bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hygiene Hampers Competitive Release of Resistant Bacteria in the Commensal Microbiota
Authors: Aspenberg Magnus , Sasane Sara Maad , Nilsson Fredrik , Brown Sam P. , Waldetoft Kristofer Wollein
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Good hygiene, in both health care and the community, is central to containing the rise of antibiotic resistance, as well as to infection control more generally. But despite the well-known importance, the ecological mechanisms by which hygiene affects resistance evolution remain obscure. Using metacommunity ecology theory, we here propose that hygiene attenuates the effect of antibiotic selection pressure. Specifically, we predict that hygiene limits the scope for antibiotics to induce competitive release of resistant bacteria within treated hosts, and that this is due to a modulating effect of hygiene on the distribution of resistant and sensitive strains in the host population. We show this in a mathematical model of bacterial metacommunity dynamics, and test the results against data on antibiotic resistance, antibiotic treatment, and the use of alcohol-based hand rub in long-term care facilities. Our results underscore the importance of hygiene, and point to a concrete way to weaken the link between antibiotic use and increasing resistance.
Complex evolutionary origins of specialized metabolite gene cluster diversity among the plant pathogenic fungi of theFusarium graminearumspecies complex
Authors: Tralamazza Sabina Moser , Rocha Liliana Oliveira , Oggenfuss Ursula , Corrêa Benedito , Croll Daniel
Published: May 2019

Fungal genomes encode highly organized gene clusters that underlie the production of specialized (or secondary) metabolites. Gene clusters encode key functions to exploit plant hosts or environmental niches. Promiscuous exchange among species and frequent reconfigurations make gene clusters some of the most dynamic elements of fungal genomes. Despite evidence for high diversity in gene cluster content among closely related strains, the microevolutionary processes driving gene cluster gain, loss and neofunctionalization are largely unknown. We analyzed theFusarium graminearumspecies complex (FGSC) composed of plant pathogens producing potent mycotoxins and causing Fusarium head blight on cereals. Wede novoassembled genomes of previously uncharacterized FGSC members (two strains ofF. austroamericanum,F. cortaderiaeandF. meridionale). Our analyses of eight species of the FGSC in addition to 15 otherFusariumspecies identified a pangenome of 54 gene clusters within FGSC. We found that multiple independent losses were a key factor generating extant cluster diversity within the FGSC and theFusariumgenus. We identified a modular gene cluster conserved among distantly related fungi, which was likely reconfigured to encode different functions. We also found strong evidence that a rare cluster in FGSC was gained through an ancient horizontal transfer between bacteria and fungi. Chromosomal rearrangements underlying cluster loss were often complex and were likely facilitated by an enrichment in specific transposable elements. Our findings identify important transitory stages in the birth and death process of specialized metabolism gene clusters among very closely related species.
New Approaches for Quantitative Reconstruction of Radiation Dose in Human Blood Cells
Authors: Ghandhi Shanaz A. , Shuryak Igor , Morton Shad R. , Amundson Sally A. , Brenner David J.
Published: May 2019

In the event of a nuclear attack or radiation event, there would be an urgent need for assessing and reconstructing the dose to which hundreds or thousands of individuals were exposed. These measurements would need a rapid assay to facilitate triage and medical management for individuals based on dose. Our approaches to development of rapid assays for reconstructing dose, using transcriptomics, have led to identification of gene sets that have potential to be used in the field; but need further testing. This was a proof-of-principle study for new methods using radiation-responsive genes to generate quantitative, rather than categorical, radiation-dose reconstructions based on a blood sample. We used a new normalization method to reduce effects of variability of gene signals in unirradiated samples across studies; developed a quantitative dose-reconstruction method that is generally under-utilized compared to categorical methods; and combined these to determine a gene-set as a reconstructor. Our dose-reconstruction biomarker was trained on two data sets and tested on two independent ones. It was able to predict dose up to 4.5 Gy with root mean squared error (RMSE) of ± 0.35 Gy on test datasets (same platform), and up to 6.0 Gy with RMSE of 1.74 Gy on another (different platform).
Getting Beyond Interruptive Alerts: Reducing Unintentional Duplicate Orders using a Visual Aid
Authors: Horng Steven , Joseph Joshua W , Calder Shelley , Stevens Jennifer P , O’Donoghue Ashley L , Safran Charles , Nathanson Larry A , Leventhal Evan L
Published: May 2019

Importance

Electronic health records (EHRs) allow teams of clinicians to simultaneously care for patients but an unintended consequence could result in duplicate ordering of tests and medications.

Objective

We asked if a simple visual aid would reduce duplicate ordering of tests and medications for busy teams of clinicians in our emergency department by placing a red highlight around the checkbox of a computer-based order if previously ordered.

Design

We performed an interrupted time series to analyze all patient visits 1 year before and 1 year after the intervention. Significance testing was performed using a negative binomial regression with Newey-West standard errors, correcting for patient level variables and environmental variables that might be associated with duplicate orders.

Setting

The emergency department of an academic hospital in Boston, MA with 55,000 visits annually.

Participants

184,722 consecutive emergency department patients.

Exposure

If an order had previously been placed during that ED visit, we cue the user by showing a red highlight around the checkbox of that order.

Main Outcome

Number of unintentional duplicate orders.

Results

After deployment of the non-interrupting nudge, the rate of unintentional duplicates for laboratory orders decreased 49% (incidence rate ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.45-0.59) and for radiology orders decreased with an incidence rate ratio of 0.60 (0.44-0.82). There was no change in unintentional medication duplicate orders. We estimated that the nudge eliminated 17,936 clicks in our EHR.

Conclusions and Relevance

Passive visual queues that provide just-in-time decision support are effective, not disruptive of workflow, and may decrease alert fatigue in busy clinical environments.

Key Points

Question

Can a simple visual aid reduce duplicate ordering in an electronic health record?

Findings

In this interrupted time series, the rate of unintentional duplicates for laboratory orders decreased 49% and for radiology orders decreased 40%. There was no change in unintentional medication duplicate orders. We estimated that the nudge eliminated 17,936 clicks in our EHR.

Meaning

Quality improvement often relies on changing clinician behavior. We believe guiding clinicians to a right action is better than telling the clinician they have already made an error. Our approach will help reduce alert fatigue and lessen clinician complaints about EHRs.
Programmatic goals and spatial epidemiology influence the merit of targeted versus of population-wide interventions for yaws eradication
Authors: Mooring Eric Q. , Marks Michael , Mitjà Oriol , Castro Marcia , Lipsitch Marc , Murray Megan B.
Published: May 2019

Infectious disease eradication programs often pursue spatially targeted interventions, but how well they perform might depend on the underlying spatial epidemiology and the specific goal of the program. We use a stochastic compartmental metapopulation model of yaws transmission to investigate how total targeted treatment (TTT) performs compared to mass drug administration (MDA) in different settings. While TTT can efficiently control the prevalence of active yaws disease, we consistently found that multiple rounds of TTT are required to match the impact of 1 round of MDA on the prevalence of latent yaws infection. When complete eradication of yaws is the goal, MDA can achieve the same result as TTT more quickly and probably at lower cost. We found that the performance of TTT is improved when there is little mixing between subpopulations and when there is spatial heterogeneity in transmissibility, but even in these settings, our model suggests that MDA will still outperform TTT.

Significance Statement

Yaws is a neglected tropical disease that causes skin lesions. Eradicating yaws is challenging because people can be infected but not show any signs or symptoms for years. Using simulations, we found that targeting antibiotics to people with active yaws and to their neighbors is a good way to combat active yaws, but treating entire populations is a better way to get rid of all infections, including the hidden ones. Also, targeted treatment works better in populations in which people do not move around much and in which how easily the disease is transmitted varies from place to place. Overall, a targeted treatment strategy uses fewer antibiotics but takes longer than mass treatment to achieve results.
Hairpin: a tool for predicting structural non-coding RNA genes ad initio
Authors: Pettersen Jakob Peder
Published: May 2019

Background

Structural RNA genes play important and various roles in gene expression and its regulation. Finding such RNA genes in a genome poses a challenge, which in most cases is solved by homology approaches. Ab intio methods for prediction exist, but are not that much explored.

Results

We introduce hairpin which identify potential structural RNA genes only based on the sequence. We use the algorithm to predict RNA genes in Escherichia coli K-12. When looking at very short regions of the genome, we do not get results differing very much from a random shuffling of the genome. However, at longer stretches it is a clear biological signal. It turns out that none of the regions predicted to code for RNA genes have such an annotation in literature.

Conclusions

Arbitrary DNA sequences seem to give rise to transcripts with secondary structures similar to real ncRNA. We therefore conclude that exclusively looking at secondary structure base-parings is in general a futile approach.
Characterization of Single Protein Dynamics in Cell Plasma Membrane Derived Polymer Cushioned Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Cheng (Christine) Wong Wai , Juo Jz-Yuan , Liao Yi-Hung , Cheng Ching-Ya , Lin Chih-Hsiang , Hsieh Chia-Lung
Published: May 2019

Native cell membrane derived supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are emerging platforms that have broad applications ranging from fundamental research to next-generation biosensors. Central to the success of the platform is proper accommodation of membrane proteins so that their dynamics and functions are preserved. Polymer cushions have been commonly employed to avoid direct contact of the bilayer membrane to the supporting substrate, and thus the mobility of transmembrane proteins is maintained. However, little is known about how the polymer cushion affects the absolute mobility of membrane molecules. Here, we characterized the dynamics of single membrane proteins in polymer-cushioned lipid bilayers derived from cell plasma membranes and investigated the effects of polymer length. Three membrane proteins of distinct structures, i.e., GPI-anchored protein, single-pass transmembrane protein CD98 heavy chain, and seven-pass transmembrane protein SSTR3, were fused with green fluorescence proteins (GFPs) and their dynamics were measured by fluorescence single-molecule tracking. An automated data acquisition was implemented to study the effects of PEG polymer length to protein dynamics with large statistics. Our data showed that increasing the PEG polymer length (molecular weight from 1,000 to 5,000) enhanced the mobile fraction of the membrane proteins. Moreover, the diffusion coefficients of transmembrane proteins were raised by increasing the polymer length, whereas the diffusion coefficient of GPI-anchored protein remained almost identical with different polymer lengths. Importantly, the diffusion coefficients of the three membrane proteins became identical (2.5 μm2/s approximately) in the cushioned membrane with the longest polymer length (molecular weight of 5,000), indicating that the SLBs were fully suspended from the substrate by the polymer cushion at the microscopic length scale. Transient confinements were observed from all three proteins, and increasing the polymer length reduced the tendency of transient confinements. The measured dynamics of membrane proteins were found to be nearly unchanged after depletion of cholesterol, suggesting that the observed immobilization and transient confinement were not due to cholesterol-enriched membrane nanodomains (lipid rafts). Our single-molecule dynamics elucidate the biophysical properties of polymer cushioned plasma membrane bilayers that are potentially useful for future developments of membrane-based biosensors and analytical assays.
Molecular and transcriptional structure of the petal and leaf circadian clock inPetunia hybrida
Authors: Terry Marta I. , Carrera-Alesina Marta , Weiss Julia , Egea-Cortines Marcos
Published: May 2019

The plant circadian clock coordinates environmental signals with internal processes. We characterized the genomic and transcriptomic structure of thePetunia hybridaW115 clock in leaves and petals. We found three levels of evolutionary differences. First,PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATORS PhPRR5a, PhPRR5b, PhPRR7a, PhPRR7b, andGIGANTEA PhGI1andPhGI2, differed in gene structure including exon number and deletions including the CCT domain of the PRR family. Second, leaves showed preferential day expression while petals tended to display night expression. Under continuous dark, most genes were delayed in leaves and petals. Importantly, photoperiod sensitivity of gene expression was tissue specific asTIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION PhNTOC1was affected in leaves but not in petals, andPhPRR5b, PhPRR7band theZEITLUPEorthologCHANEL, PhCHL, were modified in petals but not leaves. Third, we identified a strong transcriptional noise at different times of the day, and high robustness at dawn in leaves and dusk in petals, coinciding with the coordination of photosynthesis and scent emission. Our results indicate multilayered evolution of thePetuniaclock including gene structure, number of genes and transcription patterns. The major transcriptional reprogramming of the clock in petals, with night expression may be involved in controlling scent emission in the dark.

Highlight

The petunia leaf circadian clock shows maxima during the day while petal clock does it during the night. Reaction to dark is organ specific.
Deterioration of dry skin in arthritis model mice via stress-induced changes in immune cells in the thymus and spleen
Authors: Goto Kenji , Hiramoto Keiichi , Takada Ion , Ooi Kazuya
Published: May 2019

Skin dryness is a characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis model mice. We previously reported that the stress hormone glucocorticoid (i.e., corticosterone) is related to the induction of dry skin in arthritic mice. However, the mechanism through which stress induces dry skin in these mice is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined the relationship between stress and induction of dry skin in arthritic mice. Physical stress load in mice with DBA/1JJmsSlc collagen-induced arthritis was treated with water immersion stress, and transepidermal water loss and the expression of markers associated with allergic reactions and inflammation was evaluated. Deterioration of skin dryness was observed in stressed arthritic mice compared with that in unstressed arthritic mice. Moreover, plasma levels of interleukin-6 and corticosterone were increased in stressed arthritic mice compared with those in unstressed arthritic mice. We also observed decreased regulatory T cell numbers and increased T helper type 2 cell numbers in the thymus of stressed arthritic mice compared with those in unstressed arthritic mice. These results suggested that abnormalities in the immune system were related to deterioration of dry skin in stressed arthritic mice. Thus, reduction of stress may prevent deterioration of dry skin in mice with arthritis.
Exploring the Mechanism of Olfactory Recognition at the Initial Stage by Modeling the Emission Spectrum of Electron Transfer
Authors: Liu Shu , Fu Rao , Li Guangwu
Published: May 2019

Olfactory sense remains elusive regarding the primary reception mechanism. Some studies suggest that olfaction is a spectral sense, the olfactory event is triggered by electron transfer (ET) across the odorants at the active sites of odorant receptors (ORs). Herein we present a Donor-Bridge-Acceptor model, proposing that the ET process can be viewed as an electron hopping from the donor molecule to the odorant molecule (Bridge), then hopping off to the acceptor molecule, making the electronic state of the odorant molecule change along with vibrations (vibronic transition). The odorant specific parameter, Huang–Rhys factor can be derived fromab initiocalculations, which make the simulation of ET spectra achievable. In this study, we revealed that the emission spectra (after Gaussian convolution) can be acted as odor characteristic spectra. Using the emission spectrum of ET, we were able to reasonably interpret the similar bitter-almond odors among hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde and nitrobenzene. In terms of isotope effects, we succeeded in explaining why subjects can easily distinguish cyclopentadecanone from its fully deuterated analogue cyclopentadecanone-d28 but not distinguishing acetophenone from acetophenone-d8.
Development of rice conidiation media forUstilaginoidea virens
Authors: Wang Yufu , Wang Fei , Xie Songlin , Liu Yi , Qu Jinsong , Huang Junbin , Yin Weixiao , Luo Chaoxi
Published: May 2019

Rice false smut, caused by the ascomyceteUstilaginoidea virens, is a serious disease of rice worldwide. Conidia are very important infectious propagules ofU. virens, but the ability of pathogenic isolates to produce conidia frequently decreases in culture, which influences pathogenicity testing. Here, we developed tissue media with rice leaves or panicles that stimulate conidiation ofU. virens. Generally, rice leaf media more effectively increased conidiation than panicle media, and certain non-filtered tissue media were better than their filtered counterparts. Among the tested media, the Indica rice leaf medium with 0.06 g/ml of Wanxian 98 leaf was most efficient for inducing conidiation, and it was also usable for conidiation-defective isolates. Although the conidia induced in rice tissue media were smaller, they were able to germinate on potato sucrose agar medium and infect rice normally. This method provides a foundation for the production of conidia inU. virensthat will be widely applied in the pathogenicity testing as well as in genetic analyses for false smut resistance in rice cultivars.
Characterizing the serotonin biosynthesis pathway upon aphid infestation in Setaria viridis leaves
Authors: Dangol Anuma , Yaakov Beery , Jander Georg , Strickler Susan R , Tzin Vered
Published: May 2019

Setaria viridis (green foxtail millet), a short life-cycle C4 plant in the Gramineae, serves as a resilient crop that provides good yield even in dry and marginal land. Although S. viridis has been studied extensively in the last decade, its defense responses, in particular the chemical defensive metabolites that protect it against insect herbivory, are unstudied. To characterize S. viridis defense responses, we conducted transcriptomic and metabolomic assays of plants infested with aphids and caterpillars. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated massive transcriptomic changes that involve genes from amino acid biosynthesis and degradation, secondary metabolites and phytohormone biosynthesis. The Trp-derived metabolite serotonin was notably induced by insect feeding. Through comparisons with known rice serotonin biosynthetic genes, we identified several predicted S. viridis Trp decarboxylases and cytochrome P450 genes that were up-regulated in response to insect feeding. The function of one Trp decarboxylase was validated by ectopic expression and detection of tryptamine accumulation in Nicotiana tabacum. To validate the defensive properties of serotonin, we used an artificial diet assay to show reduced Rhopalosiphum padi aphid survival with increasing serotonin concentrations. This demonstrated that serotonin is a defensive metabolite in S. viridis and is fundamental for understanding the adaptation of it to biotic stresses.

HIGHLIGHT

A combined transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of Setaria viridis leaves response to aphid and caterpillar infestation identifies the genes related to the biosynthesis of serotonin and their function in defense.
Pressure-induced transformation of CH3NH3PbI3: the role of the noble-gas pressure transmitting media
Authors: Arakcheeva Alla , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Polini Eleonora , Henry Laura , Chernyshov Dmitry , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Giriat Gaétan , Glushkova Anastasiia , Kollar Marton , Náfrádi Bálint , Forro Laszlo , Horváth Endre
Published: May 2019

The photovoltaic perovskite, methylammonium lead triiodide [CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3)], is one of the most efficient materials for solar energy conversion. Various kinds of chemical and physical modifications have been applied to MAPbI3 towards better understanding of the relation between composition, structure, electronic properties and energy conversion efficiency of this material. Pressure is a particularly useful tool, as it can substantially reduce the interatomic spacing in this relatively soft material and cause significant modifications to the electronic structure. Application of high pressure induces changes in the crystal symmetry up to a threshold level above which it leads to amorphization. Here, a detailed structural study of MAPbI3 at high hydrostatic pressures using Ne and Ar as pressure transmitting media is reported. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments with synchrotron radiation at room temperature in the 0–20 GPa pressure range show that atoms of both gaseous media, Ne and Ar, are gradually incorporated into MAPbI3, thus leading to marked structural changes of the material. Specifically, Ne stabilizes the high-pressure phase of Ne
x
MAPbI3 and prevents amorphization up to 20 GPa. After releasing the pressure, the crystal has the composition of Ne0.97MAPbI3, which remains stable under ambient conditions. In contrast, above 2.4 GPa, Ar accelerates an irreversible amorphization. The distinct impacts of Ne and Ar are attributed to differences in their chemical reactivity under pressure inside the restricted space between the PbI6 octahedra.
Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a quaternary oxide with a new structure type, BiGaTi4O11
Authors: Yamane Hisanori , Yagi Ryota , Hosono Akira , Masubuchi Yuji
Published: May 2019

A new quaternary oxide, BiGaTi4O11 (bismuth gallium tetratitanium undecaoxide), was prepared by heating a mixture of the binary oxides at 1373 K in air. BiGaTi4O11 melts at 1487 K and prismatic single crystals were obtained from a sample melted at 1523 K and solidified by furnace cooling. The structure of BiGaTi4O11 was analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction to be of a new type that crystallized in the space group Cmcm. A Bi3+ site is coordinated by nine O2− anions, and three oxygen-coordinated octahedral sites are statistically occupied by Ga3+ and Ti4+ cations. A relative dielectric constant of 46 with a temperature coefficient of 57 ppm K−1 in the temperature range 297–448 K was measured for a polycrystalline ceramic sample at 150 Hz–1 MHz with a dielectric loss tan δ of less than 0.01. Electrical resistivities measured at 1073 K by alternating-current impedance spectroscopic and direct-current methods were 1.16 × 10−4 and 1.14 × 10−4 S cm−1, respectively, which indicates that electrons and/or holes were conduction carriers at high temperature. The optical band gap estimated by the results of diffuse reflectance analysis was 2.9–3.0 eV, while the band gap obtained from the activation energy for electrical conduction was 3.5 eV.
Monoclinic and orthorhombic forms of (RS)-(E)-4-[2-(4-chlorobenzylidene)hydrazinyl]-6,11-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]pyrimido[5,4-f]azepine: synthesis, concomitant polymorphism and supramolecular assembly mediated by C—H...N, C—H...π(arene) and C—Cl...π(arene) interactions
Authors: Acosta Quintero Lina M. , Palma Alirio , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: May 2019

The title compound, C21H20ClN5, has been synthesized in two steps from (RS)-4-chloro-6,11-dimethyl-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]pyrimido[5,4-f]azepine and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Crystallization from hexane–ethyl acetate yields approximately equal quantities of a monoclinic polymorph in the space group Cc, (I), and an orthorhombic polymorph in the space group Pna21, (II). The molecules in polymorphs (I) and (II) show small differences in their molecular conformations, particularly in the shape of the azepine ring and the orientation of the chlorophenyl substituent. The molecules in polymorph (I) are linked by C—H...N and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form sheets, which are linked into a three-dimensional framework structure by C—Cl...π(arene) interactions. There are no C—Cl...π(arene) interactions between the molecules in polymorph (II) and the supramolecular assembly takes the form of sheets built from C—H...N and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. Comparisons are made with some related structures.
University spaces for entrepreneurship: a process model
Authors: Pittaway Luke , Aissaoui Rachida , Ferrier Michelle , Mass Paul
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore trends in entrepreneurship spaces developed by universities to support entrepreneurship education. It identifies characteristics that make a space conducive to innovation and explains whether current spaces adequately conform to those characteristics. More generally, this paper seeks to clarify what is being built, for which purposes and with what results.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the novelty of this research, the paper uses a multiple-method approach to allow for an iterative examination between theory and data. Multiple data and methods were used, including an action research method, a systematic survey of 57 entrepreneurship spaces at US universities and a thematic and content analyses of interviews carried out with individuals directly involved in the functioning of such spaces.

Findings

The paper presents a prescriptive model aimed at guiding the practitioner in the design of an entrepreneurship space. It identifies five types of entrepreneurship spaces that differentially support entrepreneurial activities and rely on different characteristics. These characteristics are centrally important for innovation and entrepreneurship spaces.

Practical implications

There are a number of practical implications from the work. It identifies key challenges in the design of entrepreneurship spaces and shows which questions to consider in the decision-making process.

Originality/value

The paper advances research on entrepreneurship spaces, an important yet poorly understood phenomenon. It reviews and introduces the literature on how space can support innovation, entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial “spirit’” and proposes a typology of entrepreneurship spaces, providing a path toward more robust and comprehensive theory building.
Bribery – an obstacle to international development
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Bribery continues to significantly inhibit international development. Despite massive efforts to fight corruption, public officials in many developing countries continue to demand bribes. However, multinational corporations face severe sanctions for engaging in bribery. Hence, this paper aims to investigate whether anti-bribery incentives could help to eliminate corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes an innovative approach toward eliminating corruption: it investigates the potential role of anti-bribery incentives through qualitative content analysis of 35 semi-standardized interviews with anti-bribery experts from Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Findings

Concrete recommendations for adjustments to incentive systems are provided in an effort to help multinational corporations fight bribery, and thereby, eliminate obstacles to international development.

Originality/value

Although the empirical findings are based on conditions Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, the results have potential global application.
Learning from failure: cross-border confiscation in the EU
Authors: Pavlidis Georgios
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of a new European Union (EU) initiative attempting an interesting paradigm shift in the field of cross-border asset freezing and confiscation. The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and lessons learned from the manifest failure of past EU initiatives (Framework Decisions 2003/577/JHA and 2006/783/JHA) have allowed for such a paradigm shift for the strengthening of mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders in the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on reports, legal scholarship and other open source data to examine a legislative innovation for the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders in the EU.

Findings

The EU legislative initiative that will be examined is innovative in nature and goes beyond international norms on cross-border asset freezing and confiscation. The new initiative needs to be integrated into the broader EU framework that targets criminal proceeds, and at the same time, to be anchored to respect for human rights.

Originality/value

This study examines the strengths and weaknesses of an important new EU initiative, its compatibility with human rights standards and its relationship to international standards of cross-border asset freezing and confiscation.
Effects of corruption on military expenditures
Authors: Arif Imtiaz , Khan Lubna , Raza Syed Ali
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of corruption on military expenditures in three income level countries. An annual data series of 97 countries covering high-income, middle-income, and low-income regions from 1997 to 2015 is used.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional dependency and integration property of the data series was checked before applying the generalized method of moments approach to test the model.

Findings

The results of the system generalized method of moments approach suggest that corruption increases the military budget of high-income countries, whereas corruption reduces the military budget of the middle- and low-income countries.

Originality/value

This paper offers some substantial implications for the policymakers of each income group to curb corruption and improve economic development.
Climbing the corporate ladder: desired leadership skills and successful psychopaths
Authors: Hill Dallas , Scott Hannah
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Many of the characteristics embodied by successful psychopaths, such as superficial charm, cool decisiveness and a grandiose self-worth, are often treated synonymously with corporate leadership qualities. Consequently, it is possible that successful psychopaths are actively being selected for corporate positions as they exemplify the perfect candidate. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether or not the recruitment for positions of higher social status are inadvertently seeking out individuals with psychopathic tendencies to run their companies using similar characteristics in their job advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study will provide a deeper understanding of successful psychopaths whilst exploring the role of the “Westernized” corporation in recruiting successful psychopaths into their businesses through character descriptions in 25 executive career advertisements using Wexler’s (2008) psychopathic Personality Dimensions And Positively Reinforced Corporate Labels.

Findings

The results demonstrated that corporations are seeking out characteristics that are synonymous to Factor 1 psychopathic personality traits, which could increase the propensity of successful psychopaths in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

Although the sample was representative for the current study, the sample size is minimal. Further, most companies in the sample were taken from the public sector. Given the implicit sample bias, the results and conclusions must be interpreted with caution. Future research should expand the relationship between psychopathic personality traits and corporate labels in a broader context.

Practical implications

The results also allude to potential protective factors that could be put in place by corporations during their hiring process. These factors include measures for empathy and emotional IQ. Beyond the hiring process, it is suggested that incentive-based promotions should be lessened and replaced with incentives that promote care and respect for one another.

Social implications

Whilst the inability for the public to conceptualize white-collar crime as a true form of crime conducted by powerful individuals is apparent, it is suggested that change should begin with public awareness and academia. With additional research on psychopathy in the field of criminology and organizational psychology, public awareness can be amplified.

Originality/value

The current study allows for an interdisciplinary perspective towards the concept of successful psychopathy by highlighting the increased potential for corporate scams and white-collar criminality. Specifically, the current study introduces a psycho-social criminological perspective.
Access, security and diplomacy
Authors: Rookwood Joel
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the perceptions of Qatar’s suitability to act a successful sports event host and, in doing so, look ahead to some of the key organisational challenges facing Qatar leading up to the World Cup in 2022. This paper is framed around the perceptions of nation branding and soft power and draws on the experiences of various key demographics who offer valuable insight into Qatar’s World Cup.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with football journalists, experienced tournament staff and volunteers, football supporters and expatriates working in the Gulf region. The paper is longitudinal in nature, with data collected between January 2010 and June 2018 including seven FIFA and FIFA-affiliated confederation events, namely, the 2011 Asia Cup in Qatar, the 2011 Gold Cup in USA, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2015 Copa America in Chile, the 2016 European Championships in France, the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Findings

The paper uncovers several concerns and considerations connected to hosting a first Middle Eastern World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The findings demonstrate some of the key organisational challenges facing the event which were found to include supporter access, security and the fan experience.

Originality/value

This paper examines Qatar in the context of the 2022 World Cup and its connection to soft power and nation branding. This particular event is so significant, not simply because it is the showcase tournament of the globe’s most popular sport from both a spectator and participation perspective, but because it represents such a notable divergence from previous editions. The majority of preceding World Cups have/will be hosted by highly populated countries with relatively developed football traditions and/or infrastructures. As a change to this pattern, the unique position of Qatar’s World Cup renders it as an important case study. This paper, which examines informed perspectives relating to access, security and diplomacy, provides a number of issues for Qatar’s World Cup organisers to consider.
Commentary on “The Ealing Intensive Therapeutic and Short Breaks Service: an update five years on”
Authors: Kiernan Joann
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the needs of children and young people with an intellectual disability and behaviours described as challenging in light of the article “The Ealing Intensive Therapeutic and Short Breaks service: An Update Five Years On”.

Design/methodology/approach

Contemporary literature associated with the provision of support to children and young people with an intellectual disability and behaviours described as challenging is considered. Some of the recent challenges associated with the provision of effective and timely support in light of current research, policy and practice are highlighted.

Findings

The Ealing service’s continued success is discussed within the context of new ways of working required to meet the needs of the client group and their families/carers.

Originality/value

The commentary reinforces the need to evolve service models that can provide specialist, timely and intensive support. The importance of early intervention is highlighted.
Commentary on “A critical reflection on the development of the Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC)”
Authors: Beaumont Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the wider impact of participatory research (PR) on the autistic academic, families and caregivers, and the researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary considers participatory methods from the perspective of an autistic female with experience on both sides of PR.

Findings

The positive aspects of PR outweigh the potential challenges faced, both by the researchers and the participants. Participatory methods are likely to increase the attractiveness of the research to participants.

Originality/value

Further research is required to explore both the impact PARC’s work has on the autistic academic in the long term, and whether it can yield similar results in alternative areas. In addition to this, consideration needs to be given as to whether the methodologies developed can be used to support a wider range of disabled individuals who are not currently able to access higher education.
Severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalisation in a large international administrative database, 2008–2013: a retrospective cohort
Authors: Lipkind HS , Zuckerwise LC , Turner EB , Collins JJ , Campbell KH , Reddy UM , Illuzi JL , Merriam AA
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study utilized the Dr. Foster Global Comparators database to identify pregnancy complications and associated risk factors that led to severe maternal morbidity during delivery hospitalisations in large university hospitals based in the USA, Australia, and England.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Births in the USA, England and Australia from 2008 to 2013.

Sample

Data from delivery hospitalisations between 2008 and 2013 were examined using the Dr. Foster Global Comparators database.

Methods

We identified delivery hospitalisations with life‐threatening diagnoses or use of life‐saving procedures, using algorithms for severe maternal morbidity from the Center for Disease Control. Frequency of severe maternal morbidity was calculated for each country.

Main outcome measures

Multivariable analysis was used to examine the association between morbidity and socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics within each country. Chi‐square tests assessed differences in covariates between countries.

Results

From 2008 to 2013, there were 516 781 deliveries from a total of 18 hospitals: 24.5% from the USA, 57.0% from England and 18.4% from Australia. Overall severe maternal morbidity rate was 8.2 per 1000 deliveries: 15.6 in the USA, 5.0 in England, and 8.2 in Australia. The most common codes identifying severe morbidity included transfusion, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, cardiac events/procedures, ventilation, hysterectomy, and eclampsia. Advanced maternal age, hypertension, diabetes, and substance abuse were associated with severe maternal morbidity in all three countries.

Conclusion

Rates of severe maternal morbidity differed by country. Identification of geographical, socio‐demographic, and clinical differences can help target modifications of practice and potentially reduce severe maternal morbidity.

Tweetable abstract

Rates of severe maternal morbidity vary, but risk factors associated with adverse outcomes are similar in developed countries.
Behçet’s disease presentations and care outcomes in a tertiary hospital in south‐western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Zahrani Fares M. , Alsultan Bashayer , Alahmari Hana , Almannaa Ali , Asseri Malak , Alhayaza Shahad , Aljaser Fatimah , Alamri Alwaleed , Alasmari Ali , Somaily Mansour , Alsabaani Abdullah
Published: May 2019

Aim

To study the clinical presentations of Behçet's disease in patients visiting a tertiary hospital in south‐western Saudi Arabia.

Patients and methods

Forty‐seven patients with Behçet's disease attending the Rheumatology Department at Asser Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia were recruited into the study. The study was conducted over a period of 5 years from January 2012 to July 2017. Medical records of the patients were reviewed to analyze the frequency of different clinical manifestations.

Results

The study had 26 men and 21 women. The mean age of the patients was 37.11 ± 11.9 years (range <30‐60 years). Frequency of main clinical manifestations in these patients included 89.4% (42/47) oral ulcers, 80.9% (38) genital ulcers, 55.3% (26/47) ocular complications, 55.3% arthralgia (26/47), 31.9% arthritis (15/47), 36% neurological complications (17/47), 34% gastrointestinal involvement (16), 17% pulmonary complication (8/47), cutaneous lesions in the form of skin pustules were found in 31.9% of cases and erythema only in 4.3% of patients. Deep venous thrombosis was observed in 66.6% of patients. About 96% of patients showed improvement with drugs. Only 2 patients died during the study period.

Conclusion

Behçet's disease showed higher male predominance in south‐western Saudi Arabia, similar to other Middle‐Eastern countries. The clinical characteristics are comparable to different studies reported from other countries. Regarding the care outcome, the majority of patients were cured using oral corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.
Marking mosquitoes in their natural larval sites using 2H‐enriched water: A promising approach for tracking over extended temporal and spatial scales
Authors: Faiman Roy , Dao Adama , Yaro Alpha Seydou , Diallo Moussa , Djibril Samake , Sanogo Zana Lamissa , Ousmane Yossi , Sullivan Margery , Veru Laura , Krajacich Benjamin J. , Krishna Asha , Matthews Joy , France Christine A.M. , Hamer Gabriel , Hobson Keith A. , Lehmann Tovi
Published: May 2019

Tracking mosquitoes using current methods of mark–release–recapture are limited to small spatial and temporal scales exposing major gaps in understanding long‐range movements and extended survival. Novel approaches to track mosquitoes may yield fresh insights into their biology which improves intervention activities to reduce disease transmission. Stable isotope enrichment of natural mosquito breeding sites allows large‐scale marking of wild mosquitoes absent human handling. Mosquito larvae that develop in 2H‐enriched water are expected to be detectable for over 4 months using tissue mass fraction 2H measurements, providing opportunities for long‐term mark–capture studies on a large scale.

A laboratory study followed by a field experiment of mosquito larval habitat 2H enrichment was conducted in Mali, to evaluate potential labelling of wild mosquitoes. Twelve natural larval sites were enriched using [2H] deuterium oxide (D2O, 99%). Enrichment level was maintained by supplementation following dilution by rains. Availability of 2H to mosquito larvae was enhanced by locally collected and cultured microorganisms (i.e. protozoa, algae and bacteria) reared in deuterated water, and provided as larval diet. Putative natural predators were removed from the larval sites and first instar larvae Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae were added every other day. Emergence traps enabled collection of eclosing adults. Adult mosquitoes were kept at laboratory conditions for analysis of label attrition with age.

Deuterium enrichment of wild mosquitoes above background levels (maximum = 143.1 ppm) became apparent 5–6 days after initial exposure, after which 2H values increased steadily until c. 24 days later (to a mean of c. 220 ppm). Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes showed significantly different 2H values (211 and 194.2 ppm, respectively). Both genera exhibited exponential label attrition (e(‐x)) amounting to 21.6% by day 30 post‐emergence, after which attrition rate continuously decreased. Males of both taxa exhibited a higher mean 2H value compared to females.

Deuterium oxide proved useful in marking mosquitoes in their natural larval sites and although costly, may prove valuable for studies of mosquitoes and other aquatic insects. Based on our field study, we provide a protocol for marking mosquito larval sites using deuterium oxide.
Different dopamine tone in ethanol high‐ and low‐consuming Wistar rats
Authors: Ericson Mia , Ulenius Lisa , Andrén Anna , Jonsson Susanne , Adermark Louise , Söderpalm Bo
Published: May 2019

Excessive alcohol use causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Changes in the mesolimbic dopamine system have been postulated as a neurobiological underpinning of excessive alcohol consumption, and recent research also suggests that the amino acid taurine plays a central role in ethanol‐induced dopamine elevation. The aim of this study was to further outline the role of dopamine and taurine in regulating alcohol consumption. In this study, a choice between ethanol (20%) and water was administered to Wistar rats in an intermittent manner (three times/week) for seven consecutive weeks. In vivo microdialysis was used to explore baseline levels as well as ethanol‐induced increases of extracellular dopamine and taurine, in the nucleus accumbens (nAc) of Wistar rats voluntarily consuming large or small amounts of ethanol. Basal levels of taurine were also measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in a subset of rats. Ethanol‐induced increases in nAc dopamine and taurine did not differ between alcohol‐consuming and naïve rats. However, when categorized based on ethanol intake, rats consuming larger amounts of ethanol exhibited a lower dopamine tone in the nucleus accumbens and responded to ethanol with a slower elevation of extracellular taurine levels, as compared with low‐consuming animals. Basal levels of taurine in nAc, CSF, or serum did not differ between ethanol high‐ and low‐consuming rats. Our data support previous studies claiming an association between low endogenous dopamine levels and excessive alcohol intake.