bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotational Shortening of Collateral Ligament in TKR With Severe Deformity
Authors: Ku Ming-Chou , Hwang Yiing-Feng , Cheng Cheng-Kung , Chen Jr-Kai , Kumar Atul
Published: December 2017

Instability of the knee joint after total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most important reasons for revision TKR. Inadequate release or tightening of the collateral ligaments in the knee joint may cause instability and early failure. This study presents a case series study of a new technique for ligament balancing wherein the collateral ligament is detached from its origin and rotated (twisted) around its longitudinal axis to tighten the ligament before the origin is reattached to its original position. The surgical technique for collateral ligament tightening during TKR was performed on 6 patients with a deformed knee caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The range of motion, knee society score, and laxity of the patients’ knee joint, after 7 months to 13 years of follow-up, were evaluated. The technique was successful, achieving good range of motion and satisfactory stability of the joint. Further evaluation in a larger number of cases and a comparative analysis with different techniques would further support the usefulness of this rotational ligamentoplasty technique.
Factors Influencing Visual Acuity in Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Kobashi Hidenaga , Kamiya Kazutaka , Shimizu Kimiya
Published: December 2017

SIGNIFICANCE

In eyes with mild Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy without significant corneal edema, objective scattering index has the strongest influence on distance visual acuity, followed by the anterior corneal densitometry. Our findings suggest that distance visual acuity deteriorates in eyes with higher forward light scatter.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the factors affecting distance visual acuity in patients with Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised 31 eyes of 31 patients with mild Fuchs’ dystrophy without corneal edema and 25 eyes of 25 age-matched healthy subjects. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between distance acuity with age, sex, forward light scatter, corneal backward scatter, anterior and posterior corneal higher-order aberrations, endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, and corneal astigmatism.

RESULTS

The forward light scatter, corneal backward scatter, and corneal higher-order aberrations were significantly larger in the Fuchs’ dystrophy group than those in the control group (P ≤ .004). In a univariate analysis, with higher forward light scatter, anterior corneal backward scatter, corneal higher-order aberrations, and age, the distance acuity significantly deteriorated in eyes with Fuchs’ dystrophy. In a multiple linear regression analysis, explanatory variables relevant to the distance acuity were the forward light scatter (P < .001, partial regression coefficient B = 0.035) and anterior corneal backward scatter (P = 0.2, B = 0.008) (adjusted R2 = 0.694).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with higher light scatter, especially forward light scattering, showed deteriorated visual acuity. Results suggest that forward light scatter and corneal backward scatter play a more important role in visual performance than corneal higher-order aberrations in Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy.
Case Report: Acute Hydrops with Descemet Membrane Schisis in Corneal Ectasia after Radial Keratotomy
Authors: Xie Wenjia , Xu Yesheng , Yao Yu-Feng
Published: December 2017

SIGNIFICANCE

As patients with previous radial keratotomy (RK) are still occasionally encountered, recognition of the anatomy of post-RK corneas and management of their complications remain relevant. High-definition anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a very useful tool to assess these postsurgical corneas.

PURPOSE

To describe a case of acute corneal hydrops with Descemet membrane schisis after RK with observation by AS-OCT.

CASE REPORT

A 43-year-old woman presented with a 9-day history of sudden vision loss, foreign body sensation, and photophobia in her left eye. She had undergone bilateral RK 25 years ago at her local hospital. Slit-lamp examination revealed marked corneal edema and stromal clefts in the central cornea along with radial surgical scars in her left eye. Pentacam imaging showed the typical pattern of a post-RK cornea with ectasia in her right eye. Multiple dilacerations of collagen lamellae and fluid-filled intrastromal cysts together with epithelial edema were observed in her left eye using AS-OCT. A Descemet membrane detachment with schisis was also shown by AS-OCT. After 5 months of medication with topical 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops four times daily together with 3% ofloxacin eye ointment once daily, the corneal edema, Descemet membrane detachment, and Descemet membrane schisis had completely resolved resulting in pan-stromal scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes acute corneal hydrops with Descemet membrane schisis after RK imaged using high-definition AS-OCT. The acute hydrops was possibly caused by corneal ectasia or underlying keratoconus, which was aggravated by RK. High-definition AS-OCT is a useful tool to demonstrate the details of different corneal layers and to observe the resolving process of acute hydrops. Topical medications consisting of antibiotic, lubrication, and corticosteroid can be used to treat the acute event effectively.
Thirty-Second Walk Test: Expansion of Normative Data
Authors: Lieberstein Michael , Weingarten Goldie , Vialu Carlo , Itzkowitz Adina , Doyle Maura , Covino Frank , Kaplan Sandra L.
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

To collect 30-second walk test (30sWT) normative data on a large, diverse sample of school children developing typically, ages 5 to 13 years, and describe the influences of gender, body mass index, and path shape on distance walked.

Methods:

Five physical therapists administered the 30sWT on 1223 children developing typically (boys = 517, girls = 706) from 20 urban schools.

Results:

Average distances (standard deviation) ranged from 139.1 (20.3) to 163.0 (18.6) ft; children aged 10 years walked the farthest and those aged 5 years the shortest. Distance steadily increased from ages 5 to 10 years, steadily decreased from ages 11 to 13 years; children aged 8, 9, and 10 years had statistical but not functionally meaningful gender differences. Body mass index and path shape had no meaningful effects. Distance and velocities are similar to prior studies.

Conclusion:

This study updated 30sWT normative values with a large, ethnically diverse, urban sample developing typically. Norms may be useful as part of a comprehensive examination.
Family Experiences and Perspectives on Infection Prevention in Pediatric Long-Term Care
Authors: Wilmont Sibyl , Hessels Amanda J. , Kelly Ana M. , Larson Elaine L.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Residents of pediatric long-term care facilities (pLTCF) are particularly vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections. The aims of this qualitative study were to (a) explore perspectives on infection prevention among families visiting children in pLTCF and (b) identify facilitators of and barriers to optimal hand hygiene.

Design and Methods

Semistructured, in-depth interviews with 10 family members visiting two New York City metropolitan area facilities were analyzed to identify themes.

Findings

“Everyone follows the rules” and “infections are inevitable” were primary themes. Participants reported “common sense” as a facilitator and “distraction” as a major barrier to prevention practices.

Conclusion

Current education for visitors may be inadequate to improve infection prevention behaviors.

Clinical Relevance

Nurse-led education strategies for infection prevention should be tested and modified for families visiting pLTCF.
Humor—A Rehabilitative Tool in the Post-Intensive Care of Young Adults With Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: O’Reilly Kate
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to describe how paid carers use humor in providing compassionate post-intensive rehabilitation care to young adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) who are unable to perform or direct their own care.

Design:

This is a qualitative study underpinned by symbolic interactionism.

Methods:

Paid carers in a residential aged care facility were interviewed. Interview data were analyzed using grounded theory methods of coding, comparative analysis, memoing, and theoretical sampling.

Findings:

With young adult’s assent, paid carers appropriately used humor, at times even crude humor, as a rehabilitative tool to activate and elicit responses from young people with ABI who could not perform or direct their own care. The use of humor while caring for this population demonstrated that compassion still exists within nursing; however, it may not always be reverent.

Conclusions/Clinical Relevance:

Humor may be an effective way to provide compassionate care and can be used as a rehabilitative tool to elicit responses from young people with ABI who have no means of verbal communication.
An Interprofessional Communication Training Program to Improve Nurses’ Ability to Communicate With Stroke Patients With Communication Disorders
Authors: Chu Charlene H. , Sorin-Peters Riva , Sidani Souraya , De La Huerta Bronwen , McGilton Katherine S.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate change in nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors after an Interprofessional (IP) Communication Training Program designed to improve nurses’ ability to communicate with stroke rehabilitation inpatients with communication disorders.

Design/Methods

A quasi-experimental longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate an IP Communication Training Program consisting of a full-day and booster workshop and speech language pathologist support for nurses. The Communication Impairment Questionnaire and the Providers Interactional Comfort Survey were collected prior to and 3 months and 1 year postintervention. Focus groups assessing program acceptability were conducted.

Results

Forty-six nurses participated. The Communication Impairment Questionnaire significantly improved postintervention (p = .001), but not at 1 year follow-up (3.76, p = .123). The Providers Interactional Comfort Survey significantly improved postintervention (p = .001) and remained significant 1 year later (8.84, p = .03). Focus groups indicated high acceptability and reported that the education increased their confidence and reduced their frustration.

Conclusion

Nurses’ attitudes toward and knowledge about communication strategies improved, which enhances their ability to care for stroke patients with communication disorders.

Clinical Relevance

Interdisciplinary workshops and speech language pathologist support appear beneficial to nurses working with patients with communication disorders.
Music as a Therapy to Alleviate Anxiety During Inpatient Rehabilitation for Stroke
Authors: Le Danseur Maureen , Crow April D. , Stutzman Sonja E. , Villarreal Marcos D. , Olson DaiWai M.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine if listening to music may reduce anxiety experienced by stroke patients during acute rehabilitation.

Design

A prospective, nonblinded, randomized study in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Methods

Fifty participants were randomized into two groups: (1) 1 hour of music (intervention) or (2) no music (control). All participants completed pretest anxiety and depression screening and 44 completed the posttest anxiety screening. Differences between groups were determined using chi-square and t tests.

Findings

After listening to music for 1 hour, participants who completed the posttest (n = 44) reported significantly less anxiety (p < .0001) compared to before the intervention. The control group showed no difference in their pre- and posttest anxiety scores (p = .84). No differences were determined among age, gender, or diagnostic groups.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that music intervention may help lessen anxiety in rehabilitation patients poststroke.

Clinical Relevance

Offering musical intervention to stroke patients in rehabilitation may lessen symptoms of anxiety.
Older Adults With Hip Arthroplasty: An Individualized Transitional Care Program
Authors: Ko YoungJi , Lee JuHee , Oh EuiGeum , Choi MoNa , Kim ChangOh , Sung KiWol , Baek SeungHoon
Published: December 2017

Background

Most older adults with hip fracture surgery experience functional decline (FD), causing devastating outcomes. However, few studies have examined the effects of nursing interventions to reduce FD for them.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate an individualized transitional care program (ITCP) to reduce FD for older adults with hip arthroplasty.

Methods

The study was quasiexperimental, with a nonequivalent control group design. A total of 37 participants scheduled for hip arthroplasty were recruited—21 in the experimental and 16 in the control group.

Findings

Two weeks following surgery (i.e., just prior to discharge), the ITCP group displayed less fear of falling than the usual care group. Moreover, the experimental group displayed objectively less FD with increased activities of daily living and Timed Up and Go scores, 6 weeks after hip arthroplasty.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of nurse-led rehabilitative practices to reduce FD in older adults with hip arthroplasty.

Clinical Relevance

The ITCP promoted individual physical functioning for older adults with hip arthroplasty. This study results can aid healthy transitions of elderly patients with other various diseases.
Lung Cancer Radiogenomics
Authors: Vardhanabhuti Varut , Kuo Michael D.
Published: December 2017

Radiogenomics provide a large-scale data analytical framework that aims to understand the broad multiscale relationships between the complex information encoded in medical images (including computational, quantitative, and semantic image features) and their underlying clinical, therapeutic, and biological associations. As such it is a powerful and increasingly important tool for both clinicians and researchers involved in the imaging, evaluation, understanding, and management of lung cancers. Herein we provide an overview of the growing field of lung cancer radiogenomics and its applications.
Optogenetic dissection of descending behavioral control inDrosophila
Authors: Cande Jessica , Berman Gordon J. , Namiki Shigehiro , Qiu Jirui , Korff Wyatt , Card Gwyneth , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Stern David L.
Published: December 2017

In most animals, the brain makes behavioral decisions that are transmitted by descending neurons to the nerve cord circuitry that produces behaviors. In insects, only a few descending neurons have been associated with specific behaviors. To explore how these neurons control an insect’s movements, we developed a novel method to systematically assay the behavioral effects of activating individual neurons on freely behaving terrestrialD. melanogaster. We calculated a two-dimensional representation of the entire behavior space explored by these flies and associated descending neurons with specific behaviors by identifying regions of this space that were visited with increased frequency during optogenetic activation. Applying this approach across a population of descending neurons, we found, that (1) activation of most of the descending neurons drove stereotyped behaviors, (2) in many cases multiple descending neurons activated similar behaviors, and (3) optogenetically-activated behaviors were often dependent on the behavioral state prior to activation.
Phenotypic variation in mitochondrial function across New Zealand snail populations
Authors: Greimann Emma S. , Ward Samuel F. , Woodell James D. , Hennessey Samantha , Kline Michael R. , Moreno Jorge A. , Peters Madeline , Cruise Jennifer L. , Montooth Kristi L. , Neiman Maurine , Sharbrough Joel
Published: December 2017

Mitochondrial function is critical for energy homeostasis and should shape how genetic variation in metabolism is transmitted through levels of biological organization to generate stability in organismal performance. Mitochondrial function is encoded by genes in two distinct and separately inherited genomes – the mitochondrial genome and the nuclear genome – and selection is expected to maintain functional mito-nuclear interactions. Nevertheless, high levels of polymorphism in genes involved in these mito-nuclear interactions and variation for mitochondrial function are nevertheless frequently observed, demanding an explanation for how and why variability in such a fundamental trait is maintained.Potamopyrgus antipodarumis a New Zealand freshwater snail with coexisting sexual and asexual individuals and, accordingly, contrasting systems of separate vs. co-inheritance of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. As such, this snail provides a powerful means to dissect the evolutionary and functional consequences of mito-nuclear variation. The lakes inhabited byP. antipodarumspan wide environmental gradients, with substantial across-lake genetic structure and mito-nuclear discordance. This situation allows us to use comparisons across reproductive modes and lakes to partition variation in cellular respiration across genetic and environmental axes. Here, we integrated cellular, physiological, and behavioral approaches to quantify variation in mitochondrial function across a diverse set of wildP. antipodarumlineages. We found extensive across-lake variation in organismal oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, and behavioral response to heat stress, but few global effects of reproductive mode or sex. Taken together, our data set the stage for applying this important model system for sexual reproduction and polyploidy to dissecting the complex relationships between mito-nuclear variation, performance, plasticity, and fitness in natural populations.
Legionellaprotection and vaccination mediated by Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells
Authors: Wang Huimeng , D’Souza Criselle , Lim Xin Yi , Kostenko Lyudmila , Pediongco Troi J , Eckle Sidonia BG , Meehan Bronwyn S , Wang Nancy , Li Shihan , Liu Ligong , Mak Jeffrey YW , Fairlie David P , Iwakura Yoichiro , Gunnersen Jennifer M , Stent Andrew W , Rossjohn Jamie , Westall Glen P , Kjer-Nielsen Lars , Strugnell Richard A , McCluskey James , Corbett Alexandra J , Hinks Timothy SC , Chen Zhenjun
Published: December 2017

Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells recognize conserved microbial metabolites from riboflavin synthesis. Striking evolutionary conservation and pulmonary abundance implicate them in antibacterial host defense, yet their roles in protection against clinically significant pathogens are unknown. MurineLegionellainfection induced MR1-dependent MAIT cell activation and rapid pulmonary accumulation of MAIT cells associated with immune protection detectable in fully immunocompetent host animals. MAIT cell protection was more evident in mice lacking CD4+ cells, whilst profoundly immunodeficient RAG2−/−γC−/−mice were substantially rescued from uniformly lethalLegionellainfection by adoptively-transferred MAIT cells. This protection was dependent on MR1, IFN-γ and GM-CSF, but not IL-17, TNF-α or perforin. Protection was enhanced and observed earlier post-infection in mice that were Ag-primed to boost MAIT cells before infection. Our findings define a significant role for MAIT cells in protection against a major human pathogen and indicate a potential role for vaccination to enhance MAIT cell immunity.
The role of explicit strategies during reinforcement-based motor learning
Authors: Holland Peter , Codol Olivier
Published: December 2017

Despite increasing interest in the role of reward in motor learning, the underlying mechanisms remain ill-defined. In particular, the relevance of explicit strategies to reward-based motor learning is unclear. To address this, we examined subject’s (n=30) ability to learn to compensate for a gradually introduced 25° visuomotor rotation with only reward-based feedback (binary success/failure). Only two-thirds of subjects (n=20) were successful at the maximum angle. The remaining subjects initially follow the rotation but after a variable number of trials begin to reach at an insufficiently large angle and subsequently return to near baseline performance (n=10). Furthermore, those that were successful accomplished this largely via the use of strategies, evidenced by a large reduction in reach angle when asked to remove any strategy they employed. However, both groups display a small degree of remaining retention even after the removal of strategies. All subjects made greater and more variable changes in reach angle following incorrect (unrewarded) trials. However, subjects who failed to learn showed decreased sensitivity to errors, even in the initial period in which they followed the rotation, a pattern previously found in Parkinsonian patients. In a second experiment, the addition of a secondary mental rotation task completely abolished learning (n=10), whilst a control group replicated the results of the first experiment (n=10). These results emphasize a pivotal role of strategy-use during reinforcement-based motor learning and the susceptibility of this form of learning to disruption has important implications for its potential therapeutic benefits.
pytc: a python package for analysis of Isothermal Titration Calorimetry experiments
Authors: Duvvuri Hiranmayi , Wheeler Lucas C. , Harms Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Here we describe pytc, an open-source Python-package for global fits of thermodynamic models to multiple Isothermal Titration Calorimetry experiments. Key features include simplicity, the ability to implement new thermodynamic models, a robust maximum likelihood fitter, a fast Bayesian Markov-Chain Monte Carlo sampler, rigorous implementation, extensive documentation, and full cross-platform compatibility. pytc can be used as either a programming API or with a GUI. It is available for download at: https://github.com/harmslab/pytc.
Amplicon sequencing of the 16S-ITS-23S rRNA operon with long-read technology for improved phylogenetic classification of uncultured prokaryotes
Authors: Martijn Joran , Lind Anders E. , Spiers Ian , Juzokaite Lina , Bunikis Ignas , Vinnere Pettersson Olga , Ettema Thijs J.G
Published: December 2017

Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene is the predominant method to quantify microbial compositions of environmental samples and to discover previously unknown lineages. Its unique structure of interspersed conserved and variable regions is an excellent target for PCR and allows for classification of reads at all taxonomic levels. However, the relatively few phylogenetically informative sites prevent confident phylogenetic placements of novel lineages that are deep branching relative to reference taxa. This problem is exacerbated when only short 16S rRNA gene fragments are sequenced. To resolve their placement, it is common practice to gather more informative sites by combining multiple conserved genes into concatenated datasets. This however requires genomic data which may be obtained through relatively expensive metagenome sequencing and computationally demanding analyses. Here we develop a protocol that amplifies a large part of 16S and 23S rRNA genes within the rRNA operon, including the ITS region, and sequences the amplicons with PacBio long-read technology. We tested our method with a synthetic mock community and developed a read curation pipeline that reduces the overall error rate to 0.18%. Applying our method on four diverse environmental samples, we were able to capture near full-length rRNA operon amplicons from a large diversity of prokaryotes. Phylogenetic trees constructed with these sequences showed an increase in statistical support compared to trees inferred with shorter, Illumina-like sequences using only the 16S rRNA gene (250 bp). Our method is a cost-effective solution to generate high quality, near full-length 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences from environmental prokaryotes.
Migration, acculturation, and the maintenance of between-group cultural variation
Authors: Mesoudi Alex
Published: December 2017

How do migration and acculturation (i.e. psychological or behavioral change resulting from migration) affect within- and between-group cultural variation? Here I answer this question by drawing analogies between genetic and cultural evolution. Population genetic models show that migration rapidly breaks down between-group genetic structure. In cultural evolution, however, migrants or their descendants can acculturate to local behaviors via social learning processes such as conformity, potentially preventing migration from eliminating between-group cultural variation. An analysis of the empirical literature on migration suggests that acculturation is common, with second and subsequent migrant generations shifting, sometimes substantially, towards the cultural values of the adopted society. Yet there is little understanding of the individual-level dynamics that underlie these population-level shifts. To explore this formally, I present models quantifying the effect of migration and acculturation on between-group cultural variation, for both neutral and costly cooperative traits. In the models, between-group cultural variation, measured using F statistics, is eliminated by migration and maintained by conformist acculturation. The extent of acculturation is determined by the strength of conformist bias and the number of demonstrators from whom individuals learn. Acculturation is countered by assortation, the tendency for individuals to preferentially interact with culturally-similar others. Unlike neutral traits, cooperative traits can additionally be maintained by payoff-biased social learning, but only in the presence of strong sanctioning institutions. Overall, the models show that surprisingly little conformist acculturation is required to maintain realistic amounts of between-group cultural diversity. While these models provide insight into the potential dynamics of acculturation and migration in cultural evolution, they also highlight the need for more empirical research into the individual-level learning biases that underlie migrant acculturation.
Application of Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network in pre-clinical studies
Authors: Gomez L. Cristobal Monraz , Kondratova Maria , Ravel Jean-Marie , Barillot Emmanuel , Zinovyev Andrei , Kuperstein Inna
Published: December 2017

Initiation and progression of cancer involve multiple molecular mechanisms. The knowledge on these mechanisms is expanding and should be converted into guidelines for tackling the disease. We discuss here formalization of biological knowledge into a comprehensive resource Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network (ACSN) and Google Maps-based tool NaviCell that supports map navigation. The application of maps for omics data visualisation in the context of signalling maps is possible using NaviCell Web Service module and NaviCom tool for generation of network-based molecular portraits of cancer using multi-level omics data. We review how these resources and tools are applied for cancer pre-clinical studies among others for rationalizing synergistic effect of drugs and designing complex disease stage-specific druggable interventions following structural analysis of the maps together with omics data. Modules and maps of ACSN as signatures of biological functions, can help in cancer data analysis and interpretation. In addition, they can also be used to find association between perturbations in particular molecular mechanisms to the risk of a specific cancer type development. These approaches and beyond help to study interplay between molecular mechanisms of cancer, deciphering how gene interactions govern hallmarks of cancer in specific context. We discuss a perspective to develop a flexible methodology and a pipeline to enable systematic omics data analysis in the context of signalling network maps, for stratifying patients and suggesting interventions points and drug repositioning in cancer and other human diseases.
Macrophage-derived granulin drives resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition in metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Quaranta Valeria , Rainer Carolyn , Nielsen Sebastian R. , Raymant Meirion , Ahmed Muhammad Shamsher , Engle Dannielle D. , Taylor Arthur , Murray Trish , Campbell Fiona , Palmer Daniel , Tuveson David A. , Mielgo Ainhoa , Schmid Michael C.
Published: December 2017

The ability of disseminated cancer cells to evade the immune response is a critical step for efficient metastatic progression. Protection against an immune attack is often provided by the tumour microenvironment that suppresses and/or excludes cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive metastatic disease with unmet needs, yet the immuno-protective role of the metastatic tumour microenvironment in pancreatic cancer is not completely understood. In this study we find that macrophage-derived granulin contributes to cytotoxic CD8+ T cell exclusion in metastatic livers. Mechanistically, we find that granulin expression by macrophages is induced in response to colony stimulating factor-1. Genetic depletion of granulin reduces the formation a fibrotic stroma, thereby allowing T cell entry at the metastatic site. While metastatic PDAC tumours are largely resistant to anti-PD-1 therapy, blockade of PD-1 in granulin depleted tumours restored the anti-tumour immune defence and dramatically decreased metastatic tumour burden. These findings suggest that targeting granulin may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore CD8+ T cell infiltration in metastatic PDAC, thereby converting PDAC metastatic tumours, which are refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors, into tumours that respond to immune checkpoint inhibition therapies.
The IRE1a-XBP1 pathway promotes T helper cell differentiation by resolving secretory stress and accelerating proliferation
Authors: Pramanik Jhuma , Chen Xi , Kar Gozde , Gomes Tomás , Henriksson Johan , Miao Zhichao , Natarajan Kedar , McKenzie Andrew N. J. , Mahata Bidesh , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: December 2017

The IRE1a-XBP1 pathway, a conserved adaptive mediator of the unfolded protein response, is indispensable for the development of secretory cells. It maintains endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by facilitating protein folding and enhancing secretory capacity of the cells. Its role in immune cells is emerging. It is involved in dendritic cell, plasma cell and eosinophil development and differentiation. Using genome-wide approaches, integrating ChIPmentation and mRNA-sequencing data, we have elucidated the regulatory circuitry governed by the IRE1a-XBP1 pathway in type-2 T helper cells (Th2). We show that the XBP1 transcription factor is activated by splicingin vivoin T helper cell lineages. We report a comprehensive repertoire of XBP1 target genes in Th2 lymphocytes. We found that the pathway is conserved across cell types in terms of resolving secretory stress, and has T helper cell-specific functions in controlling activation-dependent Th2 cell proliferation and regulating cytokine expression in addition to secretion. These results provide a detailed picture of the regulatory map governed by the XBP1 transcription factor during Th2 lymphocyte activation.
A mathematical approach to differentiate spontaneous and induced evolution to drug resistance during cancer treatment
Authors: Greene James M. , Gevertz Jana L. , Sontag Eduardo D.
Published: December 2017

Drug resistance is a major impediment to the success of cancer treatment. Resistance is typically thought to arise through random genetic mutations, after which mutated cells expand via Darwinian selection. However, recent experimental evidence suggests that the progression to drug resistance need not occur randomly, but instead may be induced by the treatment itself, through either genetic changes or epigenetic alterations. This relatively novel notion of resistance complicates the already challenging task of designing effective treatment protocols. To better understand resistance, we have developed a mathematical modeling framework that incorporates both spontaneous and drug-induced resistance. Our model demonstrates that the ability of a drug to induce resistance can result in qualitatively different responses to the same drug dose and delivery schedule. We have also proven that the induction parameter in our model is theoretically identifiable, and proposed an in vitro protocol which could be used to determine a treatment’s propensity to induce resistance.
Germ layer specific regulation of cell polarity and adhesion gives insight into the evolution of mesoderm
Authors: Salinas-Saavedra Miguel , Rock Amber Q. , Martindale Mark Q
Published: December 2017

In triploblastic animals, Par-proteins regulate cell-polarity and adherens junctions of both ectodermal and endodermal epithelia. But, in embryos of the diploblastic cnidarian Nematostella vectensis, Par-proteins are degraded in all cells in the bifunctional gastrodermal epithelium. Using immunohistochemistry, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, and overexpression of specific mRNAs, we describe the functional association between Par-proteins, ß-catenin, and snail transcription factor genes in N. vectensis embryos. We demonstrate that the aPKC/Par complex regulates the localization of ß-catenin in the ectoderm by stabilizing its role in cell-adhesion, and that endomesodermal epithelial cells are organized by a different cell-adhesion system than that of overlying ectoderm. We also show that ectopic expression of snail genes, which are expressed in mesodermal derivatives in bilaterians, are sufficient to downregulate Par-proteins and translocate ß-catenin from the junctions to the cytoplasm in ectodermal cells. These data provide molecular insight into the evolution of epithelial structure and distinct mesodermal tissue in metazoan embryos.
The research landscape of school-based sexuality education
Authors: Roien Line Anne , Graugaard Christian , Simovska Venka
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map and discuss the overall characteristics of international research on school-based sexuality education, published in academic journals, with a particular focus on the framing of non-conservative approaches including sexuality education research targeting young pupils 6-12 years of age.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon the methodology of systematic research mapping and presents a broad overview of research on sexuality education in a school setting for pupils aged 6-16. The authors searched the leading bibliographic databases in the field, i.e., ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Australian Education Index, British Education Index and Education Research Complete, using the search terms “sexuality education” and “school” and “children” or “adolescents.” The mapping focused on articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English, German, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian, in the period 2000-2016.

Findings

Out of 3,769 papers identified in the search process, a total of 576 papers were found to meet the inclusion criteria of the mapping. The mapping portrays a research landscape that is diverse and nuanced in terms of contextual, theoretical and methodological approaches, but also characterized by limitations. The findings point to the clear dominance of research on schools in English-speaking countries, conceptual research is scarce, and school-based sexuality education aimed at the youngest children seems to be neglected. The mapping identifies gaps in the literature that justify a call for more research from diverse sociocultural, political and geographical contexts, more conceptual research using social theory, and more research focusing on the potentials and challenges linked to sexuality education for younger pupils.

Originality/value

This paper offers a rare, if not the first, comprehensive overview of research on school-based sexuality education including a focus on younger school children 6-12 years of age.
Six Sigma learning evaluation model using Bloom’s Taxonomy
Authors: Fonseca Amorim Gabriela , Balestrassi Pedro Paulo , Sawhney Rapinder , de Oliveira-Abans Mariângela , Ferreira da Silva Diogo Leonardo
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a learning evaluation model for Green Belts and Black Belts at the training level. A question bank has been developed on the basis of Bloom’s learning classification and applied to a group of employees who were being trained in Six Sigma (SS). Their results were then used to decide on the students’ approval and to guide the instructor’s plan of teaching for the next classes.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research has been conducted to develop a question bank of 310 questions based on the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy, to implement the evaluation model, and to apply it during the SS training.

Findings

The evaluation model has been designed so that the students do not proceed unless they have acquired the conceptual knowledge at each step of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) roadmap. At the end of the evaluation process, the students’ results have been analyzed. The number of mistakes in all stages of DMAIC was equal, implying that the training was uniform the entire roadmap. However, the opposite happened in each of the Bloom’s Taxonomy levels, showing that some skills need to be better stimulated by the instructor than others.

Research limitations/implications

The learning evaluation model proposed in this paper has been applied to a group of 70 employees who were being trained in SS at a Brazilian aircraft manufacturer. The data have been analyzed using Microsoft Excel® and Minitab® 17 Statistical Software.

Originality/value

Despite the abundance of courses offering the SS Green Belt and Black Belt certifications, there is no standard evaluation to ensure the training quality. Thus, this paper proposes an innovative learning evaluation model.
Banks, private money creation, and regulatory reform
Authors: Cross Gerry
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to consider recent arguments that post-crisis regulatory reform has misunderstood the nature of banks’ activities. These arguments suggest that a bank’s role is not that of intermediation between savers and borrowers but the systemically riskier one of private money creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper assesses whether banks’ activities are best understood as private money creation rather than intermediation. It considers the argument that regulatory reform has not gone far enough to prevent a recurrence of future credit spirals ending in financial crises.

Findings

This paper analyses banks’ activities and finds that it is incorrect to consider that they engage in relatively unfettered money creation. While fractional reserve banking does create flows of money through the economy, these flows are tethered to banks’ funding requirements. Multiple use of that money, rather than representing an ill-understood risk, simply reflects the nature of maturity transformation. This has not been missed in designing the post-crisis regulatory framework. The revised framework contains many features that are not fully recognised by proponents of the money creation critique and goes significantly further than they allow. Once completed, it will address many of the concerns they raise. They are right to call for further consideration of whether the countercyclical features of the new framework are sufficiently developed.

Originality/value

The paper provides an early detailed response to recent criticism of the post-crisis regulatory reform programme coming from a money creation perspective of banks’ role in the economy.
An empirical investigation into the corporate culture of UK listed banks
Authors: Cox Paul , Soobiah Diandra
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to report new research into how small groups of people – officers, directors and managers – are guiding the governance, design and delivery of conduct and culture programmes at UK listed banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research spanned two whole years between 2014 and 2015. The method involved some 30 face-to-face semi-structured meeting interviews. A pre-agreed template was used to score and write detailed notes. From many repetitions, themes and cross-interview commonalities, a rich set of findings evolved.

Findings

Banks that made the most improvement during the investigation activated culture predominantly within the business. Centring the culture programme within the business was associated with a focus on the middle and the grassroots level of the organisation. Banks that made least improvement activated culture principally “from the top”. Centring the culture programme at the top was associated with a focus on control, conformance and structure. The finding of relatively greater performance when culture programmes were activated within the business contrasts sharply with recommendations from regulators and conventional wisdom that the establishment of corporate culture is necessarily a top down exercise.

Originality/value

Culture is intangible, and as such often overlooked, and this research contributes to that gap in knowledge through insight and evidence based on direct empirical analysis. This work ranks banks differently than published corporate governance and sustainability ranking from third-party service providers, suggesting a focus on culture performance contributes a different perspective to that based on more available public information for corporate governance.
Revised standardised approach for credit risk in practice
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Focusing on delivering practical implications, the purpose of this paper is to show optimal ways of calculating risk weights for public sector entities (PSEs) under the standardised approach in credit risk. Focusing on the changing regulatory background, this paper aims to explain the proposed revisions to the standardised approach for credit risk. Where necessary, upon the review of the forthcoming standards, this paper attempts to indicate room for improvement for policymakers and flag areas of potential ambiguity for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses and analyses the revised standards for the standardised approach in credit risk with respect to the treatment of PSEs. This paper, analysing the current regulatory proposals, tests the hypothesis stating that the affected banks may experience higher or lower capital charges for credit risk depending on the following factors: Choosing the optimal risk weight calculation methodology; and choosing the optimal composition of the credit risk portfolio.

Findings

The paper advises on using sovereign ratings as a base of risk weight calculations and categorising eligible entities as sovereign exposures. Individual entity ratings are not readily available and the majority of PSEs remain unrated by the external agencies. The simplistic approach of using sovereign ratings results in a lower risk weighted capital than the approach of using individual entity ratings. The sovereign rating approach decreases the value of the original exposure by 77 per cent. Reliance on sovereign ratings outperforms the optimal solution proposed in this paper. Categorisation of eligible entities as sovereign exposures significantly decreases the risk exposure capital in the standardised approach. There are, however, specific criteria highlighted in this paper that must be met by a PSE to be categorised as a sovereign exposure.

Originality/value

In addition to testing various scenarios of calculating risk weights, this paper highlights regulatory areas that require further improvements and immediate attention from the policymakers and practitioners. At this point, the paper reports that the proposed changes to the risk weight buckets for PSE exposures may be erroneous and resulting from the typos in the second consultative paper.
Corporate brands as brand allies
Authors: Mohan Mayoor , Voss Kevin E. , Jiménez Fernando R. , Gammoh Bashar S.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the corporate brand in a brand alliance that includes one of the corporation’s product brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a scenario-based study, 899 participants were randomly assigned to one of 84 unique brand alliance scenarios involving a corporate brand, a product brand ally and a focal product brand; a total of 33 corporate brands were represented. Results were estimated using a three-stage least squares model.

Findings

Consumers’ evaluations of a focal brand were enhanced when a corporate brand name associated with a product brand ally was included in the brand alliance. The effect was mediated by attitude toward the product brand ally. The indirect effect of the corporate brand was stronger when consumers had low product category knowledge (PCK).

Research limitations/implications

Consistent with competitive cue theory, the findings suggest that a corporate brand can provide superior, consistent and unique information in a brand alliance.

Practical implications

Practitioners should note that the effectiveness of adding a corporate brand name into a product brand alliance is contingent on the extent of consumers’ PCK.

Originality/value

This paper examines when and why corporate brands are effective endorsers in product brand alliances. This paper adds empirical support to previous assertions that, if managed effectively, corporate brands can be valuable assets that convey unique valuable information to consumers.
Internal corporate branding impact on employees’ brand supporting behaviour
Authors: Garas Sally Raouf Ragheb , Mahran Amira Fouad Ahmed , Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Hussein
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of internal branding on brand supporting behaviour (in-role and extra-role) of bank employees in Egypt. It proposes a model which examines the relationship between internal branding and employees’ brand supporting behavior, mediated by employees’ role clarity, affective commitment and continuance commitment, to provide insights into the way in which employees can become brand champions.

Design/methodology/approach

A single cross-sectional descriptive research was employed. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 400 frontline bank employees. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the scales, and structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that internal branding did not have a direct significant impact on employees’ in-role and extra-role behaviour. However, that impact only took place through employees’ role clarity and their affective commitment.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that banks can differentiate their offers and build powerful corporate brands through their employees’ brand supporting behaviour. Therefore, bank managers need to consider internal branding within the context of a corporate marketing orientation. Moreover, enhancing employees’ role clarity and affective commitment will ensure sustainable brand supporting behaviour.

Originality/value

This research is the first quantitative study to examine the impact of role clarity and continuance commitment as possible mediators to the proposed relationship. It further adds up to the internal branding literature, which is mostly qualitative or conceptual and thus suffers from limited conclusive evidence in terms of internal branding benefits and practical implications.