A novel mode of capping protein-regulation by Twinfilin

Cellular actin assembly is controlled at the barbed ends of actin filaments, where capping protein (CP) limits polymerization. Twinfilin is a conserved in vivo binding partner of CP, yet the significance of this interaction has remained a mystery. Here, we discover that the C-terminal tail of Twinfilin harbors a CP-interacting (CPI) motif, identifying it as a novel CPI-motif protein. Twinfilin and the CPI-motif protein CARMIL have overlapping binding sites on CP. Further, Twinfilin binds competitively with CARMIL to CP, protecting CP from barbed-end displacement by CARMIL. Twinfilin also accelerates dissociation of the CP inhibitor V-1, restoring CP to an active capping state. Knockdowns of Twinfilin and CP each cause similar defects in cell morphology, and elevated Twinfilin expression rescues defects caused by CARMIL hyperactivity. Together, these observations define Twinfilin as the first \u27pro-capping\u27 ligand of CP and lead us to propose important revisions to our understanding of the CP regulatory cycle

The Future Impact of AI on Academic Journals and the Editorial Process

This panel explores the emerging impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on academic journals and editorial processes. Scholarly publishing is on the cusp of transformation, as generative and other AI technologies challenge established norms and procedures. Advancements could either revolutionize or gradually evolve the intricate ecosystems of academic journals, responsible for validating and disseminating knowledge. How might this happen? Panelists will consider how AI could reshape editorial boards, redefine reviewer roles, and influence the academic value chain. The panel will address concerns about AI-driven review processes, biases, training data, and the integration of Human-in-the-loop AI. The panel will also examine the role of academic journals as drivers of research and innovation, with AI\u27s potential to alter communication, quality assessment, and the building blocks of archival knowledge. Highly experienced editors will share insights, concerns and predictions, engage with audience perspectives, and illuminate the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to scholarly pursuits

Shifting Perspectives: A Qualitative Study to Understand Family Expectations at the Time of Their Child’s Admission

Purpose: Patient-centered approaches to health care acknowledge the important role that families have in patients’ lives. Shared expectations between families and providers have the potential to improve patient and family experience, hospital care, and outcomes. We aimed to understand families’ expectations for their child’s admission from the vantage point of the start of a hospital stay. Methods: This qualitative research studied families of hospitalized children at a large pediatric tertiary care center. Family members were approached if their child was admitted to the general pediatrics team, was under 18 years of age, had a length of stay less than 5 days, and had an English-speaking family member present. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by study personnel during the inpatient stay and audio-recorded. Written transcripts were independently coded by multiple investigators to generate codes, which were reconciled via triangulation. Codes were translated into broad themes to provide insight into the views of the study population. An accompanying survey included demographic questions. Results: We conducted 20 interviews with 23 parents of hospitalized children. Participants were 83% female, 35% White, 22% Black, 35% Hispanic, and 70% publicly insured. Participant responses led to identification of 4 themes: 1) setting the stage; 2) building trust and credibility; 3) partnering with families; and 4) maintaining frequent and transparent communication. Conclusions: Findings suggest that families’ priorities and expectations at the start of their inpatient stay focus on issues of trust, partnership, and communication. These concepts may help providers strengthen communication and create more meaningful partnerships with families

Leveraging Information Technology to Support Agents of World Benefit

There is much debate about social responsibility in the context of business and industry but not much in the context of information technology. We address this void by examining developments and innovations at the interface between information technologies and positive social change. In particular, the paper explores the role of information technology in three critical domains: connectivity, education, and economic development. The underlying premise of the authors is that information and communication technologies can serve agents of social innovation in underserved communities and that their consideration is vital to the success of many efforts that pursue global and sustainable change. We also submit that such issues ought to be integrated more centrally into the practice and scholarly mission of the IS discipline