bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 939: Mdm2 Induces Vascular Calcification Through Its E3 Ligase Activity
Authors: Kook Hyun , Kwon Duk-Hwa , Choe Nakwon , Shin Sera , Joung Hosouk , Ryu Juhee , Kim Young-Kuk
Published: October 2019

Rationale:
Calcium deposition to the vascular smooth muscle matrix, or vascular calcification (VC), makes vessels rigid, increasing morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases. Previously, we suggested that histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 prevents VC, whereas its E3 ligase, mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), exaggerates VC by inducing the polyubiquitination of HDAC1.

Objective:
In the present study, we extend our results to investigate whether MDM2-induced VC is dependent on its ubiquitination activity.

Methods and Results:
Using cellular and animal models with genetically engineered mice, we observed that vascular smooth muscle cell-specific conditional knockout of Mdm2 blunted vitamin D3-induced VC. We generated both MDM2 Y489A, which lacks ubiquitination activity, and MDM2 ΔR, a RING domain-deleted truncated mutant. Compared with the activity of wild-type (WT) MDM2, the HDAC1-ubiquitination activities of both Y489A and ΔR were significantly reduced. WT MDM2 potentiated inorganic phosphate-induced VC by inducing runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), whereas Y489A and ΔR failed to do so. We generated three different transgenic lines to overexpress WT, Y489A, and ΔR MDM2. TgMDM2 WT elicited calcium deposition, whereas TgMDM2 Y489A and TgMDM2 ΔR did not.

Conclusions:
Taken together, our results suggest that MDM2-induced VC is dependent on the ubiquitination activity of MDM2 to degrade HDAC1. Accordingly, blockade of MDM2 ubiquitination activity might have beneficial effects in the treatment of VC.
Abstract 945: A Novel Role of Cardiac DNA Methylation as a Regulator of Fibrosis in Human Diabetic Heart Failure
Authors: Potter Luke A , Pepin Mark E , Wende Adam R
Published: October 2019

Human heart failure (HF) is accompanied by changes in cardiac gene expression; however, the impact of diabetes mellitus on this transcriptional regulation remains unclear. Our laboratory studies the role of epigenetics in HF and focuses on DNA methylation, commonly accepted as a negative regulator of gene expression when present in a gene’s promoter. In the current study, we hypothesized that diabetes alters cardiac DNA methylation and the transcriptome. We performed an integrated analysis of RNA-sequencing and DNA methylation using human left ventricle biopsies from HF patients to determine the effect of diabetes on this reprogramming. Our analysis identified global changes in cardiac DNA methylation as well as mRNA expression sufficient to distinguish diabetic from non-diabetic patients. Specifically, we identified significant regulation of 1,133 genes (|1.5| fold-change, P<0.05) and 9,302 methylation sites (|5%| methylation, P<0.05). Within the 391 co-regulated genes, only 174 genes had altered promoter-associated methylation. Consistent with the accepted dogma that promoter methylation inversely regulates gene expression, we found that 119 of those 174 genes displayed this inverse relationship; of these, an overwhelming majority (102) were hypomethylated in diabetic relative to non-diabetic hearts. These findings contrast the cardiac hypermethylation we have reported for ischemic HF. Gene set enrichment of the 119 inversely-regulated genes identified numerous pathways involved in fibrosis, including extracellular matrix organization (FDR<0.05, 3.9% enriched) and collagen biosynthesis (FDR<0.05, 6.3% enriched), which suggest that DNA methylation contributes to the adverse cardiac remodeling associated with diabetic heart failure. To identify putative regulators of these transcriptional and epigenetic differences, a candidate gene approach was used to reveal induction (2.5-fold, Q<0.05) and demethylation (20.5%, P<0.05) of EGR2, a known regulator of fibrosis. Furthermore, we found induction of GADD45beta (2.6-fold, Q < 0.05) a known regulator of DNA demethylation. Taken together, these observations suggest that epigenetic mechanisms underlie an etiology-specific reprogramming of cardiac fibrosis in diabetic HF.
PİLOTLARDA EKİP KAYNAK YÖNETİMİ ÖLÇEĞİ: GEÇERLİLİK VE GÜVENİLİRLİK ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: İNAN Tüzün Tolga
Published: October 2019

Bu çalışma, Pilotlar Vakfı üyesi olarak
aktif çalışma hayatını sürdüren 654 kişiye sosyal ve kültürel imkanlar, yönetim
sistemi ve arşiv ve dış paydaşların kullanımı gibi faktörleri arttırmaya
yönelik hazırlanan Pilotlarda Ekip Kaynak Yönetimi Ölçeği’nin (PEKYÖ)
geçerlilik ve güvenilirliğinin sağlanması amacıyla yapılmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen
açıklayıcı ve doğrulayıcı analizler sonucunda, anketin 5’li likert tipi, 3 alt
boyutlu (sosyal ve kültürel imkanlar, yönetim sistemi ve arşiv, dış paydaşlar),
20 sorudan oluşan yapısı belirlenmiştir. Ölçeğin faktör yükleri 0,524 ile 0,797
arasında değişmektedir. Ölçeğin 3 faktörlü yapısının doğrulanması amacıyla
yapılan doğrulayıcı faktör analizinde en çok olabilirlik kestirim yöntemi ile
elde edilen Ki-Kare değeri 508,273 (sd=149, p<0,001) olarak bulunmuştur.
Uyum indeksleri (GFI=0,927, AGFI=0,897, CFI=0,947, RMSEA=0,061, RMR=0,069)
kabul edilebilir olup, ölçeğin yapısal geçerliliği sağlanmıştır. Ölçeğin
güvenilirliliğini ölçmek amacıyla kullanılan Cronbach’s Alpha katsayısı 20 soru
için 0,923 değeri belirlenmiştir. Analizler ölçeğin pilotların ekip kaynak
yönetimi çerçevesinde belirlenen faktörlerin kullanımını arttırmaya yönelik olarak
geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçek olduğunu göstermektedir.
İŞLETMELERİN İHRACAT PERFORMANSI: BİBLİYOMETRİK ANALİZ
Authors: TANRIVERDİ İlknur , ALTINTAŞ Murat Hakan
Published: October 2019

İhracat, işletmeler için yeni pazarlarda faaliyet göstermek, büyümek ve
riski dağıtmak amacıyla kullanılan en yaygın uluslararasılaşma stratejilerinden
biridir. İhracat performansı ise genel anlamda işletmelerin ihracat yoluyla
elde ettikleri başarıyı ifade etmektedir. İhracat performansı, uluslararası
literatürde uzun zamandır üzerinde çalışılan bir konudur. Bu çalışmanın amacı;
dünyada 2000-2018 yılları arasında, ihracat performansı konusunda üretilmiş
olan akademik çalışmaları bibliyometrik analiz yöntemi ile incelemek ve ihracat
performansı konusunun tematik gelişimini bilimsel haritalama yolu ile elde
etmektir. Araştırmanın örneklemi 2000-2018 yılları arasında Web Of Science
(WoS) veritabanında yayınlanmış, başlığında ‘export performance’ kavramı yer
alan akademik yayınlardır. 2000-2018 yılları arası 19 yıllık dönem, 2000-2009,
2010-2018 olarak 2 periyoda bölünmüş, ihracat performansı kavramının bu
periyotlar içerisinde hangi kavramlar ile birlikte çalışıldığı, hangi
kavramların hangi dönemlerde ortaya çıktığı, hangi dönemlerde ana konu haline
geldiği, hangi dönemlerde azaldığı ve nasıl bir değişim gösterdiği bilimsel
haritalama yöntemi ile elde edilmiştir.
Gender Bias among Professionals: An Identity-Based Interpretation
Authors: Wu Alice H.
Published: October 2019

This paper measures gender bias in discussions about women versus men in an online professional forum. I study the content of posts that refer to each gender and the transitions in the topics between consecutive posts once attention turns to one gender or the other. Discussions about women tend to emphasize their personal characteristics instead of professional accomplishments. Posts about women are also more likely to lead to deviations from professional topics than are posts about men. I interpret these findings through a model that highlights posters' incentives to boost their own identities relative to the underrepresented out-group in a profession.
Saving Some Inequality for Young Adulthood? Social Origin Differences in ‘Re’-enrollment in Postsecondary Education in the United States, Sweden, and Germany
Authors: Weiss Felix
Published: October 2019

In this article, three country contexts are compared with regard to inequality by social origin in late enrollment in post-secondary education. Countries differ in the frequency at which young adults leave the labor market and (re)-enroll. This article discusses how inequality in late entry into education by social origin can be linked to characteristics of the education system and the labor market. Two cases with education systems that welcome adult learners and offer many second chances – Sweden and the US – are contrasted with the German system before its recent reforms. Systems with a welcoming environment for adult learners in higher education are shown to have higher educational inequalities in later transitions, while inequality in earlier transitions is lower.
Alcibiades’ Akrasia: Reason for Wrongdoing?
Authors: Shanahan Colm
Published: October 2019

I will argue that, due to the level of attention given to comparing and contrasting Socratic Intellectualism with the Republic, the question of the possibility of akrasia in Plato’s thought has not yet been adequately formulated. I will instead be focusing on Plato’s Symposium, situating Alcibiades at its epicentre and suggesting that his case should be read as highlighting some of Plato’s concerns with Socratic Intellectualism. These concerns arise from the following position of Socratic Intellectualism: knowing the greater good will necessarily entail doing good, and will thereby remove the motivational content of prior knowledge of what is good. Through Alcibiades, Plato explores the possibility of a negative reaction to knowledge of the greater good. Importantly, rather than simply arising as a result of being overcome by the passions, Alcibiades’ negative reaction assumes that rational freedom is required to reject the greater good (virtue) in favour of the lesser.
Systematic position and composition of Merodon nigritarsis and M. avidus groups (Diptera, Syrphidae) with a description of four new hoverflies species
Authors: Likov Laura , Vujić Ante , Tubić Nataša Kočiš , Đan Mihajla , Veličković Nevena , Rojo Santos , Pérez-Bañón Celeste , Veselić Sanja , Barkalov Anatolij , Hayat Rüstem , Radenković Snežana
Published: October 2019

The putative monophyly and systematic position of Merodon nigritarsis group was assessed based on morphological and molecular data of the mitochondrial COI and nuclear 28S rRNA genes. The previously reported concept of the group has been redefined, and M. crassifemoris Paramonov, 1925 is now excluded. The related M. avidus group is redefined here, including the Merodon avidus complex and M. femoratus Sack, 1913. Species delimitation of morphologically defined species of M. nigritarsis group was well supported by COI gene analysis, with the exception of M. alagoezicus Paramonov, 1925 and M. lucasi
Hurkmans, 1993. Descriptions are given for three new species of the M. nigritarsis species group: Merodon cohurnus Vujić, Likov et Radenković sp. n., Merodon longisetus Vujić, Radenković et Likov sp. n. and Merodon obstipus Vujić, Radenković et Likov sp. n., and one new species from the M. avidus group: Merodon rutitarsis Likov, Vujić et Radenković sp. n. A lectotype is designated for M. femoratus Sack, 1913, and two new synonymies of this species were proposed: M. biarcuatus Curran, 1939 and M. elegans
Hurkmans, 1993. Here we review 18 species from the M. nigritarsis group and six species from the M. avidus group and provide morphological diagnoses of the species groups. Additionally, diagnosis of 12 branches (groups or individual taxa) of M. avidus-nigritarsis lineage, an illustrated diagnostic key for the males, and distribution map are provided for the new species.
The Rise and Demise of the Boys’ Company
Authors: Agyekum Humphrey Asamoah
Published: October 2019

Graduates of Ghana's defunct Army Boys’ Company, a specialized military training institution for boys, participated to varying degrees in all five successful coups in the West African country. Most significantly, their prominent role in the coups of 1979 and 1981 catapulted them into the heart of the Ghanaian political arena. They thus became political actors; a position with far reaching consequences for the Boys’ Company. Coups in Ghana have received considerable academic attention. However, the focus of this body of literature tended to be on the coup leaders with rarely any attention for the soldiers who facilitate the power seizures by conducting the fighting. This article addresses this lacunae by assessing how the so-called “ex-Boys” radicalized politically, while bringing to the fore their experience at the Army Boys’ Company and in the military. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the conditions that led to demise of the Boys’ Company.
The crassipalpis species group of the genus Geodromicus Redtenbacher, 1857 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: October 2019

The crassipalpis species group of the genus Geodromicus Redtenbacher, 1857 is established. Three species of the group from the East Palaearctic Region, including G. crassipalpis Champion, 1920 (India: Uttarakhand), G. amplissimus Shavrin, sp.n. (China: Sichuan, Yunnan), and G. spadiceus Shavrin, sp.n. (Central Nepal) are (re-)described and illustrated. A lectotype is designated for G. crassipalpis. A key to species and distribution maps are provided. [Zoobank URL: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AEA23DBB-1CED-43AD-BC02-8FF196E70D37]
Minjerribah (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), a new genus from coastal Queensland, Australia
Authors: BICKEL DANIEL J.
Published: October 2019

A monotypic new genus, Minjerribah (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), and an included new species, M. litoura, are described from North Stradbroke Island in southeastern Queensland. The genus is assigned to the subfamily Hydrophorinae based on the pair of distinct converging postvertical setae on the dorsal postcranium, out of line with the postocular setae. Other diagnostic characters in Minjerribah include the highly encapsulated and reduced male postabdomen, the antennal pedicel with a conus (visible both in lateral and median view) projecting into the postpedicel, strong setation on tibia I, and very few male secondary sexual characters. It has only been collected in August from low coastal habitat and is probably a winter flying species.
Plasma Etching of SiO2 with CF3I Gas in Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Chamber for In-Situ Cleaning
Authors: Park Jin-Seong , Park In-Sung , Kim Seon Yong , Lee Taehoon , Ahn Jinho , Shim Tae-Hun , Park Jea-Gun
Published: October 2019

Non-global-warming CF3I gas has been investigated as a removal etchant for SiO2 film. Thermally fabricated SiO2 films were etched by the plasma generated with a gas mixture of CF3I and O2 (CF3I/O2) in the plasma-enhanced
chemical vapor deposition chamber. The etch rate of SiO2 films was studied along with the process parameters of plasma etching such as chamber pressure, etching gas flow ratio of CF3I to CF3I/O2, plasma power, and chamber temperature. Increasing
the chamber pressure from 400 to 1,000 mTorr decreased the etch rate of SiO2 film. The etch rate of this film showed a minimum value at a gas flow ratio of 0.71 in CF3I to CF3I/O2 and then increased at a higher CF3I gas flow ratio. In
addition, the elevated plasma power increased the etch rate. However, the chamber temperature has little effect on the etch rate of SiO2 films. When only CF3I gas without O2 was supplied for etching, polymerized fluorocarbon was formed on the surface, indicating
the role of oxygen in ashing the polymerized fluorocarbon during the etching process.
Stretchable 5 GHz Dipole Antenna Using Silver Composite Material
Authors: Kim InMu , Yuk Ji Hun , Choa Sung-Hoon
Published: October 2019

A highly stretchable small-size 5 GHz dipole antenna is presented for wearable and mobile applications. A stretchable dipole antenna was fabricated using conductive polymer composite material composed of Ag flake filler and polyester binder. The dipole antenna was printed on a stretchable
polyurethane substrate using a simple and inexpensive screen-printing technique. The stretchability and durability of the dipole antenna were evaluated by the stretching and cyclic stretching tests. The stretchable dipole antenna showed excellent stretchability and RF performances up to a
tensile strain of 25%. The stretchable dipole antenna also exhibited outstanding mechanical durability in the 10,000-cycle cyclic stretching endurance tests.
Cloning and Expression vgb-kfo Genes in E. coli and Microbial Chondroitin Sulfate Production
Authors: Erenler Ayse Sebnem , Geckil Hikmet , Karabulut Aysun Bay , Akpolat Nusret , Sevimli Resit , Ulke Esra , Aliyeva Aygun
Published: October 2019

This study focused on a new plasmid and new recombinant strain developed for the production of microbial chondroitin sulfate a new and limited area of study the strategies we applied for the production of microbial chondroitin sulfate, and the possible contributions of this study to
published research literature. In this study, pETM6-PACF, which carries the genes responsible for capsular chondroitin synthesis [kfA, kfoC, kfoF] was used as the basic plasmid. The Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene region was transformed into this basic plasmid and the common
expression of both gene groups was added to research literature for the first time. This plasmid was transferred to non-pathogenic E. coli (C2987) to produce a completely new chondroitin source specific to this study. Following the transformation by chondroitin synthesis, and the subsequent
microbial production of chondroitin by the application of purification protocols, microbial chondroitin sulfate was produced in sulfate form. Consequently, in comparison to published literature, a product with a low molecular weight value of 269 Daltons was developed. This product, which has
significant potential drug potency, can be used in many different areas as a novel and unique biomedical product.
Study on the Lightfastness of Ink Based on Visible and Infrared Spectral Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhou Shisheng , Li Chan , Cao Congjun , Ren Penggang , Luo Rubai
Published: October 2019

A method based on visible reflection and infrared absorption spectroscopy is proposed to elucidate the colour variation law and mechanism of gravure ink in daylight. Three kinds of gravure spot colour ink, blue, red and cyan, are used for a xenon arc ageing experiment. The spectral
reflectance of the samples is collected every 2 hours to analyse the variation in the chromaticity. A polynomial regression model of the colour difference and ageing time is established by the nonlinear least squares method. The coloration composition of the inks is analysed according to the
infrared spectrum of the samples. The results show that in a 36-hour experiment with an illumination intensity of 550 W/m2, the lightfastness of the different colours of gravure spot ink is significant. The integrated value of the differential reflectance spectrum analysis shows
that blue ink exhibits the largest change in chromaticity, followed by the red and cyan inks. The maximal colour differences of the three samples are 12.37, 4.78 and 1.34, respectively. A third-degree polynomial regression of the colour difference of the ink and ageing time achieves a good
fitting result, with regression coefficients of 0.9700, 0.9980, and 0.9646, respectively. The infrared spectroscopy results show that the change in the chromaticity corresponds to changes in the molecular composition and absorption intensity of the pigments. The blue ink, with the largest
change in chromaticity, exhibits the largest change in the absorption spectrum. The cyan ink, with inconspicuous changes in the chromaticity, exhibits the smallest change in the absorption spectrum. This research provides a more accurate theoretical basis for an analysis of the colour variation
law and mechanism of gravure ink in daylight and provides a reference for lightfastness analysis of textiles, dyes and coatings.
A Novel Sensor Apply in Detection of Indoor Air
Authors: Qi Lingling , Pan Yulun
Published: October 2019

Rutile TiO2 with three dimensional structures displays excellent electrical and chemical properties. In this article, rutile TiO2 nanostructure with flower-like morphology is synthesized via a hydrothermal method without any catalyst, template, surfactant or calcination.
Additionally, the effects of the reactants are discussed on the basis of controlled experiment. Interestingly, we found that the rutile TiO2 sensor show excellent gas sensing performances toward VOCs gas, primarily attributed to abundant gas diffusion channels and large gas-sensitive
reaction surface area. Meanwhile, these building units promote the directional transmission of electrons, resulting in an improvement of TiO2 gas sensing characteristics.
Enhanced Catalytic Conversion of Camelina Oil to Hydrocarbon Fuels Over Ni-MCM-41 Catalysts
Authors: Xu Gaofeng , Jia Chengxinzhuo , Shi Zhengjun , Liang Ruijuan , Wu Chunhua , Liu Hu , Yan Chao , Fan Jincheng , Hou Hua , Ding Tao , Guo Zhanhu
Published: October 2019

The ex-situ catalytic cracking of camelina oil using nickel loaded MCM-41 as catalyst at 450 °C in fixed bed reactor was studied. Results revealed that the yield, selectivity and chemical composition of the liquid products was improved by nickel loaded MCM-41 without affecting
the crystalline structure of MCM-41. Moreover, the loaded nickel onto MCM-41 facilitated the cyclization, alkylation, aromatization, deoxygenation, isomerization and cracking reactions.
Megaflashes: Just How Long Can a Lightning Discharge Get?
Authors: Lyons Walter A. , Bruning Eric C. , Warner Tom A. , MacGorman Donald R. , Edgington Samantha , Tillier Clemens , Mlynarczyk Janusz
Published: October 2019

The existence of mesoscale lightning discharges on the order of 100 km in length has been known since the radar-based findings of Ligda in the mid-1950s. However, it took the discovery of sprites in 1989 to direct significant attention to horizontally extensive “megaflashes” within mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). More recently, 3D Lightning Mapping Arrays (LMAs) have documented sprite-initiating lightning discharges traversing several hundred kilometers. One such event in a 2007 Oklahoma MCS having an LMA-derived length of 321 km, has been certified by the WMO as the longest officially documented lightning flash. The new Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) sensor on GOES-16/17 now provides an additional tool suited to investigating mesoscale lightning. On 22 October 2017, a quasi-linear convective system moved through the central United States. At 0513 UTC, the GLM indicated a lightning discharge originated in northern Texas, propagated north-northeast across Oklahoma, fortuitously traversed the Oklahoma LMA (OKLMA), and finally terminated in southeastern Kansas. This event is explored using the OKLMA, the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), and the GLM. The NLDN reported 17 positive cloud-to-ground flashes (+CGs), 23 negative CGs (−CGs), and 37 intracloud flashes (ICs) associated with this massive discharge, including two +CGs capable of inducing sprites, with others triggering upward lightning from tall towers. Combining all available data confirms the megaflash, which illuminated 67,845 km2, was at least 500 km long, greatly exceeding the current official record flash length. Yet even these values are being superseded as GLM data are further explored, revealing that such vast discharges may not be all that uncommon.
High-Frequency Raman Analysis in Biological Tissues Using Dual-Wavelength Excitation Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: He Wencai , Li Bolan , Yang Shan
Published: October 2019

A dual-wavelength excitation Raman probe with laser inputs at 866 nm or 1064 nm is customized and integrated into a compact Raman spectrometer that is based on an InGaAs detector. Under 1064 nm illumination, the spectrometer detects fingerprint Raman signals below 2000 cm–1. While under 866 nm illumination, the spectral range is extended to cover high-frequency region (2400–4000 cm–1) that includes major C–H and O–H Raman vibrations. We demonstrate that the dual excitation InGaAs Raman is beneficial in detecting high-frequency Raman signals, especially water contents in high-fluorescent biological samples such as human dental tissues, grape skin, and plum skin due to the suppressed fluorescence interference.
What Determines Teachers’ Use of Motivational Strategies in the Classrooms? A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Liu W. C. , Wang C. K. John , Reeve Johnmarshall , Kee Ying Hwa , Chian Lit Khoon
Published: October 2019

This study examined the antecedents of teachers’ use of motivational strategies in the classroom using self-determination theory. It was found that teachers’ autonomous causality orientation, perceived job pressure, and perception of student self-determined motivation influenced their need satisfaction. In turn, their need satisfaction had a positive direct impact on autonomous motivation. In addition, teachers’ perception of their students’ self-determined motivation directly predicted teachers’ use of three motivational strategies in the classroom. Finally, their autonomous motivation positively predicted providing instrumental help and support and meaningful rationale, whereas controlled motivation negatively predicted providing instrumental help and support.
Investigating the Comparative Suitability of Traditional and Task-Specific Think Aloud Training
Authors: Birch Phil D. J. , Whitehead Amy E.
Published: October 2019

The think aloud (TA) protocol is used to capture conscious cognition for wide ranging applications. However, the methods used to train the TA technique have been inconsistent, involving a mixture of both traditional guidelines and task-specific examples. This study aimed to examine how best to train the TA process. We recruited 20 competitive golfers as research participants, and we randomly assigned them to equal sized groups of traditional TA training as described by Ericsson and Simon and task-specific training in which participants were familiarized with TA via task-specific examples. Following training, all participants performed a golf task and were asked to TA. We transcribed audiotapes of their verbatim TA content and analyzed them using a deductive framework. We also collected various social validation self-report measures to assess participant perceptions of TA training. Overall, we found no significant differences in the frequency or type of TA verbalizations when comparing traditional and task-specific TA training groups. However, participants in the task-specific training group reported more favorable perceptions of training and found training significantly clearer than did participants in the traditional training group. We suggest that these findings support traditional TA training following Ericsson and Simon’s training guidelines, but adding task-specific examples seems to increase the familiarity of TA use and facilitate more reliable and accurate cognition data for research use.
Structural design and characterization of highly elastic woven fabric containing helical auxetic yarns
Authors: Chen Junli , Du Zhaoqun , Li Tianyuan
Published: October 2019

Auxetic textiles have been the focus of much attention due to their great promise for advanced protective clothing, flexible energy harvest devices, and functional textiles. Herein, plain fabric, basket fabric, and a derivative weave with the warp and weft yarns arrangement in a series of zigzags were prepared by incorporating different initial wrap density helical auxetic yarns in the weft direction using a commercial semi-automatic loom. The derivative weave using HAYs with a 150 m−1 initial wrap density as the weft yarn not only possesses superior auxetic behavior but also has good performance in strength and elasticity—essential properties useful for textile daily application. This fabric exhibits a high auxetic effect ( ν = −0.585), low elastic deformation (total deformation of 8.4% at 20% strain), excellent flexibility, and high break load. Moreover, by taking account of the key geometric parameters, a systematic discussion of the fabrics has been completed to evaluate the effect on the auxetic behavior; this clarified that changing the fabric structure and initial wrap density of a HAY is an effective strategy to tailor auxetic behavior without compromising the intrinsic properties of components. On the basis of our research, auxetic textiles can be considered a promising candidate for next-generation smart textiles and advanced functional textiles.
Validation of Echodynamography in Comparison with Particle-image Velocimetry
Authors: Oktamuliani Sri , Kanno Naoya , Maeda Moe , Hasegawa Kaoru , Saijo Yoshifumi
Published: October 2019

Echodynamography (EDG) is a computational method to estimate and visualize two-dimensional flow velocity vectors by applying dynamic flow theories to color Doppler echocardiography. The EDG method must be validated if applied to human cardiac flow function. However, a few studies of flow estimated have compared by EDG to the flow data were acquired by other methods. In this study, EDG was validated by comparing the analysis of estimating and visualizing flow velocity vectors obtained by original particle image velocimetry (PIV) based on a left ventricular (LV) phantom hydrogel (in vitro studies) and by EDG based on the virtual Doppler velocity. Velocity measured by PIV method and velocity estimated by EDG method in the perpendicular direction and the radial direction were compared. Regression analysis for the velocity estimated in the radial direction revealed an excellent correlation ([Formula: see text], slope = 0.96) and moderate correlation in the perpendicular direction ([Formula: see text], slope = 0.46). As revealed by the Bland–Altman plot, however, overestimations and higher relative error were observed in the perpendicular direction (0.51 ± 2.75 mm/s) and in the radial direction (–2.15 ± 21.13 mm/s). The percentage error of the norm-wise relative error of the velocity discrepancy is less than [Formula: see text], and velocity magnitude followed the same trends and are of comparable magnitude. These findings indicate that good estimates of velocity can be obtained by the EDG method. Therefore, the EDG method was appropriate for estimating and visualizing velocity vectors in clinical studies for higher measurement accuracy and reliability. The clinical in vivo application showed that the EDG method has the ability to visualize blood flow velocity vectors and differentiate the clinical information of vortex parameters both in normal and abnormal LV subjects. In conclusion, the EDG method has potentially greater clinical acceptance as a tool assessment of LV during the cardiac cycle.
Modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer under stability stratification for wind turbine wake production
Authors: Ichenial Mohamed Marouan , El-Hajjaji Abdellah , Khamlichi Abdellatif
Published: October 2019

The assessment of climatological site conditions, airflow characteristics, and the turbulence affecting wind turbines is an important phase in developing wake engineering models. A method of modeling atmospheric boundary layer structure under atmospheric stability effects is crucial for accurate evaluation of the spatial scale of modern wind turbines, but by themselves, they are incapable to account for the varying large-scale weather conditions. As a result, combining lower atmospheric models with mesoscale models is required. In order to realize a reasonable approximation of initial atmospheric inflow condition used for wake identification behind an NREL 5-MW wind turbine, different vertical wind profile models on equilibrium conditions are tested and evaluated in this article. Wind farm simulator solvers require massive computing resources and forcing mechanisms tendencies inputs from weather forecast models. A three-dimensional Flow Redirection and Induction in Steady-state engineering model was developed for simulating and optimizing the wake losses of different rows of wind turbines under different stability stratifications. The obtained results were compared to high-fidelity simulation data generated by the famous Simulator for Wind Farm Applications. This work showed that a significant improvement related to atmospheric boundary layer structure can be made to develop accurate engineering wake models in order to reduce wake losses.
Design, experiment and adsorption mechanism analysis of bionic sucker based on octopus sucker
Authors: Xi Peng , Cong Qian , Xu Jin , Qiu Kun
Published: October 2019

The vacuum chuck is widely used in industrial and daily life. By observing the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of octopus sucker, it is found that the sucker surface has concave–convex continuous wave shape with large number of non-smooth morphologies. The sealing mechanism of octopus sucker is analyzed according to its surface morphology before and after adsorption, and the non-smooth morphology is found to greatly enhance the adsorption. Based on the bionics theory, the non-smooth surface morphology of octopus sucker is applied to improve the sucker adsorption. And the bionic suckers with three types of grooves are designed. According to the model of standard and bionic suckers, the sucker entities are obtained by the method of three-dimensional printing and casting. And the tensile tests of suckers are carried out. The stress of suckers is analyzed by finite element method, and the sealing mechanism is discussed. According to the test results, the bionic sucker has larger adsorption force. And the ring sucker possesses the best adsorption performance. Compared with the standard sucker, the maximum adsorption force of the bionic sucker is increased by 12.2% in the air and 25.2% underwater. The adsorption force of bionic sucker becomes larger with the increase in the groove number; when the groove number increases to a certain extent, the adsorption force becomes smaller. The deformation of non-smooth morphology during adsorption makes the bionic sucker have a larger contact area. That is the reason why the bionic sucker has good adsorption performance. The bionic design of sucker can provide a new method to improve its adsorption.
Mechanisms in psychology: The road towards unity?
Authors: Miłkowski Marcin , Hohol Mateusz , Nowakowski Przemysław
Published: October 2019

The focus of this special issue of Theory & Psychology is on explanatory mechanisms in psychology, especially on problems of particular prominence for psychological science such as theoretical integration and unification. Proponents of the framework of mechanistic explanation claim, in short, that satisfactory explanations in psychology and related fields are causal. They stress the importance of explaining phenomena by describing mechanisms that are responsible for them, in particular by elucidating how the organization of component parts and operations in mechanisms gives rise to phenomena in certain conditions. We hope for cross-pollination between philosophical approaches to explanation and experimental psychology, which could offer methodological guidance, in particular where mechanism discovery and theoretical integration are at issue. Contributions in this issue pertain to theoretical integration and unification of psychology as well as the growing importance of causal mechanistic explanations in psychological science.
Information Revolution and Growing Power of Communication: A Foundation of New Diplomacy
Authors: Omotosho Mashood O.
Published: October 2019

Information and communication technology strategy can be said to have emerged as a road map for capitalizing on the use of information and technology as a key enabler of the government’s transformation in the realms of new diplomacy. The recent information and communication technological development, in both developed and developing countries, has increased the high-speed interactive digital network for multilingual voice, video, print, data communication worldwide, revolutionizing how nation states communicate with one another in the international system. There is no doubt that in the contemporary international system information technology (IT) is fundamentally transforming the way we live, work, govern and communicate. The global digital network and the growing power of communication have created a new foundation of diplomacy in the international arena. Therefore, this article examines the sweeping changes in the global system, high-speed interactive network with adequate bandwidth for multilingual voice, video, print and data communication vis-à-vis the conduct of diplomacy in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that IT is as important as politics, economics and military power, information, communication skills and foreign policy are high national priorities in international relations. The introductory part of this article focuses on the concept of diplomacy and we further analyze the sweeping changes in IT and growing power of communication in the new millennium and the contribution of IT toward the development of diplomacy in the international system.
Emergency nurse practitioners’ use of a modified Edinburgh red eye diagnostic algorithm: Prospective observational study
Authors: Chuk Lee‐Kwan , Chung Josephine Yuen‐Man , Lau Henry Hing‐Wai , Leung Ling Yan , Hung Kevin KC , Graham Colin A
Published: October 2019

Background:

Emergency nurse practitioners have traditionally been reluctant to treat acute red eyes in Hong Kong emergency departments. The Edinburgh Red Eye Diagnostic Algorithm is the only validated tool to assist non‐ophthalmologists to make diagnoses.

Objectives:

This study investigates the utility of a modified version used by emergency nurse practitioners.

Methods:

This is a prospective single‐centre cohort study in a university hospital emergency department in Hong Kong, comparing red eye patients seen by emergency nurse practitioners with the aid of the algorithm to patients seen by emergency doctors. Data on patient‐reported symptom severity were obtained on the day of consultation and information on resolution of symptoms at 1 week following emergency department attendance via telephone interviews.

Results:

A convenience sample of 50 patients was recruited to the emergency nurse practitioner group and 130 patients were recruited to the doctors’ group over 9 weeks. Reductions in symptom severity were seen in both groups (>70% in both groups reported moderate to very severe discomfort on day 0; ~90% in both groups reported none or mild discomfort on day 7). There was no difference between the two groups (p = 0.55, analysis of covariance). Symptom resolution was reported in 96% in the emergency nurse practitioner group and 98.5% in the doctor's group, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.31, χ2 test).

Conclusion:

Emergency nurse practitioners using the Edinburgh Red Eye Algorithm to manage red eye patients in a Hong Kong emergency department achieve similar patient‐reported outcomes compared to emergency department doctor consultations.
One firm, two countries, one workplace model? The case of Foxconn’s internationalisation
Authors: Andrijasevic Rutvica , Sacchetto Devi , Pun Ngai
Published: October 2019

This article aims to provide insight into the employment relations in China-based multinational companies internationalising to Europe, a still relatively unexplored topic. We investigate the transfer of work and employment practices from Foxconn’s manufacturing headquarters in mainland China to its subsidiaries in Czechia and the factors that influence the firm’s internationalisation of production. By drawing upon original ethnographic fieldwork, the study makes a two-fold contribution. First, it shows the analytical inadequacy of the ‘latecomer’ model which assumes that the Chinese firm is an asset seeker. Second, it illustrates the relevance of diversity of labour and non-institutionalised forms of workers’ agency for theorisation of internationalisation. These topics are still insufficiently addressed by the literature that favours managerial agency and the model of distinctive and stable national labour forces. The study contributes to the theoretical debates on internationalisation by illustrating the limits of the national institutionalist perspective, the importance of considering a multi-scalar analytical framework and the relevance of labour composition in shaping multinational employment relations.
Using Liminality and Subjunctivity to Better Understand How Patients With Cancer Experience Uncertainty Throughout Their Illness Trajectory
Authors: Dauphin Stephanie , Van Wolputte Steven , Jansen Leontien , De Burghgraeve Tine , Buntinx Frank , van den Akker Marjan
Published: October 2019

Uncertainty is a central theme in the illness experiences of older cancer patients throughout their illness trajectory. Mishel’s popular theory on uncertainty during illness approaches uncertainty as an outcome and is characterized by the patient’s inability to find meaning in illness events. This study used the concepts of liminality and subjunctivity to explore uncertainty throughout the illness trajectory of cancer patients. We interviewed 18 older (age range = 57–92 years) patients with breast cancer or gastro-intestinal cancer 3 to 4 years post diagnosis. Our analysis is based on the QUAGOL guide that draws on elements of grounded theory such as constant comparison. We found that liminality and subjunctivity provide a useful frame for understanding uncertainty with a specific focus on its productive potential and meaning making. Health care professionals should be open to acquiring a complete picture of patients’ diverse and dynamic experiences of uncertainty in the different stages of their illness trajectory.
Using the Storytelling Method to Hear Children’s Perspectives and Promote Their Social-Emotional Competence
Authors: Koivula Merja , Turja Leena , Laakso Marja-Leena
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the use of a playful, narrative, vignette-based method, called Story Magician’s Play Time (SMPT), in supporting children’s social-emotional reasoning and in helping children practice their social skills. We set out to examine (a) in what ways children use SMPT sessions to explore social interaction situations and to practice social skills, and (b) what story content and narrative play behavior during the SMPT sessions reveal about the social-emotional competence of children, in terms of acquisition and performance skills. The data were collected during SMPT storytelling sessions where 5- to 6-year-old children narrated stories of familiar but challenging daily situations and enacted their story in play. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results suggest that the children had knowledge of socially responsible behaviors, but that they also had difficulties executing these behaviors in play. SMPT enabled the children to participate, experiment, and reflect on the emotions and strategies needed for developing socially sustainable solutions.
Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata: A Clinical Analysis of 13 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Li Juan , Dai Shuyan
Published: October 2019

Objective. Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare benign disease that is characterized by numerous small muscle nodules disseminated in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. This study analyzed the clinical features, pathologic characteristics, and prognosis of LPD. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 13 patients with pathologically diagnosed LPD in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2001 to January 2018. Results. Overall, 13 cases were collected. The mean age of the 13 patients was 42.23 years (range = 26-51 years). In all 13 female patients, 11 had a surgical history related to uterine leiomyoma, and only 2 had no history of treatment. Most of them were asymptomatic. Thirteen patients underwent resections of the tumors by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Pathological reports of 13 cases indicated LPD. Twelve cases were followed up, and 1 case was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up time was 65.67 months, and 2 patients showed evidence of recurrence. Conclusions. LPD is a rare disease in women of reproductive age. LPD manifests atypical symptoms, which can be easily misdiagnosed and confirmed by the pathological diagnosis. Surgery is the main treatment. Although LPD is a benign disease, a few patients had a tendency for recurrence or malignancy. Therefore, strict follow-up is needed.
How long should we continue crizotinib in ALK translocation-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors? Long-term complete response with crizotinib and review of the literature
Authors: Alan Ozkan , Kuzhan Okan , Koca Sinan , Telli Tugba Akin , Basoglu Tugba , Ercelep Ozlem , Filinte Deniz , Sengul Yildiz , Arikan Huseyin , Kaya Serap , Babacan Nalan Akgul , Dane Faysal , Yumuk Perran Fulden
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare disease which is typically seen in children and young adults. Approximately half of the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors contain translocations that result in over-expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene. Herein, we present two anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive cases with long-term remission with crizotinib. We do not know how long these therapies need to be continued.

Case reports

We present two cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor treated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor therapies: an 8-year-old Turkish boy and a 21-year-old Caucasian man.

Management and outcome

Two cases, both with good tumor control under crizotinib, but one who progressed on drug holiday, responded again to the same drug, and had a very short period of response after restarting crizotinib.

Conclusion

A molecular-targeted drug (anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor) was found to be extremely effective as selective therapy for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocation. Here, we want to emphasize the continuation of this treatment after achieving a good response until progression or a major side effect.
Mitigation of Primary Graft Dysfunction in Lung Transplantation: Current Understanding and Hopes for the Future
Authors: Wilkey Barbara J. , Abrams Benjamin A.
Published: October 2019

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a form of acute lung injury that develops within the first 72 hours after lung transplantation. The overall incidence of PGD is estimated to be around 30%, and the 30-day mortality for grade 3 PGD around 36%. PGD is also associated with the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, a specific form of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. In this article, we will discuss perioperative strategies for PGD prevention as well as possible future avenues for prevention and treatment.
A quantile function approach to the distribution of financial returns following TGARCH models
Authors: Cai Yuzhi , Li Guodong
Published: October 2019

We develop a novel quantile function approach to the distribution of financial returns that follow threshold GARCH models. We propose a Bayesian method to do estimation and forecasting simultaneously, which ensures that the density forecasts can take account of the variation of model parameters. This method also allows us to handle multiple thresholds easily. We conduct extensive simulation studies and apply our method to Nasdaq returns. The results show that our approach is robust to model specification errors and outperforms some commonly used benchmark models.