Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subglacial flood path development during a rapidly rising jökulhlaup from the western Skaftá cauldron, Vatnajökull, Iceland

ABSTRACT Discharge and water temperature measurements in the Skaftá river and measurements of the lowering of the ice over the subglacial lake at the western Skaftá cauldron, Vatnajökull, Iceland, were made during a rapidly rising glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup) in September 2006. Outflow from the lake, flood discharge at the glacier terminus and the transient subglacial volume of floodwater during the jökulhlaup are derived from these data. The 40 km long initial subglacial path of the jökulhlaup was mainly formed by lifting and deformation of the overlying ice, induced by water pressure in excess of the ice overburden pressure. Melting of ice due to the heat of the floodwater from the subglacial lake and frictional heat generated by the dissipation of potential energy in the flow played a smaller role. Therefore this event, like other rapidly rising jökulhlaups, cannot be explained by the jökulhlaup theory of Nye (1976). Instead, our observations indicate that they can be explained by a coupled subglacial-sheet–conduit mechanism where essentially all of the initial flood path is formed as a sheet by the propagation of a subglacial pressure wave.
Responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antimicrobials

Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa often are hard to treat; inappropriate chemotherapy readily selects multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. This organism can be exposed to a wide range of concentrations of antimicrobials during treatment; learning more about the responses of P. aeruginosa to antimicrobials is therefore important. We review here responses of the bacterium P. aeruginosa upon exposure to antimicrobials at levels below the inhibitory concentration. Carbapenems (e.g., imipenem) have been shown to induce the formation of thicker and more robust biofilms, while fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) and aminoglycosides (e.g., tobramycin) have been shown to induce biofilm formation. Ciprofloxacin also has been demonstrated to enhance the frequency of mutation to carbapenem resistance. Conversely, although macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) typically are not effective against P. aeruginosa because of the pseudomonal outer-membrane impermeability and efflux, macrolides do lead to a reduction in virulence factor production. Similarly, tetracycline is not very effective against this organism, but is known to induce the type-III secretion system and consequently enhance cytotoxicity of P. aeruginosa in vivo. Of special note are the effects of antibacterials and disinfectants on pseudomonal efflux systems. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of protein synthesis inhibitors (aminoglycosides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, etc.) induce the MexXY multidrug efflux system. This response is known to be mediated by interference with the translation of the leader peptide PA5471.1, with consequent effects on expression of the PA5471 gene product. Additionally, induction of the MexCD-OprJ multidrug efflux system is observed upon exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of disinfectants such as chlorhexidine and benzalkonium. This response is known to be dependent upon the AlgU stress response factor. Altogether, these biological responses of P. aeruginosa provide useful clues for the improvement and optimization of chemotherapy in order to appropriately treat pseudomonal infections while minimizing the emergence of resistance.
Performance considerations of code division multiple-access systems

The performance of code division multiple-access (CDMA) systems is determined using direct-sequence spectral spreading. Asynchronous users are assumed so that there is no network control. Under relatively ideal conditions, the degradation in system performance as a function of the number of users is shown to have a threshold effect. This basic limitation in the number of users of the system is further limited if the powers are unequal. For two users, system performance as a function of their power ratios also has a threshold effect. System performance as a function of the amount of spectral spreading is determined. The performance of both coded and uncoded systems is predicted.
The influence of winds on the time-dependent behaviour of self-gravitating accretion discs

We study the effects of winds on the time evolution of isothermal, self-gravitating accretion discs by adopting a radius-dependent mass-loss rate because of the existence of the wind. Our similarity and semi-analytical solution describes time evolution of the system in the slow accretion limit. The disc structure is distinct in the inner and outer parts, irrespective of the existence of the wind. We show that the existence of wind will lead to a reduction of the surface density in the inner and outer parts of the disc in comparison to a no-wind solution. Also, the radial velocity significantly increases in the outer part of the disc, however, the accretion rate decreases due to the reduced surface density in comparison to the no-wind solution. In the inner part of the disc, mass loss due to the wind is negligible according to our solution. But the radial size of this no-wind inner region becomes smaller for stronger winds.
Inhibition of proteasome function induces programmed cell death in proliferating endothelial cells

Proteolysis mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system has been implicated in the regulation of programmed cell death. Here we investigated the differential effects of proteasomal inhibitors on the viability of proliferating and quiescent primary endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Subconfluent, proliferating cells underwent carbobenzoxy‐L‐isoleucyl‐7‐í‐butyl‐L‐glutamyl‐L‐alanyl‐L‐leucinal (PSI)‐induced apoptosis at low concentrations (EC50=24 nM), whereas at least 340‐fold higher concentrations of PSI were necessary to obtain the same effect in confluent, contact‐inhibited cells. PSI‐mediated cell death could be blocked by a caspase‐3 inhibitor (Ac‐DEVD‐H), but not by a caspase‐1 inhibitor (Ac‐YVAD‐H), suggesting that a caspase‐3‐like enzyme is activated during PSI‐induced apoptosis. When applied to the embryonic chick chorioallantoic membrane, a rapidly expanding tissue, PSI induced massive apoptosis also in vivo. PSI treatment of the CAM led to the formation of areas devoid of blood flow due to the induction of apoptosis in endothelial and other cells and to the collapse of capillaries and first order vessels. Our results demonstrate that proteasomal inhibitors such as PSI may prove effective as novel anti‐angiogenic and anti‐neoplastic substances. —Drexler, H. C. A. , Risau, W. , Konerding, M. A. Inhibition of proteasome function induces programmed cell death in proliferating endothelial cells. FASEB J. 14, 65–77(2000)
Volume changes in gray matter in patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia is generally characterized by a progressive decline in functioning. Although structural brain abnormalities, particularly decrements in gray matter volume, are considered important to the pathology of schizophrenia, it is not resolved whether the brain abnormalities become more prominent over time. METHOD Magnetic resonance brain images from 159 patients with schizophrenia and 158 healthy comparison subjects between 16 and 70 years of age were compared. Using linear regression analysis, the authors analyzed the relationship between the volumes of the total brain, gray and white matter, cerebellum, and lateral and third ventricles with patient age. RESULTS Total brain (-2.2%), cerebral gray matter (-3.3%), prefrontal gray matter (-4.4%), and prefrontal white matter (-3.5%) volumes were smaller, and lateral (27%) and third (30%) ventricle and peripheral CSF (11%) volumes were larger in schizophrenia patients. A significant group-by-age interaction for gray matter volume was found, as shown by a steeper regression slope between age and gray matter volume in patients (-3.43 ml/year) than in healthy comparison subjects (-2.74 ml/year). CONCLUSIONS The smaller brains of the patients with schizophrenia can be explained by decreases in gray matter volume. Moreover, the finding that the smaller gray matter volume was more pronounced in older patients with schizophrenia may suggest progressive loss of cerebral gray matter in schizophrenia patients.
Noninvasive Control of Dental Caries in Children with Active Initial Lesions

The aim of this study was to investigate whether DMFS increment can be decreased among children with active initial caries by oral hygiene and dietary counseling and by using noninvasive preventive measures. Except for mentally disabled and handicapped children attending special schools, all 11- to 12-year-olds in Pori, Finland, with at least one active initial caries lesion were invited to participate in the study and were then randomized into two groups. Children in the experimental group (n = 250) were offered an individually designed patient-centered preventive program aimed at identifying and eliminating factors that had led to the presence of active caries. The program included counseling sessions with emphasis on enhancing use of the children’s own resources in everyday life. Toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and fluoride and xylitol lozenges were distributed to the children. They also received applications of fluoride/chlorhexidine varnish. The children in the control group (n = 247) received basic prevention offered as standard in the public dental clinics in Pori. For both groups, the average follow-up period was 3.4 years. A community level program of oral health promotion was run in Pori throughout this period. Mean DMFS increments for the experimental and control groups were 2.56 (95% CI 2.07, 3.05) and 4.60 (3.99, 5.21), respectively (p < 0.0001): prevented fraction 44.3% (30.2%, 56.4%). The results show that by using a regimen that includes multiple measures for preventing dental decay, caries increment can be significantly reduced among caries-active children living in an area where the overall level of caries experience is low.
Protective Effect of Lecithinized SOD on Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Xerostomia

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are believed to be involved in radiation-induced xerostomia, and the application of antioxidants may be a promising method for treating patients suffering from salivary gland dysfunction. In this study, we examined the ability of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) to restore radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction using a mouse model of radiation-induced salivary gland hypofunction and ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated human salivary gland cells. We administered lecithinized SOD (PC-SOD) prior to and after irradiation and measured the amount of saliva secreted. To confirm ROS generation, flow cytometry was performed using an oxidant-sensitive fluorescent dye, dihydroethidium, and CM-H2DCFDA. While no significant decrease in saliva secretion was observed after irradiation in the mice that were treated with PC-SOD, a significant reduction in saliva secretion was noted in the irradiated mice that were not treated with PC-SOD. Furthermore, flow cytometry clearly revealed that PC-SOD eliminated superoxide (O2−) induced by UVB radiation. These results suggested that PC-SOD may protect against exocrine gland dysfunction induced by radiation, presumably by rapidly converting O2− to hydrogen peroxide. We believe that our results may advance the potential application of antioxidants for the prevention of ROS-induced xerostomia.
A Comparison Between Fama and French Model and Liquidity-Based Three Factor Models in Predicting Portfolio Returns

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the forecasting accuracy of two liquidity-based three-factor models, SiLiq and DiLiq, which have been developed as potential improvements on the Fama-French model. Using common stocks of 230 to 480 listed firms, this study constructs 27 test portfolios double-sorted on: (i) size and book-to-market ratio (B/M), (ii) size and share turnover (TURN) and (iii) B/M and TURN. The study sets the periods of January 1987 to December 2000 for estimation and January 2001 to December 2004 as forecast sample. The forecast errors are measured using mean absolute percentage errors and Theil's Inequality Coefficient. The preliminary results clearly document that three-factor models outperform CAPM. While the hypotheses of no significant differences cannot be rejected, the marginal difference in the errors of the competing three-factor models indicate that predicting returns on stocks traded on Bursa Malaysia can be slightly improved by incorporating illiquidity risk in a three-factor model in the form of DiLiq.
Novel fern- and centipede-like Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) species and a new combination from South America

Abstract Two new Selaginella species (i.e. S. altheae Valdespino and S. squamulosa Valdespino) and a novel combination [i.e. S. philipsonii (Jermy & Rankin) Valdespino] from South America are proposed. Descriptions, illustrations (line drawings and scanning electron micrographs, SEM, images), discussion on taxonomic affinities and information on habitat, distribution and phenology, as well as on conservation status are provided for each. Selaginella altheae is morphologically similar to species with erect, fern-like habit placed in the “Selaginella flabellata (L.) Spring group” as defined by Hieronymus, while S. squamulosa is allied to a species assembly with centipede-like habit here informally termed the “Selaginella vernicosa Baker group;” whereas S. philipsonii with its moss-like habit may be associated with species in the “Selaginella jungermannioides (Gaudich.) Spring group” or those centered on S. ovifolia Baker. All taxa here proposed are classified in subg. Stachygynandrum.
Power distribution system observability with smart meter data

Power distribution system operators require knowledge of power injections for accomplishing various grid dispatch tasks. Monitoring, collecting, and processing smart meter data across all grid nodes however may not be affordable given the communication and storage resources. In this context, the problem of inferring injections at all nodes by polling smart meter data from a subset of them is considered here. For non-synchronized grid data, including (re)active injections and nodal voltage magnitudes, intuitive topological and numerical observability criteria are provided. For the case of synchrophasor data where nodal voltage angles are additionally known, the improvements in identifiability are also characterized. The analysis relies on the linearized power flow model and extends the traditional concept of observability in power transmission systems to radial distribution grids. The derived criteria are numerically validated on the IEEE 123-bus benchmark feeder.
Integrating Performance Measure Data into the Joint Commission Accreditation Process

This article describes the Joint Commission’s implementation plans, experience, and results to date of incorporating performance measurement data into the accreditation process. These plans have evolved in response to changes in the health care environment, feedback from accredited organizations, and both technical and political obstacles encountered. During the late 1980s, the Joint Commission developed a national performance measurement system, the IMSystem, to incorporate information about the process and outcomes of care into the accreditation process. In 1995, the ORYX initiative was introduced to offer health care organizations significant flexibility in selecting a measurement system and measures while promoting organizational self-improvement and accountability. Recently, the plans have evolved to incorporate standardized core measures that are known to be valid and reliable. These initiatives have moved the field much closer to the day when quality assessment will reflect a comprehensive view of organizational performance, based, in part, on performance measurement data.
ON PRICING OF DISCRETE BARRIER OPTIONS

A barrier option is a derivative contract that is activated or extinguished when the price of the underlying asset crosses a certain level. Most models assume continuous monitoring of the barrier. However in practice most, if not all, barrier options traded in markets are discretely monitored. Unlike their continuous coun- terparts, there is essentially no closed form solution available, and even numerical pricing is difficult. This paper extends an approximation by Broadie, Glasserman and Kou (1997) for discretely monitored barrier options by covering more cases and giving a simpler proof. The techniques used here come from sequential analysis, particularly Siegmund and Yuh (1982) and Siegmund (1985).
FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER DISTAL BICEPS BRACHII REPAIR: A CASE SERIES.

OBJECTIVES To investigate outcomes after surgical repair of distal biceps tendon rupture and the influence of arm dominance on isokinetic flexion and supination results. BACKGROUND/PURPOSE While relatively uncommon, rupture of the distal biceps tendon can result in significant strength deficits, for which surgical repair is recommended. The purpose of this study was to assess patient reported functional outcomes and muscle performance following surgery. METHODS A sample of 23 participants (22 males, 1 female), who had previously undergone surgical repair of the distal biceps tendon, were re-examined at a minimum of one year after surgery. Biodex isokinetic elbow flexion and supination testing was performed to assess strength (as measured by peak torque) and endurance (as measured by total work and work fatigue). The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Mayo Elbow Performance Scale (MEPS) were used to assess participants' subjectively reported functional recovery. RESULTS At a mean of 7.6 years after surgical repair, there were no differences between the repaired and uninvolved elbows in peak torque (p = 0.47) or total work (p = 0.60) for flexion or supination. There was also no difference in elbow flexion work fatigue (p = 0.22). However, there was significantly less work fatigue in supination, which was likely influenced by arm dominance, as most repairs were to the dominant arm, F(1,22)=5.67, p = 0.03. CONCLUSION The long-term strength of the repaired elbow was similar to the uninvolved elbow after surgery to the distal biceps tendon. Endurance of the repaired elbow was similar in flexion but greater in supination, probably influenced by arm dominance. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4.
A Comparative Study of Antifungal Activity of Endodontic Irrigants

Introduction: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the antifungal activity of final canal rinse with either three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (0.5, 2.6 and 6%), two concentrations of chlorhexidine (CHX) (2% and 0.2%), MTAD, Tetraclean, Hypoclean and Chlor-Xtra on Candida albicans (C. albicans) in a human tooth model. Methods and Materials: Two hundred and thirty five extracted human maxillary central and lateral incisors were used in this study. Teeth were randomly divided into nine test groups (n=25) and positive and a negative control groups (n=5). After cleaning and shaping, teeth were contaminated with C. albicans and incubated for 72 h. The irrigation solution in nine experimental groups included: 6% NaOCl, 2.6% NaOCl, 0.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, 0.2% CHX, MTAD, Tetraclean, Hypoclean and Chlor-Xtra. After culturing on Sabouraud 4% dextrose agar, colony-forming units (CFU) were counted. Results: 6% NaOCl, 2% CHX and Chlor-Xtra were equally effective (P>0.05) and significantly superior to MTAD and Tetraclean (P<0.05). In addition, the effectiveness of Tetraclean and MTAD was significantly less than Hypoclean, NaOCl at all concentrations (6% 2.6% and 0.5%), MTAD and 0.2% CHX (P<0.05). Furthermore, Tetraclean was significantly more effective than MTAD (P<0.05). Conclusion: Antifungal activity of 6% NaOCl, Chlor-Xtra and 2% CHX was significantly greater than 2.6% NaOCl, 0.5% NaOCl, MTAD, 0.2% CHX and Tetraclean.
Fearful Faces in Schizophrenia: The Relationship Between Patient Characteristics and Facial Affect Recognition

Although schizophrenia has often been associated with deficits in facial affect recognition, it is debated whether the recognition of specific emotions is affected and if these facial affect-processing deficits are related to symptomatology or other patient characteristics. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether particular patient characteristics are associated with the recognition of specific facial expressions in patients with schizophrenia. Sixty-four patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed with a computerized test of degraded facial affect recognition. Linear regression analysis showed that, in particular, negative symptoms and male sex were associated with worse recognition of fearful faces. Furthermore, diagnosis of nonparanoid schizophrenia and later age of onset were associated with worse recognition of neutral faces. Findings are explained in the light of a neuroanatomical dysfunction accounting for both negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression and social-emotional dysfunction, for which men seem more vulnerable than women.
Vulnerability of the superficial zone of immature articular cartilage to compressive injury.

OBJECTIVE The zonal composition and functioning of adult articular cartilage causes depth-dependent responses to compressive injury. In immature cartilage, shear and compressive moduli as well as collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content also vary with depth. However, there is little understanding of the depth-dependent damage caused by injury. Since injury to immature knee joints most often causes articular cartilage lesions, this study was undertaken to characterize the zonal dependence of biomechanical, biochemical, and matrix-associated changes caused by compressive injury. METHODS Disks from the superficial and deeper zones of bovine calves were biomechanically characterized. Injury to the disks was achieved by applying a final strain of 50% compression at 100%/second, followed by biomechanical recharacterization. Tissue compaction upon injury as well as sGAG density, sGAG loss, and biosynthesis were measured. Collagen fiber orientation and matrix damage were assessed using histology, diffraction-enhanced x-ray imaging, and texture analysis. RESULTS Injured superficial zone disks showed surface disruption, tissue compaction by 20.3 ± 4.3% (mean ± SEM), and immediate biomechanical impairment that was revealed by a mean ± SEM decrease in dynamic stiffness to 7.1 ± 3.3% of the value before injury and equilibrium moduli that were below the level of detection. Tissue areas that appeared intact on histology showed clear textural alterations. Injured deeper zone disks showed collagen crimping but remained undamaged and biomechanically intact. Superficial zone disks did not lose sGAG immediately after injury, but lost 17.8 ± 1.4% of sGAG after 48 hours; deeper zone disks lost only 2.8 ± 0.3% of sGAG content. Biomechanical impairment was associated primarily with structural damage. CONCLUSION The soft superficial zone of immature cartilage is vulnerable to compressive injury, causing superficial matrix disruption, extensive compaction, and textural alteration, which results in immediate loss of biomechanical function. In conjunction with delayed superficial sGAG loss, these changes may predispose the articular surface to further softening and tissue damage, thus increasing the risk of development of secondary osteoarthritis.