bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of nanofibres via polyvinylpyrrolidone by sol–gel method and electro‐spinning technique
Authors: Cai Zhaobing , Jin Guo , Cui Xuifang , Zheng Wei , Liu Erbao , Wang Yang , Tan Na 
Published: March 2015

ZrO2 fibres have been used in aspects of aeronautics and astronautics because of their properties such as high strength, good toughness and thermal shock resistance. In this reported work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/Y(NO3)3·6H2O/ZrOCl2·8H2O (PVP‐precursor) nanofibres were prepared by the sol–gel method and an electro‐spinning technique. Then, the ZrO2 fibres by Y‐doping were obtained by calcination of the above precursor fibres at 550°C for 0.5 h. These fibres were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry to study the physical and chemical properties. The formation mechanism of ZrO2 fibres is also illustrated. The results show that: (i) the diameter of the nanofibres is in the range of 500–3000 nm; (ii) PVP‐precursor fibres should reach the level of obvious dehydration, oxidation decomposition and phase transition to synthesise ZrO2 nanofibres; (iii) through thermal poly‐condensation reaction, PVP turns into a network structure of graphitised carbon.
Structure of superhard tungsten tetraboride: A missing link between MB
2
and MB
12
higher borides
Authors: Lech Andrew T. , Turner Christopher L. , Mohammadi Reza , Tolbert Sarah H. , Kaner Richard B. 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Superhard materials are those with hardness competitive with diamond. This study investigates tungsten tetraboride, a superhard metallic compound, and a promising candidate to revolutionize cutting tools and to succeed the “hard metals,” such as tungsten carbide, that are commonly used. Unfortunately, the structure of this material has been contested for over half a century. Previous attempts at its solution have lacked comprehensiveness, as they have not used techniques, such as neutron diffraction, which are capable of differentiating between light and heavy elements (boron and tungsten, respectively). Utilizing both X-ray and neutron diffraction, this study reveals that tungsten tetraboride is actually an interesting ‘new’ structural hybrid between lower and higher borides, a missing link that further confirms the structural regularity among borides.
Prepregnancy body mass and weight gain during pregnancy in India and sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Coffey Diane 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Because India—home to one fifth of all births—has no monitoring system for maternal health, basic facts about maternal nutrition are unknown. Using statistically adjusted nationally representative survey data, this paper presents, to my knowledge, the first estimates of prepregnancy body mass and weight gain during pregnancy in India and compares them with sub-Saharan Africa: 42.2% of Indian women are underweight when they begin pregnancy compared with 16.5% of African women. In both regions, women gain little weight during pregnancy, but because of prepregnancy deficits, Indian women end pregnancy weighing less than African women do at the beginning. Deficits in maternal nutrition could help explain the Asian enigma, the puzzle of why Indian children are much smaller than their relative wealth predicts.
Sequential de novo centromere formation and inactivation on a chromosomal fragment in maize
Authors: Liu Yalin , Su Handong , Pang Junling , Gao Zhi , Wang Xiu-Jie , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu 
Published: March 2015

Significance
The centromere is the part of the chromosome that is involved with movement in mitosis and meiosis. The activity of the centromere is epigenetic in that the underlying DNA sequences do not necessarily determine function. In the present study, a chromosomal fragment was followed in which a sequential de novo formation and inactivation occurred for the position of the active centromere. The results suggest that de novo centromere formation occurs regularly. However, when coupled with previous findings that larger centromeres can inactivate smaller ones when present together, it is hypothesized that such frequent de novo centromere formations are cleared from normal chromosomes by inactivation, but can persist on structurally acentric fragments and be inherited.
BRUCE regulates DNA double-strand break response by promoting USP8 deubiquitination of BRIT1
Authors: Ge Chunmin , Che Lixiao , Ren Jinyu , Pandita Raj K. , Lu Jing , Li Kaiyi , Pandita Tej K. , Du Chunying 
Published: March 2015

Significance
DNA damage response is essential to preserve genomic stability. Here we report a previously unknown function for the baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis protein repeat (BIR)-containing ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) as activators of DNA damage response. They drive recruitment of the breast cancer susceptibility gene C terminus-repeat inhibitor of human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression (BRIT1) to DNA breaks by promoting BRIT1 deubiquitination. In contrast to the established regulation of repair foci formation by ubiquitination, our data demonstrate deubiquitination as a previously unrecognized critical step in promoting foci formation. Furthermore, we define a pathway by which BRUCE and USP8 activate BRIT1–switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI-SNF)–mediated chromatin relaxation to maximize cell responsiveness to DNA damage. Thus, BRUCE represents a novel component in safeguarding genomic stability and a promising therapeutic target in diseases of genomic instability such as cancer.
Transcription factor Hes1 modulates osteoarthritis development in cooperation with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2
Authors: Sugita Shurei , Hosaka Yoko , Okada Keita , Mori Daisuke , Yano Fumiko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Taniguchi Yuki , Mori Yoshifumi , Okuma Tomotake , Chang Song Ho , Kawata Manabu , Taketomi Shuji , Chikuda Hirotaka , Akiyama Haruhiko , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Chung Ung-il , Tanaka Sakae , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Ohba Shinsuke , Saito Taku 
Published: March 2015

SignificanceHere we demonstrate that Hes1, an important target of Notch signaling, modulated pathogenesis of osteoarthritis by usingCol2a1-CreERT;Hes1fl/flmice.Adamts5andMmp13, catabolic enzymes that break down cartilage matrix, were induced by Hes1. Additionally, microarray analysis and ChIP-seq revealed novel Hes1 target genes, includingIl6andIl1rl1, coding a receptor for IL-33. CaMK2δ was activated during osteoarthritis development. CaMK2δ formed a protein complex with Hes1, and switched it from a transcriptional repressor to a transcriptional activator to induce cartilage catabolic factors.
Effects of large-scale deforestation on precipitation in the monsoon regions: Remote versus local effects
Authors: Devaraju N. , Bala Govindasamy , Modak Angshuman 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Biogeophysical effects such as albedo and evapotranspiration changes due to deforestation were shown by several studies in the past to exert strong influence on local surface temperatures. In this study, we assess the remote versus local effects of large-scale deforestation on precipitation in the monsoon regions of the world. In contrast to the dominant role of local effects on temperature changes, we find that the remote effects have a larger influence than local effects on shifting the location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and hence precipitation in all the monsoon regions. This result has important implications for assessing the net benefits of climate change mitigation strategies such as afforestation/reforestation and for understanding changes in monsoon rainfall in past climates.
Horizontal gene transfer and gene dosage drives adaptation to wood colonization in a tree pathogen
Authors: Dhillon Braham , Feau Nicolas , Aerts Andrea L. , Beauseigle Stéphanie , Bernier Louis , Copeland Alex , Foster Adam , Gill Navdeep , Henrissat Bernard , Herath Padmini , LaButti Kurt M. , Levasseur Anthony , Lindquist Erika A. , Majoor Eline , Ohm Robin A. , Pangilinan Jasmyn L. , Pribowo Amadeus , Saddler John N. , Sakalidis Monique L. , de Vries Ronald P. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Goodwin Stephen B. , Tanguay Philippe , Hamelin Richard C. 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Some of the most damaging tree diseases are caused by pathogens that induce cankers, a stem deformation often lethal. To investigate the cause of this adaptation, we sequenced the genomes of poplar pathogens that do and do not cause cankers. We found a unique cluster of genes that produce secondary metabolites and are co-activated when the canker pathogen is grown on poplar wood and leaves. The gene genealogy is discordant with the species phylogeny, showing a signature of horizontal transfer from fungi associated with wood decay. Furthermore, genes encoding hemicellulose-degrading enzymes are up-regulated on poplar wood chips, with some having been acquired horizontally. We propose that adaptation to colonize poplar woody stems is the result of acquisition of these genes.
Nanomechanics and intermolecular forces of amyloid revealed by four-dimensional electron microscopy
Authors: Fitzpatrick Anthony W. P. , Vanacore Giovanni M. , Zewail Ahmed H. 
Published: March 2015

Significance
The biomechanics of amyloid underlies its function in living organisms. We use four-dimensional electron microscopy to systematically dissect the nanoscale origins of amyloid elasticity by measuring the bond stiffnesses of the intermolecular forces stabilizing each of its three characteristic packing interfaces. We find amyloid to have a pronounced mechanical anisotropy with longitudinal, hydrogen bonding 20 times stiffer than transverse, amphiphilic, and electrostatic interactions. Such strongly anisotropic elastic properties are likely to give rise to length-dependent mechanical behavior with short fibrils possessing significantly different material properties than longer fibrils. This is of great importance in understanding fibril–membrane interactions and fragmentation mechanisms, both of which are thought to play a crucial role in the spread of amyloid diseases.
The changing dynamics in the worldwide mobile phone market: creating excellence through innovation management and collaborative relationships
Authors: Medhi Pankaj Kumar , Mondal Sandeep 
Published: March 2015

Subject area
Supply chain management (SCM).

Study level/applicability
Graduate students.

Case overview
In recent times, the world market of mobile phone is in a flux due to many phenomena of importance like strong emergence of smartphones, Nokia losing market share in all segments of market and fast technological and supply chain innovation by players like Apple and Google. Elements of SCM and the way technology is acquired have assumed a place of importance to compete in the global market. A new standard of innovation and SCM is emerging together as the rules of market dominance are re-written all-over again.

Expected learning outcomes
After completion of the case study, the students will understand: role of technological innovation in high-tech industry and global supply chains in changing the consumer behavior world over; the classic battle for market dominance with a new way of innovation management in technology and processes to create most efficient global supply chains; importance of SCM practices of collaboration like tighter partner integration, use of power asymmetry and contract by dominant players to create efficient supply chains; and how visionaries like late Steve Job are shaping the new era of technology.

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.
Stability of jets in a shallow water layer
Authors: Wan Zhanhong , Huang Saihua , Sun Zhilin , You Zhenjiang 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The present work is devoted to the numerical study of the stability of shallow jet. The effects of important parameters on the stability behavior for large scale shallow jets are considered and investigated. Connections between the stability theory and observed features reported in the literature are emphasized. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– A linear stability analysis of shallow jet incorporating the effects of bottom topography, bed friction and viscosity has been carried out by using the shallow water stability equation derived from the depth averaged shallow water equations in conjunction with both Chézy and Manning resistance formulae. Effects of the following main factors on the stability of shallow water jets are examined: Rossby number, bottom friction number, Reynolds number, topographic parameters, base velocity profile and resistance model. Special attention has been paid to the Coriolis effects on the jet stability by limiting the rotation number in the range of Ro∈[0, 1.0].

Findings
– It is found that the Rossby number may either amplify or attenuate the growth of the flow instability depending on the values of the topographic parameters. There is a regime where the near cancellation of Coriolis effects due to other relevant parameters influences is responsible for enhancement of stability. The instability can be suppressed by the bottom friction when the bottom friction number is large enough. The amplification rate may become sensitive to the relatively small Reynolds number. The stability region using the Manning formula is larger than that using the Chézy formula. The combination of these effects may stabilize or destabilize the shallow jet flow. These results of the stability analysis are compared with those from the literature.

Originality/value
– Results of linear stability analysis on shallow jets along roughness bottom bed are presented. Different from the previous studies, this paper includes the effects of bottom topography, Rossby number, Reynolds number, resistance formula and bed friction. It is found that the influence of Reynolds number on the stability of the jet is notable for relative small value. Therefore, it is important to experimental investigators that the viscosity should be considered with comparison to the results from inviscid assumption. In contrast with the classical analysis, the use of multi-parameters of the base velocity and topographic profile gives an extension to the jet stability analysis. To characterize the large scale motion, besides the bottom friction as proposed in the related literature, the Reynolds number Re, Rossby number Ro, the topographic parameters and parameters controlling base velocity profile may also be important to the stability analysis of shallow jet flows.
A new meshless local B-spline basis functions-FD method for two-dimensional heat conduction problems
Authors: Hidayat Mas Irfan Purbawanto , Ariwahjoedi Bambang , Parman Setyamartana 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach of meshless local B-spline based finite difference (FD) method for solving two dimensional transient heat conduction problems.

Design/methodology/approach
– In the present method, any governing equations are discretized by B-spline approximation which is implemented in the spirit of FD technique using a local B-spline collocation scheme. The key aspect of the method is that any derivative is stated as neighbouring nodal values based on B-spline interpolants. The set of neighbouring nodes are allowed to be randomly distributed thus enhanced flexibility in the numerical simulation can be obtained. The method requires no mesh connectivity at all for either field variable approximation or integration. Time integration is performed by using the Crank-Nicolson implicit time stepping technique.

Findings
– Several heat conduction problems in complex domains which represent for extended surfaces in industrial applications are examined to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present approach. Comparison of the obtained results with solutions from other numerical method available in literature is given. Excellent agreement with reference numerical method has been found.

Research limitations/implications
– The method is presented for 2D problems. Nevertheless, it would be also applicable for 3D problems.

Practical implications
– A transient two dimensional heat conduction in complex domains which represent for extended surfaces in industrial applications is presented.

Originality/value
– The presented new meshless local method is simple and accurate, while it is also suitable for analysis in domains of arbitrary geometries.
Endogenous categorization and group inequality
Authors: Alexandre Michel 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of categorization endogeneity (CE), meant as the influence of endogenous elements (e.g. behavioral traits) in group categorization, in the persistence of group inequality.Design/methodology/approach– The author integrates economic and sociological elements in a dynamic model of human capital accumulation by phenotypically distinct individuals. Both kinds of elements are influenced by the degree of CE.Findings– Effect of CE in the incentive of members of dominated groups to accumulate human capital is twofold: it allows them to pass as belonging to the dominant group but, on the other hand, it reduces the social pay-off stemming from such behavior, as they may be “expelled” from the reference group by their peers. It is found that, under sufficiently low levels of discrimination, CE widens the range of values of the neighborhood effects parameter for which group inequality is stable.Originality/value– Despite the endogeneity of categorization has been explored in other studies, this is the first one which argues that this element may underpin, under certain conditions, group inequality regarding human capital accumulation. The results presented here sheds some light on real-world issues, as the nature of neighborhood effects, the role of segregation on the maintenance of racial inequality and public policies to combat group inequality.
Major construction risk factors considered by general contractors in Qatar
Authors: Jarkas Abdulaziz M. , Haupt Theodore C. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify, explore, rank the relative importance and determine the prevalent allocation response trends of the major construction risk factors considered by general contractors operating in the State of Qatar.

Design/methodology/approach
– A structured questionnaire survey comprising 37 potential risk factors was distributed to a statistically representative sample of contractors. The influence ranks of the factors explored were determined using the “Relative Importance Index (RII)” technique, whereas the prevalent trend of contractors’ attitudes toward risk allocation of each factor investigated was quantified and expressed as a percentage, based on the number of respondents who selected a specific option, in relation to the total number of respondents.

Findings
– The results obtained indicate that risks related to the “client” group are perceived as most critical, followed by the “consultant”, “contractor” and “exogenous” group-related factors, respectively. The outcomes further show that the “transfer” option is the contractors’ prevalent response to “client” and “consultant”-related risks, while the “retention” decision is the principal pattern linked to “contractor” and “exogenous” group-related risk factors.

Research limitations/implications
– The dominant respondents’ perception that the crucial construction risks are related to clients and consultants suggests that these two parties have an essential role in controlling the negative ramifications of the associated factors.

Practical implications
– The findings suggest that increasing designers’ awareness of the significant effect of applying the constructability concept can considerably help reducing the risks concomitant of the construction operation. Policy makers may contribute, moreover, in alleviating the risk of incompetent technical staff and operatives’ employment by controlling the migration of inexperienced and unskilled construction workforce into the State.

Originality/value
– Given the knowledge gap for the major construction risk factors considered by general contractors in Qatar, the results reported in this study can provide clients, industry practitioners and policy makers with guidance to effectively manage the significant risks determined, which can further assist in achieving a reasonable level of competitiveness and cost-effective operation.
Effects of the Ten Percent Cap in Medicare Home Health Care on Treatment Intensity and Patient Discharge Status
Authors: Kim Hyunjee , Norton Edward C. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the effect of the 10 percent cap introduced to Medicare home health care on treatment intensity and patient discharge status.Data SourcesMedicare Denominator, Medicare Home Health Claims, and Medicare Provider of Services Files from 2008 through 2010.Study DesignWe used agency‐level variation in the proportion of outlier payments prior to the implementation of the 10 percent cap to identify how home health agencies adjusted the number of home health visits and patient discharge status under the new law.Principal FindingsUnder the 10 percent cap, agencies dramatically decreased the number of service visits. Agencies also dropped relatively healthy patients and sent sicker patients to nursing homes.ConclusionsThe drastic reduction in the number of service visits and discontinuation of relatively healthy patients from home health care suggest that the 10 percent cap improved the efficiency of home health services as intended. However, the 10 percent cap increased other types of health care expenditures by pushing sicker patients to use more expensive health services.
Characteristics of Metroxylon sagu Resistant Starch Type III as Prebiotic Substance
Authors: Zi‐Ni Tan , Rosma Ahmad , Napisah Hussin , Karim Alias A. , Liong Min‐Tze 
Published: March 2015

AbstractResistant starch type III (RS3) was produced from sago (Metroxylon sagu) and evaluated for its characteristics as a prebiotic. Two RS3 samples designated sago RS and HCl‐sago RS contained 35.71% and 68.30% RS, respectively, were subjected to hydrolyses by gastric juice and digestive enzymes and to absorption. Both sago RS and HCl‐sago RS were resistant to 180 min hydrolysis by gastric acidity at pH 1 to 4 with less than 0.85% hydrolyzed. Both samples were also resistant toward hydrolysis by gastrointestinal tract enzymes and intestinal absorption with 96.75% and 98.69% of RS3 were recovered respectively after 3.5 h digestion and overnight dialysis at 37 °C. Sago RS3 supported the growth of both beneficial (lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) and pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli, Campylobacter coli, and Clostridium perfringens) in the range of 2.60 to 3.91 log10 CFU/mL. Hence, prebiotic activity score was applied to describe the extent to which sago RS3 supports selective growth of the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains over pathogenic bacteria. The highest scores were obtained from Bifidobacterium sp. FTDC8943 grown on sago RS (+0.26) and HCl‐sago RS (+0.24) followed by L. bulgaricus FTDC1511 grown on sago RS (+0.21). The findings had suggested that sago RS3 has the prebiotic partial characteristics and it is suggested to further assess the suitability of sago RS3 as a prebiotic material.