bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective C–N Bond‐Forming Reaction of 2,6‐Dibromopyridine with Amines
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Ning , Dai Bin , Hu Hengcai
Published: August 2014

A practical and efficient protocol for the syntheses of 6‐substituted 2‐bromopyridine compounds has been developed by using a selective copper‐catalyzed C–N bond‐forming reaction between 2,6‐dibromopyridine and a range of amines. The major advantage of this protocol is the complete control of selectivity of the pyridine bromine atom for the C–N cross‐coupling reaction. There are few reported syntheses of unsymmetrical 2,6‐disubstituted pyridine‐bridged compounds because of their complicated preparations. Although this is the case, a new series of these unsymmetrical compounds have been successfully prepared in two steps by using this copper‐catalyzed coupling approach.
Enantioselective Direct Bisvinylogous 1,6‐Additions of β‐Allyl‐2‐cyclohexenone to α,α‐Dicyanodienes through Trienamine Catalysis
Authors: Feng Xin , Zhou Zhi , Yin Xiang , Li Rui , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: August 2014

An asymmetric direct ϵ‐regioselective bisvinylogous 1,6‐addition reaction of β‐allyl‐2‐cyclohexenone to β‐substituted α,α‐dicyanodienes was developed through trienamine catalysis of a bifunctional primary amine–thiourea compound. Excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee) was obtained even through such a remote reaction mode. In addition, more complex cyclic frameworks could be efficiently constructed with high stereoselectivity.
Gold Nanoparticles‐β‐Cyclodextrin‐Chitosan‐Graphene Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Ultrasensitive Detection of Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Tang Jian , Zhang Lingling , Liu Yun , Zhou Jie , Han Guangqiang , Tang Weihua
Published: August 2014

The nanocomposite (denoted as GR‐AuNPs‐CD‐CS) of graphene (GR), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan (CS) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was prepared to modify a glassy carbon electrode. The as‐modified electrode was explored for the ultrasensitive detection of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The modified electrode demonstrated linearly increased current response in the concentration range of 0.1–120 µm for DA and 0.05–70 µm for UA, with so far the best detection limit for DA and UA. Good stability and repeatability were further demonstrated for the as‐made sensor.
Amperometric Sniffer for Volatile Amines Based on Paper‐Supported Room Temperature Ionic Liquids Enabling Rapid Assessment of Fish Spoilage
Authors: Toniolo Rosanna , Dossi Nicolò , Svigely Rossella , Susmel Sabina , Casella Innocenzo G. , Bontempelli Gino
Published: August 2014

A gas sensors based on a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) supported on paper is proposed as amperometric sniffer for monitoring volatile amines (VAs) released from fish samples, in order to gain indication of their state of turning spoiled. It was used as a paper electrochemical detector (PED) for a flow injection system in which controlled headspace volumes in equilibrium with ice‐stored fish samples were directly injected. The performance of this RTIL‐PED sensor was preliminarily tested on synthetic samples of trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine (DMA), methylamine (MA) and ammonia (i.e. the main species responsible for the typical flavor of spoiled fish), thus verifying that only TMA, DMA and MA can be detected because NH3 oxidation occurred beyond the solvent discharge. This notwithstanding, detection of the sole TMA, DMA and MA as a whole turned out to be well suited for the rapid assessment of fish spoilage, since during storage the release enhancement for these amines is largely predominant over that of NH3. Repeatable (8 % RSD) sharp peaks were detected for all amines above over a wide range (5–1000 nmol) and a detection limit of a little more than 3 nmol was inferred for a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. This approach was applied to the detection of VAs released from real fish samples (sardines), in parallel to the determination of their total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), which is a conventional indicator frequently adopted for the chemical quality assessment of fish. A substantially satisfactory agreement was found by comparing the data achieved by these two approaches.
Optimization of ELFSE DNA sequencing with EOF counterflow and microfluidics
Authors: Fahrenkopf Max A. , Mukherjee Tamal , Ydstie B. Erik , Schneider James W.
Published: August 2014

We present a nonlinear optimization study of different implementations of the DNA electrophoretic method “End‐labeled Free‐solution Electrophoresis” in commercial capillary electrophoresis systems and microfluidics to improve the time required for readout. Here, the effect of electro‐osmotic counterflows and snap‐shot detection are considered to allow for detection of peaks soon after they are electorphoretically resolved. Using drag tags available in micelle form, we identify a design capable of sequencing 600 bases in 2.8 min.
Experimental study of the effect of inhibitors in wax precipitation by different techniques
Authors: Coto Baudilio , Martos Carmen , Espada Juan José , Robustillo María Dolores , Peña José Luis
Published: August 2014

The blocking problems in equipment and flowlines caused by precipitation of wax solids is a well‐known problem and large research efforts have been focused on developing procedures dealing with wax deposition. Among the different alternatives, the use of chemicals is frequently used to inhibit wax precipitation. The presence of these compounds modifies the size and/or the shape of the paraffinic solids, thus affecting their flow behavior and cold properties. In this work, a methodology based on different experimental techniques was developed to study the effect of different additives on the crude oil behavior at low temperature. Four commercial inhibitors were added to three crude oils in different concentrations. The effect of the inhibitors on wax precipitation was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and cross‐polarized microscopy (CPM). Obtained results for wax appearance temperature (WAT) using DSC do not show remarkable differences regarding the presence of inhibitor. However, CPM analyses revealed differences in both size and shape of paraffin solids. The results obtained in this work reveal that in some cases the inhibitor does not modify the WAT values, but the morphology of the precipitated particles. In these cases, it is necessary to combine DSC and CPM analyses to obtain reliable results.
Transformation and destabilization of graphene oxide in reducing aqueous solutions containing sulfide
Authors: Fu Heyun , Qu Xiaolei , Chen Wei , Zhu Dongqiang
Published: August 2014

The colloidal stability of carbon nanomaterials is a key factor controlling their fate and bioavailability in natural aquatic systems. The authors report that graphene oxide nanoparticles could be destabilized in reducing aqueous solutions containing a low concentration (0.5 mM) of sulfide, a naturally occurring reductant. Spectroscopic characterization using combined X-ray photoelectron, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and Raman analyses revealed that the surface oxygen-containing groups (mainly epoxy groups) of graphene oxide were significantly reduced after reacting with sodium sulfide. The destabilization of graphene oxide was likely caused by the enhanced surface hydrophobicity of the reduced graphene oxide, whereas electrostatic repulsion played a minimal role. Solution pH was found to affect both the deoxygenation process and the aggregation behavior of graphene oxide. Coexisting humic acid reduced the reaction efficiency and stabilized graphene oxide through steric hindrance. These findings suggest for the first time that the colloidal behavior of carbon nanomaterials might change drastically when they enter natural reducing environments containing sulfide such as anaerobic aquifers and sediments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2647–2653. © 2014 SETAC
Dissipation and residues of trifloxystrobin and its metabolite in rice under field conditions
Authors: Li Puyu , Wang Lin , Hao Xianghong , Han Lijun
Published: August 2014

Residue analysis of trifloxystrobin and its metabolite (CGA 321113) in rice matrices, paddy water, and soil was developed using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method and high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was used to evaluate the dissipation rate of trifloxystrobin and CGA 321113 in rice seedling, soil, and paddy water as well as the residual level in harvest rice (grain, hull, straw) and soil. The results demonstrated that the dissipation half-lives of trifloxystrobin in rice seedling, soil, and water were 1.9 d to 4.7 d, 0.35 d to 0.54 d, and 0.28 d to 0.51 d, respectively. The final total residue of trifloxystrobin and CGA 321113 was highest in rice hull and lowest in paddy soil. The highest total residues in husked rice, rice hull, straw, and paddy soil at 28 d after spraying were 0.39 mg kg−1, 3.82 mg kg−1, 0.29 mg kg−1, and 0.15 mg kg−1, respectively. According to the final residue data and the maximum residue limits of trifloxystrobin in rice grain and straw (Codex Alimentarius) and in rice hull (US Environmental Protection Agency), 28 d could be recommended as the preharvest interval for trifloxystrobin application in the rice field. The data show that CGA 321113 constitutes a small amount of the final total residues in rice matrices, whereas it is much higher than its parent compound in soil samples. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2654–2660. © 2014 SETAC
Heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity of glial cells in the mammalian enteric nervous system
Authors: Boesmans Werend , Lasrado Reena , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Pachnis Vassilis
Published: August 2014

Enteric glial cells are vital for the autonomic control of gastrointestinal homeostasis by the enteric nervous system. Several different functions have been assigned to enteric glial cells but whether these are performed by specialized subtypes with a distinctive phenotype and function remains elusive. We used Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers and inducible lineage tracing to characterize the morphology and dynamic molecular marker expression of enteric GLIA in the myenteric plexus. Functional analysis in individually identified enteric glia was performed by Ca2+ imaging. Our experiments have identified four morphologically distinct subpopulations of enteric glia in the gastrointestinal tract of adult mice. Marker expression analysis showed that the majority of glia in the myenteric plexus co‐express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100β, and Sox10. However, a considerable fraction (up to 80%) of glia outside the myenteric ganglia, did not label for these markers. Lineage tracing experiments suggest that these alternative combinations of markers reflect dynamic gene regulation rather than lineage restrictions. At the functional level, the three myenteric glia subtypes can be distinguished by their differential response to adenosine triphosphate. Together, our studies reveal extensive heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity of enteric glial cells and set a framework for further investigations aimed at deciphering their role in digestive function and disease. GLIA 2015;63:229–241
Personalizing risk stratification by addition of PAK1 expression to TNM staging: Improving the accuracy of clinical decision for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Zongtai , Zou Xiaofang , Xie Liangxi , Chen Hongcai , Chen Yuping , Yeung Sai‐Ching Jim , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2014

Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJA) is an aggressive malignancy with an alarmingly rising incidence. TNM staging is widely used by oncologists to stratify prognosis as well as direct therapeutic strategies. However, inadequate lymphadenectomy is frequently encountered for GEJA and largely confounds prognosis resulting from TNM staging. Thus, a molecular biomarker, which can accurately forecast the risk of nodal metastasis in patients with inadequate lymphadenectomy, is required to guide precisely clinical decision. In this study, bioinformatics and pathological analysis identified that p21 protein‐activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is associated with lymph nodal metastasis of GEJA. The PAK1 H‐score was lower in the patients with negative lymph nodes than that in patients with positive (metastatic) lymph nodes (6.865 ± 3.376, 9.370 ± 2.530, respectively; p < 0.001). The PAK1 H‐score in lymph nodes was positively correlated with that in primary tumors (PTs; p < 0.001; r = 0.475). PAK1 H‐scores in PTs had the best performance based on its area under the receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve compared with PAK1 H‐scores in lymph nodes, histological grade, lymph nodal metastasis status, tumor size, depth of tumor, TNM stage and number of resected lymph nodes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard and Fine and Gray models showed that histological grade 3, Charlson comorbidity index > 7 and high PAK1 expression in PTs were associated with significantly increased risk of recurrence and cancer‐related death. In conclusion, high PAK1 expression in PTs is predictive of node metastasis and can be easily integrated in the clinical decision process for personalized therapeutics of GEJA.
The sensitivity of gastric cancer to trastuzumab is regulated by the miR‐223/FBXW7 pathway
Authors: Eto Kojiro , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Watanabe Masayuki , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Ida Satoshi , Imamura Yu , Iwagami Shiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Sakamoto Yasuo , Miyamoto Yuji , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: August 2014

A recent large‐scale phase III study (the ToGA trial) demonstrated the significant efficacy of trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with HER2‐positive gastric cancer. Although trastuzumab has become a key drug in cancer treatment, the resistance of breast cancer to trastuzumab is a major problem in clinical practice. However, it is unclear whether similar mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance are involved in gastric cancer (GC). The aim of the current study was to identify a novel micro‐RNA (miR)/gene pathway that regulates the sensitivity of HER2‐positive GC cells to trastuzumab. We focused on F‐box and WD repeat domain‐containing 7 (FBXW7), which is one of the major causes of drug resistance. We also identified miR‐223, which can regulate FBXW7, using miR quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR array analysis using by resistance cell line, which we established. Overexpression of miR‐223 decreased FBXW7 expression and the sensitivity of GC cells to trastuzumab, while suppression of miR‐223 restored FBXW7 expression and the sensitivity of GC cells to trastuzumab. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐223 significantly suppressed trastuzumab‐induced apoptosis. This study is the first report to reveal that the miR‐223/FBXW7 pathway regulates the sensitivity of a HER2‐positive GC cell line to trastuzumab through the modulation of apoptosis. These findings suggest that this pathway can be crucial for the mechanism of trastuzumab resistance in GC, which may lead to the development of individualized treatment in clinical practice.
Lophirones B and C Extenuate AFB1‐Mediated Oxidative Onslaught on Cellular Proteins, Lipids, and DNA through Nrf‐2 Expression
Authors: Ajiboye Taofeek O. , Yakubu Musa T. , Oladiji Adenike T.
Published: August 2014

The capability of lophirones B and C to extenuate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)‐mediated onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA was investigated for 6 weeks. Lophirones B and C significantly (P < 0.05) increase the expression and specific activity of cytoprotective enzymes (glutathione‐S‐trans‐ferase, nioctinamide adenine dicludeotide:quinone oxidoreductase‐1, epoxide hydrolase, and uridyl glucuronosyl transferase). There was significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the level of antioxidant system in AFB1‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, lophirones B and C significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated AFB1‐mediated decrease in the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress biomarkers, malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes, protein carbonyl, and fragmented DNA were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in AFB1‐treated rats. Although lophirones B and C did not significantly (P < 0.05) alter these biomarkers, an AFB1‐mediated increase in these biomarkers was significantly attenuated. Results obtained showed that lophirones B and C extenuate AFB1‐mediated onslaught on cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA by enhancing nuclear erythroid–related factor‐2 expression.
Sonographic appearances of cervical lymph nodes in healthy young Japanese adults: Association with age, sex, and body mass index
Authors: Osanai Hizuru , Kuroiwa Hiroko , Uchida Keiichi , Kagami Hideaki , Yamada Kazuhiro , Taguchi Akira
Published: August 2014

Purpose

We investigated whether there was any association between age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) and nodal morphology and vascular pattern in healthy young Japanese adults.

Methods

Three neck regions in 100 healthy subjects, 19–40 years old, were examined by gray‐scale and color Doppler sonography. Vascular pattern was classified into three groups: avascular, hilar, or scattered. A linear mixed‐effect model was used to identify associations of age, sex, or BMI with the short‐axis diameter and the short‐to‐long axis diameter ratio (S/L). A cumulative link mixed model was used to identify any association between age, sex, BMI, and vascular pattern.

Results

In the upper cervical region, a decrease in the short‐axis diameter was statistically significantly associated with aging (p = 0.04), and an increase in the short‐axis diameter was significantly associated with greater BMI (p < 0.001). An increase in short‐axis diameter was significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.02) and higher BMI (p = 0.002) in the submandibular region, whereas it was associated with higher BMI (p = 0.001) in the submental region. A greater S/L was significantly associated with higher BMI and female sex in all regions. The scattered vascular pattern tended to be associated with lower BMI (p = 0.051) in the upper cervical region, but it was significantly associated with higher BMI (p = 0.01) in the submental region.

Conclusions

Nodal morphology and vascular pattern may be associated with age, sex, and BMI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:295–301, 2015
SEM study of diversity in the cyst surface topography of nine parthenogenetic Artemia (Crustacea: Anostraca) populations from China
Authors: Asem Alireza , Sun Shi‐Chun
Published: August 2014

The cysts of nine Chinese populations of parthenogenetic Artemia were studied by scanning electron microscope. In the 270 cysts examined, 15 different morphological patterns were recognized with most of them not recorded in previous studies and the “tubercled shell surface” being the most common pattern. Results also displayed high intrapopulation variability, with the maximum of 11 patterns (in 30 cysts) recorded from the Barkol population. No positive correlation between the diversity of cyst shell patterns and ploidy compositions was found. Principal components analysis suggests higher similarity among coastal populations than among inland populations, which may be attributed to the identity of physicochemical conditions among coastal salterns and dissimilarity among inland saline lakes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:1005–1014, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partnering Toward Internationalization at Four Arabian Mobile Telecom Firms
Authors: Ahmad Syed Zamberi
Published: August 2014

Internationalization has fostered rapid growth in the Arabian telecommunications market over the past 14 years. A study of the motives, strategies, and foreign direct investment (FDI) activities of four Gulf Cooperation Council telecommunications companies provides rare empirical insight into the entry of Middle Eastern multinationals into international markets and serves to help fill the gap in research on the experience of service firms in developing countries, particularly those from the Arab region. Although three of the four companies in this analysis have undergone rapid international expansion via substantial initial FDI, in terms of entry strategies all four firms initially preferred alliances and majority‐owned joint ventures/partnerships with local partners to minimize uncertainty, cope with bureaucratic obstacles, and gain access to technology and local host country markets. Some of the underlying factors that contributed to their expansion were market liberalization, the desire to earn higher returns on investments and lower transaction costs, competitor's reactions, and psychic distance/cultural links. Though focused on the internationalization behavior of Arabian telecommunications companies, the study provides broader theoretical and empirical insights and offers managerial implications applicable to the telecommunications field, as well as to other industries once characterized by regulatory stringency. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Label‐free optical detection of type II diabetes based on surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Authors: Lin Jinyong , Huang Zufang , Feng Shangyuan , Lin Juqiang , Liu Nenrong , Wang Jing , Li Ling , Zeng Yongyi , Li Buhong , Zeng Haishan , Chen Rong
Published: August 2014

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was first employed to detect oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb, the common type of hemoglobin) variation in type II diabetic development without using exogenous reagents. Using silver nanoparticles as SERS‐active substrate, high‐quality SERS spectra are obtained from blood OxyHb samples of 49 diabetic patients and 40 healthy volunteers. Tentative assignment of the observed SERS bands indicates specific structural changes of OxyHb molecule in diabetes, including heme transformation and globin variation. Furthermore, partial least squares and principal component analysis combined with linear discriminate analysis diagnostic algorithms are employed to analyze and classify the SERS spectra acquired from diabetic and healthy OxyHb, yielding the diagnostic accuracies of 90.0% and 95.5%, respectively. This exploratory work suggests that the silver nanoparticles‐based OxyHb SERS method in combination with multivariate statistical analysis has great potential for the label‐free detection of type II diabetes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal Raman spectra in Er‐doped BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Lu Da‐Yong , Cheng Wei , Sun Xiu‐Yun , Liu Qiao‐Li , Li De‐Xu , Li Zhong‐Yu
Published: August 2014

Greatly enhanced and abnormal Raman spectra were discovered in the nominal (Ba1 − xErx)Ti1 − x/4O3 (x = 0.01) (BET) ceramic for the first time and investigated in relation to the site occupations of Er3+ ions. BaTiO3 doped with Ti‐site Er3+ mainly exhibited the common Raman phonon modes of the tetragonal BaTiO3. Er3+ ions substituted for Ba sites are responsible for the abnormal Raman spectra, but the formation of defect complexes will decrease spectral intensity. A large increase in intensity showed a hundredfold selectivity for Ba‐site Er3+ ions over Ti‐site Er3+ ions. A strong EPR signal at g = 1.974 associated with ionized Ba vacancy defects appeared in BET, and the defect chemistry study indicated that the real formula of BET is expressed by (Ba1 − xEr3x/4)(Ti1 − x/4Erx/4)O3. These abnormal Raman signals were verified to originate from a fluorescent effect corresponding to 4S3/2→4I15/2 transition of Ba‐site Er3+ ions. The fluorescent signals were so intense that they overwhelmed the traditional Raman spectra of BaTiO3. The significance is that the abnormal Raman spectra may act as a probe for the Ba‐site Er3+ occupation in BaTiO3 co‐doped with Er3+ and other dopants. A new broad EPR signal at g = 2.23 was discovered, which originated from Er3+ Kramers ions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of minimum angle of resolution (MAR) in the stereoscopic display using the optotype of stereoscopic stimuli
Authors: Shin Soo‐kyung , Jun Myung‐jin , Hong Hyungki
Published: August 2014

In stereoscopic images, the crossing point of the viewing directions of the two eyes determines the perceived depth. Assuming that accommodation is affected by the positions of the crossing point, the effect of crossing point on minimum angle of resolution (MAR) was investigated. For 40 participants, MAR was measured by two‐alternative forced choice where Snellen optotype E of up and down directions were used as two kinds of stimuli. As the crossing point of the viewing direction of the left and right eyes moves farther from the sample display, the ability to identify the direction of letter E decreases at the optotype of the same line thickness. The change of MAR shows linear trends with respect to the optical power change that are the reciprocal of the distance from the participant to the crossing points located out of screen and on screen.
Comparing Effectiveness of CPT to CPT‐C Among U.S. Veterans in an Interdisciplinary Residential PTSD/TBI Treatment Program
Authors: Walter Kristen H. , Dickstein Benjamin D. , Barnes Sean M. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: August 2014

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a leading cognitive–behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a front‐line intervention according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs treatment guidelines. The original CPT protocol entails the creation of a written trauma account and use of cognitive therapy. Cognitive processing therapy–cognitive therapy only (CPT‐C) does not involve a written account and in a previous study resulted in faster symptom improvement and fewer dropouts than standard CPT. This study sought to replicate these findings by comparing the effectiveness of CPT to CPT‐C in a sample of 86 U.S. male veterans receiving treatment in a PTSD residential program for individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury. CPT and CPT‐C were delivered in a combined individual and group format as part of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment program. Outcomes were self‐ and clinician‐reported PTSD and self‐reported depression symptoms. Multilevel analysis revealed no significant difference for PTSD symptoms, but did show a greater decrease in depression at posttreatment (d = 0.63) for those receiving CPT. When an experiment‐wise α correction was applied, this effect did not remain significant.
Acceptability of Prolonged Exposure Therapy Among U.S. Iraq War Veterans With PTSD Symptomology
Authors: Kehle‐Forbes Shannon M. , Polusny Melissa A. , Erbes Christopher R. , Gerould Heather
Published: August 2014

Despite efforts to increase the availability of prolonged exposure therapy (PE) within the Department of Veterans Affairs, little is known about the acceptability of PE among veteran populations. We queried a sample of 58 U.S. National Guard Iraq War veterans previously deployed to combat who screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as to whether they would prefer PE, treatment with an antidepressant, or no treatment. We also gathered open‐ended responses regarding the veterans’ reasons for their choice and potential barriers to engaging in that treatment. A majority (53.4%) of veterans who completed the interview said they would choose to participate in PE, 36.2% preferred antidepressant treatment, 8.6% chose no treatment, and 1.8% were unable to choose among the options. Credibility of the treatment rationale and beliefs about the treatment's efficacy were the most frequently given reasons for choosing PE (45.2%); past treatment experience was the most common reason for choosing antidepressant treatment (47.6%). The most commonly cited barrier for those who chose both antidepressant treatment and PE was time to participate (52.4% and 77.4%, respectively). The findings suggest that PE is a credible and acceptable treatment option for veterans with PTSD symptomology.
Breathing‐Based Meditation Decreases Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in U.S. Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Longitudinal Study
Authors: Seppälä Emma M. , Nitschke Jack B. , Tudorascu Dana L. , Hayes Andrea , Goldstein Michael R. , Nguyen Dong T. H. , Perlman David , Davidson Richard J.
Published: August 2014

Given the limited success of conventional treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigations of alternative approaches are warranted. We examined the effects of a breathing‐based meditation intervention, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, on PTSD outcome variables in U.S. male veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan war. We randomly assigned 21 veterans to an active (n = 11) or waitlist control (n = 10) group. Laboratory measures of eye‐blink startle and respiration rate were obtained before and after the intervention, as were self‐report symptom measures; the latter were also obtained 1 month and 1 year later. The active group showed reductions in PTSD scores, d = 1.16, 95% CI [0.20, 2.04], anxiety symptoms, and respiration rate, but the control group did not. Reductions in startle correlated with reductions in hyperarousal symptoms immediately postintervention (r = .93, p < .001) and at 1‐year follow‐up (r = .77, p = .025). This longitudinal intervention study suggests there may be clinical utility for Sudarshan Kriya yoga for PTSD.
The Dopamine D3 Receptor Gene and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wolf Erika J. , Mitchell Karen S. , Logue Mark W. , Baldwin Clinton T. , Reardon Annemarie F. , Aiello Alison , Galea Sandro , Koenen Karestan C. , Uddin Monica , Wildman Derek , Miller Mark W.
Published: August 2014

The dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) gene has been implicated in schizophrenia, autism, and substance use‐disorders and is related to emotion reactivity, executive functioning, and stress‐responding, processes impaired in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this candidate gene study was to evaluate DRD3 polymorphisms for association with PTSD. The discovery sample was trauma‐exposed White, non‐Hispanic U.S. veterans and their trauma‐exposed intimate partners (N = 491); 60.3% met criteria for lifetime PTSD. The replication sample was 601 trauma‐exposed African American participants living in Detroit, Michigan; 23.6% met criteria for lifetime PTSD. Genotyping was based on high‐density bead chips. In the discovery sample, 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2134655, rs201252087, rs4646996, and rs9868039, showed evidence of association with PTSD and withstood correction for multiple testing. The minor alleles were associated with reduced risk for PTSD (OR range = 0.59 to 0.69). In the replication sample, rs2251177, located 149 base pairs away from the most significant SNP in the discovery sample, was nominally associated with PTSD in men (OR = 0.32). Although the precise role of the D3 receptor in PTSD is not yet known, its role in executive functioning and emotional reactivity, and the sensitivity of the dopamine system to environmental stressors could potentially explain this association.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Experience and Impact of Killing in Hand‐to‐Hand Combat
Authors: Jensen Peter R. , Simpson Duncan
Published: August 2014

A growing body of research suggests that killing during military combat is closely associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as a number of other adverse mental health related conditions (e.g., dissociative experiences, violent behavior, functional impairment). This article provides first‐person perspectives on the experiences and impact of killing by service members with the goal of expanding our understanding of the impact of taking a life during war. In audio‐recorded phenomenological interviews, 9 service members described their experiences and the subsequent impact of killing during hand‐to‐hand combat. A description, supported by participant quotations, was constructed to represent the participants’ experiences. Results suggest the experience and aftermath of taking a life in hand‐to‐hand combat was disturbing, psychologically stressful, and necessitated some form of coping after the event. Service members who killed in hand‐to‐hand combat viewed their actions as necessary to preserve their life and that killing in hand‐to‐hand combat was more emotionally taxing than killing by shooting. Our findings may help to improve providers' understanding of service members’ first‐person experiences of killing in hand‐to‐hand combat and thus provide the basis for the development of a connected and genuine relationship with such military clients.
Postcancer Experiences of Childhood Cancer Survivors: How Is Posttraumatic Stress Related to Posttraumatic Growth?
Authors: Yi Jaehee , Kim Min Ah
Published: August 2014

Understanding posttraumatic growth (PTG) and the factors associated with PTG among cancer survivors is important to improve their quality of life. This study examined PTG among 225 Korean adolescents and young adults between 15 years and 39 years of age who survived childhood cancer (58.5% males and 41.5% females). We explored the relationships between PTG and several sociodemographic and medical variables, and whether the relationships between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were linear or curvilinear. The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used to assess PTSD symptoms and PTG, respectively. In addition to the effects of sociodemographic and medical variables, there were linear effects of PDS on PTGI (R2 change = .03, p = .008). No evidence of a curvilinear relationship between PDS and PTGI was found. Higher PDS scores were associated with lower PTGI scores (β = −.18). Older age (β = .41) and shorter time since diagnosis (β = −.42) were associated with greater PTGI. Understanding the factors that were associated with PTG among Korean adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer adds to the knowledge on PTG and may help develop services to promote PTG in this group.
A Test of Whether Coping Styles Moderate the Effect of PTSD Symptoms on Alcohol Outcomes
Authors: Grosso Justine A. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Dolan Sara , Meyer Eric C. , Kruse Marc I. , Gulliver Suzy B. , Morissette Sandra B.
Published: August 2014

Coping style may partially account for the frequent co‐occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol‐use disorder (AUD). We hypothesized that avoidant and action‐oriented coping styles would moderate the association between PTSD symptom severity and alcohol outcomes among U.S. Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, such that PTSD symptoms would be most strongly and positively associated with negative alcohol‐related consequences and drinking quantity when action‐oriented coping was low and avoidant coping was high. The sample (N = 128; 85.2% male, M = 37.8 years old, 63.3% Caucasian) completed a diagnostic assessment for PTSD and AUD and self‐report surveys measuring coping styles, drinking quantity, and negative alcohol‐related consequences. Consistent with the main hypothesis, a 3‐way interaction among PTSD symptom severity, avoidant coping, and action‐oriented coping was found in the predicted direction (d = 0.47–0.55). Post hoc descriptive analyses indicated that veterans with a current diagnosis of PTSD, low action‐oriented coping, and high avoidant coping had worse alcohol outcomes and were twice as likely to meet criteria for current AUD compared with veterans with fewer risk factors. Findings suggest that the combination of PTSD and maladaptive coping styles may be more important for understanding alcohol‐related outcomes than the presence of any of these variables in isolation.
Developmental Trauma and Its Correlates: A Study of Chinese Children With Repeated Familial Physical and Sexual Abuse in Hong Kong
Authors: Ma Ellen Y. M. , Li Frendi W. S.
Published: August 2014

The present study examined the relevance of the developmental trauma disorder (DTD) framework (van der Kolk, ) in Hong Kong Chinese children with repeated familial physical and/or sexual abuse. Self‐reports of (a) key dimensions of DTD including emotion regulation, attribution and perceptions in self and relationships, belief in future victimization, behavioral difficulties, and self‐esteem; and (b) attachment styles and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reactions were obtained from children aged 9–15 years in clinical and school settings. Children were categorized into an abused trauma group (n = 82), a nonabused trauma group (n = 83), and a no‐trauma control group (n = 201). The findings indicated that the DTD framework was applicable to abused children who showed a lower level of attachment security (Cohen's d from 0.50–0.61) and a higher level of PTSD reactions (Cohen's d = 0.71) than the comparison groups. After adding attachment security and emotion dysregulation to the model, there were no longer significant group differences in most of the variables.
Electron Transfer Reactions of Photochemically Generated Ruthenium(III)–Polypyridyl Complexes with Methionines
Authors: THIRUPPATHI DHARMARAJ , KARUPPASAMY PERIYAKARUPPAN , GANESAN MUNIYANDI , SIVASUBRAMANIAN VELUCHAMY KAMARAJ , RAJENDRAN THANGAMUTHU , RAJAGOPAL SEENIVASAN
Published: August 2014

The oxidation of methionine (Met) plays an important role during biological conditions of oxidative stress as well as for protein stability. Ruthenium(III)–polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(NN)3]3+, generated from the photochemical oxidation of the corresponding Ru(II) complexes with molecular oxygen, undergo a facile electron transfer reaction with Met to form methionine sulfoxide (MetO) as the final product. Interaction of [Ru(NN)3]3+with methionine leads to the formation of >S+●and (>S∴S<)+species as intermediates during the course of the reaction. The interesting spectral, kinetic, and mechanistic study of the electron transfer reaction of four substituted methionines with six [Ru(NN)3]3+ions carried out in aqueous CH3CN (1:1, v/v) by a spectrophotometric technique shows that the reaction rate is susceptible to the nature of the ligand in [Ru(NN)3]3+and the structure of methionine. The rate constants calculated by the application of Marcus semiclassical theory to these redox reactions are in close agreement with the experimental values.
Complex Macrophase‐Separated Nanostructure Induced by Microphase Separation in Binary Blends of Lamellar Diblock Copolymer Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Jianqi , Posselt Dorthe , Smilgies Detlef‐M. , Perlich Jan , Kyriakos Konstantinos , Jaksch Sebastian , Papadakis Christine M.
Published: August 2014

The nanostructures of thin films spin‐coated from binary blends of compositionally symmetric polystyrene‐b‐polybutadiene (PS‐b‐PB) diblock copolymer having different molar masses are investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) after spin‐coating and after subsequent solvent vapor annealing (SVA). In thin films of the pure diblock copolymers having high or low molar mass, the lamellae are perpendicular or parallel to the substrate, respectively. The as‐prepared binary blend thin films feature mainly perpendicular lamellae in a one‐phase state, indicating that the higher molar mass diblock copolymer dominates the lamellar orientation. The lamellar thickness decreases linearly with increasing volume fraction of the low molar mass diblock copolymer. After SVA, well‐defined macrophase‐separated nanostructures appear, which feature parallel lamellae near the film surface and perpendicular ones in the bulk.

image
Cholinium Lactate Methacrylate: Ionic Liquid Monomer for Cellulose Composites and Biocompatible Ion Gels
Authors: Isik Mehmet , Gracia Raquel , Kollnus Lessie C. , Tome Liliana C. , Marrucho Isabel M. , Mecerreyes David
Published: August 2014

Cholinium, a quaternary ammonium cation, trimethylethanol ammonium, is an essential micronutrient which supports several biological functions. In this work, a new cholinium based ionic liquid methacrylate monomer was used to process cellulose and produce optically transparent coatings through a simple photopolymerization procedure. The same monomer was also employed to manufacture biocompatible ion gels. Simply, the methacrylic monomer was photopolymerized within the ionic liquid matrix to form a gel type material.
PEG‐Bis Phosphonic Acid Based Ionic Supramolecular Structures
Authors: González Lidia , Skov Anne Ladegaard , Hvilsted Søren
Published: August 2014

A number of supramolecular structures are prepared by mixing stoichiometric amounts of a phosphonic acid terminated poly(ethylene glycol) with propargyl amine, hexamethylene diamine, tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine, and the first generation of a poly(propylene imine) dendrimer in turn at room temperature. The resulting ionic assemblies are very comprehensively characterized by ATR‐FTIR, proton, and carbon‐13 NMR spectroscopy that unequivocally demonstrate the ionic network formation through ammonium phophonates. The resulting salt and ionic networks are additionally analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The conclusion is that mixing the virgin components at room temperature spontaneously form either a salt or ionic supramolecular networks.
Study on Weather Aging of Nitrile Rubber Composites Containing Imidazolium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Marzec Anna , Laskowska Anna , Boiteux Gisele , Zaborski Marian , Gain Olivier , Serghei Anatoli
Published: August 2014

Weather aging of nitrile rubber composites containing hydrophilic 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium thiocyanate (EMIM SCN) and hydrophobic 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIM TFSI), and 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (AMIM TFSI) ionic liquids was investigated. The mechanical properties at small (dynamic mechanical analysis) and high deformation (tensile test), the hardness and the electrical properties were measured before and after the aging process. It was found that the presence of hydrophobic ionic liquids in the nitrile rubber enhanced the retention of their mechanical properties (tensile strength, stiffness) and slightly reduced surface defects (as determined by scanning electron microscopy), thereby retarding the aging of rubber composites. However, the presence of hydrophilic EMIM SCN in the composite accelerated the degradation of the studied materials because of its high crosslinking activity during the aging process. The electrical studies showed also lower stability of hydrophilic ionic liquid (EMIM SCN) in the studied nitrile matrix (leaking effects) compared to the hydrophobic one (EMIM TFSI, AMIM TFSI).
Microstructure and wear resistance of spray formed and conventionally cast high‐chromium white iron
Authors: Lotta J. , Hannula S.‐P.
Published: August 2014

A billet of hypoeutectic high‐chromium white iron (19% Cr, 2.5% C) was spray formed using Gas‐to‐Metal Ratios (GMR) of 0.9, 1.0, and 1.1. Microstructural studies and dry sand rubber wheel abrasion tests were carried out, on the one hand, to compare between the spray formed and conventionally cast material and, on the other hand, to investigate the relationship between gas‐to‐metal‐ratio, eutectic carbide morphology and abrasion resistance. The spray formed material was characterized by a considerably finer carbide morphology (max. ˜30 μm) than the conventionally cast material (max. 100–200 μm). The coarser carbide morphology is believed to be responsible for the superior abrasion resistance of the conventionally cast material. Although the carbide morphology of the spray formed material was only moderately influenced by the changes in the gas‐to‐metal‐ratio, there was a clear improvement in the abrasion resistance with decreasing gas‐to‐metal‐ratio. The improvement correlated with a decrease in the fraction of very fine (<1.5 μm) carbides, rather than with an increase in the mean carbide size.
A hybrid arc spray forming technique for the manufacture of nickel superalloy IN617
Authors: Sato A. , Taneike M. , Okada I. , Grant P. S.
Published: August 2014

Spray forming produces cast microstructures with comparatively low macro‐ and micro‐structural chemical segregation and is thus well‐suited for the manufacture of complex chemistry, multi‐component alloys that otherwise show strong elemental segregation. Although spray formed Ni superalloys have shown properties equivalent or superior to their conventionally cast/wrought counterparts, they have not been adopted commercially because of the difficulties in ensuring a high process yield and the complexity and associated cost of large‐scale Ni superalloy melting. In this paper, we describe a hybrid arc spray forming (HASF) process in which costly, large‐scale alloy melting as pre‐cursor to spray forming is avoided by the use of a consumable wire feedstock. To achieve thermal conditions of melt spray forming – essential to produce a refined, polygonal grain structure – a customised secondary atomisation system has been developed. Fe‐0.8 wt%C and Ni superalloy IN617 microstructures and preliminary mechanical properties suggested that hybrid arc spray forming may offer an attractive combination of convenience, low cost and mechanical performance.
Diagnosis of an imprinted‐gene syndrome by a novel bioinformatics analysis of whole‐genome sequences from a family trio
Authors: Bodian Dale L. , Solomon Benjamin D. , Khromykh Alina , Thach Dzung C. , Iyer Ramaswamy K. , Link Kathleen , Baker Robin L. , Baveja Rajiv , Vockley Joseph G. , Niederhuber John E.
Published: August 2014

Whole‐genome sequencing and whole‐exome sequencing are becoming more widely applied in clinical medicine to help diagnose rare genetic diseases. Identification of the underlying causative mutations by genome‐wide sequencing is greatly facilitated by concurrent analysis of multiple family members, most often the mother–father–proband trio, using bioinformatics pipelines that filter genetic variants by mode of inheritance. However, current pipelines are limited to Mendelian inheritance patterns and do not specifically address disorders caused by mutations in imprinted genes, such as forms of Angelman syndrome and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Using publicly available tools, we implemented a genetic inheritance search mode to identify imprinted‐gene mutations. Application of this search mode to whole‐genome sequences from a family trio led to a diagnosis for a proband for whom extensive clinical testing and Mendelian inheritance‐based sequence analysis were nondiagnostic. The condition in this patient, IMAGe syndrome, is likely caused by the heterozygous mutation c.832A>G (p.Lys278Glu) in the imprinted gene CDKN1C. The genotypes and disease status of six members of the family are consistent with maternal expression of the gene, and allele‐biased expression was confirmed by RNA‐Seq for the heterozygotes. This analysis demonstrates that an imprinted‐gene search mode is a valuable addition to genome sequence analysis pipelines for identifying disease‐causative variants.
A two‐dimensional coupled hydromechanical discontinuum model for simulating rock hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Jiao Yu‐Yong , Zhang Huan‐Qiang , Zhang Xiu‐Li , Li Hai‐Bo , Jiang Qing‐Hui
Published: August 2014

Within the framework of our discontinuous deformation analysis for rock failure algorithm, this paper presents a two‐dimensional coupled hydromechanical discontinuum model for simulating the rock hydraulic fracturing process. In the proposed approach, based on the generated joint network, the calculation of fluid mechanics is performed first to obtain the seepage pressure near the tips of existing cracks, and then the fluid pressure is treated as linearly distributed loads on corresponding block boundaries. The contribution of the hydraulic pressure to the initiation/propagation of the cracks is considered by adding the components of these blocks into the force matrix of the global equilibrium equation. Finally, failure criteria are applied at the crack tips to determine the occurrence of cracking events. Several verification examples are simulated, and the results show that this newly proposed numerical model can simulate the hydraulic fracturing process correctly and effectively. Although the numerical and experimental verifications focus on one unique preexisting crack, because of the capability of discontinuous deformation analysis in simulating block‐like structures, the proposed approach is capable of modeling rock hydraulic fracturing processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.