bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular organization of integrin-based adhesion complexes in mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Xia Shumin , Yim Evelyn K. F. , Kanchanawong Pakorn 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe mechanical microenvironment serves as an important factor influencing stem cell differentiation. Mechanobiological responses depend strongly on actomyosin contractility and integrin-based cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions mediated by adhesive structures such as focal adhesions (FAs). While the roles of FAs in mechanobiology have been intensively studied in many mesenchymal and migratory cell types, recently it has been recognized that certain pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) exhibited significantly attenuated FA-mediated mechanobiological responses. FAs in such PSCs are sparsely distributed and much less prominent in comparison to “classical” FAs of typical adherent cells. Despite these differences, insights into how FAs in PSCs are structurally organized to perform their functions are still elusive. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to study PSC-ECM interactions, here we surveyed the molecular composition and nanostructural organization of FAs. We found that despite being small in size, mESC FAs appeared to be compositionally mature, containing markers such as vinculin, zyxin, and α-actinin, and dependent on myosin II contractility. Using super-resolution microscopy, we revealed that mESC FAs were organized into a conserved multilayer nanoscale architecture. However, the nanodomain organization was compressed in mESCs, with the force transduction layer spanning ∼ 10 nm, significantly more compact than in FAs of other cell types. Furthermore, we found that the position and orientation of vinculin, a key mechanotransduction protein, were modulated in an ECM-dependent manner. Our analysis also revealed that while most core FA genes were expressed, the expression of LIM domain proteins was comparatively lower in PSCs. Altogether our results suggest that while core structural and mechanosensitive elements are operational in mESC FAs, their structural organization and regulatory aspects may diverge significantly from “classical” FAs, which may account for the attenuated mechanobiological responses of these cell types.
Arginine culture generates triacylglycerol by triggering nitrogen starvation responses during robust growth inChlamydomonas
Authors: Munz Jacob , Xiong Yuan , Hwan Kim Jaoon Young , Sung Young Joon , Seo Seungbeom , Hong Ran Ha , Kariyawasam Thamali , Shelley Nolan , Lee Jenny , Sim Sang Jun , Jin EonSeon , Lee Jae-Hyeok 
Published: September 2018

AbstractUnder nitrogen (N) starvation, microalgae increase carbon storage in the form of lipid droplets while also downregulating photosynthesis and eventually terminating growth. To improve lipid yield, we asked whether lipid droplets and N starvation responses can be induced without limiting growth or photosynthesis. In the chlorophyteChlamydomonas reinhardtii, gametogenesis is induced either by N starvation or by growth with arginine as the sole N source. We showed that arginine cultures supported robust phototrophic growth, constitutively turned on N starvation-induced genes, and increased lipid droplets. The lipids accumulated in arginine cultures exhibited strong enrichment of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, a preferred characteristic of biodiesel precursors. The diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumalso accumulated lipid droplets in arginine culture without growth impairment. We document a system wherein N starvation responses are induced without compromising photosynthesis or growth, thereby suited to the producing valuable chemicals and biofuel precursors without requiring stressors in microalgae.
Predicting mRNA abundance directly from genomic sequence using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Agarwal Vikram , Shendure Jay 
Published: September 2018

SUMMARYAlgorithms that accurately predict gene structure from primary sequence alone were transformative for annotating the human genome. Can we also predict the expression levels of genes based solely on genome sequence? Here we sought to apply deep convolutional neural networks towards this goal. Surprisingly, a model that includes only promoter sequences and features associated with mRNA stability explains 59% and 71% of variation in steady-state mRNA levels in human and mouse, respectively. This model, which we call Xpresso, more than doubles the accuracy of alternative sequence-based models, and isolates rules as predictive as models relying on ChIP-seq data. Xpresso recapitulates genome-wide patterns of transcriptional activity and predicts the influence of enhancers, heterochromatic domains, and microRNAs. Model interpretation reveals that promoter-proximal CpG dinucleotides strongly predict transcriptional activity. Looking forward, we propose the accurate prediction of cell type-specific gene expression based solely on primary sequence as a grand challenge for the field.
Different coordination modes of trans-2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenoxide in rare-earth complexes: influence of the metal cation radius and the number of ligands on steric congestion and ligand coordination modes
Authors: Roitershtein Dmitrii M. , Minashina Kseniya I. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Tavtorkin Alexander N. , Nifant'ev Ilya E. 
Published: September 2018

A simple and effective synthetic route to homo- and heteroleptic rare-earth (Ln = Y, La and Nd) complexes with a tridentate Schiff base anion has been demonstrated using exchange reactions of rare-earth chlorides with in-situ-generated sodium (E)-2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenoxide in different molar ratios in absolute methanol. Five crystal structures have been determined and studied, namely tris(2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-κ3
O
1,N,O
2)lanthanum, [La(C14H12NO2)3], (1), tris(2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-κ3
O
1,N,O
2)neodymium tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [La(C14H12NO2)3]·2C4H8O, (2)·2THF, tris(2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato)-κ3
O
1,N,O
2;κ3
O
1,N,O
2;κ2
N,O
1-yttrium, [Y(C14H12NO2)3], (3), dichlorido-1κCl,2κCl-μ-methanolato-1:2κ2
O:O-methanol-2κO-(μ-2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-1κ3
O
1,N,O
2:2κO
1)bis(2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato)-1κ3
O
1,N,O
2;2κ3
O
1,N,O
2-diyttrium–tetrahydrofuran–methanol (1/1/1), [Y2(C14H12NO2)3(CH3O)Cl2(CH4O)]·CH4O·C4H8O, (4)·MeOH·THF, and bis(μ-2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-1κ3
O
1,N,O
2:2κO
1)bis(2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-2κ3
O
1,N,O
2)sodiumyttrium chloroform disolvate, [NaY(C14H12NO2)4]·2CHCl3, (5)·2CHCl3. Structural peculiarities of homoleptic tris(iminophenoxide)s (1)–(3), binuclear tris(iminophenoxide) (4) and homoleptic ate tetrakis(iminophenoxide) (5) are discussed. The nonflat Schiff base ligand displays μ2-κ3
O
1,N,O
2:κO
1 bridging, and κ3
O
1,N,O
2 and κ2
N,O
1 terminal coordination modes, depending on steric congestion, which in turn depends on the ionic radii of the rare-earth metals and the number of coordinated ligands. It has been demonstrated that interligand dihedral angles of the phenoxide ligand are convenient for comparing steric hindrance in complexes. (4)·MeOH has a flat Y2O2 rhomboid core and exhibits both inter- and intramolecular MeO—H...Cl hydrogen bonding. Catalytic systems based on complexes (1)–(3) and (5) have demonstrated medium catalytic performance in acrylonitrile polymerization, providing polyacrylonitrile samples with narrow polydispersity.
Electrodeposition of Pr-Mg-Ni ternary alloy films from the choline chloride-urea ionic liquid and their corrosion properties
Authors: Li Miao , Chen Bi Qing , He Min , Xiong Tongtong , Gao Lixia 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to obtain rare earth magnesium alloy with good adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Design/methodology/approach
In 353 K oil bath, cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemical behavior of Pr(III), Mg(II) and Ni(II) in choline chloride-urea ionic liquid. The constant potential method was adopted for electrodeposition of Pr-Mg-Ni ternary alloy films. The content of Pr in the Pr-Mg-Ni alloy films changes with respect to the deposition potential, deposition time and concentration ratio of Pr3+:Mg2+:Ni2+. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the conditions for obtaining high-quality deposition films.

Findings
The results showed that the reaction of Ni(II) to Ni is irreversible; this result can be verified by Tafel polarization curve and chronocoulometry curve. Its transfer coefficient on the platinum electrode of 0.32 and diffusion coefficient is 1.0510−6 cm2.s−1. Mg(II) and Pr(III) cannot solely be reduced to their elemental form, but they can be induced via codeposition by Ni(II). The result shows that under a voltage of −1.00 V, the alloy coating with even structure is obtained when the concentration ratio of Pr3+:Mg2+:Ni2+ is 1:1:1 and the deposition time is 20 min. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and other analyses revealed that the alloy coating is amorphous. Polarization curves of the cathode are tested, which manifest the lowest corrosion current density, stating which has good corrosion performance in alkaline solution and NaCl solution; this can be attributed to its dense film structure and good combination with the substrate.

Originality/value
It provides some technology for the production of corrosion-resistant materials.
Flexural performance of TRC-strengthened RC beam under chloride environment
Authors: Shi-ping Yin , Yulin Yu , Xi Yunping 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) has excellent bearing capacity and anti-crack and corrosion resistance capacity, which are suitable for strengthening concrete structure under harsh environments.

Design/methodology/approach
In this thesis, flexural properties of RC beams strengthened with TRC under chloride wet–dry cycles were studied and the effects of the concentration of the salt solution, number of wet–dry cycles, bending stress level and TRC form were considered. Four-point bend loading mode was adopted for the step-loading procedure.

Findings
As the number of wet–dry cycles was relatively few, the trend of the yield and ultimate load with the increasing concentration of salt solution and wet–dry cycles were not obvious. However, the beams under high sustained bending stress level (0.5) had a decrease in the bearing capacity and an increase in mid-span deflection because of the larger degree of the corrosion of steel bars and the weaker bond capacity between the steel bar and concrete. Besides, there was little difference between the precast TRC plate and the casting TRC on beams in terms of the capacity of anti-crack, bearing and deflection.

Research limitations/implications
In this paper, preliminary work has been carried out, but some of the factors were not comprehensive considered, which are inevitable. As the time of dry–wet cycles was short and TRC layer had good anti-crack and anti-permeability performance, smaller chloride ions’ penetration resulted in the corrosion ratio of steel bars to be lower.

Practical implications
It should be noted that under high corrosion rates of the reinforcement, the whole TRC strengthening layer might be spalled off if only the strengthening form at the beam bottom is used, and thus the U-type strengthening form could be considered, which means that the beam is strengthened at both the bottom and side surfaces.

Originality/value
This research only considers the flexural performance of the beams strengthened with TRC in conventional environment, and there is little research on the TRC-strengthened beam under corrosion environment. On the basis of previous research, this paper carried out the experimental study on beams strengthened with TRC under chloride wet–dry cycle environment, and the effects of the concentration of the salt solution, number of wet–dry cycles, bending stress level and TRC form were considered.
Method selection: a conceptual framework for public sector PPP selection
Authors: Zhao Nan , Ying Fei 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a conceptual framework to assist decision makers in identifying an appropriate decision-supporting method (DSM) to evaluate public-private partnership (PPP) contract types in a disciplined and systematic manner.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted to compare and analyse DSMs in construction procurement processes, and explore the benefits and limitations of using DSMs. A conceptual framework is then developed to accommodate client characteristics when selecting DSM in a PPP context. An example was obtained to illustrate the implementation of the proposed framework.

Findings
DSMs employed in the procurement method selection are identified by using a systemic literature review. The benefits and limitations of each DSM are established and comparisons of DSMs are provided to fit the client characteristics and a conceptual framework is developed to assist decision makers in choosing DSM for contract selection.

Originality/value
This paper demonstrates a link between DSMs and PPP contracts which adds value at the stage of PPP contract evaluation. Also, the proposed framework sheds some light on an important aspect of the public sector to consider the improvement of current policies (PPP framework/guideline).
A behavioral perspective on corporate dividend policy: evidence from France
Authors: Trabelsi Dhoha , Aziz Saqib , Lilti Jean-Jacques 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThis paper empirically examines the catering theory of Baker and Wurgler (2004) in the particular context of France. Considering the characteristics of French market – known for its high concentration of capital – it attempts to highlight the role family control plays in the managerial tendencies to satisfy non-informative dividend demands.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on a large data set of French firms included in the SBF-250 index over a period of 1992-2010. It uses a variety of dividend policy measures, including dividend premium, percentage of dividend-paying firms and probability of paying dividends. It adopts appropriate empirical specifications (time-series and probit models) to substantiate the research hypotheses.FindingsThe empirical findings show that the percentage of payers rises with the dividend premium, and that the dividend premium and the confidence index of French households are negatively correlated. This reflects the sensitivity of dividend demand to investor sentiment. Moreover, results of multivariate panel regression show a positive and statistically significant effect of the dividend premium on the firm’s tendency to pay, after controlling for firm characteristics. Finally, it finds that the dividend premium effect disappears in the case of family-controlled firms. This result is in line with the long-term orientation of family firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on the dividend payment behavior of French firms. Although dividends are deeply engrained in France, authors believe that it will be interesting to look at the whole payout policy and particularly the role played by share repurchases.Practical implicationsAddressing short-term catering and managerial opportunism, the results of this study may be of interest for shareholders, potential investors and regulators.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides empirical evidence on Baker and Wurgler (2004) catering theory by considering the particularity of French market where, unlike the US, percentage of dividend-paying firms is high and the corporate ownership structures are different.
Makerere University Business School co-evolution journey: the role of extraordinary performers
Authors: Kibirango Moses M. , Munene John C. , Mutumba Abbey 
Published: September 2018

Subject area
Corporate entrepreneurship; Intrapreneurship; Human Resources.

Study level/applicability
MBA students in Human Resource, entrepreneurship and/or PhD students in the areas of Human Resource, Corporate Entrepreneurship and/or on Intrapreneurship studies.

Case overview
This case reveals that progressive change originated from individual’s positive deviance approaches, opportunistic sensitivity, ability to learn, evaluate and the ability to develop ideas on how to exploit or pursue identified opportunities (intrapreneurial behaviour).

Expected learning outcomes
The student will learn to deal with the complex nature of organisations and the tendencies of institutional processes to be uncertain, unpredictable, and uncontrollable; appreciate the internal workings of an organisation, the external environment; and understand the role of generative leadership, positive deviance, novelty ecosystems and intrapreneurial behaviour and the fact that connections and interactions in a social network are non-linear or non-proportional. This means that complex system predictions can be much more than simple regression predictions. They will be able to apply both bottom-up and top-down influences from proactive leadership or generative leadership events and benefit from positive results and the emergence of innovation.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS: 3 Entrepreneurship.
Study on the performance of spatial discretization schemes for hypersonic flow
Authors: Huang Haiming , Hu Yumeng 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
With the continuous increase of space activities and insight into space exploration, the velocity of near space hypersonic vehicles becomes higher and higher, which leads to the aerothermodynamic phenomenon getting worse around a vehicle; therefore, the exploration of numerical scheme applicability is essential for hypersonic flow simulations.

Design/methodology/approach
The implicit finite volume schemes are derived from axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations for chemical equilibrium flow and programmed in Fortran. Taking the atmosphere at 30 km as an example, the performance of spatial discretization schemes such as AUSMPW and AUSMPW+ are analyzed in a range of Mach numbers from 17 to 32.

Findings
The AUSMPW scheme appears pressure jump near the stagnation if the Mach number is over 18, but AUSMPW+ scheme shows better performance in comparison.

Originality/value
This study will help the aerothermodynamic design in near space hypersonic vehicles.
Predictors of investment intention in Indian stock markets
Authors: Akhtar Fatima , Das Niladri 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand investment intention of prospective individual investors in a developing country (i.e. India) by using the “Theory of Planned Behaviour” (TPB) (where perceived behavioural control has been replaced with financial self-efficacy, FSE) and two additional constructs, i.e. financial knowledge and personality traits (i.e. risk-taking propensity and preference for innovation) have been introduced.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses quantitative and cross-sectional approach wherein questionnaire based survey was done to collect responses from prospective individual investors (920 usable responses). AMOS and SPSS have been used to establish the hypothesised relationship between the constructs.FindingsThe results of the study suggested that attitude was responsible for partial mediation between the relationship of financial knowledge and investment intention, whereas financial self-efficacy was exerting a dual role on the relationship between personality traits and investment intention. Subjective norms, on the other hand, exerted a weak positive effect on investment intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to measure the investment intention in financial markets in case of prospective individual investors; it does not incorporate the actual investment behaviour, the study also fails to include demographic factors which play a vital role in investment decision making. Furthermore, the study has only considered objective dimension of financial knowledge.Practical implicationsThe findings will be useful for financial service providers who need to enhance the FSE and financial knowledge and design a “behavioural portfolio” according the personality traits of their clients.Social implicationsThe up-liftment of financial confidence among individuals in order to motivate them to participate in financial markets and enjoy “short-cuts” towards financial success.Originality/valueThis study is one of the initial attempts in the context of the Indian Stock Market to introduce FSE as a dual (both mediating and moderating) construct between personality traits and investment intention using TPB, moreover, this study also provides the necessary impetus to analyse the relationship between financial knowledge and investment intention with attitude as the mediating variable.
Clustering Kuwaiti consumer attitudes towards Sharia-compliant financial products
Authors: Al-Salem Fouad , Mostafa Mohamed M. 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to clustering Kuwaiti consumers choice of Sharia-complaint financial products and services based on several factors such as religiosity, financial knowledge, customer value, satisfaction, trust, service quality, relationship with service providers and innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses self-organizing maps, a neural network technique, in order to cluster and segment consumers of Sharia-compliant financial products and services in Kuwait. From a marketing perspective, SOM can be viewed as a flexible clustering technique in which different clusters are identified without the rigid traditional statistical assumptions of linearity or normality.FindingsThis paper shows that consumers of Sharia-compliant financial products in Kuwait can be clustered into three distinct segments: enthusiasts, laggards and rejectors. The enthusiasts represent the largest cluster with a frequency of around 66 percent, while the Rejectors represent the smallest segment with a frequency of 10 percent.Originality/valueThis paper advances our knowledge about the behavioral aspects of financial consumer choice within a non-traditional Sharia-compliant financial products context.