bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VPS8D, a CORVET subunit, is required to maintain the contractile vacuole complex inTetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Cheng Chao-Yin , Hernández Josefina , Turkewitz Aaron P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractContractile vacuole complexes (CVCs) are complex osmoregulatory organelles, with vesicular (bladder) and tubular (spongiome) subcompartments. The mechanisms that underlie their formation and maintenance within the eukaryotic endomembrane network are poorly understood. In the CiliateTetrahymena thermophila, six differentiated CORVETs (class C core vacuole/endosome tethering complexes), with Vps8 subunits designated A-F, are likely to direct endosomal trafficking. Vps8Dp localizes to both bladder and spongiome. We show by inducible knockdown thatVPS8Dis essential to CVC organization and function.VPS8Dknockdown increased susceptibility to osmotic shock, tolerated in the wildtype but triggering irreversible lethal swelling in the mutant. The knockdown rapidly triggered contraction of the spongiome and lengthened the period of the bladder contractile cycle. More prolonged knockdown resulted in disassembly of both the spongiome and bladder, and dispersal of proteins associated with those compartments. In stressed cells where the normally singular bladder is replaced by numerous vesicles bearing bladder markers, Vps8Dp concentrated conspicuously at long-lived inter-vesicle contact sites, consistent with tethering activity. Similarly, Vps8Dp in cell-free preparations accumulated at junctions formed after vacuoles came into close contact. Also consistent with roles for Vps8Dp in tethering and/or fusion were the emergence in knockdown cells of multiple vacuole-related structures, replacing the single bladder.SynopsisIn the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila,VPS8D, which encodes a subunit of a non-conventional CORVET complex, is an essential determinant of the contractile vacuole complex (CVC). VPS8D knockdown results in retraction and dispersal of the spongiome, and disappearance of the bladder, reinforcing the view that CVCs arise from endosomal trafficking. Intermediate knockdown phenotypes and Vps8Dp localization support a role in homotypic tethering.
An interaction hub on Ndc80 complex facilitates dynamic recruitment of Mps1 to yeast kinetochores to promote accurate chromosome segregation
Authors: Parnell Emily J. , Jenson Erin , Miller Matthew P. 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARYAccurate chromosome segregation relies on kinetochores carrying out multiple functions, including establishing and maintaining microtubule attachments, forming precise bioriented attachments between sister chromatids, and activating the spindle assembly checkpoint. Central to these processes is the highly conserved Ndc80 complex. This kinetochore subcomplex interacts directly with microtubules, but also serves as a critical platform for recruiting kinetochore-associated factors and as a key substrate for error correction kinases. The precise manner in which these kinetochore factors interact, and regulate each other’s function, remains unknown – considerably hindering our understanding of how Ndc80 complex-dependent processes function together to orchestrate accurate chromosome segregation. Here, we aimed to uncover the role of Nuf2’s CH domain, a component of the Ndc80 complex, in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. Through extensive mutational analysis, we identified a conserved “interaction hub” comprising two segments in Nuf2’s CH domain, forming the binding site for Mps1 within the yeast Ndc80 complex. Intriguingly, the interaction between Mps1 and the Ndc80 complex seems to be subject to regulation by competitive binding with other factors. Mutants disrupting this interaction hub exhibit defects in spindle assembly checkpoint function and severe chromosome segregation errors. Significantly, specifically restoring Mps1-Ndc80 complex association rescues these defects. Our findings shed light on the intricate regulation of Ndc80 complex-dependent functions and highlight the essential role of Mps1 in kinetochore biorientation and accurate chromosome segregation.
Thermal imaging can reveal variation in stay-green functionality of wheat canopies under temperate conditions
Authors: Anderegg Jonas , Kirchgessner Norbert , Aasen Helge , Zumsteg Olivia , Keller Beat , Zenkl Radek , Walter Achim , Hund Andreas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCanopy temperature (CT) is often interpreted as representing leaf activity traits such as photosynthetic rates, gas exchange rates, or stomatal conductance. Accordingly, CT measurements may provide a basis for high throughput assessments of the productivity of wheat canopies during early grain filling, which would allow distinguishing functional from dysfunctional stay-green. However, whereas the usefulness of CT as a fast surrogate measure of sustained vigor under soil drying is well established, its potential to quantify leaf activity traits under high-yielding conditions is less clear. To better understand sensitivity limits of CT measurements under high yielding conditions, we generated within-genotype variability in stay-green functionality by means of differential short-term pre-anthesis canopy shading that modified the sink:source balance. We quantified the effects of these modifications on stay-green properties through a combination of gold standard physiological measurements of leaf activity and newly developed methods for organ-level senescence monitoring based on timeseries of high-resolution imagery and deep-learning-based semantic image segmentation. In parallel, we monitored CT by means of a pole-mounted thermal camera that delivered continuous, ultra-high temporal resolution CT data. Our results show that differences in leaf activity stemming from differences in stay-green functionality translate into measurable differences in CT in the absence of major confounding factors. Differences amounted to approximately 0.8°C and 1.5°C for a very high-yielding source-limited genotype, and a medium-yielding sink-limited genotype, respectively. The gradual nature of the effects of shading on CT during the stay-green phase underscore the importance of a high measurement frequency and a time-integrated analysis of CT, whilst modest effect sizes confirm the importance of restricting screenings to a limited range of morphological and phenological diversity.
Voice and “digital disruption” in internal communication job advertisements: proposing a vocality continuum
Authors: Sandham Sonya 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study of job advertisements for internal communication practitioners aims to investigate the signals that organisations are sending the profession about what is required of these roles. The concept of corporate voice – the “voice” of the organisation – is problematised to explore tensions in vocality. The aim is to support communication practitioners to navigate multi-vocality in the evolving professional context of digital communication technologies and changes in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study considers the role of voice in corporate communication practices and offers insights into “digital disruption” and the discursive pressure of employers' priorities on the profession and its practices. Job advertisements for internal communication practitioners were examined during 6-month periods in 2018, 2020 and 2022, which was a significant time of change for the profession with the global COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsQualitative content analysis of 514 internal communication job advertisements identifies that control and consistency are valorised, and continue to dominate descriptions of internal communication skills and responsibilities. The digital affordances that communication practitioners rely on has not changed significantly and a preference for “broadcasting” is evident.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into how Australian organisations shape and sustain univocal corporate communication practices, and the incompatibility of narrow configurations of voice with emerging organisational challenges such as social connectedness.
The mediating effect of patient trust on the relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction
Authors: Al-hilou Mais , Suifan Taghrid 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe prime aim of this research is to examine the mediating effect of patient trust on the relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction in Amman, Jordan.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of patients visiting seven out of the 44 private hospitals in Amman was selected. In total, 385 questionnaires were distributed among patients, with a response rate of 91%. Of these, 35 were disregarded, and the data from the remaining 350 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS.FindingsThe results showed that service quality has a statistically significant effect on patient satisfaction. Furthermore, service quality has a statistically significant effect on patient trust, while there is also a statistically significant effect of patient trust on patient satisfaction. The findings also revealed that patient satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction.Originality/valueGenerating more insights in the areas of service quality, patient trust and patient satisfaction while also extending the findings of earlier studies. The prior studies in the literature that focus on customers are given a more advantageous perspective by using Jordanian hospitals as a population to test the model of this research. The majority of past research on service quality, patient satisfaction and patient trust in the healthcare sector has been conducted in western nations.
The effect of pretranslation techniques in developing EFL students' translation ability
Authors: Bin-Hady Wagdi Rashad Ali , Al-Ahdal Arif Ahmed Mohammed Hassan , Abdullah Samia Khalifa 
Published: November 2023

Purpose English as a foreign langauge (EFL) students find it difficult to apply the theoretical knowledge they acquire on translation in the practical world. Therefore, this study explored if training in pretranslation techniques (PTTs) (syntactic parsing) as suggested by Almanna (2018) could improve the translation proficiency of Yemeni EFL students. Moreover, the study also assessed which of the PTTs the intervention helped to develop.Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a primarily experimental pre- and posttests research design, and the sample comprised of an intake class with 16 students enrolled in the fourth year, Bachelor in Education (B.Ed), Hadhramout University. Six participants were also interviewed to gather the students' perceptions on using PTTs.Findings Results showed that students' performance in translation developed significantly (Sig. = 0.002). All the six PTTs showed development, though subject, tense and aspect developed more significantly (Sig. = 0.034, 0.002, 0.001 respectively). Finally, the study reported students' positive perceptions on the importance of using PTTs before doing any translation tasks.Originality/value One of the recurrent errors that can be noticed in Yemeni EFL students' production is their inability to transfer the grammatical elements of sentences from L1 (Arabic) into L2 (English) or the visa versa. The researchers thought though translation is more than the syntactic transmission of one language into another, analyzing the elements of sentences using syntactic and semantic parsing can help students to produce acceptable texts in the target language. These claims would be proved or refuted after analyzing the experiment result of the present study.
How can we help law enforcement agencies learn? A look at CALEA police accreditation
Authors: Abner Gordon , Merritt Cullen C. , Boggs Rachel 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study explores the benefits of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), according to those who are engaged in the practice.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data through open-ended, semi-structured telephone interviews. The authors analyzed the data using an inductive methodology.Findings The authors found that CALEA police accreditation enhances organizational learning through the development of knowledge brokers, the creation of communities of practice, support for knowledge repositories, support for knowledge managers and greater levels of transparency.Originality/valueThis qualitative study, which focuses on the perceptions and experiences of those involved in the CALEA process, provides a valuable complement to the quantitative literature on accreditation by shedding light on the organizational learning resulting from accreditation.
Is it time to rethink benefit packages? Perks associated with the intention to leave in different age groups during COVID-19
Authors: Masso Piret , Jaakson Krista , Põder Kaire 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe study's objective is to estimate the association of specific perceived employer-provided benefits on employees' intention to leave in different age cohorts during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Informed by the psychological theories of ageing, the authors propose three age-cohort-specific hypotheses in three motivational domains: security and health benefits, flexible work arrangement and education-related benefits.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a large survey of employees in Estonia (n = 7,209) conducted in 2020 and test the association of specific benefits and their interactions with age on employees' intention to leave.FindingsThe results show that older cohorts are generally less prone to leave their jobs. Benefits that employers could use during the COVID-19 crisis generally had negative associations with the intention to leave, but age-specific differences were negligible; only the perceived provision of flexible work arrangements reduced the younger cohort's intention to leave relatively more.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few that allows us to make inferences regarding the benefits preferences amongst the working population during an unprecedented health crisis.
SIRT6 deficiency causes ovarian hypoplasia by affecting Plod1‐related collagen formation
Authors: Li Liyuan , Hua Rui , Hu Kaiqiang , Chen Huiling , Yin Yuemiao , Shi Xiaojin , Peng Kezheng , Huang Qing , Qiu Ying , Li Xue , Liu Qingfei , Liu Shangfeng , Wang Zhao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSIRT6 is a key member of the mammalian sirtuin family of conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylases. Previous studies have shown that SIRT6 can regulate metabolism, DNA damage repair and aging. Ovarian aging process usually share similar mechanisms with general aging, which is characterized by decreases in both numbers of ovarian follicles and the quality of oocytes. It is reported that the expression level of SIRT6 was significantly decreased in the ovaries of aged mice, and the level of SIRT6 was positively correlated with ovarian reserve, indicating that SIRT6 may be potential markers of ovarian aging. However, its biological roles in follicular development are still unclear. Here, we explored the effect of SIRT6 on follicular development and found that ovarian development was interrupted in SIRT6 knockout (KO) mice, leading to disruptions of puberty and the estrus cycle, significant decreases in numbers of secondary and antral follicles, and decreased collagen in the ovarian stroma. Plod1, a lysyl hydroxylase that is vital for collagen crosslinking and deposition, was decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels in SIRT6‐deficient ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs). Additionally, we found abnormal estrogen levels in both SIRT6 KO mice and SIRT6 KD GCs, accompanied by decreases in the levels of the estrogen biosynthesis genes Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, Mgarp, and increases in the levels of TNF‐α and NF‐κB. These results confirmed the effect of SIRT6 on follicular development and revealed a possible molecular mechanism for SIRT6 involvement in follicular development via effects on estrogen biosynthesis and collagen formation.
Rapid appearance of negative emotion during oral fentanyl self‐administration in male and female rats
Authors: Coffey Kevin R. , Nickelson William B. , Dawkins Aliyah J. , Neumaier John F. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOpioid use disorder has become an epidemic in the United States, fuelled by the widespread availability of fentanyl, which produces rapid and intense euphoria followed by severe withdrawal and emotional distress. We developed a new preclinical model of fentanyl seeking in outbred male and female rats using volitional oral self‐administration (SA) that can be readily applied in labs without intravascular access. Using a traditional two‐lever operant procedure, rats learned to take oral fentanyl vigorously, escalated intake across sessions, and readily reinstated responding to conditioned cues after extinction. Oral SA also revealed individual and sex differences that are essential to studying substance use risk propensity. During a behavioural economics task, rats displayed inelastic demand curves and maintained stable intake across a wide range of fentanyl concentrations. Oral SA was also neatly patterned, with distinct ‘loading’ and ‘maintenance’ phases of responding within each session. Using our software DeepSqueak, we analysed ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are innate expressions of current emotional state in rats. Rats produced 50 kHz USVs during loading then shifted quickly to 22 kHz calls despite ongoing maintenance of oral fentanyl taking, reflecting a transition to negative reinforcement. Using fibre photometry, we found that the lateral habenula differentially processed drug cues and drug consumption depending on affective state, with potentiated modulation by drug cues and consumption during the negative affective maintenance phase. Together, these results indicate a rapid progression from positive to negative reinforcement occurs even within an active drug taking session, revealing a within‐session opponent process.
Open‐label investigation of rapid initiation of extended‐release buprenorphine in patients using fentanyl and fentanyl analogs
Authors: Mariani John J. , Dobbins Robert L. , Heath Amy , Gray Frank , Hassman Howard 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSynthetic opioids, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, account for over 70,000 annual overdose deaths in the United States, but there is limited information examining methods of induction and maintenance outcomes for buprenorphine treatment of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) using these opioids.MethodsA secondary analysis of results grouped by fentanyl use status was completed for an open‐label study with rapid induction of extended‐release buprenorphine in the inpatient research unit. Eligible participants received a single 4 mg dose of transmucosal buprenorphine (BUP‐TM) followed by an extended‐release buprenorphine 300 mg injection ([BUP‐XR]) after approximately 1 h. An extension study continued follow‐up up to 6 months (6 monthly injections).ResultsAmong participants with fentanyl‐positive urine samples (FEN+; n = 19), all received BUP‐TM, 17 received BUP‐XR, 13 elected to receive a second BUP‐XR injection, and 10 received all six scheduled injections. Among participants with fentanyl‐negative samples (FEN−; n = 7), all received BUP‐TM and BUP‐XR, four elected to receive a second injection, and two participants received all six scheduled injections. Induction day clinical opioid withdrawal scale (COWS) scores were similar for FEN+ and FEN− groups. In the FEN+ group, mean COWS scores fell to below 5 within 24 h of BUP‐XR injection.Discussion and ConclusionsThe treatment of individuals with OUD using fentanyl with a rapid 1‐day induction to BUP‐XR 300 mg injection is feasible and well‐tolerated.Scientific SignificanceA prospective trial of participants grouped by fentanyl use status at induction demonstrates comparable patient retention and clinical response following single‐day induction of BUP‐XR in participants who are FEN+ and FEN−.
Intrauterine perfusion of dexamethasone improves pregnancy outcomes in recurrent reproductive failure patients with elevated uterine natural killer cells. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Zhuran , Lian Ruochun , Diao Lianghui , Li Yuye , Wu Yaya , Yin Tailang , Huang Chunyu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of intrauterine perfusion of dexamethasone (DXM) on pregnancy outcomes in recurrent reproductive failure (RRF) patients with elevated uNK cells.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 132 RRF patients with elevated uNK cells: 56 patients received DXM treatment and 76 patients refused it in the frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles. To determine the efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of DXM, multivariate logistic regression models and diagnosis‐based subgroup analysis were performed. We also compared the pregnancy outcomes of patients with different responsiveness to DXM treatment.ResultsIntrauterine perfusion of DXM significantly improved clinical pregnancy rate (aOR: 3.188, 95% CI: 1.395–7.282, P = .006) and live birth rate (aOR: 3.176, 95% CI: 1.318–7.656, P = .010) in RRF patients with elevated uNK cells, but there was no significant association with miscarriage rate. Subgroup analysis revealed that intrauterine perfusion of DXM in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) showed significant improvement in clinical pregnancy rate (aOR: 6.110, 95% CI: 1.511–24.713, P = .011) and live birth rate (aOR: 9.904, 95% CI: 1.963–49.968, P = .005), but there was insufficient evidence of benefit in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) patients. Additionally, uNK cell levels dropped to normal range was achieved in only 35.90% of RRF patients after DXM treatment, no significant difference was found in pregnancy outcomes among patients with different responsiveness to DXM treatment (all P > .05).ConclusionIntrauterine perfusion of DXM was a promising and effective treatment to enhance clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in RRF women with abnormally elevated uNK cells, and RIF patients are more likely to benefit than RPL patients.
Does pre‐stenting influence outcomes of shockwave lithotripsy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Brain Eleanor , Geraghty Robert M. , Tzelves Lazaros , Mourmouris Panagiotis , Chatzikrachtis Nikolaos , Karavitakis Markos , Skolarikos Andreas , Somani Bhaskar K. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo determine whether preoperative use of JJ stents in patients undergoing shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) impacts on stone clearance and the rate of postoperative complications.Patients and MethodsWe screened multiple databases from inception to January 2021, using the relevant search terms for SWL in patients with a preoperative stent. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials of ≥20 patients aged >18 years who had had SWL with a JJ stent. This review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42023443195). Statistical analysis was performed using ‘meta’ in R.ResultsThere were seven eligible studies (403 patients receiving JJ stents and 394 controls). There was no significant difference in the stone‐free rate (SFR) following SWL with a JJ stent compared to SWL alone. When considering the complication rates, there was a significantly reduced risk of steinstrasse in patients with a JJ stent. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of other complications including pain, fever, and haematuria, and no significant difference in the likelihood of requiring auxiliary procedures or re‐treatment.ConclusionsThere was a reduced risk of steinstrasse in patients undergoing SWL with a JJ stent compared to SWL alone. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of other postoperative complications. Use of a JJ stent had no effect on the efficacy of SWL, with no significant difference in the SFR.