2, 200.0 ± 0.2, 201.4 ± 0.2 kcal mol −1 , respectively. The ability to measure such small PA differences is believed to be a consequence of the low internal energy of the activated proton-bound dimers. The kinetic method has also been used to examine the effect of deuterium labeling on proton affinity. Secondary isotope effects on proton affinity are examined for both meta and para deuterated benzoic acid proton-bound to benzoic acid ( k H / k D = 1.0 ± 0.1 and 0.9 ± 0.1, respectively), for acetophenone proton-bound to deuterated-acetophenone (C 6 H 5 C(O)CD 3 ) ( k H / k D = 0.7 ± 0.1) and for 2-pentanone proton-bound to deuterated 2-pentanone (CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 C(O)CH 3 ) ( k H / k D = 2.1 ± 0.2). These results, as well as those for the carboxylic acids and benzoic acids given above, are accounted for in terms of stabilizing electronic effects in the protonated molecules.
Evaluation of Corn Varieties for Certified Organic Production—Allee Trial, 2001

Introduction The Allee Farm was the first ISU farm to meet certified organic production standards and certify acreage through the Organic Crop Improvement Association in 1999. In 2001, the State of Iowa (IDALS) certified the farm through their Organic Certification Program. In 2000, a soybean variety trial was planted to land formerly in alfalfa. Soybeans yields averaged 41 bu/acre. In 2001, soybean ground was rotated to a corn variety trail, using NC+ Organics (Lincoln, NE) corn varieties.
Physician Assistants in the ICU How Best to Integrate Them Into the Multidisciplinary Team

Since its inception, physician assistants (PAs) have been and continue to be successfully integrated into many critical care (CC) departments across the nation. The combination of both a projected ...
Does differential neuroendocrine control of cytokine production govern the expression of autoimmune diseases in pregnancy and the postpartum period

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with significant changes in levels of several hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and possibly catecholamines. Moreover, several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis tend to remit, develop or exacerbate during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Thus, the question arises: are the changes in the hormones and the expression of autoimmune diseases during these periods causally linked, or are these associations an epiphenomenon? Here we suggest that a causal link might be provided through differential neuroendocrine regulation of Th1-type and Th2-type cytokine production.
Effect of Wet-Dry Cycles on Resilient Modulus of Class C Coal Fly Ash-Stabilized Aggregate Base

A laboratory study was undertaken to investigate the effect of wet-dry (W-D) cycles on low-quality aggregates stabilized with Class C coal fly ash (CFA). Resilient modulus (Mr), unconfined compressive strength, and elastic modulus were used to evaluate this effect. Cylindrical specimens stabilized with 10% CFA, cured for 3 and 28 days, and subjected to different W-D cycles were tested. The Mr values of 28-day-cured specimens increased as W-D cycles increased up to 12, beyond which a reduction was observed. For 3-day-cured specimens, Mr increased with the number of W-D cycles. W-D action produced a greater detrimental effect on 28-day-cured specimens than on 3-day-cured specimens. The Mr values of 28-day-cured specimens subjected to 30 cycles were approximately 5% lower than the corresponding Mr values of specimens without any W-D cycles. The Mr values of 3-day-cured specimens subjected to 30 W-D cycles, however, increased approximately 55% compared with the corresponding Mr values of specimens with no W-D...
Local excision of rectal cancer followed by radical surgery because of poor prognostic features does not compromise the long term oncologic outcome

Aim The outcome of patients undergoing full-thickness local excision (LE) of rectal cancers may be compromised if poor prognostic features are found in the LE specimen. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term results of radical surgery performed after LE because poor prognostic factors are identified. Method Patients with biopsy-proven rectal cancer who had undergone full-thickness LE followed by radical surgery because of a positive margin, T stage ≥3, lymphovascular invasion, poor differentiation or mucinous histology were identified from a prospective database. Their records were retrospectively reviewed and follow up was updated. Results Between 1995 and 2003, 17 patients underwent LE followed by radical surgery because of poor prognostic features. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy was given to 11 (65%) patients before radical surgery. Patients underwent radical surgery after a median of 14 (range: 0–40) weeks from LE. Nine underwent a low anterior resection and eight an abdominoperineal resection. At the time of radical surgery, residual disease was found in six (35%) patients (in lymph nodes in three; intramural in two; and both lymph nodes and intramural in one). Four of the patients with residual disease had undergone neoadjuvant therapy before radical surgery. The mean follow up was 110 (95% CI: 92–129) months. Recurrence-free survival at 10 years was 88%. There was no case of local recurrence, and two patients died of metastatic disease. Conclusion In this series patients who underwent early radical surgery because of poor prognostic features found at LE had good overall and cancer-specific long-term survival. Even after neoadjuvant therapy, more than a third of patients had residual disease at the time of radical surgery. We therefore recommend radical surgery with neoadjuvant therapy when poor prognostic features are found at LE.
Reordering computations for parallel execution

The computations are reordered in the SOR algorithm to maintain the same asymptotic rate of convergence as the rowwise ordering to obtain parallelism at different levels. A parallel program is written to illustrate these ideas and actual machines for implementation of this program are discussed.
Professionals’ beliefs regarding child sexual abuse: Assessment and treatment implications

Child sexual abuse assessments are influenced by professionals' beliefs. This article is a review of the beliefs and practices of professionals working in child sexual abuse cases. The emphasis of child sexual abuse histories in treatment planning is also discussed. Based on this review, many professional practices are consistent with present scientific knowledge, while others are inconsistent. Recommendations are made to further integrate the philosophy of science into clinical and forensic practice. More research is needed to further examine the importance of factors that mediate the effects of child sexual abuse, as well as how sexual abuse information influences treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
Transplantation of reproductive organs.

A historical review of the literature concerning replantation and transplantation of reproductive organs has included studies from this laboratory, using rats, over the past 25 years. From the basic observation of ischemic and traumatic injury due to the transplantation, syngeneic testicle transplants, resulting in a partner's impregnation and histological restoration of the testicles, led to human testicular transplantation. As to the ovarian transplants, granulosa-theca cell tumors may transform into malignancies if followed for a prolonged period as intrasplenic ovaries, and high doses (15 to 20 mg/kg b.w.) of azathioprine can produce such malignant tumors in a shorter period. By caval-portal shunt, ovarian hormones enter directly into the portal blood stream and no typical granulosa-theca cell tumors were produced, owing to the fact that the liver cannot degrade all the hormones secreted by both ovaries. While en-bloc vagino-utero-ovarian transplantation in the rat is possible, no impregnation has been yet achieved. Finally, it is hypothesized that those who have acquired microsurgical techniques and have a full understanding of the anatomy of the reproductive system will not only be able to perform replantation of the penis, but also will be capable of allogeneic transplantation of genital organs, whether ethically approved or not, and sooner than one may think. In such cases a penile part may be obtained at a sex-change surgery or from a cadaveric donor, similar to other vital organ transplantation practices.
Diagnostic expert systems for defects in forged parts

This paper describes the development of a diagnostic expert system that identifies the cause of various manufacturing defects in hot forging and suggests remedies. The patterns of defect generation are various and due to many possible causes. They depend on part designs, tool designs and process conditions. Pertinent factors include part shape, the state of lubrication, location of the performed workpiece on the die and formability of the materials. This paper utilizs the theory of conditional probability to construct a diagnostic expert system that can adapt and learn its diagnostic mechanism through field data. A demonstration program, FORDIA, runs in HyperCard. FORDIA takes the part defect symptoms, uses conditional probability theory to identify possible causes and suggests remedies.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Postexposure Prophylaxis for Medical Trainees on International Rotations

In the past two decades, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of US medical students, residents, and fellows participating in overseas clinical and research activities. In 2008 alone, 27.5% of graduating medical students had an international elective experience, up from 22.5% in 2004. 1 Medical trainees, driven by altruism and interest, often choose to participate in international electives to expand upon their clinical training and broaden their understanding of health systems in resource‐poor countries. Medical institutions, in return, provide provisions and support these electives, as they allow trainees an opportunity to have greater involvement with primary care and to work with underserved populations. 2 Either through faculty guidance or institutional affiliations, electives are planned in areas with limited health care resources such as sub‐Saharan Africa, Latin America, or Southeastern/South Asia. In a review conducted by the Global Health Education Consortium (GHEC) in alliance with the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, medical schools in America were surveyed regarding international opportunities available for medical trainees. 3 The study found that these opportunities were largely in the form of clinical electives, clinical research, or cultural/language immersion programs. Among the 103 institutions responding, 45% offered medical students preclinical research opportunities and 87% offered international clinical electives. Regarding resident opportunities, 59% of institutions had elective international rotations with an additional 11% describing a specific global health track. Trainees participating in international electives are at risk for exposure to locally endemic diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, traveler's diarrhea, and sexually transmitted infections as well as nosocomial transmission of blood‐ or body fluid‐borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 4In these underserved settings, trainees may be faced with the increased responsibilities of managing patients with … Corresponding Author: Davidson H. Hamer, MD, Center for Global Health and Development, Crosstown 3rd floor, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, USA. E‐mail: dhamer{at}bu.edu
Multi-frequency Investigation of GPR Amplitude And Phase Response to Fracture Fluid Salinity

Ground penetrating radar reflection amplitude increase has been used to detect saline tracers in fractures and to monitor flow in fractured aquifers. However, the relationships between GPR signal amplitude, phase and frequency vs. fracture aperture and fluid salinity are not well understood. We use analytical modeling and field experiments to investigate these relationships for millimeter scale fracture apertures. We show that the amplitude response of lower frequency signals offer better detection of fluid salinity changes than those of higher frequencies. The phase response also reveals detectable changes that correlate to fluid salinity changes. We conclude that lower GPR frequencies and higher tracer salinities are preferable for monitoring flow in fractured rock.
Failure of lymphocytes from guinea pig bone marrow to respond to phytohemagglutinin.

SummaryThe nonspecific mitogen, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) did not induce increased cell proliferation in guinea pig bone marrow cell cultures. PHA was demonstrated to be a potent stimulus for lymph node cell replication. Unstimulated marrow cultures showed a high rate of 3HTdr incorporation, activity attributed primarily to hematopoiesis. This activity was not increased following PHA stimulation. Guinea pig bone marrow contained approximately 40% lymphoid cells; thus, failure to demonstrate a response could not be attributed to a deficiency of these cells. Furthermore, in mixed lymph node-bone marrow cell cultures, the addition of responsive lymphocytes resulted in measurable augmentation of isotope incorporation. These results are consistent with concepts regarding the heterogeneity of lymphoid populations; the majority of marrow lymphocytes appear to be unresponsive to this stimulus of in vitro peripheral lymphopoiesis.
Octreotide-functionalized and resveratrol-loaded unimolecular micelles for targeted neuroendocrine cancer therapy

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that is often resistant to standard therapies. Resveratrol suppresses MTC growth in vitro, but it has low bioavailability in vivo due to its poor water solubility and rapid metabolic breakdown, as well as lack of tumor-targeting ability. A novel unimolecular micelle based on a hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymer was designed, synthesized, and characterized for NET-targeted delivery. The hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymer consisted of a dendritic Boltorn® H40 core, a hydrophobic poly(L-lactide) (PLA) inner shell, and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) outer shell. Octreotide (OCT), a peptide that shows strong binding affinity to somatostatin receptors, which are overexpressed on NET cells, was used as the targeting ligand. Resveratrol was physically encapsulated by the micelle with a drug loading content of 12.1%. The unimolecular micelles exhibited a uniform size distribution and spherical morphology, which were determined by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cellular uptake, cellular proliferation, and Western blot analyses demonstrated that the resveratrol-loaded OCT-targeted micelles suppressed growth more effectively than non-targeted micelles. Moreover, resveratrol-loaded NET-targeted micelles affected MTC cells similarly to free resveratrol in vitro, with equal growth suppression and reduction in NET marker production. These results suggest that the H40-based unimolecular micelle may offer a promising approach for targeted NET therapy.
Parallel range data processing: a real case study

In this paper, we begin by describing a range image processing method developed to allow an autonomous robot to detect and locate objects. The procedure consists of taking a range image, filtering and preprocessing the image, calculating surface normals, obtaining edge maps from both range and surface normals, combining the edge maps into an initial scene segmentation map, and analyzing each object in the scene in order to detect and locate the desired objects. While this method is reasonably fast and robust, its surface characterization is fairly crude. More elaborate surface characterization on a serial computer would be considerably slower, which is not desirable for autonomous robot operations. We then discuss the development of parallel techniques for surface characterization using range data. By using parallel processing, the complexity and accuracy of the characterization can be increased without an unacceptable cost in processing time. The method explored is a parallel implementation of a least squares QR surface fitting technique using Givens transformations. We conclude by summarizing the work done and briefly listing some future extensions of the current research.
Studies on the glucose-transport system in Escherichia coli with α-methylglucoside as substrate

Abstract The properties of the glucose-transport system of Escherichia coli K10 were studied by following intracellular accumulation of 14C-labeled α-methylglucoside. A mutant defective in the uptake of glucose was found to be unable to accumulate α-methylglucoside to a significant level, confirming the view that the carrier for glucose also acts on α-methylglucoside. Although the glucoside was not incorporated into cellular constituents or metabolized for energy, about one-half of the accumulated molecules underwent phosphorylation while one-half remained as the free glucoside. Studies on the inhibition of uptake of the glucoside showed that the affinity of the compound depended upon the substituents on C-2, C-3 and C-6. Structural modifications at C-1, on the other hand, had relatively little effect on the affinity unless a large aglycone was added. α-Methylglucoside accumulated by the cells was gradually lost upon dilution of the cells in simple inorganic medium. The rate of exit could be accelerated by two groups of compounds: non-metabolizable structural analogs with affinity for the transport carrier and metabolizable compounds which entered the cell by other routes. The effect of the latter group depended upon their further metabolism within the cell rather than their own direct effects on the carrier system.
On optimal nonlinear estimation part I: Continuous observation

A generalization of Bucy's (1965) representation theorem is obtained under very weak hypotheses. The generalized theorem is shown to play the same role in the case of general optimal estimation for an arbitrary random process as does the Bucy theorem in the case of optimal filtering for a diffusion process. At least for the models considered, the possibility is pointed out to reduce all sequential estimation problems to the problem of filtering. Hence, filtering theory is seen to represent the core of estimation theory, and is believed to define the direction in which future research should be focused.
The macroeconomic environment necessary for agricultural trade and price policy reforms

Abstract This article summarizes the lessons from a study of agricultural trade and price policy in 18 countries over a 25 year period. Agriculture has typically been subject to high levels of government intervention, and judging the sweep and sequencing of reforms is a complex task. The author offers guidelines for a new agricultural trade strategy which could address these issues.
Robust implementation of a variable structure control scheme

The simplex method of designing sliding motion in variable structure systems is analyzed. It is shown that a linear state observer can be used to recover asymptotically the properties of the system designed assuming the state was available for feedback. Since the presence of disturbances can lead to poor performance of the closed-loop system, a method of attenuating the effect of these disturbances, in the H/sub infinity /-norm sense, is then considered for plants that are known exactly and for plants with structured uncertainty. Two examples are presented to illustrate the results: disturbance rejection, and robust stabilization and disturbance rejection. >
Meditation as an adjunct to psychotherapy. An outcome study.

The effect of a 10-week meditation program on 20 patients who were undergoing long-term individual explorative psychotherapy was studied. Change in the psychological well-being of the patients and the
Lack of expression of micronuclear genes determining two different enzymatic activities in Tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract Several (albeit indirect) lines of evidence indicate that the 2n germline micronucleus of the ciliate protozoans is not expressed during vegetative growth, even though it resides in the same cytoplasm and in close physical proximity to the actively expressed large somatic macronucleus (45n). To test this hypothesis more directly and quantitatively at the level of biochemically assayable specific enzyme activities, special heterokaryon strains of Tetrahymena thermophila have been constructed which carry the wild-type alleles specifying galactokinase (galA +) and phenylalanine hydroxylase (tyrC+) in the micronucleus only. The heterokaryons were assayed for these two enzyme activities using in vitro radiometric assays. No galactokinase or phenylalanine hydroxylase attributable to the micronuclear genes was observed in such heterokaryons. These results extend the observation of lack of micronuclear gene expression to at least two specific genes, i.e., galA and tyrC, as well as extending previous phenotypic observations on heterokaryons and autoradiographic studies of micronuclear RNA synthesis. By conjugating two of these heterokaryons to each other, it is now possible to determine precisely and unambiguously at what point during macronuclear differentiation the genes in the new macronucleus begin to be actively expressed relative to the timing of the extensive molecular changes that accompany the differentiation of the new macronucleus. These heterokaryons thus provide an excellent model system for the investigation of fundamental genetic regulatory mechanisms in operation during the differentiation of an entire eukaryotic genome.
The Aryl-Hydrocarbon Receptor Protein Interaction Network (AHR-PIN) as Identified by Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) and Mass Spectrometry

The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand activated PAS superfamily transcription factor, mediates most, if not all, of the toxicity induced upon exposure to various dioxins, dibenzofurans, and planar polyhalogenated biphenyls. While AHR-mediated gene regulation plays a central role in the toxic response to dioxin exposure, a comprehensive understanding of AHR biology remains elusive. AHR-mediated signaling starts in the cytoplasm, where the receptor can be found in a complex with the heat shock protein of 90 kDa (Hsp90) and the immunophilin-like protein, aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP). The role these chaperones and other putative interactors of the AHR play in the toxic response is not known. To more comprehensively define the AHR-protein interaction network (AHR-PIN) and identify other potential pathways involved in the toxic response, a proteomic approach was undertaken. Using tandem affinity purification (TAP) and mass spectrometry we have identified several novel protein interactions with the AHR. These interactions physically link the AHR to proteins involved in the immune and cellular stress responses, gene regulation not mediated directly via the traditional AHR:ARNT heterodimer, and mitochondrial function. This new insight into the AHR signaling network identifies possible secondary signaling pathways involved in xenobiotic-induced toxicity.
Revenue and production management in a multi-echelon supply chain

This paper models a supply chain problem and employs simulation-based optimization to analyze it. The model represents a manufacturer of multiple products from multiple raw materials that has control over the price of the products. The decisions to be optimized in the model are ordering policies of raw materials, inventory control of finished goods, manufacturing capacity of each product, and prices set on the products. The uncertainties involved are lead times of ordering inventory and the demand of the products. We consider the case of periodic review of raw materials and finished goods inventories on discrete time. The objective is to find the best configuration of the system to maximize profit. We show how simulation-based optimization could find the best configuration through an example.
Use of multivitamins, intake of B vitamins, and risk of ovulatory infertility.

Objective To examine whether use of multivitamins and intake of specific nutrients in multivitamins is associated with ovulatory infertility. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting The Nurses' Health Study II. Patient(s) Eighteen thousand five hundred fifty-five married, premenopausal women without a history of infertility who attempted a pregnancy or became pregnant between 1991 and 1999. Intervention(s) None, observational study. Main Outcome Measure(s) Incident reports of infertility caused by anovulation. Result(s) During 8 years of follow-up, 438 women reported infertility caused by ovulatory disorder. There was an inverse association between frequency of multivitamin use and ovulatory infertility. The multivariate-adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) of ovulatory infertility was 0.88 (0.60, 1.28) for women consuming two tablets per week or less, 0.69 (0.51, 0.95) for women consuming three to five tablets per week, and 0.59 (0.46, 0.75) for women consuming six or more tablets per week, when compared with women who did not use these supplements ( P , trend Conclusion(s) Regular use of multivitamin supplements may decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility.
Comparative Study between Analytical Models and Packet-Level Worm Simulations

The threat of Internet worms has been, and continues to be, one of the most important issues faced by networking researchers and network users. The need for accurate and efficient modeling and analysis methods cannot be understated. Models that accurately reflect the behavior of existing and yet-to-be deployed worms is critical to understanding how to deal with this ongoing threat. Recently developed analytical models, have been used to generate propagation trends that match with historic worm outbreaks. However in this effort, the values used for some of the parameters are different from empirically measured information, such as probe rate per unit of IP address space. Although not found in simpler models, new analytical models are under development that can take into account various network and worm characteristics. But in order to build and test them accurately real world data has been used. In our work, we have focused on packet-level detail in the simulation models, which can take into account realistic network characteristics that include, queuing delay, packet-loss, link delays and also realistic worm characteristics at the expense of additional computational complexity. Using our simulator we show how it can be a useful tool in analyzing and evaluating analytical worm models. We study the worm propagation pattern predicted by one particular analytical model and compare it to our packet-level simulations.
Clinostat Rotation Induces Apoptosis in Luteal Cells of the Pregnant Rat

Recent studies have shown that microgravity induces changes at the cellular level, including apoptosis. However, it is unknown whether microgravity affects luteal cell function. This study was performed to assess whether microgravity conditions generated by clinostat rotation induce apoptosis and affect steroidogenesis by luteal cells. Luteal cells isolated from the corpora lutea of Day 8 pregnant rats were placed in equal numbers in slide flasks (chamber slides). One slide flask was placed in the clinostat and the other served as a stationary control. At 48 h in the clinostat, whereas the levels of progesterone and total cellular protein decreased, the number of shrunken cells increased. To determine whether apoptosis occurred in shrunken cells, Comet and TUNEL assays were performed. At 48 h, the percentage of apoptotic cells in the clinostat increased compared with that in the control. To investigate how the microgravity conditions induce apoptosis, the active mitochondria in luteal cells were detected with JC-1 dye. Cells in the control consisted of many active mitochondria, which were evenly distributed throughout the cell. In contrast, cells in the clinostat displayed fewer active mitochondria, which were distributed either to the outer edge of the cell or around the nucleus. These results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by clinostat rotation could lead to apoptosis in luteal cells and suppression of progesterone production.
Higher risk of cardiovascular mortality among lean hypertensive individuals in Tecumseh, Michigan.

BACKGROUND A cohort of 2181 men and women, aged 40 to 79 years, without evidence of coronary heart disease or cancer at entry to the Tecumseh Study was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS Subjects were defined as lean if their Metropolitan Life Insurance table relative weight was or = 120 (n = 1024). There were 688 subjects with hypertension at study entry (systolic blood pressure > or = 160, diastolic blood pressure > or = 95, or treated). The 29-year relative risk (RR) of mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) or cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with systolic blood pressure level was significant for both lean and obese subjects. Among hypertensive subjects, the RR of fatal IHD for lean versus obese hypertensive subjects was 1.87 (95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 2.88) and the RR of fatal CVD was 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 2.20) using a Cox proportional-hazards model to adjust for the independent effects of age and traditional CVD risk factors. The findings are consistent with other studies in men showing lean hypertensive subjects to be at greater risk of IHD or CVD mortality than obese hypertensive subjects. A similar finding is now observed in women. CONCLUSIONS Associations do not prove causality or dictate management. Nevertheless, the unexplained higher mortality in lean versus obese hypertensive subjects has now been reported with sufficient frequency to suggest that the association is real (if unexplained). Determining the reasons for this association may improve targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Glucose phosphorylation is required for insulin-dependent mTOR signalling in the heart

Objective Insulin regulates both glucose uptake and postnatal cardiac growth. The anabolic effects of insulin are mediated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), an evolutionarily conserved kinase which is also a convergence point between nutrient sensing and cell growth. We postulated that mTOR signalling in the heart requires the metabolism of glucose. Methods We interrogated the insulin-mediated mTOR signalling pathway in response to different metabolic interventions regulating substrate metabolism in the isolated working rat heart and in isolated cardiomyocytes. Results Although insulin enhanced Akt activity, phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream targets (p70S6K and 4EBP1) required the addition of glucose. Glucose-dependent p70S6K phosphorylation was independent of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, the AMP kinase pathway, and the pentose phosphate pathway. However, inhibition of glycolysis downstream of hexokinase markedly enhanced p70S6K phosphorylation. Furthermore, 2-deoxyglucose activated p70S6K suggesting that phosphorylation of glucose is required for carbohydrate-mediated mTOR signalling in the heart. Lastly, we also found enhanced p70S6K phosphorylation in the hearts of diabetic rats. Conclusion Phosphorylation of glucose is necessary for insulin-dependent mTOR activity in the heart, suggesting a link between intermediary metabolism and cardiac growth.
Combination antiretroviral therapy modulates the blood oxygen level-dependent amplitude in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients.

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) limits human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in the central nervous system (CNS) and prevents progressive neurological dysfunction. We examined if the degree of CNS penetration by cART, as estimated by the CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) score, affects brain activity as measured by the amplitude of the blood oxygen level—dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) response. HIV+ patients on low-CPE cART (n =12) had a significantly greater BOLD fMRI response amplitude than HIV+ patients on high-CPE cART (n = 12) or seronegative controls (n =10). An increase in the BOLD fMRI response in HIV patients on low-CPE cART may reflect continued HIV replication in the CNS leading to increased oxidative stress and associated metabolic demands.
Lipomedullipinoma: A Source of Hypermedullipinemia

Previously we reported a case of persistent hypotension associated with hypermedullipinemia (Blood Pressure 1992; 1:138–148). The hypermedullipinemia appeared to result from the autonomous secretion of medullipin I (Med I) by renomedullary interstitial cells (RIC's) in the patient's remaining endstage kidney. The patient subsequently died. At autopsy, the remaining kidney contained a yellow mass (1×1 ×0.5 cm) consisting of adipocytes and RIC's, termed a lipomedullipinoma. This mass was extracted and chromatographed by procedures known to yield Med I. Med I was identified following these procedures. Renal tissue outside the yellow mass failed to yield Med I. It appears that the hypermedullipinemia of this case resulted from autonomous, hypersecretion of Med I by the lipomedullipinoma.
Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus as a Risk Factor for HIV-Associated Neuroretinal Disorder

In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy, survival of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive individuals has increased; however, patients continue to have central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities that reduce quality of life. HIV-associated presumed neuroretinal disorder (HIV-NRD) is a visual abnormality that occurs in about 10%–15% of patients with AIDS who do not have ocular opportunistic infections. HIV-NRD is characterized by reduced contrast sensitivity [1–3], reduced color sensitivity [4–6], and deficits in visual fields [7, 8] in the absence of impaired visual acuity. HIV-NRD may also compromise reading speed and reduce quality of life [9]. The etiology of HIV-NRD is unknown, but cytokine dysregulation and chronic inflammation are considered likely cofactors. Genetic studies show that risk in European Americans is associated with mutations that are expected to decrease production of interleukin 10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Genetic markers include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in introns of the IL-10 receptor and an IL-10 receptor 1 (IL10R1) haplotype [10]. The nongenetic risk factors for HIV-NRD include age, race, a history of injection drug use (IDU), lower hemoglobin, decreasing Karnofsky score, and low CD4+ T-cell count [3]. Due to shared routes of transmission, many HIV-positive patients are also infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection causes systemic inflammation [11] and increases mortality in HIV-positive patients by 35%–50% [12]. Both cell culture studies [13] and analysis of patient specimens indicate that HCV is present within the CNS and replicates there [14–18]. HCV is reported to have CNS effects that include reduced learning and memory abilities [14, 19–22]. These deficits may improve in patients who clear HCV infection [23]. Despite successful HIV management, patients coinfected with HCV have an increased risk of neurocognitive dysfunction [24–26] and HIV-associated dementia [20]. Because HCV is proinflammatory and penetrates the CNS, this study examined the impact of HCV infection on the prevalence and incidence of HIV-NRD in a large cohort of AIDS patients enrolled in the Longitudinal Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA). LSOCA is one of only a few cohort studies limited to persons diagnosed with AIDS, but without further exclusion criteria. It focuses exclusively on the era following the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy. Because of the associations between HIV-NRD and the IL-10 signaling pathway, genetic associations between 4 IL10R1 SNPs and HCV risk were also examined.
MODEL FOR ALLOCATION OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES TO HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS

Household maintenance activities and associated tours, even if individually implemented, should be thought of as satisfying the needs of the entire household rather than simply the needs of the person who implements the activity. These activities are characterized by a high degree of substitution between household members who could implement them. This characteristic suggests a modeling structure in which maintenance activities are generated by the entire household and then allocated to the household members for implementation. In this approach, the modeling of allocated activities is executed by a sequence of two linked discrete choice models. The first model relates to the entire household and returns total daily frequency of individual maintenance tours by purpose. The second model relates to the tour level and returns the allocation of each generated tour to a particular household member. Within the general framework of a regional demand modeling system, these models are applied after, and are conditi...
Very high gradient quadrupoles

High gradient superconducting quadrupoles are an essential component of high energy hadron colliders, both in the arcs and in the insertions. The highest performance quadrupoles today are those for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. These 56 to 70 mm aperture magnets, developed in Europe, the United States, and Japan, reach gradients on the order of 250 T/m, which is near the limit for NbTi technology. Designs based on Nb/sub 3/Sn are now being developed, which are aimed at use in second generation LHC low-/spl beta/ insertions and in the next generation of very large hadron colliders (VLHC). These quadrupoles are planned to achieve gradients up to 300 T/m with the large aperture required for the LHC insertions or 450 T/m for smaller aperture arc quadrupoles for VLHC. Even higher gradients may be required for the VLHC final focus.
The Role of Biofeedback in Stroke Rehabilitation: Past and Future Directions

Biofeedback has been applied to many aspects of stroke rehabilitation, with mixed results. This is largely due to the varying modalities, differences between study designs, and methods of measuring success and progress. How well biofeedback works appears to be inversely related to the direct observability of the function about which information is being provided. The more covert the function (e.g., swallowing muscle activity, attention, cortical functioning, etc.), the more helpful biofeedback is likely to be. However, biofeedback in general can have a very positive impact, even through indirect means. Improvements in self confidence, shifting of locus of control, and instantly being provided information regarding changes in one’s physical functioning as a result of mental activity can be helpful in setting the tone for success in rehabilitation more generally. Key words: acquired brain injury, attentional control, balance, biofeedback, cognitive rehabilitation, cortical reorganization, gait, neurofeedback, neurotherapy, recovery of function, rehabilitation, stroke
The physics of cancer: the role of physical interactions and mechanical forces in metastasis

Metastasis is a complex, multistep process responsible for >90% of cancer-related deaths. In addition to genetic and external environmental factors, the physical interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment, as well as their modulation by mechanical forces, are key determinants of the metastatic process. We reconstruct the metastatic process and describe the importance of key physical and mechanical processes at each step of the cascade. The emerging insight into these physical interactions may help to solve some long-standing questions in disease progression and may lead to new approaches to developing cancer diagnostics and therapies.
A Novel Role for γ-Secretase: Selective Regulation of Spontaneous Neurotransmitter Release from Hippocampal Neurons

With a multitude of substrates, γ-secretase is poised to control neuronal function through a variety of signaling pathways. Presenilin 1 (PS1) is an integral component of γ-secretase and is also a protein closely linked to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To better understand the roles of γ-secretase and PS1 in normal and pathological synaptic transmission, we examined evoked and spontaneous neurotransmitter release in cultured hippocampal neurons derived from PS1 knock-out (KO) mice. We found no changes in the size of evoked synaptic currents, short-term plasticity, or apparent calcium dependence of evoked release. The rate of spontaneous release from PS1 KO neurons was, however, approximately double that observed in wild-type (WT) neurons. This increase in spontaneous neurotransmission depended on calcium influx but did not require activation of voltage-gated calcium channels or presynaptic NMDA receptors or release of calcium from internal stores. The rate of spontaneous release from PS1 KO neurons was significantly reduced by lentivirus-mediated expression of WT PS1 or familial AD-linked M146V PS1, but not the D257A PS1 mutant that does not support γ-secretase activity. Treatment of WT neuronal cultures with γ-secretase inhibitor mimicked the loss of PS1, leading to a selective increase in spontaneous release without any change in the size of evoked synaptic currents. Together, these results identify a novel role for γ-secretase in the control of spontaneous neurotransmission through modulation of low-level tonic calcium influx into presynaptic axon terminals.