bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α-Synuclein-induced Kv4 channelopathy in mouse vagal motoneurons causes non-motor parkinsonian symptoms
Authors: Chiu Wei-Hua , Kovacheva Lora , Musgrove Ruth E. , Arien-Zakay Hadar , Koprich James B. , Brotchie Jonathan M. , Yaka Rami , Ben-Zvi Danny , Hanani Menachem , Roeper Jochen , Goldberg Joshua A.
Published: November 2019

No disease modifying therapy is currently available for Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The long non-motor prodromal phase of PD is a window of opportunity for early detection and intervention. However, we lack the pathophysiological understanding to develop selective biomarkers and interventions. By developing a mutant α-synuclein selective-overexpression mouse model of prodromal PD, we identified a cell-autonomous selective Kv4 channelopathy in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons. This functional remodeling of intact DMV neurons leads to impaired pacemaker function in vitro and in vivo, which in turn reduces gastrointestinal motility which is a common, very early symptom of prodromal PD. We show for the first time a causal chain of events from α-synuclein via a biophysical dysfunction of specific neuronal populations to a clinically relevant prodromal symptom. These findings can facilitate the rational design of clinical biomarkers to identify people at risk for PD.
Adult chondrogenesis and spontaneous cartilage repair in the skate,Leucoraja erinacea
Authors: Marconi Aleksandra , Hancock-Ronemus Amy , Gillis J. Andrew
Published: November 2019

Mammalian articular cartilage is an avascular tissue with poor capacity for spontaneous repair. Here, we show that embryonic development of cartilage in the skate (Leucoraja erinacea) mirrors that of mammals, with developing chondrocytes co-expressing genes encoding the transcription factors Sox5, Sox6 and Sox9. However, in skate, transcriptional features of developing cartilage persist into adulthood, both in peripheral chondrocytes and in cells of the fibrous perichondrium that ensheaths the skeleton. Using pulse-chase label retention experiments and multiplexedin situhybridization, we identify a population of cyclingSox5/6/9+ perichondral progenitor cells that generate new cartilage during adult growth, and we show that persistence of chondrogenesis in adult skates correlates with ability to spontaneously repair cartilage injuries. Skates therefore offer a unique model for adult chondrogenesis and cartilage repair and may serve as inspiration for novel cell-based therapies for skeletal pathologies, such as osteoarthritis.
Predictive factors for the development of peritumoral brain edema after LINAC-based radiation treatment in patients with intracranial meningioma
Authors: Lee Ryang-Hun , Kim Jae Min , Cheong Jin Hwan , Ryu Je Il , Kim Young Soo , Han Myung-Hoon
Published: November 2019

Background and purpose

Disruption of the tumor-brain barrier in meningioma plays a critical role in the development of peritumoral brain edema (PTBE). We hypothesized that osteoporotic conditions may be associated with PTBE occurrence after radiation in patients with intracranial meningioma.

Methods

We measured Hounsfield units (HU) of the frontal skull on simulation brain CT in patients who underwent linear accelerator (LINAC)-based radiation treatment for intracranial meningioma. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off values for several predictive factors. The cumulative hazard for PTBE was estimated and classified according to these factors. Hazard ratios were then estimated to identify independent predictive factors associated with the development of PTBE after radiation in intracranial meningioma patients.

Results

A total of 83 intracranial meningiomas in 76 patients who received LINAC-based radiation treatment in our hospital over an approximate 5-year period were included for the study. We found mean frontal skull HU ≤630.625 and gross tumor volume >7.194 cc to be independent predictors of PTBE after radiation treatment in patients with meningioma (hazard ratio, 8.38; P=0.021; hazard ratio, 5.78; P=0.034, respectively). In addition, patients who were ≥65 years showed a marginally significant association with PTBE.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that possible osteoporotic conditions, large tumor volume, and older age may be associated with PTBE occurrence after LINAC-based radiation treatment for intracranial meningioma. In the future we anticipate that these findings may enhance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of PTBE after radiation in meningioma patients.
An accurate molecular method to sex savannah elephants using PCR amplification of Amelogenin gene
Authors: Lohay George G
Published: November 2019

The use of molecular methods to identify the sex of elephants from non-invasive samples is essential for studies of population dynamics and population genetics. We designed a new technique for sex identification in savannah elephants using Amelogenin (AMEL) genes. The X-Y homologs of AMEL genes is known to be suitable for sex determination in pigs and some bovids. In this study on savannah elephants, the use of AMEL genes was more successful than previous methods that relied on genes found exclusively on Y-chromosomes, such as SRY, to distinguish males from females. We designed a common forward primer and two reverse primers for X- and Y-specific AMEL genes to obtain 262 bp and 196 bp PCR amplicons from X and Y genes, respectively. We tested the primers for the identification of the sex of 132 savannah elephants from fecal samples. The sex of 126 individuals (95.45%) matched observational data, while 6 (4.54%) did not match. This discrepancy observed was likely due to observational errors in the field, where high grass reduces the ability to accurately sex young individuals. Through our stool sample results, we have shown that the use of only three primers for AMELX/Y provides a highly accurate PCR-based method for sex identification in savannah elephants. The method is fast and shows more success than the SRY system by avoiding the inherent ambiguities of the previous PCR-based methods that made it difficult to distinguish between female samples and failed amplification reactions. Our sex identification method is non-invasive and can potentially be applied in population genetic studies and forensics tests on both savannah as well as forest elephants.
Cross-regulation of viral kinases with cyclin A secures shutoff of host DNA synthesis
Authors: Bogdanow Boris , Schmidt Max , Weisbach Henry , Gruska Iris , Vetter Barbara , Imami Koshi , Ostermann Eleonore , Brune Wolfram , Selbach Matthias , Hagemeier Christian , Wiebusch Lüder
Published: November 2019

Herpesviruses encode conserved protein kinases to stimulate phosphorylation-sensitive processes during infection. How these kinases bind to cellular factors and how this impacts their regulatory functions is poorly understood. Here, we use quantitative proteomics to determine cellular interaction partners of human herpesvirus (HHV) kinases. We find that these kinases can target key regulators of transcription and replication. The interaction with Cyclin A and associated factors is identified as a specific signature of β-herpesvirus kinases. Cyclin A is recruited via RXL-motifs that overlap with nuclear localization signals (NLS) and locate in the non-catalytic N-terminal regions. This architecture is conserved for viral kinases of HHV6, HHV7 and rodent CMVs. Docking to Cyclin A competes with NLS function, enabling dynamic changes in kinase localization and substrate phosphorylation. The viral kinase redirects Cyclin A to the cytosol, which is essential for the inhibition of cellular DNA replication during infection. Our data highlight a fine-tuned and physiologically important interplay between a cellular cyclin and viral kinases.
Temporal Dynamics of the Neural Representation of Social Relationships
Authors: Dziura Sarah L. , Thompson James C.
Published: November 2019

Humans can rapidly encode information from faces to support social judgments and facilitate interactions with others. We can also recall complex knowledge about those individuals, such as their social relationships with others, but the timecourse of this process has not been examined in detail. This study addressed the temporal dynamics of emerging visual and social relationship information using electroencephalography (EEG) and representational similarity analysis (RSA). Participants became familiar with a 10-person social network, and were then shown faces of that network’s members while EEG was recorded. To examine the temporal dynamics of the cognitive processes related to face perception, we compared the similarity structure of neural pattern responses to models of visual processing, face shape similarity, person identity, and social connectedness. We found that all types of information are associated with neural patterns after a face is seen. Visual and identity models became significant early after image onset, but only the identity model stayed associated with neural patterns until 400 ms. Models representing social connections were also present beginning around 200 ms, even in the absence of an explicit task to think about the friendships among the network members. A partial correlation showed that visual and social information contribute uniquely to person perception, although differences were found between models of social connection. This study highlights the speed and salience of social information relating to group dynamics that are present in the brain during person perception.

Significance Statement

We live our lives in social groups where complex relationships form among and around us. It is likely that some of the information about social relationships that we observe is integral during person perception, to better help us interact in differing situations with a variety of people. However, when exactly this information becomes relevant has been unclear. In this study, we present evidence that information reflecting observed relationships among a social network is spontaneously represented in whole-brain patterns shortly following visual perception, and is uniquely present around 400 ms. These results are consistent with neuroimaging studies showing spontaneous spatial representation of social network characteristics, and contribute novel insights into the timing of these neural processes.
Kinetochore phosphatases suppress autonomous kinase activity to control the spindle assembly checkpoint
Authors: Cordeiro Marilia H , Smith Richard J , Saurin Adrian T
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Local phosphatase regulation is critical for determining when phosphorylation signals are activated or deactivated. A typical example is the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) during mitosis, which regulates kinetochore PP1 and PP2A-B56 activities to switch-off signalling events at the correct time. In this case, kinetochore phosphatase activation dephosphorylates MELT motifs on KNL1 to remove SAC proteins, including the BUB complex. We show here that, surprisingly, neither PP1 or PP2A are required to dephosphorylate the MELT motifs. Instead, they remove polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) from the BUB complex, which can otherwise maintain MELT phosphorylation in an autocatalytic manner. This is their principle role in the SAC, because both phosphatases become redundant if PLK1 is inhibited or BUB-PLK1 interaction is prevented. Therefore, phosphatase regulation is critical for the SAC, but primarily to restrain and extinguish autonomous kinase activity. We propose that these circuits have evolved to generate a semi-autonomous SAC signal that can be synchronously silenced following kinetochore-microtubule tension.
Dramatic increase in gene mutational burden after transformation of follicular lymphoma into TdT+ B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Belman Jonathan P. , Meng Wenzhao , Wang Hong Yi , Li Jie , Strauser Honore T. , Rosenfeld Aaron M. , Zhang Qian , Prak Eline T. Luning , Wasik Mariusz
Published: November 2019

Transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL) into B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-ALL/LBL) is rare and results in greatly increased aggressiveness of clinical course. Here we present extensive molecular analysis of this unusual transformation, including immunoglobulin (Ig) gene rearrangement studies, cytogenetic analysis, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the patient's FL, B-ALL/LBL, and normal cells. Although FL showed marked somatic hypermutation (SHM) of the Ig genes, SHM appeared to be even more extensive in B-ALL/LBL. Cytogenetically, at least three translocations were identified in the B-ALL/LBL involving the BCL2, BCL6, and MYC genes; two of these, the BCL6 and BCL2 gene rearrangements, were already seen at the FL stage. WES identified 751 single-nucleotide variants with high allelic burden in the patient's cells, with the vast majority (575) present exclusively at the B-ALL/LBL stage. Of note, a TAF3 gene mutation was shared by normal, FL, and B-ALL/LBL tissue. A KMT2D nonsense mutation was identified in both FL and B-ALL/LBL and therefore may have contributed directly to lymphomagenesis. Mutations in KDM6A, SMARCA4, CBX1, and JMY were specific to the B-ALL/LBL stage, possibly contributing to the B-ALL/LBL transformation. Functionally, these identified mutations may lead to dysregulation of DNA repair, transcription, and cell differentiation. Thus, these genetic changes, together with the identified chromosomal translocations, may have contributed to lymphoma development and progression. Our findings may improve the mechanistic understanding of the FL-B-ALL/LBL transformation and may have therapeutic implications for this aggressive disease.
Preferences for vegetables among university foodservice users
Authors: Holligan Simone , Yi Sunghwan , Kanetkar Vinay , Haines Jess , Dergham Jana , Royall Dawna , Brauer Paula
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the meal selection and potential vegetable substitution preferences in a sample of university students, to inform design of planned nudge interventions for increasing vegetable intake in on-campus cafeterias. The setting was a public university in southern Ontario, Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was disseminated via multiple channels, and 686 undergraduate students responded. The frequency of purchasing specific meals on campus was queried first to set context, and then preferences for meal types (wraps, pasta, etc.), followed by preferences for vegetables to be added within meal types.

Findings

For portable meal options such as sandwiches, pitas and wraps, preferred vegetables for modification were cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes and bell peppers, and having vegetable toppings and raw cauliflower or broccoli as sides with pizza. For burgers or hotdogs, preferred sides were garden salad, cucumber slices and carrot sticks. Broccoli was the most preferred vegetable addition and substitution for sit-down meals, such as meals of chicken, beef, pork or fish with a side of potatoes or rice.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to design nudge interventions in university cafeterias by incorporating preferred vegetables into composite meals frequently purchased by students.

Originality/value

Few nudge studies to date have incorporated more vegetables into existing composite meals and offering them as the new default. Stated preferences are a reasonable starting point for the design of such interventions.
On the potential of integrating building information modelling (BIM) for the additive manufacturing (AM) of concrete structures
Authors: Gradeci Klodian , Labonnote Nathalie
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) and building information modelling (BIM) are emerging trends for which it has been claimed that both increase both efficiency and productivity in the construction industry. This study aims to synthesise and aggregate the literature addressing BIM integration in the AM of concrete structures and to exploit the joint value creation potential.

Design/methodology/approach

This study firstly applies a mixed-review method to achieve mutual corroboration and interdependency between quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Bibliometric mapping is applied to identify, map and synthesise the relevant literature. Scoping review is used to examine the extent, gap, range and nature of the research activity. Afterward, a cross-situational analysis, the threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths2 matrix, is proposed and applied to exploit the joint value creation potential of different aspects of AM and BIM.

Findings

The study reveals a substantial interest in this field. However, progress in terms of integration is slow compared to the rapid development in interest in the two trends individually. The literature discusses or conceptualises such integration at building-scale, while prototyping or proof-of-concept processes are only rarely used. The study identified 12 joint value creation potentials through the integration of BIM in AM for concrete structures, which can create value by enabling more optimised designs, automated construction processes and data analytics that can apply throughout the building life-cycle process.

Originality/value

The advancements of BIM integration in the AM of concrete structures are analysed and joint value creation potentials are proposed. The study proposes a cross-situation analysis that can be applied to structure joint value creation potentials from the multi-dimensional integration of different factors and topics, especially for emerging technologies.
Opening spaces of restoration for youth through community-engaged critical literacy practices
Authors: Hadley Heidi Lyn , Burke Kevin J. , Wright William Terrell
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how critical literacy practices within a community youth program opened spaces for restoration for youth. In turn, youth created civic conversations about race, juvenile justice and school discipline inequities to enact change within their community.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used ethnographic methods such as interviews and observation to collect data from youth, community members and adults who run the youth center. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis.

Findings

Youth created spaces of restoration by reclaiming historicized narratives about themselves, their families and their community. Youth engaged critical literacy practices to explore their own identity, critique inequality in their community and work as community organizers to lead adults in conversations for change.

Originality/value

This paper explores how critical literacy practices have restorative value when youth use them in authentic ways to research community problems and work for change.
Returns management employee development: antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Chen Haozhe , Genchev Stefan E. , Willis Geoff , Griffis Benjamin
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the antecedents and impacts of a largely overlooked concept, employee development, within the challenging area of returns management.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed relationships are validated through structural equation modeling analysis with survey data collected in India.

Findings

Combining the ability–motivation–opportunity model in human resource management and the theoretical tenets associated with dynamic capabilities, the authors confirmed that supply chain learning, returns management orientation and information support are important antecedents of returns management employee development. In turn, the findings suggest that, as a dynamic capability, returns management employee development positively impacts a firm’s returns management and market performance.

Practical implications

To successfully tackle the challenges related to handling returns, companies must focus their resources not only on new technologies and related processes, but also on employee training and development as well.

Originality/value

Although recruiting and retaining talent in supply chain management has long been recognized as a serious global challenge, no previous research has empirically studied employee development practices in the returns management context.
Team learning capability – an instrument for innovation ambidexterity?
Authors: Batt-Rawden Victoria Helen , Lien Gudbrand , Slåtten Terje
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop the concept of team learning capability in professional service firms. Thereafter, to examine the effect of team learning capability on innovation ambidexterity. The aspects of exploitive and explorative knowledge creation in teams and its impact on incremental and radical service innovation are in focus.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was applied to establish reliability and validity and measure the size of relationships. Evidence is drawn upon an empirical sample of 210 consultants in the professional service industry.

Findings

The findings support the concept of team learning capability and reveal that team learning capability consists of relationship learning in teams, trusting team climate and employee commitment. The results indicate a strong positive relationship between team learning capability and innovation ambidexterity in professional service firms.

Originality/value

This study is the first to offer an empirical-based and contextualized framework for team learning capabilities and a valid measure.
Executive marketing background, corporate trademark and brand management
Authors: Chen Chao , Luo Rongxi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

With many years’ economic transformation from “Made in China” to “Created in China,” the State Council has set May 10th as annual “China’s Brand Day” from 2017. This action indicates the implementation of brand strategy and the new national policy of promoting China’s brands. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of marketing background of top management team (TMT) on trademark and brand output.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the trademark application data of Chinese-listed companies, this paper constructs a multiple linear regression model and uses the OLS method. This research also uses two-stage regression to examine the effect of endogeneity on the results.

Findings

Our results show that the higher the proportion of executives with marketing background in TMT, the more the number of trademark applications. Furthermore, we document that the positive impact of TMT marketing background on the number of trademark applications is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, companies with more patent output and companies whose CEO has marketing background, indicating that when TMT can play a bigger role, companies have better innovation ability and team collaboration is more efficient, the promoting role of TMT marketing background on the number of corporate trademark applications will be stronger.

Originality/value

This research focuses on the world’s largest emerging economy – China, which is different from the existing literature that is mainly based on western developed countries. With China’s economy stepping into a new normal and consumption upgrading, it is important and worthy of a deep discussion about which factors affect the company’s trademark and brand management.
Payment instruments choice of Russian consumers: reasons and pain points
Authors: Semerikova Ekaterina
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to explore reasons for choosing different payment instruments and pain points from using them in a Russian context. It proposes that given the expansion of the range of personal payment instruments, the choice for payment is now influenced by many factors, including the type of financial provider and potential benefits for consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an exploratory study that uses data from the qualitative research conducted in three Russian cities (Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Saratov) based on 50 online payment diaries and 12 group discussions. It was complemented by the analysis of consumers’ posts on six relevant media platforms.

Findings

The results show that a bank card is a new must and people choose it for convenience, safety and access to online purchases inside and outside Russia. Cash is used out of habit or wherever cashless payments are either not free or unavailable. Reasons for smartphone pass-through wallet usage include speed, attribute of style and higher cashbacks.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are similar to any qualitative research and include, in particular, lack of generalization. Proposed hypotheses might be further tested quantitatively on a representative sample.

Practical implications

The results might help providers of financial services in creating better quality products that address consumer pain points and in developing strategies that allow for the changing preferences of consumers.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first such study to consider reasons for choosing and pain points from using certain payment instruments in the emerging markets, in particular, Russia.
Judgments of acquisition value and transaction value
Authors: Soni Nitin , Dawra Jagrook
Published: November 2019

Purpose

An open question of behavioral pricing literature is: What are the factors which influence consumers’ judgments of acquisition value and transaction value? An important framework to explain consumers’ shopping and purchase decisions is their decision-making styles. This paper aims to examine the influence of consumers’ decision-making styles, that is, perfectionistic high-quality conscious, brand conscious-price equals quality, novelty-fashion conscious, recreational-hedonistic, price conscious-value for money, impulsive-careless, habitual-brand loyal and confused by overchoice on their judgments of acquisition value and transaction value.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature, a conceptual framework was formulated. Data was collected from a survey of 304 respondents. The measurement model was tested using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The structural model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The consumers’ judgments of acquisition value and transaction value vary with their decision-making styles. The measurement and structural models exhibited good fit, and 12 of the 16 proposed hypotheses were found to be significant.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents for this research study were urban and postgraduate students.

Practical implications

The results of this study can help managers personalize their promotional offers and market offerings targeted at consumers with different decision-making styles.

Originality/value

Behavioral pricing literature has not convincingly shown that consumers make the judgments of the two values, acquisition value and transaction value, in a purchase scenario. There is limited literature on the impact of decision-making styles on the marketing variables. The results of this study contribute to the literature by showing that consumers make the judgments of these two values, and these judgments vary with their decision-making styles. Also, this is one of only a few studies to examine the two components of the purchase value in an Indian context.
How to derive optimal guarantee levels in participating life insurance contracts
Authors: Braun Alexander , Fischer Marius , Schmeiser Hato
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how an insurance company can maximize the policyholder’s utility by setting the level of the interest rate guarantee in line with his preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a general model of life insurance, taking stochastic interest rates, early default and regular premium payments into account. Furthermore, the authors assume that equity holders must receive risk-adequate returns on their initial equity contribution and that the insurance company has to maintain a solvency restriction.

Findings

The findings show that the optimal level for the interest rate guarantee is in general far below the maximum value typically set by the supervisory authorities and insurance companies.

Originality/value

The authors conclude that the approach of deviating from the maximum interest rate guarantee level given by the regulatory requirements can create additional value for the rational policyholder. In contrast to Schmeiser and Wagner (2014), the second finding shows that the interest rate guarantee embedded in a life insurance product becomes less attractive compared to a pure investment in the underlying asset portfolio to the policyholder when the guarantee level is lowered too far or the contract duration is short. They also refute Schmeiser and Wagner (2014) by showing that the equity capital required by the insurance company increases with the level of the guarantee, even if the insurer is flexible with respect to its asset allocation. The last finding is that a policyholder with higher risk aversion does not generally prefer a higher guarantee level.
Influence of managers’ mindset on leadership behavior
Authors: Kouzes Tae Kyung , Posner Barry Z.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on exploring the link between managers’ mindset (fixed vs growth) and their choice of leadership behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was drawn from a proprietary database provided by a global organization that offers 360-degree online leadership surveys. Individuals in management positions provided an assessment of their mindset orientation as well as how often they engaged in various leadership behaviors.

Findings

Growth-minded managers consistently displayed more frequent use of leadership behaviors than did their fixed mindset counterparts; and this relationship was independent of demographic or organizational factors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are consistent with previous mindset research but prominently extend those results to managers in corporate settings; and supports previous research regarding the limited influence of demographic and organizational factors on both mindset and leadership.

Practical implications

Managers’ mindsets influence how much they engage in various leadership behaviors, and improving leadership competencies is more likely to occur when managers hold a growth mindset that abilities can be developed through effort as compared to fixed mindset managers who believe that abilities are inherent and unchangeable. The mindset of managers is predictive of the behavioral choices they make about exercising leadership, and has practical significance since studies have shown that managers are generally more effective in direct relationship to how often they are seen as engaging in leadership.

Originality/value

This study extends the significance of mindset from the educational to the corporate environment, using a robust sample of managers, and finding that the relationship between mindset and leadership is independent of various demographic and organizational characteristics.
Determinants of individuals’ intention to use mobile health: insights from India
Authors: Pai Rajesh R. , Alathur Sreejith
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the determinants of mobile health technology and applications use intention. The factors are delineated from prior literature and theories of individual traits and adoption characteristics, technology acceptance and health belief.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 409 respondents were collected from Indian participants through a questionnaire survey. The construct “use intention” was measured using individual traits to mobile services, subjective norm, health consciousness, awareness and perceived usefulness, and the model was tested.

Findings

The study found that mobile health technology and the applications awareness and personal innovativeness influence intention to use.

Originality/value

Previous studies have often looked at technology adoption and acceptance models separately and are less adequately discussed in the Indian context. The components that determine mobile health technology and the applications’ acceptance by literature and theories of individual traits and adoption characteristics, technology acceptance and health beliefs were also inadequately discussed. The significant contribution of this research also includes policy recommendations for improving mobile health acceptance in India.
Do extrinsic motivation and organisational culture additively strengthen intrinsic motivation in online knowledge sharing?
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet-Mai
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between intrinsic motivation and online knowledge sharing intentions (KSIs) and the moderating effect of extrinsic motivation and organisational culture on this relationship. The influence of online KSI on two dimensions of online knowledge sharing behaviour, knowledge donating and knowledge collecting, was also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the extensive literature review, a questionnaire was designed. In total, 290 questionnaires from employees in Vietnamese companies in the banking and insurance industry were collected and tested using structural equation modelling. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and PLS 3 software to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that rewards and reciprocity undermined the influence of self-enjoyment on online KSI, while top management support and social interaction ties undermined the relationship between self-efficacy and online KSI. Top management support positively moderated the effect of self-enjoyment on online KSI. The results also suggested that online KSI was a good predictor of online knowledge donating and collecting.

Originality/value

Little is empirically known about the moderating effect of extrinsic motivation and organizational culture on intrinsic motivation. The study brings new insights to further understand about online knowledge sharing in an organisation.
The social construction of male infertility: a qualitative questionnaire study of men with a male factor infertility diagnosis
Authors: Hanna Esmée , Gough Brendan
Published: November 2019

Although recent research has highlighted the distressing impact of infertility for men, fertility issues are still routinely seen as a ‘women's issue’ – even when male factor infertility is highlighted. This article reports findings from a qualitative questionnaire study focusing on a sample of men with a male factor infertility diagnosis; an under‐researched and marginalised group in the context of reproductive medicine. Our analysis suggests that male factor infertility is viewed by men as a failure of masculinity, as stigmatising and silencing, and as an isolating and traumatic experience. It is also clear that these themes are shaped by wider societal discourses which present men as (unproblematically) fertile, uninvested in parenthood and stoic in their approach to emotional distress. Such norms also ensure that reproduction continues to be presented as a ‘women's issue’ which burdens women and marginalises men. In understanding male factor infertility experiences, the damaging nature of the social construction of male fertility is then more clearly illuminated.
Imaging and admission practices in paediatric head injury across emergency departments in Australia and New Zealand: A PREDICT study
Authors: Phillips Natalie , Dalziel Stuart R , Borland Meredith L , Dalton Sarah , Lyttle Mark D , Bressan Silvia , Oakley Ed , Hearps Stephen JC , Kochar Amit , Furyk Jeremy , Cheek John A , Gilhotra Yuri , Neutze Jocelyn , Babl Franz E ,   on behalf of the Paediatric Research in Emergency Department International Collaborative (PREDICT) group
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Variation in the management of paediatric head injury has been identified worldwide. This prospective study describes imaging and admission practices of children presenting with head injury across 10 hospital EDs in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

Prospective observational multicentre study of 20 137 children (under 18 years) as a planned secondary analysis of the Australasian Paediatric Head Injury Rules Study. All presentations with head injury without prior imaging were eligible for inclusion. Variations in rates of computed tomography of the brain (CTB) and admission practices between sites, ED type and country were investigated, as were clinically important traumatic brain injuries (ciTBIs) and abnormal CTBs within CTBs.

Results

Among the 20 137 enrolled patients, the site adjusted CTB rate was 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.8–14.6); individual sites ranged from 2.6 to 18.6%. ciTBI was found in 0.4–2.2%, with abnormal scans documented in 0.7–6.5%. As a percentage of CTBs undertaken, ciTBIs were found in 12.8% (95% CI 10.8–14.7) with individual site variation of 8.8–16.9%, and no statistically significant difference noted, and traumatic abnormalities in 29.3% (95% CI 26.2–32.3) with individual site variation between 19.4 and 35.6%. Among those under 2 years,traumatic abnormalities were found in greater than 50% of CTBs at 90% of sites. Admission rate overall was 24.0% (site adjusted) with wide variation between sites (5.0–48.9%).

Conclusion

Across the 10 largely tertiary EDs included in this study, the overall CTB rate was low with no significant variation between sites when adjusted for ciTBIs.
Seed density affects post‐dispersal seed predation: evidence from a seed removal experiment of 62 species
Authors: WANG Bo
Published: November 2019

Post‐dispersal seed predation plays an important role in plant demography and biodiversity maintenance. However, the effects of seed density on seed predation from previous studies have been inconsistent. We dissected the effects of density on the 2‐step processes of seed predation using 101 520 seeds from 62 plant species in an alpine pine forest for 3 consecutive years. In this study we explained the current controversy surrounding the effects of density on seed predation. Seed encounter frequency (at least 1 seed being predated from an experiment depot) showed positive density dependence, while seed exploitation (the proportion of seeds being predated of the encountered depots) showed negative density dependence. Both density effects showed a consistent trend but with different magnitudes of effect across years. Final seed predation is the combination of seed encounter and seed exploitation. Final seed predation could be either positively or negatively density‐dependent and was contingent on the magnitude of the difference between positive density‐dependent seed encounter and negative density‐dependent seed exploitation. Our results also indicated that studies including only a few species would produce biased results, because the density effect on seed predation differed greatly among plant species. Future studies should include a large number of plant species that possess a wide range of diverse seed traits to avoid potential bias and produce more comprehensive and accurate results.
Older drivers' self‐reported vision‐related night‐driving difficulties and night‐driving performance
Authors: Kimlin Janessa A , Black Alex A , Wood Joanne M
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To investigate associations between older drivers' perceived vision‐related night‐driving difficulties and night‐time driving performance measured on a closed‐road circuit.

Methods

Participants included 26 older drivers (71.8 ± 6.3 years) who reported vision‐related night‐driving difficulties assessed with the vision and night driving questionnaire (VND‐Q). High‐contrast, photopic visual acuity (VA) and ratings of discomfort glare (de Boer scale) were also assessed. Night‐time driving performance was measured on a closed‐road circuit that involved recognition, hazard avoidance and lane‐keeping tasks in the absence and presence of intermittent glare. Generalized linear mixed models investigated the relationship between VND‐Q scores and overall driving performance scores, as well as with discomfort glare ratings and VA.

Results

Greater levels of vision‐related night‐driving difficulties (VND‐Q scores) were significantly associated with poorer night‐driving performance (p = 0.003); the association was even stronger for driving performance in the presence of intermittent glare (p = 0.001). Reduced VA was associated with poorer night‐driving performance (p = 0.022) but the association was weaker than for the VND‐Q scores. In contrast, ratings of discomfort glare were not significantly associated with driving performance (p = 0.14).

Conclusion

The VND‐Q was significantly associated with night‐time driving performance and provides a useful instrument for assessing vision‐related night‐driving difficulties which can be incorporated into clinical vision assessments.
Vascular changes after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Bonfiglio Vincenza , Ortisi Elina , Scollo Davide , Reibaldi Michele , Russo Andrea , Pizzo Alessandra , Faro Giuseppe , Macchi Iacopo , Fallico Matteo , Toro Mario D. , Rejdak Robert , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Toto Lisa , Rinaldi Michele , Cillino Salvatore , Avitabile Teresio , Longo Antonio
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To analyse the postoperative foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, superficial vessel density (SVD) and deep vessel density (DVD) and their correlation with functional (best‐corrected visual acuity, BCVA) and anatomical outcomes (foveal macular thickness, FMT) after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair.

Method

Patients with RRD eyes, successfully treated with a single pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas tamponade and a minimum 12 months follow‐up, were re‐examined. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, SVD, DVD and FMT were evaluated by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and compared to fellow eye.

Results

Fifty‐six patients with macula‐on and 37 with macula‐off RRD were included in the study. In both groups, no difference in FMT and FAZ area was found compared to fellow eyes. In macula‐on RRD eyes, a lower parafoveal DVD (p = 0.001) was detected; FAZ area was related to FMT (p = 0.025), and the postoperative BCVA was correlated with parafoveal DVD (p = 0.010) and FAZ area (p = 0.003). In macula‐off RRD eyes, lower parafoveal SDV (p = 0.012), and foveal and parafoveal DVD (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively) were observed. BCVA was related to FAZ area (p = 0.012), foveal SVD (p = 0.005) and parafoveal DVD (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment eyes successfully treated with PPV had lower vessel density in the superficial and deep retinal plexus compared to fellow healthy eyes; BCVA was related to FAZ area and vessel density.
French neonatal society position paper stresses the importance of an early family‐centred approach to discharging preterm infants from hospital
Authors: Pladys Patrick , Zaoui Catherine , Girard Laurence , Mons Fabienne , Reynaud Audrey , Casper Charlotte ,   The Group for Reflections on and Evaluation of the Neonatal Environment of the French Neonatal Society
Published: November 2019

Aim

The families of hospitalised preterm infants risk depression and post‐traumatic stress and the preterm infants risk re‐hospitalisation. The French neonatal society's aim was to review the literature on how the transition from hospital to home could limit these risks and to produce a position paper.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed covering 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2018, and multidisciplinary experts examined the scientific evidence.

Results

We identified 939 English and French papers and 169 are quoted in the position paper. Most studies stressed the importance of early, personalised and progressive involvement of the family. Healthcare staff and families should assess discharge preparations jointly. This evaluation should assess the capacities of the newborn infant, with regard to its physiological maturity. It should also assess the family's ability to supply the medical, psychological and social assistance required before and after discharge. There should be a structured follow‐up process that includes effective communication, various tools, interventions, networks, health and social professionals.

Conclusion

Discharge preparations may improve the transition from hospital to home and the outcomes for the parents and newborn preterm infant. This early family‐centred approach should be structured, coordinated and based on individual needs and circumstances.
Calmodulin‐mediated events during the life cycle of the amoebozoan Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: O'Day Danton H. , Mathavarajah Sabateeshan , Myre Michael A. , Huber Robert J.
Published: November 2019

This review focusses on the functions of intracellular and extracellular calmodulin, its target proteins and their binding proteins during the asexual life cycle of Dictyostelium discoideum. Calmodulin is a primary regulatory protein of calcium signal transduction that functions throughout all stages. During growth, it mediates autophagy, the cell cycle, folic acid chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and other functions. During mitosis, specific calmodulin‐binding proteins translocate to alternative locations. Translocation of at least one cell adhesion protein is calmodulin dependent. When starved, cells undergo calmodulin‐dependent chemotaxis to cyclic AMP generating a multicellular pseudoplasmodium. Calmodulin‐dependent signalling within the slug sets up a defined pattern and polarity that sets the stage for the final events of morphogenesis and cell differentiation. Transected slugs undergo calmodulin‐dependent transdifferentiation to re‐establish the disrupted pattern and polarity. Calmodulin function is critical for stalk cell differentiation but also functions in spore formation, events that begin in the pseudoplasmodium. The asexual life cycle restarts with the calmodulin‐dependent germination of spores. Specific calmodulin‐binding proteins as well as some of their binding partners have been linked to each of these events. The functions of extracellular calmodulin during growth and development are also discussed. This overview brings to the forefront the central role of calmodulin, working through its numerous binding proteins, as a primary downstream regulator of the critical calcium signalling pathways that have been well established in this model eukaryote. This is the first time the function of calmodulin and its target proteins have been documented through the complete life cycle of any eukaryote.
The politics of water security in southern Saskatchewan
Authors: Olive Andrea
Published: November 2019

This paper examines long‐term water and resource management in Saskatchewan. Agriculture has long sustained Saskatchewan's economy, but the province experienced a resource boom in oil and potash in the 2008–2015 time period. What potential water‐related risks are posed by oil and potash? And is the province able to balance the short‐term economic gains of these developments with the long‐term goal of water security? The research is based on interviews with policy elites in the province of Saskatchewan and argues that four factors explain why the government continues to favour industry over water security: low‐issue salience, economic and political interest, ideology, and political culture.