bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wearing an Eye Mask During Overnight Sleep Improves Episodic Learning and Alertness
Authors: Greco Viviana , Bergamo Damiana , Cuoccio Paola , Konkoly Karen R. , Lombardo Kike Muñoz , Lewis Penelope A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAmbient light can influence sleep structure and timing. We explored how wearing an eye-mask to block light during overnight sleep impacts on memory and alertness, changes that could benefit everyday tasks like studying or driving. In Experiment 1, ninety-four 18–35-year-olds wore an eye-mask while they slept every night for a week and underwent a control condition in which light was not blocked for another week. Five habituation nights were followed by a cognitive battery on the sixth and seventh days. This revealed superior episodic encoding and an improvement on alertness when using the mask. In Experiment 2, thirty-five 18–35-year-olds used a wearable device to monitor sleep with and without the mask. This replicated the encoding benefit and showed that it was predicted by time spent in slow wave sleep. Our findings suggest that wearing an eye-mask during overnight sleep can improve episodic encoding and alertness the next day.Statement of relevanceSleep is crucial for alertness and for preparing the human brain to encode new information. However, it can be disrupted by external stimuli such as light or sounds. This study explored wearing an eye mask as a potential cognitive enhancer which protects overnight sleep by blocking ambient light. We found that wearing a mask increased alertness and facilitated the encoding of novel information the next day. Furthermore, the benefit to memory was predicted by time spent in slow wave sleep while wearing the mask. This suggests wearing an eye mask during sleep is an effective, economical, and non-invasive behaviour that could benefit cognitive function and lead to measurable impacts on every-day life.
Evolution ofDaphniapopulation dynamics following invasion by a non-native predator
Authors: Einum Sigurd , Ullern Emil R. , Walsh Matthew , Burton Tim 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPredators are frequently observed to cause evolutionary responses in prey phenotypes, which may, in turn, translate into evolutionary shifts in prey population dynamics. Although a link between predation and population growth has been demonstrated in experimental evolution studies, insights from natural populations are lacking.Here we tested for evolutionary changes in the population dynamics of the herbivorous water fleaDaphnia pulicariain response to the invasion of the predatory spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus) in the Great Lakes region, USA. Using a resurrection ecological approach and a 3-month population growth experiment (in the absence of predation) we compared population dynamics in daphnia from pre- and post-invasion time periods.Post-invasion daphnia were able to maintain an overall higher population abundance throughout the growth experiment, both in terms of the number of individuals (28% higher) and total population biomass (33% higher). Estimation of population dynamics parameters from a theta-logistic model suggested that this was achieved through an increase in intrinsic population growth rate as well as increased carrying capacity.The observed difference in intrinsic rate of increase could not be predicted based on previous measurements of life-history traits in these clones. This indicates that care should be taken when extrapolating from a few life history traits measured in isolated individuals under controlled conditions to population dynamics.Whereas previous experimental evolution studies of predator-prey interactions have demonstrated that genotypes that have evolved under predation have inferior population growth when the predator is absent, this was not the case for theDaphnia. We suggest that complexities in ecological interactions of natural ecosystems, such as the potential for spatial and temporal avoidance of predation, makes it challenging to provide general predictions about evolutionary responses in population dynamics to predators.
Ex vivoandin vivoevidence that cigarette smoke-exposed T regulatory cells impair host immunity againstMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bai Xiyuan , Verma Deepshikha , Garcia Cindy , Musheyev Ariel , Kim Kevin , Fornis Lorelenn , Griffith David E. , Li Li , Whittel Nicholas , Gadwa Jacob , Ohanjanyan Tamara , Ordway Diane , Chan Edward D. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTA strong epidemiologic link exists between exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB).In vitromacrophage andin vivomurine studies showed that CS and nicotine impair host-protective immune cells againstMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) infection. However, little is known about how CS may affect immunosuppressive cells in the context ofMTBinfection. Thus, we investigated whether CS-exposed T regulatory cells (Tregs) could exacerbateMTBinfection in co-culture with human macrophages and in the adoptive transfer of Tregs from air- and CS-exposed mice. We found that exposure of primary human Tregs to CS extract impaired the ability of human monocyte-derived macrophages to control anMTBinfection by inhibiting phagosome-lysosome fusion and autophagosome formation. Neutralization of CTLA-4 on the CS extract-exposed Tregs abrogated the impaired control ofMTBinfection in macrophage and Treg co-cultures. In Foxp3+GFP+DTR+(Thy1.2) mice depleted of endogenous Tregs, adoptive transfer of Tregs from donor CS-exposed B6.PL(Thy1.1) mice with subsequentMTBinfection of the recipient Thy1.2 mice resulted in a greater burden ofMTBin the lungs and spleens than those that received Tregs from airexposed mice. Mice that received Tregs from CS-exposed mice and then infected withMTBhad modest but significantly reduced numbers of interleukin-12-positive dendritic cells and interferon-gamma-positive CD4+T cells in the lungs and increased number of programmed cell death protein-1 positive CD4+T cells in both the lungs and spleens.
Number neurons in the nidopallium of young domestic chicks
Authors: Kobylkov Dmitry , Mayer Uwe , Zanon Mirko , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNumerical cognition is ubiquitous in the animal kingdom. Domestic chicks are a widely used developmental model for studying numerical cognition. Soon after hatching, chicks can perform sophisticated numerical tasks. Nevertheless, the neural basis of their numerical abilities has remained unknown. Here, we describe for the first time number neurons in the caudal nidopallium (functionally equivalent to the mammalian prefrontal cortex) of young domestic chicks. Number neurons that we found in young chicks showed remarkable similarities to those in the prefrontal cortex and caudal nidopallium of adult animals. Thus, our results suggest that numerosity perception based on the labeled-line code provided by number neurons might be an inborn feature of the vertebrate brain.SignificanceNumerosity, i.e. the number of items in a set, is a significant aspect in the perception of the environment. Behavioural and in silico experiments suggest that number sense belongs to a core knowledge system and can be present already at birth. However, neurons sensitive to the number of visual items have been so far described only in the brain of adult animals. Therefore, it remained unknown to what extent their selectivity would depend on visual learning and experience. We found number neurons in the caudal nidopallium (a higher associative area with functional similarities to the mammalian prefrontal cortex) of very young, numerically naïve domestic chicks. This result suggests that numerosity perception is possibly an inborn feature of the vertebrate brain.
Control of Ribosomal RNA Synthesis by Hematopoietic Transcription Factors
Authors: Antony Charles , George Subin S. , Blum Justin , Somers Patrick , Thorsheim Chelsea L. , Wu-Corts Dexter J. , Ai Yuxi , Gao Long , Lv Kaosheng , Tremblay Michel G. , Moss Tom , Tan Kai , Wilusz Jeremy E. , Ganley Austen R. D. , Pimkin Maxim , Paralkar Vikram R. 
Published: January 2022

SUMMARYRibosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are the most abundant cellular RNAs, and their synthesis from rDNA repeats by RNA Polymerase I accounts for the bulk of all transcription. Despite substantial variation in rRNA transcription rates across cell types, little is known about cell-type-specific factors that bind rDNA and regulate rRNA transcription to meet tissue-specific needs. Using hematopoiesis as a model system, we mapped about 2200 ChIP-Seq datasets for 250 transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin proteins to human and mouse rDNA, and identified robust binding of multiple TF families to canonical TF motifs on rDNA. Using a 47S-FISH-Flow assay developed for nascent rRNA quantification, we demonstrated that targeted degradation of CEBPA (C/EBP alpha), a critical hematopoietic TF with conserved rDNA binding, caused rapid reduction in rRNA transcription due to reduced Pol I occupancy. Our work identifies numerous potential rRNA regulators, and provides a template for dissection of TF roles in rRNA transcription.HIGHLIGHTSMultiple cell-type-specific transcription factors (TFs) bind canonical motifs on rDNA.The hematopoietic TF CEBPA binds to active rDNA alleles at a conserved site.CEBPA promotes Polymerase I occupancy and rRNA transcription in myeloid progenitors.We present ‘47S-FISH-Flow,’ a sensitive assay to quantify nascent rRNA.
PopB-PcrV Interactions are Essential for Pore Formation in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Translocon
Authors: Kundracik Emma Caitlin , Trichka Josephine , Díaz Aponte José Enrique , Rietsch Arne 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe type III secretion system (T3SS) is a syringe-like virulence factor which delivers bacterial proteins directly into the cytoplasm of host cells. An essential component of the system is the translocon, which creates a pore in the host cell membrane through which proteins are injected. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the translocation pore is formed by proteins PopB and PopD and attaches to the T3SS needle via the needle tip protein PcrV. The pore is multimeric, but the exact stoichiometry and structure of the pore are unknown. We took a genetic approach to map contact points within the system by taking advantage of the fact that the translocator proteins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the related Aeromonas hydrophila T3SS are incompatible and cannot be freely exchanged. We created chimeric versions of P. aeruginosa PopB and A. hydrophila AopB to intentionally disrupt and restore protein-protein interactions. We identified a chimeric B-translocator that specifically breaks an interaction with the needle tip protein and interferes with the formation of the translocation pore. Breaking the interaction did not disrupt membrane insertion, arguing that the needle tip protein chaperones formation of the translocation pore.
Staphylococcal protein A inhibits IgG-mediated phagocytosis by blocking the interaction of IgGs with FcγRs and FcRn
Authors: Cruz Ana Rita , Bentlage Arthur E. H. , Blonk Robin , de Haas Carla J. C. , Aerts Piet C. , Scheepmaker Lisette M. , Bouwmeester Inge G. , Lux Anja , van Strijp Jos A. G. , Nimmerjahn Falk , van Kessel Kok P. M. , Vidarsson Gestur , Rooijakkers Suzan H. M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractImmunoglobulin G molecules are crucial for the human immune response against bacterial infections. IgGs can trigger phagocytosis by innate immune cells, like neutrophils. To do so, IgGs should bind to the bacterial surface via their variable Fab regions and interact with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) and complement C1 via the constant Fc domain. C1 binding to IgG-labeled bacteria activates the complement cascade, which results in bacterial decoration with C3-derived molecules that are recognized by complement receptors (CRs) on neutrophils. Next to FcγRs and CRs on the membrane, neutrophils also express the intracellular neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). We previously reported that staphylococcal protein A (SpA), a key immune evasion protein ofStaphylococcus aureus, potently blocks IgG-mediated complement activation and killing ofS. aureusby interfering with IgG hexamer formation. SpA is also known to block IgG-mediated phagocytosis in absence of complement but the mechanism behind it remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that SpA blocks IgG-mediated phagocytosis and killing ofS. aureusthrough inhibition of the interaction of IgGs with FcγRs (FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb, but not FcγRI) and FcRn. Furthermore, our data show that multiple SpA domains are needed to effectively block IgG1-mediated phagocytosis. This provides a rationale for the fact that SpA fromS. aureuscontains four to five repeats. Taken together, our study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which SpA blocks IgG-mediated phagocytosis and supports the idea that next to FcγRs, also the intracellular FcRn receptor is essential for efficient phagocytosis and killing of bacteria by neutrophils.
A Genome-wide CRISPR Screen Identifies WDFY3 as a Novel Regulator of Macrophage Efferocytosis
Authors: Shi Jianting , Wu Xun , Wang Ziyi , Li Fang , Meng Yujiao , Moore Rebecca M. , Cui Jian , Xue Chenyi , Croce Katherine R. , Yurdagul Arif , Doench John G , Li Wei , Zarbalis Konstantinos S. , Tabas Ira , Yamamoto Ai , Zhang Hanrui 
Published: January 2022

AbstractsPhagocytic clearance of dying cells, termed efferocytosis, must occur efficiently to maintain homeostasis and prevent disease. Yet, our understanding of this important biological process remains incomplete. To search for novel regulators of efferocytosis, we performed a FACS-based genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen in primary murine macrophages. We identified a novel role for WDFY3 in efferocytosis by macrophages. WDFY3 deficiency in macrophages specifically impaired uptake, not binding, of apoptotic cells due to defective actin depolymerization. We further revealed that WDFY3 directly interacts with GABARAP, thus facilitating LC3 lipidation and subsequent lysosomal acidification to permit the degradation of apoptotic cell components. Although the C-terminus of WDFY3 was sufficient to rescue impaired degradation, full-length WDFY3 is still required for regulating uptake. Finally, WDFY3 is required for efficient efferocytosis in vivo in mice and in primary human macrophages. The work expands our knowledge of the mechanisms of macrophage efferocytosis, and more broadly, provides a general strategy for genome-wide CRISPR screen to interrogate complex functional phenotypes in primary macrophages.HighlightsFunctional readout for pooled genome-wide CRISPR screen in primary macrophages.WDFY3 is discovered as a regulator of macrophage efferocytosis in vitro and in vivo.WDFY3 deficiency led to impaired uptake, as opposed to binding, of apoptotic cells due to defective actin depolymerization.WDFY3 directly interacts with GABARAP, facilitating LC3 lipidation and subsequent lysosomal acidification to permit the degradation of apoptotic cell components.C-terminal WDFY3 is sufficient to regulate the degradation of engulfed apoptotic cells while full-length WDFY is required for regulating uptake.
Modified dN/dS for accounting transition and transversion frequency difference and non-sense substitution in genomes
Authors: Aziz Ruksana , Sen Piyali , Beura Pratyush Kumar , Das Debashis , Dash Madhusmita , Namsa Nima Dondu , Deka Ramesh Chandra , Feil Edward J , Satapathy Siddhartha Sankar , Ray Suvendra Kumar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe dN/dS value is estimated in homologous protein coding gene sequences between two closely related organisms for studying selection on the genes. In the usual method of calculation of synonymous (S) and non-synonymous (NS) sites in codons, the transition and transversion rates are considered same as well as no difference of pretermination codons from the other codons regarding NS substitutions is considered. In this study we are proposing a modification in the method by estimating the S and the NS sites in codons by considering difference between the transition and transversion rates and the NS substitutions leading to non-sense codons in pretermination codons. So, the dN/dS value calculated by our approach was higher than that calculated by the earlier method. The modified method was applied in estimating dN/dS in 29 homologous gene sequences ofEscherichia coliandSalmonella enterica. Impact of codon degeneracy and pretermination codons on the dN/dS values estimated by our method were observed clearly. Our method of estimation that considers the above features is a realistic representation of dN/dS values in coding sequences.
Corporate social responsibility and the impact on economic value added: the role of environmental innovation
Authors: Schiessl Djonata , Korelo José Carlos , Mussi Szabo Cherobim Ana Paula 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a common strategy implemented by companies due to social, ethical and policy pressures to reduce its impact on society, economy and environment. However, whether CSR adds or decreases firms’ value remains little explored. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the impact of CSR adoption on companies’ economic value added (EVA). The authors also tested a mechanism of environmental innovation and the moderation role of a firm’s size.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors performed a regression analysis and a mediation process analysis using dataset from 4,287 largest companies worldwide to investigate this issue. The a dataset was collected from Eikon, a Thomson Reuters platform.

Findings
The results revealed four main findings. Companies with high CSR indexes decreased EVA; environmental innovation mediated the effect of CSR on EVA; the firm size positively moderated the effect of CSR on EVA and firm size positively moderated the effect of CSR on environmental innovation.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is the first endeavor to analyze CSR’s effect on EVA and the mediation role of environmental innovation using the most prominent firms worldwide. Furthermore, the results highlight exciting implications for literature, managers and policymakers.
Collaborative literary reasoning as a support for preservice English language arts teachers' learning about disciplinary literacy
Authors: Kane Britnie Delinger , Keene K.C. , Reynolds Sarah 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand how preservice teachers (PTs) learn about disciplinary literacy in English language arts (ELA). In mathematics and writing, research has found that teachers’ participation in disciplinary work can support their understanding of domain-specific inquiry, problem-solving and argumentation.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory, qualitative case study of an English methods course extends that work into ELA, asking how PTs’ participation in collaborative literary reasoning (CLR) influences their understanding of ELA as a discipline and their instructional planning processes.FindingsFindings indicate that CLR supported PTs to define ELA as a collaborative discipline in which multiple interpretations of literature are valued; to name specific disciplinary literacy practices; to identify a focus and purpose for teachers’ design and revision of lesson plans; and to inform their thinking about text selection and complexity.Originality/valueThis work highlights the potential of collaborative literary reasoning to support PTs’ learning about disciplinary literacy instruction.
Job satisfaction and support in the medical profession: The foundations of efficient organizational healthcare performance
Authors: Gkliati Alexandra , Saiti Anna 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine the levels of job satisfaction among doctors who work in Greek public hospitals, to determine the factors that may influence their satisfaction, to examine the contribution that staff support makes to job satisfaction and to investigate the potential impact that an economic recession might have on job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe sampling process used was stratified sampling and it was applied to all health regions in Greece. An official request to carry out the study was sent to 45 hospitals for the approval of their management. Through random sampling, 5% of the doctors' population was selected from each participating hospital, with the resulting sample consisting of 458 doctors from all the health regions of Greece. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to the sample of medical doctors to gather data on their perception of the work they do in public hospitals.FindingsEmpirical results showed that (1) the most important factor in doctors' job satisfaction appears to be the nature of their job and the high levels of autonomy that they have, and (2) doctors' level of commitment is maintained by enhancing their positive emotions and sense of professional well-being.Originality/valueA deeper understanding of important concepts of an organization's behavior such as job satisfaction, staff support and their connection with internal organizational structures will facilitate policy makers and those who make decisions on the strategic management of medical staff in public hospitals.
Functionally diverse tree stands reduce herbaceous diversity and productivity via canopy packing
Authors: Zheng Li‐Ting , Chen Han Y. H. , Hautier Yann , Bao Di‐Feng , Xu Ming‐Shan , Yang Bai‐Yu , Zhao Zhao , Zhang Li , Yan En‐Rong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

There is extensive experimental evidence for the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem functioning. However, such experiments typically prevent immigration by continuously removing non‐target species, thereby questioning the generality of these findings to real‐world ecosystems. This is particularly true in forest ecosystems where understorey herbaceous species are key biodiversity components but are usually weeded in tree diversity experiments. Consequently, little is known about how tree diversity influences the natural dynamics of understorey herbaceous layers.

We conducted a 3‐year non‐weeded tree diversity experiment composed of eight woody species differing widely in plant economic strategies. We examined how the functional diversity and identity of tree species mixtures drive the temporal dynamics of understorey productivity, functional diversity and composition through canopy packing (CP).

Tree mixtures with high functional diversity experienced increased CP over time, thereby decreasing understorey productivity and diversity. Furthermore, herbaceous communities were dominated by species with functional traits typical of low‐light conditions [lower community‐weighted mean (CWM) of maximum plant height, but larger CWM of specific leaf area] in response to increased CP.

Our results provide mechanistic insights into the role of tree functional diversity in shaping the dynamics of biomass, functional diversity and composition of the understorey herbaceous layer during the early successional period. It is expected that the effects of tree functional diversity would also be relevant over time due to the increasing usage of canopy space. This study highlights the significance of natural community processes in determining the effects of tree diversity on the temporal dynamics of previously neglected ecosystem structures and functioning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.