bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wine involvement interaction with dining group dynamics, group composition and consumption behavioural aspects in USA restaurants
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Cohen Justin , Kelley Kathleen
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The importance of the wine involvement construct in explaining consumers’ wine consumption behaviour is widely acknowledged in the literature, as is the social nature of dining out with others. Yet, there is a paucity of research examining the relationships between how this construct interacts with dining group dynamics and wine consumption behavioural aspects in the restaurant environment. This study aims to investigate these aspects in US restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising an online survey that yielded a sample of 513 respondents from across the USA who frequented all the recognised restaurant categories, respondents are segmented into low and high wine involvement categories using a reliable wine involvement scale. The authors examine differences between various dining group dynamics, dining group composition, main choice factors when ordering wine and method of ordering wine in US restaurants.

Findings

The authors find that diners’ level of involvement with wine provides sharp insights into several significant differences between involvement and dining group dynamics, group composition, choice factors when ordering wine and method of ordering wine in restaurants. High involvement diners dine out in larger groups, order more wine, spend more money on wine, are more often the main decision-maker ordering wine for the dining group and use wine menus and wall board displays more often when ordering than low involvement diners. They are also more discerning about the taste of wine, grape variety and wine style in terms of choice factors when ordering.

Practical implications

The nature and dynamics of dining groups are aspects that have profound implications, in various ways, for the restaurant industry. The level of involvement diners have with wine is a strong predictor of various outcomes in terms of dining group behavioural aspects regarding wine. Wine-related restaurant category-specific profile descriptions, such as those developed in this study, can be helpful for restaurants when creating business strategies.

Originality/value

The authors make a substantive contribution by being the first study to examine the relationships between dining group dynamics, dining group composition and behavioural aspects concerning wine consumption and involvement in the restaurant environment. The authors then map this information to derive wine-related profile descriptions for all US restaurant categories.
Reflections on global brands, global consumer culture and globalization
Authors: Samiee Saeed
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore global brands, global consumer culture (GCC) and globalization, and offers a thesis in line with Steenkamp (2019) regarding the world’s continued move toward greater integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines the three concepts articulated by Steenkamp (2019): global brands, GCC and globalization.

Findings

Globalization is often thought of as a necessary condition for the existence of global brands and GCC. However, global brands existed long before the transition toward an increasingly integrated world. Further, global branding is related to the development of GCC as an intermarket segment. The paper also highlights the absence of an operational definition for global brands and the overemphasis on consumer brands as the drivers of much of the research in global branding and GCC.

Originality/value

The paper offers a different perspective on the GCC phenomenon, and identifies new avenues for future research.
How functional and emotional ads drive smartwatch adoption
Authors: Krey Nina , Chuah Stephanie Hui-Wen , Ramayah T. , Rauschnabel Philipp A.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine advertising strategies’ (functional vs emotional) influence on consumers’ evaluation and adoption of smartwatches by drawing on the elaboration likelihood model and the schema incongruity theory. Moderating effects of consumer characteristics (personal innovativeness and extraversion) on the value assessment and attitude relationship are also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was assessed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling with a sample of 999 non-smartwatch users.

Findings

Results show that functional ads elicit higher levels of hedonic than functional (usefulness) and ergonomic values (ease of use), whereas emotional ads produce higher levels of functional (usefulness) in comparison to hedonic value (enjoyment). Collectively, functional, ergonomic, hedonic and symbolic values shape consumers’ attitude and their subsequent behavior. In addition, findings demonstrate that extraversion positively moderates the symbolic value–attitude relationship, whereas personal innovativeness negatively moderates the functional value–attitude relationship.

Originality/value

Smartwatch sales have floundered despite substantial investments in ad campaigns. This study provides novel insights into managing non-users’ value perceptions of smartwatches with the optimal use of ad strategies. Furthermore, it is also one of the first studies to validate the moderating role of extraversion on the symbolic value–attitude link, thus contributing to the emerging literature on wearable technology.
Influential factors for technology-enhanced learning: professionals’ views
Authors: Schweighofer Patrick , Weitlaner Doris , Ebner Martin , Rothe Hannes
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The literature includes several studies that define different critical success factors (CSF) which have to be considered to support the implementation of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) approaches. An analysis of such studies revealed that (1) regional differences seem to determine the CSF for TEL approaches, (2) certain CSF are relevant for TEL approaches in general, and (3) professionals in higher education determine which influential factors they consider when implementing TEL approaches. Thus, the question arises: in general, which influential factors do professionals in Austrian and German institutions of higher education actually consider when implementing TEL approaches?

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a quantitative research approach based on survey data.

Findings

The results show that certain influential factors seem to be generally important, such as the factors of respecting learning success or motivation. However, the outcome of the study also indicated that different moderating variables like experiences and personal relevance affect the professionals’ choices.

Originality/value

The originality and value are in the approach to identify generally important influential factors for the implementation of TEL approaches in Austrian and German institutions of higher education.
Towards automated pre-ingest workflow for bridging information systems and digital preservation services
Authors: Westerlund Parvaneh , Andersson Ingemar , Päivärinta Tero , Nilsson Jörgen
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to automate pre-ingest workflow for preserving digital content, such as records, through middleware that integrates potentially many information systems with potentially several alternative digital preservation services.

Design/methodology/approach

This design research approach resulted in a design for model- and component-based software for such workflow. A proof-of-concept prototype was implemented and demonstrated in context of a European research project, ForgetIT.

Findings

The study identifies design issues of automated pre-ingest for digital preservation while using middleware as a design choice for this purpose. The resulting model and solution suggest functionalities and interaction patterns based on open interface protocols between the source systems of digital content, middleware and digital preservation services. The resulting workflow automates the tasks of fetching digital objects from the source system with metadata extraction, preservation preparation and transfer to a selected preservation service. The proof-of-concept verified that the suggested model for pre-ingest workflow and the suggested component architecture was technologically implementable. Future research and development needs to include new solutions to support context-aware preservation management with increased support for configuring submission agreements as a basis for dynamic automation of pre-ingest and more automated error handling.

Originality/value

The paper addresses design issues for middleware as a design choice to support automated pre-ingest in digital preservation. The suggested middleware architecture supports many-to-many relationships between the source information systems and digital preservation services through open interface protocols, thus enabling dynamic digital preservation solutions for records management.
The role of delayed water curing in improving the mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali activated fly ash based geopolymer paste blended with slag
Authors: Dutta Debabrata , Ghosh Somnath
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of delayed water curing on the mechanical and microstructural properties of fly ash-based geopolymer paste-blended with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) with different rest periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The blended geopolymer paste was composed of GGBS (15 per cent of the total weight) and the base material, Fly Ash (FA). The blended mix was activated by activator solution (Sodium hydroxide and Sodium silicate) containing 6 per cent Na2O of total base material. The effect of delayed water curing has been studied by gradually increasing the aging period (Rest Period) from 2 hours to 24 hours in the formation of activated outcome along with Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH). To analyze the mechanical and microstructural properties of the resultant blended geopolymer paste, compressive strength test, FESEM and XRD have been carried out. Moreover, a long-term durability test subjected to sulphate exposure has been performed to evaluate the durability of the designed sustainable geopolymer paste.

Findings

The present paper shows that the delayed water curing incorporates secondary heat input enhancing the partial polymer formation along with CSH. Slag-blended AAFA-based geopolymer paste is seen to exhibit quick setting property. Also, AAFA-based geopolymer paste samples subjected to longer rest period show early strength gain at a high rate under water curing as compared to those subjected to the shorter rest period.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, the effect of delayed water curing on the mechanical and microstructural properties of slag-blended AAFA-based geopolymer paste has not been studied before.
The potential for mass ratio and trait divergence effects to explain idiosyncratic impacts of non‐native invasive plants on carbon mineralization of decomposing leaf litter
Authors: Kuebbing Sara E. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: February 2019

Invasive plant effects on litter decomposition tend to be idiosyncratic among species and ecosystems, which may arise from variation in the invader’s relative abundance (mass ratio effect), from its relative functional difference to other species (trait divergence effect) and/or from species’ litter mixing that causes non‐additive decomposition rates relative to single‐species decomposition.

We use experimental microcosms to quantify the potential for mass ratio and trait divergence to explain effects of invasive litters on carbon mineralization rates of decomposing litter mixtures and to generate non‐additive dynamics in two distinct forest litter types.

The relative strength and direction of the mass ratio and trait divergence effects on carbon mineralization values were moderated by interactions between each effect and the canopy litter mixture. In both maple–poplar and oak–hickory litter mixtures, we found that the strength of the trait divergence effect increased with increasing proportions (mass ratio) of understorey litter in the litter mixtures, suggesting that interactions between these two mechanisms are important for moderating the influence of understorey invasions. Similarly, the addition of understorey litter always caused synergistic, non‐additive impacts on carbon mineralization, increasing carbon mineralization on average by 34%. For both litter mixtures, non‐additivity increased with increasing trait divergence between understorey and canopy litter.

Our findings show the potential for pronounced context‐dependency in the impact of non‐native invasive species that arise via multiple mechanism and their interactions. As such, they suggest the necessity of accounting for frequently theorized but infrequently tested mechanisms relating to mass ratio and trait divergence. Accounting should improve understanding of when mass ratio and trait divergence affect ecosystem process rates, and hence build confidence in mechanistic projections of invader impacts.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
A new parameterization for generalized moveout approximation, based on three rays
Authors: Abedi Mohammad Mahdi , Stovas Alexey
Published: February 2019

A simple and accurate traveltime approximation is important in many applications in seismic data processing, inversion and modelling stages. Generalized moveout approximation is an explicit equation that approximates reflection traveltimes in general two‐dimensional models. Definition of its five parameters can be done from properties of finite offset rays, for general models, or by explicit calculation from model properties, for specific models. Two versions of classical finite‐offset parameterization for this approximation use traveltime and traveltime derivatives of two rays to define five parameters, which makes them asymmetrical. Using a third ray, we propose a balance between the number of rays and the order of traveltime derivatives. Our tests using different models also show the higher accuracy of the proposed method. For acoustic transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis, we calculate a new moveout approximation in the generalized moveout approximation functional form, which is explicitly defined by three independent parameters of zero‐offset two‐way time, normal moveout velocity and anellipticity parameter. Our test shows that the maximum error of the proposed transversely isotropic moveout approximation is about 1/6 to 1/8 of that of the moveout approximation that had been reported as the most accurate approximation in these media. The higher accuracy is the result of a novel parameterization that do not add any computational complexity. We show a simple example of its application on synthetic seismic data.
Vaginoscopy Against Standard Treatment: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Smith PP , Kolhe S , O'Connor S , Clark TJ
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate whether vaginoscopy or standard hysteroscopy was more successful in the outpatient setting.

Design

Randomised controlled multicentre trial.

Setting

Outpatient hysteroscopy clinics at two UK hospitals.

Population

1597 women aged 16 or older undergoing an outpatient hysteroscopy.

Methods

Women were allocated to vaginoscopy or standard hysteroscopy using third party randomisation stratified by menopausal status with no blinding of participants or clinicians.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was ‘success’, a composite endpoint defined as: a complete procedure, no complications, a level of pain acceptable to the patient, and no sign of genitourinary tract infection 2 weeks after the procedure.

Results

Vaginoscopy was significantly more successful than standard hysteroscopy [647/726 (89%) versus 621/734 (85%), respectively; relative risk (RR) 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.10; P = 0.01]. The median time taken to complete vaginoscopy was 2 minutes compared with 3 minutes for standard hysteroscopy (P < 0.001). The mean pain score was 42.7 for vaginoscopy, which was significantly less than standard hysteroscopy 46.4 (P = 0.02). Operative complications occurred in five women receiving vaginoscopy and 19 women receiving standard hysteroscopy (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10–0.69).

Conclusions

Vaginoscopy is quicker to perform, less painful, and more successful than standard hysteroscopy and therefore should be considered the technique of choice for outpatient hysteroscopy.

Tweetable abstract

Vaginoscopy is quicker to perform, less painful, and more successful than standard hysteroscopy.
Risk of severe maternal morbidity associated with in vitro fertilisation: a population‐based study
Authors: Le Ray C , Pelage L , Seco A , Bouvier‐Colle M‐H , Chantry AA , Deneux‐Tharaux C ,   the Epimoms Study Group
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the association between in vitro fertilisation IVF and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and to explore the role of multiple pregnancy as an intermediate factor.

Design

Population‐based cohort‐nested case–control study.

Setting

Six French regions in 2012/13.

Population

Cases were 2540 women with SMM according to the EPIMOMS definition; controls were 3651 randomly selected women who gave birth without SMM.

Methods

Analysis of the associations between IVF and SMM with multivariable logistic regression models, differentiating IVF with autologous oocytes (IVF‐AO) from IVF with oocyte donation (IVF‐OD). The contribution of multiple pregnancy as an intermediate factor was assessed by path analysis.

Main outcome measures

Severe maternal morbidity overall and SMM according to its main underlying causal condition and by severity (near misses).

Results

The risk of SMM was significantly higher in women with IVF (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.8–3.3). The risk of SMM was significantly higher with IVF‐AO, for all‐cause SMM (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.5–2.7), for near misses (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8), and for intra/postpartum haemorrhages (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.2). The risk of SMM was significantly higher with IVF‐OD, for all‐cause SMM (aOR = 18.6, 95% CI 4.4–78.5), for near misses (aOR = 18.1, 95% CI 4.0–82.3), for SMM due to hypertensive disorders (aOR = 16.7, 95% CI 3.3–85.4) and due to intra/postpartum haemorrhages (aOR = 18.0, 95% CI 4.2–77.8). Path‐analysis estimated that 21.6% (95% CI 10.1–33.0) of the risk associated with IVF‐OD was mediated by multiple pregnancy, and 49.6% (95% CI 24.0–75.1) of the SMM risk associated with IVF‐AO.

Conclusion

The risk of SMM is higher in IVF pregnancies after adjustment for confounders. Exploratory results suggest higher risks among women with IVF‐OD; however, confidence intervals were wide, so this finding needs to be confirmed. A large part of the association between IVF‐AO and SMM appears to be mediated by multiple pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

The risk of severe maternal morbidity is higher in IVF‐conceived pregnancies than in pregnancies conceived by other means.
Treatment and outcome of adult patients with acute asthma in emergency departments in Australasia, South East Asia and Europe: Are guidelines followed? AANZDEM/EuroDEM study
Authors: Craig Simon , Kuan Win Sen , Kelly Anne‐Maree , Van Meer Oene , Motiejunaite Justina , Keijzers Gerben , Jones Peter , Body Richard , Karamercan Mehmet A , Klim Sharon , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Verschuren Franck , Holdgate Anna , Christ Michael , Golea Adela , Graham Colin A , Capsec Jean , Barletta Cinzia , Garcia‐Castrillo Luis , Laribi Said
Published: February 2019

Objective

Asthma exacerbations are common presentations to ED. Key guideline recommendations for management include administration of inhaled bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids and titrated oxygen therapy. Our aim was to compare management and outcomes between patients treated for asthma in Europe (EUR) and South East Asia/Australasia (SEA) and compliance with international guidelines.

Methods

In each region, prospective, interrupted time series studies were performed including adult (age >18 years) patients presenting to ED with the main complaint of dyspnoea during three 72 h periods. This was a planned sub‐study that included those with an ED primary diagnosis of asthma. Data was collected on demographics, clinical features, treatment in ED, diagnosis, disposition and in‐hospital outcome. The results of interest were differences in treatment and outcome between EUR and SEA cohorts.

Results

Five hundred and eighty‐four patients were identified from 112 EDs (66 EUR and 46 SEA). The cohorts had similar demographics and co‐morbidity patterns, with 89% of the cohort having a previous diagnosis of asthma. There were no significant differences in treatment between EUR and SEA patients – inhaled beta‐agonists were administered in 86% of cases, systemic corticosteroids in 66%, oxygen therapy in 44% and antibiotics in 20%. Two thirds of patients were discharged home from the ED.

Conclusion

The data suggests that compliance with guideline‐recommended therapy in both regions, particularly corticosteroid administration, is sub‐optimal. It also suggests over‐use of antibiotics.
Omnipresent Maxwell's demons orchestrate information management in living cells
Authors: Boël Grégory , Danot Olivier , de Lorenzo Victor , Danchin Antoine
Published: February 2019

The development of synthetic biology calls for accurate understanding of the critical functions that allow construction and operation of a living cell. Besides coding for ubiquitous structures, minimal genomes encode a wealth of functions that dissipate energy in an unanticipated way. Analysis of these functions shows that they are meant to manage information under conditions when discrimination of substrates in a noisy background is preferred over a simple recognition process. We show here that many of these functions, including transporters and the ribosome construction machinery, behave as would behave a material implementation of the information‐managing agent theorized by Maxwell almost 150 years ago and commonly known as Maxwell's demon (MxD). A core gene set encoding these functions belongs to the minimal genome required to allow the construction of an autonomous cell. These MxDs allow the cell to perform computations in an energy‐efficient way that is vastly better than our contemporary computers.
Dynamic assessment of sternoclavicular joint instability using four‐dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Goh Yin Peng , Kamali Moaveni Ash , Hoy Gregory , Tate Julie , Rotstein Andrew
Published: February 2019

Chronic post‐traumatic sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability can be debilitating and result in restriction of normal daily activities. The diagnosis can be difficult to make clinically or with the use of static imaging modalities. Wide‐volume dynamic four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) can confidently diagnose chronic post‐traumatic SCJ instability. This can aid surgeons in pre‐operative planning and help to triage patients into surgical or non‐surgical candidates. We propose that 4D CT to be a routine pre‐operative imaging in patients with chronic post‐traumatic SCJ instability.
Rehabilitation Indices associated with sustaining a minimal trauma fracture within 12 months of a stroke in Western Australia
Authors: David Shivlal M. , Chan Kien , Inderjeeth Charles , Raymond Warren D.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To identify Rehabilitation Indices associated with a minimal trauma fracture (MTF) within 12 months poststroke.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. Stroke survivors with MTF were matched 5:1 with stroke survivors without MTF. Logistic regression determined whether Rehabilitation Indices, such as Physiotherapy Ambulation score (PhysioAmb), were associated with a MTF within 12 months poststroke.

Results

Forty‐three stroke survivors (mean age: 79.8; 55.81% female) experienced a MTF (median time to MTF of 1.79 years [IQR 0.70, 4.48]). Those with a MTF within 12 months had lower PhysioAmb (4.53 vs 8.29) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS; 12.25 vs 40.57) scores on admission, lower BBS score on discharge (30.33 vs 49.29) and a greater change in PhysioAmb (+5.67 vs +3.24) and BBS scores (+21.50 vs +8.71) after rehabilitation, all P < 0.05. Greater changes in PhysioAmb score increased the odds of a MTF within 12 months by 18%.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation Indices are associated with a MTF within 12 months poststroke.
Meals on Wheels: Who's referring and what's on the menu?
Authors: Charlton Karen E , Tjong Melissa , North Joanne , Walton Karen
Published: February 2019

Objective

To describe referral source, meal ordering patterns and the nutrient composition of meals from a regional Meals on Wheels (MOW) service.

Methods

Referral sources were obtained via retrospective chart audit and compared for 2008 and 2012. Nutrient content of the three most common meal combinations was compared against MOW recommendations of one‐third daily energy and one‐half daily protein requirements.

Results

There was a decline in overall uptake and referrals from hospitals. The “main meal” alone was the most popular meal choice, but did not meet energy requirements for men or women, nor protein requirements for men. The combination of a soup, main and dessert met the MOW recommendations for women only.

Conclusions

Investigation into how older people access MOW services is required. Innovative strategies are required to increase the nutrient content of meals, within the context of meal ordering preferences of consumers.
The involvement of the progesterone receptor in PIBF and Gal‐1 expression in the mouse endometrium
Authors: Mulac‐Jeričević Biserka , Šućurović Sandra , Gulic Tamara , Szekeres‐Bartho Julia
Published: February 2019

Problem

The progesterone‐regulated genes, PIBF and Gal‐1, are key players in the feto‐maternal immunological interaction. This study aims to investigate the expression of PIBF and Gal‐1 in WT and progesterone receptor KO models as well as subsequent effects of PIBF on decidualization of stromal cells.

Method of the study

PRAKO, PRBKO and PRKO BALB/c mice were used for assessing the role of PR isoforms in PIBF induction. PIBF‐ and Gal‐1 mRNA expression in the uterus was tested by real‐time PCR. The effect of PIBF on decidualization of endometrial stromal cells was verified by anti‐desmin immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry was used for testing PIBF expression in the uterus. Gal‐1, ERα and PR positive decidual NK cells were detected by immunofluorescence.

Results

PIBF mRNA was significantly increased in progesterone‐treated WT mice, but not in PRKO and PRAKO mice. PIBF protein expression was reduced in the endometria of PRKO and PRAKO, but not in PRBKO mice. During a 6‐day culture, PIBF induced decidual transformation of endometrial stromal cells. PIBF expression in the mouse uterus was highest during the implantation window, while Gal‐1 mRNA expression continuously increased between day 2.5 and day 11.5 of gestation. Decidual NK cells express Gal‐1 and ERα, but not PR at day 7.5 murine pregnancy.

Conclusion

PIBF produced via engagement of PRA, is highly expressed in the endometrium during the implantation window, and plays a role in decidualization. The concerted action of PIBF and Gal‐1 might contribute to the low cytotoxic activity of decidual NK cells.
Changing trends of adverse pregnancy outcomes with maternal age in primipara with singleton birth: A join point analysis of a multicenter historical cohort study in China in 2011‐2012
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Xu Huangfang , Hu Rong , Xiong Yu , Gu Weirong , Zhou Qiongjie , Li Xiaotian
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are related to two opposite maternal factors, youth and aging. However, the change in trend of specific outcomes with childbearing age is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the changing trend of various maternal and neonatal outcomes with maternal age from 17 to 44 years.

Material and methods

Data were extracted from the medical records from 2011‐2012 of 39 public hospitals of 14 cities in China. The eligibility criteria were primiparity and singleton birth. Join point regression analysis was used to estimate the percent change per year of age (PCA) to explore the trends of adverse pregnancy outcomes with regard to maternal age and to identify the join point of maternal age when the trend was changed.

Results

A total of 89 171 women were eligible for analysis. There were four categories of trend styles. Continuously increasing trends were linear for placenta previa (PCA, 0.1%), placenta implantation (PCA, 0.09%) and postpartum hemorrhage (PCA, 0.22%), and nonlinear for gestational diabetes mellitus with one join point of 23 years (PCA, 0.17% and 0.71%) and cesarean section with four join points of 25, 28, 31 and 36 years (PCA, 1.39%, 0.34%, 1.51%, 3.49% and 0.94%). Continuously decreasing trends were linear for intrahepatic cholestasis (PCA, −0.02%) and nonlinear for anemia with one join point of 28 years (PCA, −0.49% and −0.04%). The bidirective trends were downward to upward for preterm birth (PCA, −2.93%, −0.36% and 0.38%), hypertension in pregnancy (PCA, −0.09%, 0.47%), low birthweight (PCA 0.51% and 0.38%), low 1‐minute Apgar score (PCA, −0.28% and 0.07%), low 5‐minute Apgar score at (PCA, −0.10% and 0.06%) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (PCA, −1.92%, −0.07% and 0.12%) with a nadir age of 28 years. The bidirective trend was upward to downward for macrosomia (PCA, 0.39% and −0.11%), with a peak age of 30 years.

Conclusions

The changes in the trend of specific outcomes were different with maternal age, which means that youth, aging or both could affect the outcomes.
Aqueous semaphorin 3A level correlates with retinal macular oedema and ganglion cell degeneration in patients with retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Guo Shengxiang , Ren Jiawei , Li Zhengli , Fan Xiaojuan , Qin Li , Li Jingming
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To investigate the semophorin 3A (SEMA3A) level in aqueous humor of patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and explore the correlation of SEMA3A with macular oedema and ganglion cell degeneration in RVO.

Methods

This comparative study prospectively included 41 consecutive patients (41 eyes) with RVO who had intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections from March 2014 to March 2015 for cystoid macular oedema (CME) or neovascular glaucoma (NVG). The patients were divided into three groups according to the fluorescein angiograghy (FFA): central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) group (n = 15), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) group (n = 15) and NVG group (secondary to CRVO, n = 11). The patients who had undergone cataract surgery (n = 16) during the same period served as controls. The SEMA3A concentration in aqueous humor collected before the initial anti‐VEGF injection was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Central retinal thickness (CRT), cube volume (CV) and ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL) thickness was analysed by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Results

Semaphorin 3A level in CRVO group (1.52 ± 1.23 ng/ml) and NVG group (1.67 ± 0.98 ng/ml) were significantly higher than the control group (0.66 ± 0.58 ng/ml; both p < 0.05). Moreover, SEMA3A level in CRVO group was higher than BRVO group (1.52 ± 1.23 ng/ml versus 0.53 ± 0.37 ng/ml; p < 0.05). SEMA3A level was positively correlated with CRT and CV in both BRVO group (CRTr = 0.6535, p = 0.0082; CVr = 0.5190, p = 0.0474) and CRVO group (CRTr = 0.6270, p = 0.0124; CVr = 0.6898, p = 0.0044). In RVO patients, the GC‐IPL thickness of affected eyes were significantly reduced compared with the normal follow eyes (CRVOt = 4.55, p = 0.006; BRVOt = 4.54, p = 0.004). Meanwhile, negative correlation of SEMA3A level with GC‐IPL thickness was found in both BRVO group (r = −0.5906, p = 0.0205) and CRVO group (r = −0.6100, p = 0.0157).

Conclusion

Semaphorin 3A level is increased in aqueous humor of RVO patients. Positive correlation of CRT as well as negative correlation of GC‐IPL thickness with SEMA3A may suggest a pathological role of SEMA3A in macular oedema and ganglion cell degeneration during RVO.
Targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase in neuroblastoma
Authors: Umapathy Ganesh , Mendoza‐Garcia Patricia , Hallberg Bengt , Palmer Ruth H.
Published: February 2019

Over the last decade, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), has been identified as a fusion partner in a diverse variety of translocation events resulting in oncogenic signaling in many different cancer types. In tumors where the full‐length ALK RTK itself is mutated, such as neuroblastoma, the picture regarding the role of ALK as an oncogenic driver is less clear. Neuroblastoma is a complex and heterogeneous tumor that arises from the neural crest derived peripheral nervous system. Although high‐risk neuroblastoma is rare, it often relapses and becomes refractory to treatment. Thus, neuroblastoma accounts for 10–15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Since most cases are in children under the age of 2, understanding the role and regulation of ALK during neural crest development is an important goal in addressing neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. An impressive array of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that act to inhibit ALK have been FDA approved for use in ALK‐driven cancers. ALK TKIs bind differently within the ATP‐binding pocket of the ALK kinase domain and have been associated with different resistance mutations within ALK itself that arise in response to therapeutic use, particularly in ALK‐fusion positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This patient population has highlighted the importance of considering the relevant ALK TKI to be used for a given ALK mutant variant. In this review, we discuss ALK in neuroblastoma, as well as the use of ALK TKIs and other strategies to inhibit tumor growth. Current efforts combining novel approaches and increasing our understanding of the oncogenic role of ALK in neuroblastoma are aimed at improving the efficacy of ALK TKIs as precision medicine options in the clinic.
What Is the Practical Utility of Value Research for Organisational Practitioners in a Global Context?
Authors: Fischer Ronald
Published: February 2019

The lead article by Arieli and colleagues provides an overview of value research in broadly defined organisational contexts. The proposed aim of the review is to “integrate theories and empirical studies aiming to portray the role of personal values in shaping the choices and behavior in work settings” (p. 1). In my review I highlight problems with implicit assumptions and limitations of the current literature, in particular: (1) the assumption that values show a universal structure across populations and situations; (2) the assumption that values are relatively stable over a person's career; (3) the unclear ontological status of values combined with a lack of studies examining causality underlying value‐behaviour correlations; (4) the relative effect sizes of value research and their organisational relevance; and (5) unclear paths for actions that organisations may take based on the current value literature (what interventions can organisations adopt to improve value profiles?). In summary, the review provides a summary of current organisational value research that highlights how much we still have to understand about value processes.
Tail myology and flight behaviour: Differences between caracaras, falcons and forest falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)
Authors: Mosto María Clelia , Picasso Mariana Beatriz Julieta , Montes Martín Miguel , Krone Oliver
Published: February 2019

Caracaras, falcons and forest falcons, which are representative of the three subfamilies of the family Falconidae, have different flight behaviour. Since, during flight, the tail works in coordination with the wings, the tail muscles could be indicative of the type of flight behaviour. The aim of this work was to describe in detail the little‐known tail muscles of the Falconidae and to explore their possible association with this different behaviour, by using the muscle mass as an indicator. To this end, the tail muscles of 18 specimens representing the three subfamilies of Falconidae were dissected, weighed and their percentage to the body mass calculated. The possible differences in tail muscle mass between Falconinae and Polyborinae were explored with a Bayesian statistical approach. In all species, the muscles depressor caudae and levator caudae had the highest mass values (0.028%–0.329% and 0.120%–0.274%, respectively), in accordance with the key movements performed during flight, that is, the tail depression and elevation. The total muscle masses of Falconinae and those of Polyborinae were significantly different (p < 0.05). This difference can be related with the different flight behaviour of falcons and caracaras, that is, fast and erratic flight, respectively.
Adverse events associated with currently used medical treatments for cystinuria and treatment goals: results from a series of 442 patients in France
Authors: Prot‐Bertoye Caroline , Lebbah Saïd , Daudon Michel , Tostivint Isabelle , Jais Jean‐Philippe , Lillo‐Le Louët Agnés , Pontoizeau Clément , Cochat Pierre , Bataille Pierre , Bridoux Franck , Brignon Pierre , Choquenet Christian , Combe Christian , Conort Pierre , Decramer Stéphane , Doré Bertrand , Dussol Bertrand , Essig Marie , Frimat Marie , Gaunez Nicolas , Joly Dominique , Le Toquin‐Bernard Sophie , Méjean Arnaud , Meria Paul , Morin Denis , N'Guyen Hung V. , Normand Michel , Pietak Michel , Ronco Pierre , Saussine Christian , Tsimaratos Michel , Friedlander Gérard , Traxer Olivier , Knebelmann Bertrand , Courbebaisse Marie ,   the French Cystinuria Group
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate medical treatments, in terms of adverse events (AEs) and therapeutic goals, in a large series of patients with cystinuria.

Patients and Methods

Data from 442 patients with cystinuria were recorded retrospectively. Crystalluria was studied in 89 patients. A mixed‐effects logistic regression model was used to estimate how urine pH, specific gravity and cysteine‐binding thiols (CBT) correlate with risk of cystine crystalluria.

Results

Alkalizing agents and CBT agents were given to 88.8% (n = 381) and 55.3% (n = 238) of patients, respectively. Gastrointestinal AEs were reported in 12.3%, 10.4% and 2.6% of patients treated with potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate, respectively (P = 0.008). The percentages of patients who experienced at least one AE with tiopronin (24.6%) and with D‐penicillamine (29.5%) were similar (P = 0.45). Increasing urine pH and decreasing urine specific gravity significantly reduced the risk of cystine crystalluria, whereas D‐penicillamine and tiopronin treatments did not reduce this risk (odds ratio [OR] 1 for pH ≤6.5; OR 0.52 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 0.28–0.95] for 7.0 <pH ≤7.5, P = 0.03; OR 0.26 [95% CI 0.13–0.53] for 7.5 < pH ≤8.0, P <0.001; OR 1 for specific gravity ≤1.005 OR 5.76 [95% CI 1.45–22.85] for 1.006 ≤ specific gravity ≤1.010, P = 0.01; and OR 11.06 [95% CI 2.76–44.26] for 1.011 ≤ specific gravity ≤ 1.014, P < 0.001). Increased urine pH significantly increased the risk of calcium phosphate crystalluria (OR 1 for pH≤ 6.5; OR 6.09 [95% CI 2.15–17.25] for pH >8.0, P <0.001).

Conclusion

Adverse events were frequent with D‐penicillamine and tiopronin. Alkaline hyperdiuresis was well tolerated and reduced cystine crystalluria. Urine specific gravity ≤1.005 and urine pH >7.5, while warning about calcium‐phosphate crystallization, should be the goals of medical therapy.
Novel molecular mechanisms in the inhibition of adrenal aldosterone synthesis: Action of tolvaptan via vasopressin V2 receptor‐independent pathway
Authors: Ali Yusuf , Dohi Kaoru , Okamoto Ryuji , Katayama Kan , Ito Masaaki
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

We investigated the inhibitory effect and associated molecular mechanisms of tolvaptan on angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced aldosterone production in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Approach

In vitro, H295R human adrenocarcinoma cells were incubated with 1 μmol·L−1 arginine vasopressin (AVP) or dDAVP, or tolvaptan (0.1, 1, and 3 μmol·L−1) in the presence and absence of 100 nmol·L−1 of AngII. In vivo, Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with tolvaptan 0.05% in the diet for 6 days in the presence and absence of 200 pmol·min−1 AngII.

Key Results

Tolvaptan suppressed AngII‐induced aldosterone production in a dose‐dependent manner in H295R cells, whereas neither AVP nor dDAVP in the presence or absence of AngII altered aldosterone production, suggesting the vasopressin V2 receptor was not involved in the inhibitory effect of tolvaptan on aldosterone synthesis. In addition, tolvaptan inhibited the AngII‐induced increase in aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) protein levels without suppressing CYP11B2 mRNA expression. Notably, tolvaptan increased the levels of unfolded protein response (UPR) marker DDIT3 and eIF2α phosphorylation (a UPR‐induced event), which could block the translation of CYP11B2 mRNA into protein and thereby inhibit aldosterone production. In vivo, tolvaptan significantly inhibited AngII‐induced increases in serum and adrenal aldosterone levels and CYP11B2 protein levels. This anti‐aldosterone effect was associated with a reduction in the elevated systolic and diastolic BP.

Conclusions and Implications

Tolvaptan inhibited AngII‐stimulated aldosterone production via a V2 receptor‐independent pathway, which can counteract or even surpass its potential activating effect of diuresis‐induced aldosterone secretion in certain aldosterone‐mediated pathological conditions.
Cardiac β3‐adrenoceptors—A role in human pathophysiology?
Authors: Arioglu‐Inan Ebru , Kayki‐Mutlu Gizem , Michel Martin C.
Published: February 2019

As β3‐adrenoceptors were first demonstrated to be expressed in adipose tissue they have received much attention for their metabolic effects in obesity and diabetes. After the existence of this subtype had been suggested to be present in the heart, studies focused on its role in cardiac function. While the presence and functional role of β3‐adrenoceptors in the heart has not uniformly been detected, there is a broad consensus that they become up‐regulated in pathological conditions associated with increased sympathetic activity such as heart failure and diabetes. When detected, the β3‐adrenceptor has been demonstrated to mediate negative inotropic effects in an inhibitory G protein‐dependent manner through the NO–cGMP–PKG signalling pathway. Whether these negative inotropic effects provide protection from the adverse effects induced by overstimulation of β1/β2‐adrenoceptors or in themselves are potentially harmful is controversial, but ongoing clinical studies in patients with congestive heart failure are testing the hypothesis that β3‐adrenceptor agonism has a beneficial effect.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Regulation of programmed cell death ligand 1 expression by atypical protein kinase C lambda/iota in cutaneous angiosarcoma
Authors: Kawamura Ai , Kawamura Takuji , Riddell Meghan , Hikita Takao , Yanagi Teruki , Umemura Hiroshi , Nakayama Masanori
Published: February 2019

The expression of immune checkpoint proteins such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and its ligand (PD‐L1) has been shown to correlate with patient prognosis in many malignant cancers. The expression of PD‐L1 is controlled by c‐Myc; however, further upstream regulation of PD‐L1 expression is largely unknown. We have previously shown that atypical protein kinase C lambda/iota (aPKCλ) phosphorylates the Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) transcription factor at Ser218 to suppress its DNA‐binding ability, thereby regulating c‐Myc expression and controlling physiologic and pathologic endothelial proliferation. The presence of phosphorylation of FoxO1 at Ser218 (pSer218 FoxO1) in cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Here, we reported that patients with PD‐L1+ cells in CAS lesions showed significantly worse prognosis compared to those that were PD‐L1−. Expression of PD‐L1 correlated with that of aPKCλ or the presence of pSer218FoxO1. Moreover, suppression of aPKCλ expression or inhibition of its activity in HUVECs or AS‐M, an established human angiosarcoma cell line, resulted in decreased PD‐L1 expression. Our results suggest that combined treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and aPKCλ inhibitors could be a novel treatment strategy for CAS patients.
Lifestyle and pregnancy complications in polycystic ovary syndrome: The SCOPE cohort study
Authors: Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Moran Lisa J. , Kenny Louise , Grieger Jessica A. , Myers Jenny , Poston Lucilla , McCowan Lesley , Walker James , Dekker Gustaaf , Norman Robert , Roberts Claire T.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To investigate the risk of pregnancy complications in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome after consideration of lifestyle factors.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Patients and measurements

Participants (n = 5628) were apparently healthy nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies from the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints study in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom and Ireland. Multivariable regression models were performed assessing the association of self‐reported polycystic ovary syndrome status with pregnancy complications with consideration of lifestyle factors at the 15th week of gestation.

Results

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 354) were older, had a higher socio‐economic index and body mass index and were less likely to consume alcohol and smoke but more likely to do vigorous exercise and take multivitamins. In univariable analysis, polycystic ovary syndrome was associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.0). In multivariable models, polycystic ovary syndrome was only significantly associated with decreased risk of large for gestational age (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.98) with a population attributable risk of 0.22%. None of the other outcomes were attributable to polycystic ovary syndrome status.

Conclusions

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with a lower risk of large for gestational age infants. In this low‐risk population, the risk of pregnancy complications was not increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome who were following a healthy lifestyle. Further studies are warranted assessing the contribution of lifestyle factors to the risk of pregnancy complications in higher risk groups of women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.
The beneficial effect of synchronized action on motor and perceptual timing in children
Authors: Monier Florie , Droit‐Volet Sylvie , Coull Jennifer T.
Published: February 2019

We examined the role of action in motor and perceptual timing across development. Adults and children aged 5 or 8 years old learned the duration of a rhythmic interval with or without concurrent action. We compared the effects of sensorimotor versus visual learning on subsequent timing behaviour in three different tasks: rhythm reproduction (Experiment 1), rhythm discrimination (Experiment 2) and interval discrimination (Experiment 3). Sensorimotor learning consisted of sensorimotor synchronization (tapping) to an isochronous visual rhythmic stimulus (ISI = 800 ms), whereas visual learning consisted of simply observing this rhythmic stimulus. Results confirmed our hypothesis that synchronized action during learning systematically benefitted subsequent timing performance, particularly for younger children. Action‐related improvements in accuracy were observed for both motor and perceptual timing in 5 years olds and for perceptual timing in the two older age groups. Benefits on perceptual timing tasks indicate that action shapes the cognitive representation of interval duration. Moreover, correlations with neuropsychological scores indicated that while timing performance in the visual learning condition depended on motor and memory capacity, sensorimotor learning facilitated an accurate representation of time independently of individual differences in motor and memory skill. Overall, our findings support the idea that action helps children to construct an independent and flexible representation of time, which leads to coupled sensorimotor coding for action and time.