bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eye movements elevate crowding in idiopathic infantile nystagmus syndrome
Authors: Tailor Vijay K , Theodorou Maria , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret H , Dekker Tessa M , Greenwood John A 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIdiopathic infantile nystagmus syndrome is a disorder characterised by involuntary eye movements, which leads to decreased acuity and visual function. One such function is visual crowding; a process whereby objects that are easily recognised in isolation become impaired by nearby flankers. Crowding typically occurs in the peripheral visual field, though elevations in foveal vision have been reported in congenital nystagmus, similar to those found with amblyopia. Here we examine whether the elevated foveal crowding with nystagmus is driven by similar mechanisms to those documented in amblyopia - long-term neural changes associated with a sensory deficit - or by the momentary displacement of the stimulus through nystagmus eye movements. We used a Landolt-C orientation identification task to measure threshold gap sizes with and without either horizontally or vertically placed pairs of flanking Landolt-Cs. Because nystagmus is predominantly horizontal, crowding should be stronger with horizontal flankers if eye movements cause the interference, whereas a sensory deficit would more likely be equivalent for the two dimensions. Consistent with an origin in eye movements, we observe elevations in nystagmic crowding that are above that of typical vision, and stronger with horizontal than vertical flankers and not found in amblyopic or typical vision. We further demonstrate the same pattern of performance can be obtained in typical vision with stimulus movement that simulates nystagmus. Consequently, we propose that the origin of nystagmic crowding lies in the eye movements, either through image smear of the target and flanker elements or through relocation of the stimulus into peripheral retina.
Selenium-dependent metabolic reprogramming during inflammation and resolution
Authors: Korwar Arvind M. , Hossain Ayaan , Lee Tai-Jung , Shay Ashley E. , Basrur Venkatesha , Conlon Kevin , Smith Philip B. , Carlson Bradley A. , Salis Howard M. , Patterson Andrew D. , Prabhu K. Sandeep 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTTrace element selenium (Se) is incorporated as the 21stamino acid, selenocysteine (Sec), into selenoproteins through tRNA[Ser]Sec. Selenoproteins act as gatekeepers of redox homeostasis and modulate immune function to effect anti-inflammation and resolution. However, mechanistic underpinnings involving metabolic reprogramming during inflammation and resolution remain poorly understood. Bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) cultured in the presence or absence of Se (as selenite) was used to examine temporal changes in the proteome and metabolome by multiplexed tandem mass tag-quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, and machine-learning approaches. Kinetic deltagram and clustering analysis indicated addition of Se led to extensive reprogramming of cellular metabolism upon stimulation with LPS enhancing PPP, TCA cycle, and OXPHOS, to aid in the phenotypic transition towards alternatively activated macrophages, synonymous with resolution of inflammation. Remodeling of metabolic pathways and consequent metabolic adaptation towards pro-resolving phenotypes began with Se treatment at 0 h and became most prominent around 8 h post LPS stimulation that included succinate dehydrogenase complex (Sdh), pyruvate kinase (Pkm), and sedoheptulosekinase (Shpk). Se-dependent modulation of these pathways predisposed BMDMs to preferentially increase OXPHOS to efficiently regulate inflammation and its timely resolution. Use of macrophages lacking selenoproteins, indicated that all three metabolic nodes were sensitive to selenoproteome expression. Furthermore, inhibition of Sdh with dimethylmalonate affected the pro-resolving effects of Se by increasing the resolution interval in a murine peritonitis model. In summary, our studies provide novel insights into the role of cellular Se via metabolic reprograming to facilitate anti-inflammation and proresolution.
Expression ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiichloroplast diacylglycerol acyltransferase-3 is activated by light in concert with triacylglycerol accumulation
Authors: de las Mercedes Carro María , Soto Débora , Mamone Leandro , Gonorazky Gabriela , Bagnato Carolina , Beligni María Verónica 
Published: January 2021

AbstractConsiderable progress has been made towards the understanding of triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in algae. One key aspect is finding conditions that trigger TAG production without reducing cell division. Previously, we identified a soluble diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), related to plant DGAT3, with heterologous DGAT activity. In this work, we demonstrate thatChlamydomonas reinhardtiiDGAT3 localizes to the chloroplast and its expression is activated by light, in correspondence with TAG accumulation.Dgat3mRNAs and TAGs increased in both wild type and starch-deficient cells grown with acetate upon transferring them from dark or low light to higher light. Light-activated DGAT3 expression and TAG accumulation depended on the preexisting levels of TAGs, suggesting the existence of a regulatory loop. These results indicate that DGAT3 could be responsible, at least in part, for light-dependent TAG accumulation. Moreover, our results present DGAT3 as a promising target of future studies oriented to the industrial applications of TAGs.
Induced neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells affects lipid metabolism pathways
Authors: Green Pnina , Kan Inna , Mesilati-Stahy Ronit , Argov-Argaman Nurit , Offen Daniel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNeuronal membranes contain exceptionally high concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), which are essential for neuronal development and function. Adult bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be induced to possess some neuronal characteristics. Here we examined the effects of neuronal induction on the PUFA metabolism specific pathways. Differentiated cells contained ~30% less ARA than MSC. The expression of specific ARA metabolizing enzymes was upregulated, notably that of prostaglandin E2synthase which increased more than 15-fold, concomitantly with a 3-fold increase in the concentration of PGE2in the medium. Moreover, induced differentiation was associated with enhanced incorporation of exogenous DHA, upregulation of acyl-CoA synthases, fatty acid binding proteins, choline kinase (CK) and phosphatidylserine synthases as well as increased total cellular phospholipids (PL). These findings suggest that active ARA metabolites may be important in the differentiation process and that neuronal induction prepares the resulting cells for increased DHA incorporation through the action of specific enzymes.
Common anti-haemostatic medications increase the severity of systemic infection by uropathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Tran Vi LT , Hortle Elinor , Britton Warwick J , Oehlers Stefan H 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) causes urinary tract infections that can result in sepsis. The haemostatic system is protective in the pyelonephritis stage of ascending UPEC infection, but the role of the haemostatic system has not been investigated during sepsis. Here we utilize a zebrafish-UPEC systemic infection model to visualize infection-induced coagulation and examine the effects of commonly prescribed anti-haemostatic medications on the infection severity. Treatment of systemically infected zebrafish with warfarin, aspirin, or ticagrelor reduced host survival, while stabilization of clots with aminocaproic acid increased host survival. Anti-haemostatic drug treatment increased UPEC burden. Our findings provide evidence that commonly prescribed anti-haemostatic medications may worsen the outcome of severe UPEC infection.
Small molecule analysis of extracellular vesicles produced byCryptococcus gattii: identification of a tripeptide controlling cryptococcal infection in an invertebrate host model
Authors: Reis Flavia C. G. , Costa Jonas H. , Honorato Leandro , Nimrichter Leonardo , Fill Taícia P. , Rodrigues Marcio L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe small molecule (molecular mass < 900 Daltons) composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by the pathogenic fungusCryptococcus gattiiis unknown, which limits the understanding of the functions of cryptococcal EVs. In this study, we analyzed the composition of small molecules in samples obtained from solid cultures ofC. gattiiby a combination of chromatographic and spectrometric approaches, and untargeted metabolomics. This analysis revealed previously unknown components of EVs, including small peptides with known biological functions in other models. The peptides found inC. gattiiEVs had their chemical structure validated by chemical approaches and comparison with authentic standards, and their functions tested in aGalleria mellonellamodel of cryptococcal infection. One of the vesicular peptides (isoleucine-proline-isoleucine, Ile-Pro-Ile) improved the survival ofG. mellonellalethally infected withC. gattiiorC. neoformans. These results indicate that small molecules exported in EVs are biologically active inCryptococcus.Our study is the first to characterize a fungal EV molecule inducing protection, pointing to an immunological potential of extracellular peptides produced byC. gattii.
Reduction of HDAC2 expression in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons improves neuronal maturation, mitochondrial dynamics and cellular neurodegenerative disease phenotypes
Authors: Frankowski Harald , Yeboah Fred , Berry Bonnie J. , Kinoshita Chizuru , Lee Michelle , Evitts Kira , Davis Joshua , Kinoshita Yoshito , Morrison Richard S. , Young Jessica E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHistone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is a major HDAC protein in the adult brain and has been shown to regulate many neuronal genes. Aberrant expression of HDAC2 and subsequent dysregulation of neuronal gene expression is implicated in neurodegeneration and brain aging. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (hiPSC-Ns) are widely used models for studying neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, but the role of HDAC2 in hiPSC-N differentiation and maturation has not been explored. In this study, we show that levels of HDAC2 progressively decrease as hiPSCs are differentiated towards neurons. This suppression of HDAC2 inversely corresponds to an increase in neuron-specific isoforms of Endophilin-B1, a multifunctional protein involved in mitochondrial dynamics. Expression of neuron-specific isoforms of Endophilin-B1 is accompanied by concomitant expression of a neuron-specific alternative splicing factor, SRRM4. Manipulation of HDAC2 and Endophilin-B1 using lentiviral approaches shows that knock-down of HDAC2 or overexpression of a neuron-specific Endophilin-B1 isoform promotes mitochondrial elongation and protects against cytotoxic stress in hiPSC-Ns, while HDAC2 knock-down specifically influences genes regulating mitochondrial dynamics and synaptogenesis. Furthermore, HDAC2 knock-down promotes enhanced mitochondrial respiration and reduces levels of neurotoxic amyloid beta peptides. Collectively, our study demonstrates a role for HDAC2 in hiPSC-neuronal differentiation, highlights neuron-specific isoforms of Endophilin-B1 as a marker of differentiating hiPSC-Ns, and demonstrates that HDAC2 regulates key neuronal and mitochondrial pathways in hiPSC-Ns.
New norms and opportunities from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in a higher education setting: perspectives from Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Shahrill Masitah , Petra Mohamad Iskandar , Naing Lin , Yacob Joanna , Santos Jose H. , Abdul Aziz Anita B.Z. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to share how it was possible to change the way business was conducted in a short period in order to continue the academic semester and seek alternatives to manage the day-to-day university affairs in the midst of a pandemic crisis at a higher education setting. As a result, the authors’ experiences have created new norms and opportunities for the university.Design/methodology/approachThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brunei Darussalam is an evolving situation with extraordinary challenges for staff and students of the university. Although the campus remains open and essential services were continuously provided, the university had to implement and adapt to new norms instinctively to minimise the potential pathways for community spread of the coronavirus and at the same time minimise interruption in teaching and learning.FindingsFirstly, structured blended learning will be the basis of teaching and learning, alongside ensuring the highest quality of online education and successful achievement of the intended learning objectives. Secondly, blended learning will open more opportunities to offer programmes in a more flexible, personalised, student-centric and lifelong learning manner, with the option of taking a study hiatus at students' convenience. Thirdly, there will be more global classrooms and the exchange of online modules with international partner universities. Fourthly, short programmes such as the Global Discovery Programmes will be modified and improvised to become an online learning experience. And finally, there will also be the opportunity to understand and consider the physical and mental well-being and durability of the university community in overcoming a national crisis situation.Originality/valueThis paper is intended to be a conceptual paper where the authors describe novel experiences during the pandemic. The authors’ views, interventions and experiences may result into a new model for higher education that will reposition students to the new global markets and economy.
Does crime-tourism nexus hold for Pakistan?
Authors: Ahad Muhammad , Anwer Zaheer , Ahmad Wasim 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to investigate the linkage of tourism and crime for Pakistan along with exchange rates, terrorism and domestic prices in the presence of structural breaks over the period 1984–2017.Design/methodology/approachThe order of integration is tested through ADF and PP unit root tests. The robustness of unit root test is testified via structural break unit root test. Furthermore, the authors use Bayer and Hanck (2013) combined cointegration test to confirm the existence of a long-term theoretical relationship among the variables. For the robustness of cointegration analysis, the authors also employ ARDL bound testing in the presence of structural break years. Moving forward, the authors apply VECM Granger causality to find out the direction of causality. Subsequently, variance decomposition approach and impulse response function are used to distinguish leader from the followers.FindingsThe unit root test shows that the order of integration is one, I(1). The cointegration analysis confirms the long-run relationship between underlying variables. The authors find inverse and significant impact of crime and exchange rate on tourism in the long run. On contrary, domestic prices play a positive and significant role to determine tourism in short and long run. Also, terrorism is found to be insignificant with negative impact. Further, the bidirectional causality between crime and tourism is observed in the long run. Similarly, unidirectional causality from terrorism to exchange and exchange rate to domestic price is observed in the short run.Originality/valueThe contemporary studies on crime-tourism nexus offer limited evidence, as they frequently suffer from omitted variable bias and ignore possible endogeneity issues. This study uses vector autoregressive models to overcome these biases. Similarly, the authors accommodate the role of structural break years through their analysis. Hence, the results offer more credible evidence. Moreover, the authors contribute to the existing tourism demand literature by adding crime as a potential determinate in case of Pakistan.
Is imperfect evaluation a deterrent to adoption of energy audit recommendations?
Authors: Chillayil Jayaraman , Suresh M. , P.K. Viswanathan , Kottayil Sasi K. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeEnergy-efficiency leads to productivity gains as it can lower operating and maintenance costs, increase production yields per unit of manufacturing input and improve staff accountability. Implementation of energy-efficient technologies amongst industries, the factors influencing them and the barriers to their adoption have been the subject of several studies during the past three to four decades. Though energy-use behaviours of individuals or households are sufficiently explored, industrial energy conservation behaviour is scarcely studied. This study identifies the relationship between the different behavioural elements to open up a door for behaviourally informed intervention research.Design/methodology/approachTotal interpretive structural modelling technique was used to determine the relationship between different elements of the behaviour of energy managers. Expert responses were collected to understand the relationship between the behavioural elements, through telephone interviews.FindingsThe study identified the relationship between the behavioural elements and found imperfect evaluation as the key element with the highest driving power to influence other elements.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors postulate that a behaviourally informed intervention strategy that looks into the elements with high driving power such as imperfect evaluation, lack of focus on energy-saving measures and the lack of sharing energy-saving objectives can lead to: an increase in the adoption of energy efficiency measures and thereby a reduction in the energy efficiency gap; greater productivity gains and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Preparation of M&V protocol that incorporates behavioural, organisational and informational barriers.Social implicationsVarious policy level interventions and regulatory measures in the energy field which did not address the behavioural barriers are found unsuccessful in narrowing the energy-efficiency gap, reducing the GHG gas emissions and global warming. Understanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement.Originality/valueUnderstanding the key driving factor of behaviour can help to design an effective intervention strategy to address the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. This study argues that through the systematic analysis of the imperfect evaluation of energy audit recommendations, it is possible to increase the adoption of energy efficiency measures that can lead to greater productivity gains and reduced GHG emissions.
Crisis preparedness of hospitality managers: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ghaderi Zahed , King Brian , Hall C. Michael 
Published: January 2021

PurposeCrisis planning and improvements to business resilience are increasingly significant aspects of hotel management. This study investigates the crisis preparation of hotel managers in Malaysia and how their perceptions affect crisis planning and preparation.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research method of semi-structured interviews with 24 hospitality managers in Malaysia was conducted. Data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti software, version 8.FindingsThe findings showed that crisis preparation among Malaysian hospitality firms is relatively neglected. Hotel crisis preparation schemes are greatly influenced by senior managers' intentions and organizational culture. Organizational resilience also has a significant role in hotel crisis planning and preparedness. Interestingly, in terms of long-term adaptation, hotels were less inclined to be “learning organizations” and managers were reluctant to change their organizational established structures, core beliefs and practice sustained resiliency in crisis preparation.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the crisis preparation of hospitality managers is important to develop effective strategies for different crises considering their severity and urgency. This study identified influential organizational and personal factors which affect crisis preparation of hospitality managers in Malaysia. The study further recommends a proactive mindset in crisis preparation of hotels.Originality/valueCrisis preparation of hospitality managers had received limited attention, and this study highlights how managers consider crisis planning and preparation.
Implications of CSR initiatives on employee engagement
Authors: Bapat Shweta , Upadhyay Pooja 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to study the implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee engagement in selected Indian business giants to which CSR spending is mandatory as per the Companies Act 2013. Researcher also has an intention of preparing working model for increasing employee engagement through CSR.

Design/methodology/approach
Researcher has collected the primary data from HR officials, CSR officials and employees of 23 organisations belonging to 10 main industrial sectors of India. The organisations selected for the data collection belong to India’s top 100 organisations as per Bombay Stock Exchange fulfilling a particular criterion. The effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement is been studied by identifying four parameters of employee engagement on which the employee participation in CSR may have some effect. The data are analysed with the help of Z test for proportion.

Findings
The major findings of the paper of the study includes that employee participation in CSR positively effects the employee engagement, as it helps in increasing four specifically identified parameters of employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the specific area of the effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement that too with respect to selected Indian business giants.

Practical implications
On the basis of this study, a theoretical model of CSR and employee engagement is proposed at the end of this paper. The model is expected to work as a guideline to the organisations, which want to improve employee engagement through CSR.

Originality/value
This research is one of its kinds that study the effect of employee participation in CSR on employee engagement. Moreover this research study considers the selected large-scale businesses of India which is the only country having 2% mandatory CSR spending to the organisation fulfilling the specific criteria.