bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding mobile payment users’ continuance intention: a trust transfer perspective
Authors: Cao Xiongfei , Yu Lingling , Liu Zhiying , Gong Mingchuan , Adeel Luqman
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanism of building trust during the transition from online payment to mobile payment, as well as to examine the effect of trust on the satisfaction and continuance intention of mobile payment users. Based on trust transfer theory, this study proposes that trust in online payment (i.e. trust in source) and two source-target relationship factors, namely, perceived similarity and entitativity, affect trust in mobile payment (i.e. trust in target). In turn, the resulting trust influences user satisfaction and continuance intention toward mobile payment in an online-mobile payment context.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was empirically tested on data collected from 219 mobile payment users of a famous payment enterprise in China.

Findings

The results indicated that the trust transfer process positively influences the continuance intention of mobile payment through satisfaction. Satisfaction is an important factor affecting continuance intention. Moreover, trust in online payment, perceived similarity, and perceived entitativity between online and mobile payments can positively influence trust in mobile payment.

Originality/value

This study investigates the post-adoption usage of mobile payment from the trust transfer perspective. It focuses on the trust-building process and emphasizes the importance of trust on the continuance intention toward mobile payment in an online-mobile payment context.
How internal attributions affect knowledge sharing behavior
Authors: Lekhawipat Watcharee , Wei Yu-Huei , Lin Chinho
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects of organizational and technological barriers to knowledge sharing between large and small firms through the lens of attribution theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modeling approach was applied to estimate the conceptual model by using survey data from a list of Taiwan’s top 1,000 manufacturing and 500 service companies. A total of 229 valid questionnaires were collected.

Findings

The empirical results show that both organizational and technological barriers have relationships with an individual’s effort and ability with regard to knowledge sharing behavior. When organizational barriers occur, the perceived lack of effort has a direct effect on knowledge sharing behavior for large firms, while negative sharing behavior among employees of small firms is influenced by the perception of low ability through the perceived lack of effort.

Originality/value

A review of the literature reveals organizational and technological barriers that lead to the negative influences of internal attributions on knowledge sharing. This study, therefore, contributes to a comprehensive perspective on how to encourage knowledge sharing behavior at different sizes of firms.
Academic research meets practice: why controversial results are not controversial
Authors: Wright Patrick M. , Nyberg Anthony J.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore some of the practical challenges boards face in setting chief executive officer (CEO) pay to show why the failure to see considerable overlap between pay and performance may not be due to poor governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically explores the different types of pay reported in public sources (actual vs realized) and the types of performance measures used in CEO pay research. This paper then conceptually reviews the broader governance responsibility of boards, particularly the hiring and firing of CEOs and the impact these decisions have on CEO pay.

Findings

The authors suggest that much of the lack of overlap between pay and performance may be because of misaligned timing of the pay and performance measures, differences between internally promoted and externally hired CEOs and severance packages of fired CEOs. They conclude that the lack of overlap may not signal failure on the part of boards, but rather may reflect the risk and uncertainty those boards face in hiring and firing of CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis shows how using publicly available sources of pay and performance data ignores the practical challenges that boards face in setting pay, and suggests greater care be given to future research purporting to show that boards are failing in their governance responsibilities.

Practical implications

CEO pay may not be as misaligned with performance as many researchers conclude, but may be due to the risks and uncertainty inherent in governance.

Social implications

The distributive justice critique of CEO pay may not be valid.

Originality/value

As opposed to simply mining public databases, this paper more accurately describes some of the variables that impact how boards set CEO pay.
The two sides of CEO pay injustice: a commentary
Authors: Cannella Albert , Sy Valerie
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend discussions in the CEO compensation research domain. Specifically, this paper provides a critical analysis of the power law conceptualization and pay injustice contribution by Aguinis, Martin, Gomez-Mejia, O’Boyle and Joo.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary addresses statistical and theoretical issues of the power law distribution with respect to prior compensation research and offers additional perspectives on the issue of CEO pay deservingness.

Findings

The power law is worth investigating further, but more attention should be paid to outliers and fit to the distribution. Stronger theory is needed for using the power law to explain CEO compensation phenomena, especially regarding standard firm performance measures and anomalies in the compensation process. Finally, “injustice” and “deservingness” in discussions of CEO pay exist in the eye of the beholder.

Originality/value

This paper offers additional considerations for scholars to explore when applying the power law distribution to compensation research.
Timing of mutualist arrival has a greater effect on Pinus muricata seedling growth than interspecific competition
Authors: Peay Kabir G.
Published: February 2018

Interactions with symbiotic microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, have the potential to greatly influence plant growth, but it is unclear whether field variation in symbiont availability is common and, if so, sufficient to influence interspecific plant competition.

In a greenhouse experiment using natural field soils, I varied the timing of ectomycorrhizal inoculation and the presence of an arbuscular mycorrhizal plant competitor, and measured their effects on pine seedling growth.

I found that ectomycorrhizal colonization was absent in some field soils, and that in soils without mycorrhizal inoculum, delayed arrival of ectomycorrhizal spores progressively reduced pine seedling growth and favoured growth of the competitor. Competition had significant negative effects on pine seedling growth, but the competition effect was much smaller than the effect of delayed mutualist arrival.

Synthesis. The importance of mycorrhizal spore arrival time on pine growth suggests that plants may experience mutualist limitation more frequently than previously expected, and the relative magnitude of seedling responses to mycorrhizal fungi and competing plants show that in some systems mutualism is likely of equal or greater importance compared with interspecific competition in affecting plant community assembly.
Oxytocin structure and function in New World monkeys: from pharmacology to behavior
Authors: MUSTOE Aaryn , TAYLOR Jack H. , FRENCH Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2018

Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic nonapeptide that mediates a host of physiological and behavioral processes including reproductive physiology and social attachments. While the OT sequence structure is highly conserved among mammals, New World monkeys (NWMs) represent an unusual “hot spot” in OT structure variability among mammals. At least 6 distinct OT ligand variants among NWMs exist, yet it is currently unclear whether these evolved structural changes result in meaningful functional consequences. NWMs offer a new area to explore how these modifications to OT and its canonical G‐protein coupled OT receptor (OTR) may mediate specific cellular, physiological and behavioral outcomes. In this review, we highlight relationships between OT ligand and OTR structural variability, specifically examining coevolution between OT ligands, OTRs, and physiological and behavioral phenotypes across NWMs. We consider whether these evolved modifications to the OT structure alter pharmacological profiles at human and marmoset OTRs, including changes to receptor binding, intracellular signaling and receptor internalization. Finally, we evaluate whether exogenous manipulation using OT variants in marmoset monkeys differentially enhance or impair behavioral processes involved in social relationships between pairmates, opposite‐sex strangers, and parents and their offspring. Overall, it appears that changes to OT ligands in NWMs result in important changes ranging from cellular signaling to broad measures of social behavior.
How a perceived status change increase consumers’ tendency toward consumption through double psychological mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Taiyang , Jin Xiaotong , Song Wei , Cui Hongjing , Ding Jianlue
Published: February 2018

While previous research has demonstrated that status significantly affects consumer behaviour, most studies have examined objective status rather than perceived status. The present article, therefore, aims to examine how a perceived change in status affects consumers’ status consumption as well as the underlying psychological mechanisms for this behaviour. Study 1 manipulates participants’ perceived status change and measures their tendencies toward status consumption. Results show that both participants undergoing status improvement and those perceiving a threat to their status are more inclined towards status consumption than participants in a control condition. Study 2 manipulates participants’ perceived status change and measures their self‐presentation motivation, self‐compensation motivation, and status consumption tendency. A series of mediation analyses shows that self‐presentation, rather than self‐compensation, mediates the positive effect of status improvement on consumers’ status consumption and that self‐compensation, rather than self‐presentation, mediates the positive effect of status threat on consumers’ status consumption. Results of our studies suggest that consumers who perceive status improvement seek status consumption for self‐presentation purposes, while consumers who perceive status threat seek status consumption for self‐compensation. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical contribution of this research and offering practical suggestions regarding product marketing.
What happens to the unsuccessful spermatozoa?
Authors: Engel K. M. , Springsguth C. H. , Grunewald S.
Published: February 2018

To study apoptosis as a functional pathway in mature spermatozoa and apoptosis correlated to the acrosome reaction via the intracellular calcium concentration, semen samples from 27 healthy human donors were treated with inducers of apoptosis (betulinic acid, thapsigargin), inducers of the acrosome reaction (thapsigargin, calcium ionophore) or hydrogen peroxide to produce reactive oxygen species with and without prior incubation with a calcium chelator. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to analyze changes in the acrosomal status and in apoptotic features. Betulinic acid, thapsigargin, and the calcium ionophore treatment resulted in an increased number of sperm cells with caspase 9 and caspase 3 activation, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and a reacted acrosome. Sperm motility was decreased in all cases. Transmission electron analyses showed ultra‐morphological changes, such as membrane integrity, membrane blebbing, the formation of head vacuoles, defects of the nuclear envelope, nuclear fragmentation, and the acrosome reaction. Acrosome reaction and apoptotic features decreased due to the reduction in intracellular calcium by the calcium chelator NP‐EGTA, AM. Therefore, apoptotic cell death in acrosome‐reacted sperm cells mediated by high intracellular calcium levels is possible.
Evaluation of the Novel Centrifugal Pump, CAPIOX SL, in Chronic Large Animal Experiments
Authors: Iizuka Kei , Katagiri Nobumasa , Takewa Yoshiaki , Tsukiya Tomonori , Mizuno Toshihide , Itamochi Yosuke , Kumano Kouko , Tatsumi Eisuke
Published: February 2018

In the development of a new device for extracorporeal circulation, long‐term durability and biocompatibility are required. The CAPIOX SL Pump (SL pump, Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), which is a centrifugal pump using a two‐pivot bearing, was developed with the hope of suppressing pump thrombus formation around the bearings. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo performance of the SL pump in the condition assumed severe clinical situation for long‐term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Extracorporeal circulation using the SL pump was installed in three goats, with drainage from the inferior vena cava and infusion into the right jugular artery. The animals were maintained with target pump flow of 2.0–3.0 L/min for 3 or 7 days. Anticoagulation was performed by continuous infusion of heparin with a target activated coagulation time (ACT) of 200 ± 50 s. Blood tests were performed regularly. After 3 or 7 days, autopsies were performed on all animals. The pumps were disassembled and observed for thrombus formation. The results were compared with those of our previous study of the current model of the centrifugal pump (SP pump). All animals were successfully managed within target pump flows and ACT values during the scheduled period, with no adverse events. No thrombus formation was found around the bearing of the SL pump. The blood tests showed normal major organ functions, and platelet consumption and hemolysis were significantly lower in this study compared to the previous study of the SP pump. The CAPIOX SL Pump showed excellent durability and biocompatibility in a large animal experiment.
An examination of gender and situational interest in multimedia learning environments
Authors: Dousay Tonia A. , Trujillo Natasha P.
Published: February 2018

Existing research highlights conflicting results attempting to capture gender preferences with respect to unimodal versus multimodal designs in online learning. As online learning continues to expand, more research examining the role of gender in multimedia design holds considerable potential. However, the presence of multimedia in online learning contexts presents a more complex problem when taking into consideration the concept of learner interest. The current study sought to investigate gender differences in situational interest (SI) with respect to three different but related designs of an online, multimedia learning environment for continuing, professional education in emergency medical services. The content in these designs was identical, but applied different combinations of the redundancy and modality multimedia principles. A two‐way analysis of variance was used to examine the types of SI by gender and type of multimedia design. While no significant difference or interaction effect was identified between gender and triggered SI, an interaction effect was observed for females and the different multimedia designs. Specifically, females reported a higher maintained SI when animation, narration and text were effectively combined. The findings of this study provide insight into best practices for instructional and media designers developing multimedia learning environments as well as future research implications.
Progression and treatment rates using an active surveillance protocol incorporating image‐guided baseline biopsies and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging monitoring for men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Thurtle David , Barrett Tristan , Thankappan‐Nair Vineetha , Koo Brendan , Warren Anne , Kastner Christof , Saeb‐Parsy Kasra , Kimberley‐Duffell Jenna , Gnanapragasam Vincent J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To assess early outcomes since the introduction of an active surveillance (AS) protocol incorporating multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)‐guided baseline biopsies and image‐based surveillance.

Patients and Methods

A new AS protocol mandating image‐guided baseline biopsies, annual mpMRI and 3‐monthly prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing, but which retained protocol re‐biopsies, was tested. Pathological progression, treatment conversion and triggers for non‐protocol biopsy were recorded prospectively.

Results

Data from 157 men enrolled in the AS protocol (median age 64 years, PSA 6.8 ng/mL, follow‐up 39 months) were interrogated. A total of 12 men (7.6%) left the AS programme by choice. Of the 145 men who remained, 104 had re‐biopsies either triggered by a rise in PSA level, change in mpMRI findings or by protocol. Overall, 23 men (15.9%) experienced disease progression; pathological changes were observed in 20 men and changes in imaging results were observed in three men. Of these 23 men, 17 switched to treatment, giving a conversion rate of 11.7% (<4% per year). Of the 20 men with pathological progression, this was detected in four of them after a PSA increase triggered a re‐biopsy, while in 10 men progression was detected after an mpMRI change. Progression was detected in six men, however, solely after a protocol re‐biopsy without prior PSA or mpMRI changes. Using PSA and mpMRI changes alone to detect progression was found to have a sensitivity and specificity of 70.0% and 81.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our AS protocol, with thorough baseline assessment and imaging‐based surveillance, showed low rates of progression and treatment conversion. Changes in mpMRI findings were the principle trigger for detecting progression by imaging alone or pathologically; however, per protocol re‐biopsy still detected a significant number of pathological progressions without mpMRI or PSA changes.
Are all gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonists equivalent for the treatment of prostate cancer? A systematic review
Authors: Bolton Eva M. , Lynch Thomas
Published: February 2018

To review direct comparative studies of the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists goserelin, triptorelin, and leuprorelin for the treatment of prostate cancer, and identify whether there are meaningful clinical differences between these agents. In June 2017, the following searches were performed independently by two reviewers in PubMed: (i) ‘prostate cancer’ and ‘triptorelin’ and ‘leuprorelin’, (ii) ‘prostate cancer’ and ‘triptorelin’ and ‘goserelin’, and (iii) ‘prostate cancer’ and ‘goserelin’ and ‘leuprorelin’, without time restriction. Duplicates were deleted. Relevant conference abstracts were also screened. A total of 16 direct comparative trials were identified: 12 reported on efficacy outcomes, four on safety/tolerability, and five on the convenience of administration/user perceptions. These studies are restricted in terms of patient numbers, formulations assessed, and endpoints measured; none were adequately powered for survival outcome measures. Studies reporting on efficacy endpoints did not show major differences in the ability of these GnRH agonists to reduce levels of testosterone or prostate‐specific antigen. Some studies suggest differences in short‐ or long‐term testosterone control, the rate of injection site adverse events, and patient/healthcare professional perceptions, but definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from the existing evidence. Few direct comparative trials of GnRH agonists have been conducted. Whilst GnRH agonists provide a similar castration effect, there is not enough evidence to show that GnRH agonists are equivalent.
Identification and functional analyses of differentially expressed metabolites in early stage endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Shi Kun , Wang Qiong , Su Yao , Xuan Xingcui , Liu Yaqiong , Chen Weiwei , Qian Yuanmin , Lash Gendie E.
Published: February 2018

Diagnosis of endometrial cancer is primarily based on symptoms and imaging, with early‐stage disease being difficult to diagnose. Therefore, development of potential diagnostic biomarkers is required. Metabolomics, a quantitative measurement of the dynamic metabolism in living systems, can be applied to determine metabolite profiles in different disease states. Here, serum metabolomics was performed in 46 early stage endometrial cancer patients and 46 healthy volunteers. In addition, the effect of identified metabolites on tumor cell behavior (invasion, migration, proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy) was examined in endometrial cancer cell lines. Compared with controls, phenylalanine, indoleacrylic acid (IAA), phosphocholine and lyso‐platelet‐activating factor‐16 (lyso‐PAF) were differentially detected in patients. Functional analyses demonstrated that IAA, PAF and phenylalanine all dose‐dependently inhibited tumor cell invasion and migration, and suppressed cell proliferation. PAF also induced tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, while phenylalanine had no effect on apoptosis or autophagy. IAA triggered apoptosis and had a biphasic effect on autophagy: inhibiting autophagy with doses <1 mmol/L but inducing at 1 mmol/L. Interestingly, the alterations in proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy caused by 1 mmol/L IAA, were all reversed by the concomitant treatment of tryptophan (100 μmol/L). Phosphocholine inhibited tumor cell invasion and migration, and promoted cell proliferation and autophagy, all in a dose‐dependent manner. Phosphocholine also protected cells from TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. In conclusion, 4 serum metabolites were identified by serum metabolomics in endometrial cancer patients and functional analyses suggested that they may play roles in modulation of tumor cell behavior, although their exact mode of action still needs to be determined.
Hypertriglyceridaemic–waist phenotype and risk of diabetes in people with impaired fasting glucose in primary care: a cohort study
Authors: Guo V. Y.‐W. , Yu E. Y.‐T. , Wong C. K.‐H. , Sit R. W.‐S. , Wang J. H.‐L. , Lam C. L.‐K.
Published: February 2018

Aim

We aimed to determine the prospective association between baseline triglyceridaemic–waist phenotypes and diabetic mellitus incidence in individuals with impaired fasting glucose seen in primary care.

Methods

A cohort of 1101 participants (84.4% of the recruited individuals) with impaired fasting glucose were recruited from three primary care clinics during regular follow‐ups to monitor their chronic conditions. Baseline triglyceridaemic–waist phenotypes were divided into four groups: (1) normal waistline and triglyceride level (n = 252); (2) isolated central obesity (n = 518); (3) isolated high triglyceride level (n = 80); and (4) central obesity with high triglyceride level (i.e. hypertriglyceridaemic–waist phenotype) (n = 251). The presence of diabetes at follow‐up was determined by fasting plasma glucose (≥ 7.0 mmol/l) and/or 2‐h 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (≥ 11.1 mmol/l) and/or HbA1c (47.5 mmol/mol; ≥ 6.5%) according to American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions were established to assess the impact of different triglyceridaemic–waist phenotypes on time to diabetes onset.

Results

After a mean follow‐up period of 6.5 months (sd 4.7 months), the number of diabetes cases was significantly higher in the group with hypertriglyceridaemic–waist phenotype (52.2%) compared with the other three phenotype groups (group 1: 28.2%; group 2: 34.6%; group 3: 30.0%). Only the hypertriglyceridaemic–waist phenotype showed an increased risk of developing diabetes (hazard ratio 1.581, 95% CI 1.172–2.134; P = 0.003) compared with the group with normal waistline and triglyceride level after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

The combination of central obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia is associated with > 50% risk of progression to diabetes within 6 months among individuals with impaired fasting glucose seen in primary care.
Language education in elementary schools: Meeting the needs of the nation
Authors: Rubio Fernando
Published: February 2018

This article briefly reviews the social, political, and economic context that explains the present status of elementary language education in the United States and addresses the challenges identified by recent reports on the state of language education in the United States. Different curricular models of world language education—exploratory, sequential, and immersion—are discussed in regard to their ability to meet the need, expressed by the profession, to provide universal access to language education and produce graduates who have advanced levels of language proficiency. The article argues that in order to be successful, elementary programs have to be built with support and input from a variety of stakeholders, with careful consideration of the financial and human resources needed and with long‐term articulation plans. A state‐supported immersion program is used to illustrate how the integration of all these factors can lead to successful and scalable programs.
Looking ahead: Future directions in, and future research into, second language acquisition
Authors: Larsen‐Freeman Diane
Published: February 2018

This article begins by situating modern‐day second language acquisition (SLA) research in a historical context, tracing its evolution from cognitive to social to sociocognitive accounts. Next, the influence of the zeitgeist is considered. In this era of rapid change and turmoil, there are both perils and opportunities afforded by globalization. In addition, what globalization is bringing to the forefront is a need to grapple with the complexity of the world. It follows then that we need to think differently about SLA. I suggest that this thinking take two directions. The first is that the researchers in the field adopt an ecological perspective, whereby the relations among factors are what is key to elucidating the complexity. I offer as an example overcoming the bifurcation between research on individual differences and research on the SLA process. Doing so ushers in a person‐centered, humanistic dimension of SLA. A second, related change is the renewed awareness of the importance of context and of the nature of constraints that shape any particular context. Language learning does not occur in an ideological vacuum but rather is affected in a serious way by prevailing beliefs in the society at large. I therefore make the case for language researchers to be more mindful of the social injustices that exist in the world concerning language learning and use, and I indicate several of the ideologies and myths that deserve to be challenged accordingly. Before concluding, I discuss the implications of these two changes for issues of language assessment, research, and teaching.
Large electric‐field‐induced strain and enhanced piezoelectric constant in CuO‐modified BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Lv Jing , Lou Xiaojie
Published: February 2018

In this work, we fabricated the (1‐x)BiFeO3‐xBaTiO3+y‰ mol CuO ceramics by the modified thermal quenching technique. The pure perovskite phase was formed and a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was observed in the ceramics with x = 0.30‐0.33. The addition of CuO can significantly enhance the density of the BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 material. Importantly, an enhanced piezoelectric constant (d33=165 pC/N), a large electric‐field‐induced strain (∆S = 0.54%: peak to peak strain) and a large piezoelectric actuator constant (d33*=449 pm/V) together with a high Curie temperature (TC) of 503°C were observed in the ceramics with x = 0.30 and y = 5. As a result, the enhanced piezoelectricity and large electric‐field‐induced strain could significantly stimulate further researches in BFO‐based ceramics.
Effect of Chikungunya Virus Infection on Individuals and the Healthcare System
Authors: Godaert Lidvine , Dramé Moustapha , Fanon Jean‐Luc , Simon Fabrice
Published: February 2018

See the Reply by Lang et al.
Spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions in pre‐pubertal girls
Authors: Norris Jean E , Elder Charlotte V , Dunford Angela M , Rampal Deepti , Cheung Charleen , Grover Sonia R
Published: February 2018

Aims

This study sought to observe the rate and timing of spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions that had been diagnosed in pre‐pubertal girls. The secondary aim was to evaluate the conservative approach to management of labial adhesions that has been advocated by the Gynaecology Department, by assessing the rates of concurrent uro‐gynaecological symptoms in this population, as well as parent satisfaction with their child's management.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients diagnosed with labial adhesions in the Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology between 2000 and 2017. Patients and their parents (depending on the age of the patient at the time of this study) were then invited to participate in follow‐up surveys and questionnaires and clinical examination.

Results

Of 148 girls identified, the median age of the follow‐up participants (n = 45) was 6.1 years (2.6–27.2 years), compared with that of the entire cohort of 7.4 years (1–27 years). After a median follow‐up period of 2.6 years (0.4–20.7 years), 40% (18/45) of girls reported and/or had findings that supported resolution of labial adhesions without treatment. Two parents (4%) sought treatment elsewhere after their appointment. A history of UTI was reported in 30% (14/45) of patients, and 16% (7/45) had a known history of vulvovaginitis.

Conclusions

Our findings support the natural history of spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions. Concurrent uro‐gynaecological conditions that developed were successfully treated according to standard treatments. A conservative approach to the management of labial adhesions is associated with very low rates of parental concern and intervention.
Human immunodeficiency virus status disclosure and education for children and adolescents in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Orelly Thyna , Welch Henry , Machine Edwin , Pameh Wendy , Duke Trevor
Published: February 2018

Aim

How to provide human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure and awareness for children and young people has not been studied in Papua New Guinea or Pacific Island countries. We aimed to determine the current practices of HIV disclosure and evaluate whether an incremental disclosure education model, as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), would increase children's knowledge about their condition and improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We enrolled HIV‐infected children on ART whose parents consented, and we identified whether they were aware that they were HIV positive or not. An incremental education model was used to teach the children about their illness and to disclose their HIV status if that was the parents' wishes. Knowledge of HIV and adherence to ART before and following education sessions was assessed.

Results

A total of 138 children HIV‐positive children were recruited. Only 7% had previously been made aware of their HIV test results; the mean disclosure age was 12.7 years. By 10 years of age, 25 of 34 participants (74%) had not been told they had HIV. The common reasons caregivers gave for not disclosing were that the child was too young and the potential psychosocial impacts on the child and the family. Using an education model of HIV disclosure, children's knowledge of HIV increased significantly, and ART adherence, which was good at 95%, increased to 99% an average of 9 months after education.

Conclusion

There is a low rate of disclosure for HIV‐infected children in Papua New Guinea. This study underlines the importance and value of incorporating age‐appropriate HIV education within HIV services.
Perception and measurement of food texture: Solid foods
Authors: Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Fang Yapeng
Published: February 2018

There is still a gap between instrumental measurement and sensory evaluation because of the complexity of food texture in spite of many efforts. In sensory evaluation, the terms describing the texture should be well understood by panelists, which poses a problem of establishing lexicons and training panelists. In the instrumental measurement, more efforts are required to understand the large deformation and fracture behavior of foods. The texture profile analysis (TPA) proposed by Alina Szczesniak, Malcolm Bourne, and Sherman has been applied to many foods, and was useful to develop the understanding of textures. But sometimes confusion of the interpretation of TPA parameters appeared. Many new techniques have been introduced to quantify TPA parameters. Recent efforts to fill the gap between sensory evaluation and instrumental measurements, human measurements, or physiological measurements have been introduced. This endeavor is an effort of synthesizing the dentistry and biomedical approach, sensory and psychological approach, and material science approach, and therefore, the collaboration among these disciplines is necessary. This manuscript mainly discusses texture studies for solid foods.

Practical applications

To fill the gap between the sensory evaluation and the instrumental measurement of texture, it is necessary to examine the physical change of foods during the oral processing. This will give us the designing principle of palatable and safe foods.
Mechanism of agonism and antagonism of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing regulator QscR with non‐native ligands
Authors: Wysoczynski‐Horita Christina L. , Boursier Michelle E. , Hill Ryan , Hansen Kirk , Blackwell Helen E. , Churchill Mair E. A.
Published: February 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that uses the process of quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate the expression of many virulence genes. During quorum sensing, N‐acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL) signaling molecules regulate the activity of three LuxR‐type transcription factors, LasR, RhlR and QscR. To better understand P. aeruginosa QS signal reception, we examined the mechanism underlying the response of QscR to synthetic agonists and antagonists using biophysical and structural approaches. The structure of QscR bound to a synthetic agonist reveals a novel mode of ligand binding supporting a general mechanism for agonist activity. In turn, antagonists of QscR with partial agonist activity were found to destabilize and greatly impair QscR dimerization and DNA binding. These results highlight the diversity of LuxR‐type receptor responses to small molecule agonists and antagonists and demonstrate the potential for chemical strategies for the selective targeting of individual QS systems.
Who is shaping the food choices of the future?
Authors: Lockyer S.
Published: February 2018

A conference was held by the British Nutrition Foundation in October 2017 to explore future trends in agriculture, manufacturing and retailing, and the relationship between these trends and food choice. Topics explored by the speakers included sustainability, climate change, Brexit, the ageing population, technological advances in food production, product reformulation, consumer behaviour and public health agendas. This report summarises the conference proceedings.
Accumulated Spinal Axial Biomechanical Loading Induces Degeneration in Intervertebral Disc of Mice Lumbar Spine
Authors: Lao Yang‐jun , Xu Tao‐tao , Jin Hong‐ting , Ruan Hong‐feng , Wang Ji‐tao , Zhou Li , Wang Ping‐er , Wang Jian , Ying Jun , Zhang Yuan‐bin , Luo Cheng , Fu Fang‐da , Tong Pei‐jian , Xiao Lu‐wei , Wu Cheng‐liang
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the effect of accumulated spinal axial biomechanical loading on mice lumbar disc and the feasibility of applying this method to establish a mice intervertebral disc degeneration model using a custom‐made hot plate cage. In previous studies, we observed that the motion pattern of mice was greatly similar to that of humans when they were standing and jumping on their lower limbs. There is little data to demonstrate whether or not accumulated spinal axial biomechanical loading could induce intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo.

Methods

Twenty‐four 0‐week‐old mice were randomly divided into model 1‐month and 3‐month groups, and control 1‐month and 3‐month groups (n = 6 per group). The model groups was transferred into the custom‐made hot plate cage three times per day for modeling. The control group was kept in a regular cage. The intervertebral disc samples of the L3–L5 were harvested for histologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical studies after modeling for 1 and 3 months.

Results

Accumulated spinal axial biomechanical loading affects the histologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical changes of mice L3–L5 intervertebral discs. Decreased height of disc and endplate, fissures of annulus fibrosus, and ossification of cartilage endplate were found in morphological studies. Immunohistochemical studies of the protein level showed a similar expression of type II collagen at 1 month, but a slightly decreased expression at 3 months, and an increased expression level of type X collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). Molecular studies showed that ColIIa1 and aggrecan mRNA expression levels were slightly increased at 1 month (P > 0.05), but then decreased slightly (P > 0.05). ColXa1, ADAMTS‐5, and MMP‐13 expression levels werer increased both at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.05). In addition, increased expression of Runx2 was observed.

Conclusion

Accumulated spinal axial loading provided by a custom‐made hot plate accelerated mice lumbar disc and especially endplate degeneration. However, this method requires further development to establish a lumbar disc degeneration model.
Coronary venous angioplasty to facilitate transvenous left ventricular lead placement: A single‐center 13‐year experience
Authors: Hesselson Aaron B. , Duggal Sandeep , Rukavina Michael , Gallagher Peter L. , Tomassoni Gery F.
Published: February 2018

Background

Barriers to successful left ventricular lead placement within the coronary venous anatomy may include focal stenoses, thromboses, phrenic nerve stimulation, vessel tortuosity, small vessel caliber, nonexcitable tissue, and valve presence. A large series describing the utilization of coronary venous angioplasty (CVAP) for relief of these issues is absent in the literature.

Objective

We report our experience on all patients treated with CVAP in a single‐center 13‐year experience.

Methods

Forty‐seven patients with CVAP (64% male, mean age 67 ± 12 years) were treated by five different implanting physicians for approved cardiac resynchronization therapy indications. The reason for CVAP was categorized by obstacle (focal occlusion, valve presence, small caliber vessel) and location. The number, type, and size of balloon used, inflation characteristics, complications, and success of lead deployment crossing the point of intervention were all tabulated.

Results

Seventy‐seven percent of patients (36/47) had successful CVAP. The most common reason for intervention was a focal occlusion (24/47; 51%), followed by valve presence (13/47; 28%), and small vessel caliber (10/47; 21%). Focal occlusions were most successfully managed with CVAP (23/24; 96%), followed by small vessel caliber (7/10; 70%) and valve presence (6/13; 46%). The reason for failure was most commonly due to failure to relieve the obstruction (5/11; 45%), thrombosis (3/11; 27.3%), dissection (2/11; 18.2%), and inability to pass the balloon through the occlusion (1/11; 9.0%). There were no significant complications developed from CVAP utilization.

Conclusion

In a large analysis, CVAP can be safely and successfully performed in the majority of instances required.
On principles and standards in ecological restoration
Authors: Higgs Eric , Harris Jim , Murphy Stephen , Bowers Keith , Hobbs Richard , Jenkins Willis , Kidwell Jeremy , Lopoukhine Nikita , Sollereder Bethany , Suding Katherine , Thompson Allen , Whisenant Steven
Published: February 2018

The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) has long debated how to define best practices. We argue that a principles‐first approach offers more flexibility for restoration practitioners than a standards‐based approach, is consistent with the developmental stage of restoration, and functions more effectively at a global level. However, the solution is not as simple as arguing that one approach to professional practice is sufficient. Principles and standards can and do operate effectively together, but only if they are coordinated in a transparent and systematic way. Effective professional guidance results when standards anchored by principles function in a way that is contextual and evolving. Without that clear relation to principles, the tendency to promote performance standards may lead to a narrowing of restoration practice and reduction in the potential to resolve very difficult and diverse ecological and environmental challenges. We offer recommendations on how the evolving project of restoration policy by SER and other agencies and organizations can remain open and flexible.
A BAHD acyltransferase catalyzing 19‐O‐acetylation of tabersonine derivatives in roots of Catharanthus roseus enables combinatorial synthesis of monoterpene indole alkaloids
Authors: Carqueijeiro Inês , Dugé de Bernonville Thomas , Lanoue Arnaud , Dang Thu‐Thuy , Teijaro Christiana N , Paetz Christian , Billet Kevin , Mosquera Angela , Oudin Audrey , Besseau Sébastien , Papon Nicolas , Glévarec Gaëlle , Atehortùa Lucía , Clastre Marc , Giglioli‐Guivarc'h Nathalie , Schneider Bernd , St‐Pierre Benoit , Andrade Rodrigo B. , O'Connor Sarah E. , Courdavault Vincent
Published: February 2018

While the characterization of the biosynthetic pathway of monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) in leaves of Catharanthus roseus is now reaching completion, only two enzymes from the root counterpart dedicated to tabersonine metabolism have been identified to date, namely tabersonine 19‐hydroxylase (T19H) and minovincine 19‐O‐acetyltransferase (MAT). Albeit the recombinant MAT catalyzes MIA acetylation at low efficiency in vitro, we demonstrated that MAT was inactive when expressed in yeast and in planta, suggesting an alternative function for this enzyme. Therefore, through transcriptomic analysis of periwinkle adventitious roots, several other BAHD acyltransferase candidates were identified based on the correlation of their expression profile with T19H and found to localize in small genomic clusters. Only one, named tabersonine derivative 19‐O‐acetyltransferase (TAT) was able to acetylate the 19‐hydroxytabersonine derivatives from roots, such as minovincinine and hörhammericine, following expression in yeast. Kinetic studies also showed that the recombinant TAT was specific for root MIAs and displayed an up to 200‐fold higher catalytic efficiency than MAT. In addition, gene expression analysis, protein subcellular localization and heterologous expression in Nicotiana benthamiana were in agreement with the prominent role of TAT in acetylation of root‐specific MIAs, thereby redefining the molecular determinants of the root MIA biosynthetic pathway. Finally, identification of TAT provided a convenient tool for metabolic engineering of MIAs in yeast enabling efficiently mixing different biosynthetic modules spatially separated in the whole plant. This combinatorial synthesis associating several enzymes from Catharanthus roseus resulted in the conversion of tabersonine in tailor‐made MIAs bearing both leaf and root‐type decorations.
The PHD1 oxygen sensor in health and disease
Authors: Kennel Kilian B. , Burmeister Julius , Schneider Martin , Taylor Cormac T.
Published: February 2018

The hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) co‐ordinates the adaptive transcriptional response to hypoxia in metazoan cells. The hypoxic sensitivity of HIF is conferred by a family of oxygen‐sensing enzymes termed HIF hydroxylases. This family consists of three prolyl hydroxylases (PHD1–3) and a single asparagine hydroxylase termed factor inhibiting HIF (FIH). It has recently become clear that HIF hydroxylases are functionally non‐redundant and have discrete but overlapping physiological roles. Furthermore, altered abundance or activity of these enzymes is associated with a number of pathologies. Pharmacological HIF‐hydroxylase inhibitors have recently proven to be both tolerated and therapeutically effective in patients. In this review, we focus on the physiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic potential of the PHD1 isoform, which has recently been implicated in diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, ischaemia and cancer.

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Role of recoverin in rod photoreceptor light adaptation
Authors: Morshedian Ala , Woodruff Michael L. , Fain Gordon L.
Published: February 2018

Key points

Recoverin is a small molecular‐weight, calcium‐binding protein in rod outer segments that can modulate the rate of rhodopsin phosphorylation. We describe two additional and perhaps more important functions during photoreceptor light adaptation.

Recoverin influences the rate of change of adaptation. In wild‐type rods, sensitivity and response integration time adapt with similar time constants of 150–200 ms. In Rv–/– rods lacking recoverin, sensitivity declines faster and integration time is already shorter and not significantly altered.

During steady light exposure, rod circulating current slowly increases during a time course of tens of seconds, gradually extending the operating range of the rod. In Rv–/– rods, this mechanism is deleted, steady‐state currents are already larger and rods saturate at brighter intensities.

We propose that recoverin modulates spontaneous and light‐activated phophodiesterase‐6, the phototransduction effector enzyme, to increase sensitivity in dim light but improve responsiveness to change in brighter illumination.

Recoverin is a small molecular‐weight, calcium‐binding protein in rod outer segments that binds to G‐protein receptor kinase 1 and can alter the rate of rhodopsin phosphorylation. A change in phosphorylation should change the lifetime of light‐activated rhodopsin and the gain of phototransduction, but deletion of recoverin has little effect on the sensitivity of rods either in the dark or in dim‐to‐moderate background light. We describe two additional functions perhaps of greater physiological significance. (i) When the ambient intensity increases, sensitivity and integration time decrease in wild‐type (WT) rods with similar time constants of 150–200 ms. Recoverin is part of the mechanism controlling this process because, in Rv–/– rods lacking recoverin, sensitivity declines more rapidly and integration time is already shorter and not further altered. (ii) During steady light exposure, WT rod circulating current slowly increases during a time course of tens of seconds, gradually extending the operating range of the rod. In Rv–/– rods, this mechanism is also deleted, steady‐state currents are already larger and rods saturate at brighter intensities. We argue that neither (i) nor (ii) can be caused by modulation of rhodopsin phosphorylation but may instead be produced by direct modulation of phophodiesterase‐6 (PDE6), the phototransduction effector enzyme. We propose that recoverin in dark‐adapted rods keeps the integration time long and the spontaneous PDE6 rate relatively high to improve sensitivity. In background light, the integration time is decreased to facilitate detection of change and motion and the spontaneous PDE6 rate decreases to augment the rod working range.