bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beating oxygen: chronic anoxia exposure reduces mitochondrial F1FO-ATPase activity in turtle (Trachemys scripta) heart
Authors: Galli Gina L. J. , Lau Gigi Y. , Richards Jeffrey G.
Published: August 2013

The freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta can survive in the complete absence of O2 (anoxia) for periods lasting several months. In mammals, anoxia leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, which culminates in cellular necrosis and apoptosis. Despite the obvious clinical benefits of understanding anoxia tolerance, little is known about the effects of chronic oxygen deprivation on the function of turtle mitochondria. In this study, we compared mitochondrial function in hearts of T. scripta exposed to either normoxia or 2 weeks of complete anoxia at 5°C and during simulated acute anoxia/reoxygenation. Mitochondrial respiration, electron transport chain activities, enzyme activities, proton conductance and membrane potential were measured in permeabilised cardiac fibres and isolated mitochondria. Two weeks of anoxia exposure at 5°C resulted in an increase in lactate, and decreases in ATP, glycogen, pH and phosphocreatine in the heart. Mitochondrial proton conductance and membrane potential were similar between experimental groups, while aerobic capacity was dramatically reduced. The reduced aerobic capacity was the result of a severe downregulation of the F1FO-ATPase (Complex V), which we assessed as a decrease in enzyme activity. Furthermore, in stark contrast to mammalian paradigms, isolated turtle heart mitochondria endured 20 min of anoxia followed by reoxygenation without any impact on subsequent ADP-stimulated O2 consumption (State III respiration) or State IV respiration. Results from this study demonstrate that turtle mitochondria remodel in response to chronic anoxia exposure and a reduction in Complex V activity is a fundamental component of mitochondrial and cellular anoxia survival.
Sound production mechanism inGobius paganellus(Gobiidae)
Authors: Parmentier Eric , Kéver Loïc , Boyle Kelly , Corbisier Yves-Eric , Sawelew Ludovic , Malavasi Stefano
Published: August 2013

Gobiidae, the largest fish family (>1500 species), has species from at least 10 genera that produce sounds for communication. Studies focused on goby sound production mechanisms have suggested that sounds are produced by the forcible ejection of water through small apertures in the opercles (hydrodynamic mechanism). The present study was a multidisciplinary investigation (morphology, muscle histology, high-speed video, sound analysis and electromyography) of the sound emission mechanism in Gobius paganellus, which produces both pulsed and tonal calls. Two populations were used, from Brittany and Venice. In the French population, sounds were accompanied by a suite of coordinated movements of the buccal, branchial and opercular regions. This was not the case in the Venetian population, and thus the direct role of head movements in sound production was rejected. The hydrodynamic mechanism hypothesis was also rejected in G. paganellus on the basis of sound oscillogram shape and because sounds are still produced after the opercles and hyohyoid muscles are cut. The use of both electromyography and electron microscopy showed that the levator pectoralis muscle, which originates on the skull and inserts on the dorsal tip of the cleithrum, is involved in sound production. We propose that the contraction of this muscle and associated vibration of the large radials is used to make sounds. In addition, we propose that different sound types (pulsed sounds and tonal calls) could occur because of differences in fish size.
Political Credit Cycles: The Case of the Eurozone
Authors: Fernández-Villaverde Jesús , Garicano Luis , Santos Tano
Published: August 2013

We study the mechanisms through which the entry into the euro delayed, rather than advanced, key economic reforms in the eurozone periphery and led to the deterioration of important institutions in these countries. We show that the abandonment of the reform process and the institutional deterioration, in turn, not only reduced their growth prospects but also fed back into financial conditions, prolonging the credit boom and delaying the response to the bubble when the speculative nature of the cycle was already evident. We analyze empirically the interrelation between the financial boom and the reform process in Greece, Spain, Ireland, and Portugal and, by way of contrast, in Germany, a country that did experience a reform process after the creation of the euro.
The Top 1 Percent in International and Historical Perspective
Authors: Alvaredo Facundo , Atkinson Anthony B , Piketty Thomas , Saez Emmanuel
Published: August 2013

The top 1 percent income share has more than doubled in the United States over the last 30 years, drawing much public attention in recent years. While other English-speaking countries have also experienced sharp increases in the top 1 percent income share, many high-income countries such as Japan, France, or Germany have seen much less increase in top income shares. Hence, the explanation cannot rely solely on forces common to advanced countries, such as the impact of new technologies and globalization on the supply and demand for skills. Moreover, the explanations have to accommodate the falls in top income shares earlier in the twentieth century experienced in virtually all high-income countries. We highlight four main factors. The first is the impact of tax policy, which has varied over time and differs across countries. Top tax rates have moved in the opposite direction from top income shares. The effects of top rate cuts can operate in conjunction with other mechanisms. The second factor is a richer view of the labor market, where we contrast the standard supply-side model with one where pay is determined by bargaining and the reactions to top rate cuts may lead simply to a redistribution of surplus. Indeed, top rate cuts may lead managerial energies to be diverted to increasing their remuneration at the expense of enterprise growth and employment. The third factor is capital income. Overall, private wealth (relative to income) has followed a U-shaped path over time, particularly in Europe, where inherited wealth is, in Europe if not in the United States, making a return. The fourth, little investigated, element is the correlation between earned income and capital income, which has substantially increased in recent decades in the United States.
The Effect of Disposable Infection Control Sleeves on the Total Energy Delivered by Dental LCUs
Authors: Brokos Ioannis , Turner Steve , Santini Ario
Published: August 2013

Aim

This study compared the effect of seven different disposable cross-infection control sleeves on the total energy delivered (J/cm2) by four different dental light-curing units (LCUs).

Methods

Four LCUs and seven disposable sleeves (six proprietary brands and a general-purpose cellophane wrap) were used. Anterior and posterior tooth position was included as a third factor. Total energy delivered was measured for each LCU without a sleeve (control) and with each sleeve and for each tooth position. Curing time was 10 seconds, as recommended by the LCU manufacturers. Measurements were taken 10 times for each sleeve/LCU/tooth position and means (SD)calculated. Data were analysed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The null hypothesis was that none of the sleeves would, at a 0.1% level, significantly affect the total energy delivered.

Results

All sleeves significantly reduced the total energy delivered ( P<0.001). Cellophane wrap (cling film) had the smallest effect on total energy. Total energy delivered was most strongly influenced by tooth position and LCU model.

Conclusions

Sleeves significantly reduce the total energy delivered compared to unsleeved LCUs, but to a degree that may not be clinically important. Cling film reduced total energy delivered to a significantly lesser extent than did proprietary bands of sleeve. In order to determine adequacy of delivered total energy, sleeved LCUs should be tested prior to clinical use.
Implant Dentistry: A Technician's Perspective
Authors: Parmar Nilesh R.
Published: August 2013

TEAMWORK BETWEEN THE DENTIST AND THE LAB IS ESSENTIAL TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME. WE SPOKE TO PREM-PAL SEHMI, FOUNDER AND CEO OF TBR IMPLANTS, BDS DENTAL LABORATORY AND ZEN DENTAL SOFTWARE, ABOUT ONE OF HIS RECENT CASES.
Clinical Recordkeeping for Monitoring Treatment Outcomes in Implant Dentistry: A Case Study
Authors: Sethi Ashok , Kaus Thomas , Sharma Naresh
Published: August 2013

Sound clinical practice in implant dentistry depends upon defining the methodology that can successfully be used. This can be achieved by identifying literature relating to a specific technique prior to its use. However, clinical observations of outcomes within one's own practice are also very effective. This is particularly true as it becomes specific, by eliminating numerous confounding factors.

Appropriate documentation, both clinical and radiographic, permits the practitioner to review clinical cases and establish the efficacy of the methodology used. This is most effective in terms of evaluating survival as well as determining aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Software programs such as ImpDAT (Kea Software, Poecking, Germany) provide a platform that easily allows both accurate record-keeping and, importantly, retrieval of data for purposes of review and publication.

This paper presents a case report that uses radiographic and photographic records to monitor the ongoing response of the patient to the specific treatment that was carried out; in this case, autogenous onlay bone grafts for the management of congenital partial anodontia.
An Insight into Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wilson Victoria
Published: August 2013

Aim

This systematic literature review was performed to establish a definition of peri-implantitis, what makes a patient more susceptible to peri-implantitis, the signs and symptoms of peri-implantitis (including radiographic findings), treatment options for peri-implantitis, and to investigate what constitutes a suitable oral hygiene regime.

Method

A systematic literature review and analysis of publications included in PubMed (articles published between 1998 and 2003; English language; search terms “peri-implantitis”; “mucositis”; “partially edentulous”; “preventative maintenance”; “peri-implantitis and plaque control”; “tissue augmentation”; “diet maintenance of peri-implantitis”; “oral hygiene instruction for implants”) was performed to identify papers providing information about peri-implantitis. Separately sourced publications with peri-implantitis related titles and abstracts were reviewed and analysed. The set criteria for inclusion were peer-reviewed articles. Of 53 papers identified, 23 were included for systematic review.

Results

Analysis of the papers revealed that patients with implants are more susceptible to developing peri-implantitis than are patients with natural teeth to developing periodontal disease. This is due to the varied peri-implant tissue that surrounds the implant in comparison with the tissue that surrounds a natural tooth. If active periodontal disease is present, peri-implantitis may also develop; however, other secondary factors may also need to be present for this to occur.

Conclusion

A comprehensive periodontal examination should be carried out prior to implant surgery. The patient should be informed of the necessity of regular maintenance following implant surgery and the prerequisite of maintaining a comprehensive oral hygiene regime to avoid peri-implantitis.
Medicolegal Implications of Dental Implant Therapy
Authors: Rees Jonathan
Published: August 2013

Despite the recent economic downturn, the dental implant market continues to grow year on year. Many more dentists are involved in the placement restoration of dental implants and dental implants are being placed in an extended range of clinical scenarios. Dental implant therapy remains a high risk area for the inexperienced in terms of civil negligence claims and General Dental Council hearings. Risk can be mitigated by:

• Ensuring appropriate indemnity

• Complying with the published requirements for training

• Maintaining detailed and extensive clinical records

• Completing the initial phases of history, examination and investigations robustly

• Recording a diagnosis

• Providing a bespoke written treatment plan that includes details of the need for treatment, the treatment options (the risks and benefits), the phases of treatment, the costs of treatment, the expected normal sequelae of surgery, the risks and complications of implant therapy and the requirement for future maintenance. The provision of treatment that is different in nature or extent to that agreed can result in a breach of contract as well as a claim for negligence

• Engaging sufficiently with the patient to obtain consent

• Providing written postoperative instructions detailing emergency arrangements, patients who are anxious or in pain may not retain oral information

• Making a frank disclosure of complication or collateral damage

• Considering referral at an early stage particularly if reparative surgery is required

The stress of complications or failure may impair a dentist's normally sound judgement; there may be financial pressure, or concerns regarding reputation. In some cases, dentists avoid making a frank disclosure, feel obliged to undertake complicated reparative surgery, fail to make a timely referral, fail to respond appropriately to patient's concerns and in some cases attempt to alter the clinical records.

However, in the best of hands and without negligence complications can and do occur. Complications that occur in the presence of good planning and communication and are managed appropriately do not amount to negligence, and are unlikely to lead to a successful claim.
The Role of Cultural Intelligence in Marketing Adaptation and Export Performance
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Westjohn Stanford A. , Semenov Alexey V. , Randrianasolo Arilova A. , Zdravkovic Srdan
Published: August 2013

This study examines how export manager cultural intelligence (CQ) affects the relationship between marketing-mix adaptation and export performance. From a resource-advantage theory perspective, the authors posit that export managers’ motivational and metacognitive CQ are intangible but valuable resources that influence marketing strategy and export performance. According to survey data from 153 U.S. exporting firms, export managers’ metacognitive CQ positively moderates the relationship between marketing-mix adaptations and export performance. Furthermore, export managers’ motivational CQ positively moderates the relationship between environmental differences and marketing-mix adaptations. The study adds to the theoretical understanding of the adaptation–performance relationship and provides valuable guidelines for exporting firms in the recruitment, training, and promotion of export managers.
The anti-catabolic role of bovine lactoferricin in cartilage
Authors: Ahmadinia Kasra , Yan Dongyao , Ellman Michael , Im Hee-Jeong
Published: August 2013

Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) is a multifunctional peptide derived from bovine lactoferrin that demonstrates antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Recently, studies have focused on the anti-catabolic and anti-inflammatory potential of LfcinB. LfcinB is able to modulate the effects cytokines such as IL-1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 as well as promote specific cartilage anabolic factors. These properties are particularly important in maintaining cartilage homeostasis and preventing a catabolic state, which leads to clinical pathology. This review focuses on the recent literature elucidating the role of LfcinB in preventing cartilage degradation.
Structural comparison of the transport units of type V secretion systems
Authors: Gawarzewski Iris , Smits Sander H.J. , Schmitt Lutz , Jose Joachim
Published: August 2013

Pathogenic gram-negative bacteria have evolved several secretion mechanisms to translocate adhesins, enzymes, toxins, and other virulence factors across the inner and outer membranes. Currently, eight different secretion systems, type I–type VIII (T1SS–T8SS) plus the chaperone-usher (CU) pathway, have been identified, which act in one-step or two-step mechanisms to traverse both membrane barriers. The type V secretion system (T5SS) is dependent first on the Sec translocon within the inner membrane. The periplasmic intermediates are then secreted through aqueous pores formed by β-barrels in the outer membrane. Until now, transport across the outer membrane has not been understood on a molecular level. With respect to special characteristics revealed by crystal structure analysis, bioinformatic and biochemical data, five subgroups of T5SS were defined. Here, we compare the transport moieties of members of four subgroups based on X-ray crystal structures. For the fifth subgroup, which was identified only recently, no structures have thus far been reported. We also discuss different models for the translocation process across the outer membrane with respect to recent findings.
Anti-islanding Protection of Distributed Generation Using Rate of Change of Impedance
Authors: Shah Pragnesh , Bhalja Bhavesh
Published: August 2013

Distributed Generation (DG), which is interlinked with distribution system, has inevitable effect on distribution system. Integrating DG with the utility network demands an anti-islanding scheme to protect the system. Failure to trip islanded generators can lead to problems such as threats to personnel safety, out-of-phase reclosing, and degradation of power quality. In this article, a new method for anti-islanding protection based on impedance monitoring of distribution network is carried out in presence of DG. The impedance measured between two phases is used to derive the rate of change of impedance (dz/dt), and its peak values are used for final trip decision. Test data are generated using PSCAD/EMTDC software package and the performance of the proposed method is evaluated in MatLab software. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme as it is capable to detect islanding condition accurately. Subsequently, it is also observed that the proposed scheme does not mal-operate during other disturbances such as short circuit and switching event.
Impact of V2G on Distribution Feeder: A Power Loss Reduction Approach
Authors: Chukwu Uwakwe C. , Mahajan Satish M.
Published: August 2013

The penetration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) into the electrical distribution system has potential to create room for many operational benefits. A V2G facility installed on a distribution feeder line segment may affect power loss in the distribution system. Mathematical models are developed to study how magnitude of V2G reactive power injection and different mixes of uniformly distributed loads and lumped loads can impact power loss on a distribution system feeder. The V2G facilities assumed in this research are V2G parking lots with provision for injecting reactive currents into the feeder of a distribution network. It is shown that loss reduction can be greatly influenced by the pattern of loading, the amount of V2G reactive injection as well as position and number of V2G parking lot along the feeder segment. Useful results are obtained, with a promise that more than 95% power loss reduction (relative to power loss in the system without V2G installed) is possible by optimally locating a V2G parking lot along the feeder. It is observed that location and capacity injection of a V2G facility are the most critical for loss reduction. It was concluded that proper system planning and operational practice are required in order to reduce power losses.
The importance of repeated measurements of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for the prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Schoofs Katharina , Grittner Ulrike , Engels Theresa , Pape Juliane , Denk Barbara , Henrich Wolfgang , Verlohren Stefan
Published: August 2013

Aims: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio has been evaluated as a diagnostic marker for preeclampsia (PE). The aim of this study was to explore the use of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as an aid in prediction for PE.

Methods: 150 patients with a high risk for PE were enrolled in this prospective study. Groups were compared according to the pregnancy outcome: controls (n=114), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (n=14) and PE (n=22) with subclassification early PE<34 weeks (n=6). Measurements of sFlt-1 and PlGF were performed on the automated Elecsys system. Statistical comparison of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in different outcome groups and a mixed model analysis using random intercept models were performed.

Results: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by PE up to 4 weeks before clinical diagnosis compared to controls (106.7±47.7 vs. 21.0±4.1; P=0.02). Levels of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were higher throughout pregnancy in women with IUGR compared to PE/control patients (intercept 1.57 vs. 1.30/0.67; P<0.05). The slope for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher in PE and IUGR pregnancies compared to controls, indicating that a steep increase of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio correlates with pathologic pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio can identify pathologic pregnancy outcomes such as IUGR and PE before clinical diagnosis. Repeated measurements are necessary to assess the dynamics in serum values. The time-dependent slope of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is predictive for future pregnancy outcome and risk of developing preeclampsia.
Nonlinear dynamic behavior of a long temperature-dependent FGM hollow cylinder subjected to thermal shocking
Authors: Dai Hong-Liang , Rao Yan-Ni
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a long hollow cylinder consisting of temperature-dependent functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to thermal shocking is investigated. Material parameters of the FGM hollow cylinder, except the Poisson’s ratio, are assumed to be graded continuously through the thickness according to the power law expressions, and they are assumed to be temperature dependent. The governing equation of the motion of the FGM hollow cylinder is obtained based on the plane-stain theory and together with the governing equation of the transient heat transfer problem is solved by the finite difference method, Newmark method, and iterative method. Numerical examples are carried out in which the Si3N4-SUS304 FGM hollow cylinders are considered, and some valuable dynamic thermoelastic characteristics of the FGM hollow cylinder subjected to symmetric or asymmetric thermal shocking are revealed.
Free vibration analysis of angle-ply laminate composite beams by mixed finite element formulation using the Gâteaux differential
Authors: Ozutok Atilla , Madenci Emrah , Kadioglu Fethi
Published: August 2013

Free vibration analyses of angle-ply laminated composite beams were investigated by the Gâteaux differential method in the present paper. With the use of the Gâteaux differential method, the functionals were obtained and the natural frequencies of the composite beams were computed using the mixed finite element formulation on the basis of the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and Timoshenko beam theory. By using these functionals in the mixed-type finite element method, two beam elements, CLBT4 and FSDT8, were derived for the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories, respectively. The CLBT4 element has 4 degrees of freedom (DOFs) containing the vertical displacement and bending moment as the unknowns at the nodes, whereas the FSDT8 element has 8 DOFs containing the vertical displacement, bending moment, shear force and rotation as unknowns. A computer program was developed to execute the analyses for the present study. The numerical results of free vibration analyses obtained for different boundary conditions were presented and compared with the results available in the literature, which indicates the reliability of the present approach.
Using Genetically Informed, Randomized Prevention Trials to Test Etiological Hypotheses About Child and Adolescent Drug Use and Psychopathology
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Beach Steven R. H. , Hill Karl G. , Howe George W. , Prado Guillermo , Fullerton Stephanie M.
Published: August 2013

In this essay, we describe a new era of public health research in which prevention science principles are combined with genomic science to produce gene × intervention (G×I) research.

We note the roles of behavioral and molecular genetics in risk and protective mechanisms for drug use and psychopathology among children and adolescents, and the results of first-generation genetically informed prevention trials are reviewed. We also consider the need for second-generation research that focuses on G×I effects on mediators or intermediate processes.

This research can be used to further understanding of etiological processes, to identify individual differences in children’s and adolescents’ responses to risk, and to increase the precision of prevention programs. We note the caveats about using genetic data to select intervention participants.
Assessment of Genetic and Nongenetic Interactions for the Prediction of Depressive Symptomatology: An Analysis of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Roetker Nicholas S. , Page C. David , Yonker James A. , Chang Vicky , Roan Carol L. , Herd Pamela , Hauser Taissa S. , Hauser Robert M. , Atwood Craig S.
Published: August 2013

Objectives. We examined depression within a multidimensional framework consisting of genetic, environmental, and sociobehavioral factors and, using machine learning algorithms, explored interactions among these factors that might better explain the etiology of depressive symptoms.

Methods. We measured current depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (n = 6378 participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study). Genetic factors were 78 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); environmental factors—13 stressful life events (SLEs), plus a composite proportion of SLEs index; and sociobehavioral factors—18 personality, intelligence, and other health or behavioral measures. We performed traditional SNP associations via logistic regression likelihood ratio testing and explored interactions with support vector machines and Bayesian networks.

Results. After correction for multiple testing, we found no significant single genotypic associations with depressive symptoms. Machine learning algorithms showed no evidence of interactions. Naïve Bayes produced the best models in both subsets and included only environmental and sociobehavioral factors.

Conclusions. We found no single or interactive associations with genetic factors and depressive symptoms. Various environmental and sociobehavioral factors were more predictive of depressive symptoms, yet their impacts were independent of one another. A genome-wide analysis of genetic alterations using machine learning methodologies will provide a framework for identifying genetic–environmental–sociobehavioral interactions in depressive symptoms.
Sex, Gender, Genetics, and Health
Authors: Short Susan E. , Yang Yang Claire , Jenkins Tania M.
Published: August 2013

This article addresses 2 questions. First, to what extent are sex and gender incorporated into research on genetics and health? Second, how might social science understandings of sex and gender, and gender differences in health, become more integrated into scholarship in this area? We review articles on genetics and health published in selected peer-reviewed journals. Although sex is included frequently as a control or stratifying variable, few articles articulate a conceptual frame or methodological justification for conducting research in this way, and most are not motivated by sex or gender differences in health. Gender differences in health are persistent, unexplained, and shaped by multilevel social factors. Future scholarship on genetics and health needs to incorporate more systematic attention to sex and gender, gender as an environment, and the intertwining of social and biological variation over the life course. Such integration will advance understandings of gender differences in health, and may yield insight regarding the processes and circumstances that make genomic variation relevant for health and well-being.
Critical Need for Family-Based, Quasi-Experimental Designs in Integrating Genetic and Social Science Research
Authors: D’Onofrio Brian M. , Lahey Benjamin B. , Turkheimer Eric , Lichtenstein Paul
Published: August 2013

Researchers have identified environmental risks that predict subsequent psychological and medical problems. Based on these correlational findings, researchers have developed and tested complex developmental models and have examined biological moderating factors (e.g., gene–environment interactions).

In this context, we stress the critical need for researchers to use family-based, quasi-experimental designs when trying to integrate genetic and social science research involving environmental variables because these designs rigorously examine causal inferences by testing competing hypotheses.

We argue that sibling comparison, offspring of twins or siblings, in vitro fertilization designs, and other genetically informed approaches play a unique role in bridging gaps between basic biological and social science research. We use studies on maternal smoking during pregnancy to exemplify these principles.
Why It Is Hard to Find Genes Associated With Social Science Traits: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations
Authors: Chabris Christopher F. , Lee James J. , Benjamin Daniel J. , Beauchamp Jonathan P. , Glaeser Edward L. , Borst Gregoire , Pinker Steven , Laibson David I.
Published: August 2013

Objectives. We explain why traits of interest to behavioral scientists may have a genetic architecture featuring hundreds or thousands of loci with tiny individual effects rather than a few with large effects and why such an architecture makes it difficult to find robust associations between traits and genes.

Methods. We conducted a genome-wide association study at 2 sites, Harvard University and Union College, measuring more than 100 physical and behavioral traits with a sample size typical of candidate gene studies. We evaluated predictions that alleles with large effect sizes would be rare and most traits of interest to social science are likely characterized by a lack of strong directional selection. We also carried out a theoretical analysis of the genetic architecture of traits based on R.A. Fisher’s geometric model of natural selection and empirical analyses of the effects of selection bias and phenotype measurement stability on the results of genetic association studies.

Results. Although we replicated several known genetic associations with physical traits, we found only 2 associations with behavioral traits that met the nominal genome-wide significance threshold, indicating that physical and behavioral traits are mainly affected by numerous genes with small effects.

Conclusions. The challenge for social science genomics is the likelihood that genes are connected to behavioral variation by lengthy, nonlinear, interactive causal chains, and unraveling these chains requires allying with personal genomics to take advantage of the potential for large sample sizes as well as continuing with traditional epidemiological studies.
Genetic Differential Sensitivity to Social Environments: Implications for Research
Authors: Mitchell Colter , McLanahan Sara , Brooks-Gunn Jeanne , Garfinkel Irwin , Hobcraft John , Notterman Daniel
Published: August 2013

Researchers have proposed a genetic differential sensitivity to social environmental (GDSE) model positing that individuals with certain genetic makeups are more sensitive to favorable and unfavorable environmental influences than those without these genetic makeups. We discuss several issues facing researchers who want to use GDSE to examine health: (1) the need for greater theorizing about the social environment to properly understand the size and direction of environmental influences; (2) the potential for combining multiple genetic markers to measure an individual’s genetic sensitivity to environmental influence; (3) how this model and exogenous shocks deal with gene–environment correlations; (4) implications of this model for public health and prevention; and (5) how life course and developmental theories may be used to inform GDSE research.
How Genes and the Social Environment Moderate Each Other
Authors: Reiss David , Leve Leslie D. , Neiderhiser Jenae M.
Published: August 2013

Recent research has suggested that the social environment can moderate the expression of genetic influences on health and that genetic influences can shape an individual’s sensitivity to the social environment. Evidence supports 4 major mechanisms: genes can influence an individual’s response to environmental stress, genes may enhance an individual’s sensitivity to both favorable and adverse environments, inherited characteristics may better fit with some environments than with others, and inherited capabilities may only become manifest in challenging or responsive environments. Further progress depends on better recognition of patterns of gene–environment interaction, improved methods of assessing the environment and its impact on genetic mechanisms, the use of appropriately designed laboratory studies, identification of heritable differences in an individual before environmental moderation occurs, and clarification of the timing of the impact of social and genetic moderation.
Population Disparities in Mental Health: Insights From Cultural Neuroscience
Authors: Chiao Joan Y. , Blizinsky Katherine D.
Published: August 2013

By 2050, nearly 1 in 5 Americans (19%) will be an immigrant, including Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians, compared to the 1 in 8 (12%) in 2005. They will vary in the extent to which they are at risk for mental health disorders. Given this increase in cultural diversity within the United States and costly population health disparities across cultural groups, it is essential to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how culture affects basic psychological and biological mechanisms. We examine these basic mechanisms that underlie population disparities in mental health through cultural neuroscience. We discuss the challenges to and opportunities for cultural neuroscience research to determine sociocultural and biological factors that confer risk for and resilience to mental health disorders across the globe.
Strategies for Petroleum Exploration on the Basis of Bayesian Networks: A Case Study
Authors: Martinelli Gabriele , Eidsvik Jo , Hokstad Ketil , Hauge Ragnar
Published: August 2013

The paper presents a new approach for modeling important geological elements, such as reservoir, trap, and source, in a unified statistical model. This joint modeling of these geological variables is useful for reliable prospect evaluation, and provides a framework for consistent decision making under uncertainty. A Bayesian network (BN), involving different kinds of dependency structures, is used to model the correlation within the various geological elements and to couple the elements. On the basis of the constructed network, an optimal sequential exploration strategy is established with dynamic programming (DP). This strategy is useful for selecting the first prospect to explore and for making the decisions that should follow, depending on the outcome of the first well. A risk-neutral decision maker will continue exploring new wells as long as the expected profit is positive.

The model and choice of exploration strategy are tailored to a case study represented by five prospects in a salt basin, but they will also be useful for other contexts. For the particular case study, we show how the strategy clearly depends on the exploration and development cost and the expected volumes and recovery factors. The most lucrative prospect tends to be selected first, but the sequential decisions depend on the outcome of the exploration well in this first prospect.
A Computational-Fluid-Dynamics-Based Eulerian-Granular Approach for Characterization of Sand Erosion in Multiphase-Flow Systems
Authors: Lu Yaojun , Agrawal Madhusuden
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD)-based Eulerian-Granular approach for characterizing erosion wear in multiphase-flow systems. In contrast to the conventional CFD-based Eulerian-Lagrangian approach, the Eulerian-Granular approach takes account of multiphase dynamics on the basis of the multifluid concept and the kinetic theory; therefore, a more realistic erosion prediction can be achieved. Both the benchmark study and typical applications have demonstrated the effectiveness of the CFD-based Eulerian-Granular approach from dilute to condensed flow systems. Unlike the conventional CFD-based Eulerian-Lagrangian approach and the spreadsheet-based empirical approach, which tend to provide a risky erosion prediction, the CFD-based Eulerian-granular approach is able to capture detailed flow and phase redistribution effects as well as particle/particle interaction involved in multiphase-flow systems. Because fewer assumptions have been made, a more realistic prediction can be expected. The CFD-based Eulerian-Granular approach described in this paper can serve as a general instrument for erosion analysis in multiphase-flow systems, and thus deserves more attention in the erosion community.
Water Distribution in the Montney Tight Gas Play of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin: Significance for Resource Evaluation
Authors: Wood J.M.. M.
Published: August 2013

Water distribution in unconventional gas reservoirs is a key parameter that influences many aspects of resource exploitation including selecting geographic areas for multiwell development programs, identifying target zones for horizontal wells, calculating reserves, estimating permeability, and understanding variability in gas and water production. Insights on water distribution in the Montney tight gas play of northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta were gained by integrating reliable water-saturation measurements from full-diameter core samples with other core, well-log, and geologic data. Water distribution in the studied Montney section was found to be related to stratigraphic architecture and rock fabric (defined by degree of bioturbation), and is interpreted to have been influenced by the displacement efficiency of mobile formation water updip through tight Montney siltstones during hydrocarbon charging. Low-gradient clinoform units with few shaly zones in the Lower Montney section enabled efficient water displacement and led to water contents at or close to irreducible water saturation. Higher-gradient clinoform units with greater facies variation and common shaly zones in the Upper Montney allowed less-efficient water displacement, and significant volumes of mobile water were retained in parts of the section. Water saturation varies widely and directly influences gas effective permeability. A simple method for determining gas effective permeability from well logs was developed on the basis of empirical relationships derived from the core and log data set. Gas-effective permeability logs generated by this method help to identify target zones with superior reservoir quality for exploitation by use of horizontal multistage-fracturing technology. A Pickett plot with gas-effective-permeability lines was found to be a useful tool for a log-based comparison of Montney rock quality by stratigraphic zone or geographic area. This work shows that understanding water distribution and its influence on gas effective permeability leads to the improved delineation of "sweet spots" for resource development in unconventional gas plays.
Mercury Capillary Pressure Measurements on Barnett Core
Authors: Sigal R.F.. F.
Published: August 2013

High-pressure mercury capillary pressure curves have been measured on 92 plugs obtained from the core from two Barnett-shale gas wells. The curve set consists of four basic types: Type 1, incremental intrusion curve with maximum; Type 2, incremental intrusion curve "flat" at 60,000 psi; Type 3, no apparent maximum; and Type 4, no mercury intrusion. For all types, the mercury porosity is less than the helium porosity. This is most likely because of surface forces, not the size of the mercury atom. The curve types cluster by depth and correlate to other rock properties. Permeability estimated from the mercury capillary pressure curves is in the 1-to 10-nanodarcy range.
Granulation of anaerobic sludge in the sulfate-reducing up-flow sludge bed (SRUSB) of SANI® process
Authors: Hao T. , Lu H. , Chui H. K. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Chen G. H.
Published: August 2013

This study reports on anaerobic sludge granulation in a laboratory-scale sulfate-reducing up-flow sludge bed (SRUSB) in a novel sulfate reduction, autotrophic denitrification and nitrification integrated (SANI®) process for treatment of saline sewage. Granulation occurred in 30 d and reached full development in 90 d. The sulfate-reducing granules grew up to around 1 mm after 90 d with 21 mL/g SVI5 (sludge volume index measured after 5 min) and the biomass concentration reached 29 g/L after 4 months' operation. The reactor removed 89% chemical oxygen demand (COD) and reduced 75% sulfate within 1 h of hydraulic retention time, under a COD loading rate of up to 6.4 kg COD/(m3 · d).
Identification of pathogen bacteria and protozoa in treated urban wastewaters discharged in the Ebro River (Spain): water reuse possibilities
Authors: Mosteo R. , Ormad M. P. , Goñi P. , Rodríguez-Chueca J. , García A. , Clavel A.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this research work is to identify the presence of pathogens, bacteria and protozoa, in different treated urban wastewaters and to relate biological pollution with the processes used in wastewater treatment plants. A study of the possibilities for water reuse is carried out taking into account bacterial and parasite composition. The analysed bacteria and protozoa are: Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens (spore), Salmonella spp., Legionella spp., helminths eggs, Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp. and free-living amoebae (FLA). The selected municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs) are located in Navarra (Spain) and the main difference between them is the use of natural lagoons as tertiary treatment in some plants. The results concerning bacteriological identification showed contamination of mainly faecal origin, and the use of natural lagoons as tertiary treatment in some MWTPs produced an important disinfection effect. Moreover, pathogen parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium were not detected in the samples studied although FLA were identified in all cases.
Sustainable biodegradation of phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemicals by Phragmites australis–rhizosphere bacteria association
Authors: Toyama T. , Ojima T. , Tanaka Y. , Mori K. , Morikawa M.
Published: August 2013

The efficacy of two rhizobacteria (Sphingobium fuliginis TIK1 and Sphingobium sp. IT4) of Phragmites australis for the sustainable treatment of water polluted with phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was investigated. Strains TIK1 and IT4 have recently been isolated from Phragmites rhizosphere and shown to degrade various 4-alkylphenols–TIK1 via phenolic ring hydroxylation and meta-cleavage and IT4 via ipso-hydroxylation. The two strains also degraded bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol B, bisphenol E, bisphenol F, bisphenol P and bisphenol S (BPS). Thus, strains TIK1 and IT4 have wide degradation spectra for phenolic EDCs. The two strains utilized Phragmites root extracts as a sole carbon source and sustainably colonized Phragmites roots, where they degraded phenolic EDCs. In sequencing batch reactor experiments using Phragmites in association with TIK1 or IT4, both associations repeatedly removed phenolic EDCs from polluted secondary effluent water (BPA, BPS, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol) from polluted secondary effluent water. The results suggest that hydroponic systems using Phragmites–TIK and Phragmites–IT4 associations would be useful for sustainable treatment of polluted waters containing various phenolic EDCs.
Treatment of heavy metals by iron oxide coated and natural gravel media in Sustainable urban Drainage Systems
Authors: Norris M. J. , Pulford I. D. , Haynes H. , Dorea C. C. , Phoenix V. R.
Published: August 2013

Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) filter drains are simple, low-cost systems utilized as a first defence to treat road runoff by employing biogeochemical processes to reduce pollutants. However, the mechanisms involved in pollution attenuation are poorly understood. This work aims to develop a better understanding of these mechanisms to facilitate improved SuDS design. Since heavy metals are a large fraction of pollution in road runoff, this study aimed to enhance heavy metal removal of filter drain gravel with an iron oxide mineral amendment to increase surface area for heavy metal scavenging. Experiments showed that amendment-coated and uncoated (control) gravel removed similar quantities of heavy metals. Moreover, when normalized to surface area, iron oxide coated gravels (IOCGs) showed poorer metal removal capacities than uncoated gravel. Inspection of the uncoated microgabbro gravel indicated that clay particulates on the surface (a natural product of weathering of this material) augmented heavy metal removal, generating metal sequestration capacities that were competitive compared with IOCGs. Furthermore, when the weathered surface was scrubbed and removed, metal removal capacities were reduced by 20%. When compared with other lithologies, adsorption of heavy metals by microgabbro was 10–70% higher, indicating that both the lithology of the gravel, and the presence of a weathered surface, considerably influence its ability to immobilize heavy metals. These results contradict previous assumptions which suggest that gravel lithology is not a significant factor in SuDS design. Based upon these results, weathered microgabbro is suggested to be an ideal lithology for use in SuDS.
Ammonium nitrogen removal from wastewater with a three-dimensional electrochemical oxidation system
Authors: Ding Jing , Zhao Qing-Liang , Wei Liang-Liang , Chen Yang , Shu Xin
Published: August 2013

Ammonium-containing wastewater could cause the promotion of eutrophication and a hindrance to the disinfection of water supplies. In this study, the feasibility of removing low-concentration ammonium nitrogen from synthetic and real wastewater by electrochemical oxidation was investigated. Using laboratory-scale electrochemical systems, the effects of chloride concentration, current density, anode materials, cathode materials, electrode gap, initial ammonium concentration and three-dimensional particles on the removal of ammonium nitrogen and current efficiency (CE) were evaluated. Ammonium nitrogen removal was mainly dependent upon anode materials and current density. The performance of two- and three-dimensional electrochemical oxidation systems was comparatively discussed. Both particle electrodes could enhance ammonium nitrogen removal and increase CE. However, the mechanism of the process seemed to be different. Moreover, the interaction of zeolites adsorption and electrochemical oxidation on the anode in a three-dimensional system could favor the regeneration of zeolites. Surface morphology of the used Ru-Ir-Sn/Ti anode revealed its longer working life of electrocatalysis. The result of ammonium degradation for a real wastewater treatment plant effluent showed the degradation rates in a three-dimensional system increased by 1.4 times those in a two-dimensional system.