bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtle genetic structure reveals restricted connectivity among populations of a coral reef fish inhabiting remote atolls
Authors: Underwood Jim N. , Travers Michael J. , Gilmour James P.
Published: February 2012

We utilized a spatial and temporal analyses of genetic structure, supplemented with ecological and oceanographic analysis, to assess patterns of population connectivity in a coral reef fish Chromis margaritifer among the unique and remote atolls in the eastern Indian Ocean. A subtle, but significant genetic discontinuity at 10 microsatellite DNA loci was detected between atoll systems corresponding with a low (≤ 1%) probability of advection across the hundreds of kilometers of open ocean that separates them. Thus, although genetic connections between systems are likely maintained by occasional long‐distance dispersal of C. margaritifer larvae, ecological population connectivity at this spatial scale appears to be restricted. Further, within one of these atoll systems, significant spatial differentiation among samples was accompanied by a lack of temporal pairwise differentiation between recruit and adult samples, indicating that restrictions to connectivity also occur at a local scale (tens of kilometers). In contrast, a signal of panmixia was detected at the other atoll system studied. Lastly, greater relatedness and reduced genetic diversity within recruit samples was associated with relatively large differences among them, indicating the presence of sweepstakes reproduction whereby a small proportion of adults contributes to recruitment in the next generation. These results are congruent with earlier work on hard corals, suggesting that local production of larvae drives population replenishment in these atoll systems for a range of coral reef species.
Propagation properties of leaky surface acoustic wave on reverse‐proton‐exchanged 10° Y‐X LiNbO3
Authors: Kakio Shoji , Shimizu Hidenori , Nakagawa Yasuhiko
Published: February 2012

In this study, to reduce leaky surface acoustic wave (LSAW) attenuation, a layered structure of air/bulk LiNbO3 (LN) layer/elastically softened LN substrate which can be fabricated by a reverse proton exchange (RPE) process was applied to 10° Y‐X LN with a larger coupling factor. First, the LSAW attenuation on a structure of air/bulk LN/modified LN was calculated with all material constants of the buried proton exchange (PE) layer taken into consideration. It was found that a condition under which the attenuation decreases as compared with the bulk value exists for the free and metallized surfaces. Next, the LSAW propagation properties were measured using IDT pairs with a 3.6‐μm wavelength on 10° Y‐X LN with the RPE layer and the buried PE layer. The propagation loss PL for the metallized surface was decreased by carrying out the RPE process from 0.44 dB/λ of a virgin wafer to 0.01 dB/λ. The decrease in PL for the shorted grating was also observed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(3): 19–27, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10412
Temperature characteristics of β‐phase quartz resonators and their application to accurate temperature sensors in high‐temperature region
Authors: Uno Takehiko , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Noge Satoru
Published: February 2012

Quartz has been widely used for resonators and filters because of its excellent electromechanical characteristics. Quartz has a transition temperature TC of 573 °C. The electromechanical characteristics of quartz have been well investigated for the α‐phase (below TC), but the characteristics in the β‐phase have not been well clarified. We investigated the piezoelectric properties of β‐quartz plates from 573 °C to about 1,300 °C. Clear piezoelectric resonances with high quality factors were observed. By using the large frequency temperature coefficient, β‐phase quartz can be applied to temperature sensors in the high‐temperature region above 600 °C. We also propose an unwired setup using the β‐phase quartz temperature sensor. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(3): 9–18, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10415
The kinetics of epoxidation of trimethylolpropane ester
Authors: Naidir Ferra , Yunus Robiah , Rashid Umer , Masood Hassan , Ghazi Tinia Idaty Mohd. , Ramli Irmawati
Published: February 2012

Kinetics pertaining epoxidation reaction of a palm oil‐based synthetic lubricant trimethylolpropane (TMP) ester were investigated. The epoxidation reaction of TMP ester was carried out utilizing peracetic acid generated by an in situ technique. The analysis of the reaction kinetics was performed within the low temperature (30, 50, and 60°C) and high temperature (70, 80, and 90°C) regions, owing to the nature of the reactions. The maximum conversion of the unsaturated carbon to oxirane ring was achieved in 1 h at high temperature region, while epoxidation of TMP esters took more than 4 h to reach the maximum conversion at the low temperature region. From the experimental data, the kinetics of epoxidation of TMP esters fitted well with both the second‐order and pseudo first‐order models. The rate constants for pseudo first‐order model increased from 0.0009 to 0.0055 by increasing temperature at the low temperature region, and from 0.0129 to 0.0209 within the high temperature region. The values of activation energies at low temperature and high temperature regions were found to be 69.4 and 53.3 kJ/mol, respectively.
A Hybrid Cavitand Made by Capping Permethylated α‐Cyclodextrin with Cyclotriveratrylene
Authors: Brégier Frédérique , Karuppannan Sekar , Chambron Jean‐Claude
Published: February 2012

A hybrid C3‐symmetric cavitand 1, in which permethylated α‐cyclodextrin (PM α‐CDX) is capped with cyclotriveratrylene (CTV), has been prepared in 8 % yield by intramolecular cyclization of a vanillyl alcohol derivative attached to the primary rim of the CDX platform. The reaction proceeds diastereoselectively (dr ≈ 6:1), the chirality of the α‐glucopyranosyl units controlling the chirality of the CTV component. Interestingly, in polar solvents, 1 shows self‐complexation properties as the primary methoxy groups of the CDX component are directed towards the CTV cavity.
Re‐Evaluating the Nucleophilicity of Zinc Enolates in Alkylation Reactions
Authors: Jarugumilli Gopala K. , Zhu Chunyin , Cook Silas P.
Published: February 2012

The use of toluene allows for allylic and benzylic alkylation of zinc enolates, derived from an asymmetric copper‐catalyzed conjugate addition of dialkylzinc, using a range of valuable electrophiles. The one‐pot procedure avoids the use of additional transition‐metal catalysts and does not require highly activated electrophiles.
1,4‐Phenylene‐Bridged Hexaphyrin Dimers
Authors: Mori Hirotaka , Aratani Naoki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: February 2012

1,4‐Phenylene‐bridged [26]hexaphyrin dimer 3 was synthesized by the condensation of 1,4‐phenylene‐bridged tetrapyrrole carbinol 7 with tetrapyrromethane 8. The dimeric structure of 3 was confirmed by X‐ray analysis. 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that 3 and its [28]hexaphyrin congeners 4 exist as conformational mixtures in solution. Such conformational dynamics were found to be frozen for their RhI complexes 9, which were prepared by RhI metalation of 4. Complexes 9 were quantitatively oxidized by MnO2 to [26]hexaphyrn dimers 10 without conformational change. The structure of 10LL‐dl was determined by X‐ray analysis to confirm the caterpillar‐type conformational isomerization. The RhI complexes 9 constitute rare examples of covalently linked, antiaromatic porphyrinoid dimers.
Genotoxicity of styrene–acrylonitrile trimer in brain, liver, and blood cells of weanling F344 rats
Authors: Hobbs Cheryl A. , Chhabra Rajendra S. , Recio Leslie , Streicker Michael , Witt Kristine L.
Published: February 2012

Styrene–acrylonitrile Trimer (SAN Trimer), a by‐product in production of acrylonitrile styrene plastics, was identified at a Superfund site in Dover Township, NJ, where childhood cancer incidence rates were elevated for a period of several years. SAN Trimer was therefore tested by the National Toxicology Program in a 2‐year perinatal carcinogenicity study in F344/N rats and a bacterial mutagenicity assay; both studies gave negative results. To further characterize its genotoxicity, SAN Trimer was subsequently evaluated in a combined micronucleus (MN)/Comet assay in juvenile male and female F344 rats. SAN Trimer (37.5, 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage once daily for 4 days. Micronucleated reticulocyte (MN‐RET) frequencies in blood were determined by flow cytometry, and DNA damage in blood, liver, and brain cells was assessed using the Comet assay. Highly significant dose‐related increases (P < 0.0001) in MN‐RET were measured in both male and female rats administered SAN Trimer. The RET population was reduced in high dose male rats, suggesting chemical‐related bone marrow toxicity. Results of the Comet assay showed significant, dose‐related increases in DNA damage in brain cells of male (P < 0.0074) and female (P < 0.0001) rats; increased levels of DNA damage were also measured in liver cells and leukocytes of treated rats. Chemical‐related cytotoxicity was not indicated in any of the tissues examined for DNA damage. The results of this subacute MN/Comet assay indicate induction of significant genetic damage in multiple tissues of weanling F344 male and female rats after oral exposure to SAN Trimer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A dynamic model using monitoring data and watershed characteristics to project fish tissue mercury concentrations in stream systems
Authors: Chan Caroline , Heinbokel John F , Myers John A , Jacobs Robert R
Published: February 2012

A complex interplay of factors determines the degree of bioaccumulation of Hg in fish in any particular basin. Although certain watershed characteristics have been associated with higher or lower bioaccumulation rates, the relationships between these characteristics are poorly understood. To add to this understanding, a dynamic model was built to examine these relationships in stream systems. The model follows Hg from the water column, through microbial conversion and subsequent concentration, through the food web to piscivorous fish. The model was calibrated to 7 basins in Kentucky and further evaluated by comparing output to 7 sites in, or proximal to, the Ohio River Valley, an underrepresented region in the bioaccumulation literature. Water quality and basin characteristics were inputs into the model, with tissue concentrations of Hg of generic trophic level 3, 3.5, and 4 fish the output. Regulatory and monitoring data were used to calibrate and evaluate the model. Mean average prediction error for Kentucky sites was 26%, whereas mean error for evaluation sites was 51%. Variability within natural systems can be substantial and was quantified for fish tissue by analysis of the US Geological Survey National Fish Database. This analysis pointed to the need for more systematic sampling of fish tissue. Analysis of model output indicated that parameters that had the greatest impact on bioaccumulation influenced the system at several points. These parameters included forested and wetlands coverage and nutrient levels. Factors that were less sensitive modified the system at only 1 point and included the unfiltered total Hg input and the portion of the basin that is developed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 709–722. © 2012 SETAC
Water Quality and Biotic Community of a Highland Stream under the Influence of a Eutrophic Fishpond
Authors: Kopp Radovan , Vítek Tomáš , Štastný Jan , Sukop Ivo , Brabec Tomáš , Ziková Andrea , Spurný Petr , Mareš Jan
Published: February 2012

The influence of the fishpond on the chemical composition of the stream was mainly demonstrated by a higher concentration of organic matter and total phosphorus. Altogether, 128 species of algae and cyanobacteria were recorded in the stream. The species richness of phytobenthos per site was very similar. We observed the presence of typical phytoplankton species among the phytobenthos assemblages. Cyanobacteria species (Woronichinia naegeliana) were particularly dominant in the phytoplankton of the fishpond in autumn. Altogether, we identified 164 taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates in running waters of the stream. The structure of macrozoobenthos communities from all localities of the stream indicated good water quality and a low influence of environmental stressors with no negative effects of the fishpond. In total, six fish species were registered in all profiles. The condition of the fish population was mainly influenced by the fishery management of the stream (stocking, angling). Generally, the influence of the discharge water from the fishpond was recognizable in small changes in both chemical and biological variables of the stream. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of parental gender, catastrophizing and situational threat upon parental behaviour to child pain: A vignette study
Authors: Goubert L. , Vervoort T. , De Ruddere L. , Crombez G.
Published: February 2012

Background

This study examined which parents report to be solicitous or discouraging in response to their child's pain, and when they do so.

Methods

Using a vignette methodology, mothers (n = 472) and fathers (n = 271) imagined their child in pain situations varying in duration (1 day or several weeks) and cause of pain (known or unknown biomedical cause).

Results

In general, fathers demonstrated similar tendencies toward solicitousness than mothers, but reported to engage more in discouraging behaviours. In line with expectations, parents who catastrophized about their child's pain reported a higher inclination to engage in solicitous behaviours. Only for fathers, high catastrophizing was also related to a higher report of discouraging behaviours. However, the effects of catastrophizing differed across situations varying in duration and cause of pain. Specifically, the effect of parental catastrophizing upon self‐reported solicitous behaviours was particularly strong when imagining their child in pain with unknown biomedical cause. Further, high catastrophizing in fathers only translated in a higher inclination for discouraging responses when imagining their child in pain of short duration.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study highlight the importance of parental catastrophizing in explaining parental behavioural tendencies in response to their child in pain. Further, reported behaviours were found to vary across pain situations, attesting to the importance of studying parental behaviour ‘in context’.
THE EFFECTS OF GROUP SIZE AND TRAINING DURATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Authors: Locke Don W. , Gaushell W. Harper
Published: February 2012

Recent research in the field of counseling has indicated that the development of interpersonal skills, such as the communication of empathic understanding, forms a basis for therapeutic change (Truax & Carkhuff 1967, 1965). Additional research (Truax, Carkhuff & Douds 1964) has suggested that it is possible to significantly improve the counselor trainee's interpersonal skills through a didactic approach. Although such gains in interpersonal skills have been demonstrated, research has not indicated the most effective parameter in applying such experiential‐didactic procedures. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effectiveness of interpersonal skill training as a function of group size and training duration. More specifically, the research investigated the relationship between small and large groups, and short and long training periods.
Toxicity assessment and vitellogenin expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae acutely exposed to bisphenol A, endosulfan, heptachlor, methoxychlor and tetrabromobisphenol A
Authors: Chow Wing Shan , Chan Winson Ka‐Lun , Chan King Ming
Published: February 2012

Organochlorine pesticides and brominated flame retardants, such as tetrabromobisphenol A and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, pose an environmental hazard owing to their persistence, low solubility and estrogenic effects, and concerns have been raised regarding their effects on aquatic biota. In the present study, zebrafish embryos and larvae were used as a model to investigate the sublethal and lethal effects of three different organochlorine pesticides, namely methoxychlor, endosulfan and heptachlor, as well as the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A, and its precursor compound bisphenol A. Preliminary data for chemical exposure tests were obtained by determining the 96 h median effective concentration EC50 (hatching rate) and 96 h median lethal concentration LC50. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the gene expression levels of the biomarker vitellogenin (vtg1) after 96 h exposures to 10, 25, 50 and 75% of the 96 h EC50 value for embryos and 96 h LC50 value for larvae. The use of vtg1 mRNA induction in zebrafish embryos and larvae was found to be a sensitive biomarker of exposure to these organic compounds, and was helpful in elucidating their adverse effects and setting water quality guidelines. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 has an essential role in arsenite‐induced expression of FOS, EGR1 and IL8 mRNA in cultured human cell lines
Authors: Suzuki Toshihide , Kita Kayoko , Ochi Takafumi
Published: February 2012

Trivalent inorganic arsenite [iAs(III)] is known to alter the expression of a number of genes associated with transcription and cell proliferation, which was thought to be one of the possible mechanisms of arsenical carcinogenesis. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying iAs(III) induction of changes in gene expression are not fully understood. Here we examine the role of histone H3 phosphorylation at serine 10 (Ser10) in gene regulation when the cells were treated with iAs(III). Among the 34 genes tested, iAs(III) induced mRNA expression of JUN, FOS, EGR1, HMOX1, HSPA1A, IL8, GADD45A, GADD45B and GADD153. Phosphorylation of histone H3 Ser10 was induced by iAs(III) in interphase cells, and was effectively blocked by the ERKs pathway inhibitor (U0126). U0126 treatment significantly reduced constitutive mRNA expression of FOS and EGR1, and dramatically suppressed the induction of FOS, EGR1 and IL8 mRNA in iAs(III)‐treated cells. The other genes, which were induced by iAs(III), were not affected by U0126 treatment. When the histone H3 nonphosphorylatable mutant of serine 10 (S10A) was overexpressed in cells, iAs(III) induction of FOS, EGR1and IL8 expression was significantly decreased as compared with wild‐type cells. The other genes induced by iAs(III) were not changed in S10A cells nor by U0126 treatment. In addition, S10A cells were more resistant to iAs(III) cytotoxicity. These results indicated that the phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser10 through the ERKs pathway in interphase cells is an important regulatory event for iAs(III)‐mediated gene expression. Aberrant gene expression seems to be an important cause of cytotoxicity and may have some relation to iAs(III) carcinogenicity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cut costs using working capital management: Part 2
Authors: Sagner James S.
Published: February 2012

The March‐April 2011 issue of JCAF included the first part of an article by this author on cutting costs by focusing on working capital. This second part of the article covers the next step: how to determine current practice, or the “base” case. Documenting that status helps a firm decide whether change is necessary and feasible—and how much the change will cost.

The author demonstrates a useful approach that has been successfully applied to a variety of corporate clients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring corporate wellness performance using the wellness scorecard
Authors: Berley Marisa , Berley Alexandra , Brewer Peter C.
Published: February 2012

Health care costs have risen enormously in recent years. You can help create and maintain performance measures that influence how senior leaders perceive health care costs and how they make funding decisions with respect to programs intended to reduce those costs. In particular, this article explains how to implement a comprehensive corporate wellness program (CWP) and a performance measurement system called a wellness scorecard, which can be used to track CWPs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rational expense reduction: Lean budgeting at Irving Oil
Authors: Carr Lawrence , Lawler William , Reny Joseph
Published: February 2012

The downturn in the global economy has made companies across all industries cut expenses to meet investor expectations. But if these cuts aren't done in a rational manner, they can lead to dysfunctional behavior that can just intensify the economic pressures worse. This article describes an action‐based development program jointly designed by Irving Oil, a Canadian regional energy processing company, and Babson College, a leading provider of executive education. The focus of the program was to meet top management goals for expense reduction, while, in the longer run, building a culture of lean management. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMODITIES INTERFACE IN AFRICA: TIME FOR CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM?
Authors: Farooki Masuma
Published: February 2012

The recent surge in African economic growth rates associated with the rise in commodity prices have led to renewed interest in the role of resources in economic growth. Africa has multiple economic and social needs, infrastructure being one of them. The resource sector is contributing towards growth of investments in infrastructure, but how effective this contribution is to wider development goals needs to be chronicled. This paper examines two vectors of interaction between infrastructure and commodities: first, the direct provision of infrastructure for commodity extraction; second, the use of resource rents for infrastructure spending. This paper emphasises the policy need to align infrastructure spending with development needs, rather than building transport networks per se. We find there are positive indications that such recognition exists on a policy level, and there are partial successes. However, more needs to be carried out to ensure sub‐Saharan Africa can benefit from its infrastructure spending in relation to the commodity sector. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WILL IT ALL END IN TEARS? INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING AND AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Mold Andrew
Published: February 2012

Over the last decade, the majority of both resource‐rich and resource‐poor countries in Africa have enjoyed a marked improvement in their economic performance. Many of these countries have embarked on large‐scale infrastructure projects, in many senses reminiscent of the last major economic boom experienced in the region in the 1960s and 1970s. Yet, that boom very much ended in tears, as countries' economies contracted sharply under unsustainable debt and harsh Structural Adjustment Programmes. This paper asks to what extent can African countries avoid the pitfalls of the previous infrastructure boom and develop an infrastructure investment strategy that will prove both sustainable and catalytic for economic development. The paper critically reviews the salient features of the previous infrastructure boom and its theoretical underpinning, examining three cautionary tales of unsustainable infrastructure booms in Ghana, Nigeria and Zaire (now DRC). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutamate receptors in tendinopathic patients
Authors: Schizas Nikos , Weiss Rudiger , Lian Øystein , Frihagen Frede , Bahr Roald , Ackermann Paul W.
Published: February 2012

Tendinopathy, pain, and degeneration, may be related to the up‐regulation of substance P (SP) and its activation of glutamate receptors. We hypothesized that the pathogenesis of tendinopathy involves N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor type 1 (NMDAR1) activation (phosphorylated NMDAR1; phospho‐NMDAR1) co‐existing with SP. Moreover, we examined the presence of metabotropic receptors that increase (mGluR1 and mGluR5) or decrease (mGluR6 and mGluR7) NMDAR1 excitability. Biopsies from patients with patellar tendinopathy (n = 10) and from controls (n = 8) were immunohistochemically analyzed according to the occurrence and tissue distribution of NMDAR1, phosho‐NMDAR1, mGluR (1, 5–7), and SP. The biopsies were immunohistochemically single‐ and double‐stained and semi‐quantitatively assessed. Tendinopathic biopsies exhibited increased occurrence of NMDAR1, phospho‐NMDAR1, SP, and mGluR5, while mGluR6–7 were not increased and mGluR1 was not found. The occurrence of NMDAR1 and SP correlated in tendinopathy (r2 = 0.54, p = 0.03), but not in the controls (r2 = 0.11, p = 0.4). Co‐localization of SP and phospho‐NMDAR1 within the tendon proper was only found in tendinopathy, localized on hypertrophic tenocytes, blood vessels, and penetrating free‐nerve fibres. Up‐regulation and activation of the glutamate receptor, phospho‐NMDAR1, suggests a role in the pathophysiology of tendinopathy. Increased NMDAR1 excitability may be related to increased SP and mGluR5. The unique co‐existence of SP and phospho‐NMDAR1 in tendinopathy presumably reflects a tissue proliferative and nociceptive role. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1447–1452, 2012
Genetic polymorphism of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator is interacting with plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 to raise risk of cervical neoplasia
Authors: Tee Yi‐Torng , Wang Po‐Hui , Tsai Hsiu‐Ting , Lin Long‐Yau , Lin Hung‐Ting , Yang Shun‐Fa , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Ying Tsung‐Ho
Published: February 2012

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the impact of plasminogen activator (PA) system genes, including urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA receptor (uPAR), and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) gene polymorphisms in patients with the cervical neoplasia.

Methods

In total, 336 blood samples were collected from healthy women and 136 patients with cervical neoplasia to analyze the gene polymorphisms of representative PA system genes.

Results

There was no significant association between cervical neoplasia cases and gene polymorphisms of uPA, uPAR and PAI‐1 genes as well as to the carcinogenesis of cervical if the cervical neoplasia cases were stratified to HSILs and invasive cancer cases. However, we found a mutual interaction between uPA/PAI‐1 genes, which women carrying the uPA/PAI‐1 CC/4G4G allele had a 1.70‐fold higher risk (OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.04–2.79) of cervical neoplasia compared with those carrying the CC/4G5G allele.

Conclusions

Individuals with uPA/PAI‐1 CC/4G5G allele were in high susceptibility for cervical neoplasia. The combined polymorphism of uPA/PAI‐1 might diminish the ability of PAI‐1 to inhibiting cervical cancer carcinogenesis when PAI‐1 alone as the role of inhibitor. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:204–208. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of mental health outcomes in persons entering U.S. military service before and after September 11, 2001
Authors: Wells Timothy S. , Ryan Margaret A. K. , Jones Kelly A. , Hooper Tomoko I. , Boyko Edward J. , Jacobson Isabel G. , Smith Tyler C. , Gackstetter Gary D.
Published: February 2012

It has been hypothesized that those who entered military service in the pre‐September 11, 2001 era might have expectations incongruent with their subsequent experiences, increasing the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental disorders. A subset of Millennium Cohort Study participants who joined the military during 1995–1999 was selected and compared with a subset of members who joined the military in 2002 or later. Outcomes included new‐onset symptoms of PTSD, depression, panic/anxiety, and alcohol‐related problems. Multivariable methods adjusted for differences in demographic and military characteristics. More than 11,000 cohort members were included in the analyses. Those who entered service in the pre‐September 11 era had lower odds of new‐onset PTSD symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% CI [0.59, 0.93]) compared with the post‐September 11 cohort. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of new‐onset symptoms of depression, panic/anxiety, or alcohol‐related problems between the groups. The cohort who entered military service in the pre‐September 11 era did not experience higher rates of new‐onset mental health challenges compared with the cohort who entered service after September 11, 2001. Findings support the concept that the experience of war, and resulting psychological morbidity, is not a function of incongruent expectations.
Racial and ethnic differences in symptom severity of PTSD, GAD, and depression in trauma‐exposed, urban, treatment‐seeking adults
Authors: Ghafoori Bita , Barragan Belen , Tohidian Niloufar , Palinkas Lawrence
Published: February 2012

Urban, socially disadvantaged individuals are at high risk for traumatic event exposure and its subsequent psychiatric symptomatology. This study examined the association between race/ethnicity and symptom severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression in an urban clinical sample of 170 trauma‐exposed adults. In addition, this study investigated the role of socioeconomic position (SEP) and coping style in the relationship between race/ethnicity and posttrauma psychiatric symptom severity. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that Blacks had lower depression symptom severity compared to Whites. No significant relationship was found between racial/ethnic group status and indices of SEP, PTSD, or GAD symptom severity. Adjustment for trauma exposure, gender, positive reframe coping, avoidance coping and negative coping accounted for 3%, 3%, 8%, 4%, and 3% of the variance in depression severity, respectively; however, Black race remained significantly associated with decreased depression symptom severity accounting for a statistically significant 5% of the variance in lower depression symptom severity. These preliminary findings and their clinical implications are discussed.
Peritraumatic reactions and posttraumatic stress disorder in psychiatrically impaired youth
Authors: Sugar Jeff , Ford Julian D.
Published: February 2012

Although peritraumatic dissociation and other subjective peritraumatic reactions, such as emotional distress and arousal, have been shown to affect the relationship between a traumatic event and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults, systematic studies with youth have not been done. In a mixed ethnic and racial sample of 90 psychiatrically impaired youth (ages 10–18, 56% boys), we investigated the contributions of peritraumatic dissociation, emotional distress, and arousal to current PTSD severity after accounting for the effects of gender, trauma history, trait dissociation, and psychopathology (attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression). Peritraumatic dissociation emerged as the only peritraumatic variable associated with current PTSD severity assessed both by questionnaire and interview methods (β = .30 and .47 p < .01). Peritraumatic dissociation can be rapidly assessed in clinical practice and warrants further testing in prospective studies as a potential mediator of the trauma‐PTSD relationship in youth.
Effect of the Density of ATRP Thiol Initiators in the Yield and Water Content of Grafted‐From PMETAC Brushes. A Study by Means of QCM‐D and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Combined in a Single Device
Authors: Ramos Jagoba Iturri , Moya Sergio E.
Published: February 2012

Poly {[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride} (PMETAC) brushes are synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization from mixed monolayers of ω‐mercaptoundecyl bromoisobutyrate thiol (initiator) and 1‐undecanethiol (blank). Initiator density is varied from 100% to 1% by the molar ratio of initiator to blank in solution. Brush growth is followed in situ by a single device combination of a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D) and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Acoustic mass (macous) and optical mass (mopt) are simultaneously recorded. Brush hydration is calculated from the difference between macous and mopt. The percentage of water lost during brush collapse in NaCl solution at concentration from 10−3 M to 1 M is quantified for each initiator density.
Surface‐Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerization from Silica Nanoparticles with High Initiator Density
Authors: Louis Chakkalakal Golda , Alexandre Michaël , Abetz Clarissa , Boschetti‐de‐Fierro Adriana , Abetz Volker
Published: February 2012

The surface of silica nanoparticles is modified using the “grafting from” technique. A multi‐step reaction is conducted to modify their surface properties. (3‐glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPS) is used as the coupling agent for the fixation of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator. The grafting efficiency of GPS mixed with aqueous suspension of silica nanoparticles is studied, followed by the coupling efficiency towards ATRP initiator. The bromide concentration of ATRP initiator is kept constant for comparative kinetic studies of styrene and MMA polymerizations. The consequences at high conversions and the particle size distribution are studied. The behaviour of the glass transition temperature of either polymer‐modified particles and the nature of dispersion of polymer‐coated silica particles are analyzed.
Bounded approximation properties in non‐archimedean Banach spaces
Authors: Perez‐Garcia C.
Published: February 2012

Some non‐archimedean bounded approximation properties are introduced and studied in this paper. As an application, an affirmative answer is given, for non‐spherically complete base fields, to the following problem, posed in , p. 95: Does there exist an absolutely convex edged set B in a non‐archimedean locally convex space such that its closure is not edged?
In Situ Hetero End‐Functionalized Polythiophene and Subsequent “Click” Chemistry With DNA
Authors: Lee Jungkyu K. , Ko Sangwon , Bao Zhenan
Published: February 2012

It is demonstrated that bifunctionalized polythiophenes involving thiol and azide end‐functional groups can be synthesized by chain‐growth Suzuki‐Miyaura type polymerization. The bifunctionalized polythiophenes are successfully characterized by 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF). Furthermore, the azide end‐group reacts with DNA via “click chemistry” to form a polythiophene/DNA hybrid structure, which is characterized by ESI‐MS. The described synthetic approaches will lead to the synthesis of novel multi‐block copolymers as well as biomolecule‐based conjugated polymer structures.
Regulation of Supramolecular Chirality in Co‐Assembled Polydiacetylene LB Films with Removable Azobenzene Derivatives
Authors: Jiang Hao , Chen Xin , Pan Xiujuan , Zou Gang , Zhang Qijin
Published: February 2012

Herein, we report a novel model that combines supramolecular chemistry and the LB technique for the chirality regulation of the PDA films. The helical packing of PCDA molecules and the chiroptical properties of the resulting PDA LB films can be easily modulated by different azobenzene derivatives. Moreover, the effect of the photo‐isomerization of azobenzene chromophores on the helical formation of PCDA assemblies is investigated in detail.
Mesoporous Polymer Networks–Ultraporous DVB Resins by Hard‐Templating of Close‐Packed Silica Spheres
Authors: Wilke Antje , Weber Jens
Published: February 2012

The preparation of ultraporous polymer resins using a straightforward hard‐templating synthesis is presented. Self‐assembly of silica nanospheres into densely packed glasses allows an easy preparation of templates. Polydivinylbenzene resins with surface areas of up to 1000 m2 g−1 are synthesized as a model system and porosity analysis reveals bimodal porosity (spherical mesopores and micropores within the pore walls). The prepared systems can be further functionalized without loss of porosity as demonstrated by sulfonation. Because of their large pore sizes (13–28 nm), they are efficient adsorbents also for large molecules. Finally, the systems can also be used as model systems for the study of the pore drying and collapse process, which is of crucial importance for any application of mesoporous polymers.
Use of Solvent Effects to Improve Control Over Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization of Isoprene
Authors: Harrisson Simon , Couvreur Patrick , Nicolas Julien
Published: February 2012

The use of 1,4‐dioxane or pyridine as solvents for the polymerization of isoprene mediated by the acid‐functional SG1‐based alkoxyamines N‐(2‐methylpropyl)‐N‐(1‐diethylphosphono‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl)‐O‐(2‐carboxylprop‐2‐yl)hydroxylamine (BlocBuilder MA) and N‐(2‐methylpropyl)‐N‐(1‐diethylphosphono‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl)‐O‐(2‐carboxyleth‐2‐yl)hydroxylamine results in an increase in the rate of consumption of the initiator and narrower molecular weight distributions of the resulting polymer. In pyridine, an improved control of the polymerization was also obtained for a non‐acid‐functional initiator, and the overall rate of polymerization increased. These effects are likely to be the result of the disruption of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and, in the case of pyridine, stabilization of the polar SG1 free radical.
Polyelectrolyte Complexes Consisting of Macromolecules With Varied Stiffness: Computer Simulation
Authors: Lazutin Alexei A. , Semenov Alexander N. , Vasilevskaya Valentina V.
Published: February 2012

Monte Carlo simulations are employed in order to analyze the structure of polyelectrolyte complexes consisting of two identical but oppositely charged macroions with varying chain stiffness. It is shown that two complex structures can arise depending on the stiffness of the constituent chains. Stiff chains are organized into a “ladder” structure in which chains are located parallel to each other and monomeric units are arranged into ionic pairs according to their position in the chain. Flexible chains form a globular “scrambled‐egg” structure with a disordered position of monomer units. The conformational transition between the two structures proceeds as a phase transition.

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The possible separation of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced skin inflammation and hyperplasia by compound A
Authors: Kowalczyk Piotr , Kowalczyk Magdalena C. , Junco Jacob J. , Tolstykh Olga , Kinjo Tatsuya , Truong Ha , Walaszek Zbigniew , Hanausek Margaret , Slaga Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Activated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) acts via two different mechanisms: transcriptional regulation that requires DNA‐binding, and protein–protein interaction between GR and other transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) or activator protein 1 (AP‐1). It has been postulated that many important effects of glucocorticoids, including their anti‐inflammatory properties, depend on GR's transrepressive effects on NF‐κB and AP‐1. In the present study, we have employed a TPA‐induced model of skin inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia to determine whether partial activation of the glucocorticoid receptor by compound A (CpdA) is sufficient to reverse the effect of TPA treatment. CpdA is a nonsteroidal GR modulator with high binding affinity, is capable of partial activation of GR. Topical application of TPA twice per week for 2 wk results in inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia. TPA treatment also elevates levels of c‐jun (AP‐1 component), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), p50 (NF‐κB component), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the skin. Fluocinolone acetonide (FA) (a full GR agonist) was able to completely reverse the above effects of TPA. When applied alone, CpdA increased the epidermal thickness and keratinocyte proliferation as well as levels of c‐jun, COX‐2, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ. However, CpdA treatment resulted in a decrease in the number of p50 positive cells induced by TPA, suggesting its role in inhibition of NF‐κB. The level of metallothionein‐1 mRNA, regulated by GR was also significantly decreased in skin samples treated with CpdA. Our results suggest that CpdA is able to inhibit GR transactivation and activate only some transrepression properties of GR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carleman estimate for a strongly damped wave equation and applications to an inverse problem
Authors: Wu Bin
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we establish a Carleman estimate for a strongly damped wave equation in order to solve a coefficient inverse problems of retrieving a stationary potential from a single time‐dependent Neumann boundary measurement on a suitable part of the boundary. This coefficient inverse problem is for a strongly damped wave equation. We prove the uniqueness and the local stability results for this inverse problem. The proof of the results relies on Carleman estimate and a certain energy estimates for hyperbolic equation with strongly damped term. Moreover, this method could be used for a similar inverse problem for an integro‐differential equation with hyperbolic memory kernel. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Neumann function and the method of images in spherical and ellipsoidal geometry
Authors: Dassios George , Sten Johan C.‐E.
Published: February 2012

The invention of an image system for a boundary value problem adds to a significant understanding of the structure of the problem, both at the mathematical and at the physical level. In this paper, the interior and exterior Neumann functions for the Laplacian in the cases of spherical and ellipsoidal domains are represented in terms of images. Besides isolated images, the presence of the normal derivative in the Neumann condition demands an additional continuous distribution of images, which in the spherical cases, can be restricted to a one‐dimensional manifold, whereas for the ellipsoid, both a one‐dimensional and a two‐dimensional distribution of images is needed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dimensional approach to understanding severity estimates and risk correlates of marijuana abuse and dependence in adults
Authors: Wu Li‐Tzy , Woody George E. , Yang Chongming , Pan Jeng‐Jong , Reeve Bryce B. , Blazer Dan G.
Published: February 2012

While item response theory (IRT) research shows a latent severity trait underlying response patterns of substance abuse and dependence symptoms, little is known about IRT‐based severity estimates in relation to clinically relevant measures. In response to increased prevalences of marijuana‐related treatment admissions, an elevated level of marijuana potency, and the debate on medical marijuana use, we applied dimensional approaches to understand IRT‐based severity estimates for marijuana use disorders (MUDs) and their correlates while simultaneously considering gender‐ and race/ethnicity‐related differential item functioning (DIF). Using adult data from the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 37,897), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria for MUDs among past‐year marijuana users were examined by IRT, logistic regression, and multiple indicators–multiple causes (MIMIC) approaches. Among 6917 marijuana users, 15% met criteria for a MUD; another 24% exhibited subthreshold dependence. Abuse criteria were highly correlated with dependence criteria (correlation = 0.90), indicating unidimensionality; item information curves revealed redundancy in multiple criteria. MIMIC analyses showed that MUD criteria were positively associated with weekly marijuana use, early marijuana use, other substance use disorders, substance abuse treatment, and serious psychological distress. African Americans and Hispanics showed higher levels of MUDs than Whites, even after adjusting for race/ethnicity‐related DIF. The redundancy in multiple criteria suggests an opportunity to improve efficiency in measuring symptom‐level manifestations by removing low‐informative criteria. Elevated rates of MUDs among African Americans and Hispanics require research to elucidate risk factors and improve assessments of MUDs for different racial/ethnic groups. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voxel‐wise quantification of myocardial perfusion by cardiac magnetic resonance. Feasibility and methods comparison
Authors: Zarinabad Niloufar , Chiribiri Amedeo , Hautvast Gilion L. T. F. , Ishida Masaki , Schuster Andreas , Cvetkovic Zoran , Batchelor Philip G. , Nagel Eike
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study is to enable high spatial resolution voxel‐wise quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion in dynamic contrast‐enhanced cardiovascular MR, in particular by finding the most favorable quantification algorithm in this context. Four deconvolution algorithms—Fermi function modeling, deconvolution using B‐spline basis, deconvolution using exponential basis, and autoregressive moving average modeling —were tested to calculate voxel‐wise perfusion estimates. The algorithms were developed on synthetic data and validated against a true gold‐standard using a hardware perfusion phantom. The accuracy of each method was assessed for different levels of spatial averaging and perfusion rate. Finally, voxel‐wise analysis was used to generate high resolution perfusion maps on real data acquired from five patients with suspected coronary artery disease and two healthy volunteers. On both synthetic and perfusion phantom data, the B‐spline method had the highest error in estimation of myocardial blood flow. The autoregressive moving average modeling and exponential methods gave accurate estimates of myocardial blood flow. The Fermi model was the most robust method to noise. Both simulations and maps in the patients and hardware phantom showed that voxel‐wise quantification of myocardium perfusion is feasible and can be used to detect abnormal regions. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fast heuristic approach for large‐scale cell‐transmission‐based evacuation route planning
Authors: Kimms A. , Maassen K.‐C.
Published: February 2012

The cell‐transmission‐model by Daganzo (1994) was introduced as a traffic simulation model. Its basic ideas were picked up recently to formulate optimization models for evacuation planning. These optimization models were capable of generating high quality evacuation plans, but computational effort and computational requirements, especially in dimensions of real‐world applications, were very high. To extend adaptability to much larger evacuation scenarios, a fast heuristic procedure will be presented. In a computational study, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in several real‐world scenarios of different road network size, population distribution, and risk distribution, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
In Silico study of carcinogenic o‐Quinone metabolites derived from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Borosky Gabriela L. , Laali Kenneth K.
Published: February 2012

A computational density functional theory study on the structural and electronic properties of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) ortho‐quinones was performed and the possible mechanism of DNA‐adduct formation was analyzed to evaluate its thermodynamic viability. Molecular docking techniques were applied to examine the noncovalent interactions developed when a model PAH ortho‐quinone intercalates between the DNA double helix. Quantum‐chemical ONIOM (our Own N‐layer Integrated molecular Orbital molecular Mechanics) calculations within the structure of a DNA fragment were carried out to evaluate the significant steps of noncovalent complex and covalent adduct formation. The solvent effect was also considered by employing a continuum solvation model. The present calculations suggest that initial noncovalent interactions of the PAH o‐quinone within the DNA double helix could determine the feasibility of benzo[a]pyrene‐7,8‐dione‐DNA covalent adduct formation, and that dispersion‐corrected functionals are more suitable for locating the noncovalent complex. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.