cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparse polynomial chaos expansions via compressed sensing and D-optimal design

Abstract In the field of uncertainty quantification, sparse polynomial chaos (PC) expansions are commonly used by researchers for a variety of purposes, such as surrogate modeling. Ideas from compressed sensing may be employed to exploit this sparsity in order to reduce computational costs. A class of greedy compressed sensing algorithms use least squares minimization to approximate PC coefficients. This least squares problem lends itself to the theory of optimal design of experiments (ODE). Our work focuses on selecting an experimental design that improves the accuracy of sparse PC approximations for a fixed computational budget. We propose a novel sequential design, greedy algorithm for sparse PC approximation. The algorithm sequentially augments an experimental design according to a set of the basis polynomials deemed important by the magnitude of their coefficients, at each iteration. Our algorithm incorporates topics from ODE to estimate the PC coefficients. A variety of numerical simulations are performed on three physical models and manufactured sparse PC expansions to provide a comparative study between our proposed algorithm and other non-adaptive methods. Further, we examine the importance of sampling by comparing different strategies in terms of their ability to generate a candidate pool from which an optimal experimental design is chosen. It is demonstrated that the most accurate PC coefficient approximations, with the least variability, are produced with our design-adaptive greedy algorithm and the use of a studied importance sampling strategy. We provide theoretical and numerical results which show that using an optimal sampling strategy for the candidate pool is key, both in terms of accuracy in the approximation, but also in terms of constructing an optimal design.
Endoscopic fistulotomy in inflammatory bowel disease (with video)

Background and Aims Fistulas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pose a key challenge in the management of these patients. We aimed to describe a novel endoscopic method to treat patients with IBD who have fistulas. Methods A cohort of 29 consecutive patients with fistulas and IBD were identified in the registry of our interventional IBD unit. An endoscopic fistulotomy with needle-knife was performed. The primary outcome was healing of the fistula without the need for surgical intervention. Results A total of 29 patients underwent endoscopic fistulotomy; and the mean (± standard deviation) age of patients undergoing the procedure was 44.2 ± 14.6 years. Thirteen patients were male (44.8%), and 16 were female (55.2%). Twenty-six patients (89.6%) achieved complete resolution of the fistula as confirmed by endoscopy with a guidewire and/or cross-sectional abdominal imaging, with 10 patients (34.4%) requiring a single endoscopic treatment session. Three patients (10.3%) had a persistent fistula and required surgical intervention. One patient had postoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusion and hospitalization. Conclusion Endoscopic fistulotomy with a needle-knife appears to be safe and effective in treating IBD-related fistulas.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Improves Cognitive Functioning and Flexibility Among Individuals with Elevated Depressive Symptoms

Major depressive disorder is a prevalent psychiatric condition that affects cognitive functioning. Cognitive impairments associated with depression impact the treatment course and effectiveness, creating a need to target this aspect of depression directly. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to be effective at preventing depressive relapse and reducing depressive symptoms, yet very little is known about its effects on cognitive impairments associated with depression. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of MBCT on cognitive impairment in individuals with elevated symptoms of depression. Participants were assigned to an MBCT program (N = 22) or waitlist (N = 18). Participants completed diagnostic interviewing and self-report measures of depressive symptoms, overall cognitive functioning, and cognitive flexibility before and after the program. Participants who received MBCT had significantly improved cognitive flexibility and reduced cognitive deficits compared to those on the waitlist. In addition, improvement in cognitive deficits was significantly associated with depressive symptom improvement. These findings provide preliminary evidence that MBCT may be effective at improving cognitive impairment associated with elevated depressive symptoms.
Impact of Climate Change on the Aral Sea and Its Basin

Climatic and environmental changes in the Aral Sea Basin represent a complex combination of global, regional, and local processes of variable spatial and temporal scales. They are driven by multiple interconnected factors, such as changes in atmospheric circulation associated with global warming, regional hydrological changes caused by mountain-glacial melting and massive irrigation, land-use changes, as well as hydrological, biogeochemical, and meso- and microclimatic changes in the Aral Sea and its quickly expanding exposed dry bottom. Human vulnerability to climate change involves many dimensions, such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity and affects various aspects of human-environmental interactions, such as water availability and stress, agricultural productivity and food security, water resources, human health and well-being and many others at various spatial and temporal scales.
Pregnancy and Postpartum

Sleep in pregnant and postpartum women is commonly disrupted as a result of multiple factors that vary across time. Sleep in early pregnancy is often disrupted by significant hormonal changes. As the pregnancy progresses, sleep can be challenged by physical changes and the potential onset of issues such as sleep-disordered breathing, restless legs and/or leg cramps, acid reflux, and physical discomfort and/or pain. In the postpartum period, sleep is affected most by infant-care needs and resulting fragmentation of sleep. While sleep complaints are frequent in pregnant and postpartum women, objective studies of sleep in this population are actually relatively few. Recent research is now beginning to elucidate risk factors that potentially may be associated with poor sleep in pregnant and postpartum women, factors that may impact the physical (e.g., inflammation) and mental (e.g., stress, depression) health of mothers as well as their children (e.g., low birth weight).
A CASE HISTORY OF A GRADE A MILK PRODUCER WHO WAS UNABLE TO MEET STATE REQUIREMENTS OF FREEZING POINT AND PERCENT SOLIDS NOT FAT

Lactose is an important component of milk in that it affects both the freezing point and per cent S. N. F. of milk. Milk high in lactose invariably insures a low freezing point and a high lactometer reading. The per cent lactose in milk may be influenced by the ration fed to the cows.
Teaching One-Handed Sidearm Striking to Young Children: Sequencing Movement Tasks

This article introduces a sequence of movement tasks to teach one-handed sidearm striking with a short implement to preK- to second-grade children. Although one-handed sidearm striking is a complex...
TRAUMATIC TRICUSPID REGURGITATION: IS IT TIME TO RE-ASSESS MANAGEMENT OF BLUNT CHEST TRAUMAS?

18-years-old male with no significant past medical history, evaluated after motor vehicle accident and blunt chest trauma. An 18-years-old male who was brought to the hospital after motor vehicle collision. The patient was in the passenger seat without wearing his seatbelt. On physical examination
On the Electromagnetic Wave Behavior Due to Partial Discharge in Gas Insulated Switchgears: State-of-Art Review

The rapid growth of gas insulated switchgears as a compact, efficient, and reliable device has recently been given great attention. Albeit gas insulated switchgears can seldom suffer from failure due to the high resiliency and robustness, some severe damages have been experienced by such devices particularly in the event of partial discharge. Thus, monitoring such accidents has become a vital part of power systems reliability. The ultra-high frequency techniques have recently shown superior performance in the detection and classification of electromagnetic waves produced by partial discharge. This is mainly due to the great immunity to the noise of the ultra-high frequency detection techniques compared with the very-high-frequency counterparts. This review paper highlights the mathematical aspects of the electromagnetic waves generated by partial discharge. It also delivers an overview of the electromagnetic wave behavior in the complex structure of gas insulated switchgears, and outlines the important characteristics of the internal and external partial discharge detection using ultra-high frequency methods.
Management of Elbow Stiffness

Elbow stiffness is a difficult and clinically challenging pathology to manage. This case study presents a real-world clinical scenario and follows it through presentation, diagnosis and definitive treatment. The surgical management is presented in depth with tips and tricks that are carefully delineated. This chapter also includes new adjuvant therapies in the field that are substantially improving postoperative results. Appropriate clinical diagnosis is paramount as every elbow has to be evaluated systematically to develop a custom treatment plan with the most chance of success.
Sandwiching analytes with structurally diverse plasmonic nanoparticles on paper substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

This report describes the systematic combination of structurally diverse plasmonic metal nanoparticles (AgNPs, AuNPs, Ag core–Au shell NPs, and anisotropic AuNPs) on flexible paper-based materials to induce signal-enhancing environments for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications. The anisotropic AuNP-modified paper exhibits the highest SERS response due to the surface area and the nature of the broad surface plasmon resonance (SPR) neighboring the Raman excitation wavelength. The subsequent addition of a second layer with these four NPs (e.g., sandwich arrangement) leads to the notable increase of the SERS signals by inducing a high probability of electromagnetic field environments associated with the interparticle SPR coupling and hot spots. After examining sixteen total combinations, the highest SERS response is obtained from the second layer with AgNPs on the anisotropic AuNP paper substrate, which allows for a higher calibration sensitivity and wider dynamic range than those of typical AuNP–AuNP arrangement. The variation of the SERS signals is also found to be below 20% based on multiple measurements (both intra-sample and inter-sample). Furthermore, the degree of SERS signal reductions for the sandwiched analytes is notably slow, indicating their increased long-term stability. The optimized combination is then employed in the detection of let-7f microRNA to demonstrate their practicability as SERS substrates. Precisely introducing interparticle coupling and hot spots with readily available plasmonic NPs still allows for the design of inexpensive and practical signal enhancing substrates that are capable of increasing the calibration sensitivity, extending the dynamic range, and lowering the detection limit of various organic and biological molecules.
Contouring of the Extremities

The latest procedural statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons rank liposuction as the second most common aesthetic surgical procedure performed by board certified plastic surgeons. In the author’s experience, 40% of liposuction cases involve the extremities and the great majority of these cases are carried out on female patients. Individuals who are close to their ideal body weight and have a disproportionately high distribution of fat in the lower extremities in relation to their trunk are still the best candidates for thigh liposuction. Poor patient selection and overextraction resulting in excessive skin laxity and contour deformities are the most common causes of inferior aesthetic results following contouring of the thighs. There are five zones of adherence in the thighs and these are areas that should be avoided during liposuction procedures: (1) the gluteal crease, (2) the posterior distal thigh above the popliteal crease, (3) the lower lateral thigh area of the iliotibial tract, (4) the lateral gluteal depression, and (5) the mid-medial thigh area. The author’s approach to thigh contouring involves the use of VASER-assisted liposuction since it is associated with less blood loss, good skin retraction, and a relatively comfortable postoperative course for the patient. Patients with significant skin laxity are best treated with thighplasty or VASER-assisted thighplasty depending on the degree of lipodystrophy present. Preoperative planning of upper extremity contouring involves a comparison of the relationship between the excess arm fat and the skin envelope of the arm. In cases of arm lipodystrophy with good skin tone, VASER-assisted liposuction allows for easier fat extraction with good skin retraction. Poor skin tone, regardless of the amount of arm fat, usually dictates that an open tightening procedure be performed in order to properly contour the arm. Patients with poor skin tone and a significant amount of excess arm fat are best treated by a VASER-assisted brachioplasty.
Primary Immunodeficiency with Severe Multi-Organ Immune Dysregulation

Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 1, also known as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder with multi-organ involvement. Besides for being predisposed to severe life-threatening infections, patients with APECED are also prone to organ impairment secondary to severe autoimmunity. As this is an autosomal recessive disorder, a biallelic mutation in the AIRE gene is responsible for APECED. The author presents a case of APECED with a single AIRE mutation. Whole exome sequencing identified a mutation in the BTNL2 gene that the author suggests may have contributed to the patient’s presentation.
CRT-600.51 Ten-Year Trends and Outcomes in Isolated and Concomitant Tricuspid Valve Surgery: A Report From The Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) may be underperformed despite guideline recommendations. This study aims to evaluate inpatient trends and outcomes for isolated vs. concomitant TVS in a national sample. Patients aged>18 years who underwent isolated or concomitant TVS from 2005-2014 were identified
Reproductive ability of triploid ornamental (koi) carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) × goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) hybrids and characteristics of their offspring

The purpose of this study was to investigate reproductive ability of backcross triploid koi (Cyprinus carpio L.) × goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) hybrids. These triploids have been obtained by crossing of F₁ hybrid females producing diploid eggs with males of parental species. Triploid hybrid females, when crossed with goldfish or koi males, produced mostly aneuploid fish with ploidy range from approximately 2.2n–3.2n with a mean value 2.5n; some fish in crosses of triploid females with koi males were tetraploid (4.0n). Since analysed fish had in their genomes one haploid set from parental males, the data indicate that triploid hybrid females mostly produced aneuploid eggs with ploidy range from approximately 1.2n–2.2n and a mean ploidy around 1.5n while some eggs were triploid. Triploid hybrid males were completely sterile and have not released any sperm after hormonal injection. Despite their low viability, some aneuploid fish obtained from triploid hybrid females were raised in indoor recirculating systems until the age of 2 years and their reproductive ability has been evaluated. One aneuploid female with ploidy 2.1n produced larvae with ploidy range from 2.9n to 3.4n with a mean ploidy of 3.1n when crossed with a koi male; about 60% of obtained larvae had ploidy from 3.0n to 3.2n. These data indicate that this female produced mostly eggs with unreduced ploidy level.
The future of cooperative air and ground phenotyping

The future of phenotyping for crop breeding and agricultural production will likely involve cooperation between autonomous aerial and ground-based vehicles. Consideration of this advance in autonomous systems is relatively new in the academic literature, particularly in relation to agriculture. Areas of study to date have included the broadly applied concepts of environment perception and modeling, autonomous cooperation, collaborative position control, and path planning. Multiple opportunities are emerging for the technology to be advantageous in agriculture. An example includes using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for remote sensing in cooperation with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that will perform ground-based activities in accord with analysis of the remote-sensing data. This case could be applied in mapping and mitigation of insects and weeds as well as harvesting according to variations in crop yield and maturity. Another example includes using a UGV to serve as an autonomous ground-control point in order to maximize the accuracy of UAV remote-sensing data. Ongoing research in this area has shown major improvements in the accuracy of measurements of plant reflectance, height, and temperature, not to mention improvements in georectification.
Viewpoint: Climate impacts on agriculture: Searching for keys under the streetlight

Abstract This paper provides a critical assessment of the literature estimating the consequences of climate impacts in agriculture and the food system. This literature focuses overwhelmingly on the impact of elevated CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, higher temperatures and changing precipitation on staple crop yields. While critically important for food security, we argue that researchers have gravitated to measuring impacts ‘under the streetlight’ where data and models are plentiful. We argue that prior work has largely neglected the vast majority of potential economic impacts of climate change on agriculture. A broader view must extend the impacts analysis to inputs beyond land, including the consequences of climate change for labor productivity, as well as for purchased intermediate inputs. Largely overlooked is the impact of climate change on the rate of total factor productivity growth and the potential for more rapid depreciation of the underlying knowledge capital underpinning this key driver of agricultural output growth. This broader view must also focus more attention on non-staple crops, which, while less important from a caloric point of view, are critically important in redressing current micronutrient deficiencies in many diets around the world. The paper closes with numerical simulations that demonstrate the extent to which limited input and output coverage of climate impacts can lead to considerable underestimation of the consequences for food security and economic welfare. Of particular significance is the finding that humans in the humid tropics are likely more vulnerable to heat stress than are many of the well-adapted crops, such as rice. By omitting the impact of heat stress on humans, most studies of climate impacts greatly understate the welfare losses in the world’s poorest economies.
Perceptions on diversity in cardiology: A survey of cardiology fellowship training program directors

Background The lack of diversity in the cardiovascular physician workforce is thought to be an important driver of racial and sex disparities in cardiac care. Cardiology fellowship program director...
Fifty Shades of Green: Towards a Robust Measure of Inter-annotator Agreement for Continuous Signals

Continuous human annotations of complex human experiences are essential for enabling psychological and machine-learned inquiry into the human mind, but establishing a reliable set of annotations for analysis and ground truth generation is difficult. Measures of consensus or agreement are often used to establish the reliability of a collection of annotations and thereby purport their suitability for further research and analysis. This work examines many of the commonly used agreement metrics for continuous-scale and continuous-time human annotations and demonstrates their shortcomings, especially in measuring agreement in general annotation shape and structure. Annotation quality is carefully examined in a controlled study where the true target signal is known and evidence is presented suggesting that annotators' perceptual distortions can be modeled using monotonic functions. A novel measure of agreement is proposed which is agnostic to these perceptual differences between annotators and provides unique information when assessing agreement. We illustrate how this measure complements existing agreement metrics and can serve as a tool for curating a reliable collection of human annotations based on differential consensus.
Sources of variation in the speech of African Americans: Perspectives from sociophonetics

African American Language (AAL) is one of the most researched varieties of American English, yet key aspects of its development and spread remain under-theorized. For example, regional and social variation in the speech of African Americans was initially understudied in AAL as scholars sought to demonstrate the overall systematicity of the variety, often at the expense of examining variation across and within communities. More recently, scholars have begun to address this gap by examining different sources of variation in AAL phonology. For instance, the African American Vowel System (AAVS), also called the African American Vowel Shift, describes a pattern identified within AAL, including the raising of the front lax vowels and the nonfronting of the high- and mid-back vowels. Aspects of the AAVS have been found in geographically widespread varieties of AAL, suggesting that shared patterns of population movement resulting from the Great Migration and subsequent social experiences may have led to the development of this system. Other more regionally limited sound patterns suggest the role of more localized processes of variation and change. We focus on three sources of variation that have contributed to the spread and realizations of the sound system in modern AAL: migration, segregation, and place and identity. Evidence from sociophonetic analyses across these three factors provides a foundation to more thoroughly document the ways in which AAL varieties developed, spread, and vary, while allowing for a more nuanced assessment of racialization and its implications for individual differences. This article is categorized under: Linguistics > Linguistic Theory Psychology > Language.
On the Local Linear Rate of Consensus on the Stiefel Manifold.

We study the convergence properties of Riemannian gradient method for solving the consensus problem (for an undirected connected graph) over the Stiefel manifold. The Stiefel manifold is a non-convex set and the standard notion of averaging in the Euclidean space does not work for this problem. We propose Distributed Riemannian Consensus on Stiefel Manifold (DRCS) and prove that it enjoys a local linear convergence rate to global consensus. More importantly, this local rate asymptotically scales with the second largest singular value of the communication matrix, which is on par with the well-known rate in the Euclidean space. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work showing the equality of the two rates. The main technical challenges include (i) developing a Riemannian restricted secant inequality for convergence analysis, and (ii) to identify the conditions (e.g., suitable step-size and initialization) under which the algorithm always stays in the local region.
Influence of Cross-linking and Oxidation on the Microstructural Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is commonly used as a bearing surface in total joint replacements. This study examined the effects of cross-linking and oxidation on the mechanical properties of UHMWPE at the microstructural level, rather than at the bulk level. Nanoindentation tests were performed on the articulating surfaces of two freshly machined UHMWPE acetabular inserts, one of which was cross-linked, and also performed along a freshly cut cross-section of a UHMWPE tibial insert that had been sealed in its original packaging and shelf-aged for at least five years. The reduced modulus of cross-linked UHMWPE was significantly lower than native UHMWPE. Tests on the cross-section of the shelf-aged specimen revealed a reduced modulus profile with a subsurface peak that was similar to the oxidation profiles of aged UHMWPE observed by others. Future work should examine the microstructural mechanical properties of UHMWPE using methods that more accurately account for its viscoelastic nature, and should directly correlate microstructural properties with oxidation.
Untangling Local Pro-Inflammatory, Reparative, and Regulatory Damage-Associated Molecular-Patterns (DAMPs) Pathways to Improve Transplant Outcomes

Detrimental inflammatory responses after solid organ transplantation are initiated when immune cells sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and certain damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released or exposed during transplant-associated processes, such as ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), surgical trauma, and recipient conditioning. These inflammatory responses initiate and propagate anti-alloantigen (AlloAg) responses and targeting DAMPs and PAMPs, or the signaling cascades they activate, reduce alloimmunity, and contribute to improved outcomes after allogeneic solid organ transplantation in experimental studies. However, DAMPs have also been implicated in initiating essential anti-inflammatory and reparative functions of specific immune cells, particularly Treg and macrophages. Interestingly, DAMP signaling is also involved in local and systemic homeostasis. Herein, we describe the emerging literature defining how poor outcomes after transplantation may result, not from just an over-abundance of DAMP-driven inflammation, but instead an inadequate presence of a subset of DAMPs or related molecules needed to repair tissue successfully or re-establish tissue homeostasis. Adverse outcomes may also arise when these homeostatic or reparative signals become dysregulated or hijacked by alloreactive immune cells in transplant niches. A complete understanding of the critical pathways controlling tissue repair and homeostasis, and how alloimmune responses or transplant-related processes disrupt these will lead to new immunotherapeutics that can prevent or reverse the tissue pathology leading to lost grafts due to chronic rejection.
PrivacyCheck’s Machine Learning to Digest Privacy Policies: Competitor Analysis and Usage Patterns

Online privacy policies are lengthy and hard to comprehend. To address this problem, researchers have utilized machine learning (ML) to devise tools that automatically summarize online privacy policies for web users. One such tool is our free and publicly available browser extension, PrivacyCheck. In this paper, we enhance PrivacyCheck by adding a competitor analysis component–a part of PrivacyCheck that recommends other organizations in the same market sector with better privacy policies. We also monitored the usage patterns of about a thousand actual PrivacyCheck users, the first work to track the usage and traffic of an ML-based privacy analysis tool. Results show: (1) there is a good number of privacy policy URLs checked repeatedly by the user base; (2) the users are particularly interested in privacy policies of software services; and (3) PrivacyCheck increased the number of times a user consults privacy policies by 80%. Our work demonstrates the potential of ML-based privacy analysis tools and also sheds light on how these tools are used in practice to give users actionable knowledge they can use to pro-actively protect their privacy.
Geographic Variation in Reproductive Health Among the Black Population in the US: An Analysis of Nativity, Region of Origin, and Division of Residence

Reproductive health outcomes are indicators of larger social processes and researchers have long documented inequalities in these outcomes among Blacks and Whites in the United States. However, we do not fully understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for these inequalities. We believe that this is partially due to the treatment of the Black population as a monolith, which masks underlying variation in health risks and outcomes. By examining the variation that exists beneath the average, we can begin to develop a better understanding of the potential sources of health inequalities between Blacks and other racialized populations. We provide an application of this perspective through a geographic examination of reproductive health outcomes within the Black population. Using national birth records data from 2013 to 2016, we examine differences in low birth weight, preterm birth, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes by nativity (i.e., US- or foreign-born), region of origin (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean), and current US division of residence (e.g., Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic) within the Black population. While foreign-born Blacks are at a lower risk for low birth weight, preterm birth, and gestational hypertension, they are at an elevated risk for gestational diabetes compared to US-born Blacks. Moreover, we find substantial variation in this general pattern across region of origin and division of residence in the US. These findings demonstrate the potential role of migration, context, and selectivity in the health of foreign-born Blacks and demonstrate that national averages mask geographic variation, limiting our understanding of the contributions of these and other social processes to the health of racialized groups in the US.
Novel Role of GPR35 (G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 35) in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function and Blood Pressure.

GPR35 (G-protein-coupled receptor 35) is a poorly characterized receptor that has garnered increased interest as a therapeutic target through its implications in a range of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, but its biological functions stay largely unknown. The current study evaluated the effect of GPR35 on endothelial cell (EC) functions and hemodynamic homeostasis. In primary human aortic ECs, the expression of GPR35 was manipulated by transfections of adenovirus carrying either GPR35 cDNA or shRNA against GPR35, using adenovirus carrying β-gal as control. Mouse aortic ECs were isolated and cultured from GPR35 knockout and wild-type control mice. Our results indicated that genetic inhibition of GPR35 in human and mouse ECs significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. The GCH1 (guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I)-mediated biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin was enhanced, reducing intracellular superoxide. Knocking down GCH1 or eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) significantly blunted the robust angiogenesis induced by GPR35 suppression. Male GPR35 knockout mice demonstrated reduced basal arterial blood pressure and an attenuated onset of hypertension in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt induced hypertensive model compared with male GPR35 wild-type control mice in vivo, with concomitant improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation and decreased superoxide in isolated aortas. The difference in arterial blood pressure was absent between female GPR35 wild-type control and female GPR35 knockout mice. Our study provides novel insights into the roles of GPR35 in endothelial function and vascular tone modulation that critically contribute to the pathophysiology of blood pressure elevation. Antagonizing GPR35 activity might represent a potentially effective therapeutic approach to restore EC function and hemodynamic homeostasis.
Effects of Drainage in Repeated Loading of Clays

An effective stress model for the response of saturated clay soils experiencing cyclic loading is described. Using undrained response as a basis, the influence of periodic drainage during the cyclic loading is illustrated and is quantified within the effective stress model. Behavior is separated for contractive and dilative soils. For contractive soils drainage results in volume decrease and eventual equilibrium under a particular constant level of cyclic loading. As a result of the drainage there is significant strength increase. Dilative soils increase in volume as a result of cyclic loading with drainage and there is a resulting decrease in strength. Stress changes, water content changes, and strength after cyclic loading are predictable using this model.
“Rev. Doctor” or “Rev. Mister?” Examining the Role of Education on the Religiosity, Spirituality, and Secular Lives of Permanent Catholic Deacons

Abstract Catholic deacons ( n = 1,990; M age = 55.8 years, sd = 7.1) reported their level of educa-tion, religious commitment attitudes, spiritual transcendence beliefs, and behaviour in relation to a set of secular and sacred acts. Deacons with a doctorate degree ( n = 234) reported a higher sense of religious commitment grounded in interpersonal activities and a higher sense of spiritual transcendence through a connectedness with others, compared to deacons with a masters ( n = 690), bachelor ( n = 528), or high school/associate degree ( n = 538) qualification. In contrast, deacons with a high school/associate degree experienced the transcendent more through prayer than did the three other deacon groups. Reflecting on the last six months, doctoral deacons thought more often of a secular job change, while high school/associate degree deacons reported an increase in enthusiasm for church work and spent more time in spiritual reflection. Results suggest that the education level of permanent deacons may yield different out -comes for both secular and sacred beliefs.
Currency Misalignments and Trade Asymmetries among Major Economic Areas

Abstract Large exchange rate misalignments are the most serious asymmetry in the world economy today because they interfere with international specialization and trade based on comparative advantage, and it leads to protectionism. The paper examines the extent to which these asymmetries are a reflection of fundamental disequilibria in the world's major economic areas (the United States, the European Monetary Union, Japan and China), rather than being simply exchange rate problems. It also examines the type and extent of the structural measures required in each of the major economies or areas to adequately deal with the problem currency misalignments.
Living on Lakes Segregated Communities and Inequality in a Natural Amenity Destination

Scenic beauty and outdoor recreation are drivers of population and economic growth in places with environmental goods that attract people, such as mountains, beaches, rivers, and lakes (natural amenities). Using a case study of the Brainerd, Minnesota lakes area, this article draws on urban political economy theory to investigate place stratification and its role in spreading inequality in the context of natural amenity growth. The research demonstrates how amenity growth can segregate the area population by social class and age into distinct communities of people who share similar interests, and ultimately perpetuate disadvantage among lower-income people and younger adults.
The glomerular mesangial cell: an expanding role for a specialized pericyte.

The mesangial cell occupies a central position in the renal glomerulus. It has characteristics of a modified smooth muscle cell, but is also capable of a number of other functions. Among these are generation of prostaglandins (PGs) and mediators of inflammation; production and breakdown of basement membrane and other biomatrix material; synthesis of cytokines; and uptake of macromolecules, including immune complexes. In terms of its smooth muscle activity, the mesangial cell contracts or relaxes in response to a number of vasoactive agents. This ability allows the cells to modify glomerular filtration locally. The cellular mechanism of action of many agents influencing mesangial cells involves activation of phospholipase C for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. This results in generation of inositol trisphosphate and release of intracellular calcium. Mesangial cell relaxation can be mediated by enhanced cAMP or cGMP generation. Many vasoactive substances also stimulate PG production by mesangial cells...
Central serotonin and impulsive aggression.

The role of central serotonergic (5-HT) system dysfunction in the regulation of aggression in both animals and man has been investigated for more than the past two decades. Evidence for reduced central 5-HT in the mediation of aggression comes from both behavioural and correlative studies. Functional reduction and augmentation of 5-HT activity is respectively associated with increased and decreased aggression in various animal models of aggression. While similar studies in man have not been performed, strong and consistent associations between indices reflecting reduced pre-synaptic 5-HT activity and aggression have been reported. Evidence of post-synaptic receptor upregulation in the brains of suicide victims has also been reported leaving the functional status 5-HT activity in such patients an open question. However, reduced neuroendocrine (i.e. prolactin) responses to fenfluramine, a 5-HT uptake inhibitor/releaser, which activates both pre- and post-synaptic sides of the 5-HT synapse, strongly suggest that overall central 5-HT activity is reduced in mood and/or personality disorder patients with history of suicidal and/or impulsive aggressive behaviour. Preliminary data with the 5-HT receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine further suggest that reduced activity of post-synaptic 5-HT receptors may be an important correlate of impulsive aggressive behaviour. Pharmacological agents with potent 5-HT pre- and/or post-synaptic augmenting effects should be tested clinically to determine their efficacy in the treatment of impulsive aggressive behaviour in psychiatric patients.
Spatiotemporal chaotic dynamics in a transmission line model

In a transmission line oscillator a linear wave travels along a piece of cable, the transmis- sion line, and interacts with terminating electrical components. Diodes are integrated into almost all electronic devices as a means of protecting the logic circuits from destructive outside signals and high-voltage discharges. In the simple network model that we present, we show chaotic effects associated with diodes, that if transmitted into the primary circuitry may disrupt or possibly damage the device. The chaotic behavior is quantified in terms of Lyapunov exponents.
On the Bahadur representation of sample quantiles for sequences of φ-mixing random variables

Abstract The object of the present investigation is to show that the elegant asymptotic almost-sure representation of a sample quantile for independent and identically distributed random variables, established by Bahadur [1] holds for a stationary sequence of φ-mixing random variables. Two different orders of the remainder term, under different φ-mixing conditions, are obtained and used for proving two functional central limit theorems for sample quantiles. It is also shown that the law of iterated logarithm holds for quantiles in stationary φ-mixing processes.
Cognitive function is linked to adherence to bariatric postoperative guidelines.

Abstract Background Impairment in cognitive function is found in a significant subset of individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, and recent work shows this impairment is associated with smaller postoperative weight loss. Reduced cognitive function could contribute to poorer adherence to postoperative guidelines, although this has not been previously examined. The present study examined the relationship between cognitive function and adherence to bariatric postoperative guidelines. We expected that higher cognitive function would be associated with better adherence to postoperative guidelines. Methods Thirty-seven bariatric surgery patients completed cognitive testing and a self-report measure of adherence to postoperative bariatric guidelines during their 4- to 6-week postoperative appointment. Results Strong correlations were observed between adherence to postoperative guidelines and cognitive indices of attention, executive function, and memory. Conclusions Results show that cognitive performance is strongly associated with adherence to postoperative guidelines shortly after bariatric surgery. Further work is needed to clarify whether this relationship is present at later postoperative stages and the degree to which this relationship mediates postoperative weight loss outcomes.
The Mechanical Response of an A359/SiCp MMC and the A359 Aluminum Matrix to Dynamic Shearing Deformations

Abstract : The mechanical response of a metal matrix composite to dynamic shearing deformations has been measured, using a new design of the thin-walled tubular specimen for the torsional Kolsky bar experiment that allows working with these difficult-to-machine materials. The advantages of using the new specimen design are as follows: (i) the thickness of the thin wall along the axial direction is very uniform; (ii) specimen machining is extremely simple; (iii) the cost of specimen machining is greatly reduced. The approach has been used to characterize the high shear strain rate (10(exp 3) s(exp -1)) behavior of an A359/SiC(sub p) composite and its corresponding A359 monolithic alloy with the torsion Kolsky bar. The experimental results show that the flow stress of the composite in shear increases in the presence of SiC particles, whereas the failure strain is reduced. The shear failure strain of both the A359/SiC(sub p) composite and the A359 monolithic alloy appear to increase with increasing strain rate. Previous observations have shown that particle develops during compressive deformations of this material. However, particle fracture is not a significant damage mode during the shearing deformations of the composite, and this is reflected in differences between the torsional and tension behaviors of the material.
Metal-organic framework based on a trinickel secondary building unit exhibiting gas-sorption hysteresis.

An interpenetrating microporous metal−organic framework based on a μ3-oxotrinickel basic carboxylate secondary building unit has been synthesized and structurally characterized. It exhibits pronounced gas-sorption hysteresis and selective adsorption of carbon dioxide over methane.
An Innovative Intramedullary Nail for Stabilizing Mouse Femoral Defects

The study by Garcia and colleagues, published in the Journal of Surgical Research, describes an innovative intramedullary fixator for stabilizing long bone defects in mice [1]. The authors demonstrate that their device, which they have named the Locking Mouse Nail, can stabilize mouse femoral segmental defects measuring 0, 0.25, and 2.0 mm in length. Furthermore, by showing that 0.25 mm gaps show complete healing while 2 mm gaps develop atrophic non-unions, the authors have helped confirm that critical-size femoral defects in mice are 2 mm or less in length [2]. Generally speaking, critical-sized bone defect models are distinguished from fracture healing models by their behavior following rigid fixation [2–5]. While fracture models are expected to universally achieve bone healing, segmental defect models involving a substantial gap achieve a fibrous union. Fracture models can be used to describe the cellular events surrounding normal bone healing, while segmental defect models are useful for understanding the limitations of those cellular events, as well as providing a platform for evaluating methodologies for treating the non-unions. The challenge to date has been the development of effective fixation systems for the mouse, which reproduce the types of hardware that are commonly used clinically. In this study, the authors have combined an intramedullary rod with transcortical pins to achieve multi-dimensional stabilization of individual bone segments. The rod prevents angular deformity across the fracture, while the pins prevent axial and rotational movements. They evaluated the construct’s stability, and found it is exceeded only by an external fixation system. As the authors point out, the chief advantage of this system is that it allows the study of bone healing in transgenic and knockout mouse models. For instance, the role in osteoblast function of a variety signaling pathways, such as the Wnts, as well as the efficacy of novel agents which modulate these pathways, can now be evaluated during fracture healing [6–10]. Likewise, the role of stem cells and other osteoprogenitor cells during the formation of new bone can be better defined [11]. The greatest limitations that the model offers may be availability, cost, and ease of use. It is as yet unclear whether this device will be available for widespread dissemination, and how much training an investigator will need before employing it consistently. Despite these concerns, the authors have done innovative work in creating novel mouse fixation models. They should be commended and
Behavior of a graphite/epoxy-concrete bridge girder

An innovative graphite/epoxy-concrete (G/E-C) cross-section is developed and tested under a four-point static load. The cross-section is composed of a box girder with an outer G/E U-beam and inner G/E box beam with concrete webs and flange in between. A two-part structural epoxy resin provides shear connection between G/E box beam and concrete slab. Additional shear connection is generated by steel stirrups located along the longitudinal axis of the test specimen. Moreover, finite element analysis and theoretical modeling of the cross-section are performed. It is observed that steel stirrups contribute to the load carrying capacity of the cross-section after initiation of the slippage between the G/E beams and the concrete slab.
What caused the March 25, 1998 Antarctic Plate earthquake?: Inferences from regional stress and strain rate fields

We investigate possible driving forces behind the occurrence of the 1998 Antarctic plate earthquake. We determine first a regional strain rate field associated with the accommodation of relative plate motion, and second, a vertically averaged minimum deviatoric stress field associated with lithospheric gravitational potential energy differences and deglaciation of the Antarctic ice cap. We find that the mechanism of this event is inconsistent with strain orientations inferred from kinematic modeling of a diffuse zone of deformation within the triple junction region. Stress perturbations associated with deglaciation cannot be ruled out as a triggering mechanism for this event.
Predicting Biochemical Recurrence-Free Survival for Patients With Positive Pelvic Lymph Nodes at Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: We evaluated predictors of freedom from biochemical recurrence in patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis at radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: Of 207 patients with lymph node metastasis treated with radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection 45 received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and 162 did not. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate predictors of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Recurrence probability was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: A median of 13 lymph nodes were removed. Of the patients 122 had 1, 44 had 2 and 41 had 3 or greater positive lymph nodes. Of patients without androgen deprivation therapy 103 had 1, 35 had 2 and 24 had 3 or greater positive lymph nodes while 69 experienced biochemical recurrence. Median time to recurrence in patients with 1, 2 and 3 or greater lymph nodes was 59, 13 and 3 months, respectively. Only specimen Gleason score and the number of positive lym...