Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Skin Tone and Perceived Discrimination: Health and Aging Beyond the Binary in NSHAP 2015.

OBJECTIVES This paper introduces new measures of skin tone (self-reported) and perceived discrimination that are included in the third round of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). We explain the rationale for these new measures, emphasizing, in particular, how they help researchers to conceptualize and measure the significance of race/ethnicity for health and aging beyond binary ethnoracial categories. METHOD We describe new measures of skin tone and perceived discrimination for use in NSHAP 2015. We provide descriptive statistics on the distribution of skin tone (self-reported) by race/ethnicity. As a proof of concept, we use logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses to examine the relationship between skin tone, perceived discrimination, and perceived stress among ethnoracial minorities. RESULTS We find that there is significant variation in skin tone among non-White respondents in NSHAP 2015 (e.g., non-Hispanic Black and Latinx). We also find that skin tone (self-reported) is a significant predictor of the frequency of perceived discrimination and perceived stress among African American, but not Latinx respondents in NSHAP. DISCUSSION The inclusion of new skin tone and discrimination measures in NSHAP 2015 provides a unique and novel opportunity for researchers to more deeply understand how race/ethnicity is connected to health and aging among ethnoracial minorities. Furthermore, it will enable analyses of how stress and perceived discrimination also affect patterns of health and aging among Whites against the backdrop of steadily increasing socioeconomic inequalities and shifting ethnoracial demographics in the United States.
b 2 -Adrenoceptor-Mediated Prejunctional Facilitation and Postjunctional Inhibition of Sympathetic Neuroeffector Transmission in the Guinea Pig Vas Deferens

This study examines the role of prejunctional and postjunctional b -adrenoceptors in the modulation of sympathetic cotransmission in the guinea pig vas deferens. The prejunctional involve- ment of b -adrenoceptors was evaluated by testing the effects of several agonists and antagonists on the nerve stimulation- evoked overflow of ATP and norepinephrine (NE) from the “in vitro” vas deferens. The nonsubtype-selective b -adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and the b 2 -subtype-selective agonist clenbuterol increased, to a similar degree, the overflow of ATP and NE, while the b 1 -subtype-selective agonist xamoterol and the b 3 -subtype-selective agonist BRL 37 344 had no effect. Pretreatment with ICI 118, 551, a b 2 -subtype-selective antagonist, abolished the facilitation of cotransmitter release by iso- proterenol and clenbuterol, while the b 1 -subtype-selective antagonist atenolol had no effect. Activation of b -adrenoceptors by either isoproterenol or clenbuterol, but not by xamoterol and BRL 37 344, reduced the amplitude of contractions evoked by exogenously applied ATP. Pretreatment with propranolol or ICI 118, 551, but not atenolol, prevented these inhibitory effects. Isoproterenol in lower concentrations produced dose-depen-dent reduction of the purinergic but not the adrenergic phase of nerve stimulation-induced contraction of the pig vas deferens. When applied in concentrations greater 1 m M, isoproterenol, but not clenbuterol, produced a concen- tration-dependent facilitation of contractions evoked by both nerve stimulation and exogenously applied ATP. Antagonists of a -adrenoceptors blocked these facilitatory effects. Together, these results demonstrate that b 2 -adrenoceptors can influence sympathetic neuroeffector transmission both prejunctionally, where they facilitate equally well the release of sympathetic cotransmitters and postjunctionally, where they inhibit smooth muscle contractions evoked by ATP.
Dimension-Wise Decompositions and Their Efficient Parallelization

Many problem classes in finance lead to high dimensional partial differential equations which need to be solved efficiently. To circumnavigate the curse of dimension several methods exist, e.g. dimension-wise decomposition techniques. In this chapter we will present an overview over the different methods available to cope with high dimensional problems. The class of dimension-wise decomposition methods, which we will discuss in detail, decomposes a high dimensional problem into a set of low dimensional problems. Dependent on the dimension d of the total problem, and the order of the decomposition method the number of low-dimensional problems can be quite large. This makes efficient parallelization techniques necessary.
Parametric Analysis of Sand Erosion in Pipe Bends Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

— Major solid particle erosion may lead to potential failure of upstream oil and gas producing wells. For instance, producing wells with substantial sand production may negatively impact production equipment, well tubing, and pipeline components and fitting, thus leading to costly maintenance routines, production downtime, loss of equipment, and potential environmental damage. This work presents results obtained from investigating parametric factors that determine the extent and severity of sand erosion on pipe bends. We examine the effect of fluid velocity, pipe geometry, pipe degree of bending, bend radius, and sand particle size on erosion severity. The results are based on simulations using an extensively validated proprietary computational fluid dynamic model. It is found that erosion rates increased with both sand particle size (diameter) and fluid velocity, and decreased with bend radius, pipe diameter, and pipe degree of bending. Results also show that it would be possible to determine the threshold magnitudes of the parameters that would result in an assumed threshold erosion rate.
Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Oral Sodium Diclofenac in the Management of Postoperative Pain after Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy

Purpose of this study is to study the efficacy of oral sodium diclofenac in the management of postoperative pain after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK). In this pilot study, 60 patients were included. They were divided into two equal groups. The patients in the control group did not get oral sodium diclofenac in their prescriptions. However, the patients in the diclofenac group got sodium diclofenac 50 mg tab as an addition to the ordinary prescription. Patients were asked to assess their level of pain, photophobia, their functional activity restriction and to specify the number of oral analgesic combi-nation pills, and the number of midazolam pills they have taken till the third day after surgery. Pain intensity in the diclofenac group was significantly less than that in the control group on the day of surgery and on the first day after surgery (p-value=0.01, p-value=0.03 respectively). The functional activity restriction after surgery was remarkably less in the diclofenac group than it was in the control group (p-value=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of photophobia after the surgery (p-value=0.3). There was no important difference between the two groups in terms of the mean number of oral analgesic combination pills consumed by patients (p-value>0.05), and so for the mean number of midazolam pills (p-value>0.05). Oral sodium diclofenac is significantly effective in the management of postoperative pain after tPRK. It also decreases the degree of functional activity restriction. There is no significant effect of oral sodium diclofenac on post-operative photophobia.
RBP-L, a Transcription Factor Related to RBP-J k

RBP-J k is a sequence-speciﬁc DNA binding protein which plays a central role in signalling downstream of the Notch receptor by physically interacting with its intracellular region. Although at least four Notch genes exist in mammals, it is unknown whether each Notch requires a speciﬁc downstream signalling molecule. Here we report isolation and characterization of a mouse RBP-J k -related gene named RBP-L that is expressed almost exclusively in lung, in contrast to the ubiquitous expression of RBP-J k . For simplicity, we propose to call RBP-J k RBP-J . The RBP-L protein bound to a DNA sequence almost identical to that of RBP-J. Surprisingly, RBP-L did not interact with any of the known four mouse Notch proteins. Although we found that RBP-L and EBNA-2 cooperated in transcriptional activation, they did not show signiﬁcantly strong protein-protein interaction that can be detected by several in vivo and in vitro assays. This is again in contrast to physical association of RBP-J with EBNA-2. Several models to explain functional interaction between RBP-L and EBNA-2 are discussed.
Masters Thesis: Investigation of Factors that Influence Wind-Tunnel Modelling in Vehicle Thermal Simulation

Technological advancements in computational simulations have reduced our dependence on physical testing. The automotive industries aim to minimize physical testing and increase the use of computational simulations. They are effective both in terms of man hours and cost of product development. Volvo Cars Group is thus having an ongoing project on developing a Virtual Wind Tunnel. The objective of the thermodynamics team is to build a Virtual Wind Tunnel Simulation where the physical testing is no longer a part of development but for final validation. This assignment plays an important role in this project. The factors that significantly influence thermal simulations are investigated in this work. Exhaust suction pipes, wheel rotation, involvement of Moving Reference Frame for wheel rims and ride height fluctuations are the factors considered in this thesis. The model under study is Volvo S60. The reference model considered is a smaller domain of the wind tunnel and the rear half of the vehicle. This model is referred to as the reference model and later used to implement each factor and obtain a first order result. This model consists of certain points of measurements called thermocouple points which are used as temperature reading points. Their coordinates are the same as the thermocouples used in the experimental wind tunnel test. Different modifications are made on the reference model to bring out model with exhaust suction pipes, model with reduced ride height, model with wheel rotation and model with wheel rotation and MRF on rims. ANSA software is used for CAD cleaning and modifications. The final model from ANSA is then converted as a NASTRAN file which is readable for STARCCM+. STARCCM+ is used as mesher and CFD-solver. The heat source in these models is the exhaust system, providing a constant heat output. For simulation the boundary conditions of the domain which includes inlet, sides and top are taken from a converged solution of a full model simulation. This adaptation is made for faster convergence and more accurate boundary predictions. The simulation began with a reference model and its converged solution is used as an initial condition to the remaining models for a faster converged solution. Final results from thermocouple points are compared with the reference model. Logical explanations for respective occurrence are derived using different field functions such as convective heat transfer, radiation, temperature, velocity etc. Master of Science Thesis Arun Kumar
Mouthguard Use E ﬀ ect on the Biomechanical Response of an Ankylosed Maxillary Central Incisor during a Traumatic Impact: A 3-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

: (1) Background: Trauma is a very common experience in contact sports; however, there is an absence of data regarding the e ﬀ ect of athletes wearing mouthguards (MG) associated with ankylosed maxillary central incisor during a traumatic impact. (2) Methods: To evaluate the stress distribution in the bone and teeth in this situation, models of maxillary central incisor were created containing cortical bone, trabecular bone, soft tissue, root dentin, enamel, periodontal ligament, and antagonist teeth were modeled. One model received a MG with 4-mm thickness. Both models were subdivided into ﬁnite elements. The frictionless contacts were used and a nonlinear dynamic impact analysis was performed in which a rigid object hit the model at 1 m · s − 1 . For each model, an ankylosed periodontal ligament was simulated totaling 4 di ﬀ erent situations. The results were presented in von-Mises stress maps. (3) Results: A higher stress concentration in teeth and bone was observed for the model without a MG and with ankylosed tooth (19.5 and 37.3 MPa, respectively); the most promising mechanical response was calculated for patients with healthy periodontal ligament and MG in position (1.8 and 7.8 MPa, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The MG’s use is beneﬁcial for healthy and ankylosed teeth, since it acts by dampening the generated stresses in bone, dentin, enamel and periodontal ligament. However, patients with ankylosed tooth are more prone to root fracture even when the MG is in position compared to a healthy tooth.
Modeling Laser-Generated Cavitation Bubbles.

Cavitation in turbomachinery can impact performance and lifecycle. The formation and collapse of cavitating bubbles near a surface releases significant energy in a very short time often resulting in erosion damage. Considerable research has focused on understanding the physics of bubble formation and collapse, and how this collapse relates to surface erosion. To date this has been an elusive goal due to the process physics, flow and temporal scales and experimental and computational limitations. This research focused on developing a computational model of cavitation bubble formation and collapse to be used to develop erosion prediction tools. The dynamics associated with the formation of a laser-pulse generated bubble and its collapse against a solid wall was computationally modeled with OpenFOAM using a compressible multi-phase pressure-based solver. A conservation of energy model was developed to predict the localized heating occurring at the focal point of the laser. The temporal bubble dynamics growth, collapse, rebound and associated flow characteristics of high speed re-entrant jet and high pressure waves were modelled as a function of bubble stand-off distance. Results were compared to published research. The model successfully computes bubble formation and collapse dynamics, re-entrant jet structure and magnitude, the associated pressure field, and sensitivity to stand-off distance.
Measuring Robustness of Complex Networks

Specially over the last ten years, societies depend more strongly than ever on networked and communication systems. This dependency has grown to the point to which our well-being depends on these networked critical infrastructures. Bettering our understanding of such complex networks and their robustness is on the bleeding edge of graph theory, of which this thesis is part of.
Attrition in the Swiss Household Panel: Is change associated with later drop-out?

This study examines the importance of change in characteristics and circumstances of households and household members for contact and cooperation patterns. The literature suggests that there might be an underrepresentation of change in panel studies, because respondents facing more changes would be more likely to drop out. We approach this problem by analysing whether previous changes are predictive of later attrition or temporary drop-out, using eleven waves of the Swiss Household Panel (1999-2009). Our analyses support previous findings to some extent. Changes in household composition, employment status and social involvement as well as moving are associated mainly with attrition and less with temporary drop-out. These changes affect obtaining cooperation rather than obtaining contact, and tend to increase attrition.
Corporate Governance and Conservatism in the Listed Companies in Tehran Stock Exchange

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the components of corporate governance and accounting conservatism. Conservatism in this study is measured by Basu standard model. Corporate governance characteristics compared with non-duty members of the Board, CEO and Chairman of job separation and the ownership of institutional shareholders has been used as independent variables. Research data, using the population consists of 106 companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange analyzes for the period 2001 to 2006 using a combination of data and ordinary least squares regression analyzes. The results of the regression estimates suggest that the timing of the financial reporting of listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange will affect the index of profitability. The results reject the hypotheses of the study and showed that significant relationship does not exists between the proportion of non-duty members of the Board, CEO and Chairman of the Board and the task of separating ownership of institutional shareholders as a component of corporate governance and accounting conservatism.
Evidence of Interaction Between Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- γ 2 ( PPARG2 ) and Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4 α ( HNF4A ) Contributing to Variation in Insulin Sensitivity in Mexican Americans

Objective: We hypothesized that interaction between PPARG2 Pro12Ala and variants in the promoter region of HNF4A are be associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related quantitative traits (QT) in Mexican-American families of a proband with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Research Design and Methods: The BetaGene project genotyped PPARG2 Pro12Ala and 9 HNF4A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 473 individuals in 89 families. Members of the proband generation had fasting glucose <126 mg/dl and were phenotyped by oral (OGTT) and intravenous (IVGTT) glucose tolerance tests. Results: Neither PPARG2 Pro12Ala nor any of the 9 HNF4A SNPs were independently associated with T2D-related QTs. However, the interaction between PPARG2 Pro12Ala and HNF4A rs2144908 was significantly associated with both insulin sensitivity (S I ) (Bonferroni p=0.0006) and 2-hr insulin (Bonferroni p=0.039). Subjects with at least one PPARG2 Ala allele and homozygous for HNF4A rs2144908 A allele had 40% higher S I compared to individuals with at least one G allele. S I did not vary by rs2144908 genotype among PPARG2 Pro/Pro. The interaction result for S I was replicated by the IRAS Family Study (p=0.018) in their San Antonio sample (n=484) where subjects with at least one PPARG2 Ala allele and homozygous for HNF4A rs2144908 A allele had a 29% higher S I compared to individuals with at least one G allele. However, the interaction was not replicated in their San Luis Valley sample (n=496; p=0.401). Conclusions: Together, these results suggest that variation in PPARG2 and HNF4A may interact to regulate insulin sensitivity in Mexican-Americans at risk for
Phosphorylation of Threonine 3 IMPLICATIONS FOR HUNTINGTIN AGGREGATION AND NEUROTOXICITY

Huntingtin (Htt) is a widely expressed protein that causes tissue-specific degeneration when mutated to contain an expanded polyglutamine (poly(Q)) domain. Although Htt is large, 350 kDa, the appearance of amino-terminal fragments of Htt in extracts of postmortem brain tissue from patients with Huntington disease (HD), and the fact that an amino-terminal fragment, Htt exon 1 protein (Httex1p), is sufficient to cause disease in models of HD, points to the importance of the amino-terminal region of Htt in the disease process. The first exon of Htt encodes 17 amino acids followed by a poly(Q) repeat of vari-able length and culminating with a proline-rich domain of 50 amino acids. Because modifications to this fragment have the potential to directly affect pathogenesis in several ways, we have surveyed this fragment for potential post-translational modifi-cationsthatmightaffectHttbehavioranddetectedseveralmod- ifications of Httex1p. Here we report that the most prevalent modifications of Httex1p are NH 2 -terminal acetylation and phosphorylation of threonine 3 (pThr-3). We demonstrate that pThr-3 occurs on full-length Htt in vivo , and that this modification affects the aggregation and pathogenic properties of Htt. Thus, therapeutic strategies that modulate these events could in turn affect Htt pathogenesis.
Numerical Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Part 1 Numerical methods for structural analysis - general aspects mathematical models physical methods the finite element method basic principles the finite element method for elastic continua displacement functions and convergence criteria types of finite elements post-elastic analysis by finite elements second order analysis by finite elements dynamical analysis by finite elements probabilistic finite element analysis the finite strip method basic principles displacement functions development of finite strip matrices the boundary element method basic principles the general method of weighted residuals hybrid numerical methods the theory of equivalences. Part 2 Bar structures - static analysis of frameworks elastic analysis post elastic analysis stability of bar structures elastic analysis post elastic analysis dynamics single degree of freedom systems multiple degrees of freedom systems modal analysis of dynamic response dynamic response of distributed mass systems finite element analysis of the dynamic response of distributed mass systems numerical examples. Part 3 Plate structures - static analysis of plate structures the finite element method the finite strip method the theory of equivalences stability of plate structures finite element analysis dynamics of plate structures classical analysis of plate dynamics finite element analysis of plate dynamics finite strip analysis of plate dynamics dynamic analysis of plate structures using finite element and finite strip models the theory of equivalences. Part 4 Thin-shell structures - static analysis of thin shells finite element static analysis finite strip analysis of shells theory of equivalences applied to shell analysis stability analysis of thin shells dynamics of thin shells. Part 5 Massive structures - statics of massive structures the finite element method theory of equivalences applied to three dimensional analysis dynamic analysis of massive structures. Appendices: A. Basic concepts - variational principles matrix algebra interpolation and integration statistical evaluation of structural characteristics. B. Characteristic matrices - the finite element method finite strip method theory of equivalence.