bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Program in the Post-Food and Drug Administration Approval Era: Early Outcomes at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Melby Spencer J. , Bess Kyle M. , Isbell Kayla D. , Sasse Mark F. , Leesar Massoud A. , Alli Oluseun O. , Singh Satinder P. , Jernigan Lindsay B. , George James F. , Davies James E.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has recently become a suitable alternative for treatment of symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients who are at very high risk for morbidity and mortality with conventional corrective surgery. In the fall of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of TAVR, allowing for reimbursement at institutions outside of investigative trials. We report the initiation of a TAVR-based program at an academic tertiary care facility that did not participate in the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) 1 or PARTNER II trials.

Methods

A total of 160 patients were evaluated for TAVR from May 2012 through June 2013. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was found to be appropriate for 50 (31%).

Results

In this experience, morbidity and mortality were similar to those reported for the PARTNER trial (30-day hospital mortality was 8%). A single case of presumed cerebrovascular accident was observed. These results demonstrate that the real-world application can be done with comparable results. Implementation of lessons learned in the trials allowed a very short learning curve and excellent results after only a limited number of patients. Use of computed tomography reconstructed images for operative planning, including fluoroscopic angle, facilitated minimal use of contrast in each case.

Conclusions

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a viable option for patients at very high risk for surgical intervention in the post-Food and Drug Administration approval era. Real-world results comparable with published outcomes from experienced centers involved in the PARTNER trial can be achieved.
“The Balloon Plug Concept” for Tricuspid Valve Repair Ex Vivo Proof of Concept
Authors: Bajona Pietro , Salizzoni Stefano , Vandenberghe Stijn , Bruce Charles J. , Speziali Giovanni , Zehr Kenton J.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiothoracic surgery. We hypothesized that a variably expandable, transvalvular balloon mounted on a catheter could be percutaneously inserted and fixed to the right ventricle apex. This novel approach could provide a minimally invasive way to eliminate clinically relevant TR caused by annular dilatation. This study was performed to test the ex vivo hemodynamic effects and the feasibility of the “balloon plug concept.”

Methods

Twenty harvested calf tricuspid valves were placed in a mechanical simulator. Tricuspid regurgitation was created by annular stretching and displacement of the papillary muscles so as to create central TR. A flexible catheter with a 4-cm–long, soft, fusiform balloon was positioned across the valve so that the balloon was suspended centrally across the valve annular plane. After activating the mechanical ventricle, data were collected with balloon inflation volumes of saline from 5 to 20 mL. Transvalvular pressure gradients and leaflet mechanics were evaluated with incremental inflation.

Results

In all cases, 5-mL inflation did not significantly reduce TR and 20-mL inflation caused obstruction to antegrade flow (mean transvalvular gradient > 4 mm Hg). Inflation between 10 and 15 mL caused significant reduction in TR with acceptable transvalvular gradients (<3 mm Hg).

Conclusions

The balloon plug concept showed promising ex vivo hemodynamic results. In vivo investigations are warranted to evaluate percutaneous techniques, thrombogenicity, and effects of repeated balloon-leaflet contact on valve integrity.
Diamonds on Diamond: structural studies at extreme conditions on the Diamond Light Source
Authors: McMahon M. I.
Published: January 2015

Extreme conditions (EC) research investigates how the structures and physical and chemical properties of materials change when subjected to extremes of pressure and temperature. Pressures in excess of one million times atmospheric pressure can be achieved using a diamond anvil cell, and, in combination with high-energy, micro-focused radiation from a third-generation synchrotron such as Diamond, detailed structural information can be obtained using either powder or single-crystal diffraction techniques. Here, I summarize some of the research drivers behind international EC research, and then briefly describe the techniques by which high-quality diffraction data are obtained. I then highlight the breadth of EC research possible on Diamond by summarizing four examples from work conducted on the I15 and I19 beamlines, including a study which resulted in the first research paper from Diamond. Finally, I look to the future, and speculate as to the type of EC research might be conducted at Diamond over the next 10 years.
Diamond Light Source: status and perspectives
Authors: Materlik Gerhard , Rayment Trevor , Stuart David I.
Published: January 2015

Diamond Light Source, a third-generation synchrotron radiation (SR) facility in the UK, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012. A private limited company was set up in April 2002 to plan, construct and operate the new user-oriented SR facility, called in brief Diamond. It succeeded the Synchrotron Radiation Source in Daresbury, a second-generation synchrotron that opened in 1980 as the world's first dedicated X-ray-providing facility, closing finally in 2008, by which time Diamond's accelerators and first beamlines were operating and user experiments were under way. This theme issue of
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A
gives some examples of the rich diversity of research done in the initial five years, with some glimpses of activity up to 2014. Speakers at the 10 year anniversary symposium were drawn from a small number of major thematic areas and each theme was elaborated by a few speakers whose contributions were placed into a broader context by a leading member of the UK academic community in the role of rapporteur. This introduction gives a summary of the design choices and strategic planning of Diamond as a coherent user facility, a snapshot of its present status and some consideration of future perspectives.
Stroboscopic detection of nuclear resonance in an arbitrary scattering channel
Authors: Deák L. , Bottyán L. , Callens R. , Coussement R. , Major M. , Nasu S. , Serdons I. , Spiering H. , Yoda Y.
Published: January 2015

The theory of heterodyne/stroboscopic detection of nuclear resonance scattering is developed, starting from the total scattering matrix as a product of the matrix of the reference sample and the sample under study. This general approach holds for all dynamical scattering channels. In the forward channel, which has been discussed in detail in the literature, the electronic scattering manifests itself only in an energy-independent diminution of the scattered intensity. In all other channels, complex resonance line shapes of the heterodyne/stroboscopic spectra are encountered, as a result of the interference of electronic and nuclear scattering. The grazing-incidence case will be evaluated and described in detail. Experimental data of classical X-ray reflectivity and their stroboscopically detected resonant counterpart spectra on the [natFe/57Fe]10isotope periodic multilayer and antiferromagnetic [57Fe/Cr]20superlattice are fitted simultaneously.
Preliminary X-ray analysis of the binding domain of the soybean vacuolar sorting receptor complexed with a sorting determinant of a seed storage protein
Authors: Maruyama Nobuyuki , Goshi Tomohiro , Sugiyama Shigeru , Niiyama Mayumi , Adachi Hiroaki , Takano Kazufumi , Murakami Satoshi , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Mori Yusuke , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Mikami Bunzo
Published: January 2015

β-Conglycinin is a major seed storage protein in soybeans, which are an important source of protein. The major subunits (α, α′ and β) of β-conglycinin are sorted to protein-storage vacuoles in seed cells. Vacuolar sorting receptor (VSR) is an integral membrane protein that recognizes the sorting determinant of vacuolar proteins, including β-conglycinin, and regulates their sorting process. Vacuolar sorting determinants of the α′ and β subunits of β-conglycinin exist in their C-terminal peptides. Here, the preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the binding domain of soybean VSR crystallized with the peptide responsible for the sorting determinant in β-conglycinin is reported. X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 3.5 Å. The crystals belonged to space groupP3121, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 116.4,c= 86.1 Å.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the N-terminal domain ofPaenibacillus barcinonensisxylanase 10C containing the CBM22-1–CBM22-2 tandem
Authors: Sainz-Polo María Ángela , González Beatriz , Pastor F. I. Javier , Sanz-Aparicio Julia
Published: January 2015

A construct containing the CBM22-1–CBM22-2 tandem forming the N-terminal domain ofPaenibacillus barcinonensisxylanase 10C (Xyn10C) has been purified and crystallized. A xylan-binding function and an affinity for mixed β-1,3/β-1,4 glucans have previously been demonstrated for some members of the CBM22 family. The sequence of the tandem is homologous to the N-terminal domains found in several thermophilic enzymes. Crystals of this tandem were grown by the streak-seeding method after a long optimization strategy. The structure has been determined by molecular replacement to a resolution of 2.43 Å and refinement is under way. This study represents the first structure containing two contiguous CBM22 modules, which will contribute to a better understanding of the role that this multiplicity plays in fine-tuning substrate affinity.
Expression, purification and preliminary crystallographic analysis of a haem-utilizing protein, HutX, fromVibrio cholerae
Authors: Su Tiantian , Chi Kaikai , Wang Kang , Guo Liming , Huang Yan
Published: January 2015

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, has developed a variety of mechanisms to obtain the limited-availability iron from human hosts. One important method for iron acquisition is through haem-uptake systems. Although the transport of haem has been widely studied, the fate of haem once it enters the cytoplasm remains an open question. Here, preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis was performed on HutX, a member of the conserved haem-utilization operon fromV. choleraestrain N16961. The crystals of HutX were found to belong to the orthorhombic space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa= 50.1,b= 169.0,c= 81.8 Å. There are two protein molecules in the asymmetric unit, with a corresponding Matthews coefficientVMof 2.06 Å3 Da−1and a solvent content of 40.28%.
The role of flexibility and molecular shape in the crystallization of proteins by surface mutagenesis
Authors: Devedjiev Yancho D.
Published: January 2015

Proteins are dynamic systems and interact with their environment. The analysis of crystal contacts in the most accurately determined protein structures (d< 1.5 Å) reveals that in contrast to current views, static disorder and high side-chain entropy are common in the crystal contact area. These observations challenge the validity of the theory that presumes that the occurrence of well ordered patches of side chains at the surface is an essential prerequisite for a successful crystallization event. The present paper provides evidence in support of the approach for understanding protein crystallization as a process dependent on multiple factors, each with its relative contribution, rather than a phenomenon driven by a few dominant physicochemical characteristics. The role of the molecular shape as a factor in the crystallization of proteins by surface mutagenesis is discussed.
Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the effector-interaction domain of the resistance protein RGA5-A fromOryza sativaL.japonica
Authors: Huang Dan , Zhang Yanan , Zhao Yanxiang , Liu Junfeng , Peng You-Liang
Published: January 2015

RGA5-A, a component of the Pia resistance-protein complex (RGA4/RGA5-A) fromOryza sativaL.japonica, has the ability to interact physically with the effector protein AVR-Pia fromMagnaporthe oryzaeviaits effector-interaction domain RGA5-A_S. The interaction between RGA5-A and AVR-Pia relieves the repression of RGA4, leading to AVR-independent cell death by the freed RGA4. To further understand the details of this interaction, the effector-interaction domain RGA5-A_S was expressed inEscherichia coliand purified to homogeneity. The purified recombinant protein His-RGA5-A_S was successfully crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. A single crystal obtained using 0.2Mammonium citrate, 25%(w/v) PEG 3350 diffracted to 2.43 Å resolution. It belonged to space groupP4122 orP4322, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 55.2,c= 78.2 Å, α = β = γ = 90°.
Preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of an engineered variant of human chimera-type galectin-3 with a shortened N-terminal domain
Authors: Flores-Ibarra Andrea , Ruiz Federico M. , Vértesy Sabine , André Sabine , Gabius Hans-Joachim , Romero Antonio
Published: January 2015

How lectins translate sugar-encoded information into cellular effects not only depends on glycan recognition. Other domains of the protein can contribute to the functional profile of a lectin. Human galectin-3 (Gal-3), an adhesion/growth-regulatory galectin, is composed of three different domains and is thus called a chimera-type protein. In addition to the carbohydrate-recognition domain, this lectin encompasses an N-terminal domain consisting of a peptide harbouring two phosphorylation sites and nine non-triple-helical collagen-like repeats. This region plays an as yet structurally undefined role in Gal-3 aggregation and ligand recognition. To date, crystallization of full-length Gal-3 has not been achieved. With the aim of providing structural insights into this modular organization, a Gal-3 variant was crystallized maintaining the terminal peptide and three of the nine collagen-like repeats. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 94.04,b= 97.96,c= 236.20 Å, and diffracted to a resolution of 3.3 Å.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the putative sugar-binding protein Msmeg_0515 (AgaE) fromMycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Almourfi Feras M. , Rodgers H. Fiona , Sedelnikova Svetlana E. , Baker Patrick J.
Published: January 2015

Msmeg_0515, a gene fromMycobacterium smegmatisstrain 155 encoding the ligand-binding domain, AgaE, of a putative ABC sugar transporter system, has been cloned into a pET-28a vector system, overexpressed inEscherichia coliand purified. The truncated protein lacking the first 27 residues, which correspond to a N-terminal signal sequence, was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion technique. The crystals of this protein diffracted to 1.48 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 64.06,b= 69.26,c= 100.74 Å, α = β = γ = 90° and with one molecule in the asymmetric unit.
Structural analysis of human dual-specificity phosphatase 22 complexed with a phosphotyrosine-like substrate
Authors: Lountos George T. , Cherry Scott , Tropea Joseph E. , Waugh David S.
Published: January 2015

4-Nitrophenyl phosphate (p-nitrophenyl phosphate, pNPP) is widely used as a small molecule phosphotyrosine-like substrate in activity assays for protein tyrosine phosphatases. It is a colorless substrate that upon hydrolysis is converted to a yellow 4-nitrophenolate ion that can be monitored by absorbance at 405 nm. Therefore, the pNPP assay has been widely adopted as a quick and simple method to assess phosphatase activity and is also commonly used in assays to screen for inhibitors. Here, the first crystal structure is presented of a dual-specificity phosphatase, human dual-specificity phosphatase 22 (DUSP22), in complex with pNPP. The structure illuminates the molecular basis for substrate binding and may also facilitate the structure-assisted development of DUSP22 inhibitors.
Cloning, refolding, purification and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the sensory domain of theCampylobacterchemoreceptor for multiple ligands (CcmL)
Authors: Machuca Mayra A. , Liu Yu C. , Beckham Simone A. , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: January 2015

A periplasmic sensory domain of theCampylobacter jejunichemoreceptor for multiple ligands (CcmL) has been crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol 3350 as a precipitating agent. A complete data set was collected to 1.3 Å resolution using cryocooling conditions and synchrotron radiation. The crystals belonged to space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 42.6,b= 138.0,c= 49.0 Å, β = 94.3°.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of the family 54 carbohydrate-binding module from laminarinase (β-1,3-glucanase) Lic16A ofClostridium thermocellum
Authors: Kislitsyn Yury A. , Samygina Valeriya R. , Dvortsov Igor A. , Lunina Nataliya A. , Kuranova Inna P. , Velikodvorskaya Galina A.
Published: January 2015

The crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) from laminarinase Lic16A of the hyperthermophilic anaerobic bacteriumClostridium thermocellum(ctCBM54) are reported. Recombinant ctCBM54 was prepared using anEscherichia coli/pQE30 overexpression system and was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.1 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystals belonged to space groupP6322, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 130.15,c= 131.05 Å. The three-dimensional structure of ctCBM54 will provide valuable information about the structure–function relation of the laminarinase Lic16A and will allow the exploitation of this binding module in biotechnological applications.
Purification, identification and preliminary crystallographic studies of an allergenic protein fromSolanum melongena
Authors: Jain Abha , Salunke Dinakar Masanu
Published: January 2015

Solanum melongena(eggplant), a member of the Solanaceae family, is a widely cultivated vegetable crop and is commonly used as a food throughout the world. Allergic reactions caused by members of this family are well known. However, mechanistic analyses to understand their molecular basis have not been adequately explored. In order to address this issue, the 7S vicilin protein (SM80.1) of size 45 kDa was purified from seeds ofS. melongenaby ammonium sulfate fractionation and size-exclusion chromatography. Significant homology of SM80.1 to an allergy-related protein fromS. lycopersicumwas identified through aBLASTsearch. Crystallization attempts with purified protein using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method led to hexagonal-shaped crystals. The crystals diffracted to 2.21 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP6322, with unit-cell parametersa= 117.9,c= 123.5 Å.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of a soluble variant of the monoglyceride lipase Yju3p from the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rengachari Srinivasan , Aschauer Philipp , Sturm Christian , Oberer Monika
Published: January 2015

The protein Yju3p is the orthologue of monoglyceride lipases in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. A soluble variant of this lipase termed s-Yju3p (38.3 kDa) was generated and purified to homogeneity by affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. s-Yju3p was crystallized in a vapour-diffusion setup at 293 K and a complete data set was collected to 2.4 Å resolution. The crystal form was orthorhombic (space groupP212121), with unit-cell parametersa= 77.2,b= 108.6,c= 167.7 Å. The asymmetric unit contained four molecules with a solvent content of 46.4%.
Crystal structure of 2-chloro-1-(3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethanone
Authors: Shreevidhyaa Suressh V. , Prathebha K. , Abdul Basheer S. , Ponnuswamy S. , Usha G.
Published: January 2015

In the title compound, C20H22ClNO, the piperidine ring has a twist-boat conformation. There is an intramolecular C—H...π interaction involving the two phenyl rings which are inclined to one another by 84.91 (7)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming helical chains along [010]. The chains are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming sheets parallel to (100).
Crystal structure of bis[1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane-κ2P,P′]platinum(II) dichloride chloroform pentasolvate
Authors: Anderson Bradley G. , Hoyte Sarah A. , Spencer John L.
Published: January 2015

In the title compound, [Pt{Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2}2]Cl2·5CHCl3, the PtIIcations, located on a centre of inversion, is coordinated by two chelating diphosphane ligands in a geometry which is close to square-planar. The chelate rings adopt a chair conformation. The PtIIcations are arranged in layers separated by Cl−anions as well as CHCl3solvent molecules. While this complex has been reported previously [Andersonet al.(1983).Inorg. Chim. Acta,76, L251–L252], this is the first time a structure has been determined.
Crystal structure of bis(thiourea-κS)bis(triphenylphosphane-κP)silver(I) nitrate
Authors: Nawaz Sidra , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Nadeem Muhammad Amir , Mehmood Bushra , Ahmad Saeed
Published: January 2015

In the title salt, [Ag(CH4N2S)2(PPh3)2]NO3, the AgIatom is coordinated by two thiourea S atoms and two triphenylphosphane P atoms in a distorted tetrahedral geometry, with bond angles in the range 102.90 (4)–123.29 (4)°. The Ag—S=C bond angles are 101.75 (19) and 111.29 (18)°. In the crystal, the component ions are linked by C—H...O, C—H...S, N—H...O and N—H...S hydrogen bonds, generating (10-1) sheets.
Crystal structure of 3-{(E)-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imino]methyl}benzene-1,2-diol
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Shad Hazoor Ahmad , Rauf Abdul , Khan Abdul Haleem
Published: January 2015

In the title Schiff base, C13H9Cl2NO2, which arose from the condensation of 3,4-dichloroaniline with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 44.74 (13)°. Intramolecular O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds closeS(5) andS(6) rings, respectively. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(10) loops. A weak C—H...π interaction is also observed.
Crystal structure of 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoazetidin-3-yl]benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-dione dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Akkurt Mehmet , Jarrahpour Aliasghar , Rad Javad Ameri , Çelik Ömer
Published: January 2015

In the title solvated compound, C28H19N2O4·C2H6OS, the central β-lactam ring is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.002 Å). It makes dihedral angles of 1.92 (11), 83.23 (12) and 74.90 (10)° with the methoxy- and chlorophenyl rings and the ring plane of the 1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione group [maximum deviation = 0.089 (1)], respectively. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring and helps to establish the near coplanarity of the β-lactam and methoxybenzene rings. In the crystal, the components are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, C—H...π interactions and aromatic π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.6166 (10) and 3.7159 (10) Å], resulting in a three-dimensional network, The dimethyl sulfoxide solvent molecule is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.847 (2):0.153 (2) ratio.
Crystal structure of 4-tert-butyl-2-{2-[N-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)-N-isopropylcarbamoyl]phenyl}-1-isopropyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium perchlorate
Authors: Hordiyenko Olga V. , Zubatyuk Roman I.
Published: January 2015

In the title salt, C26H40N3O2+·ClO4−, the positive charge of the organic cation is delocalized between the two N atoms of the imidazole ring. The C...;N bond distances are 1.338 (2) and 1.327 (3) Å. The substituents on the benzene ring are rotated almost orthogonal with respect to this ring due to the presence of the bulky isopropyl substituents. The dihedral angle between the benzene and imidazole rings is 75.15 (12)°. Three of the O atoms of the anion are disordered over two sets of sites due to rotation around one of the O—Cl bonds. The ratio of the refined occupancies is 0.591 (14):0.409 (14). In the crystal, the cation and perchlorate anion are bound by an N—H...O hydrogen bond. In addition, the cation–anion pairs are linked into layers parallel to (001) by multiple weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structure of 1-[(1-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]pyridinium iodide
Authors: Belguedj Roumaissa , Bouraiou Abdelmalek , Merazig Hocine , Belfaitah Ali , Bouacida Sofiane
Published: January 2015

In the title salt, C10H11N4O2+·I−, the asymmetric unit consists of a pyridinium cation bearning a (1-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl group at the N position and an iodide anion. The imidazole ring is quasiplanar, with a maxiumum deviation of 0.0032 (16) Å, and forms a dihedral angle of 67.39 (6)° with the plane of the pyridinium ring. The crystal packing can be described as alternating zigzag layers of cations parallel to the (001) plane, which are sandwiched by the iodide ions. The structure features two types of hydrogen bonds (C—H...O and C—H...I),viz. cation–anion and cation–cation, which lead to the form ation of a three-dimensional network.
The entrepreneurship-motherhood nexus
Authors: Lewis Kate V. , Harris Candice , Morrison Rachel , Ho Marcus
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use boundaryless career theory as a perspective from which to explore understanding related to the interplay between life-stage and career transitions in women; and, specifically, the life-stage-related event of motherhood relative to the transition from corporate employment to self-employment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative longitudinal research design was operationalized over a four-year period and data from both primary and secondary sources were collected in relation to four New Zealand case studies.

Findings

– The findings highlight how life-stage events such as motherhood can have a profound influence on both the perception and enactment of careers and career transitions. In total, two primary micro-processes were identified in relation to the career transitions of the female participants into self-employment and were labeled “traditional employment” (relating to role change; integrating work and life domains; opportunity seeking; and support) and “creating boundaries” (relating to: compartmentalization of responsibility, life-stage events, work models, and business growth and success).

Research limitations/implications

– Exploratory in nature; small in scale; limited to one geographic context.

Originality/value

– The authors attempt to add a more nuanced understanding of the notion of boundaryless careers in relation to entrepreneurship generally and the transition of a group of women into self-employment specifically. Both the discourse and pragmatics of boundaries between work/life and past careers/new careers is more salient in terms of success than possibly historically understood in this domain, and the enactment of boundaries richer and more diverse than theory may currently account for.
What is exchanged in psychological contracts? Multiple sets of obligations, targeted effort and uncertainty reduction
Authors: Rodwell John , Ellershaw Julia
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the currency underlying the employment relationship of allied health workers by investigating the mechanisms of their psychological contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Path analyses were conducted on the survey responses from Australian allied health professionals (n=112; a 46 per cent response rate).

Findings

– The analyses revealed that psychological contract promises decreased organizational citizenship behaviours relating to the organization (OCBO), while contract fulfilment increased commitment and reduced psychological distress. Contract breach reduced organizational commitment.

Originality/value

– The results indicate that obligations may be the primary currency in their psychological contract, with career commitment forming a set of obligations by which employees determine their OCBO, highlighting the nature of the resources exchanged to be targeted to their perceived source, in this case organizational promises begetting discretionary contributions to the organization. Further, fulfilment may reduce uncertainty, which in turn can reduce strain and increase OCBO.
Immigrants and natives at work: exposure to workplace bullying
Authors: Bergbom Barbara , Vartia-Vaananen Maarit , Kinnunen Ulla
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether immigrants, when in the minority, are more exposed to bullying at work than natives, and whether immigrants’ cultural distance from the host culture increases the risk of being bullied.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey. The participants were immigrant (N=183) and native (N=186) employees in a transport company in Finland.

Findings

– Whereas immigrants on average were more likely than natives to label themselves as being bullied, the culturally least distant group of immigrants did not differ in this regard from natives. Compared to natives, the risk of being bullied was nearly three times higher in the intermediate distance group of immigrants and nearly eight times higher in the culturally most distant group. The primary type of negative act immigrants were subjected to was social exclusion.

Research limitations/implications

– It would be advisable for future research investigating immigrants’ exposure to bullying to use quasi-objective measures along with a self-labelling measure, and to apply qualitative methods.

Practical implications

– The heightened risk of culturally distant immigrants to being exposed to bullying might be reduced by improving employees’ cross-cultural communication skills and by promoting an atmosphere of acceptance of cultural diversity.

Originality/value

– The study is an addition to the still scarce literature on immigrants’ exposure to workplace bullying, and takes into particular account immigrants’ cultural distance from their host culture.
How do high performance work systems influence organizational innovation in professional service firms?
Authors: Fu Na , Flood Patrick C. , Bosak Janine , Morris Tim , O'Regan Philip
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how a system of human resource management (HRM) practices, labelled high-performance work systems (HPWS), influences organizational innovation in professional service firms (PSFs). In this study, innovation in PSFs is seen as an indicator of firm performance and is calculated as the revenue per person generated from new clients and new services, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative data were collected from 195 managing partners, HR managers or experienced Partners in 120 Irish accounting firms. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The analysis results indicate strong support for the mediating role of employees’ innovative work behaviours in the relationship between HPWS and two types of PSFs’ innovation performance.

Practical implications

– Managers need to effectively adopt and implement innovation-based HRM practices to encourage and support employees’ creative thinking and innovation. Through the adoption and utilization of these practices managers can enhance the firm’s innovation and its performance.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to our understanding of the link between HRM and firm innovation by explicating a pathway between these variables. This study also generalizes consistent findings on the HRM-firm innovation relationship to a different context, i.e. PSFs.
Effect of seasonal variation on the properties of whipping cream, soft cheese and skim milk powder in the UK
Authors: Chen Biye , Lewis Michael J , Grandison Alistair S
Published: January 2015

Whipping cream, skim milk powder and soft cheese were produced throughout the year. Whipping cream manufactured in spring and winter produced significantly higher overrun and better serum stability, and whipping time was related to buffering capacity of raw milk. Heat stability of reconstituted skim milk powder (RSMP) at 9% total solids (TS) was greater in summer and autumn, and >25% TS throughout the year. It was positively related to the protein content of raw milk, but negatively with fat. In contrast to other dairy products, no significant effect of season on the properties of soft cheese was found.
H. pylori and its modulation of gastrointestinal microbiota
Authors: Schulz Christian , Koch Nadine , Schütte Kerstin , Pieper Dietmar H. , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: January 2015

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) changed the dogma of the stomach as a sterile organ. H. pylori is an obligate pathogen in the human stomach and recognized as a definite carcinogen. Extensive research on the interaction of this bacterium with the gastric mucosa has been performed over the past three decades. The development of new nucleotide sequencing techniques and new biocomputational tools has opened the field for studying the diversity and complexity of the microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract independently of cultural methods. These techniques allow to better characterize further gastric bacteria. However, the differentiation of alive resident and transient microbes requires an analysis beyond the pure detection of bacterial genomic material applying a combination with metabolomic analyses. Currently, the interaction of gastric microbiota with each other, with H. pylori and with the host is addressed by extensive research. This review gives a concise overview on current knowledge on this topic.
Microbial interaction between a CTXM‐15‐producing Escherichia coli and a susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage: influence of cefotaxime in the dual‐species biofilm formation
Authors: Bessa Lucinda J. , Mendes Ângelo , Gomes Rita , Curvelo Sara , Cravo Sara , Sousa Emília , Vasconcelos Vitor , Martins da Costa Paulo
Published: January 2015

Two isolates, Escherichia coli ella00 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ella01, obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage, were found to be closely associated in clusters in agar medium. Escherichia coli ella00 was multidrug resistant and CTXM‐15 extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producer, while P. aeruginosa ella01 was susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. These observations impelled for further studies aimed to understand their microbial interaction. The P. aeruginosa ella01 biofilm‐forming capacity was reduced and not affected when it was co‐cultured with E. coli ella00 and E. coli ATCC 25922 respectively. Interestingly, the co‐culture of ella isolates in the presence of high concentrations, such as 160 μg ml–1, of cefotaxime allowed the formation of more biofilm than in the absence of the antibiotic. As revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, in co‐culture, P. aeruginosa ella01 survived and subsequently flourished when exposed to this third‐generation cephalosporin at a concentration 10 × higher than its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and this was mostly due to β‐lactamases production by E. coli ella00. In fact, it was demonstrated by high‐performance liquid chromatography that cefotaxime was absent for the culture medium 4 h after application. In conclusion, we demonstrate that bacterial species can interact differently depending on the surrounding conditions (favourable or stressing), and that those interactions can switch from unprofitable to beneficial.
Promising effects of 3rd line cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and vincristine (CAV) and 4th line ifosfamide and carboplatin chemotherapy in refractory small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jung Sang Ok , Kim Sun Young , Kim Ju‐Ock , Jung Sung Soo , Park Hee Sun , Moon Jae Young , Kim Sung Min , Lee Jeong Eun
Published: January 2015

Third and fourth line chemotherapy agents are not helpful in the setting of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We describe the case of a 43‐year‐old Korean patient with T4N3M1b extensive stage SCLC who responded remarkably well to treatment and experienced a prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) period following treatment with fourth line ifosfamide and carboplatin after experiencing disease progression with three previous regimens. Additionally, third line cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and vincristine demonstrated long‐term PFS periods.
Continuous financial support will be needed
Authors: Humavindu M. N. , Stage J.
Published: January 2015

Read the Feature Paper: Community‐based wildlife management failing to link conservation and financial viability and the Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Wildlife conservation without financial viability? The potential for payments for dispersal areas' services in Namibia; Achieving ecological conservation impact is not enough: setting priorities based on multiple criteria
Remineralizing potential of CPP‐ACP creams with and without fluoride in artificial enamel lesions
Authors: Oliveira PRA , Fonseca ABM , Silva EM , Coutinho TCL , Tostes MA
Published: January 2015

Background

This study evaluated the effect of pastes containing casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) with and without fluoride on enamel demineralization.

Methods

Human enamel blocks were used and after incipient caries‐like lesions were formed, they were assigned to four groups: G1 – saliva; G2 – MI Paste (RecaldentTM); G3 – MI Paste Plus (RecaldentTM 900 ppm as NaF); and G4 – Crest™ (1.100 ppm as NaF). The specimens were soaked in demineralizing solution for 6 hours and remineralized in artificial saliva for 18 hours alternatively for 10 days. The dentifrice was prepared with deionized water in a 1:3 proportion (w/w) or applied undiluted in the case of the CPP‐ACP formula. Demineralized enamel changes were analysed by surface microhardness (SMH), 3D‐profilometry and SEM. Data were analysed by non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test comparisons and one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results

The SMH values observed in the G2 (47.8 ± 28.5) and G3 (53.6 ± 27.6) groups were different from that of G4 (90.2 ± 17.1), which were significantly higher than that found in G1 (39.4 ± 14.2). The %SMH was significantly lower in G4 when compared to G1 (p < 0.001) and G3 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

MI Paste Plus demonstrated a greater protective effect against demineralization than MI Paste and showed smoother surfaces.
Autism spectrum disorders: linking neuropathological findings to treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Casanova Manuel F. , Sokhadze Estate , Opris Ioan , Wang Yao , Li Xiaoli
Published: January 2015

Postmortem studies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individuals indicate the presence of abnormalities within the peripheral neuropil space (PNS) of cortical minicolumns. The geometrical orientation of inhibitory elements within the PNS suggests using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to up‐regulate their activity. Several rTMS trials in ASD have shown marked improvements in motor symptomatology, attention and perceptual binding.Conclusion: rTMS is the first therapeutic attempt at ASD aimed at correcting some of its core pathology.
Teenagers and young adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 are more likely to experience loneliness than siblings without the illness
Authors: Ejerskov Cecilie , Lasgaard Mathias , Østergaard John R.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Our clinical observations raised concern that teenagers and young people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) might feel lonely and we decided to investigate their experiences and compare them with unaffected siblings. We also assessed predictive factors of loneliness.

Methods

We evaluated 60 NF1 patients aged 17 (±3.1) years and 23 siblings aged 17 (±2.9) years with a self‐report questionnaire that assessed loneliness, depression, shyness, self‐esteem, social support, bullying and difficulties making friends. Objective assessments of NF1 disease severity and visibility and somatic NF1‐related and social support‐related variables were carried out. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

Of the 60 patients with NF1, 11 (18%; CI: 8–28%) said that they felt lonely often or always and felt a higher degree of loneliness, but none of the siblings said that they felt lonely. Predictors of loneliness were depression, shyness, bullying, self‐perceived conception of illness burden and a low level of social support from friends.

Conclusion

Teenagers and young adults with NF1 experienced a higher prevalence and higher degree of loneliness than siblings of NF1 patients. As loneliness affects social, affective and cognitive functions, increased attention on loneliness and the predictive factors described in this study are required.
Assessing absolute and relative accuracy of recreation‐grade and mobile phoneGNSSdevices: a method for informing device choice
Authors: Schaefer Martin , Woodyer Tara
Published: January 2015

The affordability/availability and portability of recreation‐grade receivers and mobile devices, compared with commercial survey Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), commonly referred to as Global Positioning System, make them worthy of consideration for student fieldwork and research. While empirical evidence of the relative accuracy of low‐costGNSSreceivers in open areas is currently limited, initial findings suggest that levels of relative accuracy, as opposed to absolute accuracy, make these devices an inexpensive and manageable technology for measuring the relative location of land features. Given the current speed at whichGNSStechnology advances, it is important to have an appreciation of any proposed device's accuracy. This paper presents a method for evaluating the levels of absolute and relative accuracy of various devices, which can inform the choice of device for particular survey‐based projects. It can also be used to indicate a ‘best practice’ approach to usingGNSSdevices in a research and study context, through an assessment of the factors influencing levels of relative accuracy, such as the length of time a device is left to settle before recording a point. In addition, this method can be a useful exercise in and of itself for helping students better understand absolute and relative accuracy, the capabilities of their own mobile hardware, and the potential use of recreation‐grade and mobile devices in a range of scenarios both within and beyond the academy.
Europe in China's Incremental Intercontinentalism
Authors: Wang Zhengxu
Published: January 2015

This article situates the future trajectory of the China‐Europe relationship within China's emerging “grand strategy” for its engagement with the world. I argue that the second decade of the 21st century has seen China choose to rise into, instead of drastically change, the world order. China's incremental intercontinentalism accepts U.S.'s dominance in the world system, but nonetheless actively seeks to build up new multilateral structures to engage with various regions and countries around the globe. In this process, the European Union and Europe are gradually figuring more prominently in China's economic and technological strategies. Great space still exists for strong China‐Europe collaborations, but these will more likely take place in economic instead of political and strategic spheres. I conclude with several implications for global governance and China‐Europe relations.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Obstructive Nephropathy via NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 Signalling Pathway Regulation
Authors: Wang Yanqiu , Wang Bowen , Du Feng , Su Xuesong , Sun Guangping , Zhou Guangyu , Bian Xiaohui , Liu Na
Published: January 2015

Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute importantly to the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), which is the most abundant and most active catechin polyphenol extracted from green tea, has been proved to have many bioactivities. In this study, the renoprotective effect of EGCG was evaluated in a widely used kidney disease model, the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice model. After 14 days of EGCG administration, mean arterial blood pressure, body‐weight and obstructed kidney weight were measured. Levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CR) and activities of glutamic–pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum were estimated as indicators of renal function. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of the obstructed kidney. Antioxidant enzymes and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production were estimated to reflect the oxidative stress and inflammatory state in the obstructed kidney. Finally, the main proteins in the NF‐κB and Nrf2 signalling pathway and DNA binding activity of NF‐κB and Nrf2 were measured to investigate the effect of EGCG on these two pathways. The results demonstrated that EGCG could restore UUO‐induced kidney weight loss and renal dysfunction. In addition, UUO‐induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the obstructed kidney were also prevented by EGCG. Furthermore, EGCG could induce both NF‐κB and Nrf2 nuclear translocation in the UUO kidney and promote heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) production. These results indicated that the renoprotective effect of EGCG might be through its NF‐κB and Nrf2 signalling pathway regulations.
Case study: hidden complexity of medicines use: information provided by a person with intellectual disability and diabetes to a pharmacist
Authors: Flood Bernadette , Henman Martin C.
Published: January 2015

Accessible summary

A pharmacist spoke to people with intellectual disabilities about their medicines.

One person with diabetes found it hard to manage.

He had to inject insulin.

He had to take tablets that were in a blister pack.

He did not like having diabetes and was distressed.

He did not store his insulin properly.

He often had low sugar and had to get a glucagon injection.

Pharmacists can help people who have diabetes.

They can give advice about medicines.

They can give advice about injecting and storing insulin.

People should only ask for more insulin and medicines from the pharmacy when they need them.

People with intellectual disabilities may be ‘invisible’ to pharmacists. They are a complex group of patients many of whom have diabetes. Pharmacists may have little experience of the challenges faced by this high risk group of patients who may be prescribed high risk medications. This case report details information supplied by Pat, a 33 year old gentleman with intellectual disabilities and diabetes to a pharmacist researcher. The aim of the research project, which received ethics approval from a university research ethics committee, was to determine the views and knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities about medication use. Pat proved to be an excellent source of information concerning the complexity of ‘self care’ by a person with intellectual disabilities and diabetes. Many quality issues became evident to the pharmacist researcher during the interview. These issues included ‘self care’, diabetes distress, health literacy, medication information provision, safe practices around storage of insulin and glucagon, appropriateness of a monitored dosage system, repeat dispensing of insulin and the complexity of care co‐ordination. The international trend to deinstitutionalise the care of people with intellectual disabilities will require that this complex group of patients to get support from care givers and health and social care professionals in the community setting to ensure quality medication use. Pharmacists must rise to challenge to provide accessible patient centred pharmaceutical care to this high risk population.