bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vagus nerve mediated liver-brain axis is a major regulator of the metabolic landscape in the liver
Authors: Brito Camila Fatima , Fonseca Roberta Cristelli , Rodrigues-Ribeiro Lucas , Vaz Bruna Fernandes , Tofani Gabriel Sousa Silva , Diniz Ariane Barros , Fernandes Paola , Nunes Núbia Alexandre Melo , Pessoa Rafaela Miranda , Oliveira Amanda Carla Clemente , Cardoso Valbert Nascimento , Fernandes Simone Odília Antunes , Oliveira Maristela Poletini , Alvarez-Leite Jacqueline Isaura , Menezes Gustavo Batista , Ferreira Adaliene Versiani M , Gorshkov Vladimir , Kjeldsen Frank , Verano-Braga Thiago , Oliveira André Gustavo
Published: November 2023

Background

The liver serves as a major energetic reservoir for other tissues and its metabolic function is controlled by humoral and neural factors. The vagus nerve innervating the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in regulating peripheral metabolism and energy expenditure. Although the liver receives vagus nerve fibers, the impact of this circuitry in the regulation of hepatic metabolism is still poorly understood.

Methods

Herein, we used a combination of quantitative proteomics andin vivoimaging techniques to investigate the impact of the vagus nerve on liver metabolism.

Results

Vagus nerve shapes the metabolic framework of the liver, as surgical ablation (vagotomy; VNX) of this circuitry led to a significant alteration of the hepatic proteome landscape. Differential protein expression and pathway enrichment analyses showed that glycolytic and fatty acid biosynthesis were increased following VNX, whereas β-oxidation was decreased. This metabolic shift facilitated lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Furthermore, VNX worsened liver steatosis following high-carbohydrate or high-fat dietary challenges.

Conclusions

This study describes the liver-brain axis mediated by the vagus nerve as an important regulator of the hepatic metabolic landscape.

Highlights

Vagus nerve is a novel regulator of the hepatic metabolic landscape.

Ablation of vagus nerve neural circuit by vagotomy resulted in a metabolic shift towards glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis.

Lipid accumulation was increased in vagotomized mice fed with a standard diet.

Liver steatosis was increased following dietary challenges with high-carbohydrate or high-fat diets.

Vagus nerve can be a promising new target for NAFLD treatment.
A Genome Sequence for the Threatened Whitebark Pine
Authors: Neale David B. , Zimin Aleksey V. , Meltzer Amy , Bhattarai Akriti , Amee Maurice , Corona Laura Figueroa , Allen Brian J. , Puiu Daniela , Wright Jessica , Torre Amanda R. De La , McGuire Patrick E. , Timp Winston , Salzberg Steven L. , Wegrzyn Jill L.
Published: November 2023

Whitebark pine (WBP,Pinus albicaulis) is a white pine of subalpine regions in western contiguous US and Canada. WBP has become critically threatened throughout a significant part of its natural range due to mortality from the introduced fungal pathogen white pine blister rust (WPBR,Cronartium ribicola) and additional threats from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), wildfire, and maladaptation due to changing climate. Vast acreages of WBP have suffered nearly complete mortality. Genomic technologies can contribute to a faster, more cost-effective approach to the traditional practices of identifying disease-resistant, climate-adapted seed sources for restoration. With deep-coverage Illumina short-reads of haploid megametophyte tissue and Oxford Nanopore long-reads of diploid needle tissue, followed by a hybrid, multistep assembly approach, we produced a final assembly containing 27.6 Gbp of sequence in 92,740 contigs (N50 537,007 bp) and 34,716 scaffolds (N50 2.0 Gbp). Approximately 87.2% (24.0 Gbp) of total sequence was placed on the twelve WBP chromosomes. Annotation yielded 25,362 protein-coding genes, and over 77% of the genome was characterized as repeats. WBP has demonstrated the greatest variation in resistance to WPBR among the North American white pines. Candidate genes for quantitative resistance include disease resistance genes known as nucleotide-binding leucine-rich-repeat receptors (NLRs). A combination of protein domain alignments and direct genome scanning was employed to fully describe the three subclasses of NLRs (TNL, CNL, RNL). Our high-quality reference sequence and annotation provide a marked improvement in NLR identification compared to previous assessments that leveraged de novo assembled transcriptomes.
Adaptive IRE1 Signaling Elicits T Cell Metabolic Remodeling and Tumor Control
Authors: Riesenberg Brian P. , Gandy Evelyn J. , Kennedy Andrew S. , Hunt Elizabeth G. , Hurst Katie E. , Sedlacek Elise L. , Gao Peng , Emanuele Michael J. , Modliszewski Jennfier , Green Jarred M. , Milner Justin J. , Wiseman R. Luke , Thaxton Jessica E.
Published: November 2023

The efficacy of cancer immunotherapies is limited by the metabolic instability of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that disables T cell antitumor immunity. Metabolic imbalances within the TME are sensed and responded to by stress sensors of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR comprises three integrated signaling pathways harboring both adaptive and deleterious phases based on the extent and duration of cell stress. Here, we elucidate the differential contributions of adaptive and deleterious signaling downstream of the UPR IRE1 pathway in T cell-regulated tumor control. T cells in murine and patient cancers experience persistent ER stress, leading to hyperactive IRE1 signaling that limits tumor control. However, amplifying the adaptive arm of the IRE1 UPR serves to eliminate mitochondrial toxicity and protect T cells from chronic ER stress, yielding robust tumor engraftment and long-term tumor immunity. Our findings establish the UPR’s essential protective role in antitumor immunity.
Input / Output Relationships for the Primary Hippocampal Circuit
Authors: Gunn BG , Pruess BS , Gall CM , Lynch G
Published: November 2023

The hippocampus is likely the most studied brain region but little is known about signal throughput –– the simplest, yet most essential of circuit operations –– across its multiple stages from perforant path input to CA1. Here we report that single pulse stimulation of the lateral perforant path (LPP) produces a two-part CA1 response generated by projections to CA3 („direct path‟) and the dentate gyrus („indirect path‟). The latter was by far the more potent in driving CA1 output because it engaged the massive recurrent collateral system and elicited a series of fEPSPs and spikes in CA3. The mobilization time for this stereotyped sharp wave-like response resulted in surprisingly slow throughput. The circuit did not convey high frequency LPP trains but transmitted single pulses, or bursts of pulses separated by the period of the theta wave. During these activation patterns CA1 output faithfully reproduced a version of the LPP input. We conclude that the basic hippocampal circuit, despite its considerable complexity, has a default mode in which select cortical signals are reliably transferred to output stations.

Significance statement

The hippocampus, a brain structure synonymous with episodic memory, is one of the most studied brain regions in neuroscience today. However, despite this intense interest, surprisingly little is known about how signals are transformed and processed by the hippocampal circuit. As a result, there are currently no “bottom up” hypotheses about how the structure supports its physiological function(s). Here, we use a novel brain slice preparation to describe the signal transformations occurring across the primary hippocampal circuit. The results identify novel circuit operations that challenge the notion of the tri-synaptic circuit and provide evidence for frequency-dependent filters that are critical for determining signal throughput. These findings provide an initial link between basic circuit function(s) and events recorded in behaving animals.
VTA dopamine neurons are hyperexcitable in 3xTg-AD mice due to casein kinase 2-dependent SK channel dysfunction
Authors: Blankenship Harris E. , Carter Kelsey A. , Cassidy Nina T. , Markiewicz Andrea N. , Thellmann Michael I. , Sharpe Amanda L. , Freeman Willard M. , Beckstead Michael J.
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms that extend beyond classical cognitive deficits, suggesting involvement of subcortical areas. Here, we investigated the role of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in AD using the amyloid + tau-driven 3xTg-AD mouse model. We found deficits in reward-based operant learning in AD mice, suggesting possible VTA DA neuron dysregulation. Physiological assessment revealed hyperexcitability and disrupted firing in DA neurons caused by reduced activity of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels. RNA sequencing from contents of single patch-clamped DA neurons (Patch-seq) identified up-regulation of the SK channel modulator casein kinase 2 (CK2). Pharmacological inhibition of CK2 restored SK channel activity and normal firing patterns in 3xTg-AD mice. These findings shed light on a complex interplay between neuropsychiatric symptoms and subcortical circuits in AD, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.
The Physical Logic of Protein Machines
Authors: McBride John M. , Tlusty Tsvi
Published: November 2023

Proteins are intricate molecular machines whose complexity arises from the heterogeneity of the amino acid building blocks and their dynamic network of many-body interactions. These nanomachines gain function when put in the context of a whole organism through interaction with other inhabitants of the biological realm. And this functionality shapes their evolutionary histories through intertwined paths of selection and adaptation. Recent advances in machine learning have solved the decades-old problem of how protein sequence determines their structure. However, the ultimate question regarding the basic logic of protein machines remains open: How does the collective physics of proteins lead to their functionality? and how does a sequence encode the full range of dynamics and chemical interactions that facilitate function? Here, we explore these questions within a physical approach that treats proteins as mechano-chemical machines, which are adapted to function via concerted evolution of structure, motion, and chemical interactions.
Massively parallel quantification of substrate turnover defines protease subsite cooperativity
Authors: Gudipati Rajani Kanth , Gaidatzis Dimos , Seebacher Jan , Muehlhaeusser Sandra , Kempf Georg , Cavadini Simone , Hess Daniel , Soneson Charlotte , Großhans Helge
Published: November 2023

Substrate specificity determines protease functions in physiology and in clinical and biotechnological application, yet quantitative cleavage information is often unavailable, biased, or limited to a small number of events. Here, we develop qPISA (quantitative Protease specificity Inference from Substrate Analysis) to studyDipeptidylPeptidase Four (DPP4), a key regulator of blood glucose levels. We use mass spectrometry to quantify its effects on >40,000 peptides from a complex, commercially available peptide mixture. By determining substrate turnover instead of focusing on product identification, we can reveal cooperative interactions within DPP4’s active pocket and derive a sequence motif that predicts activity quantitatively. qPISA distinguishes DPP4 from the relatedC. elegansDPF-3 (a DPP8/9 orthologue), and we relate the differences to structural features of the two enzymes. We demonstrate that qPISA can direct protein engineering efforts like stabilization of GLP-1, a key DPP4 substrate used in treatment of diabetes and obesity. Thus, qPISA offers a versatile approach for profiling protease and especially exopeptidase specificity, facilitating insight into enzyme mechanisms and biotechnological and clinical applications.
NeuroVelo: interpretable learning of temporal cellular dynamics from single-cell data
Authors: Kouadri Boudjelthia Idris , Milite Salvatore , El Kazwini Nour , Huang Yuanhua , Sottoriva Andrea , Sanguinetti Guido
Published: November 2023

Reconstructing temporal cellular dynamics from static single-cell transcriptomics remains a major challenge. Methods based on RNA velocity are useful, but interpreting their results to learn new biology remains difficult, and their predictive power is limited. Here we propose NeuroVelo, a method that couples learning of an optimal linear projection with non-linear Neural Ordinary Differential Equations. Unlike current methods, it uses dynamical systems theory to model biological processes over time, hence NeuroVelo can identify what genes and mechanisms drive the temporal cellular dynamics. We benchmark NeuroVelo against several state-of-the-art methods using single-cell datasets, demonstrating that NeuroVelo has high predictive power but is superior to competing methods in identifying the mechanisms that drive cellular dynamics over time. We also show how we can use this method to infer gene regulatory networks that drive cell fate directly from the data.
An Open-Access Database of Video Stimuli for Action Observation Research in Neuroimaging Settings: Psychometric Evaluation and Motion Characterization
Authors: Georgiev Christian , Legrand Thomas , Mongold Scott J. , Fiedler-Valenta Manoa , Guittard Frédéric , Bourguignon Mathieu
Published: November 2023

Video presentation has become ubiquitous in paradigms investigating the neural and behavioral responses to observed actions. In spite of the great interest in uncovering the processing of observed bodily movements and actions in neuroscience and cognitive science, at present, no standardized set of video stimuli for action observation research in neuroimaging settings exists. To facilitate future action observation research, we developed an open-access database of 135 high-definition videos of a male actor performing object-oriented actions. Actions from 3 categories: kinematically natural and goal-intact (Normal), kinematically unnatural and goal-intact (How), or kinematically natural and goal-violating (What), directed towards 15 different objects were filmed from 3 angles. Psychometric evaluation of the database revealed high video recognition accuracy (Meanaccuracy = 88.61 %) and substantial inter-rater agreement (Fleiss’Kappa= 0.702), establishing excellent validity and reliability. Videos’ exact timing of motion onset was identified using a custom motion detection frame-differencing procedure. Based on its outcome, the videos were edited to assure that motion begins at the second frame of each video. The videos’ timing of category recognition was also identified using a novel behavioral up-down staircase procedure. The identified timings can be incorporated in future experimental designs to counteract jittered stimulus onsets, thus vastly improving the sensitivity of neuroimaging experiments. All videos, their psychometric evaluations, and the timing of their frame of category recognition, as well as our custom programs for performing these evaluations on our, or on other similar video databases, are available at the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/zexc4/).
DeepLocRNA: An Interpretable Deep Learning Model for Predicting RNA Subcellular Localization with domain-specific transfer-learning
Authors: Wang Jun , Horlacher Marc , Cheng Lixin , Winther Ole
Published: November 2023

Accurate prediction of RNA subcellular localization plays an important role in understanding cellular processes and functions. Although post-transcriptional processes are governed by trans-acting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) through interaction with cis-regulatory RNA motifs, current methods do not incorporate RBP-binding information. In this paper, we propose DeepLocRNA, an interpretable deep-learning model that leverages a pre-trained multi-task RBP-binding prediction model to predict the subcellular localisation of RNA molecules via fine-tuning. We constructed DeepLocRNA using a comprehensive dataset with variant RNA types and evaluated it on held-out RNA species. Our model achieved state-of-the-art performance in predicting RNA subcellular localization in mRNA and miRNA. It has demonstrated great generalization capabilities, not only for human RNA but also for mice. Moreover, the interpretability of the model is enhanced through the motif analysis, enabling the understanding of the signal factors that contribute to the predictions. The proposed model provides general and powerful prediction abilities for different RNA and species, offering valuable insights into the localisation patterns of RNA molecules and contributing to advancing our understanding of cellular processes at the molecular level.
A chromosome-level genome assembly ofSolanum chilense, a tomato wild relative associated with resistance to salinity and drought
Authors: Molitor Corentin , Kurowski Tomasz J. , Fidalgo de Almeida Pedro M , Kevei Zoltan , Spindlow Daniel J. , Chacko Kaitholil Steffimol R. , Iheanyichi Justice U. , Prasanna HC , Thompson Andrew J. , Mohareb Fady R.
Published: November 2023

Solanum chilenseis a wild relative of tomato reported to exhibit resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. There is potential to improve tomato cultivars via breeding with wild relatives, a process greatly accelerated by suitable genomic and genetic resources. In this study we generated a high-quality, chromosome-level,de novoassembly for theS. chilenseaccession LA1972 using a hybrid assembly strategy with ∼180 Gbp of Illumina short reads and ∼50 Gbp long PacBio reads. Further scaffolding was performed using Bionano optical maps and 10x Chromium® reads. The resulting sequences were arranged into 12 pseudomolecules using Hi-C sequencing. This resulted in a 901 Mbp assembly, with a completeness of 95%, as determined by Benchmarking with Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO). Sequencing of RNA from multiple tissues resulting in ∼219 Gbp of reads was used to annotate the genome assembly with an RNA-Seq guided gene prediction, and for ade novotranscriptome assembly. This chromosome-level, high-quality reference genome forS. chilenseaccession LA1972 will support future breeding efforts for more sustainable tomato production. Gene sequences related to drought and salt resistance were compared betweenS. chilenseandS. lycopersicumto identify amino acid variations with high potential for functional impact. These variants were subsequently analysed in 84 resequenced tomato lines across 12 different related species to explore the variant distributions. We identified a set of 7 putative impactful amino acid variants some of which may also impact on fruit development for example the ethylene-responsive transcription factor WIN1andethylene-insensitive protein 2. These variants could be tested for their ability to confer functional phenotypes to cultivars that have lost these variants.
Reversible histone deacetylase activity catalyzes lysine acylation
Authors: Tsusaka Takeshi , Najar Mohd. Altaf , Schwarz Benjamin , Bohrnsen Eric , Oses-Prieto Juan A. , Lee Christina , Burlingame Alma L. , Bosio Catharine M. , Burslem George M. , Goldberg Emily L.
Published: November 2023

Starvation and low carbohydrate diets lead to the accumulation of the ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), whose blood concentrations increase more than 10-fold into the millimolar range. In addition to providing a carbon source, BHB accumulation triggers lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) of proteins via unknown mechanisms. As with other lysine acylation events, Kbhb marks can be removed by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Here, we report that class I HDACs unexpectedly catalyze protein lysine modification with β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Mutational analyses of the HDAC2 active site reveal a shared reliance on key amino acids for classical deacetylation and non-canonical HDAC-catalyzed β-hydroxybutyrylation. Also consistent with reverse HDAC activity, Kbhb formation is driven by mass action and substrate availability. This reverse HDAC activity is not limited to BHB but also extends to multiple short-chain fatty acids. The reversible activity of class I HDACs described here represents a novel mechanism of PTM deposition relevant to metabolically-sensitive proteome modifications.
Pseudomonas syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 induces defense responses in diverse maize inbred lines
Authors: Jaiswal Namrata , Helm Matthew
Published: November 2023

Many phytopathogens translocate virulence (effector) proteins into plant cells to circumvent host immune responses during infection. One such pathogen isPseudomonas syringaepv.tomatoDC3000, which secretes at least twenty-nine effectors into host cells, of which a subset elicits host defense responses in crop plant species. However, it is unknown whetherP. syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 activates immune responses in diverse maize inbreds. Here, we screened a diverse maize germplasm collection for effector-dependent recognition of this bacterial pathogen. As a control, we infiltratedPseudomonas syringaeDC3000(D36E), a derivative ofP. syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 that lacks all endogenous effectors. In our evaluations, we observed a variety of responses toP. syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 in maize and scored the phenotypes as either no observable response (N) or as one of three responses: weak chlorosis (WC), chlorosis (C) with minimal cell death, and hypersensitive reaction (HR)-like cell death. Of the twenty-six maize inbreds screened, 13 were scored as N, 2 as WC, 2 as C, and 9 as HR-like cell death. Importantly, no maize line responded toP. syringaeDC3000(D36E), demonstrating the responses observed are likely dependent upon recognition of one or morePseudomonaseffectors. Importantly, maize inbreds that recognizeP. syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 accumulated detectable hydrogen peroxide as well as an increase in transcript expression of a subset of maize defense genes. Collectively, our results will likely stimulate new research aimed at identifying the cognate maize disease resistance proteins that recognize the activities of one or more bacterial effectors.
Development of governance for an integrated public data (GIPD) framework: illustrative use of GIPD in South Korea
Authors: Kim Haengmi , An Jaeyoung , Lee Choong C.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Upon the realization of the need for guideline in cross-organizational data integration, in an exploratory manner, this study developed a public data governance framework, specifically, the governance for integrated public data (GIPD) framework and identified the influential factors of its successful implementation. This framework was then subjected to an analysis of a real data integration case in the South Korean public sector to test its efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the GIPD framework, the authors conducted an extensive meta study, focus group interviews and the analytic hierarchy process involving field experts. Further, the authors performed topic modeling on documents from Korean research and development data integration projects, and compared the extracted factors to those of the GIPD to illustrate the latter's usefulness in a real case.

Findings

Legislation, policy goals and strategies, operation organization, decision-making council, financial support size and objective, system development and operation, data integration, data generation, system/data standardization and master data management were derived as the 10 important factors in implementing the GIPD framework. The illustrative case of Korea revealed that decision-making council, financial support size and objective, legislation, data generation and data integration were insufficient.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study reveals important findings, it has a few limitations. First, the potential factors for data governance might vary depending on the attribute of the “interviewee” (such as their career or experience period) and the goal and area of GIPD framework building. Second, the inherent limitation of topic modeling in determining topics from groups of extracted keywords means that topics may be interpreted in various ways, depending on the perspective of the expert.

Practical implications

This study is highly significant in that it provides a starting point for discussions on the issue of data integration among public institutions. Therefore, although this study examined public data governance based on R&D data, it will contribute to providing a sufficient guideline for any type of inter-institutional data governance framework, what to discuss and how to discuss between institutions.

Originality/value

The findings are expected to provide a roadmap to formulate practical guidelines on inter-institutional data cooperation and a diagnostic matrix to improve the existing data governance system, especially in the public sector, from the existing practice of empirical analysis using a mixed methodology approach.
This is not an exit: accounting education and attempting to escape the capitalist realist “cage”
Authors: Yates David , Al Mahameed Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Through this reflexive, theoretically informed polemical piece, this paper aims to seek to reflect on the role of accounting education in United Kingdom Higher Education (UKHE). The authors reignite an old, but pertinent debate, whether accounting graduates should be educated to be accountants or receive a holistic, critical education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a theoretical position drawing on the work of Slavoj Žižek and Mark Fisher, and their fusion of Lacanian psychoanalysis and Marxism, in particular Fisher’s (2009) conceptualisation of “capitalist realism” to take a critical standpoint on the effects that UKHE marketisation is having on the teaching of accounting and other business-related disciplines.

Findings

The authors outline four key aspects of where accounting education in UKHE is influenced by capitalist realism, as a result of the marketisation of UKHE.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a reflexive polemic and so is limited by this written style and presentation.

Social implications

The authors argue that capitalist realism is a dominant theme that influences accounting education. They propose that universities now, more than ever, must focus on their societal duty to foster critical viewpoints in their graduates and dispose of a model that is subject to capitalist realism ontology.

Originality/value

The theoretical stance allows for a potentially deeper consideration of issues surrounding marketisation of higher education, from the micro level of social interaction (that of the accounting academic and their impact/perceptions of the reality).
A resource-efficient form-finding approach to tensegrity structures
Authors: Liu Heping , Sanaullah  , Vumiliya Angelo , Luo Ani
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Three methods have been formulated based on the eigen value decomposition (EVD) and singular value decomposition theorems. These two theorems are being implemented on the matrices, which are computed from the minimal data of the structure. The required minimum data for the structure is the dimension of the structure, the connectivity matrix of the structure and the initial force density matrix computed from the type of elements. The stability of the structure is analyzed based on the rank deficiency of the force density matrix and equilibrium matrix.

Findings

The main purpose of this article is to use the defined methods to find (1) the nodal coordinates of the structure, (2) the final force density values of the structure, (3) single self-stress from multiple self-stresses and (4) the stable structure.

Originality/value

By using the defined approaches, one can understand the difference of each method, which includes, (1) the selection of eigenvalues, (2) the selection of nodal coordinates from the first decomposition theorem, (3) the selection of mechanism mode and force density values further and (4) the solution of single feasible self-stress from multiple self-stresses.
Advocating for a more active role for the user in LIS participatory research: a scoping literature review
Authors: Nesset Valerie , Vanderschantz Nicholas , Stewart-Robertson Owen , Davis Elisabeth C.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Through a review of the literature, this article seeks to outline and understand the evolution and extent of user–participant involvement in the existing library and information science (LIS) research to identify gaps and existing research approaches that might inform further methodological development in participant-oriented and design-based LIS research.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review of LIS research, from the 1960s onward, was conducted, assessing the themes and trends in understanding the user/participant within the LIS field. It traces LIS research from its early focus on information and relevancy to the “user turn”, to the rise of participatory research, especially design-based, as well as the recent inclusion of Indigenous and decolonial methodologies.

Findings

The literature review indicates that despite the reported “user turn”, LIS research often does not include the user as an active and equal participant within research projects.

Originality/value

The findings from this review support the development of alternative design research methodologies in LIS that fully include and involve research participants as full partners – from planning through dissemination of results – and suggests avenues for continuing the development of such design-based research. To that end, it lays the foundations for the introduction of a novel methodology, Action Partnership Research Design (APRD).
Is supported living a pathway to recovery? A preliminary investigation of a new model
Authors: Barnes Steven , Carson Jerome , Gournay Kevin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Evidence suggests supported living can improve functioning and reduce need. However, its lack of a clear definition has presented significant challenges to establishing a definitive evaluation of its efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a defined model of supported living using in terms of reductions made to aspects of clinical and social recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

A naturalistic, non-controlled assessment was conducting using using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Clinical Scale with a sample of adults with severe and enduring mental illness residing with a UK-based mental health company at 1 of 12 UK locations.

Findings

Analysis regarding preliminary outcomes relating to health and social need is presented with comparison between admission and six-months post-admission (N = 90). Additional analysis relating to outcomes at 12 months is also provided (N = 39). Significant outcomes are noted at both timepoints in terms of reducing unmet need and levels of formal and informal help given/required during tenancy.

Practical implications

The findings support that, even in the absence of clinical recovery, opportunities exist to make meaningful and valuable improvements to unmet need and functional independence, with implications for clinical practice in the context of supported living.

Originality/value

The findings provide encouraging early indications of the benefits of the model in making meaningful reductions to functional and psychological needs in individuals with severe and enduring mental illness.
Service robots and hotel guests’ perceptions: anthropomorphism and stereotypes
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Li Yunpeng , Leung Xi Yu , Mei Dong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Drawing on anthropomorphism and the stereotype content model, this study aims to explore the impacts of robot anthropomorphism on hotel guests’ word of mouth and continuous usage intention through perceived warmth and competence. This study also investigates the moderating effects of guests’ expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 524 valid data was collected with Chinese hotel guest through an online survey. Data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that robot anthropomorphism positively affects perceived warmth and competence. Perceived warmth positively affects guests’ word of mouth and continuous usage intention, while perceived competence only positively influences guests’ continuous usage intention. The findings further show that guest expertise weakens the positive relationship between robot anthropomorphism and perceived warmth and competence.

Originality/value

This study advances robot service literature by integrating the stereotype content model with robot anthropomorphism in exploring hotel guests’ perceptions on service robots. This study also discovers the vital boundary role of guest characteristics in human–robot interaction. This study provides valuable information for hoteliers to design and adopt better robots for optimal guest experiences.
The Economic Politics of Anti‐Displacement Struggle: Connecting Diverse and Community Economies Research with Critical Urban Studies on the Carpenters Estate, London
Authors: Taylor Myfanwy
Published: November 2023

This article explores the economic politics of anti‐displacement struggle, bringing into conversation critical urban studies and diverse and community economies research. It draws on my research and collaboration with a community planning group which emerged from residents’ and businesses’ struggle against displacement on the Carpenters Estate in Newham, London in 2012/13. My analysis makes visible the ways in which anti‐displacement struggle both animates and limits the production of new economic subjectivities, language, and possibilities for collective action. Ideas and tools from diverse and community economies research—lightly held and adapted for specific struggles and contexts—can help to support and strengthen these messy and fragile economic politics. The article advances diverse and community economies research on antagonism and the diversity of capitalism and contributes to re‐orienting critical urban research towards the production of economic alternatives.
Inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β signals suppresses tumor formation by regulation of tumor microenvironment networks
Authors: Tokizaki Shiori , Podyma‐Inoue Katarzyna A. , Matsumoto Takehisa , Takahashi Kazuki , Kobayashi Miho , Ibi Haruka , Uchida Shizuka , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Harada Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Shinichi , Miyazono Kohei , Shirouzu Mikako , Watabe Tetsuro
Published: November 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of cancer cells surrounded by stromal components including tumor vessels. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) promotes tumor progression by inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells and stimulating tumor angiogenesis in the tumor stroma. We previously developed an Fc chimeric TGF‐β receptor containing both TGF‐β type I (TβRI) and type II (TβRII) receptors (TβRI‐TβRII‐Fc), which trapped all TGF‐β isoforms and suppressed tumor growth. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this action have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the recombinant TβRI‐TβRII‐Fc protein effectively suppressed in vitro EMT of oral cancer cells and in vivo tumor growth in a human oral cancer cell xenograft mouse model. Tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis were suppressed in tumors treated with TβRI‐TβRII‐Fc. Molecular profiling of human cancer cells and mouse stroma revealed that K‐Ras signaling and angiogenesis were suppressed. Administration of TβRI‐TβRII‐Fc protein decreased the expression of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and epiregulin (EREG) in the TME of oral cancer tumor xenografts. HB‐EGF increased proliferation of human oral cancer cells and mouse endothelial cells by activating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. HB‐EGF also promoted oral cancer cell‐derived tumor formation by enhancing cancer cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. In addition, increased expressions of IL‐1β and EREG in oral cancer cells significantly enhanced tumor formation. These results suggest that TGF‐β signaling in the TME controls cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis by activating HB‐EGF/IL‐1β/EREG pathways and that TβRI‐TβRII‐Fc protein is a promising tool for targeting the TME networks.
SkyGAN: Realistic Cloud Imagery for Image‐based Lighting
Authors: Mirbauer Martin , Rittig Tobias , Iser Tomáš , Křivánek Jaroslav , Šikudová Elena
Published: November 2023

Achieving photorealism when rendering virtual scenes in movies or architecture visualizations often depends on providing a realistic illumination and background. Typically, spherical environment maps serve both as a natural light source from the Sun and the sky, and as a background with clouds and a horizon. In practice, the input is either a static high‐resolution HDR photograph manually captured on location in real conditions, or an analytical clear sky model that is dynamic, but cannot model clouds. Our approach bridges these two limited paradigms: a user can control the sun position and cloud coverage ratio, and generate a realistically looking environment map for these conditions. It is a hybrid data‐driven analytical model based on a modified state‐of‐the‐art GAN architecture, which is trained on matching pairs of physically‐accurate clear sky radiance and HDR fisheye photographs of clouds. We demonstrate our results on renders of outdoor scenes under varying time, date and cloud covers. Our source code and a dataset of 39 000 HDR sky images are publicly available at https://github.com/CGGMFF/SkyGAN.
Niche overlap between sympatric cichlid species of the genus Rocio (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) in Guatemala
Authors: Fuentes‐Montejo César E. , Aguirre Windsor , Elías Diego J. , Barrientos Christian , McMahan Caleb D.
Published: November 2023

Rocio is a small genus of Neotropical freshwater fishes that is distributed in Atlantic drainages of northern Middle America. Two species of Rocio, R. spinosissima and R. octofasciata, exhibit sympatry in the Río Dulce basin in eastern Guatemala. Rocio spinosissima is endemic to the Río Dulce basin, while R. octofasciata has a larger geographic range that includes this area. Our goal was to explore the ecological and morphological variation shown by these two closely related species and determine their differences. A combination of field work, analysis of museum specimens, and ecological niche modelling helped to better understand the differences in habitat and environmental characteristics, along with the body shape variation. Local‐scale environmental data suggest that both species inhabit lentic environments, with R. spinosissima using narrower and low canopy‐covered habitats and R. octofasciata inhabiting areas with a larger range of environmental characteristics. Ecological Niche Models indicated that land cover, soil, precipitation, and temperature largely define the distribution of both species. Body shape differs between species, with R. spinosissima exhibiting a rounder and deeper body while R. octofasciata is more elongated. Specimens of R. octofasciata across its distribution also show variation in head shape, mouth position, fin, and caudal peduncle characteristics, possibly as a response to trophic strategies that reduce competition. Similarities in their environments and morphologies allow us to identify broadly overlapping niches in the two species of Rocio, while the fine scale differences documented between species will have conservation implications for the endemic R. spinosissima.
Person‐centred caregiver singing for people living with dementia in South Africa: A mixed methods evaluation of acceptability, feasibility, and professional caregivers' experiences
Authors: Stuart‐Röhm Karyn , Clark Imogen N. , Baker Felicity A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Dementia care in South Africa faces challenges including a paucity of published research, a prevalent medical model in healthcare, and inadequate caregiver training. Music is a meaningful psychosocial intervention in dementia care, yet its application is not always safe and effective. A training protocol was codesigned to enhance caregivers' delivery of person‐centred care through attuned, live singing.

Objectives

This study explored the acceptability and caregivers' experiences of a person‐centred caregiver singing (PCCS) protocol in South Africa.

Methods

A PCCS workshop was applied at seven aged care homes in Cape Town, South Africa. Forty‐one formal caregivers adhered to inclusion criteria and consented to attend one workshop on PCCS. Mixed methods data collection was obtained from questionnaires containing a Likert scale and written reflections. Quantitative data were analysed through nonparametric tests and narrative descriptions, and qualitative data through thematic content analysis. Findings were integrated deductively using seven components of acceptability.

Results

Findings converged to show caregivers' positive experiences, highlighting observed improvements in residents' wellbeing, caregivers' capabilities, empathic connection, and person‐centred care beyond the one‐on‐one. Caregivers' limited song repertoire and residents' unpredictability hindered implementation, however, the skills acquired appeared useful and applicable.

Conclusions

Integration of findings suggests the acceptability of PCCS as caregivers experienced PCCS as a helpful, easy‐to‐implement intervention that contributes to their delivery of person‐centred care. Further research focused on caregiver self‐efficacy, empathy, and caregivers' own personhood is needed as well as determining the most effective strategies to ensure maximum uptake and sustainability in the sector.

Patient or Public Contribution

Formal caregivers participated in this study, both attending the training and implementing the singing protocol with residents in their care at their respective care homes. The people living with dementia residing at the care home were recipients of the singing protocol but not included as participants in the research.
A perspective into full cost recovery within a core facility/shared resource lab
Authors: O'Toole Peter J. , Marrison Joanne L.
Published: November 2023

Here we outline a vignette of the Bioscience Technology Facility (BTF) at the University of York as a singular exemplar of the Full Cost Recovery model. It is fully appreciated that every facility operates slightly differently, and each are subject to various rules at the institutional, regional and national level. Understanding the regulations that need to be followed for your cost recovery model may require discussion with your administrators to ensure compliance regulations for your Institution and governing bodies are followed. The below is almost a pick and mix of ways of working. It is, however, one of the few examples that is able to fully recover its operating costs within an academic environment and has sought and obtained full institutional and funders support. This model is now being much more widely adopted across the United Kingdom although again always with slightly different interpretations.
The effect of hydrofluoric acid treatment on the repair strength of polyamide denture base materials: An in vitro study
Authors: İşisağ Özer
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dentures can be repaired using autopolymerizing acrylic resin, achieving it using polyamides is difficult. This study aimed to achieve acceptable bond strength using autopolymerizing acrylic resin by applying surface treatments to the polyamide denture base material.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐six disc‐shaped samples (27 polyamide, 9 PMMA) were prepared. Based on the surface treatment applied, the polyamide samples were divided into three groups: No surface treatment (n = 9), tribochemical silica coating + silane coupling agent (n = 9), and 9% hydrofluoric acid + tribochemical silica coating +silane coupling agent (n = 9). PMMA specimens received no surface treatment. Polyamide and PMMA surfaces had auto‐polymerizing acrylic resin bonded on them, and then a shear bond strength test was performed between them after aging. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

PMMA had the highest shear bond strength, the untreated polyamide group had the lowest shear bond strength, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). The group treated with 9% hydrofluoric acid, tribochemical silica coating, and silane coupling agent exhibited the highest shear bond strength of the polyamide groups, and the bond strength in this group was comparable to the PMMA specimens (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The polyamide denture repair strength can be improved by 9% hydrofluoric acid, tribochemical silica coating, and silane coupling agent application to the polyamide surface.
A decision‐making framework for genomic testing in paediatric nephrology
Authors: Beadell Inez , Quinlan Catherine
Published: November 2023

Aim

Technological advances and increased access have led to genomics expanding beyond the genetics clinic. Consequently, nephrologists can now order genomic testing for their patients. Consistent decision‐making around patient and test selection is required to ensure equitable access while maximising the utility of genomic testing. However, there are currently no frameworks to guide decision‐making for testing in this context. We aimed to develop an ethical decision‐making framework for genomic testing in paediatric nephrology.

Methods

A three‐stage approach was used: (i) review of the literature on decision‐making for genomic testing in nephrology and other disciplines; (ii) ethnographic observation of approaches to genomic testing in the general nephrology and renal genetics clinics at an Australian paediatric hospital; (iii) review and revision of the framework with key stakeholders, including clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, paediatric nephrologists and families from the renal genetics service. The initial framework was modified until consensus from key stakeholders was reached.

Results

A decision‐making framework was created with questions designed to explore the impact of genomic testing on patient management, clinical validity, patient characteristics, alternatives to genomic testing, genetic counselling, resource availability, implications for family members, psychosocial considerations, patient autonomy, research, support services and insurance. Case studies were developed to demonstrate the framework's application.

Conclusions

This framework was designed to guide decisions around patient selection for genomic testing in nephrology in the Australian health‐care setting, with potential utility in other institutions and medical disciplines. It may help facilitate consistent approaches to genomic testing, to maximise equity and utility.