bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of defensible space for residential structure protection during wildfires
Authors: Syphard Alexandra D. , Brennan Teresa J. , Keeley Jon E.
Published: October 2014

With the potential for worsening fire conditions, discussion is escalating over how to best reduce effects on urban communities. A widely supported strategy is the creation of defensible space immediately surrounding homes and other structures. Although state and local governments publish specific guidelines and requirements, there is little empirical evidence to suggest how much vegetation modification is needed to provide significant benefits. We analysed the role of defensible space by mapping and measuring a suite of variables on modern pre-fire aerial photography for 1000 destroyed and 1000 surviving structures for all fires where homes burned from 2001 to 2010 in San Diego County, CA, USA. Structures were more likely to survive a fire with defensible space immediately adjacent to them. The most effective treatment distance varied between 5 and 20 m (16–58 ft) from the structure, but distances larger than 30 m (100 ft) did not provide additional protection, even for structures located on steep slopes. The most effective actions were reducing woody cover up to 40% immediately adjacent to structures and ensuring that vegetation does not overhang or touch the structure. Multiple-regression models showed landscape-scale factors, including low housing density and distances to major roads, were more important in explaining structure destruction. The best long-term solution will involve a suite of prevention measures that include defensible space as well as building design approach, community education and proactive land use planning that limits exposure to fire.
Actor-specific contributions to the deforestation slowdown in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Godar Javier , Gardner Toby A. , Tizado E. Jorge , Pacheco Pablo
Published: October 2014

Significance

The Brazilian Amazon is at a critical juncture after the recent stabilization of deforestation rates. Identifying opportunities for continued deforestation reductions requires an understanding of the contribution of different actors to overall deforestation. We provide the first such assessment, to our knowledge, that reports on two headline findings. First, between 2004 and 2011, areas dominated by properties larger than 500 ha accounted for 48% of the deforestation compared with only 12% for smallholders (<100 ha). Second, the deforestation share attributed to the largest properties (≥2,500 ha) declined by 63% from a peak in 2005, whereas that of smallholders increased by 69%. Further reductions in deforestation are likely to require a shift toward more incentive-based policies that are tailored toward different actors.
Why the proportion of transmission during early-stage HIV infection does not predict the long-term impact of treatment on HIV incidence
Authors: Eaton Jeffrey W. , Hallett Timothy B.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Antiretroviral treatment (ART), which prevents both morbidity and HIV transmission for persons infected with HIV, is now thought to be central to strategies for controlling the spread of HIV. One major concern has been that if a large proportion of HIV transmission occurs early in infection, before persons can be diagnosed and treated, the impact of treatment on reducing new infections will be less. We use a mathematical model to quantify how the proportion of early transmission will affect the impact of intervention strategies, and explain underlying epidemiological mechanisms for this. Model simulations suggest that—counter to expectations—the proportion of early transmission at the start of an ART intervention does not predict the long-term intervention impact.
Ribonucleotide reductases reveal novel viral diversity and predict biological and ecological features of unknown marine viruses
Authors: Sakowski Eric G. , Munsell Erik V. , Hyatt Mara , Kress William , Williamson Shannon J. , Nasko Daniel J. , Polson Shawn W. , Wommack K. Eric
Published: October 2014

Significance

Within aquatic ecosystems viruses facilitate horizontal gene transfer, biogeochemical cycling, and energy transfer by infecting and lysing microbial host cells. Despite their critical role in ecosystem function we understand little of the biological, ecological, and evolutionary features of most viruses in nature. We identify ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) genes as superior markers of viral diversity. RNR genes are distributed over a broad range of viruses. The most abundant RNR genes in marine environments are from novel groups only distantly related to known viruses. Frequency distributions of RNR clades within viral metagenome sequence libraries support predictions made by the “kill the winner” hypothesis, indicating that specialist podoviruses specifically adapted to infecting abundant heterotrophic bacterioplankton predominate within the virioplankton.
Regulation of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence factors by two novel RNA thermometers
Authors: Grosso-Becerra María Victoria , Croda-García Gerardo , Merino Enrique , Servín-González Luis , Mojica-Espinosa Raúl , Soberón-Chávez Gloria
Published: October 2014

Significance

Several bacteria that are pathogens of humans regulate the production of virulence factors in response to temperature changes, expressing them only at 37 °C. This thermoregulation is commonly due to the presence of RNA structures (RNA thermometers) in the 5′ regions of transcripts specifying regulatory proteins responsible for the expression of virulence-associated traits. At environmental conditions, RNA thermometers possess structures that block translation initiation of mRNAs, whereas at body temperature these structures are no longer stable, allowing the synthesis of their corresponding proteins. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, the molecular basis of thermoregulation of virulence-factor production in the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and have determined that this regulation is achieved by two RNA thermometers with previously unidentified characteristics not previously reported in bacteria.
Constraints on the magnitude and rate of CO2dissolution at Bravo Dome natural gas field
Authors: Sathaye Kiran J. , Hesse Marc A. , Cassidy Martin , Stockli Daniel F.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Carbon capture and geological storage allow immediate and significant reductions in CO2emissions from fossil fuels. CO2dissolution into saline water enhances long-term storage security, but dissolution rates are too slow to be quantified during injection pilots. Therefore, we estimate dissolution rates over millennial timescales at the Bravo Dome gas field, a natural analog for geological CO2storage. We show that 1.6 Gt CO2have been stored at Bravo Dome since the beginning of CO2emplacement 1.2–1.5 Ma. Approximately 10% of the CO2dissolved during its emplacement, while another 10% dissolved into the underlying aquifer. This exceeds the amount expected from diffusion and provides field evidence for convective CO2dissolution. The convective dissolution rate, however, is slow in typical US aquifers.
Interplay of Mg
2+
, ADP, and ATP in the cytosol and mitochondria: Unravelling the role of Mg
2+
in cell respiration
Authors: Gout Elisabeth , Rébeillé Fabrice , Douce Roland , Bligny Richard
Published: October 2014

Significance

The respiration of heterotrophic cells, where most of the ATP demand is met by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, is generally thought to be regulated either by the ATP/ADP ratio and/or energy charge or by nucleotide concentration. The way in which ADP and ATP may directly mediate respiration remains unclear, however. Furthermore, because only free nucleotides are exchanged by the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier, whereas MgADP is the substrate of ATP-synthase, Mg
2+
compartmentation must be known. For this purpose, we performed simultaneous measurements of free and Mg-complexed nucleotides and Mg
2+
in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix using NMR-based techniques. Physiological alterations induced by Mg starvation helped unravel the key role of cytosolic and mitochondrial Mg
2+
and free ADP in the regulation of cell respiration.
Loss of conformational entropy in protein folding calculated using realistic ensembles and its implications for NMR-based calculations
Authors: Baxa Michael C. , Haddadian Esmael J. , Jumper John M. , Freed Karl F. , Sosnick Tobin R.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Despite 40 years of study, no consensus has been achieved on the magnitude of the loss of backbone (BB) and side-chain (SC) entropies upon folding, even though these quantities are essential for characterizing the energetics of folding and conformational change. We calculate the loss using experimentally validated denatured and native state ensembles, avoiding the drastic assumptions used in many past analyses. By also accounting for correlated motions, we find that the loss of BB entropy is three- to fourfold larger than the SC contribution. Our values differ with some calculations by up to a factor of 3 and depend strongly on 2° structure. These results have implications upon other thermodynamic properties, the estimation of entropy using NMR methods, and coarse-grained simulations.
A nonpyrrolysine member of the widely distributed trimethylamine methyltransferase family is a glycine betaine methyltransferase
Authors: Ticak Tomislav , Kountz Duncan J. , Girosky Kimberly E. , Krzycki Joseph A. , Ferguson Donald J.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Pyrrolysine, the 22nd amino acid, is found in few proteins. One, the trimethylamine methyltransferase MttB, forms a small portion of a large family of proteins. Most in this family lack pyrrolysine and have no known activity. We show that one such protein, MtgB, is a glycine betaine methyltransferase, providing functional context that may explain the relationship between family members with and without pyrrolysine. Close relatives of MtgB are encoded in many of the abundant bacteria in the oceans, as well as different microbes undertaking symbioses ranging from plants to humans. This finding implies that MtgB might partake in a widespread and underappreciated pathway of GB metabolism contributing significantly to global carbon and nitrogen cycling as well as human health.
Sequence selectivity of macrolide-induced translational attenuation
Authors: Davis Amber R. , Gohara David W. , Yap Mee-Ngan F.
Published: October 2014

Significance

By globally mapping the position of stalled ribosomes in macrolide-treated
Staphylococcus aureus
, we identified the proteins whose synthesis is affected by this antibiotic. Rather than acting as a nonselective inhibitor, the binding of macrolides to the ribosome tunnel only induces stalling at a few unique sites that are enriched in proline and charged residues. The sequences that flank the stalling sites are highly variable but are essential for efficient stalling. Although it has long been assumed that macrolides inhibit translation after the synthesis of a few residues, we found that stalling could occur at any point during translation. Our results reveal a striking conservation of stalling motifs among all known arrest peptides that strongly suggests a universal ribosome stalling mechanism.
XAF1 directs apoptotic switch of p53 signaling through activation of HIPK2 and ZNF313
Authors: Lee Min-Goo , Han Jikhyon , Jeong Seong-In , Her Nam-Gu , Lee Jin-Hee , Ha Tae-Kyu , Kang Min-Ju , Ryu Byung-Kyu , Chi Sung-Gil
Published: October 2014

Significance

Epigenetic inactivation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (XAF1) is frequently observed in multiple human malignancies. However, the mechanisms underlying its tumor-suppression function remain largely undefined. Here, we identify XAF1 as a positive feedback regulator of p53, which directs the apoptotic switch of p53 signaling. As a unique transcription target of p53 in signaling apoptosis, XAF1 acts as a competitor of E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 in binding to p53 and thus disrupts the p53–MDM2 regulatory loop. Moreover, XAF1 appears to promote homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2)-mediated p53 phosphorylation by interrupting HIPK2-targeting function of E3 ubiquitin ligase Siah2 and promotes zinc finger protein 313 (ZNF313)-induced p21
WAF1
ubiquitination. XAF1 thus represents one critical regulator of p53’s cell-fate decision function, suggesting that restoring the p53–XAF1 feedback loop could be an attractive avenue for the therapeutic intervention of malignant tumor progression.
Structural basis of thymosin-β4/profilin exchange leading to actin filament polymerization
Authors: Xue Bo , Leyrat Cedric , Grimes Jonathan M. , Robinson Robert C.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Thymosin-β4 (Tβ4) sequesters actin monomers to help maintain the high concentrations of unpolymerized actin in higher eukaryotic cells. Despite more than two decades of research investigating the Tβ4–actin interaction, the X-ray structure of the full-length Tβ4:actin complex remained unresolved. Here, we report two X-ray structures of Tβ4:actin complexes. The first structure reveals that Tβ4 has two helices that bind at the barbed and pointed faces of actin, whereas the second structure displays a more open actin nucleotide binding cleft and a disruption of the Tβ4 C-terminal helix interaction. These structures, combined with biochemical assays and molecular dynamics simulations, reveal how Tβ4 prevents monomeric actin from joining actin filaments but participates in the exchange of actin with profilin to ensure controlled actin polymerization.
Argonaute-1 binds transcriptional enhancers and controls constitutive and alternative splicing in human cells
Authors: Alló Mariano , Agirre Eneritz , Bessonov Sergey , Bertucci Paola , Gómez Acuña Luciana , Buggiano Valeria , Bellora Nicolás , Singh Babita , Petrillo Ezequiel , Blaustein Matías , Miñana Belén , Dujardin Gwendal , Pozzi Berta , Pelisch Federico , Bechara Elías , Agafonov Dmitry E. , Srebrow Anabella , Lührmann Reinhard , Valcárcel Juan , Eyras Eduardo , Kornblihtt Alberto R.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Argonaute proteins are well characterized factors in posttranscriptional gene silencing, the process by which small RNAs trigger mRNA degradation or inhibit translation in the cytoplasm. We report here that Argonaute proteins also play important roles in the nucleus. Our genome-wide analysis reveals that Argonaute-1 (AGO-1) binds preferentially to active transcriptional enhancers and that this association is mediated by the RNAs that are transcribed from these enhancers (eRNAs). Moreover, the interaction of AGO-1 with enhancers does not seem to regulate transcription of the neighboring genes but of alternative and constitutive splicing. These results contribute to the understanding of the complex regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
Whole-genome sequencing analysis of phenotypic heterogeneity and anticipation in Li–Fraumeni cancer predisposition syndrome
Authors: Ariffin Hany , Hainaut Pierre , Puzio-Kuter Anna , Choong Soo Sin , Chan Adelyne Sue Li , Tolkunov Denis , Rajagopal Gunaretnam , Kang Wenfeng , Lim Leon Li Wen , Krishnan Shekhar , Chen Kok-Siong , Achatz Maria Isabel , Karsa Mawar , Shamsani Jannah , Levine Arnold J. , Chan Chang S.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Germ-line mutation in the tumor suppressor
TP53
causes Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a complex predisposition to multiple cancers. Types of cancers and ages at diagnosis vary among subjects and families, with apparent genetic anticipation: i.e., earlier cancer onset with successive generations. It has been proposed that anticipation is caused by accumulation of copy-number variations (CNV) in a context of
TP53
haploinsufficiency. Using genome/exome sequencing, we found no evidence of increased rates of CNVs in two successive generations of
TP53
mutation carriers and in successive generations of
Trp53
-deficient mice. We propose a stochastic model called “genetic regression” to explain apparent anticipation in LFS, caused by segregation of rare SNP and de novo mutations rather than by cumulative DNA damage.
Locating folds of the in-register parallel β-sheet of the Sup35p prion domain infectious amyloid
Authors: Gorkovskiy Anton , Thurber Kent R. , Tycko Robert , Wickner Reed B.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Infectious proteins (prions) are capable of encoding genetic information by templating their conformation, just as DNA templates its sequence. The mechanism of this templating has not been clear. We provide definitive proof that the architecture of amyloid of the prion domain of yeast prion protein Sup35p is a folded in-register parallel β-sheet, and our data identify some of the sites of folds in the sheet. This architecture naturally suggests a templating mechanism based on favorable interactions among aligned side chains of identical amino acids. This is the only mechanism suggested to date for such a conformation templating.
Specific fibroblastic niches in secondary lymphoid organs orchestrate distinct Notch-regulated immune responses
Authors: Fasnacht Nicolas , Huang Hsin-Ying , Koch Ute , Favre Stéphanie , Auderset Floriane , Chai Qian , Onder Lucas , Kallert Sandra , Pinschewer Daniel D. , MacDonald H. Robson , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne , Ludewig Burkhard , Luther Sanjiv A. , Radtke Freddy
Published: October 2014

Fibroblast-like cells of secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) are important for tissue architecture. In addition, they regulate lymphocyte compartmentalization through the secretion of chemokines, and participate in the orchestration of appropriate cell–cell interactions required for adaptive immunity. Here, we provide data demonstrating the functional importance of SLO fibroblasts during Notch-mediated lineage specification and immune response. Genetic ablation of the Notch ligand Delta-like (DL)1 identified splenic fibroblasts rather than hematopoietic or endothelial cells as niche cells, allowing Notch 2–driven differentiation of marginal zone B cells and of Esam+ dendritic cells. Moreover, conditional inactivation of DL4 in lymph node fibroblasts resulted in impaired follicular helper T cell differentiation and, consequently, in reduced numbers of germinal center B cells and absence of high-affinity antibodies. Our data demonstrate previously unknown roles for DL ligand-expressing fibroblasts in SLO niches as drivers of multiple Notch-mediated immune differentiation processes.
Interfacial gating triad is crucial for electromechanical transduction in voltage-activated potassium channels
Authors: Chowdhury Sandipan , Haehnel Benjamin M. , Chanda Baron
Published: October 2014

Voltage-dependent potassium channels play a crucial role in electrical excitability and cellular signaling by regulating potassium ion flux across membranes. Movement of charged residues in the voltage-sensing domain leads to a series of conformational changes that culminate in channel opening in response to changes in membrane potential. However, the molecular machinery that relays these conformational changes from voltage sensor to the pore is not well understood. Here we use generalized interaction-energy analysis (GIA) to estimate the strength of site-specific interactions between amino acid residues putatively involved in the electromechanical coupling of the voltage sensor and pore in the outwardly rectifying KV channel. We identified candidate interactors at the interface between the S4–S5 linker and the pore domain using a structure-guided graph theoretical approach that revealed clusters of conserved and closely packed residues. One such cluster, located at the intracellular intersubunit interface, comprises three residues (arginine 394, glutamate 395, and tyrosine 485) that interact with each other. The calculated interaction energies were 3–5 kcal, which is especially notable given that the net free-energy change during activation of the Shaker KV channel is ∼14 kcal. We find that this triad is delicately maintained by balance of interactions that are responsible for structural integrity of the intersubunit interface while maintaining sufficient flexibility at a critical gating hinge for optimal transmission of force to the pore gate.
Phylostratigraphic Bias Creates Spurious Patterns of Genome Evolution
Authors: Moyers Bryan A. , Zhang Jianzhi
Published: October 2014

Phylostratigraphy is a method for dating the evolutionary emergence of a gene or gene family by identifying its homologs across the tree of life, typically by using BLAST searches. Applying this method to all genes in a species, or genomic phylostratigraphy, allows investigation of genome-wide patterns in new gene origination at different evolutionary times and thus has been extensively used. However, gene age estimation depends on the challenging task of detecting distant homologs via sequence similarity, which is expected to have differential accuracies for different genes. Here, we evaluate the accuracy of phylostratigraphy by realistic computer simulation with parameters estimated from genomic data, and investigate the impact of its error on findings of genome evolution. We show that 1) phylostratigraphy substantially underestimates gene age for a considerable fraction of genes, 2) the error is especially serious when the protein evolves rapidly, is short, and/or its most conserved block of sites is small, and 3) these errors create spurious nonuniform distributions of various gene properties among age groups, many of which cannot be predicted a priori. Given the high likelihood that conclusions about gene age are faulty, we advocate the use of realistic simulation to determine if observations from phylostratigraphy are explainable, at least qualitatively, by a null model of biased measurement, and in all cases, critical evaluation of results.
Open TG-GATEs: a large-scale toxicogenomics database
Authors: Igarashi Yoshinobu , Nakatsu Noriyuki , Yamashita Tomoya , Ono Atsushi , Ohno Yasuo , Urushidani Tetsuro , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: October 2014

Toxicogenomics focuses on assessing the safety of compounds using gene expression profiles. Gene expression signatures from large toxicogenomics databases are expected to perform better than small databases in identifying biomarkers for the prediction and evaluation of drug safety based on a compound's toxicological mechanisms in animal target organs. Over the past 10 years, the Japanese Toxicogenomics Project consortium (TGP) has been developing a large-scale toxicogenomics database consisting of data from 170 compounds (mostly drugs) with the aim of improving and enhancing drug safety assessment. Most of the data generated by the project (e.g. gene expression, pathology, lot number) are freely available to the public via Open TG-GATEs (Toxicogenomics Project-Genomics Assisted Toxicity Evaluation System). Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the database, including both gene expression data and metadata, with a description of experimental conditions and procedures used to generate the database. Open TG-GATEs is available from https://toxico.nibiohn.go.jp/english/index.html.
Immunosuppression and monocyte subsets
Authors: Rogacev Kyrill S. , Zawada Adam M. , Hundsdorfer Johanna , Achenbach Marina , Held Gerhard , Fliser Danilo , Heine Gunnar H.
Published: October 2014

Background

Monocytes are critical in innate immunity and transplantation. Three monocyte subsets exist, CD14++CD16−, CD14++CD16+ and CD14+CD16++ monocytes; cell counts of CD14++CD16+ and CD14+CD16++ monocytes are increased in pre-transplant chronic kidney disease. Interestingly, the effect of immunosuppressants on monocyte heterogeneity has not been well studied.

Methods

The impact of immunosuppressants on monocyte subsets was studied: (i) in 152 kidney transplant (KTx) recipients to characterize subset distribution in the steady state, (ii) in patients after autologous (n = 10) versus allogenic (n = 9) haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to analyse monocyte subset development and (iii) in an in vitro model to compare the effect of immunosuppressants on monocyte subset biology.

Results

In KTx, steroid intake was associated with higher total, CD14++CD16− and CD14++CD16+ monocyte counts, but fewer CD14+CD16++ monocytes, whereas intake of mycophenolate, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORI) did not affect monocyte (subset) counts. In linear regression analysis, only steroid intake was a significant determinant of monocyte (subset) counts: total monocytes (β = 0.331; P < 0.001), CD14++CD16− monocytes (β = 0.374; P < 0.001), CD14++CD16+ monocytes (β = 0.221; P = 0.010) and CD14+CD16++ monocytes (β = −0.169; P = 0.049). After HSCT, CD14++CD16− monocytes were the first to arise, followed by CD14++CD16+ and later by CD14+CD16++ monocytes. Monocyte subset distribution did not differ significantly in patients after allogenic compared with autologous transplantation. CNI, mycophenolate and methotrexate did not influence monocyte subset development, but modified surface receptor expression (CCR2, HLA-DR, ENG, TEK and TLR4) in allogenic HSCT.

Conclusion

Chronic low-dose steroids are associated with monocytosis and higher counts of CD14++CD16− and of proinflammatory CD14++CD16+ monocytes.
Evolutionary Pathways to Break Down the Resistance of Allelic Versions of the PVY Resistance Gene va
Authors: Janzac B. , Tribodet M. , Lacroix C. , Moury B. , Verrier J. L. , Jacquot E.
Published: October 2014

Emergence of viral genotypes can make control strategies based on resistance genes ineffective. A few years after the deployment of tobacco genotypes carrying alleles of the Potato virus Y (PVY) recessive resistance gene va, virulent PVY isolates have been reported, suggesting the low durability of va. To have a broader view of the evolutionary processes involved in PVY adaptation to va, we studied mutational pathways leading to the emergence of PVY resistance-breaking populations. The viral genome-linked protein (VPg) has been described to be potentially involved in va adaptation. Analyses of the VPg sequence of PVY isolates sampled from susceptible and resistant tobacco allowed us to identify mutations in the central part of the VPg. Analysis of the virulence of wild-type isolates with known VPg sequences and of mutated versions of PVY infectious clones allowed us to (i) validate VPg as the PVY virulence factor corresponding to va, (ii) highlight the fact that virulence gain in PVY occurs rapidly and preferentially by substitution at position AA105 in the VPg, and (iii) show that the 101G substitution in the VPg of a PVYC isolate is responsible for cross-virulence toward two resistance sources. Moreover, it appears that the evolutionary pathway of PVY adaptation to va depends on both virus and host genetic backgrounds.
Avian scavengers and the threat from veterinary pharmaceuticals
Authors: Cuthbert Richard J. , Taggart Mark A. , Prakash Vibhu , Chakraborty Soumya S. , Deori Parag , Galligan Toby , Kulkarni Mandar , Ranade Sachin , Saini Mohini , Sharma Anil Kumar , Shringarpure Rohan , Green Rhys E.
Published: October 2014

Veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac on domesticated ungulates caused populations of resident
Gyps
vultures in the Indian sub-continent to collapse. The birds died when they fed on carrion from treated animals. Veterinary diclofenac was banned in 2006 and meloxicam was advocated as a ‘vulture-safe’ alternative. We examine the effectiveness of the 2006 ban, whether meloxicam has replaced diclofenac, and the impact of these changes on vultures. Drug residue data from liver samples collected from ungulate carcasses in India since 2004 demonstrate that the prevalence of diclofenac in carcasses in 2009 was half of that before the ban and meloxicam prevalence increased by 44%. The expected vulture death rate from diclofenac per meal in 2009 was one-third of that before the ban. Surveys at veterinary clinics show that diclofenac use in India began in 1994, coinciding with the onset of rapid
Gyps
declines ascertained from measured rates of declines. Our study shows that one pharmaceutical product has had a devastating impact on Asia's vultures. Large-scale research and survey were needed to detect, diagnose and quantify the problem and measure the response to remedial actions. Given these difficulties, other effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment may remain undetected.
Putting pharmaceuticals into the wider context of challenges to fish populations in rivers
Authors: Johnson Andrew C. , Sumpter John P.
Published: October 2014

The natural range of fish species in our rivers is related to flow, elevation, temperature, local habitat and connectivity. For over 2000 years, humans have altered to varying degrees the river habitat. In the past 200 years, we added to the environmental disruption by discharging poorly treated sewage, nutrients and industrial waste into our rivers. For many rivers, the low point arrived during the period of 1950s–1970s, when rapid economic development overrode environmental concerns and dissolved oxygen concentrations dropped to zero. In these more enlightened times, gross river pollution is a thing of the past in the Developed World. However, persistent legacy chemical contaminants can be found in fish long after their discharge ceased. Changes in habitat quality and morphology caused and continue to cause the disappearance of fish species. The range of fish stressors has now increased as temperatures rise, and non-native fish introductions bring new diseases. The threat from pharmaceuticals to fish populations remains hypothetical, and no studies have yet linked change in fish populations to exposure.
Medicines, shaken and stirred: a critical review on the ecotoxicology of pharmaceutical mixtures
Authors: Backhaus Thomas
Published: October 2014

Analytical monitoring surveys routinely confirm that organisms in the environment are exposed to complex multi-component pharmaceutical mixtures. We are hence tasked with the challenge to take this into consideration when investigating the ecotoxicology of pharmaceuticals. This review first provides a brief overview of the fundamental approaches for mixture toxicity assessment, which is then followed by a critical review on the empirical evidence that is currently at hand on the ecotoxicology of pharmaceutical mixtures. It is concluded that, while the classical concepts of concentration addition and independent action (response addition) provide a robust scientific footing, several knowledge gaps remain. This includes, in particular, the need for more and better empirical data on the effects of pharmaceutical mixtures on soil organisms as well as marine flora and fauna, and exploring the quantitative consequences of toxicokinetic, toxicodynamic and ecological interactions. Increased focus should be put on investigating the ecotoxicology of pharmaceutical mixtures in environmentally realistic settings.
Enterococcus faecalis zinc-responsive proteins mediate bacterial defence against zinc overload, lysozyme and oxidative stress
Authors: Abrantes Marta C. , Kok Jan , Silva Lopes Maria de Fátima
Published: October 2014

Two Enterococcus faecalis genes encoding the P-type ATPase EF1400 and the putative SapB protein EF0759 were previously shown to be strongly upregulated in the presence of high concentrations of zinc. In the present work, we showed that a Zn2+-responsive DNA-binding motif (zim) is present in the promoter regions of these genes. Both proteins were further studied with respect to their involvement in zinc homeostasis and invasion of the host. EF0759 contributed to intramacrophage survival by an as-yet unknown mechanism(s). EF1400, here renamed ZntAEf, is an ATPase with specificity for zinc and plays a role in dealing with several host defences, i.e. zinc overload, oxidative stress and lysozyme; it provides E. faecalis cells with the ability to survive inside macrophages. As these three host defence mechanisms are important at several sites in the host, i.e. inside macrophages and in saliva, this work suggested that ZntAEf constitutes a crucial E. faecalis defence mechanism that is likely to contribute to the ability of this bacterium to endure life inside its host.
Redetermined crystal structure of α-DL-methionine at 340 K
Authors: Görbitz Carl Henrik , Qi Lianglin , Mai Ngan Thi Kim , Kristiansen Håvard
Published: October 2014

Two forms, α and β, are known for the racemic amino acid DL-methionine, C5H11NO2S. The phase transition between them, taking place around 326 K, is associated with sliding at the central interfaces of the hydrophobic regions in the crystal, leaving the hydrogen-bonding pattern unperturbed. For the high-temperature α phase, only a structure of rather low quality has been available [Rfactor = 0.118, no H-atom coordinates; Taniguchiet al.(1980).Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn,53, 803–804]. We here present accurate structural data for this polymorph [R(F) = 0.049], which are compared with other related amino acid structures with similar properties. We report for the first time that the side chain of this phase has a minor disorder component [occupancy 0.0491 (18)] with agauche+ rather than agauche− conformation for the N—C—C—C group. In the crystal of the title compound, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into (100) sheets.
Boosting facility managers’ personal and work outcomes through job design
Authors: Yean Yng Ling Florence , Toh Weiyan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to identify the job characteristics that would boost the personal and work outcomes (e.g. job satisfaction, internal motivation and output quality) of facility managers (FMs) in Singapore based on the Job Characteristics Theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research method is a survey method, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 34 FMs through electronic mail and by post.

Findings

– Usingt-test of the mean, 23 out of the 39 identified job characteristics are found to be significantly present in FMs’ jobs. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that the job characteristics that are significantly correlated with personal and work outcomes of FMs include those that use a variety of skills, in which task identity is present, task is significant, allow autonomy, provide feedback and meet FMs’ growth needs.

Research limitations/implications

– The Job Characteristics Theory is found to be applicable to FMs’ jobs, but this needs to be generalized carefully because of the relatively small sample size.

Practical implications

– It is recommended that the significant job characteristics that are identified in this study be designed and incorporated into FMs’ jobs. These include setting up teams where members play their parts well; a reward system when a job is done well; a career path with ample opportunities for promotion; and communication channels that are clear and precise.

Originality/value

– Important job characteristics that could boost FMs’ job satisfaction, internal motivation and quality of work are identified. In addition, job characteristics that could reduce their likelihood of leaving the profession are also uncovered. These job characteristics should be designed into FMs’ jobs, so that firms have high performing and motivated FMs.
Reflecting on future research concerning the added value of FM
Authors: Anker Jensen Per , J.M. van der Voordt Theo , Coenen Christian , Sarasoja Anna-Liisa
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to summarize recent research findings and reflections onThe Added Value of Facilities Management(FM) and to outline perspectives for future research and development of the added value of FM.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article is based on reflections on contributions to the recently published book “The Added Value of Facilities Management” and related future studies, as well as further exploration of five main themes.

Findings

– Added value is expected to be central in the future development of FM, which is confirmed by recent foresight studies. There is a need for a better understanding of alignment between FM and core business, performance measurement methods and how models such as the FM Value Map can be of value to the involved stakeholders. Corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and branding have great potential to add value and to elevate FM to become a strategic partner with corporate top management. Management of stakeholders’ perception of value and relationships are essential aspects as well and need further attention.

Research limitations/implications

– The article is based on the conclusions of several studies that aimed to explore items for further research, on the ideas of all co-authors of “The Added Value of Facilities Management” anthology and on further exploration of five main themes, and not on an extensive review of recommendations for further research to be found in a huge number of research reports.

Practical implications

– The findings and ideas for further research on the added value of FM deliver input to further professionalization of FM.

Originality/value

– This paper provides important input to the future research agenda on the added value of FM and sheds new light on five particular research topics.
Meta-measures for technology and environment
Authors: Young Phillips Fred
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the question: What shall we measure? and offers preliminary answers. Data for innovation management and policy must be valid, reliable, relevant and actionable.

Design and approach

– The paper examines trends within finance, environment and institutions and society, all with regard to innovation and technology. It examines how these trends interact with each other and with measurement of innovation and socio-technical change.

Findings

– In the future, measurement for innovation policy must occur in markedly different ways – and on quite different scales – than is currently the practice. The paper concludes with a future-oriented list of items to be measured, with preliminary guidelines on how to organize to measure them.

Research limitations/implications

– Foresight researchers must put new emphasis on measurement.

Practical implications

– Local and national statistical agencies will have to measure new indicators and organize differently to measure them.

Social implications

– Voters may be eager to embrace principles and goals, though they fail to find excitement in the more tedious issues of measurement. It is incumbent on us to pay more attention to measurement, to resist governments’ and lobbyists’ efforts to introduce special-interest bias into public statistics, and to carry the story to the public of the importance of measurement. Much of the policy change that is now needed is needed because of past and current harmful human behaviors. Nicholas Sarkozy (Press 2011) concisely stated the rationale for this paper: “We will not change our behavior unless we change the ways we measure”.

Originality/value

– This concept paper goes beyond other indexes and proposals to identify new phenomena that must be measured. In contrast to other works which are oriented to measurement-push (toward policy), the present paper makes bold assertions about the trends needing to be addressed by policy, then proposes measurement based on policy-pull. It argues against premature worldwide statistical standards, and for Popperian “multiple engineering experiments”.The USA must “get back into the future business” – President Bill Clinton, at the Milken Institute Global Conference 2012.
“After 300 meters turn right” – the future of Russia’s GLONASS and the development of global satellite navigation systems
Authors: B. Bokov Mikhail , Edelkina Anastasia , Klubova Marina , Thurner Thomas , P. Velikanova Natalia , Vishnevskiy Konstantin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) were designed to determine the exact location of objects on land, water and air for military purposes. With the opening of the satellite signal for civilian use, the technology created business opportunities for various applications. Today, satellite positioning technology is used by transporters, carriers, motorists, surveyors, builders, foresters, etc. through a wide array of devices like mobile phones or multimedia devices with built-in receiver modules.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides the results of a recently held foresight exercise on the future development of Russia’s GLONASS system.

Findings

– The foresight exercise suggested a number niche markets where the GLONASS technology could be of great use, like monitoring of buildings and construction sides or the monitoring of shipments. In addition, in the case of Russia, large-scale government-driven investment programs will be key drivers for GLONASS’ growth perspectives.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a comprehensive picture of the development of GNSS for civilian use until 2020.
Neo-Confucianism and industrial relations in Meiji Japan
Authors: Lottanti von Mandach Stefania
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper sets out to explain the poor nature of industrial relations in Meiji Japan (1868-1911), especially the puzzling lack of Neo-Confucianist values.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper combines two approaches. First, it draws on and scrutinizes the major literature. Second, it uses a case approach.

Findings

– First, we find that a widely accepted assumption used in many management (and other) studies on Japan, namely, that Neo-Confucianism was institutionalized in Tokugawa Japan (1603-1867), is distorted. Second, we find that the poor nature of labor relations in Meiji Japan can be explained by and is the product of a multitude of factors, both indigenous and imported from abroad.

Originality/value

– First, this paper provides a novel explanation for the poor nature of labor relations in Meiji Japan. Second, this paper corrects a widely held assumption on Japan that is frequently used in management studies.
Effectiveness of TPM implementation with and without integration with TQM in Indian manufacturing industries
Authors: Singh Kanwarpreet , Singh Ahuja Inderpreet
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and extract various significant factors influencing the implementation of total quality management (TQM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) on business performance for the following approaches: TPM alone; both TQM-TPM combined for improving manufacturing performance in the Indian manufacturing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the present study, 94 manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed, to ascertain the contributions made by TQM and TPM initiatives in the Indian manufacturing industries toward realizing manufacturing performance improvements. The correlations between various TQM and TPM implementation issues and manufacturing performance improvements have been evaluated and validated by employing various statistical tools.

Findings

– This paper illustrates how the synergistic relationship of TQM and TPM paradigms can be helpful for Indian manufacturing industries to enhance overall business performance. The major objectives of this research is to examine, the effectiveness of performance parameters (dependent variables) and factors of implementation (independent variables) of companies implementing TPM alone and TQM-TPM combined approach to improve their business performance and how the support of TQM provides a synergetic effect on TPM's contribution in improving better business performance.

Originality/value

– TQM and TPM, are such popular initiatives employed by the manufacturing organizations as performance improvement techniques. These programs are employed world over for attaining customer satisfaction, reliability, productivity, market share, profitability and even survival. The study stresses upon the need for improving coordination between manufacturing parameters and other organizational quality improvement initiatives through transfusion of TQM and TPM and to examine the impact of experience in terms of time period on effectiveness of performance parameters when TQM is supported by TPM for Indian manufacturing companies.
A blueprint paradox
Authors: Rolfsen Monica
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate if a manufacturing concept such as total productive maintenance (TPM) can be copied from one location to another.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative data were gathered from a single case. This includes interviews, participatory observation and document collection.

Findings

– The authors present a company with an intention to make a pure copy from one location to another, and with identical technology, production equipment, owners, customers and products, the conditions for copying should thus be as sufficient as possible. However, several minor adjustments led to a translated version showing better results than the original.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides a deep understanding of a unique case, but should be supplemented with more data in order to reach general conclusions. The main theoretical contribution is to develop an understanding of translation processes different from copying concepts by expanding models of change and transfer from a purely planned perspective to explaining success through the unplanned change of organizational vehicles better fit to the intended tools and techniques.

Practical implications

– Many companies struggle with implementing total productive maintenance, and implementation and translation aspects are lacking in the literature. The paper provides an understanding on how TPM-practice was changed and adjusted when travelling from one location to another within the same company.

Originality/value

– Few case studies on TPM and implementation have been described. The authors show in detail how minor adjustments led to wider changes, arguing that a pure copy is not possible. By including institutional theory focusing on translation, new insight on implementation of TPM is provided.
Everyday innovation – pushing boundaries while maintaining stability
Authors: Lippke Lena , Wegener Charlotte
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how vocational teachers’ everyday practices can constitute innovative learning spaces that help students to experience engagement and commitment towards education and thus increase their possibilities for completing their studies despite notable difficulties.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on two ethnographic field studies, we analyse vocational teaching situations in which teachers and students engage in daily remaking of the vocational educational training practice. It is argued that these everyday situations can be understood as innovative transformation of participation and practice.

Findings

– The exploration of teachers’ practicing new learning spaces sheds light on innovation potential embedded in everyday educational practices. The paper thus challenges the celebration of radical innovation and argues that innovation emerges from everyday activities in which teachers succeed to balance continuities and discontinuities. Studying innovation as a balance between change and stability thus involves emerging, negotiated processes of learning and participation in everyday practices where people talk, interact and conduct their work and studies.

Practical implications

– Based on the analysis, we argue that students’ engagement in education can be enhanced by transforming the educational settings on various parameters such as buildings, artefacts, emotions and experiences. Thus, innovation should be recognised as emerging everyday activities in which frontline workers like vocational teachers are drivers for innovation.

Originality/value

– Innovative everyday activities are often invisible; however, we suggest that they can be studied and thus become visible by use of the analytic term: “boundary-pushing“.