The homotopy type of the loops on (n−1)(n-1)-connected (2n+1)(2n+1)-manifolds

For $n\geq 2$ we compute the homotopy groups of $(n-1)$-connected closed manifolds of dimension $(2n+1)$. Away from the finite set of primes dividing the order of the torsion subgroup in homology, the $p$-local homotopy groups of $M$ are determined by the rank of the free Abelian part of the homology. Moreover, we show that these $p$-local homotopy groups can be expressed as a direct sum of $p$-local homotopy groups of spheres. The integral homotopy type of the loop space is also computed and shown to depend only on the rank of the free Abelian part and the torsion subgroup.Comment: Trends in Algebraic Topology and Related Topics, Trends Math., Birkhauser/Springer, 2018. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1510.0519

Tissue integration of growth factor-eluting layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte multilayer coated implants

Drug eluting coatings that can direct the host tissue response to implanted medical devices have the potential to ameliorate both the medical and financial burden of complications from implantation. However, because many drugs useful in this arena are biologic in nature, a paucity of delivery strategies for biologics, including growth factors, currently limits the control that can be exerted on the implantation environment. Layer-by-Layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte multilayer films are highly attractive as ultrathin biologic reservoirs, due to the capability to conformally coat difficult geometries, the use of aqueous processing likely to preserve fragile protein function, and the tunability of incorporation and release profiles. Herein, we describe the first LbL films capable of microgram-scale release of the biologic Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2), which is capable of directing the host tissue response to create bone from native progenitor cells. Ten micrograms of BMP-2 are released over a period of two weeks in vitro; less than 1% is released in the first 3 h (compared with commercial collagen matrices which can release up to 60% of BMP-2, too quickly to induce differentiation). BMP-2 released from LbL films retains its ability to induce bone differentiation in MC3T3 E1S4 pre-osteoblasts, as measured by induction of alkaline phosphatase and stains for calcium (via Alizarin Red) and calcium matrix (via Von Kossa). In vivo, BMP-2 film coated scaffolds were compared with film coated scaffolds lacking BMP-2. BMP-2 coatings implanted intramuscularly were able to initiate host progenitor cells to differentiate into bone, which matured and expanded from four to 9 weeks as measured by MicroCT and histology. Such LbL films represent new steps towards controlling and tuning host response to implanted medical devices, which may ultimately increase the success of implanted devices, provide alternative new approaches toward bone wound healing, and lay the foundation for development of a multi-therapeutic release coating.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant 1-R01-AG029601-01)Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation (Grant 009216-1)National Science Foundation (U.S.). Graduate Research Fellowshi

Tunable dual growth factor delivery from polyelectrolyte multilayer films

A promising strategy to accelerate joint implant integration and reduce recovery time and failure rates is to deliver a combination of certain growth factors to the integration site. There is a need to control the quantity of growth factors delivered at different times during the healing process to maximize efficacy. Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films, built using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, are attractive for releasing controlled amounts of potent growth factors over a sustained period. Here, we present PEM films that sequester physiological amounts of osteogenic rhBMP-2 (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein - 2) and angiogenic rhVEGF[subscript 165] (recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor) in different ratios in a degradable [poly(β-amino ester)/polyanion/growth factor/polyanion] LbL tetralayer repeat architecture where the biologic load scaled linearly with the number of tetralayers. No burst release of either growth factor was observed as the films degraded. The release of rhBMP-2 was sustained over a period of 2 weeks, while rhVEGF[subscript 165] eluted from the film over the first 8 days. Both growth factors retained their efficacy, as quantified with relevant in vitro assays. rhBMP-2 initiated a dose dependent differentiation cascade in MC3T3-E1S4 pre-osteoblasts while rhVEGF[subscript 165] upregulated HUVEC proliferation, and accelerated closure of a scratch in HUVEC cell cultures in a dose dependent manner. In vivo, the mineral density of ectopic bone formed de novo by rhBMP-2/rhVEGF[subscript 165] PEM films was approximately 33% higher than when only rhBMP-2 was introduced, with a higher trabecular thickness, which would indicate a decrease in the risk of osteoporotic fracture. Bone formed throughout the scaffold when both growth factors were released, which suggests more complete remodeling due to an increased local vascular network. This study demonstrates a promising approach to delivering precise doses of multiple growth factors for a variety of implant applications where control over spatial and temporal release profile of the biologic is desired.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (National Institute on Aging Grant 5R01AG029601-04

Scaling in the Bombay Stock Exchange Index

In this paper we study BSE Index financial time series for fractal and multifractal behaviour. We show that Bombay stock Exchange (BSE)Index time series is mono-fractal and can be represented by a fractional Brownian motion.Comment: 11 pages,3 figure

Dynamic correlations in an ordered c(2×\times2) lattice gas

We obtain the dynamic correlation function of two-dimensional lattice gas with nearest-neighbor repulsion in ordered c(2$\times$2) phase (antiferromagnetic ordering) under the condition of low concentration of structural defects. It is shown that displacements of defects of the ordered state are responsible for the particle number fluctuations in the probe area. The corresponding set of kinetic equations is derived and solved in linear approximation on the defect concentration. Three types of strongly correlated complex jumps are considered and their contribution to fluctuations is analysed. These are jumps of excess particles, vacancies and flip-flop jumps. The kinetic approach is more general than the one based on diffusion-like equations used in our previous papers. Thus, it becomes possible to adequately describe correlations of fluctuations at small times, where our previous theory fails to give correct results. Our new analytical results for fluctuations of particle number in the probe area agree well with those obtained by Monte Carlo simulations.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figure

Enhanced transport protocols

The book presents mechanisms, protocols, and system architectures to achieve end-to-end Quality-of-Service (QoS) over heterogeneous wired/wireless networks in the Internet. Particular focus is on measurement techniques, traffic engineering mechanisms and protocols, signalling protocols as well as transport protocol extensions to support fairness and QoS. It shows how those mechanisms and protocols can be combined into a comprehensive end-to-end QoS architecture to support QoS in the Internet over heterogeneous wired/wireless access networks. Finally, techniques for evaluation of QoS mechanisms such as simulation and emulation are presented. The book is aimed at graduate and post-graduate students in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering with focus in data communications and networking as well as for professionals working in this area

Combined Genome Scans for Body Stature in 6,602 European Twins: Evidence for Common Caucasian Loci

Twin cohorts provide a unique advantage for investigations of the role of genetics and environment in the etiology of variation in common complex traits by reducing the variance due to environment, age, and cohort differences. The GenomEUtwin (http://www.genomeutwin.org) consortium consists of eight twin cohorts (Australian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, and United Kingdom) with the total resource of hundreds of thousands of twin pairs. We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of one of the most heritable human complex traits, adult stature (body height) using genome-wide scans performed for 3,817 families (8,450 individuals) derived from twin cohorts from Australia, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, and United Kingdom with an approximate ten-centimorgan microsatellite marker map. The marker maps for different studies differed and they were combined and related to the sequence positions using software developed by us, which is publicly available (https://apps.bioinfo.helsinki.fi/software/cartographer.aspx). Variance component linkage analysis was performed with age, sex, and country of origin as covariates. The covariate adjusted heritability was 81% for stature in the pooled dataset. We found evidence for a major QTL for human stature on 8q21.3 (multipoint logarithm of the odds 3.28), and suggestive evidence for loci on Chromosomes X, 7, and 20. Some evidence of sex heterogeneity was found, however, no obvious female-specific QTLs emerged. Several cohorts contributed to the identified loci, suggesting an evolutionarily old genetic variant having effects on stature in European-based populations. To facilitate the genetic studies of stature we have also set up a website that lists all stature genome scans published and their most significant loci (http://www.genomeutwin.org/stature_gene_map.htm)

Effects of Airplane Cabin Interiors on Egress I: Assessment of Anthropometrics, Seat Pitch, and Seat Width on Egress, DOT-FAA-AM_21/01 [supporting datasets]

6973GH-19-C-00102Within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-254 \ua7 577, Congress required that \u201c\u2026the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue regulations that establish minimum dimensions for passenger seats on aircraft operated by air carriers in interstate air transportation or intrastate air transportation, including minimums for seat pitch, width, and length, and that are necessary for the safety of passengers.\u201d A total of 775 participants were recruited to assist with meeting two research objectives: first, to determine what percentage of the American population, based on anthropometric measurements, would be unable to sit in transport airplane passenger seats at the currently narrowest width and even narrower seat pitch. The second objective was to determine the effect of seat pitch and seat width on individual egress time. The study included 718 participants assigned to 12 groups who participated in up to four evacuations from the FAA\u2019s Flexible Aircraft Cabin Simulator (FlexSim), with various seat pitch and width combinations. Based on this study's results, currently flying seat pitches using seats of similar size or smaller than those used in this project can accommodate and not impede egress for 99% of the American population. This project also concluded that, similar to previous evacuation research, as long as ergonomic minimums are maintained, the transport airplane's interior configuration, including seat pitch and width, has not been shown to influence evacuations. This research project was developed to provide information to rule-makers within the FAA to meet this requirement

Effects of Airplane Cabin Interiors on Egress I: Assessment of Anthropometrics, Seat Pitch, and Seat Width on Egress, DOT-FAA-AM_21/01 [supporting datasets: videos]

6973GH-19-C-00102Because of the very large file sized of these videos, patrons will need to download the video files directly, using the "Direct Download" links provided in the README.These 60 video recordings represent the visual recordings of the measurement of the two research objectives of the study \u201cEffects of Airplane Cabin Interiors on Egress I: Assessment of Anthropometrics, Seat Pitch, and Seat Width on Egress," DOT/FAA/AM-21/01. The first objective was to determine what percentage of the American population, based on anthropometric measurements, would not be able to sit in transport airplane passenger seats at the currently narrowest and even narrower seat pitch. Second, this study sought to determine the effect of seat pitch and seat width on individual egress time during an aircraft evacuation.The 12 videos with file names which contain with the phrase "ExpSeatingMockupDay..." record participants sitting in or attempting to sit in a seat mock-up that matched the narrowest seat pitch they would experience in the evacuation trials, and to attempt to sit in or to sit in a seat mock-up of a narrower seat pitch than what would be presented in the evacuation trials. (See pages 9 and 10 of the related report for more information.) Each video is about 2 hours long, and shows a single camera view from the perspective of the left wall of an aircraft. The video records participant actions as each participant attempts to sit in the center seat of the third of three rows, and then the center seat of the second of three rows. The recordings are color video, without a soundtrack. Participant faces are blurred to protect individual privacy.The 48 videos with file names that start with "R01.mp4" and increment to "R48.mp4" are the recordings of the evacuations from CAMI FlexSim. (See pages 11 through 13 of the related report for more information.) Each video is about 45 seconds long, with the frame divided into 4 quarters, showing three views of the evacuation, and a single title slide with the date of the evacuation trial, and the trial number, which matches the file number on the recording. The view in the upper left of the frame is a view overhead and behind the flight attendant supervising the evacuation. The view in the upper right of the frame shows the exterior of the simulator to record how participants exit. The view in the lower right of frame shows the view from the rear of the simulator, as participants evacuate away from the camera to the front of the simulator. The lower left of the frame is the title slide. In the center of the frame is a timer, counting up the total time of the evacuation. The recordings are color video, without a soundtrack. Participant faces are blurred to protect individual privacy.The videos can be viewed on any modern video player