bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamical localization of a thylakoid membrane binding protein is required for acquisition of photosynthetic competency
Authors: Gutu Andrian , Chang Frederick , O‘Shea Erin K. 
Published: October 2017

SUMMARYVipp1 is highly conserved and essential for photosynthesis, but its function is unclear as it does not participate directly in light-dependent reactions. We analyzed Vipp1 localization in live cyanobacterial cells and show that Vipp1 is highly dynamic, continuously exchanging between a diffuse fraction that is uniformly distributed throughout the cell and a punctate fraction that is concentrated at high curvature regions of the thylakoid located at the cell periphery. Experimentally perturbing the spatial distribution of Vipp1 by relocalizing it to the nucleoid causes a severe growth defect during the transition from non-photosynthetic (dark) to photosynthetic (light) growth. However, the same perturbation of Vipp1 in dark alone or light alone growth conditions causes no growth or thylakoid morphology defects. We propose that the punctuated dynamics of Vipp1 at the cell periphery in regions of high thylakoid curvature enable acquisition of photosynthetic competency, perhaps by facilitating biogenesis of photosynthetic complexes involved in light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Delta integrates 3D physical structure with topology and genomic data of chromosomes
Authors: Tang Bixia , Li Feifei , Li Jing , Zhao Wenming , Zhang Zhihua 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMotivationThe regulation of gene transcription and DNA replication are tightly associated with the 3D chromosomal structures and genomic features, e.g. epigenetic marks, transcription factor bindings and non-coding RNAs. The interaction between the features and the chromosomal structures forming a multilayer 3D regulatory network. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate the physical 3D architecture of genome and features to comprehensive depict their connection to gene regulation.ResultsHere, we present an integrative visualization and analysis platform,Delta, to facilitate visually annotating and exploring the 3D physical architecture of genomes.Deltatakes Hi-C or ChIA-PET contact matrix as input and predicts the topology associated domains and chromatin loops in the genome, and generates a physical 3D model which represents the plausible consensus 3D structure of the genome.Deltafeatures a highly interactive visualization tool, which enhanced the integration of genome topology/physical structure and extensive genome annotation, by juxtaposition of the 3D model with diverse genomic assay outputs. Finally, we showcased thatDeltacould be helpful to reveal potentially interesting findings by a case study on the β-globin gene region.Availability and implementationhttp://delta.big.ac.cn/.Contacttangbx@big.ac.cn.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Codon-Dependent Translational Accuracy Controls Protein Quality inEscherichia colibut not inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jossé Lyne , Sampson Connor D. D. , Tuite Mick F. , Howland Kevin , von der Haar Tobias 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn order to generate a functional proteome, gene expression pathways must assemble proteins accurately according to the rules of the genetic code. General gene expression accuracy is known to be high, but errors nevertheless occur with measurable frequencies. Here we develop a mass-spectrometry (MS) based assay for the detection of a particular type of gene expression error, amino acid misincorporation. This assay allows assessing a much broader range of misincorporation events compared to current, very sensitive but also very specific enzyme reporter assays. Our assay uncovers a remarkably rich pool of error products for a model protein expressed inE. coli, which depend quantitatively on codon usage in the expression construct. This codon usage dependence can be explained in part as a function of the composition of the tRNA pool in this organism. We further show that codon-dependent differences in error levels correlate with measurable changes in specific protein activity. In contrast toE. coli, error levels are lower, and appear not to be codon usage dependent, when the same model protein is expressed inS. cerevisiae.
A spontaneously blinking fluorescent protein for simple single laser super-resolution live cell imaging
Authors: Arai Yoshiyuki , Takauchi Hiroki , Ogami Yuhei , Fujiwara Satsuki , Nakano Masahiro , Nagai Takeharu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSuper-resolution imaging techniques based on single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) broke the diffraction limit of optical microscopy in living samples with the aid of photoswitchable fluorescent probes and intricate microscopy systems. Here, we developed a fluorescent protein, SPOON, which can be switched-off by excitation light illumination and switched-on by thermally-induced dehydration resulting in an apparent spontaneous blinking behavior. This unique property of SPOON provides a simple SMLM-based super-resolution imaging platform which requires only a single 488 nm laser.
Assurance of learning: moving from a compliance to an improvement culture
Authors: Bennett Misty M. , Smart Karl L. , Kumar Anil 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe an organizational change effort that the College of Business Administration at a Midwestern university undertook to transform assurance of learning (AoL) from an inefficient process focused on responding to accreditors to the one that embraced continuous improvement focused on student learning.

Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach was employed along with the analysis of historical documents, interviews with stakeholders in the college, and a review from an external expert to reveal root problematic causes behind the current state of AoL in the college. Lewin’s model of planned change was applied at the beginning of the process to identify the ways to unfreeze the current state of assessment, implement changes, and refreeze by identifying rewards and incentives for faculty to institutionalize the new assessment culture of student learning.

Findings
Four root problematic areas were revealed behind the current state of AoL in the college: faculty resistance and lack of engagement, structural and communication challenges, inconsistency across degree programs, and misalignment of the college vision and mission with program learning goals. Improved communication and coordination between assessment groups and increasing faculty ownership were identified as the key factors for a successful AoL process.

Practical implications
Colleges looking to improve coordination of AoL activities and increase faculty engagement in the AoL process can implement many of the initiatives described in this study.

Originality/value
This case study takes into account new trends in the area of assessment and AoL and addresses common problems that colleges face regarding accreditation in an area where empirical studies do not exist.
The nature of qualitative construction partnering research: literature review
Authors: Venselaar Marieke , Wamelink Hans 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of qualitative construction partnering research.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 20 qualitative peer-reviewed papers about construction partnering research are reviewed.

Findings
The results show four methodological gaps. All identified gaps have in common that specific time and place dependent details that may have influenced understanding of studied individuals are underexposed.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is that empirical-based papers are divided into either qualitative or quantitative research, but the boundary between those categories is not as black and white as it may look like in first instance.

Practical implications
The identified gaps are translated to recommendations for further study. This will help the reader to become more aware of the difficulties and decisions encountered by the researcher, and in that way the reader is more aware and gains more understanding of the context-related character of the study. Applying the recommendations will lead to different conclusions and recommendations to improve construction partnering in working practice.

Social implications
More focus on local time- and place-dependent factors of the studied individuals as well as the process of studying it, inevitably leads to encountering (and becoming more aware of) personal, subjective and unexplainable decisions and behavior. Describing and analyzing these personal, subjective and unexplainable points in the research process will improve the quality of the research.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the further development of academic research on this topic and increase effectiveness of partnering in the construction sector.
Proposed models to measure the quality of highway projects
Authors: El-Hamrawy Saad Abdel-Karim , Abu El-Maaty Ahmed Ebrahim , Akal Ahmed Yousry 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Quality measurement is the trigger for quality improvement. Indeed, what gets measured gets done. The real scope of quality improvement in construction projects is the difficulty and-maybe-lack of quality measurement methods. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing the quality performance of highway projects in Egypt. Furthermore, this paper also contributes to develop models to measure the quality level of these projects.

Design/methodology/approach
A literature review is conducted to compile a list of factors influencing the quality of highway projects. The resulting list of factors is subjected to a questionnaire survey which was sent to owners, consultants and contractors of highway projects in Egypt. Furthermore, linear regression analysis and statistical fuzzy approaches are adopted for modeling process.

Findings
The survey results show that availability of experienced staff in the owner’s and contractor’s teams during the project execution, asphalt quality and type used in the construction process, pavement is not designed according to the regional conditions, and contractor’s labors and equipment capability are among the most important factors influencing quality performance.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this study is to develop models to measure the quality of highway projects in Egypt. The first model is based on the linear regression analysis, while the second one is based on a statistical fuzzy approach which is a hybrid approach from the fuzzy logic and regression analysis. Validation of the models reveals that the linear regression and the statistical fuzzy models can accurately assess expected quality of any future highway projects at confidence levels 68.97 and 87.44 percent, respectively.
Risk analysis of schedule delays in international highway projects in Vietnam using a structural equation model
Authors: Vu Hong Anh , Cu Viet Hung , Min Lian Xing , Wang Jian Qiong 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
As in other developing countries, increased highway development in Vietnam provides enormous opportunities for international construction companies (ICCs). However, a prolonged schedule delay (SD) can have an extremely detrimental impact on a project’s efficiency, cost and investment reputation. The purpose of this paper is to identify potential SD risk factors in international highway projects (IHPs) in Vietnam, and to explore the effects of and influences on such factors. A specific risk management framework is proposed as a useful tool for ICCs.

Design/methodology/approach
A system of SD risk indicators is presented for IHPs in Vietnam through a questionnaire survey. The system comprises 50 indicators that are grouped into 12 main factors. A structural equation model (SEM) is then used to assess the influences and mechanisms of these factors. Based on the obtained results, corresponding suggestions for preventing SD risks are presented and discussed.

Findings
First, among the 12 aforementioned major factors, the authors identify eight facors that have significant effects on IHP SDs. Second, the SEM analysis reveals that policy flaws and the fiscal ability of the owner play the most important roles, on account of their direct and indirect influences on SDs.

Originality/value
Considering stakeholders and external environmental effects, a system of indicators is introduced to explore SD risks to IHPs. In particular, an SEM is used to assess the effects of potential SD factors and characterize their interacting influences. This study could help ICCs to avoid or mitigate project delays and cost overruns in Vietnam, and also provide valuable lessons for other developing countries.
Assessing collaborative performance on construction projects through knowledge exchange
Authors: Staykova Gergana , Underwood Jason 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
How knowledge exchange (KE) can be used for the continuous assessment and improvement of collaborative performance of project-based organisations in construction is explored. Collaboration on construction projects must be facilitated by people alongside practice of continuous performance assessment and improvement. Currently available assessment tools fail to explicitly define appropriate behaviours and actions due to a poor understanding of what it means for people to collaborate. In contrast, it is established that KE is the focus of collaborative efforts on construction projects; therefore, as most knowledge resides with people, it represents their role in collaboration. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
Through a phenomenological/interpretivist and qualitative methodology, how KE can be used for the continuous assessment and improvement of collaborative performance in project-based organisations in construction is explored. A single case study of a UK rail strategic alliance was adopted and six semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed through a thematic analysis.

Findings
An assessment tool is proposed based on a set of 20 characteristics of KE, divided into seven categories and linked to indicators of collaboration. The tool can be applied to highly collaborative projects where BIM and Lean are implemented, and project participants are collocated. By measuring their performance against the set criteria, project teams can assess which of their behaviours and actions are inappropriate, and focus their efforts on correcting them.

Originality/value
Defining the abstract indicators traditionally used to assess collaboration in terms of characteristics pertinent to day-to-day communication amongst participants on collaborative projects to facilitate the continuous assessment and improvement of collaborative performance.
Impact of the built environment and care services within rural nursing homes in China on quality of life for elderly residents
Authors: Yu Jingyu , Ma Guixia , Jiang Xiaoyan 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The ageing of rural Chinese populations is challenging health and social policy, driving growth in rural nursing homes. Living environment plays a role in enhancing elderly quality of life (QoL), however, the impact of the built environment and care services are under-studied. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the built environment and care services on the QoL of elderly people within rural nursing homes in China.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 242 residents of nursing home were surveyed, of which 76 percent were male and 24 percent were female. In total, 25.6 percent were aged between 60 and 69, 40.1 percent between 70 and 79, 31 percent between 80 and 89, and 3.3 percent were 90 or above. Quantitative data were analyzed through factor analysis, reliability test and multiple regression modeling.

Findings
The authors identified six built environment factors (room distance, space, barrier-free design, indoor environment, fire safety, and support facilities) and three services factors (i.e. daily care services, cleaning services, and healthcare services). QoL was measured over four dimensions: QoL, physical health, psychological health, and social relationships. Elderly QoL could be accurately predicted from room distance, space, barrier-free design, indoor environment, daily care services, and cleaning services.

Practical implications
Interventions in design of the built environment and the provision of care services are proposed, including dimensions of living space, heating, and provisions for qualified care providers.

Originality/value
This paper provides a clear picture about elderly special requirements on their built environment and healthcare services, helping architects, engineers and facilities managers understand elderly needs and improve built environment during design and operation stages.
Cross-sectional comparison of public-private partnerships in transport infrastructure development in Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Perera Srinath 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Although scientific research community has shown considerable interest in identifying critical success factors (CSFs) for public-private partnership (PPP) projects, yet effort at assessing and compare CSFs within similar PPP infrastructure projects received scant attention. The purpose of this paper is to identify, assess, and compare the CSFs in PPP transport infrastructure projects.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted literature review and three PPP case studies including structured interviews and review of documentary reports in each case study. The outcome of literature review provided a total list of 26 identified success factors, which was used to design a case study protocol using failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) technique. FMEA was conducted on each 26 identified success factor to assess their criticality in the three PPP case studies.

Findings
The results of FMEA revealed a total of ten CSFs in the concession of the road; four CSFs in the concession of the airport; and eight CSFs in the concession of the seaport. Also, the cross-case analysis showed the three prevalent CSFs, this includes government involvement by providing guarantees, political support, and project economic viability.

Practical implications
The study findings including lessons learnt in each case study would positively influence policy development towards PPP transport infrastructure projects and the manner in which partners (i.e. public and private sector) go about the development of PPP transport projects.

Originality/value
This research would help PPP stakeholders to focus their attention and priorities in managing the identified CSFs in achieving long-term success in PPP transport infrastructure projects implementation.
Examination of communication processes in design-build project delivery in building construction
Authors: Tran Dai Q. , Nguyen Long Duy , Faught Allen 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Design-Build (D-B) is a project delivery method in which the owner procures both design and construction services in the same contract from a single legal entity. There is limited research on how communication among parties influences the success of D-B projects. The purpose of this paper is to examine D-B communication issues and provides effective practices on communication to improve D-B procurement processes in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology for this study includes a comprehensive review of literature, survey questionnaire, and structured interviews. A questionnaire was developed to collect data from professionals with an average of 23 years of experience related to D-B procurement. Eight structured interviews were conducted to verify and validate the survey questionnaire results.

Findings
The results showed that the communication issues vary along with each phase of the D-B process. The primary communication practices influencing the success of D-B projects are: establishing clear points of contact; providing clear and understandable information among stakeholders during the D-B process; and the timely sharing of information to all stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
The chief limitation of this research is that the primary data were mostly opinions from experts although several empirical data were collected for cross-validation. This research did not consider the relationship of relevant contract clauses and communication issues.

Practical implications
The findings from this paper will help professionals better understand the D-B procurement process.

Originality/value
This is one of the first attempts to discuss D-B communication issues in each different phase of a D-B project.
Impacts of stratospheric aerosol geoengineering strategy on Caribbean coral reefs
Authors: Zhang Zhihua , Jones Andy , Crabbe M. James C. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Currently, negotiation on global carbon emissions reduction is very difficult owing to lack of international willingness. In response, geoengineering (climate engineering) strategies are proposed to artificially cool the planet. Meanwhile, as the harbor around one-third of all described marine species, coral reefs are the most sensitive ecosystem on the planet to climate change. However, until now, there is no quantitative assessment on the impacts of geoengineering on coral reefs. This study aims to model the impacts of stratospheric aerosol geoengineering on coral reefs.

Design/methodology/approach
The HadGEM2-ES climate model is used to model and evaluate the impacts of stratospheric aerosol geoengineering on coral reefs.

Findings
This study shows that (1) stratospheric aerosol geoengineering could significantly mitigate future coral bleaching throughout the Caribbean Sea; (2) Changes in downward solar irradiation, sea level rise and sea surface temperature caused by geoengineering implementation should have very little impacts on coral reefs; (3) Although geoengineering would prolong the return period of future hurricanes, this may still be too short to ensure coral recruitment and survival after hurricane damage.

Originality/value
This is the first time internationally to quantitatively assess the impacts of geoengineering on coral reefs.