bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell analysis resolves the cell state transition and signaling dynamics associated with melanoma drug-induced resistance
Authors: Su Yapeng , Wei Wei , Robert Lidia , Xue Min , Tsoi Jennifer , Garcia-Diaz Angel , Homet Moreno Blanca , Kim Jungwoo , Ng Rachel H. , Lee Jihoon W. , Koya Richard C. , Comin-Anduix Begonya , Graeber Thomas G. , Ribas Antoni , Heath James R.
Published: December 2017

Significance

This work provides biophysical insights into how
BRAF
mutant melanoma cells adapt to the stress of MAPK inhibition via a series of reversible phenotypic transitions toward drug-tolerant or drug-resistant cell states enriched for neural-crest factors and mesenchymal signatures. This adaptation is influenced by cell phenotype-specific drug selection and cell state interconversion, but not selection of genetically resistant clones. A panel of functional proteins, analyzed at the single-cell level, pointed to signaling network hubs that drive the initiation of the melanoma cell adaptive transition. Targeting those hubs halted the transition and arrested resistance development.
Cytokine signaling through
Drosophila
Mthl10 ties lifespan to environmental stress
Authors: Sung Eui Jae , Ryuda Masasuke , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Uryu Outa , Ochiai Masanori , Cook Molly E. , Yi Na Young , Wang Huanchen , Putney James W. , Bird Gary S. , Shears Stephen B. , Hayakawa Yoichi
Published: December 2017

Significance

Invertebrates are productive models for understanding basic molecular principles that link cytokine-mediated inflammatory pathways to aging in humans. Here, we use a high-throughput dsRNA screen to determine that the multifunctional
Drosophila
cytokine, GBP, is a ligand for the hitherto orphan GPCR, Mthl10. Through genetic manipulation of the GBP/Mthl10 axis in larvae and adult flies, we are able to demonstrate how organismal longevity is interconnected to immunological, metabolic, and stress-protective responses. Our results provide a molecular basis for hypothesizing that a successful defense against environmental insults—be they pathogenic inflammation or noninfective challenges—will ultimately reduce lifespan.
Interferon-beta represses cancer stem cell properties in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Doherty Mary R. , Cheon HyeonJoo , Junk Damian J. , Vinayak Shaveta , Varadan Vinay , Telli Melinda L. , Ford James M. , Stark George R. , Jackson Mark W.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Current cancer therapies fail to repress tumor recurrence and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) because they fail to target cells that possess epithelial–mesenchymal (E-M) plasticity and acquire cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Identifying and engaging signaling pathways that regulate E-M/CSC plasticity within TNBC therefore remains an unmet critical clinical need. Recent evidence demonstrates that presence of E-M/CSC plasticity in TNBC correlates with a repressed interferon/STAT gene signature. Our data demonstrate that exogenous IFN-β targets and represses E-M/CSC plasticity by reengaging type I IFN signaling in CSC. Our findings have clinical relevance, as IFN-β signaling correlates with improved patient survival and repressed CSC in TNBC. Thus, our work suggests a therapeutic use for IFN-β in the repression of E-M/CSC–driven tumor recurrence and metastasis in TNBC.
Distinct roles of N- and O-glycans in cellulase activity and stability
Authors: Amore Antonella , Knott Brandon C. , Supekar Nitin T. , Shajahan Asif , Azadi Parastoo , Zhao Peng , Wells Lance , Linger Jeffrey G. , Hobdey Sarah E. , Vander Wall Todd A. , Shollenberger Todd , Yarbrough John M. , Tan Zhongping , Crowley Michael F. , Himmel Michael E. , Decker Stephen R. , Beckham Gregg T. , Taylor Larry E.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Glycosylation is a ubiquitous posttranslational modification of proteins wherein carbohydrates are appended to protein side chains, with myriad functions in molecular and cell biology. The enzymes that break down polysaccharides and other recalcitrant polymers in nature are often decorated with two canonical forms of glycosylation, N- and O-linked glycans, the roles of which are only partially understood in these key enzyme families with importance to both natural biomass turnover and industrial biotechnology. Here, we report that, depending on where they are attached, glycans play substantially different roles for the enzyme in thermal and proteolytic stability, substrate binding, and substrate turnover. Overall, these results provide fundamental insights into how glycans affect critical properties of biomass-degrading enzymes.
Beta oscillations reflect supramodal information during perceptual judgment
Authors: Haegens Saskia , Vergara José , Rossi-Pool Román , Lemus Luis , Romo Ranulfo
Published: December 2017

Significance

When a perceptual judgment has to be made comparing inputs from different sensory modalities (here, tactile and auditory), the relevant information needs to be coded in a supramodal way. We studied the role of beta oscillations in the premotor system, which had previously been linked to tactile working memory and decision making. We report that beta-band power reflects the to-be-remembered stimulus properties, and the subsequent decision outcome. This information is coded in a supramodal, context-dependent manner—modality information is retained only when relevant for the task at hand. We interpret these results in light of a recently proposed framework in which beta-band synchronization reflects the dynamic recruiting of task-relevant neuronal circuits.
How reduced excitonic coupling enhances light harvesting in the main photosynthetic antennae of diatoms
Authors: Krüger Tjaart P. J. , Malý Pavel , Alexandre Maxime T. A. , Mančal Tomáš , Büchel Claudia , van Grondelle Rienk
Published: December 2017

Significance

Photosynthetic energy transfer must remain robust within the disordered protein environment. A high degree of robustness is generally obtained using molecular exciton states, which are excited states delocalized over a few pigments. These states provide several advantages, including a reduced probability of energy trapping in unfavorable sites, which would diminish the energy transfer efficiency. This study combines single-molecule spectroscopy and quantum-mechanical simulations to explore the different strategy of the main light-harvesting complexes of diatoms to enhance robustness. In the absence of strong exciton interactions, the pigment energies are more susceptible to protein structural changes, but the complexes seem to use these fluctuations to switch frequently into low-energy states with improved light-harvesting properties.
Sex determination of human remains from peptides in tooth enamel
Authors: Stewart Nicolas Andre , Gerlach Raquel Fernanda , Gowland Rebecca L. , Gron Kurt J. , Montgomery Janet
Published: December 2017

Significance

The ability to assign biological sex to human skeletal remains is a fundamental requirement in archaeology, paleoanthropology, and medico-legal sciences. While DNA sequencing can be used, it is expensive, time-consuming, and often fails due to the poor quality of the remaining DNA. An easier, more reliable, and consistently applicable method is needed. We present a method for sex determination of human remains using peptides retrieved from tooth enamel. Amelogenin is an enamel-forming protein encoded for by both chromosomes X and Y, with slight differences in their amino acid sequences. Peptides with these differences were identified by nanoflow liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and found to correctly assign sex to archaeological human remains of various chronological ages, from hundreds to thousands of years old.
Obligatory role of hypothalamic neuroestradiol during the estrogen-induced LH surge in female ovariectomized rhesus monkeys
Authors: Kenealy Brian P. , Keen Kim L. , Garcia James P. , Kohlenberg Lucille K. , Terasawa Ei
Published: December 2017

Significance

The concept that ovarian cycles in female mammals are regulated by gonadal steroids released from the ovary is well-established dogma. The findings of this study, however, showing that the removal of neuroestradiol synthesis in the median eminence of the hypothalamus by the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, greatly attenuates estrogen-induced gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone surges in ovariectomized female monkeys, indicate that neuroestradiol locally synthesized and released in the hypothalamus is an integral part of the ovary-initiated positive feedback mechanism of estradiol.
Discovery of the leinamycin family of natural products by mining actinobacterial genomes
Authors: Pan Guohui , Xu Zhengren , Guo Zhikai , Hindra  , Ma Ming , Yang Dong , Zhou Hao , Gansemans Yannick , Zhu Xiangcheng , Huang Yong , Zhao Li-Xing , Jiang Yi , Cheng Jinhua , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Suh Joo-Won , Duan Yanwen , Shen Ben
Published: December 2017

Significance

Leinamycin (LNM) is a promising anticancer drug lead, yet no analog has been isolated since its discovery nearly 30 y ago. By mining bacterial genomes, we discovered 49 potential producers of LNM-type natural products, the structural diversity of which was predicted based on bioinformatics and confirmed by in vitro characterization of selected enzymes and structural elucidation of the guangnanmycins and weishanmycins. These findings demonstrate the power of the discovery-based approach to combinatorial biosynthesis for natural product discovery and structural diversity. New members of the LNM family of natural products should greatly facilitate drug discovery and development. The LNM-type biosynthetic machineries provide outstanding opportunities to dissect and mimic Nature’s strategies for combinatorial biosynthesis and natural product structural diversity.
De novo reconstitution reveals the proteins required for skeletal muscle voltage-induced Ca
2+
release
Authors: Perni Stefano , Lavorato Manuela , Beam Kurt G.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) in vertebrate skeletal muscle depends upon specialized junctions at which Ca
V
1.1, a voltage-gated channel in the plasma membrane, interacts with RyR1, a calcium release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Because calcium flux via Ca
V
1.1 is unnecessary for ECC, Ca
V
1.1 is thought to “conformationally couple” to RyR1. Studies of muscle cells with gene knockouts have shown that additional, junctional proteins are also necessary, but are unable to reveal whether or not these complete the set of required proteins. Here, we show that conformational coupling can be conferred upon tsA201 cells by expressing five junctional proteins (Ca
V
1.1, RyR1, β1a, Stac3, and junctophilin2), thus establishing a minimum set of proteins supporting Ca
V
1.1–RyR1 conformational coupling in skeletal muscle.
Structural changes of tailless bacteriophage ΦX174 during penetration of bacterial cell walls
Authors: Sun Yingyuan , Roznowski Aaron P. , Tokuda Joshua M. , Klose Thomas , Mauney Alexander , Pollack Lois , Fane Bentley A. , Rossmann Michael G.
Published: December 2017

Significance

One of the unresolved mysteries of tailless bacteriophages is how they recognize potential targets and translocate their genomes across the periplasmic space of their hosts. In this study, bilayers consisting of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from bacterial cells were found to trigger genome ejection from ΦX174. We investigated the structural response of ΦX174 and showed that the phage binds to LPS through one of its pentameric spikes. Dissociation of the spike, followed by conformational changes in the major capsid proteins, cause DNA ejection through preformed tubes consisting of viral H proteins. This unique infection strategy may give ΦX174 and other members of the Microviridae family an evolutionary advantage by allowing them to protect the DNA conduit until a specific target is identified.
The similar to RCD-one 1 protein SRO1 interacts with GPX3 and functions in plant tolerance of mercury stress
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Gao Lijie , Jin Pingning , Cui Liusu
Published: December 2017

Heavy metals in the environment are one of the major limiting factors affecting plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms of the heavy metal-induced physiological processes remain to be fully dissected. Here, we explored that SRO1 can physically interact with Glutathione Peroxidase 3 (GPX3) in Arabidopsis. Under Hg treatment, similar to the sro1, the growth of the gpx3/sro1 was repressed more seriously and the number of true leaves was more reduced and etiolated than that of the wild type and gpx3 plants. The electrolyte leakage rates showed that cell membrane integrity in gpx3/sro1 was damaged more severely than in the wild type and gpx3 mutant. The Real-time PCR results have shown that the expression of the APX1 and CAT3 was reduced under mercury stress in the sro1 and sro1/gpx3. Our results suggested that the combination of the SRO1 and GPX3 may be contributed to plant response to mercury stress by regulating ROS intracellular oxidative homeostasis.
New Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of the Unstable Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Hosseini K. , Kumar D. , Kaplan M. , Bejarbaneh E. Yazdani
Published: December 2017

The present paper studies the unstable nonlinear Schrödinger equations, describing the time evolution of disturbances in marginally stable or unstable media. More precisely, the unstable nonlinear Schrödinger equation and its modified form are analytically solved using two efficient distinct techniques, known as the modified Kudraysov method and the sine-Gordon expansion approach. As a result, a wide range of new exact traveling wave solutions for the unstable nonlinear Schrödinger equation and its modified form are formally obtained.
Helson Sets of Synthesis Are Ditkin Sets
Authors: Lau Antony To-Ming , Ülger Ali
Published: December 2017

Let

G
G

be a locally compact group and let

A
(
G
)

A(G)

be its Fourier algebra. A closed subset

H
H

of

G
G

is said to be a Helson set if the restriction homomorphism

ϕ
:
A
(
G
)
→

C

0

(
H
)

\phi :A(G)\rightarrow C_{0}(H)

,

ϕ
(
a
)
=

a

|

H

\phi (a)=a_{|H}

, is surjective. In this paper, under the hypothesis that

G
G

is amenable, we prove that every Helson subset

H
H

of

G
G

that is also a set of synthesis is a Ditkin set. This result is new even for

G
=

R

G=\mathbb {R}

.
Corn Ethanol and U.S. Biofuel Policy 10 Years Later: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Hochman Gal , Zilberman David
Published: December 2017

We conduct meta‐analyses of the estimated impacts of corn ethanol on food and fuel prices, as well as greenhouse gases, and analyze the implications for the balance of trade. The meta‐analyses suggest that corn ethanol has minor effects on greenhouse gas emissions and significant yet moderate effects on food and fuel prices. However, corn ethanol has a relatively significant impact on fuel security in terms of reductions in the import of oil to the U.S. and its overall effect on the U.S. balance of trade.
Prevalence of community health-promoting practices in Singapore
Authors: Kailasam Manimegalai , Hsann Yin Maw , Vankayalapati Priyanka , Yang Kok Soong
Published: December 2017

Both living and working environments have a substantial influence on promoting healthy living habits. A holistic and accurate assessment of the community health-promoting practices is important to identify gaps and to make continuous, tangible improvements. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of the Singapore community health-promoting practices. The community health-promoting practices in all residential zones of an electoral constituency were assessed based on a composite health promotion scoring system comprising of 44 measurable elements under the 5 domains of community support and resources; healthy behaviours; chronic conditions; mental health; and common medical emergencies. An alphabetical grading system was used based on the score ranges: grade ‘A’ (75% and above), grade ‘B’ (60% to below 75%), grade ‘C’ (50% to below 60%) and grade ‘D’ (below 50%). The community health-promoting practices were graded ‘D’ with an overall average score of 41%. The constituency achieved grade ‘C’ (59%) for mental health domain and grade ‘B’ (72%) for common medical emergencies. The health-promoting practices for the other domains were graded ‘D’ (<50%) except for healthy behaviour (physical activity) sub-domain which achieved grade ‘B’ (65%). Significant gaps were identified in the community health-promoting practices. The residential zones may benefit from the scoring system to identify gaps and prioritize high-impact strategies to improve their health practices.
A new gas cooling model for semi-analytic galaxy formation models
Authors: Hou Jun , Lacey Cedric G , Frenk Carlos S
Published: December 2017

Semi-analytic galaxy formation models are widely used to gain insight into the astrophysics of galaxy formation and in model testing, parameter space searching and mock catalogue building. In this work, we present a new model for gas cooling in haloes in semi-analytic models, which improves over previous cooling models in several ways. Our new treatment explicitly includes the evolution of the density profile of the hot gas driven by the growth of the dark matter halo and by the dynamical adjustment of the gaseous corona as gas cools down. The effect of the past cooling history on the current mass cooling rate is calculated more accurately, by doing an integral over the past history. The evolution of the hot gas angular momentum profile is explicitly followed, leading to a self-consistent and more detailed calculation of the angular momentum of the cooled down gas. This model predicts higher cooled down masses than the cooling models previously used in galform, closer to the predictions of the cooling models in l-galaxies and morgana, even though those models are formulated differently. It also predicts cooled down angular momenta that are higher than in previous galform cooling models, but generally lower than the predictions of l-galaxies and morgana. When used in a full galaxy formation model, this cooling model improves the predictions for early-type galaxy sizes in galform.
Ecotype-Dependent Response of Bacterial Communities Associated withArabidopsisto Cold Acclimation
Authors: Etemadi Mohammad , Zuther Ellen , Müller Henry , Hincha Dirk K. , Berg Gabriele
Published: December 2017

Low temperature is a primary factor limiting geographical distribution of plants and crop yield in large areas of the world. Plant-associated microbial communities have rarely been acknowledged as possible determinants of cold acclimation, the process leading to freezing tolerance in plants. Here we studied the impact of cold acclimation on leaf-associated bacteria by analyzing 10 different Arabidopsis ecotypes differing widely in their freezing tolerance. In climate chamber experiments, we found that leaves of all Arabidopsis accessions were colonized by highly diverse bacterial taxa (852 operational taxonomic units) mainly from Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. During cold acclimation, in all ecotypes the bacterial community composition and diversity, and especially the core species composition changed drastically. However, the response of the bacterial communities was highly ecotype-dependent; sensitive and tolerant accessions shared only eight responders. Unique responders in tolerant accessions were identified as putative indicators of freezing tolerance. Thus, leaf bacteria appear to be genotype-dependent associated with cold acclimation, which suggests an additional function of plant−microbe interaction and may open new possibilities for biotechnological applications.
High-resolution repertoire analysis of Tfr and Tfh cells reveals unexpectedly high diversities indicating a bystander activation of follicular T cells
Authors: Ritvo Paul-Gydéon , Chaara Wahiba , El Soufi Karim , Bonnet Benjamin , Six Adrien , Mariotti-Ferrandiz Encarnita , Klatzmann David
Published: December 2017

T follicular helper (Tfh) and regulatory (Tfr) cells regulate B cell activation and ultimately antibody production. While concordant results show that Tfh cells are specific for the immunizing antigens, limited and even controversial results have been reported regarding the specificity of Tfr cells. Here we used high-throughput T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing to address this issue. We observed that although the Tfh- and Tfr-cell repertoires are less diverse than those of effector (Teff) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, they still represent thousands of clonotypes after immunization with a single antigen. T-cell receptor beta variable (TRBV) gene usage distinguishes both follicular T cells (Tfol) from non-Tfol cells, as well as helper (Teff and Tfh) vs. regulatory (Treg and Tfr) cells. Analysis of the sharing of clonotypes between samples revealed that a specific response to the immunizing antigen can only be detected in Tfh cells immunized with a non-self-antigen and Tfr cells immunized with a self-antigen. Finally, the Tfr TCR repertoire is more similar to that of Tregs than to that of Tfh or Teff cells. Altogether, our results highlight a bystander Tfol-cell activation during antigenic response in the germinal centres and support the Treg cell origin of Tfr cells.

Significance Statement

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells promote high-affinity antibody production by B cells while follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells represses it. The question of the specificity of follicular T (Tfol) cells is of utmost importance in the understanding of the antibody response specificity and our work is the first to analysed the global Tfol TCR repertoire in wild type mice. This allowed us not only to portray the overall global structure of these repertoires, but also to substantiate the fact that Tfr cells respond to self-antigen while Tfh cells respond to non self-antigen, a still controversial issue. Importantly, our work revealed an unexpected bystander activation of Tfol cells. We think and discuss that it has a general significance in immune responses and possibly immunopathologies.
Robust manipulation of the behavior ofDrosophila melanogasterby a fungal pathogen in the laboratory
Authors: Elya Carolyn , Lok Tin Ching , Spencer Quinn E. , McCausland Hayley , Martinez Ciera C. , Eisen Michael B.
Published: December 2017

Many microbes induce striking behavioral changes in their animal hosts, but how they achieve this is poorly understood, especially at the molecular level. Mechanistic understanding has been largely constrained by the lack of a model system with advanced tools for molecular manipulation. We recently discovered a strain of the behavior-manipulating fungal pathogenEntomophthora muscaeinfecting wildDrosophila, and established methods to infectD. melanogasterin the lab. Lab-infected flies manifest the moribund behaviors characteristic ofE. muscaeinfection: hours before death, they climb upward, extend their proboscides and affix in place, then raise their wings, clearing a path for infectious spores to launch from their abdomens. We found thatE. muscaeinvades the fly nervous system, suggesting a direct means by which the fungus could induce behavioral changes. Given the vast molecular toolkit available forD. melanogaster, we believe this new system will enable rapid progress in understanding the mechanistic basis ofE. muscae’s behavioral manipulation in the fly.
mTORC1 activates PASK-Wdr5 signaling to epigenetically connect the nutrient status with myogenesis
Authors: Kikani Chintan K. , Wu Xiaoying , Fogarty Sarah , Kang Seong Anthony Woo , Dephoure Noah , Gygi Steve , Sabatini David , Rutter Jared
Published: December 2017

In the tissue microenvironment, stem cell functions are modulated by extrinsic signaling cues such as peptide hormones and dietary nutrients. These signaling cues maintain the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of its resident stem cells. The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) is implicated to play an important role in regulating this balance, although its downstream effectors in stem cells have been elusive. We have recently shown that the PASK protein kinase phosphorylates Wdr5 to stimulate muscle stem cell differentiation by epigenetically activating the Myogenin promoter. Here, we show that the PASK-Wdr5 signaling pathway is a nutrient-sensitive downstream target of mTORC1 in muscle stem cells. We show that phosphorylation of PASK, and in turn of Wdr5, by mTORC1 is required for the activation of Myogenin transcription, exit from the self-renewal and induction of the myogenesis program. Thus, mTOR connects the diverse extrinsic signaling cues to a central epigenetic process to regulate the muscle stem cell fate between self-renewal and differentiation.
Laser power meters as an X-ray power diagnostic for LCLS-II
Authors: Heimann Philip , Moeller Stefan , Carbajo Sergio , Song Sanghoon , Dakovski Georgi , Nordlund Dennis , Fritz David
Published: December 2017

For the LCLS-II X-ray instruments, laser power meters are being developed as compact X-ray power diagnostics to operate at soft and tender X-ray photon energies. These diagnostics can be installed at various locations along an X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) beamline in order to monitor the transmission of X-ray optics along the beam path. In addition, the power meters will be used to determine the absolute X-ray power at the endstations. Here, thermopile power meters, which measure average power, and have been chosen primarily for their compatibility with the high repetition rates at LCLS-II, are evaluated. A number of characteristics in the soft X-ray range are presented including linearity, calibrations conducted with a photodiode and a gas monitor detector as well as ultra-high-vacuum compatibility tests using residual gas analysis. The application of these power meters for LCLS-II and other X-ray FEL sources is discussed.
Pulse-resolved intensity measurements at a hard X-ray FEL using semi-transparent diamond detectors
Authors: Roth Thomas , Freund Wolfgang , Boesenberg Ulrike , Carini Gabriella , Song Sanghoon , Lefeuvre Gwenaëlle , Goikhman Alexander , Fischer Martin , Schreck Matthias , Grünert Jan , Madsen Anders
Published: December 2017

Solid-state ionization chambers are presented based on thin diamond crystals that allow pulse-resolved intensity measurements at a hard X-ray free-electron laser (FEL), up to the 4.5 MHz repetition rate that will become available at the European XFEL. Due to the small X-ray absorption of diamond the thin detectors are semi-transparent which eases their use as non-invasive monitoring devices in the beam. FELs are characterized by strong pulse-to-pulse intensity fluctuations due to the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) process and in many experiments it is mandatory to monitor the intensity of each individual pulse. Two diamond detectors with different electrode materials, beryllium and graphite, were tested as intensity monitors at the XCS endstation of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) using the pink SASE beam at 9 keV. The performance is compared with LCLS standard monitors that detect X-rays backscattered from thin SiN foils placed in the beam. The graphite detector can also be used as a beam position monitor although with rather coarse resolution.
Client-centred clinical genetic diagnostics
Authors: Otter Maarten , Stumpel Constance , van Amelsvoort Therese
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the value of clinical genetic diagnostics in the lives of people with an intellectual disability (ID), their families, and their primary and professional caregivers. It has been shown that psychologists are more likely to make use of the opportunities offered by clinical genetic diagnostics if they have seen the psychological benefits in their own practice. Moreover, this paper aims to promote the practice of informing people with ID, their families, and other caregivers regarding the current technological advances in genetic diagnostics, thereby allowing these patients to decide for themselves whether to utilise these opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors report four case studies in which the psychosocial value to each patient is pivotal.

Findings

In these four cases, it is clear the medical model can augment the social model by providing an interpretation of its meaningfulness in the lives of the people concerned.

Research limitations/implications

Case studies alone can have limited scientific significance. This approach examining the significance of clinical genetic diagnosis should be studied further in larger groups.

Practical implications

It is hoped that psychologists and other professional caregivers will become enthused about the value of clinical genetic diagnostics and will choose to discuss the option of referral for clinical genetic diagnostics with their patients more often.

Social implications

People with an ID who are seeking mental health care, and their caregivers, should be given the opportunity to take part in the decision regarding whether to use clinical genetic diagnostics, which may even have a destigmatising effect.

Originality/value

Quality of life may improve for people with an ID seeking mental healthcare and for their caregivers as well by opening up discussion regarding the opportunities presented by clinical genetic diagnostics. The fact that people are able to make their own choices based on their own considerations can have a destigmatising effect.
Intellectual disabilities and ACT: feasibility of a photography-based values intervention
Authors: Boulton Natalie Elizabeth , Williams Jonathan , Jones Robert S.P.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

There is limited evidence regarding clinical effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous research has highlighted challenges regarding adaptation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people with ID. Central to ACT is a focus on living in congruence with individual core values. The concept of values is abstract and difficult for people with a limited verbal understanding to comprehend, and yet this approach holds much promise for people with ID. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study outlines the adaptations undertaken to facilitate making the concept of values more accessible to people with ID. It also explores the feasibility of the adapted approach to the values component.

Findings

This trial has shown that it is possible to isolate a single component of ACT and adapt it for use with people with ID. The findings highlight the potential feasibility of a value-based approach for people with ID augmented through the use of participant-produced photography to enhance conceptual understanding of the values component of ACT.

Research limitations/implications

Findings were reliant on self-report data, which may result in inaccurate reporting and may be influenced by social demands. Given the diverse and unique presentations of people with ID, the inclusion and exclusion criteria limits the extent to which the current findings may be generalised to people with ID more widely.

Practical implications

Participant-produced photography may be directly applied to clinical practice, with implied benefits of improving access to, and meaningful engagement with psychological therapies for people with ID. Development of (and ability to articulate) a readily available and easily accessible values system, during times of adversity, represents a key implication arising from the current trial.

Originality/value

The current study shows that people with intellectual disability can be helped to appreciate abstract concepts such as personal core values. It also shows the potential to work through the medium of personal photography to explore the feasibility of the adapted approach to the values component – potentially a logical preliminary step towards an ACT-ID evidence base. To the authors’ knowledge, this novel approach is the first of its kind in the ID literature.
Simulation modeling for manpower planning in electrical maintenance service facility
Authors: Choudhari Sanjay , Gajjar Hasmukh
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the simulation model for manpower planning in electrical maintenance service facility and evaluates different scenarios to improve resource utilization while meeting the desired service level.

Design/methodology/approach

The process systematically maps entire system of electrical fault rectification, identifies probability distributions of demand of electrical maintenance requests and its process times using historical data. The simulation software Arena was used to model the entire system and various possible improvements were evaluated to assess performance of maintenance service facility.

Findings

The simulation results obtained for the proposed changes in the system indicated the potential improvement in resource utilization while meeting the average waiting time expectations of customers.

Practical implications

The proposed simulation model can help maintenance people to decide the optimum number of resources to meet the agreed performance level that is expected by various stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper considers the computer simulation in modeling complex real-life system for understanding the resource requirement of electrical fault maintenance facility to improve resource utilization while meeting the desired service level.
Spreadsheets for business process management
Authors: van der Aalst Wil
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Process mining provides a generic collection of techniques to turn event data into valuable insights, improvement ideas, predictions, and recommendations. This paper uses spreadsheets as a metaphor to introduce process mining as an essential tool for data scientists and business analysts. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that process mining can do with events what spreadsheets can do with numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the main concepts in both spreadsheets and process mining. Using a concrete data set as a running example, the different types of process mining are explained. Where spreadsheets work with numbers, process mining starts from event data with the aim to analyze processes.

Findings

Differences and commonalities between spreadsheets and process mining are described. Unlike process mining tools like ProM, spreadsheets programs cannot be used to discover processes, check compliance, analyze bottlenecks, animate event data, and provide operational process support. Pointers to existing process mining tools and their functionality are given.

Practical implications

Event logs and operational processes can be found everywhere and process mining techniques are not limited to specific application domains. Comparable to spreadsheet software widely used in finance, production, sales, education, and sports, process mining software can be used in a broad range of organizations.

Originality/value

The paper provides an original view on process mining by relating it to the spreadsheets. The value of spreadsheet-like technology tailored toward the analysis of behavior rather than numbers is illustrated by the over 20 commercial process mining tools available today and the growing adoption in a variety of application domains.
Do organisations have a mission for mapping processes?
Authors: Rowell James
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify and explore the reasons why organisations decide to use process mapping software (PMS) facilities in support of business process management (BPM); and to determine the objectives set by senior management for its introduction, and understand extent to which organisations achieve expected benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an exploratory research design and investigates the elements of organisations’ objectives, implementation and evaluation of using PMS. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews with business managers responsible for the implementation of PMS. The respondent organisations were selected from a range of industries who were using the same software.

Findings

The results of the research show that organisations do set objectives for using PMS, relevant to a wide range of business, operational and strategic objectives, dependant on the needs of the organisation. Additionally, the results show that some gain further advantages post-implementation, based on their PMS experience. Regarding explicit evaluation of their investment, organisations attempt this to a very limited extent; whilst recognising a broad a range of “softer” benefits.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory research has been conducted on a small range of organisations, all using the same software, therefore the results cannot be clearly generalizable. The research suggests organisations are making effective decisions regarding adopting PMS, further research on the evaluating its benefits could support better decision-making in the future.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are for decision-makers in organisations recognising and understanding the strategic/operational benefits that could be achieved by implementing a software system for BPM.

Originality/value

Whilst the use of process mapping of organisation’s operations is widespread the benefits achieved by organisations are only partially understood. Knowledge of the strategic impact of BPM is limited, as reported by numerous researchers. This research attempts to explore the context of organisations using such software, and point towards further approaches to its investigation.
Examining intention to adopt to internet of things in healthcare technology products
Authors: Karahoca Adem , Karahoca Dilek , Aksöz Merve
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate critical factors affecting individuals’ intention to adopt internet of things (IoT) products in healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model was developed based on technology acceptance model (TAM), innovation diffusion theory (IDT), technological innovativeness (TI), protection motivation theory and privacy calculus theory. The model was tested with 426 respondents (222 females, 204 males) using partial least square structural equation model with all data grouped by gender.

Findings

Based on the results of the complete model, perceived advantage (PA), image and perceived ease of use (PEOU) constructs have a significant effect on intention to adopt IoT healthcare technology products. The results show that for females, compatibility and trialability have more impact on PEOU whereas for males PA has more impact on PEOU. Image, perceived privacy risk, perceived vulnerability have more impact on males when compared to females.

Research limitations/implications

Research conducted only among Turkish people.

Originality/value

This study investigated adoption of future technology, “internet of things”, products in healthcare from a behavioral perspective by integrating various theories. The reason is that before launching any technology into the market, its facilitative factors should be researched for the people who are going to use this in their daily routine.
Updating technology forecasting models using statistical control charts
Authors: Durmusoglu Alptekin
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach that can detect abnormal deviations in the time series models for technology forecasting. The detected modifications provide a basis for understanding the determinants and impact of the corresponding change.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach is based on monitoring residual values (the difference between the observation and the forecasted value) continuously using statistical control charts (SCCs). The residuals that are out of the expected limits are considered an alert indicating a remarkable change. To demonstrate the use of the proposed approach, a time series model was fitted to a number of TV-related patent counts. Subsequently, model residuals were used to determine the limits of the SCCs.

Findings

A number of patents granted in the year 2012 violated the upper control limit. A further analysis has shown that there is a linkage between the abnormal patent counts and the emergence of LCD TVs.

Practical implications

Change in technology may dramatically affect the accuracy of a forecasting model. The need for a parameter update indicates a significant change (emergence or death of a technology) in the technological environment. This may lead to the revision of managerial actions in R&D plans and investment decisions.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology brings a novel approach for abnormal data detection and provides a basis for understanding the determinants and impact of the corresponding change.
The importance of confidence in leadership role
Authors: Söderhjelm Teresa Martha , Larsson Gerry , Sandahl Christer , Björklund Christina , Palm Kristina
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of leadership programmes on leaders and co-workers, as well as which mechanisms are involved in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis was done into 431 free-text answers to questionnaires given to 120 participants in two different leadership programmes and their co-workers six months after their participation, using a grounded theory inspired approach.

Findings

The result is a model, linking internal psychological and external behavioural aspects, with the central outcome that leaders gained more confidence in their leadership role through theoretical models learned, and reflection.

Research limitations/implications

The course participants as well as the co-workers seemed to experience a positive leadership development indicating a value of participating in the courses.

Practical implications

Confidence in leadership role seems important for having positive outcomes of leadership. Although this needs further research, it is something organisations should consider when working with leadership questions.

Social implications

The co-workers perceived their leaders to be calmer, more open for discussions, and willing both to give and receive feedback post training. There appears to be an increase in trust both in the leader and reciprocally from the leader in the co-workers.

Originality/value

Until now there has not been any systematic research into the effects on participants and co-workers following the programmes, despite the fact that over 100,000 have participated in the courses.
Effect of pre-strain and KMnO4 oxidation of carbon nanotubes embedded in polyurethane on strain dependent electrical resistance of the composite
Authors: Slobodian Petr , Riha Pavel , Olejnik Robert , Matyas Jiri
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The synergistic effect of functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) using KMnO4 oxidation and initial tensile deformation on the electrical resistance of nanotube network/polyurethane composite subjected to elongation was studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Though the initial deformation irreversibly changed the arrangement of carbon nanotube network, subsequent cyclic elongation confirmed stable resistance values. The increased strain-dependent resistance of stimulated nanotube network/polyurethane composite was demonstrated by monitoring vibration of tambour leather after a bead impact and finger flexion.

Findings

The results showed a tenfold composite resistance increase for the composite prepared from KMnO4 oxidized nanotubes, quantified by a so-called gauge factor, from a value of about 20 in comparison to the network prepared from pristine nanotubes. This is a substantial increase, which ranks the stimulated composite among materials with the highest electromechanical response.

Originality/value

The results in this paper are new and have not been published yet. The paper combines different ideas which are developed together. It presents a new concept of synergistic effect of CNT oxidation and application of pre-strain simulation. Oxidation and pre-strain increases by several times the sensitivity of the tested composites which are predetermined for use as strain sensors of various sizes and shapes.
Towards a taxonomy of intergenerational knowledge transfer practices
Authors: Kuyken Kerstin , Ebrahimi Mehran , Saives Anne-Laure
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a better understanding of intergenerational knowledge transfer (IKT) practices by adopting a context-related and comparative perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study design involving 83 interviews and non-participative observation in German and Quebec organizations has been chosen.

Findings

Two distinctive archetypes of IKT emerge from both national contexts: “we-individualizing” (Germany) and “I-connecting” (Quebec), leading to an eightfold taxonomy of IKT practices.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to young and senior workers and to high-tech sectors.

Originality/value

Comparative and inductive study of IKT, adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts, retaining younger workers. This inductive and comparative study allows a better adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts and therefore a better retention of younger workers.
Safety of biologics in psoriasis
Authors: Kamata Masahiro , Tada Yayoi
Published: December 2017

The advent of biologics brought a paradigm shift in ways to treat psoriatic patients because they have dramatic efficacy. At the same time, safety concerns about biologics have been raised. In this paper, we focus on the safety profile of biologics for psoriasis. As of 2017, six biologics are available in Japan. Two tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors; infliximab and adalimumab, one anti‐interleukin (IL)‐12/23p40 antibody; ustekinumab, and IL‐17 inhibitors; secukinumab, ixekizumab and brodalumab. Secukinumab and ixekizumab are anti‐IL‐17A antibodies. Brodalumab is an anti‐IL17RA antibody. In this review, we pick up topics which have drawn attention regarding the safety of biologics and discuss them with recent published work.
Mouse models of psoriasis and their relevance
Authors: Nakajima Kimiko , Sano Shigetoshi
Published: December 2017

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder that includes dynamic interactions between the immune system and skin and is clinically characterized by keratinocyte proliferation and distinct inflammatory cell infiltrates. Cross‐talk between keratinocytes and immunocytes is essential for the development of psoriasis given that it mediates the production of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. To resolve the pathogenesis of psoriasis, numerous experimental animal models have been generated. In this review, we discuss recent findings from mouse models, their relevancy to psoriasis and use, including the discovery of new therapies.