bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of exhausted CD8+ T cells from Homo sapiens and Mus musculus provides robust targets for immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Lin , Guo Yicheng , Nishi Hafumi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractT cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction during chronic infection and cancer. Antibody-targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors to reverse T cell exhaustion is a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of known immune checkpoint inhibitors remains low. To expand the potential effective targets to reverse T cell exhaustion, a meta-analysis was performed to integrate seven exhaustion datasets caused by multiple diseases in both humans and mice. In this study, an overlap of 21 upregulated and 37 downregulated genes was identified in human and mouse exhausted CD8+ T cells. These genes were significantly enriched in exhaustion response-related pathways, such as signal transduction, immune system processes, and regulation of cytokine production. Gene expression network analysis revealed that the well-documented exhaustion genes were defined as hub genes in upregulated genes, such as programmed cell death protein 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4. In addition, a weighted gene co-expression analysis identified 175 overlapping genes that were significantly correlated with the exhaustion trait in both humans and mice. This study found that nine genes, including thymocyte selection associated high mobility group box and CD200 receptor 1, were significantly upregulated and highly related to T cell exhaustion. These genes should be additional robust targets for immunotherapy and T-cell dysfunction studies.
Sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus) – A new pest in Eurasian sand areas?
Authors: Török P. , Schmidt D. , Bátori Z. , Aradi E. , Kelemen A. , Hábenczyus A. A. , Diaz C. P. , Tölgyesi C. , Pál R.W. , Balogh N. , Tóth E. , Matus G. , Táborská J. , Sramkó G. , Laczkó L. , Jordán S. , Sonkoly J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFor the effective control of an invasive species, gathering as much information as possible on its ecology, establishment and persistence in the subjected communities is of utmost importance. We aimed to review the current distribution and characteristics of Sporobolus cryptandrus (sand dropseed), an invasive C4 grass species of North American origin recently discovered in Hungary. We aimed to provide information on (i) its current distribution paying special attention to its invasion in Eurasia; (ii) the characteristics of the invaded habitats in Central Europe; (iii) seed bank formation and germination characteristics, crucial factors in early establishment; and (iv) the effects of its increasing cover on vegetation composition. Finally, we aimed to (v) point out further research directions that could enable us to understand the invasion success of this potential invasive species. Field surveys uncovered large stands of the species in Central and Eastern Hungary with most of the locations in the former, especially the Kiskunság region. The species invaded disturbed stands of dry and open sand grasslands, closed dune slack grasslands and it also penetrates into natural open sand grasslands from neighbouring disturbed habitats. Increasing cover of Sporobolus cryptandrus caused a decline in species richness and abundance of subordinate species both in the vegetation and seed banks, but a low density of Sporobolus cryptandrus can even have a weak positive effect on these characteristics. Viable seeds of Sporobolus were detected from all soil layers (2.5 cm layers measured from the surface to 10 cm in depth), which indicates that the species is able to form a persistent seed bank (1,114 to 3,077 seeds/m2 with increasing scores towards higher abundance of the species in vegetation). Germination of Sporobolus cryptandrus was negatively affected by both litter cover and 1 cm deep soil burial. To sum up, Sporobolus cryptandrus can be considered as a transformer invasive species, whose spread forms a high risk for dry sand and steppe grasslands in Eurasia. We can conclude that for the effective suppression of the species it is necessary: (i) to clarify the origin of the detected populations; (ii) to assess its competitive ability including its potential allelopathic effects; (iii) to assess its seed bank formation potential in habitats with different abiotic conditions; and (iv) to assess the possibility of its suppression by natural enemies and management techniques such as mowing or livestock grazing.
Direct neuronal reprogramming by temporal identity factors
Authors: Boudreau-Pinsonneault Camille , Javed Awais , Fries Michel , Mattar Pierre , Cayouette Michel 
Published: July 2021

SUMMARYTemporal identity factors are sufficient to reprogram developmental competence of neural progenitors, but whether they could also reprogram the identity of fully differentiated cells is unknown. To address this question, we designed a conditional gene expression system combined with genetic lineage tracing that allows rapid screening of potential reprogramming factors in the mouse retina. Using this assay, we report that co-expression of the early temporal identity transcription factor Ikzf1, together with Ikzf4, another Ikaros family member, is sufficient to directly convert adult Müller glial cells into neuron-like cells in vivo, without inducing a proliferative progenitor state. scRNA-seq analysis shows that the reprogrammed cells share some transcriptional signatures with both cone photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Furthermore, we show that co-expression of Ikzf1 and Ikzf4 can reprogram mouse embryonic fibroblasts to induced neurons by remodeling chromatin and promoting a neuronal gene expression program. This work uncovers general neuronal reprogramming properties for temporal identity factors in differentiated cells, opening new opportunities for cell therapy development.
Reassessing face topography in primary somatosensory cortex and remapping following hand loss
Authors: Root Victoria , Muret Dollyane , Arribas Maite , Amoruso Elena , Thornton John , Tarall-Jozwiak Aurelie , Tracey Irene , Makin Tamar R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCortical remapping after hand loss in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is thought to be predominantly dictated by cortical proximity, with adjacent body parts remapping into the deprived area. Traditionally, this remapping has been characterised by changes in the lip representation, which is assumed to be the immediate neighbour of the hand based on electrophysiological research in non-human primates. However, the orientation of facial somatotopy in humans is debated, with contrasting work reporting both an inverted and upright topography. We aimed to fill this gap in the S1 homunculus by investigating the topographic organisation of the face. Using both univariate and multivariate approaches we examined the extent of face-to-hand remapping in individuals with a congenital and acquired missing hand (hereafter one-handers and amputees, respectively), relative to two-handed controls. Participants were asked to move different facial parts (forehead, nose, lips, tongue) during fMRI scanning. We first report evidence for an upright facial organisation in all three groups, with the upper face and not the lips bordering the hand area. We further found little evidence for remapping of all tested facial parts in amputees, with no significant relationship to the chronicity of their PLP. In contrast, we found converging evidence for a complex pattern of face remapping in congenital one-handers across all facial parts, where the location of the cortical neighbour – the forehead – is shown to shift away from the deprived hand area, which is subsequently activated by the lips and the tongue. Together, our findings demonstrate that the face representation in humans is highly plastic, but that this plasticity is restricted by the developmental stage of input deprivation, rather than cortical proximity.
Modeling the exchange rate pass-through in Turkey with uncertainty and geopolitical risk: a Markov regime-switching approach
Authors: Bilgili Faik , Ünlü Fatma , Gençoğlu Pelin , Kuşkaya Sevda 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the pass-through (PT) effect in Turkey by using quarterly data for the period 1998: Q1-2019: Q2 to understand the dynamic potential effects of exchange rates on domestic prices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper launches several nonlinear models in which the basic determinants of domestic prices in Turkey are determined through Markov regime-switching models (MSMs). Hence, this research follows the variables of the consumer price index (CPI), USD exchange rate, gross domestic product (GDP; demand side of the economy), industrial production index (production side of the economy), economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk index for Turkey.FindingsThis work explores that the exchange rate and demand side of the economy (GDP) follow a positive nonlinear relationship with CPI at both regimes. The production side of the economy (IP) affects negatively the CPI during regime 0. Economic uncertainty influences the CPI positively at Regime 1, while geopolitical risk has a negative association with CPI at Regime 0. Eventually, the paper provides some policy proposals associated with the impacts of GDP, IP, economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk on CPI in Turkey.Originality/valueOne may claim that any PT model, which does not observe the possible structural or regime shifts in estimated parameters, might fail to estimate the coefficients unbiasedly and efficiently. Hence, this work differs from available relevant works in the literature since this paper considers linearity or nonlinearity important and reveals that the relevant PT model follows a nonlinear path rather than a linear path, this nonlinear path is converged strongly by MSMs and estimates the significant regime shifts in the constant term and, in parameters of independent variables of PT by MSMs.
Applying theory in practice: views of graduating business students
Authors: Benati Kelly , Lindsay Sophie , Fischer Juan 
Published: July 2021

PurposeUniversities have traditionally focused on imparting theoretical knowledge, which graduates then transfer to the workplace. However, the unpredictable modern workplace makes this transfer less certain. Whilst the gap between theory and practice has often been considered from an employer and academic standpoint, less is known about the graduate perspective. The purpose of this study is to determine the ways in which theoretical knowledge and practical experience interact for graduating students.Design/methodology/approachThe views of 86 undergraduate business approaching graduation were gathered on how they applied theory to practice during their recent internship.FindingsGraduating students apply theory that they have learnt at university through the direct application of fundamental knowledge and through workplace experience, which built on and deepened the knowledge accumulated at university. The findings indicate that there is, indeed, a gap between theory and practice but that employability skills may assist in the transfer process.Research limitations/implicationsThe research broadens the understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice and helps to determine if graduating students are prepared to meet the demands of an ever-changing workplace.Practical implicationsThe results give us insight into how theory and practice interact for graduating students and give support to universities further exploring experiential learning opportunities for students and continuing to the development of employability skills.Originality/valueThe findings encourage a more nuanced debate regarding the role of universities and that both the provision of core theoretical concept and employability skills are necessary for graduates to effectively use their academic education in the modern workplace.
The experiences leading to resignation of female audit managers: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Groenewald Jurika , Odendaal Elza 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Considering the benefits that gender diversity could bring to audit firms, especially in a time when the audit profession faces criticism and the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gender inequality gap, this study aims to explore the lived experiences of female former audit managers from a social role theory and role congruity theory perspective, to understand the factors that contributed towards their resignations.

Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory qualitative research approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis design were used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior female audit managers who had resigned from Johannesburg Stock Exchange-accredited audit firms.

Findings
The female former audit managers reported their unique experiences in terms of a lack of transparent career progression discussions, audit firms being run by “old boys’ clubs” and unfair treatment linked to bias, job overload and indistinct ambitions to become audit partners.

Research limitations/implications
The homogeneous sample included a small number of female participants from a limited number of audit firms.

Originality/value
The findings could inform audit firms how to address the factors contributing to female audit managers’ resignations and to challenge stereotypes to retain more women for promotion to audit partner-level, thereby capitalising on the benefits of a diversified management structure that could lead to higher quality audits and address gender inequality.
Determinants of cash waqf fund collection in Malaysian Islamic banking institutions: empirical insights from employees’ perspectives
Authors: Ab Shatar Wan Nuraihan , Hanaysha Jalal Rajeh , Tahir Putri Rozita 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to test the main factors that affect cash waqf collection among the employees of Islamic banking institutions (IBIs) in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe data was gathered using a survey method from 218 employees of IBIs in Malaysia. The obtained data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and smart partial least squares-structural equation modeling to verify the hypothesis and reach conclusions.FindingsThe results revealed that word of mouth and trust have significant positive impacts on cash waqf collection. The outcomes also confirmed that convenience and accessibility to cash waqf play significant roles in affecting cash waqf collection.Originality/valueBased on the researchers’ knowledge, there are only a few studies which focused on measuring the driver of cash waqf collection from the employees’ perspective, particularly in the Malaysian context. This study specifically applies the theory of reasoned action to determine employees’ attitudes toward cash waqf fund collections in IBIs in Malaysia. Having an understanding of the factors that influence employees to contribute to cash waqf would better equip IBIs in managing their cash waqf contributions and in designing their marketing and branding strategies for promoting their institutions.
Interfirm cooperation and engagement barriers in a family business context
Authors: Baía Elisabeth , Franco Mário 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to understand to what extent family firms engage in and understand the importance of cooperation whilst analysing the underlying barriers that may restrain cooperative engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
Considering the purpose of this study, a qualitative exploratory approach is adopted, using a multiple case study methodology, consisting of four cases. Thus, interviews were chosen as the source of data collection, as this allows proximity and involvement with those with power to engage in cooperation.

Findings
The results highlight that family business particularities seem to have an aggravating effect on the general barriers to cooperative engagement. Managerial characteristics such as risk aversion, concern about independence and emotional attachment to the business, along with a lack of qualified knowledge, seem to be the most salient obstacles.

Practical implications
Interfirm cooperation has become more vital for organizational success. However, empirical contributions regarding the barriers to engaging in cooperation, especially within a family business context, are limited. This study seeks to present theoretical barriers to engaging in interfirm cooperation and effectively link them within a family business context.

Originality/value
Being structured around the underlying challenges for interfirm cooperation, this paper contributes to advancing this specific research stream and presents practical contributions for managers for more effective implementation.
Prisoner’s insomnia prevalence, insomnia associated factors and interventions with sleep as an outcome: a review and narrative analysis
Authors: Griffiths Chris , Hina Farah 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Insomnia is highly prevalent in prisoners. The purpose of this paper is a review of research evidence on interventions with sleep as an outcome (2000 to 2020) and rates of insomnia prevalence and associated factors in prisons (2015 to 2020).

Design/methodology/approach
An internet-based search used Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, Web of Science and Scopus. Seven interventions and eight sleep prevalence or sleep-associated factor papers were identified.

Findings
Intervention research was very limited and the quality of the research design was generally poor. Interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), yoga and mindfulness can be beneficial in a prison setting. This review identified a high prevalence of insomnia in prisons across the world, which was supported by recent evidence. Factors associated with insomnia include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder and pain.

Research limitations/implications
There is a need for appropriately powered randomised control trials of CBT-I in prisons and a need to use objective measures of sleep quality.

Originality/value
Due to a lack of an up-to-date review, this paper fulfils the need for a review of the evidence on interventions in prison settings with sleep as an outcome, rates of insomnia prevalence and associated factors in prisons.
Operations-oriented strategies and patient satisfaction: the mediating effect of service experience
Authors: Boakye Kwabena G. , Qin Hong , Blankson Charles , Hanna Mark D. , Prybutok Victor R. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the direct and indirect effects of perceived provider professionalism and service recovery in enhancing patient satisfaction in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a survey method to investigate satisfaction among health-care consumers. This study used data collected from 210 health-care consumers to empirically test the hypotheses via structural equation modeling

Findings
This study found that service recovery has a significant direct effect on patient satisfaction. Though this study did not find perceived provider professionalism to have a direct effect on patient satisfaction, it found an indirect effect in the relationship via service experience. Thus, service experience fully/completely mediates the relationship between perceived provider professionalism and patient satisfaction, while partially mediating the significant relationship between service recovery and patient satisfaction.

Originality/value
The results further underscore the need for health-care organizations in developing countries to focus on mindfully developing operations-oriented strategies that lead to the delivery of memorable service experiences for patients.
Impact of privacy policy content on perceived effectiveness of privacy policy: the role of vulnerability, benevolence and privacy concern
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Wang Xin , Wang Chaoyou 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study examines how the different dimensions of a privacy policy separately influence perceived effectiveness of privacy policy, as well as the mediating mechanisms behind these effects (i.e. vulnerability, benevolence). In addition, this study considers privacy concern as a significant moderator in the research model, to examine if the relative influences of privacy policy content are contingent upon levels of users' privacy concern.Design/methodology/approachThe survey experiment was conducted to empirically validate the model. Specifically, three survey experiments and six scenarios were designed to manipulate high and low levels of the three privacy policy dimensions (i.e. transparency, control and protection). The authors totally distributed 450 copies of the questionnaire, of which 407 were valid.FindingsThis paper found that (1) all the three privacy policy dimensions directly influence perceived effectiveness of privacy policy; (2) all the three privacy policy dimensions indirectly influence perceived effectiveness of privacy policy by enhancing perceived corporate benevolence, whereas control also affects perceived effectiveness of privacy policy by reducing perceived vulnerability; and (3) individuals with high-privacy concern are much more impacted by privacy policy contents than individuals with low-privacy concern.Practical implicationsThe findings could provide website managers with guidelines on how to design privacy policy contents by reducing user perceptions of vulnerability and enhancing user perceptions of corporate benevolence. The managers need to focus on customers' perceived vulnerability and corporate benevolence when launching or updating privacy policies. Furthermore, the managers also need to attend to users' privacy concerns, especially for multinational companies or companies with specific consumer groups.Originality/valueThis study extends the current privacy policy literature by articulating the separate influences of the three privacy policy dimensions and their impact mechanisms on perceived effectiveness of privacy policy. It also uncovers privacy concerns as a boundary condition that influence the effects of privacy policy contents on users' privacy perceptions.