bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Lived, Emissive Excited States in Direct and Amide‐Linked Thienyl‐Substituted RuII Complexes
Authors: Majewski Marek B. , Smith Jeremy G. , Wolf Michael O. , Patrick Brian O.
Published: April 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Michael Wolf at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. The cover image shows the structures of four heteroleptic RuII complexes with thienyl groups coordinated to the metal center through 2,2'‐bipyridine ligands via amide or C–C linkages.
Electroreduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds at Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported Bimetallic Ag@Pd Nanorods Modified Electrodes
Authors: Jeena S. E. , Gnanaprakasam P. , Selvaraju T.
Published: April 2016

The design and fabrication of nanostructured electrode with high activity at low cost are crucial elements in studying the toxicity of environmental pollutants. Here, we develop a combined step of generating Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide (ERGO) nanosheets on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode where an effective seed mediated growth followed by a galvanic exchange process were introduced for the direct growth of Ag core @Pd shell nanorods (Ag@Pd NRDs). The resulting electrode possesses a large surface area, interconnected porous networks, uniform distribution of bimetallic Ag@Pd NRDs with extremely thin size of Pd generation and good electrical conductivity, which are highly desirable for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). In the fabrication step, the shell like Cu at the bimetallic NRDs acts as a sacrificial template for forming a thin layer of Pd at Ag NRDs surface by redox replacement reaction. Thus, the resultant Ag@Pd NRDs on ERGO modified electrode was profoundly tested for the electrochemical sensing of NACs with high sensitivity, selectivity and a very low detection limit of 1.8×10−11 M. Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) was used to study the linear range of 4‐nitroaniline (4‐NA) between 1.0×10−9 M and 1.2×10−8 M. The modified electrode exhibits better reproducibility and long term stability. In addition, the modified electrode out performed well in the real sample analysis containing NACs in the presence of different interfering cations and anions.
In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assessment of the dopamine receptor antagonist molindone hydrochloride
Authors: Krishna Gopala , Gopalakrishnan Gopa , Goel Saryu
Published: April 2016

Molindone hydrochloride is a dihydroindolone neuroleptic with dopamine D2 and D5 receptor antagonist activity. As an integral component of its preclinical safety evaluation, molindone hydrochloride was evaluated in a series of in vitro and in vivo genetic toxicology assays. In the bacterial reverse gene mutation assays employing four Salmonella tester strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537) and the E. coli tester strain WP2uvrA, molindone hydrochloride was negative in all strains, except TA100, in which it induced a positive response (up to 3‐fold) in the presence of rat liver S9. With human S9, a small (2‐fold), but nonreproducible, increase in revertants was observed in TA100 at the highest concentration of molindone tested (5,000 µg/plate). The mutagenicity was completely abrogated by the addition of glutathione and UDP‐glucuronic acid to rat liver S9, suggesting detoxification of the mutagenic metabolite(s) by Phase II conjugation reactions, pathways commonly operational in humans. Molindone hydrochloride did not induce chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocyte cultures, did not elicit a positive response in a rat bone marrow micronucleus test for clastogencity/aneugenicity, and did not give a positive response in the rat liver comet assay for DNA damage. Collectively, the weight of evidence from these studies, combined with a large margin of safety and efficient detoxification through Phase II conjugation supports the interpretation that molindone hydrochloride does not pose a genotoxic risk to humans at the anticipated clinical dose levels. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:288–298, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of soluble and particulate cobalt in human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Xie Hong , Smith Leah J. , Holmes Amie L. , Zheng Tongzhang , Pierce Wise John
Published: April 2016

Cobalt is a toxic metal used in various industrial applications leading to adverse lung effects by inhalation. Cobalt is considered a possible human carcinogen with the lung being a primary target. However, few studies have considered cobalt‐induced toxicity in human lung cells, especially normal lung epithelial cells. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of particulate and soluble cobalt in normal primary human lung epithelial cells. Cobalt oxide and cobalt chloride were used as representative particulate and soluble cobalt compounds, respectively. Exposure to both particulate and soluble cobalt induced a concentration‐dependent increase in cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and intracellular cobalt ion levels. Based on intracellular cobalt ion levels, we found that soluble and particulate cobalt induced similar cytotoxicity while soluble cobalt was more genotoxic than particulate cobalt. These data indicate that cobalt compounds are cytotoxic and genotoxic to human lung epithelial cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:282–287, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance analysis of a desiccant evaporative cooling system under hot and humid conditions
Authors: Rafique M. Mujahid , Gandhidasan P. , Rehman Shafiqur , Alhems Luai M.
Published: April 2016

The control of air conditioning latent and sensible load separately by using a desiccant dehumidifier operating in conjunction with evaporative cooler can reduce the air conditioning power requirement significantly. This system can also utilize the alternative resources of energy such as solar, waste heat, and natural gas effectively. In this article a mathematical model of desiccant evaporative cooling has been developed and the performance of the system is analyzed for its feasibility under the climatic conditions of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Different performance curves have been drawn to get optimum values of parameters under different operating conditions. Some new parameters such as sensible energy ratio have also been introduced for better prediction of system cooling capacity. The results showed that the proposed system is suitable and feasible solution to meet the high cooling demands for the conditions of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia with performance largely dependent on optimum selection of operating parameters. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1476–1484, 2016
Analytical modelling of near‐source pulse‐like seismic demand for multi‐linear backbone oscillators
Authors: Baltzopoulos Georgios , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Iervolino Iunio
Published: April 2016

Nonlinear static procedures, which relate the seismic demand of a structure to that of an equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillator, are well‐established tools in the performance‐based earthquake engineering paradigm. Initially, such procedures made recourse to inelastic spectra derived for simple elastic–plastic bilinear oscillators, but the request for demand estimates that delve deeper into the inelastic range, motivated investigating the seismic demand of oscillators with more complex backbone curves. Meanwhile, near‐source (NS) pulse‐like ground motions have been receiving increased attention, because they can induce a distinctive type of inelastic demand. Pulse‐like NS ground motions are usually the result of rupture directivity, where seismic waves generated at different points along the rupture front arrive at a site at the same time, leading to a double‐sided velocity pulse, which delivers most of the seismic energy. Recent research has led to a methodology for incorporating this NS effect in the implementation of nonlinear static procedures. Both of the previously mentioned lines of research motivate the present study on the ductility demands imposed by pulse‐like NS ground motions on oscillators that feature pinching hysteretic behaviour with trilinear backbone curves. Incremental dynamic analysis is used considering 130 pulse‐like‐identified ground motions. Median, 16% and 84% fractile incremental dynamic analysis curves are calculated and fitted by an analytical model. Least‐squares estimates are obtained for the model parameters, which importantly include pulse period Tp. The resulting equations effectively constitute an R − μ − T − Tp relation for pulse‐like NS motions. Potential applications of this result towards estimation of NS seismic demand are also briefly discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the potential of pharmaceuticals and their transformation products to cause mutagenic effects: Implications for gene expression profiling
Authors: Vasquez Marlen I. , Tarapoulouzi Maria , Lambrianides Nancy , Hapeshi Evroula , Felekkis Kyriakos , Saile Maria , Sticht Carsten , Gretz Norbert , Fatta-Kassinos Despo
Published: April 2016

The selection and prioritization of pharmaceuticals and their transformation products for evaluating effects on the environment and human health is a challenging task. One common approach is based on compounds (e.g., mixture composition, concentrations), and another on biology (e.g., relevant endpoint, biological organizational level). Both of these approaches often resemble a Lernaean Hydra—they can create more questions than answers. The present study embraces this complexity, providing an integrated approach toward assessing the potential effects of transformation products of pharmaceuticals by means of mutagenicity, estrogenicity, and differences in the gene expression profiles. Mutagenicity using the tk kinase assay was applied to assess a list of 11 priority pharmaceuticals, namely, atenolol, azithromycin, carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, erythromycin, metoprolol, ofloxacin, propranolol, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. The most mutagenic compounds were found to be β-blockers. In parallel, the photolabile pharmaceuticals were assessed for their mixture effects on mutagenicity (tk assay), estrogenicity (T47D- KBluc assay), and gene expression (microarrays). Interestingly, the mixtures were mutagenic at the µg/L level, indicating a synergistic effect. None of the photolysed mixtures were statistically significantly estrogenic. Gene expression profiling revealed effects related mainly to certain pathways, those of the p53 gene, mitogen-activated protein kinase, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and translation-related (spliceosome). Fourteen phototransformation products are proposed based on the m/z values found through ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The transformation routes of the photolysed mixtures indicate a strong similarity with those obtained for each pharmaceutical separately. This finding reinforces the view that transformation products are to be expected in naturally occurring mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2753–2764. © 2016 SETAC
Connecting people and places: the emerging role of network governance in large landscape conservation
Authors: Scarlett Lynn , McKinney Matthew
Published: April 2016

The most important land and water issues facing North America and the world – including land‐use patterns, water management, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation – require innovative governance arrangements. Most of these issues need to be addressed at several scales simultaneously, ranging from local to global. They require action at the scale of large landscapes given that the geographic scope of the issues often transcends the legal and geographic reach of existing jurisdictions and institutions. No single entity has the authority to address these types of cross‐boundary issues, resulting in gaps in governance and a corresponding need to create formal and informal ways work more effectively across administrative boundaries, land ownerships, and political jurisdictions. In response to this challenge, numerous models of “network governance” are emerging. These approaches vary in terms of purpose, spatial scale, composition, organization, and complexity. This article explains what network governance is, why it is emerging, how it compares to other models of natural resource governance, and the different ways in which it develops and evolves.
Sustaining the useful life of network governance: life cycles and developmental challenges
Authors: Imperial Mark T , Johnston Erik , Pruett‐Jones Melinda , Leong Kirsten , Thomsen Jennifer
Published: April 2016

Governance networks in large‐scale landscape conservation are constantly changing as their constituent programs are created, are reconfigured, or cease to exist. Here, a four‐stage life‐cycle model is used to outline the challenges that network members face in designing healthy and useful governance processes, and a short description of the evolution of the Chicago Wilderness alliance helps to illustrate the dynamic nature of network governance. We deliberately use the concept of a “healthy and useful life” in place of more traditional measures of success because it highlights the constant nurturing that network processes require. The concept also draws attention to the fact that governance networks are a functional enterprise – even though they eventually come to the end of a life cycle, they most likely served useful functions while in operation.
Networks and landscapes: a framework for setting goals and evaluating performance at the large landscape scale
Authors: Bixler R Patrick , Johnson Shawn , Emerson Kirk , Nabatchi Tina , Reuling Melly , Curtin Charles , Romolini Michele , Grove J Morgan
Published: April 2016

The objective of large landscape conservation is to mitigate complex ecological problems through interventions at multiple and overlapping scales. Implementation requires coordination among a diverse network of individuals and organizations to integrate local‐scale conservation activities with broad‐scale goals. This requires an understanding of the governance options and how governance regimes achieve objectives or provide performance evaluation across both space and time. However, empirical assessments measuring network‐governance performance in large landscape conservation are limited. We describe a well‐established large landscape conservation network in North America, the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent, to explore the application of a social–ecological performance evaluation framework. Systematic approaches to setting goals, tracking progress, and collecting data for feedback can help guide adaptation. Applying the established framework to our case study provides a means of evaluating the effectiveness of network governance in large landscape conservation.
Navigating governance networks for community‐based conservation
Authors: Alexander Steven M , Andrachuk Mark , Armitage Derek
Published: April 2016

Governance networks can facilitate coordinated action and shared opportunities for learning among conservation scientists, policy makers, and communities. However, governance networks that link local, regional, and international actors just as often reflect social relationships and arrangements that can undermine conservation efforts, particularly those concerning community‐level priorities. Here, we identify three “waypoints” or navigational guides to help researchers and practitioners explore these networks, and to inspire them to consider in a more systematic manner the social rules and relationships that influence conservation outcomes. These waypoints encourage those engaged in community‐based conservation (CBC) to: (1) think about the networks in which they are embedded and the constellation of actors that influence conservation practice; (2) examine the values and interests of diverse actors in governance, and the implications of different perspectives for conservation; and (3) consider how the structure and dynamics of networks can reveal helpful insights for conservation efforts. The three waypoints we highlight synthesize an interdisciplinary literature on governance networks and provide key insights for conservation actors navigating the challenges of CBC at multiple scales and levels.
Performance indicator of tunnel linings under geotechnical uncertainty
Authors: Spyridis Panagiotis , Konstantis Spyridon , Gakis Angelos
Published: April 2016

In the process of dimensioning a tunnel lining support an optimized structural system is pursued that can accommodate the inherent uncertainties associated with the geotechnical, hydro‐geological, and environmental conditions. Particularly for geotechnics, uncertainty has become a major issue of scientific discussion according to a number of recent publications. At the same time, advanced performance criteria often require probabilistic assessments in order to quantify a structure's safety and reliability or to inform life‐cycle engineering decisions. This contribution demonstrates a novel design approach for the design assessment of concrete tunnel linings. The Index for the Capacity Utilization of Linings in Tunnels (CULT‐I) introduced herein, facilitates the quantification of reliability of a tunnel lining support, while it aids toward a rationalized, performance‐based design optimization with considerations on geotechnical uncertainty. A typical case of a shallow urban tunnel excavated in soft ground using the TBM method is presented, demonstrating the practical application and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Gotthard Base Tunnel – Choice of the tunnel system from today's point of view / Gotthard‐Basistunnel – Wahl des Tunnelsystems aus heutiger Sicht
Authors: Vetsch Hans‐Peter , Zbinden Peter , Märki Ernst , Ehrbar Heinz
Published: April 2016

The historic rail tunnels in the Alps were consistently built in the form of single‐tube twin‐track tunnels, starting with the Mont Cenis Tunnel (1871). Only the 19.8 km long Simplon Tunnel at the start of the 20th century was built with two separate single‐track tunnels. In 1988, the 53.8 km long Seikan Tunnel became the first tunnel more than 50 km long to go into operation – once more as a twin‐track tunnel, although with additional constructional elements such as forced ventilation, emergency stations and a service tunnel. In 1994 followed the Channel Tunnel with a system of two single‐track tunnels and a service or safety tunnel as well as a complex ventilation system. For the base tunnels through the Alps, the question arose in Switzerland at the start of the 1990s, what is the optimal tunnel system considering the requirements of construction, safety and operation? A cost‐benefit analysis resulted in a system with two single‐track tunnels and multi‐function stations at the third points as the optimum. Meanwhile, various requirements have been newly formulated so that the question arises whether the same decision would be made with the knowledge available today.

Die historischen Eisenbahntunnel in den Alpen wurden nach dem Bau des Mont Cenis Tunnels (1871) konsequent in Form von einröhrigen Doppelspurtunneln gebaut. Einzig der 19,8 km lange Simplontunnel wurde Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts mit zwei separaten Einspurtunneln erstellt. 1988 wurde mit dem 53,8 km langen Seikan‐Tunnel erstmalig ein über 50 km langer Eisenbahntunnel in Betrieb genommen – wiederum als Doppelspurtunnel, allerdings mit zusätzlichen konstruktiven Elementen wie Betriebslüftung, Nothaltestellen und einem Dienststollen. 1994 folgte der Eurotunnel mit einem System aus zwei Einspurtunneln und einem Service‐ bzw. Sicherheitsstollen sowie einem zusätzlichen komplexen Lüftungssystem. Für die Basistunnel durch die Alpen stellte sich in der Schweiz Anfang der 1990er‐Jahre die Frage, welches das optimale Tunnelsystem unter Berücksichtigung der Anforderungen Bau, Sicherheit und Betrieb sei. Aus einer Nutzwertanalyse resultierte das System mit zwei Einspurtunneln sowie Multifunktionsstellen in den Drittelspunkten als Optimum. Mittlerweile wurden verschiedene Anforderungen neu formuliert, so dass sich die Frage stellt, ob mit den heutigen Kenntnissen die gleiche Entscheidung getroffen würde.
Unexpected difficult ground conditions in the multi‐function Station Faido / Unerwartet schwierige Baugrundverhältnisse in der Multifunktionsstelle Faido
Authors: Röthlisberger Bruno , Spörri Daniel , Rehbock Michael
Published: April 2016

The multi‐function station (MFS) Faido, with track crossovers located symmetrically around the transverse cavern, is accessed through a 2.7 km long access tunnel. The geology encountered in the transverse cavern and the first metres of boring the running tunnels was very different from the forecast. Technical, economic and scheduling considerations demanded the moving of the four crossovers by 600 m to the south. In the drill and blast excavation of the single‐track tunnel to the north, deformations of up to 1.3 m occurred in the radius. In addition to the dangers of “squeezing rock” and “rock fall”, unforecast and serious rock burst also occurred in the east and west running tunnels, which could not have been foreseen. Yielding temporary support measures had to be carried out along a length of 500 m and sometimes massively strengthened.

Intensive probing in the form of hammer and core drilling and seismic methods (TSP – Tunnel Seismic Prediction) was carried out during the tunnel drives. The drives were also monitored with intensive rock mechanical measurements. The results of probing, the rock mechanical measurements and the interpretations of the encountered geology all confirmed that the decision was correct to move the MFS.

Die Multifunktionsstelle (MFS) Faido mit symmetrisch um die Querkaverne angeordneten Spurwechseln ist mit einem 2,7 km langen Zugangsstollen erschlossen. Die angetroffene Geologie in der Querkaverne und den ersten Metern Vortrieb in den Einspurstrecken wichen massiv von der Prognose ab. Technische, wirtschaftliche und programmliche Gründe erforderten eine Verschiebung der vier Spurwechsel um 600 m nach Süden. Im Sprengvortrieb der Einspurtunnel Richtung Norden stellten sich Deformationen von bis zu 1,3 m im Radius ein. Zu den Gefährdungen “Druckhaftigkeit” und “Nachbrüchigkeit” kamen nicht prognostizierte starke Bergschlagphänomene in der Ost‐ und Weströhre hinzu, die nicht vorhergesagt werden können. Die Ausbruchsicherungsmaßnahmen mussten aufgrund der Bergschlagphänomene auf ca. 500 m Länge nachgiebig ausgeführt und zum Teil massiv verstärkt werden.

Die Vortriebe wurden von einer intensiven Vorauserkundung in Form von Schlag‐ oder Kernbohrungen und mit Seismik (TSP – Tunnel Seismik Prediction) begleitet. Zudem wurden die Vortriebe mit intensiven felsmechanischen Messungen überwacht. Die Erkenntnisse aus den Vorauserkundungen, den felsmechanischen Messungen und den Interpretationen der vorgefundenen Geologie bestätigte die Richtigkeit der Entscheidung, die MFS zu verschieben.
Success story: Environmental monitoring during construction at Erstfeld‐Amsteg / Erfolgsgeschichte Umweltbaubegleitung Erstfeld‐Amsteg
Authors: Doppmann Gregor , Burri Monika , Wick Raphael
Published: April 2016

The provisions of the planning approval for the Gotthard Base Tunnel required more than 1, 000 environmental measures for the Amsteg and Erstfeld sections, arranged in 80 detail projects. The environmental aspect was also of great significance for the client. Therefore AlpTransit Gotthard AG provided sufficient resources to be able to implement the project successfully from the environmental point of view. The article is concentrated on selected aspects and explains their special features. The integration of environmental monitoring into the local construction supervision team; soil protection and cultivation; the problem of nitrite in the site wastewater; and dust and noise emissions are dealt with in detail, along with the ecological opportunities of a large construction site. A description of the usual conditions and measures affecting a tunnel site is intentionally omitted.

Die Plangenehmigungsverfügungen zum Gotthard‐Basistunnel sahen für die Teilabschnitte Amsteg und Erstfeld mehr als 1.000 Umweltmaßnahmen vor, die in 80 Detailprojekten eingeordnet waren. Der Umweltaspekt war auch für die Bauherrschaft von hoher Bedeutung. Daher setzte die AlpTransit Gotthard AG genügend Ressourcen zur Verfügung, um das Projekt auch aus Umweltsicht erfolgreich umsetzen zu können. Der Beitrag konzentriert sich auf ausgewählte Aspekte und zeigt deren Besonderheiten auf. Im Einzelnen werden die Integration der Umweltbaubegleitung in die örtliche Bauleitung, der Bodenschutz und die Rekultivierung, die Nitritproblematik im Baustellenabwasser, Staub‐ und Lärmemissionen sowie die ökologische Chancen einer Großbaustelle behandelt. Auf eine Darstellung der üblichen Auflagen und Maßnahmen bei einer Tunnelbaustelle wird bewusst verzichtet.
Surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Effect of heat artifact on immunohistochemistry as a future tool for assessment
Authors: Sigston Elizabeth A. W. , Longano Anthony , Strzelecki Aneta T. , Williams Bryan R.G.
Published: April 2016

Background

Margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are determined by morphological changes assessed via hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Physiological changes may not be detected by this technique. The purpose of this study was to determine if a protein biomarker, laminin‐332γ2, overexpressed in cancer cells at the invasive front in HNSCC, remains unaffected by heat produced during resection, supporting a role for immunohistochemistry assessment of margins.

Methods

Archived tissue blocks from glottic squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) resected by CO2 laser likely to contain both cancer cells and artifact were identified; 129‐paired slides were obtained. One slide of each pair was stained with hematoxylin‐eosin; the second stained for laminin‐332γ2. The presence of cancer cells, artifact, and positive laminin‐332γ2 staining was recorded. Twenty‐seven pairs met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Immunohistochemistry staining of laminin‐332γ is preserved in presence of heat artifact.

Conclusion

This study supports use of immunohistochemistry to assess margins. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1401–1406, 2016
Association of impaired renal function and poor prognosis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Homma Akihiro , Hayashi Ryuichi , Kawabata Kazuyoshi , Fujii Takashi , Iwae Shigemichi , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Nibu Kenichi , Kato Takakuni , Shiga Kiyoto , Matsuura Kazuto , Monden Nobuya , Fujii Masato
Published: April 2016

Background

Renal function influences decisions regarding treatment for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the importance of renal function in oropharyngeal SCC has not yet been reported.

Methods

Four hundred sixty patients with oropharyngeal SCC treated with curative intent between April 2005 and March 2007 in 12 institutions in Japan were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Four hundred three patients (87.6%) showed a creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥50 mL/min and 57 (12.4%) with a CrCl <50 mL/min. Age was associated with worse overall survival (OS), whereas stage IVB, radiotherapy (RT), and CrCl <50 were associated with worse OS on univariate analyses. Surgery and hypertension were associated with better OS on univariate analyses. On multivariate analysis, age, stage, hypertension, and CrCl were also found to be significantly associated with OS.

Conclusion

Based on this retrospective study, impaired renal function is an independent predictor of increased risk of death in patients with oropharyngeal SCC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1500, 2016
The Convenient Way for Obtaining Geranial by Acid‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of Citral
Authors: Il'ina Irina V. , Volcho Konstantin P. , Korchagina Dina V. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: April 2016

A new simple method has been developed for isolation of geranial from citral, which is a mixture of two isomeric aldehydes, geranial and neral. The storage of citral in the presence of K10 montmorillonite clay has been demonstrated to result in an almost complete conversion of neral to dimeric and oligomeric products, with most geranial remaining unconverted. This enables isolation of geranial with the yield of up to 94%, based on the amount of geranial originally present in citral.
Impacts of Man‐Induced Changes in Land Use and Climate Change on Living in Coastal and Deltaic Areas
Authors: Schultz Bart
Published: April 2016

Sea level rise due to climate change is presented as one of our biggest problems. The reality is quite different and generally insufficiently taken into account in decision‐making, although the facts are regularly highlighted in professional literature.

Population growth in recent decades has been substantial, especially in emerging and least developed countries, where 85% of the world's population is living. Much of the growth takes place in urban areas, of which 80–90% is located in coastal and deltaic regions where sea level rise could play a role with respect to drainage and flood protection. In the majority of these areas there is subsidence, in extreme cases of 200 mm yr‾1. In such cases the impact of the current rate of sea level rise of 3.2 mm yr‾1, which implies 0.32 m per century, occurs within 2 years due to subsidence. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) gives a maximum figure for sea level rise of 0.98 m by 2100. A similar comparison as above shows that this would be reached in 5 years. Commonly, inadequate measures are taken to reduce the risk of flooding.

Based on newly available data, trends and forecasts, the relevant aspects and their impacts are presented in this paper, together with a future outlook. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating Different Applications of Saline and Non‐Saline Water for Maize Production
Authors: Kiani A.R. , Mosavat A.
Published: April 2016

An experiment was conducted to study the efficient use of limited water supplies for two growing seasons of maize (SC 704) using a completely randomized block design and three replications in 2012 and 2013. Treatments were full (T1) and deficit (T2 = 50% of T1) irrigation with non‐saline water; T3 and T4 were variable and fixed full irrigation with saline (8 dS m‐1) and non‐saline water in alternate rows, respectively; T5 and T6 were fixed and variable deficit irrigation with non‐saline water in alternate rows, respectively, and T7 was full irrigation with saline water. Results indicated that in deficit irrigation treatments (T2, T5 and T6) the maize yield decreased significantly (70% of T1) compared with full irrigation (Tl), but there was no significant difference between T2, T5 and T6 treatments. The maize yield in T3 and T4 treatments significantly increased compared with the T2, T5, T6 and T7, but there was no significant difference between the T3 and T4 treatments. Quantitative comparison has shown a significant reduction in maize yield by 22% with deficit irrigation scenarios when compared to T3 and T4 treatments. This finding suggests that if in the T5 and T6 treatments, dry rows are irrigated with saline water to complete the water requirements of the maize, it results in significantly increased maize yield. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Unlabeled Probe Based High‐Resolution Melting Analysis for Detection of Filaggrin Gene Mutation c.3321delA
Authors: Zhong Wei‐Long , Wang Luo , Wu Xia , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiao‐Fan , Zhang Wei , Dou Xia , Yu Bo
Published: April 2016

Background

Filaggrin gene (FLG) plays an important role in skin barrier function, and loss‐of‐function mutations of FLG have been shown to be a predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD). The c.3321delA mutation is the most common FLG mutation in Chinese population. We aim to develop a rapid, cost‐efficiency, and reliable closed‐tube method that has not been described for the detection of c.3321delA mutation.

Methods

Recombinant wild‐type and mutant plasmids of c.3321delA mutation were constructed, heterozygous mutant plasmids were prepared by mixing the mutant plasmids and wild‐type plasmids at 1:1 ratio. High‐resolution melting analysis (HRMA) coupled with an unlabeled DNA probe was employed to identify the shift in melting temperature of the probe–template complex, which reflects the presence of c.3321delA mutation.

Results

Unlabeled probe based HRMA was able to distinguish all three genotypes (wild‐type, heterozygote, and mutant) of c.3321delA mutation. Then, we applied this method to genotype 1,317 clinical samples. Genotyping results obtained from unlabeled probe HRMA were 100% concordant with the results from direct sequencing.

Conclusion

We developed a fast and high‐throughput method to detect the c.3321delA mutation.
How Informative Are Drug‐Drug Interactions of Gene‐Drug Interactions?
Authors: Lagishetty Chakradhar V. , Deng Jiexin , Lesko Lawrence J. , Rogers Hobart , Pacanowski Michael , Schmidt Stephan
Published: April 2016

FDA recommendations to manage polymorphic CYP‐mediated drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) and gene‐drug interactions (GDIs) are typically similar. However, DDIs may not always reliably predict GDIs because the victim drug may have multiple metabolic pathways and the perpetrator drug may affect multiple enzymes or transporters. Consequently, it is of great interest to both the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies to determine if DDI studies can be leveraged to inform GDIs or vice versa for dose adjustment and labeling. The objective of this study was to investigate under what circumstances DDIs can be used to predict GDIs for prototypical CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 substrates. We investigated model substrates for CYP2D6 (metoprolol, dextromethorphan, atomoxetine, and vortioxetine), CYP2C9 (warfarin, flurbiprofen, and celecoxib), and CYP2C19 (omeprazole and clopidogrel). Data on drug exposure for poor metabolizers (GDI) and for DDIs mediated by strong/moderate inhibitors in extensive metabolizers were collected. The impact of DDIs and GDIs on drug exposure was compared using: (1) a descriptive and (2) a physiologically based pharmacokinetic convergence analysis. Results from both approaches indicate that information on DDIs can be used to reliably predict GDIs for CYP2D6 substrates. The situation is more complex for CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 substrates because dose of the inhibitor (CYP2C9) and potency of the inhibitor (CYP2C19) impact the extent to which perpetrator drugs phenotypically convert extensive metabolizers to poor(er) metabolizers.
Interhospital transfer handoff practices among US tertiary care centers: A descriptive survey
Authors: Herrigel Dana J. , Carroll Madeline , Fanning Christine , Steinberg Michael B. , Parikh Amay , Usher Michael
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Interhospital transfer is an understudied area within transitions of care. The process by which hospitals accept and transfer patients is not well described. National trends and best practices are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the demographics of large transfer centers, to identify common handoff practices, and to describe challenges and notable innovations involving the interhospital transfer handoff process.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 32 tertiary care centers in the United States was studied. Respondents were typically transfer center directors surveyed by phone.

MAIN MEASURES

Data regarding transfer center demographics, handoff communication practices, electronic infrastructure, and data sharing were obtained.

RESULTS

The median number of patients transferred each month per receiving institution was 700 (range, 250–2500); on average, 28% of these patients were transferred to an intensive care unit. Transfer protocols and practices varied by institution. Transfer center coordinators typically had a medical background (78%), and critical care–trained registered nurse was the most prevalent (38%). Common practices included: mandatory recorded 3‐way physician‐to‐physician conversation (84%) and mandatory clinical status updates prior to patient arrival (81%). However, the timeline of clinical status updates was variable. Less frequent transfer practices included: electronic medical record (EMR) cross‐talk availability and utilization (23%), real‐time transfer center documentation accessibility in the EMR (32%), and referring center clinical documentation available prior to transport (29%). A number of innovative strategies to address challenges involving interhospital handoffs are reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Interhospital transfer practices vary widely amongst tertiary care centers. Practices that lead to improved patient handoffs and reduced medical errors need additional prospective evaluation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:413–417. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Dynamically scaled phantom phase contrast MRI compared to true‐scale computational modeling of coronary artery flow
Authors: Beier Susann , Ormiston John A. , Webster Mark W. , Cater John E. , Norris Stuart E. , Medrano‐Gracia Pau , Young Alistair A. , Cowan Brett R.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To examine the feasibility of combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and dynamically scaled phantom phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC‐MRI) for coronary flow assessment.

Materials and Methods

Left main coronary bifurcations segmented from computed tomography with bifurcation angles of 33°, 68°, and 117° were scaled‐up ∼7× and 3D printed. Steady coronary flow was reproduced in these phantoms using the principle of dynamic similarity to preserve the true‐scale Reynolds number, using blood analog fluid and a pump circuit in a 3T MRI scanner. After PC‐MRI acquisition, the data were segmented and coregistered to CFD simulations of identical, but true‐scale geometries. Velocities at the inlet region were extracted from the PC‐MRI to define the CFD inlet boundary condition.

Results

The PC‐MRI and CFD flow data agreed well, and comparison showed: 1) small velocity magnitude discrepancies (2–8%); 2) with a Spearman's rank correlation ≥0.72; and 3) a velocity vector correlation (including direction) of r2 ≥ 0.82. The highest agreement was achieved for high velocity regions with discrepancies being located in slow or recirculating zones with low MRI signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNRv) in tortuous segments and large bifurcating vessels.

Conclusion

Characterization of coronary flow using a dynamically scaled PC‐MRI phantom flow is feasible and provides higher resolution than current in vivo or true‐scale in vitro methods, and may be used to provide boundary conditions for true‐scale CFD simulations. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:983–992.
SAR prediction in adults and children by combining measured B1+ maps and simulations at 7.0 Tesla
Authors: Tiberi Gianluigi , Costagli Mauro , Biagi Laura , Ciantis Alessio De , Fontana Nunzia , Stara Riccardo , Symms Mark Roger , Cosottini Mirco , Guerrini Renzo , Tosetti Michela
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To predict local and global specific absorption rate (SAR) in individual subjects.

Materials and Methods

SAR was simulated for a head volume coil for two imaging sequences: axial T1‐weighted “zero” time‐of‐echo (ZTE) sequence, sagittal T2‐weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). Two head models (one adult, one child) were simulated inside the coil. For 19 adults and 27 children, measured B1+ maps were acquired, and global (head) SAR estimated by the system was recorded. We performed t‐test between the B1+ in models and human subjects. The B1+ maps of individual subjects were used to scale the SAR simulated on the models, to predict local and global (head) SAR. A phantom experiment was performed to validate SAR prediction, using a fiberoptic temperature probe to measure the temperature rise due to ZTE scanning.

Results

The normalized B1+ standard deviation in subjects was not significantly different from that of the models (P > 0.68 and P > 0.54). The rise in temperature generated in the phantom by ZTE was 0.3°C; from the heat equation it followed that the temperature‐based measured SAR was 2.74 W/kg, while the predicted value was 3.1 W/kg.

Conclusion

For ZTE and FLAIR, limits on maximum local and global SAR were met in all subjects, both adults and children. To enhance safety in adults and children with 7.0 Tesla MR systems, we suggest the possibility of using SAR prediction. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:1048–1055.
Numerically simulated exposure of children and adults to pulsed gradient fields in MRI
Authors: Samoudi Amine M. , Vermeeren Gunter , Tanghe Emmeric , Van Holen Roel , Martens Luc , Josephs Wout
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To determine exposure to gradient switching fields of adults and children in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner by evaluating internal electric fields within realistic models of adult male, adult female, and child inside transverse and longitudinal gradient coils, and to compare these results with compliance guidelines.

Materials and Methods

Patients inside x‐, y‐, and z‐gradient coils were simulated using anatomically realistic models of adult male, adult female, and child. The induced electric fields were computed for 1 kHz sinusoidal current with a magnitude of 1 A in the gradient coils. Rheobase electric fields were then calculated and compared to the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2004 and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 2010 guidelines. The effect of the human body, coil type, and skin conductivity on the induced electric field was also investigated.

Results

The internal electric fields are within the first level controlled operating mode of the guidelines and range from 2.7V m−1 to 4.5V m−1, except for the adult male inside the y‐gradient coil (induced field reaches 5.4V m−1).The induced electric field is sensitive to the coil type (electric field in the skin of adult male: 4V m−1, 4.6V m−1, and 3.8V m−1 for x‐, y‐, and z‐gradient coils, respectively), the human body model (electric field in the skin inside y‐gradient coil: 4.6V m−1, 4.2V m−1, and 3V m−1 for adult male, adult female, and child, respectively), and the skin conductivity (electric field 2.35–4.29% higher for 0.1S m−1 skin conductivity compared to 0.2S m−1).

Conclusion

The y‐gradient coil induced the largest fields in the patients. The highest levels of internal electric fields occurred for the adult male model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1360–1367.
Detection of polydimethylsiloxanes transferred from silicone‐coated parchment paper to baked goods using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Jakob Andreas , Crawford Elizabeth A. , Gross Jürgen H.
Published: April 2016

The non‐stick properties of parchment papers are achieved by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings. During baking, PDMS can thus be extracted from the silicone‐coated parchment into the baked goods. Positive‐ion direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry (MS) is highly efficient for the analysis of PDMS. A DART‐SVP source was coupled to a quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer to detect PDMS on the contact surface of baked goods after use of silicone‐coated parchment papers. DART spectra from the bottom surface of baked cookies and pizzas exhibited signals because of PDMS ions of the general formula [(C2H6SiO)n + NH4]+ in the m/z 800–1900 range. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designed for Success: How Building a Team of Leaders Transformed a Company
Authors: Liff Stewart , Gustavson Paul
Published: April 2016

Faced with rapid growth and periodic shortages, the leaders of a subsidiary of a large consumer products company based in the midwestern United States built a new plant where they dramatically redesigned the way work was performed. Their efforts promoted a high level of training and engagement among employees and nurtured a collaborative environment that led to unprecedented performance. After four years, revenue doubled; volume increased by 62 percent over the previous year; yield averaged 91.9 percent, surpassing an aggressive target of 88.9 percent; and cost per pound dropped by 20 percent, which significantly exceeded the goal. The plant now serves as a model for the parent company's other facilities in the United States and abroad. Its experience underscores the value of careful planning and design in maximizing organizational empowerment and engagement, efficiency and effectiveness. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Study of the Role of Work Engagement in Promoting Service‐Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the Malaysian Hotel Sector
Authors: Choo Ling Suan
Published: April 2016

Buffeted by fast‐changing patterns of demand, the competitive hospitality industry requires a more precise understanding of the drivers of worker engagement that lead to high‐quality service and customer satisfaction. To that end, a study of 438 customer‐contact employees in 34 four‐ and five‐star hotels in Malaysia used a proposed research model to test the direct relationships of four human resources management practices—service training, service rewards, performance appraisal, and information sharing—with work engagement, as well as to examine the mediating role of work engagement in the relationships between the four practices and service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior. The results showed that training and, in particular, performance appraisal programs elevate service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior through the mediating role of work engagement. Human resource managers in the hotel industry, therefore, can enhance the engagement of—and ultimate service delivery from—their frontline employees by refining their organizations’ training and appraisal policies and practices. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ensuring Effective News Coverage in Disasters: A Study of News Coverage Capability in China
Authors: Li Jiali , Dong Yu
Published: April 2016

When a disaster strikes, various organizations, including any affected enterprises and news agencies that cover the event, need to respond quickly. The key to an effective response is a consistent supply of authoritative information at the appropriate time. Using data from 159 disasters that occurred in China between 2003 and 2011, this study investigates the determinants of disaster news coverage. It is found that by considering the characteristics of the disaster, economic and technical factors, and the initial level of coverage, disaster managers can predict newsworthiness, the points of maximum demand for information, and the most stressful time in terms of media attention. All these factors can help those charged with disseminating information on disasters and relief efforts to communicate in a manner that best addresses the needs of the public and the organization they serve. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.