bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and quantification of vinpocetine and picamilon in dietary supplements sold in the United States
Authors: Avula Bharathi , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Sagi Satyanarayanaraju , Wang Yan‐Hong , Wang Mei , Khan Ikhlas A. , Cohen Pieter A.
Published: October 2015

Vinpocetine and picamilon are drugs prescribed in many countries to treat a variety of cerebrovascular disorders. In the United States, vinpocetine and picamilon have never been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but they are both available for sale directly to consumers as dietary supplements. We designed our study to determine the accuracy of supplement labels with regard to the presence and quantity of vinpocetine and picamilon. A validated ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode‐array method was developed for the quantification of vinpocetine and picamilon. The separation was achieved using a reversed phase (C‐18) column, photodiode array detection, and water/acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Vinpocetine and picamilon were detected at concentrations as low as 10 and 50 ng/mL, respectively. The presence of vinpocetine and picamilon was confirmed using reference standards. Twenty‐three supplements labelled as containing vinpocetine were available for sale at two large supplement retail chains; 17 contained vinpocetine with quantities ranging from 0.3 to 32 mg per recommended daily serving. No vinpocetine was detected in six of the sampled supplements. The supplement label implied that vinpocetine was a constituent of lesser periwinkle in three of the supplements. Of the 31 picamilon supplements available for sale from a variety of retailers: 30 contained picamilon in quantities ranging from 2.7 to 721.5 mg per recommended daily serving. We found that consumers cannot obtain accurate information from supplement labels regarding the presence or quantity of vinpocetine and picamilon. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retinal and choroidal alterations in patients with anorexia nervosa without vision loss
Authors: Moschos Marilita M. , Moustafa Giannis‐Aimant , Gonidakis Fragiskos , Papageorgiou Charalambos
Published: October 2015

Objective

Evaluate the alterations of retinal anatomy and function, as well as choroidal thickness changes, in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

13 female AN patients (26 eyes) and 20 female controls (40 eyes) were included. Assessment of the retinal and choroidal anatomy was performed by optical‐coherence‐tomography, while multifocal‐electroretinogram was used for measurements of the electrical activity of the macula. Statistical analysis was performed using t‐test.

Results

Central macular thickness was found to be thinner in AN (140.04 ± 14.45, 150.85 ± 16.03, p = 0.007), likewise the ganglion cell complex and outer retinal layer (ORL) at most areas. ORL superiorly was thicker in AN (169.12 ± 2.55, 163.00 ± 8.70, p < 0.001), while retinal nerve fiber layer was not different between the two groups, except the inferior region (121.08 ± 18.52, 137.60 ± 7.30, p < 0.001). Choroidal thickness was evenly diminished in the anorectic group (p = 0.001‐0.027). Multifocal‐electroretinogram showed lower P1‐retinal response density amplitude of ring 1 in AN (159.04 ± 60.83, 292.43 ± 11.59, p < 0.001), but no significant difference concerning the P1‐response density amplitude of ring 2 (79.04 ± 21.89, 82.63 ± 9.10, p = 0.36).

Discussion

In AN patients, even without vision loss, significant changes occur in retinal and choroidal thickness, as well as in the electrical activity of the macula. However, this is a pilot study in a small sample that needs replication. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:386–390)
Increased risk of stroke with darbepoetin alfa in anaemic heart failure patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bello Natalie A. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Desai Akshay S. , Anand Inder S. , Krum Henry , McMurray John J.V. , Olson Kurt , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Young James B. , Pfeffer Marc A.
Published: October 2015

Aims

The use of an erythropoesis‐stimulating agent, darbepoetin alfa (DA), to treat anaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease was associated with a heightened risk of stroke and neutral efficacy in the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT), despite epidemiological data suggesting the contrary. However, this association has not been evaluated in another randomized, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods and results

Reduction of Events by Darbepoetin Alfa in Heart Failure (RED‐HF) was a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of DA in 2278 patients with systolic heart failure and anaemia, enrolled from 2006 to 2012 and followed for a median of 28 months. Within RED‐HF, 816 patients had diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20–60 mL/min/1.73 m2] and met inclusion criteria for TREAT. TREAT‐like RED‐HF patient data were analysed alone and combined at the patient level with the 4038 TREAT patients. In RED‐HF, the annualized event rate of stroke was 2.3 in patients on DA and 1.1 in patients randomized to placebo (P = 0.051). Analysis of the combined group (n = 4854) confirmed a nearly two‐fold increase in stroke risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–2.63] and an overall neutral effect on mortality (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89–1.12) of raising haemoglobin with DA.

Conclusion

The placebo‐controlled cohort of heart failure patients with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease from RED‐HF provides confirmation of the increased stroke risk associated with DA use identified in TREAT.
Effectiveness of an interactive platform, and the ESC/HFA heartfailurematters.org website in patients with heart failure: design of the multicentre randomized e‐Vita heart failure trial
Authors: Wagenaar Kim P. , Broekhuizen Berna D.L. , Dickstein Kenneth , Jaarsma Tiny , Hoes Arno W. , Rutten Frans H.
Published: October 2015

Aims

Electronic health support (e‐health) may improve self‐care of patients with heart failure (HF). We aim to assess whether an adjusted care pathway with replacement of routine consultations by e‐health improves self‐care as compared with usual care. In addition, we will determine whether the ESC/HFA (European Society of Cardiology/Heart Failure Association) website heartfailurematters.org (HFM website) improves self‐care when added to usual care. Finally, we aim to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of these interventions.

Methods

A three‐arm parallel randomized trial will be conducted. Arm 1 consists of usual care; arm 2 consists of usual care plus the HFM website; and arm 3 is the adjusted care pathway with an interactive platform for disease management (e‐Vita platform), with a link to the HFM website, which replaces routine consultations with HF nurses at the outpatient clinic. In total, 414 patients managed in 10 Dutch HF outpatient clinics or in general practice will be included and followed for 12 months. Participants are included if they have had an established diagnosis of HF for at least 3 months. The primary outcome is self‐care as measured by the European Heart Failure Self‐care Behaviour scale (EHFScB scale). Secondary outcomes are quality of life, cardiovascular‐ and HF‐related mortality, hospitalization, and its duration as captured by hospital and general practitioner registries, use of and user satisfaction with the HFM website, and cost‐effectiveness.

Perspective

This study will provide important prospective data on the impact and cost‐effectiveness of an interactive platform for disease management and the HFM website.

Clinical Trial Registration

unique identifier: NCT01755988
Serum uric acid is associated with mortality and heart failure hospitalizations in patients with complicated myocardial infarction: findings from the High‐Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative
Authors: von Lueder Thomas G. , Girerd Nicolas , Atar Dan , Agewall Stefan , Lamiral Zohra , Kanbay Mehmet , Pitt Bertram , Dickstein Kenneth , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick ,   for the High‐Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative Investigators
Published: October 2015

Aims

Serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with poorer outcomes in healthy cohorts and patients with stable and unstable coronary heart disease. We investigated the relationship betweenSUAand clinical outcomes in subjects with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by reduced left ventricular (LV) function, heart failure (HF), or both.

Methods and results

Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling was performed to study the association of baselineSUAand all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, andHFhospitalization in an individual patient meta‐analysis of four merged large randomized trials (CAPRICORN,EPHESUS,OPTIMAAL, andVALIANT). Three trials (excludingVALIANT) reportedSUA, which was available in a total of 12 677 subjects. The ranges ofSUAfor quartiles I–IVwere 45–280, 281–344, 345–420, and 420–1640 mmol/L, respectively. While almost 90% of patients in the lowestSUAquartile were alive after a mean follow‐up of 23 ± 11 months, <70% were alive in the highestSUAquartile. Compared with the lowestSUAquartile as reference, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) ofSUAquartilesIIIandIVshowed an increase in all‐cause mortality [HR1.18, 95%CI0.95–1.46, andHR1.36, 95%CI1.11–1.67) andCVmortality (HR1.27, 95% 1.01–1.61, andHR1.47, 95%CI1.17–1.83).SUAquartilesIIIandIValso exhibited increasedHFhospitalization (HR1.22, 95%CI1.09–1.36, andHR1.28, 95%CI1.14–1.43;P< 0.001 for all comparisons) in multivariable analyses. The addition ofSUAwas associated with a significant improvement in reclassification to predictCVmortality (net reclassification improvement 17.6%, 95%CI14.9–20.5%,P< 0.001).

Conclusions

ElevatedSUAis associated with poor outcomes in patients afterMIcomplicated by reducedLVfunction,HF, or both. The quantification ofSUA, a low‐cost routinely available biomarker, could improve risk stratification of patients with complicatedMI.
Solid‐Phase Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Coibamide A and Its Derivative: Highly Methylated Cyclic Depsipeptides
Authors: Sable Ganesh A. , Park Jaekwan , Kim Hyunsik , Lim Soo‐Jeong , Jang Soonmin , Lim Dongyeol
Published: October 2015

The solid‐phase total synthesis of the proposed structure of cyclic depsipeptide coibamide A and its derivative O‐desmethyl coibamide A is reported. In this study, we demonstrate the solid‐phase synthetic strategy and final solution‐phase O‐methylation for highly N‐methylated cyclic depsipeptides. On‐resin macrocyclization, N,N‐dimethylation and solution‐phase O‐methylation were the key steps of these syntheses. The mass of synthetic coibamide A is consistent with that of the natural product according to liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (LCMS) analysis but significant differences are observed upon 1H and 13C NMR analysis. The 2D NMR analysis and modeling studies of the synthetic compound compared with the isolated natural compound revealed that either they are conformationally different or the stereochemistry of the natural product was incorrectly assigned.
Synthetic Studies on Indolocarbazoles: A Facile Synthesis of Staurosporinone Analogues
Authors: Raju Potharaju , Gobi Rajeshwaran Ganesan , Mohanakrishnan Arasambattu K.
Published: October 2015

Synthesis of indolocarbazoles was achieved through thermal electrocyclization followed by triethyl phosphite‐mediated nitrene insertion reactions. Total synthesis of staurosporinone analogues was achieved from commercially available 2‐methylindole. The CDK5/p25 kinase inhibition potential of some representative staurosporinone analogues was explored by using the TRFRET kinase assay.
Digital microfluidics platform for interfacing solid–liquid extraction column with portable capillary electropherograph for analysis of soil amino acids
Authors: Gorbatsova Jelena , Jaanus Martin , Vaher Merike , Kaljurand Mihkel
Published: October 2015

In this work, the concept of a field‐portable analyzer is proposed that operates with milliliter amounts of solvents and samples. The need to develop such an analyzer is not only driven by specific extraterrestrial analysis but also, for example, by forensics applications where the amount of liquid that can be taken to the field is severely limited. The prototype of the proposed analyzer consists of a solid–liquid extractor, the output of which is connected to the micropump, which delivers droplets of extracts to digital microfluidic platform (DMFP). In this way, world‐to‐chip interfacing is established. Further, the sample droplets are transported to CE capillary inlet port, separated and detected via a contactless conductivity detector. Working buffers and other solvents needed to perform CE analysis are also delivered as droplets to the DMFP and transported through the CE capillary. The performance of the analyzer is demonstrated by analysis of amino acids in sand matrices. The recovery of the spiked amino acids from the inert sand sample was from 34 to 51% with analysis LOD from 0.2 to 0.6 ppm and migration time RSD from 0.2 to 6.0%.
Potential estrogenic effects of wastewaters on gene expression in Pimephales promelas and fish assemblages in streams of southeastern New York
Authors: Baldigo Barry P. , George Scott D. , Phillips Patrick J. , Hemming Jocelyn D.C. , Denslow Nancy D. , Kroll Kevin J.
Published: October 2015

Direct linkages between endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) from municipal and industrial wastewaters and impacts on wild fish assemblages are rare. The levels of plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) and Vtg messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to wastewater effluents and dilutions of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), estrogen activity, and fish assemblages in 10 receiving streams were assessed to improve understanding of important interrelations. Results from 4-d laboratory assays indicate that EE2, plasma Vtg concentration, and Vtg gene expression in fathead minnows, and 17β-estradiol equivalents (E2Eq values) were highly related to each other (R2 = 0.98–1.00). Concentrations of E2Eq in most effluents did not exceed 2.0 ng/L, which was possibly a short-term exposure threshold for Vtg gene expression in male fathead minnows. Plasma Vtg in fathead minnows only increased significantly (up to 1136 μg/mL) in 2 wastewater effluents. Fish assemblages were generally unaffected at 8 of 10 study sites, yet the density and biomass of 79% to 89% of species populations were reduced (63–68% were reduced significantly) in the downstream reach of 1 receiving stream. These results, and moderate to high E2Eq concentrations (up to 16.1 ng/L) observed in effluents during a companion study, suggest that estrogenic wastewaters can potentially affect individual fish, their populations, and entire fish communities in comparable systems across New York, USA. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2803–2815. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Hydro‐mechanical response of Opalinus Clay during excavation works – a synopsis from the Mont Terri URL
Authors: Giger Silvio B. , Marschall Paul , Lanyon Bill , Martin C. Derek
Published: October 2015

Indurated clay formations are under consideration as potential host rock formations for the disposal of radioactive waste in several countries. The favourable features of such formations for deep geological repositories include an excellent hydraulic barrier function, high capacity for dissolved radionuclide retention and considerable self‐sealing potential. The development of a brittle fracture network (excavation‐induced damage zone, EDZ) around underground structures during construction and operation cannot however be avoided. To assess the impact of the EDZ on long‐term safety of the repository, a detailed structural inventory of the fracture network and the relevant hydro‐mechanical phenomena and processes during excavation and the subsequent operation phase is required. This then forms the geomechanical basis for the development of conceptual and numerical models of the EDZ. Here we present some empirical and experimental evidence from the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL), summarizing the key phenomena and processes associated with the creation and evolution of an EDZ in the Opalinus Clay. In particular, the significance of rock mass anisotropy is highlighted, both as a likely origin for far‐reaching pore fluid pressure changes and as a controlling factor in EDZ development during the excavation process.
The influence of constitutive model selection on predicted stresses and yield in deep mine pillars – A case study at the Creighton mine, Sudbury, Canada
Authors: Walton Gabriel , Diederichs Mark , Punkkinen Allan
Published: October 2015

Based on recent advances in modelling the post‐yield behaviour of brittle rock, the authors have developed a calibrated inelastic model of the 7,910 level (2.4 km depth) at the Creighton Mine in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada using data collected from the monitoring of pillar dilatancy. While this calibrated model represents a state‐of‐the‐art continuum approach for capturing the progressive development of yield and stresses in mine pillars, alternative state‐of‐practice approaches (elastic and perfectly plastic material models, for example) represent potentially acceptable options for practical application.

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of constitutive model choice on stress paths throughout the pillar system at the mining level of interest. The strengths and limitations of various material models are compared and contrasted. Elastic models are shown to adequately represent the larger scale pillar system behaviour from a stress transfer perspective, whereas the state‐of‐art brittle modelling approach is shown to be ideal for understanding specific pillar‐scale stresses and yield.
Long‐term deformation of mountain tunnel lining and ground under swelling rock condition
Authors: Isago Nobuharu , Kawata Kosuke , Kusaka Atsushi , Ishimura Toshiaki
Published: October 2015

To monitor deformation in a road tunnel in service, periodical inspections are performed and countermeasures are taken as needed. Cracking of the permanent lining and heaving of the road surface often occur, however, so it is difficult to assess the development of such deformation features from data acquired during the construction and service stages. In this paper, the deformation mechanism and the effect of countermeasures are discussed based on the results of in situ measurements over a six‐year period and of numerical analysis. The relationship between tunnel deformation and the occurrence of defects is examined using boring data. The mechanism of tunnel deformation when the characteristics of the ground indicates a swelling condition, and the relationship between the load acting on tunnel lining and the behaviour of countermeasures are also mentioned.
Deformation of clay rock under THM conditions
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Liang
Published: October 2015

As a potential host rock for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, the Callovo‐Oxfordian and Opalinus clay rocks have been extensively investigated in the laboratory with respect to deformation under various thermo‐hydro‐mechanical conditions: (1) stresses covering the range from the initial lithostatic state to redistributed levels after excavation, (2) humidity variations representing ventilation during operation of tunnels as well as water migration from the far‐field and (3) heating from ambient temperature up to 100 °C and a subsequent cooling phase. For these highly consolidated clay rocks, a new concept is theoretically derived to explain the effective stress in the particle matrix and experimentally confirmed. The mechanical deformation of the clay rocks is determined by means of short‐ and long‐term compression experiments on quasi water‐saturated samples at ambient temperature. Reponses of the clay rocks to humidity changes are examined by drying and wetting the samples under different loading conditions. Thermal effects are studied by heating and cooling the stressed samples under drained and undrained conditions. The main findings are presented and discussed in this paper.
Lessons learned from deep‐seated landslides activated by tunnel excavation
Authors: Barla Giovanni , Debernardi Daniele , Perino Andrea
Published: October 2015

The interaction between deep‐seated landslides and infrastructure facilities is a topic of relevant interest in the rock mechanics literature. This paper discusses the case of deep‐seated landslides reactivated during excavation of two large twin tunnels in Italy, with an overview of the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical conditions. The efforts made in order to gain an understanding of the complexities involved and the necessary quantification of the stability problems during tunnel excavation are presented in each case. Two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical modelling methods, used as a means to back‐analyze the reactivated landslide and the interaction with the tunnels, are discussed. It is shown how modelling associated with advanced real‐time monitoring may contribute to the understanding of the problems under study.
Evaluation of a Parent‐Based Intervention for At‐Risk Adolescents
Authors: Doumas Diana M. , King Marianne , Stallworth Christa , Peterson Polly , Lundquist Amanda
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a parent‐based intervention, the Parent Project, among 84 parents of at‐risk youth. Results indicated improvements in child management, family involvement, parent–child affective quality, substance use rules communication, and parental self‐efficacy at a 10‐week follow‐up.
Can Low‐Cost Strategies Improve Attendance Rates in Brief Psychological Therapy? Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Delgadillo Jaime , Moreea Omar , Murphy Elizabeth , Ali Shehzad , Swift Joshua K.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To assess if telephone text message appointment reminders and orientation leaflets can increase the proportion of patients who attend brief interventions after being assessed as suitable for guided self‐help following cognitive behavioral therapy principles.

Method

Attendance was operationally defined as having accessed at least 1 therapy appointment. A secondary outcome was the proportion of attenders who completed or dropped out of therapy. After initial assessment, 254 patients with depression and anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (a) usual waitlist control, (b) leaflet, (c) leaflet plus text message. Differences in the proportions of patients who started and completed therapy across groups were assessed using chi‐square and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall, 63% of patients in this sample attended therapy. Between‐group differences were not significant for attendance, x2(2) = 3.94, p = .14, or completion rates, x2(2) = 2.98, p = .23. These results were not confounded by demographic or clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

Low‐cost strategies appear to make no significant difference to therapy attendance and completion rates.
Prenatal diagnosis and outcomes of fetal teratomas
Authors: Arisoy Resul , Erdogdu Emre , Kumru Pinar , Demirci Oya , Ergin Nida , Pekin Oya , Sahinoglu Zeki , Tugrul Ahmet Semih , Sancak Selim , Çetiner Handan , Celayir Aysenur
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) in the prenatal identification of teratomas and the perinatal outcome of the fetuses with those teratomas.

Methods

In this retrospective case series study, we searched the archives using the keywords “fetal mass” or “fetal tumor” or “fetal teratoma” and “sacrococcygeal teratoma,” diagnosed between 2009 and 2014, within the US database of our center.

Results

One hundred seven fetuses were prenatally diagnosed as having a cystic or solid mass, tumor, or teratoma. Nineteen of those cases were diagnosed prenatally as having fetal teratoma, but that diagnosis could not be verified in three cases. In one fetus, the prenatal diagnosis could not be confirmed. The sensitivity of US in identifying fetal teratoma was 100% and the false‐positive rate, 3.3%. Six pregnancies complicated by a fetal teratoma were terminated. A normal karyotype was identified in all fetuses that underwent karyotyping. Among the nine women who continued their pregnancy, polyhydramnios was identified in four fetuses; although high‐output heart failure was also identified in two of those fetuses during prenatal follow‐up, none developed hydrops. On delivery, nine infants were born alive, but three (33.3%) of them died within the early neonatal period.

Conclusions

US has very high sensitivity and low false‐positive rates in identifying fetal teratoma prenatally. The risk of chromosomal abnormalities is very low in fetuses with teratoma, and their prognosis depends on the location and size of the tumor and any associated perinatal complications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:118–125, 2016
The relationship between health and cell‐mediated immunity measured in ecology: Phytohaemagglutinin skin‐swelling test mirrors blood cellular composition
Authors: Bílková Barbora , Vinklerová Jitka , Vinkler Michal
Published: October 2015

The phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) skin‐swelling test, a common ecological method for measuring immune responsiveness, uses a subcutaneous injection of PHA to induce an inflammatory response with metrically measurable swelling. Both the immunological basis of this response and the role of pre‐exposure physiology remain poorly understood, however, preventing predictions of costs and benefits of immunity investments revealed by the test and their relationship to life‐history traits. In this study, we measure PHA‐triggered tissue swelling, cellular infiltration into inflamed tissue, and haematological changes in zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata, with the aim of identifying those cell types involved in activation of PHA‐induced skin swelling. We show that the inflammation underlying the swelling response is dependent on initial haematological state and alters the composition of circulating leukocytes. Injection of PHA decreased heterophil and monocyte frequency and increased basophil frequency, suggesting changes in leukocyte trafficking and haematopoiesis. Higher initial basophil and lymphocyte frequencies in peripheral blood were associated with increased swelling. High pre‐treatment blood lymphocyte levels led to intense lymphocyte migration into inflamed tissue, while high initial basophil levels resulted in lower cellular infiltration. Our results show two possible directions in the association between pre‐exposure health and swelling response: (i) a lymphocyte‐based pathway that leads to higher responsiveness in high‐quality healthy individuals capable of higher energy and resource investment, or (ii) higher responsiveness in diseased individuals with initially elevated basophil levels and pre‐activated immunity. Haematological investigation, therefore, facilitates interpretation of PHA skin‐swelling test results in ecological immunology, explaining ca. 20 % of variation in skin‐swelling data. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 767–777, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using Process‐Experiential/Emotion‐Focused Therapy Techniques for Identity Integration and Resolution of Grief Among Third Culture Kids
Authors: DAVIS PAMELA S. , EDWARDS KEITH J. , WATSON TERRI S.
Published: October 2015

This article explores process‐experiential/emotion‐focused therapy (PE‐EFT) as a technique for counseling third culture kids (TCKs) who experience identity conflict and unresolved grief. The authors suggest the PE‐EFT tasks of empathic exploration, meaning protest, empty‐chair technique, and 2‐chair dialogue to facilitate TCKs' identity integration and resolution of grief.
Hearing the Voices of Youth at Risk for Academic Failure: What Professional School Counselors Need to Know
Authors: SLATEN CHRISTOPHER D. , ELISON ZACHARY M. , HUGHES HAYLEY , YOUGH MIKE , SHEMWELL DANIEL
Published: October 2015

Youth experiencing discomfort in educational settings find it difficult to engage and are often at risk for academic failure. Using consensual qualitative research (Hill, 2012), the authors examined students' perspectives on their own educational needs and concluded that humanistic counseling and educational tenets are strongly desired by at‐risk youth.
The Meaning Connection Between Mindfulness and Happiness
Authors: BELLIN ZVI J.
Published: October 2015

This article proposes a humanistic‐oriented theoretical foundation for meaning in life as a mediator between mindfulness meditation and happiness. Three main functions of mindfulness are introduced: nonidentification, choice, and compassion. These functions are examined through the lens of meaning in life theory. Implications for humanistic counselors are discussed.
Advocating Workers‐Within‐Environment: A Critical Perspective for Addressing Career Concerns
Authors: HUTCHISON BRIAN
Published: October 2015

The author provides a critical analysis of career theory and practice before presenting a theory of counseling for career concerns. The critical analysis identifies 3 core critiques of current career counseling approaches. The advocating workers‐within‐environment theory is described as a humanistic social justice approach focusing on critical consciousness development.
Response of white mustard (Sinapis alba) and the soil microbial biomass to P and Zn addition in a greenhouse pot experiment
Authors: Khan Khalid Saifullah , Joergensen Rainer Georg
Published: October 2015

A 45‐d pot experiment was carried out to investigate the response of white mustard and the soil microbial biomass after Zn and P addition to a P deficient silt loam. The underlying hypothesis was that P application reduces the Zn availability to crops and microbial biomass. White mustard was supplied with different levels of P (0, 50, and 100 µg g−1 soil) and Zn (0, 10, and 20 µg g−1 soil). Amendments of P generally reduced extractable Zn, shoot Zn and soil microbial biomass Zn. Amendments of P generally decreased the microbial biomass C/P ratio. At 20 µg Zn g−1 soil, a negative effect on the microbial biomass C/P ratio was observed, suggesting that high contents of extractable Zn have a negative impact on the microbial P uptake. However, the minimum Zn requirements of soil microorganisms and the consequences of microbial Zn deficiency for soil microbiological processes are completely unknown.
Letter: A new compensation pixel circuit with metal oxide thin‐film transistors for active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode displays
Authors: Xia Xing‐Heng , Wu Wei‐Jing , Li Guan‐Ming , Zhou Lei , Zhang Li‐Rong , Ning Hong‐Long , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Peng Jun‐Biao
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a novel compensation pixel circuit for active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode displays, in which the coupling effect mask technology is developed to compensate the threshold voltage of driving thin‐film transistor whether it is positive or negative. Twenty discrete compensation pixel circuits have been fabricated by In‐Zn‐O thin‐film transistors process. It is measured that the non‐uniformity of the proposed pixel circuit is significantly reduced with an average value of 8.6%. Furthermore, the organic light‐emitting diode emission current remains constant during 6 h continuous operation, which also confirms the validity of the proposed pixel circuit.
Mindfulness, Self‐Compassion, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, and Functional Disability in U.S. Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
Authors: Dahm Katherine A. , Meyer Eric C. , Neff Kristin D. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Gulliver Suzy Bird , Morissette Sandra B.
Published: October 2015

Mindfulness and self‐compassion are overlapping, but distinct constructs that characterize how people relate to emotional distress. Both are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may be related to functional disability. Although self‐compassion includes mindful awareness of emotional distress, it is a broader construct that also includes being kind and supportive to oneself and viewing suffering as part of the shared human experience—a potentially powerful way of dealing with distressing situations. We examined the association of mindfulness and self‐compassion with PTSD symptom severity and functional disability in 115 trauma‐exposed U.S. Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans. Mindfulness and self‐compassion were each uniquely, negatively associated with PTSD symptom severity. After accounting for mindfulness, self‐compassion accounted for unique variance in PTSD symptom severity (f2 = .25; medium ES). After accounting for PTSD symptom severity, mindfulness and self‐compassion were each uniquely negatively associated with functional disability. The combined association of mindfulness and self‐compassion with disability over and above PTSD was large (f2 = .41). After accounting for mindfulness, self‐compassion accounted for unique variance in disability (f2 = .13; small ES). These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing mindfulness and self‐compassion could potentially decrease functional disability in returning veterans with PTSD symptoms.
Methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MRSP) from healthy dogs in Norway – occurrence, genotypes and comparison to clinicalMRSP
Authors: Kjellman Ellen Eide , Slettemeås Jannice Schau , Small Harald , Sunde Marianne
Published: October 2015

The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MRSP) in healthy dogs and further to determine genetic relatedness between carrier isolates and clinicalMRSPfrom dogs in Norway. A total of 189 healthy dogs visiting ten veterinary clinics were screened forMRSPduring the period February to April 2013. Carrier isolates were susceptibility tested with disk diffusion and genotyped using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Forty‐nine clinicalMRSPwere characterized for comparison. These isolates were collected from July 2008 to April 2013 and represent allMRSPindex isolates from eachMRSP‐positive dog detected in Norway until April 2013. Geographical distribution of allMRSPcases was investigated using the ArcGIS9.3 Software.MRSPwas detected from five (2.6%) healthy dogs, sampled at three different clinics. The isolates grouped into three sequence types (STs):ST252 (two isolates),ST71 (two isolates) andST306 (one isolate).MRSPfrom dogs sampled at the same animal clinic belonged to the sameSTand produced identicalPFGEpattern. The 49 clinicalMRSPgrouped into 15STs;ST258 (n = 17),ST71 (n = 10), andST305 (n = 4) were the most prevalent. TheMRSPcarrier isolates were genetically related toMRSPvariants from dogs with infections asST306 (from a carrier) is related toST258.MRSP ST252, found in two carriers, was also present among the clinicalMRSPisolates. Altogether theMRSPisolates were genetically diverse andMRSPof other lineages thanST71 continues to disseminate in Norway. Susceptibility testing showed thatMRSPisolates of theST71 lineage were the most multiresistant. Our study showed thatMRSPcould be detected in healthy dogs without infections and with no recent history of antimicrobial therapy stressing the need for future monitoring, infection control and prudent use of antimicrobial agents.
Self‐organization of “fibro‐axonal” composite tissue around unmodified metallic micro‐electrodes can form a functioning interface with a peripheral nerve: A new direction for creating long‐term neural interfaces
Authors: Lahiri Amitabha , Delgado Ignacio Martinez , Sheshadri Swathi , Ng Kian‐Ann , Nag Sudip , Yen Shih‐Cheng , Thakor Nitish V.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

A long‐term peripheral neural interface is an area of intense research. The use of electrode interfaces is limited by the biological response to the electrode material.

Methods

We created an electrode construct to harbor the rat sciatic nerve with interposition of autogenous adipose tissue between the nerve and the electrode. The construct was implanted for 10 weeks.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed a unique laminar pattern of axonal growth layered between fibro‐collagenous tissue, forming a physical interface with the tungsten micro‐electrode. Action potentials transmitted across the intrerface showed mean conduction velocities varying between 6.99 ± 2.46 and 20.14 ± 4 m/s.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a novel peripheral nerve interface through modulation of normal biologic phenomena. It has potential applications as a chronic implantable neural interface. Muscle Nerve 53: 789–796, 2016
Does superficial fat affect metabolite concentrations determined by MR spectroscopy with water referencing?
Authors: Kyathanahally S. P. , Fichtner N. D. , Adalid V. , Kreis R.
Published: October 2015

It has recently been reported in this journal that local fat depots produce a sizable frequency‐dependent signal attenuation in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain. If of a general nature, this effect would question the use of internal reference signals for quantification of MRS and the quantitative use of MRS as a whole. Here, it was attempted to verify this effect and pinpoint the potential causes by acquiring data with various acquisition settings, including two field strengths, two MR scanners from different vendors, different water suppression sequences, RF coils, localization sequences, echo times, and lipid/metabolite phantoms. With all settings tested, the reported effect could not be reproduced, and it is concluded that water referencing and quantitative MRS per se remain valid tools under common acquisition conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixed‐method study of pain management practice in a UK children's hospital: identification of barriers and developing strategies to maintain effective in‐patient paediatric pain management
Authors: Beckett Kate , Henderson Ellen M. , Parry Sarah , Stoddart Peter , Fletcher Margaret
Published: October 2015

Aim

To assess Acute Pain Service and paediatric pain management efficacy in a UK specialist paediatric hospital to inform wider recommendations for future sustainability.

Background

UK paediatric acute pain services vary. Although comprehensive pain management guidelines exist, consensus on the best model of care is lacking. Worldwide, medical and pharmacological advances and rapid patient turnover have increased the challenges of managing hospitalized children's pain. Simultaneously nurses, who deliver the bulk of pain management, have experienced reduction in skill mix and training opportunities. Specialist Acute Pain Services have evolved to meet these demands; their overall efficacy is unknown.

Design

This mixed‐methods study explores pain management practice at a UK paediatric hospital to assess current efficacy and future sustainability.

Method

A 2013 case note review of all Acute Pain Services referrals over 14 days were compared with an interval sample of concurrent non‐referred inpatient children; seven semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a range of clinical staff.

Results

Twenty‐two referrals of 15 children were made; 15 comparison children were identified. All 30 children (100%) were appropriately referred/non‐referred. Acute Pain Services cases experienced higher pain levels, were more likely to have long term conditions, longer hospital stay and repeat admissions. Three key themes emerged through interview analysis: ‘addressing pain’, ‘changing contexts’ ‘pain as an “expert” skill’. Increased specialization, reduced clarity between different pain modalities and decreased training opportunities had resulted in potentially unsustainable APS dependence.
Loneliness in the Daily Lives of Young Adults: Testing A Socio–Cognitive Model
Authors: van Roekel Eeske , Ha Thao , Scholte Ron H. J. , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Verhagen Maaike
Published: October 2015

A socio–cognitive model of loneliness states that lonely people are characterized by two characteristics, hypersensitivity to social threat and hyposensitivity to social reward. However, these characteristics have not yet been examined in the daily lives of young adults. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to examine these two characteristics in young adults and whether relationship status, living situation, and type of company moderated the relationship between sensitivity to threat and reward and feelings of loneliness. The Experience Sampling Method was used, and data were collected among 219 first–year college students (M age = 19.60, 91% female). Participants filled out questionnaires on their smartphone at five random time points per day, on 11 consecutive days. Multilevel analyses showed support for hypersensitivity to social threat, in that students high in loneliness were more negatively affected by negative perceptions of company. Results for hyposensitivity to social reward were in the opposite direction; students high in loneliness were more positively affected by positive perceptions of company than students low in loneliness. These relations were not moderated by relationship status or living situation. Our findings may indicate that loneliness serves as a motivational state that increases susceptibility to the environment in order to restore social relationships. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Psychometric evaluation of novel measures of partner interfering and supportive behaviors among women with cancer
Authors: Follingstad Diane R. , Coker Ann L. , Garcia Lisandra S. , Bush Heather M.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of complementary and novel measures of partner interfering and partner supportive behaviors in cancer care (PIB‐C and PSB‐C).

Methods

Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 378 women (aged 18–79) in partnered relationships and recruited from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. Psychometric analyses of PIB‐C and PSB‐C were used to determine scale reliability, and scale construct and predictive validity (correlations with indicators of partner abuse, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress after cancer).

Results

Cronbach's alpha and split‐half calculations indicated excellent internal consistency of the 20‐item PIB‐C (0.936 and 0.87, respectively) and 12‐item PSB‐C (0.930 and 0.89). Three thematic clusters for the PIB‐C and two for the PSB‐C were identified through factor analyses. Regarding construct validity, higher PIB‐C and lower PSB‐C scores were associated with a measure of psychological impacts from abuse. Predictive validity was suggested through (1) lower PSB‐C associated with depression, (2) higher PIB‐C associated with anxiety, and (3) higher perceived stress associated with higher PIB‐C/lower PSB‐C scores.

Conclusion

Both PIB‐C and PSB‐C have strong psychometric properties and distinguish partner behaviors more likely to negatively impact women's depression, anxiety, and stress during cancer care/recovery. Use of these measures may assist clinical teams in comprehensively assessing women patients' home environment to best ensure cancer care/recovery. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable p‐type ZnO thin films on sapphire and n‐type 4H‐SiC achieved by controlling oxygen pressure using radical‐source laser molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Meng Li , Zhang Jingwen , An Jian , Hou Xun
Published: October 2015

Stable p‐type ZnO thin films on sapphire (0001) and n‐type 4H‐SiC (0001) substrates were achieved in low‐ionized oxygen pressure using radical‐source laser molecular beam epitaxy system. The p conduction type of ZnO films originates from not only zinc vacancy, but also interstitial oxygen acceptor defects, which was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. The electrical properties were tested 180 days after deposition by Hall measurement. For the ZnO thin film grown on sapphire, a stable mobility of 17.0 cm2 V−1s−1, a resistivity of 1.08 Ωcm, and a hole concentration of 3.4 × 1017 cm−3 were achieved. The selection of 4H‐SiC substrates improved the crystalline quality of ZnO films confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction patterns. An intrinsic p‐type ZnO film on n‐type 4H‐SiC, with a stable mobility of 44.6 cm2 V−1s−1, a resistivity of 1.02 Ωcm, and a hole concentration of 1.4 × 1017 cm−3 were achieved. The current–voltage curve of the p–n ZnO homojunction shows typical diode characteristics, which also confirmed the achievement of the p‐type ZnO. The current–voltage curve of the p‐ZnO/n‐4H‐SiC heterojunction also shows p–n junction rectifier features. These results suggest the possibility of ultraviolet photodetectors and light‐emitting devices.
Robust optimal estimation over networks: Application to battery state of charge estimation
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Sircoulomb Vincent , Langlois Nicolas
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we provide a general framework for robust optimal estimation over a lossy and delayed network. A threshold principle is introduced to integrate network‐induced uncertainties into packet losses, which are modeled with a Bernoulli process. Based on stability conditions derived from two Riccati equations, we show the existence of critical observation arrival probabilities below which the optimal estimator stochastically fails to converge. Moreover, the result is extended to a real system with variable process disturbance, which has an indicator for its admissible bound in terms of a given restriction of estimation accuracy. The proposed method is experimented on a specific automobile application, the battery state of charge estimation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive study of flooding attack consequences and countermeasures in Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
Authors: Hussain Intesab , Djahel Soufiene , Zhang Zonghua , Naït‐Abdesselam Farid
Published: October 2015

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is widely used as a signaling protocol to support voice and video communication in addition to other multimedia applications. However, it is vulnerable to several types of attacks because of its open nature and lack of a clear defense line against the increasing spectrum of security threats. Among these threats, flooding attack, known by its destructive impact, targets both of SIP User Agent Server (UAS) and User Agent Client (UAC), leading to a denial of service in Voice over IP applications. In particular, INVITE message is considered as one of the major root causes of flooding attacks in SIP. This is due to the fact that an attacker may send numerous INVITE requests without waiting for responses from the UAS or the proxy in order to exhaust their respective resources. Most of the devised solutions to cope with the flooding attack are either difficult to deploy in practice or require significant changes in the SIP servers implementation. Apart from these challenges, flooding attacks are much more diverse in nature, which makes the task of defeating them a real challenge. In this survey, we present a comprehensive study of flooding attack against SIP, by addressing its different variants and analyzing its consequences. We also classify the existing solutions according to the different flooding behaviors they are dealing with, their types, and targets. Moreover, we conduct a thorough investigation of the main strengths and weaknesses of these solutions and deeply analyze the underlying assumptions of each of them for better understanding of their limitations. Finally, we provide some recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the surveyed solutions and address some open challenges. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.