Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Combat-Related PTSD among Military Personnel and Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a complex and chronic disorder caused by exposure to a traumatic event, is a common psychological result of current military operations. It causes substantial distress and interferes with personal and social functioning. Consequently, identifying the risk factors that make military personnel and veterans more likely to experience PTSD is of academic, clinical, and social importance. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were used to search for observational studies (cross-sectional, retrospective, and cohort studies) about PTSD after deployment to combat areas. The literature search, study selection, and data extraction were conducted by two of the authors independently. Thirty-two articles were included in this study. Summary estimates were obtained using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias tests were performed. The prevalence of combat-related PTSD ranged from 1.09% to 34.84%. A total of 18 significant predictors of PTSD among military personnel and veterans were found. Risk factors stemming from before the trauma include female gender, ethnic minority status, low education, non-officer ranks, army service, combat specialization, high numbers of deployments, longer cumulative length of deployments, more adverse life events, prior trauma exposure, and prior psychological problems. Various aspects of the trauma period also constituted risk factors. These include increased combat exposure, discharging a weapon, witnessing someone being wounded or killed, severe trauma, and deployment-related stressors. Lastly, lack of post-deployment support during the post-trauma period also increased the risk of PTSD. The current analysis provides evidence of risk factors for combat-related PTSD in military personnel and veterans. More research is needed to determine how these variables interact and how to best protect against susceptibility to PTSD.
Carbon Nanotubes‐Ceramic Composites

Publisher Summary Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have recently emerged in the research world as one of the most promising nanomaterials. Both their characteristics and their properties lead one to think that their incorporation in materials could lead to new nanocomposites with new or enhanced physical or mechanical properties. This chapter discusses the results of researches that have been recently developed to prepare and characterize the novel CNT-ceramic composites. To obtain good homogeneity by mixing CNTs with a ceramic powder, it is necessary to adapt the surface properties of both the CNTs and the ceramic particles, which will be preferably nanometric, and this requires the addition of organic additives. The in situ synthesis of ceramic onto CNTs also requires a fine and stable dispersion of CNTs in a suitable medium. The latter method can ensure a good adhesion between the CNTs and the ceramic, but is more complex and less flexible than the previous one.
Sensitivity to grid resolution in the ability of a chemical transport model to simulate observed oxidant chemistry under high-isoprene conditions

Abstract. Formation of ozone and organic aerosol in continental atmospheres depends on whether isoprene emitted by vegetation is oxidized by the high-NOx pathway (where peroxy radicals react with NO) or by low-NOx pathways (where peroxy radicals react by alternate channels, mostly with HO2). We used mixed layer observations from the SEAC4RS aircraft campaign over the Southeast US to test the ability of the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model at different grid resolutions (0.25° × 0.3125°, 2° × 2.5°, 4° × 5°) to simulate this chemistry under high-isoprene, variable-NOx conditions. Observations of isoprene and NOx over the Southeast US show a negative correlation, reflecting the spatial segregation of emissions; this negative correlation is captured in the model at 0.25° × 0.3125° resolution but not at coarser resolutions. As a result, less isoprene oxidation takes place by the high-NOx pathway in the model at 0.25° × 0.3125° resolution (54 %) than at coarser resolution (59 %). The cumulative probability distribution functions (CDFs) of NOx, isoprene, and ozone concentrations show little difference across model resolutions and good agreement with observations, while formaldehyde is overestimated at coarse resolution because excessive isoprene oxidation takes place by the high-NOx pathway with high formaldehyde yield. The good agreement of simulated and observed concentration variances implies that smaller-scale non-linearities (urban and power plant plumes) are not important on the regional scale. Correlations of simulated vs. observed concentrations do not improve with grid resolution because finer modes of variability are intrinsically more difficult to capture. Higher model resolution leads to decreased conversion of NOx to organic nitrates and increased conversion to nitric acid, with total reactive nitrogen oxides (NOy) changing little across model resolutions. Model concentrations in the lower free troposphere are also insensitive to grid resolution. The overall low sensitivity of modeled concentrations to grid resolution implies that coarse resolution is adequate when modeling continental boundary layer chemistry for global applications.
Transition to the open state of the TolC periplasmic tunnel entrance

The TolC channel-tunnel spans the bacterial outer membrane and periplasm, providing a large exit duct for protein export and multidrug efflux when recruited by substrate-engaged inner membrane complexes. The sole constriction in the single pore of the homotrimeric TolC is the periplasmic tunnel entrance, which in its resting configuration is closed by dense packing of the 12 tunnel-forming α-helices. Recruitment of TolC must trigger opening for substrate transit to occur, but the mechanism underlying transition from the closed to the open state is not known. The high resolution structure of TolC indicates that the tunnel helices are constrained at the entrance by a circular network of intra- and intermonomer hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. To assess how opening is achieved, we disrupted these connections and monitored changes in the aperture size by measuring the single channel conductance of TolC derivatives in black lipid bilayers. Elimination of individual connections caused incremental weakening of the circular network, accompanied by gradual relaxation from the closed state and increased flexibility of the entrance. Simultaneous abolition of the key links caused a substantial increase in conductance, generating an aperture that corresponds to the modeled open state, with the capacity to allow access and passage of diverse substrates. The results support a model in which transition to the open state of TolC is achieved by an iris-like realignment of the tunnel entrance helices.
Supply risk management from a transaction cost and social exchange theory perspective

Supply risk management gained prominence over the last decade, both in the academic discourse and in practical application. This research examines the influence of Transaction Cost characteristics -behavioral uncertainty, environmental uncertainty and asset specificity on supply risk management performance. We also identify two antecedents of the transaction cost constructs based on social exchange theory: dependency and preferred customer status. We used survey data to discover a positive influence of supplier’s asset specificity on supply risk management performance, and that behavioral uncertainty negatively influences supply risk management performance. Furthermore, we showed that both dependency and preferred customer status have a significant effect on supplier’s asset specificity and behavioral uncertainty. With this research we developed a framework to integrate transaction cost theory and social exchange theory to investigate supply risk management, thereby contributing to the emerging literature on this combination as a more complete governance mechanism to manage supply relationships. We also extend the existing knowledge on transaction cost theory by showing that from a supply risk management point of view, behavioral uncertainty is by far the most important determinant to consider. In order to manage supply risks effectively companies should avoid dependency, though its negative effects can to some degree be compensated by preferred customer status, as this will increase supplier’s specific investments and lower behavioral uncertainty.
Allometry of root branching and its relationship to root morphological and functional traits in three range grasses

The study of proportional relationships between size, shape, and function of part of or the whole organism is traditionally known as allometry. Examination of correlative changes in the size of interbranch distances (IBDs) at different root orders may help to identify root branching rules. Root morphological and functional characteristics in three range grasses {bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Löve], crested wheatgrass [Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Schult. ×A. cristatum (L.) Gaert. ], and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)} were examined in response to a soil nutrient gradient. Interbranch distances along the main root axis and the first-order laterals as well as other morphological and allocation root traits were determined. A model of nutrient diffusivity parameterized with root length and root diameter for the three grasses was used to estimate root functional properties (exploitation efficiency and exploitation potential). The results showed a significant negative allometric relationship between the main root axis and first-order lateral IBD (P ≤0.05), but only for bluebunch wheatgrass. The main root axis IBD was positively related to the number and length of roots, estimated exploitation efficiency of second-order roots, and specific root length, and was negatively related to estimated exploitation potential of first-order roots. Conversely, crested wheatgrass and cheatgrass, which rely mainly on root proliferation responses, exhibited fewer allometric relationships. Thus, the results suggested that species such as bluebunch wheatgrass, which display slow root growth and architectural root plasticity rather than opportunistic root proliferation and rapid growth, exhibit correlative allometry between the main axis IBD and morphological, allocation, and functional traits of roots.
Donor age and delayed graft function as predictors of renal allograft survival in rejection-free patients.

BACKGROUND Transplant recipients of kidneys harvested from old donors have a high incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and a poor graft outcome. This result is partly explained by the increased incidence of acute rejection in patients suffering from DGF. However, the long-term impact of donor age and DGF in rejection free renal transplants is not well established. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the impact of donor age and DGF on long-term outcome in renal transplants with or without acute rejection. PATIENTS We review all cadaveric kidney transplants performed in our centre between April 1984 and December 1995 treated with a cyclosporin-based immunosuppression. RESULTS Five hundred and ninety-five patients were included. The overall incidence of DGF was 29.1%, and this event was associated with an increased donor age and cold ischaemia time. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that graft loss was associated with acute rejection (relative risk (RR) 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-3.01); DGF (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.32-2.54); donors >50 years (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.13-2.38); and retransplantation (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01-2.31). In rejection-free patients there were two independent predictors of graft failure: donor >50 years (RR 2.40, 95% CI 1.45-4.01); and DGF (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.53-3.84). CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the presence of acute rejection, delayed graft function amplifies the detrimental effect of advanced donor age on long-term graft outcome.
Excessive daytime sleepiness and obstructive sleep apnea in Thai epileptic patients.

BACKGROUND Sleepiness is a common complaint in epilepsy. Also obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly detected and would affect the epilepsy prognosis. We aimed to determine the frequency and predictors of sleepiness and OSA in epileptic patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire (ESS) and Sleep Apnea scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SA-SDQ) to identify excessive daytime sleepiness and OSA in our consecutive epileptic patients in Neurology out-patient clinic. RESULTS Overall 113 patients (male 55%) answered a personal survey and completed ESS and SA-SDQ. Mean age was 47 years (range 15-93). Average body mass index (BMI) was 24. Excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS 10) was demonstrated in 37%, and the prevalence of OSA diagnosed by using SA-SDQ was 20% (male 18%, female 22%). OSA were identified 68% among individuals whose BMI of more than 25, which was significant higherfi-equency than in the nomnnal BMI group (32%). The predictors of having OSA were older age and higher BMI. Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was also higher in the OSA group than in non-OSA group. CONCLUSION Excessive daytime sleepiness was identified around one third ofour epileptic individutals. Twenty percent had met the questionnaire criteria of having OSA. Overweight was the most important and modifiable risk factor ofOSA.
Insulin receptors internalize by a rapid, saturable pathway requiring receptor autophosphorylation and an intact juxtamembrane region

The effect of receptor occupancy on insulin receptor endocytosis was examined in CHO cells expressing normal human insulin receptors (CHO/IR), autophosphorylation- and internalization-deficient receptors (CHO/IRA1018), and receptors which undergo autophosphorylation but lack a sequence required for internalization (CHO/IR delta 960). The rate of [125I]insulin internalization in CHO/IR cells at 37 degrees C was rapid at physiological concentrations, but decreased markedly in the presence of increasing unlabeled insulin (ED50 = 1-3 nM insulin, or 75,000 occupied receptors/cell). In contrast, [125I]insulin internalization by CHO/IRA1018 and CHO/IR delta 960 cells was slow and was not inhibited by unlabeled insulin. At saturating insulin concentrations, the rate of internalization by wild-type and mutant receptors was similar. Moreover, depletion of intracellular potassium, which has been shown to disrupt coated pit formation, inhibited the rapid internalization of [125I]insulin at physiological insulin concentrations by CHO/IR cells, but had little or no effect on [125I]insulin uptake by CHO/IR delta 960 and CHO/IRA1018 cells or wild-type cells at high insulin concentrations. These data suggest that the insulin-stimulated entry of the insulin receptor into a rapid, coated pit-mediated internalization pathway is saturable and requires receptor autophosphorylation and an intact juxtamembrane region. Furthermore, CHO cells also contain a constitutive nonsaturable pathway which does not require receptor autophosphorylation or an intact juxtamembrane region; this second pathway is unaffected by depletion of intracellular potassium, and therefore may be independent of coated pits. Our data suggest that the ligand-stimulated internalization of the insulin receptor may require specific saturable interactions between the receptor and components of the endocytic system.
Elastomeric composites. I. Silicone composites

The reinforcement of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (silicone rubber) imparted by different types of fillers was investigated. Three different techniques of incorporation of silica were compared: the usual blending process, in situ filling process, and introduction of spherical colloidal silicas (Stober silicas). In addition, results obtained with other types of fillers—layered silicates and fibrous clays—were discussed. The role of filler is assessed essentially through the mechanical properties of the silicone composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2095–2104, 2004
Novel iterative detection of MC-CDMA with two sets of orthogonal spreading sequences

In this paper, we introduce a Multi-Carrier Code-Division Multiple Access(MC-CDMA) system, which has two sets of orthogonal spreading sequences and use iterative detection. The number of the users it can accommodate is greater than the spreading factor N. Each of the available orthogonal spreading sequences of length N is assigned to one of the first N users which employ a common Pseudo-Noise (PN) scrambling sequence. When the number of users K exceeds N, say K = N + M with M &#60; N, the M additional users reuse M of those orthogonal spreading sequences but in combination with another PN scrambling sequence. An iterative multistage detection technique is used to cancel the interference between the two sets of users when K>N. The proposed technique thus accommodates N users without any mutual interference and a number of additional users whit little signal-to-noise ratio penalty.
Tell Me What You Want and I Will Tell Others Where You Have Been

Trajectory data does not only show the location of users over a period of time, but also reveals a high level of detail regarding their lifestyle, preferences and habits. Hence, it is highly susceptible to privacy concerns. Trajectory privacy has become a key research topic when sharing/exchanging trajectory datasets. Most existing studies focus on protecting trajectory data through obfuscating, anonymising or perturbing the data with the aim to maximize user privacy. Although such approaches appear plausible, our work suggests that precise trajectory information can be inferred even from other sources of data. We consider the case in which a location service provider only shares POI query results of users with third parties instead of exchanging users' raw trajectory data to preserve privacy. We develop an inference algorithm and show that it can effectively approximate original trajectories using solely the POI query results.
Particle-Filtering-Based Prognosis Framework for Energy Storage Devices With a Statistical Characterization of State-of-Health Regeneration Phenomena

This paper presents the implementation of a particle-filtering-based prognostic framework that allows estimating the state of health (SOH) and predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of energy storage devices, and more specifically lithium-ion batteries, while simultaneously detecting and isolating the effect of self-recharge phenomena within the life-cycle model. The proposed scheme and the statistical characterization of capacity regeneration phenomena are validated through experimental data from an accelerated battery degradation test and a set of ad hoc performance measures to quantify the precision and accuracy of the RUL estimates. In addition, a simplified degradation model is presented to analyze and compare the performance of the proposed approach in the case where the optimal solution (in the mean-square-error sense) can be found analytically.
From Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase to Folate-Dependent Acetyl CoA Hydrolase: Impact of Folic Acid on the Activity of (HUMAN)NAT1 and Its Homologue (MOUSE)NAT2

Acetyl Coenzyme A-dependent N-, O- and N,O-acetylation of aromatic amines and hydrazines by arylamine N-acetyltransferases is well characterised. Here, we describe experiments demonstrating that human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 and its murine homologue (Type 2) can also catalyse the direct hydrolysis of acetyl Coenzyme A in the presence of folate. This folate-dependent activity is exclusive to these two isoforms; no acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis was found when murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 or recombinant bacterial arylamine N-acetyltransferases were incubated with folate. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allowed chemical modifications occurring during the catalytic reaction to be analysed in real time, revealing that the disappearance of acetyl CH 3 from acetyl Coenzyme A occurred concomitantly with the appearance of a CH 3 peak corresponding to that of free acetate and suggesting that folate is not acetylated during the reaction. We propose that folate is a cofactor for this reaction and suggest it as an endogenous function of this widespread enzyme. Furthermore, in silico docking of folate within the active site of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 suggests that folate may bind at the enzyme’s active site, and facilitate acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis. The evidence presented in this paper adds to our growing understanding of the endogenous roles of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 and its mouse homologue and expands the catalytic repertoire of these enzymes, demonstrating that they are by no means just xenobiotic metabolising enzymes but probably also play an important role in cellular metabolism. These data, together with the characterisation of a naphthoquinone inhibitor of folate-dependent acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis by human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1/murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 2, open up a range of future avenues of exploration, both for elucidating the developmental role of these enzymes and for improving chemotherapeutic approaches to pathological conditions including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Venous ulcers.

not to have any more children. ' In tackling the potentially embarrassing discussion of sexual matters that might be necessary in considering choices in contraception the greater anonymity of the clinic is useful for some women who are reluctant to see their family doctor. Women attending clinics also explain the importance to them of being sure that they will be seen by a woman doctor. ' For women who are not registered with a local general practitioner the self referring health authority clinics can be their only source of contraceptive advice and supplies. In many inner city areas a substantial proportion of the women attending clinics are not registered with a general practitioner. The currently available choice for women to seek their contraceptive health care from either a general practitioner or a district health authority run service should not be lost when so many women "vote with their feet" and attend clinics. The recent publication of further guidance from the Department of Health on contracts for health services acknowledges that for self referring clinics, where the guarantee of choice for patients is the objective, there is no one between the patient and the provider with whom the district health authority can discuss contracts.5 "Regional health authorities will be expected to ensure that relevant units are funded in a way that allows patients to self-refer. " This acknowledgement provides a platform to make the case for continued funding for district health authority as well as general practitioner run family planning services.