cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic infections: Treatment and developmental therapeutics of cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis

Cryptosporidium sp. and Isospora sp. are coccidian protozoans taxonomically related to Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium sp. Although associated with many animal species, these pathogens are also the causative agents of cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis, 2 invasive opportunistic infections in humans. In immunocompetent hosts, the infections are usually self-limited, flu-like gastrointestinal disorders which resolve spontaneously. In immunocompromised patients, however, cryptosporidiosis is a severe, debilitating, and prolonged illness, with high morbidity and no known therapy effective against it. Spiramycin has been proven largely ineffective. In recent years, however, the use of immunotherapy is being actively pursued as one potentially useful approach for the treatment of cryptosoporidiosis. Azithromycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, has also shown promise in preclinical studies. In the case of isosporiasis, the combination of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole has been found to be effective, although AIDS patients have shown a high rate of relapse and, therefore, the need for suppressive maintenance therapy. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Altered health outcomes in adult offspring of Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats undernourished during early or late pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Birth weight in humans has been inversely associated with adult disease risk. Results of animal studies have varied depending on species, strain, and treatment. METHODS: We compared birth weight and adult health in offspring following 50% maternal undernutrition on gestation days (GD) 1–15 (UN1–15) or GD 10–21 (UN10–21) in Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats. Offspring from food-deprived dams were weighed and cross-fostered to control dams. Litters were weighed during lactation and initiating at weaning males were fed either control or a high-fat diet. Young and mature adult offspring were evaluated for obesity, blood pressure (BP), insulin response to oral glucose, and serum lipids. Nephron endowment, renal glucocorticoid receptor, and renin–aldosterone–angiotensin system components were measured. RESULTS: The UN10–21 groups had birth weights lower than controls and transient catch up growth by weaning. Neither strain demonstrated obesity or dyslipidemia following prenatal undernutrition, but long-term body weight deficits occurred in the UN groups of both strains. High-fat diet fed offspring gained more weight than control offspring without an effect of prenatal nutrition. Sprague Dawley were slightly more susceptible than Wistar rats to altered insulin response and increased BP following gestational undernutrition. Nephron endowment in Sprague Dawley but not Wistar offspring was lower in the UN10–21 groups. Glucocorticoid and renin–aldosterone–angiotensin system pathways were not altered. CONCLUSIONS: The most consistent effect of maternal undernutrition was elevated BP in offspring. Long-term health effects occurred with undernutrition during either window, but the UN10–21 period resulted in lower birth weight and more severe adult health effects. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:396–407, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EMIR: a configurable hierarchical system for event monitoring and incident response

The Event Monitor and Incident Response system ( emir ) is a flexible, general-purpose system for monitoring and responding to all aspects of instrument, telescope, and general facility operations, and has been in use at the Automated Planet Finder telescope for two years. Responses to problems can include both passive actions (e.g. generating alerts) and active actions (e.g. modifying system settings). Emir includes a monitor-and-response daemon, plus graphical user interfaces and text-based clients that automatically configure themselves from data supplied at runtime by the daemon. The daemon is driven by a configuration file that describes each condition to be monitored, the actions to take when the condition is triggered, and how the conditions are aggregated into hierarchical groups of conditions. Emir has been implemented for the Keck Task Library (KTL) keyword-based systems used at Keck and Lick Observatories, but can be readily adapted to many event-driven architectures. This paper discusses the design and implementation of Emir , and the challenges in balancing the competing demands for simplicity, flexibility, power, and extensibility. Emir ’s design lends itself well to multiple purposes, and in addition to its core monitor and response functions, it provides an effective framework for computing running statistics, aggregate values, and summary state values from the primitive state data generated by other subsystems, and even for creating quick-and-dirty control loops for simple systems.
The Prison Boom and the Decline of American Citizenship

The US imprisonment rate increased fivefold in the three decades from 1975 to 2005. Growth in the scale of criminal punishment was linked partly to a more punitive politics that repudiated the goal of rehabilitation, and partly to the collapse of economic opportunity for young unskilled men in inner cities. The growth of the penal system produced extraordinary rates of incarceration among recent cohorts of young black men with little schooling. We can understand the growth of incarceration to produce and erosion of citizenship among young black men, weakening the web of mutual obligation that defines full membership in American society.
Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSC) was initially recognized as a distinctive subset of low grade collecting duct carcinomas in 1997,1 and it was incorporated in the 2004 WHO classification of renal neoplasms under its current name. Although MTSC was regarded as rare, more than 80 cases have been reported. The exact cell of origin is a matter of debate but accumulated evidence suggests that it originates from cells of the loop of Henle or from collecting duct epithelium, with more support for the latter site. MTSC occurs predominantly in females with a 1:4 male-to-female ratio and patient age is 13 to 82 years (mean 53).2 Although some tumors are symptomatic, the majority are discovered incidentally during abdominal imaging studies. Tumors are 2.2 to 12 cm (average 6 to 7) in diameter, sharply circumscribed and gray-white, tan or yellow, and sometimes have minimal hemorrhaging and/or necrosis. The cut surfaces are commonly bulging, shiny and mucoid due to the mucin content (fig. 1). Figure 1 MTSC exhibits bulging shiny mucoid cut surface. Microscopically MTSC is composed of round, ovoid or elongated tightly packed tubules separated by abundant basophilic extracellular mucin that sometimes has a bubbly myxoid consistency (fig. 2). Focally aggregates of spindled cells may be present, which may simulate sarcomatoid change but without necrosis, mitotic activity or significant nuclear pleomorphism (fig. 2, inset). The mucin stains strongly with Alcian blue at pH 2.5. Tubules are lined by uniform low cuboidal cells with scant cytoplasm, round nuclei of low nuclear grade and absent or inconspicuous nucleoli. Mitotic figures are rare.3 Figure 2 MTSC composed of tightly packed elongated tubules separated by abundant basophilic extracellular mucin with bubbly myxoid consistency. Aggregates of spindled cells may be present (inset). The histological spectrum of these tumors has been expanded to include cases in which the spindle cell component rivals or even exceeds the tubular component, as well as those with a relative paucity of mucinous matrix, aggregates of foamy macrophages, small components of well formed papillae, focal clear cell change in tubular cells, focal necrosis, oncocytic tubules, numerous small vacuoles, psammomatous calcification or heterotopic bone formation.3 Rarely neuroendocrine differentiation and true sarcomatoid components have been reported.4 Cytogenetic analyses and comparative genomic hybridization studies have revealed multiple genetic alterations, including losses of chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 22.2 The prognosis for MTSC with classic morphology is generally favorable and complete surgical excision appears to be adequate treatment. These tumors are generally low pathological stage at excision and usually behave indolently. Few cases have demonstrated recurrence, regional lymph node metastases or distant metastases. However, 2 of 4 patients with MTSC exhibiting components of true sarcomatoid change died of the disease.4
Property C and applications

The notions of property C and property C with constraints for a pair of operators are defined, and some of their applications are outlined.
Insulin Therapy in Children and Adolescents

Insulin therapy is the mainstay of treatment in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is a key component in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in this population as well. A major aim of current insulin replacement therapy is to simulate the normal pattern of insulin secretion as closely as possible. This aim can best be achieved with basal-bolus therapy using multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous insulin infusion (CSII) pump therapy. Only a few years ago, options for insulin formulations were limited. There are now more than 10 varieties of biosynthetic human and analogue insulin.
Simulated acid rain and the importance of organic ligands on the availability of aluminum in soil

Equilibrium extracts from soils of different horizons at a single profile were examined. The Al species in the extract were characterized with oxine and chelex-100 exchange techniques. The amount of Al was found to depend strongly on the availability of organic ligands, especially the more strongly-binding ones, in the soil. The reaction to an acidic input to the soil was also found to be controlled by the amount and the nature of the organic ligands.
Promoting behavioral competence: An introduction to the practitioner's edition

The widely discussed gap between research and practice has been a continuing problem in the fields of school psychology and education. In particular, the extent to which information generated by research is effectively presented to and utilized by school practitioners is frequently limited by a variety of factors. In an attempt to address this issue, an annual series of special issues of Psychology in the Schools called the “Practitioner's Edition” was developed, with the inaugural issue appearing in 2006. The intent of these special issues is to publish useful, relevant, and practical evidence-based information on topics of significant interest and importance to school psychologists and other school-based practitioners. This article introduces the second Practitioner's Edition, which is focused on promoting behavioral competence. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 1–5, 2007.
Nitrogen yields from undisturbed watersheds in the Americas

Yields of total fixed nitrogen and nitrogen fractions are summarized for thirty-one watersheds in which anthropogenic disturbance of the nitrogen cycle, either through land use or atmospheric deposition, is negligible or slight. These yields are taken as representative of background conditions over a broad range of watershed areas, elevations, and vegetation types. The data set focuses on watersheds of the American tropics, but also includes information on the Gambia River (Africa) and some small watersheds in the Sierra Nevada of California. For the tropical watersheds, total nitrogen yield averages 5.1 kg ha -1 y-1. On average, 30% of the total is particulate and 70% is dissolved. Of the dissolved fraction, an average of 50% is organic and 50% is inorganic, of which 20% is ammonium and 80% is nitrate. Yields are substantially lower than previously estimated for background conditions. Yields of all nitrogen fractions are strongly related to runoff, which also explains a large percentage of variance in yield of total nitrogen (r2 = 0.85). For total nitrogen and nitrogen fractions, yield increases at about two-thirds the rate of runoff; concentration decreases as runoff increases. There is a secondary but significant positive relationship between elevation and yield of DIN. Ratios DONAIDN and PN/TN both are related to watershed area rather than runoff; DON/TDN decreases and PN/TN increases toward higher stream orders. The analysis suggests for tropical watersheds the existence of mechanisms promoting strong homeostasis in the yield of N and its fractions for a given moisture regime, as well as predictable downstream change in proportionate representation N fractions. Yields and concentrations for small tropical watersheds are much larger than for the few temperate ones with which comparisons are possible.
Computation of electromagnetic lightning response using moments method

Calculation of electromagnetic response due to lightning surge at a point on transmission line using summation of moments in a double power series is established. At the space point, the vector magnetic potential, the scalar inducing and induced electric potentials are obtained. Solutions of electromagnetic impact elements generated on a transmission line by lightning surge have the significance of providing proper design basis for the protection system required.
A negative reflective/refractive "meta-interface" using a bi-directional phase-conjugating array

A negative reflective/refractive "meta-interface" using a bi-directional phase-conjugating antenna array is proposed. Negative reflection is due to the retro-directivity of the array while negative refraction is a consequence of the bi-directionality of the slot elements used in the array. A simple design of the interface is presented. The prototype demonstrates negative reflection and refraction in far-field and near-field measurements.
Patterns of Fos-Immunoreactivity in the CNS Induced by Repeated Hemorrhage in Conscious Rats: Correlations with Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity.

While the present understanding of pituitary-adrenal function predicts attenuation of responses to a repeated stressor, experimental observations often show occurrence of potentiation rather than inhibition. The role of the CNS in this phenomenon was investigated in rats sustaining either a single (S-HEM) or a double episode (R-HEM) of hemorrhage. For S-HEM, blood was withdrawn over 3min and retransfused at 10min; for R-HEM, the stimulus was repeated at 90 min. S-HEM elicited 26- and !+fold increases in circulating adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone, respectively. After R-HEM the plasma ACTH response was potentiated by 82%. Sixty min after S-HEM, Fas-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) was increased in medullary (solitary nucleus, NTS and ventrolateral medulIa, VLM), pontine (locus coeruleus, LC and parabrachial nucleus, PBN), limbic (central amygdala, CNA and bed nucleus, BNST), and hypothalamic (supraoptic nucleus, SON and paraventricular nucleus, PVN) regions activated by hemodynamic stimuli. However after R-HEM, the Fos-IR response was significantly potentiated only in the VLM and PVN, while only a moderate increase was evident in the NTS. In other brain regions (LC, PBN, CNA, BNST, HPC and SON), Fos-IR either did not change or the increases were less than those observed after S-HEM. It is suggested that this plasticity in the pattern of neuronal activation following repetition of a stimulus may account for the maintenance of pituitary-adrenal secretory responses and its potentiation after R-HEM.
The Service System Is the Basic Abstraction of Service Science

Abstraction is a powerful thing. During the 19th century, the industrial revolution was built on many powerful abstractions, such as mass, energy, work, and power. During the 20th century, the information revolution was built on many powerful abstractions, such as binary digit or bit, binary coding, and algorithmic complexity. Here, we propose an abstraction that will be important to the service revolution of the 21st century: the service system, which is a configuration of people, technologies, and other resources that interact with other service systems to create mutual value. Many systems can be viewed as service systems, including families, cities, and companies, among many others. In this paper, we show how the service-system abstraction can be used to understand how value is created, in the process unifying concepts from many disciplines and creating the foundation for an integrated science of service.
Characterization of the Fibrinogen Binding Domain of Bacteriophage Lysin from Streptococcus mitis

The binding of bacteria to human platelets is a likely central mechanism in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. Platelet binding by Streptococcus mitis SF100 is mediated in part by a lysin encoded by the lysogenic bacteriophage SM1. In addition to its role in the phage life cycle, lysin mediates the binding of S. mitis to human platelets via its interaction with fibrinogen on the platelet surface. To better define the region of lysin mediating fibrinogen binding, we tested a series of purified lysin truncation variants for their abilities to bind this protein. These studies revealed that the fibrinogen binding domain of lysin is contained within the region spanned by amino acid residues 102 to 198 (lysin102–198). This region has no sequence homology to other known fibrinogen binding proteins. Lysin102–198 bound fibrinogen comparably to full-length lysin and with the same selectivity for the fibrinogen Aα and Bβ chains. Lysin102–198 also inhibited the binding in vitro of S. mitis to human fibrinogen and platelets. When assessed by platelet aggregometry, the disruption of the lysin gene in SF100 resulted in a significantly longer time to the onset of aggregation of human platelets than that of the parent strain. The preincubation of platelets with purified lysin102–198 also delayed the onset of aggregation by SF100. These results indicate that the binding of lysin to fibrinogen is mediated by a specific domain of the phage protein and that this interaction is important for both platelet binding and aggregation by S. mitis.
Revisiting the evolution of mouse LINE-1 in the genomic era

LINE-1 (L1) is the dominant category of transposable elements in placental mammals. L1 has significantly affected the size and structure of all mammalian genomes and understanding the nature of the interactions between L1 and its mammalian host remains a question of crucial importance in comparative genomics. For this reason, much attention has been dedicated to the evolution of L1. Among the most studied elements is the mouse L1 which has been the subject of a number of studies in the 1980s and 1990s. These seminal studies, performed in the pre-genomic era when only a limited number of L1 sequences were available, have significantly improved our understanding of L1 evolution. Yet, no comprehensive study on the evolution of L1 in mouse has been performed since the completion of this genome sequence. Using the Genome Parsing Suite we performed the first evolutionary analysis of mouse L1 over the entire length of the element. This analysis indicates that the mouse L1 has recruited novel 5’UTR sequences more frequently than previously thought and that the simultaneous activity of non-homologous promoters seems to be one of the conditions for the co-existence of multiple L1 families or lineages. In addition the exchange of genetic information between L1 families is not limited to the 5’UTR as evidence of inter-family recombination was observed in ORF1, ORF2, and the 3’UTR. In contrast to the human L1, there was little evidence of rapid amino-acid replacement in the coiled-coil of ORF1, although this region is structurally unstable. We propose that the structural instability of the coiled-coil domain might be adaptive and that structural changes in this region are selectively equivalent to the rapid evolution at the amino-acid level reported in the human lineage. The pattern of evolution of L1 in mouse shows some similarity with human suggesting that the nature of the interactions between L1 and its host might be similar in these two species. Yet, some notable differences, particularly in the evolution of ORF1, suggest that the molecular mechanisms involved in host-L1 interactions might be different in these two species.
Primary cilia are specialized calcium signalling organelles

Primary cilia are known as specialized calcium signalling compartments on the cell surface, but the ionic permeability and other physiological properties of these protrusions are unknown—this is one of two studies identifying the ion channels that densely populate primary cilia, with direct measurements revealing cilia as a unique, functionally independent calcium signalling compartment that modulates hedgehog signalling pathways. Primary cilia are organelles that project from most cell surfaces, where they are thought to be involved in controlling cell growth and cell division and also to act as specialized calcium signalling compartments. The ionic permeability and other physiological properties of these protrusions are unknown. In two studies, David Clapham and colleagues identify the ion channels that densely populate primary cilia and conduct direct measurements to reveal cilia as a unique, functionally independent calcium signalling compartment that modulates hedgehog signalling pathways. Primary cilia are solitary, non-motile extensions of the centriole found on nearly all nucleated eukaryotic cells between cell divisions. Only ∼200–300 nm in diameter and a few micrometres long, they are separated from the cytoplasm by the ciliary neck and basal body. Often called sensory cilia, they are thought to receive chemical and mechanical stimuli and initiate specific cellular signal transduction pathways. When activated by a ligand, hedgehog pathway proteins, such as GLI2 and smoothened (SMO), translocate from the cell into the cilium1,2. Mutations in primary ciliary proteins are associated with severe developmental defects3. The ionic conditions, permeability of the primary cilia membrane, and effectiveness of the diffusion barriers between the cilia and cell body are unknown. Here we show that cilia are a unique calcium compartment regulated by a heteromeric TRP channel, PKD1L1–PKD2L1, in mice and humans. In contrast to the hypothesis that polycystin (PKD) channels initiate changes in ciliary calcium that are conducted into the cytoplasm4, we show that changes in ciliary calcium concentration occur without substantially altering global cytoplasmic calcium. PKD1L1–PKD2L1 acts as a ciliary calcium channel controlling ciliary calcium concentration and thereby modifying SMO-activated GLI2 translocation and GLI1 expression.
Openness to Experience

After a single hearing, the 14-year-old Mozart transcribed Allegri’sMiserere – 12 minutes of music for nine voices – from memory. In his seventies, and totally blind, Euler composed and dictated dozens of major works of mathematics. Mozart and Euler are indisputably geniuses of the first magnitude, but not simply because they possessed seemingly magical mental abilities. After all, Luria (1968) documented the case of a Russian journalist who could remember virtually everything (including tables of random numbers seen decades ago) but who never produced work of any consequence. A number of autistic individuals – so-called savants – can perform prodigious feats of calculation, although they never advance mathematics. Geniuses usually have exceptional gifts, but their defining characteristic is that they use these gifts to solve artistic, intellectual, or practical problems in original ways. What is it beyond mere mental ability that leads these individuals to see the world with a fresh perspective? In this chapter, we consider the hypothesis that genius is due in some measure to personality traits, and in particular to a group of traits that define Openness to Experience. The idea that genius is tied to distinctive traits is old and widespread. In particular, since antiquity it has been asserted that genius is akin to madness, and Eysenck (1993) revived this idea by arguing that creative geniuses are high in Psychoticism, a general personality trait supposed to be a predisposing factor for psychosis.1 Jamison (1996) presented the case that artists are particularly prone to bipolar disorder. The evidence for a link between genius and mental disorder is mixed (Waddell, 1998), but suggests the hypothesis that genius may be related to personality traits in the domain of Neuroticism. A quite different set of traits was identified by Cox (1926) in a pioneering study of character in geniuses. She reported that early in life they were distinguished by (among other things) tenacity of purpose, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and a desire to excel. Simonton (2000) similarly mentioned ambition as a common characteristic of highly creative persons. These are characteristics contemporary psychologists would call aspects of Conscientiousness. Our focus in this chapter will be on a third domain of personality traits, Openness to Experience.
Interactive Techniques to Support Ontology Matching

There are many automatic approaches for generating matches between ontologies and schemas. However, these techniques are far from perfect and when the use case requires an accurate matching, humans must be involved in the process. Yet, involving the users in creating matchings presents its own problems. Users have trouble understanding the relationships between large ontologies and schemas and their concepts, remembering what they have looked at and executed, understanding output from the automatic algorithm, remembering why they performed an operation, reversing their decisions, and gathering evidence to support their decisions. Recently, researchers have been investigating these issues and developing tools to help users overcome these difficulties. In this chapter, we present some of the latest work related to human-guided ontology matching. Specifically, we discuss the cognitive difficulties users face with creating ontology matchings, the latest visual tools for assisting users with matching tasks, Web 2.0 approaches, common themes, challenges, and the next steps.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of magnetic materials using a non-destructive method

A magnetic-based nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method, which employs Barkhausen effect and measurement of hysteresis loops, is developed and used to correlate the magnetic and mechanical properties in ultra low carbon (ULC) steel. The NDE test equipment offers the capability to detect small deviations from linearity that occur in the stress-strain curve well below the 0.2% offset strain. Results show that three properties extracted from the experimental results, jumpsum and jumpsum rate (derived from the Barkhausen spectrum), and differential permeability (derived from the B-H loops), vary sensitively with small deformations well below the 0.2% offset strain in ULC steels; however coercivity is a slowly varying function of small applied strains.
Reliability-based design optimization of concrete flexural members reinforced with ductile FRP bars

Abstract In recent years, ductile hybrid FRP (DHFRP) bars have been developed for use as tensile reinforcement. However, initial material costs remain high, and it is difficult to simultaneously meet strength, stiffness, ductility, and reliability demands. In this study, a reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) is conducted to determine minimum cost DHFRP bar configurations while enforcing essential constraints. Applications for bridge decks and building beams are considered, with 2, 3, and 4-material bars. It was found that optimal bar configuration has little variation for the different applications, and that overall optimized bar cost decreased as the number of bar materials increased.
Closure of large postradiation vesicovaginal fistula with rectus abdominis myofascial flap

We report the case of a patient who developed a large radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula. She also had a paucity of the omentum due to previous laparotomy and adhesions. We were able to treat this patient successfully with a pedicled myofascial rectus abdominis flap.
Additional suggestions for X-ray quantitative analysis of high-volume filter samples

Abstract It has been observed that reference intensity constants for natural aerosols used in X-ray quantitative analysis of high-volume filter samples varies significantly according to the geological history and surface weathering conditions of the source rock or soil. Reference intensity values pertaining to compounds from actual geologic outcrops or soil types within the sampling area should be used in order for the highest accuracy to be obtained. Two “approximation” computations are suggested for circumstances where the more elaborate procedures involving matrix and transmission corrections may not be justified. The first, least accurate approximation, uses the Chung (1975) equation directly; the second and “better” approximation uses a simple beam transmission correction and the Chung equation in a one-step iteration. Very good agreement between the better approximation and the complete refinement procedure is observed for the several analyses presented.
Effect of collagen implants in the reduction of high astigmatism induced by penetrating keratoplasty.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the insertion of EagleVision® collagen plugs as spacers between corneal relaxing incisions to correct significant residual astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Setting Ambulatory Clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology, Rhode Island Hospital, and Rhode Island Eye Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Methods This study comprised 8 patients meeting the following criteria: had previous PKP, had at least 5.0 diopters of residual keratometric astigmatism with all the sutures removed, were free from eye infection, and were at least 21 years old. All 8 patients had unilateral high astigmatism after PKP. Four eyes were randomly assigned to the control group of astigmatic keratectomy (AK) incisions without the collagen implants and 4 eyes to the experimental group of AK incisions with collagen implants. Results Best corrected visual acuity 1 day, 3 weeks, and 1, 2, and 6 months after AK showed decreased astigmatism in all the patients who had the relaxing incisions. The amount of astigmatism was lower in patients who received AK incisions with collagen implants ( P Conclusion Implanting a biocompatible material into AK incisions to correct post-PKP astigmatism appears to be safe and may enhance astigmatic correction.
Temporary Employment and Employability: Training Opportunities and Efforts of Temporary and Permanent Employees in Belgium

‘Lifetime employability’ is often put forward as an alternative to lifetime employment with the same employer. At first sight, temporary employment relations and employability go hand in hand. Temporary employment is less dramatic when it is linked to a higher employability. Opponents, however, claim that temporary employment and employability are at odds. They argue that both employers and temporary employees may be faced with dilemmas relating to the enhancement of employability through training. In this article, we deal with this question. We study the training efforts of temporary and permanent employees as well as the training opportunities offered by their respective employers. Moreover, we differentiate between different groups of temporary employees. We study this in the Belgian institutional setting. The results indicate that, although temps do largely take responsibility for their own training, they get fewer opportunities to enhance their employability than do permanent employees.
TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON ENDOTHELIUM FOR LYMPHOCYTE RECIRCULATION AND LEUKOCYTE EMIGRATION

The circulatory and migratory properties of white blood cells have evolved to allow efficient surveillance of tissues for infectious pathogens and rapid accu­ mulation at sites of injury and infection. Lymphocytes continually patrol the body for foreign antigen by recirculating from blood, through tissue, into lymph, and back to blood. Lymphocytes acquire a predilection, based on the environment in which they first encounter foreign antigen, to home to or recirculate through that same environment (39, 40). Granulocytes and mono­ cytes cannot recirculate, but emigrate from the bloodstream in response to molecular changes on the surface of blood vessels that signal injury or infec­ tion. Lymphocytes can similarly accumulate in response to inflammatory stim­ uli. The nature of the inflammatory stimulus determines whether lymphocytes. monocytes, neutrophils, or eosinophils predominate, and thus exercises spec­ ificity in the molecular signals or "area codes" that are displayed on endothe­ lium and control traffic of particular leukocyte classes. Recent findings show that the "traffic signals" for lymphocyte recirculation and for neutrophil and monocyte localization in inflammation are strikingly similar at the molecular level. These traffic signal or area code molecules are
Reappraisal of coronary endarterectomy for the treatment of diffuse coronary artery disease.

Abstract Background . The development of new technologies such as transmyocardial laser revascularization and, more recently, local delivery of angiogenic growth factors has refocused attention on the surgical management of diffuse coronary artery disease. In some cases, coronary endarterectomy is also technically feasible. To facilitate decision-making among these options, we reviewed our experience with coronary endarterectomy to determine the results to be expected with this more traditional approach. Methods . A search of our computerized database identified 7,096 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization between January 1, 1986 and March 30, 1997, of whom 177 (2.3%) underwent endarterectomy of at least one coronary artery. Perioperative events were derived from the database. Follow-up information was obtained from patients at 3 months to 11.5 years (mean = 55.7 ± 38.8 months) after surgery. Results . Endarterectomy was performed on the right coronary artery (RCA) system in 100 patients, the left anterior descending (LAD) system in 52, the circumflex system in 18, and in multiple distributions in 7. The 30-day mortality was 7% for RCA, 0% for LAD, 17% for circumflex, and 14% for multi-system endarterectomy ( p = 0.20). There were no statistically significant differences in perioperative myocardial infarction or ventricular dysrhythmia between these groups. Actuarial survival at 5 years was 76% for patients undergoing RCA endarterectomy and 75% for left sided (LAD or circumflex) endarterectomy ( p = 0.91). At late follow-up, 74% (86/117) of survivors were angina-free, 6% (7/117) had undergone subsequent angioplasty, and 3% (4/117) had undergone subsequent surgery. Conclusions . Coronary endarterectomy can be accomplished with acceptable operative risk and good long-term results, even when applied in a highly selective manner. The results of novel therapies for diffuse coronary artery disease should be considered in the context of those achievable with more traditional approaches.
On sampled data approach to parameter identification of continuous linear systems

It is generally preferable to estimate unknown parameters in analog transfer functions by sampled data techniques. This approach calls for the derivation of an appropriate discrete model D(z) for a given analog system H(s) with undetermined parameters, and then the fitting of the sampled input-output data by D(z) to estimate these parameters. This correspondence presents a method for obtaining such discrete models. It also provides a more effective procedure for calculating the parameter estimates from the identified discrete transfer function \hat{D}(z) .
Ample filters and Frobenius amplitude

Abstract Let X be a projective scheme over a field. We show that the vanishing cohomology of any sequence of coherent sheaves is closely related to vanishing under pullbacks by the Frobenius morphism. We also compare various definitions of ample locally free sheaf and show that the vanishing given by the Frobenius morphism is, in a certain sense, the strongest possible. Our work can be viewed as various generalizations of the Serre Vanishing Theorem.
Initiation and termination of DNA transfer at F plasmid oriT.

Summary DNA sequences within the F plasmid transfer origin (oriT) were tested for their ability to initiate or terminate conjugal transfer. Mutant and wild-type oriT elements were cloned as direct repetitions flanking the rpsL gene on a pBR322-based plasmid, and the frequency of deletion of this segment during matings sponsored by F’lac (F42) with streptomycin-resistant recipients was measured. Shortened oriT elements that lacked adjacent TraM-binding sites allowed efficient initiation and termination. Some truncated orir segments lacking the TraM-binding sites and the TraY-binding site, sbyA, initiated transfer inefficiently, but nevertheless promoted efficient termination. Removal of TraM-, TraY-, and IHF-binding sites severely reduced both nicking and termination. Point mutations that previously had been reported to prevent nicking caused reduced levels of both initiation and termination. These results indicate that regions of oriT supporting initiation are more extensive than those needed for termination, although some regions are required for both. Moreover, termination can be effective for some mutant loci that do not support efficient nicking.
Effects of a pneumatic tube system on routine and novel hematology and coagulation parameters in healthy volunteers.

Abstract Context.—Technologic advances affecting analyzers used in clinical laboratories have changed the methods used to obtain many laboratory measurements, and many novel parameters are now available. The effects of specimen transport through a pneumatic tube system on laboratory results obtained with such modern instruments are unclear. Objective.—To determine the effects of sample transport through a pneumatic tube system on routine and novel hematology and coagulation parameters obtained on state-of-the-art analyzers. Design.—Paired blood samples from 33 healthy volunteers were either hand delivered to the clinical laboratory or transported through a pneumatic tube system. Results.—No statistically significant differences were observed for routine complete blood cell count and white cell differential parameters or markers of platelet activation, such as the mean platelet component, or of red cell fragmentation. When 2 donors who reported aspirin intake were excluded from the analysis, there was a st...
Optimal Array-Pattern Synthesis for Wideband Digital Transmit Arrays

Some next-generation radio frequency systems are expected to share a common transmit aperture among multiple users across a wide range of frequencies and functions such as radar and communications. The requisite linear architectures and digital signal generation will permit far greater flexibility in the design of array patterns than traditional time-delay steered wideband transmit arrays. Merely replicating the traditional architecture in digital signal processing would generally represent an inefficient use of computational resources; thus, we propose instead to place a finite-impulse response filter per input signal at each element and to directly optimize the resulting wideband array pattern. For this architecture, we present a passband-equivalent transmit-array model and derive expressions for wideband directivity, efficiency, error sensitivity, gain, peak and mean-square sidelobes, mainlobe frequency-response flatness, and polarization. All can be constrained using second-order cone programming, a highly-efficient type of convex optimization. Several examples illustrate the design tradeoffs, including the need to limit undesirable superdirective effects in wideband arrays. The system model and the derivations are general enough to admit almost any array architecture, including arbitrary element locations, nonuniform element responses, and multiple polarizations.
Performance-based testing for drugs of abuse : dose and time profiles of marijuana, amphetamine, alcohol, and diazepam

The time courses of the effects of acute doses of amphetamine (5 and 10 mg/70 kg), alcohol (0.3 and 0.6 g/kg), dlszepam (5 and 10 mg/70 kg), and marijuana (2.0% and 3.5% Ag-THC) on performance engendered by each of four computerized behavioral tasks were evaluated in six human subjects. These performance-based tasks have potential commercial utility for drug-use detection in the workplace. Alcohol and marijuana effects were reliably detected for up to three hours following dose administration with most procedures. Amphetamine and diazepam effects were also detected, but the dose effects and time courses were variable. The profile of behavioral effects varied across drugs, suggesting that performance-based testing procedures might be useful in discriminating which drug was administered and the time course of the drug's effects. Results indicate that repeated measurement with performance-based drug detection procedures can provide immediate indications of performance impairment in a cost-effective and
Analgesic triptan action in an animal model of intracranial pain: a race against the development of central sensitization.

We have shown that the development of cutaneous allodynia (exaggerated skin sensitivity) during migraine is detrimental to the anti-migraine action of the 5HTIB/ID receptor agonists known is triptans. Because cutaneous allodynia is a manifestation of sensitization of central trigeminovascular neurons, we examined whether triptan treatment can intercept such sensitization before its initiation or after its establishment in our rat model for cutaneous allodynia induced by intracranial pain. Single-unit recordings were obtained from spinal trigeminal neurons that proved to received convergent inputs from the dura and facial skin. The effects of sumatriptan (300 μg/kg i.v.) on central sensitization induced by topical application of inflammatory soup (IS) on the dura were determined when the drug was administered either 2 h after IS (late intervention) or at the same time as IS (early intervention). Late sumatriptan intervention counteracted two aspects of central sensitization: dural receptive fields, which initially expanded by IS, shrunk back after treatment; neuronal response threshold to dural indentation, which initially decreased after IS, increased after sumatriptan. On the other hand, late sumatriptan intervention did not reverse other aspects of central sensitization: spontaneous firing rate and neuronal response magnitude to skin brushing which initially increased after IS, remained elevated after sumatriptan; response threshold to heating of the skin, which initially dropped after IS, remained low after sumatriptan. Early sumatriptan intervention effectively blocked the development of all aspects of central sensitization expected to be induced 2 h after IS application: dural receptive fields did not expand; neuronal response threshold to dural indentation and skin stimulation did not decrease; spontaneous firing rate did not increase. The early treatment results suggest that triptan action provides a powerful means of preventing the initiation of central sensitization triggered by chemical stimulation of meningeal nociceptors. The late treatment results suggest that triptan action is insufficient to counteract an already established central sensitization. Thus, triptan action appears to be exerted directly on peripheral rather than central trigeminovascular neurons. Ann Neurol 2004;55:000–000
The HemoCue® for point‐of‐care hemoglobin measurement and packed cell volume estimation in cats

Objective: To determine conversion formulas so that values from the HemoCue® hemoglobinometer (HbHQ) could be equated to hemoglobin concentrations measured by the gold-standard cyanomethemoglobin (HbCY) method and used for estimation of packed cell volume (PCV) in cats. Study design: Prospective, in vitro. Animals: Twelve healthy, adult, client-owned cats. Interventions: The PCV of 12 parent blood samples was manipulated between ∼3 and ∼80% by removing or adding autologous plasma. Hemoglobin was measured by the HbCY method at a university clinical pathology laboratory and by the azidemethemoglobin method in a HbHQ. PCV was determined by micro-centrifugation. Measurements and main results: Hemoglobin varied from 1–26 g/dL. Repeated-measures regression of HbCY on HbHQ demonstrated that the Y-intercept was not different from zero. When the regression was repeated, forcing the line through the origin the coefficient for converting HbHQ to HbCY was not significantly different from 1.0 (adjusted R2=99.7%). The conversion formula was HbCY=HbHQ. Using similar methods, the conversion formula for estimating PCV was PCV=3.1 HbHQ (adjusted R2=99.8%). Conclusion: Hemoglobin concentration measured by the HemoCue® was indistinguishable from the (HbCY) method in feline blood over a wide range of hemoglobin concentrations. This study demonstrates that in cats PCV=3.1HbHQ. Clinical relevance: The HemoCue® is useful for point-of-care hemoglobinometry and for estimating PCV in cats.
[192-POS]: Term and preterm preeclampsia: Are there two distinct phenotypes?

Objectives To determine differences in maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes in term and preterm pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Methods Using a retrospective chart review design, we identified women with singleton gestations complicated by gestational hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, or superimposed preeclampsia between January 2009 and December 2011. Maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes among term and preterm gestations were compared. Descriptive and comparison analyses were performed. Results Two hundred and thirty-eight women met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 87 were diagnosed and delivered at less than 37 weeks gestational age. Mean gestational age of preterm patients was 33.3 ± 3.4 weeks. Women who delivered at a preterm gestation were more likely to have severe range blood pressures (79.5% vs. 59.3%, p p p p p = 0.01). Neonates in the preterm group had significantly higher rates of NICU admission (57.5%), respiratory distress syndrome (47.1%), respiratory therapy for greater than 24 h (26.4%), and assisted ventilation (13.8%); p p Conclusions In the preterm period, preeclampsia appears to have greater adverse effects on the mother and neonate. These gestations have problems with impaired placental perfusion characterized by inadequate fetal growth and oligohydramnios, resulting in increased rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. These data support the hypothesis that there may be distinct phenotypes of preeclampsia. Disclosures A. Johnson: None. C. Federico: None. M. Martinez: None. K. Tran: None. E. Kao: None. N. Hooshvar: None. D. Tice: None. G. Wu: None. C. Gambala: None. G. Pridjian: None. C. Dola: None.
A Strategy for Reducing Tuberculosis Among Oglala Sioux Native Americans

Background The Oglala Sioux people, who live on the second largest Native American reservation in the United States, the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, have a history of high rates of tuberculosis. Methods To determine a strategy for reducing tuberculosis in this population, Pine Ridge Reservation tuberculosis cases since 1968 were analyzed. Diabetic patients were identified through chart reviews and characterized for tuberculosis status. Age-specific tuberculosis rates and age-specific relative risks (RRs) were calculated and compared with those of South Dakota excluding Pine Ridge. Results Between 1968 and 1994, the RR for tuberculosis was 18.9 for a Pine Ridge Native American compared with rates for the rest of South Dakota. The age-specific RR was 65.7 for the Pine Ridge population 65 and older from 1985-1994. Tuberculin tests were positive in 70% of diabetic patients on the reservation. Diabetic patients comprise 23% of the population 45 and older at Pine Ridge. Fifty-five percent of all the tuberculosis disease in the 45 and older age group can be prevented by eliminating it in the diabetic population. Conclusions A major stride toward reducing tuberculosis can be made by targeting high-risk groups such as diabetic patients, especially in a time of dwindling resources and personnel for tuberculosis control.