Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large-deformation analysis of the elastic recoil of fibre layers in a Brinkman medium with application to the endothelial glycocalyx

There is wide interest in the role of the endothelial surface layer (ESL) in transmitting blood shear stress to the intracellular cytoskeleton of the endothelial cell. However, very little is known about the mechanical properties of the glycocalyx or the flexural rigidity of the core proteins that comprise it. Vink, Duling & Spaan (FASEB J., vol. 13, 1999, p. A 11) measured the time-dependent restoration of the ESL after it had been nearly completely compressed by the passage of a white blood cell (WBC) in a tightly fitting capillary. Using this initial experiment, Weinbaum et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 100, 2003, p. 7988) predicted that the core proteins have a flexural rigidity EI of 700 pN nm$^{2}$, which is $\sim$1/20 the measured value for an actin filament. However, their analysis assumes small deflections and only the fibre motion is considered. In the present paper we report additional experiments and apply large-deformation theory for ‘elastica’ to describe the restoration of the fibres in a Brinkman medium which absorbs fluid as the ESL expands. We find that there are two phases in the fibre recoil: an initial phase for large compressions where the ESL thickness is $<0.36$ its undisturbed thickness, and the ends of the fibres overlap and are parallel to the capillary wall; and a second phase where the fibres assume a shape that is close to the solutions for an elastic bar with linearly distributed vertical loading. The predicted time-dependent change in thickness of the ESL provides remarkably good agreement with experiment and yields an estimate of 490 pN nm$^{2}$ for the flexural rigidity EI of the core protein fibres, which is unexpectedly close to that predicted by the linear theory in Weinbaum et al. (2003).
Requiem for the net migrant.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 36th North American Meetings of the Regional Science Association November 10-12 1989 in Santa Barbara. This work was supported by National Science Foundation Grant No. SES-8705591. The author is grateful to Brian Cushing Tom Espenshade Gary Hunt Nathan Keyfitz Jacques Ledent Andrew Morrison and Peter Mueser for comments and to Debbie Ash and Carrie Andree for typing the manuscript. Throughout this paper I focus on analyses carried out using rates rather than counts of the absolute numbers of events even though some published studies of net migration have used the latter. (EXCERPT)
High Concentration of Protein Oxidation Biomarker O-Tyr/Phe Predicts Better Outcome in Childhood Bacterial Meningitis

Neuronal damage in bacterial meningitis (BM) partly stems from the host´s inflammatory response and induced oxidative stress (OS). We studied the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers indicating oxidative damage to proteins with course of illness and outcome in childhood BM in Angola. Ortho-tyrosine/phenylalanine (o-Tyr/Phe), 3-chlorotyrosine/para-tyrosine (3Cl-Tyr/p-Tyr), and 3-nitrotyrosine/para-tyrosine (3NO2-Tyr/p-Tyr) concentration ratios were measured in 79 BM admission CSF samples, employing liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Besides death, disease outcomes were registered on Day 7 of treatment and one month after discharge (control visit). The outcome was graded according to the modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), which considers neurological and audiological sequelae. Children with a o-Tyr/Phe ratio below the median were more likely to present focal convulsions and secondary fever during recovery and suboptimal outcome (GOS < 5) on Day 7 and at control visit (odds ratio (OR) 2.85; 95% CI 1.14–7.14 and OR 5.23; 95% CI 1.66–16.52, respectively). Their most common sequela was ataxia on Day 7 and at control visit (OR 8.55; 95% CI 2.27–32.22 and OR 5.83; 95% CI 1.12–30.4, respectively). The association of a higher admission CSF o-Tyr/Phe ratio with a better course and outcome for pediatric BM points to a beneficial effect of OS.
OC-01 (Varenicline Solution) Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Signs and Symptoms in Subjects with Autoimmune Disease: Integrated Data from ONSET-1 and ONSET-2

Purpose We evaluate the treatment effect of OC-01 (varenicline solution) nasal spray (VNS) in dry eye disease (DED) subjects from two randomized trials who self-reported autoimmune disease (AID). Patients and Methods Post hoc subgroup analysis of subjects reporting a history of AID from the integrated OC-01 VNS 0.03 or 0.06 mg and vehicle control (VC) treatment groups of the ONSET-1 and ONSET-2 trials. Mean change in Schirmer test with anesthesia score (STS, mm) and Eye Dryness Score (EDS) from baseline to 28 days was compared between OC-01 VNS and VC groups. Consistency of treatment effect in subjects with and without AID was evaluated using treatment–subgroup interaction terms in ANCOVA models for mean changes from baseline STS and EDS, and in a logistic regression model for proportion achieving ≥10 mm STS improvement. Results Of the 891 participants, 31 reported comorbid AID. In all models, the treatment–subgroup interaction terms were not significant (p>0.05), indicating consistency of therapeutic effect of OC-01 VNS in subjects with and without AID. In subjects with AID, the treatment difference for STS was 11.8 mm and −9.3 for EDS and difference for proportion of subjects with ≥10 mm STS improvement was 61.1%. The most common adverse event was sneeze (82–84%), graded as mild by 98% of subjects. Conclusion OC-01 VNS demonstrated consistency in improving both tear production and patient-reported symptoms in subjects with AID, consistent with pivotal ONSET-1 and 2 trial results. Further investigation is warranted, and results may further support use of OC-01 VNS for DED in AID patients.
A redetermination of the argon content of air for buoyancy corrections in mass standard comparisons

A redetermination of the argon mole fraction in air has been undertaken in two samples of dried natural air using mass spectrometric analysis with reference to a suite of gravimetrically prepared synthetic dry air mixtures. The resulting measurement of the argon mole fraction was 9.332 mmol mol −1 with a combined standard uncertainty of 3 µmol mol −1 . This is significantly different from the value, 9.17 mmol mol −1 , conventionally employed in the CIPM formula for the determination of the density of moist air during mass standard comparisons. Using the presently reported argon mole fraction value in the CIPM formula rather than the conventional value removes the recently identified discrepancy between the two methods of determining the density of moist air during mass standard comparisons: the CIPM formula method and the air buoyancy artefacts method. Nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide mole fractions in the dry air samples were obtained simultaneously.
The structure of the viscous sublayer and the adjacent wall region in a turbulent channel flow

Hot-film anemometer measurements have been carried out in a fully developed turbulent channel flow. An oil channel with a thick viscous sublayer was used, which permitted measurements very close to the wall. In the viscous sublayer between y+ ≃ 0·1 and y+ = 5, the streamwise velocity fluctuations decreased at a higher rate than the mean velocity; in the region y+ [lsim ] 0·1, these fluctuations vanished at the same rate as the mean velocity. The streamwise velocity fluctuations u observed in the viscous sublayer and the fluctuations (∂u/∂y)0 of the gradient at the wall were almost identical in form, but the fluctuations of the gradient at the wall were found to lag behind the velocity fluctuations with a lag time proportional to the distance from the wall. Probability density distributions of the streamwise velocity fluctuations were measured. Furthermore, measurements of the skewness and flatness factors made by Kreplin (1973) in the same flow channel are discussed. Measurements of the normal velocity fluctuations v at the wall and of the instantaneous Reynolds stress −ρuv were also made. Periods of quiescence in the − ρuv signal were observed in the viscous sublayer as well as very active periods where ratios of peak to mean values as high as 30:1 occurred.
Near-field measurements on a logarithmically periodic antenna

Near-field measurements on a triangular-tooth log periodic antenna reveal that two waves exist on the structure. A transmission line wave travels from the apex to the "active region" of the antenna and excites currents in the teeth or radiating elements in this region. These currents, in turn, launch a radiated wave which accounts for the far-field pattern characteristics of the antenna. The antenna is shown to exhibit a pronounced degree of increased directivity. Near-field measurements made through one period of operation show smooth variations of the field distributions with frequency.
Dynamics of three-dimensional coherent structures in a flat-plate boundary layer

An investigation is presented that analyses the energy flows that are connected to the dynamical behaviour of coherent structures in a transitional flat-plate boundary layer. Based on a mathematical description of the three-dimensional coherent structures of this flow as provided by the Karhunen–Loève procedure, energy equations for the coherent structures are derived by Galerkin projection of the Navier–Stokes equations in vorticity transport formulation onto the corresponding basis of eigenfunctions. In a first step, the time-averaged energy balance – showing the energy flows that support the different coherent structures and thus maintain the fluctuations of the velocity field – is considered. In a second step, the instantaneous power budget is investigated for the particularly interesting case of a coherent structure providing a prime contribution to the characteristic spike events of the transitional boundary layer. As this structure shows a strong variation in energy, the question about which mechanisms cause these variations is addressed. Our results show that the occurrence of a spike must be attributed to an autonomous event and cannot be interpreted as just an epiphenomenon of the passage of a Λ-vortex.
The Impact of Mergers & Acquisitions on Bancassurance & on the Market Share of Jordanian Banks

Purpose: The research aims to find out the impact of mergers and acquisitions between banks and insurance companies on the insurance services provided by banks. The study was applied on a sample of Jordanian banks working to give insurance services to their public. Theoretical framework: The researchers reviewed related references and researches to crystalize theoretical frame work for completing this study. Design/methodology/approach: The researchers applied the analytical descriptive approach, seven Jordanian banks working to give insurance services to their public were studied. A static panel analysis was used for the period 2008-2019. Findings: The results of the analysis showed a positive, statistically significant impact of merger and acquisition on bancassurance, and a negative and statistically significant negative impact on the market share. Research, Practical & Social implications: Final findings of this study supported other studies’ findings. The results showed a significant effect of merger and acquisition on bancassurance as well as a significant negative effect on the market share. This is consistent with the Jordanian reality, as the public's demand for insurance services is not at the required level. Originality/value: This study didn't contain any part of any other published study of any other person, nor materials which has been accepted for possessing any scientific degree of any university.
Quantitative Ultrasound Techniques Used for Peripheral Nerve Assessment

Aim: This review article describes quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques and summarizes their strengths and limitations when applied to peripheral nerves. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on publications after 1990 in Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The search terms “peripheral nerve”, “quantitative ultrasound”, and “elastography ultrasound” were used to identify studies related to this investigation. Results: Based on this literature review, QUS investigations performed on peripheral nerves can be categorized into three main groups: (1) B-mode echogenicity measurements, which are affected by a variety of post-processing algorithms applied during image formation and in subsequent B-mode images; (2) ultrasound (US) elastography, which examines tissue stiffness or elasticity through modalities such as strain ultrasonography or shear wave elastography (SWE). With strain ultrasonography, induced tissue strain, caused by internal or external compression stimuli that distort the tissue, is measured by tracking detectable speckles in the B-mode images. In SWE, the propagation speed of shear waves, generated by externally applied mechanical vibrations or internal US “push pulse” stimuli, is measured to estimate tissue elasticity; (3) the characterization of raw backscattered ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signals, which provide fundamental ultrasonic tissue parameters, such as the acoustic attenuation and backscattered coefficients, that reflect tissue composition and microstructural properties. Conclusions: QUS techniques allow the objective evaluation of peripheral nerves and reduce operator- or system-associated biases that can influence qualitative B-mode imaging. The application of QUS techniques to peripheral nerves, including their strengths and limitations, were described and discussed in this review to enhance clinical translation.
Hypermethylation at CREBBP Is Associated with Cognitive Impairment in a Mexican American Cohort

Background: The aging Mexican American (MA) population is the fastest growing ethnic minority group in the US. MAs have a unique metabolic-related risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW). This risk for cognitive impairment (CI) is multifactorial involving genetics, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Changes in environment and lifestyle can alter patterns and even possibly reverse derangement of DNA methylation (a form of epigenetic regulation). Objective: We sought to identify ethnicity-specific DNA methylation profiles that may be associated with CI in MAs and NHWs. Methods: DNA obtained from peripheral blood of 551 participants from the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium was typed on the Illumina Infinium® MethylationEPIC chip array, which assesses over 850K CpG genomic sites. Within each ethnic group (N = 299 MAs, N = 252 NHWs), participants were stratified by cognitive status (control versus CI). Beta values, representing relative degree of methylation, were normalized using the Beta MIxture Quantile dilation method and assessed for differential methylation using the Chip Analysis Methylation Pipeline (ChAMP), limma and cate packages in R. Results: Two differentially methylated sites were significant: cg13135255 (MAs) and cg27002303 (NHWs) based on an FDR p < 0.05. Three suggestive sites obtained were cg01887506 (MAs) and cg10607142 and cg13529380 (NHWs). Most methylation sites were hypermethylated in CI compared to controls, except cg13529380 which was hypomethylated. Conclusion: The strongest association with CI was at cg13135255 (FDR-adjusted p = 0.029 in MAs), within the CREBBP gene. Moving forward, identifying additional ethnicity-specific methylation sites may be useful to discern CI risk in MAs.
q-ANALOGUE OF SUMMABILITY OF FORMAL SOLUTIONS OF SOME LINEAR q-DIFFERENCE-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Let \(q\gt 1\). The paper considers a linear \(q\)-difference-differential equation: it is a \(q\)-difference equation in the time variable \(t\), and a partial differential equation in the space variable \(z\). Under suitable conditions and by using \(q\)-Borel and \(q\)-Laplace transforms (introduced by J.-P. Ramis and C. Zhang), the authors show that if it has a formal power series solution \(\hat{X}(t,z)\) one can construct an actual holomorphic solution which admits \(\hat{X}(t,z)\) as a \(q\)-Gevrey asymptotic expansion of order \(1\).
Topological relationships in spatial tessellations

Tessellations of R 3 that use convex polyhedral cells to fill the space can be extremely complicated. This is especially so for tessellations which are not ‘facet-to-facet’, that is, for those where the facets of a cell do not necessarily coincide with the facets of that cell's neighbours. Adjacency concepts between neighbouring cells (or between neighbouring cell elements) are not easily formulated when facets do not coincide. In this paper we make the first systematic study of these topological relationships when a tessellation of R 3 is not facet-to-facet. The results derived can also be applied to the simpler facet-to-facet case. Our study deals with both random tessellations and deterministic ‘tilings’. Some new theory for planar tessellations is also given.
Internal transport barriers: critical physics issues?

Plasmas regimes with improved core energy confinement properties, i.e. with internal transport barriers (ITB), provide a possible route towards simultaneous high fusion performance and continuous tokamak reactor operation in a non-inductive current drive state. High core confinement regimes should be made compatible with a dominant fraction of the plasma current self-generated (pressure-driven) by the bootstrap effect while operating at high normalized pressure and moderate current. Furthermore, ITB regimes with ‘non-stiff’ plasma core pressure break the link observed in standard inductive operation between fusion performances and plasma pressure at the edge, thus offering a new degree of freedom in the tokamak operational space. Prospects and critical issues for using plasmas with enhanced thermal core insulation as a basis for steady tokamak reactor operation are reviewed in the light of the encouraging experimental and modelling results obtained recently (typically in the last two years). An extensive set of data from experiments carried out worldwide has been gathered on ITB regimes covering a wide range of parameters (q-profile, T i/T e, gradient length, shaping, normalized toroidal Larmor radius, collisionality, Mach number, etc). In the light of the progress made recently, the following critical physics issues relevant to the extrapolation of ITB regimes to next-step experiments, such as ITER, are addressed: (i) conditions for ITB formation and existence of a power threshold, (ii) ITB sustainment at T i ∼ T e, with low toroidal torque injection, low central particle fuelling but at high density and low impurity concentration, (iii) control of confinement for sustaining wide ITBs that encompass a large volume at high βN, (iv) real time profile control (q and pressure) with high bootstrap current and large fraction of alpha-heating and (v) compatibility of core with edge transport barriers or with external core perturbations (such as frozen hydrogen isotope pellets injection). It is shown that the present experimental results provide some valuable and promising answers to these critical issues.
Biomarkers and Strain Echocardiography for the Detection of Subclinical Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Anthracyclines

The optimal surveillance and management strategies for breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline therapy are limited by our incomplete understanding of the role of biomarkers heralding the onset of cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a temporal correlation between cardiac biomarkers and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy. Thirty-one females between 46 and 55 years old with breast cancer treated with anthracycline chemotherapy were prospectively enrolled. Cardiac biomarkers were correlated with echocardiography with speckle tracking at baseline, post-anthracycline therapy, and 6 months post-anthracycline chemotherapy. Subclinical cardiotoxicity was defined as ≥ 10% reduction in global longitudinal strain (GLS). There was a relative reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 10% in 5/30 (17%) and 7/27 (26%) patients post-anthracycline therapy and 6 months post-anthracycline therapy, respectively. Subclinical cardiotoxicity was noted in 8/30 (27%) and 10/26 (38%) patients post-anthracycline and 6 months post-anthracycline therapy, respectively. Baseline N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was the strongest predictor of LVEF (ρ = −0.45; p = 0.019), with post-therapy NT-proBNP values illustrating similar predictive value (ρ = −0.40; p = 0.038). Interim changes in suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) and galectin-3 correlated with a 6-month change in LVEF (ρ = −0.48; p = 0.012 and ρ = −0.45; p = 0.018, for ST2 and galectin-3, respectively). Changes in galectin-3 from baseline to mid-therapy paralleled changes in GLS. NT-proBNP, ST2, and galectin-3 correlate with reduced LVEF among breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline therapy. Additional trials focusing on a cardiac biomarker approach may provide guidance in the early diagnosis and management of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Market Liquidity in a Natural Experiment: Evidence from CDS Standard Coupons

The CDS Big Bang introduced two standard coupons for CDS trading. We exploit the setting of the two standard coupons as a natural experiment to quantify the components of the bid-ask spreads in over-the-counter markets. We find that a significant portion of the difference in the bid-ask spread between the two coupons is explained by the difference in funding costs. Furthermore, search intensity also explains the variation in the difference in bid-ask spread. The liquidity typically concentrates on one of the standard coupons and can suddenly switch to the other coupon. Using the sudden switch of the primary coupon, we provide further evidence to support the predictions of search-based liquidity models.
All for One, and One for All? Analysing Party Positions on EU Solidarity in Germany in Challenging Times

Abstract This article analyses party positions on European Union (EU) solidarity in Germany in the run-up to the 2021 German federal elections. While previous studies have investigated whether and under which conditions individuals support or reject different types of EU solidarity, little is known about how political parties position themselves on the issue. The study draws on an original expert survey on German party positions, including various items on EU solidarity. First, we demonstrate that the GAL–TAN dimension strongly shapes party positionings on EU solidarity. Second, the support by political parties varies along the long- or short-term institutionalization of types of EU solidarity. Third, the findings have political implications for the current German government coalition, revealing potential problems for a joint political agenda on EU affairs.