bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HDAC1/2 and HDAC3 play distinct roles in controlling adult Meibomian gland homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Xuming , Xu Mingang , Millar Sarah E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the roles of HDAC1/2 and HDAC3 in adult Meibomian gland (MG) homeostasis.MethodsHDAC1/2 or HDAC3 were inducibly deleted in MG epithelial cells of adult mice. The morphology of MG was examined. Proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of MG acinus and duct marker genes, meibocyte differentiation genes, and HDAC target genes, were analyzed via immunofluorescence, TUNEL assay, and RNA in situ hybridization.ResultsCo-deletion of HDAC1/2 in MG epithelium caused gradual loss of acini and formation of cyst-like structures in the central duct. These phenotypes required homozygous deletion of both HDAC1 and HDAC2, indicating that they function redundantly in the adult MG. Short-term deletion of HDAC1/2 in MG epithelium had little effect on meibocyte maturation but caused decreased proliferation of acinar basal cells, excessive DNA damage, ectopic apoptosis, and increased p53 acetylation andp16expression in the MG. By contrast, HDAC3 deletion in MG epithelium caused dilation of central duct, atrophy of acini, defective meibocyte maturation, increased acinar basal cell proliferation, and ectopic apoptosis and DNA damage. Levels of p53 acetylation and p21 expression were elevated in HDAC3-deficient MGs, while the expression of the differentiation regulator PPARγ and the differentiation markers PLIN2 and FASN was downregulated.ConclusionsHDAC1 and HDAC2 function redundantly in adult Meibomian gland epithelial progenitor cells and are essential for their proliferation and survival, but not for acinar differentiation, while HDAC3 is required to limit acinar progenitor cell proliferation and permit differentiation. HDAC1/2 and HDAC3 have partially overlapping roles in maintaining survival of MG cells.
Mean Dynamics Index: a useful tool to identify motor psychogenic non epileptic seizures
Authors: Winer Raz , Shahkoohi Shahram Shlomo , Herskovitz Moshe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTimely and accurate diagnosis of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) is crucial. Aside from potential diagnostic delays, patients with PNES often undergo unnecessary pharmacological or invasive treatments. Presently, effective bedside tools for distinguishing PNES from epileptic seizures (ES) remain elusive, and the ‘gold standard’ diagnosis relies primarily on patient history and prolonged video EEG monitoring. In this study, we developed a simple clinical tool - the Mean Dynamic Index (MD) - to differentiate PNES from ES.We divided the body into five anatomical regions: the head and face, two upper extremities, and two lower extremities. Due to limited movement potential, the trunk was excluded from consideration. Among these five areas, only actively involved regions were considered in the score calculation. Each distinct motor feature observed contributed a point to the regional summation, with each region’s score comprising the Regional Dynamic Index (RDI). The Mean Dynamic Index (MDI) represents the average of all RDIs.Sixty consecutive patients admitted to the VEEG monitoring unit were evaluated. Of these, 15 patients presented primarily with motor symptoms. Eight were diagnosed with PNES, while seven had epileptic seizures. The mean MDI was 1.2±0.4 in the PNES group and 2.8±0.77 in the ES group (p<0.001). The mean MDI/duration ratio was 0.31±0.38 for PNES and 3.5±2.4 for ES (p < 0.003). An MDI score of 1.665 yielded a specificity of 87.5% and sensitivity of 100% for diagnosing ES. A low MDI score (<1.66) in motor seizures indicates limited variability in the movement profile of each body part, suggesting a PNES etiology. Additionally, as the MDI/time ratio decreases, PNES becomes more likely. Furthermore, we observed that an RDI of 3 or higher completely differentiated between PNES and ES. These findings offer a valuable bedside tool for distinguishing between the two conditions.
Competitive advantages of T-even phage lysis inhibition in response to secondary infection
Authors: Hvid Ulrik , Mitarai Namiko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractT-even bacteriophages are known to employ lysis inhibition (LIN), where the lysis of an infected host is delayed in response to secondary adsorptions. Upon the eventual burst of the host, significantly more phage progenies are released. Here, we analysed the competitive advantage of LIN using a mathematical model. In batch culture, LIN provides a bigger phage yield at the end of the growth where all the hosts are infected due to an exceeding number of phage particles and, in addition, gives a competitive advantage against LIN mutants with rapid lysis by letting them adsorb to already infected hosts in the LIN state. By simulating plaque formation in a spatially structured environment, we show that, while LIN phages will produce a smaller zone of clearance, the area over which the phages spread is actually comparable to those without LIN. The analysis suggests that LIN induced by secondary adsorption is favourable in terms of competition, both in spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous environments.Author SummaryT-even bacteriophages can delay the lysis of their hosts when they detect more phages are adsorbing to the hosts, increasing the progeny production per host. Using a mathematical model, we provide a quantitative analysis of this strategy’s competitive advantages and disadvantages in different environments. The model predicts that phage adsorption to lysis-inhibited cells provides a significant competitive advantage to lysis-inhibiting phage against phages that quickly lyse the cells. We also find that secondary infection-triggered delay does not hinder the spreading of the phage in a lawn of uninfected cells, even though the apparent plaque size is small. The analysis suggests that lysis inhibition provides a robust competitive advantage for a virulent phage.
Dual action of sphinganine in the plant disease resistance to bacteria
Authors: Huby Eloïse , Villaume Sandra , Chemotti Catherine , Dorey Stéphan , Cordelier Sylvain , Crouzet Jérôme , Gilliard Guillaume , Terryn Christine , Berquand Alexandre , Herrfurth Cornelia , Feussner Ivo , Jacquard Cédric , Fontaine Florence , Clément Christophe , Baillieul Fabienne , Deleu Magali , Dhondt-Cordelier Sandrine 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTSphingolipids are ubiquitous, highly diverse molecules constituting at least 40% of plant plasma membranes. Initially known as modulators of membrane integrity, they now emerge as important players in plant responses to (a)biotic stresses. The interaction betweenArabidopsis thalianaand the bacteriumPseudomonas syringaepv.tomatoDC3000AvrRpm1(Pst AvrRpm1) culminates in the activation of a programmed cell death known as the hypersensitive response, which is part of the plant immune response. In this study, we showed that the co-infiltration ofPst AvrRpm1and sphinganine (d18:0) inArabidopsisleaves suppress the hypersensitive response. This suppression phenotype is also observed with bacteria carrying the effectors AvrB and AvrPphB but not with the ones carrying AvrRpt2 and AvrRps4. Sphingolipid-induced hypersensitive response suppression byPst AvrRpm1is correlated with the down-regulation of the geneAtNMT1encoding aN-myristoyltransferase. d18:0 does not have a direct antibacterial effect and its co-infiltration in plants does not display typical signs of immune response such as activation of salicylic acid signaling pathway and extracellular reactive oxygen species production. Biophysical studies showed that d18:0 interacts with plant plasma membrane lipids. More specifically, d18:0 disturbs plant plasma membrane organization and mechanical properties. Our results demonstrate that sphingolipids play an important role in plant resistance, especially by interfering with the plasma membrane organization and effector localization and thus disturbing their function and subsequent immune responses.
PluMu - a Mu-like bacteriophage infectingActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Julia Bartsch L , Crespo Roberto Fernandez , Wang Yunfei , Skinner Michael A , Rycroft Andrew N , Cooley William , Everest David J , Li Yanwen , Bossé Janine T , Langford Paul R 
Published: February 2024

AbstractActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeis the causative agent of pleuropneumonia, an economically important lung disease of pigs. In draft genomes of two Cypriot clinicalA. pleuropneumoniaeisolates (MIDG3457 and MIDG3459), we previously identified single genomic regions with homology to Mu-like bacteriophage and presented preliminary evidence of active phage. Here, updated Phastest genomic analysis identified two loci in both MIDG3457 and MIDG3459 that were predicted to encode proteins with high homology to, and whose organization was characteristic of, Mu-like phages. Phylogenetically, the closest matches were withMannheimiaVb andGlaesserellaSuMu phages. Phastest scored the loci as “complete”, indicating they produced active phage. PCR amplification of the Mu-like phagecandtailgenes from DNase-treated polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG)-precipitated supernatants of MIDG3457 and MIDG3459 (grown in either Brain Heart Infusion-NAD or Grace’s Insect Medium-NAD broth) indicated the presence of intact virions. The phages from MIDG3457 and MIDG3459 were named PluMu 3457-1, 3457-2, and PluMu 3459-1 and PluMu 3459-2, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of PEG-precipitated supernatants of broth-grown MIDG3459 identified virions with icosahedral heads and tails, consistent with other Mu-like phages. We conclude that MIDG3459 produces an active Mu- like phage.
Impact of Shifting University Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Reported Employee Social Networks
Authors: Johnson Stephanie S. , Jackson Katelin C. , Lofgren Eric T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo ascertain if faculty and staff were the link between the two COVID-19 outbreaks in a rural university county, and if the local university’s COVID-19 policies affected contact rates of their employees across all its campuses.MethodsWe conducted two anonymous, voluntary online surveys for faculty and staff of a PAC-12 university on their contact patterns both within and outside the university during the COVID-19 pandemic. One was asked when classes were virtual, and another when classes were in-person but masking. Participants were asked about the individuals they encountered, the type and location of the interactions, what COVID-19 precautions were taken – if any, as well as general questions about their location and COVID-19.ResultsWe received 271 responses from the first survey and 124 responses from the second. The first survey had a median of 3 contacts/respondent, with the second having 7 contacts/respondent (p<0.001). During the first survey, most contacts were family contacts (Spouse, Children), with the second survey period having Strangers and Students having the most contact (p<0.001). Over 50% of the first survey contacts happened at their home, while the second survey had 40% at work and 35% at home. Both respondents and contacts masked 42% and 46% of the time for the two surveys respectively (p<0.01).ConclusionFor future pandemics, it would be wise to take employees into account when trying to plan for the safety of university students, employees, and surrounding communities. The main places to be aware of and potentially push infectious disease precautions would be on campus, especially confined spaces like offices or small classrooms, and the home, as these tend to be the largest areas of non-masked close contact.
Arabidopsis GENOMES UNCOUPLED PROTEIN1 binds to plastid RNAs and promotes their maturation
Authors: Tang Qian , Xu Duorong , Lenzen Benjamin , Brachmann Andreas , Yapa Madhura M , Doroodian Paymon , Schmitz-Linneweber Christian , Masuda Tatsuru , Hua Zhihua , Leister Dario , Kleine Tatjana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlastid biogenesis and the coordination of plastid and nuclear genome expression through anterograde and retrograde signaling are essential for plant development. GENOMES UNCOUPLED1 (GUN1) plays a central role in retrograde signaling during early plant development. The putative function of GUN1 has been extensively studied, but its molecular function remains controversial. Here, we evaluate published transcriptome data and generate our own data fromgun1mutants grown under signaling relevant conditions to show that editing and splicing are not relevant for GUN1-dependent retrograde signaling. Our study of the plastid (post)-transcriptome ofgun1seedlings with white and pale cotyledons demonstrates that GUN1 deficiency significantly alters the entire plastid transcriptome. By combining this result with a PPR code-based prediction and experimental validation by RNA immunoprecipitation experiments, several targets of GUN1 were identified, including 23S rRNA, tRNAs and RNAs derived fromycf1.2and thendhH-ndhA-ndhI-ndhG-ndhE-psaC-ndhDgene cluster. The absence of plastid rRNAs and the significant reduction of almost all plastid transcripts in whitegun1mutants account for the cotyledon phenotype. Our study identifies RNA binding and maturation as the long-sought molecular function of GUN1 and resolves long-standing controversies. We anticipate that our findings will serve as a basis for subsequent studies investigating the mechanism of plastid gene expression and will facilitate the elucidation of GUN1’s function in retrograde signaling.
Females extract multiple signals from male song in Java sparrows
Authors: Lewis Rebecca N. , Makioka Hiroharu , Gilman R. Tucker , Soma Masayo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSongs play an important role in mate choice for many bird species. Females of some species prefer mates with song characteristics such as familiarity, complexity, or specific temporal or note features. Different song characteristics may provide distinct information about the birds that produced those songs. For example, familiarity may be a signal of local adaptation, locally relevant information or learned behaviours, or genetic compatibility, while song complexity may be a signal of overall genetic quality. However, how song characteristics combine to affect female preferences remains poorly understood. We examined female preference for song familiarity and complexity using the Java sparrow (Padda oryzivora) as a model species. Females were presented with pairs of song stimuli; familiar and unfamiliar songs in familiarity trials, and songs differing in note repertoire or linearity in complexity trials. Females preferred their fathers’ songs over unfamiliar songs, but we did not find strong evidence that females generalized this preference to other socially related individuals. Females also preferred complex songs, specifically those with larger note repertoires and with lower linearity, even when controlling for familiarity. Our results suggest that female song preference in Java sparrows is multi-faceted, with different song characteristics potentially offering different information to choosy females.
Home organization and adaptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ramey Arielle S. , Rainey Vanessa R. , Seals Samantha R. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
A chaotic home environment, marked by disorganization, noise and a lack of routine, has negative associations with language development, social competence and executive functioning. This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of chaotic homes on adaptive behaviors, or behaviors that allow independent functioning, in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical (NT) children. Children with ASD have difficulties with adaptive functioning in their environment, and identifying factors in the home that may exacerbate these behaviors will help in understanding the larger family dynamics that may affect behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 251 primary caregivers completed questionnaires about their children’s adaptive behavior and the structure of the home environment.

Findings
The results of a mediation analysis found a significant indirect effect of ASD status leading to lower adaptive behaviors through home chaos. This suggests those with ASD experienced more household chaos than NT children, which influenced their lower adaptive behavior scores.

Originality/value
This research provides insights into the complex relationship between the home environment and child behavior in children with ASD.
When MNEs bribe more? The role of managerial discretion
Authors: Teng Da , Haj Youssef Moustafa Salman , Li Chengchun 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis paper builds upon managerial discretion literature to study the relationship between foreign ownership and bribery intensity.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on World Bank’s data of 9,386 firms from 125 countries over the period 2006–2018, this paper uses Tobit regression, ordered probit and logit models to empirically test the hypotheses.FindingsThis paper finds that firms have higher bribery intensity when executives have a higher level of managerial discretion. Smaller firms with slack financial resources tend to bribe more when they face more government intervention, munificent and uncertain industrial environment.Originality/valueExtant corruption literature has addressed the effects of external institutional settings and internal corporate governance on bribery offering among multinational enterprises (MNEs). How much, and under what condition do top executives matter in bribery activities are yet to be answered. This paper integrates the concept of managerial discretion with corruption and bribery literature and offers a potential answer to the above question. In addition, prior corruption and bribery literature have primarily studied bribery through either micro- or macro-level analysis. This paper adopts multiple-level of analyses and elucidates the foreign ownership and bribery relationship from the organizational and industrial levels.
The effects of informal competition on firms’ innovation in Greece
Authors: Vlachos Vasileios 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Several empirical studies indicate that the existence of a large informal sector is a major obstacle to firms’ choices of innovation strategies. This paper aims to address this issue and investigates the effect of the informal sector on the innovation of formal firms in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey data, the impact of informal competition on formal firms’ innovation in Greece is investigated by testing whether formal firms use innovation as a tool to protect and sustain their competitive advantage vis-à-vis informal firms and whether overall and informal competition has an inverted-U relationship with the innovation of formal firms. The effects of bribing and other variables drawn from the empirical literature are also controlled for.

Findings
The findings fill a gap in the literature regarding the effects of the informal sector on formal economic activity in Greece, by indicating that the informal sector puts pressure on formal firms to innovate, in order to differentiate their product or service and enhance their productivity and by offering learnings to help policymakers to promote innovation in Greece.

Originality/value
The originality of this study is that it investigates the impact of informal competition on formal firms’ innovation in Greece, a developed economy with a large informal sector. It does so by focusing on the effects that formal firms’ informal practices have on their competitors’ innovation activities, and the role of informal competition in creating and sustaining a competitive advantage in Greece.
Revisiting the debt–growth nexus in sub-Saharan Africa: fresh evidence from panel nonlinear ARDL approach
Authors: Amoh John Kwaku , Abdul-Mumuni Abdallah , Amankwa Fosu Richard 
Published: February 2024

PurposeWhile some countries have used debt to drive economic growth, the asymmetric effect on sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries has received little attention in the empirical literature. This paper therefore examines the asymmetric effect of external debts on economic growth.Design/methodology/approachThe panel nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach was employed in the study for 29 sub-Saharan African countries from 1990 to 2021. The cross-sectional dependence test was used to determine the presence of cross-sectional dependence, while the second-generation panel unit root tests was used to examine the unit-root properties.FindingsThe empirical results show that external debt has an asymmetric effect on economic growth in both the short and long run. In the long run, a positive shock in external debts of 1% triggers an upturn in economic growth by 0.216% while a negative shock triggers 0.354% decline in economic growth. This implies that the negative shock of external debts has a much stronger impact on economic growth than the positive shock. In the short run, a positive shock in external debts by 1% triggers a decline in economic growth by 0.641%, while a negative shock of 1% triggers a fall in economic growth of 0.170%.Originality/valueThe paper used the NARDL model to examine the asymmetric impact of external debt on the economic growth of SSA countries, which has not been extensively studied. It is recommended that governments in the selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa should drive economic growth by promoting domestic revenue mobilization since external debts impede economic growth.
How organizational readiness for green innovation, green innovation performance and knowledge integration affects sustainability performance of exporting firms
Authors: Ullah Sami , Ahmad Tooba , Kukreti Mohit , Sami Abdul , Shaukat Muhammad Rehan 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Consumers and businesses are becoming increasingly conscious of sustainable business practices and are often willing to pay a premium for responsibly sourced and manufactured products. Many countries and organizations have implemented regulations and standards for sustainability and companies face penalties or are barred from exporting for not meeting the requirements. Rooted in the resource-based view theory, this study aims to test a moderated mediation model to improve the sustainability performance of exporting firms.

Design/methodology/approach
Textile firms generating more than 25% of export revenues were targeted for this research. The data collected from 245 middle management-level employees were tested for reliability and validity. The structural equation modelling in AMOS 26 was used to test hypotheses.

Findings
Organizational readiness for green innovation (ORGI) has a direct positive effect on sustainability performance. The mediation analysis implies that ORGI translates into sustainability performance through improvement in green innovation performance. The moderating effect of knowledge integration highlights the importance of being prepared internally and actively seeking and incorporating external knowledge to improve green innovation performance.

Originality/value
The findings offer a solid foundation for informed decision-making, policy development and strategies to improve sustainability performance while aligning with the global nature of the textile industry and its inherent challenges. The proposed model and practical implications guide policymakers and managers of exporting firms to foster a culture of green innovation to leverage the effect of their readiness for green innovation on sustainability performance.