Regularization of subsolutions in discrete weak KAM theory

We expose different methods of regularizations of subsolutions in the context of discrete weak KAM theory. They allow to prove the existence and the density of $C^{1,1}$ subsolutions. Moreover, these subsolutions can be made strict and smooth outside of the Aubry set.Comment: 15 pages, second version. Modified according to the referee's suggestions. The hypotheses are now uniform throughout the paper, which allows a simpler and more general statement of the main result

Large normally hyperbolic cylinders in a priori stable Hamiltonian systems

We prove the existence of normally hyperbolic invariant cylinders in nearly integrable hamiltonian systems

Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease and Quality of Life Among Older Individuals in the Community

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the association of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease with quality of life (QOL) is mainly from selected clinical populations or relatively small clinical cohorts. Thus, we investigated this association in community-derived populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using data of 5115 participants aged 66 to 90 years from visit 5 (2011-2013) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, we quantified the associations of ankle-brachial index (ABI) with several QOL parameters, including 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), after accounting for potential confounders using linear and logistic regression models. Peripheral arterial disease defined by an ABI <0.90 (n=402), was independently associated with a low SF-12 Physical Component Summary score (-3.26 [95% CI -5.60 to -0.92]), compared to the ABI reference 1.10 to 1.19 (n=1900) but not with the Mental Component Summary score (-0.07 [-2.21 to 2.06]). A low ABI was significantly associated with poorer status of all SF-12 physical domains (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, and general health) but only vitality out of 4 mental domains. Similarly, low ABI values were more consistently associated with other physically related QOL parameters (leisure-time exercise/activity/walking) than mentally related parameters (significant depressive symptoms and hopeless feeling). Lower physical QOL was observed even in individuals with borderline low ABI (0.90 to 0.99; n=426). CONCLUSIONS: Low ABI (even borderline) was independently associated with poor QOL, especially for physical components, in community-dwelling older adults. QOL is a critical element for older adults, and thus, further studies are warranted to assess whether peripheral arterial disease-specific management can improve QOL in older populations

Symmetry Tests of the Electroweak Interaction from Muon Capture on 3He

Precision measurements in muon capture on 3He to the triton channel provide for interesting tests of the charged electroweak interaction, whether within the Standard Model or beyond it. Based on the statistical capture rate and the triton asymmetry, both the object of recent and on-going experiments using polarised 3He targets, examples of such tests are presented, and shown to lead to stringent complementary constraints for which further dedicated experimental as well as theoretical efforts are required.Comment: 13 pages, uses Elsevier's LaTeX packag

Drosophila melanogaster as a model for lead neurotoxicology and toxicogenomics research

Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model animal for studying the neurotoxicology of lead. It has been known since ancient Roman times that long-term exposure to low levels of lead results in behavioral abnormalities, such as what is now known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because lead alters mechanisms that underlie developmental neuronal plasticity, chronic exposure of children, even at blood lead levels below the current CDC community action level (10 μg/dl), can result in reduced cognitive ability, increased likelihood of delinquency, behaviors associated with ADHD, changes in activity level, altered sensory function, delayed onset of sexual maturity in girls, and changes in immune function. In order to better understand how lead affects neuronal plasticity, we will describe recent findings from a Drosophila behavioral genetics laboratory, a Drosophila neurophysiology laboratory, and a Drosophila quantitative genetics laboratory who have joined forces to study the effects of lead on the Drosophila nervous system. Studying the effects of lead on Drosophila nervous system development will give us a better understanding of the mechanisms of Pb neurotoxicity in the developing human nervous system

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Indinavir, Zidovudine, and Lamivudine in Adults with Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection and Prior Antiretroviral Therapy

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of indinavir, zidovudine, and lamivudine was conducted in 320 adults with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, ⩽50 CD4 cells/mm3, and extensive prior zidovudine therapy. Patients received indinavir, 800 mg every 8 h; zidovudine, 200 mg every 8 h, and lamivudine, 150 mg twice daily; or all 3 drugs for 24 weeks. In an intention-to-treat analysis, proportions of patients with HIV-1 RNA <500 and <50 copies/mL, respectively, at week 24 were 56% and 45% in the indinavir-zido-vudine-lamivudine group, 3% and 2% in the indinavir group, and 0% in the zidovudinelamivudine group. Observed mean CD4 cell increases were 95, 78, and 6 cells/mm3 in the three-, one-, and two-drug arms, respectively. Regimens were generally well tolerated. Patients with advanced HIV-1 infection benefit from triple therapy with indinavir, zidovudine, and lamivudine, although the proportion with optimal response appeared to be lower in patients with low CD4 cell count

A Single-Arm, Proof-Of-Concept Trial of Lopimune (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) as a Treatment for HPV-Related Pre-Invasive Cervical Disease

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common female malignancy in the developing nations and the third most common cancer in women globally. An effective, inexpensive and self-applied topical treatment would be an ideal solution for treatment of screen-detected, pre-invasive cervical disease in low resource settings. METHODS: Between 01/03/2013 and 01/08/2013, women attending Kenyatta National Hospital's Family Planning and Gynaecology Outpatients clinics were tested for HIV, HPV (Cervista®) and liquid based cervical cytology (LBC -ThinPrep®). HIV negative women diagnosed as high-risk HPV positive with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) were examined by colposcopy and given a 2 week course of 1 capsule of Lopimune (CIPLA) twice daily, to be self-applied as a vaginal pessary. Colposcopy, HPV testing and LBC were repeated at 4 and 12 weeks post-start of treatment with a final punch biopsy at 3 months for histology. Primary outcome measures were acceptability of treatment with efficacy as a secondary consideration. RESULTS: A total of 23 women with HSIL were treated with Lopimune during which time no adverse reactions were reported. A maximum concentration of 10 ng/ml of lopinavir was detected in patient plasma 1 week after starting treatment. HPV was no longer detected in 12/23 (52.2%, 95%CI: 30.6-73.2%). Post-treatment cytology at 12 weeks on women with HSIL, showed 14/22 (63.6%, 95%CI: 40.6-82.8%) had no dysplasia and 4/22 (18.2%, 95%CI: 9.9-65.1%) were now low grade demonstrating a combined positive response in 81.8% of women of which 77.8% was confirmed by histology. These data are supported by colposcopic images, which show regression of cervical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the potential of Lopimune as a self-applied therapy for HPV infection and related cervical lesions. Since there were no serious adverse events or detectable post-treatment morbidity, this study indicates that further trials are clearly justified to define optimal regimes and the overall benefit of this therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry 48776874