bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring biosynthetic and gene regulatory networks from Artemisia annua RNA sequencing data on a credit card-sized ARM computer
Authors: Tan Qiao Wen , Mutwil Marek
Published: June 2019

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Prediction of gene function and gene regulatory networks is one of the most active topics in bioinformatics. The accumulation of publicly available gene expression data for hundreds of plant species, together with advances in bioinformatical methods and affordable computing, sets ingenuity as the major bottleneck in understanding gene function and regulation. Here, we show how a credit card-sized computer retailing for less than 50 USD can be used to rapidly predict gene function and infer regulatory networks from RNA sequencing data. To achieve this, we constructed a bioinformatical pipeline that downloads and allows quality-control of RNA sequencing data; and generates a gene co-expression network that can reveal enzymes and transcription factors participating and controlling a given biosynthetic pathway. We exemplify this by first identifying genes and transcription factors involved in the biosynthesis of secondary cell wall in the plant Artemisia annua, the main natural source of the anti-malarial drug artemisinin. Networks were then used to dissect the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway, which suggest potential transcription factors regulating artemisinin biosynthesis. We provide the source code of our pipeline and envision that the ubiquity of affordable computing, availability of biological data and increased bioinformatical training of biologists will transform the field of bioinformatics.

Highlights

Processing of large scale transcriptomic data with affordable single-board computers

Transcription factors can be found in the same network as their targets

Co-expression of transcription factors and genes in secondary cell wall biosynthesis

Co-expression of transcription factors and genes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis
Decoding Speech and Music Stimuli from the Frequency Following Response
Authors: Losorelli Steven , Kaneshiro Blair , Musacchia Gabriella A. , Blevins Nikolas H. , Fitzgerald Matthew B.
Published: June 2019

The ability to differentiate complex sounds is essential for communication. Here, we propose using a machine-learning approach, called classification, to objectively evaluate auditory perception. In this study, we recorded frequency following responses (FFRs) from 13 normal-hearing adult participants to six short music and speech stimuli sharing similar fundamental frequencies but varying in overall spectral and temporal characteristics. Each participant completed a perceptual identification test using the same stimuli. We used linear discriminant analysis to classify FFRs. Results showed statistically significant FFR classification accuracies using both the full response epoch in the time domain (72.3% accuracy, p < 0.001) as well as real and imaginary Fourier coefficients up to 1 kHz (74.6%, p < 0.001). We classified decomposed versions of the responses in order to examine which response features contributed to successful decoding. Classifier accuracies using Fourier magnitude and phase alone in the same frequency range were lower but still significant (58.2% and 41.3% respectively, p < 0.001). Classification of overlapping 20-msec subsets of the FFR in the time domain similarly produced reduced but significant accuracies (42.3%–62.8%, p < 0.001). Participants’ mean perceptual responses were most accurate (90.6%, p < 0.001). Confusion matrices from FFR classifications and perceptual responses were converted to distance matrices and visualized as dendrograms. FFR classifications and perceptual responses demonstrate similar patterns of confusion across the stimuli. Our results demonstrate that classification can differentiate auditory stimuli from FFR responses with high accuracy. Moreover, the reduced accuracies obtained when the FFR is decomposed in the time and frequency domains suggest that different response features contribute complementary information, similar to how the human auditory system is thought to rely on both timing and frequency information to accurately process sound. Taken together, these results suggest that FFR classification is a promising approach for objective assessment of auditory perception.
Challenges of turboprop engine installation on small aircraft
Authors: Guła Paweł , Ulma Dawid , Żurek Krzysztof , Żurawski Rafał
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the challenges of turbine engine installation on small aircraft. The work was a part of the European Union project Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft, FP7 EU – Activity, 7.1.4. improving cost efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Few of the most interesting issues associated with replacing a piston engine with a turboprop engine were chosen: changes in engine bay cooling, air inlet, exhaust system, nacellès weight and parts reduction, flight tests and performance. The publication presents an approach to: design, assemble and test the small aircraft with a turboprop engine.

Findings

Replacement of piston engine by turbine was carried out. The full program of ground and flight test small aircraft has been successfully completed. Pros and cons of the new design are described in the paper.

Practical implications

Currently, aviation gasoline (AVGAS ) is increasingly being replaced by JET-A1 (kerosene-type fuels) or diesel fuel. The change concerns engine replacement and all the necessary additional components on the aircraft. This is consistent with the new directions of development of aviation: clean, green and eco design. Replacing the piston engine with a turbine allows improvement to performance and reduces operation cost.

Originality/value

The achieved results allow for identifying and highlighting new directions of aviation technology development. A significant added value is to draw attention to the necessity of preparing for future requirements and amendments in regulations for the new class of aircraft: general aviation SET(L) – single engine turboprop.
Macroeconomic factors and stock prices in the food and drink industry
Authors: Šimáková Jana , Stavárek Daniel , Pražák Tomáš , Ligocká Marie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate and evaluate the impact of macroeconomic fundamentals on stock prices of selected food and drink industry stocks during the period of 2005–2015, which saw the global financial crisis and its aftermath.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed correlation analysis and the Johansen cointegration test with the vector error correction mechanism for EU companies operating in the food and drink industry. The paper tested the effects of GDP, inflation and interest rates (IR) on the stock prices of companies from Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Spain and the UK.

Findings

Based on the results, the authors can see that GDP has a generally positive effect on stock price development. In contrast, the relationship between stock prices and inflation and IR is negative in most cases.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that a majority of empirical research on companies in the food and drink sector was performed using the microeconomic approach, this paper used the macroeconomic approach and clearly demonstrated the effects of selected macro-variables on stock prices in selected EU markets. Macroeconomic factors shape the company’s performance and could potentially lead to persistent changes in supply and demand conditions in food and drink markets.
The influence of abusive supervision on employees’ motivation and extra-role behaviors
Authors: Huang Liang-Chih , Su Chun-Hui , Lin Cheng-Chen , Lu Szu-Chi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to unlock how and why abusive supervision influences employees’ day-to-day behaviors. Thus, the present study proposes that employees who are continuously faced with a supervisor’s hostile verbal and nonverbal behavior might obstruct their willingness to exhibit two different kinds of extra-role behaviors [i.e. organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and voice] because sustained abusive behavior might hinder employees from their tasks and result in disengagement. Abused employees are more likely to disengage from their current tasks, and this is likely to in turn result in lower OCB and voice.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a Taiwan mid-sized high-tech manufacturing company. The present study adopted a within-person approach (a daily-basis research design) and collected data from 60 front-line employees over 10 working days. Although all variables were self-rated, common method variance is minor. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to ensure discriminant and convergent validity, and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of CFA ensure the measures have discriminant and convergent validity, while the results of HLM analysis showed that work engagement fully mediates the negative relationship between abusive supervision and the two kinds of extra-role behaviors. The bootstrapping results also support the full mediation effect of work engagement.

Originality/value

The present study used the job demands-resources model to examine how abusive supervision influences employees’ OCB and voice and found that work engagement is one possible mechanism between these two types of extra-role behavior. Specifically, a daily research design discovered that in a given working day, once a leader exhibits abusive supervision behavior, compared with any given day without abusive behaviors, employees will find it difficult to focus on their current tasks (i.e. through exhibiting decreased work engagement), which will in turn influence their willingness to exhibit OCB and voice on that particular day. Thus, both researchers and managers should focus on the daily interactions between leaders and employees because it is impossible to achieve organization success in one day, but rather such success is the aggregate result of both leaders’ and employees’ daily efforts.
Innovative seismic resistant structure of shield building with base isolation and tuned-mass-damping for AP1000 nuclear power plants
Authors: Hou Gangling , Li Meng , Hai Sun , Song Tianshu , Wu Lingshu , Li Yong , Zheng Gang , Shen Feng , Chen Yaodong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Seismic isolation, as an effective risk mitigation strategy of building/bridge structures, is incorporated into AP1000 nuclear power plants (NPPs) to alleviate the seismic damage that may occur to traditional structures of NPPs during their service. This is to promote the passive safety concept in the structural design of AP1000 NPPs against earthquakes.

Design/methodology/approach

In conjunction with seismic isolation, tuned-mass-damping (TMD) is integrated into the seismic resistance system of AP1000 NPPs to satisfy the multi-functional purposes. The proposed base-isolation-tuned-mass-damper (BIS-TMD) is studied by comparing the seismic performance of NPPs with four different design configurations (i.e. without BIS, BIS, BIS-TMD and TMD) with the design parameters of the TMD subsystem optimized.

Findings

Such a new seismic protection system (BIS-TMD) is proved to be promising because the advantages of BIS and TMD can be fully used. The benefits of the new structure include effective energy dissipation (i.e. wide vibration absorption band and a stable damping effect), which results in the high performance of NPPs subject to earthquakes with various intensity levels and spectra features.

Originality/value

Parametric studies are performed to demonstrate the seismic robustness (e.g. consistent performance against the changing mass of the water in the gravity liquid tank and mechanical properties) which further ensures that seismic safety requirements of NPPs can be satisfied through the use of BIS-TMD.
An evaluation of the impact of risk cost on risk allocation in public private partnership projects
Authors: Almarri Khalid , Alzahrani Saleh , Boussabaine Halim
Published: June 2019

Purpose

A unique aspect of PPP is the opportunity for the transfer of risk ownership to the private sector. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how risk cost influences risk allocation.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was used to collect data. The questionnaire included nine sub-categories of risks. To quantify the influence of risk cost on risk allocation, a dependency risk matrix was employed. Heat maps techniques were used to visualise the results of the survey.

Findings

The findings show which risks within the endogenous or exogenous groups are to be allocated to the public sector, the private sector, or to be shared. The finding from this research provides a baseline for the PPP stakeholders in developing guidelines for estimating the value of risk costs in the risks register as well as serving as a mechanism for risk allocation.

Research limitations/implications

The context of the study may limit the generalisability of the results.

Practical implications

The study provides practical guidance to PPP stakeholders on risk allocation appetite.

Originality/value

This study extends the processes and methods by which PPP project’s risk is allocated to create a better value for all the stakeholders.
The economics of the entrepreneur and the banker historical roots and contributions to the management of innovation
Authors: Boutillier Sophie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the nature of the relationship between the entrepreneur and the banker, which is central to any analysis of business creation and innovation management. The author’s main purpose is to understand how this relationship has been studied by the pioneer economists of the entrepreneur and to highlight their contribution to the understanding of today’s reality.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, the author proposes a sketch of an entrepreneur and banker economics based on the study of six economists (Cantillon, Smith, Bentham, Say, Schumpeter and Baumol) known for their works on entrepreneur theory. In their works, they explained how the (often difficult) relationship between the entrepreneur and the banker is built in a context of multi-uncertainty. They define the entrepreneur in different ways (a risk-taker, a prudent man, a projector, etc.), and put forward different behaviors facing uncertainty through social relations. The relationship between the entrepreneur and the banker can be read according to the grid of analysis of strong or weak ties (Granovetter, 1973).

Findings

This analysis demonstrates the importance of trust between the two protagonists. This contribution remains fundamental to study the behavior of financers and entrepreneurs today in the context of business eco-systems, clusters, science parks ‒ in other words, the main places of emergence of innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This research leads to the proposal of the main basis of an economics of the entrepreneur and the banker; it can be further developed with the addition of other contributions of historical economists.

Practical implications

This research shows the importance of thinking about the ways to build trust within the relation between entrepreneurs and their funders (bankers, venture capital, crowdfunding).

Social implications

The analysis of social ties (weak or strong) plays a major role in this relation.

Originality/value

The originality of the article is to come back to the works of pioneer economists and to show their contributions to the understanding of today’s reality.
Transforming a practice-based problem into research questions
Authors: Björk Marie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper describes and discusses aspects that affect research questions in a practice-based research study, where learning study is used as a framework. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understanding of the process where teachers and a researcher collaborate in transforming practical teaching problems into research questions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is conducted. Data consist of field notes, logbooks, manuscripts and conference papers from two learning studies conducted in grade 4 by three teachers and one researcher, and notes from meetings in a subject-teacher group at the school. The analysis focuses on how the research questions emerge and change in relation to discussions among teachers and in the research group of teaching, previous research and learning theory.

Findings

Questions about students’ discernment of the structure in the base-ten system emerged in learning study 1 and in the subject-teacher group. Discussions of previous research and the didactical theory learning activity transformed the research questions in learning study 2, into focusing students’ theoretical knowledge, examining general structures in the base system, using learning models as tools. Conditions for identification of specific teaching problems and alternative theory in a learning study are discussed.

Originality/value

The explicit example where research questions are transformed can be used in further discussions and methodological questions regarding formulation of research questions in educational research. Discussions, specifically of transforming research questions, when learning study is used may be promoted.
Accounting for strategic management, strategising and power structures in the Jordanian higher education sector
Authors: Hutaibat Khaled
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a field study, investigating accounting, strategising and accounting for strategic management and power structures in the Jordanian higher education (HE) sector on the basis of Bourdieu’s theory of practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an interpretive stance, seeking to investigate the perceptions of actors in the field, with regard to accounting, strategising and accounting for strategic management in HE. The adopted methodology is adapted grounded theory, as this study assumes a prior theoretical stance of Bourdieu’s theoretical concepts. Data were collected through participant observation in meetings, at the workplace, interviews and documentation.

Findings

The main findings of this paper reflect how strategising and accounting in practice manifest themselves in the Jordanian HE sector. Bourdieu’s theory of practice sets the meta-theoretical context of the current study, with field setting the scene, and habitus being represented in the strategising mind-set participants adopt. The mind-set determines how strategic management accounting is perceived and dealt with. Strategic management accounting takes place at varying degrees. The power structures that influence and determine strategising and accounting in support thereof are researched on the basis of Bourdieu’s forms of capital. Different forms of capital matter in the HE sector determined by fields’ doxa.

Research limitations/implications

The researcher is a part of the field, the Jordanian HE sector; thus, their habitus has been exposed to its characteristics and features. Thus, certain internalised structures and experiences needed to be challenged for this analysis, which was not an easy task.

Originality/value

This study investigates accounting, strategic management and power structures in HE, and it highlights the different power structures, using Bourdieu’s forms of capital, which offers a great insight into how different cultures approach similar issues.
Merger control in the telecom industry: a landscape transformed
Authors: Tyagi Kalpana
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to underscore how the digitization of content and the convergence in the telecommunications sector has prompted a wave of consolidation between telecom and content players.

Design/methodology/approach

Using interdisciplinary insights from competition policy and business strategy, the paper draws attention to the interplay between business model innovation and merger control in the converged telecoms sector.

Findings

Technological innovation and business model innovation led to the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) services. This innovation in turn led to two key effects, first, successful commercialization of content and the emergence of the “smart pipes” that in turn has led to the second effect, which is increased mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the converged telecommunications sector. Emergence of OTT with big data as a key advantage challenged the strategy and business models of the more established players, such as the AT&T, Time Warner, Liberty Global and Fox, which in turn led to the current trend of M&As in the sector.

Originality/value

This paper makes the following key contributions to the literature on M&As between the fixed/mobile and content players. First, it elucidates how the existing market players can benefit from competition policy, such as merger remedies to enter new and related markets. Second, it advocates that the US and the European competition authorities while assessing these M&As, take due account of innovation in business models, as business model innovation not only promotes innovation in the market but also enhances consumer welfare, considering that it offers the merged firm economies of scale and scope to offer better-quality goods and services at subsidized prices.
Impact of determinants on early internationalization
Authors: Santhosh Channappa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of determinants on early internationalization in the context of an emerging economy, i.e. India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an ex post facto exploratory research using primary data collected from a sample of 102 exporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangalore.

Findings

The overall results reveal that it is the proactive entrepreneurs and their previous experience that determine the early internationalization of SMEs. Further, competitive constraint was a major obstacle to enter the international market at an early age for late internationalized SMEs.

Practical implications

The policy initiatives should aim to develop the international orientation of the entrepreneurs in the firm as a precursor for the formulation and subsequent implementation of internationalization strategies.

Originality/value

Although studies have been conducted on determinants and early internationalization, these are confined to a few dimensions, and none of the studies have looked into the issues affecting the early internationalization holistically and with respect to SMEs in India.
A conceptual framework for utilising BIM digital objects (BDO) in manufacturing design and production
Authors: Al-Saeed Yayha , Parn Erika , Edwards David John , Scaysbrook Stephen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Construction manufacturers predominantly rely upon antiquated manual design and production processes and procedures because they lack technical skills needed to automate working practices. This paper aims to automate manufacturing processes by optimising the utilisation of BIM digital objects (BDO) via the development of a conceptual model. Concomitant objectives seek to reduce design errors; eliminate unnecessary costs; automate the generation of quantity bills; and maximise productivity performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive approach was adopted through a post positivist epistemological lens set within the context of a case study of a small- and medium-sized enterprise. From an operational perspective, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed via a novel four-phase waterfall design, namely, literature diagnosis; recording contemporary practice; mapping manufacturing workflow and procedures; and evaluation and proof of concept development.

Findings

The work illustrates that BDO enhances manufacturing workflow, reduces product manufacturing lead time and augments quality assurance throughout the whole life cycle of a manufactured product. The conceptual model developed provides a pragmatic and comprehensive solution to automate construction manufacturing procedures and to improve the facilitation of information exchanged between all stakeholders involved.

Originality/value

This study presents the first comprehensive case study of BDO application within a manufacturing context. Future research is however, needed to test and validate the conceptual model presented in practice. In doing so, the model can be further refined using practitioner input and real-life manufacturing processes and procedures.
Assessment of key airline selection indicators in a strategic decision model
Authors: Kucukaltan Berk , Topcu Y. Ilker
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Fierce competition in the airline industry compels airline companies to offer various services. Yet, while companies strive to become preferable, customers confront numerous airline selection indicators, and as such causes vagueness in human thinking that needs to be systematically and normatively resolved. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is initially to establish a strategic decision model that incorporates key selection indicators, among hundreds of criteria, through a systematic approach. Subsequently, it also aims to investigate the relative importance of these indicators for passengers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research first utilises a comprehensive literature review to uncover key indicators used in airline selection. Afterwards, the outcome obtained from the first phase initiated the phase of determining the prioritisation of these key selection indicators, through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, based on passengers’ judgments.

Findings

The outcome of structuring a strategic decision model reveals 32 key selection indicators to be mainly considered by passengers and these indicators are grouped under five dimensions in this paper. Then, the prioritisation results given by the AHP indicate that “price-related factors” and “customer satisfaction-related factors”, respectively, are more important dimensions for passengers while selecting the best airline company.

Originality/value

The proposed approach provides a novel way to identify and prioritise key airline selection indicators for different passengers, through using the AHP, as a response to the need of adopting a systematic and comprehensive manner with the inclusion of general industry norms. Within this scope, the established model and the prioritisation results can be used as a reference by both airline passengers during their decision-making processes and airline companies which aim for becoming more competitive.
Literacy experiment of Islamic financing to non-Muslim small and micro business
Authors: Suci Afred , Hardi Hardi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the changes in Islamic financing literacy and draw a comparison between the intentions of Muslim and non-Muslim micro and small entrepreneurs after receiving counseling. It also observes the role of religion in the relationship between literacy and the intention to use Islamic financing.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants were of 60 owners of micro and small entrepreneurs who were made up of 30 Muslims and 30 non-Muslims. An Islamic financing counseling was conducted on 30 non-Muslims, and data were obtained relating to literacy and intention after the counseling. The data were analyzed using statistical descriptive, associative and comparative test.

Findings

There is a significant increase in literacy and intentions of non-Muslim entrepreneurs after receiving the counseling. It is also discovered that religious factor no longer influences literacy and intention of using Islamic financing after receiving the counseling.

Research limitations/implications

Counseling is an effective way to establish non-Muslims’ literacy and lead their intention toward the use of Islamic financing products.

Practical implications

There is a need to give proper knowledge about the importance of Islamic financing to non-Muslims by emphasizing the monetary values and benefits to diversify the market segment.

Social implications

The finding proves that Islam, in every aspect including the economy, is a blessing to the entire universe or as Muslim says, ‘rahmatan lil “alamin”.

Originality/value

Previous studies about Islamic financing have been mostly conducted by using survey among the Muslim population. Therefore, this study combines both survey and experiment by providing Islamic literacy counseling to non-Muslims.
Realising financial inclusion in Islamic finance
Authors: Shinkafi Akilu Aliyu , Yahaya Sani , Sani Tijjani Alhaji
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evolve a theoretical account that highlights the determinations for achieving financial inclusion in Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is a library approach where the existing and relevant document remains the sources of concern.

Findings

The outcome of the study designates that robust technology; microcredit and microfinance services; legal and regulatory commitment of the regulators and policymakers of the Islamic financial institutions; extensive public awareness of Islamic financial services and products; financial proficiency and literacy; and financial infrastructure are some of the imperative drives for realising financial inclusion particularly for women, low income earners and rural poor.

Research limitations/implications

The paper limited itself to realising financial inclusion in Islamic finance. Thus, anything beyond the stated limitation is outside the scope of our objective. The paper has an inference for the concerned professional bodies, regulators, policymakers, stakeholders and practitioners of Islamic financial institutions.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its nature, it is also a pearl and a reference to those who may conceive and cherish the relevance of its capacity.
Organisational culture affecting post-merger integration
Authors: Yang Yanan , Lütge Christoph , Yang Hongwei
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the principal organisational cultural dimensions that affect levels of post-merger integration (PMI) in Chinese acquisitions in Germany and to explore the relationship of these specific organisational cultural dimensions and levels of integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Data set were collected using a structured questionnaire given to Chinese and German managers and employees, who implemented/were responsible for the PMI in 12 Chinese acquisitions in Germany. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed and there were 67 respondents, corresponding to a response rate of about 56 per cent. Principal components analysis, one-way ANOVA and bi-variate Spearman’s correlation were applied to analyse the data.

Findings

Findings revealed that five organisational cultural dimensions (i.e. adaptability, consistency, involvement, balance and flexibility) were extracted to be the primary indicators affecting levels of integration in Chinese reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the German market. Further, adaptability emerged as the only predictor with a significant negative implication on predicting the degree of PMI that Chinese investors would initiate to integrate their acquired German subsidiaries.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies to consider the specific organisational cultural dimensions affecting the integration levels of reverse M&As and is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to explore the correlations of specific corporate cultural dimensions and integration levels in emerging multinational enterprises’ reverse M&As through quantitative research.
Essential domains of phosphatidylinositol‐4 kinase III β required for enterovirus replication
Authors: Arita Minetaro
Published: June 2019

Phosphatidylinositol‐4 kinase III β (PI4KB) is a host factor that is required for enterovirus (EV) replication. In this study, the importance of host proteins that interact with PI4KB in EV replication was analyzed by trans complementation with PI4KB mutants in a PI4KB‐knockout cell line. Ectopically expressed PI4KB mutants, which lack binding regions for ACBD3, RAB11, and 14‐3‐3 proteins, rescued replication of poliovirus and enterovirus 71. These findings suggest that interaction of PI4KB with these host proteins is not essential for EV replication once PI4KB has been expressed and that PI4KB is functionally independent from these host proteins regarding EV replication.
Errors have been made, others will be blamed: Issue engagement and blame shifting in prime minister speeches during the economic crisis in Europe
Authors: TRABER DENISE , SCHOONVELDE MARTIJN , SCHUMACHER GIJS
Published: June 2019

This article investigates prime ministers’ communication strategies during the most recent economic crisis in Europe. It argues that when electoral risk is high but governments’ policy options are severely limited, prime ministers will use specific communication strategies to mitigate electoral risks. Two such communication strategies are analysed – issue engagement and blame shifting – by applying state‐of‐the‐art quantitative text analysis methods on 5,553 speeches of prime ministers in nine European Union member states. Evidence is found for both strategies. Prime ministers talk about the economy more in response to both high (domestic) unemployment and low (domestic) gross domestic product growth. Furthermore, it is found that the (domestic) unemployment rate is the most consistent predictor of blame shifting: as the domestic unemployment rate goes up, this is followed by an increase in blame shifting towards banks, Greece and the Troika of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Frequency distribution of modified Cormack‐Lehane views—A retrospective audit of tracheal intubation in children with normal airways
Authors: Schmid Kathrin , Buehler Philipp K. , Schmitz Achim , Both Christian P. , Weiss Markus
Published: June 2019

Background

Paediatric patients with an unanticipated poor grade of laryngoscopic view during tracheal intubation represent a challenging situation potentially associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of modified Cormack‐Lehane (MCL) views and to elucidate variables for poor views in a large collective of children without anticipated airway difficulties.

Methods

The departmental anaesthesia patient database was searched for patients who had undergone general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation between January 2007 and March 2017. Inclusion criteria were age from birth to 17.99 years, general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy, no history, symptoms or signs of a difficult airway and the best obtained MCL view documented in the database. Patient‐ and anaesthesia‐related variables associated with a poor view (MCL IIb, III and IV) were elucidated using a logistic regression model.

Results

In all, 22 965 patients were included; of these, 17 593 were observed only once.

The prevalence of the first observed MCL views I, IIa, IIb, III and IV was 90.6%, 8.5%, 0.86%, 0.05% and 0%, respectively. The logistic regression model indicates that age and gender are the most important variables associated with MCL views IIb and III in the model. The probability for MCL views IIb/III decreases across the first 5‐7 years before increasing again.

Conclusions

The incidence of a poor grade of laryngoscopic view was found to be very low in children with a normal airway. They mainly occurred in infants and adolescent patients and were more common in male patients.
Functional limitations and life satisfaction dynamics among Asian‐born migrants and Australian‐born participants in the HILDA study
Authors: Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara , Jatrana Santosh , Banwell Cathy , Welsh Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate functional limitations and life satisfaction among Asian‐born migrants and Australian‐born participants in the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study.

Methods

Information on 10 167 Australian‐born participants and 650 Asian‐born migrants from Waves 6 to 16 (2006‐2016) of HILDA was analysed using multivariate linear regressions, adjusting for baseline covariates.

Results

Middle‐aged and older Asian‐born migrants had a lower decline in functional limitations compared to the Australian‐born participants (−1.74 vs −4.47 during the 5‐year period and −5.66 vs −8.50 during the 10‐year period). Decline in life satisfaction scores was relatively stable among older Australian‐born participants, but there was a steeper decline among Asian‐born migrants in the 5‐year period. Notably, relative change was not statistically significant for both outcomes.

Conclusion

This study reveals that middle‐aged and older Asian‐born migrants had less decline in physical health but not in life satisfaction. Monitoring health and well‐being of migrants as they age could help to minimise health disparities in Australia.
Time to oxygenation for cannula‐ and scalpel‐based techniques for emergency front‐of‐neck access: a wet lab simulation using an ovine model
Authors: Rees K. A. , O'Halloran L. J. , Wawryk J. B. , Gotmaker R. , Cameron E. K. , Woonton H. D. J.
Published: June 2019

Emergency front‐of‐neck access to achieve a percutaneous airway can be a life‐saving intervention, but there is debate about the preferred technique. This prospective, observational study was designed to compare the two most common emergency surgical airway techniques in a wet lab simulation using an ovine model. Forty‐three doctors participated. After providing standardised reading, a lecture and dry lab benchtop training, participants progressed to a high‐fidelity wet lab simulation. Participants entered an operating theatre where a ‘cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate’ situation had been declared and were directed to perform emergency front‐of‐neck access: first with a cannula technique (14‐gauge cannula insertion with ventilation using a Rapid‐O2® cricothyroidotomy insufflation device); and subsequently, a scalpel‐bougie technique (surgical incision, bougie insertion into trachea and then tracheal tube passed over bougie, with ventilation using a self‐inflating bag). The primary end‐point was time from declaration of ‘cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate’ to delivery of oxygen via a correctly placed percutaneous device. If a cannula or tracheal tube was not placed within 240 s, the attempt was marked as a failure. There was one failure for the cannula approach and 15 for the scalpel‐bougie technique (OR 0.07 (95%CI 0.00–0.43); p <0.001). Median (IQR [range]) time to oxygenation, if successful, was 65 (57–78 [28–160]) s for the cannula approach and 90 (74–115 [40–265]) s for the scalpel‐bougie technique (p=0.005). In this ovine model, emergency front‐of‐neck access using a cannula had a lower chance of failure and (when successful) shorter time to first oxygen delivery compared with a scalpel‐bougie technique.
Nonmedical use of alprazolam in the UK: Results from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Hockenhull Joanna , Amioka Elise , Black Joshua C. , Haynes Colleen M. , Dargan Paul I. , Dart Richard C. , Wood David M.
Published: June 2019

There is concern in the UK about nonmedical use (NMU) of alprazolam (Xanax). We investigated the epidemiology of alprazolam NMU compared with diazepam using data from the Survey of Non‐Medical Use of Prescription Drugs (NMURx) programme (collected 28 September–1 December 2017). The survey included 10 019 respondents and was weighted by age, sex and region to represent 52 927 659 UK adults. The estimated national prevalence of lifetime NMU of alprazolam was 0.32% (95% confidence interval: 0.19–0.46), and 1.30% (1.06–1.54) for diazepam. The prevalence of NMU in the last 90 days was significantly different when split by age category for alprazolam (P < .001), but not for diazepam (P = .262) with alprazolam NMU being more common among younger adults (age 16–24 years: 0.37%; age 25–34 years: 0.14%; 35 years or older: 0.01%). Further research is needed to fully understand the motivations of alprazolam NMU and to monitor whether the popularity of alprazolam will rise.
The role of prostaglandin and E series prostaglandin receptor type 4 receptors in the development of bladder overactivity in a rat model of chemically induced prostatic inflammation
Authors: Mizoguchi Shinsuke , Wolf‐Johnson Amanda S. , Ni Jianshu , Mori Kenichi , Suzuki Takahisa , Takaoka Eiichiro , Mimata Hiromitsu , DeFranco Donald B. , Wang Zhou , Birder Lori A. , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To evaluate, using a rat model of non‐bacterial prostatic inflammation, the prostaglandin production and expression profiles of E‐series prostaglandin (EP) receptor subtypes, which are reportedly implicated in the development of overactive bladder, in the bladder mucosa, and to investigate the effect of EP receptor type 4 (EP4) blockade on bladder overactivity after prostatic inflammation.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Prostatic inflammation was induced by formalin injection (5%; 50 μL per lobe) into the bilateral ventral lobes of the prostate. At 10 days after induction of prostatic inflammation or vehicle injection, bladder tissues from the deeply anaesthetized rats were harvested and separated into mucosal and detrusor layers. Then, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations and protein levels of PGE2 receptors (EP1–4) in the bladder mucosa and detrusor were measured by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. In separate groups of control and formalin‐treated rats, awake cystometry was performed to evaluate the changes in bladder activity after prostatic inflammation. In addition, the effect of intravesical administration of a selective EP4 antagonist (ONO‐AE3‐208; 30 μm) on bladder activity was evaluated in control rats and rats with prostatic inflammation.

Results

PGE2 concentration and protein levels of EP4, but not other EP receptor subtypes, in the bladder mucosa and detrusor layers were significantly increased in formalin‐injected rats vs vehicle‐injected control rats. In cystometry, rats with prostatic inflammation exhibited a significant decrease in intercontraction intervals (ICIs) compared with control rats. Intravesical application of ONO‐AE3‐208 (30 μm), but not vehicle application, significantly increased ICIs in rats with prostatic inflammation, whereas ONO‐AE3‐208 at this concentration did not significantly affect any cystometric values in control rats.

Conclusions

Because intravesical administration of an EP4 antagonist effectively improved bladder overactivity after prostatic inflammation, EP4 activation, along with increased PGE2 production in the bladder mucosa, seems to be an important contributing factor to bladder overactivity induced by prostatic inflammation. Thus, blockade of EP4 in the bladder could be a therapeutic approach to male lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia with prostatic inflammation.
Fearing Failure: Grandiose Narcissism, Vulnerable Narcissism, and Emotional Reactivity in Children
Authors: Derry Kate L. , Ohan Jeneva L. , Bayliss Donna M.
Published: June 2019

The distinction between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism is new to the child literature, but initial findings suggest that it may have important implications for understanding adjustment. This study examined how expressions of narcissism in children influence their reactions to a mild egothreats experience. Children (N = 124; aged 8–12 years) completed self‐ratings before and after doing a brief but challenging task. Negative emotions, self‐conscious emotions, and performance estimates were measured. Regression analyses showed that, even after controlling the effects of self‐esteem and temperament, vulnerable narcissism was related to increased hostility, anger, and shame, whereas grandiose narcissism was related to inflated performance estimates following the task. These results demonstrate the unique roles of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in children.
Unexpected positive patch test reactions to sesquiterpene lactones in patients sensitized to the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre
Authors: Herman Anne , Mowitz Martin , Aerts Olivier , Pyl Jeroen , de Montjoye Laurence , Goossens An , Bruze Magnus , Baeck Marie
Published: June 2019

Background

Most diabetic patients sensitized to FreeStyle Libre react to isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), with a considerable number of them also showing unexpected positive patch test reactions to sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix (SLM) tested in the baseline series.

Objectives

To compile patch test results of subjects affected, and provide potential explanations for this association.

Patients and Methods

Fifty‐three Freestyle Libre‐allergic patients were patch tested with IBOA and/or SLM, and several were also patch tested with the components of SLM. Chromatographic analyses were performed on the glucose sensor, IBOA, and the components of SLM.

Results

Thirty‐three patients reacted positively to the components of SLM, and 11 of 27 patients reacted positively to alantolactone, in particular. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses did not detect these chemicals in the different parts of the glucose sensor, or in IBOA.

Conclusion

Significant co‐sensitizations between SLs on the one hand and the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre and/or isobornyl acrylate on the other hand exist, without evidence of the presence of SLs via GC‐MS analysis. Cross‐reactions between them seem improbable. As a possible hypothesis, a common precursor for both, such as camphene, may exist.
Improving laboratory workflow through automated pre‐processing of SurePath specimens for human papillomavirus testing with the Abbott RealTime assay
Authors: Sargent Alexandra , Theofanous Ioannis , Ferris Sarah
Published: June 2019

Background

Cervical specimens collected in liquid‐based cytology (LBC) are used for cervical screening in the UK. The Abbott RealTime high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) assay for the detection of 14 hrHPV types is approved by the English NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). As per manufacturer's instructions, pre‐analytic processing of LBC involves a manual vortex and liquid transfer into a secondary tube. In high‐throughput settings, hands‐on time for pre‐processing is considerable and poses the potential for human error. Implementation of hrHPV primary screening planned for 2019 accompanied by centralisation of services is a major change for the NHSCSP, increasing the demand for availability of automated pre‐analytics. This study evaluated a custom‐configured work‐table setup of the Tecan Freedom EVO designed to automate pre‐processing of BD SurePath LBC prior to HPV testing on the Abbott m2000.

Methods

Automatically and manual pre‐processed specimen results were compared (primary screening population n = 307; triage population n = 169).

Results

Excellent agreement of overall hrHPV results (98.1%; k: 0.95) was observed. On average, it takes approximately 1.5 minutes hands‐on‐time per sample to process manually compared to 45 minutes to aliquot 48 samples using the Freedom EVO 150.

Conclusion

The Tecan worktable configuration designed to automate and control pre‐analytics required for preparing SurePath LBC samples for HPV testing using Abbott RealTime resulted in assay performance comparable to that following the manufacturer validated manual process. It significantly reduces hands‐on‐time and allows for complete specimen identification tracking and documentation of process control.