bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The kinetics of hematopoietic niche cytokines and their influence on mobilization efficacy and timing in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Szmigielska‐Kaplon Anna , Krawczynska Anna , Czemerska Magdalena , Pluta Agnieszka , Cebula‐Obrzut Barbara , Robak Marta , Grzybowska‐Izydorczyk Olga , Szmigielska Katarzyna , Robak Tadeusz , Wierzbowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2014

The bone marrow niche functions are modulated by complicated cytokines network. The aim of our study was to evaluate the levels of VCAM‐1, VEGF, MMP‐9 and SDF during mobilization of CD34+ cells in patients with hematological malignancies. Thirty four patients were enrolled to the study (19F, 15 M) at median age of 57 years. The group consisted of patients with multiple myeloma (26) and lymphoma (8). The mobilization procedures comprised chemotherapy and then G‐CSF. Blood samples were collected before chemotherapy (N = 34) and on the day of the first apheresis (N = 26). Cytokines were evaluated with ELISA assay. We observed significant increase in VCAM‐1 levels during mobilization. On contrary, VEGF and SDF levels decreased during mobilization procedure. The levels of MMP‐9 were stable during mobilization. We divided patients according to baseline cytokines levels below and above median into “low” and “high” expressors. The group of VEGF “low” expressors had longer median time of G‐CSF treatment before first apheresis than ‘high’ expressors. Baseline VEGF levels correlated adversely with duration of G‐CSF treatment before first apheresis. Patients were also divided according to median cytokines levels at apheresis into “low” and “high” expressors. “High” VCAM‐1 expressors had higher CD34+in peripheral blood as well as higher CD34+numbers collected during first apheresis than “low” expressors. In conclusion, the levels of niche cytokines change significantly during mobilization in patients with hematopoietic malignancies. Baseline VEGF can influence timing of mobilization. Higher VCAM‐1 corresponds with higher mobilization efficacy. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:247–251, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impaired arousal at initial presentation predicts 6‐month mortality: An analysis of 1084 acutely ill older patients
Authors: Han Jin H. , Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Shintani Ayumi , Graves Amy J. , Schnelle John F. , Dittus Robert S. , Powers James S. , Wilson Amanda , Storrow Alan B. , Ely E. Wesley
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVES

Impaired arousal signifies underlying brain dysfunction, but its clinical significance outside the intensive care unit remains unclear. We sought to determine if impaired arousal at initial presentation was associated with higher 6‐month mortality and if this relationship existed in the absence of delirium.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

An emergency department located within an academic, tertiary care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1084 noncomatose patients who were aged 65 years or older.

MEASUREMENTS

The Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale (RASS) is a 10‐second arousal scale; a score of 0 indicates normal arousal. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed adjusting for patient characteristics, admission status, and psychoactive medication administration. To determine if impaired arousal in the absence of delirium was associated with 6‐month mortality, Cox proportional hazard regression was performed in a subset of 406 patients who received a psychiatric assessment; the inverse weighted propensity score method was used to minimize residual confounding. Hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported.

RESULTS

Patients with impaired arousal were 73% more likely to die within 6 months (HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.21‐2.49). Even in the absence of delirium, patients with an abnormal RASS were more likely to die within 6 months (HR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.10‐4.41).

CONCLUSION

Impaired arousal at initial presentation is an independent predictor of death within 6 months in a diverse group of acutely ill older patients, even in the absence of delirium. Routine RASS assessment of arousal during clinical care may be warranted as it correlates with prognosis. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:772–778. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Is human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 infection associated with hearing loss?
Authors: Bakhshaee Mehdi , Sorouri Amirhossein , Shoeibi Ali , Boustani Reza , Golhasani‐Keshtan Farideh , Amali Amin , Rajati Mohsen
Published: October 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) infection is endemic in the northeast area of Iran. Although various neurological disturbances have been reported in HTLV‐1 infection, possible audiovestibular involvement during this infection has not yet been studied.

Study Design

Case control study.

Methods

Sixty‐eight cases in three groups including 24 HTLV‐1–infected patients with HTLV‐1– associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) (group 1), 23 HTLV‐1–infected cases without clinical presentation (group 2), and 21 normal individuals (group 3) entered our study. A complete history of hearing‐related disorders and a profile of audiologic tests, including pure‐tone audiometry (PTA) with high frequencies, speech reception threshold (SRT), and auditory brainstem response (ABR) were taken.

Results

Subjective audiovestibular complaints of participants showed a significant difference among HAM/TSP patients and the two other groups regarding hearing loss and tinnitus, but not vertigo or aural fullness. Hearing evaluation by SRT and PTA in all frequencies showed a significant difference between HAM/TSP patients (group 1) and the controls (group 3). The difference was also significant between asymptomatic cases (group 2) and the controls only in PTA frequencies above 4 kHz. Auditory brainstem‐evoked potential did not show any significant differences among the groups regarding latency of I, III, and V waves and interwave differences.

Conclusions

HTLV‐1 infection, particularly in those with a clinical presentation, appears to accompany hearing loss. Based on the results of PTA and ABR tests, this study may suggest a cochlear source of hearing impairment rather than neural problems.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 125:956–960, 2015
Soy provides modest benefits on endothelial function without affecting inflammatory biomarkers in adults at cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Reverri Elizabeth J. , LaSalle Colette D. , Franke Adrian A. , Steinberg Francene M.
Published: October 2014

Scope

Systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Epidemiological evidence supports an association between whole soy food consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this randomized, controlled, cross‐over study was to evaluate the effects of soy nut consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and endothelial function and to assess whether isoflavone metabolism to secondary products, equol, and/orO‐desmethylangolensin (ODMA), modifies these responses.

Methods and results

n= 17 adults at cardiometabolic risk were randomly assigned to the order of two snack interventions, soy nuts, and macronutrient‐matched control snack, for four weeks each, separated by a two week washout period. Outcome measures included biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and glycemic control (ELISA and clinical analyzers), endothelial function, and arterial stiffness (peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT)), and isoflavone metabolites (LC‐MS/MS). Results revealed that consuming soy nuts improved arterial stiffness as assessed by the augmentation index using PAT (p= 0.03), despite lack of improvement in inflammatory biomarkers. Addition of equol and/or ODMA production status as covariates did not significantly change these results.

Conclusion

Soy nuts when added to a usual diet for one month provide some benefit on arterial stiffness in adults at cardiometabolic risk.
Daidzein and genistein fail to improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in Chinese women with impaired glucose regulation: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ye Yan‐Bin , Chen Ai‐Ling , Lu Wei , Zhuo Shu‐Yu , Liu Juan , Guan Jian‐Hua , Deng Wan‐Ping , Fang Shi , Li Yan‐Bing , Chen Yu‐Ming
Published: October 2014

Scope

This randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled trial evaluated the effect of isolated daidzein and genistein on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in 165 Chinese women aged 30–70 with impaired glucose regulation (IGR).

Methods and results

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups with a daily dose of 10 g of soy protein plus (i) no addition, (ii) 50 mg of daidzein, or (iii) 50 mg of genistein for 24 wk. Fasting glucose (FG), insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and glucose concentrations at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min and insulin concentrations at 30, 60, and 120 min after an oral 75‐g glucose tolerance test were assessed at baseline and at 12 and 24 wk postintervention. a total of 158 and 151 subjects completed the measures at wk 12 and 24, respectively. There were no significant differences in the changes (%) of FG and the 2‐h glucose, HbA1c, fasting, and 2‐h insulin or the area under the curve of glucose and insulin between the three treatment groups at wk 12 or 24 (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Neither isolated daidzein nor genistein has a significant effect on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in Chinese women with IGR over a 6‐month supplementation period.
Is Inconsistent Pre‐Treatment Bedtime Related to CPAP Non‐Adherence?
Authors: Sawyer Amy M. , King Tonya S. , Sawyer Douglas A. , Rizzo Albert
Published: October 2014

Lack of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) limits the effectiveness of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized that an irregular bedtime would be negatively related to regular use of CPAP treatment. If so, modifying bedtime schedule may address the persistent problem of inconsistent CPAP use in adults with OSA. In a prospective longitudinal study, we examined whether inconsistent self‐reported bedtime before initiation of CPAP treatment, operationalized as bedtime variability, was (1) different among those adherent (≥4 hours per night) and non‐adherent to CPAP treatment at 1 week and 1 month; and/or (2) was related to 1‐week and 1‐month CPAP use when other variables were accounted for. Consecutively recruited newly diagnosed OSA adults (n = 79) completed sleep diaries prior to CPAP treatment. One‐week and 1‐month objective CPAP use data were collected. Pre‐treatment bedtime variability was different among CPAP non‐adherers and adherers at 1 month and was a significant predictor of non‐adherence at 1 month in multi‐variable analyses. The odds of 1‐month CPAP non‐adherence were 3.5 times greater in those whose pre‐treatment bedtimes varied by >75 minutes. Addressing sleep schedule prior to CPAP initiation may be an opportunity to improve CPAP adherence. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole using TiO2 nanotube@poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) as dopant and template
Authors: Zhang Xiongzhi , Huang Yu , Huang Xiyan , Huang Chi , Li Houbin
Published: October 2014

A polypyrrole (PPy) using TiO2 nanotube@poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (TiO2@PSS) as dopant and template was synthesized by chemical oxidation polymerization. The template TiO2@PSS consisting of a TiO2 nanotube core and PSS on the surface was prepared by a “grafting from” approach. PPy on the layer of TiO2@PSS (TiO2@PSS/PPy) was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Raman spectroscopic analysis, UV‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, and electrical conductivity analysis. Results showed that TiO2@PSS/PPy was successfully fabricated. The electrical conductivity of the TiO2@PSS/PPy nanocomposites at room temperature was 11.6 S cm−1, which was higher than that of the PPy (4.2 S cm−1). This result was consistent with those based on FTIR, UV‐vis spectroscopy, and XPS analyses. The nanocomposites have nanoparticle size and controllable morphology and thus potential applications in photoelectrochemical devices, photocatalytic devices, conductive inks, electronic printing sensors, and electrodes. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:462–467, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation, properties, and antibacterial behavior of a novel cellulose derivative containing lactam groups
Authors: Joubert Fanny , Sharples Gary J. , Musa Osama M. , Hodgson David R. W. , Cameron Neil R.
Published: October 2014

Lactam groups were introduced onto the backbone of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) to modify properties, such as solubility in organic solvents and solution viscosity and to introduce possible antibacterial activity. Functionalization was achieved using 1‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐pyrrolidinone (HMP), and the functionalization reactions were investigated using NMR spectroscopy. The covalent attachment between HEC and HMP was confirmed using 1H‐13C correlated NMR experiments. Degrees of functionalization were calculated using integrated 13C NMR spectra, with values of up to 0.9 being demonstrated on the primary alcohol functionality of HEC. The functionalized HECs showed markedly different properties to unfunctionalized HEC, including the ability to swell considerably in water. Functionalized HEC displayed increased thermal stability and reduced solution viscosity compared with unfunctionalized HEC. Moreover, functionalization altered the bacterial adhesion characteristics compared with unfunctionalized HEC. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 68–78
Refolding of a fully functional flavivirus methyltransferase revealed that S‐adenosyl methionine but not S‐adenosyl homocysteine is copurified with flavivirus methyltransferase
Authors: Brecher Matthew B. , Li Zhong , Zhang Jing , Chen Hui , Lin Qishan , Liu Binbin , Li Hongmin
Published: October 2014

Methylation of flavivirus RNA is vital for its stability and translation in the infected host cell. This methylation is mediated by the flavivirus methyltransferase (MTase), which methylates the N7 and 2′‐O positions of the viral RNA cap by using S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. In this report, we demonstrate that SAM, in contrast to the reaction by‐product S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine, which was assumed previously, is copurified with the Dengue (DNV) and West Nile virus MTases produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This endogenous SAM can be removed by denaturation and refolding of the MTase protein. The refolded MTase of DNV serotype 3 (DNV3) displays methylation activity comparable to native enzyme, and its crystal structure at 2.1 Å is almost identical to that of native MTase. We characterized the binding of Sinefungin (SIN), a previously described SAM‐analog inhibitor of MTase function, to the native and refolded DNV3 MTase by isothermal titration calorimetry, and found that SIN binds to refolded MTase with more than 16 times the affinity of SIN binding to the MTase purified natively. Moreover, we show that SAM is also copurified with other flavivirus MTases, indicating that purification by refolding may be a generally applicable tool for studying flavivirus MTase inhibition.
Fish swimming in schools save energy regardless of their spatial position
Authors: Marras Stefano , Killen Shaun S. , Lindström Jan , McKenzie David J. , Steffensen John F. , Domenici Paolo
Published: October 2014

For animals, being a member of a group provides various advantages, such as reduced vulnerability to predators, increased foraging opportunities and reduced energetic costs of locomotion. In moving groups such as fish schools, there are benefits of group membership for trailing individuals, who can reduce the cost of movement by exploiting the flow patterns generated by the individuals swimming ahead of them. However, whether positions relative to the closest neighbours (e.g. ahead, sided by side or behind) modulate the individual energetic cost of swimming is still unknown. Here, we addressed these questions in grey mulletLiza aurataby measuring tail-beat frequency and amplitude of 15 focal fish, swimming in separate schools, while swimming in isolation and in various positions relative to their closest neighbours, at three speeds. Our results demonstrate that, in a fish school, individuals in any position have reduced costs of swimming, compared to when they swim at the same speed but alone. Although fish swimming behind their neighbours save the most energy, even fish swimming ahead of their nearest neighbour were able to gain a net energetic benefit over swimming in isolation, including those swimming at the front of a school. Interestingly, this energetic saving was greatest at the lowest swimming speed measured in our study. Because any member of a school gains an energetic benefit compared to swimming alone, we suggest that the benefits of membership in moving groups may be more strongly linked to reducing the costs of locomotion than previously appreciated.
The Correlation Between Mid-Brain Serotonin Transporter Availability and Intelligence Quotient in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Tseng P.Y. , Lee I.H. , Chen K.C. , Chen P.S. , Chiu N.T. , Yao W.J. , Chu C.L. , Yeh T.L. , Yang Y.K.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

This study was performed to investigate the association between the mid-brain serotonin transporter (SERT) availability and intelligence quotient (IQ).

Methods:

One hundred and thirteen healthy participants, including 52 male and 61 female subjects, were recruited. We used SPECT with [123I]ADAM images to determine the SERT availability in the mid-brain, and measured the subjects’ IQ using the WAIS-R.

Results:

We found a significant positive correlation between the mid-brain SERT availability and the IQ of the participants. Even when controlling for age and sex, the significant association still existed.

Conclusion:

This result implied that the higher the SERT binding in the mid-brain, the better the IQ in healthy participants.
A Review of the Clinical Value of Isolated Lumbar Extension Resistance Training for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Steele James , Bruce‐Low Stewart , Smith Dave
Published: October 2014

Objective

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is prevalent, costly, and acknowledged as multifactorial in nature. However, deconditioning of the lumbar extensor musculature may be a common factor. Thus specific resistance exercise is often recommended. Many resistance exercises for the lumbar extensors exist, although recent evidence suggests that isolated lumbar extension (ILEX) resistance training may best for conditioning these muscles. Thus this review aimed to examine the use of ILEX resistance training in participants with CLBP to provide a best‐evidence synthesis for practitioners and clinicians.

Literature Survey

Reference lists from previous reviews were searched in addition to SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases up to May 2014 using search terms including combinations and synonyms of “isolation,” “lumbar extension,” “lumbar exercise,” “lumbar strength,” “lumbar endurance,” “lumbar spine,” “low back exercise,” “CLBP,” “pain,” and “disability.”

Methodology

A “snowballing”‐style literature search was used that involved an emergent approach. Studies examining ILEX resistance training as an intervention in symptomatic CLBP populations reporting pain, disability, or global perceived outcomes (GPO) as outcomes were examined. Pain and disability were outcomes and were compared to consensus guidelines for minimal clinically important changes. Single case reports were excluded.

Synthesis

Results suggest that ILEX resistance training produces significant and meaningful improvements in perceived pain, disability, and GPOs, as part of a multiple intervention or stand‐alone approach. A low frequency (once per week) yet high intensity of effort (to momentary muscular failure) approach using either full or limited range‐of‐motion ILEX resistance training appears to be sufficient and best for significant and meaningful outcomes. Limited comparative studies between ILEX resistance training and other specific exercise approaches exist; however, only limited evidence supports ILEX resistance training as being more effective.

Conclusions

These findings highlight ILEX resistance training as effective for significant and meaningful improvements in perceived pain, disability, and GPOs for CLBP participants. Further research should elucidate comparisons between ILEX resistance training and other specific exercise approaches and should clarify whether lumbar extensor conditioning is the mechanism responsible for the improvements reported.
Homology difference analysis of invasive mealybug speciesPhenacoccus solenopsisTinsley in Southern China with COI gene sequence variability
Authors: Wu F.Z. , Ma J. , Hu X.N. , Zeng L.
Published: October 2014

The mealybug speciesPhenacoccus solenopsis(P. solenopsis) has caused much agricultural damage since its recent invasion in China. However, the source of this invasion remains unclear. This study uses molecular methods to clarify the relationships among different population ofP. solenopsisfrom China, USA, Pakistan, India, and Vietnam to determine the geographic origin of the introduction of this species into China.P. solenopsissamples were collected from 25 different locations in three provinces of Southern China. Samples from the USA, Pakistan, and Vietnam were also obtained. Parts of the mitochondrial genes for cytochrome oxidase I (COI) were sequenced for each sample. Homologous DNA sequences of the samples from the USA and India were downloaded from Gen Bank. Two haplotypes were found in China. The first was from most samples from the Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan populations in the China and Pakistan groups, and the second from a few samples from the Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan populations in the China, Pakistan, India, and Vietnam groups. As shown in the maximum likelihood of trees constructed using the COI sequences, these samples belonged to two clades. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that mostP. solenopsismealybugs in Southern China are probably closely related to populations in Pakistan. The variation, relationship, expansion, and probable geographic origin ofP. solenopsismealybugs in Southern China are also discussed.
Natural(ly) men: masculinity and gendered anti-ageing practices in Finland and the USA
Authors: OJALA HANNA , CALASANTI TONI , KING NEAL , PIETILÄ ILKKA
Published: October 2014

The neo-liberal ideologies that point to individual responsibility for risks increasingly influence countries of the global North. The anti-ageing industry reflects this dictate and encourages middle-aged people to use their products and services to manage their ageing. However, given the negative connotations attached to the term ‘anti-ageing’, which is usually seen to focus on aesthetics and thus be a woman's concern, men may be likely to disavow being involved in such activities. The article uses interview data collected from men aged 42–70 from Finland and the United States of America to explore whether and how men adhere to the call to manage their ageing when such anti-ageing activities are seen to be potentially feminising. We find that these men reflected neo-liberalism in the sense that they felt that, although ageing cannot be prevented, it can be controlled. Also while they generally rejected anti-ageing products and services that they judged to affect aesthetics, they reported that they use those that they define as promoting health and performance instead. For them, masculinity is the instrumental focus on performance to the exclusion of beauty or attractiveness. Masculine anti-ageing bodily strategies must also be ‘natural’, involving hard work rather than the use of products, which they regard as never having been scientifically proven to enhance performance. Thus, in talk of their anti-ageing, men distance themselves from women.
Contrasting ABA, AAB and ABC Renewal in a Free Operant Procedure
Authors: Bernal-Gamboa Rodolfo , Carrasco-López Montserrat , Nieto Javier
Published: October 2014

One experiment used a free operant procedure with rats to compare ABA, AAB and ABC renewal by using a within-subject testing procedure. All rats were first trained to press a lever for food in context A. Lever pressing was then extinguished in either context A or context B. For rats in the groups ABA and ABC extinction took place in context B, while the rats in group AAB received extinction in the same context in which acquisition took place (context A). Finally, all rats were tested for renewal in two sessions. One extinction session was carried out in the same extinction context and another session in a different context. Rats in the group ABA were tested in context B and in context A; rats in the group AAB were tested in contexts A and B, whereas the group ABC was tested in contexts B and C. The results of the ANOVA showed context renewal since all groups had higher rates of responding when they were tested outside the extinction context, F(2, 21) = 15.32, p = .001, ηp2 = .59; however, AAB and ABC renewal was lesser than ABA renewal, F(1, 21) = 16.70, p = .0001, ηp2 = .61.
Women would like their Partners to be more Synchronized with them in their Sleep-Wake Rhythm
Authors: Randler Christoph , Barrenstein Selina , Vollmer Christian , Díaz-Morales Juan Francisco , Jankowski Konrad S.
Published: October 2014

Men sleep shorter and go to bed and get up later than women, thus they are later chronotypes. This difference between the sexes is most pronounced between puberty and menopause indicating the possibility that morningness is subject to sexual dimorphism related to reproductive aspects. The objective of the study was to compare the sleep-wake behavior of women with their actual partners and with their preferred partners. As a hypothesis, we expect some assortment in mating concerning chronotype (with the actual partner), but we also expect a higher synchronization with a preferred ideal partner. 167 women were analyzed in this study (mean age: 23.0 ± 2.57 (SD) years). Mated women were earlier chronotypes than their partners (t= –2.051,p= .042,d= .34) but the difference was small (11:02 min ± 1:04 min). The results of the present study showed women preferring a partner synchronized to their own sleep-wake-rhythm more than their actual partners were. The above result was true either for single facets of the sleep-wake rhythm (e.g. bed time, sleep onset) or for midpoint of sleep on free days – an indicator of actual chronotype: women’s and their partners’ correlation of midpoint of sleep was lower (r= .513) than women’s and their ideal partners’ correlation (r= .855). Amongst various sleep-wake measures, women particularly preferred a partner going to bed at the same time. Assortative mating according to sleep-wake rhythm exists, but women for long-term pair-bonds would like their partners far more synchronized.
Beck Anxiety Inventory: Psychometric Characteristics in a Sample from the Clinical Spanish Population
Authors: Vázquez Morejón Antonio J. , Vázquez-Morejón Jiménez Raquel , Zanin Gloria Bellido
Published: October 2014

Even though the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is one of the most popular instruments to assess anxiety today, only limited data is available about its psychometric characteristics and normative values in clinical Spanish populations. A study was conducted to test the psychometric characteristics of a Spanish adaptation of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in a sample of 918 outpatients being treated at a community mental health center in Spain. Results confirmed the adaptation’s high internal consistency (∝ = .91), substantial test-retest reliability at 8–10 weeks (r= .84,p< .01), and satisfactory convergent validity with the Anxiety (r= .86,p< .01), Somatization (r= .81,p< .01), Obsessive-compulsive (r= .60,p< .01), and Phobic Anxiety (r= .63,p< .01) dimensions of the SCL-90-R, and with the Anxious Thoughts Inventory (r= .57,p< .01). Gender differences in BAI scores did occur, so normative values appear separately for each gender.
Einsatzerlebnisse und einsatzbedingte psychische Erkrankungen deutscher Soldaten–empirische Struktur und prädiktive Wertigkeit traumatischer Stressoren
Authors: Zimmermann Peter , Höfler Michael , Schönfeld Sabine , Trautmann Sebastian , Hauffa Robin , Kowalski Jens , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich
Published: October 2014

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Noch immer ist wenig über die empirische Struktur von traumatischem Stress und die Assoziationen zwischen Stressoren und psychischen Erkrankungen bekannt, insbesondere nach militärischen Auslandseinsätzen. Methode: 1483 Bundeswehrsoldaten, die 2009/2010 in Afghanistan eingesetzt waren, wurden mittels der militärischen Version eines diagnostischen Interviews (MI-CIDI) untersucht. Zwei Klassifikationsmodelle wurden auf die Items der Liste einsatzbezogener Stressoren des US-MHAT-VI-Reports angewendet und konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Aufgrund hoher polychorischer Korrelationen zwischen Items verschiedener Klassen und hoch negativer Korrelationen innerhalb derselben Klasse ergaben die Faktorenanalysen keine zufriedenstellende Modellpassung. Es wurden auch keine unterschiedlichen prädiktiven Wertigkeiten im Hinblick auf einsatzbedingte psychische Erkrankungen gefunden. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse stimmen nicht mit denen vergangener Studien überein und sprechen für den Einfluss von spezifischen Einsatzbedingungen auf die Struktur traumatischer Stressoren.
Messinvarianz zwischen den Geschlechtern in der deutschen Version des Young Adult Self-Report (YASR)
Authors: Agrez Urska , Zimprich Daniel , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph
Published: October 2014

Die vorliegende Studie testete die Messinvarianz (MI) zwischen den Geschlechtern des 8-Faktoren Modells, welches der Deutsch-Schweizerischen Version des Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) unterliegt. Verschiedene Stufen der MI wurden an den Daten von jungen Schweizer Erwachsenen (N = 951, Durchschnittsalter = 19.8 Jahre, 56.3 % Frauen) aus einer repräsentativen epidemiologischen Stichprobe untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die gemessenen Konstrukte zwischen den Geschlechtern invariant sind. Es bestand eine partielle starke Invarianz der Messung, da manche Indikatoren des aggressiven Verhaltens zwischen den Gruppen unterschiedlich wirkten. Ferner wurden Geschlechtsunterschiede zwischen einigen Faktor-Interkorrelationen gefunden. Die Unterschiede zwischen Faktorenmittelwerten bei sechs der acht Faktoren bestätigten die bekannte höhere Prävalenz von internalisierenden Störungen bei jungen Frauen und die höhere Prävalenz von externalisierenden Störungen bei jungen Männern.
Kompetenzbereiche in der psychotherapeutischen Ausbildung
Authors: Nodop Steffi , Strauß Bernhard
Published: October 2014

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Kompetenzbasierung der Psychotherapieausbildung wird immer intensiver diskutiert. Ein Konsens über Komponenten psychotherapeutischer Kompetenz und deren Wichtigkeit in der Ausbildung besteht bisher jedoch nicht. Fragestellung: In diesem Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, welche Kompetenzen Ausbildungsteilnehmer am Ende der Ausbildung erreicht haben sollten und für wie wichtig welche Kompetenzen angesehen werden. Methode: Die offenen Antworten von Leitern psychotherapeutischer Ausbildungsinstitute (N = 129) aus dem Forschungsgutachten zur Psychotherapieausbildung wurden mit qualitativer Methodik ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Vor allem fachlich-konzeptuelle Kompetenzen (57,2 %) wurden häufig genannt, aber auch personale (21,0 %) und interpersonale (21,9 %). Schlussfolgerungen: Die Aussagen der Ausbildungsleiter stimmen im Wesentlichen mit bestehenden Kompetenzdefinitionen überein, wenngleich die Betonung von Theoriewissen bzw. Fachkompetenzen zulasten von Beziehungsgestaltungs- und personalen Kompetenzen sich nicht ganz mit den Befunden und Kompetenzkonzepten der Psychotherapieforschung deckt.

Schlüsselwörter: Psychotherapie, Ausbildung, Kompetenz, Qualitative Analyse
Hierarchical Nanostructures: Application to Supercapacitors
Authors: In Jung Bin , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: October 2014

In this chapter, electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudo-capacitors, both named as supercapacitors, are introduced. Recent research trends and applications are presented to help readers understand the performance and limitations of the state-of-the-art supercapacitors, with an emphasis on the role of hierarchical nanostructures in high-performance electrodes. The working principles of supercapacitors are overviewed, and the electrochemical performance of various nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal oxide nanoparticles, and conductive polymer nanowires is discussed. The hierarchical nanostructures of these nanomaterials can enable active control of porosity and realize hybrid electrode systems benefitting from multi-functionality of the constituent materials. Various combinations of nanomaterials for building hierarchical nanostructures are reviewed, and the technical merits of these hybrid systems are discussed.
Other Applications
Authors: Hong Sukjoon , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: October 2014

Hierarchical nanostructured electrical devices have shown dramatic performance enhancement. However, the application of hierarchical nanostructures is not just restricted to electronic devices. The performance enhancement could be attributed to the structural functionality of the hierarchical structuring which cannot be observed in thin films or bulk material-based devices. In the preceding chapters, various hierarchical nanostructures for efficient energy consumption electronics applications were discussed. Among the biggest electronics using nanostructures are displays (chapter 10) and sensors (chapter 11). In this chapter, we discuss the additional applications of hierarchical nanostructures in (1) highly efficient energy consumption devices including transparent conductors, highly flexible and stretchable electrodes, light emitting diodes, and (2) mechanical hierarchical nanostructures, for example, for superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces, pool boiling enhancement for more efficient heat transfer, and gecko-inspired adhesives. As long as the surface area or surface characteristics are considered an important factor to enhance the functionality of the devices, applying hierarchical nanostructures is one of the most powerful and promising approaches with a very high degree of design freedom. More diverse applications of hierarchical nanostructures in broader fields will be easy to find in the near future.
P-modified and carbon shell coated Co nanoparticles for efficient alkaline oxygen reduction catalysis
Authors: Ryu Jaeyune , Jung Namgee , Lim Dong-Hee , Shin Dong Yun , Park Sae Hume , Ham Hyung Chul , Jang Jong Hyun , Kim Hyoung-Juhn , Yoo Sung Jong
Published: October 2014

The present carbon shell coated Co nanoparticles of which the surface composites are modified by phosphorus incorporation, exhibit efficient and durable oxygen reduction activities in alkaline medium.
The effect of the cation alkyl chain length on density and diffusion in dialkylpyrrolidinium bis(mandelato)borate ionic liquids
Authors: Filippov Andrei , Taher Mamoun , Shah Faiz Ullah , Glavatskih Sergei , Antzutkin Oleg N.
Published: October 2014

Diffusion behaviour and non-linear dependence of density of [CnC1Pyrr][BMB] ionic liquids on the number of CH2 groups in the long alkyl chains of the cations were described using an additive model, in which ‘ionic’ and ‘aliphatic’ regions make additive contributions.
A homodimeric BODIPY rotor as a fluorescent viscosity sensor for membrane-mimicking and cellular environments
Authors: Raut Sangram , Kimball Joseph , Fudala Rafal , Doan Hung , Maliwal Badri , Sabnis Nirupama , Lacko Andras , Gryczynski Ignacy , Dzyuba Sergei V. , Gryczynski Zygmunt
Published: October 2014

Fluorescence properties of a novel homodimeric BODIPY dye rotor for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) are reported.
Online photochemical vapour generation of inorganic tin for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Duan Hualing , Gong Zhenbin , Yang Shifeng
Published: October 2014

A highly reproducible method based on the online PCVG technique with ICPMS detection was developed for the quantitative determination of trace levels of inorganic tin for the first time.
Chitin nanowhiskers as alternative antimicrobial controlled release carriers
Authors: Villanueva María Emilia , Salinas Ana , Díaz Luis Eduardo , Copello Guillermo Javier
Published: October 2014

Antimicrobial finishings protect users from pathogenic and odor-generating microorganisms, which are of medical and hygiene concerns.
NiCoFe spinel-type oxide nanosheet arrays derived from layered double hydroxides as structured catalysts
Authors: Meng Ge , Yang Qiu , Wang Yixi , Sun Xiaoming , Liu Junfeng
Published: October 2014

NiCoFe spinel-type oxide nanosheet arrays derived from layered double hydroxides (LDH) were used as structured catalyst, which exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards the oxidation of styrene.
Iron-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of methyl azaarenes: a green approach to azaarene-substituted α- or β-hydroxy carboxylic derivatives and 2-alkenylazaarenes
Authors: Pi Danwei , Jiang Kun , Zhou Haifeng , Sui Yuebo , Uozumi Yasuhiro , Zou Kun
Published: October 2014

An iron-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of methyl azaarenes with carbonyls to access the title compounds have been described.
A new approach to pyridines through the reactions of methyl ketones with 1,2,4-triazines
Authors: Wang Shu-Wen , Guo Wei-Si , Wen Li-Rong , Li Ming
Published: October 2014

A new route to prepare pyridine derivatives based on inverse electron demand Diels–Alder/retro-Diels–Alder reactions of ketones with 1,2,4-triazines is reported, which is complementary to the classical Boger reaction.
A novel curcumin–artemisinin coamorphous solid: physical properties and pharmacokinetic profile
Authors: Suresh Kuthuru , Mannava M. K. Chaitanya , Nangia Ashwini
Published: October 2014

Curcumin and artemisinin natural compounds of anticancer and antimalarial activity are combined as coamorphous solid with faster dissolution rate and enhanced pharmacokinetics.
Controlling the characteristics of lamellar liquid crystals using counterion choice, fluorination and temperature
Authors: Pottage Matthew J. , Greaves Tamar L. , Garvey Christopher J. , Mudie Stephen T. , Tabor Rico F.
Published: October 2014

The effects of temperature, surfactant counterion, and chain fluorination on lamellar phases are explored, revealing a complex interplay of interactions.
Nanodisperse ZIF-8/PDMS hybrid membranes for biobutanol permselective pervaporation
Authors: Fan Hongwei , Wang Naixin , Ji Shulan , Yan Hao , Zhang Guojun
Published: October 2014

A homogeneous, nanodisperse ZIF-8/PDMS membrane was prepared by repeated immersion of a polysulfone supporting membrane in a dilute ZIF-8/PDMS suspension and subsequent removal of defects using a concentrated PDMS solution.
Systemic delivery of axitinib with nanohybrid liposomal nanoparticles inhibits hypoxic tumor growth
Authors: Choi Ju Yeon , Ramasamy Thiruganesh , Tran Tuan Hiep , Ku Sae Kwang , Shin Beom Soo , Choi Han-Gon , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh
Published: October 2014

Hybrid liposomal nanoparticles for systemic delivery of axitinib inhibit hypoxic tumor growth.
Performance enhancement of polymer-based solar cells by induced phase-separation with silica particles
Authors: Shen Hao , Valadez-Pérez Néstor E. , Guralnick Brett , Liu Yun , Mackay Michael E.
Published: October 2014

Adding metallic nanoparticles into bulk-heterojunction, polymer-based solar cells has been proven an effective strategy to enhance light absorption of the active layer and device performance.
New schemes for internally contracted multi-reference configuration interaction
Authors: Wang Yubin , Han Huixian , Lei Yibo , Suo Bingbing , Zhu Haiyan , Song Qi , Wen Zhenyi
Published: October 2014

In this work we present a new internally contracted multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) scheme by applying the graphical unitary group approach and the hole-particle symmetry. The latter allows a Distinct Row Table (DRT) to split into a number of sub-DRTs in the active space. In the new scheme a contraction is defined as a linear combination of arcs within a sub-DRT, and connected to the head and tail of the DRT through up-steps and down-steps to generate internally contracted configuration functions. The new scheme deals with the closed-shell (hole) orbitals and external orbitals in the same manner and thus greatly simplifies calculations of coupling coefficients and CI matrix elements. As a result, the number of internal orbitals is no longer a bottleneck of MRCI calculations. The validity and efficiency of the new ic-MRCI code are tested by comparing with the corresponding WK code of the MOLPRO package. The energies obtained from the two codes are essentially identical, and the computational efficiencies of the two codes have their own advantages.
Vibronic-structure tracking: A shortcut for vibrationally resolved UV/Vis-spectra calculations
Authors: Barton Dennis , König Carolin , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: October 2014

The vibrational coarse structure and the band shapes of electronic absorption spectra are often dominated by just a few molecular vibrations. By contrast, the simulation of the vibronic structure even in the simplest theoretical models usually requires the calculation of the entire set of normal modes of vibration. Here, we exploit the idea of the mode-tracking protocol [M. Reiher and J. Neugebauer, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 1634 (2003)] in order to directly target and selectively calculate those normal modes which have the largest effect on the vibronic band shape for a certain electronic excitation. This is achieved by defining a criterion for the importance of a normal mode to the vibrational progressions in the absorption band within the so-called “independent mode, displaced harmonic oscillator” (IMDHO) model. We use this approach for a vibronic-structure investigation for several small test molecules as well as for a comparison of the vibronic absorption spectra of a truncated chlorophyll a model and the full chlorophyll a molecule. We show that the method allows to go beyond the often-used strategy to simulate absorption spectra based on broadened vertical excitation peaks with just a minimum of computational effort, which in case of chlorophyll a corresponds to about 10% of the cost for a full simulation within the IMDHO approach.
Extended Møller-Plesset perturbation theory for dynamical and static correlations
Authors: Tsuchimochi Takashi , Van Voorhis Troy
Published: October 2014

We present a novel method that appropriately handles both dynamical and static electron correlations in a balanced manner, using a perturbation theory on a spin-extended Hartree-Fock (EHF) wave function reference. While EHF is a suitable candidate for degenerate systems where static correlation is ubiquitous, it is known that most of dynamical correlation is neglected in EHF. In this work, we derive a perturbative correction to a fully spin-projected self-consistent wave function based on second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). The proposed method efficiently captures the ability of EHF to describe static correlation in degeneracy, combined with MP2's ability to treat dynamical correlation effects. We demonstrate drastic improvements on molecular ground state and excited state potential energy curves and singlet-triplet splitting energies over both EHF and MP2 with similar computational effort to the latter.
A simple electron time-of-flight spectrometer for ultrafast vacuum ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of liquid solutions
Authors: Arrell C. A. , Ojeda J. , Sabbar M. , Okell W. A. , Witting T. , Siegel T. , Diveki Z. , Hutchinson S. , Gallmann L. , Keller U. , van Mourik F. , Chapman R. T. , Cacho C. , Rodrigues N. , Turcu I. C.E. , Tisch J. W.G. , Springate E. , Marangos J. P. , Chergui M.
Published: October 2014

We present a simple electron time of flight spectrometer for time resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of liquid samples using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) source produced by high-harmonic generation. The field free spectrometer coupled with the time-preserving monochromator for the VUV at the Artemis facility of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory achieves an energy resolution of 0.65 eV at 40 eV with a sub 100 fs temporal resolution. A key feature of the design is a differentially pumped drift tube allowing a microliquid jet to be aligned and started at ambient atmosphere while preserving a pressure of 10−1 mbar at the micro channel plate detector. The pumping requirements for photoelectron (PE) spectroscopy in vacuum are presented, while the instrument performance is demonstrated with PE spectra of salt solutions in water. The capability of the instrument for time resolved measurements is demonstrated by observing the ultrafast (50 fs) vibrational excitation of water leading to temporary proton transfer.
SSpG: A strongly orthogonal geminal method with relaxed strong orthogonality
Authors: Cagg Brett A. , Rassolov Vitaly A.
Published: October 2014

Strong orthogonality is an important constraint placed on geminal wavefunctions in order to make variational minimization tractable. However, strong orthogonality prevents certain, possibly important, excited configurations from contributing to the ground state description of chemical systems. The presented method lifts strong orthogonality constraint from geminal wavefunction by computing a perturbative-like correction to each geminal independently from the corrections to all other geminals. The method is applied to the Singlet-type Strongly orthogonal Geminals variant of the geminal wavefunction. Comparisons of this new SSpG method are made to the non-orthogonal AP1roG and the unconstrained Geminal Mean-Field Configuration Interaction method using small atomic and molecular systems. The correction is also compared to Density Matrix Renormalization Group calculations performed on long polyene chains in order to assess its scalability and applicability to large strongly correlated systems. The results of these comparisons demonstrate that although the perturbative correction is small, it may be a necessary first step in the systematic improvement of any strongly orthogonal geminal method.
Flow of complex suspensions
Authors: Lindner Anke
Published: October 2014

The flow of complex suspensions is ubiquitous in nature and industrial applications. These suspensions are made of complex particles (anisotropic, deformable, or active) suspended in simple fluids. The macroscopic non-Newtonian properties of these suspensions depend on the nature of the suspended particles and their interaction with given flows. Here, we describe how one can make use of novel micro-fabrication techniques and microfluidic rheometers to determine their flow properties under well controlled experimental conditions. We discuss three different aspects important for the study of the flow of complex suspensions. First, we use a well known complex fluid to design a novel microfluidic rheometer. Then we measure the non-Newtonian shear viscosity of a dilute suspension of microswimmers adapting an existing microfluidic rheometer. And finally we use a micro-fabrication technique to produce well controlled model fibers inside microfluidic channels and give some examples of the flow dynamics when these model fiber suspensions are forced through constrictions.