bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic lupus erythematosus: molecular cloning and analysis of recombinant DNase monoclonal κ light chain NGK-1
Authors: Kostrikina Irina A. , Odintsova Elena S. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: May 2014

Because DNase antibodies are cytotoxic, enter the nucleus and cause DNA fragmentation inducing cell death by apoptosis, they can play an important role in the pathogenesis of different autoimmune pathologies and especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The interesting goal of catalytic antibodies research is not only to study a possible biological role of such antibodies, but also to develop in future new human and animal therapies that use the advantages offered by abzymes. An immunoglobulin κ light chain library from SLE patients was cloned into a phagemid vector. Phage particles displaying recombinant monoclonal antibody light chains (MLChs) capable of binding DNA were isolated by affinity chromatography on DNA-cellulose. Sixteen of the 46 MLChs efficiently hydrolyzed DNA; one MLCh (approximately 27–28kDa) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by metal chelating and gel filtration. MLCh NGK-1 was electrophoretically homogeneous and demonstrated a positive answer with mouse IgGs against light chains of human antibodies after western blotting. SDS-PAGE in a gel containing DNA demonstrated that the MLCh hydrolyzes DNA and is not contaminated by canonical DNases. The DNase MLCh was activated by several metal ions. The protein sequence of the DNase MLCh has homology with mammalian DNases I and shares with them several identical or similar (with the same side chain functionality) important amino acid residues, which are necessary for DNA hydrolysis and binding of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. The affinity of DNA for this first example of a MLCh (KM = 0.3 microM) was 150- to 200-fold higher than for human DNase I.
Bypassing Both Surface Attachment and Surface Recognition Requirements for Appressorium Formation by Overactive Ras Signaling in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Zhao Xinhua , Xue Chaoyang , Dai Yafeng , Xu Jin-Rong
Published: May 2014

Magnaporthe oryzae forms a highly specialized infection structure called an appressorium for plant penetration. In M. oryzae and many other plant-pathogenic fungi, surface attachment and surface recognition are two essential requirements for appressorium formation. Development of appressoria in the air has not been reported. In this study, we found that expression of a dominant active MoRAS2G18V allele in M. oryzae resulted in the formation of morphologically abnormal appressoria on nonconducive surfaces, in liquid suspensions, and on aerial hyphae without attachment to hard surfaces. Both the Pmk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and cAMP signaling pathways that regulate surface recognition and appressorium morphogenesis in M. oryzae were overactivated in the MoRAS2G18V transformant. In mutants deleted of PMK1 or CPKA, expression of MoRAS2G18V had no significant effects on appressorium morphogenesis. Furthermore, expression of dominant MoRAS2 in Colletotrichum graminicola and C. gloeosporioides also caused the formation of appressorium-like structures in aerial hyphae. Overall, our data indicate that MoRas2 functions upstream from both the cAMP-PKA and Pmk1 pathways and overactive Ras signaling leads to improper activation of these two pathways and appressorium formation without surface attachment in appressorium-forming pathogens.
Virulence Characterization of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Using a New Set of Yr Single-Gene Line Differentials in the United States in 2010
Authors: Wan Anmin , Chen Xianming
Published: May 2014

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici causes stripe rust (yellow rust) of wheat and is highly variable in virulence toward wheat with race-specific resistance. During 2010, wheat stripe rust was the most widespread in the recorded history of the United States, resulting in large-scale application of fungicides and substantial yield loss. A new differential set with 18 yellow rust (Yr) single-gene lines was established and used to differentiate races of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici, which were named as race PSTv in distinction from the PST races identified in the past. An octal system was used to describe the virulence and avirulence patterns of the PSTv races. From 348 viable P. striiformis f. sp. tritici isolates recovered from a total of 381 wheat and grass stripe rust samples collected in 24 states, 41 races, named PSTv-1 to PSTv-41, were identified using the new set of 18 Yr single-gene differentials, and their equivalent PST race names were determined on the previous set of 20 wheat cultivar differentials. The frequencies and distributions of the races and their virulences were determined. The five most predominant races were PSTv-37 (34.5%), PSTv-11 (17.5%), PSTv-14 (7.2%), PSTv-36 (5.2%), and PSTv-34 (4.9%). PSTv-37 was distributed throughout the country while PSTv-11 and PSTv-14 were almost restricted to states west of the Rocky Mountains. The races had virulence to 0 to 13 of the 18 Yr genes. Frequencies of virulences toward resistance genes Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr9, Yr17, Yr27, Yr43, Yr44, YrTr1, and YrExp2 were high (67.0 to 93.7%); those to Yr1 (32.8%) and YrTye (31.3%) were moderate; and those to Yr10, Yr24, Yr32, and YrSP were low (3.4 to 5.7%). All of the isolates were avirulent to Yr5 and Yr15.
Evaluation of Fungicides for the Control of Peronospora belbahrii on Sweet Basil in New Jersey
Authors: Homa Kathryn , Barney William P. , Ward Daniel L. , Wyenandt Christian A. , Simon James E.
Published: May 2014

Basil downy mildew (BDM), caused by the fungus-like oomycete pathogen Peronospora belbahrii, has become a destructive disease of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). Without proper management, BDM can cause complete crop loss. Currently, there are no commercially available sweet basil cultivars with genetic resistance to BDM. Because BDM is a relatively new disease of basil in the United States, there are few currently registered conventional or organic fungicides labeled for its control. Fungicide efficacy trials were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Bridgeton, NJ. During both years, seven biological fungicide treatments were field evaluated, including hydrogen dioxide; extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis; Bacillus pumilus strain QST 2808; a mixture of rosemary oil, clove oil, and thyme oil; mono- and dipotassium salts of phosphorous acid; sesame oil; copper hydroxide; and a combination of sesame oil + cupric hydroxide. Six conventional fungicides evaluated included mandipropamid, fluopicolide, propamocarb hydrochloride, cyazofamid, azoxystrobin, and fenamidone. In both years, mono- and dipotassium salts of phosphorous acid provided the best control. Moderate disease suppression was provided by mandipropamid, cyazofamid, and fluopicolide compared with the control in 2010 and mandipropamid, cyazofamid, and copper hydroxide compared with the control in 2011.
Extent and Drivers of Mycotoxin Contamination: Inferences from a Survey of Kenyan Maize Mills
Authors: Mutiga S. K. , Were V. , Hoffmann V. , Harvey J. W. , Milgroom M. G. , Nelson R. J.
Published: May 2014

The prevalence of aflatoxin and fumonisin was investigated in maize intended for immediate human consumption in eastern Kenya at a time in 2010 when an aflatoxin outbreak was recognized. Samples were collected from people who brought their maize for processing at local commercial mills. Sites were selected using a geographical information system overlay of agroecological zones and Kenya's administrative districts. Interviews and collection of maize flour samples was conducted from 1,500 people who processed maize at 143 mills in 10 administrative districts. Mycotoxins were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for aflatoxin and fumonisin, leading to detection at levels above the respective maximum tolerable limits in 39 and 37% of the samples, respectively. Samples with aflatoxin contamination above the legal limit ranged between 22 and 60% across the districts. A higher occurrence of aflatoxin was associated with smaller maize farms, lower grain yield, and monocropping systems, while a larger magnitude of the toxin was observed in the subhumid agroecological zone, in samples with more broken kernels, and, curiously, less maize ear damage at harvest. Analysis of paired grain samples (visually sorted and unsorted) showed that sorting reduced fumonisin by 65%, from above to below the legal limit of 1,000 ppb. Sorting did not, however, reduce aflatoxin levels. Although the aflatoxin problem is widely acknowledged, the high prevalence of fumonisin has not previously been reported. There is need for surveillance of the two mycotoxins and establishment of intervention strategies to reach vulnerable small-scale farmers.
A Sensitive Assay for Rapid Detection and Quantification ofAphanomyces euteichesin Soil
Authors: Gangneux Christophe , Cannesan Marc-Antoine , Bressan Mélanie , Castel Lisa , Moussart Anne , Vicré-Gibouin Maïté , Driouich Azeddine , Trinsoutrot-Gattin Isabelle , Laval Karine
Published: May 2014

Aphanomyces euteiches is a widespread oomycete pathogen causing root rot in a wide range of leguminous crops. Losses can reach up to 100% for pea culture and there is currently no registered pesticide for its control. Crop management remains the most efficient tool to control root rot, and avoidance of infested soil seems to be the optimal solution. A test was developed to identify fields suitable for pea crops, consisting of the determination of the inoculum potential of soil using baiting plants. A new rapid, specific, and sensitive molecular method is described allowing the quantification of less than 10 oospores per gram of soil. This challenge is achieved by a real-time polymerase chain reaction procedure targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 from the ribosomal DNA operons. A preliminary study based on typical soils from northwestern France demonstrated that the A. euteiches oospore density in soil is related to the inoculum potential. Furthermore, this method has proved sensitive enough to accurately study the influence of biotic factors that may govern the actual emergence of root rot.
Characterization of spatial memory reconsolidation
Authors: De Jaeger Xavier , Courtey Julie , Brus Maïna , Artinian Julien , Villain Hélène , Bacquié Elodie , Roullet Pascal
Published: May 2014

Reconsolidation is necessary for the restabilization of reactivated memory traces. However, experimental parameters have been suggested as boundary conditions for this process. Here we investigated the role of a spatial memory trace's age, strength, and update on the reconsolidation process in mice. We first found that protein synthesis is necessary for reconsolidation to occur in the hippocampal CA3 region after reactivation of partially acquired and old memories but not for strongly acquired and recent memories. We also demonstrated that the update of a previously stable memory required, again, a memory reconsolidation in the hippocampal CA3. Finally, we found that the reactivation of a strongly acquired memory requires an activation of the anterior cingulate cortex as soon as 24 h after acquisition. This study demonstrates the importance of the knowledge of the task on the dynamic nature of memory reconsolidation processing.
Genetic Control and Evolution of Anthocyanin Methylation
Authors: Provenzano Sofia , Spelt Cornelis , Hosokawa Satoko , Nakamura Noriko , Brugliera Filippa , Demelis Linda , Geerke Daan P. , Schubert Andrea , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Quattrocchio Francesca , Koes Ronald
Published: May 2014

Anthocyanins are a chemically diverse class of secondary metabolites that color most flowers and fruits. They consist of three aromatic rings that can be substituted with hydroxyl, sugar, acyl, and methyl groups in a variety of patterns depending on the plant species. To understand how such chemical diversity evolved, we isolated and characterized METHYLATION AT THREE2 (MT2) and the two METHYLATION AT FIVE (MF) loci from Petunia spp., which direct anthocyanin methylation in petals. The proteins encoded by MT2 and the duplicated MF1 and MF2 genes and a putative grape (Vitis vinifera) homolog Anthocyanin O-Methyltransferase1 (VvAOMT1) are highly similar to and apparently evolved from caffeoyl-Coenzyme A O-methyltransferases by relatively small alterations in the active site. Transgenic experiments showed that the Petunia spp. and grape enzymes have remarkably different substrate specificities, which explains part of the structural anthocyanin diversity in both species. Most strikingly, VvAOMT1 expression resulted in the accumulation of novel anthocyanins that are normally not found in Petunia spp., revealing how alterations in the last reaction can reshuffle the pathway and affect (normally) preceding decoration steps in an unanticipated way. Our data show how variations in gene expression patterns, loss-of-function mutations, and alterations in substrate specificities all contributed to the anthocyanins’ structural diversity.
7,7-[Ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)]-2-[hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-one
Authors: Li Jian , Ma Jia Qi , Mo Wei Min , Shen Zhen Lu
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C18H22O4, the cyclohexane and cyclohexanone rings adopt normal chair and half-chair conformations, respectively. The dioxolane ring is almost planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.094 (3) Å. In the crystal, molecules are connected by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming 21helical chains along thea-axis direction. The chains are further connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
tert-ButylN-[2-(N-isobutyl-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamido)ethyl]carbamate
Authors: Bai Xiao-Guang , Wang Ju-Xian
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C18H30N2O5S, was synthesized by the reaction oftert-butyl 2-(isobutylamino)ethylcarbamate withp-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride. In the molecule, two intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds are observed. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the imino group N atom and the ester group O atom into chains running parallel to thebaxis. The chains are further connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to thebcplane.
{Dimethyl [(phenylsulfonyl)amido]phosphato-κ2O,O′}bis(triphenylphosphane-κP)copper(I)
Authors: Moroz Olesia V. , Trush Viktor A. , Sliva Tatiana Yu. , Znovjyak Kateryna O. , Amirkhanov Vladimir M.
Published: May 2014

In the title complex, [Cu(C8H11NO5PS)(C18H15P)2], the CuIion is coordinated by two triphenylphosphane molecules and two O atoms of the chelating dimethyl(phenylsulfonyl)amidophosphate anion, generating a squashed CuO2P2tetrahedron. In the six-membered chelate ring, the Cu, P and O atoms are almost coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.024 Å), with the N and S atoms displaced in the same direction, by 0.708 (5) and 0.429 (2) Å, respectively.
1-Cyclohexyl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,4-dihydronaphthalene
Authors: Chen Shao-Yuan , Zhang Ya-Ping , Huang Bing , Yu Jia-Jun , Shi Wei-Yong
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C18H24O2, was isolated from the leaves extract ofFicus caricaL. The cyclohexane ring displays a chair conformation whereas the cyclohexa-1,4-diene ring adopts a flattened boat conformation with methyl C atoms at the prow and stern. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds into supramolecular chains propagated along theb-axis direction.
9-Aminoacridin-10-ium 4-aminobenzoate dihydrate
Authors: Dhanabalan Nallathambi , Thanigaimani Kaliyaperumal , Arshad Suhana , Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Santhanaraj K. Joseph
Published: May 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title hydrated salt, C13H11N2+·C7H6NO2−·2H2O, consists of two independent 9-aminoacridinium cations, two 4-aminobenzoate anions and four water molecules. Both 9-aminoacridinium cations are essentially planar, with maximum deviations of 0.034 (1) and 0.025 (2) Å, and are protonated at the pyridine N atoms. The 4-aminobenzoate anions are approximately planar, with dihedral angles of 9.16 (19) and 5.4 (2)° between the benzene ring and the carboxylate group. In the crystal, the two independent anions are connected by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a layer parallel to (100). The layers are connected through the cations by N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The water molecules, which form O—H...O hydrogen-bonded chains along theb-axis direction, connect the anions and the cations by O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure also features π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.6343 (9)–3.8366 (10) Å] and a C—H...π interaction.
2,4-Di-tert-butyl-6-({[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl](2-hydroxybenzyl)amino}methyl)phenol
Authors: Spaleniak Grzegorz P. , Bisz Elwira , Białek Marzena , Zarychta Bartosz
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C26H40N2O2, has both its N atoms in trigonal-pyramidal geometries. The molecular structure is stabilized by O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, C—H...π interactions lead to the formation of a supramolecular helical chain along theb-axis direction.
Pyrimethaminium 2-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfanyl}benzoate dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate
Authors: Yamuna Thammarse S. , Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Yathirajan H.S.
Published: May 2014

In the cation of the title solvated molecular salt, C12H14ClN4+·C14H8F3O2S−·C2H6OS [systematic name of the cation: 2,4-diamino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidin-1-ium], the dihedral angle between the planes of the pyrimidinium and 4-chlorophenyl rings is 77.2 (5)°. In the anion, the planes of the benzene rings are twisted with respect to each other by 71.5 (5)°. Disorder was modelled for the dimethyl sulfoxide solvent molecule over two set of sites in a 0.7487 (13):0.2513 (13) ratio. In the crystal, the cations are linked by inversion-generated pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, with anR22(8) graph-set motif. The cation donates two N—H...O hydrogen bonds to the anion, also generating anR22(8) loop. These interactions, along with cation–solvent N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and cation–anion C—H...F, solvent–anion C—H...O and C—H...F interactions, result in a three-dimensional network.
Flunarizinium isonicotinate
Authors: Kavitha Channappa N. , Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Yathirajan H. S.
Published: May 2014

In the cation of the title salt {systematic name: 4-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1-[(2E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl]piperazin-1-ium pyridine-4-carboxylate}, C26H27F2N2+·C6H4NO2−, the piperazine ring is in a slightly distorted chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the fluoro-substituted benzene rings is 81.9 (1)° and these benzene rings form dihedral angles of 6.5 (1) and 87.8 (1)° with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, a single N—H...O hydrogen bond links the cation and the anion. In addition, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions involving one of the fluoro-substituted benzene rings and the phenyl ring, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.700 (7) Å, link molecules along [100].
2-(2-Fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-7-methyl-3-methylsulfinyl-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Lee Uk
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C16H12FIO2S, the dihedral angle between the plane of the benzofuran ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.023 Å) and that of the 2-fluorophenyl ring is 39.78 (7)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of I...π contacts [3.812 (2) Å] and a π–π interaction between the benzene rings of neighbouring molecules [centroid–centroid distance = 3.821 (2) Å] into inversion dimers. These dimers are further linked by π–π interactions between the furan and benzene rings of neighbouring molecules [centroid–centroid distance = 3.668 (2) Å]. The molecules stack along thea-axis direction. In addition, C—H...O hydrogen bonds are observed between inversion-related dimers.
N-(2-Formylphenyl)-4-methyl-N-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzenesulfonamide
Authors: Kim Sung-Gon
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C21H19NO5S2, the dihedral angles between the formylphenyl ring and the two methylphenyl rings are 29.3 (3) and 28.9 (3)°, respectively; the dihedral angle between the methylphenyl rings is 48.4 (2)°. The C—N—S—C torsion angles are −74.1 (2) and −105.4 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers.
Diaquabis(ethylenediamine-κ2N,N′)copper(II) bis(sulfamerazinate)
Authors: Direm Amani , Falek Wahiba , Pilet Guillaume , Benali-Cherif Nourredine
Published: May 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Cu(C2H8N2)2(H2O)2](C11H11N4O2S)2, contains one sulfamerazinate anion in a general position and one half-cation that is located on a center of inversion. The CuIIcation shows a strong Jahn–Teller distortion. It is coordinated by four N atoms of two ethylenediamine ligands in the basal plane and two O atoms at much longer distances in the axial positions in a bipyramidal coordination. In the crystal, the building blocks are connected by N—H...N, O—H...N, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonding into a two-dimensional network parallel to (001).
(N,N′-Diethylthiourea-κS)tris(triphenylphosphane-κP)silver(I) acetate methanol monosolvate
Authors: Wattanakanjana Yupa , Nimthong Arunpatcha , Kamrod Chanakan
Published: May 2014

In the mononuclear title complex, [Ag(C5H12N2S)(C18H15P)3](CH3COO)·CH3OH, the AgIion is in a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry formed by three P atoms from three triphenylphosphane ligands and one S atom from anN,N′-diethylthiourea ligand. In the crystal, the acetate anion is connected to the complex moleculeviaa pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds [graph-set motifR22(8)] and the solvent methanol molecule is connected to the anionviaan O—H...O hydrogen bond. This aggregate is further connected through a weak C—H...O hydrogen bond, forming a chain along [100]. In addition, sixfold phenyl embraces with intermolecular distances of 6.6463 (13)–6.667 (2) Å are arranged in a chain along [001]. The combination of hydrogen bonding and phenyl...phenyl interactions leads to the formation of a two-dimensional network parallel to (010).
N′-[(E)-3-Bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene]furan-2-carbohydrazide
Authors: Sundar A. , Ranjith S. , Rajagopal G.
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C12H8BrClN2O3, the furan ring makes a dihedral angle of 17.2 (2)° with the six-membered ring. An intramolecular O–H...N hydrogen bond stabilizes the molecular conformation. In the crystal, N–H...O hydrogen bonds connect the molecules into chains running along thec-axis direction. The crystal packing is additionally stabilized by C—H...O interactions into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
(Acetonitrile-κN)iodidobis(triphenylphosphane-κP)copper(I)
Authors: Wattanakanjana Yupa , Nimthong Arunpatcha , Mokakul Jedsada , Sukpornsawan Phattarin
Published: May 2014

In the mononuclear title complex, [CuI(CH3CN)(C18H15P)2], the CuIion is in a distorted tetrahedral geometry, coordinated by two P atoms of two triphenylphosphane ligands, one N atom of an acetonitrile ligand and one iodide anion. The acetonitrile ligand is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.629 (15): 0.371 (15) ratio. In the crystal, weak C—H...I hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming a chain along [100].
1-Deacetoxy-1-oxocaesalmin
Authors: Feng Juan , Zhang Jian-Long , Zhang Rong-Rong , Ruan Li-Jun , Jiang Ren-Wang
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C24H30O7, is a diterpenoid isolated from the seeds ofCaesalpinia minax. It consists of two cyclohexane rings (AandB), one unsaturated six-membered ring (C) and one furan ring (D). The stereochemistry of the ring junctures isA/B transandB/C trans. RingsAandBhave normal chair conformations whileCadopts a twisted half-chair conformation due to fusion to the furan ring which is planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.0009 (2) Å]. In the crystal, hydroxyl O—H...Ocarbonylhydrogen bonds link the molecules into a chain structure extending along thea-axis direction.
Bis(cyclohexylammonium) tetrachloridodiphenylstannate(IV)
Authors: Sarr Modou , Merkens Carina , Diassé-Sarr Aminata , Diop Libasse , Englert Ulli
Published: May 2014

The title compound, (C6H14N)2[Sn(C6H5)2Cl4], contains cyclohexylammonium cations in general positions and a stannate(IV) anion that is located on a twofold rotation axis. The SnIVatom in the complex anion is surrounded by four Cl−ligands and twotrans-phenyl groups in a distorted octahedral configuration. The anions are connected with the cations through N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. Every cation is involved in three N—H...Cl bonds to the chloride ligands of three different anions, and each chloride ligand is linked to two cations. This arrangement leads to a layered structure parallel to (010).
Ethyl 5-oxo-4-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3,4-oxadiazine-2-carboxylate
Authors: Shubakara K. , Chandra  , Srikantamurthy N. , Mahendra M. , Umesha K. B.
Published: May 2014

The asymmetric unit of title compound, C12H12N2O4, consists of two independent molecules. In each molecule, the oxadiazine ring has a flattened envelope conformation with the methylene C atom as the flap atom, and the ethoxycarbonyl unit is in asyn-periplanarconformation with respect to the oxadiazine ring as indicated by O—C—C=O torsion angles of 1.9 (4) and 2.5 (4)°. The dihedral angles between the mean plane of the oxadiazine ring and the phenyl ring are 80.07 (13) and 42.98 (14)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and stacked in a double-column along thea-axis direction.
Substituent effects intrans-p,p′-disubstituted azobenzenes: X-ray structures at 100 K and DFT-calculated structures
Authors: Gajda Katarzyna , Zarychta Bartosz , Daszkiewicz Zdzisław , Domański Andrzej A. , Ejsmont Krzysztof
Published: May 2014

The crystal and molecular structures of twopara-substituted azobenzenes with π-electron-donating –NEt2and π-electron-withdrawing –COOEt groups are reported, along with the effects of the substituents on the aromaticity of the benzene ring. The deformation of the aromatic ring around the –NEt2group inN,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-4,4′-(diazenediyl)dianiline, C20H28N4, (I), may be caused by steric hindrance and the π-electron-donating effects of the amine group. In this structure, one of the amine N atoms demonstrates clearsp2-hybridization and the other is slightly shifted from the plane of the surrounding atoms. The molecule of the second azobenzene, diethyl 4,4′-(diazenediyl)dibenzoate, C18H18N2O4, (II), lies on a crystallographic inversion centre. Its geometry is normal and comparable with homologous compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyse the changes in the geometry of the studied compounds in the crystalline state and for the isolated molecules. The most significant changes are observed in the values of the N=N—C—C torsion angles, which for the isolated molecules are close to 0.0°. The HOMA (harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity) index, calculated for the benzene ring, demonstrates a slight decrease of the aromaticity in (I) and no substantial changes in (II).
A novel alkaline earth strontium(II) coordination polymer: poly[hexaaquatetrakis(μ5-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)bis(μ4-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)(μ7-sulfato)heptastrontium(II)]
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qi Shu-Guang , Feng Yu-Quan
Published: May 2014

The title compound, [Sr7(C7H3NO4)6(SO4)(H2O)6]n, has been synthesized by an ionothermal method using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ([Emim]Br) as solvent, and characterized by elemental analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of the compound can be viewed as a three-dimensional coordination polymer composed of Sr2+cations, pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate anions, sulfate anions and water molecules. The compound not only exhibits a three-dimensional structure with a unique coordination mode of the sulfate anion, but also features the first example of a heptanuclear strontium(II) coordination polymer. The structure is further stabilized by O—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions.
The Composition of Government Expenditure and Investment in Saudi Arabia: Is it Attractive or Repulsive Relationship?
Authors: Aljarrah Mohammed A.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study is to examine the long‐ and short‐run relationships between the composition of government expenditure and investment in Saudi Arabia for the period 1970‐2007. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag bounds test yields evidence of cointegration between investment and the six government expenditure components. The study also finds that spending on education and spending on economic services contribute significantly in economic growth, through rising capital formation. In addition, the results indicate a negative impact of social services spending on investment, which is consistent with economic theory. Lastly, the results on the error correction model give support to the existence of long run relationship among variables under investigation, and indicate that the mechanism of correcting the disequilibrium is present in the model.
Qualitative research can improve understandings about disaster preparedness for independent older adults in the community
Authors: Tuohy Robyn , Stephens Christine , Johnston David
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Improving older adults’ preparedness for and response to natural disasters has become an important issue. Population ageing, together with concerns about increasing extreme weather-related events, has added further impetus to the need to reduce older adults’ vulnerability to disasters. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment, which have invariably used quantitative research methods.

Findings

– To date much of the preparedness and response research has focused on organisational responses to preparedness, while perspectives from older adults have received less attention. Furthermore social and environmental influences on community dwelling independent older adults have not been accounted for in models of hazard adjustment.

Originality/value

– Extending research to include qualitative methodologies, which recognises older adults as active participants in research about themselves, would contribute to increasing understandings about influences on disaster preparedness and response; and inform social policies and prevention programmes.
Organisational features and their effect on the perceived performance of emergency management organisations
Authors: Bhakta Bhandari Roshan , Owen Christine , Brooks Benjamin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This study reports on a survey of experienced emergency management personnel in Australia and New Zealand to identify the influence of organisational features in perceived emergency management performance. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of organisational features in emergency response performance and to discuss how this knowledge can be used to enhance the response capacity of emergency services organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a review of the literature, a conceptual theoretical model for organisational performance is first developed based on four organisational features found to be previously important in emergency management organisation. These are, adaptability, leadership, stability (mission and direction) and stakeholder communication. An organisational survey was distributed to all 25 fire and emergency services agencies in Australia and New Zealand which included indicators of these elements. Responses were received from experienced emergency management personnel from fire and emergency services agencies. The sample was stratified into the three main organisational types, namely, established, expanding and extending organisations.

Findings

– The findings reveal that the predictive significance of organisational features in emergency response performance vary among established, expanding and extending organisations. The predictive significance of stability, adaptability and leadership for perceived success is strong in all organisational types. It is interesting to note that the predictive significance of communication with external stakeholders is low in all organisation types. This indicates the preference of emergency services agencies to look internally within their own operations than externally to build relationships with different specialism.

Originality/value

– The theoretical model in this study makes a first attempt to understand the role of organisational features in emergency response performance of organisations in Australia and New Zealand. This work contributes to theorizing emergency operations by highlighting how organisations need to manage two orientations simultaneously: their own internal as well as external orientations, together with their processes for managing both mission and direction and the need for change and flexibility.
Selected leadership demographics as predictors of continuity planning
Authors: B. Davison Christopher
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the findings that describe any correlations between leadership demographic characteristics with that of the levels of business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) planning by surveying the academic department's continuity planners at two major research universities in Southern California.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research methodology was a quantitative method utilizing a correlational research design (logistic regression). Survey data from a self-reporting web-based survey were analyzed.

Findings

– Analysis of five leadership demographic characteristics and four covariates reveals one statistically significant predictor of resiliency planning. Furthermore, close to one-quarter of the academic departments were found to have no BC or DR plan. Conversely, having a budget for resiliency planning was not found to be a significant predictor of resiliency planning.

Research limitations/implications

– This study was specifically limited to continuity planners within two major, public, academic research institutions within Southern California. This allows for an in-depth understanding of a specific contingency planning phenomenon: geographically bounded public, research-oriented, higher education institutions. This study could provide a framework for administrative leaders in academic settings to assess their organizations’ capacity for recovery from an unexpected business disruption. This study could assist university administration in identifying personnel to lead resiliency planning within the institution.

Practical implications

– The research indicates that educational institutions lack in organizational resiliency planning. This study could provide a framework for administrative leaders in academic settings to assess their organizations’ capacity for recovery from an unexpected business disruption.

Originality/value

– While there is much literature on the separate topics of leadership in an academic environment and contingency planning, no study exists that attempts to observe any correlations between these concepts.
Managing human resources in Jordanian organizations: challenges and prospects
Authors: Aladwan Khaled , Bhanugopan Ramudu , Fish Alan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to highlight and provide a stronger focus on the nature of human resource management (HRM) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper discusses four practices of HRM: recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal and rewards and benefit; and links these practices with social factors: political environment, economical issues and cultural values.

Findings

– The findings suggest that HRM in Jordan has not yet received due attention. The employee recruitment and selection process is largely inadequate and needs effective attention. In many Arab and more specifically Jordanian organizations, expenditure and time spent on training and development are considered unuseful and unnecessary functions.

Practical implications

– The effectiveness of even skilled and qualified employees will be limited if they are not encouraged and motivated to work, but through HRM practices, they can be encouraged to work harder and smarter. Increasingly, employees' performance and skills can also be influenced by HRM practices, which control the acquisition and development of the organization's human capital.

Originality/value

– Jordanian organizations are facing major problems surrounding the development of human capital, including high turnover rates and a lack of skilled employees. Low spending on research, training and development has fuelled these problems. HRM literature shows that many Arab organizations, including public and private Jordanian organizations, need to devote more attention to their HRM practices.
Employee engagement: a sceptical analysis
Authors: Guest David
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the debates and evidence about employee engagement to assess its prospects of becoming a mainstream part of management activity in the long term. It sets out an agenda for policy and practice designed to increase its chances of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a review of the research and analytic literature. It outlines the origins, reasons for growth of popularity, main forms and evidence about the antecedents and impact of employee engagement. It draws a distinction between work engagement and organizational engagement. For the former it outlines a research agenda; for the latter, it presents an extensive critique and an agenda to address the issues raised.

Findings

– A distinction is highlighted between work engagement with its concern to improve employee well-being and organizational engagement with its focus on organizational performance. It is shown that these two approaches operate in “different worlds” and that this reflects a neglect of an evidence-based approach to management of employees since work engagement has much the stronger evidence base.

Research limitations/implications

– As a review and analysis, the paper is inevitably selective and limited by space restrictions. However, it argues that while work engagement is now well-established among the academic community as a valid and useful construct, the same cannot be said for organizational engagement which lacks clear definition, measurement, high-quality evidence and clear policy implications. The paper therefore sets out a policy agenda and outlines how some of the shortcomings might be addressed.

Practical implications

– The paper highlights the need for a viable and integrated “engagement strategy” if organizational engagement is to thrive in the future and sets out the core elements of such an approach.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the distinction between the two separate “engagement worlds” of work and organizational engagement and also highlights their different core aims. The problems with organizational engagement are analysed and a new agenda to improve its prospects of impact is outlined.
Deposition direction-dependent failure criteria for fused deposition modeling polycarbonate
Authors: Hill Nevin , Haghi Mehrdad
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the dependence of material properties and failure criteria for fused deposition modeling (FDM) polycarbonate on raster orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Tension, hardness and density measurements were conducted on a range of specimens at raster angles between 0 and 90° at 15° intervals. Specimens were manufactured so the raster angle was constant throughout each specimen (no rotation between adjacent layers). The yield strength, tensile strength, per cent elongation, elastic modulus, hardness and density of the material were measured as a function of raster angle. The orientation dependence of the properties was then analyzed and used to motivate a failure mechanism map for the material.

Findings

– The properties of the material were found to be highly orientation-dependent. The variations in mechanical properties were explained to first order using a failure mechanism map similar to those generated for fiber-reinforced composites.

Originality/value

– In addition to providing valuable experimental data for FDM polycarbonate, the study proposes micro-mechanisms of failure that appear to explain and capture the angular variation of strength with raster orientation. The fact that analysis methods which have been used for composites appear to apply to FDM materials suggests rich areas for future exploration.
The influence of support base on FDM accuracy in Z
Authors: Volpato Neri , Aguiomar Foggiatto José , Coradini Schwarz Daniel
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this work is to study the influence of the quality (surface profile) of the support base on dimensional accuracy in the Z-axis in fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach

– The surface profile of a support base produced using a standard (default) FDM configuration is analyzed experimentally, and two new deposition configurations are proposed. Some parts are built using these approaches, and the influence of the profile on Z accuracy is investigated. The parts are examined using a contact method and measured using a caliper.

Findings

– The surface profile of the support base has a direct influence on FDM part accuracy in Z. The results show that the accuracy in the Z dimension of an FDM prototype can be increased by improving the surface quality of the support base. In cases where accuracy is paramount, this can be achieved by better planning (tuning) of the support strategy.

Originality/value

– A significant component of the Z error in FDM has been identified and studied.
Investigation of audible carbon monoxide alarm ownership
Authors: Kokkarinen Noora , Shaw Andy , Cullen Jeff , Ortoneda Pedrola Montserrat , Mason Alex , Al-Shamma’a Ahmed
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the level of audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm ownership. In this particular paper the data collected by the fire and rescue services from West Midlands and Merseyside will be analysed, and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Research was conducted in two stages. Using the indices of multiple deprivation identified whether households in the top and bottom four areas owned an audible alarm. In stage two data loggers were placed into homes to take readings every minute for a total period of three days to three weeks.

Findings

– There was a noticeable trend that deprived areas were less likely to own audible CO alarms than homes in non-deprived areas. All homes surveyed in stage two had CO levels >0 which further emphasises that anyone can be under health risk and that perhaps the maintenance of gas appliances and other sources is not being conducted at regular intervals.

Social implications

– This paper aims to raise awareness regarding not only the symptoms during CO poisoning but also the ones that have been reported to occur after treatment. It will also disseminate information as to what areas have low alarm ownership and thus more at risk of poisoning. It is hoped that findings from papers such as this one will promote more stringent maintenance and replacement requirements for gas or solid fuel appliances.

Originality/value

– Pilot study for the comparison of two English cities has not been conducted before and may lead to more studies of this kind.
A decision-making framework for sustainable land use in Hong Kong's urban renewal projects
Authors: Shen Qiping , Wang Hao , Tang Bo-sin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Urban renewal projects provide an effective channel for adjusting land-use allocation and improving land-use efficiency, which effectively increases land supply. The purpose of this paper is to support the decision-making process of sustainable land use in urban renewal projects. A GIS-based framework, consisting of a planning support model and a land information database, has been developed in a typical high-density city – Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative and quantitative combined methodology is designed for this research. Several research methods such as expert interviews, focus group meetings, and case studies and technical approaches such as GIS, MCA, and AHP are adopted in this research.

Findings

– General and sustainability criteria for land-use decision making in urban renewal along with associated data are identified, and an integrated approach to quantitatively assessing land-use suitability is developed.

Research limitations/implications

– The framework was developed in a loosely coupled form rather than a software package installed on a computer, and the development of the land information database was a time-consuming process as a large amount of data were collected, processed, and analyzed.

Originality/value

– Application of the proposed framework is reported by showing analyzed results of land-use suitability. The framework proves a useful tool for both practitioners and researchers involved in sustainable land use for urban renewal.
Landscape diversity moderates the effects of bee visitation frequency to flowers on crop production
Authors: Petersen Jessica D. , Nault Brian A.
Published: May 2014

Reductions in natural habitat are implicated in declining honeybee Apis mellifera L. and wild bee populations, thereby threatening crop production. This concern has stimulated interest in identifying landscape‐level impacts on bee‐mediated pollination services, but previous studies have only inferred connections between landscape, bees and yield through generalized linear regressions.

We examined landscape impacts on bee‐mediated crop yield using both a traditional linear regression approach and conditional process modelling, which combined landscape features, bee visits to crop flowers, and the interactions between landscape and bee visits to flowers into a single model predicting crop yield. We used the pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. system in New York State and recorded bees visiting pumpkin flowers in 2011 and 2012. Landscape diversity and percentage of semi‐natural grassland around each pumpkin field were calculated.

Results from the traditional approach indicated that landscape diversity, percentage of grassland in the landscape, bumblebee Bombus impatiens Cresson and honeybee visitation frequency each positively predicted yield. A common conclusion from these results is that pumpkins grown in highly diverse or high grassland coverage landscapes would have greater yields via bumblebee and honeybee visits to flowers. However, this inference does not preclude the possibility that landscape features may be associated with crop yield, independent of bee visits to flowers.

Results from conditional process modelling indicated that only pumpkins grown in highly diverse landscapes were predicted to have greater yields as a consequence of more bumblebee visits to pumpkin flowers. None of the landscape features predicted greater fruit yields as a consequence of more honeybee visits to pumpkin flowers. This novel analysis indicated that traditional approaches may be misinterpreting the relationships between these variables.

Synthesis and applications. Bumblebees benefited from a diverse landscape, and their visits to flowers positively impacted pumpkin production. Conservation of a diverse landscape should be promoted to support improved pumpkin production. Growers can use this information to decide where to plant pumpkins to improve the potential for high yields, to identify scenarios where landscape diversity could be increased, and where supplementation with bees might be beneficial.