bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous Superdrainage in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: The Impact of Superficial Inferior Epigastric Vein Dissection on Abdominal Seroma Formation
Authors: Nedomansky Jakob , Nickl Stefanie , Radtke Christine , Haslik Werner , Schroegendorfer Klaus F.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Abdominal seroma formation after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is a common donor-site complication. Additional dissection of one or both of the superficial inferior epigastric veins (SIEVs) in DIEP flap breast reconstruction allows an additional anastomosis for venous superdrainage if venous congestion occurs. However, generally, SIEV dissection involves greater invasiveness into the inguinal region, which can traumatize lymphatic tissue and lead to lymph accumulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SIEV dissection on the incidence of postoperative abdominal seroma.

Methods:

A series of 100 consecutive cases performed by the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna from 2001 to 2016 was analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: unilateral, bilateral, and no SIEV dissection. Abdominal seroma rates, length of hospital stay, abdominal drainage duration, and drainage fluid volumes were compared retrospectively.

Results:

Seromas were observed in 11.5 percent of patients without SIEV dissection, 17.2 percent of patients with unilateral SIEV dissection (p = 0.45 versus no SIEV), and 40 percent of patients with bilateral SIEV dissection (p = 0.02 versus no SIEV). The SIEV was anastomosed to salvage a congested DIEP flap twice. All seromas that developed could be treated with, on average, two fine-needle aspirations without any complications.

Conclusions:

Bilateral, but not unilateral, SIEV dissection increased abdominal seroma rates significantly. Venous congestion was observed rarely, but when it did occur, it endangered flap viability. Because an additional anastomosis of the SIEV can salvage a flap, unilateral SIEV dissection should be considered when raising a DIEP flap.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Paradoxical Frontalis Activation: An Underrecognized Consequence of Facial Palsy
Authors: Cooper Lilli , Izard Charles , Harries Victoria , Neville Catriona , Venables Vanessa , Malhotra Raman , Nduka Charles
Published: January 2018

Background:

Aberrant reinnervation and synkinesis are common and debilitating after facial palsy. Paradoxical frontalis activation can antagonize eye closure and increase the risk of corneal damage. If recognized, judicious botulinum toxin injection to the affected side may reduce this risk.

Methods:

One hundred consecutive patients with synkinesis were identified from a prospective database. Routine facial view photographs were converted to a standardized scale using iris diameter. The vertical distance from the midpoint of the midcanthal line to the inferior border of the eyebrow was measured bilaterally. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Eighty-two patients were included, with a median age of 44 years (interquartile range, 33 to 59 years); 59 of the patients were women. The commonest cause was idiopathic (n = 55). The median time since onset of palsy was 13 months (interquartile range, 6.5 to 27 months). There was less midpoint of the midcanthal line to the inferior border of the eyebrow excursion on the synkinetic side of the face (p < 0.001). Twenty-two patients (27 percent) displayed paradoxical frontalis movement on the affected side of their face, with increased midpoint of the midcanthal line to the inferior border of the eyebrow distance (eyebrow raise) when attempting eye closure compared with eyebrow raise (n = 19), and tight eye closure compared with gentle eye closure (n = 3).

Conclusions:

This study highlights the phenomenon of paradoxical frontalis activation during eye closure. This is often underrecognized and may contribute to lagophthalmos. The authors found it to be present in 27 percent of patients with moderate or severe synkinesis. Further dynamic studies are required to understand the relationship among frontalis activity, eye closure, and the effects of its inhibition.
Gluteal Augmentation and Enhancement of the Female Silhouette: Analysis and Technique
Authors: Mendieta Constantino , Stuzin James M.
Published: January 2018

Dr. Constantino Mendieta demonstrates and details his personal technique for gluteal augmentation. The video demonstration is divided into three parts: Part I, Aesthetic Analysis and Preoperative Marking; Part II, Creating the Female Silhouette with Circumferential Lipoplasty; and Part III, Autogenous Gluteal Augmentation. Artistic concepts for gluteal augmentation and contouring the female silhouette and technical considerations for patient safety are emphasized. This Master Series Video article is the first in a planned series of video vignettes.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Retrospective Evaluation of the Correlation Between Gadobenate Dimeglumine–Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Pathologic Grade
Authors: Huang Xiuzhu , Xiao Zebin , Zhang Yuyang , Lin Na , Xiong Meilian , Huang Xinyao , Chen Qi , Cao Dairong
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of gadobenate dimeglumine–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in characterizing the grade of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using the signal intensity (SI) of the erector spinae as internal reference.

Materials and Methods

Clinical data of 40 patients (a total of 44 lesions) confirmed by pathology for HCC were retrospectively reviewed. Gadobenate dimeglumine–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients, and SI of lesions (SIles), liver parenchyma around the lesions (SIhep), erector spinae (SImus) and standard deviation of SI of the surrounding noise (SDnoi) on nonenhanced T2WI, nonenhanced T1WI, and contrast-enhanced T1WI (in both arterial and hepatobiliary phase [AP and HBP]) were measured, respectively. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were separately defined as CNR1 ([SIles − SIhep]/SDnoi) and CNR2 ([SIles − SImus]/SDnoi). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference test, logistic regression analysis, Spearman rank correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curves analysis.

Results

Forty-four HCCs, including 3 well-differentiated HCCs, 26 moderately differentiated HCCs, and 15 poorly differentiated (PD) HCCs, were confirmed. On logistic regression analysis, only CNR2 in the HBP was predictor of PD HCCs (P = 0.015, odds ratio = 1.040). The size of lesions, CNR1 in the AP, CNR2 in the AP, and CNR2 in the HBP, showed significant correlations with the degree of differentiation (correlation coefficients = −0.371, 0.435, 0.503, and 0.512, respectively; P = 0.013, 0.003, 0.001, and 0.000, respectively). Contrast-to-noise ratio 2 in the HBP with the cutoff of less than 4.56 could distinguish moderately differentiated HCCs from PD HCC with the sensitivity and specificity of 84.6% and 60.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Relatively low arterial enhancement and low CNR2 value in the HBP are predictive for poor histological grade of HCCs.
Prognostic Value of Volume-Based Metabolic Parameters Obtained by 18F-FDG–PET/CT in Patients With Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Liang Ying , Li Xiaomeng , Wan Huan , Fang Yan , Zheng Rong , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Ying , Chen Cong , Wu Ning
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic impact of volume-based metabolic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (18F-FDG–PET/CT) parameters in patients with stage IB–IVA squamous cell cervical carcinoma (SCCC).

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the pretreatment 18F-FDG–PET/CT records of 67 patients with stage IB–IVA SCCC. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor (PSUVmax), highest SUVmax of the whole malignant lesions (WSUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of the primary tumor (PMTV), MTV of the whole malignant lesion (WMTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary tumor (PTLG), and TLG of the whole malignant lesion (WTLG) were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the predictive values of metabolic parameters.

Results

Twenty-nine patients showed disease progression and 21 patients died during follow-up. In univariate analysis, positive lymph node, WSUVmax of greater than 11, WMTV of greater than 63 cm3, and WTLG of greater than 373 adversely affected the progression-free survival (P = 0.004, 0.045, 0.023, and 0.005, respectively). A positive lymph node, WSUVmax of greater than 12, WMTV of greater than 68 cm3, and WTLG of greater than 373 significantly adversely affected overall survival (P = 0.002, 0.032, 0.015, and 0.006, respectively). In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival was WTLG (relative risk = 2.384, 95% confidence interval = 1.095–5.187, P = 0.029). Independent prognostic factors for overall survival was WTLG (relative risk = 2.763; 95% confidence interval = 1.107–6.896, P = 0.029).

Conclusions

Preliminary results indicated that pretreatment WTLG measured by F-FDG–PET/CT could independently predict survival in patients with locally advanced SCCC.
Conventional and Diffusional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes in Chinese Patients: A Study of 40 Cases
Authors: Xu Weixingzi , Wen Jianbo , Sun Chong , Cao Jiawen , Li Yuxin , Geng Daoying
Published: January 2018

Purposes

The aims of the study were to analyze the conventional and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and to investigate underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Features of 58 acute and 68 chronic stroke-like lesions as well as global brain abnormalities of 40 Chinese MELAS patients were analyzed.

Results

Gyriform DWI hyperintensity with decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and patchy DWI hyperintensity with normal ADC were noted in 56 of 58 and 2 of 58 cortical regions of acute lesions, respectively. High ADC and mix of low and high ADC were observed in 51 of 58 and 5 of 58 affected subcortical white matters, respectively. Lacunar infarcts existed in 23 of 40 patients. Among 17 patients who have been followed, recurrence, progression, and progressive atrophy were noted in 8, 9, and 4 cases, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the conventional and diffusional MRI features of MELAS, suggesting a model of acute stroke-like lesions in which the cortex manifest with cytotoxic edema and the subcortical area with vasogenic edema.
Comparison of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality Between Standard Versus Telephone-Basic Life Support Training Program in Middle-Aged and Elderly Housewives
Authors: Kim Tae Han , Lee Yu Jin , Lee Eui Jung , Ro Young Sun , Lee KyungWon , Lee Hyeona , Jang Dayea Beatrice , Song Kyoung Jun , Shin Sang Do , Myklebust Helge , Birkenes Tonje Søraas
Published: January 2018

Introduction

For cardiac arrests witnessed at home, the witness is usually a middle-aged or older housewife. We compared the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance of bystanders trained with the newly developed telephone-basic life support (T-BLS) program and those trained with standard BLS (S-BLS) training programs.

Methods

Twenty-four middle-aged and older housewives without previous CPR education were enrolled and randomized into two groups of BLS training programs. The T-BLS training program included concepts and current instruction protocols for telephone-assisted CPR, whereas the S-BLS training program provided training for BLS. After each training course, the participants simulated CPR and were assisted by a dispatcher via telephone. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality was measured and recorded using a mannequin simulator. The primary outcome was total no-flow time (>1.5 seconds without chest compression) during simulation.

Results

Among 24 participants, two (8.3%) who experienced mechanical failure of simulation mannequin and one (4.2%) who violated simulation protocols were excluded at initial simulation, and two (8.3%) refused follow-up after 6 months. The median (interquartile range) total no-flow time during initial simulation was 79.6 (66.4–96.9) seconds for the T-BLS training group and 147.6 (122.5–184.0) seconds for the S-BLS training group (P < 0.01). Median cumulative interruption time and median number of interruption events during BLS at initial simulation and 6-month follow-up simulation were significantly shorter in the T-BLS than in the S-BLS group (1.0 vs. 9.5, P < 0.01, and 1.0 vs. 10.5, P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

Participants trained with the T-BLS training program showed shorter no-flow time and fewer interruptions during bystander CPR simulation assisted by a dispatcher.
Patients’ Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Robotic Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Chu Christine M. , Agrawal Anubhav , Mazloomdoost Donna , Barenberg Benjamin , Dune Tanaka J. , Pilkinton Marjorie L. , Chan Robert C. , Weber Lebrun Emily E. , Arya Lily A.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Robotic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has increased, along with marketing and media coverage. It is unknown whether this exposure influences patients’ opinions on POP repair. This study describes the preference for and knowledge of robotic surgery in women with POP.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional survey of new patients presenting with POP at 7 academic sites. Subjects had no prior surgical counseling. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to investigate robotic surgery knowledge, preference, and exposure. Subjects expressed their preferred route of POP repair (robotic, vaginal, abdominal, laparoscopic, or no preference). Knowledge was determined by the number of correctly answered questions (range, 0–7). Perception of robotic surgery was compared with other surgical routes.

Results

One hundred seventy-six subjects were included. Most had no surgical preference (66.3%), whereas 27.3% preferred nonrobotic and 6.4% preferred robotic routes. The mean knowledge score was 2.3 (SD, 1.7). Women preferring robotic surgery were more likely to view it as faster than laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001). These same subjects did not perceive any advantages for robotic surgery related to blood loss, pain, and organ injury (P > 0.05). Most reported no prior exposure to robotic surgery information (56.2%) or advertisements (65.2%). Those with prior exposure most frequently obtained information via the Internet and encountered hospital advertisements.

Conclusions

The majority of women with POP reported no preference for robotic approach to POP surgery. Knowledge about robotic surgery was low, even among subjects who expressed preference. Comprehensive counseling may help patients make informed decisions even when surgical preferences exist.
Temporary ectopic implantation for salvaging amputated parts: A systematic review
Authors: Tu Yiji , Lineaweaver William C. , Culnan Derek M. , Bitz Genevieve H. , Jones Kyler J. , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Temporary ectopic implantation is an option when handling severe crushing injuries to the distal extremities or other body parts. The surgical techniques applied in those cases, and the patient outcomes have not been previously analyzed.

METHODS

Extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar to collect articles reporting outcomes of temporary ectopic implantation for salvaging amputated extremities or other body parts. Age and sex of patients, injured part, amputation level, surgical details, and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles encompassing 38 amputated cases met the inclusion criteria. The publication dates ranged from 1986 to 2016. Of the 38 cases, temporary ectopic implantation procedures were performed in 16 digit cases, 10 hand cases, 3 forearm cases, 5 foot cases, 1 penis case, 1 testes case, and 2 scalp cases. The ectopic implantation duration varied from 6 to 319 days. The ectopic implantation and following replantation of the amputated parts resulted in a survival rate of 81.6% and 100%, respectively. With different follow-up durations, most patients were found to have sensation restore in the tips of reconstructed extremities, and those reconstructed extremities were functionally useful in daily lives. The function of other replanted parts was also satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Temporary ectopic implantation is a valuable technique for salvaging amputation cases resulted from severe crushing injuries. There is yet no consensus on the indications of this surgical technique. In future practices, both success and failure cases should be recorded and analyzed to help us to optimize the surgical strategies and improve the patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level IV.
Neurocognitive Engagement Therapy
Authors: Howanitz Jennifer , Carney Kelly O'Shea , Lichtenberg Peter A. , Donlan Alice , Sugarman Michael A. , Malek Kay
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose:

Physical rehabilitation therapists are recognizing increasing numbers of older clients presenting with cognitive impairment in the post–acute setting. Therapists working with these patients often feel ill-prepared to address the special challenges of this population and often experience difficulty fully engaging the client in therapy. Decreased engagement in a therapy plan of care may lead to worse functional outcomes and increased debility. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of neurocognitive engagement therapy (NET), a new model for rehabilitation, through a randomized clinical trial. Neurocognitive engagement therapy utilizes evidence-based best practices in dementia care as well as task-specific practice to increase engagement and therapeutic gains among individuals with cognitive impairment in the post–acute setting.

Methods:

Eighty-five subacute rehabilitation patients participated in the study, with 43 in the active group who received care based on the NET model and 42 in the control group who received traditional post–acute rehabilitation services. The groups were randomly assigned by location of the post–acute admission. The Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale was used to measure patient engagement in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The Modified Barthel Index was used to assess change in overall function.

Results and Discussion:

Results revealed that Active group participants demonstrated higher mean engagement ratings across all 3 NET therapy types (Ps ≤ .05), with the same mean number of sessions. A Group-by-Time ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect (P = .05) for pre-/postfunctional gains on the Barthel, indicating more functional gains in the Active group. After accounting for individual differences in engagement, hierarchical multiple linear regression modeling demonstrated that engagement mediated the effects on functional improvement. That is, active patients appeared to have greater functional gains because they had higher engagement.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that NET is efficacious for cognitively impaired patients. Patients who received NET were more engaged in the process of therapy and had greater functional gains than those who were cognitively impaired and received traditional rehabilitation.
Effects of Sensory Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Swallowing in the Elderly Affected by Stroke
Authors: Mituuti Cláudia Tiemi , Arone Marcela Maria Alves da Silva , Rosa Raquel Rodrigues , Berretin-Felix Giédre
Published: January 2018

Background:

Few studies show the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the rehabilitation of neurogenic dysphagia.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of sensory NMES on swallowing in elderly patients with stroke sequelae.

Methods:

Ten poststroke elderly patients were submitted to swallowing video fluoroscopy, from which the degree of oropharyngeal dysphagia was ranked through the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale, measured from the oral and pharyngeal transit times and classified in residue scale, including the application of the swallowing-related quality-of-life protocol, SWAL-QOL, before, immediately, and after 3 months of rehabilitation. The treatment sessions were performed thrice a week, for 4 weeks.

Results:

After therapy, improvement was seen in swallowing classification by Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (P = .023) and a significant difference in the sum of points of SWAL-QOL questionnaire (P = .008) between periods, before, and after 3 months of therapy with NMES. No differences were found between rehabilitation periods, as to waste in the pharynx and times of oral and pharyngeal transit (P > .005).

Conclusions:

The application of NMES, at the sensory level, in elderly patients affected by stroke resulted in decreased dysphagia and in improved quality of life related to swallowing.
Whole genome sequence of Mapuche-Huilliche Native Americans
Authors: Vidal Elena A. , Moyano Tomás C. , Bustos Bernabé I. , Pérez-Palma Eduardo , Moraga Carol , Montecinos Alejandro , Azócar Lorena , Soto Daniela C. , Riveras Eleodoro , Vidal Mabel , Di Genova Alex , Puschel Klaus , Nürnberg Peter , Buch Stephan , Hampe Jochen , Allende Miguel L. , Cambiazo Verónica , González Mauricio , Hodar Christian , Montecino Martín , Muñoz-Espinoza Claudia , Orellana Ariel , Reyes-Jara Angélica , Travisany Dante , Vizoso Paula , Moraga Mauricio , Eyheramendy Susana , Maass Alejandro , De Ferrari Giancarlo V. , Miquel Juan Francisco , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Whole human genome sequencing initiatives provide a compendium of genetic variants that help us understand population history and the basis of genetic diseases. Current data mostly focuses on Old World populations and information on the genomic structure of Native Americans, especially those from the Southern Cone is scant.

Results

Here we present a high-quality complete genome sequence of 11 Mapuche-Huilliche individuals (HUI) from Southern Chile (85% genomic and 98% exonic coverage at > 30X), with 96–97% high confidence calls. We found approximately 3.1×106 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) per individual and identified 403,383 (6.9%) of novel SNVs that are not included in current sequencing databases. Analyses of large-scale genomic events detected 680 copy number variants (CNVs) and 4,514 structural variants (SVs), including 398 and 1,910 novel events, respectively. Global ancestry composition of HUI genomes revealed that the cohort represents a marginally admixed population from the Southern Cone, whose genetic component is derived from early Native American ancestors. In addition, we found that HUI genomes display highly divergent and novel variants with potential functional impact that converge in ontological categories essential in cell metabolic processes.

Conclusions

Mapuche-Huilliche genomes contain a unique set of small– and large-scale genomic variants in functionally linked genes, which may contribute to susceptibility for the development of common complex diseases or traits in admixed Latinos and Native American populations. Our data represents an ancestral reference panel for population-based studies in Native and admixed Latin American populations.
Exploring Approximate Bayesian Computation for inferring recent demographic history with genomic markers in non-model species
Authors: Elleouet Joane S. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: January 2018

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is widely used to infer demographic history of populations and species using DNA markers. Genomic markers can now be developed for non-model species using reduced representation library (RRL) sequencing methods that select a fraction of the genome using targeted sequence capture or restriction enzymes (genotyping-by-sequencing, GBS). We explored the influence of marker number and length, knowledge of gametic phase, and tradeoffs between sample size and sequencing depth on the quality of demographic inferences performed with ABC. We focused on 2-population models of recent spatial expansion with varying numbers of unknown parameters. Performing ABC on simulated datasets with known parameter values, we found that the timing of a recent spatial expansion event could be precisely estimated in a 3-parameter model. Taking into account uncertainty in parameters such as initial population size and migration rate collectively decreased the precision of inferences dramatically. Phasing haplotypes did not improve results, regardless of sequence length. Numerous short sequences were as valuable as fewer, longer sequences, and performed best when a large sample size was sequenced at low individual depth, even when sequencing errors were added. ABC results were similar to results obtained with an alternative method based on the site frequency spectrum (SFS) when performed with unphased GBS-type markers. We conclude that unphased GBS-type datasets can be sufficient to precisely infer simple demographic models, and discuss possible improvements for the use of ABC with genomic data.
Natural Gaze Data-Driven Wheelchair
Authors: Raymond Lou-Ann , Piccini Margherita , Subramanian Mahendran , Pavel Orlov , Zito Giuseppe , Faisal Aldo
Published: January 2018

Natural eye movements during navigation have long been considered to reflect planning processes and link to user’s future action intention. We investigate here whether natural eye movements during joystick-based navigation of wheel-chairs follow identifiable patterns that are predictive of joystick actions. To place eye movements in context with driving intentions, we combine our eye tracking with a 3D depth camera system, which allows us to identify which eye movements have the floor as gaze target and distinguish them from other non-navigation related eye movements. We find consistent patterns of eye movements on the floor predictive of steering commands issued by the driver in all subjects. Based on this empirical data we developed two gaze decoders using supervised machine learning techniques and enabled each of these drivers to then steer the wheelchair by imagining they were using a joystick to trigger appropriate natural eye movements via motor imagery. We show that all subjects are able to navigate their wheelchair “by eye” learning it within a short time span of minutes. Our work shows that simple gaze-based decoding without need for artificial user interfaces suffices to restore mobility and increasing participation in daily life.
MST1R/RON and EGFR in a complex with syndecans sustain carcinoma S-phase progression by preventing p38MAPK activation
Authors: Beauvais DeannaLee M. , Short Kristin , Stueven Noah , Nelson Scott E. , Lee Denis , Jung Oisun , Anderson Richard A. , Lambert Paul F. , Rapraeger Alan C.
Published: January 2018

Syndecan-4 (Sdc4) organizes a complex of receptors consisting of its homologue, Sdc2, the receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and MST1R/RON, and the laminin-binding α3β1 and α6β4 integrins that depends on a docking site within its extracellular domain. A peptide mimetic of the extracellular docking site, synstatin-EGFR (SSTNEGFR), disrupts the receptor complex and prevents the invasion of non-transformed or carcinoma cells that relies on active EGFR. However, the peptide also prevents DNA replication that relies on active MST1R/RON and c-Abl kinase within the complex, resulting in rapid S-phase arrest of head & neck (HN) and breast carcinoma cells. SSTNEGFRdoes not affect DNA replication in non-transformed oral or breast epithelial cells, but it does block their EGF-dependent invasion. Although EGFR is required as a component of the complex, its kinase activity is not required to sustain S-phase progression in the carcinoma cells, perhaps explaining why many HN and breast carcinomas that overexpress EGFR are nonetheless refractory to EGFR inhibitors. The syndecan-organized receptor complex (Sdc:RTK:ITG complex) appears to suppress stress signals that would otherwise disrupt the replisome engaged in DNA synthesis. SSTNEGFR-treatment of carcinoma cells, or normal oral epithelial cells expressing stress-inducing HPV oncogenes, causes rapid activation of the p38 stress MAPK leading to loss of PCNA from the chromatin and cessation of DNA synthesis. This arrest is independent of the common DNA damage response (DDR) known to activate an S-phase checkpoint, revealing a novel arrest mechanism and a novel receptor complex that is activated on tumor cells to suppress stress-induced proliferation arrest.
Modelling mitosis with multiple phenotypes: relation to Haeckel’s recapitulation law
Authors: Alexandrov Yuriy
Published: January 2018

The article presents a novel stochastic mathematical model of mitosis in heterogeneous (multiple-phenotype), age-dependent cell populations. The developed computational techniques involve flexible use of differentiation tree diagrams. The applicability of the model is discussed in the context of the Haeckelian (biogenetic) paradigm. In particular, the article puts forward the conjecture of generality of Haeckel’s recapitulation law. The conjecture is briefly collated against relevant scientific evidence and elaborated for the specific case of evolving/mutable cell phenotypes as considered by the model. The feasibility, basic regimes and the convenience of the model are tested on examples and experimental data, and the corresponding open source simulation software is described and demonstrated.
Proteomic Profiling of Mammalian COPII Vesicles
Authors: Adolf Frank , Rhiel Manuel , Hessling Bernd , Hellwig Andrea , Wieland Felix T.
Published: January 2018

Intracellular transport and homeostasis of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells depend on formation and fusion of vesicular carriers. COPII vesicles export newly synthesized secretory proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). They are formed by sequential recruitment of the small GTP binding protein Sar1, the inner coat complex Sec23/24, and the outer coat complex Sec13/31. In order to investigate the roles of mammalian Sec24 isoforms in cargo sorting, we have combinedin vitroCOPII vesicle reconstitutions with SILAC-based mass spectrometric analysis. This approach enabled us to identify the core proteome of mammalian COPII vesicles. Comparison of the proteomes generated from vesicles with different Sec24 isoforms confirms several established isoform-dependent cargo proteins, and identifies ERGIC1 and CNIH1 as novel Sec24C‐ and Sec24A-specific cargo proteins, respectively. Proteomic analysis of vesicles reconstituted with a Sec24C mutant, bearing a compromised binding site for the ER-to-Golgi QSNARE Syntaxin5, revealed that the SM/Munc18 protein SCFD1 binds to Syntaxin5 prior to its sorting into COPII vesicles. Furthermore, analysis of Sec24D mutants implicated in the development of a syndromic form of osteogenesis imperfecta showed sorting defects for the three ER-to-Golgi QSNAREs Syntaxin5, GS27, and Bet1.
Internal protein motions in molecular-dynamics simulations of Bragg and diffuse X-ray scattering
Authors: Wall Michael E.
Published: January 2018

Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of Bragg and diffuse X-ray scattering provide a means of obtaining experimentally validated models of protein conformational ensembles. This paper shows that compared with a single periodic unit-cell model, the accuracy of simulating diffuse scattering is increased when the crystal is modeled as a periodic supercell consisting of a 2 × 2 × 2 layout of eight unit cells. The MD simulations capture the general dependence of correlations on the separation of atoms. There is substantial agreement between the simulated Bragg reflections and the crystal structure; there are local deviations, however, indicating both the limitation of using a single structure to model disordered regions of the protein and local deviations of the average structure away from the crystal structure. Although it was anticipated that a simulation of longer duration might be required to achieve maximal agreement of the diffuse scattering calculation with the data using the supercell model, only a microsecond is required, the same as for the unit cell. Rigid protein motions only account for a minority fraction of the variation in atom positions from the simulation. The results indicate that protein crystal dynamics may be dominated by internal motions rather than packing interactions, and that MD simulations can be combined with Bragg and diffuse X-ray scattering to model the protein conformational ensemble.
Survey and analysis of crystal polymorphism in organic structures
Authors: Kersten Kortney , Kaur Ramanpreet , Matzger Adam
Published: January 2018

With the intention of producing the most comprehensive treatment of the prevalence of crystal polymorphism among structurally characterized materials, all polymorphic compounds flagged as such within the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) are analysed and a list of crystallographically characterized organic polymorphic compounds is assembled. Classifying these structures into subclasses of anhydrates, salts, hydrates, non-hydrated solvates and cocrystals reveals that there are significant variations in polymorphism prevalence as a function of crystal type, a fact which has not previously been recognized in the literature. It is also shown that, as a percentage, polymorphic entries are decreasing temporally within the CSD, with the notable exception of cocrystals, which continue to rise at a rate that is a constant fraction of the overall entries. Some phenomena identified that require additional scrutiny include the relative prevalence of temperature-induced phase transitions among organic salts and the paucity of polymorphism in crystals with three or more chemical components.
The fallacy of impact without relevance – reclaiming relevance and rigor
Authors: Narasimhan Ram
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to underscore the fundamental importance of relevance to an applied field such as supply chain management (SCM). It is argued that simultaneity of research rigor and relevance is necessary to assert claims of impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper acts as a reflective essay, inductive reasoning and prescriptive framework.

Findings

Impact needs to be evaluated based on both rigor and relevance, and not exclusively based on whether a paper is published in a “top-tier” journal. Without relevance, academic research in SCM will cease to be of practical importance.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation is that this is a conceptual paper relying on logical arguments.

Practical implications

The paper exhorts academics in SCM to recognize and insure practical relevance in their research. It develops strong arguments for why such a combined focus is needed and should be encouraged by journals.

Originality/value

Thought provoking paper intended to change how the field evaluates research for its impact. General strategies for increasing relevance in academic research are offered.
Students’ voices about information and communication technology in upper secondary schools
Authors: Olofsson Anders D. , Lindberg Ola J. , Fransson Göran
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore upper secondary school students’ voices on how information and communication technology (ICT) could structure and support their everyday activities and time at school.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 11 group interviews were conducted with a total of 46 students from three upper secondary schools. NVivo PRO 11 was used for a qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The results show that ICT plays a central role in the students’ schooling, not in terms of “state-of-the-art” technology, but rather as “state-of-the-actual”, by for example supporting the writing process and for peer support, digital documentation and storage.

Research limitations/implications

A relatively small number of students in three schools and three specific programmes make generalisations difficult.

Practical implications

Students’ perspectives on the “state-of-the-actual” could influence teachers’ use of ICT in education, their professional development activities and the development of an in-school ICT infrastructure.

Social implications

The study could lead to a better understanding of students’ expectations and use of ICT at school and in everyday life.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is the focus on students’ voices about how the basic use and functionality of ICT could structure and support their everyday activities at school.
A view on medical care globalization and medical tourism
Authors: Plianbangchang Samlee
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disseminate among concerned professionals its certain operational aspects, including some possible implications on health and medical care practices.

Design/methodology/approach

It is written on the basis of the author’s special study of a diverse source of information, as well as on author’s practical experience and observation in this particular area.

Findings

Special attention is paid to possible public health impacts within a broad social and economic framework, as well as to its impacts on the existing national health care systems in countries, that would possibly lead to certain degree of inequity in health at national level as an important consequence of health development progress.

Originality/value

Knowledge and understanding gained from this paper might be useful in the efforts to develop and manage national health care systems to ensure a reasonable balance in health status of people of all groups.
Customer-company identification transfer across service alliances
Authors: Wolter Jeremy S. , Landers V. Myles , Brach Simon , Cronin J. Joseph
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether customer-company identification (CCI) can transfer from one organization to the next within the context of service alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experiment using a fictitious alliance and a field study focused on a real alliance tests identification transfer at the time of a service alliance announcement and while the service alliance is in operation.

Findings

Identification transfer is enabled by an exclusive service alliance but not an inclusive one. For identification transfer to be maintained, customers must perceive the companies as a coherent group (i.e. high entitativity) and have close physical proximity to the alliance.

Originality/value

By drawing heavily on self-categorization theory for the proposed effects, the current research provides a new theoretical framework to the service and brand alliance literature that contrasts with the attitude-based theories commonly used. Furthermore, the current research explores how company-company relationships influence CCI whereas most research has focused on characteristics of the customer-company relationship. These two differences suggest service alliances provide more value to the companies and customers than currently realized.
Impact of quality management tools and techniques
Authors: Silombela Timothy , Mutingi Michael , Chakraborty Ayon
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding on the impact of quality management (QM) tools and techniques in water supply infrastructure maintenance and the generation of non-revenue water (NRW) by Namibian Municipal Water Distributors.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were selected as the primary data collection method, while secondary data were collected using document review and observations. In-depth interviews as primary method provided rich data and details on the subject matter from the respondents. Document review and observations provided a holistic perspective and understanding of the context within which the maintenance projects are handled by municipal water distributors.

Findings

The study found that as the number of QM tools employed to analyze maintenance data increases, the generation of NRW by the municipality decreases. However, for the tools to be effective, they should cover applications such as problem identification, data analysis, process analysis, decision making, planning, quality control and statistical process control, this helped Namibian municipalities to produce low volumes of NRW. In contrast, municipalities using QM tools arbitrarily lead to high quantities of NRW generation.

Originality/value

The World Bank recommends that NRW should be less than 25 percent of the total water produced, while in many countries NRW is up to 60 percent. Developed economies have made efforts to reduce NRW but efforts are still at nascent stage in emerging economies. This is the first study providing evidences of QM tools application in maintenance process and effect on NRW.
Assessment of factors affecting maintenance management of hospital buildings in Jordan
Authors: Jandali Dana , Sweis Rateb
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the factors affecting maintenance management performance of hospital buildings in Amman, Jordan. Besides, the operational state was evaluated and the practices of maintenance management were assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 70 items were identified through a rigorous literature review, grouped into seven categories, and a framework was developed. Besides, practices of maintenance management were assessed and the operational state was evaluated. The data were collected through distributing questionnaires to maintenance department staff in all public and private hospitals in Amman, Jordan. In total, 219 questionnaires were obtained and the data were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. As well, descriptive, correlation, and inferential analysis were performed.

Findings

The analysis proved that 14 items representing four factors had significant effect on maintenance management performance and a new framework was established. Additionally, the results showed that Amman’s hospitals were found to be in an average condition and maintenance management practices were assessed to be efficient.

Originality/value

There is a gap in the literature in terms of researching the factors affecting the maintenance management of the Jordanian hospitals which has been a subject of extensive interest to many. A framework of the factors affecting maintenance has been proposed for the country of Jordan which the authors hope that would be developed further in future studies.
Optimal stopping time of software system test via artificial neural network with fault count data
Authors: Begum Momotaz , Dohi Tadashi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel method to estimate the optimal software testing time which minimizes the relevant expected software cost via a refined neural network approach with the grouped data, where the multi-stage look ahead prediction is carried out with a simple three-layer perceptron neural network with multiple outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the software fault count data which follows a Poisson process with unknown mean value function, the authors transform the underlying Poisson count data to the Gaussian data by means of one of three data transformation methods, and predict the cost-optimal software testing time via a neural network.

Findings

In numerical examples with two actual software fault count data, the authors compare the neural network approach with the common non-homogeneous Poisson process-based software reliability growth models. It is shown that the proposed method could provide a more accurate and more flexible decision making than the common stochastic modeling approach.

Originality/value

It is shown that the neural network approach can be used to predict the optimal software testing time more accurately.
Current developments in phototherapy for psoriasis
Authors: Morita Akimichi
Published: January 2018

Phototherapy utilizes the beneficial effects of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths to affect immunoregulatory functions. UV light phototherapy using narrowband UV‐B (NB‐UVB) and bath‐psoralen UV‐A (bath‐PUVA) therapy are well‐established treatments for psoriasis. Dual‐action mechanisms of UV phototherapy have been identified: apoptosis and immune suppression. NB‐UVB depletes pathogenic T cells by inducing apoptosis and regulatory T cells. Other wavelengths are also utilized for phototherapy, namely 308‐nm excimer light and 312‐nm flat‐typed NB‐UVB. Excimer light (308‐nm) therapy effectively targets the affected skin without unduly exposing other areas and increases the levels of regulatory T cells. Phototherapy improves impaired resting regulatory T cells and increases activated regulatory T cells in patients with psoriasis. Intensive studies of phototherapy effects have led to several improvements in the design, protocols, and light sources, such as UV light‐emitting diodes, thereby providing several options for patients with refractory skin disease, such as psoriasis.
Innovative Behaviour: How Much Transformational Leadership Do You Need?
Authors: Bednall Timothy C. , E. Rafferty Alannah , Shipton Helen , Sanders Karin , J. Jackson Chris
Published: January 2018

Studies on the effects of transformational leadership on employee innovative behaviour have yielded mixed results. The authors argue that one possible explanation for these mixed findings is that researchers have assumed a linear relationship between these constructs. In contrast, they suggest that the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behaviour is non‐linear. Specifically, the authors argue that the positive effects of transformational leadership on innovative behaviour will be stronger at low and high levels of transformational leadership. Moreover, they examine whether the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behaviour is mediated by knowledge sharing within and between teams. The authors undertake a constructive replication by testing these hypothesized relationships in two studies: (1) a multi‐actor team‐level study conducted in the USA, and (2) a longitudinal employee‐level study of teachers in the Netherlands. Results of both studies reveal that knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behaviour, and that the indirect relationship is curvilinear. The authors link these findings to leader substitution theory, proposing that employees turn to their peers and other parties when there is an absence of effective leadership.
Cross‐lagged panel analysis of reciprocal effects of morphological processing and reading in Chinese in a multilingual context
Authors: Zhang Dongbo , Koda Keiko , Leong Che Kan , Pang Elizabeth
Published: January 2018

Background

While much is known about how morphological awareness (MA) contributes to reading development, little attention has been paid to how reading may conversely affect MA development, particularly in readers of Chinese in a bilingual/multilingual setting.

Methods

The study adopted a cross‐lagged panel design. Young bilingual readers of Chinese were measured in MA, word reading and reading comprehension – all in Chinese – twice from Grade 3 to Grade 4.

Results

Path analysis revealed that Grade 3 MA significantly predicted Grade 4 reading comprehension after controlling for the autoregressive effect. Over and above Grade 3 MA, Grade 3 reading also significantly predicted Grade 4 MA. Subsequent analyses, however, revealed disparate developmental patterns between those with Chinese and English, respectively, as their home language.

Implications

These findings, while supporting reciprocity of developmental relationships between MA and reading, also suggested that the pattern of relationships can vary as a function of students' target language experiences in a bilingual/multilingual setting.