Dark Matter = Modified Gravity? Scrutinising the spacetime-matter distinction through the modified gravity/ dark matter lens

This paper scrutinises the tenability of a strict conceptual distinction between space(time) and matter via the lens of the debate between modified gravity and dark matter. In particular, we consider Berezhiani and Khoury's novel 'superfluid dark matter theory' (SFDM) as a case study. Two families of criteria for being matter and being spacetime, respectively, are extracted from the literature. Evaluation of the new scalar field postulated by SFDM according to these criteria reveals that it is as much (dark) matter as anything could possibly be, but also$-$below the critical temperature for superfluidity$-$as much (of a modification of) spacetime as anything could possibly be. A sequel paper examines possible interpretations of SFDM in light of this result, as well as the consequences for our understanding of (the importance of) the modified gravity/ dark matter distinction and the broader spacetime-matter distinction.Comment: 35 page

Cartography of the space of theories: an interpretational chart for fields that are both (dark) matter and spacetime

This paper pushes back against the Democritean-Newtonian tradition of assuming a strict conceptual dichotomy between spacetime and matter. Our approach proceeds via the more narrow distinction between modified gravity/spacetime (MG) and dark matter (DM). A prequel paper argued that the novel field $\Phi$ postulated by Berezhiani and Khoury's 'superfluid dark matter theory' is as much (dark) matter as anything could possibly be, but also$-$below the critical temperature for superfluidity$-$as much (of a modification of) spacetime as anything could possibly be. Here we introduce and critically evaluate three groups of interpretations that one should consider for such Janus-faced theories. The consubstantiality interpretation holds that $\Phi$ is both (dark) matter and a modification of spacetime, analogously to the sense in which Jesus (according to catholicism) is both human and god. The fundamendalist interpretations consider for each of these roles whether they are instantiated fundamentally or emergently. The breakdown interpretations focus on the question of whether $\Phi$ signals the breakdown, in some sense to be specified, of the MG-DM dichotomy and perhaps even the broader spacetime-matter distinction. More generally, it is argued that hybrid theories urge a move towards a single space of theories, rather than two separate spaces of spacetime theories and matter theories, respectively.Comment: 46 page

Flap Gate Design for Automatic Upstream Canal Water Level Control

The EXCEL design procedure for a simple hydraulic flap gate for automatic upstream canal water level control is provided. Basic configurations were developed in The Netherlands in the 1920s and have recently been used in Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, and Nigeria. Four irrigation districts in the San Joaquin Valley of California have constructed and installed over 60 properly functioning flap gates. The gates can be installed within 2 h, but require free discharge conditions and in practice are limited to controlling water depths of about 1 m or less

Value of cardiovascular MR in diagnosing left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy and in discriminating between other cardiomyopathies

Objectives: To analyse the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived myocardial parameters to differentiate left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) from other cardiomyopathies and controls. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 12 patients with LVNC, 11 with dilated and 10 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and compared them to 24 controls. LVNC patients had to fulfil standard echocardiographic criteria as well as additional clinical and imaging criteria. Cine steady-state free precession and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging was performed. The total LV myocardial mass index (LV-MMI), compacted (LV-MMI(compacted)), non-compacted (LV-MMI(non-compacted)), percentage LV-MM(non-compacted), ventricular volumes and function were calculated. Data were compared using analysis of variance and Dunnett's test. Additionally, semi-quantitative segmental analyses of the occurrence of increased trabeculation were performed. Results: Total LV-MMI(non-compacted) and percentage LV-MM(non-compacted) were discriminators between patients with LVCN, healthy controls and those with other cardiomyopathies with cut-offs of 15 g/m(2) and 25 %, respectively. Furthermore, trabeculation in basal segments and a ratio of non-compacted/compacted myocardium of >/=3:1 were criteria for LVNC. A combination of these criteria provided sensitivities and specificities of up to 100 %. None of the LVNC patients demonstrated LGE. Conclusions: Absolute CMR quantification of the LV-MMI(non-compacted) or the percentage LV-MM(non-compacted) and increased trabeculation in basal segments allows one to reliably diagnose LVNC and to differentiate it from other cardiomyopathies. Key Points: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can reliably diagnose left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Differentiation of LVNC from other cardiomyopathies and normal hearts is possible. The best diagnostic performance can be achieved if combined MRI criteria for the diagnosis are used

Kleinräumige Verbreitungsmuster der Böden im Übergangsbereich von aridem zu humidem Klima in der Westmongolei

Die Richtung der Stoffverlagerung in Böden und folglich die Pedogenese unterscheiden sich zwischen ariden und humiden Klimabedingungen. Die hier vorgestellte Arbeit fokussiert auf einen klimatischen Übergangsbereich. Sie zielt auf die Prüfung der Hypothese, dass in einem solchen Bereich die räumliche Variabilität des Geländeklimas besonders unmittelbar zu kleinräumigen Bodenmustern führt. Im Mongolischen Altai wurde daher das kleinräumige Verbreitungsmuster der Böden zwischen den trockeneren Beckenlagen und den humideren Gebirgsstöcken analysiert. Die Böden in diesem Gebiet sind meist in äolischen Deckschichten entwickelt, deren Sedimentation im Spätglazial einsetzte. Stellenweise lassen sich jungholozäne Paläoböden nachweisen, die von 30-40 cm mächtigen äolischen Sedimenten überlagert werden. Anhand von geochemischen Indizes und Bodenkennwerten können unterschiedliche Sedimente und Bodenprozesse differenziert werden, die sich aufgrund des Bodenfeuchteregimes ergeben. Insbesondere das Elementverhältnis (Ca, Mg, K, Na)/Al wird als Indikator für Silikatverwitterung und Auswaschung der dabei freigesetzten mobilen Erdalkali- und Alkalimetallkationen verwendet. Zusätzlich werden Rb/Sr- und im ariden Raum auch Mg/Ca-Quotienten hinzugezogen. Anhand des Korngrößenspektrums lassen sich Sedimentquellen unterscheiden. Auf den Fußflächen sind in homogenen fein- bis mittelsandigen Sedimenten weitgehend entkalkte Pheozeme entwickelt. Mit der deszendenten Sickerwasserbewegung werden mobile Elemente aus dem Oberboden bis in eine Tiefe von 40 cm verlagert, wo sie angereichert werden. Dadurch weist der Oberboden geringere (Ca, Mg, K, Na)/Al-Verhältnisse und aufgrund der stärkeren Ca-Mobilität größere Mg/Ca-Verhältnisse auf. Die Böden in Toteislöchern in pleistozänem Moränenmaterial sind demgegenüber feuchter. Dort dominieren Cambisole und Paläoböden in lehmigen Sedimenten

Morning and evening behavior in children and adolescents treated with atomoxetine once daily for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Findings from two 24-week, open-label studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The impact of once daily atomoxetine treatment on symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD may vary over the day. In order to capture such variations, two studies were undertaken in children and adolescents with ADHD using two instruments that capture morning and evening behavior and ADHD-related difficulties over the day. This secondary measure analysis builds on two primary analyses that were conducted separately for children and adolescents and also published separately.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In two open-label studies, ADHD patients aged 6–17 years (n = 421), received atomoxetine in the morning (target-dose 0.5–1.2 mg/kg/day) for up to 24 weeks. Morning and evening behavior was assessed using the investigator-rated Weekly Rating of Evening and Morning Behavior (WREMB-R) scale. ADHD-related difficulties at various times of the day (morning, during school, during homework, evening) were assessed using the Global Impression of Perceived Difficulties (GIPD) scale, rated by patients, parents and physicians. Data from both studies were combined for this secondary measure analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both WREMB-R subscores decreased significantly over time, the evening subscore from 13.7 (95% CI 13.2;14.2) at baseline to 8.0 (7.4;8.5) at week 2, the morning subscore from 4.3 (4.0;4.5) to 2.4 (2.2;2.6). Scores then remained stable until week 24. All GIPD items improved correspondingly. At all times of the day, patients rated ADHD-related difficulties as less severe than parents and physicians.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings from two open-label studies suggest that morning and evening behavior and ADHD-related difficulties in the mornings and evenings improve over time with once daily atomoxetine treatment.</p

PREVALENCE RATE DIFFERENCES BASED ON HERDMATE COMPARISONS

A non-random survey of ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP) seropositive prevalence rates among 16,827 sheep in 29 states in the United states revealed large breed differences, a higher prevalence rate among older sheep and an unexplainable female rate that was more that three times the male rate. The herdmate comparison procedure, successfully used in evaluating dairy bulls, was adapted to compare the prevalence of a breed to the rate of its herdmates within herds. Likewise, sex and age differences in OPP prevalence were compared within herds that contained animals of both sexes and several ages. Using herdmate comparisons, breed and age differences in OPP prevalence remained but the sex difference disappeared

Differential Expression of Ovine Innate Immune Genes by Preterm and Neonatal Lung Epithelia Infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Preterm infants have increased susceptibility to severe manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The cause(s) for this age-dependent vulnerability is/are not well-defined, but alterations in innate immune products have been implicated. In sheep, RSV disease severity has similar age-dependent characteristics and sheep have several related innate molecules for study during pulmonary infection including surfactant protein A (SP-A), surfactant protein D (SP-D), sheep beta defensin 1 (SBD1), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, the in vivo cellular gene expression as a response to RSV infection is poorly understood. In this study, the effect of RSV infection on expression of these innate immune genes was determined for bovine RSV-infected (bRSV+ fluorescence) epithelial cells, adjacent cells lacking bRSV antigen (adjoining cells lacking fluorescence), and control cells from non-infected lung using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and real-time RT-PCR. Control lambs had increased expression of innate immune molecules in full term (term) compared to preterm epithelia with statistical significance in SBD1, SP-D, and TLR4 mRNA. Infected cells (bRSV+ fluorescent cells) had consistently higher mRNA levels of SP-A (preterm and term), MCP1 (preterm and term), and SP-D (preterm). Interestingly, bRSV- cells of infected term lambs had significantly reduced SP-D mRNA expression compared to bRSV+ and control epithelia, suggesting that RSV infected cells may regulate the adjacent epithelial SP-D expression. This study defines specific innate immune components (e.g., SBD1, SP-D, and TLR4) that have differential age-dependent expression in the airway epithelia. Furthermore, cellular bRSV infection enhanced certain innate immune components while suppressing adjacent cellular SP-D expression in term animals. These in vivo gene expression results provide a framework for future studies on age-dependent susceptibility to RSV and RSV pathogenesis