cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Better Than Conventional Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Survivors of Cardiac Arrest?

Numerous studies have shown that the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) accurately detects and successfully terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In a recent report of 2834 epicardial and endocardial ICD implants in 2807 patients followed for a mean of 11.7 months, more than half of the patients had a combined total of almost 50 000 spontaneous episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias that were recognized and terminated by the ICD, with a success rate of about 98%. At 1 year, sudden cardiac death mortality was 1.4% in the epicardial ICD group and 0.6% in the endocardial group. The overall mortality at 1 year was 12.2% and 6.9% for the two groups, respectively, reflecting in part the greater surgical implant mortality for the epicardial (4.1%) compared with the endocardial (0.74%) systems. Complications requiring an invasive intervention totaled 18.9% for the endocardial implants and 9.2% for the epicardial implants.1 Thus, it becomes amply clear that the ICD effectively performs the functions for which it was created. Data such as these have encouraged many physicians to proceed rapidly to implantation of an ICD in the cardiac arrest survivor rather than spend time searching for a potentially more elusive therapeutic goal, that of an effective antiarrhythmic drug. Despite these facts (and the “logical” extension that ICDs must save lives if they effectively terminate ventricular tachyarrhythmias), several reports2 3 4 have cautioned against a precipitous embrace of ICDs because the ICD effect on total mortality, particularly when compared against antiarrhythmic agents, has not been established in a rigorous fashion, that is, in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. In fact, as I stated in a recent editorial, “Until we directly randomize the ICD against the best medical management, we will not know which therapy is best in general or for a specific patient group.”5 Randomization eliminates the risk of …
Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi OspA, OspC, OspF, and C6 Antigens as Markers for Early and Late Infection in Dogs

Lyme disease in the United States is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, which is transmitted to mammals by infected ticks. Borrelia spirochetes differentially express immunogenic outer surface proteins (Osp). Our aim was to evaluate antibody responses to Osp antigens to aid the diagnosis of early infection and the management of Lyme disease. We analyzed antibody responses during the first 3 months after the experimental infection of dogs using a novel multiplex assay. Results were compared to those obtained with two commercial assays detecting C6 antigen. Multiplex analysis identified antibodies to OspC and C6 as early as 3 weeks postinfection (p.i.) and those to OspF by 5 weeks p.i. Antibodies to C6 and OspF increased throughout the study, while antibodies to OspC peaked between 7 and 11 weeks p.i. and declined thereafter. A short-term antibody response to OspA was observed in 3/8 experimentally infected dogs on day 21 p.i. Quant C6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results matched multiplex results during the first 7 weeks p.i.; however, antibody levels subsequently declined by up to 29%. Immune responses then were analyzed in sera from 125 client-owned dogs and revealed high agreement between antibodies to OspF and C6 as robust markers for infection. Results from canine patient sera supported that OspC is an early infection marker and antibodies to OspC decline over time. The onset and decline of antibody responses to B. burgdorferi Osp antigens and C6 reflect their differential expression during infection. They provide valuable tools to determine the stage of infection, treatment outcomes, and vaccination status in dogs.
Adverse Effects of Topical Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review

Objective. To systematically review the literature on reported adverse effects (AE) associated with use of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A systematic search of Medline (1950 to November 2009), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane databases, Dissertation and American College of Rheumatology meeting abstracts was performed to identify original randomized controlled trials, case reports, observational studies, editorials, or dissertations reporting AE from topical NSAID in older adults with OA. Information was sought on study and participant characteristics, detailed recording of application site, and systemic AE as well as withdrawals due to AE. Results. The initial search yielded 953 articles of which 19 met eligibility criteria. Subjects receiving topical NSAID reported up to 39.3% application site AE, and up to 17.5% systemic AE. Five cases of warfarin potentiation with topical agents were reported, 1 resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding. In formal trials, the withdrawal rate from AE ranged from 0 to 21% in the topical agents, 0 to 25% in the oral NSAID, and 0 to 16% in the placebo group. Conclusion. Although topical NSAID are safer than oral NSAID (fewer severe gastrointestinal AE), a substantial proportion of older adults report systemic AE with topical agents. The withdrawal rate due to AE with topical agents is comparable to that of oral NSAID. Given the safety profile and withdrawal rates described in this study, further data are needed to determine the incremental benefits of topical NSAID compared to other treatment modalities in older adults with OA.
Control of vitellogenin synthesis in the Monarch butterfly by juvenile hormone.

Abstract Yolk formation in the Monarch butterfly, as in many other insects, entails juvenile hormone-induced synthesis in the fat body, transport in the hemolymph, and uptake into the oocytes of specific sex-limited protein, the vitellogenin. In the Monarch, vitellogenin first appears in the hemolymph 1 day after emergence of the adult butterfly and then rises rapidly in concentration for at least 3 days. The synthesis of vitellogenin in adult females was shown by the incorporation of [3H]leucine. Active labeling was observed at the same time as the presence of vitellogenin in the hemolymph was first detectable, and the radioactivity in vitellogenin expressed as a percentage of radioactivity in total blood proteins reached 50–60% 3 days after adult emergence. The appearance of vitellogenin was prevented by ligature of freshly emerged butterflies at the neck and restored by injection of juvenile hormone. A low yet significant stimulation of vitellogenin synthesis could be detected as early as 10 hr after administration of the hormone into neck-ligated butterflies, and after 30 to 50 hr about 40% of the total blood protein label was found in the specific protein. With C18-juvenile hormone (JH-I), 0.1 μg per animal was effective in inducing a low level of vitellogenin synthesis, and between 0.01 and 1 μg, a linear relationship between synthesis and log dose was observed. The synthetic analog ZR-512 was also active. In a preliminary experiment, actinomycin D effectively blocked the induction of vitellogenin synthesis.
Primary immunoglobulin repertoire development: time and space matter

The primary immunoglobulin repertoire develops via opposing forces of expanding diversification balanced by contracting selection mechanisms. The resulting shape is essential for host health and immune fitness. While the molecular mechanisms of Ig diversification have largely been defined, selection forces shaping emerging Ig repertoires are poorly understood. During lifetime, human and mouse early B cell development occurs at distinct locations — beginning in fetal liver before transferring to bone marrow and spleen by the end of gestation. During an early life window of time, the murine gut lamina propria harbors developing immature B cells in proximity to intestinal contents such as commensal microbes and dietary antigens. Location and timing of early B cell development may thus endow neighboring antigens with primary repertoire-shaping capabilities.
MEMS reliability: Where are we now?

This paper reviews the significant successes in MEMS products from a reliability perspective. MEMS reliability is challenging and can be device and process dependent, but exercising the proper reliability techniques very early in product development has yielded success for many manufacturers. The reliability concerns of various devices are discussed including ink jet printhead, inertial sensors, pressure sensors, micro-mirror arrays, and the emerging applications of RF switches and resonators. Metal contacting RF switches are susceptible to hydrocarbon contamination which can increase the contact resistance over cycle count. Packaging techniques are described in the context of the whole reliability program.
Viscosity of suspensions in polymeric solutions

Viscosities of suspended particles in polymeric solutions depend upon dissolved polymer concentration, volume fraction of particles and shear rate. In this analysis of viscosity data, relative viscosity was defined as the ratio of suspension viscosity to solution viscosity at the same shear stress rather than shear rate. These relative viscosities reached asymptotic values at high shear stress for all concentrations of dissolved polymer and for all particle loadings. At a given particle loading, the asymptotic values of relative viscosity were nearly independent of the concentration of dissolved polymer. Realtive viscosities were correlated with volume fraction by the one-constant equation of Maron and Pierce.
EFFECTS OF CONTEXT, THORNDIKE-LORGE FREQUENCY, AND RACE OF SUBJECTS ON CONTINUOUS WORD ASSOCIATION

46 Caucasian and 80 Negro Ss were given an unlimited amount of time in which to record continuous associations to target words embedded in two types of contexts, grammatically meaningful versus an equal number of unrelated words. Results showed that meaningless contexts functioned as sources of multiple input (cf. Howes & Osgood, 1954) and evoked significantly greater numbers of associations as well as increased response variability (cf. Wilcox, 1966) than did meaningful contexts. Both types of contexts evoked significantly more associations than did target words presented in isolation. Further, high frequency words evoked significantly larger numbers of associations than did low, irrespective of context. Also, white Ss generated significantly larger numbers of associations over all conditions than did Negro Ss. This was seen to be primarily due to the fact that Negro Ss often exhibit lower verbal abilities. Over-all results were interpreted to mean that: meaningful context provides a mechanism whereby S ...
Fluoroquinolones in the management of community‐acquired pneumonia

Summary Aims: Review of the current guidelines for the use of respiratory fluoroquinolones in the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: Data were collected from recent clinical trials on fluoroquinolone therapy in patients with CAP and from updated recommendations of antimicrobial therapy in managing CAP, with a focus on current North American guidelines. Results: Randomised clinical trials of respiratory fluoroquinones (moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and gemifloxacin) in the treatment of CAP were identified and analysed. The bacteriology of CAP, and susceptibility rates, resistance rates and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of fluoroquinolones against causative pathogens in CAP, and adverse event profiles of these agents were described. Respiratory fluoroquinones have broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against common causative pathogens in CAP and provide an important treatment option as monotherapy for outpatients with comorbidities and inpatients who are not admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), including those with risk factors of drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. For treatment of ICU patients with severe CAP, it is recommended that fluoroquinolones be used in combination with a β-lactam. Recent studies also demonstrated a more rapid resolution of clinical symptoms with the use of highly potent respiratory fluoroquinolones. Discussion: Appropriate use of fluoroquinolone agents may shorten the duration of antimicrobial therapy and the length of hospital stay and contribute to the decreased development of resistance in patients with CAP. Adverse event profiles of these agents should be considered to facilitate the selection of an appropriate fluoroquinolone for appropriate CAP patients. Conclusion: The fluoroquinolone class, specifically those with adequate activity against respiratory pathogens, represents an important and convenient treatment option for patients with CAP.
Guest column: inapproximability results via Long Code based PCPs

Summer has come again. And what better way is there to spend a summer than to relax on a sandy beach, on a mountain top, or at a park's picnic tables, and... think theory! Summer is a particularly good time to attack the big questions whose openness just plain annoys you. In light of Reingold's L = SL result, does L-vs.-RL tempt you? If so, take it on! (But perhaps peek first at Reingold--Trevisan--Vadhan's ECCC TR05-022.) Are you convinced that UP = NP should imply the collapse of the polynomial hierarchy? Make it so! (But if you hope to do so via showing that UP is contained in the low hierarchy, peek first at Long--Sheu's 1996 MST article.) You know that S2 ⊆ SNP∩coNP2 ⊆ ZPPNP and SNP2 ⊆ ZPPNPNP, but believe that some of those "⊆"s are "=" s or are (gasp!) provably strict containments (thus giving some insight into whether recent improvements (Cai in FOCS 2001; Cai et al. in Information and Computation 2005) in the collapses of the polynomial hierarchy from assumptions that NP is in P/poly, (NP ∩ coNP)/poly, or coNP/poly are strict improvements)? Well, prove an "=" or find evidence for a strict containment... or to really make this a summer for us all to remember, prove a strict containment! Wishing you happy theorems.This article gives an overview of recent PCP constructions based on the Long Code and the inapproximability results implied by these constructions. We cover the inapproximability results for (1) MAX-3SAT and CLIQUE (2) Results for SPARSEST CUT, VERTEX COVER and MAX-CUT implied by the Unique Games Conjecture and (3) HYPERGRAPH VERTEX COVER and coloring problems on hypergraphs. The article aims at explaining the general framework that, loosely speaking, incorporates all the above results.
Transesterification of phospholipids by acetone-dried cells of aRhizopus species immobilized on biomass support particles

Acetone-dried cells of aRhizopus species, immobilized on biomass support particles were applied to the transesterification between phosphatidylcholine and heptadecanoic acid. All eight species ofRhizopus tested exhibited good transesterification performance, with the immobilized cells ofR. niveus, R. delemar, andR. javanicus showing particularly high reaction rates which were equal to or exceeded that of a commercially available immobilized lipase preparation, Lipozyme IM60.
Lanthanide clusters with internal Ln ions: highly emissive molecules with solid-state cores.

Er(SePh)2.5I0.5" reacts with elemental S to give (THF)10Er6S6I6, a double cubane cluster with one face of the Er4S4 cube capped by an additional Er2S2. Reactions with a mixture of elemental S/Se results in the formation of (THF)14Er10S6(Se2)6I6, a cluster composed of an Er6S6 double cubane core, with two "Er2(Se2)3" units condensed onto opposing rectangular sides of the Er6S6 fragment. This deposition of Er2Se6 totally encapsulates the two central Er with chalcogen atoms (4 S, 4 Se) and excludes neutral THF donors or iodides from the two primary coordination spheres. The Er10 compound is the first lanthanide cluster to contain internal, chalcogen encapsulated Ln. This cluster shows strong fluorescence at 1544 nm with a measured decay time of 3 ms and an estimated quantum efficiency of 78%, which is comparable to Er doped solid-state materials. The unusual fluorescence spectral properties of (THF)14Er10S6Se12I6 are unprecedented for a molecular Er complex and are attributed to the low phonon energy host environment provided by the I - ,S 2- , and Se2 2- ligands.
The magnetic moment of W and the scale of composite weak bosons

Abstract If the W boson is composite, its magnetic moment deviates from the value of the standard electroweak gauge theory. We derive some quantitative relations between this deviation and the scale of compositeness from partial-wave unitarity at high energies and from the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. If the W magnetic moment differs from the standard value by one unit of e 2m W , for instance, the compositeness scale must be lower than about 1 TeV. An improvement in accuracy of the measurement of the magnetic moment of the muon by another order of magnitude may lead us to a valuable insight into the compositeness scale of the W boson.
Estrogen defines the dorsal-ventral limit of VEGF regulation to specify the location of the hemogenic endothelial niche

Genetic control of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) function is increasingly understood; however, less is known about the interactions specifying the embryonic hematopoietic niche. Here, we report that 17β-estradiol (E2) influences production of runx1+ HSPCs in the AGM region by antagonizing VEGF signaling and subsequent assignment of hemogenic endothelial (HE) identity. Exposure to exogenous E2 during vascular niche development significantly disrupted flk1+ vessel maturation, ephrinB2+ arterial identity, and specification of scl+ HE by decreasing expression of VEGFAa and downstream arterial Notch-pathway components; heat shock induction of VEGFAa/Notch rescued E2-mediated hematovascular defects. Conversely, repression of endogenous E2 activity increased somitic VEGF expression and vascular target regulation, shifting assignment of arterial/venous fate and HE localization; blocking E2 signaling allowed venous production of scl+/runx1+ cells, independent of arterial identity acquisition. Together, these data suggest that yolk-derived E2 sets the ventral boundary of hemogenic vascular niche specification by antagonizing the dorsal-ventral regulatory limits of VEGF.
Compartmental Origin of Pulmonary Macrophages Harvested from Mechanically Disrupted Lung Tissue

Alveolar macrophages (AM) have been extensively studied, but whether these lavageable cells are representative of the lung's interstitial macrophage population is unknown. Previous investigators have compared AM with macrophages obtained from mechanically disrupted whole lung tissue and have found both populations to be morphologically and functionally similar. In such studies, neither the anatomical origin of the macrophages harvested from lung tissue postlavage nor the quantitative removal of AM by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was demonstrated. Accordingly, the extent to which unlavaged AM contributed to the macrophage population obtained from mechanically disrupted lung tissue remains obscure. The present study was undertaken to determine whether macrophages harvested by mechanical disruption of lung tissue following exhaustive BAL are in fact primarily of interstitial origin. We addressed this problem by labeling rat AM with opsonized sheep red blood cells (SRBC-IgG) in situ, exhaustively lavaging the lungs to remove AM, and then mincing the residual lung tissue to liberate unlavaged macrophages for subsequent in vitro analyses. We recovered 24.5 +/- 1.3 X 10(6) AM with 18 lavages, 79.5 +/- 2.5% of which had phagocytized SRBC-IgG. Mincing the lavaged tissue resulted in the further release of 2.7 +/- 0.4 X 10(6) viable cells, approximately 85% of which morphologically appeared to be macrophages. The percentage of these cells that were prelabeled with SRBC-IgG and the numerical distribution of the SRBC-IgG among them were virtually identical to those among AM. The percentage of SRBC-IgG-containing macrophages was increased only slightly (11.4 +/- 1.9%) by further incubating macrophages harvested from minced lung with the SRBC-IgG in vitro, and most of this increase could be accounted for by unlavaged AM that did not phagocytize the test particles in situ. Moreover, multiparameter flow cytometric analyses of macrophages obtained by BAL and from minced lung tissue demonstrated that these populations were identical in terms of size, light scatter properties, and laser-excited blue and green-yellow autofluorescence characteristics. We conclude that (1) exhaustive lavage fails to retrieve a significant number of AM, and (2) macrophages obtained by mechanically disrupting lung tissue are derived primarily from the alveolar space compartment and not the interstitial compartment, as some investigators contend.
Dental caries after radiotherapy of the oral regions.

The dental conditions in five patients who underwent radiation therapy for treatment of oral carcinomas are described. Differences in clinical appearance and behavior between radiation caries and ordinary dental caries are discussed. Radiation caries may be a more destructive form of ordinary caries, caused by a decreased salivary flow and changes in the characteristics of saliva as a result of salivary gland irradiation. Radiation caries is characterized by loss of tooth structure, generalized demineralization with little cavitation, and involvement of all teeth. Five cases of dental caries after radiation therapy of the oral regions for treatment of carcinomas are presented. The differences in clinical appearance and behavior between radiation caries and ordinary smooth-surface dental caries are described. The role of salivary gland irradiation and the resultant xerostomia in the development of these lesions is discussed. Some explanations are offered as to how these lesions develop in the light of current knowledge concerning plaque and the development of dental caries. Several measures that may be taken to reduce the incidence and severity of these lesions are suggested.
Spreading pigmented actinic keratosis: A review

Introduction Spreading pigmented actinic keratosis (SPAK) is a common, but uncommonly reported or appreciated, variant of classic actinic keratosis (AK). It can mimic different pigmented lesions, which may be benign (eg, solar lentigo) or malignant (eg, lentigo maligna). Objective We sought to review current data and identify areas needing further research to establish diagnostic guidelines for SPAK and to increase awareness of this common entity. Methods A literature search was performed in both PubMed and MEDLINE databases using the search terms "spreading pigmented actinic keratosis," "pigmented solar keratosis," "pigmented actinic," and "pigmented solar." Each article was retrieved, reviewed, and summarized. Results SPAK is a rarely reported lesion that can be difficult to distinguish from other benign and malignant pigmented lesions, including seborrheic keratosis, melanoma in situ (lentigo maligna type), and lentigo maligna melanoma. Located mainly on sun-exposed areas and with a size greater than 1.5 cm, the lesion typically spreads laterally. Pathologically, the lesion resembles classic AK with increased basal melanization. The malignancy potential has not yet been elucidated but destructive therapies such as cryotherapy are recommended. Limitations Reports not yet published or not included in the comprehensive databases we used may exist that were not analyzed. Conclusions SPAK can be associated with adjacent melanoma in situ; therefore, its diagnosis merits increased suspicion for coexisting melanoma.
Targeting Myofascial Taut Bands by Ultrasound

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a frequent diagnosis in chronic pain and is characterized by tender, taut bands known as trigger points. The trigger points are painful areas in skeletal muscle that are associated with a palpable nodule within a taut band of muscle fibers. Despite the prevalence of myofascial pain syndrome, diagnosis is based on clinical criteria alone. A growing body of evidence that suggests that taut bands are readily visualized under ultrasound-guided exam, especially when results are correlated with elastography, multidimensional imaging, and physical exam findings such as local twitch response. The actual image characteristic in B mode appears to be controversial. Ultrasonography provides an objective modality to assist with diagnosis and treatment of trigger points in the future.
The Changing Paradigm of Air Pollution Monitoring

The air pollution monitoring paradigm is rapidly changing due to recent advances in (1) the development of portable, lower-cost air pollution sensors reporting data in near-real time at a high-time...
Near band-edge luminescence studies of the effect of interfacial step distribution and alloy disorder in ultrathin GaAsAxGa1−xAs(100) single quantum wells grown by MBE under RHEED determined conditions☆

Some results of studies examining correlations between the behavior of the reflection-high-energy-electron-diffraction (RHEED) intensity from static and dynamic GaAs(100) and AlxGa1−xAs(100) surfaces and the behavior of the photoluminescence (PL) from ultra-thin (< 60 A) quantum well structures grown under corresponding growth conditions are presented. It is shown for the first time that (a) a strong correlation between the structural nature of the surfaces implied by RHEED and the interfacial quality exists, and (b) the growth kinetics dependent distribution of Ga and Al at the interface, to which the RHEED is not sufficiently sensitive, must be accounted for in arriving at both, a correct understanding of the structural and chemical nature of the interfaces and a meaningful usage of RHEED as a pragmatic tool for determination of optimized growth conditions. The dependence of the PL emission peak energy and line width as a function of the well thickness is shown for the first time to imply the dominance of scattering due to compositional fluctuations rather than the commonly employed notion of fluctuations in the well width.
Inhibition of Chlamydia pneumoniae Replication in HEp-2 Cells by Interferon-γ: Role of Tryptophan Catabolism

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induces tryptophan catabolism in HEp-2 cells, possibly via stimulation of host cell indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase activity, in a dose-dependent (12.5-1600 U/mL) fashion after 24 h, resulting in a 99% conversion to its metabolites at 1600 U/mL. Replication of Chlamydia pneumoniae isolates A-03 and BAL-16 was inhibited in HEp-2 cells following treatment with 50 and 100 U/mL IFN-gamma, respectively; however, addition of excess L-tryptophan (200 microg/mL) to monolayers infected with C. pneumoniae resulted in unrestricted growth of both isolates up to 1600 U/mL IFN-gamma. C. pneumoniae could be recovered from IFN-gamma-treated monolayers, indicating the potential for this bacterium to undergo an altered life cycle, in vitro, analogous to that described in detail for Chlamydia trachomatis. The ability of C. pneumoniae to persist in host tissue despite an immunologic response would be an important attribute in order to cause or exacerbate chronic infections.
Procaine (Gerovital H3) Therapy: Mechanism of Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase

: The mechanism by which Gerovital H3 (GH3), a specially stabilized form of procaine hydrochloride, produces a weak inhibition of the enzyme, monoamine oxidase (MAO), was studied by several methods. Purified rat-brain mitochondrial MAO was used as the enzyme source and the reaction velocities were determined by quantitating the rate of appearance of 4-hydroxyquinoline from kynuramine. Data on dilutional studies with pre-incubated enzyme-inhibitor complexes, as well as other data, strongly indicated that GH3 was a reversible inhibitor of MAO. Analysis of Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots obtained by determining the velocity of oxidation of kynuramine with various concentrations of substrate and inhibitor, showed that GH3 was a fully competitive inhibitor of MAO. The weak, reversible, fully competitive inhibition of MAO produced by GH3 is in marked contrast to the potent, irreversible inhibition of MAO produced by currently available agents. The mechanism by which GH3 inhibits MAO may help to explain the absence of severe adverse reactions with GH3 that are traditionally associated with irreversible MAO inhibitors in the treatment of depressive illness. Because of these characteristics of GH3 as an inhibitor of MAO, assessment of its activity in vivo may not be easily accomplished, despite its pronounced pharmacologic effects.
Some asymptotic formulas for lattice paths

Abstract Denote by ϱ( n,j ), ϱ( a,b,j ) and w ( n,j ) the numbers of two-dimensional lattice paths satisfying respectively the following three conditions: (i) The paths have length n and the area under each path is j . (ii) The paths have fixed endpoints (0,0) and ( a,b ) and the area under each path is j . (iii) The paths have fixed endpoints (0,0) and ( n,n ), remain in the domain y x for 0 x n , and the area under each path is j . In this paper some asymptotic formulas are given for ϱ( n,j ) and w ( n,j ) as n →∞, and for ϱ( a,b,j ) as a a →∞ and b →∞. The results obtained provide also some asymptotic formulas for random walks, for Gaussian binomial coefficients and for round-robin tournaments.
Somatostatin modulates the function of Kupffer cells

Recent studies have shown that somatostatin modulates lymphocyte and peritoneal macrophage function, but the effects of somatostatin on hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells) are not clearly defined. In the present study, hepatic macrophages obtained from male rats were treated in vitro with somatostatin or octreotide and their effects on the release of nitrite, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) determined. At concentrations of 10(-14) M to 10(-12) M, or greater than 10(-10) M, somatostatin suppressed nitrite release by Kupffer cells. At concentrations of less than 10(-9) M or greater than 10(-9) M, octreotide inhibited nitrite release by Kupffer cells. Kupffer cells treated with 10(-10) M to 10(-14) M or greater than 10(-8) M of somatostatin released significantly less amounts of TNF than did the untreated controls. TNF release by Kupffer cells treated with 10(-15) M to 10(-5) M of octreotide was significantly inhibited as compared to that of untreated controls. Kupffer cells treated with 10(-14) M to 10(-11) M and 10(-9) M to 10(-8) M of somatostatin released more H2O2 than did the untreated controls. The amount of H2O2 released by noncirrhotic Kupffer cells treated with 10(-6) M or 10(-5) M of somatostatin was less than that of controls. These findings demonstrate that somatostatin and octreotide modulate the release of nitric oxide, TNF, H2O be Kupffer cells depending on the concentration of hormones used.
Conflict monitoring and anterior cingulate cortex: an update

One hypothesis concerning the human dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is that it functions, in part, to signal the occurrence of conflicts in information processing, thereby triggering compensatory adjustments in cognitive control. Since this idea was first proposed, a great deal of relevant empirical evidence has accrued. This evidence has largely corroborated the conflict-monitoring hypothesis, and some very recent work has provided striking new support for the theory. At the same time, other findings have posed specific challenges, especially concerning the way the theory addresses the processing of errors. Recent research has also begun to shed light on the larger function of the ACC, suggesting some new possibilities concerning how conflict monitoring might fit into the cingulate's overall role in cognition and action.
Adaptive, Distributed Control of Constrained Multi-Agent Systems

Product Distribution (PD) theory was recently developed as a framework for analyzing and optimizing distributed systems. In this paper we demonstrate its use for adaptive distributed control of Multi-Agent Systems (MASýs), i.e., for distributed stochastic optimization using MASýs. One common way to perform the optimization is to have each agent run a Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm. PD theory provides an alternative based upon using a variant of Newtonýs method operating on the agentýs probability distributions. We compare this alternative to RL-based search in three sets of computer experiments. The PD-theory-based approach outperforms the RL-based scheme in all three domains.
Ftd: frequency to time domain conversion for reduced-order interconnect simulation

Model order reduction is an invaluable tool for solving part of the interconnect simulation problem, but an equally important problem is to interface these frequency-domain representations with the discrete time domain models that are used for nonlinear transient simulation. Various recursive convolution methods have been proposed which provide an exact solution to this interface problem under the assumption of piecewise linear voltage waveforms. This paper proposes a frequency to time-domain conversion algorithm, ftd (frequency to time domain), that represents a seemingly optimal form of recursive convolution. We demonstrate that ftd provides exact accuracy for piecewise linear inputs. Moreover, ftd is algorithmically straight-forward and simple to implement for a specific application.
Changes in Pain Perception in Women During and Following an Exhaustive Incremental Cycling Exercise

Exercise has been found to alter pain sensitivity with a hypoalgesic response (i.e., diminished sensitivity to pain) typically reported during and/or following high intensity exercise. Most of this research, however, has involved the testing of men. Thus, the purpose of the following investigation was to examine changes in pain perception in women during and following exercise. Seventeen healthy female subjects (age 20.47±.87; VO2 peak 36.77± 4.95) volunteered to undergo pain assessment prior to, during, and after a graded exhaustive VO2 peak cycling challenge. Heart Rate (HR) and Oxygen Uptake (VO2) were monitored along with electro-diagnostic assessments of Pain Threshold (PT) and Pain Tolerance (PTOL) at: 1) baseline (B), 2) during exercise (i.e., 120 Watts), 3) at exhaustive intensity (VO2 peak), and 4) 10 minutes into recovery (R). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to determine differences across trials. Significant differences in PT and PTOL were found across trials (PT, p = 0.0043; PTOL p = 0.0001). Post hoc analyses revealed that PT were significantly elevated at VO2 peak in comparison to B (p = 0.007), 120 Watts (p = 0.0178) and R (p = 0.0072). PTOL were found to be significantly elevated at 120 Watts (p = 0.0247), VO2 peak (p < 0.001), and R (p = 0.0001) in comparison to B. In addition, PTOL were found to be significantly elevated at VO2 peak in comparison to 120 Watts (p = 0.0045). It is concluded that exercise-induced hypoalgesia occurs in women during and following exercise, with the hypoalgesic response being most pronounced following exhaustive exercise. Key PointsExercise-induced hypoalgesia (i.e., elevated PT and PTOL) was found to occur in women during and following exercise, with the hypoalgesic response being most pronounced during exhaustive exercise.
Graduate Student WAIS-III Scoring Accuracy Is a Function of Full Scale IQ and Complexity of Examiner Tasks.

Research on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) suggests that practicing clinical psychologists and graduate students make item-level scoring errors that affect IQ, index, and subtest scores. Studies have been limited in that Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) and examiner administration, recording, and scoring tasks have not been systematically varied. In this study, graduate student participants score a high (FSIQ = 112) and low (FSIQ = 85) IQ record form in one of two stimulus conditions: digitized film clips (N = 13) or partially completed record forms (N = 11). Results demonstrate that examiners are less accurate in the high IQ condition, and that recording examinee responses from scoring video clips results in more scoring errors. Obtained FSIQs are significantly higher than criterion IQ scores in the high IQ condition (8.46 for video condition, 2.55 for record form condition). Self-reported proficiency in WAIS-III administration and scoring is positively related to number of scoring errors.
The complementary roles of molecular surface electrostatic potentials and average local ionization energies with respect to electrophilic processes

We focus upon two properties, the electrostatic potential V(r) and the average local ionization energy . When evaluated on molecular surfaces, VS(r) and can be useful tools for analyzing and predicting reactive behavior. VS(r) is most reliable with respect to noncovalent interactions; when electrophilic attack and some degree of charge transfer are involved, then the combination of VS(r) and can be quite effective. They play complementary roles: VS(r) reveals the regions of the molecule to which an electrophile would initially be attracted, and indicates the ease of charge transfer at these and other sites. Four examples of such complementarity are discussed, involving benzene derivatives, guanine and cytosine, furan and pyrrole, and binary hydrides. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Low-Frequency Input Impedance Models for Boost Single-Phase PFC Converters

Input impedance models of boost single-phase PFC converters suitable for predicting small-signal input characteristics below the line fundamental frequency are presented in this paper. Existing low-frequency input impedance models based on double averaging predicts input current responses to perturbations in the amplitude of the input voltage. It is shown that such impedance models don't conform to the standard definition of impedances, hence cannot be used to study dynamic interactions between the PFC converter and the source in the conventional approach, in which the Nyquist stability criterion is applied to the ratio of the source output impedance to the converter input impedance. A new input impedance model that overcomes this limitation is then developed by using the method of harmonic balance. The new model conforms to the standard definition of impedances and predicts input current responses to superimposed input harmonic voltages. Numerical simulation and experimental results are presented for validation of the proposed model. Mathematical relationship between the two types of models are also presented to provide an alternative approach to the derivation of the new model
Instantaneous Pressure-Volume Relationships and Their Ratio in the Excised, Supported Canine Left Ventricle

We have previously shown in the normally ejecting canine left ventricle that E ( t ), the time-varying ratio of instantaneous pressure, P ( t ), to instantaneous volume, V ( t ), is little affected by end-diastolic volume or aortic pressure. The present study on an excised, supported canine heart preparation indicates that the thesis on E ( t ) is also valid for either totally isovolumic or auxobaric beats. Intraventricular volume was measured more accurately than it was in the previous study by a new volumetric system. Regression analysis of the data showed that the instantaneous pressure-volume relationship could be approximated by the equation P ( t ) = E ( t ).[ V ( t ) - V d ], where V d is an empirical constant, over a wide range of intraventricular volume. Similar E ( t ) curves were obtained from both isovolumic and auxobaric beats for a given contractile state. When the contractile state of the preparation was enhanced by a constant-rate infusion (0.2 µg/min) of norepinephrine or isoproterenol into the coronary artery, the peak magnitude of E ( t ) increased 63% from 3.6 mm Hg/ml and the time to peak E ( t ) shortened 10% from 175 msec. We conclude that the present investigation substantiates our earlier study which established a link between E ( t ) and the contractile state of the heart.
Harmonic Method of Calibrating a Wave Meter

The output of an electron relay oscillator is passed thru a non-resonant, rectifying circuit. The rectified radio frequency is rich in upper harmonics. These are used to calibrate a wave meter after a limited range thereof has been calibrated by another and absolute method. Details of the requisite procedure are given.
A hidden Markov model based keyword recognition system

A speaker-independent hidden Markov model (HMM) keyword recognizer (KWR) based on a continuous-speech-recognition model is presented. The baseline keyword recognition system is described, and techniques for dealing with nonkeyword speech and linear channel effects are discussed. The training of acoustic models to provide an explicit representation of nonvocabulary speech is investigated. A likelihood ratio scoring procedure is used to account for sources of variability affecting keyword likelihood scores. An acoustic class-dependent spectral normalization procedure is used to provide explicit compensation for linear channel effects. Keyword recognition results for a standard conversational speech task with a 20-keyword vocabulary reach 82% probability of detection at a false alarm rate of 12 false alarms per keyword per hour. >
The pathogenesis and treatment of obesity.

Possible causes for obesity are examined and included as part of the spectrum of eating disorders.
Toward a Theory of Entertainment Persuasion: Explaining the Persuasive Effects of Entertainment‐Education Messages

A growing body of research indicates that entertainment-education programming can be an effective way to deliver prosocial and health messages. Some have even speculated that entertainment-education may be more effective than overtly persuasive messages in certain circumstances. Despite empirical advances in this area, more work is needed to understand fully what makes entertainment-education unique from a message-processing standpoint. To this end, the present article has three objectives. First, the article examines the involvement with narrative storylines and characters that is fostered by entertainment programming. This includes a much-needed explication and separation of several related constructs, such as identification, parasocial interaction, similarity, and others. Second, the article reviews and synthesizes existing theories that have addressed entertainment-education message processing. Third, the article builds on these theories, presenting an expanded theoretical framework. A set of propositions is advanced and directions for future research are discussed. In total, the article offers a clarification of existing concepts that are critical to the study of entertainment-education, a synthesis of relevant theory, and a set of propositions to guide future research in entertainment-education message effects.
Covalent enzyme-substrate intermediates in transferase reactions

Abstract Enzymatic transfer reactions are often depicted as occurring on the surface of the enzyme by direct transfer of a chemical group from a donor substrate molecule to an acceptor, in a single-displacement reaction without covalent participation of the enzyme. This picture of enzyme action is purely speculative, because no positive evidence in support of it exists. The kinetic argument, which formerly afforded the sole support for the single-displacement mechanism, is now known to be in error. Contrasting sharply with this dearth of proof is the substantial and growing body of evidence which upholds the double-displacement mechanism of enzymatic transfer. In this mechanism, a catalytic group (or atom) within the active site of the enzyme links covalently with one of the substrates, or some fragment of it, at some stage of the reaction. Through use of the covalent enzyme-substrate intermediate it may be that the enzyme is enabled to overcome certain entropic difficulties, thus accounting in part for the well-known speed of enzymatic reactions. Covalent participation by the enzyme also brings enzymatic catalysis into closer accord with homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis, in which the key reaction is the transient formation of a covalent bond between substrate and catalyst.
Risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lymphoproliferative precursor diseases in US veterans with hepatitis C virus

ContextHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes liver cancer and cirrhosis and may also increase the risk of other tumors, particularly hematopoietic malignancies and thyroid cancer. Previous studies have been too small to adequately assess these risks.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that HCV infection is associated with increased risk for hematological malignancies, related lymphoproliferative disorders, and thyroid cancer.Design, Setting, and PatientsA retrospective cohort study of users of US Veterans Affairs health care facilities from 1997-2004, which included 146 394 patients infected with HCV who had at least 2 visits with a diagnostic code for HCV infection, and 572 293 patients uninfected with HCV. To assemble the HCV-uninfected cohort, we randomly selected up to 4 patients per patient infected with HCV from all veterans who matched on age, sex, and baseline visit date and type (inpatient or outpatient). Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus were excluded.Main Outcome MeasuresRisks of hematopoietic malignancies, related lymphoproliferative precursor diseases, and thyroid cancer, adjusting for selection factors, race, era of military service, and use of medical services.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the patients was 52 (8) years, and 97% were men. Risks for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1359), Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (n = 165), and cryoglobulinemia (n = 551) were increased with HCV infection (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.45; adjusted HR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.01-3.79; and adjusted HR, 3.98; 95% CI, 3.36-4.72; respectively). We found no significantly increased risk for other hematological malignancies. Although thyroiditis risk was slightly increased, risk for thyroid cancer (n = 320) was not (adjusted HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-0.99). Adjusted P values for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, cryoglobulinemia, and thyroiditis were all <.0038, the Bonferroni threshold for statistical significance considering multiple comparisons.ConclusionsHepatitis C virus infection confers a 20% to 30% increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma overall, and a 3-fold higher risk of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, a low-grade lymphoma. Risks were also increased for cryoglobulinemia. These results support an etiological role for HCV in causing lymphoproliferation and causing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Elastase-induced saccular aneurysms in rabbits: a dose-escalation study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reproducible animal models facilitate preclinical assessment of aneurysm therapies. Our purpose was to determine if increased elastase doses enlarge aneurysms and parent arteries. METHODS: Rabbit right common carotid artery (CCA) aneurysms were created with distal ligation and intraluminal elastase incubation. Groups were 1) sham (no elastase, n 3), 2) 25% elastase (10 minutes, n 9), 3) 50% elastase (10 minutes, n 7), and 4) 50% elastase (20 minutes, n 41). Angiography was performed after 14 days. Resultant aneurysm width and height and parent artery diameters were measured and compared with the Student t or Mann-Whitney (Wilcoxon rank sum) test. RESULTS: Proximal segments were enlarged in all elastase subjects and no sham subjects. Mean measurements were significantly smaller in the sham group than in other groups. Aneurysm widths and heights, respectively, were 3.8 mm 0.8 and 7.4 mm 2.0 in the low-dose group; 3.9 mm 1.3 and 8.5 mm 3.8, medium-dose group; and 4.1 mm 1.1 and 8.7 mm 2.6, high-dose group. Differences were not significant. Parent artery widths were 3.5 mm 0.7, 3.8 mm 0.7, and 4.3 mm 1.4 in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively; the high-dose group had larger arteries (P .07). CONCLUSION: Aneurysms were reliably created and were sized similar to human intracranial aneurysms. Elastase concentration and incubation duration did not affect resultant size. Relatively short incubation (eg, 10 minutes) and 25% elastase can be used to create rabbit aneurysms, especially if dilatation of adjacent parent arteries is to be avoided.