bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically Synthesized 58‐mer LysM Domain Binds Lipochitin Oligosaccharide
Authors: Sørensen Kasper K. , Simonsen Jens B. , Maolanon Nicolai N. , Stougaard Jens , Jensen Knud J.
Published: August 2014

Recognition of carbohydrates by proteins is a ubiquitous biochemical process. In legume–rhizobium symbiosis, lipochitin oligosaccharides, also referred to as nodulation (nod) factors, function as primary rhizobial signal molecules to trigger root nodule development. Perception of these signal molecules is receptor mediated, and nod factor receptor 5 (NFR5) from the model legume Lotus japonicus is predicted to contain three LysM domain binding sites. Here we studied the interactions between nod factor and each of the three NFR5 LysM domains, which were chemically synthesized. LysM domain variants (up to 58 amino acids) designed to optimize solubility were chemically assembled by solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with microwave heating. Their interaction with nod factors and chitin oligosaccharides was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. LysM2 showed a change in folding upon nod factor binding, thus providing direct evidence that the LysM domain of NFR5 recognizes lipochitin oligosaccharides. These results clearly show that the L. japonicus LysM2 domain binds to the nod factor from Mesorhizobium loti, thereby causing a conformational change in the LysM2 domain. The preferential affinity for nod factors over chitin oligosaccharides was demonstrated by a newly developed glycan microarray. Besides the biological implications, our approach shows that carbohydrate binding to a small protein domain can be detected by CD spectroscopy.
Optical coherence tomography‐based predictors for creatine kinase‐myocardial band elevation after elective percutaneous coronary intervention for in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Lee Seung‐Yul , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Shin Dong‐Ho , Kim Jung‐Sun , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Ko Young‐Guk , Choi Donghoon , Jang Yangsoo
Published: August 2014

Objectives

We evaluated whether morphological characteristics of neointimal tissue of in‐stent restenosis (ISR) lesions assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) affect periprocedural elevation of creatine kinase‐myocardial band (CK‐MB).

Background

The impact of neointimal characteristics of ISR lesions on periprocedural myocardial injury has not been sufficiently investigated.

Methods

A total of 125 patients with ISR lesions underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and pre‐PCI OCT examination. Measurements of CK‐MB were performed upon hospitalization, before PCI, and every 8 hr for 24 hr after PCI. CK‐MB elevation was defined as levels above the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit. Neoatherosclerosis was defined as neointima with lipid or calcification.

Results

Post‐PCI CK‐MB elevation was observed in 20 (16.0%) patients. The maximum length of consecutive cross‐sections with neoatherosclerosis on the longitudinal axis of the stent was significantly larger in patients with post‐PCI CK‐MB elevation than in those without [8.8 mm (1.5–10.4) vs. 0.0 mm (0.0–1.0), P < 0.001], and thin‐cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) were more frequently observed at the site of minimal lumen cross‐sectional area in patients with post‐PCI CK‐MB elevation (55.0% vs. 1.9%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the maximum length of segments with neoatherosclerosis [odds ratio (OR), 1.463; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.090–1.962; P = 0.011] and TCFA (OR, 14.328; 95% CI, 1.118–183.628; P = 0.041) were independent predictors for post‐PCI CK‐MB elevation.

Conclusions

A greater axial length of neoatherosclerosis and the presence of TCFA at the most stenotic site were significantly associated with post‐PCI CK‐MB elevation in ISR lesions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights on acute expansion and longitudinal elongation of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in vivo and at bench test: A note of caution on reliance to compliance charts and nominal length
Authors: Attizzani Guilherme F. , Ohno Yohei , Capodanno Davide , Francaviglia Bruno , Grasso Carmelo , Sgroi Carmelo , Wang Wei , Fujino Yusuke , Ganocy Stephen J. , Longo Giovanni , Tamburino Claudia I. , Di Salvo Marilena , La Manna Alessio , Capranzano Piera , Tamburino Corrado
Published: August 2014

Objectives

We performed systematic optical coherence tomography (OCT) analyses after bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) implantation in a “real world” setting aiming at evaluating scaffold expansion and longitudinal integrity.

Background

a comprehensive elucidation of BVS acute performance in the “real‐world” setting is lacking.

Methods

acute BVS expansion compared with compliance chart information and longitudinal integrity were assessed in 29 patients (32 lesions) by OCT. In addition, bench experiments with four scaffolds were performed with different combinations of deployment pressures and tube stiffness.

Results

scaffold underexpansion, using compliance chart information as reference, was observed in 97% of OCT cross‐sections in vivo; however, only 8.3% of the cross‐section analyzed revealed BVS area <5 mm2. Calcified plaques were more common in the lowest (9.7%) compared with the mid (8.8%) and highest (6.3%) tertiles of scaffold expansion (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001 for lowest vs. mid, and lowest vs. highest, respectively). Seventeen (54.8%) scaffolds were elongated during implantation, but no signs of scaffold fracture were revealed. Elongation and impaired expansion were reproduced in the bench testing when the scaffold was deployed with high pressure in a hard tube.

Conclusions

compliance chart information should not be used to predict final BVS dimensions in the clinical setting. While BVS expansion could be potentially impaired by calcified plaques, they may elongate during deployment. Bench experiments confirmed the elongation phenomenon when BVS were deployed with high pressure in hard tubes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel design biodegradable stent for use in congenital heart disease: Mid‐term results in rabbit descending aorta
Authors: Veeram Reddy Surendranath R. , Welch Tré R. , Wang Jian , Richardson James A. , Forbess Joseph M. , Riegel Matthew , Nugent Alan W.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

This study evaluates the feasibility of delivery and deployment of low and medium molecular weight (LMW and MMW, respectively) double‐opposing helical (DH) poly‐l‐lactic acid biodegradable stent (BDS) in rabbit descending aorta (DAO). Secondary objectives were to assess patency and inflammation of stented vessels at 9 months and to investigate safety following intentional embolization of stent fragments in DAO.

Background

A BDS that will relieve aortic obstruction and disappears as the child grows older allowing for preservation of aortic wall elasticity and natural growth of aorta will be ideal to treat Coarctation (CoA). BDS have never been evaluated in the DAO.

Methods

Seven New Zealand white rabbits underwent implantation of DH‐LMW (n = 7), DH‐MMW (n = 3), and metal stents (n = 7) in DAO. BDS fragments were intentionally embolized into DAO in two rabbits.

Results

All stents were deployed via a 6‐French sheath. Five BDS covered the origin of major DAO side branches. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound showed good stent apposition to the wall of DAO with minimal luminal loss at 9 months follow‐up. All stents had minimal neointimal hyperplasia on histopathology. Adverse events included 1 death, 1 aortic aneurysm, and lower extremity ulceration due to self‐mutilation in an embolization rabbit.

Conclusions

Pilot study confirms the feasibility of delivery and deployment of up to 6‐millimeter diameter DH BDS in rabbit DAO. Stent integrity with DH design was maintained at 9 months with minimal vessel inflammation. Potential morbidity due to embolized BD fragments cannot be ruled out and needs further evaluation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adsorption Equilibrium and Kinetics of the Parex' Feed and Desorbent Streams from Batch Experiments
Authors: Silva Marta S. P. , Mota José P. B. , Rodrigues Alírio E.
Published: August 2014

The adsorption of the main components of the Parex process, i.e., p‐xylene, m‐xylene, o‐xylene, ethylbenzene, p‐diethylbenzene, and toluene, was studied in a batch adsorber operating under the conditions of an industrial unit (177 °C, 9 bar). Prior to each experiment, the faujasitic‐type adsorbent was pretreated under helium flow to control the hydration level of the adsorbent. The experimental uptake curves were used to determine adsorption equilibrium data, which were fitted with Langmuir‐type isotherms. A mathematical model in which the macropore diffusion is the rate‐controlling mechanism, satisfactorily describes the experimental uptake curves.
Designing Absorption Processes with Aqueous Diglycolamine
Authors: Dixit Onkar , Mollekopf Norbert
Published: August 2014

2‐(2‐Aminoexthoxy)ethanol or diglycolamine (DGA) is a CO2 absorption solvent that is suitable to treat natural gas, flue gas, and biogas or landfill gas. Equilibrium CO2 solubility in concentrated aqueous DGA solvents with varying molality was measured under absorption and desorption conditions at different temperatures. Viscosity and surface tension of the solvent before absorption, after absorption, and after desorption were determined. With increasing DGA molality, CO2 loading remained constant until the number of moles of DGA exceeded the number of moles of water. For a given DGA molality, with higher CO2 loading, viscosity increased exponentially and surface tension rose with a power of two.
Steam and Dry Reforming Processes Coupled with Partial Oxidation of Methane for CO2 Emission Reduction
Authors: Zhang Yishan , Zhang Shujing , Lou Helen H. , Gossage John L. , Benson Tracy J.
Published: August 2014

CO2 is thought to contribute to global climate change. A novel integrated process of steam methane reforming (SMR) and dry methane reforming (DMR) coupled to partial oxidation of methane (POX) has been developed that utilizes the compensating heat effects of DMR and POX and recycles a large amount of CO2 to the DMR+POX section. Both SMR and the integrated process were simulated using Aspen Plus and were optimized to operate under their respective optimum operating conditions. Modified mitigation cost (MMC) was implemented as the evaluation method. The results demonstrate that the combined process is more efficient than the SMR process due to its reutilization of CO2 and lower requirement of raw materials.
The Disproportionation of [Ni(tacn)]2+ in Ni2+ and [Ni(tacn)2]2+ Crystallographically Demonstrated (tacn=1,4,7‐Triazacyclononane)
Authors: Amendola Valeria , Boiocchi Massimo , Fabbrizzi Luigi , Fusco Nadia , Valeri Elisa
Published: August 2014

From an EtOH/H2O solution, 0.3 M each of Ni2+ and cyclic triamine tacn (2; tacn=1,4,7‐triazacyclononane), after 10 min refluxing and cooling at room temperature, copious and comparable amounts of blue crystals (containing the complex [Ni(tacn)(H2O)3]2+) and pink crystals (containing in the same cell both [Ni(H2O)6]2+ and [Ni(tacn)2]2+) precipitated. This unusual behaviour is ascribed to the fact that at the refluxing temperature the three species are present at the equilibrium in similar concentrations, which are frozen on cooling, due to the inertness of the macrocyclic complexes [Ni(tacn)(H2O)3]2+ and [Ni(tacn)2]2+.
π‐Extented Conjugated Polymers Entailing Pechmann Dye Moieties for Solution‐Processed Ambipolar Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Cai Zhengxu , Liu Zitong , Luo Hewei , Qi Penglin , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we report the design, synthesis and semiconducting behavior of two conjugated D‐A polymers BPDDTE and BPDBDTE which entail BPD, a Pechmann dye framework, as electron accepting moieties and (E)‐1,2‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)ethane with and without alkyl chains as electron donating moieties. They both show very narrow bandgaps below 1.3 eV. Based on the characterization of the field‐effect transistors, thin film of BPDDT exhibits ambipolar semiconducting properties with hole and electron mobilities reaching 0.245 and 0.095 cm2·V????????????1·s−1, respectively, after thermal annealing. Similarly, BPDBDTE with more alkylchains shows ambipolar semiconducting behavior with hole mobility and electron mobilities reaching 0.109 and 0.081 cm2·V−1·s−1. Furthermore, BPDBDTE shows good solubilities in several common organic solvents and thus is easily solution‐processible. Thus, BPDBDTE is potentially processible with inkjet printing and roll‐to‐roll printing techniques.
Rosuvastatin Reduces Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Jiang Fangyong , Yang Jin , Zhang Linchao , Li Rongshan , Zhuo Liuan , Sun Liping , Zhao Qin
Published: August 2014

Background

Statins reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but no clinical studies have investigated the role of statins in ischemia‐reperfusion injury after PCI.

Hypothesis

Rosuvastatin could reduce ischemia‐reperfusion injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with PCI.

Objectives

We investigated the effects of rosuvastatin on ischemia‐reperfusion injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI and evaluated short‐term prognosis.

Methods

Patients scheduled for emergent PCI were given either rosuvastatin for ≥6 months (10 mg/d, every night; n = 55) or no statins (control group; n = 65). Serum superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were determined before and after PCI, as well as left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume. Major adverse cardiac events were observed at follow‐ups for 6 months.

Results

Superoxide dismutase activity in the rosuvastatin‐treated group was higher than that of the control group; serum levels of malondialdehyde were lower. BNP and hs‐CRP levels in the rosuvastatin‐treated group were lower than that of the control group. Four weeks after PCI, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the treatment group was higher than that of the control group, and the left ventricular end‐diastolic volume was lower. At the 6‐month follow‐up, there was no difference in major adverse cardiac events between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Rosuvastatin before PCI reduced ischemia‐reperfusion injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome, which suggests the importance of application of rosuvastatin before PCI for early intervention.
Photochemistry and Photophysics at Extended Seams of Conical Intersection
Authors: Blancafort Lluís
Published: August 2014

The role of extended seams of conical intersection in excited‐state mechanisms is reviewed. Seams are crossings of the potential energy surface in many dimensions where the decay from the excited to the ground state can occur, and the extended seam is composed of different segments lying along a reaction coordinate. Every segment is associated with a different primary photoproduct, which gives rise to competing pathways. This idea is first illustrated for fulvene and ethylene, and then it is used to explain more complex cases such as the dependence of the isomerisation of retinal chromophore isomers on the protein environment, the dependence of the efficiency of the azobenzene photochemical switch on the wavelength of irradiation and the direction of the isomerisation, and the coexistence of different mechanisms in the photo‐induced Wolff rearrangement of diazonaphthoquinone. The role of extended seams in the photophysics of the DNA nucleobases and the relationship between two‐state seams and three‐state crossings is also discussed. As an outlook, the design of optical control strategies based on the passage of the excited molecule through the seam is considered, and it is shown how the excited‐state lifetime of fulvene can be modulated by shaping the energy of the seam.
Shape evolution of detached Bridgman crystals grown in microgravity
Authors: Volz M. P. , Mazuruk K.
Published: August 2014

Detached (or dewetted) Bridgman crystal growth defines that process in which a gap exists between a growing crystal and the crucible wall. In microgravity, the parameters that influence the existence of a stable gap are the growth angle of the solidifying crystal, the contact angle between the melt and the crucible wall, and the pressure difference across the meniscus. During actual crystal growth, the initial crystal radius will not have the precise value required for stable detached growth. Beginning with a crystal diameter that differs from stable conditions, numerical calculations are used to analyze the transient crystal growth process. Depending on the initial conditions and growth parameters, the crystal shape will either evolve towards attachment at the crucible wall, towards a stable gap width, or inwards towards eventual collapse of the meniscus. Dynamic growth stability is observed only when the sum of the growth and contact angles exceeds 180°.
A Molecular atlas of Xenopus respiratory system development
Authors: Rankin Scott A. , Thi Tran Hong , Wlizla Marcin , Mancini Pamela , Shifley Emily T. , Bloor Sean D. , Han Lu , Vleminckx Kris , Wert Susan E. , Zorn Aaron M.
Published: August 2014

Background: Respiratory system development is regulated by a complex series of endoderm–mesoderm interactions that are not fully understood. Recently Xenopus has emerged as an alternative model to investigate early respiratory system development, but the extent to which the morphogenesis and molecular pathways involved are conserved between Xenopus and mammals has not been systematically documented. Results: In this study, we provide a histological and molecular atlas of Xenopus respiratory system development, focusing on Nkx2.1+ respiratory cell fate specification in the developing foregut. We document the expression patterns of Wnt/β‐catenin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling components in the foregut and show that the molecular mechanisms of respiratory lineage induction are remarkably conserved between Xenopus and mice. Finally, using several functional experiments we refine the epistatic relationships among FGF, Wnt, and BMP signaling in early Xenopus respiratory system development. Conclusions: We demonstrate that Xenopus trachea and lung development, before metamorphosis, is comparable at the cellular and molecular levels to embryonic stages of mouse respiratory system development between embryonic days 8.5 and 10.5. This molecular atlas provides a fundamental starting point for further studies using Xenopus as a model to define the conserved genetic programs controlling early respiratory system development. Developmental Dynamics 244:69–85, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate‐based copolymer‐immobilized liposomes as UV and thermo dual‐triggerable carriers
Authors: Kim Jin‐Chul
Published: August 2014

UV‐ and temperature‐triggerable liposomes were prepared by modifying the surface of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) liposomes with poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate–co‐coumaryl acrylate–co‐2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) (P(HEA–CA–EHA)). P(HEA–CA–EHA)s were prepared by a free radical polymerization using reaction mixtures where HEA/CA/EHA molar ratio was 97.5:0.5:2 and 97:1:2. The CA residue of P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97.5:0.5:2) and that of P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97:1:2) were readily dimerized under the irradiation of UV light (254 nm, 6 W). P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97:1:2) exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) around 37°C but P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97.5:0.5:2) showed no LCST. EPC liposomes incorporating the copolymers of which EPC/copolymer ratio was 200:1–10:1 were prepared by bath‐type sonication. The fluorescence quenching degree was 65–92%, depending on the EPC/copolymer ratio. The liposomes released their content in response to the irradiation of the UV light, and the photo‐sensitivity of liposomes incorporating P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97:1:2) was somewhat higher than that of liposomes incorporating P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97.5:0.5:2). Liposomes incorporating P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97:1:2) exhibited a temperature‐responsive release, but liposomes bearing P(HEA–CA–EHA) (97.5:0.5:2) did not. The UV‐ and temperature‐triggered release property of the liposomes was possibly due to the photo‐ and thermo‐sensitive property of the copolymer immobilized on the liposomal surface.

Practical applications: The liposomes incorporating P(HEA‐CA‐EHA) could be applied in controlled release drug delivery, releasing the cargo in response to ultra‐violet light irradiation and to temperature change.

UV (panel A) and thermo (panel B)‐triggered release from liposome incorporating P(HEA–CA–EHA). EPC to copolymer ratio was 1:0 (●), 200:1 (○), 100:1 (▾), 50:1 (Δ), 20:1 (▪), and 10:1 (□) in panel (A). Temperature of release medium was 25°C (○), 36°C (Δ), and 44°C (●) in panel (B).
Supramolecular Control of Reactivity and Catalysis – Effective Molarities of Recognition‐Mediated Bimolecular Reactions
Authors: Di Stefano Stefano , Cacciapaglia Roberta , Mandolini Luigi
Published: August 2014

Reactivity data relating to bimolecular reactions of compounds featuring complementary recognition sites are critically surveyed and discussed in terms of effective molarity (EM) as an absolute measure of the efficiency of the intracomplex reactions. Comparison of experimentally determined EM values with idealized values estimated for strain‐free cyclizations on the basis of the number of internal rotors in the linker allowed quantification of the penalties of imperfect design in terms of entropy and strain.
A Common Synthetic Protocol for the Cyclic and Acyclic Core of Migrastatin, Isomigrastatin, and Dorrigocin via a Chiral β‐Hydroxy‐γ‐butyrolactone Intermediate
Authors: Gade Narendar Reddy , Iqbal Javed
Published: August 2014

A facile synthetic route has been developed for the synthesis of the cyclic and acyclic cores of migrastatin, isomigrastatin, and dorrigocin. The common synthetic route goes via a β‐hydroxy‐γ‐butyrolactone intermediate that is obtained by a PdII‐catalysed asymmetric allylic intramolecular cyclization of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylhex‐5‐enoic acid following a protocol developed by White and coworkers.
Electrochemical Determination of Homocysteine at Disposable Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Eksin Ece , Erdem Arzum
Published: August 2014

In the case of disruption of Hcy metabolism, the blood level of Hcy increases and it causes particularly the cardiovascular diseases, cancer, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Thus, the sensitive analysis of Hcy levels in biological fluids is very important. Hcy analysis was performed herein using very practical and cost‐effective protocol using differential pulse voltammetry and graphite electrode. Detection limit of Hcy was found to be 1.21 µM in the linear range from 2 µM to 20 µM. The electrochemical Hcy detection in artificial urine medium was also successfully performed even in the presence of L‐Cysteine, L‐Methionine and Glutathione.
Dietary Intake According to the Course of Symptoms of Eating Disorders in a School‐based Follow‐up Study of Adolescents
Authors: Aparicio‐Llopis Estefania , Canals Josefa , Arija Victoria
Published: August 2014

This study examines dietary intake according to the course of risk of eating disorder (rED) in a sample of school‐age followed from preadolescence to adolescence. An initial sample of 1 336 adolescents completed the Children's Eating Attitudes Test, and we selected a group with rED and a control group randomly. Two years later, 162 adolescents completed the Eating Attitudes Test and were classified into three groups according to the course of symptoms (no rED = 57; remission of rED = 62; persistent rED = 43). Dietary intake was assessed using a 3‐day food record and 24‐h recalls over 3 days. The results showed that girls with persistent rED reduced their energy and nutrient intake, with a 67.5% at risk of inadequate vitamin and mineral intake. Boys with persistent rED maintained their dietary intake, with a 25% at risk of inadequate vitamin and mineral micronutrient intake. Therefore, early detection of rED is necessary to prevent the exacerbation of nutritional problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Peatland restoration: controls on sediment production and reductions in carbon and pollutant export
Authors: Shuttleworth E. L. , Evans M. G. , Hutchinson S. M. , Rothwell J. J.
Published: August 2014

Peatlands are an important store of soil carbon, and play a vital role in global carbon cycling, and when located in close proximity to urban and industrial areas, can also act as sinks of atmospherically deposited heavy metals. Large areas of the UK's blanket peat are significantly degraded and actively eroding which negatively impacts carbon and pollutant storage. The restoration of eroding UK peatlands is a major conservation concern, and over the last decade measures have been taken to try to control erosion and restore large areas of degraded peat. This study utilizes a sediment source fingerprinting approach to assess the effect of restoration practices on sediment production, and carbon and pollutant export in the Peak District National Park, southern Pennines (UK). Suspended sediment was collected using time integrated mass flux samplers (TIMS), deployed across three field areas which represent the surface conditions exhibited through an erosion–restoration cycle: (i) intact; (ii) actively eroding; and (iii) recently re‐vegetated. Anthropogenic pollutants stored near the peat's surface have allowed material mobilized by sheet erosion to be distinguished from sediment eroded from gully walls. Re‐vegetation of eroding gully systems is most effective at stabilizing interfluve surfaces, switching the locus of sediment production from contaminated surface peat to relatively ‘clean’ gully walls. The stabilization of eroding surfaces reduces particulate organic carbon (POC) and lead (Pb) fluxes by two orders of magnitude, to levels comparable with those of an intact peatland, thus maintaining this important carbon and pollutant store. The re‐vegetation of gully floors also plays a key role in decoupling eroding surfaces from the fluvial system, and further reducing the flux of material. These findings indicate that the restoration practices have been effective over a relatively short timescale, and will help target and refine future restoration initiatives. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sediment budgets for a sediment‐laden river: the lower Wei River in the period 1960–1990
Authors: Shao Wenwei , Shi Changxing , Fan Xiaoli , Zhou Yuanyuan , Bai Jianbin
Published: August 2014

Fluvial sediment delivery is the main form of sediment transfer from the land to the sea, but this process is currently undergoing significant variations due to the alteration of catchment and base level controls related to climate change and human activities, especially the widespread construction of dams. Using the lower Wei River as an example and an integrated approach, this study investigates the variation of fluvial sediment delivery, as well as the connectivity under the effects of both controls. Based on hydrological records and channel cross‐section surveys, sediment budgets were constructed for two periods (1960–1970, 1970–1990) after the dam was closed in 1960. In the period 1960–1969, due to the elevated base level (327.2 ± 1.62 m) caused by the dam, the aggradation rate was 0.451 × 108 t yr‐1 in the channel and 0.716 × 108 t yr‐1 on the floodplain, indicating that the positive lateral connectivity between these locations was enhanced. As a consequence, serious sediment storage resulted in a sediment delivery ratio (SDR) that was smaller than that occurring before 1960. In the period 1970–1990, sweeping soil and water conservation (SWC) measures were implemented, resulting in a reduction of the connectivity between the trunk and tributaries, and a decrease of ~31% in the mean sediment input. In addition, together with the base level fluctuation in the range of 327.47 ± 0.49 m, the annual variation in sediment storage was primarily dependent on the water–sediment regime affected by the SWC. The negative lateral connectivity was enhanced between the channel and floodplain via bank erosion. Consequently, the aggradation rate was reduced by 89% on the floodplain and by 96% in the channel. Sediment output continued to decrease primarily due to the SWC practices and climate changes in this period, whereas the SDR increased due to the enhanced longitudinal connectivity between the upstream and downstream. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the geomorphological potential of freely available and accessible structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry using a smartphone
Authors: Micheletti Natan , Chandler Jim H. , Lane Stuart N.
Published: August 2014

We test the acquisition of high‐resolution topographic and terrain data using hand‐held smartphone technology, where the acquired images can be processed using technology freely available to the research community. This is achieved by evaluating the quality of digital terrain models (DTM) of a river bank and an Alpine alluvial fan generated with a fully automated, free‐to‐use, structure‐from‐motion package and a smartphone integrated camera (5 megapixels) with terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data used to provide a benchmark. To evaluate this approach a 16.2‐megapixel digital camera and an established, commercial, close‐range and semi‐automated software are also employed, and the product of the four combinations of the two types of cameras and software are compared. Results for the river bank survey demonstrate that centimetre‐precision DTMs can be achieved at close range (10 m or less), using a smartphone camera and a fully automated package. Results improve to sub‐centimetre precision with either higher‐resolution images or by applying specific post‐processing techniques to the smartphone DTMs. Application to an entire Alpine alluvial fan system shows the degradation of precision scales linearly with image scale, but that (i) the expected level of precision remains and (ii) difficulties in separating vegetation and sediment cover within the results are similar to those typically found when using other photo‐based techniques and laser scanning systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are nanosized or dissolved metals more toxic in the environment? A meta-analysis
Authors: Notter Dominic A. , Mitrano Denise M. , Nowack Bernd
Published: August 2014

Recently, much has been written about the extreme urgency of elaborating the regulations for engineered nanomaterials. Such regulations are needed both from lawmakers, to protect people from potentially adverse effects, and from industry representatives, to prove that nanoproducts are produced carefully and with caution to avoid possible lawsuits. However, developing regulations has proven to be a difficult task, and an ambiguous topic where errors can easily occur. In the present study, the authors present a meta-analysis of 3 different nanomaterials (nano-Ag, nano-ZnO, and nano-CuO) in which data from ecotoxicity studies and published half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values are compared for both the nano form and the corresponding dissolved metal. A ratio equal to 1 means that the particle is as toxic as the dissolved metal ion, whereas a lower ratio signifies that the nano form is less toxic than the dissolved metal based on total metal concentrations. The results show that for 93.8% (Ag), 100% (Cu), and 81% (Zn) of the ratios considered, the nano form is less toxic than the dissolved metal in terms of total metal concentration. Very few of the studies surveyed found a ratio of EC50 values for (dissolved/nano) that was larger than 2 (Ag: 1.1%; Cu: 0%; Zn: 2.8%). Hence, a reduction in existing metal concentration thresholds by a factor of 2 in current freshwater and soil regulations for ecotoxicity may be sufficient to protect organisms and compartments from the nano form of these metals as well. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2733–2739. © 2014 SETAC
The preparation and properties of three types of microcapsules of sweet orange oil using alginate and chitosan as wall material
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , He Long , Zhu Guangyong
Published: August 2014

A microcapsule of sweet orange oil was prepared by the gelation of sodium alginate with Ca2+. Orthogonal experiments were designed to investigate the encapsulation efficiency (EE) to be adopted as the target index. The optimum conditions were obtained as follows: sodium alginate concentration 2% (w/v), CaCl2 concentration 1.5% (w/v), ratio of core material to wall material 1.5:1, and emulsifying agents 0.1% (w/v) Tween80 and 0.1% (w/v) glyceryl monostearate. Under these conditions, the highest EE was 76.1%. Chitosan was added to prepare chitosan‐coated calcium alginate (CCCA) and chitosan–calcium alginate complex (CCAC) gel beads. The influence of the addition of chitosan on microcapsule's morphology, EE and release characteristic was the focus of study. For these three types of microcapsules, the results showed that both surface smoothness and EE in descending order were CCAC, CCCA and calcium alginate (CA) gel beads, while the order of release rate was CA, CCCA and CCAC gel beads. These three types of microcapsules could be used in chewing gum, puffed food and other food products to control release and prevent volatilization of flavour because of their different characteristics or properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensions of Employee Satisfaction as Determinants of Organizational Commitment in the Hotel Industry
Authors: García‐Almeida Desiderio Juan , Fernández‐Monroy Margarita , De Saá‐Pérez Petra
Published: August 2014

In today's dynamic environment, the role of employees and their level of organizational commitment are becoming increasingly important for business success, which is especially relevant for the service industry in general and for the tourism sector in particular because of problems associated with employee turnover, loyalty strategies with the customer, and so forth. Employee satisfaction is considered an essential ingredient for developing organizational commitment. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of different facets of employee job satisfaction, that is, job conditions, reward system, relations with superiors and co‐workers, organizational human resources (HR) policies, on employees’ organizational commitment in the hotel industry. The research hypotheses are tested with a sample of 760 hotel employees on Gran Canaria, Spain. The results show the relevance of the working conditions, direct rewards, relationships with managers, and the HR policies in order to develop a high level of organizational commitment.
Evaluating risks to wildlife from coal fly ash incorporating recent advances in metals and metalloids risk assessment
Authors: Meyer Carolyn B , Schlekat Tamar H , Walls Suzanne J , Iannuzzi Jacqueline , Souza Marcy J
Published: August 2014

Current scientific advances in metal and metalloid risk assessment were applied to evaluate risk to aquatic and riparian wildlife species potentially impacted by residual coal fly ash after cleanup of an unprecedented large ash release into an aquatic environment—the first assessment of its kind. Risk was evaluated using multiple lines of evidence (LOE), including 1) tissue-based risk assessment of inorganic concentrations in piscivorous and insectivorous bird eggs and raccoon organs, 2) deterministic and probabilistic diet-based risk estimates for 10 receptors species, 3) raccoon health metrics, and 4) tree swallow nest productivity measures. Innovative approaches included use of tissue-based toxicity reference values (TRVs), adjustment of bioavailability in the dietary uptake models (using sequential metal extractions in sediment), partitioning chemical species into uptake compartments (e.g., prey gut, nongut, sediment), incorporating uncertainty in both modeled dose and dietary TRVs, matching TRVs to chemical forms of constituents, and pairing these LOEs with reproductive success or health status of sensitive receptor species. The weight of evidence revealed that risk to wildlife from residual ash was low and that risk, though low, was most pronounced for insectivorous birds from exposure to Se and As. This information contributes to the debate surrounding coal combustion residue regulations prompted by this ash release. Because of the responsible party's proactive approach of applying state-of-the-art methods to assess risk using several LOEs that produced consistent results, and because of their inclusion of the regulating agencies in decisions at every step of the process, the risk assessment results were accepted, and an effective approach toward cleanup protective of the environment was quickly implemented. This study highlights the value of using multiple LOEs and the latest scientific advances to assist in timely decision making to obtain an effective remedy for an emergency spill. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:67–79. © 2014 SETAC

Key Points

The manuscript presents an assessment of risk to wildlife from exposure to residual coal fly ash in the Watts Bar Reservoir in Tennessee. The risk assessment utilized a weight-of-evidence approach that relied on multiple lines of evidence including dietary uptake models, concentrations in tissues, reproductive success, and health metrics. Dietary uptake models were used to estimate both deterministic and probabilistic risk. The dietary model inputs were refined to incorporate site-specific measures of bioaccessibility/bioavailability based on advances in metals risk assessment that support the importance of bioavailability considerations. The results indicate that ash-related metals posed negligible risk to herbivorous wildlife and low risk to other species which was most pronounced in aerial insectivorous birds.
Ecological risk assessment for residual coal fly ash at Watts Bar Reservoir, Tennessee: Limited alteration of riverine-reservoir benthic invertebrate community following dredging of ash-contaminated sediment
Authors: Buys David J , Stojak Amber R , Stiteler William , Baker Tyler F
Published: August 2014

Benthic invertebrate communities were assessed after the December 2008 release of approximately 4.1 million m3 coal fly ash from a disposal dredge cell at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant on Watts Bar Reservoir in Roane County, Tennessee, USA. Released ash filled the adjacent embayments and the main channel of the Emory River, migrating into reaches of the Emory, Clinch, and Tennessee Rivers. Dredging was completed in summer 2010, and the benthic community sampling was conducted in December 2010. This study is part of a series that supported an Ecological Risk Assessment for the Kingston site. Benthic invertebrate communities were sampled at transects spread across approximately 20 miles of river that includes both riverine and reservoirlike conditions. Community composition was assessed on a grab sample and transect basis across multiple cross-channel transects to gain an understanding of the response of the benthic community to a fly ash release of this magnitude. This assessment used invertebrate community metrics, similarity analysis, geospatial statistics, and correlations with sediment chemistry and habitat. The community composition was reflective of a reservoir system, with dominant taxa being insect larva, bivalves, and aquatic worms. Most community metric results were similar for ash-impacted areas and upstream reference areas. Variation in the benthic community was correlated more with habitat than with sediment chemistry or residual ash. Other studies have reported that a benthic community can take several years to a decade to recover from ash or ash-related constituents. Although released ash undoubtedly had some initial impacts on the benthic community in this study, the severity of these effects appears to be limited to the initial smothering of the organisms followed by a rapid response and the initial start of recovery postdredging. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:43–55. © 2014 SETAC

Key Points

The benthic community recolonized the system in a quicker timeframe than other ash-impacted sites. The severity of effects appears to be limited to the initial smothering of benthic organisms. Variation in the community was correlated more with habitat than residual ash. Long-term monitoring of the benthic community will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the remedial action and natural recovery.
HER2‐positive gastric cancer with concomitant MET and/or EGFR overexpression: A distinct subset of patients for dual inhibition therapy
Authors: Ha Sang Yun , Lee Jeeyun , Jang Jiryeon , Hong Jung Yong , Do In‐Gu , Park Se Hoon , Park Joon Oh , Choi Min‐Gew , Sohn Tae Sung , Bae Jae Moon , Kim Sung , Kim Minji , Kim Seonwoo , Park Cheol Keun , Kang Won Ki , Kim Kyoung‐Mee
Published: August 2014

Growth factor receptors, often carrying tyrosine kinase activities in their cytoplasmic domains, are overexpressed in many cancers. Coactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) plays a critical role in tumor response to targeted therapeutics. We examined concomitant overexpression of EGFR and MET in patients with HER2+ and HER2− gastric cancers (GCs). Tissue microarray samples obtained from 1,589 GC patients who received R0 gastrectomy with extensive node dissection and adjuvant chemoradiationtherapy were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. HER2+ was observed in 169 patients (11%). Out of 169 HER2+ patients, 15 (9%) were EGFR+ and MET+, 29 (17%) were EGFR+, 37 (22%) were MET+ and the remaining 88 patients (52%) were HER2+ only, without concomitant EGFR or MET overexpression. Greater number of overexpressed RTKs correlated with younger age (p < 0.001), larger tumor size (p = 0.027), intestinal histology (p < 0.001) and shorter overall survival (p = 0.002). The mean overall survival was 113 months for HER2−/EGFR−/MET− and 63 months for HER2+/EGFR+/MET+ subgroups. Patients with HER2+/EGFR+/MET+ GCs had a substantial risk of death with a hazard ratio of 3.01 (95% CI: 1.54–5.90), compared with HER2−/EGFR−/MET− GC patients. Using patient‐derived tumor cell models isolated from pericardial effusion of HER2+ and MET+ GC cases, we demonstrated that the combination of HER2‐inhibitor (lapatinib) and MET‐inhibitor offered a more profound inhibition in the ERK/AKT pathway and cell proliferation than lapatinib alone. Co‐overexpression of RTKs was demonstrated in small subsets of GC associated with aggressive behavior and in these cases, combination therapy may be considered as potential treatment options.
Procedural sedation and analgesia as an adjunct to periprostatic nerve block for prostate biopsy: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Doğanca Tünkut , Savsin Abdurrahman , Erdoğan Sarper , Altindas Fatis , Özdemir Fatih , Ekici Birsel , Öbek Can
Published: August 2014

Background

To assess whether patient comfort could be increased by adding procedural sedation and analgesia (PSAA) to periprostatic nerve block (PNB) in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsy (TRUS‐PB).

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized (1:2) trial comparing PNB with the combination of PSAA+PNB in patients undergoing TRUS‐PB. PNB was achieved by using lidocaine gel and lidocaine and bipuvacaine infiltration. PSAA‐treated patients received midazolam and remifentanil. All biopsies were standardized and performed in a fully equipped endourology suite. PSAA was delivered by an anesthesiology nurse in the presence and availability of an anesthesiologist. An orally administered numeric scale of 0–10 was used to assess the patient's pain, and a visual scale of 0–4 was used to quantify their satisfaction. Pain and satisfaction scores were compared between the groups.

Results

Data on 331 patients were analyzed: 235 received PNB, and 96 received PSAA+PNB. Distribution within the groups by age, prostate‐specific antigen serum levels, prostate volume, and number of cores obtained was similar. Airway insertion was required in 4 of 96 patients in PSAA+PNB arm (4%), with no other complications related to sedation. The average pain level was significantly lower in the PSAA+PNB group than it was in the PNB group (0.88 versus 1.31; p = 0.008). The satisfaction level was high (3.5) and alike in the two groups; however, significantly more patients reported a perfect score of 4 in the PSAA+PNB arm (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

PSAA with midazolam and remifentanil used as an adjunct to the standard PNB is safe and effective during TRUS‐PB. Patients undergoing PSAA in addition to PNB experienced significantly less pain and higher satisfaction scores than did those given PNB alone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:288–294, 2015
Embedding a Graph‐Like Continuum in Some Surface
Authors: Christian R. , Richter R. B. , Salazar G.
Published: August 2014

We show that a graph‐like continuum embeds in some surface if and only if it does not contain one of: a generalized thumbtack; or infinitely many K3, 3s or K5s that are either pairwise disjoint or all have just a single point in common.
Combining Contemporary and Soviet‐Era Management Practices to Achieve Excellence at Knauf CIS
Authors: Gurkov Igor , Kossov Vladimir
Published: August 2014

Over the past 20 years, Knauf CIS, a subsidiary of an international family‐owned German manufacturer of gypsum‐based and other construction materials, has dominated its market through a creative combination of Western management techniques and workplace practices rooted in the rapid development of Soviet industry from 1955 to 1978. Despite the uncertainties of operating in transitional economies, the company has improved both quality and performance through cautious development of human resources, aggressive modernization of facilities, creative marketing, multilevel outreach to a broad base of stakeholders, and unwavering commitment to training not only production staff but also the end users of its products. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engaging Staff as Problem Solvers Leads to Continuous Improvement at Allina Health
Authors: Clancy Gregory , Graban Mark
Published: August 2014

In a Kaizen endeavor at Allina Health—a nonprofit health system in the Midwestern United States with more than 26,000 employees—nurses, doctors, dietitians, engineers, housekeepers, and all other staff in four units were encouraged to contribute ideas to solve the problems they encountered on the job. Managers at all levels used effective communication, constructive feedback, and supportive delegation to coach their efforts rather than dictate solutions from above. The results led to a wide range of process improvements that cut costs and enhanced safety, efficiency, patient satisfaction, quality, and morale. Over time, the initiative will be rolled out system‐wide toward the formation of an organizational culture that empowers every staff member to improve the flow and outcome of their daily responsibilities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing Leadership and Cultural Change at Beak and Johnston: A Work in Progress
Authors: Harvey William S. , Parry Stuart , Vorbach Paul
Published: August 2014

As it strives to attain its goal of becoming an AUD$1 billion company by 2020, Beak and Johnston (B&J), a family‐owned food processing business based in Sydney, Australia, has embarked on a transformative leadership and cultural enhancement process. The company's founder and CEO, David Beak, is trying to improve the capabilities of his senior strategy team while stepping back from the business. To that end, the company has adopted a leadership development approach with an eye on succession planning in which workers at all levels are encouraged to speak openly. It also is fostering cultural change with a less hierarchical organizational structure in which factory managers are empowered with greater levels of responsibility and accountability. The insights revealed in this candid snapshot of an organization in transition offer valuable lessons on the essential elements of an effective change effort. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.