Dynamical properties of the Pascal adic transformation

We study the dynamics of a transformation that acts on infinite paths in the graph associated with Pascal's triangle. For each ergodic invariant measure the asymptotic law of the return time to cylinders is given by a step function. We construct a representation of the system by a subshift on a two-symbol alphabet and then prove that the complexity function of this subshift is asymptotic to a cubic, the frequencies of occurrence of blocks behave in a regular manner, and the subshift is topologically weak mixing

Rheumatoid arthritis - treatment: 180. Utility of Body Weight Classified Low-Dose Leflunomide in Japanese Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: In Japan, more than 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients died of interstitial pneumonia (IP) caused by leflunomide (LEF) were reported, but many of them were considered as the victims of opportunistic infection currently. In this paper, efficacy and safety of low-dose LEF classified by body weight (BW) were studied. Methods: Fifty-nine RA patients were started to administrate LEF from July 2007 to July 2009. Among them, 25 patients were excluded because of the combination with tacrolimus, and medication modification within 3 months before LEF. Remaining 34 RA patients administered 20 to 50 mg/week of LEF were followed up for 1 year and enrolled in this study. Dose of LEF was classified by BW (50 mg/week for over 50 kg, 40 mg/week for 40 to 50 kg and 20 to 30 mg/week for under 40 kg). The average age and RA duration of enrolled patients were 55.5 years old and 10.2 years. Prednisolone (PSL), methotrexate (MTX) and etanercept were used in 23, 28 and 2 patients, respectively. In case of insufficient response or adverse effect, dosage change or discontinuance of LEF were considered. Failure was defined as dosages up of PSL and MTX, or dosages down or discontinuance of LEF. Last observation carried forward method was used for the evaluation of failed patients at 1 year. Results: At 1 year after LEF start, good/ moderate/ no response assessed by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria using Disease Activity Score, including a 28-joint count (DAS28)-C reactive protein (CRP) were showed in 14/ 10/ 10 patients, respectively. The dosage changes of LEF at 1 year were dosage up: 10, same dosage: 5, dosage down: 8 and discontinuance: 11 patients. The survival rate of patients in this study was 23.5% (24 patients failed) but actual LEF continuous rate was 67.6% (11 patients discontinued) at 1 year. The major reason of failure was liver dysfunction, and pneumocystis pneumonia was occurred in 1 patient resulted in full recovery. One patient died of sepsis caused by decubitus ulcer infection. DAS28-CRP score was decreased from 3.9 to 2.7 significantly. Although CRP was decreased from 1.50 to 0.93 mg/dl, it wasn't significant. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 was decreased from 220.0 to 174.2 ng/ml significantly. Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) was increased from 19 to 35 U/l and number of leukocyte was decreased from 7832 to 6271 significantly. DAS28-CRP, CRP, and MMP-3 were improved significantly with MTX, although they weren't without MTX. Increase of GPT and leukopenia were seen significantly with MTX, although they weren't without MTX. Conclusions: It was reported that the risks of IP caused by LEF in Japanese RA patients were past IP history, loading dose administration and low BW. Addition of low-dose LEF is a potent safe alternative for the patients showing unsatisfactory response to current medicines, but need to pay attention for liver function and infection caused by leukopenia, especially with MTX. Disclosure statement: The authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Laser cutting as a tool for breach of production 3D head public market tower

O projeto MODELA PELOTAS vem desde seu in??cio buscando maneiras de utilizar a gr??fica digital como ferramenta de incentivo a valoriza????o do patrim??nio arquitet??nico da cidade de Pelotas. Nesta etapa do projeto, o MODELA PELOTAS III, os estudos est??o dirigidos para a representa????o e valoriza????o deste patrim??nio atrav??s de tecnologias de fabrica????o digital, que utilizam a t??cnica de corte a laser e impress??o 3D para gera????o de modelos f??sicos. Visando estudar processos de corte, encaixes e montagem para a produ????o de maquetes deste patrim??nio, buscou-se um modelo da arquitetura da cidade de Pelotas, RS, dispon??vel no acervo do projeto, adequado para ser representado como um quebra-cabe??a tridimensional

Catalytic C–H Activation of Phenylethylamines or Benzylamines and Their Annulation with Allenes

Tetrahydro-3-benzazepines and tetrahydroisoquinolines are synthesized in one step from allenes and phenylethylamines or benzylamines, respectively. Mechanistically, it is assumed that activation of a C–H bond of an aromatic ring with Pd­(II) occurs, directed by the primary amine, leading to the formation of a palladacycle into which an allene then undergoes insertion. The resulting π-allyl intermediate cyclizes to the products by an intramolecular allylic alkylation. The process is particularly useful with 2,3-butadienoates and amines having a quaternary carbon at the α-position