bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fitness industry self-regulation: institutional or by choice?
Authors: MacFarlane John Douglas , Phelps Sean , Schulenkorf Nico
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document and explore the perceptual motivations for voluntary and continued affiliation with a fitness industry register by its affiliates (“members”) and non-affiliates (“non-members”). The formation of fitness industry registers to impart self-regulation is a common global occurrence. Their sustainment, however, is reliant on the motivations and voluntary support of industry members. Limited work has been done in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study uses the interpretive research paradigm, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 Auckland, New Zealand, fitness centre managers, industry associations, New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (Reps NZ) and Fitness New Zealand. Lenox’s (2006) participation-contingent benefits framework provides the necessary lens to explore the perceptual motivations behind participation/non-participation by fitness centres with an industry self-regulatory system (i.e. Reps NZ).

Findings

Whereas participation-contingent benefits are perceived minimal, and exceeded by affiliation limitations, there is institutional congruence for industry regulation to exist, thus creating institutional pressures that encourage affiliation and retention. Whereas affiliates choose to absorb the associated inconveniences of affiliation to “support” Reps NZ, non-affiliates question the register’s regulatory form, choosing to avoid the affiliation costs and limitations.

Originality/value

This study lends further support that institutional development is crucial for inclusive, substantive and sustainable self-regulatory systems. Regardless of the perceived low return on participation-contingent benefits, industry self-regulation can be sustained if there is a desire by industry members to maintain the institutional notion that the regulation needs to exist.
Technology uncertainty in supply chains and supplier involvement: the role of resource dependence
Authors: Xiao Chengyong , Petkova Boyana , Molleman Eric , van der Vaart Taco
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Technology uncertainty poses significant challenges to manufacturers, as rapid changes in product and/or process standards and specifications can disrupt the smooth flow of materials in extended supply chains. Practitioners and researchers alike who take a relational perspective widely regard supplier involvement as a potentially effective strategy to cope with technology uncertainty, as focal manufacturers can tap into their upstream supply networks for complementary resources and capabilities. However, the literature lacks a nuanced understanding of the supplier involvement processes. Specifically, the role of resource dependence for supplier involvement has yet to be systematically understood. To fill this gap, this study aims to combine the relational perspective with the resource-dependence perspective to explore how buyer dependence, supplier dependence and buyer–supplier interdependence influence buyers’ decision-making on tapping into upstream supply networks for coping with technology uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, a survey is conducted among Dutch firms with more than 50 employees in the discrete manufacturing industries (ISIC 28-35), resulting in a sample of 125 manufacturers.

Findings

First, there is a significantly positive relationship between technology uncertainty and supplier involvement, giving support to the expectation that buyers are indeed involving their key suppliers in the product/process design and improvement, as a response to technology uncertainty. Second, buyer dependence and interdependence are found to be positively moderating the relationship between technology uncertainty and supplier involvement. In contrast, supplier dependence has a negative moderating effect on the baseline relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The authors contribute to a relational view on buyer–supplier relationships by showing that the validity of this view, in the context of technology uncertainty, is contingent on the resource dependence between buyers and suppliers, and the authors contribute to the supply chain management literature more generally by combining a relational perspective with a resource-dependence perspective.

Practical implications

The findings provide several nuanced insights into the effect of resource dependence (buyer dependence, supplier dependence and interdependence) on supplier involvement for coping with technology uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the supply chain management research by going beyond the benefits of supplier involvement and highlights the circumstances under which supplier involvement is likely to occur.
In-prison therapeutic communities in California
Authors: Mullen Rod , Arbiter Naya , Plepler Claudia Rosenthal , Bond Douglas James
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Over nearly six decades in prison, therapeutic communities (TCs) have waxed and waned in California. While there have been dramatic and demonstrable sucess with some of the most intractable populations in California prisons, the TC model has met substantial challenges, both bureaucratic and political. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a six-decade review of in-prison TCs in California based both on the research literature and from personal experience over 30 years providing both in-prison and community based TCs in California.

Findings

Despite well-documented success reducing the recidivism of violent offenders in California prisons (which is now the bulk of the population), the government has ignored the success of well implemented in-prison TCs, and has implemented a CBT model which has recently been documented to have been ineffective in reducing recidivism. The State is now at a crossroads.

Research limitations/implications

Documented research findings of success do not necessarily result in the implementation of the model.

Practical implications

There is evidence that violent felons are amenable to treatment.

Social implications

Public concern over the return of violent felons from prison can be ameliorated by the evidence of the effectiveness of TC treatment in prison.

Originality/value

There is no other publication which captures the narrative of the TC in California prisons over six decades.
Airline service quality and visual communication
Authors: Suham-Abid Dalia , Vila-Lopez Natalia
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze differences in airlines service quality perceptions (service content) and visual communication styles (service form) between passengers from a high-context (HC) culture (Iraq) and from a low-context (LC) one (Germany). The theoretical support is based on Hall’s (1976) theory about cultural influences on consumers’ perceptions and on ethnocentric influences.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors compared two groups of passengers from two countries ‒ Iraq (a high-context culture) and Germany (low-context culture) – that gave their opinions about two different airlines (Iraqi Airlines and Lufthansa). In total, 400 personal evaluations were obtained (100 for each company in each country).

Findings

The results have demonstrated that, first, regarding service quality perceptions, both groups of passengers differ, not due to the cultural context, but due to the ethnocentristic feeling, that is service quality values are higher when the domestic company is evaluated in both countries. Second, regarding visual identity perceptions, the cultural context explains perception differences, because the Germans evaluations are higher for both, the foreign company and the domestic one.

Originality/value

First, the authors have measured in the same study whether people from an LC culture differ from people from a HC culture with respect to how they perceive both the content of the service (the perception of service quality) and the form of the service (the perception of visual identity). In other words, the authors have compared not just the way a company delivers its services, but also how the company is visually presented. Second, the authors have studied a country that has seldom been analyzed from a marketing perspective, Iraq. Third, the authors have compared not just two cultures, but also two companies (a domestic one and a foreign one), in order to see if consumers tend to have more positive perceptions of a local company, regardless of the culture to which they belong. If this point is demonstrated, then some more implications related to ethnocentrism will be added for a better understanding of how to proceed in the international arena.
Characteristics and behaviors of anti-gun and pro-gun travelers
Authors: Sönmez Sevil , Tasci Asli D.A.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Despite ample attention to perceived risk and its consequences on tourist behavior, characteristics of travelers who are anti-gun or pro-gun have received little attention in tourism literature. This study aims to investigate anti-gun and pro-gun attitudes and their correlates for Florida, a state with relatively relaxed gun laws as well as significant tourism activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualtrics survey design tools were used to design a structured questionnaire, which was then administered to a random sample of registered survey takers on MTurk. A total of 1,692 cases were analyzed with SPSS Version 24.0.

Findings

Results revealed that gender, education level, ethnicity, visitor experience, and personality traits of emotion-based decision-making and risk-seeking influence travelers’ tendency for anti-gun or pro-gun attitudes toward Florida as a destination. In turn, these attitudes were found to be related to perception of risks in Florida, its perceived safety and desirability as a travel destination and visitor satisfaction and likelihood of repeat visitation.

Originality/value

Leniency in gun laws has been a concern for the safety in the USA for local residents and tourists alike; however, there is a lack of attention on the characteristics of anti-gun and pro-gun individuals and their likely behavior related to a tourist destination with relaxed gun laws. Thus, the current study investigated who are likely to be anti-gun or pro-gun and what are their likely behaviors towards such a destination, Florida in the USA. The current study initiates this dialogue to explore uncharted territory in tourism research.
Drive and car tourism: a perspective article
Authors: Prideaux Bruce
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the development of drive tourism in the past 75 years, highlight contemporary issues that will shape the structure of drive tourism in the near future and speculate on how drive tourism may develop in future decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a range of academic and grey literature to identify the major trends that are now emerging in the drive tourism sector. These trends form the basis for observations on how new and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles may offer new drive tourism opportunities in coming decades.

Findings

Recent and near-future advances in automobile technologies, including propulsion and control, are likely to radically alter the structure and operation of drive tourism, offering new opportunities for participation in this form of tourism. The paper observes that the tourism industry must act in a proactive rather than reactive manner if it is to maximise the opportunities that will emerge “from” the coming period of climate change and technology-generated disruption.

Social implications

Drive tourism has opened many previously remote areas for tourism bringing benefits such as employment and business opportunities. However, the growth of drive tourism may also have social costs including disruption to local social norms as people migrate into and out of these areas in search of new economic opportunities. Future developments in drive tourism may create similar disruptions.

Originality/value

Despite the size and value of the global drive tourism market, academic investigation has been limited. The value of this paper lies in its identification of a range of issues that need further research, including the need to rethink the structure of drive tourism and how new technologies and future responses to climate change may affect this sector.
Survey research in tourism: a perspective paper
Authors: Dolnicar Sara
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss issues relating to survey research in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This brief perspective paper discusses the routine approach of survey research that has developed over many years (as tourism researchers adopted the most promising approaches to survey research fields), discusses the dangers associated with following this (or any) routine approach, and offers a small set of questions for researchers to consider before embarking on their next survey study.

Findings

A default approach to survey research has developed. It can undermine the validity of conclusions. The key to high-quality survey research is to thoughtfully design the survey study considering the specific research question at hand, and to carefully pre-test the questionnaire.

Originality/value

This is a perspective paper offering a brief overview of the topic of survey research in tourism.
Adventure tourism: a perspective paper
Authors: Gross Sven , Sand Manuel
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of adventure tourism in tourism the tourism industry and in tourism research. Apart from giving an overview of current literature and discussion, this paper also looks into future trends in adventure tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks at the state of the art of adventure tourism re-search and discusses current trends. Based on literature, it gives an overview of the development of adventure tourism, the current situation and how adventure tourism will develop in the future.

Findings

This paper discusses the development of research in the field of adventure tourism and propagates that research should be increasingly focussing on theory building. The work by Rantala and Rokenses (2016) was the much-needed kick-start to lay the groundwork for a theoretical framework. The last few years have seen a rise in older tourists embarking for adventure trips, as well as families. Younger adults seek microadventures nearby their home. Health and well-being have also seen a stronger focus in adventure tourism research. Interdisciplinary research teams should see into these phenomenon and analyse the different motives and implications. This will help to develop a framework for adventure tourism research.

Originality/value

The importance of adventure tourism in the tourism industry and science will be demonstrated, and for the first time, the scientific examination of adventure tourism will be presented with three phases and important publications. In addition, the importance of theory formation in the field of adventure tourism will be pointed out. This paper not only gives an overview of current research but also looks ahead into future developments.
The evolution of travel information search research: a perspective article
Authors: Gretzel Ulrike , Zarezadeh Zohreh , Li Yuxuan , Xiang Zheng
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of travel information search literature over the past 75 years to outline research needs for the upcoming decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a literature review based on the descriptive textual analysis of article abstracts from a sample of representative tourism journals on the subject of travel information search.

Findings

The analysis shows that the literature reflects the mounting complexity in the tourism information landscape and the increasing diversity in available channels. It also reveals lack of theoretical advancement in terms of reconceptualizing travel information search to better accommodate current and future technological advances.

Originality/value

This paper offers a systematic review of literature on travel information search and identifies areas of interest and directions for future research.
Quantitative methods in tourism and hospitality: a perspective article
Authors: Provenzano Davide , Baggio Rodolfo
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of past perspectives and future trends in tourism and hospitality research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study grounds the discussion on the timeline evolution of quantitative research methods.

Findings

Although still under-recognized by scholars, mixed methods represent the future of research in tourism and hospitality.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation is confined to quantitative methods.

Originality/value

No other surveys sketch a period of 150 years of quantitative analyses in tourism and hospitality.
Double-diffusive MHD convective flow of heat and mass transfer over a stretching sheet embedded in a thermally-stratified porous medium
Authors: Falodun Bidemi Olumide , Omowaye Adeola John
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to address the problem of double-diffusive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) non-Darcy convective flow of heat and mass transfer over a stretching sheet embedded in a thermally-stratified porous medium. The controlling parameters such as chemical reaction parameter, permeability parameter, etc., are extensively discussed and illustrated in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of appropriate similarity variables, the governing partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations. The transformed equations are solved using the spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM). SHAM is a numerical method, which uses Chebyshev pseudospectral and homotopy analysis method in solving science and engineering problems.

Findings

The effects of all controlling parameters are presented using graphical representations. The results revealed that the applied magnetic field in the transverse direction to the flow gives rise to a resistive force called Lorentz. This force tends to reduce the flow of an electrically conducting fluid in the problem of heat and mass transfer. As a result, the fluid velocity reduces in the boundary layer. Also, the suction increases the velocity, temperature, and concentration of the fluid, respectively. The present results can be used in complex problems dealing with double-diffusive MHD non-Darcy convective flow of heat and mass transfer.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this paper is the examination of double-diffusive MHD non-Darcy convective flow of heat and mass transfer. It is considered over a stretching sheet embedded in a thermally-stratified porous medium. To the best of the knowledge, a problem of this type has not been considered in the past. A novel method called SHAM is used to solve this modelled problem. The novelty of this method is its accuracy and fastness in computation.
‘Time come’: Britain's black futures past
Authors: Waters Rob
Published: October 2019

Drawing on the research for my book Thinking Black: Britain, 1964–85, this article, given as the 2019 Historical Research/Wiley lecture, unpacks the sense of impending change in black political cultures of the long nineteen-seventies, and analyses how black politics worked to carve out new historical subjects. I show how, for those who sought to build new black futures in this moment, imagining these futures meant bringing past experiences of slavery and colonialism into the present as unfinished histories that would be a driving force of change for Britain.
Understanding and interpreting community sequencing measurements of the vaginal microbiome
Authors: Berman HL , McLaren MR , Callahan BJ
Published: October 2019

Community‐wide high‐throughput sequencing has transformed the study of the vaginal microbiome, and clinical applications are on the horizon. Here we outline the three main community sequencing methods: (1) amplicon sequencing, (2) shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and (3) metatranscriptomic sequencing. We discuss the advantages and limitations of community sequencing generally, and the unique strengths and weaknesses of each method. We briefly review the contributions of community sequencing to vaginal microbiome research and practice. We develop suggestions for critically interpreting research results and potential clinical applications based on community sequencing of the vaginal microbiome.

Tweetable abstract

We review the advantages and limitations of amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics methods for the study of the vaginal microbiome.
Pre‐operative femoral nerve block for hip fracture—A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Skjold C. , Møller A. M. , Wildgaard K.
Published: October 2019

Background

Pre‐operative pain management of hip fracture patients is complex. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is used for hip fractures to reduce pain and demand for systematic analgesia. The objective of the study was to systematically investigate the efficacy of single‐shot FNB for hip fracture patients.

Methods

Five databases were searched from inception until 8 May 2019. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT's) assessing pain relief in patients with hip fractures. Intervention was pre‐operative FNB compared to any systemic analgesic (eg opioids, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or paracetamol). Primary outcomes assessed were pre‐operative pain and use of rescue analgesics. Secondary outcome was cognitive impairment. We present a bias assessment, a meta‐analysis and a grading of certainty of evidence.

Results

We included five trials (n = 254), where participants received FNB 30 minutes or more prior to surgery; all were judged as having high risk of bias. All studies found significantly decreased pain scores at least once in the intervention group compared to the control group. Meta‐analysis on the primary outcome of pain showed significance. Mean difference was −2.13 point (in cm) (CI:‐3.53,‐0.72) on visual analogue scale in the intervention group, but is judged low on certainty.

Conclusions

The quantity of evidence supporting pre‐operative single‐shot FNB for hip fractures is very low, and the certainty of evidence supporting pre‐operative single‐shot FNB for hip fractures is low. No studies using ultrasound guided technique were identified. Data on non‐ultrasound guided FNB’s suggest a decreased pain score compared to the use of systemic analgesia.
Can the Internet improve agricultural production? Evidence from Viet Nam
Authors: Kaila Heidi , Tarp Finn
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to contribute to the growing literature on the potential benefits of the Internet on rural livelihoods. We estimate the relationship between Internet access and agricultural production in rural Viet Nam using a panel dataset from 2008–2012. This is a time span during which Internet access increased substantially and government‐run and private online outlets providing information about agriculture started to operate. Our findings suggest that Internet access is associated with a 6.8% higher volume of total agricultural output. We find that this result is manifested through more efficient use of fertilizer. Our findings are stronger for younger households. The less developed northern provinces have benefited the most from the arrival of the Internet. The results are weaker in the case of rice, which is related to strong government involvement in rice production and prices.
Association of postexercise heart rate recovery with body composition in healthy male adults: Findings from Pakistan
Authors: Azam Fahad , Shaheen Abida , Irshad Khurram , Liaquat Afrose , Naveed Hania , Shah Saeed Ullah
Published: October 2019

Background

This study investigated the effect of body mass index (BMI) and body fat ratio with postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR) after 2 minutes of rest.

Methods

Sixty‐four healthy males aged between 25 and 55 years participated in the study. BMI, body fat ratio, waist circumference, and physical activity were recorded. Peak heart rate after exercise and HRR after 2 min of rest were obtained.

Results

Mean age of participants was 35.53 ± 6.57. Mean BMI and HRR were 25.06 ± 4.62 and 26.07 ± 7.43, respectively. BMI and body fat ratio had significant negative correlation with HRR with r values of −.833 and −.877, respectively (p < .001*). Linear regression showed BMI and body fat ratio with significant coefficient of −0.426 (p = .04*) and −0.627 (p < .001*) with HRR, respectively. Participants with BMI ˂ 25 had higher HRR in comparison to participants with BMI ≥ 25 (p < .001*). Participants with body fat ratio of ˂25 had significantly higher HRR of 35.9 ± 3.98 in comparison to participants with body fat ratio ≥ 25 (p = <.001*).

Conclusion

Body mass index and body fat ratio are strong predictors of HRR in Pakistani healthy male adults, suggesting a strong link between metabolic risk factors and impaired autonomic nervous system.
Nestin affects fusion pore dynamics in mouse astrocytes
Authors: Lasič Eva , Trkov Bobnar Saša , Wilhelmsson Ulrika , de Pablo Yolanda , Pekny Milos , Zorec Robert , Stenovec Matjaž
Published: October 2019

Aim

Astrocytes play a homeostatic role in the central nervous system and influence numerous aspects of neurophysiology via intracellular trafficking of vesicles. Intermediate filaments (IFs), also known as nanofilaments, regulate a number of cellular processes including organelle trafficking and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We have recently demonstrated that the IF protein nestin, a marker of neural stem cells and immature and reactive astrocytes, is also expressed in some astrocytes in the unchallenged hippocampus and regulates neurogenesis through Notch signalling from astrocytes to neural stem cells, possibly via altered trafficking of vesicles containing the Notch ligand Jagged‐1.

Methods

We thus investigated whether nestin affects vesicle dynamics in astrocytes by examining single vesicle interactions with the plasmalemma and vesicle trafficking with high‐resolution cell‐attached membrane capacitance measurements and confocal microscopy. We used cell cultures of astrocytes from nestin‐deficient (Nes−/−) and wild‐type (wt) mice, and fluorescent dextran and Fluo‐2 to examine vesicle mobility and intracellular Ca2+ concentration respectively.

Results

Nes−/− astrocytes exhibited altered sizes of vesicles undergoing full fission and transient fusion, altered vesicle fusion pore geometry and kinetics, decreased spontaneous vesicle mobility and altered ATP‐evoked mobility. Purinergic stimulation evoked Ca2+ signalling that was slightly attenuated in Nes−/− astrocytes, which exhibited more oscillatory Ca2+ responses than wt astrocytes.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate at the single vesicle level that nestin regulates vesicle interactions with the plasmalemma and vesicle trafficking, indicating its potential role in astrocyte vesicle‐based communication.
Plant diversity and community composition in temperate northeast Atlantic salt marshes are linked to nutrient concentrations
Authors: Penk Marcin R. , Perrin Philip M. , Kelly Ruth , O’Neill Fionnuala , Waldren Stephen
Published: October 2019

Question

Studies in the northwest Atlantic have shown that nutrient enrichment can severely impact salt marshes, undermining their broad range of high‐value ecosystem services. However, biogeographical differences in plant communities may preclude extrapolation of these findings to other regions. The few investigations of such impacts elsewhere, including in Europe, have been strongly localised, restricting generalisations, and have not addressed community‐level properties.

Location

South and east coasts of Ireland (northeast Atlantic).

Methods

We conducted a field survey of vascular plants and soil properties in fifteen salt marshes representing broad environmental gradients but comparable biogeographical settings, to test if salt marsh plant (a) diversity and (b) community composition are related to soil nutrients.

Results

Species richness and Shannon diversity were both negatively related to soil NOx−, and Shannon diversity had a hump‐shaped relationship to labile P. Multivariate community composition was highly significantly related to NOx−, to a lesser degree to P, and marginally significantly to NH4+. This was most clearly evident in the positive association of the ground cover of an evergreen dwarf shrub, Atriplex portulacoides, and a weaker negative association of a forb, Plantago maritima, with NOx−, indicating competition between these key and functionally contrasting mid‐salt‐marsh species. The relationship between community composition and P was most evident through the positive association of P with the invasive cordgrass, Spartina anglica.

Conclusions

Physiognomic and functional differences between the herb‐rich Pl. maritima community and monospecific A. portulacoides stands likely have implications for ecosystem services, as would a continued expansion of S. anglica. Further studies to ascertain causality could determine whether such transitions can be driven by nutrient enrichment.
Lipocalin‐2—The myth of its expression and function
Authors: Li Dahui , Yan Sun Wai , Fu Bowen , Xu Aimin , Wang Yu
Published: October 2019

Lipocalin‐2 is a functional biomarker for acute and chronic kidney diseases, heart failure and obesity‐related medical complications. It is rapidly induced in epithelial cells under stress conditions, but constitutively produced from pre‐adipocytes and mature adipocytes. Measuring the lipocalin‐2 levels represents an effective approach for risk prediction, patient stratification and disease management. Nevertheless, due to ligand‐binding, post‐translational modification and protein‐protein interaction, lipocalin‐2 exists as multiple variants that elicit different pathophysiological functions. To characterize the specific structure‐functional relationships of lipocalin‐2 variants is critical for the development of biomarker assays with sufficient precision and reliability. Moreover, identifying the pathological forms of lipocalin‐2 will provide new therapeutic targets and treatment approaches for obesity‐related complications.
The effect of two selective A1‐receptor agonists and the bitopic ligand VCP746 on heart rate and regional vascular conductance in conscious rats
Authors: Cooper Samantha L. , March Julie , Sabbatini Andrea R. , Hill Stephen J. , Jörg Manuela , Scammells Peter J. , Woolard Jeanette
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Adenosine is a local mediator that regulates physiological and pathological processes via activation of four GPCRs (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3). We have investigated the effect of two A1‐receptor‐selective agonists and the novel A1‐receptor bitopic ligand VCP746 on the rat cardiovascular system.

Experimental Approach

The regional haemodynamic responses of these agonist was investigated in conscious rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (350–450 g) were chronically implanted with pulsed Doppler flow probes on the renal, mesenteric arteries and the descending abdominal aorta and the jugular vein and caudal artery catheterized. Cardiovascular responses were measured following intravenous infusion (3 min each dose) of CCPA (120, 400, and 1,200 ng·kg−1·min−1), capadenoson or adenosine (30, 100, and 300 μg·kg−1·min−1), or VCP746 (6, 20, and 60 μg·kg−1·min−1) following pre‐dosing with DPCPX (0.1 mg·kg−1, i.v.) or vehicle.

Key Results

CCPA produced a significant A1‐receptor‐mediated decrease in heart rate that was accompanied by vasoconstrictions in the renal and mesenteric vascular beds but an increase in hindquarters vascular conductance. The partial agonist capadenoson also produced an A1‐receptor‐mediated bradycardia. In contrast, VCP746 produced increases in heart rate and renal and mesenteric vascular conductance that were not mediated by A1‐receptors. In vitro studies confirmed that VCP746 had potent agonist activity at both A2A‐ and A2B‐receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest VCP746 mediates its cardiovascular effects via activation of A2 rather than A1 adenosine receptors. This has implications for the design of future bitopic ligands that incorporate A1 allosteric ligand moieties.
THE WAR ON DRUGS 2.0: DARKNET FENTANYL'S RISE AND THE EFFECTS OF REGULATORY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION
Authors: Miller Jacob N.
Published: October 2019

U.S. overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, have increased from under 3,000 in 2013 to nearly 20,000 in 2016, making up half of all opioid‐related overdose deaths. Using web scrapes of darknet markets from 2014 to 2016, I provide historical prices for fentanyl and its most popular analogues and find that fentanyl vendors priced fentanyl in 2014 at a 90% discount compared to an equivalent dose of heroin. Using regression discontinuity, I evaluate the effects of two major law enforcement and regulatory events. I find minimal lasting effects of U.S. legal actions intended to disrupt darknet markets, but there are statistically significant indications of a price increase corresponding with regulatory action in China. Despite these indications of some regulatory success, fentanyl prices remained approximately 90% cheaper than heroin. (JEL I18, K42)
Management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: Comparison of guidelines between Japan and other countries
Authors: Ohmiya Naoki
Published: October 2019

Small‐bowel bleeding accounts for the majority of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but it is caused by various types of small bowel disease, upper gastrointestinal disease, and colorectal disease. For the diagnosis, history taking and physical examination are required, leading to a determination of what diseases are involved. Next, cross‐sectional imaging, such as computed tomography, should be carried out, followed by the latest enteroscopy such as small bowel capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy according to the severity of hemorrhage and patient condition. After a comprehensive diagnosis, medical, enteroscopic, or surgical treatment should be selected. This article reviews recent advances in the endoscopic diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and compares perspectives of the management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in Japan with that in other countries.
Hypoglycaemia leads to a delayed increase in platelet and coagulation activation markers in people with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin only: Results from a stepwise hypoglycaemic clamp study
Authors: Aberer Felix , Pferschy Peter N. , Tripolt Norbert J. , Sourij Caren , Obermayer Anna M , Prüller Florian , Novak Eva , Reitbauer Philipp , Kojzar Harald , Prietl Barbara , Kofler Selina , Brunner Martina , Svehlikova Eva , Stojakovic Tatjana , Scharnagl Hubert , Oulhaj Abderrahim , Aziz Faisal , Riedl Regina , Sourij Harald
Published: October 2019

Aims

To investigate the effect of hypoglycaemia on platelet and coagulation activation in people with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

This monocentric, open, single‐arm, mechanistic trial included 14 people with established type 2 diabetes (four women, 10 men, age 55 ± 7 years, glycated haemoglobin concentration 51 ± 7 mmol/mol) receiving metformin monotherapy. A stepwise hyperinsulinaemic‐hypoglycaemic clamp experiment (3.5 and 2.5 mmol/L, for 30 minutes respectively) was performed, aiming to investigate platelet and coagulation activity during predefined plateaus of hypoglycaemia, as well as 1 day and 7 days later.

Results

While platelet activation assessed by light transmittance aggregometry did not significantly increase after the hypoglycaemic clamp procedure, the more sensitive flow cytometry‐based measurement of platelet surface activation markers showed hypoglycaemia‐induced activation 24 hours (PAC1posCD62Ppos, PAC1posCD63Ppos and PAC1posCD62PposCD63pos; P < .01) and 7 days after the hypoglycaemic clamp (P < .001 for PAC1posCD63pos; P < .01 for PAC1posCD62Ppos and PAC1posCD62PposCD63pos) in comparison to baseline. Coagulation markers, such as fibrinogen, D‐dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, von Willebrand factor activity and factor VIII, were also significantly increased, an effect that was most pronounced 24 hours after the hypoglycaemic clamp.

Conclusion

A single event of insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia led to an increase in markers of platelet activation and coagulation in people with early stages of type 2 diabetes on metformin therapy. However, the activation occurred with a delay and was evident 24 hours and 7 days after the actual hypoglycaemic episode.
The Trust Imperative in the Workplace: Leveraging Diversity and Inclusion
Authors: Cahill Pope Patricia
Published: October 2019

Trust—between manager and direct reports—is a crucial issue. Especially when those two people are from different generations, genders, or ethnicities.

Trust, authenticity, unconscious bias, and “covering.”
Commodity option pricing efficiency before Black, Scholes, and Merton
Authors: Chambers David , Saleuddin Rasheed
Published: October 2019

It is often thought that the arrival of the Black–Scholes–Merton (BSM) model of option pricing in the early 1970s allowed traders to understand how to price and value options with greater precision. However, our study suggests that interwar commodity options traders may have been able to intuit ‘fair’ value and to adjust their prices to changes in the market environment well before the advent of this innovative model. A scarcity of historical price data has limited empirical tests of option price efficiency well before BSM to studies of stock options in the 1870s and the early twentieth century which revealed contrasting findings. This study deals with option pricing in a different market—commodities—during the interwar period. We conclude that option prices were closer to their BSM theoretical values than prior studies suggest. Institutional differences between interwar commodity options markets and stock options markets in the 1870s and the early twentieth century may partly account for this result. Furthermore, we find that interwar option prices were no more mispriced than in modern times, and were as sensitive to changes in volatility—the key valuation parameter in the BSM model.
Female adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) show higher levels of anxiety‐like behavior than males, but do not differ in learning and memory capacity
Authors: Fontana Barbara D. , Cleal Madeleine , Parker Matthew O.
Published: October 2019

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used as a translational model for human neuropsychiatric conditions. Many studies have not considered sex differences in their analyses. Here, we studied sex differences of adult zebrafish in two behavioral domains: Anxiety and Memory. To assess whether sex influences anxiety‐like responses, we used two different behavioral protocols, the novel tank diving task and the light–dark test. To assess sex differences in learning and memory tasks, we explored two memory domains, short‐term spatial memory (free movement pattern Y‐maze task) and short‐term fear memory (Pavlovian fear‐conditioning task). Although we did not find any significant difference in learning and memory tasks, female zebrafish showed robust increases in anxiety‐like behavioral endpoints in both anxiety tests. Overall, our data suggest that zebrafish is a sensitive model to work with sex differences when modeling anxiety‐related disorders and this should be an important factor to consider in different experimental designs.
Positive response to galcanezumab following treatment failure to onabotulinumtoxinA in patients with migraine: post hoc analyses of three randomized double‐blind studies
Authors: Ailani J. , Pearlman E. , Zhang Q. , Nagy A. J. , Schuh K. , Aurora S. K.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Humanized monoclonal antibody galcanezumab, which binds to calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide, has shown efficacy for episodic and chronic migraine prevention. These analyses evaluated galcanezumab response for migraine headache prevention in patients who previously failed onabotulinumtoxinA (‘nonresponse’ or ‘inadequate response’ or safety reasons).

Methods

Post hoc analyses included data from three double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 episodic or chronic migraine studies; 2886 patients randomly received 120 or 240 mg galcanezumab or placebo. During double‐blind periods the study drug was administered subcutaneously once a month for 6 months in EVOLVE‐1 and ‐2 and for 3 months in REGAIN. The 120 mg groups received a 240 mg loading dose at month 1. Pooled analyses included 129 patients who failed onabotulinumtoxinA. Using mixed effect model repeat measurements, the least squares mean change from baseline in the number of migraine headache days (MHDs) was calculated for the first 3 months of treatment.

Results

For pooled analyses, significant decreases from baseline in the number of MHDs were observed for 120 mg (−3.91) and 240 mg (−5.27) galcanezumab overall versus placebo (−0.88) across 3‐month time points for patients who failed onabotulinumtoxinA. Corresponding data for patients with chronic migraine showed significant decreases: 120 mg (−3.18) and 240 mg (−4.26) galcanezumab versus placebo (0.16). Significant reductions in the number of MHDs per month with acute medication use included 120 mg galcanezumab (−4.35) and 240 mg galcanezumab (−4.55) versus placebo (−0.83). Estimates of ≥50% response during months 1–3 were 9.4% for placebo, 41.3% for 120 mg galcanezumab and 47.5% for 240 mg galcanezumab.

Conclusion

Galcanezumab is an option for prevention of migraine in patients who have previously failed onabotulinumtoxinA preventive therapy.
Distribution pattern of Termitomyces types symbiotic with the fungus‐growing termite Odontotermes formosanus on Okinawa Island
Authors: Hojo Masaru
Published: October 2019

Fungus‐growing termites (subfamily Macrotermitinae) cultivate the symbiotic basidiomycete fungus Termitomyces in their fungus comb to digest cellulosic materials and to supply nitrogen‐rich fungal diet. In Japan, the fungus‐growing termite Odontotermes formosanus is found on the Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture. Odontotermes formosanus is thought to have been recently and artificially introduced to Okinawa Island as its distribution is discontinuous and restricted to small areas. Previous DNA analyses revealed that two types of Termitomyces, namely Termitomyces sp. Type A and Termitomyces sp. Type B, whose fruiting bodies correspond to Termitomyces microcarpus‐like pseudorhiza‐lacking small mushroom and Termitomyces intermedius, respectively, are cultivated by O. formosanus on the Yaeyama Islands. However, information about the Termitomyces types cultivated by O. formosanus on Okinawa Island is limited. To define the fungal types cultivated by O. formosanus on Okinawa Island, I developed a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction method using primer sets specific to the nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences consisting of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and 5.8S rDNA of Termitomyces not using fungal mycelium, but using the termite gut metagenome including fungal DNA as a template. The results indicated that the same two Termitomyces types from Iriomote Island are cultivated by O. formosanus on Okinawa Island. The distribution pattern of Termitomyces types on Okinawa Island showed that Termitomyces sp. Type A is limited to the mountainous side of Sueyoshi Park, despite Termitomyces sp. Type B being widely distributed in the area in which O. formosanus is found. This finding implies that O. formosanus on Okinawa Island was recently introduced from Iriomote Island to Sueyoshi Park.
Radiographic tracheal lumen to vertebral ratios in the normal American Miniature Horse
Authors: Every L. J. , Hostnik E. T. , Hostnik L. D. , Yardley J. , Shore‐Khirallah A. T. , Thompson A. , Linn S. C.
Published: October 2019

Background

Tracheal collapse in horses is reportedly uncommon; however, American Miniature Horses are more commonly affected. There is no description of the tracheal luminal diameter of American Miniature Horses, making early detection of tracheal luminal narrowing difficult.

Objectives

To 1) describe radiographic tracheal luminal diameter in clinically normal American Miniature Horses, 2) report the prevalence of subclinical tracheal collapse in a population of American Miniature Horses, and 3) use tracheal videofluoroscopy to quantify variation in tracheal luminal diameter throughout the respiratory cycle in horses with no clinical respiratory disease.

Study design

Descriptive observational reference interval study.

Methods

Thirty‐four American Miniature Horses with no reported history of respiratory illness were recruited. Lateral cervical and thoracic radiographs were obtained in unsedated standing horses. Dynamic fluoroscopic images were obtained of the cervical and thoracic trachea throughout the respiratory cycle. Horses were then sedated as needed and tracheoscopy was performed. Twenty‐nine horses were categorised as normal, and five horses were categorised as subclinically affected based on 25% or greater tracheal narrowing using tracheoscopy for visual assessment. Radiographic tracheal lumen to vertebral body measurements were obtained throughout the cervical and thoracic trachea. Maximum and minimum fluoroscopic tracheal diameter at each site throughout the respiratory cycle was recorded.

Results

A mean, median, 95% confidence interval and bootstrapped 95% reference interval of radiographic tracheal diameter to vertebral body ratios were generated in normal horses. The prevalence of subclinical tracheal collapse in this population of American Miniature Horses is 14.7%.

Main limitations

Bootstrapped reference range was generated from 29 horses.

Conclusions

Radiographic tracheal measurements and ratios of the tracheal diameter to vertebral body in the normal American Miniature Horse are described herein and can be used as a guideline when screening for tracheal disease in American Miniature Horses. The prevalence of subclinical tracheal collapse in American Miniature Horses may be higher than previously reported.
Three New Geochemical Reference Materials for Mineral Exploration and Environmental Contamination Studies: SdAR‐L2, SdAR‐M2 and SdAR‐H1
Authors: Wilson Stephen A. , Potts Philip J. , Webb Peter C.
Published: October 2019

The preparation and characterisation of three new sediment‐based reference materials SdAR‐L2 (blended sediment), SdAR‐M2 (metal‐rich sediment) and SdAR‐H1 (metalliferous sediment) described in this paper involved collaboration between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and International Association of Geoanalysts (IAG). Sediments and soils from six locations in the western United States were mixed according to a USGS‐designed blending programme that calculates the proportions of source materials required to match target mass fractions and minimise the number of elements with mass fractions below instrument detection limits. For selected element mass fractions, NIST SRMs 2709–2711 provided target values. By using this approach, the three reference materials retained a natural mineralogy that is so essential for matching matrix and dissolution characteristics. Geochemical characterisation of these materials was carried out through the IAG GeoPT proficiency testing programme. Three independent rounds of GeoPT testing were used, each providing results from over eighty laboratories. Contributed results were statistically evaluated to produce reference values for over forty elements in each material. Reference and information values as well as mineralogical compositions are presented to establish these samples as reference materials, especially for use in mineral exploration and environmental contamination monitoring studies.