Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applying Gerontographics in the study of older Internet users

One of the main weaknesses of studies on older Internet users is a lack of differentiation among users. This study sought to explore whether gerontographics, an approach to segmentation of older adults based on individual psychological and physical well-being, is applicable in research on older Internet users. For that purpose, the study examined members of online communities for senior citizens. An online survey was conducted with 218 members of sixteen such English language-based communities and subsequent analysis demonstrated that their members may indeed be segmented according to their reported health and subjective well-being. Moreover, the results displayed significant differences among the groups in their background characteristics, interests, and perceived benefits of participation in the communities. These findings showed that online activities may be differently experienced by audience segments with dissimilar physical and psychological well-being. Consequently, they constitute powerful evidence of the value of the gerontographics in studies of Internet use and successful aging.
Apolipoprotein E polymorphism modifies the alcohol-HDL association observed in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study.

BACKGROUND The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) allele epsilon4 is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The presence of the epsilon4 allele has been associated with lower concentrations of HDL cholesterol, but it is not known whether the epsilon4 allele modifies the association between alcohol consumption and HDL-cholesterol concentrations. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess whether the epsilon4 allele modifies the association between alcohol consumption and HDL-cholesterol concentrations. DESIGN In a cross-sectional design, we studied 670 men and women aged 26-78 y who participated in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study to assess whether the epsilon4 allele of the gene APOE modifies the association between alcohol consumption and HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Alcohol data were self-reported, and we used multivariate, generalized estimating equations to assess interactions. RESULTS In a model with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, exercise, waist-hip ratio, TV viewing, and study site, there was a significant effect of the interaction between the epsilon4 allele and alcohol consumption on HDL cholesterol (P=0.0001). In the absence of the epsilon4 allele, multivariate adjusted means of HDL were 1.24, 1.36, and 1.54 mmol/L among subjects who never drank and those who currently drink 0.1-12 and >12 g alcohol/d, respectively; in the presence of the epsilon4 allele, the corresponding values were 1.19, 1.27, and 1.25 mmol/L. CONCLUSION Our data show a significant effect of the interaction between the epsilon4 allele and alcohol consumption on HDL. The increase in HDL associated with alcohol appears to be stronger in subjects without the epsilon4 allele than in those with the epsilon4 allele.
Supervised Classification of Benthic Reflectance in Shallow Subtropical Waters Using a Generalized Pixel-Based Classifier across a Time Series

We tested a supervised classification approach with Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) data for time-series mapping of seagrass in a subtropical lagoon. Seagrass meadows are an integral link between marine and inland ecosystems and are at risk from upstream processes such as runoff and erosion. Despite the prevalence of image-specific approaches, the classification accuracies we achieved show that pixel-based spectral classes may be generalized and applied to a time series of images that were not included in the classifier training. We employed in-situ data on seagrass abundance from 2007 to 2011 to train and validate a classification model. We created depth-invariant bands from TM bands 1, 2, and 3 to correct for variations in water column depth prior to building the classification model. In-situ data showed mean total seagrass cover remained relatively stable over the study area and period, with seagrass cover generally denser in the west than the east. Our approach achieved mapping accuracies (67% and 76% for two validation years) comparable with those attained using spectral libraries, but was simpler to implement. We produced a series of annual maps illustrating inter-annual variability in seagrass occurrence. Accuracies may be improved in future work by better addressing the spatial mismatch between pixel size of remotely sensed data and footprint of field data and by employing atmospheric correction techniques that normalize reflectances across images.
Effect of Brood Age on Nestling Diet and Prey Composition in a Hedgerow Specialist Bird, the Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria

The composition and quality of food provided to nestling birds influence their growth and development and offers key insight into the ecological requirements of birds. One bird species whose feeding ecology is poorly understood is the Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), which utilizes semi-natural shrubby vegetation in agroecosystems. Because Barred Warbler nestlings vary greatly in body mass we hypothesised that diet and prey properties (size, diversity, taxonomic composition, and chitin content and resulting body hardness and digestibility) would differ as the nestlings aged. We quantified the diet based on faecal analysis, sampling faecal sacs from the nestlings pooled into three age classes: 2-3 days old, 4-6 d old, and 7-9 d old. Nestlings were provided a wide diversity of food and a strong relationship existed between food characteristics and nestling age. The youngest nestlings (2-3 d old) had the lowest values of each dietary characteristic (diversity, number and total biomass of prey, and individual prey weight), that were significantly lower than the oldest nestlings (7-9 d old). Nestlings aged 4-6 d exhibited intermediate dietary characteristics. Differences in dietary composition of the six major food types showed marked differences between the individual broods and age categories. Percentages of the number and biomass of soft-bodied prey were highest in the diet of 2-3 d and 4-6 d old nestlings, and decreased with increasing age, whereas the opposite trend was observed in the percentage of intermediately and heavily chitinised prey. Parent Barred Warblers probably preferentially select soft-bodied prey for the youngest nestlings, and satisfy the greater energy demands of the older ones by providing them with a greater variety of prey containing more chitin, as well as plant food. The provisioning of less-readily digestible prey to older nestlings suggests that as the quality of food decreases the quantity increases, implying that the youngest nestlings may be physiologically limited as regards their ability to digest more heavily chitinised prey.
Specific Hepatic Sphingolipids Relate to Insulin Resistance, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have been linked to several lipid metabolites in animals, but their role in humans remains unclear. This study examined the relationship of sphingolipids with hepatic and peripheral metabolism in 21 insulin-resistant obese patients without (NAFL−) or with (NAFL+) nonalcoholic fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and 7 healthy lean individuals undergoing tissue biopsies during bariatric or elective abdominal surgery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with d-[6,6-2H2]glucose were performed to quantify tissue-specific insulin sensitivity. Hepatic oxidative capacity, lipid peroxidation, and the phosphorylated-to-total c-Jun N-terminal kinase (pJNK-to-tJNK) ratio were measured to assess mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory activity. RESULTS Hepatic total ceramides were higher by 50% and 33% in NASH compared with NAFL+ and NAFL−, respectively. Only in NASH were hepatic dihydroceramides (16:0, 22:0, and 24:1) and lactosylceramides increased. Serum total ceramides and dihydroceramides (hepatic dihydroceramides 22:0 and 24:1) correlated negatively with whole-body but not with hepatic insulin sensitivity. Hepatic maximal respiration related positively to serum lactosylceramide subspecies, hepatic sphinganine, and lactosylceramide 14:0. Liver lipid peroxides (total ceramides, sphingomyelin 22:0) and the pJNK-to-tJNK ratio (ceramide 24:0; hexosylceramides 22:0, 24:0, and 24:1) all positively correlated with the respective hepatic sphingolipids. CONCLUSIONS Sphingolipid species are not only increased in insulin-resistant humans with NASH but also correlate with hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that these lipids may play a role during progression of simple steatosis to NASH in humans.
Increased aortic wave reflection contributes to higher systolic blood pressure in adolescents born preterm

Objective: To evaluate the wave reflection characteristics in the aortic arch and common carotid artery of ex-preterm adolescents and assess their relationship to central blood pressure in a cohort followed prospectively since birth. Methods: Central blood pressures, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, microvascular reactive hyperemia, arterial distensibility, compliance and stiffness index, and also aortic and carotid wave intensity were measured in 18-year-olds born extremely preterm at below 28 weeks’ gestation (n = 76) and term-born controls (n = 42). Results: Compared with controls, ex-preterm adolescents had higher central systolic (111 ± 11 vs. 105 ± 10 mmHg; P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressures (73 ± 7 vs. 67 ± 7 mmHg; P < 0.001). Although conventional measures of arterial function and biomechanics such as pulse wave velocity and augmentation index were no different between groups, wave intensity analysis revealed elevated backward compression wave area (−0.39 ± 0.21 vs. −0.29 ± 0.17 W/m2/s × 104; P = 0.03), backward compression wave pressure change (9.0 ± 3.5 vs. 6.6 ± 2.5 mmHg; P = 0.001) and reflection index (0.44 ± 0.15 vs. 0.32 ± 0.08; P < 0.001) in the aorta of ex-preterm adolescents compared with controls. These changes were less pronounced in the carotid artery. On multivariable analysis, forward and backward compression wave areas were the only biomechanical variables associated with central systolic pressure. Conclusions: Ex-preterm adolescents demonstrate elevated wave reflection indices in the aortic arch, which correlate with central systolic pressure. Wave intensity analysis may provide a sensitive novel marker of evolving vascular dysfunction in ex-preterm survivors.
Stability in the linearized problem of quantitative

The goal of quantitative elastography is to identify biomechanical parameters from interior displacement data, which are provided by other modalities, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper, we analyze the stability of several linearized problems in quantitative elastography. Our method is based on the theory of redundant systems of linear partial differential equations. We analyze the ellipticity properties of the corresponding PDE systems augmented with the interior displacement data; we explicitly characterize the kernel of the forward operators and show injectivity for particular linearizations. Stability criteria can then be deduced. While joint reconstruction of all parameters suffers from non-ellipticity even for more measurements, our results show stability of the separate reconstruction of shear modulus, pressure and density; they indicate that singular strain fields should be avoided, and show how additional measurements can help in ensuring stability of particular linearized problems.
Nutritional aspects of calcium absorption.

The amount of calcium absorbed in the intestine depends on habitual calcium intake. When intake is low, active transcellular calcium transport in the duodenum is upregulated and a larger proportion of calcium is absorbed by the active process than by the passive paracellular process that prevails in the jejunum and ileum. Bioavailability of the calcium source-digestibility and solubilization-plays a role under conditions of low calcium intake but is relatively unimportant when calcium intakes are high (e.g. >800 mg/d in people). Vitamin D intake is a second factor, as active calcium transport is directly and proportionally dependent on the presence in the intestinal cell of calbindin D9k, the biosynthesis of which is totally vitamin D dependent. Passive absorption in jejunum and ileum is the major absorptive process when calcium intake is adequate or high. Passive calcium absorption is a complicated function of solubility in the distal small intestine, the length of sojourn of the chyme in a given intestinal segment, and the rate of paracellular diffusion from lumen to lymph and blood. Calcium that reaches the large intestine undergoes absorption there by both active and passive processes. Probably no more than 10% of total calcium absorption takes place in the large intestine, whether calcium intake is low or high. Calcium absorption by the large bowel can assume nutritional importance under conditions of significant small bowel resection.
On hate crime victimization: Rates, types, and links with suicide risk among sexual orientation minority special interest group members

ABSTRACT Hate crimes remain pressing traumatic events for sexual orientation minority adults. Previous literature documents patterns in which hate crime victimization is associated with elevated risk for poor mental health. The present paper held 2 aims to advance literature. First, we investigated the rates and types of hate crime victimization among sexual orientation minority adults. Second, adopting a mental health amplification risk model, we evaluated whether symptoms of depression, impulsivity, or post-traumatic stress exacerbated the hate crime victimization–suicide risk link. Participants were 521 adult sexual orientation minority-identifying members of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (i.e., a bondage and discipline, and sadomasochism-identifying sexuality special interest group). Participants completed demographic and mental health inventories via online administration. Results showed: (1) low rates of total lifetime hate crime victimization and (2) higher rates of interpersonal violence compared to property crime victimization within the sample. Regression results showed: (1) independent positive main effects of all 3 mental health symptom categories with suicide risk; (2) an interaction pattern in which impulsivity was positively associated with suicide risk for non-victims; and (3) an interaction pattern in which post-traumatic stress was positively associated with suicide risk for hate crime victims and non-victims. Results are discussed concerning implications for trauma-informed mental healthcare, mental health amplification models, and hate crime and suicide prevention policies.
Techniques for Torque Modification of Singles Ring Spun Yarns

This article reports on a systematic study of various spinning techniques to produce torque-free singles ring spun yarns on a modified ring frame. The modification units, including optional fiber separation devices and a false twist device, were incorporated into the conventional ring spinning frame so that the balanced or reduced yarn residual torque could be achieved in one step. Three modification systems were proposed and two of them were investigated on a ring frame to produce pure cotton singles yarns. The spirality of the resultant single jersey knit fabrics was greatly reduced. Properties and performance characteristics of control and modified yarns, as well as their resultant fabrics, were evaluated, including yarn tensile properties, hairiness, evenness, snarling, burst strength, air permeability, handle, and pill resistances.
Vitamin D status: effects on parathyroid hormone and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ¿25(OH)D concentrations are commonly found in the elderly and are associated with hip fracture. Treatment with vitamin D and calcium can reduce the risk of fracture. The relation between the rise in parathyroid hormone (PTH) with age and the decrease in 25(OH)D is not clear. Neither is there any consensus on the serum concentration of 25(OH)D required for bone health. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to study the relations between serum PTH, serum vitamin D metabolites, and other calcium-related variables in postmenopausal women. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study of 496 postmenopausal women without vertebral fractures attending our menopausal osteoporosis clinics. RESULTS PTH was significantly positively related to age and serum 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D ¿1,25(OH)(2)D and inversely related to 25(OH)D and plasma ionized calcium. There was a step-like increase in PTH as serum 25(OH)D fell below 40 nmol/L. In women with 25(OH)D concentrations >40 nmol/L, 1,25(OH)(2)D was positively related to 25(OH)D; in women with 25(OH)D concentrations </=40 nmol/L, the relation was the inverse. In women with 25(OH)D concentrations </=40 nmol/L, 1,25(OH)(2)D was most closely related to PTH; in women with 25(OH)D concentrations >40 nmol/L, 1,25(OH)(2)D was most closely (inversely) related to plasma creatinine. Therefore, with serum 25(OH)D concentrations increasingly <40 nmol/L, serum 1,25(OH)(2)D becomes critically dependent on rising concentrations of PTH. CONCLUSION The data suggest that aging women should maintain 25(OH)D concentrations >40 nmol/L (which is the lower limit of our normal range for healthy young subjects) for optimal bone health.
Group actions on 4-manifolds: some recent results and open questions

A survey of finite group actions on symplectic 4-manifolds is given with a special emphasis on results and questions concerning smooth or symplectic classification of group actions, group actions and exotic smooth structures, and homological rigidity and boundedness of group actions. We also take this opportunity to include several results and questions which did not appear elsewhere.
Generalist Behavior Describes Pollen Foraging for Perceived Oligolectic and Polylectic Bees

Abstract Native bees provide essential pollination services to cultivated and wild plants worldwide. Despite the need to conserve pollinators, the foraging patterns of native bees are poorly understood. Classic concepts of resource use have typically categorized bee species as specialists or generalists based on floral visitation patterns. While intraspecific variation in bee foraging likely depends on local land use, sex, and phenological period, among other factors, these potential drivers of floral visitation are rarely explicitly investigated. In this study, we explore the potential for inter- and intra-specific variation in floral visitation by investigating the pollen loads of two solitary, similarly sized, ground-nesting native bee species within the Apinae, Melissodes tepaneca (Cresson) and Diadasia rinconis (Cockerell), categorized as generalist and specialist based on past floral visitation studies, respectively. Our analyses reveal generalist foraging and indicate that natural habitat availability significantly drives pollen load composition for both species. The putative specialist, D. rinconis, exhibited significant differences in pollen load composition between males and females, between pan and net collection methods, and between the different phenological periods. The putative generalist, M. tepaneca, exhibited significant differences in pollen load composition between the sexes, but only in the late season. Both species exhibited significant preference levels for multiple native plant species across the study region. Given that pollen collection is essential for native bee population persistence across natural and human-dominated habitats, our findings suggest consideration of both pollen collection and floral visitation patterns to holistically describe floral usage and develop pollinator conservation strategies.
On nonlinear Markov chain Monte Carlo

Let $\mathscr{P}(E)$ be the space of probability measures on a measurable space $(E,\mathcal{E})$. In this paper we introduce a class of nonlinear Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods for simulating from a probability measure $\pi\in\mathscr{P}(E)$. Nonlinear Markov kernels (see [Feynman--Kac Formulae: Genealogical and Interacting Particle Systems with Applications (2004) Springer]) $K:\mathscr{P}(E)\times E\rightarrow\mathscr{P}(E)$ can be constructed to, in some sense, improve over MCMC methods. However, such nonlinear kernels cannot be simulated exactly, so approximations of the nonlinear kernels are constructed using auxiliary or potentially self-interacting chains. Several nonlinear kernels are presented and it is demonstrated that, under some conditions, the associated approximations exhibit a strong law of large numbers; our proof technique is via the Poisson equation and Foster--Lyapunov conditions. We investigate the performance of our approximations with some simulations.
An investigation into the effect of temperature-dependent stiffness of rail pads on vehicle-track coupled vibrations

To consider the rail pads of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE), chloroprene rubber (CR), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) that are usually used in the Chinese subway as test subjects, their static stiffness at temperatures of −40℃ to 70℃ was measured by a universal testing machine equipped with a temperature control box. Then, the influence of the temperature-dependent stiffness of the rail pads on the vertical vehicle-track coupled vibrations was investigated with application of a vehicle-track coupled dynamic model. It was found that the static stiffness of these rail pads exhibits a nonlinear variation with temperature. Their static stiffness is considerably sensitive to temperatures below 20℃, when the CR rail pad is the most sensitive. At temperatures above 20℃, their static stiffness slightly alters with increasing temperature. The temperature-dependent stiffness of these rail pads mainly affects the vertical vibrations of the vehicle system above the one-third octave center frequency of 31.5 Hz and the vertical rail vibrations near the center frequency of 63 Hz. Moreover, the influence of the low-temperature stiffness of rail pads at −40℃ to 20℃ is far greater than the effect of the high-temperature stiffness of rail pads at 20–70℃. Thus, TPE, CR, and EPDM rail pads have excellent high-temperature stability and adverse low-temperature sensibility.