bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A low dimensional cognitive-network space in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Pini Lorenzo , de Lange Siemon , Pizzini Francesca , Galazzo Ilaria Boscolo , Manenti Rosa , Cotelli Maria , Galluzzi Samantha , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Corbetta Maurizio , Van den Heuvel Martijn , Pievani Michela
Published: August 2022

Network neuroscience is a promising approach to explore cognitive processes in neurological disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) show network dysfunctions linked with cognitive deficits. Within this framework, network abnormalities between AD and FTD show both convergent and divergent patterns. However, these functional patterns are far from being established and their relevance to cognitive processes remains to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between cognition and functional connectivity of major cognitive networks in these diseases. Twenty-three bvFTD (age: 71±10), 22 AD (age: 72±6) and 20 controls (age: 72±6) underwent cognitive evaluation and resting-state functional MRI. Principal component analysis was used to describe cognitive variance across participants. Brain network connectivity was estimated with connectome analysis. Connectivity matrices were created assessing correlations between parcels within each functional network. The following cognitive networks were considered: default mode (DMN), dorsal attention (DAN), ventral attention (VAN) and frontoparietal (FPN) networks. The relationship between cognition and connectivity was assessed using a robust convergent correlation-wise and interaction analyses. Three principal cognitive components explained more than 80% of the cognitive variance: the first component (cogPC1) loaded on memory, the second component (cogPC2) loaded on emotion and language, the third component (cogPC3) loaded on the visuo-spatial and attentional domains. Compared to HC, AD and bvFTD showed impairment in all cogPCs (p<0.002), and bvFTD scored worse than AD in cogPC2 (p=0.031). At the network level, the DMN showed a robust association in the whole group with cogPC1 and cogPC2, and the VAN with cogPC2. By contrast, DAN and FPN showed a divergent pattern between diagnosis and connectivity for cogPC2. We confirmed these results by means of a multivariate analysis (canonical correlation). These results suggest that a low-dimensional representation can account for a large variance in cognitive scores in the continuum from normal to pathological aging. Moreover, cognitive components showed both convergent and divergent patterns with connectivity across AD and bvFTD. The convergent pattern was observed across the networks primarily involved in these diseases (i.e., the DMN and VAN), while a divergent FC-cognitive pattern was mainly observed between attention/executive networks and the language/emotion cognitive component, suggesting the co-existence of compensatory and detrimental mechanisms underlying these components.
Two sides to every coin: reciprocal introgression line populations inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sterken Mark G. , van Sluijs Lisa , van Creij Jelle W. , Cook Daniel E. , Riksen Joost A.G. , Jovic Katharina , Schouten Jasmijn , Steeghs Maarten , Wang Yiru A. , Stastna Jana J. , Snoek L. Basten , Harvey Simon C. , Kammenga Jan E.
Published: August 2022

Quantitative genetics seeks to understand the role of allelic variation in trait differences. Introgression lines (ILs) contain a single genetic locus introgressed into another genetic background, and are one of the most powerful quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping designs. However, albeit useful for QTL discovery, this homogenous background confounds genetic interactions. Here, we created an IL population with N2 segments in a CB4856 background (ILCB4856), reciprocal to an N2 background with CB4856 introgressions population (ILN2). The ILCB4856panel comprises a population of 145 strains with sequencing confirmed N2 introgressions in a CB4856 background. A core set of 87 strains covering the entire genome was selected. We present three experiments demonstrating the power of the reciprocal IL panels. First, we performed QTL mapping identifying new regions associated with lifespan. Second, the existence of opposite-effect loci regulating heat-stress survival is demonstrated. Third, by combining ILN2and ILCB4856strains, an interacting expression QTL was uncovered. In conclusion, the reciprocal IL panels are a unique and ready-to-use resource to identify, resolve, and refine complex trait architectures inC. elegans.
Differential Expression Enrichment Tool (DEET): An interactive atlas of human differential gene expression
Authors: Sokolowski Dustin J. , Ahn Jedid , Erdman Lauren , Hou Huayun , Ellis Kai , Wang Liangxi , Goldenberg Anna , Wilson Michael D.
Published: August 2022

Differential gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data is a standard approach for making biological discoveries. Ongoing large-scale efforts to process and normalize publicly available gene expression data enable rapid and systematic reanalysis. While several powerful tools systematically process RNA-seq data, enabling their reanalysis, few resources systematically recompute differentially expressed genes (DEGs) generated from individual studies. We developed a robust differential expression analysis pipeline to recompute 3162 human DEG lists from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression Consortium, and 142 studies within the Sequence Read Archive. After measuring the accuracy of the recomputed DEG lists, we built the Differential Expression Enrichment Tool (DEET), which enables users to interact with the recomputed DEG lists. DEET, available through CRAN and RShiny, systematically queries which of the recomputed DEG lists share similar genes, pathways, and TF targets to their own gene lists. DEET identifies relevant studies based on shared results with the user’s gene lists, aiding in hypothesis generation and data-driven literature review.

Highlights

By curating metadata from uniformly processed human RNA-seq studies, we created a database of 3162 differential expression analyses.

These analyses include TCGA, GTEx, and 142 unique studies in SRA, involving 985 distinct experimental conditions.

The Differential Expression Enrichment Tool (DEET) allows users to systematically compare their gene lists to this database.
Evolution of m6A related genes in insects and function of METTL3 in embryonic development of silkworm
Authors: Liu Shuai-Qi , Jia Shun-Ze , Li Ying-Hui , Hu Kai-Wen , Tao Jian-Guo , Lu Yi-Cheng , Xu Yu-Song , Wang Hua-Bing
Published: August 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic RNAs, plays a key role in biological processes. However, the evolutionary relationships and function of m6A related genes in insects are still largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the phylogenetics of m6A related genes among 207 insects and find that m6A related genes are evolutionarily conserved in insects. We apply the lepidopteran model insect Bombyx. mori as a study system. Subcellular localization experiments in BmN cells confirmed that YTHDF3 localizes in the cytoplasm, METTL3, METTL14 and YTHDC localize in the nucleus, while FL2D localizes in both nucleus and cytoplasm. We also detected expression pattern of m6A related genes during the embryonic development of B. mori and found that m6A related genes expression pattern is temporally specific. To elucidate the function of METTL3 during embryonic stage, RNA sequencing was performed to measure differential expressions of mRNA from silkworm eggs after METTL3 knockdown, and METTL3-overexpressing BmN cells. The global transcriptional pattern showed that METTL3 knockdown affected multiple cellular processes, including oxidoreductase activity, transcription regulator activity, cation binding and fundamental many metabolism processes, such as carbon metabolism, purine metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and the citrate cycle, were affected. In addition, METTL3 knockdown significantly affected Wnt and Toll/Imd pathways in embryonic stage. The results suggest that METTL3 plays an important role during the embryonic development of B. mori. This study deepens our understanding of the function of m6A related genes in insects.
Charge neutralization and β-elimination cleavage mechanism of family 42 L-rhamnose-α-1,4-D-glucuronate lyase revealed using neutron crystallography
Authors: Yano Naomine , Kondo Tatsuya , Kusaka Katsuhiro , Yamada Taro , Arakawa Takatoshi , Sakamoto Tatsuji , Fushinobu Shinya
Published: August 2022

Gum arabic (GA) is widely used as an emulsion stabilizer and edible coating, and consists of a complex carbohydrate moiety with a rhamnosyl-glucuronate group capping the non-reducing ends. Enzymes that can specifically cleave the glycosidic chains of GA and modify their properties are valuable tools for structural analysis and industrial application. Cryogenic X-ray crystal structure of GA-specific L-rhamnose-α-1,4-D-glucuronate lyase from Fusarium oxysporum (FoRham1), belonging to the polysaccharide lyase (PL) family 42, has been previously reported. To determine the specific reaction mechanism based on its hydrogen-containing enzyme structure, we performed joint X-ray/neutron crystallography of FoRham1. Large crystals were grown in the presence of L-rhamnose (a reaction product), and neutron and X-ray diffraction datasets were collected at room temperature up to 1.80 and 1.25 Å resolutions, respectively. The active site contained L-rhamnose and acetate, the latter being a partial analog of glucuronate. Incomplete H/D exchange between Arg166 and acetate suggested that a strong salt-bridge interaction was maintained. Doubly deuteronated His105 and deuteronated Tyr150 supported this interaction. The unusually hydrogen-rich environment functions as a charge neutralizer for glucuronate and stabilizes the oxyanion intermediate. The NE2 atom of His85 was deprotonated and formed a hydrogen bond with the deuterated O1 hydroxy of L-rhamnose, indicating the function of His85 as the base/acid catalyst for bond cleavage via β-elimination. Asp83 functions as a pivot between the two catalytic histidine residues by bridging them, and this His–His–Asp structural motif is conserved in the three PL families.

Significance Statement

Although hydrogen transfer plays an important role in enzymatic reactions, hydrogen atoms are generally invisible in macromolecular X-ray crystallography. In the reaction of polysaccharide lyases, substrate activation by negative charge stabilization of uronic acid and base/acid-catalyzed β-elimination reaction have been postulated. Here, we report the neutron crystallography of polysaccharide lyase. Joint X-ray/neutron crystallography of L-rhamnose-α-1,4-D-glucuronate lyase from Fusarium oxysporum (FoRham1) complexed with L-rhamnose was performed, and the hydrogen and deuterium atoms were visualized at a high resolution. FoRham1 catalyzes the specific cleavage of the cap structure of gum arabic, which is useful for various applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. A detailed catalytic mechanism for FoRham1 was proposed based on the key structural features of its active site.
Wild grass isolates of Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) spp. from Germany can cause blast disease on cereal crops
Authors: Barragan A. Cristina , Latorre Sergio M. , Mock Paul G. , Harant Adeline , Win Joe , Malmgren Angus , Burbano Hernán A. , Kamoun Sophien , Langner Thorsten
Published: August 2022

Pathogens that cause destructive crop diseases often infect wild host plants. However, surveys of major plant pathogens tend to be skewed towards cultivated crops and often neglect the wild hosts. Here, we report an emerging disease threat generated by the blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) spp. in central Europe. We found that this notoriously devastating plant pathogen infects the wild grasses foxtail millet (Setaria spp.) and crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) in south-western Germany, a region previously deemed unfavorable for blast disease. Using phenotypic characterization and genomic analyses, we determined that the observed disease symptoms are associated with the Setaria spp.-infecting lineage of M. oryzae and its sister species Magnaporthe grisea. We showed that M. oryzae isolates can infect barley and wheat, thus highlighting the risk of pathogen spread to crops. In addition, M. oryzae isolates which co-occur in natural populations display compatible mating types and variable candidate effector gene content, which may enhance the pathogen’s adaptive potential. Our findings stress the risk of blast fungus infections expanding into European cereal crops through migration and host jumps. This underlines the importance for pathogen surveillance not only on cultivated crops, but also on wild host plants.

Author Summary

Wild plant species are often overlooked during pathogen virulence surveys. However, many of the diseases we observe in crops are a consequence of host jumps from wild to cultivated plant species. This is reminiscent of zoonotic diseases, where host jumps from wild animals to humans result in new disease outbreaks. Here, we report that the notoriously devastating blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) spp. occurs on wild grasses in south-western Germany. This region, which is at the center of the European cereal belt, has so far been viewed as having unfavorable climatic conditions for the blast disease. The newly identified blast fungus isolates have the capacity to infect wheat and barley cultivars, highlighting the risk of the disease spreading to staple cereal crops. In addition, there is potential for sexual recombination in local populations, which may increase the evolutionary potential of the fungus and might facilitate host jumps to cereal crops. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for surveillance of plant diseases on both wild hosts and crops.
Characterization of primary structure of the major silk gene,h-fibroin, across caddisfly suborders (Trichoptera)
Authors: Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Stewart Russell J. , Ríos-Touma Blanca , Powell Ashlyn , Dorji Tshering , Frandsen Paul B. , Pauls Steffen U.
Published: August 2022

Background

Larvae of Trichoptera produce silk to build various underwater structures allowing them to exploit a wide range of aquatic environments. Theheavy chain fibroin(h-fibroin) gene encodes the primary protein component of their silk. Studies on this long (>20 kbp) and highly repetitive gene have been limited by difficulties in its sequence assembly. Recently, high-quality long-read sequencing techniques have been successfully applied to obtain the full-lengthh-fibroinsequence.

Results

We used three new and five previously published genomes to identify eight full-length h-fibroin gene and protein sequences of h-fibroin across the order Trichoptera covering various endpoints of the diversity of ecological silk use in caddisflies. We analyze these together with four existing high-quality h-fibroin sequences. Across the order, we observed conserved patterns in h-fibroin (high similarity of amino(n)-/carboxyl(c)-termini, presence of characteristic repeating structural modules). However, the sequence, number, and arrangement of these repeating modules varied across clades with increasing structural complexity of h-fibroin in fixed retreat and tube-case builders compared to cocoon-builders. We also found a higher percentage of proline in fixed-retreat makers.

Conclusion

This study provides characterizations of the primary structure of h-fibroin from a diverse set of caddisflies. The interplay of conserved termini and basic motif structure with high variation in repeating modules as well as the variation in the percentage of proline might be linked to differences in mechanical properties (i.e., tensile strength, toughness) related to the different silk usage. This sets a starting point for future studies to screen and correlate amino acid motifs and other sequence features with quantifiable silk properties.
Reconstitution of ribosome self-replication outside a living cell
Authors: Kosaka Yuishin , Miyawaki Yumi , Mori Megumi , Aburaya Shunsuke , Fukuyama Mao , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Aoki Wataru
Published: August 2022

Ribosome biogenesis, a recursive process of pre-existing ribosomes self-replicating nascent ones, is pivotal in the self-replication of life. In Escherichia coli, three ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are transcribed, and 54 ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) are synthesized by pre-existing ribosomes as structural components1, 2. They are cotranscriptionally assembled in a cooperative hierarchy under the support of ∼100 accessory factors1–3. The reconstitution of ribosome biogenesis outside a living cell is an essential goal to understand the self-replication of life. However, this goal could not have been achieved so far due to its complexity. Here, we report the successful in vitro reconstitution of the entire ribosome biogenesis process. We hypothesized that mimicking in vivo ribosome biogenesis1–6 could result in in vitro ribosome biogenesis. Specifically, we found that coactivating the transcription of an rRNA operon, as well as the transcription and translation of 54 r-protein genes encoding r-proteins, and the coordinated ribosomal assembly in a cytoplasm-mimicking reaction solution, resulted in highly efficient in vitro reconstitution of ribosome biogenesis. Our achievement represents a critical step toward revealing fundamental principles underlying the self-replication of life and creating self-replicating artificial cells7. We also succeeded in engineering rRNA and r-proteins by only adding mutant ribosomal genes in the reaction, enabling high-throughput and unconstrained creation of artificial ribosomes with altered or enhanced functionality8–12.
DNA damage leads to microtubule stabilisation through an increase in Golgi-derived microtubules
Authors: Venkataravi Aishwarya , Lahiri Mayurika
Published: August 2022

The site of nucleation strongly determines microtubule organisation and dynamics. The centrosome is a primary site for microtubule nucleation and organisation in most animal cells. In recent years, the Golgi apparatus has emerged as a site of microtubule nucleation and stabilisation. The microtubules originating from Golgi are essential for maintaining Golgi integrity post-Golgi trafficking, establishing cell polarity and enabling cell motility. Although the mechanism of nucleation and functional relevance of the Golgi-nucleated microtubule is well established, its regulation needs to be better studied. In this study, we report that DNA damage leads to aberrant Golgi structure and function accompanied by reorganisation of the microtubule network. Characterisation of microtubule dynamics post DNA damage showed the presence of a stable pool of microtubules resistant to depolymerisation by nocodazole and enriched in acetylated tubulin. Investigation of the functional association between Golgi dispersal and microtubule stability revealed that the Golgi elements were distributed along the acetylated microtubules. Microtubule regrowth assays showed an increase in Golgi-derived microtubule post DNA damage. Interestingly, reversal of Golgi dispersal reduces microtubule stabilisation. Altered intracellular trafficking resulting in mislocalisation of cell-cell junction proteins was observed post DNA damage. We propose that the increase in stable microtubules deregulates intracellular trafficking, resulting in cell polarity changes. This study would thus be the first to demonstrate the link between Golgi dispersal and microtubule reorganisation orchestrating changes in cell polarity.
Correlated stabilizing selection shapes the topology of gene regulatory networks
Authors: Petit Apolline J. R. , Guez Jeremy , Rouzic Arnaud Le
Published: August 2022

The evolution of gene expression is constrained by the topology of gene regulatory networks, as co-expressed genes are likely to have their expressions affected together by mutations. Conversely, co-expression can also be an advantage when genes are under joint selection. Here, we assessed theoretically whether correlated selection (selection for a combination of traits) was able to affect the pattern of correlated gene expressions and the underlying gene regulatory networks. We ran individual-based simulations, applying a stabilizing correlated fitness function to three genetic architectures: a quantitative genetics (multilinear) model featuring epistasis and pleiotropy, a quantitative genetics model where each genes has an independent mutational structure, and a gene regulatory model, mimicking the mechanisms of gene expression regulation. Simulations showed that correlated mutational effects evolved in the three genetic architectures as a response to correlated selection, but the response in gene networks was specific. The intensity of gene co-expression was mostly explained by the regulatory distance between genes (largest correlations being associated to genes directly interacting with each other), and the sign of co-expression was associated with the nature of the regulation (transcription activation or inhibition). These results concur to the idea that gene network topologies could partly reflects past correlated selection patterns on gene expression.
Harnessing Immunotherapy to Enhance the Systemic Anti-Tumor Effects of Thermosensitive Liposomes
Authors: Regenold Maximilian , Wang Xuehan , Kaneko Kan , Bannigan Pauric , Allen Christine
Published: August 2022

Chemotherapy plays an important role in debulking tumors in advance of surgery and/or radiotherapy, tackling residual disease, and treating metastatic disease. In recent years many promising advanced drug delivery strategies have emerged that offer more targeted delivery approaches to chemotherapy treatment. For example, thermosensitive liposome mediated drug delivery in combination with localized mild hyperthermia can increase local drug concentrations resulting in a reduction in systemic toxicity and an improvement in local disease control. However, the majority of solid tumor associated deaths are due to metastatic spread. A therapeutic approach focused on a localized target area harbors the risk of overlooking and undertreating potential metastatic spread. Previous studies reported systemic, albeit limited, anti-tumor effects following treatment with thermosensitive liposomal chemotherapy and localized mild hyperthermia. This work explores the systemic treatment capabilities of a thermosensitive liposome formulation of the vinca alkaloid vinorelbine in combination with mild hyperthermia in an immunocompetent murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma. This treatment approach was found to be highly effective at heated, primary tumor sites. However, it demonstrated limited anti-tumor effects in secondary, distant tumors. As a result, the addition of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy was pursued to further enhance the systemic anti-tumor effect of this treatment approach. Once combined with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, a significant improvement in systemic treatment capability was achieved. We believe this is one of the first studies to demonstrate that a triple combination of thermosensitive liposomes, localized mild hyperthermia, and immune checkpoint inhibition therapy can enhance the systemic treatment capabilities of thermosensitive liposomes.

Graphical abstract
Spatially coordinated cell cycle activity and motility govern mammary ductal growth and tip bifurcation
Authors: Myllymäki SM , Kaczynska B , Lan Q , Mikkola ML
Published: August 2022

Branching morphogenesis is the common evolutionary solution of multiple organs to combine maximal epithelial function with compact organ size. It involves successive rounds of branch elongation and branch point generation to generate a branched epithelial network. Branch points form most commonly at the tips of branches as they split into two. However, it is unclear how epithelial cells in tips drive both elongation and branching. In this study, we used ex vivo live imaging to identify these fundamental cellular mechanisms in the embryonic mammary gland. Our 4D analyses show that tips of branches are driven forward by directional cell migration, while elongation of the subtending duct is supported by cell proliferation that feeds a retrograde flow of lagging cells into the duct, established upon differential cell motility. Tip bifurcation involved localized repression of both cell cycle and cell motility at the branch point. Cells in the nascent daughter tips remained proliferative, but changed the direction of their movement to elongate new branches. Our study also reports the fundamental importance of the contractile actin cytoskeleton in regulating branch point generation in the mammary epithelium.
Dexamethasone Enhances CAR T Cell Persistence and Function by Upregulating Interleukin 7 Receptor
Authors: Munoz Ashlie , Urak Ryan , Taus Ellie , Hsieh Claire , Jin Katherine , Lin Shu-Hong , Awuah Dennis , Vyas Vibhuti , Priceman Saul J. , Clark Mary C. , Forman Stephen J. , Wang Xiuli
Published: August 2022

Dexamethasone (dex) is a glucocorticoid that is a mainstay for treatment of inflammatory pathologies, including immunotherapy-associated toxicities. Dex suppresses the endogenous immune response and is also believed to suppress the function of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. However, recent reports observed higher CAR T cell numbers in patients treated with dex, highlighting the rationale for interrogating the specific effects of dex on CAR T cells. Here, we found that dex did not inhibit CAR T cell expansion or function. A single dose of dex during the manufacturing process upregulated the pro-persistence interleukin 7 receptor α (IL7Rα) on CAR T cells and induced expression of genes involved in activation, migration, and persistence. The ex vivo upregulation of IL7Rα induced by dex significantly enhanced CAR T cell persistence and anti-tumor efficacy in vivo when combined with exogenous IL-7. Moreover, the combination of dex and IL-7 resulted in increased persistence of CAR T cells and led to complete remission of mice. Overall, our studies in both in vitro and in vivo treatment support a positive role of dex on CAR T cell potency and provide insight into the application of glucocorticoids in cellular anti-cancer therapy.
Tissue recoil in the early Drosophila embryo is a passive not active process
Authors: Goldner Amanda Nicole , Fessehaye Salena M. , Mapes Kelly Ann , Osterfield Miriam , Doubrovinski Konstantin
Published: August 2022

Understanding tissue morphogenesis is impossible without knowing the mechanical properties of the tissue being shaped. Although techniques for measuring tissue material properties are continually being developed, methods for determining how individual proteins contribute to mechanical properties are very limited. Here, we developed two complementary techniques for the acute inactivation of sqh (the Drosophila myosin regulatory light chain), one based on the recently introduced AID2 system, and the other based on a novel method for conditional protein aggregation. Combining these techniques with rheological measurements, we show that passive material properties of the cellularization-stage Drosophila embryo are essentially unaffected by myosin activity. The significance of this study is two-fold. We introduce a system for the nearly instantaneous inactivation of proteins in a variety of systems. Additionally, we demonstrate a method to distinguish between active and passive contributions to effective tissue elasticity.

Techniques to examine the contribution of specific proteins to tissue mechanical properties are extremely limited. Here, Goldner et al. develop two complementary techniques for rapid protein depletion combined with mechanical measurements, and show that myosin activity is dispensable for tissue elasticity.
Parallel cognitive maps for short-term statistical and long-term semantic relationships in the hippocampal formation
Authors: Zheng Xiaochen Y. , Hebart Martin N. , Dolan Raymond J. , Doeller Christian F. , Cools Roshan , Garvert Mona M.
Published: August 2022

The hippocampal-entorhinal system uses cognitive maps to represent spatial knowledge and other types of relational information, such as the transition probabilities between objects. However, objects can often be characterized in terms of different types of relations simultaneously, e.g. semantic similarities learned over the course of a lifetime as well as transitions experienced over a brief timeframe in an experimental setting. Here we ask how the hippocampal formation handles the embedding of stimuli in multiple relational structures that differ vastly in terms of their mode and timescale of acquisition: Does it integrate the different stimulus dimensions into one conjunctive map, or is each dimension represented in a parallel map? To this end, we reanalyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from Garvert et al. (2017) that had previously revealed an entorhinal map which coded for newly learnt statistical regularities. We used a triplet odd-one-out task to construct a semantic distance matrix for presented items and applied fMRI adaptation analysis to show that the degree of similarity of representations in bilateral hippocampus decreases as a function of semantic distance between presented objects. Importantly, while both maps localize to the hippocampal formation, this semantic map is anatomically distinct from the originally described entorhinal map. This finding supports the idea that the hippocampal-entorhinal system forms parallel cognitive maps reflecting the embedding of objects in diverse relational structures.
Structure of the hypothetical protein TTHA1873 from Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Yuvaraj I. , Chaudhary Santosh Kumar , Jeyakanthan J. , Sekar K.
Published: August 2022

The crystal structure of an uncharacterized hypothetical protein, TTHA1873 from Thermus thermophilus, has been determined by X-ray crystallography to a resolution of 1.78 Å using the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion method. The protein crystallized as a dimer in two space groups: P43212 and P6122. Structural analysis of the hypothetical protein revealed that the overall fold of TTHA1873 has a β-sandwich jelly-roll topology with nine β-strands. TTHA1873 is a dimeric metal-binding protein that binds to two Ca2+ ions per chain, with one on the surface and the other stabilizing the dimeric interface of the two chains. A structural homology search indicates that the protein has moderate structural similarity to one domain of cell-surface proteins or agglutinin receptor proteins. Red blood cells showed visible agglutination at high concentrations of the hypothetical protein.
Artists’ production sensibilities within the dynamics of an emerging art market
Authors: Genc Eda Aylin , Okan Mehmet
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand the characteristics and formation of artists’ production sensibilities and relations with other actors within an emerging hybrid art market structure.

Design/methodology/approach

To unravel senses and map out relationships and structures in the context of this study, qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and analysis of secondary data sources, were applied.

Findings

The authors describe three art production sensibilities and market-based relationship logics rooted in the artist and the artwork’s diverse role in the market.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that artistic sensibilities motivate managers working in the hybrid art market to develop a more nuanced positioning of artists and their creative outputs to improve harmony and collaboration.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that the hybrid structure of art markets allows for the harmonious separation and collaboration of non-market (artistic) and market logics. This study uncovers how artists combine their non-market creative position with market needs in the process of marketization and hybridization.
Perceived internationalization of accounting education: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tra My , Phan Duc , Maheshwari Greeni
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The authors explore the state of internationalization of accounting education as perceived by accounting academics, accounting employers, and accounting students in Vietnam. Based on data collected, authors draw recommendations to better facilitate internationalization of accounting education in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

With a qualitative approach, the authors use content analysis (materials from 27 universities) and semi-structured interviews (28 participants) to explore the state of internationalization of accounting education as perceived by academics, employers, and students in Vietnam.

Findings

The authors identify the extent of and challenges in internationalization of accounting education in Vietnam, including language barrier, teaching approach, and budgetary constraints. Practical recommendations are drawn to help overcome challenges and facilitate progress.

Originality/value

The study integrates two fields of research: accounting and education, particularly through addressing in-depth perspectives of a broad range of stakeholders in addition to a detailed examination of archival contents. Practical recommendations are proposed for short term, medium term, and long term.
Development of evaluation indicators for senior-friendly restaurants
Authors: Wu Chao-Chan , Lin Wei-Ling
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The gradual ageing of global population has necessitated the creation of conducive and supportive food and beverage environments for older adults. This study identifies the key evaluation criteria for senior-friendly restaurants and examines the importance of each criterion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to synthesis the key evaluation criteria for senior-friendly restaurants and analyses the weights of these criteria. It identifies and prioritises four main criteria and twenty sub-criteria in the hierarchical framework by employing the sophisticated approach.

Findings

The results indicate that the main criteria ranked by importance are “barrier-free environment”, “food quality”, “service quality” and “corporate social responsibility (CSR)”. There are five most important sub-criteria, such as “simple and intuitive use” and “perceptible information” belonging to the main criterion “barrier-free environment”, “hygiene and safety” and “food freshness” belonging to the main criterion “food quality” and “assurance” belonging to “service quality”. Incorporating the analytical findings, this study suggests the key evaluation criteria to facilitate the construction and development of senior-friendly restaurants.

Originality/value

The precisely hierarchical model and key criteria proposed in this study provide clear guidelines for managers of senior-friendly restaurants to develop feasible strategies and also contribute to the theoretical development of food-friendly environments and services for elderly consumers.
Numerical simulation of fluid dynamic performance of turbulent flow over Hunter turbine with variable angle of blades
Authors: Nazarieh Mahdi , Kariman Hamed , Hoseinzadeh Siamak
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to simulate Hunter turbine in Computer Forensic Examiner (CFX) environment dynamically. For this purpose, the turbine is designed in desired dimensions and simulated in ANSYS software under a specific fluid flow rate. The obtained values were then compared with previous studies for different values of angles (θ and α). The amount of validation error were obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, at first, the study of fluid flow and then the examination of that in the tidal turbine and identifying the turbines used for tidal energy extraction are performed. For this purpose, the equations governing flow and turbine are thoroughly investigated, and the computational fluid dynamic simulation is done after numerical modeling of Hunter turbine in a CFX environment.

Findings

The failure results showed; 11.25% for the blades to fully open, 2.5% for blades to start, and 2.2% for blades to close completely. Also, results obtained from three flow coefficients, 0.36, 0.44 and 0.46, are validated by experimental data that were in high-grade agreement, and the failure value coefficients of (0.44 and 0.46) equal (0.013 and 0.014), respectively.

Originality/value

In this research, at first, the geometry of the Hunter turbine is discussed. Then, the model of the turbine is designed with SolidWorks software. An essential feature of SolidWorks software, which was sorely needed in this project, is the possibility of mechanical clamping of the blades. The validation is performed by comparing the results with previous studies to show the simulation accuracy. This research’s overall objective is the dynamical simulation of Hunter turbine with the CFX. The turbine was then designed to desired dimensions and simulated in the ANSYS software at a specified fluid flow rate and verified, which had not been done so far.
The growth of organisational professionals in tertiary educational institutions in New Zealand
Authors: Löfgren Karl , Darrah-Morgan Ben , Hall Patrik
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to ascertain empirically to what extent we can quantify an occupational shift, where a new type of bureaucracy of organisational professionals is on the rise in tertiary educational institutions in New Zealand. Furthermore, the objective is also to present accountability as the prime factor behind the changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical strategy of the study takes a point of departure in the distinction between occupational and organisational professionals in the public sector in general, and more specifically in tertiary education (TE). Based on these new categorisations, the authors have used various descriptive historical statistics (both national and institutional) to estimate changes over time.

Findings

The article finds, in line with some international research, that there has been a comparatively higher growth of organisational professionals in TE in New Zealand, and a significantly higher growth than in the private sector and in the overall public services. The authors hypothesise that this growth can be associated with accountability (both vertical and horizontal) as the dominant notion in TE.

Originality/value

This article takes a different approach than the existing literature on administrative intensity in TE by looking at occupational changes rather than changes in institutions budgets. This article also confirms some of the findings in the growing international literature on changes in professional roles.
(Re)constructing a hostile environment: political claims making and the primary definers of a refugee “crisis”
Authors: Montgomery Tom , Calo Francesca , Baglioni Simone
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In this article focused upon the UK context, the authors sought to better understand how political elites shaped public debate to reinforce rather than challenge the hostile policy environment for those seeking asylum.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a political claims analysis (Koopmans and Statham, 1999) focussing on a venue that has been pivotal in shaping the discourse around asylum issues in the UK, namely the print media. This work adopts a theoretical frame informed by the work of Stuart Hall to uncover the extent to which debates on asylum during the key period of the refugee emergency in Europe were shaped by political elites.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal the extent to which political elites acted as “primary definers” of the “crisis” and utilised that position to cast those arriving in Europe as a threat to be managed.

Originality/value

This research offers a contemporary worked example of political claims analysis in a topical subject area that colleagues across disciplines and contexts may find informative for their own research agendas.
Enhanced performance of bio-lubricant properties with nano-additives for sustainable lubrication
Authors: Sadiq Ibrahim Ogu , Suhaimi Mohd Azlan , Sharif Safian , Mohd Yusof Noordin , Hisam Muhammad Juzaili
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potentials of nano-additives in enhancement of oxidation and thermal stability of biolubricants thereby, improving the resistance of dispersed nanolubricants to thermal degradation under elevated temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the oxidation stability and tribological performance of nano-enhanced biolubricants. Graphene and maghemite nanoparticles at 0.1% volume concentration were dispersed into coconut oil. Oxidation stability was analysed using a thermal analyser to understand the effect of nano-additives on thermal degradation of lubricants under increasing temperature. In addition, tribological performance and viscosity of the tested lubricants were evaluated using a four-ball friction tester and viscometer according to American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

Findings

The results reveal that the oxidation stability of biolubricants dispersed with nano-additives improves due to delayed thermal degradation. The nano-enhanced biolubricants’ oxidation onset temperature was delayed by 18.75 °C and 37.5 °C, respectively, for maghemite (MGCO) and graphene (XGCO) nanolubricants. This improvement imparts the performance viscosity and tribological performance positively. For graphene-enhanced nanolubricant, 10.4% and 5.6% were reduced, respectively, in coefficient of friction (COF)and wear scar diameter (WSD), whereas 3.43% and 4.3% reduction in COF and WSD, respectively, for maghemite-enhanced nanolubricant compared with coconut oil. The viscosity index of nanolubricants was augmented by 7.36% and 13.85%, respectively, for maghemite and graphene nanolubricants.

Research limitations/implications

The excellent performance of nanolubricants makes them suitable candidate as sustainable lubricants for machining with regard to environmental benefits and energy saving.

Originality/value

The effect of graphene and maghemite nanoparticles on the oxidation stability and tribological performance of biolubricants has been investigated. It is an original work and yet to be published elsewhere.
Hope springs: further learning on self-neglect from safeguarding adult reviews and practice
Authors: Preston-Shoot Michael , O’Donoghue Fiona , Binding John
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is to update the core data set of self-neglect safeguarding adult reviews (SAR) and accompanying thematic analysis. A second purpose is to rebalance the narrative about adult safeguarding and self-neglect by highlighting two case studies where the practice was informed by SAR and the evidence-base of best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Further published reviews are added to the core data set, drawn from the websites of Safeguarding Adults Boards (SAB). Thematic analysis is updated using the four domains used previously. Two case studies are presented, using the four domains of direct practice, team around the person, organisational support and governance, to demonstrate that positive outcomes can be achieved when practice and support for practitioners align with the evidence-base.

Findings

Familiar findings emerge from the thematic analysis and reinforce the evidence-base of good practice with individuals who self-neglect and for policies and procedures with which to support those practitioners working with such cases. The case studies are illustrative examples of what can be achieved and signpost SABs and SAR authors to question what enables and what obstructs best practice.

Research limitations/implications

A national database of reviews completed by SABs has been established (https://nationalnetwork.org.uk) with the expectation that, in time, this will become a comprehensive resource. It is possible, however, that this data set is incomplete. Drawing together the findings from the reviews nonetheless builds on what is known about the components of effective practice, and effective policy and organisational arrangements for practice. Although individual reviews might comment on good practice alongside shortfalls, no published SARs have been found that were commissioned specifically to learn lessons from what had worked out well. More emphasis could be given to what might be learned from such cases.

Practical implications

Answering the question “why” remains a significant challenge for SAR not only where concerns about how agencies worked together prompted review but also where positive outcomes have been achieved. The findings confirm the relevance of the evidence-base for effective practice, but SARs are limited in their analysis of what enables and what obstructs the components of best practice. Greater explicit use of case studies with positive outcomes might enable learning about what enables positive system change.

Originality/value

The paper extends the thematic analysis of available reviews that focus on work with adults who self-neglect, further reinforcing the evidence base for practice. The paper presents two case studies where practice and the context within which practitioners were working closely aligned to the evidence-base for best practice. The paper suggests that SABs and SAR authors should focus explicitly on what enables and what obstructs the realisation of best practices.
PLS-SEM assessment of the impediments of robotics and automation deployment for effective construction health and safety
Authors: Aghimien Douglas , Ikuabe Matthew , Aghimien Lerato Millicent , Aigbavboa Clinton , Ngcobo Ntebo , Yankah Jonas
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment cannot be overemphasised. This is because R&A systems can execute a hazardous job function that the construction workforce may not execute. Based on this knowledge, this study aims to present the result of an assessment of the impediments to the deployment of R&A for a safe and healthy construction environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance, using a quantitative research approach and a questionnaire administered to construction professionals in South Africa. The data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean item score, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, exploratory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

This study revealed that the impediments to the deployment of R&A could be grouped into: industry, technology, human and cost-related factors. However, SEM assessment showed that only the industry, human and cost-related factors would significantly impact attaining specific health and safety-related outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable benefits to construction organisations as the careful understanding of the identified impeding factors can help lead to better deployment of R&A and the attainment of its inherent safety benefits.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill the gap in the shortage of literature exploring the deployment of R&A for a safe construction environment, particularly in developing countries like South Africa, where such studies are non-existent. This paper, therefore, offers a theoretical backdrop for future works on R&A deployment, particularly in developing countries where such a study has not been explored.