bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Authors: Dakic Vanja , Nascimento Juliana Minardi , Sartore Rafaela Costa , de Moraes Maciel Renata , de Araujo Draulio B. , Ribeiro Sidarta , Martins-de-Souza Daniel , Rehen Stevens 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDimethyltryptamines are hallucinogenic serotonin-like molecules present in traditional Amerindian medicine (e.g.Ayahuasca)recently associated with cognitive gains, antidepressant effects and changes in brain areas related to attention. Historical and technical restrictions impaired understanding how such substances impact human brain metabolism. Here we used shotgun mass spectrometry to explore proteomic differences induced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) on human cerebral organoids. Out of the 6,728 identified proteins, 934 were found differentially expressed in 5-MeO-DMT-treated cerebral organoids.In silicosystems biology analyses support 5-MeO-DMT’s anti-inflammatory effects and reveal a modulation of proteins associated with long-term potentiation, the formation of dendritic spines, including proteins involved in cellular protrusion formation, microtubule dynamics and cytoskeletal reorganization. These results offer possible mechanistic insights into the neuropsychological changes caused by the ingestion of substances rich in dimethyltryptamines.
Population dynamics of mutualism and intraspecific density dependence: howθ-logistic density dependence affects mutualistic positive feedback
Authors: Moore Christopher M. , Catella Samantha A. , Abbott Karen C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMutualism describes the biological phenomenon where two or more species are reciprocally beneficial, regardless of their ecological intimacy or evolutionary history. Classic theory shows that mutualistic benefit must be relatively weak, or else it overpowers the stabilizing influence of intraspecific competition and leads to unrealistic, unbounded population growth. Interestingly, the conclusion that strong positive interactions lead to runaway population growth is strongly grounded in the behavior of a single model. This model ― the Lotka-Volterra competition model with a sign change to generate mutualism rather than competition between species ― assumes logistic growth of each species plus a linear interaction term to represent the mutualism. While it is commonly held that the linear interaction term is to blame for the model’s unrealistic behavior, we show here that a linear mutualism added to aθ-logistic model of population growth can prevent unbounded growth. We find that when density dependence is decelerating, the benefit of mutualism at equilibrium is greater than when density dependence is accelerating. Although there is a greater benefit, however, decelerating density dependence tends to destabilize populations whereas accelerating density dependence is always stable. We interpret these findings tentatively, but with promise for the understanding of the population ecology of mutualism by generating several predictions relating growth rates of mutualist populations and the strength of mutualistic interaction.
Structure of the archaellar motor and associated cytoplasmic cone inThermococcus kodakaraensis
Authors: Briegel Ariane , Oikonomou Catherine M. , Chang Yi-Wei , Kjaer Andreas , Huang Audrey N. , Kim Ki Woo , Ghosal Debnath , Gunsalus Robert P. , Jensen Grant J. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTArchaeal swimming motility is driven by rotary motors called archaella. The structure of these motors, and particularly how they are anchored in the absence of a peptidoglycan cell wall, is unknown. Here, we use electron cryotomography to visualize the archaellar motorin vivoinThermococcus kodakaraensis. Compared to the homologous bacterial type IV pilus (T4P), we observe structural similarities as well as several unique features. While the position of the cytoplasmic ATPase appears conserved, it is not braced by linkages that extend upward through the cell envelope as in the T4P, but rather by cytoplasmic components that attach it to a large conical frustum up to 500 nm in diameter at its base. In addition to anchoring the lophotrichous bundle of archaella, the conical frustum associates with chemosensory arrays and ribosome-excluding material and may function as a polar organizing center for the coccoid cells.
Exploring the Complex Dynamics of an Ion Channel Voltage Sensor Domain via Computation
Authors: Delemotte Lucie , Kasimova Marina A. , Sigg Daniel , Klein Michael L. , Carnevale Vincenzo , Tarek Mounir 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVoltage-gated ion channels are ubiquitous proteins that orchestrate electrical signaling across excitable membranes. Key to their function is activation of the voltage sensor domain (VSD), a transmembrane four alpha-helix bundle that triggers channel opening. Modeling of currents from electrophysiology experiments yields a set of kinetic parameters for a given channel, but no direct molecular insight. Here we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to determine the free energy landscape of VSD activation and to, ultimately, predict the time evolution of the resulting gating currents. Our study provides the long-sought-for bridge between electrophysiology and microscopic molecular dynamics and confirms, as already suggested on the basis of experiments, that rate-limiting barriers play a critical role in activation kinetics.
Caenorhabditis elegansBMP Transcriptional Program Implicates Collagen Genes in Body Size Regulation
Authors: Madaan Uday , Yzeiraj Edlira , Meade Michael , Rushlow Christine A. , Savage-Dunn Cathy 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBody size is a tightly regulated phenotype in metazoans that is dependent on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. While signaling pathways such as insulin, Hippo, and myostatin are known to control organ and body size, the downstream effectors that mediate their effects are still poorly understood. In the nematodeC. elegans, a Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-related signaling pathway is the major regulator of growth and body size. DBL-1, the BMP-related ligand, is secreted by neurons and body wall muscle, and acts as a dose-dependent regulator of body size. We investigated the transcriptional network through which the DBL-1/BMP pathway regulates body size and identified cuticle collagen genes as major effectors of growth control. Here we demonstrate that cuticle collagen genes can act as positive regulators (col-41), dose-sensitive regulators (rol-6), and negative regulators (col-141, col-142) of body size. Moreover, we show requirement of DBL-1/BMP signaling for stage-specific expression of cuticle collagen genes. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and electrophoretic mobility shift assays to show that the Smad signal transducers directly associate with conserved Smad binding elements in regulatory regions ofcol-141andcol-142, but not ofcol-41.Hence, cuticle collagen genes are directly and indirectly regulated via the DBL-1/BMP pathway. These results provide the first direct regulatory link between this conserved signaling pathway and the collagen genes that act as its downstream effectors in body size regulation. Since collagen mutations and misregulation are implicated in numerous human genetic disorders and injury sequelae, understanding how collagen gene expression is regulated has broad implications.Author SummaryBody size in humans and other animals is determined by the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors. Failure to regulate growth and body size appropriately can lead to a variety of functional impairments and reduced fitness. Progress has been made in identifying genetic determinants of body size, but these have not often been connected into functional pathways. In the nematode modelCaenorhabditis elegans,single gene mutations in the BMP signaling pathway have profound effects on body size. Here we have elucidated the BMP transcriptional network and identified cuticle collagen genes as downstream effectors of body size regulation through the BMP pathway. Collagens play diverse roles in biology; mutations are often associated with rare heritable diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Our work thus connects a conserved signaling pathway with its critical downstream effectors, advancing insight into how body size is specified.
HIC1 links retinoic acid signalling to group 3 innate lymphoid cell-dependent regulation of intestinal immunity and homeostasis
Authors: Burrows Kyle , Antignano Frann , Chenery Alistair , Korinek Vladimir , Underhill T. Michael , Zaph Colby 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe intestinal immune system must be able to respond to a wide variety of infectious organisms while maintaining tolerance to non-pathogenic microbes and food antigens. The Vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) has been implicated in the regulation of this balance, partially by regulating innate lymphoid cell (ILC) responses in the intestine. However, the molecular mechanisms of RA-dependent intestinal immunity and homeostasis remain elusive. Here we define a role for the transcriptional repressor Hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1, ZBTB29) in the regulation of ILC responses in the intestine. Intestinal ILCs express HIC1 in a vitamin A-dependent manner. In the absence of HIC1, group 3 ILCs (ILC3s) are lost, resulting in increased susceptibility to infection with the bacterial pathogenCitrobacter rodentium. In addition, the loss of ILC3s leads to a local and systemic increase in IFN-γ-producing T cells that prevents the development of protective immunity against infection with the parasitic helminthTrichuris muris. Thus, RA-dependent expression of HIC1 in ILC3s regulates intestinal homeostasis and protective immunity.Author SummaryInnate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are emerging as important regulators of immune responses at barrier sites such as the intestine. However, the molecular mechanisms that control this are not well described. In the intestine, the Vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) has been shown to be an important component of the homeostatic mechanisms. In this manuscript, we show that the RA-dependent transcription factor Hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1, ZBTB29) is required for ILC homeostasis and function in the steady state as well as following infection with the bacterial pathogenCitrobacter rodentiumor the helminth parasiteTrichuris muris. Thus, HIC1 links RA signalling to intestinal immune responses. Further, our results identify HIC1 as a potential target to modulate ILC responses in vivo in health and disease.
Understanding consumer behavior regarding luxury fashion goods in India based on the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Jain Sheetal , Khan Mohammed Naved , Mishra Sita 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Even though the Indian luxury market is predicted to grow as much as the Chinese one over the coming years, limited research has been conducted on luxury consumer behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the purchasing behavior for luxury fashion goods using the framework of the theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 257 respondents were included after distributing a structured questionnaire by surveying real luxury consumers in Delhi. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings
The results of the study indicated that subjective norm was the most important determinant of the purchasing intentions for luxury fashion goods, followed by attitude. Perceived behavioral control was not found to have a significant relationship with purchasing intentions, but it showed a strong positive relationship with actual purchasing behavior.

Originality/value
This study provides new theoretical insights regarding luxury consumer behavior in India. It explains the motivating factors behind purchasing intentions for luxury goods among Indian consumers. The findings of the study will provide great help to global luxury companies in formulating their penetration and expansion strategies in the Indian market.
Cultural influence on brand loyalty of rural consumers in the Indian context
Authors: Parida Rashmi Ranjan , Sahney Sangeeta 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of the study is to develop a scale to identify and measure cultural factors and brand loyalty among rural consumers. The study also seeks to analyze the impact of identified cultural factors on the overall brand loyalty of rural consumers.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was developed to measure cultural factors and brand loyalty of rural consumers. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out to identify cultural factors, and a regression analysis was carried out to study the impact of the identified factors on brand loyalty.

Findings
Four dimensions of culture were identified from the study, i.e. virtuousness, religion, sociability and ethnocentrism. The analysis reveals that virtuousness is the most influencing factor on brand loyalty of rural consumers, followed by sociability and religion. Ethnocentrism was found to have insignificant influence on brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications
The Indian rural market is a market of opportunity and unlimited business potential. An understanding of the cultural factors of rural markets and their influence on brand loyalty would help marketers and business organizations build an appropriate market strategy to explore benefits.

Originality/value
The paper attempts to explore the influence of certain cultural factors on the brand loyalty of Indian rural consumers, which has not been researched extensively. This provides a good insight for all marketers who want to succeed in this market.
Lifecycle cost risk analysis for infrastructure projects with modified Bayesian networks
Authors: Xia Nini , Wang Xueqing , Wang Ye , Yang Qiubo , Liu Xing 
Published: February 2017

PurposePrevious research has little specific guidance on how to improve large infrastructures’ risk analysis. This paper aims to propose a practical risk analysis framework across the project lifecycle with Bayesian Networks (BNs).Design/methodology/approachThe framework includes three phases. In the qualitative phase, primary risks were identified by literature reviews and interviews; questionnaires were used to determine key risks at each project stage and causal relationships between stage-related risks. In the quantitation, brainstorming and questionnaires, and techniques of ranked nodes/paths, risk map and Bayesian truth serum were adopted. Then, a BN-based risk assessment model was developed, and risk analysis was conducted with AgenaRisk software.FindingsTwenty key risks across the lifecycle were determined: some risks were recurring and different risks emerged at various stages with the construction and feasibility most risky. Results showed that previous stages’ risks significantly amplified subsequent stages’ risks. Based on the causality of stage-related risks, a qualitative model was easily constructed. Ranked nodes/paths facilitated the quantification by requiring less statistical knowledge and fewer parameters than traditional BNs. As articulated by a case, this model yielded very simple and easy-to-understand representations of risks and risk propagation pathways.Originality/valueRare research has developed a BN risk assessment model from the perspective of project stages. A structured model, a propagation network among individual risks, stage-related risks, and the final adverse consequence, has been designed. This research provides practitioners with a realistic risk assessment approach and further understanding of dynamic and stage-related risks throughout large infrastructures’ lifecycle. The framework can be modified and used in other real-world risk analysis where risks are complex and develop in stages.
The effects of user interface designs on lighting use
Authors: Maleetipwan-Mattsson Pimkamol , Laike Thorbjörn , Johansson Maria 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to differentiate human responses to different light switch designs to determine the effects of these common interfaces on user perceptions and use of electric lighting in public buildings.

Design/methodology/approach
Empirical studies were conducted to assess and examine user perceptions with regard to design characteristics of light switches, and occupants’ use of electric lighting was examined through field observations made in a public toilet.

Findings
The results point to the possibility of identifying characteristics of light switches that attract user attention and thereby encourage energy-saving behaviour in public buildings. A light switch perceived as simple but oversized affected occupants to turn off the lights more frequently when leaving the space under study as compared to switches of normal size.

Research limitations/implications
Information on user perceptions of light switches may be limited by the assessments being carried out only in controlled environments. Assessing user perceptions in field observations is thus desirable, as it will provide more information on the perceptions in actual settings.

Practical implications
Effective design of user interfaces could provide a means of lowering energy use from electric lighting by affecting the behaviour of users. Using user perceptions to define critical design characteristics could contribute to design improvements in the interfaces with respect to users’ viewpoints.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the subject with a basic, field-based approach to formulating an understanding of how design via user perceptions may encourage energy-saving behaviour.
The mindset of activity-based working
Authors: Skogland Mari Anna Chatarina 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe study aims to provide insight on the relationship between a newly implemented workplace concept, its intentions, the actual use and ultimately its ability to function as a strategic tool. By addressing the intended and unintended consequences of planned spatial arrangements, the interest lies in studying underlying factors affecting the concepts’ ability to function as a strategic tool.Design/methodology/approachThe case study builds on semi-structured interviews and observational studies from a larger Norwegian organisation that recently implemented an activity-based workplace concept. Concept descriptions and architectural drawings have also been important sources to study how the concept was interpreted and used by different groups.FindingsTaking a socio-material perspective, the findings illustrate that spatial aspects and different concept structures, together with issues such as employee mobility and time spent in the office, different work processes, management style and departmental cultures influenced the way the activity-based workplace concept was perceived and taken into use.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that social and cultural aspects may play a more significant role in the adaptation process than previously emphasised. The article further provides knowledge on how organisations, in planning and implementation of such concepts, may address the right issues to overcome challenges and achieve the higher strategic ends.
A survey of critical success factors for attracting private sector participation in water supply projects in developing countries
Authors: Ameyaw Ernest Effah , Chan Albert P.C. , Owusu-Manu De-Graft 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer governments an opportunity to access private capital and skills to build or upgrade, operate and manage public water infrastructure services hitherto provided and run by the public sector. Access to private finance speeds up the provision of public water services in developing countries, where many governments face budgetary constraints. However, the water sector attracts the least investment flows in developing countries, well below other infrastructure sectors. This paper aims to present the results of an investigation of critical success factors (CSFs) required for attracting the private sector in water supply projects.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire survey of international PPP expert opinions was conducted.

Findings
Analysis results show that the CSFs for attracting the private sector to water PPPs include political commitment from elected leaders toward PPPs for water supply; existence of a dedicated PPP unit; strong and competent public water authority; adequate fiscal capacity of a national/subnational authority; public acceptance and support of involvement of the private sector in water services; a well-designed PPP contract; existence of enabling policy and legal frameworks to support water PPPs; and profitability of water supply project(s) to attract investors and lenders. Agreement analysis also indicates a strong to very strong agreement on the significance and rankings of the CSFs.

Originality/value
The research findings provide an insight into a number of important issues to enable greater private participation in water supply projects, most of which aim at reminding governments of some key areas that need reform and enabling greater commitment among them to undertake such reforms. Given the limited empirical research on CSFs for attracting private participation, this research makes a contribution to the body of knowledge about private involvement in the water sector of developing countries.
Implementation constraints in public-private partnership
Authors: Osei-Kyei Robert , Chan Albert P.C. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to empirically investigate the differences and similarities on the implementation constraints in public–private partnership (PPP) in developing and developed economies/countries, represented by Ghana and Hong Kong, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted with relevant experienced PPP practitioners in Ghana and Hong Kong. One hundred and three completed questionnaires were received for analysis. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance analysis, mean score ranking, Mann–Whitney U test and quartile grouping were used for data analysis.

Findings
The results show six implementation constraints with significant differences. Constraints related to the general investment climate of PPP projects (i.e. ecological conditions of PPP) are ranked higher in Ghana than in Hong Kong, whereas constraints related to the organisation and negotiations of PPP projects are higher in Hong Kong than in Ghana. Further, two constraints, lengthy delay in finalising negotiations and lengthy delay due to political debate, are very critical in both jurisdictions, whereas “negative public perceptions on PPP transactions” and “high use of unsolicited proposals” are of less challenge in the implementation of PPP in both jurisdictions.

Originality/value
The findings of this study contribute to knowledge on the international best practices of PPP. In addition, international private bidders would be informed of the mitigation measures to adopt when engaging in PPP arrangements in any part of the world, whether in a developing or developed economy country.