bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammasome activation leads to Caspase-1–dependent mitochondrial damage and block of mitophagy
Authors: Yu Jiujiu , Nagasu Hajime , Murakami Tomohiko , Hoang Hai , Broderick Lori , Hoffman Hal M. , Horng Tiffany
Published: October 2014

Significance

Sensors of the innate immune system trigger the induction of inflammatory responses upon infection and cellular stress. One such sensor is the inflammasome pathway, which is best described for its role in the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Other effector functions of the inflammasome pathway remain less well defined, and here we show that activation of this pathway leads to induction of mitochondrial damage and dismantling of the organelle. We link such mitochondrial damage to another inflammasome-regulated process called pyroptosis, which is a proinflammatory form of cell death. In summary, we characterize the role of mitochondrial damage during activation of the inflammasome pathway, of relevance to host defense and other physiological and pathophysiological settings.
Facilitated sequence counting and assembly by template mutagenesis
Authors: Levy Dan , Wigler Michael
Published: October 2014

Significance

Despite vast improvements in DNA sequencing, many problems of interpretation arise when trying to count or assemble molecules (templates) that are largely identical. We show through simulations that by randomly mutagenizing DNA templates before amplification, many of these problems are resolved. We can obtain more accurate counting of templates by observing the number of unique patterns. By introducing distinctive patterns onto otherwise identical spans, we enhance our ability to correctly assemble sequences. This idea can be implemented with currently available mutagenesis protocols and such techniques can have applications in RNA expression analysis, haplotype phasing, copy number determination, and genome assembly. Template mutagenesis solves counting problems and effectively generates long reads from short-read sequence output.
Trends in the Intergenerational Transmission of Social Assistance in the Nordic Countries in the 2000s
Authors: Moisio Pasi , Lorentzen Thomas , Bäckman Olof , Angelin Anna , Salonen Tapio , Kauppinen Timo
Published: October 2014

This study considered trends in the intergenerational transmission of social assistance (SA) among young adults in Finland, Norway and Sweden during the 2000s. Comparable administrative register data-sets enabled us to compare year by year the social assistance recipiency of 20-year-old adults in the period 1999–2008, together with information on their parents' social assistance recipiency at the time when those young adults were aged 16 years. The intergenerational odds-ratio for SA was stronger in Sweden than in Finland or Norway. The probabilities of transitioning into SA when having an SA family background have declined in all three countries, but less than the transition probabilities into SA when from a non-SA family. This has strengthened the intergenerational odds-ratio in all three countries, though only slightly in Norway. The upwards trend in intergenerational odds-ratios for SA follows almost perfectly the declining trend in the number of 20-year-old recipients in these three countries. When the number of SA recipients decrease, it decreases the transition probabilities into SA more among those with a non-SA family background compared to the those with an SA family background. This difference in the decrease of transition probabilities turns into an increase in the intergenerational odds-ratio.
The effect of ice ingestion on female athletes performing intermittent exercise in hot conditions
Authors: Zimmermann Matthew Robert , Landers Grant Justin
Published: October 2014

Studies have reported the benefits of pre‐cooling prior to exercise in the heat for male athletes, but at this time no research has investigated female athletes. The aim of the following study was to test the effects of pre‐cooling on female repeat sprint performance in hot, humid conditions; namely is ice ingestion effective in reducing core temperature (Tc) and does this reduced Tc lead to improved repeat sprint performance in female athletes? Nine female team sport athletes with mean age (21.0 ± 1.2 y), height (169.8 ± 4.1 cm) and body mass (62.3 ± 5.0 kg) participated in this study. Participants completed 72 min of an intermittent sprint protocol (ISP) consisting of 2 × 36 min halves in hot, humid conditions (33.1 ± 0.1°C, 60.3 ± 1.5% RH) on a cycle ergometer. This was preceded by 30 min of either ice ingestion (ICE) or water consumption (CON) in a randomised order. At the end of the pre‐cooling period, Tc significantly decreased following ICE (−0.7 ± 0.3°C) compared to CON (−0.1 ± 0.2°C; p = 0.001). Tc also remained lower in ICE compared to CON during the ISP (p = 0.001). Ratings of perceived thermal sensation were lower in ICE compared to CON (p = 0.032) at the beginning (p = 0.022) and mid‐point (p = 0.035) of the second half. No differences in work, mean power, peak power, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate or sweat loss between conditions were recorded (p > 0.05). Ice ingestion significantly reduced female Tc prior to intermittent exercise in the heat and reduced thermal sensation; however, this did not coincide with improved performance.
Rapid Communication: The loss of residual visual memories over the passage of time
Authors: Mercer Tom , Duffy Paul
Published: October 2014

There has been extensive discussion of the causes of short-term forgetting. Some accounts suggest that time plays an important role in the loss of representations, whereas other models reject this notion and explain all forgetting through interference processes. The present experiment used the recent-probes task to investigate whether residual visual information is lost over the passage of time. On each trial, three unusual target objects were displayed and followed by a probe stimulus. The task was to determine whether the probe matched any of the targets, and the next trial commenced after an intertrial interval lasting 300 ms, 3.3 s, or 8.3 s. Of critical interest were recent negative (RN) trials, on which the probe matched a target from the previous trial. These were contrasted against nonrecent negative (NRN) trials, in which the probe had not been seen in the recent past. RN trials damaged performance and slowed reaction times in comparison to NRN trials, highlighting interference. However, this interfering effect diminished as the intertrial interval was lengthened, suggesting that residual visual information is lost as time passes. This finding is difficult to reconcile with interference-based models and suggests that time plays some role in forgetting.
A new X-ray nova MAXI  J1910−057 (= Swift  J1910.2−0546) and mass accretion inflow
Authors: Nakahira Satoshi , Negoro Hitoshi , Shidatsu Megumi , Ueda Yoshihiro , Mihara Tatehiro , Sugizaki Mutsumi , Matsuoka Masaru , Onodera Takuya
Published: October 2014

We report on long-term monitoring of a newly discovered X-ray nova, MAXI  J1910−057 (= Swift  J1910.2−0546) by MAXI and Swift. The new X-ray transient was first detected on 2012 May 31 by the MAXI Gas Slit Camera (GSC) and the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) almost simultaneously. We analyzed X-ray and UV data for 270 d following the outburst onset taken by repeated MAXI scans and Swift pointing observations. The obtained X-ray light curve for the inital 90 d is roughly represented by a fast-rise and exponential-decay profile. However, it re-brightened at ∼ 110 d after the onset and finally went down below both GSC and BAT detection limits after 240 d. All the X-ray energy spectra are fitted well with a model consisting of a multi-color-disk blackbody and its Comptonized hard tail. During the soft-state periods, the inner-disk radius of the best-fit model was almost constant. If the radius represents the innermost stable circular orbit of a non-spinning black hole and the soft-to-hard transitions occur at 1%–4% of the Eddington luminosity, the mass of the compact object is estimated to be > 2.9 M⊙ and the distance to be > 1.70 kpc. The inner-disk radius became larger in the hard/hard-intermediate state. This suggests that the accretion disk would be truncated. We detected an excess of the UV flux over the disk blackbody component extrapolated from the X-ray data, which can be modeled as reprocessed emission irradiated by the inner disk. We also found that the UV light curve mostly traced the X-ray curve, but a short dipping event was observed in both the UV and the X-ray bands with a 3.5 d X-ray time lag. This can be interpreted as the radial inflow of accreting matter from the outer UV region to the inner X-ray region.
5-HT1A Receptor Agonist Befiradol Reduces Fentanyl-induced Respiratory Depression, Analgesia, and Sedation in Rats
Authors: Ren Jun , Ding Xiuqing , Greer John J.
Published: October 2014

AbstractAbstract

In conscious rats, administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, befiradol, reversed fentanyl-induced respiratory depression, but also antinociception, and caused abnormal behaviors that may limit clinical efficacy.

Background:

There is an unmet clinical need to develop a pharmacological therapy to counter opioid-induced respiratory depression without interfering with analgesia or behavior. Several studies have demonstrated that 5-HT1A receptor agonists alleviate opioid-induced respiratory depression in rodent models. However, there are conflicting reports regarding their effects on analgesia due in part to varied agonist receptor selectivity and presence of anesthesia. Therefore the authors performed a study in rats with befiradol (F13640 and NLX-112), a highly selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist without anesthesia.

Methods:

Respiratory neural discharge was measured using in vitro preparations. Plethysmographic recording, nociception testing, and righting reflex were used to examine respiratory ventilation, analgesia, and sedation, respectively.

Results:

Befiradol (0.2 mg/kg, n = 6) reduced fentanyl-induced respiratory depression (53.7 ± 5.7% of control minute ventilation 4 min after befiradol vs. saline 18.7 ± 2.2% of control, n = 9; P < 0.001), duration of analgesia (90.4 ± 11.6 min vs. saline 130.5 ± 7.8 min; P = 0.011), duration of sedation (39.8 ± 4 min vs. saline 58 ± 4.4 min; P = 0.013); and induced baseline hyperventilation, hyperalgesia, and “behavioral syndrome” in nonsedated rats. Further, the befiradol-induced alleviation of opioid-induced respiratory depression involves sites or mechanisms not functioning in vitro brainstem–spinal cord and medullary slice preparations.

Conclusions:

The reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression and sedation by befiradol in adult rats was robust, whereas involved mechanisms are unclear. However, there were adverse concomitant decreases in fentanyl-induced analgesia and altered baseline ventilation, nociception, and behavior.
Dexmedetomidine Attenuates the Microcirculatory Derangements Evoked by Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Miranda Marcos L. , Balarini Michelle M. , Bouskela Eliete
Published: October 2014

AbstractAbstract

Intravital microscopy of skinfold chamber microcirculation preparations in unanesthetized golden Syrian hamsters found that dexmedetomidine partially restored lipopolysaccharide-induced capillary perfusion deficits. Dexmedetomidine attenuated both increases in venular leukocyte rolling and adhesion and decreases in functional capillary density and erythrocyte velocity induced by lipopolysaccharide.

Background:

Dexmedetomidine, an α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has already been used in septic patients although few studies have examined its effects on microcirculatory dysfunction, which may play an important role in perpetuating sepsis syndrome. Therefore, the authors have designed a controlled experimental study to characterize the microcirculatory effects of dexmedetomidine in an endotoxemia rodent model that allows in vivo studies of microcirculation.

Methods:

After skinfold chamber implantation, 49 golden Syrian hamsters were randomly allocated in five groups: (1) control animals; (2) nonendotoxemic animals treated with saline; (3) nonendotoxemic animals treated with dexmedetomidine (5.0 μg kg−1 h−1); (4) endotoxemic (lipopolysaccharide 1.0 mg/kg) animals treated with saline; and (5) endotoxemic animals treated with dexmedetomidine. Intravital microscopy of skinfold chamber preparations allowed quantitative analysis of microvascular variables and venular leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and lactate concentrations were also documented.

Results:

Lipopolysaccharide administration increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion and decreased capillary perfusion. Dexmedetomidine significantly attenuated these responses: compared with endotoxemic animals treated with saline, those treated with dexmedetomidine had less leukocyte rolling (11.8 ± 7.2% vs. 24.3 ± 15.0%; P < 0.05) and adhesion (237 ± 185 vs. 510 ± 363; P < 0.05) and greater functional capillary density (57.4 ± 11.2% of baseline values vs. 45.9 ± 11.2%; P < 0.05) and erythrocyte velocity (68.7 ± 17.6% of baseline values vs. 54.4 ± 14.8%; P < 0.05) at the end of the experiment.

Conclusions:

Dexmedetomidine decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced leukocyte–endothelial interactions in the hamster skinfold chamber microcirculation. This was accompanied by a significant attenuation of capillary perfusion deficits, suggesting that dexmedetomidine yields beneficial effects on endotoxemic animals’ microcirculation.
Practice Patterns of Pediatricians and Trainees for the Management of Functional Constipation Compared With 2006 NASPGHAN Guidelines
Authors: Yang Christine H. , Punati Jaya
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition has formulated guidelines for managing functional constipation. There have been no studies that have investigated how pediatricians apply the constipation guideline since it was revised in 2006. The purpose of this study was to examine how pediatricians approach functional constipation and how closely their approaches adhere to the guidelines.

Methods:

An anonymous multiple‐choice questionnaire was developed by general pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists. This was distributed to pediatricians and pediatric residents at 7 academic institutions, and to the American Academy of Pediatrics section on medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees mailing list.

Results:

A total of 1202 responses were received (952 trainees, 250 attendings). Of these, 84.3% reported being unfamiliar/slightly familiar with the guidelines. The most common initial interventions for constipation without fecal incontinence included fluids (92.1%), fiber (89.5%), juice (77.7%), behavioral interventions (71.2%), follow‐up (53.4%), and reducing constipating foods (50.1%). The most common initial interventions for constipation with fecal incontinence included bowel cleanout (73.4%), maintenance medication (70.0%), fluids (67.9%), behavioral interventions (67.6%), fiber (66.1%), and follow‐up (57.8%). Osmotics were the most commonly prescribed as needed (83.0%) and maintenance medications (96.8%), with stimulants prescribed PRN by 35.6% and as maintenance by 16.8%. Some individuals (39.7%) reported concern that osmotics could result in dependence, addiction, or electrolyte imbalances, compared with 73.0% for stimulants.

Conclusions:

Our results show that more education regarding medication in functional constipation is necessary, including the use of medication reducing time to remission, the necessity of disimpaction, and misconceptions regarding adverse effects.
Why Is Initial Bacterial Colonization of the Intestine Important to Infants' and Children's Health?
Authors: Houghteling Pearl D. , Walker W. Allan
Published: October 2014

Microbial colonization of the infant occurs during a critical time window for immune and gastrointestinal development. Infant colonization sets the stage for the adult microbiome. This review is a broad survey of the factors affecting infant colonization and the downstream effects on gastrointestinal health and disease. Major topics affecting colonization include initial inoculation dependent on birth mode, the impact of breast‐feeding, and inside‐out modulation of the developing microbiome by the immune system. Major outcomes of colonization include the timing‐dependent education of the neonatal immune system, which is interconnected with barrier function and metabolism. These all engage in further continuing cross‐talk with the microbiome, genetics, and nutrition. This review also briefly examines mechanisms of disease resulting from disrupted colonization as well as nutritional and microbial therapies.
Detection and drivers of exposure and effects of pharmaceuticals in higher vertebrates
Authors: Shore Richard F. , Taggart Mark A. , Smits Judit , Mateo Rafael , Richards Ngaio L. , Fryday Steve
Published: October 2014

Pharmaceuticals are highly bioactive compounds now known to be widespread environmental contaminants. However, research regarding exposure and possible effects in non-target higher vertebrate wildlife remains scarce. The fate and behaviour of most pharmaceuticals entering our environment via numerous pathways remain poorly characterized, and hence our conception and understanding of the risks posed to wild animals is equally constrained. The recent decimation of Asian vulture populations owing to a pharmaceutical (diclofenac) offers a notable example, because the exposure route (livestock carcasses) and the acute toxicity observed were completely unexpected. This case not only highlights the need for further research, but also the wider requirement for more considered and comprehensive ‘ecopharmacovigilance’. We discuss known and potential high risk sources and pathways in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems where pharmaceutical exposure in higher vertebrate wildlife, principally birds and mammals, may occur. We examine whether approaches taken within existing surveillance schemes (that commonly target established classes of persistent or bioaccumulative contaminants) and the risk assessment approaches currently used for pesticides are relevant to pharmaceuticals, and we highlight where new approaches may be required to assess pharmaceutical-related risk.
Pollution from drug manufacturing: review and perspectives
Authors: Larsson D. G. Joakim
Published: October 2014

As long ago as the sixteenth century, Paracelsus recognized that ‘the dose makes the poison’. Indeed, environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals excreted by humans are limited, most importantly because a defined dose is given to just a fraction of the population. By contrast, recent studies have identified direct emission from drug manufacturing as a source of much higher environmental discharges that, in some cases, greatly exceed toxic threshold concentrations. Because production is concentrated in specific locations, the risks are not linked to usage patterns. Furthermore, as the drugs are not consumed, metabolism in the human body does not reduce concentrations. The environmental risks associated with manufacturing therefore comprise a different, wider set of pharmaceuticals compared with those associated with risks from excretion. Although pollution from manufacturing is less widespread, discharges that promote the development of drug-resistant microorganisms can still have global consequences. Risk management also differs between production and excretion in terms of accountability, incentive creation, legal opportunities, substitution possibilities and costs. Herein, I review studies about industrial emissions of pharmaceuticals and the effects associated with exposure to such effluents. I contrast environmental pollution due to manufacturing with that due to excretion in terms of their risks and management and highlight some recent initiatives.
Sources, impacts and trends of pharmaceuticals in the marine and coastal environment
Authors: Gaw Sally , Thomas Kevin V. , Hutchinson Thomas H.
Published: October 2014

There has been a significant investment in research to define exposures and potential hazards of pharmaceuticals in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. A substantial number of integrated environmental risk assessments have been developed in Europe, North America and many other regions for these situations. In contrast, comparatively few empirical studies have been conducted for human and veterinary pharmaceuticals that are likely to enter coastal and marine ecosystems. This is a critical knowledge gap given the significant increase in coastal human populations around the globe and the growth of coastal megacities, together with the increasing importance of coastal aquaculture around the world. There is increasing evidence that pharmaceuticals are present and are impacting on marine and coastal environments. This paper reviews the sources, impacts and concentrations of pharmaceuticals in marine and coastal environments to identify knowledge gaps and suggests focused case studies as a priority for future research.
Behavioural and physiological responses of birds to environmentally relevant concentrations of an antidepressant
Authors: Bean Tom G. , Boxall Alistair B. A. , Lane Julie , Herborn Katherine A. , Pietravalle Stéphane , Arnold Kathryn E.
Published: October 2014

Many wildlife species forage on sewage-contaminated food, for example, at wastewater treatment plants and on fields fertilized with sewage sludge. The resultant exposure to human pharmaceuticals remains poorly studied for terrestrial species. On the basis of predicted exposure levels in the wild, we administered the common antidepressant fluoxetine (FLUOX) or control treatment via prey to wild-caught starlings (
Sturnus vulgaris
) for 22 weeks over winter. To investigate responses to fluoxetine, birds were moved from their group aviaries into individual cages for 2 days. Boldness, exploration and activity levels showed no treatment effects but controls and FLUOX birds habituated differently to isolation in terms of the concentration of corticosterone (CORT) metabolites in faeces. The controls that excreted higher concentrations of CORT metabolites on day 1 lost more body mass by day 2 of isolation than those which excreted lower levels of CORT metabolites. CORT metabolites and mass loss were unrelated in FLUOX birds. When we investigated the movements of birds in their group aviaries, we found the controls made a higher frequency of visits to food trays than FLUOX birds around the important foraging periods of sunrise and sunset, as is optimal for wintering birds. Although individual variability makes interpreting the sub-lethal endpoints measured challenging, our data suggest that fluoxetine at environmentally relevant concentrations can significantly alter behaviour and physiology.
Assessing variation in the potential susceptibility of fish to pharmaceuticals, considering evolutionary differences in their physiology and ecology
Authors: Brown A. R. , Gunnarsson L. , Kristiansson E. , Tyler C. R.
Published: October 2014

Fish represent the planet's most diverse group of vertebrates and they can be exposed to a wide range of pharmaceuticals. For practical reasons, extrapolation of pharmaceutical effects from ‘model’ species to other fish species is adopted in risk assessment. Here, we critically assess this approach. First, we show that between 65% and 86% of human drug targets are evolutionarily conserved in 12 diverse fish species. Focusing on nuclear steroid hormone receptors, we further show that the sequence of the ligand binding domain that plays a key role in drug potency is highly conserved, but there is variation between species. This variation for the oestrogen receptor, however, does not obviously account for observed differences in receptor activation. Taking the synthetic oestrogen ethinyloestradiol as a test case, and using life-table-response experiments, we demonstrate significant reductions in population growth in fathead minnow and medaka, but not zebrafish, for environmentally relevant exposures. This finding contrasts with zebrafish being ranked as more ecologically susceptible, according to two independent life-history analyses. We conclude that while most drug targets are conserved in fish, evolutionary divergence in drug-target activation, physiology, behaviour and ecological life history make it difficult to predict population-level effects. This justifies the conventional use of at least a 10× assessment factor in pharmaceutical risk assessment, to account for differences in species susceptibility.
Comparative metabolism as a key driver of wildlife species sensitivity to human and veterinary pharmaceuticals
Authors: Hutchinson Thomas H. , Madden Judith C. , Naidoo Vinny , Walker Colin H.
Published: October 2014

Human and veterinary drug development addresses absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicology (ADMET) of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in the target species. Metabolism is an important factor in controlling circulating plasma and target tissue API concentrations and in generating metabolites which are more easily eliminated in bile, faeces and urine. The essential purpose of xenobiotic metabolism is to convert lipid-soluble, non-polar and non-excretable chemicals into water soluble, polar molecules that are readily excreted. Xenobiotic metabolism is classified into Phase I enzymatic reactions (which add or expose reactive functional groups on xenobiotic molecules), Phase II reactions (resulting in xenobiotic conjugation with large water-soluble, polar molecules) and Phase III cellular efflux transport processes. The human–fish plasma model provides a useful approach to understanding the pharmacokinetics of APIs (e.g. diclofenac, ibuprofen and propranolol) in freshwater fish, where gill and liver metabolism of APIs have been shown to be of importance. By contrast, wildlife species with low metabolic competency may exhibit zero-order metabolic (pharmacokinetic) profiles and thus high API toxicity, as in the case of diclofenac and the dramatic decline of vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent. A similar threat looms for African Cape Griffon vultures exposed to ketoprofen and meloxicam, recent studies indicating toxicity relates to zero-order metabolism (suggesting P450 Phase I enzyme system or Phase II glucuronidation deficiencies). While all aspects of ADMET are important in toxicity evaluations, these observations demonstrate the importance of methods for predicting API comparative metabolism as a central part of environmental risk assessment.
Application ofin silicoandin vitromethods in the development of adverse outcome pathway constructs in wildlife
Authors: Madden Judith C. , Rogiers Vera , Vinken Mathieu
Published: October 2014

There is a long history of using bothin silicoandin vitromethods to predict adverse effects in humans and environmental species where toxicity data are lacking. Currently, there is a great deal of interest in applying these methods to the development of so-called ‘adverse outcome pathway’ (AOP) constructs. The AOP approach provides a framework for organizing information at the chemical and biological level, allowing evidence from bothin silicoandin vitrostudies to be rationally combined to fill gaps in knowledge concerning toxicological events. Fundamental to this new paradigm is a greater understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity and, in particular, where these mechanisms may be conserved across taxa, such as between model animals and related wild species. This presents an opportunity to make predictions across diverse species, where empirical data are unlikely to become available as is the case for most species of wildlife.
Bioaccumulation and trophic dilution of human pharmaceuticals across trophic positions of an effluent-dependent wadeable stream
Authors: Du Bowen , Haddad Samuel P. , Luek Andreas , Scott W. Casan , Saari Gavin N. , Kristofco Lauren A. , Connors Kristin A. , Rash Christopher , Rasmussen Joseph B. , Chambliss C. Kevin , Brooks Bryan W.
Published: October 2014

Though pharmaceuticals are increasingly observed in a variety of organisms from coastal and inland aquatic systems, trophic transfer of pharmaceuticals in aquatic food webs have not been reported. In this study, bioaccumulation of select pharmaceuticals was investigated in a lower order effluent-dependent stream in central Texas, USA, using isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MS). A fish plasma model, initially developed from laboratory studies, was tested to examine observed versus predicted internal dose of select pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals accumulated to higher concentrations in invertebrates relative to fish; elevated concentrations of the antidepressant sertraline and its primary metabolite desmethylsertraline were observed in the Asian clam,Corbicula fluminea, and two unionid mussel species. Trophic positions were determined from stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) collected by isotope ratio-MS; a Bayesian mixing model was then used to estimate diet contributions towards top fish predators. Because diphenhydramine and carbamazepine were the only target compounds detected in all species examined, trophic magnification factors (TMFs) were derived to evaluate potential trophic transfer of both compounds. TMFs for diphenhydramine (0.38) and carbamazepine (1.17) indicated neither compound experienced trophic magnification, which suggests that inhalational and not dietary exposure represented the primary route of uptake by fish in this effluent-dependent stream.
Flavobacterium maotaiense sp. nov., isolated from freshwater
Authors: Feng Qingqing , Gao Yuan , Nogi Yuichi , Tan Xu , Han Lu , Zhang Yali , Lv Jie
Published: October 2014

Two novel strains, T9T and T10, were isolated from water samples collected from Chishui River flowing through Maotai town, Guizhou, south-west China. The isolates were yellow-pigmented, Gram-reaction-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and aerobic. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates belonged to the genus

Flavobacterium

, and showed highest similarities to

Flavobacterium hibernum

DSM 12611T (97.0 %), followed by

Flavobacterium granuli

Kw05T (96.7 %) and

Flavobacterium pectinovorum

DSM 6368T (96.7 %). The novel strains were able to grow at 20–37 °C (optimum 25 °C), pH 7.0–10.0 (optimum pH 7.0–8.0) and with 0–0.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.5 %). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c, anteiso-C15 : 0, C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1ω10c, and menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was the main respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unknown glycolipid, two unknown aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains T9T and T10 were 37.7 and 36.4 mol%, respectively. According to the phenotypic and genetic data, strains T9T and T10 represent a novel species in the genus

Flavobacterium

, for which the name Flavobacterium maotaiense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T9T ( = CGMCC 1.12712T = JCM 19927T).
Crystal structure of 4-methyl-N-{[1-(4-methylbenzoyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl}benzamide
Authors: Prathebha K. , Reuben Jonathan D. , Sathya S. , Vasanthi R. , Usha G.
Published: October 2014

In the title compound, C22H27N2O2, the piperidine ring adopts a half-chair conformation with the benzene rings inclined in atransorientation with respect to the piperidine ring [dihedral angle between the benzene rings = 89.1 (1)°]. In the crystal, a three-centre asymmetric N—H...O/C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interaction leads to the formation of chains extending along thea-axis direction.
Crystal structure of 4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl ferrocenecarboxylate
Authors: Yu Juan , Gao Lei-Lei , Huang Peng , Wang Dian-Lei
Published: October 2014

The title molecule, [Fe(C5H5)(C16H11O4)], consists of a ferrocenyl moiety and a 4-methylcoumarin group linked through an ester unit to one of the cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings. The two Cp rings are virually parallel, with an angle between the two least-squares planes of 0.74 (16)°. The distances between the FeIIatom and the centroids of the two Cp rings are 1.639 (2) and 1.652 (2) Å. The conformation of the ferrocenyl moiety is slightly away from eclipsed. The dihedral angle between the coumarin ring system and the ferrocenyl ester moiety is 69.17 (19)°. π–π stacking interactions involving the benzene rings of neighbouring coumarin moieties, with centroid–centroid distances of 3.739 (2) Å, consolidate the crystal packing.
Redetermined structure of β-DL-methionine at 105 K: an example of the importance of freely refining the positions of the amino-group H atoms
Authors: Görbitz Carl Henrik
Published: October 2014

Diffraction data were taken from the contribution named `β-DL-Methionine at 105 K′ by Alagaret al.[Acta Cryst.(2005). E61, o1165–o1167]. Refinement of the coordinates of the three amino H atoms, previously constrained to an idealized geometry, shows that the amino group is in fact rotated 13.5° from the perfectly staggered orientation. This apparently modest change has a profound impact on the calculated hydrogen-bond geometries.
In situsingle-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformation of the one-dimensional polymercatena-poly[[diaqua(sulfato)copper(II)]-μ2-glycine] into the two-dimensional polymer poly[μ2-glycine-μ4-sulfato-copper(II)]
Authors: Stoeckli-Evans Helen , Sereda Olha , Neels Antonia , Oguey Sebastien , Ionescu Catherine , Jacquier Yvan
Published: October 2014

The one-dimensional coordination polymercatena-poly[diaqua(sulfato-κO)copper(II)]-μ2-glycine-κ2O:O′], [Cu(SO4)(C2H5NO2)(H2O)2]n, (I), was synthesized by slow evaporation under vacuum of a saturated aqueous equimolar mixture of copper(II) sulfate and glycine. On heating the same blue crystal of this complex to 435 K in an oven, its aspect changed to a very pale blue and crystal structure analysis indicated that it had transformed into the two-dimensional coordination polymer poly[(μ2-glycine-κ2O:O′)(μ4-sulfato-κ4O:O′:O′′:O′′)copper(II)], [Cu(SO4)(C2H5NO2)]n, (II). In (I), the CuIIcation has a pentacoordinate square-pyramidal coordination environment. It is coordinated by two water molecules and two O atoms of bridging glycine carboxylate groups in the basal plane, and by a sulfate O atom in the apical position. In complex (II), the CuIIcation has an octahedral coordination environment. It is coordinated by four sulfate O atoms, one of which bridges two CuIIcations, and two O atoms of bridging glycine carboxylate groups. In the crystal structure of (I), the one-dimensional polymers, extending along [001], are linkedviaN—H...O, O—H...O and bifurcated N—H...O,O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework. In the crystal structure of (II), the two-dimensional networks are linkedviabifurcated N—H...O,O hydrogen bonds involving the sulfate O atoms, forming a three-dimensional framework. In the crystal structures of both compounds, there are C—H...O hydrogen bonds present, which reinforce the three-dimensional frameworks.
The antioxidant methyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Zhi-Gang , Chen Hou-He , Liu Sheng-Gao
Published: October 2014

The title compound, C18H28O3, was prepared by the reaction of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol with methyl acrylate under basic conditions using dimethyl sulfoxide as the promoter. The structure of this antioxidant indicates significant strain between theortho tert-butyl substituents and the phenolic OH group. In spite of the steric crowding of the OH group, it participates in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with the ester carbonyl O atom.
A new three-dimensional anionic cadmium(II) dicyanamide network
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Hui-Ting
Published: October 2014

A new cadmium dicyanamide complex, poly[tetramethylphosphonium [μ-chlorido-di-μ-dicyanamido-κ4N1:N5-cadmium(II)]], [(CH3)4P][Cd(NCNCN)2Cl], was synthesized by the reaction of tetramethylphosphonium chloride, cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and sodium dicyanamide in aqueous solution. In the crystal structure, each CdIIatom is octahedrally coordinated by four terminal N atoms from four anionic dicyanamide (dca) ligands and by two chloride ligands. The dicyanamide ligands play two different roles in the building up of the structure; one role results in the formation of [Cd(dca)Cl]2building blocks, while the other links the building blocks into a three-dimensional structure. The anionic framework exhibits a solvent-accessible void of 673.8 Å3, amounting to 47.44% of the total unit-cell volume. The cavities in the network are occupied by pairs of tetramethylphosphonium cations.
Does project culture matter? A comparative study of two major hospital projects
Authors: Zuo Jian , Zillante George , Zhao Zhen-Yu , Xia Bo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This research aims to investigate the impacts of project culture on the performance of construction projects. Cultural issues in the construction industry have attracted growing attention from both practitioners and academia. However, there are few studies on culture issues at the project level. The influence of project culture has not traditionally been on the research radar.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach, utilising questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews and review of project documents, was used to investigate project culture and its associated impacts in two major hospital projects.

Findings

– The results indicated that project culture played an important role in achieving harmonious relationships between project participants and better project outcomes in terms of schedule, functionality, satisfaction with the process, satisfaction with the relationships, environmental issues addressed commercial success, further business opportunities and overall performance. Case 1 outperformed Case 2 in these performance indicators. Similarly, it became clear that the project’s culture should be developed from the outset and sustained during the project period. Furthermore, it was also highlighted that the project culture should be translated to all levels of the supply chain, i.e. sub-contractors and suppliers.

Practical implications

– The findings enabled the client to understand the role of project culture and actively commit towards the development and maintenance of the project culture from very early on. It also helps project teams to understand how to deal with cultural issues at the project level.

Originality/value

– This study is one of limited empirical studies that offer in-depth insights of how project culture affects the performance of construction projects. It is also the first study of hospital projects on the research topic.
The changing nature of workplace culture
Authors: J. Cole Raymond , Oliver Amy , Blaviesciunaite Aiste
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine how the unprecedented developments in information and communications technologies now permit a variety of forms of remote working and the subsequent shifting of spatial and temporal boundaries between home, office and city. It examines the changing context within which knowledge-based work is conducted with the specific objective of understanding how the blurring of the distinction between the domains of “work” and “leisure” is influencing the notion of workplace culture. It offers a framework that organizes the key issues in a legible form.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on concepts, theories and ideas in workplace, information and communications technology and green building literature and restructures them to formulate an emerging set of key issues, trends and relationships.

Findings

– The paper identifies possible implications for both the changing nature of the workplace in current green building practice and understanding the notion of workplace within different national cultural contexts. It outlines implications for employees, employers and facilities managers.

Research limitations/implications

– The work represents an initial attempt to bridge across issues not immediately evident in several bodies of literature. While several other issues may also have bearing on the work, the findings with regards to the blurring of work and leisure have significant theoretical and practical implications.

Practical implications

– As the “workplace” now embraces a wide range of possibilities that extend beyond the domain of the “office” to the home and to a host of “hot-spots” in public venues available within the city, the broader framing has significant consequence for comfort provisioning and other services in the office buildings and facilities management.

Originality/value

– The paper’s originality derives from emphasizing the potential positive and negative consequences for employers, employees and facilities managers associated with the blurring of work and leisure.
Managing the workplace in a globalized world
Authors: B. Plijter Evelien , J.M. van der Voordt Theo , Rocco Roberto
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to provide a better insight into the role of national cultures on the management and design of workplaces of multinationals in different countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– This explorative study is based on an extensive literature review of dimensions of a national culture in connection to corporate real estate management, interviews with ten representatives of multinationals on corporate real estate strategies and workplace characteristics and a multiple case study of two multinational firms with site visits and observations at offices in The Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain.

Findings

– Whereas all interviewed companies had their real estate portfolio to some extent aligned to the local national culture, none had a strict central policy about this issue. Differences in workplace characteristics were mainly caused by the involvement of local people in workplace design. Using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the case studies showed relationships between masculinity of a culture and the expression of status and between uncertainty avoidance and openness to innovation; however, no relationships were found related to differences in power distance and short-/long-term orientation.

Research limitations/implications

– The case studies were conducted in three European Union countries. Due to practical reasons, most interviewees were Dutch. Additional empirical research including more different national cultures is needed to advance more unequivocal conclusions and to develop a clear set of guidelines for decision-making.

Practical implications

– The findings stress the importance of finding a balance between aligning facilities to business purposes and meeting the needs of different (groups of) employees in multinational environments.

Originality/value

– Although much has been written about national culture, not much research is yet available in connection to facilities management and corporate real estate management.
K Bistro: a restaurant chooses the future
Authors: Hahn Leah , Swierenga Melissa , Millage Phil , Miller Adam , Streets Tim
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to study K Bistro and its future in Marion, Indiana. K Bistro is a new restaurant that opened in the spring of 2012. The owner, Chef David Kay, has extensive culinary experience. Originally from Marion, Indiana, he has served as head chef for Marriott and Hilton hotels across the country.

Design/methodology/approach

– Chef Kay recognized that there was a need for an upscale eatery in his hometown, and his passion for combining French cooking techniques with traditional Midwest cuisine has allowed him to introduce a new style of food to the area.

Findings

– While Marion has several fast food restaurants, it is typical for families to drive to neighboring cities when they want a nice meal to celebrate a special occasion. Chef Kay hopes to change this trend by offering a more convenient option to the Marion community.

Originality/value

– This is an original case study.
Exploring the performance effects of performance measurement system use in maintenance process
Authors: Tätilä Jaakko , Helkiö Pekka , Holmström Jan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The intended function of performance measurement is to support the effective management of an organisation and the improvement of organisational performance. However, how performance measurement should be used operationally to support the achievement of improved performance is not self-evident. The purpose of this paper is to examine the operational use of performance measurement in practice and to describe how different use practices contribute to improved performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted an exploratory single case study in a maintenance process. Data were collected using a mixed methods approach that encompassed qualitative meetings and interviews (identification of usage practices) followed by a quantitative survey (elaboration of usage practices and their performance effects).

Findings

– Three usage practices are relevant: Inspect and Improve, Motivate, and Decision Making. Improved performance is best achieved through motivational and supportive improvement use. Furthermore, performance measurement systems must be designed properly to establish their use.

Research limitations/implications

– Being based on a single-case study, the identified usage practices may be limited to field service organisations or other organisations with similar organisational structures. The findings suggest opportunities for further research linking operational performance measurement system use and the body of knowledge on the design and purpose of performance measurement in maintenance processes.

Practical implications

– A performance measurement system can be used as a motivational improvement tool in operational level leadership. Upper level management must support its use by designing an understandable and applicable system.

Originality/value

– This paper identifies specific usage practices that contribute to improved performance, thereby providing a more detailed view than the usage categories found in the extant literature. The focus is on operational, rather than strategic, level management.
Problematising practice, learning and change: practice-theory perspectives on professional learning
Authors: Reich Ann , Hager Paul
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to problematise practice and contribute to new understandings of professional and workplace learning. Practice is a concept which has been largely taken for granted and under-theorised in workplace learning and education research. Practice has usually been co-located with classifiers, such as legal practice, vocational practice, teaching practice and yoga practice, with the theoretical emphasis on the domain – legal, teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a theory-driven paper which posits a framework of six prominent threads for theorizing practice. It uses examples of empirical research to illustrate each thread.

Findings

– A framework of six prominent threads for theorising practice in professional learning is suggested. It understands practices as patterned, embodied, networked and emergent and learning entwined with working, knowing, organizing and innovating. By conceptualising learning as occurring via and in practices, prominent understanding of learning are challenged. The paper discusses each thread with reference to empirical research that illuminates it and indicates the contributions of practice theory perspectives in richer understandings of professional learning and change.

Originality/value

– This paper engages with the practice turn in social sciences to reconceptualise professional and workplace learning. It contributes to research on learning at work by supplementing current thinking about learning, particularly the socio-cultural conceptions of learning, with the resources of practice theories that attend to the regularities of practice.