bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combat exposure severity as a moderator of genetic and environmental liability to post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Wolf E. J. , Mitchell K. S. , Koenen K. C. , Miller M. W. 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundTwin studies of veterans and adults suggest that approximately 30–46% of the variance in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is attributable to genetic factors. The remaining variance is attributable to the non-shared environment, which, by definition, includes combat exposure. This study used a gene by measured environment twin design to determine whether the effects of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the etiology of PTSD are dependent on the level of combat exposure.MethodThe sample was drawn from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry (VETR) and included 620 male–male twin pairs who served in the US Military in South East Asia during the Vietnam War era. Analyses were based on data from a clinical diagnostic interview of lifetime PTSD symptoms and a self-report measure of combat exposure.ResultsBiometric modeling revealed that the effects of genetic and non-shared environment factors on PTSD varied as a function of level of combat exposure such that the association between these factors and PTSD was stronger at higher levels of combat exposure.ConclusionsCombat exposure may act as a catalyst that augments the impact of hereditary and environmental contributions to PTSD. Individuals with the greatest exposure to combat trauma were at increased risk for PTSD as a function of both genetic and environmental factors. Additional work is needed to determine the biological and environmental mechanisms driving these associations.
Sub-femtosecond hard X-ray radiation generated by electron bunches ejected from water jet
Authors: Zhavoronkov N. , Andreev A. , Platonov K. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractA new two-step approach for frequency conversion of laser radiation towards hard X-rays is developed and examined experimentally. Fast electrons are produced in a form of thin jets at the first stage, as an intense femtosecond laser pulses impinges on a micrometer water target. In the second stage the accelerated electrons hit a secondary metal target and generate characteristic K-shell radiation with a duration down to sub-femtosecond. It is shown that counter propagating laser radiation experiences very strong up-shift with up to 6 × 103 times of fundamental frequency by reflection from the electron jets.
Stable walking control of a 3D biped robot with foot rotation
Authors: Wang Ting , Chevallereau Christine , Tlalolini David 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYIn order to obtain a more human-like walking and less energy consumption, ait foot rotation phaseis considered in the single support phase of a 3D biped robot, in which the stance heel lifts from the ground and the stance foot rotates about the toe. Since there is no actuation at the toe, a walking phase of the robot is composed of a fully actuated phase and an under-actuated phase. The objective of this paper is to present an asymptotically stable walking controller that integrates these two phases. To get around the under-actuation issue, a strict monotonic parameter of the robot is used to describe the reference trajectory instead of using the time parameter. The overall control law consists of a zero moment point (ZMP) controller, a swing ankle rotation controller and a partial joint angles controller. The ZMP controller guarantees that the ZMP follows the desired ZMP. The swing ankle rotation controller assures a flat-foot impact at the end of the swinging phase. Each of these controllers creates two constraints on joint accelerations. In order to determine all the desired joint accelerations from the control law, a partial joint angles controller is implemented. A word “partial” emphasizes the fact that not all the joint angles can be controlled. The outputs controlled by a partial joint angles controller are defined as a linear combination of all the joint angles. The most important question addressed in this paper is how this linear combination can be defined in order to ensure walking stability. The stability of the walking gait under closed-loop control is evaluated with the linearization of the restricted Poincaré map of the hybrid zero dynamics. Finally, simulation results validate the effectiveness of the control law even in presence of initial errors and modelling errors.
Termite mounds may not be foraging hotspots for mega-herbivores in a nutrient-rich matrix
Authors: Muvengwi Justice , Mbiba Monicah , Nyenda Tatenda 
Published: September 2013

Abstract:Our study investigated the influence of termitaria on vegetation utilization by elephants in Chewore North, Zimbabwe. Ten termite mounds and ten similar sized control plots were surveyed for soil nutrients, tree species diversity and plant biomass removal by elephants. Termite mounds had higher mean (± SE) concentrations of P, Ca, Mg and Na (0.15 ± 0.01, 48.8 ± 9.32, 5.78 ± 1.59 and 0.47 ± 0.12 meq per 100 g respectively) than control plots (0.05 ± 0.01, 3.33 ± 0.56, 1.53 ± 0.22 and 0.19 ± 0.02 meq per 100 g). However, Shannon Wiener index of tree diversity did not vary significantly between termite mounds (1.13 ± 0.280) and their control plots (0.827 ± 0.469). Contrary to most studies investigating patterns of vegetation utilization by large mammalian herbivores on termitaria, biomass removal was five times more on control plots than termite mounds. No difference in biomass removal was noted forColophospermum mopanewhich had enough replicates for statistical analysis both on termite mounds and control plots. Our study negates the hypothesis that nutrient-rich soil patches will act as feeding hotspots for large mammalian herbivores. We concluded that vegetation utilization by elephants may be tree species specific, particularly in nutrient-rich environments.
Unit-cell parameters for scapolite solid solutions and a discontinuity at Me75, ideally NaCa3[Al5Si7O24](CO3)
Authors: Antao Sytle M. 
Published: September 2013

Twenty-seven scapolite samples from various localities and with compositions between Me6–93 were obtained using electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). Their unit-cell parameters were obtained using synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (HRPXRD) data and Rietveld structure refinements using space group P42/n. The EMPA data show the well-known discontinuity at Me75. In addition, the unit-cell parameters, especially c, show a discontinuity at Me75 (=five Al atoms per formula unit, apfu), ideally NaCa3[Al5Si7O24](CO3), where the scapolite solid solution is divided into two (Me% = [Ca/(Ca + Na + K)] × 100). A maximum c parameter value occurs at Me37.5 (=four Al apfu ideally), where complete Al–Si, Na–Ca, and Cl–CO3 order occurs. The unit-cell volume, V, varies smoothly with Me% and Al apfu across the series.
Epidemiological analysis of spatially misaligned data: a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus outbreak in Nigeria
Authors: ADEGBOYE O. A. , KOTZE D. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThis research is focused on the epidemiological analysis of the transmission of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus outbreak in Nigeria. The data included 145 outbreaks together with the locations of the infected farms and the date of confirmation of infection. In order to investigate the environmental conditions that favoured the transmission and spread of the virus, weather stations were realigned with the locations of the infected farms. The spatial Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for complete spatial randomness rejects the null hypothesis of constant intensity (P < 0·0001). Preliminary exploratory analysis showed an increase in the incidence of H5N1 virus at farms located at high altitude. Results from the Poisson log-linear conditional intensity function identified temperature (−0·9601) and wind speed (0·6239) as the ecological factors that influence the intensity of transmission of the H5N1 virus. The model also includes distance from the first outbreak (−0·9175) with an Akaike's Information Criterion of −103·87. Our analysis using a point process model showed that geographical heterogeneity, seasonal effects, temperature, wind as well as proximity to the first outbreak are very important components of spread and transmission of HPAI H5N1.
Structure and Growth of Sialoliths: Computed Microtomography and Electron Microscopy Investigation of 30 Specimens
Authors: Nolasco Pedro , Anjos Ana J. , Marques João M. Aquino , Cabrita Fernando , da Costa Eduardo Carreiro , Maurício António , Pereira Manuel F.C. , de Matos António P. Alves , Carvalho Patricia A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTheories have been put forward on the etiology of sialoliths; however, a comprehensive understanding of their growth mechanisms is lacking. In an attempt to fill this gap, the current study has evaluated the internal architecture and growth patterns of a set of 30 independent specimens of sialoliths characterized at different scales by computed microtomography and electron microscopy. Tomography reconstructions showed cores in most of the sialoliths. The cores were surrounded by concentric or irregular patterns with variable degrees of mineralization. Regardless of the patterns, at finer scales the sialoliths consisted of banded and globular structures. The distribution of precipitates in the banded structures is compatible with a Liesegang–Ostwald phenomenon. On the other hand, the globular structures appear to arise from surface tension effects and to develop self-similar features as a result of a viscous fingering process. Electron diffraction patterns demonstrated that Ca- and P-based electrolytes crystallize in a structure close to that of hydroxyapatite. The organic matter contained sulfur with apparent origin from sulfated components of secretory material. These results cast new light on the mechanisms involved in the formation of sialoliths.
New Associated Structures of the Anterior Flagella of Giardia duodenalis
Authors: Maia-Brigagão Claudia , Gadelha Ana Paula Rocha , de Souza Wanderley 
Published: September 2013

AbstractGiardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that causes intestinal disorders. The trophozoites present four pairs of flagella. Here we further analyze the structural organization of the anterior flagella associated structures of G. duodenalis. High resolution scanning electron microscopy of detergent-extracted trophozoites revealed novel aspects of the interaction of the anterior flagella axonemes with the marginal plates. Images of the marginal plates showed that it was located in the anterior region of the parasite, above the crossing point of the anterior flagella axonemes toward the periphery of the cell. Two well distinguished structures were seen associated with the anterior flagella. The first one corresponds to the “dense rods”, located just below the axoneme. The second one is a system of filaments located in the upper portion of the flagellum, facing the marginal plates and connecting these two structures. The thickness of the filaments is around 18 nm and they are spaced at intervals of 4–32 nm (average 18 nm). The length of the filaments may vary from 33 to 240 nm. We suggest that this filamentous structure of Giardia may help the dynamics and behavior of the anterior flagella of trophozoites during protozoan motility and adhesion, providing favorable conditions for the establishment of parasitism.
Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy: Aqueous Suspensions of Nanoscale Objects
Authors: Burrows Nathan D. , Penn R. Lee 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDirect imaging of nanoscale objects suspended in liquid media can be accomplished using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Cryo-TEM has been used with particular success in microbiology and other biological fields. Samples are prepared by plunging a thin film of sample into an appropriate cryogen, which essentially produces a snapshot of the suspended objects in their liquid medium. With successful sample preparation, cryo-TEM images can facilitate elucidation of aggregation and self-assembly, as well as provide detailed information about cells and viruses. This work provides an explanation of sample preparation, detailed examples of the many artifacts found in cryo-TEM of aqueous samples, and other key considerations for successful cryo-TEM imaging.
Jurisprudential developments on the purpose of WTO suspension of obligations
Authors: TIJMES JAIME 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis article examines World Trade Organization (WTO) jurisprudence on the question as to if the purpose of suspending concessions or other obligations is to induce compliance, to rebalance concessions, or both. WTO jurisprudence on this issue can be systematized into three steps. First, inducing compliance is the general purpose of suspension as complaining parties have the right to request the authorization to suspend concessions or other obligations as long as they meet the requirements spelled out in the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding. The second step relates to the level of suspension. In general, WTO jurisprudence has accorded a higher hierarchy to the purpose of rebalancing concessions or other obligations, with some exceptions made regarding disputes on prohibited subsidies and diachronically variable suspension levels. As a third step, WTO jurisprudence has bestowed complaining Members freedom concerning the suspension's content, so as to induce the defending party to comply. Keeping these three steps in mind will hopefully make understanding WTO jurisprudence on suspension of concessions or other obligations easier.
Microsatellite marker analysis reveals the events of the introduction and spread of cultivated mulberry in the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Krishnan R. Ramesh , Naik V. Girish , Ramesh S. R. , Qadri S. M. H. 
Published: September 2013

The secret art of silk culture along with mulberry seeds is presumed to have spread from China to other parts of the world including India through the famous Silk Road. In this study, we investigated a set of 36 important mulberry genotypes (designated as ‘breeders’ collection’) of historical importance that have been frequently used in Indian crop improvement programmes over the last five decades. This study is the first to employ a large number of microsatellite markers (140 screened; 70 used for profiling) to elucidate the diversity, structure and breeding history of mulberry. The cluster and STRUCTURE analysis corroborated with the known genetic relationships and origin. The groupings by STRUCTURE (k= 4) confirm parallel breeding efforts undertaken in the eastern, southern and northern regions of the country. The cultivar ‘Mysore Local’ shares a common parent with ‘Berhampore Local’, and this supports the historical records of its introduction from eastern India to the Kingdom of Mysore by the erstwhile ruler Tippu Sultan. The popular variety ‘Kanva-2’ shared a common male parent with the Japanese variety ‘Kousen’, supporting the contribution of exotic progenitors in Indian cultivars. The findings of this study will be useful in formulating new strategies for mulberry improvement and reveals the historical events of the introduction and spread of cultivated mulberry in the Indian subcontinent.
Context of Treatment and Therapeutic Alliance: Critical Factors in Court-Mandated Batterer Intervention Programs
Authors: Boira Santiago , del Castillo María F. , Carbajosa Pablo , Marcuello Chaime 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis paper deals with the influence of the therapeutic context in batterer intervention programs. We conducted 2 complementary studies: a descriptive analysis (Study 1) and a qualitative study (Study 2) analyzing the aspects that may help to improve the operation and effectiveness of treatment in a group of men (N = 27) who participated in a program for convicted perpetrators of intimate partner violence. The results show a statistically significant relationship between the therapeutic alliance and the assessment of the usefulness of the program attended by offenders (r = .69, p < .01), and between the therapeutic alliance and the assessment of the usefulness of the program content (r = .43, p < .05). Furthermore, the results of the qualitative analysis show that aspects of the therapeutic context may play an important role for the adhesion of offenders to treatment, increasing their motivation and improving results. It is proposed that future research should provide more in-depth analysis of the elements related to the context of the intervention and therapists’ skills as facilitators of change.
Human DNA helicase HELQ participates in DNA interstrand crosslink tolerance with ATR and RAD51 paralogs
Authors: Takata Kei-ichi , Reh Shelley , Tomida Junya , Person Maria D. , Wood Richard D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractMammalian HELQ is a 3′–5′ DNA helicase with strand displacement activity. Here we show that HELQ participates in a pathway of resistance to DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Genetic disruption ofHELQin human cells enhances cellular sensitivity and chromosome radial formation by the ICL-inducing agent mitomycin C (MMC). A significant fraction of MMC sensitivity is independent of the Fanconi anaemia pathway. Sister chromatid exchange frequency and sensitivity to UV radiation or topoisomerase inhibitors is unaltered. Proteomic analysis reveals that HELQ is associated with the RAD51 paralogs RAD51B/C/D and XRCC2, and with the DNA damage-responsive kinase ATR. After treatment with MMC, reduced phosphorylation of the ATR substrate CHK1 occurs inHELQ-knockout cells, and accumulation of G2/M cells is reduced. The results indicate that HELQ operates in an arm of DNA repair and signalling in response to ICL. Further, the association with RAD51 paralogs suggests HELQ as a candidate ovarian cancer gene.
Using Network Biology to Bridge Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Oncology
Authors: Kirouac DC , Onsum MD 
Published: September 2013

If mathematical modeling is to be used effectively in cancer drug development, future models must take into account both the mechanistic details of cellular signal transduction networks and the pharmacokinetics (PK) of drugs used to inhibit their oncogenic activity. In this perspective, we present an approach to building multiscale models that capture systems‐level architectural features of oncogenic signaling networks, and describe how these models can be used to design combination therapies and identify predictive biomarkers in silico.CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology (2013) 2, e71; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.38; published online 4 September 2013
Reduction of differential‐mode to common‐mode conversion by means of analytic description in common‐mode chokes used for an automotive communication bus system
Authors: Spägele Matthias , Buntz Stefan , Leier Helmut , Reiter Leopold , Lindenmeier Stefan 
Published: September 2013

The following study describes the attempt to reduce differential‐mode to common‐mode conversion of data‐line common‐mode chokes (CMCs) which are used in unshielded‐twisted‐pair automotive communication bus systems. Conversion of a choke leads directly to emissions of the data line. Furthermore, the emission within the information signal's frequency range varies depending on the signal conversion. For high speed bus systems like for example 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, this leads to a significant emission in case of state‐of‐the‐art CMCs used nowadays. The study is based on measurement results, simulations and an analytic description of different CMCs. In the analytic description all important parameters of a choke contributing to the mode conversion are shown. These parameters are the length of connection lines (connection from the windings on the coil to the package) and the length difference between the connection lines, as well as the characteristic impedance of connection lines and the characteristic impedance difference between the connection lines. The study indicates that the conversion factor and the emission level decrease by 10 dB when the length difference between the connection lines reduces from 4.8 to 0.2 mm. The overall result shows that the reduction of conversion factor is 25 dB when all parameters introducing in this study are optimised. The theory described in this study can point out the mutual influence of parameters and the weighting or prioritisation of parameters. This means that it is possible to design CMCs with small conversion and hereby reduce the emissions of an unshielded‐twisted‐pair automotive communication bus system.
Photocatalytic digestion of total phosphorus utilising nanotitanium dioxide photocatalyst
Authors: Dong Tian , Tong Jianhua , Bian Chao , Sun Jizhou , Xia Shanhong 
Published: September 2013

Thermal‐assisted ultraviolet (UV) and H2O2‐assisted UV photocatalytic oxidation methods utilizing nano‐TiO2 photocatalyst are presented for the digestion of total phosphorus (TP) in water. The photocatalytic experiments for TP digestion were conducted using a 365 nm wavelength UV light, and TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on a silicon wafer as the photocatalyst. The effects of H2O2 and temperature on the UV photocatalytic oxidation process are explained. The pseudo‐first‐order rate constants k of two phosphorus compounds for the UV digestion processes were obtained according to the pseudo‐first‐order equation. Both H2O2 and heating could improve the efficiency of the UV photocatalytic oxidation method. But by comparison, the enhancement of heating on the UV photocatalysis process is more distinctly than H2O2. In addition, the thermal‐assisted UV digestion process will not lead to secondary pollution since no oxidant is needed in this digestion process, which makes it more compatible with electrochemical detection of TP. The thermal‐assisted UV digestion method was employed for the digestion of real water samples. Compared with the conventional thermal digestion method for TP detection, this thermal‐assisted UV digestion process decreased the digestion temperature from 120°C to 60°C within the same time, which enable the digestion process work at normal pressure.
Core–shelled Zn/ZnO microspheres synthesised by ultrasonic irradiation for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Ma Qing‐lan , Xiong Rui , Zhai Bao‐gai , Huang Yuan Ming 
Published: September 2013

Core–shelled Zn/ZnO microspheres were prepared by ultrasonic irradiation to investigate their photocatalytic activity for degrading methyl orange in waste water. The microstructural and optical properties of the core–shelled Zn/ZnO microspheres were investigated by means of a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope, an X‐ray diffractometer and a photoluminescence spectrometer. The results indicated that the metallic Zn core was about 6 μm in diameter whereas the ZnO shell was about 200 nm in thickness. Owing to the metal–semiconductor junction formed at the Zn/ZnO interface, the core‐shelled Zn/ZnO microspheres exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for degrading methyl orange in water when compared with that of ZnO nanoparticles. It suggests that the core–shelled Zn/ZnO microspheres are a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants in water.
How minute sooglossid frogs hear without a middle ear
Authors: Boistel Renaud , Aubin Thierry , Cloetens Peter , Peyrin Françoise , Scotti Thierry , Herzog Philippe , Gerlach Justin , Pollet Nicolas , Aubry Jean-François 
Published: September 2013

Significance
Gardiner's Seychelle frog, one of the smallest terrestrial tetrapods, resolves an apparent paradox as these seemingly deaf frogs communicate effectively without a middle ear. Acoustic playback experiments conducted using conspecific calls in the natural habitat of the frogs provoked vocalizations of several males, suggesting that these frogs are indeed capable of hearing. This species thus uses extra-tympanic pathways for sound propagation to the inner ear. Our models show how bone conduction is enhanced by the resonating role of the mouth and may help these frogs hear.