bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of selfie promotion and celebrity endorsed advertisement on decision-making processes
Authors: Cheah Jun-Hwa , Ting Hiram , Cham Tat Huei , Memon Mumtaz Ali
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of two promotional methods, namely, celebrity endorsed advertisement and selfie promotion, on customers’ decision-making processes using the AISAS model.

Design/methodology/approach

A within-subject experimental design was used to observe how young adults in Malaysia would respond to two promotional methods about a new seafood restaurant. A total of 180 responses were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were assessed and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that while celebrity endorsed advertisement remains relevant to customer’s decision-making processes, the effect of selfie promotion is comparable to celebrity endorsement. The sequential mediation for both models is found to be significant, but the AISAS model with selfie promotion produces better in-sample prediction (model selection criteria) and out-of-sample prediction (PLSpredict) compared to celebrity endorsed advertisement, thus suggesting its better representation to reality.

Research limitations/implications

Despite being limited to young adults in Malaysia and a particular product, the study is essential to understanding the effect of celebrity endorsed advertisement and selfie promotion on decision-making processes.

Practical implications

The study provides insights into how business organisations could exploit the advancement of communication technology to encourage selfie behaviour to promote their products in an innovative and competitive manner.

Originality/value

The assessment of the effect of celebrity endorsed advertisement and selfie promotion on decision-making processes using PLSpredict and model selection criteria articulates the relevance of selfie as a promotional tool. It also provides an alternative technique for conducting model comparison research.
Estimating price gradient in Bratislava with different distance measurements
Authors: Rehák Štefan , Káčer Marek
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the price gradient of apartments in the city of Bratislava with different measurements of travel time and distance to the city centre.

Design/methodology/approach

The price gradient is analysed by means of a hedonic price model. To overcome the problem with spatial autocorrelation in the data, the authors apply a spatial error model.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into the size of the price gradient in the city of Bratislava. In addition, it suggests that even in the case of a city with complicated urban structure, Euclidean distance is the best proxy for distance to the city centre and it is not necessary to use a more demanding distance calculation in hedonic price models.

Originality/value

Price gradients are usually analysed in western European or American cities whose urban structure differ from the cities in central and eastern Europe. This paper is the first in which the price gradient is estimated with different measurements of time and distance to the city centre using a spatial econometric model.
The influence of pro-environmental managers’ personal values on environmental disclosure
Authors: Luque-Vílchez Mercedes , Mesa-Pérez Enrique , Husillos Javier , Larrinaga Carlos
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine in greater depth the influence of internal factors on the disclosure of environmental information by companies. The influence of pro-environmental managers´ personal values on environmental disclosure quality is analyzed and the extent to which the influence of those values is mediated by the practices associated with the environmental organizational structure of the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a partial least squares structural equation model to analyze the relationship between the quality of the environmental information disclosed by 137 environmentally sensitive Spanish firms, their level of commitment towards the environment and the personal values of the directors in charge of those reports.

Findings

A central finding of this work is that a positive relationship between the pro-environmental managers’ personal values and environmental disclosure quality is fully mediated by the environmental organizational structures of their companies.

Practical implications

A better understanding of the relationship between the personal values of managers and corporate environmental reporting quality will contribute to the design of policies that can enhance firm transparency and accountability, for example, by educating future managers in sustainability values.

Social implications

Light is cast on the mechanisms that can enhance corporate transparency and accountability in relation to environmental matters.

Originality/value

In this paper, a quantitative study of the internal driving forces of environmental disclosure is conducted, an aspect that has often been ignored in the literature on quantitative voluntary social reporting. The merit of this approach is its contribution to the literature through the analysis of the reasons why powerful actors within firms could (or could not) develop corporate social reporting practices.
Changing institutional logics and implications for supply chains: Ethiopian rural water supply
Authors: Annala Linda , Polsa Pia Eva , Kovács Gyöngyi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The institutional logic in developing countries is changing from aid toward trade, having implications for institutionally embedded supply chains (SCs) and their members. The purpose of this study is to investigate the transition from aid toward trade through a theoretical lens of institutional logics and the implications of changing logics for SC members and designs.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a large-scale qualitative study of the SCs of maintenance and repair operations (MRO) of water points. Empirical data were collected via 53 semi-structured interviews, observations, including photographs, and field notes from several echelons of MRO SCs in ten different Ethiopian districts.

Findings

In spite of the same underlying tenet of a unidirectional trajectory toward a business logic, the study shows that the co-existence or constellation of different institutional logics resulted in diverse practices that impacted SC design.

Research limitations/implications

The research was carried out in the MRO SC at a time of changing institutional logics, thereby being able to study their transition or constellation of logics.

Practical implications

The research has implications for policymakers and development practitioners: when designing and implementing rural water supply programs, the presence of co-existing logics and the lack of uniform SC designs should not be viewed as a hindrance. In fact, the study showed how constellations of logics can provide ways through which water points continue functioning and providing clean drinking water to the communities.

Originality/value

Few studies so far have focused on institutional logics and their implications for SC design.
Analyzing industry changes and business evolution: the path forward for Midwest Equipment Company
Authors: Straub Larry Gene , Perry John
Published: February 2019

Theoretical basis

The case illustrates how environmental forces affect an industry’s profitability. PESTEL and five forces analyses can be used to examine the retail agricultural equipment industry.

Research methodology

Single case study.

Case overview/synopsis

Jonathan Sullivan has a decision to make. His company is struggling due to difficult industry conditions. He is questioning if the company can continue to survive. MEC is an agricultural equipment dealer. The industry has experienced boom-and-bust periods since the company was founded. But the current downturn seems different. The past five years have been difficult as manufacturers have changed their dealership practices. Jonathan has struggled with some of the new practices the manufacturers have implemented. These new practices could negatively impact the company’s ability to survive. Jonathan wonders, “What is the best path forward for the business?”

Complexity academic level

The case is designed to be used in an undergraduate strategic management course.
Loss of biotic resistance and high propagule pressure promote invasive grass‐fire cycles
Authors: St. Clair Samuel B. , Bishop Tara B. B.
Published: February 2019

The spread of invasive grasses across Earth are modifying fire cycles resulting in state changes in arid ecosystems. Disturbance, biotic resistance of native biological communities and propagule pressure, are likely the important factors influencing the spread of invasive grasses and their influence on changing fire regimes.

Over a 5‐year period (2011–2016), we tested how the potential loss of biotic resistance of native plant and native rodent communities related to fire and rodent exclusion treatments, in concert with increased propagule pressure affected the establishment of Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass) and the spread of secondary fires.

Our study results suggest that native plant and native rodent communities contribute to biotic resistance against cheatgrass invasion and that fire and high propagule pressure act to diminish biotic resistance by native communities. Five years into the study, cheatgrass establishment was 11‐fold greater in burned plots than in unburned plots (with native plant communities still intact), 2.4‐fold greater in rodent exclusion plots than rodent access plots and 1.8‐fold greater with increased propagule pressure. At the start of the experiment in 2011 cheatgrass was present in the experimental blocks but at very low density (<1 plant/m2). However, by 2016, burned‐rodent excluded plots were fully invaded (1625 stems/m2). High propagule pressure released cheatgrass from biotic resistance of rodent communities in post‐fire conditions but had minimal effects on the biotic resistance of native plant communities in unburned plots. Fire in combination with either rodent exclusion or high cheatgrass propagule pressure produced higher density cheatgrass stands that were positively correlated with the spread of secondary fires that are characteristic of invasive grass‐fire cycles.

Synthesis. Loss of native plant cover or reduction in rodent populations due to fire, extreme climatic events or disease outbreaks, which are increasing with human activity, may provide windows of opportunity for invasive grasses to escape biotic resistance and reinforce invasive grass‐fire cycles.
Marine Synechococcus isolates representing globally abundant genomic lineages demonstrate a unique evolutionary path of genome reduction without a decrease in GC content
Authors: Lee Michael D. , Ahlgren Nathan A. , Kling Joshua D. , Walworth Nathan G. , Rocap Gabrielle , Saito Mak A. , Hutchins David A. , Webb Eric A.
Published: February 2019

Synechococcus, a genus of unicellular cyanobacteria found throughout the global surface ocean, is a large driver of Earth's carbon cycle. Developing a better understanding of its diversity and distributions is an ongoing effort in biological oceanography. Here, we introduce 12 new draft genomes of marine Synechococcus isolates spanning five clades and utilize ~100 environmental metagenomes largely sourced from the TARA Oceans project to assess the global distributions of the genomic lineages they and other reference genomes represent. We show that five newly provided clade‐II isolates are by far the most representative of the recovered in situ populations (most ‘abundant’) and have biogeographic distributions distinct from previously available clade‐II references. Additionally, these isolates form a subclade possessing the smallest genomes yet identified of the genus (2.14 ± 0.05Mbps; mean ± 1SD) while concurrently hosting some of the highest GC contents (60.67 ± 0.16%). This is in direct opposition to the pattern in Synechococcus’s nearest relative, Prochlorococcus – wherein decreasing genome size has coincided with a strong decrease in GC content – suggesting this new subclade of Synechococcus appears to have convergently undergone genomic reduction relative to the rest of the genus, but along a fundamentally different evolutionary trajectory.
Effectiveness of antimalarial interventions in Nigeria: Evidence from facility‐level longitudinal data
Authors: Witvorapong Nopphol , Yakubu Kolo Yaro
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a program of antimalarial interventions implemented in 2010‐2013 in Niger State, Nigeria.

Data Sources

Utilization reports from 99 intervention and 51 non‐intervention health facilities from the Niger State Malaria Elimination Program, supplemented by data on facility‐level characteristics from the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency and Local Government Malaria Control units.

Study Design

Estimated with mixed‐effects negative binomial modeling, a difference‐in‐differences method was used to quantify the impact of the program on the number of febrile illness cases and confirmed malaria cases. Potential confounding factors, non‐stationarity, seasonality, and autocorrelation were explicitly accounted for.

Data Extraction Methods

Data were retrieved from hard copies of utilization reports and manually inputted to create a panel of 5550 facility‐month observations.

Principal Findings

The program was implemented in two phases. The first phase (August 2010‐June 2012) involved the provision of free artemisinin‐based combination therapies, long‐lasting insecticidal nets, and intermittent preventive treatments. In the second phase (July 2012‐March 2013), the program introduced an additional intervention: free parasite‐based rapid diagnostic tests. Compared to the pre‐intervention period, the average number of monthly febrile illness and malaria cases increased by 20.876 (P < 0.01) and 22.835 (P < 0.01) in the first phase, and by 19.007 (P < 0.05) and 19.681 (P < 0.05) in the second phase, respectively. The results are consistent across different evaluation methods.

Conclusions

This study suggests that user‐fee removal leads to increased utilization of antimalarial services. It motivates future studies to cautiously select their investigative methods.
A potential role for immigrant reproductive behavior in the outcome of population augmentations
Authors: Mensch E. L. , Kronenberger J. A. , Broder E. D. , Fitzpatrick S. W. , Funk W. C. , Angeloni L. M.
Published: February 2019

Augmenting wild populations with translocated individuals is a powerful conservation tool to achieve genetic rescue, but little is known about the role mating behavior plays in the success of augmentation efforts. We studied the behavior of male Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata introduced into experimental mesocosm populations and assessed whether mating behavior influenced reproductive success. A previously published analysis of the same experiment found that populations from the Quare River had higher immigrant reproductive success than populations from the Marianne River, contributing to higher population fitness following augmentation. However, the reason for high immigrant reproductive success remained unclear. Our behavioral observations of a subset of those populations revealed that immigrant males from Quare (but not Marianne) performed more sexual displays and forced copulations and had marginally higher reproductive success than resident males. These results, combined with significant differences in reproductive success and population fitness reported in the previous study, suggest that mating behavior may have improved the outcome of augmentation by increasing genetic admixture. We urge wildlife managers and researchers to consider mating behavior as a factor influencing augmentation success.
Demonstration of critical role of GRIN3A in nicotine dependence through both genetic association and molecular functional studies
Authors: Chen Jiali , Liu Qiang , Fan Rongli , Han Haijun , Yang Zhongli , Cui Wenyan , Song Guohua , Li Ming D.
Published: February 2019

Nicotine dependence (ND) is a chronic disease with catastrophic effects on individual and public health. The glutamate receptor subunit gene, ionotropic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate 3A (GRIN3A), encodes a crucial subunit of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which play an essential role in synaptic plasticity in the brain. Although various variants of GRIN3A have been associated with ND in European‐American and African‐American samples, no study has been reported for the association between GRIN3A and ND in Chinese Han population. We performed an association study of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GRIN3A with ND in 2616 Chinese individuals. SNP‐based association analysis indicated that SNP rs1323423 was significantly associated with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score after correction for multiple testing (P = 0.0026). Haplotype‐based association analysis revealed that Block 3, formed by rs1323423‐rs10989591, was significantly associated with the FTND score after correction for multiple testing (global P = 0.0183). Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the DNA region containing rs1323423 was an enhancer element, the activity of which was significantly impacted by rs1323423 genotype. Considering that rs1323423 is located in a potential enhancer region, we performed GRIN3A editing in HEK293T cells with CRISPR/Cas9 and found that the DNA region around rs1323423 has a regulatory function and the expression of GRIN3A affects the expression of other NMDA subunits. Moreover, we demonstrated that nicotine at a concentration of 100 μM decreased expression of GRIN3A in SH‐SY5Y and HEK293T cells at the RNA and protein level, respectively. This study provides novel evidence for the involvement of GRIN3A in ND.
Isolation of primary odontoblasts: Expectations and limitations
Authors: Widbiller Matthias , Bucchi Cristina , Rosendahl Andreas , Spanier Gerrit , Buchalla Wolfgang , Galler Kerstin M.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different protocols of enzymatic treatment (collagenase with either protease, trypsin or hyaluronidase) to isolate mature odontoblasts. Primary odontoblasts were obtained from human molars, which was confirmed by histology and scanning electron microscopy. The combination of collagenase with protease appeared most suitable and resulted in higher cell numbers and better integrity of the odontoblast processes, whereas combination with hyaluronidase or trypsin led to truncated processes and detachment of cell patches instead of single cells. However, trypan blue staining after 24 h showed that odontoblasts in culture did not remain viable. Gene expression analysis was possible after mRNA extraction from tissues ex vivo and real‐time semi‐quantitative PCR revealed increased expression of collagen, nestin, bone sialoprotein and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 in the odontoblast layer. Though primary odontoblasts could not be cultivated after isolation, characteristic genes were identified to differentiate odontoblasts from pulp fibroblasts.
Signatures of de‐domestication in autochthonous pig breeds and of domestication in wild boar populations from MC1R and NR6A1 allele distribution
Authors: Ribani A. , Utzeri V. J. , Geraci C. , Tinarelli S. , Djan M. , Veličković N. , Doneva R. , Dall'Olio S. , Nanni Costa L. , Schiavo G. , Bovo S. , Usai G. , Gallo M. , Radović Č. , Savić R. , Karolyi D. , Salajpal K. , Gvozdanović K. , Djurkin‐Kušec I. , Škrlep M. , Čandek‐Potokar M. , Ovilo C. , Fontanesi L.
Published: February 2019

Autochthonous pig breeds are usually reared in extensive or semi‐extensive production systems that might facilitate contact with wild boars and, thus, reciprocal genetic exchanges. In this study, we analysed variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene (which cause different coat colour phenotypes) and in the nuclear receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (NR6A1) gene (associated with increased vertebral number) in 712 pigs of 12 local pig breeds raised in Italy (Apulo‐Calabrese, Casertana, Cinta Senese, Mora Romagnola, Nero Siciliano and Sarda) and south‐eastern European countries (Krškopolje from Slovenia, Black Slavonian and Turopolje from Croatia, Mangalitsa and Moravka from Serbia and East Balkan Swine from Bulgaria) and compared the data with the genetic variability at these loci investigated in 229 wild boars from populations spread in the same macro‐geographic areas. None of the autochthonous pig breeds or wild boar populations were fixed for one allele at both loci. Domestic and wild‐type alleles at these two genes were present in both domestic and wild populations. Findings of the distribution of MC1R alleles might be useful for tracing back the complex genetic history of autochthonous breeds. Altogether, these results indirectly demonstrate that bidirectional introgression of wild and domestic alleles is derived and affected by the human and naturally driven evolutionary forces that are shaping the Sus scrofa genome: autochthonous breeds are experiencing a sort of ‘de‐domestication’ process, and wild resources are challenged by a ‘domestication’ drift. Both need to be further investigated and managed.
Supporting ageing well research: Findings from a research priority setting exercise
Authors: Doolan‐Noble Fiona , Mehta Poonam , Waters Debra , Baxter George David
Published: February 2019

Objective

This paper describes a workshop process conducted to guide funding priorities for the Ageing Well National Science Challenge in New Zealand (NZ).

Methods

Based on the Checklist for Health Research Priority Setting, stakeholders networking workshops were conducted in five main cities in NZ (n = 133 attendees). Each workshop involved an introductory presentation; small group work exploring the a priori areas of: mind health, social well‐being, health services and age‐friendly environments; capturing key ideas on flip charts; feedback; and discussion of documented content.

Results

Suggested strategies to address these issues incorporated reduction in segregated “villages,” delivery of integrated care and provision of age‐friendly transport. Proposed examples of monitoring impact included increased tertiary participation by older people and presence of more housing options.

Conclusion

Actively engaging older adults and community stakeholders in setting research priorities provided a unique opportunity to understand the key areas older adults think important for future research.
Comparison of bilateral medial rectus plication and resection for the treatment of convergence insufficiency‐type intermittent exotropia
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Wenqiu , Chen Bingjie , Liao Meng , Liu Longqian
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of bilateral medial rectus plication and resection for the treatment of convergence insufficiency (CI)‐type intermittent exotropia (IXT).

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with CI‐type IXT were included in this prospective study and were followed for 6 months. The patients were randomized into two groups: the bilateral medial rectus plication (BMRP) group (n = 27) and the bilateral medial rectus resection (BMRR) group (n = 28). The eye examinations of each patient were carried out before the surgery and at 1 day and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The success rate, angle of deviation, stereoacuity, operative time and postoperative conjunctival swelling and redness score were analysed.

Results

The mean deviation at distance at 1 day postoperatively was +6.6 ± 5.6 prism dioptres (PD) in the BMRP group, which was lower than the value of +10.8 ± 9.3 PD observed in the BMRR group (p = 0.046). There was more overcorrection in the BMRR group at first day after surgery. However, there were no significant differences in deviations or success rates were observed between the two groups at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery (p > 0.05). The operative time in the BMRP (12.9 ± 1.4 min) group was shorter than that in the BMRR (14.7 ± 1.4 min) group (p < 0.001). Postoperative conjunctival swelling and redness were milder in the BMRP group than in the BMRR group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The BMRP surgery could be an alternative procedure to BMRR for the treatment of CI‐type IXT with less immediate postoperative overcorrection and simpler, safer, less traumatic characteristics.
Measuring poverty and income distribution in Southeast Asia
Authors: Booth Anne
Published: February 2019

The paper surveys the extensive research on the measurement of poverty and inequality in Southeast Asia over the last five decades. It examines the work carried out by both independent scholars and international agencies including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The paper argues that the household surveys carried out by national statistical agencies across the region, and used by most researchers, are often flawed. These flaws have led to rather misleading results both for individual countries and for cross‐country comparisons. Further problems have been found in the data on purchasing power parities (PPP) which have been used by the World Bank to estimate poverty both in Southeast Asia and in other developing countries. The paper also points out that estimates of poverty and inequality are often politically sensitive, and argues that a more accurate understanding of the estimation problems will only emerge if governments support rather than suppress open debate over measurement problems.
Randomised clinical trial: gabapentin vs baclofen in the treatment of suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough
Authors: Dong Ran , Xu Xianghuai , Yu Li , Ding Hongmei , Pan Jing , Yu Yiming , Shi Cuiqin , Chen Qiang , Zhang Mengru , Lv Hanjing , Qiu Zhongmin
Published: February 2019

Background

Neuromodulators are considered potential therapeutic options for refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough.

Aim

To compare the efficacy of gabapentin and baclofen in patients with suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐four patients with suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough, who failed an 8‐week course of omeprazole and domperidone, were recruited into the open‐labelled study and randomly assigned to receive either gabapentin (maximum daily dose of 900 mg) or baclofen (maximum daily dose of 60 mg) for 8 weeks as add‐on therapy to the previous treatment. The primary end point was the successful rate of cough resolution; and the secondary end‐points included cough sensitivity to capsaicin and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score and reported side effects.

Results

One hundred and eleven patients in the gabapentin group and 106 in the baclofen group completed the study. The overall success rate for cough resolution was comparable (57.3% vs 53.0%, χ2 = 0.357, P = 0.550) between the two groups. In parallel, cough sensitivity to capsaicin and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score decreased after treatment with either gabapentin or baclofen. However, gabapentin was associated with less frequent somnolence (20.5% vs 35.0%, χ2 = 6.156, P = 0.013) and dizziness (11.1% vs 23.9%, χ2 = 6.654, P = 0.010) than baclofen.

Conclusions

Gabapentin and baclofen have similar therapeutic efficacy for suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough. However, gabapentin may be preferable because of fewer side effects. Trial Register: http://www.chictr.org/; No.: ChiCTR‐ONC‐13003066.
Biology and therapy of primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma: current status and future directions
Authors: Lees Charlotte , Keane Colm , Gandhi Maher K. , Gunawardana Jay
Published: February 2019

Primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a distinct disease closely related to classical nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma. Conventional diagnostic paradigms utilising clinical, morphological and immunophenotypical features can be challenging due to overlapping features with other B‐cell lymphomas. Reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that are applicable to the conventional diagnostic laboratory are largely lacking. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signalling pathways are characteristically dysregulated in PMBCL and implicated in several aspects of disease pathogenesis, and the latter pathway in host immune evasion. The tumour microenvironment is manipulated by PMBCL tumours to avoid T‐cell mediated destruction via strategies that include loss of tumour cell antigenicity, T‐cell exhaustion and activation of suppressive T‐regulatory cells. R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) and DA‐EPOCH‐R (dose‐adjusted etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, rituximab) are the most common first‐line immunochemotherapy regimens. End of treatment positron emission tomography scans are the recommended imaging modality and are being evaluated to stratify patients for radiotherapy. Relapsed/refractory disease has a relatively poor outcome despite salvage immunochemotherapy and subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation. Novel therapies are therefore being developed for treatment‐resistant disease, targeting aberrant cellular signalling and immune evasion.
The influence of basement faults on local extension directions: Insights from potential field geophysics and field observations
Authors: Samsu Anindita , Cruden Alexander R. , Hall Mike , Micklethwaite Steven , Denyszyn Steven W.
Published: February 2019

Complex arrays of faults in extensional basins are potentially influenced by pre‐existing zones of weakness in the underlying basement, such as faults, shear zones, foliation, and terrane boundaries. Separating the influence of such basement heterogeneities from far‐field tectonics proves to be challenging, especially when the timing and character of deformation cannot be interpreted from seismic reflection data. Here we aim to determine the influence of basement heterogeneities on fault patterns in overlying cover rocks using interpretations of potential field geophysical data and outcrop‐scale observations. We mapped >1 km to meter scale fractures in the western onshore Gippsland Basin of southeast Australia and its underlying basement. Overprinting relationships between fractures and mafic intrusions are used to determine the sequence of faulting and reactivation, beginning with initial Early Cretaceous rifting. Our interpretations are constrained by a new Early Cretaceous U‐Pb zircon isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry age (116.04 ± 0.15 Ma) for an outcropping subvertical, NNW‐SSE striking dolerite dike hosted in Lower Cretaceous Strzelecki Group sandstone. NW‐SE to NNW‐SSE striking dikes may have signaled the onset of Early Cretaceous rifting along the East Gondwana margin at ca. 105–100 Ma. Our results show that rift faults can be oblique to their expected orientation when pre‐existing basement heterogeneities are present, and they are orthogonal to the extension direction where basement structures are less influential or absent. NE‐SW to ENE‐WSW trending Early Cretaceous rift‐related normal faults traced on unmanned aerial vehicle orthophotos and digital aerial images of outcrops are strongly oblique to the inferred Early Cretaceous N‐S to NNE‐SSW regional extension direction. However, previously mapped rift‐related faults in the offshore Gippsland Basin (to the east of the study area) trend E‐W to WNW‐ESE, consistent with the inferred regional extension direction. This discrepancy is attributed to the influence of NNE‐SSW trending basement faults underneath the onshore part of the basin, which caused local re‐orientation of the Early Cretaceous far‐field stress above the basement during rifting. Two possible mechanisms for inheritance are discussed—reactivation of pre‐existing basement faults or local re‐orientation of extension vectors. Multiple stages of extension with rotated extension vectors are not required to achieve non‐parallel fault sets observed at the rift basin scale. Our findings demonstrate the importance of (1) using integrated, multi‐scale datasets to map faults and (2) mapping basement geology when investigating the structural evolution of an overlying sedimentary basin.
On the Quebec Judiciary and Phenomenon of Online Child Luring
Authors: Greco Christopher
Published: February 2019

Online child luring (OCL) or the use of transmission media connected computers to facilitate the sexual abuse of a child is not a new social problem. Seventeen years have passed since parliament introduced section 172.1 (luring a child) to the Criminal Code of Canada in the hope of addressing “a growing phenomenon” [McLellan, 2001. House of Commons Debates 37th Parliament 1st Session. Edited Hansard 137(54):3581]. While the government has, on several occasions, moved to increase the length of sentences adjoined to section 172.1, little research exists on how judges perceive OCL or that which constitutes an appropriate judicial response. Using the written decisions of criminal cases tried in the province of Quebec, I focus on these perceptions or, rather, their descriptive indicators.
Feasibility and utility of a panel testing for 114 cancer‐associated genes in a clinical setting: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Sunami Kuniko , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Kubo Takashi , Kato Mamoru , Fujiwara Yutaka , Shimomura Akihiko , Koyama Takafumi , Kakishima Hiroki , Kitami Mayuko , Matsushita Hiromichi , Furukawa Eisaku , Narushima Daichi , Nagai Momoko , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Motoi Noriko , Sekine Shigeki , Maeshima Akiko , Mori Taisuke , Watanabe Reiko , Yoshida Masayuki , Yoshida Akihiko , Yoshida Hiroshi , Satomi Kaishi , Sukeda Aoi , Hashimoto Taiki , Shimizu Toshio , Iwasa Satoru , Yonemori Kan , Kato Ken , Morizane Chigusa , Ogawa Chitose , Tanabe Noriko , Sugano Kokichi , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Tamura Kenji , Yoshida Teruhiko , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Ochiai Atsushi , Yamamoto Noboru , Kohno Takashi
Published: February 2019

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of tumor tissue (ie, clinical sequencing) can guide clinical management by providing information about actionable gene aberrations that have diagnostic and therapeutic significance. Here, we undertook a hospital‐based prospective study (TOP‐GEAR project, 2nd stage) to investigate the feasibility and utility of NGS‐based analysis of 114 cancer‐associated genes (the NCC Oncopanel test). We examined 230 cases (comprising more than 30 tumor types) of advanced solid tumors, all of which were matched with nontumor samples. Gene profiling data were obtained for 187 cases (81.3%), 111 (59.4%) of which harbored actionable gene aberrations according to the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Next Generation Sequencing in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment (Edition 1.0) issued by 3 major Japanese cancer‐related societies. Twenty‐five (13.3%) cases have since received molecular‐targeted therapy according to their gene aberrations. These results indicate the utility of tumor‐profiling multiplex gene panel testing in a clinical setting in Japan. This study is registered with UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN 000011141).
Secure Base Provision: A New Approach to Examining Links Between Maternal Caregiving and Infant Attachment
Authors: Woodhouse Susan S. , Scott Julie R. , Hepworth Allison D. , Cassidy Jude
Published: February 2019

This observational study addressed a critical gap in the understanding of the precursors of infant attachment by examining whether a new conceptualization of maternal caregiving behavior, secure base provision (SBP), explained variance in attachment above and beyond variance explained by sensitivity. Participants included 83 low‐socioeconomic status (SES), 4.5‐month‐old infants (56% male) and their mothers. Infant–mother dyads completed laboratory tasks at 4.5 months and three 30‐min home visits between 7 and 9 months, then returned to the laboratory at 12 months for an attachment assessment. Maternal sensitivity did not significantly predict infant attachment security. SBP significantly predicted infant attachment, over and above sensitivity, with an effect size eight times larger than that of sensitivity in meta‐analytic findings for low‐SES families.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of ASP3662, a Novel 11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor, in Healthy Young and Elderly Subjects
Authors: Bellaire Susan , Walzer Mark , Wang Tianli , Krauwinkel Walter , Yuan Nancy , Marek Gerard J.
Published: February 2019

Inhibition of the enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) represents a potential mechanism for improving pain conditions. ASP3662 is a potent and selective inhibitor of 11β‐HSD1. Two phase I clinical studies were conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PKs), and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of single and multiple ascending doses of ASP3662 in healthy young and elderly non‐Japanese and young Japanese subjects. Nonlinear, more than dose‐proportional PKs were observed for ASP3662 after single‐dose administration, particularly at lower doses (≤ 6 mg); the PKs at steady state were dose proportional, although the time to ASP3662 steady state was dose dependent at lower doses (≤ 2 mg). Similar PKs were observed among young Japanese, young non‐Japanese, and elderly non‐Japanese subjects. Specific inhibition of 11β‐HSD1 occurred after both single and multiple doses of ASP3662. A marked dissociation between PKs and PDs was observed after single but not multiple doses of ASP3662. ASP3662 was generally safe and well tolerated.
Early environmental influences on the development of children's brain structure and function
Authors: Miguel Patrícia M , Pereira Lenir O , Silveira Patrícia P , Meaney Michael J
Published: February 2019

The developing brain in utero and during the first years of life is highly vulnerable to environmental influences. Experiences occurring during this period permanently modify brain structure and function through epigenetic modifications (alterations of the DNA structure and chromatin function) and consequently affect the susceptibility to mental disorders. In this review, we describe evidence linking adverse environmental variation during early life (from the fetal period to childhood) and long‐term changes in brain volume, microstructure, and connectivity, especially in amygdala and hippocampal regions. We also describe genetic variations that moderate the impact of adverse environmental conditions on child neurodevelopment, such as polymorphisms in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase genes, as well as genetic pathways related to glutamate and monoaminergic signaling. Lastly, we have depicted positive early life experiences that could benefit childhood neurodevelopment and reverse some detrimental effects of adversity in the offspring.

What this paper adds

Prenatal, peripartum, and postnatal adversities influence child behavior and neurodevelopment.

Exposure to environmental enrichment and positive influences may revert these effects.

Putative mechanisms involve alterations in neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter systems.

New tools/big data improved the understanding on how early adversity alters neurodevelopment.

This permits better translation/application of the findings from animal models to humans.
Heart failure in the patient with diabetes: Epidemiology, aetiology, prognosis, therapy and the effect of glucose‐lowering medications
Authors: Bell David S. H. , Goncalves Edison
Published: February 2019

In people with type 2 diabetes the frequency of heart failure (HF) is increased and mortality from HF is higher than with non‐diabetic HF. The increased frequency of HF is attributable to the cardiotoxic tetrad of ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetic cardiomyopathy and an extracellular volume expansion resistant to atrial natriuretic peptides. Activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous systems results in cardiac remodelling, which worsens cardiac function. Reversal of remodelling can be achieved, and cardiac function improved in people with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and β‐blockers. However, with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), only therapy for the underlying risk factors helps. Blockers of mineralocorticoid receptors may be beneficial in both HFrEF and HFpEF. Glucose‐lowering drugs can have a negative effect (insulin, sulphonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and thiazolidinediones), a neutral effect (α‐glucosidase inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists) or a positive effect (sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and metformin).
Evaluating the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) for type 2 diabetes in Spain based on real‐world clinical evidence
Authors: Raya Pedro Mezquita , Blasco Francisco Javier Ampudia , Hunt Barnaby , Martin Virginia , Thorsted Brian Larsen , Basse Amaury , Price Hermione
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus comparator regimens for type 2 diabetes in Spain, based on real‐world evidence.

Materials and methods

Clinical data were taken from the European Xultophy Treatment Retrospective Audit (EXTRA) real‐world evidence study in which patients failing to meet glycaemic targets were switched to IDegLira. Baseline regimens (prior to IDegLira treatment) were categorized as: multiple daily insulin injections (MDI; 28%); glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists in combination with insulin (24%); basal insulin (19%); GLP‐1 receptor agonists (10%); and non‐injectable medications (19%). The IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model was used to project long‐term outcomes for patients switching to IDegLira or continuing their baseline regimens (excluding non‐injectable regimens). Costs were accounted from a Spanish National Health System perspective. Future costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 3% annually and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

IDegLira was projected to reduce the incidence of diabetes‐related complications and improve quality‐adjusted life expectancy versus all four comparators. IDegLira reduced direct medical costs versus GLP‐1 receptor agonists in combination with insulin, and versus GLP‐1 receptor agonist therapy, and was therefore considered dominant (cost saving while improving outcomes). IDegLira was found to be cost‐effective versus MDI and basal insulin with incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of EUR 3013 per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained and EUR 6890 per QALY gained, respectively.

Conclusions

Long‐term projections based on real‐world evidence indicated that IDegLira is likely to improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs or be cost‐effective compared with other injectable regimens in people with type 2 diabetes in Spain.
Relationship between left ventricular vortex and preejectional flow velocity during isovolumic contraction studied by using vector flow mapping
Authors: Li Qiaozhen , Huang Liang , Ma Na , Li Zhiguo , Han Yu , Wu Ling , Zhang Xiaoxia , Li Yiwei , Zhang Haibin
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the vortex in left ventricle (LV) during the isovolumic contraction (IVC) period and the preejectional flow velocity in LV outflow tract (VLVOT).

Methods

Color Doppler loops were acquired for vector flow mapping in apical long‐axis view in 76 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, 61 patients with coronary artery disease and 36 healthy controls.

Results

All normals exhibited an IVC vortex reaching the LV base. VLVOT was significantly related to IVC vortex area flux, transmitral A velocity, mitral annular a′ velocity and E/e′ ratio, respectively. Transmitral A velocity was the only independent predictor of VLVOT (R2 = 0.292, P = 0.001). In patients the IVC vortex could reach the LV base, middle, or apex. VLVOT was significantly related to range, area and area flux of the IVC vortex, LV size, LVEF, mitral annular velocities, E/e′ ratio, transmitral A velocity, and IVC time, respectively. Range and corrected area flux of the IVC vortex, LV end‐systolic short diameter, and IVC time were independent predictors of VLVOT (R2 = 0.608, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In normals, the transmitral A velocity (momentum) is efficiently transferred from mitral orifice to LV outflow tract by a normally formed IVC vortex, and transmitral A velocity is the only independent predictor of VLVOT. However, in patients with a wide range of LV enlargement and dysfunction, the momentum transfer is associated with not only the LV dimension and function, but also the range and volume of the IVC vortex.
Detection of pine needle diseases caused by Dothistroma septosporum, Dothistroma pini and Lecanosticta acicola using different methodologies
Authors: Schneider Salome , Jung Esther , Queloz Valentin , Meyer Joana B. , Rigling Daniel
Published: February 2019

Dothistroma and Lecanosticta needle blight are among the most damaging foliage diseases in plantations and natural pine stands worldwide, and are therefore listed as quarantine organisms in numerous countries. The aim of this study was to validate different methodologies used for the detection of both diseases. Based on multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR), simultaneous detection and discrimination of the three pathogens Dothistroma septosporum, Dothistroma pini and Lecanosticta acicola were possible in symptomatic needles. Additionally, the same set of needles was analysed for the presence of all three pathogens using novel end‐point PCR assays followed by enzymatic digestion of PCR products. Results were compared with the qPCR data, and for validation, collected needles were screened morphologically for the presence of typical fruiting bodies and spores. Differences in detection sensitivity were found between the detection tools. The qPCR‐based detection allowed for specific and efficient identification and quantification of all three pathogens simultaneously. At the same time, conventional PCR assays, which target the multicopy ITS region, showed increased detection sensitivity and can be conducted without the use of expensive infrastructure and reagents.
Safety and effectiveness of mogamulizumab in relapsed or refractory adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma
Authors: Ishitsuka Kenji , Yurimoto Satoshi , Tsuji Yukie , Iwabuchi Manabu , Takahashi Takeshi , Tobinai Kensei
Published: February 2019

Objective

This prospective, observational, postmarketing surveillance was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of mogamulizumab, an anti‐CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) monoclonal antibody, in patients with CCR4‐positive, relapsed or refractory (r/r) adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma (ATL) in Japan.

Method

All patients were scheduled to receive intravenous infusions of mogamulizumab 1.0 mg/kg once weekly for 8 weeks, alone or in combination with other modalities.

Results

In the safety analysis population comprising 572 patients, mogamulizumab therapy was started between May 29, 2012, and April 30, 2013, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 73.4% (38.6% serious cases) of patients. The most common ADRs were skin disorders (33.2% [10.8% serious cases]), infusion‐related reactions (30.1% [4.7% serious cases]), and infections (22.0% [14.7% serious cases]). In the effectiveness analysis population comprising 523 patients, the best overall response rate and the response rate at the end of therapy were 57.9% and 42.0%, respectively. The median overall survival was 5.5 months. Safety and effectiveness results were similar between patients aged ≥70 and <70 years.

Conclusion

This postmarketing surveillance confirmed the safety and effectiveness of mogamulizumab for the treatment of patients with r/r ATL, including elderly patients, in clinical practice.