bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the copper IUD on composition of the vaginal microbiota in the olive baboon
Authors: Eastman AJ , Sack D , Chai D , Bassis CM , Carter KA , Young VB , Bergin IL , Bell JD 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesAssess the impact of transcervical insertion, use, and removal of copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUD) on baboon physiology (e.g. weight, menstruation) and vaginal microbiota.Study designVaginal swabs were taken before insertion (pre-IUD), during IUD use (IUD), and after removal (post-IUD) and microbiota assessed by 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence analysis.ResultsNo animals showed physical changes or discomfort during pre-IUD, IUD, or post-IUD phases. There were no changes to the microbiome associated with insertion or use of Cu-IUD over 16 weeks, although removal resulted in perturbation to community structure.ConclusionsBaboons tolerate Cu-IUD insertion with minimal device-associated changes to their vaginal microbiome throughout use and have no significant changes to their physiology or menstrual cycle during any phase.ImplicationsA baboon model of Cu-IUD may allow investigations into the intersection of Cu-IUDs, reproductive tract disorders and pathogens that would not be possible in human studies.
DIMR, a Yeast-Based Synthetic Reporter System for Probing Oligomeric Transcription Factor DNA Binding
Authors: Myers Zachary A. , Swain Swadhin , Bialek Shannan , Keltner Samuel , Holt Ben F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTranscription factors (TFs) are fundamental components of biological regulation, facilitating the basal and differential gene expression necessary for life. TFs exert transcriptional regulation through interactions with both DNA and other TFs, ultimately influencing the action of RNA polymerase at a genomic locus. Current approaches are proficient at identification of binding site requirements for individual TFs, but few methods have been adapted to study oligomeric TF complexes. Further, many approaches that have been turned toward understanding DNA binding of TF complexes, such as electrophoretic mobility shift assays, require protein purification steps that can be burdensome or scope-limiting when considering more exhaustive experimental design. In order to address these shortfalls and to facilitate a more streamlined approach to understanding DNA binding by TF complexes, we developed the DIMR (Dynamic, Interdependent TF binding Molecular Reporter) system, a modular, yeast-based synthetic transcriptional activity reporter. As a proof of concept, we focused on the NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y (NF-Y) family of obligate heterotrimeric TFs in Arabidopsis thaliana. The DIMR system was able to reproduce the strict DNA-binding requirements of an experimentally validated NF-YA2/B2/C3 complex with high fidelity, including recapitulation of previously characterized mutations in subunits that either break NF-Y complex interactions or are directly involved in DNA binding. The DIMR system is a novel, powerful, and easy-to-use approach to address questions regarding the binding of oligomeric TFs to DNA.One sentence summaryThe DIMR system provides an accessible and easy-to-use platform to elucidate DNA binding and transcriptional regulatory capacity of oligomeric transcription factor complexes
Loss of cell cycle control renders cells nonresponsive to local extrinsic differentiation cues
Authors: Cerveny Kara L. , Tower Ingrid , Lamb Dayna B. , Van Duzer Avery , Bronstein Hannah , Hagen Olivia , Varga Máté 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjective and approachesAberrantly proliferating cells are linked to a number of diseases including cancers and developmental defects.To determine the extent to which local extrinsic signals contribute to or ameliorate mutant cell behaviors, we examined survival and differentiation of mutant cells in wild-type retinal environments by generating chimeric zebrafish embryos comprised of unlabeled host cells and GFP-labeled neural progenitor donor cells. In addition, we examined the fate of retinal progenitor cells whencdkn1c, a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, was induced in clones within wild-type andhdac1mutant retinae.ResultsWe found that seven of the ten mutants examined exhibited apoptosis when grafted into wild-type tissue, with cells from two slowly cycling mutants,elysandemi1, noticeably differentiating in a wild-type environment. Observations of the one hyperproliferative mutant,hdac1, revealed that these mutant cells did not appear to die or differentiate but instead survived and formed tumor-like rosettes in a wild-type environment. Ectopic expression ofcdkn1cwas unable to force cell cycle exit and differentiation of the majority ofhdac1mutant cells.ConclusionsTogether, these results suggest that although a wild-type environment rarely encourages cell cycle exit and differentiation of neural progenitors with cell cycle defects, wild-type survival signals may enable hyperproliferative progenitor cells to persist instead of die.
Computational Analysis of Energy Landscapes Reveals Dynamic Features that Contribute to Binding of Inhibitors to CFTR-Associated Ligand
Authors: Holt Graham T. , Jou Jonathan D. , Gill Nicholas P. , Lowegard Anna U. , Martin Jeffrey W. , Madden Dean R. , Donald Bruce R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPDZ domains are small protein-binding domains that interact with short, mostly C-terminal peptides and play important roles in cellular signaling and the trafficking and localization of ion channels. The CFTR-associated ligand PDZ domain (CALP) binds to the cystic fibro-sis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and mediates degradation of mature CFTR through lysosomal pathways. Inhibition of the CALP:CFTR interaction has been explored as a potential therapeutic avenue for cystic fibrosis (CF).1Previously, we reported2the ensemble-based computational design of a novel 6-residue peptide inhibitor of CALP, which resulted in the most binding-efficient inhibitor of CALP to date. This inhibitor, kCAL01, was designed using OSPREY3and displayed significant biological activity inin vitrocell-based assays. Here, we report a crystal structure of kCAL01 bound to CALP (PDB ID: 6OV7). To elucidate the structural basis for the enhanced binding efficiency of kCAL01, we compare this structure to that of a previously developed inhibitor of CALP, iCAL36 (PDB ID: 4E34). In addition to per-forming traditional structural analysis, we compute the side-chain energy landscapes for each structure using the recently developedMARK*partition function approximation algorithm.4Analysis of these energy landscapes not only enables approximation of binding thermodynamics for these structural models of CALP:inhibitor binding, but also foregrounds important structural features and reveals dynamic features, both of which contribute to the comparatively efficient binding of kCAL01. The investigation of energy landscapes complements traditional analysis of the few low-energy conformations found in crystal structures, and provides information about the entire conformational ensemble that is accessible to a protein structure model. Finally, we compare the previously reported NMR-based design model ensemble for kCAL01 vs. the new crystal structure and show that, despite the notable differences between the CALP NMR model and crystal structure, many significant features are successfully captured in the design ensemble. This suggests not only that ensemble-based design captured thermodynamically significant features observedin vitro, but also that a design algorithm eschewing ensembles would likely miss the kCAL01 sequence entirely.Graphical TOC Entry
Heterospecific aggression differs predominately by species, rather than sex, in Lake Malawi cichlid fish
Authors: Moore Emily C. , Roberts Reade B. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBecause of their striking diversity, Lake Malawi cichlid fish have been well studied for male aggression, particularly among dominant males of closely related sister species within the framework of mate-choice and speciation. However, aggression in females has been largely ignored, and variation in aggressive behaviors between more distantly-related taxa is not well understood despite its potential impact in a complex community structure. To better understand variation in patterns of aggression between species, we presented males and females from five species of Lake Malawi cichlid with a non-predator intruder and recorded all movement and aggressive acts. Additionally, we measured excreted cortisol levels the day after the intruder assay to evaluate one physiological aspect of stress response. We identified species-specific patterns in both specific aggressive acts, and overall level of aggression. Additionally, we found that sexual dimorphism in aggressive acts varies by species and act, where the species with the most aggressive males also has aggressive females. Additionally, cortisol levels vary by taxa, and are associated with restless behavior in the intruder assay, but not levels of aggression. These findings have bearing on understanding sex differences in aggression and their impact on community structure in this important model of rapid evolution.
Hecaton: reliably detecting copy number variation in plant genomes using short read sequencing data
Authors: Wijfjes Raúl , Smit Sandra , de Ridder Dick 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCopy number variation (CNV) is thought to actively contribute to adaptive evolution of plant species. While many computational algorithms are available to detect copy number variation from whole genome sequencing datasets, the typical complexity of plant data likely introduces false positive calls.To enable reliable and comprehensive detection of CNV in plant genomes, we developed Hecaton, a novel computational workflow tailored to plants, that integrates calls from multiple state-of-the-art algorithms through a machine-learning approach. In this paper, we demonstrate that Hecaton outperforms current methods when applied to short read sequencing data of A. thaliana, rice, maize, and tomato. Moreover, it correctly detects dispersed duplications, a type of CNV commonly found in plant species, in contrast to several state-of-the-art tools that erroneously represent this type of CNV as overlapping deletions and tandem duplications. Finally, Hecaton scales well in terms of memory usage and running time when applied to short read datasets of domesticated and wild tomato accessions. Hecaton provides a robust method to detect CNV in plants. We expect it to be of immediate interest to both applied and fundamental research on the relationship between genotype and phenotype in plants.
To grab or not to grab? The role of trust and perceived value in on-demand ridesharing services
Authors: Aw Eugene Cheng-Xi , Basha Norazlyn Kamal , Ng Siew Imm , Sambasivan Murali 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test the antecedents and outcome of perceived value and trust toward on-demand ridesharing services (ODRS). The antecedents are perceived innovativeness, perceived personalization, perceived usefulness of rating system and service personal values. The outcome is the continuance intention toward ODRS. This study also aims to uncover the mediating role of trust and the moderating role of technology readiness.Design/methodology/approachThe ODRS considered in this research are Grab and Uber in the context of Malaysia. A questionnaire was constructed, and responses were obtained from 280 Malaysian consumers who have experienced ODRS. The authors tested the framework using partial least square structural equation modeling technique.FindingsThe result indicates several significant relationships: perceived personalization, perceived usefulness of rating system and service personal values significantly influence perceived value and trust; trust mediates the relationships between perceived personalization, perceived usefulness of rating system, service personal values and perceived value; perceived value significantly influences continuance intention; and technology readiness moderates the relationship between perceived personalization and perceived value.Originality/valueThe current study adds significantly to the body of knowledge about ODRS by examining the direct determinants of trust and perceived value, and exhibiting how trust mediates the mechanism. This study also illustrates the interplay of moderator (technology readiness) and perceived value.
The impact of exhibition service quality on general attendees’ satisfaction through distinct mediating roles of perceived value
Authors: Lee Dae Hui 
Published: July 2019

PurposeIn an effort to better understand value-oriented general attendees, the purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically test a comprehensive model to examine the effect of three factors of service quality in exhibitions (i.e. service product, service environment and service delivery) on satisfaction through three factors of perceived value (i.e. emotional value, economic value and social value).Design/methodology/approachA confirmatory factor analysis was performed to determine key factors in exhibition service quality, perceived value and satisfaction. A structural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the causal relationships among the factors.FindingsThe empirical results indicated that service product and service environment were significantly and positively associated with all factors of perceived value, which in turn significantly influenced satisfaction. Service delivery, however, was associated only with emotional value. On the other hand, all three factors of perceived value significantly influenced general attendees’ satisfaction. The findings indicated perceived value as an important mediator between exhibition service quality and general attendees’ satisfaction.Originality/valueClearly identifying specific trajectories from service quality to satisfaction through distinct perceived values can be a stepping stone to establishing effective and efficient marketing strategies for general attendees and customizing for their needs. The distinct and clear associations between service quality and perceived value can help exhibition organizers and practitioners understand the process of determining general attendees’ overall satisfaction.
Determinants of Tier 2 Indian consumer’s online shopping attitude: a SEM approach
Authors: Kaur Anupriya , Thakur Preeti 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to validate the conceptual model that presents the determinants of Tier 2 consumer’s online shopping attitude and the interrelationships among the constructs across the three Tier 2 cities in India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses survey-based data from three Tier 2 cities of North India – Kota, Agra and Jalandhar and uses a combination of statistical techniques to assess psychometric properties of the scales and conduct the measurement and structural invariance.FindingsThe findings of the paper reveals that technology readiness, consumer innovativeness, fondness for branded products and perceived brand unavailability act as determinants of online shopping attitude and there is a positive relationship between online shopping attitude and online purchase intention among Tier 2 consumers in India while perceived offline hedonic value do not have any significant impact.Research limitations/implicationsFuture researchers can use this model with additional confidence given its cross-segment robustness.Practical implicationsOnline marketers can use the antecedents identified in this study to develop and encourage positive online shopping attitude in small town India.Originality/valueThis research paper is the first one that investigated online shopping attitudes of Indian Tier 2 consumers. Importantly, it validated the determinants of online shopping attitude among Tier 2 consumers. National and international e-tailers aiming to develop and expand their operations to India now have the critical empirical verification concerned with the determinants of online shopping attitude and behaviour in India which would be meaningful to develop a sound marketing strategy.
Construction worker productivity in hot and humid weather conditions
Authors: Moohialdin Ammar Saeed Mohammed , Lamari Fiona , Miska Marc , Trigunarsyah Bambang 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper shows the effect of hot and humid weather conditions (HHWCs) on workers that has resulted in considerable loss in the construction industry, especially during the hottest periods due to decline in worker productivity (WP). Until the last few decades, there is very limited research on construction WP in HHWCs. Nevertheless, these studies have sparked interests on seeking for the most appropriate methods to assess the impact of HHWCs on construction workers.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper begins by reviewing the current measuring methods on WP in HHWCs, follows by presenting the potential impact of HHWCs on WP. The paper highlights the methodological deficiencies, which consequently provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to direct future research to resolve the significant productivity loss due to global warming. This paper highlights the need to identify the limitations and advantages of the current methods to formulate a framework of new approaches to measure the WP in HHWCs.

Findings
Results show that the methods used in providing real-time response on the effects of HHWCs on WP in construction at project, task and crew levels are limited. An integration of nonintrusive real-time monitoring system and local weather measurement with real-time data synchronisation and analysis is required to produce suitable information to determine worker health- and safety-related decisions in HHWCs.

Originality/value
The comprehensive literature review makes an original contribution to WP measurements filed in HHWCs in the construction industry. Results of this review provide researchers and practitioners with an insight into challenges associated with the measurements methods and solving practical site measurements issues. The findings will also enable the researchers and practitioners to bridge the identified research gaps in this research field and enhance the ability to provide accurate measures in HHWCs. The proposed research framework may promote potential improvements in the productivity measurements methods, which support researchers and practitioners in developing new innovative methods in HHWCs with the integration of the most recent monitoring technologies.
Factors that influence the facilities management construction sites in the Brazilian Amazon region
Authors: Cabral Daniel Barbosa , Farias Filho Milton Cordeiro , Mattos Carlos André Corrêa de 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence the facilities management (FM) in construction sites in the Brazilian Amazon.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used structured questionnaires, with the participation of 136 facilities professionals in construction sites in the Brazilian Amazon. These sites were selected with help of 17 facilities managers. The survey achieved a total response rate of 76.5 per cent. The factorial analysis was performed after checking the adequacy of the sample to the technique. The results allowed the continuation of data processing and the use of exploratory factorial analysis to summarize the variables and identify the influencing factors.

Findings
The results indicated five factors that influence the FM on construction sites in the Brazilian Amazon, namely: negotiation with local entities; weather; local suppliers; manpower; and logistical infrastructure. With the proper understanding of these factors, facilities professionals could plan actions to minimize negative impacts over the FM on construction sites.

Research limitations/implications
The influence of factors on FM was studied from the professionals’ viewpoint. It is possible that there are other perspectives or other influencing factors. However, this work is limited to the analysis of the variables that make up the five dimensions presented.

Practical implications
Organizations and FM professionals might be interested in the results of this research to enhance the FM performance on the construction sites existed and to plan the implementation of the FM on upcoming construction sites.

Originality/value
This paper is the first large research about FM in construction sites conducted in the Brazilian Amazon and serve as a basis to other research works that promote the development of FM in Brazil.
Research on forest insurance policy simulation in China
Authors: Ma Ning , Li Can , Zuo Yang 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
Forest insurance is a popular way to reduce the loss of forest disasters, so it is necessary to actively involve stakeholders. In the multi-agent simulation model, the government, insurance companies and forest farmers participate as three main stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to mainly simulate the behavior of forest farmers under different environmental variables in order to find the important factors affecting the coverage of forest insurance, so as to improve the ability of forest farmers to resist risks in the face of disasters.

Design/methodology/approach
In the simulation process, the decision-making rule of a forest farmer’s purchasing behavior is a binary selection chain, which is created at random. Forest farmer agents who adapt to the environment will remain; on the contrary, those will be eliminated. The eliminated agents will renew their behavior selection chains through learning others’ successful behavior based on genetic algorithm. The multi-agent mode is set up on the Eclipse platform by using Java language.

Findings
The adjustment simulation experiments of insurance premium, insurance subsidy and forest area were carried out. According to the result, conclusions and suggestions are as follows: at present, government subsidies are necessary for the implementation of forest insurance; in the future, with the expansion of the insured forest area and the upgrading and large-scale operation of forest farms, forest farmers will be more willing to join forest insurance program, and, then, the implementation of forest insurance no longer requires government subsidies for forest insurance premiums.

Originality/value
This paper explores the impact of three important factors on the implementation of forest insurance.