bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the crystal structures of 4,4′-bis[3-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl]-1,1′-biphenyl and 4,4′-bis[3-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl]-1,1′-biphenyl
Authors: Wan Anqi , Penthala Narsimha Reddy , Fifer E. Kim , Parkin Sean , Crooks Peter A.
Published: September 2015

As part of a comprehensive program to discover α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, the title compounds C30H36N2, (I), and C36H48N2, (II), were synthesized by coupling 4,4′-bis(3-bromoprop-1-yn-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl with 4-methylpiperidine and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, respectively, in acetonitrile at room temperature. In compound (I), the biphenyl system has a twisted conformation with a dihedral angle of 26.57 (6)° between the two phenyl rings of the biphenyl moiety, while in compound (II), the biphenyl moiety sits on a crystallographic inversion centre so the two phenyl rings are exactly coplanar. The terminal piperidine rings in both compound (I) and compound (II) are in the chair conformation. In compound (I), the dihedral angles about the ethynyl groups between the planes of the phenyl rings and the piperidine ring N atoms are 37.16 (16) and 14.20 (17)°. In compound (II), the corresponding dihedral angles are both 61.48 (17)°. There are no noteworthy intermolecular interactions in (I), but in (II) there is a small π-overlap between inversion-related molecules (1 − x, 1 − y, 1 − z), with an interplanar spacing of 3.553 (3) Å and centroid-to-centroid separation of 3.859 (4) Å.
Crystal structures of three (trichloromethyl)(carbamoyl)disulfanes
Authors: Goldenberg Barbara L. , Young Jr Victor G. , Barany George
Published: September 2015

The present paper reports crystallographic studies on three related compounds that were of interest as precursors for synthetic and mechanistic work in organosulfur chemistry, as well as to model nitrogen-protecting groups: (N-methylcarbamoyl)(trichloromethyl)disulfane, C3H4Cl3NOS2, (1), (N-benzylcarbamoyl)(trichloromethyl)disulfane, C9H8Cl3NOS2, (2), and (N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl)(trichloromethyl)disulfane, C9H8Cl3NOS2, (3). Their molecular structures, with similar bond lengths and angles for the CCl3SS(C=O)N moieties, are confirmed. Compounds (1) and (3) both crystallized with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Classical hydrogen bonding, as well as chlorine-dense regions, are evident in the crystal packing for (1) and (2). In the crystal of (1), molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds forming chains along [110], which are linked by short Cl...Cl and S...O contacts forming sheets parallel to (001). In the crystal of (2), molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds forming chains along [001], which in turn are linked by pairs of short O...Cl contacts forming ribbons along thec-axis direction. In the crystal of (3), there are no classical hydrogen bonds present and the chlorine-dense regions observed in (1) and (2) are lacking.
Crystal structure of (2R)-1-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]propan-2-aminium chloride: a chiral molecular salt
Authors: Rajegowda H. R. , Palakshamurthy B. S. , Lokanath N. K. , Naveen S. , Raghavendra Kumar P.
Published: September 2015

In the title chiral molecular salt, C4H12NO3S+·Cl−, the cation is protonated at the N atom, producing [RNH3]+, whereRis CH3SO2OCH2C(H)CH3. The N atom in the cation issp3-hybridized. In the crystal, cations and anions are connected by strong N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds to generate edge-shared 12-membered rings of the form {...Cl...HNH}3. This pattern of hydrogen bonding gives rise to zigzag supramolecular layers in theabplane. The layers are connected into a three-dimensional architecture by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The structure was refined as an inversion twin.
Crystal structures of two (±)-exo-N-isobornylacetamides
Authors: Stepanovs Dmitrijs , Posevins Daniels , Turks Maris
Published: September 2015

The title compounds consist of a bornane skeleton with attached acetamide, C12H21NO (±)-(1) {systematic name: (±)-N-[(1RS,2RS,4RS)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]acetamide}, and chloroacetamide, C12H20ClNO (±)-(2) {systematic name: (±)-2-chloro-N-[(1RS,2RS,4RS)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]acetamide}, functionalities to the 2-exo-position. The crystal structure of the first monoclinic polymorph of (±)-(1) has been reported previously [Unget al.(2014).Monatsh. Chem.145, 983–992]. Compound (±)-(1) crystallizes in the space groupP21/nwith two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit, in contrast to the above-mentioned polymorph which crystallized in the space groupC2/cwith one molecule in the asymmetric unit. In the title compounds, the bicyclic bornane moieties have normal geometries. In the crystals of both compounds, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, reinforced by C—H...O contacts, formingtrans-amide chains propagating along thea-axis direction. In the case of compound (±)-(1), neighbouring chains are linked by further C—H...O contacts, forming double-chain ribbons along [100].
Crystal structure of 5-chloro-1,3-bis[2-(2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2(3H)-one
Authors: Bouayad Kaoutar , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Ouzidan Youness , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C17H19ClN4O5, the benzimidazole fused-ring system is essentially planar, the maximum deviation from the mean plane being 0.06 (1) Å. Both oxazolidine rings are nearly planar, the maximum deviations from the mean planes are 0.071 (13) and 0.070 (10) Å. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the oxazolidine rings is 69.9 (7)°. The benzimidazole mean plane makes the dihedral angles of 43.9 (6) and 45.6 (6)° with the two oxazolidine rings. In the crystal, the molecules are linked together by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds building zigzag tapes running along thecaxis. The Cl atom is split over two positions with an occupancy ratio of 0.567 (7):0.433 (7). This means that the reaction yields two isomers,AandB; theAcomponent has the Cl-atom substituent in the 5-position of the benzimidazolone ring and theBcomponent has the Cl atom in the 6-position. The two isomers form the disordered co-crystal, with a nearly half Cl atom in each of them, as indicated by the occupancy ratio. The crystal structure was refined as an inversion twin.
Crystal structure of 2-hydroxy-2-(2-oxocycloheptyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1,3-dione
Authors: Ahamed P. Kaleel , Srinivasan N. , Ranjith Kumar R. , Krishnakumar R. V.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C16H16O4, the five-membered ring of the indene-1,3-dione unit adopts a twist conformation, whereas the seven-membered ring adopts a twist–chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7373 (8) Å] into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one: a second monoclinic polymorph
Authors: Haroon Muhammad , Akhtar Tashfeen , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz
Published: September 2015

The title compound, C17H13ClO, is the second monoclinic polymorph to crystallize in the space groupP21/c. The first polymorph crystallized with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit [Bolognesiet al.(1975).Acta Cryst.A31, S119;Z′ = 2; no atomic coordinates available], whereas the title compound hasZ′ = 1. In the title polymorph, the dihedral angle between the plane of the benzene ring of the tetralone moiety and that of the 4-chlorobenzyl ring is 52.21 (11)°. The cyclohex-2-en-1-one ring of the tetralone moiety has a screw-boat conformation. In the crystal, molecules are liked by pairs of C—H...π interactions forming inversion dimers. There are no other significant intermolecular interactions present.
Crystal structure of fenclorim
Authors: Kwon Eunjin , Kim Jineun , Kang Gihaeng , Kim Tae Ho
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C10H6Cl2N2(systematic name: 4,6-dichloro-2-phenylpyrimidine), which is used commercially as the herbicide safener, fenclorim, the dihedral angle between the dichloropyrimidyl and phenyl rings is 9.45 (10)°. In the crystal, C—H...N hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules, forming chains along thec-axis direction. In addition, weak intermolecular C—Cl...π [3.6185 (10) Å] and π–π [3.8796 (11) Å] interactions are present, forming a three-dimensional network.
The crystal structure of 2-[5-(dimethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonamido]phenyl 5-(dimethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonate
Authors: Chainok Kittipong , Duangthongyou Tanwawan , Tuntulani Thawatchai , Chuenka Apinya , Wannalerse Boontana
Published: September 2015

The complete molecule of the title compound, C30H29N3O5S2, is generated by a crystallographic twofold axis: the O atom and NH group attached to the central benzene ring are statistically disordered. The dihedral angle between the naphthalene ring system and the central benzene ring is 52.99 (6)°, while the pendant naphthalene ring systems subtend a dihedral angle of 68.17 (4)°. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structure of tris(1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium) tetrabromidocobaltate(II) bromide chloroform hexasolvate
Authors: Rais Eduard , Flörke Ulrich , Wilhelm René
Published: September 2015

In the unit cell of the title compound, (C21H27N2)3[CoBr4]Br·6CHCl3, the tetrabromidocobaltate(II) anion and the bromide anion are located on a crystallographic threefold rotation axis. For the [CoBr4]2−group, the axis runs through one of the Br ligands and the CoIIatom. All other structure moieties lie on general sites. Various tris(1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium) structures with different counter-ions have been reported. In the title compound, the N—C—N angle is 113.7 (5)°, with short C—N bond lengths of 1.297 (7) and 1.307 (7) Å. The two mesityl planes make a dihedral angle of 34.6 (1)° and the dihedral angles between the mesityl and N–C–N planes are 82.0 (1) and 88.5 (1)°, respectively. The imidazoline ring is almost planar, with atom deviations in the range 0.003 (5)–0.017 (5) Å from the best plane; the mean deviation is 0.012 (5) Å. In the crystal, non-covalent interactions of the C—H...Br type occur between the Br−anion and the cation, as well as between the [CoBr4]2−anion and both the chloroform solvent molecules. These H...Adistances are slightly shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii.
Crystal structure of dimethyl 3,3′-[(4-fluorophenyl)methylene]bis(1H-indole-2-carboxylate)
Authors: Sun Hong-Shun , Li Yu-long , Jiang Hong , Xu Ning , Xu Hong
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C27H21FN2O4, the mean planes of the indole ring systems (r.m.s. deviations = 0.0263 and 0.0160 Å) are approximately perpendicular to one another, making a dihedral angle of 84.0 (5)°; the fluorobenzene ring is twisted with respect to the mean planes of the two indole ring systems at 89.5 (5) and 84.6 (3)°. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into inversion dimers, which are further linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds into supramolecular chains propagated along theb-axis direction. Weak C—H...π interactions are observed between neighbouring chains.
Crystal structure of 3,5-dimethoxy-2-[5-(naphthalen-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]phenol
Authors: Koh Dongsoo
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C21H20N2O3, the planes of the benzene ring and the naphthalene ring system are inclined to one another by 70.95°, and by 4.99 (6) and 75.93 (5)°, respectively, to the mean plane of the pyrazoline ring. The latter has an envelope conformation with the methine (CH) C atom as the flap. There is an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond that forms anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [100]. The chains are linkedviaC—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to theabplane. The sheets are linked by a series of N—H...π and C—H...π interactions forming a three-dimensional structure.
Crystal structure of 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan-2-ol
Authors: Shi Xin-Wei , Li Sheng-Kun , Li Dang-Dang , Lu Qiang-Qiang
Published: September 2015

The title compound (common name: sclaral), C16H28O2, is a sclareolide derivative, which was synthesized from sclareolide itself. In the molecule, the two six-membered rings,AandB, of the labdane skeleton adopt chair conformations and the five-membered O-containing heterocyclic ringCdisplays an envelope conformation, with the methine C atom of the fused C—C bond as the flap. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [100].
Crystal structure of (E)-2-(4-methoxystyryl)-3-methyl-1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-indole
Authors: Umadevi M. , Raju P. , Yamuna R. , Mohanakrishnan A. K. , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C24H21NO3S, the dihedral angles between the indole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.030 Å) and the sulfur and ethylene-bonded benzene rings are 80.2 (2) and 49.29 (15)°, respectively. The dihedral angle between the pendant benzene rings is 37.7 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...π and π–π [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.549 (2) and 3.743 (3) Å] interactions, forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of methyl (3RS,4SR,4aRS,11aRS,11bSR)-5-oxo-3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,11,11a-decahydro-3,11b-epoxyazepino[2,1-a]isoindole-4-carboxylate
Authors: Toze Flavien A. A. , Poplevin Dmitry S. , Zubkov Fedor I. , Nikitina Eugeniya V. , Porras Ciara , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: September 2015

The title compound, C15H19NO4, is the a product of the esterification of the corresponding carbonic acid with methanol. The molecule comprises a fused tetracyclic system containing three five-membered rings (2-pyrrolidinone, tetrahydrofuran and dihydrofuran) and one seven-membered ring (azepane). The five-membered rings have the usual envelope conformations, with the quaternary C atom being the flap atom for the 2-pyrrolidinone ring, and the ether O atom being the common flap atom for the remaining rings. The seven-membered azepane ring adopts a chair conformation with the methine and middle methylene C atoms lying above and below the mean plane defined by the remaining five atoms. The carboxylate substituent is rotated by 77.56 (5)° with respect to the base plane of the tetrahydrofuran ring. In the crystal, the molecules are bound by weak C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions into puckered layers parallel to (001).
Crystal structure of acetonitrile[η6-1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene][1-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-3H-indol-1-ium-2-yl-κ2N,C]ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluoridoantimonate)
Authors: Sollert Carina , Orthaber Andreas , Pilarski Lukasz T.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, [Ru(C10H14)(C12H9N3)(CH3CN)][SbF6]2, the ruthenium(II) cation isη6-coordinated by thepara-cymene ligand with a Ru–centroid(η6-benzene) distance of 1.746 (2) Å. Furthermore, ruthenium coordinations to the C and N atoms of the pyrimidyl indole ligand are found to be 1.986 (4) and 2.082 (3) Å, respectively. The typical piano-stool coordination environment is saturated with an acetonitrile solvent molecule with a Ru—N distance of 2.044 (3) Å. The indolyl ligand is protonated at the C3 position with the N=C imine bond length appropriate to that of related 3H-indole-based complexes. In the crystal, the complex cation is linked to the SbF6−ions through weak C—H...F hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structures of the potassium and rubidium salts of (3,5-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid: two isotypic coordination polymers
Authors: Smith Graham
Published: September 2015

The two-dimensional coordination polymeric structures of the hydrated potassium and rubidium salts of (3,5-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (3,5-D), namely, poly[μ-aqua-bis[μ3-2-(3,5-dichlorophenoxy)acetato]dipotassium], [K2(C8H5Cl2O3)2(H2O)]n, and poly[μ-aqua-bis[μ3-2-(3,5-dichlorophenoxy)acetato]dirubidium], [Rb2(C8H5Cl2O3)2(H2O)]n, respectively, have been determined and are described. The two compounds are isotypic and the polymeric structure is based on centrosymmetric dinuclear bridged complex units. The irregular six-coordination about the alkali cations comprises a bridging water molecule lying on a twofold rotation axis, the phenoxy O-atom donor and a triple bridging carboxylate O atom of the oxoacetate side chain of the 3,5-D ligand, and the second carboxyate O-atom donor also bridging. The K—O and Rb—O bond-length ranges are 2.7238 (15)–2.9459 (14) and 2.832 (2)–3.050 (2) Å, respectively, and the K...K and Rb...Rb separations in the dinuclear units are 4.0214 (7) and 4.1289 (6) Å, respectively. Within the layers which lie parallel to (100), the coordinating water molecule forms an O—H...O hydrogen bond to the single bridging carboxylate O atom.
Crystal structure of poly[(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)tetra-μ2-cyanido-κ4C:N;κ4N:C-manganese(II)disilver(I)]
Authors: Theppitak Chatphorn , Chainok Kittipong
Published: September 2015

The title compound, [Ag2Mn(CN)4(C10H8N2)]nor Mn(bipy){Ag(CN)2}2(bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) is isostructural with Cd(bipy){Au(CN)2}2[Guoet al.(2009).CrystEngComm,11, 61–66]. The MnIIatom has crystallographically imposed twofold symmetry and a distorted octahedral coordination sphere consisting of six N atoms from one bipyridine ligand and four dicyanoargentate(I) anions, [Ag(CN)2]−, while the AgIatom of the complex anion displays the expected linear geometry. Each [Ag(CN)2]−unit connects to two neighbouring [Mn(bipy)]2+cations to give an threefold interpenetrating quartz-like three-dimensional framework. No directional interactions beyond van der Waals contacts are observed.
Redetermination of the crystal structure ofcatena-poly[[[bis(ethylenediamine)platinum(II)]-μ-iodido-[bis(ethylenediamine)platinum(IV)]-μ-iodido] tetrakis(octane-1-sulfonate) dihydrate]
Authors: Matsushita Nobuyuki
Published: September 2015

The structure of the title compound, which represents a mixed-valence platinum(II,IV) complex, {[PtIIPtIVI2(C2H8N2)4][CH3(CH2)7SO3]4·2H2O}n, has been redetermined in a different space group. In contrast to the previously reported determination in the space groupP21cn[Matsushita & Taira (1999).Synth. Met.102, 1787–1788], the current model was refined in the centrosymmetric space groupPmcnusing the original diffraction data. The title compound has a linear chain structure composed of square-planar [Pt(en)2]2+and elongated octahedraltrans-[PtI2(en)2]2+cations (en is ethylenediamine) stacked alternately, bridged by the I atoms, parallel to thecaxis. Inorganic layers aligned parallel to thebcplane, composed of the Pt-complex columns, the –SO3−part of the octane-1-sulfonate anion, and the water molecule of crystallization, are stacked alternately with organic layers composed of the long-chain alkyl groups along theaaxis. The Pt and I sites are located on the same mirror plane whereby the I site is equally disordered over two positions. The Pt and I atoms form a slight zigzag ...I—PtIV—I...PtII... chain, with PtIV—I bond lengths of 2.6888 (17) and 2.7239 (17) Å, PtII...I contacts of 3.2065 (17) and 3.1732 (16) Å, and PtIV—I...PtIIangles of 178.3 (3) and 176.7 (2)°. The mixed-valence state of the Pt site is expressed by the structural parameter δ = (PtIV—I)/(PtII...I), with values of 0.839 and 0.858 for the two independent I atoms. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the cationic chains, the sulfonate groups and water molecules of crystallization, stabilize the columnar structure.
Crystal structure of bis(acetylacetonato-κ2O,O′)(tetrahydrofuran-κO)(trifluoromethanesulfonato-κO)iron(III)
Authors: Richers Casseday P. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Rauchfuss Thomas B.
Published: September 2015

The mononuclear title complex, [Fe(CF3O3S)(C5H7O2)2(C4H8O)] or [Fe(acac)2(OTf)(THF)] (acac = acetylacetonate; OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate; THF = tetrahydrofuran), (I), consists of one six-coordinate Fe3+atom in a slightly distorted octahedral environment [Fe—O bond-length range = 1.9517 (11)–2.0781 (11) Å]. The triflate ligand was found to be disordered over two sets of sites, with a site-occupancy ratio of 0.622 (16):0.378 (16). Weak intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen-bonding interactions generate a two-dimensional supramolecular structure lying parallel to (100). This is only the second crystal structure reported of a mononuclear bis(acetylacetonato)iron(III) complex.
The importance of university facilities for student satisfaction at a Norwegian University
Authors: Hanssen Thor-Erik Sandberg , Solvoll Gisle
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the influence of higher education institution (HEI) facilities on overall student satisfaction, and to identify the distinct facilities that most strongly influence student overall satisfaction with HEI facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A tailor-made questionnaire is developed to measure student perception about student life, including their perceptions about the facilities at the HEI they attend. Two econometric models are estimated using OLS regression analysis.

Findings

– The factor that most strongly influences student satisfaction with university facilities is the quality of its social areas, auditoriums and libraries. Conversely, it is determined that computer access on campus does not influence student satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample includes data only from a single university. Moreover, only Norwegian students at the university participated in the survey.

Practical implications

– Based on our findings, the most effective strategy to improve student overall satisfaction with the facilities at an HEI is to improve the quality of social areas, auditoriums and libraries. Such a strategy will result in students who are more satisfied with the HEI they are attending and, thereby, increase the HEI’s chances of long-term success.

Originality/value

– To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the facilities that most strongly influence the overall satisfaction of students with the facilities at HEIs.
Drawing the boundary lines of science education
Authors: Hallström Jonas
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze how the Swedish Association of Biology Teachers (ABT) and some other subject associations helped form pre-service biology teacher education in two major Swedish reforms from ca. 1960 to 1990.

Design/methodology/approach

– The activities of subject associations can be understood as boundary-work since they defend their subject boundaries in terms of content, space in the timetable, and legitimacy. A hermeneutic method of text interpretation is employed in analyzing historical archival and parliamentary material.

Findings

– The work of the ABT to demarcate their subject in the 1968 and 1988 Teacher Education Reforms may seem like merely defending certain biological items instead of others, in the name of science. However, it was also a professional struggle to assert the importance of the teachers, their jobs, education, knowledge of biology subject matter, and thereby their professional authority and autonomy. The ABT were also caught in a political struggle for their subject throughout the period of investigation. Depending on the political winds of the time they therefore had to ally themselves with or distance themselves from various actors.

Originality/value

– In comparison with the few other studies of subject associations, this paper is unique in outlining how the ABT acted in relation to teacher education. However, the ways of doing boundary-work were still very similar to those used by subject associations in schools in other countries, especially in acting for increased study time in their respective science subjects as well as their resistance to subject integration. An obvious conclusion regarding teacher education is that subject associations such as the ABT did not contribute to bridging the gap between subject matter and pedagogy but rather the opposite. Biology teacher education was seen as an academic pursuit carried out at universities rather than at the practically oriented teacher training colleges.
Employees as performers in knowledge intensive firms: role of knowledge sharing
Authors: Iqbal Salman , Toulson Paul , Tweed David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of specific human resource management (HRM) practices on knowledge sharing behaviour among employees of knowledge intensive firms (KIFs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on previous literature, a model is proposed for the study and hypotheses are formulated. The cross-sectional data set comes from a sample of 390 employees of 19 KIFs. Confirmatory factor analyses were employed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the measurement model and the research model was tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The results suggest that collaborative HRM practices have a direct positive effect on employees’ knowledge sharing behaviour. Surprisingly, the authors find that employees’ knowledge sharing behaviour is independent of reward systems and employees’ recognition. The authors suggest that organisational learning environments based on collaborative HRM practices can help employees’ knowledge sharing behaviour and improve the capability of both individual and organisational capability.

Research limitations/implications

– Knowledge-sharing behaviour is examined using specific HRM practices. Findings should be confirmed using a larger sample, as well as through longitudinal study.

Practical implications

– This study will be beneficial for researchers, practitioners, scholars, organisational leaders and employees. It will also be helpful for those interested in organisational structure and relationships across organisations in knowledge context.

Originality/value

– This study makes a valuable contribution, given that there is a lack of empirical studies of this nature focusing on the South-East Asian region. The findings are more interesting given that the current study is based on employees’ perceptions.
Measurement and validation of online financial service quality (OFSQ)
Authors: Roy Sanjit Kumar , Balaji M S
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The role of service quality in fostering the growth of online financial services has received much attention in the academic and practitioner communities. In this context the purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying dimensions of perceived service quality in the online financial services context and develop a scale for measuring online financial service quality (i.e. OFSQ).

Design/methodology/approach

– The present study anchors in Grönroos’s (1984) service quality model and DeLone and McLean’s (2003) information systems (IS) success model in developing a multidimensional multi-item scale for measuring OFSQ. Accepted scale development method was employed to identify the OFSQ dimensions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to analyze the data.

Findings

– OFSQ consists of five dimensions which are convenience quality, functionality, interaction quality, information quality, and image quality. The OFSQ scale exhibits adequate degree of validity and reliability.

Practical implications

– OFSQ instrument developed in this study enable service managers to accurately measure service quality and benchmark it to competitors that could help the service provider to improve their service performance level. These findings will provide the managers with a bird’s eye view of the levers for improving and managing the perceived quality of the online financial services in customer’s minds.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this study lies in the identification of perceived service quality dimensions in the online financial services context by integrating two theoretical models, i.e. Grönroos’s (1984) service quality model and DeLone and McLean’s (2003) IS success model.
The ubiquitous jazz metaphor: thoughts from a jazz musician and management educator
Authors: Dennis Noel
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint about how the jazz metaphor can be applied to marketing/management education, in light of the article by Holbrook (2015).

Design/methodology/approach

– This commentary examines the jazz metaphor from the author’s perspective as a jazz musician and management educator and hopefully provides the reader with a brief snapshot into the intricate workings of a jazz group. This commentary also investigates the lessons to be learned from Miles Davis’s approach to leadership and innovation.

Findings

– The jazz group can provide a valuable model for modern organisations. The core competencies of a successful jazz group, e.g. collaboration, trust, dialogue and innovation can be employed to bring about a culture of creativity within an organisation.

Research limitations/implications

– It may be possible to extend the jazz metaphor and investigate how different aspects of business practice could be aligned with particular genres of jazz.

Originality/value

– This commentary expands on Holbrook’s discussion of the marketing manager as Jazz musician and provides examples of how these metaphors can be used in order to augment the marketing/management learning material to offer alternative perspectives to the learning communities and enhance the pedagogical practice
Sequence capture of ultraconserved elements from bird museum specimens
Authors: McCormack John E. , Tsai Whitney L.E. , Faircloth Brant C.
Published: September 2015

New DNA sequencing technologies are allowing researchers to explore the genomes of the millions of natural history specimens collected prior to the molecular era. Yet, we know little about how well specific next‐generation sequencing (NGS) techniques work with the degraded DNA typically extracted from museum specimens. Here, we use one type of NGS approach, sequence capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs), to collect data from bird museum specimens as old as 120 years. We targeted 5060 UCE loci in 27 western scrub‐jays (Aphelocoma californica) representing three evolutionary lineages that could be species, and we collected an average of 3749 UCE loci containing 4460 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Despite older specimens producing fewer and shorter loci in general, we collected thousands of markers from even the oldest specimens. More sequencing reads per individual helped to boost the number of UCE loci we recovered from older specimens, but more sequencing was not as successful at increasing the length of loci. We detected contamination in some samples and determined that contamination was more prevalent in older samples that were subject to less sequencing. For the phylogeny generated from concatenated UCE loci, contamination led to incorrect placement of some individuals. In contrast, a species tree constructed from SNPs called within UCE loci correctly placed individuals into three monophyletic groups, perhaps because of the stricter analytical procedures used for SNP calling. This study and other recent studies on the genomics of museum specimens have profound implications for natural history collections, where millions of older specimens should now be considered genomic resources.
Nine new species ofDimophorafromAustralia (Hymenoptera:Ichneumonidae): new insights on the distribution of a poorly known genus of parasitoid wasps
Authors: Klopfstein Seraina
Published: September 2015

Parasitoid wasps fulfil a vital role in all terrestrial ecosystems as natural enemies of spiders and insects, including many agricultural pests. Despite their value in biological control, even the most basic knowledge of species diversity is missing for large parts of the world, includingAustralia. The ichneumonid genusDimophora(Cremastinae) was previously known from eight extant species that, with the exception of theNeotropicalDimophora daschi Gauld, were all believed to occur only in theNorthernHemisphere. Here, 11 species of this genus are reported for the first time fromAustralia, nine of which are described as new (D. biquadran. sp.,D. diabolican. sp.,D. kentmartinin. sp.,D. lutulentan. sp.,D. migrosin. sp.,D. ocellatan. sp.,D. ryhsin. sp.,D. ruficollisn. sp.andD. turistan. sp.). The two remaining species,D. nitens(Gravenhorst) andD. evanialis(Gravenhorst), also occur in theHolarctic region; their presence inAustralia might thus reflect recent invasions. However, as the current study illustrates, our knowledge of ichneumonid diversity is far too patchy in most regions of the world to draw sound conclusions about biogeographical patterns. Phylogenetic analyses are needed to decide whether the surprisingly high diversity ofDimophorainAustralia is due to a recent radiation, if it indicates that this is its centre of origin, or if it simply reflects a relict distribution of the genus. In any case, the doubling of the number of species of this rare genus demonstrates the need for taxonomic studies on parasitoid wasps inAustralia.
Attitudes of Australian dermatologists to the use and safety of topical corticosteroids in paediatric atopic dermatitis
Authors: Smith Saxon D , Lee Andrew , Blaszczynski Alex , Fischer Gayle
Published: September 2015

Background

Atopic dermatitis is a common paediatric dermatological condition. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are central to treatment, but non‐adherence leads to poor outcomes and treatment failure. Parents commonly cite TCS phobia as an obstacle to treatment adherence. Dermatologists play a key role as clinician educators around the use, safety and efficacy of TCS.

Objectives

To assess dermatologists' attitudes towards and experiences of the use and safety of TCS in managing paediatric atopic dermatitis (pAD).

Methods

All 455 practicing Australasian College of Dermatologists fellows in Australia were surveyed either when attending the May 2014 annual scientific meeting or via two subsequent emails. The survey assessed their attitudes towards the use and safety of TCS in treating pAD.

Results

Of 198 completed surveys, nearly all responders prescribed potent or super‐potent TCS to treat pAD. The most common TCS side‐effect cited by over two‐thirds of respondents was peri‐orificial dermatitis. Most stated that pharmacists were the most common source of misinformation leading to TCS phobia. Of the respondents, 75% strongly agreed that TCS do not cause skin atrophy when used appropriately and under clinical supervision. Furthermore, 77% agreed or strongly agreed that the words ‘use sparingly’ should be removed from pharmacist labels on TCS prescriptions.

Conclusions

Dermatologists manage pAD with potent or super‐potent TCS. Pharmacists are cited as the main contributor of misinformation leading to TCS phobia, supporting the removal of the words ‘use sparingly’ from prescription TCS. Most dermatologists believe TCS do not cause skin atrophy when used appropriately in pAD.
The influence of mode of birth on neonatal survival and maternal outcomes at extreme prematurity: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Thomas Penelope E. , Petersen Scott G. , Gibbons Kristen
Published: September 2015

Background

There is a paucity of published clinical data to guide obstetric decision‐making regarding mode of birth at extreme prematurity.

Aims

To evaluate whether neonatal survival or maternal outcomes were affected by the decision to perform a caesarean section (CS) between 23 + 0 and 26 + 6 weeks' gestation.

Materials and Methods

A single‐centre retrospective cohort study of all liveborn infants born with a plan for active resuscitation at 23–26 weeks' gestation was performed. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses compared outcomes after vaginal birth and CS. Subgroup analyses of nonfootling breech presentations, multiple pregnancies and singleton pregnancies in spontaneous preterm labour were performed.

Results

Outcomes for 625 neonates delivered by 540 mothers were analysed. A total of 300 (48%) neonates were born vaginally and 325 (52%) by CS. Mode of birth was not associated independently with survival for any multivariate analysis; gestational age at birth was an independent predictor across all analyses. Adverse maternal outcomes were documented in 112 (21%) pregnancies; the rate of severe maternal complications was low. Maternal morbidity was not affected by mode of birth.

Conclusions

Mode of birth did not affect neonatal survival or the rate of maternal morbidity for deliveries at 23–26 completed weeks' gestation.
Seasonal distribution of initial diagnosis and clinical recrudescence of eosinophilic esophagitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lucendo A. J. , Arias Á. , Redondo‐González O. , González‐Cervera J.
Published: September 2015

Background

The association between seasonality and diagnosis and/or recrudescence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) remains unclear, with some studies demonstrating a higher diagnostic rate in those months with a higher aeroallergen load while others rule out this association.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases for studies on the seasonality of the initial diagnosis or recrudescence (i.e., food bolus impaction) of EoE. Summary estimates, including 95% confidence intervals, were calculated for seasonal variation in diagnosis or incidence of food bolus impaction. A random‐effects meta‐regression model was made using aggregate‐level data to compare seasonality in EoE diagnosis and recrudescence. Publication bias risks were assessed by means of funnel plot analysis.

Results

Of 1078 references found, data were finally collected from 18 studies which included a total of 16 846 EoE patients. Of all new cases of EoE diagnosed per year, 27.1% were diagnosed in spring and 21.5% in winter. No overall statistical differences in the annual seasonal distribution of newly diagnosed EoE cases were observed in the random‐effects meta‐regression model (P = 0.132). Similarly, a homogenous distribution of episodes of EoE recrudescence throughout the year was noted, with no significant differences between seasons (P = 0.699). No significant publication bias was found.

Conclusions

This systematic review found no significant variations in the seasonal distribution of either the diagnosis or clinical recrudescence of EoE throughout the year.
Validation of a Novel Digital Tool in Automatic Scoring of an Online ECG Examination at an International Cardiology Meeting
Authors: Quinn Kieran L. , Crystal Eugene , Lashevsky Ilan , Arouny Banafsheh , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: September 2015

Background

We have previously developed a novel digital tool capable of automatically recognizing correct electrocardiography (ECG) diagnoses in an online exam and demonstrated a significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy when utilizing an inductive‐deductive reasoning strategy over a pattern recognition strategy. In this study, we sought to validate these findings from participants at the International Winter Arrhythmia School meeting, one of the foremost electrophysiology events in Canada.

Methods

Preregistration to the event was sent by e‐mail. The exam was administered on day 1 of the conference. Results and analysis were presented the following morning to participants.

Results

Twenty‐five attendees completed the exam, providing a total of 500 responses to be marked. The online tool accurately identified 195 of a total of 395 (49%) correct responses (49%). In total, 305 responses required secondary manual review, of which 200 were added to the correct responses pool. The overall accuracy of correct ECG diagnosis for all participants was 69% and 84% when using pattern recognition or inductive‐deductive strategies, respectively.

Conclusion

Utilization of a novel digital tool to evaluate ECG competency can be set up as a workshop at international meetings or educational events. Results can be presented during the sessions to ensure immediate feedback.
Different Methods to Measure QRS Duration in CRT Patients: Impact on the Predictive Value of QRS Duration Parameters
Authors: De Pooter Jan , El Haddad Milad , Timmers Liesbeth , Van Heuverswyn Frédéric , Jordaens Luc , Duytschaever Mattias , Stroobandt Roland
Published: September 2015

Background

Measurements of QRS duration (QRSD) in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are not standardized. We hypothesized that both the measurement of QRSD and its predictive value on CRT response are sensitive to the method by which QRSD is measured.

Methods

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) pre‐ and post‐CRT from 52 CRT patients (66 ± 12 years, 65% male) were retrospectively analyzed. Custom‐made software was developed to measure global QRSD (QRSDglobal) and lead‐specific QRSD (QRSDI,II,III,aVR,aVL,aVF,V1,V2,V3,V4,V5,V6). QRSD was also assessed automatic by a routinely used ECG device. For each method we measured QRSD pre‐ and post‐CRT and shortening of QRSD (∆QRSD). Response to CRT at 6 months was defined as an improvement of ≥1 class in New York Heart Association classification and an increase by >7.5% in left ventricular ejection fraction.

Results

The CRT response rate was 77%(n = 40). Different methods to measure QRSD show divergent nominal values before (median range 152—172 ms, P < 0.001) and after CRT (130–152 ms, P < 0.001). The predictive value of QRSD measurements for CRT response also varies significantly according to the method used (range AUC pre‐CRT QRSD 0.400–0.580, P < 0.05; AUC post‐CRT QRSD 0.447–0.768, P < 0.05; AUC ΔQRSD 0.540–0.858, P < 0.05). Global QRSD measurements revealed lower variability compared to lead‐specific QRSD.

Conclusion

Different methods to measure QRSD yield not only different nominal values but also influence the value of QRSD in predicting CRT response. Measuring QRSD by a global method can help to standardize QRSD measurements in future studies.
Interleukin 10 and dendritic cells are the main suppression mediators of regulatory T cells in human neurocysticercosis
Authors: Arce-Sillas A , Álvarez-Luquín D D , Cárdenas G , Casanova-Hernández D , Fragoso G , Hernández M , Proaño Narváez J V , García-Vázquez F , Fleury A , Sciutto E , Adalid-Peralta L
Published: September 2015

Neurocysticercosis is caused by the establishment of Taenia solium cysticerci in the central nervous system. It is considered that, during co-evolution, the parasite developed strategies to modulate the host’s immune response. The action mechanisms of regulatory T cells in controlling the immune response in neurocysticercosis are studied in this work. Higher blood levels of regulatory T cells with CD4+CD45RO+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)high and CD4+CD25highFoxP3+CD95high phenotype and of non-regulatory CD4+CD45RO+FoxP3med T cells were found in neurocysticercosis patients with respect to controls. Interestingly, regulatory T cells express higher levels of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), programmed death 1 (PD-1) and glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR), suggesting a cell-to-cell contact mechanism with dendritic cells. Furthermore, higher IL-10 and regulatory T cell type 1 (Tr1) levels were found in neurocysticercosis patients’ peripheral blood, suggesting that the action mechanism of regulatory T cells involves the release of immunomodulatory cytokines. No evidence was found of the regulatory T cell role in inhibiting the proliferative response. Suppressive regulatory T cells from neurocysticercosis patients correlated negatively with late activated lymphocytes (CD4+CD38+). Our results suggest that, during neurocysticercosis, regulatory T cells could control the immune response, probably by a cell-to-cell contact with dendritic cells and interleukin (IL)-10 release by Tr1, to create an immunomodulatory environment that may favour the development of T. solium cysticerci and their permanence in the central nervous system.
Serum levels of TSP‐1, NF‐κB and TGF‐β1 in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients in northern China suggest PCOS is associated with chronic inflammation
Authors: Liu Meimei , Gao Jiayin , Zhang Yanhua , Li Peiling , Wang Hongli , Ren Xiaopang , Li Changmin
Published: September 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and nuclear factor kappaβ (NF‐κβ) in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients with and without insulin resistance and after treatment with cyproterone acetate/ethinyloestradiol with or without concomitant metformin.

Design

Prospective.

Patients

Patients with PCOS and healthy women were recruited. Patients were subdivided into obese and nonobese based on body mass index. Patients with PCOS were also grouped according to homoeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) ≥2·69 or <2·69, and by PCOS phenotype. Patients with PCOS‐IR were treated with a 6‐month course of cyproterone acetate/ethinyloestradiol with or without concomitant metformin.

Measurements

Inflammatory markers were examined at baseline, and after 6 months of treatment.

Results

A total of 445 women with PCOS (mean age 25·9 ± 2·7 years; 298 obese, 147 nonobese) and 213 normal controls (mean age 24·9 ± 3·0 years) were included. Regardless of obesity status, testosterone, free androgen index (FAI), luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio, HOMA‐IR, TSP‐1 and NF‐κB in the PCOS groups were significantly higher than in the control group, whereas TSP‐1 was lower in the PCOS groups (all, P < 0·05). Patients with PCOS without IR had lower TSP‐1 levels than control patients (P < 0·05). Treatment with cyproterone acetate/ethinyloestradiol with addition of metformin reduced the level of NF‐κB, TGF‐β1 and HOMA‐IR and increased the level of TSP‐1.

Conclusions

These results support the association between PCOS and chronic inflammation.
Determinants of Research Productivity in Spanish Academia
Authors: Albert Cecilia , Davia María A. , Legazpe Nuria
Published: September 2015

This article aims to widen the empirical evidence about the determinants of Spanish academics’ publication productivity across fields of study. We use the Spanish Survey on Human Resources in Science and Technology addressed to Spanish resident PhDs employed in Spanish universities as academics. Productivity is measured as the total number of publications in a three‐year period. We show how personal and academic variables explain differences in productivity within universities and fields of studies and across fields of research. Female workers report lower productivity than their male counterparts, but family responsibilities do not explain this gender gap. The type of contract and tenure or rank do not seem to have any influence on productivity. Researchers seeking professional promotion rather than altruism or personal satisfaction are more productive and young scholars publish more than their older counterparts. Additionally, we find a certain research‐teaching trade‐off and some nuances in the predictors of publication productivity across birth cohorts and fields of study. Finally, international cooperation is one of the most relevant determinants of the number of publications, regardless of the birth cohort. The institutional context in the Spanish research system as regards requirements for promotion and the assessment of research outcomes may contribute to the understanding and interpretation of our results.