bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental and computational study of size-dependent contact-angle of dewetted metal nanodroplets below its melting temperature
Authors: Azeredo Bruno P. , Yeratapally Saikumar R. , Kacher Josh , Ferreira Placid M. , Sangid Michael D.
Published: November 2016

Decorating 1D nanostructures (e.g., wires and tubes) with metal nanoparticles serves as a hierarchical approach to integrate the functionalities of metal oxides, semiconductors, and metals. This paper examines a simple and low-temperature approach to self-assembling gold nanoparticles (Au-np)—a common catalytic material—onto silicon nanowires (SiNWs). A conformal ultra-thin film (i.e., <15 nm thick) is deposited onto SiNWs and thermally dewetted, forming nanoparticles in the 6–70 nm range. Two parameters of its morphology are dependent upon dewetting conditions: particle size and particle contact angle. Using transmission electron microscopy imaging, it is found that annealing temperature profile has a strong effect on the particle size. Additionally, the contact angle is found to be dependent on particle size and temperature even below the eutectic temperature of the Au-Si alloy. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate potential explanations for such experimental observation. In this temperature regime, the simulations reveal the formation of an amorphous phase at the interface between the catalyst and SiNW that is sensitive to temperature. This amorphous layer increases the adhesion energy at the interface and explains the contact angle dependence on temperature.
Electron transport through a single nanocrystalline silicon quantum dot between nanogap electrodes
Authors: Sawada T. , Kodera T. , Oda S.
Published: November 2016

We experimentally study the electron transport through a single nanocrystalline silicon quantum dot between the nanogap electrodes. We fabricate the device by depositing a nanocrystal into an ∼10-nm gap using a very high frequency plasma cell. The Coulomb diamond size depends on the number of electrons at 4.5 K, which indicates that even–odd shell filling occurs. The charging energy is estimated to be ∼11 meV, which is consistent with the size of the silicon nanocrystal. The perpendicular magnetic field dependence of the Coulomb diamonds demonstrates the Zeeman splitting as well as orbital energy evolution.
Poroelasticity of cell nuclei revealed through atomic force microscopy characterization
Authors: Wei Fanan , Lan Fei , Liu Bin , Liu Lianqing , Li Guangyong
Published: November 2016

With great potential in precision medical application, cell biomechanics is rising as a hot topic in biology. Cell nucleus, as the largest component within cell, not only contributes greatly to the cell's mechanical behavior, but also serves as the most vital component within cell. However, cell nucleus' mechanics is still far from unambiguous up to now. In this paper, we attempted to characterize and evaluate the mechanical property of isolated cell nuclei using Atomic Force Microscopy with a tipless probe. As indicated from typical indentation, changing loading rate and stress relaxation experiment results, cell nuclei showed significant dynamically mechanical property, i.e., time-dependent mechanics. Furthermore, through theoretical analysis, finite element simulation and stress relaxation experiment, the nature of nucleus' mechanics was better described by poroelasticity, rather than viscoelasticity. Therefore, the essence of nucleus' mechanics was clarified to be poroelastic through a sophisticated analysis. Finally, we estimated the poroelastic parameters for nuclei of two types of cells through a combination of experimental data and finite element simulation.
Doping of SnO2 with H atoms: An alternative way to attain n-type conductivity
Authors: Villamagua Luis , Stashans Arvids , Carini Manuela , Maldonado Frank
Published: November 2016

We propose an explanation for the origin of n-type electrical conductivity in SnO2 based on the results obtained from the DFT+U simulations. Two competitive intrinsic point defects, namely oxygen vacancy and hydrogen impurity, have been considered at different positions within the crystalline lattice in order to find out the equilibrium configurations and to analyze corresponding density of states (DOS) patterns along with the electron localization function (ELF). It has been demonstrated that hydrogen could be solely responsible for the n-type conductivity whereas the oxygen vacancy appears to have not a notable influence upon it. The computational analysis is backed up by some experimental data for undoped tin dioxide.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of suspended sediment causing persistent turbidity in a large reservoir: Lake Dalrymple, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Cooper Michelle , Lewis Stephen E. , Smithers Scott G.
Published: November 2016

High turbidity in reservoirs may negatively affect aquatic ecology and water infrastructure. Although many reservoirs are turbid, the origin and intra- and interannual variability of turbidity is not well understood. To examine the cause and variability of turbidity, we measured the concentration, particle size, organic content and mineralogy of suspended and benthic sediment samples from Lake Dalrymple, a large reservoir in northern dry tropical Queensland. Samples were collected during the dry season (May–November) in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011. Water in the reservoir is turbid (>45 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) throughout the year, predominantly due to colloidal particles (<0.9μm) composed of clay and mica minerals. Benthic sediments range from 1 to 30μm in size, suggesting that resuspension of lake bottom sediments has little effect on turbidity. Dry season turbidity levels are strongly affected by the magnitude and duration of inflow waters from the preceding wet season, reflecting the limited availability of suspended particles delivered from the upstream catchment. Elevated turbidity in the reservoir and downstream irrigation areas during the dry season is now a common feature and must be incorporated into all agricultural and wetland management plans.
Translating developed metaphors
Authors: Tebbit Simon , Kinder John J.
Published: November 2016

Cognitive understandings of metaphor have led to significant advances in understandings of how to translate metaphor. Theoretical accounts of metaphor not as a figure of speech but as a mode of thought, have provided useful tools for analysis and for translation work. This has usually happened at the level of individual metaphorical expressions, while the deeper lesson of cognitive theories has not been taken to heart by translation scholars, with a few signal exceptions. In this article we explore the potential of Conceptual Metaphor Theory for translating related metaphorical expressions within a specific text. We propose a model for understanding metaphor translation that takes as its unit of analysis not the individual metaphorical expression but the conceptual metaphor, of which the metaphorical expression is but a particular instantiation. It is this theoretical grounding that will allow us to propose a model for translating developed metaphors and related metaphorical expressions.
Online training in legal translation
Authors: Bestué Carmen , Orozco Mariana
Published: November 2016

In 2010 the first fully online Masters Degree on Translation and Interpreting in the USA was launched, and it included Legal
Translation as a subject. The authors of this paper were in charge of designing the contents of this subject, creating the
didactic materials to be used and actually teaching the subject. In this paper the authors explain how the curriculum was
designed, the criteria developed to create the didactic materials and how it actually worked in a very specific context as is the
University of Texas at Brownsville, set next to the border between Mexico and the USA, where most of the students are bilingual
and have a background of Mexican and American cultures which create an unique environment of legal cultures mediation.
Translatorial dual-processing–evidence from interlingual trainee subtitling
Authors: Deckert Mikołaj
Published: November 2016

Drawing on cognitive linguistics and psychology, this paper attempts to model the subtitler’s decision-making as involving two types of operations. They are referred to as System 1 and System 2, the former being fast, automatic and requiring little effort, and the latter being slower, controlled and effortful. To test the dual-processing hypothesis, I analyse trainee subtitlers’ renditions with a focus on the construction “you + to like + me” which exemplifies a cross-language asymmetry and a potential (disguised) translation challenge. Remarkably, the English construction is employed equally-conventionally to represent the concept of being favourably disposed to somebody in a non-physical/sexual manner, on the one hand, and being attracted to somebody, on the other. In Polish, however, the “prototypes” will typically be represented as distinct expressions. The present findings suggest that because differentiating between the prototypes and coding them linguistically is not challenging to the participants, it is the automation of their judgment that leads them to settle for flawed target variants (Stage 1). Additional evidence is obtained (Stage 2) as participants are induced to go from System 1 to System 2 thinking–a cross-stage comparison indicates that the fast-to-slow switch reorients the trainees’ subtitling choices and ultimately improves translation quality.
PGC-1α over-expression suppresses the skeletal muscle atrophy and myofiber-type composition during hindlimb unloading
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Fei , Zhang Peng , Liu Hongju , He Jian , Zhang Chenyu , Fan Ming , Chen Xiaoping
Published: November 2016

Disuse leads to severe muscle atrophy and a slow-to-fast myofiber-type transition. PGC-1α (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α) is documented to play an important role in muscle atrophy and slow-twitch myofiber determination. Transcription of atrophy-related Atrogin-1 by FoxO3 can be reduced by PGC-1α. While Smad3 augments FoxO3-induced Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 promoter activity. So PGC-1α, as a transcription co-activator, may regulate hindlimb unloading (HU)-induced myofiber-type transition and muscle atrophy through Smad3. Our results showed that transgenic PGC-1α mice resisted HU-induced muscle loss, atrophy-related genes expression, and slow-to-fast myofiber-type transition. Furthermore, over-expression of PGC-1α resisted the increase in pSmad3 during muscle atrophy in vivo and in vitro. And, PGC-1α over-expression inhibited the expression of atrogenes via suppressing the phosphorylation of Smad3 in vitro. Thus, PGC-1α is effective in regulating myofiber-type transition during HU, and it alleviates skeletal muscle atrophy partially through suppressing the activation of Smad3.
Cloning and expression analysis of a novel tissue-specific dopa decarboxylase mRNA splicing variant in Bombyx mori
Authors: Tsukioka Dai , Izumi Susumu , Adachi Takeshi
Published: November 2016

Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) protein is involved in the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin. Here, we show that in the silkworm Bombyx mori, a novel DDC splicing variant is selectively expressed in the brain and subesophageal ganglia. In Drosophila melanogaster, a neuron-specific isoform of DDC is known to be alternatively spliced in a similar manner.
Proteolipid protein–deficient myelin promotes axonal mitochondrial dysfunction via altered metabolic coupling
Authors: Yin Xinghua , Kidd Grahame J. , Ohno Nobuhiko , Perkins Guy A. , Ellisman Mark H. , Bastian Chinthasagar , Brunet Sylvain , Baltan Selva , Trapp Bruce D.
Published: November 2016

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a neurological syndrome characterized by degeneration of central nervous system (CNS) axons. Mutated HSP proteins include myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) and axon-enriched proteins involved in mitochondrial function, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) structure, and microtubule (MT) stability/function. We characterized axonal mitochondria, SER, and MTs in rodent optic nerves where PLP is replaced by the peripheral nerve myelin protein, P0 (P0-CNS mice). Mitochondrial pathology and degeneration were prominent in juxtaparanodal axoplasm at 1 mo of age. In wild-type (WT) optic nerve axons, 25% of mitochondria–SER associations occurred on extensions of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Mitochondria–SER associations were reduced by 86% in 1-mo-old P0-CNS juxtaparanodal axoplasm. 1-mo-old P0-CNS optic nerves were more sensitive to oxygen-glucose deprivation and contained less adenosine triphosphate (ATP) than WT nerves. MT pathology and paranodal axonal ovoids were prominent at 6 mo. These data support juxtaparanodal mitochondrial degeneration, reduced mitochondria–SER associations, and reduced ATP production as causes of axonal ovoid formation and axonal degeneration.
An open access database for the evaluation of heart sound algorithms
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Springer David , Li Qiao , Moody Benjamin , Juan Ricardo Abad , Chorro Francisco J , Castells Francisco , Roig José Millet , Silva Ikaro , Johnson Alistair E W , Syed Zeeshan , Schmidt Samuel E , Papadaniil Chrysa D , Hadjileontiadis Leontios , Naseri Hosein , Moukadem Ali , Dieterlen Alain , Brandt Christian , Tang Hong , Samieinasab Maryam , Samieinasab Mohammad Reza , Sameni Reza , Mark Roger G , Clifford Gari D
Published: November 2016

In the past few decades, analysis of heart sound signals (i.e. the phonocardiogram or PCG), especially for automated heart sound segmentation and classification, has been widely studied and has been reported to have the potential value to detect pathology accurately in clinical applications. However, comparative analyses of algorithms in the literature have been hindered by the lack of high-quality, rigorously validated, and standardized open databases of heart sound recordings. This paper describes a public heart sound database, assembled for an international competition, the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology (CinC) Challenge 2016. The archive comprises nine different heart sound databases sourced from multiple research groups around the world. It includes 2435 heart sound recordings in total collected from 1297 healthy subjects and patients with a variety of conditions, including heart valve disease and coronary artery disease. The recordings were collected from a variety of clinical or nonclinical (such as in-home visits) environments and equipment. The length of recording varied from several seconds to several minutes. This article reports detailed information about the subjects/patients including demographics (number, age, gender), recordings (number, location, state and time length), associated synchronously recorded signals, sampling frequency and sensor type used. We also provide a brief summary of the commonly used heart sound segmentation and classification methods, including open source code provided concurrently for the Challenge. A description of the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2016, including the main aims, the training and test sets, the hand corrected annotations for different heart sound states, the scoring mechanism, and associated open source code are provided. In addition, several potential benefits from the public heart sound database are discussed.
node.dating: dating ancestors in phylogenetic trees in R
Authors: Jones Bradley R , Poon Art F Y
Published: November 2016

Phylogenetic trees encode the evolutionary distances between species or populations. With sufficient information, these evolutionary distances can be rescaled over time to provide estimates of the dates of the most recent ancestors of the species. Here we present the R program node.dating, divergence-time analysis software, which uses a maximum-likelihood method to estimate the dates of the internal nodes of a phylogenetic tree.

Availability and Implementation

node.dating is available as a part of the R v3.30 package ape v4.0 (cran.r-project.org). node.dating is also available in the GitHub repository: https://github.com/brj1/node.dating, along with supplementary software and tests.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effect of Nongerminated and Germinated Legumes on Antioxidant, Functional, and Sensory Characteristics of Rice Puddings
Authors: Sattar Dur‐e‐shahwar , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Hasnain Abid
Published: November 2016

The present study aimed to broaden the concept of nutraceutical products by increasing the nutritional and functional properties of rice pudding, locally known as kheer, with improved physicochemical and sensory traits. Three germinated legumes—namely, lentils (Lens culinaris), green gram (Vigna radiata), and black gram (V. mungo)—were added at 5, 15, and 25% levels (based on total milk weight) in rice puddings, and rice pudding without legumes was considered the control. Results showed that germinated legumes compared with their nongerminated counterparts were rich in dietary antioxidants and phenolic content of the puddings. Rice pudding incorporating 5% nongerminated and germinated lentil, 5% nongerminated green gram, 5–25% germinated green gram, and 5% nongerminated and germinated black gram showed peak viscosity similar to that of the control, suggesting that the legumes could be incorporated into pudding without bringing any significant changes in peak viscosity of rice pudding. Moreover, it was also observed that control rice pudding and rice puddings containing 5–15% nongerminated and germinated lentils, 5% nongerminated green gram, and 5% nongerminated and germinated black gram were insignificantly different from each other in overall acceptability, as judged by sensory panelists. For this reason, addition of germinated legumes to rice pudding is a unique way to enhance the phenolic content of this dessert without affecting its appetizing flavor.
Seasonal Variation of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Titers in New Shoots of Citrus in Distinct Environments
Authors: Lopes Silvio A. , Luiz Fernanda Q. B. F. , Oliveira Hermes T. , Cifuentes-Arenas Juan C. , Raiol-Junior Laudecir L.
Published: November 2016

The major citrus area of Brazil occupies near 450,000 ha between the Triângulo Mineiro (TM) region of Minas Gerais State and the south of São Paulo State (SPS). Significant climatic variation occurs between regions which could affect huanglongbing (HLB) progress, which is lower in TM. To investigate this possibility, young sweet orange shoots were sampled periodically over 2 years to determine ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ titers in naturally infected trees in orchards in Analândia, central SPS, and Frutal and Comendador Gomes, within TM. Data-loggers recorded local temperature and relative humidity hourly. In the laboratory, five ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-free Diaphorina citri adults were placed on each sampled shoot for 48 h to feed and acquire the pathogen. Shoots and insects were individually analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ titers. The incidence of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-positive shoots, ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ titers, and acquisition rates were lower for shoots from Comendador Gomes than those from Frutal or Analândia. Stronger association was observed between ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ titers and the number of hours below 15°C (h < 15°C) or above 30°C (h > 30°C), and cumulative rainfall registered during the 15 days prior to sampling of shoots on each occasion. ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ titers associated positively with h < 15°C and rainfall and negatively with h > 30°C. The slower spread and lower incidence of HLB in TM may be related to lower incidences of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-positive young shoots and lower titers of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in the same shoots as a consequence of the warmer and drier conditions.
Identification and Mapping of Adult Plant Resistance Loci to Leaf Rust and Stripe Rust in Common Wheat Cultivar Kundan
Authors: Ren Y. , Singh R. P. , Basnet B. R. , Lan C. X. , Huerta-Espino J. , Lagudah E. S. , Ponce-Molina L. J.
Published: November 2016

Leaf rust (LR) and stripe rust (YR) are important diseases of wheat worldwide. We used 148 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from the cross of Avocet × Kundan for determining and mapping the genetic basis of adult plant resistance (APR) loci. The population was phenotyped LR and YR for three seasons in field trials conducted in Mexico and genotyped with the diversity arrays technology sequencing (DArT-Seq) and simple sequence repeat markers. The final genetic map was constructed using 2,937 polymorphic markers with an average distance of 1.29 centimorgans between markers. Inclusive composite interval mapping identified two co-located APR quantitative trait loci (QTL) for LR and YR, two LR QTL, and three YR QTL. The co-located resistance QTL on chromosome 1BL corresponded to the pleiotropic APR gene Lr46/Yr29. QLr.cim-2BL, QYr.cim-2AL, and QYr.cim-5AS could be identified as new resistance loci in this population. Lr46/Yr29 contributed 49.5 to 65.1 and 49.2 to 66.1% of LR and YR variations, respectively. The additive interaction between detected QTL showed that LR severities for RIL combining four QTL ranged between 5.3 and 25.8%, whereas the lowest YR severities were for RIL carrying QTL on chromosomes 1BL + 2AL + 6AL. The high-density DArT-Seq markers across chromosomes can be used in fine mapping of the targeted loci and development SNP markers.
Effects of Temperature and Moisture on Sporulation and Infection by Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Authors: Sun Shiling , Lian Sen , Feng Shulian , Dong Xiangli , Wang Caixian , Li Baohua , Liang Wenxing
Published: November 2016

Cucumber downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a worldwide disease that causes severe damage to cucumber production. The effects of temperature and moisture on sporulation and infection by P. cubensis were investigated by inoculating cucumber (‘85F12’) cotyledons with sporangia and examining the sporangia produced on the inoculated cotyledons under artificially controlled environments. The result showed that the temperature required for sporangium infection by P. cubensis and sporulation of the downy mildew lesions occurred at 5 to 30°C. The optimal temperature estimated by the fitted model was 18.8°C for sporangium infection and 16.2°C for downy mildew lesion sporulation. The pathogen formed plenty of sporangia when disease cotyledons were wetted or in the environment with relative humidity = 100%. The downy mildew lesions produced only a few sporangia when placed in the environment with relative humidity = 90%. The inoculated cotyledons, which incubated for 5 days at about 20°C in a dry greenhouse, began to form sporangia 4 h after being wetted when incubated in darkness. The quantity of sporangia produced on the downy mildew lesions increased with extension of incubating period (within 12 h), and the relationship between produced sporangia and the incubation period at 15, 20, and 25°C can be described by three exponential models. The observed minimum wetness durations (MWD) required for sporangia to complete the infection process and cause downy mildew were 12, 4, 2.5, 1, 1, and 6 h for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C, respectively. The effect of temperature and wetness duration on infection by sporangia of P. cubensis can be described by the modified Weibull model. The shortest MWD was 0.45 h, about 27 min, estimated by model. The experimental data and models will be helpful in the development of forecasting models and effective control systems for cucumber downy mildew.
Metabolomic, Biochemical, and Gene Expression Analyses Reveal the Underlying Responses of Resistant and Susceptible Banana Species during Early Infection withFusarium oxysporumf. sp.cubense
Authors: Li Wenbin , Li Chunqiang , Sun Jianbo , Peng Ming
Published: November 2016

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important staple and economic fruit crop, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, especially F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense strain TR4, is disastrous for banana production. Banana plants infected by F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 gradually die from leaf blight or vascular rot. There is no efficient method to control this disease, and the underlying response of banana plants to F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense remains unknown. In this study, the responses of an economically important banana cultivar, the F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense-susceptible ‘BX’, and a wild banana relative, the F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense-resistant Musa yunnanensis (‘YN’), to F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense infection were investigated using metabolomic, biochemical, and molecular biological methods. Numerous metabolomic compounds, including defense-responsive signaling molecules, phytohormones, phenolics, and antioxidants, were identified through metabolomic analysis. Changes in salicylic acid (SA), methyl-jasmonic acid, abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin, 3-indoleacetic acid, gibberellic acid, and total phenolic levels were detected using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The expression levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of some defense-responsive compounds were studied through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that the resistant YN had a larger change in SA content and a lower ABA level throughout the early infection period, compared with the levels in BX. The susceptible BX had a lower phenolic content. The resistant YN also expressed pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, especially PR1, PR4, PR5-1, and PDF2.2, at higher levels than the susceptible BX. These dynamic metabolic and gene-expression profiles from susceptible and resistant banana during the early stage of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense infection increase our understanding of the complex interaction response between this crop and its pathogen.
Isolator: accurate and stable analysis of isoform-level expression in RNA-Seq experiments
Authors: Jones Daniel C. , Kuppusamy Kavitha T. , Palpant Nathan J. , Peng Xinxia , Murry Charles E. , Ruohola-Baker Hannele , Ruzzo Walter L.
Published: November 2016

While RNA-Seq has enabled great progress towards the goal of wide-scale isoform-level mRNA quantification, short reads have limitations when resolving complex or similar sets of isoforms. As a result, estimates of isoform abundance carry far more uncertainty than those made at the gene level. When confronted with this uncertainty, commonly used methods produce estimates that are often high-variance—small perturbations in the data often produce dramatically different results, confounding downstream analysis. We introduce a new method, Isolator, which analyzes all samples in an experiment in unison using a simple Bayesian hierarchical model. Combined with aggressive bias correction, it produces estimates that are simultaneously accurate and show high agreement between samples. In a comprehensive comparison of accuracy and variance, we show that this property is unique to Isolator. We further demonstrate that the approach of modeling an entire experiment enables new analyses, which we demonstrate by examining splicing monotonicity across several time points in the development of human cardiomyocyte cells.
Ultraviolet and yellow reflectance but not fluorescence is important for visual discrimination of conspecifics byHeliconius erato
Authors: Finkbeiner Susan D. , Fishman Dmitry A. , Osorio Daniel , Briscoe Adriana D.
Published: November 2016

ToxicHeliconiusbutterflies have yellow hindwing bars that – unlike their closest relatives – reflect ultraviolet (UV) and long wavelength light, and also fluoresce. The pigment in the yellow scales is 3-hydroxy-DL-kynurenine (3-OHK), found also in the hair and scales of a variety of animals. In other butterflies including pierids, which similarly display wing colors that vary in both the UV and the human-visible range, behavioral experiments have indicated that only the UV component is most relevant to mate choice. Whether inHeliconiusbutterflies it is the UV, the human-visible yellow, and/or the fluorescent component of yellow wing coloration that is relevant to mate choice is unknown. In field studies with butterfly paper models we show that both UV and 3-OHK yellow act as signals forH. eratobut attack rates by birds do not differ significantly between the models. Furthermore, measurement of the quantum yield and reflectance spectra of 3-OHK indicates that fluorescence does not contribute to the visual signal under broad-spectrum illumination. Our results suggest that the use of 3-OHK pigmentation instead of ancestral yellow was driven by sexual selection rather than predation.

Summary statement

Heliconiusbutterflies use a co-opted yellow pigment for communication, while predators are fooled by non-Heliconiusmimics using ancestral yellow pigments.
Developing a tailored RBS linking to BIM for risk management of bridge projects
Authors: Zou Yang , Kiviniemi Arto , Jones Stephen W.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the current theoretical gap in integrating knowledge and experience into Building Information Model (BIM) for risk management of bridge projects by developing a tailored Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and formalising an active link between the resulting RBS and BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step approach is used in this study to develop a tailored RBS for bridge projects and a conceptual model for the linkage between the RBS and BIM. First, the integrated bridge information model is in concept separated into four levels of contents (LOCs) and six technical systems based on analysis of the Industry Foundation Classes specification, a critical review of previous studies and authors’ project experience. The second step develops a knowledge-based risk database through an extensive collection of risk data, a process of data mining, and further assessment and translation of data. A critical analysis is conducted in the last step to determine on which level the different risks should be allocated to bridge projects and to propose a conceptual model for linking the tailored RBS to the four LOCs and six technical systems of BIM.

Findings

The findings suggest that the traditional method and BIM can be merged as an integrated solution for risk management by establishing the linkage between RBS and BIM. This solution can take advantage of both the traditional method and BIM for managing risks. On the one hand, RBS enables risk information to be stored in a formal structure, used and communicated effectively. On the other hand, some features of BIM such as 3D visualisation and 4D construction scheduling can facilitate the risk identification, analysis, and communication at an early project stage.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is that RBS is a qualitative technique and only plays a limited role in quantitative risk analysis. As a result, when implementing this proposed method, further techniques may be needed for assisting quantitative risk analysis, evaluation, and treatment. Another limitation is that the proposed method has not yet been implemented for validation in practice. Hence, recommendations for future research are to: improve the quantitative risk analysis and treatment capabilities of this proposed solution; develop computer tools to support the solution; integrate the linkage into a traditional workflow; and test this solution in some small and large projects for validation.

Practical implications

Through linking risk information to BIM, project participants could check and review the linked information for identifying potential risks and seeking possible mitigation measures, when project information is being transferred between different people or forwarded to the next phase.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theoretical development for aligning traditional methods and BIM for risk management, by introducing a new conceptual model for linking RBS to BIM.
Defining a smart nation: the case of Singapore
Authors: Hoe Siu Loon
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key characteristics and propose a working definition of a smart nation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of Singapore through an analysis of the key speeches made by senior Singapore leaders, publicly available government documents and news reports since the launch of the smart nation initiative in December 2014 was carried out.

Findings

Just like smart cities, the idea of a smart nation is an evolving concept. However, there are some emerging characteristics that define a smart nation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an initial understanding of the key characteristics and definition of a smart nation at the nascent stage and a foundation for further research on the topic.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing smart cities and smart nation literature by providing insights to the key characteristics of smart nation and proposing a working definition of the term.
Relationship between developed, European and South Asian stock markets: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Kanwal Memoona , Ahmed Tanveer , Ur Rehman Mobeen
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The assessment of interdependence between stock markets is an important aspect of international portfolio management. The purpose of this paper is to examine and highlight the diversification potential of South Asian stock marketsvis-à-visdeveloped and European stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed stocks markets include USA and UK, and South Asian stock markets include India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka while DJ STOXX 600 index is used to represent the European stock markets. Monthly data are used to examine long-run relationship through ARDL bound testing approach and estimates are obtained using DLOS. Short-term dynamics are captured through vector error correction-based Granger causality.

Findings

South Asian stock markets are closely linked with each other; similarly, developed/European markets are interlinked. US stock market not only impacts European stock markets, it also Granger cause South Asian stock markets. The findings suggest increase in comovement of South Asian stock markets with the global markets after financial crises of 2007-2008.

Practical implications

The diversification benefits of South Asian stock markets for international investors are still evident due to their low relationship (in both long and short run) with developed/European stock markets.

Originality/value

Given the emergence of South Asian stock markets, new insight on their relationship with developed stock markets can provide interesting findings for international portfolio diversification. The South Asian equity markets are an important source of investment because of their immense growth and weak correlation with international markets.
Global cities, work and family collectivism and work-family conflict in India
Authors: Shah Grishma , Rajadhyaksha Ujvala
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The authors observe the impact of certain aspects of globalization on the work-family interface in India. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of life in Tier 1 (more globalized) vs Tier 2 (less globalized) cities, family/work collectivism and gender on work-family conflict (WFC) – both work interfering with family (WIF) conflict as well as family interfering with work (FIW) conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 628 young employees on cultural values of collectivism and WFC.

Findings

Results suggest a main effect of tier in which Tier 1 city individuals experience more of both forms of WFC than Tier 2 city individuals. However, two- and three-way interactions between family/work collectivism and tier greatly moderate the main effect. Interactions indicate that family collectivism decreased WIF more for Tier 1 as compared to Tier 2 cities and work collectivism decreased FIW more for Tier 2 as compared to Tier 1 cities. The results suggest that high family collectivism creates high conflict for those who are low on work collectivism and high family collectivism creates low conflict for those who are high on work collectivism.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides great insight into globalization and WFC within the context of cultural values. The paper calls for further studies on globalization, work life enrichment and cultural values.

Practical implications

The results build a case for more paid and organizationally supported interventions for work-life balance in India.

Originality/value

Large scale institutional changes, such as globalization, call for a reexamination of cultural dynamics. This study heeds the call and examines WFC in the context of rapid economic and social transformation occurring in India by bridging globalization, cultural change and WIF/FIW.
Dispositional traits influence on mentoring relationships
Authors: Arora Ridhi , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of personality factors in influencing mentoring relationships in the South-Asian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 363 subjects from public and private sector organizations in North India.

Findings

Results revealed that in the Indian context, conscientiousness acts as significant predictor of perceived psychosocial mentoring, agreeableness acts as significant predictor of perceived career mentoring support, and emotional stability acts as significant predictor of both categories of mentoring relationships. Further, managers employed in public sector organizations were found to be high on all the Big Five personality factors and mentoring functions in contrast to managers from private sector organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the results suggest that mentoring relationships should operate in organizations with a firm understanding of employees’ personality traits. Implications and future research directions were also discussed. Further, suggestions have also been given for incorporating various interventions in order to handle employees with different personality attributes such as counseling for helping emotionally unstable employees manage their emotions and stress.

Originality/value

To the knowledge, this is the first study that seeks to examine impact of personality factors on mentoring relationships in the South-Asian context.
Investment-cash flow sensitivity and financial constraints: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Yasir , Shahab Yasir , Bibi Robina , Zeb Shumaila
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights about investment-cash flow sensitivities (ICFS) as a representative of financial constraints, by examining panel data consisting of 288 listed firms in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel data methodology and first difference generalized method of moments to control the problems of heterogeneity and endogeneity. By five different criteria, estimations are made for full and pre-classified sub-samples. Sargan test and Arellano-Bond serial correlation statistic are used for identification and validation of instruments and model.

Findings

According to the results, the ICFS has increased monotonically with the level of financial constraints. Further, the results depict that ICFS for the constrained group is much higher as compared to the unconstrained group. Overall, the result illustrates positively significant ICFS.

Practical implications

This study confirms signs of imperfections in the capital market, which leads to financial markets inaccessibility preceded by high under-investment costs and low social and economic development. Thus, proper policy designing and instigation are necessary for the subsidies, taxation, and foreign direct investment and later for financial market development and promotion of private corporate investment.

Originality/value

Previous studies have mostly focused on developed countries where large listed companies work in well-developed financial markets and do not face severe financial constraints because of the greater market integration (Bekaert et al., 2011, 2013) and superior investor protection laws (Djankov et al., 2008; La porta et al., 1998). However, this study focuses on listed companies from the emerging Pakistani market, which will bring forth the interesting aspects of ICFS and will enhance the existing literature effectively.
Evaluating the influence of social media on brand sacralization
Authors: Das Payel , Mandal Santanu
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the influence of social media in the development of brand sacralization in young consumers in emerging Asian market. Brand sacralization is the phenomenon where consumers (especially young) become an adherent of brands and consider brands as sacred entities. The paper specifically explores the influence of social media interaction and social media usability on brand sacralization and consequently its influence on online purchase intention (PI) and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Perceptual responses were gathered from 232 undergraduate and postgraduate students (age: 17-27 years) studying in an Indian private university and is subsequently analyzed using structural equation modeling. The young population is chosen as the target sample as they possess majority stake in final product purchase decision nowadays and also contribute as a dominant consumer category in online market places.

Findings

The researcher found a strong positive influence of social media interaction and social media usability on brand sacralization. Further, brand sacralization is found to have a positive and significant influence on online PI and brand loyalty of young consumers. However, social media interaction does not contribute significantly to usability of social media. The researcher has also found a significant influence of brand loyalty on online PI for these young shoppers.

Originality/value

The study is the foremost to investigate the influence of social media in developing brand sacralization and its influence on online PI and brand loyalty. Further the study is the first to develop a measurement instrument for brand sacralization. The study is the foremost in developing measures for social media interaction and social media usability.
Aspergillus penicillioides differentiation and cell division at 0.585 water activity
Authors: Stevenson Andrew , Hamill Philip G. , O'Kane Callum J. , Kminek Gerhard , Rummel John D. , Voytek Mary A. , Dijksterhuis Jan , Hallsworth John E.
Published: November 2016

Water availability acts as the most stringent constraint for life on Earth. Thus, understanding the water relations of microbial extremophiles is imperative to our ability to increase agricultural productivity (e.g., by enhancing the processing and turnover of dead organic matter in soils of arid regions), reduce human exposure to mycotoxins in buildings and our food‐supply chain, prevent the spoilage of foods/animal feeds, books, museum specimens and artworks and better control microbiology of industrial fermentations. Only a small number of microbial systems can retain activity at <0.710 water activity (ISME J 2015 9: 1333–1351). It has long‐been considered that the most resilient of these is Xeromyces bisporus, which inhabits sugar‐rich substrates (Appl Environ Microbiol 1968 16: 1853–1858). The current study focused on germination of Aspergillus penicillioides, a xerophile which is also able to grow under low humidity and saline conditions. Investigations of germination differed from those reported earlier: firstly, aerially borne conidia were harvested, and then used for inoculations, in their dry condition; secondly, cultures were incubated at 24°C, i.e. below optimum germination temperature, to minimize the possibility of water loss from the substrate; thirdly, cultures remained sealed throughout the 73‐day study period (microscopic examination was carried out directly 48 through the Petri plate lid); fourthly, the germination parameters determined were: rates and extent of conidial swelling, production of differentiated germination‐structures and septate germlings, and subsequent development of mycelium and/or sporulation; fifthly, assessments were carried out over a range of water‐activity values and time points to obtain a complete profile of the germination process. Conidia swelled, formed differentiated germination‐structures and then produced septate germlings at a water‐activity of just 0.585 (≡58.5% relative humidity), outside the currently understood thermodynamic window for life. Furthermore, analyses of these data suggest a theoretical water‐activity minimum of 0.565 for germination of A. penicilliodes. In relation to astrobiology, these findings have an application in understanding the limits to life in extraterrestrial environments. In light of current plans for exploration missions to Mars and other places, and the need to safeguard martian scientific sites and potential resources (including water) for future human habitation, a knowledge‐based and effective policy for planetary protection is essential. As it is, Mars‐bound spacecraft may frequently be contaminated with aspergilli (including A. penicillioides) and other organisms which, when transported to other planetary bodies, pose a contamination risk. In crafting countermeasures to offset this, it is important to know as precisely as possible the capabilities of these potential interplanetary visitors.
Root isoflavonoids and hairy root transformation influence key bacterial taxa in the soybean rhizosphere
Authors: White Laura J. , Ge Xijin , Brözel Volker S. , Subramanian Senthil
Published: November 2016

Rhizodeposits play a key role in shaping rhizosphere microbial communities. In soybean, isoflavonoids are a key rhizodeposit component that aid in plant defense and enable symbiotic associations with rhizobia. However, it is uncertain if and how they influence rhizosphere microbial communities. Isoflavonoid biosynthesis was silenced via RNA interference of isoflavone synthase in soybean hairy root composite plants. Rhizosphere soil fractions tightly associated with roots were isolated, and PCR amplicons from 16S rRNA gene variable regions V1–V3 and V3–V5 from these fractions were sequenced using 454. The resulting data was resolved using MOTHUR and vegan to identify bacterial taxa and evaluate changes in rhizosphere bacterial communities. The soybean rhizosphere was enriched in Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and had relatively lower levels of Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria compared with bulk soil. Isoflavonoids had a small effect on bacterial community structure, and in particular on the abundance of Xanthomonads and Comamonads. The effect of hairy root transformation on rhizosphere bacterial communities was largely similar to untransformed plant roots with approximately 74% of the bacterial families displaying similar colonization underscoring the suitability of this technique to evaluate the influence of plant roots on rhizosphere bacterial communities. However, hairy root transformation had notable influence on Sphingomonads and Acidobacteria.