cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pesenti-Szpiro inequality for optimal elliptic curves

Abstract We study Pesenti–Szpiro inequality in the case of elliptic curves over F q ( t ) which occur as subvarieties of Jacobian varieties of Drinfeld modular curves. In general, we obtain an upper-bound on the degrees of minimal discriminants of such elliptic curves in terms of the degrees of their conductors and q. In the special case when the level is prime, we bound the degrees of discriminants only in terms of the degrees of conductors. As a preliminary step in the proof of this latter result we generalize a construction (due to Gekeler and Reversat) of 1-dimensional optimal quotients of Drinfeld Jacobians.
Chimeric viral vectors—the best of both worlds?

Gene therapy to correct defective genes requires efficient gene delivery and long-term gene expression. The vector systems currently available have not allowed the simultaneous provision of both of these goals. Several groups are now developing chimeric viral vector systems that incorporate the favorable attributes of two different viral vectors. These chimeric vectors might allow the goals for specific gene therapy applications to be realized.
Diffusion along [001] tilt boundaries in the Au/Ag system—II. atomistic modeling and interpretation

Abstract The low temperature boundary diffusion data obtained in Part I were modeledusing elementary vacancy, interstitialcy and interstitial defect mechanisms. First, boundary structures were calculated using the embedded atom method. Point defect formation energies at different boundary sites and migration energies betweenthem were then calculated, and values of δbDb were determined using recently developed expressions for this quantity. The results indicate that the diffusion is dominated by a small number of jumps having relatively small activation energies and large partial correlation factors. Also, interstitial-related mechanisms make important (and perhaps dominant) contributions to the diffusion. Both the data and modelling indicate Arrhenius pre-exponential factors considerably smaller than those reported at high temperatures. It is suggested that additional jumps (possessing higher effective activation energies) exist, and that thei contributions become dominant at high temperatures. Finally, the observed δbDb vs misorientation behavior is found to be quatitatively consistent with the structural unit model.
Growth and Development of Pseudacteon Phorid Fly Maggots (Diptera: Phoridae) in the Heads of Solenopsis Fire Ant Workers (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

We studied the growth and development of the parasitic phorid fly Pseudacteon litoralis Borgmeier in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. The fly apparently lays one egg in or on the thorax of a major worker. The newly hatched maggot migrates into the head of the ant where it develops through its last two instars in =3 wk (23°C). Just before pupariation, an enzyme is apparently released that begins dissolving the cuticular membranes of the ant. The maggot then consumes the entire contents of the ant head, a process that usually results in decapitation of its living host. After pushing the mouth parts aside, the maggot pupariates within the empty head capsule, positioned so that the anterior three segments precisely fill the oral cavity. The pupal stage lasts =3 wk. Results of this study indicate that it should be possible to rear this fly for release as a natural biological control agent of imported fire ants in the United States.
Cervical sympathectomy causes photoreceptor-specific cell death in the rat retina

Changes in the regulation of the vasculature of the eye may be related to some age-related ocular diseases. We have previously shown that loss of sympathetic innervation, as can normally occur with age, resulted in substantial vascular growth of the choroid. The current study was designed to determine whether changes induced by sympathetic denervation causes significant loss of photoreceptors and increased glial cell reactivity in the retina. Sympathetic denervation was performed followed by immunohistochemistry, TUNEL staining, and protein expression analysis to investigate photoreceptor loss. There was a significant reduction (30%) in photoreceptor numbers in the sympathectomized eye. This loss was due to apoptosis, as there was over a doubling in apoptotic cell numbers after sympathectomy. This loss of photoreceptors in the sympathectomized eye resulted in a significantly reduced width of the outer nuclear layer of the retina when compared to the contralateral eye. Increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining was also noted after sympathectomy in the ganglion cell layer with streaking toward the bipolar cell layer. These results suggest that loss of sympathetic innervation may cause significant changes to the physiology of the choroid.
Novel opportunities for computational biology and sociology in drug discovery

Current drug discovery is impossible without sophisticated modeling and computation. In this review we outline previous advances in computational biology and, by tracing the steps involved in pharmaceutical development, explore a range of novel, high-value opportunities for computational innovation in modeling the biological process of disease and the social process of drug discovery. These opportunities include text mining for new drug leads, modeling molecular pathways and predicting the efficacy of drug cocktails, analyzing genetic overlap between diseases and predicting alternative drug use. Computation can also be used to model research teams and innovative regions and to estimate the value of academy–industry links for scientific and human benefit. Attention to these opportunities could promise punctuated advance and will complement the well-established computational work on which drug discovery currently relies.
Crystal structures and solution behavior of paramagnetic divalent transition metal complexes (Fe, Co) of the sterically encumbered tridentate macrocycles 1,4,7-R3-1,4,7-triazacyclononane: coordination numbers 5 (R = i-Pr) and 6 (R = i-Bu).

The coordination chemistry of the sterically hindered macrocyclic triamines, 1,4,7-R3-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (R = i-Pr, i-Pr3tacn, and R = i-Bu, i-Bu3tacn) with divalent transition metals has been investigated. These ligands form a series of stable novel complexes with the triflate salts MII(CF3SO3)2 (M = Fe, Co, or Zn) under anaerobic conditions. The complexes Fe(i-Pr3tacn)(CF3SO3)2 (2), [Co(i-Pr3tacn)(SO3CF3)(H2O)](CF3SO3) (3), [Co(i-Pr3tacn)(CH3CN)2](BPh4)2 (4), Zn(i-Pr3tacn)(CF3SO3)2 (5), [Fe(i-Bu3tacn)(CH3CN)2(CF3SO3)](CF3SO3) (6), Fe(i-Bu3tacn)-(H2O)(CF3SO3)2 (7), and Co(i-Bu3tacn)(CF3SO3)2 (8) have been isolated. The behavior of these paramagnetic complexes in solution is explored by their 1H NMR spectra. The solid-state structures of four complexes have been determined by X-ray single-crystal crystallography. Crystallographic parameters are as follows. 2: C17H33F6FeN3O6S2, monoclinic, P21/n, a = 10.895(1) A, b = 14.669(1) A, c = 16.617(1) A, β = 101.37(1)°, Z = 4. 3: C17H35CoF6N3O7S2, monoclini...
Building culturally sensitive substance use prevention and treatment programs for transgendered populations

Studies show that transgendered individuals are at high risk for substance use problems. It is important to identify the unique needs and concerns of these individuals and culturally sensitive programs that will be successful in recruiting and retaining these individuals in drug abuse treatment services. This involves incorporating the needs of services from the perspectives of both the transgendered community and health-care professionals. It is the purpose of this article to discuss transgenderism as well as the substance use problems and difficulties within substance use treatment that transgendered men and women may face. This article presents guidelines for the design and evaluation of health-care services to transgendered populations.
A numerical simulation of boundary-layer flows near shelterbelts

We have developed a shelterbelt boundary-layer numerical model to study the patterns and dynamic processes relating to flow interaction with shelterbelts. The model simulates characteristics of all three zones of airflow passing over and through shelterbelts: the windward windspeed-reduction zone, the overspeeding zone above the shelterbelt, and the leeward windspeed-reduction zone. Locations of the maximum windspeed reduction and recirculation zone, as well as the leeward windspeed-recovery rate are well simulated by the model. Where comparisons with field measurements and wind-tunnel experiments were possible, the model demonstrated good performance for flows over and through shelters ranging from almost completely open to almost solid.
USE OF AN INSTRUMENTED FLAT DILATOMETER IN SOFT VARVED CLAY

This paper describes the use of an instrumented dilatometer (IDMT) equipped with sensors designed to record the continuous displacement of the membrane, the total pressure, and the pore water pressure. The IDMT was tested in the Connecticut Valley Varved Clay at the University of Massachusetts—Amherst National Geotechnical Experimentation Site. The results, presented in terms of profiles of pore pressure during insertion, corrected pressures, dilatometer indices, and shear modulus are compared to results from the standard dilatometer, the self-boring pressuremeter, the seismic cone, and the seismic dilatometer. The results from the tests suggest that the IDMT can be used to provide accurate and cost-effective values of unload—reload modulus and, the complete pressure—displacement curve could potentially be used to develop improved correlations for strength and initial in situ stresses. In addition, the continuous pressure—displacement response and the pore pressure measurements provided insight into the mechanics of the dilatometer expansion in partially drained conditions.
Aortico-Left Ventricular Tunnel: A Clinical Review and New Surgical Classification

This is a collective review of aortico-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) in the English-language literature. We include the long-term follow-up of a previously reported patient, and a report on 2 new patients. To date, 37 cases of ALVT have been reported. Controversies regarding the definition, etiology, local anatomy, and treatment are discussed. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 day to 25 years old, and the male to female ratio was 2:1. There were associated anomalies in 27% of the patients, and moderate to severe heart failure in 59% of them. Mortality was 100% in the medically managed group; the surgical mortality was 16%. Previous surgical techniques utilized were simple closure, patch closure of the aortic end, and obliteration of the tunnel on both ends. Progressive aortic incompetence seems to be a common, but not well-documented problem on long-term follow-up. We have classified the lesion into four types (I, II, III, and IV) that have a bearing on the appropriate surgical techniques of repair, and describe a new technique for the repair of type III ALVT in which septal aneurysm is present.
THE INDUCED DEVELOPMENT AND HISTOGENESIS OF PLASMA CELLS.

As result of finding numerous plasma cells in the omenta of rabbits injected with tuberculo-protein, a method to induce the production of large numbers of these cells has been discovered. The tissues in which they were pronouncedly increased were the subserosal connective tissues of the omentum, body wall, and intestinal wall. The precursor of the plasma cells is a primitive connective tissue cell. As this cell develops into the typical Marshalko plasma cell there is a progressive increase in the basophilia of the cytoplasm, the nucleus becomes eccentric, a condensation of the chromatin occurs near the nuclear membrane, and there is a loss of the nucleoli. At the time when the nucleus assumes the eccentric position, the clear area appears in the center of the cytoplasm. The early cells are capable of reproducing themselves by mitosis, while the typical mature cells divide by amitosis. The mature plasma cells often have muddy, spongy cytoplasm which contains acidophilic or hyaline granules as the cells grow old or begin to degenerate. The cells with granules or hyaline bodies usually have pycnotic or fragmented nuclei. These cells are the final stage reached by some plasma cells. Others, when degenerating, show vacuoles and signs of senility. Those with the granules and hyaline bodies are the so called Russell body cells. Plasma cells developed in greatest numbers after our largest injections of tuberculo-protein. The differentiation into young, mature, and senile forms was most clearly recognizable when some days had been allowed to elapse after the last large injection of the stimulating agent. A description of the plasma cell as viewed supravitally has been given. The cells are met in the blood stream as well as in the tissues. They are characterized by their deep yellowish gray cytoplasm, indistinct eccentrically placed nuclei, and large numbers of mitochondria. The plasma cells differ from lymphocytes, in that they did not develop in large numbers after direct stimulation of the lymph nodes with tuberculo-protein. The young plasma cells also differ in morphology from the young lymphocytes. When plasma cells were found in the lymph nodes they were in the connective tissue cords. The plasma cell is a definite entity, having a maturation cycle. It is stimulated to great proliferation by certain toxic irritants.
Evaluation of NEXRAD Radar Precipitation Products for Natural Resource Applications

Timing and amount of precipitation are principal drivers of most rangeland processes, but the availability of rainfall-gauge data over extensive rangelands, particularly in the western United States, is limited. The National Weather Service (NWS), Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration operate a network of Doppler radar stations that produce hourly rainfall estimates, at approximately 16-km2 resolution, with nominal coverage of 96% of the conterminous United States. Internal utilization of these data by the three agencies is primarily for the detection and modeling of extreme weather events. The usefulness of these data for external hydrologic and natural resource applications is limited by a lack of tools for decoding and georeferencing digital precipitation data products. We modified NWS source code to produce decoding and georeferencing tools and used them to evaluate radar precipitation data for the Boise (CBX) radar relative to gauges in the Snake River Plain of southwestern Idaho for the period January 1998 to May 2004. The relationship between radar and gauge precipitation estimates changed after a revision of radar-processing protocols in 2002 and 2003. Cumulative radar precipitation estimates made prior to November 2002 underestimated gauge readings by 50%–60%. Subsequent radar data overestimated cumulative gauge precipitation by 20%–40%. The radar, however, detected precipitation during significantly fewer hours than were detected by the gauge network both before and after programming changes. Additional modification of NWS precipitation-processing procedures might improve accessibility and utility of these data for rangeland management and natural resource modeling applications. Currently available data can still be very useful for estimating high-intensity events that greatly affect processes such as soil erosion and flooding.
Social Interaction and Social Support

Typical research models of social support are overly simple on two grounds. First, they treat social support as exogenous to the model. That is, models incorporate the effects of social support on stressors and on psychological distress, but typically ignore the influences of stressors, psychological distress, personal characteristics of recipients, and environmental constraints on support. Second, the models typically consider only positive consequences of social interactions, although these interactions may also have negative consequences. Further, actions that are perceived as helpful by the donor, the recipient, or both can have harmful effects if they do not fit individual circumstances. Five dimensions of fit between the characteristics of the recipient and those of the supportive act are proposed: amount, timing, source, structure, and function. Implications for research and intervention are discussed.
A free radical mediated cooxidation of tetramethylhydrazine by prostaglandin hydroperoxidase

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase catalyzed the oxidation of tetramethylhydrazine to the tetramethylhydrazine radical cation, as detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Oxidation of tetramethylhydrazine by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase also resulted in the N-demethylation of tetramethylhydrazine leading to the formation of formaldehyde. Both the radical and formaldehyde formation were dependent on arachidonic acid, inhibited by indomethacin, and supported by 15-hydroperoxyarachidonic acid, indicating that the metabolism was peroxidative. We propose that tetramethylhydrazine undergoes two sequential one-electron oxidations yielding an iminium cation, which is then hydrolyzed to yield formaldehyde. Metabolism of hydrazines by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase may be of importance in tissue containing low mixed-function oxidase activity.
Current and new antimicrobial agents.

Abstract Background Infections may complicate cardiovascular surgery or may require surgery as an adjunct to successful treatment. Staphylococci, which are among the major pathogenic bacteria causing such infections, can be resistant to many of the older antibiotics. Methods The properties of several newer antimicrobial agents, recently approved or still investigational, were reviewed, with an emphasis on in vitro activities against staphylococci. Results The 2 approved agents, linezolid and quinupristin-dalfopristin, and several investigational agents being developed demonstrate in vitro antimicrobial activity against staphylococci. Three of these agents, daptomycin, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in September 2003, and oritavancin and dalbavancin, which are in advanced stages of clinical development, are discussed. Conclusions Although clinical studies are required, the in vitro anti-staphylococcal activities of several agents suggest that these antimicrobial agents might be useful options for some infections in patients who are intolerant of older antibiotics or who are infected with organisms that are resistant to older agents.
Effects of Packaging Method, Display Light and Storage Time On The Microbial Growth and Rancidity of Fresh Pork

Effects of display light, packaging methods and storage time on total aerobic, lipolytic and proteolytic counts and oxidative rancidity of fresh pork stored at 2 ± 1° C were studied at the initial, 7th, 14th and 21st day of storage. Display light significantly increased the total aerobic psychrotroph count. Effects on lipolytic and proteolytic psychiotroph counts were not significant. No anaerobic psychrotrophs were encountered. Total and proteolytic counts of PVC film overwrapped chops and proteolytic and lipolytic psychrotroph counts of chops vacuum packaged accelerated linearly with time. Increases in lipolytic psychrotroph count of PVC packaged and total aerobic psychrotroph count of vacuum packaged chops were quadratic. TBA number and rancid odor scores were not significantly affected by treatments.
MANAGEMENT OF PYELONEPHRITIS AND UPPER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Urinary tract infections are responsible for 1 million hospitalizations a year 34 with uncomplicated pyelonephritis accounting for at least 250,000 of these hospitalizations. 17 The remainder are for diagnostic studies or for complicated pyelonephritis associated with stone, obstruction, instrumentation, diabetes, pregnancy, or immunosuppression. 39 The goal of urologists should be to act as consultants in the care of these patients to diagnose the causes of complicated infections and to assist in the final resolution of the infection. Because the delay or lack of treatment of simple and complicated infections has been shown to lead to renal damage, diagnosis and treatment should be both rapid and effective.
Discrete-time adaptive control of systems with multisegment piecewise-linear nonlinearities

Inverse schemes are constructed for multisegment piecewise-linear nonlinearities. Adaptive laws are proposed to update the inverse to cancel the effect of the unknown characteristic of such a nonlinearity which appears at the input of a linear part. Two adaptive control schemes using an adaptive inverse and a linear controller structure are developed: one for the linear part known and the other for the linear part unknown. Different adaptive designs are given based on different a priori nonlinearity knowledge necessary for the construction of an adaptive inverse. The adaptive inverse controllers ensure closed-loop signal boundedness and lead to significant improvements of system tracking performance.
Evaluation of a Standard Protocol for Retentive Encopresis: A Replication

Replicated the efficacy of a short-term, combined medical and behavioral intervention protocol for retentive encopresis. Fifty-nine children who had failed standard medical management for retentive encopresis and their parents participated in six 1-hour group treatment sessions. Treatment protocol combined the medical management strategies of enema clean out, increasing dietary fiber, and daily toilet sitting with the child behavior management strategies of differential attention, contingency management, and contracting. For the overall sample, the number of soiling incidents decreased 85%, the weekly frequency of independent bowel movements increased 15%, the weekly frequency of parent-prompted bowel movements increased 9%, and daily dietary fiber intake increased 121% pre- to posttreatment. The majority of the sample (86%) stopped soiling by the end of treatment and did not require further treatment. Results are discussed in terms of the comparability with previous findings and the utility of combined medical and psychological treatments for children with encopresis who have failed standard medical approaches.
Inhaled treprostinil sodium for pulmonary hypertension

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is an increasingly recognized heterogeneous disease with significant morbidity and mortality, requiring a multimodal approach to treatment. Inhalation administration of treprostinil sodium (Tyvaso®) permits higher local drug concentration without some of the side effects of parenteral prostanoids. Areas covered: After a broad discussion centering on available prostacyclins, a thorough literature review of treprostinil is undertaken, focusing on the timeline of clinical studies, specifically highlighting the major trials that shape current indications and usage. The literature search was undertaken via multiple search engines and strategies with review of cited and associated articles to provide a comprehensive discussion on the topic. Expert opinion: While safe and well tolerated, inhaled treprostinil sodium should be limited, based on available data, to use as add-on therapy for patients with Group I pulmonary hypertension not effectively controlled on oral t...
Connectivity Restoration in Large Landscapes: Modeling Landscape Condition and Ecological Flows

©2012 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Connectivity Restoration in Large Landscapes: Modeling Landscape Condition and Ecological Flows Robert F. Baldwin (school of Forest, agricultural and Environmental sciences, clemson University, baldwi6@clemson .edu), sarah E. Reed (north america Program, Wildlife conservation society, sarah.Reed@colostate.edu), Brad H. McRae (The nature conservancy, seattle, Wa, bmcrae@ tnc.org), David M. Theobald (Department of Fish, Wildlife, and conservation Biology, colorado state University, David.Theobald@colostate.edu), and Ronald W. sutherland (Wildlands network, ron@wildlandsnetwork.org)
Development of a process to disclose amyloid imaging results to cognitively normal older adult research participants

Introduction: The objective of this study was to develop a process to maximize the safety and effectiveness of disclosing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) amyloid imaging results to cognitively normal older adults participating in Alzheimer’s disease secondary prevention studies such as the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease (A4) Study. Methods: Using a modified Delphi Method to develop consensus on best practices, we gathered and analyzed data over three rounds from experts in two relevant fields: informed consent for genetic testing or human amyloid imaging. Results: Experts reached consensus on (1) text for a brochure that describes amyloid imaging to a person who is considering whether to undergo such imaging in the context of a clinical trial, and (2) a process for amyloid PET result disclosure within such trials. Recommendations included: During consent, potential participants should complete an educational session, where they receive verbal and written information covering what is known and unknown about amyloid imaging, including possible results and their meaning, implications of results for risk of future cognitive decline, and information about Alzheimer’s and risk factors. Participants should be screened for anxiety and depression to determine suitability to receive amyloid imaging information. The person conducting the sessions should check comprehension and be skilled in communication and recognizing distress. Imaging should occur on a separate day from consent, and disclosure on a separate day from imaging. Disclosure should occur in person, with time for questions. At disclosure, investigators should assess mood and willingness to receive results, and provide a written results report. Telephone follow-up within a few days should assess the impact of disclosure, and periodic scheduled assessments of depression and anxiety, with additional monitoring and follow-up for participants showing distress, should be performed. Conclusions: We developed a document for use with potential study participants to describe the process of amyloid imaging and the implications of amyloid imaging results; and a disclosure process with attention to ongoing monitoring of both mood and safety to receive this information. This document and process will be used in the A4 Study and can be adapted for other research settings.
Genetic and epigenetic alterations in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its chronic infection can lead to chronic liver inflammation and the accumulation of genetic alterations to result in the oncogenic transformation of hepatocytes. HBV can also sensitize hepatocytes to oncogenic transformation by causing genetic and epigenetic changes of the host chromosomes. HBV DNA can insert into host chromosomes and recent large-scale whole-genome sequencing studies revealed recurrent HBV DNA integrations sites that may play important roles in the initiation of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. HBV can also cause epigenetic changes by altering the methylation status of cellular DNA, the post-translational modification of histones, and the expression of microRNAs. These changes can also lead to the eventual hepatocellular transformation. These recent findings on the genetic and epigenetic alterations of the host chromosomes induced by HBV opened a new avenue for the development of novel diagnosis and treatments for HBV-induced HCC.
Public Opinion Quarterly, 2002–2008 The Disciplines, Technology, and the Publishing Business

This article, prepared for the 75th-anniversary issue of Public Opinion Quarterly, observes some trends in the articles published in the journal from 2002 to 2008 and examines marked shifts brought about by changes in academic publishing. Methodological publication trends include a major focus on nonresponse in sample surveys and mode of survey administration. Trends in substantive articles include a focus on homosexuality and gay rights, on public opinion-policy linkage, and on historical analysis of public opinion. Changes in publishing led to fully electronic manuscript processing and publication, space for supplementary content, and a fully accessible electronic archive con- taining all issues of the journal. These developments and a new AAPOR- publisher relationship enable POQ to better fulfill its mission to advance the field of public opinion research. The content of Public Opinion Quarterly (POQ) from 2002 to 2008 was shaped by what might be called ''routine'' developments in academic disciplines and by unprecedented changes in the world of academic publishing. In the ''routine'' category, there was continuity in the overall balance of published substantive and methodological articles, but new emphases were evident in both types of papers. In the publishing sphere, changes in technology and business arrange- ments made possible a remarkable expansion of opportunities for readers and contributors. The work of editing issues of POQ was also transformed by the addition of electronic to the traditional print format.
Automated reagent-dispensing system for microfluidic cell biology assays.

Microscale systems that enable measurements of oncological phenomena at the single-cell level have a great capacity to improve therapeutic strategies and diagnostics. Such measurements can reveal unprecedented insights into cellular heterogeneity and its implications into the progression and treatment of complicated cellular disease processes such as those found in cancer. We describe a novel fluid-delivery platform to interface with low-cost microfluidic chips containing arrays of microchambers. Using multiple pairs of needles to aspirate and dispense reagents, the platform enables automated coating of chambers, loading of cells, and treatment with growth media or other agents (e.g., drugs, fixatives, membrane permeabilizers, washes, stains, etc.). The chips can be quantitatively assayed using standard fluorescencebased immunocytochemistry, microscopy, and image analysis tools, to determine, for example, drug response based on differences in protein expression and/or activation of cellular targets on an individual-cell level. In general, automation of fluid and cell handling increases repeatability, eliminates human error, and enables increased throughput, especially for sophisticated, multistep assays such as multiparameter quantitative immunocytochemistry. We report the design of the automated platform and compare several aspects of its performance to manually-loaded microfluidic chips.
Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy: Detection, prevalence, and relationship to nitrogen metabolism

Abstract Neuropsychological status, hepatic function, and nitrogen metabolism were quantitatively assessed in 30 cirrhotic patients 1 to 5 years after portal-systemic shunt surgery to determine the frequency of behavioral deficits and their relationship to existing metabolic abnormalities. Evaluation consisted of three measures of liver function (Child's score, galactose elimination capacity, and antipyrine clearance), three tests of nitrogen metabolism (fasting venous ammonia (NH 3 ), ammonia tolerance test, and maximal rate of urea synthesis), neurological examination, EEG, and 11 psychometric indices. Control values for the tests of hepatic function, nitrogen metabolism, and psychometric performance were established in a group of 14 normals matched to the cirrhotics for age, sex, and education. All patients were normal by conventional neurological and mental status examinations. Ten patients (33%) had EEG's compatible with hepatic encephalopathy; 18 patients (60%) showed impaired performance on one of the psychometric tests (Reitan Trail B). NH 3 was inversely correlated with four psychometric tests and maximal rate of urea synthesis was directly related to five tests. In contrast, ammonia tolerance score was not significantly associated with any of the neuropsychological variables and the three quantitative measures of hepatic function together only correlated with five tests. Five cirrhotic patients with hyperammonemia and impaired psychometric tests were treated for 7 days with a protein-free diet. In all subjects, hyperammonemia and neuropsychological abnormalities improved or disappeared. Average values for the psychometric tests in 15 alcoholic subjects without liver disease did not differ significantly ( P > 0.05) from the normal group. We conclude that the majority of cirrhotic patients after portal-systemic shunt operations have demonstrable neuropsychological deficits. The severity of impairment appears to be related more to status of nitrogen metabolism than to level of over-all hepatic function.
Surface Flux Variability over the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans

Daily fields obtained from a 17-yr atmospheric GCM simulation are used to study the surface sensible and latent heat flux variability and its relationship to the sea level pressure (SLP) field. The fluxes are analyzed over the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans during winter. The leading mode of interannual SLP variability consists of a single center associated with the Aleutian low in the Pacific, and a dipole pattern associated with the Icelandic low and Azores high in the Atlantic. The surface flux anomalies are organized by the low-level atmospheric circulation associated with these modes in agreement with previous observational studies. The surface flux variability on all of the timescales examined, including intraseasonal, interannual, 3‐10 day, and 10‐30 day, is maximized along the north and west edges of both oceans and between Japan and the date line at ;358N in the Pacific. The intraseasonal variability is approximately 3‐5 times larger than the interannual variability, with more than half of the total surface flux variability occuring on timescales of less than 1 month. Surface flux variability in the 3‐10-day band is clearly associated with midlatitude synoptic storms. Composites indicate upward (downward) flux anomalies that exceed |30 W m 22| occur to the west (east) of storms, which move eastward across the oceans at 108‐158 per day. The SLP and surface flux anomalies are also strong and coherent in the 10‐30-day band but are located farther north, are broader in scale, and propagate ;3‐4 times more slowly eastward than the synoptic disturbances. The sensible and latent heat flux are proportional to the wind speed multiplied by the air‐sea temperature and humidity difference, respectively. The anomalous wind speed has the greatest influence on surface flux anomalies in the subtropics and western Pacific, while the air temperature and moisture anomalies have the greatest impact in the northeast Pacific and north of 408N in the Atlantic. The covariance between the wind speed and the air temperature or humidity anomalies, while generally small, is nonnegligible on synoptic timescales.
Branching on general disjunctions

This paper considers a modification of the branch-and-cut algorithm for Mixed Integer Linear Programming where branching is performed on general disjunctions rather than on variables. We select promising branching disjunctions based on a heuristic measure of disjunction quality. This measure exploits the relation between branching disjunctions and intersection cuts. In this work, we focus on disjunctions defining the mixed integer Gomory cuts at an optimal basis of the linear programming relaxation. The procedure is tested on instances from the literature. Experiments show that, for a majority of the instances, the enumeration tree obtained by branching on these general disjunctions has a smaller size than the tree obtained by branching on variables, even when variable branching is performed using full strong branching.
Parallel methods for iterative matrix decompositions

Parallel methods for iterative matrix decompositions are developed by using the possibility of approximate (but still orthogonal) rotations together with suitable kinds of rotation schemes. Favorable choices of some of these approximations are applied together with suitable rotation schemes (factorized rotation scheme, shift-and-add rotation scheme) in order to obtain algorithms highly suited for parallel implementations. The author mainly deals with the Jacobi method for the symmetric eigenvalue problem, but the ideas presented can also be applied to other iterative matrix decomposition algorithms using orthogonal rotations. >
Extravascular CX3CR1+ Cells Extend Intravascular Dendritic Processes into Intact Central Nervous System Vessel Lumen

Within the central nervous system (CNS), antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play a critical role in orchestrating inflammatory responses where they present CNS-derived antigens to immune cells that are recruited from the circulation to the cerebrospinal fluid, parenchyma, and perivascular space. Available data indicate that APCs do so indirectly from outside of CNS vessels without direct access to luminal contents. Here, we applied high-resolution, dynamic intravital two-photon laser scanning microscopy to directly visualize extravascular CX3CR1+ APC behavior deep within undisrupted CNS tissues in two distinct anatomical sites under three different inflammatory stimuli. Surprisingly, we observed that CNS-resident APCs dynamically extend their cellular processes across an intact vessel wall into the vascular lumen with preservation of vessel integrity. While only a small number of APCs displayed intravascular extensions in intact, noninflamed vessels in the brain and the spinal cord, the frequency of projections increased over days in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, whereas the number of projections remained stable compared to baseline days after tissue injury such as CNS tumor infiltration and aseptic spinal cord trauma. Our observation of this unique behavior by parenchyma CX3CR1+ cells in the CNS argues for further exploration into their functional role in antigen sampling and immune cell recruitment.
Adjustable Prescription Dose: A New Strategy to Improve IMRT Treatment Planning

In IMRT the quality of a treatment plan depends greatly upon how well mutually-exclusive dosimetric goals for different structures within a patient are balanced and prioritized. Ideally, each voxel has to be assigned with an individual penalty factor and a prescription dose which take into account inter-voxel correlations. However, in most plans, an optimal solution is calculated by assigning a uniform importance and prescription to all voxels within a given structure volume. Previous studies have demonstrated that a significant improvement in IMRT planning can be achieved with voxel specific importance factors. On the other hand, prescription dose choice remains fixed and patient independent. We show that by removing the requirement for the prescription dose to be fixed for each voxel a significant improvement can be achieved when compared to IMRT plans with uniform fixed prescription. We explore the following approach: a spatially-dependent penalty scheme based on how well a given voxel satisfies its prescription. In this scenario both under and overdosed voxels are penalized with a penalty weight proportional to the amount of the dose discrepancy. The scheme is equivalent to the iterative adjustment of individual voxel prescriptions based on the departure from the desirable voxel doses. The method is capable of producing improved treatment plans without expert’s intervention. A clinical head and neck case was used to test this method. By adjusting voxel prescriptions to compensate for the inequalities between the actual and desired doses calculated, substantial improvements are obtained for the treatment plan as large dose reductions were achieved in almost all of the critical structures present. For instance, we demonstrate fivefold reduction in the maximum dose to the brainstem. Other organs at risk experience dose reduction ranging from 100 to 300 percents.
Amopyroquin (Propoquin) in rheumatoid arthritis

A controlled, double-blind trial of amopyroquin vs. placebo has been completed in 15 patients with active, classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis. Improvement in all the parameters determined occurred while the patients were on amopyroquin. Grip strength, sedimentation rate, and Lansbury's indices showed statistically significant improvement while on amopyroquin. Improvement in the 50-foot walk and A.R.A. functional capacity approached statistical significance. Amopyroquin was well tolerated, but asymptomatic elevation of SGOT occurred in four patients and appeared to be related to the drug. Other tests of liver function remained normal. Un controlate essayo a duple anonymato esseva effectuate con amopyroquina contra placebo in un gruppo de 15 patientes con active arthritis rheumatoide classic o definite. Melioration in omne le parametros studiate occurreva durante que le patientes recipeva amopyroquina. Fortia del sasir, sedimentation erythrocytic, e le indices de Lansbury indicava statisticamente significative meliorationes durante le curso de amopyroquina. Melioration in le ambulation de 50 pedes e in le capacitate functional secundo le A.R.A. approchava un grado de signification statistic. Amopyroquina esseva ben tolerate, sed un elevation asymptomatic de transaminase glutamic-oxaloacetic del sero occurreva in quatro patientes, apparentemente in relation con le pharmaco. Altere tests del function hepatic remaneva normal.
Who Are Your Successful Salespeople

Utilizing a systematic sample of 200 sales managers selected from manufacturing and wholesaling firms listed in the Dun and BradstreetMillion-Dollar Directory, a survey was conducted to determine whether or not a general profile of “successful” salespersons and another profile of “unsuccessful” salespersons could be constructed. A seven-point semantic differential scale was used to obtain ratings by sales managers of salespeople on each of twenty-four personal attributes. Profiles of “successful” and “unsuccessful” salespersons were found which showed large differences in ratings on the twenty-four personal attributes. Using factor analysis, a reduced set of personal characteristics was determined to predict “successful” and “unsuccessful” salespersons.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Micafungin Monotherapy for Candidemia and Deep-Seated Candidiasis in Adults with Cancer

The response rate among 58 patients with cancer and candidemia or deep-seated candidiasis treated with micafungin monotherapy was 81%. Intensive care unit (ICU) stay, concomitant nonfungal infections, and acute kidney injury were significantly associated with the 30-day crude mortality rate. Severe neutropenia was an independent predictor of micafungin failure. The efficacy and safety of micafungin in cancer patients with invasive candidiasis were comparable to those reported for patients without malignancy and for cancer patients treated with caspofungin.
Cytokine Gene Expression by Peripheral Blood Leukocytes in Horses Experimentally Infected with Anaplasma phagocytophila

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), a tick-borne zoonosis, is caused by an obligatory intragranulocytic bacterium, the HGE agent, a strain of Anaplasma phagocytophila. The equine model of HGE is considered valuable in understanding pathogenic and immune mechanisms of HGE. In the present study, cytokine mRNA expression by peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in horses was examined during the course of infection by intravenous inoculation of A. phagocytophila or by allowing feeding by infected ticks. The p44 genes encoding the major outer membrane protein P44s of A. phagocytophila were detected by PCR in PBLs of all four horses from 4 to 20 days postexposure. During the 20-day infection period, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression was upregulated in PBLs of all four horses, and IL-8 mRNA expression was upregulated in three horses. Gamma interferon, IL-10, and IL-12 p35 mRNAs were weakly expressed in only one horse each. IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12 p40 mRNA expression , however, could not be detected in the PBLs of any of the four horses. These results suggest that IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8 generation during A. phagocytophila infection has a primary role in HGE pathogenesis and immunomodulation.
Diet effects on weight gain and body composition in high growth (hg/hg) mice.

Corva, Pablo M., and Juan F. Medrano. Diet effects on weight gain and body composition in high growth (hg/hg) mice. Physiol Genomics 3: 17–23, 2000.—Nongenetic factors such as nutrition modulate th...
Development of a Rapid Sulfation Technique and Fundamental Investigations into Desulfation Process

Effective implementation of lean NOx trap (LNT) technologies requires the development of desulfation strategies to prevent significant degradation of LNT performance as a result of sulfur poisoning. Key to desulfation investigations is the requirement for a controllable and realistic sulfur loading model. The use of market based fuels can give inconsistent results due to variation of sulfur levels, and increased engine development times. Traditionally, increasing the sulfur level in the fuel via a specific sulfur based dopant has been used to accelerate the sulfation. This research used a different approach, in which sulfur dioxide was rapidly injected immediately prior to the LNT. The ability to replicate slow sulfur accumulation, as well as the benefits of injection control are demonstrated on a gasoline direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine with LNT aftertreatment, tested on a dynamic dynamometer facility. The development of the sulfation injection technique enabled a series of sulfur loads and desulfation (DeSOx) experiments to be run. This study investigated the effect of sulfur loading, LNT temperature, and air:fuel ratio (AFR) on the DeSOx efficiency. The study shows that LNT DeSOx rate is fundamentally linked to the LNT temperature; and that other parameters, such as sulfur load, are far less critical to desorption rate.
Influence of epinephrine upon plasma potassium concentration: changes with time during constant infusion.

SummaryThe changes in plasma [K+] which occur during constant infusion of epinephrine into dogs have been studied. Frequent sampling of arterial blood during periods of 17 and 29 min duration has confirmed the indications of earlier studies that an early rise in plasma [K+] is followed by a decline and a sustained decrease in [K+]. The magnitude of the early increase in [K+] and the time from the beginning of infusion to the return of [K+] to control levels appear to be related to the rate of infusion of epinephrine. Further study is needed to determine how the later decrease in [K+] is related to the rate of infusion.
Walter Benjamin, Popular Critic

At a moment when Walter Benjamin's work is once again being claimed on behalf of analytic and poststructuralist philosophical traditions, the radical publisher Verso has released two unusual collec...
Evaluation of Tuberculosis Control Project in Huaining County

Objective To evaluate the effect of TB control project in Huaining County and provide basis for controlling TB prevalence.Methods The implementation data from 2002 to 2006 were summarized and analyzed.Results During 2002~2006,6416 TB suspects made clinical consultation to TB dispensaries.1 212 new smear positive TB cases had been detected.The notification rate of positive TB cases was raised from 10.13/10,0000 in 2002 to 46.31/10,0000 in 2006.The cure rate of new smear positive TB cases was increased from 71.0% in 2002 to 89.8% in 2006.Conclusions The TB control project in Huaining county got a good effect.
Detection of pyrethroid pesticide residue in tuber vegetables

Objective:To establish an analytical method for determination of 8 kinds of pyrethroid pesticide residue in tuber vegetables by GC-ECD.Methods:The smashed sample was extracted by acetonitrile using ultrasonic extraction for 30 minutes,purificated by Florisil,determined by HP-5 quartz capillary column with column temperture programe.Results:The 8 kinds of pyrethroid pesticide were separated well.The linear range was 0.03~0.15 μg/ml and the limit of quantification was 1.4~8.5 μg/kg.The recovery was between 82.7%~95.2%.RSD was less than 3.3%~7.1%.Conclusion:This method is sensitive,fast and accurate.It can be used for determination of the residues of pyrethroid pesticide in tuber vegetables.