bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Inclusion of Complex Diagnostic Algorithms in Infectious Disease Models for Economic Evaluation
Authors: Dodd Peter J. , Pennington Jeff J. , Bronner Murrison Liza , Dowdy David W.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Cost-effectiveness models for infectious disease interventions often require transmission models that capture the indirect benefits from averted subsequent infections. Compartmental models based on ordinary differential equations are commonly used in this context. Decision trees are frequently used in cost-effectiveness modeling and are well suited to describing diagnostic algorithms. However, complex decision trees are laborious to specify as compartmental models and cumbersome to adapt, limiting the detail of algorithms typically included in transmission models. Methods. We consider an approximation replacing a decision tree with a single holding state for systems where the time scale of the diagnostic algorithm is shorter than time scales associated with disease progression or transmission. We describe recursive algorithms for calculating the outcomes and mean costs and delays associated with decision trees, as well as design strategies for computational implementation. We assess the performance of the approximation in a simple model of transmission/diagnosis and its role in simplifying a model of tuberculosis diagnostics. Results. When diagnostic delays were short relative to recovery rates, our approximation provided a good account of infection dynamics and the cumulative costs of diagnosis and treatment. Proportional errors were below 5% so long as the longest delay in our 2-step algorithm was under 20% of the recovery time scale. Specifying new diagnostic algorithms in our tuberculosis model was reduced from several tens to just a few lines of code. Discussion. For conditions characterized by a diagnostic process that is neither instantaneous nor protracted (relative to transmission dynamics), this novel approach retains the advantages of decision trees while embedding them in more complex models of disease transmission. Concise specification and code reuse increase transparency and reduce potential for error.
Doppler Illusion Prevails Over Pratt Effect in Risset Tones
Authors: Villegas Julián , Fukasawa Naoki
Published: November 2018

Changes in frequency such as those found in Risset tones have been associated with moving sound sources in the vertical plane (Pratt effect) and the horizontal plane (Doppler illusion). We investigated the reported origin and motion of unspatialized Risset tones presented monotically and diotically, and Risset tones simulated to be in the sagittal or coronal plane, approaching or receding, from above or horizontally. Independent of the artificial spatialization used (none, spatializing frequency components collectively or individually, elevated or not), upward glissandi were more likely to be judged as approaching than receding, and downward glissandi as receding than approaching, in most cases from the horizon. Glissandi associations with horizontal movements were more common in stimuli simulated on the sagittal plane than in stimuli simulated on the coronal plane. These findings suggest that the Doppler illusion is stronger than the Pratt effect, at least for Risset tones presented over headphones and simulated to be in the sagittal plane. These findings may contribute to better understanding of the association between auditory motion perception and changes in frequency.
Performance analysis of a heat transfer and sub-grid chemical reaction distributed activation energy model for fire simulations
Authors: Bhargava Abhishek , Van Hees Patrick , Husted Bjarne , Junior Antonio Rodolfo , Neumeister Corina
Published: November 2018

A heat transfer and sub-grid chemical reaction kinetic model for solid phase combustion of a charring polymer is presented based on distributed reactivity modeling approach. The model is used to compute flammability parameters of a polymer sheet of a given thickness to simulate test results of a cone calorimeter experiment. Comparison of model simulations with cone calorimeter test data shows that it gives reasonable prediction of mass loss rate, heat release rate, and total heat released of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) and ethyl vinyl acetate–aluminum tri-hydroxide (EVA-ATH). The solution of governing equations with the current form of distributed reactivity modeling model poses numerical challenges due to appearance of a double integral in the chemical reaction model. Hence, an analytical approximation has been derived to solve mass and energy conservation equations representing the model. Simulation results indicate that with the approximated form of the distributed reactivity modeling model, along with the input parameters retrieved from literature, the model shows comparatively good predictions for EVA-ATH for mass loss rate, heat release rate, and total heat released, but calculates under-predicted values for PVC.
Nudity, feminists, and Chinese online censorship: A case study on the anti-domestic violence campaign on SinaWeibo
Authors: Han Ling , Lee Chengpang
Published: November 2018

Chinese feminist activists are actively participating in the Chinese online public sphere. In this study, we examine a case – the Anti-Domestic Violence with Nude Photos Campaign (裸照反家暴活动) – and the response of Chinese online censorship to this campaign. Campaign activists used nude photos to mobilize the public’s support. According to the existing theoretical perspectives such as the collective action potential theory, this kind of online campaign with pornographic elements and the potential to mobilize people is very likely to be censored. Counter to this expectation, we found that not all of the original photos were removed. Our finding suggests that the interactive manner in which activists responded to the public on SinaWeibo’s discussion threads matters in terms of the degree of censorship. This study complements the existing studies on the Chinese online censorship system, echoes scholars’ call for studies on censorship from a more interactive angle, and furthers our understanding of the Chinese feminist movement.
Intelligent control of active shock absorber for high-speed elevator car
Authors: Zhang Qing , Yang Zhe , Wang Chen , Yang Yuhu , Zhang Ruijun
Published: November 2018

Due to the influencing factors, such as irregularity of guide, piston wind excitation in the hoistway, and uncertain swinging of hoisting rope during the operation of high-speed traction elevator, car will produce dramatic horizontal vibration. With the purpose of suppressing this vibration effectively, the active car shock absorber is designed with linear motor, and a five-degrees-of-freedom space vibration model of the car is established and, subsequently, its state space equation is derived. For the uncertainty external excitation in the car system, the back propagation neural network proportional–integral–derivative controller with linear prediction model is designed for the intelligent active control of the vibration of the car, and simulation analysis is carried out with MATLAB/Simulink. The result shows that the active shock absorber designed in this study can effectively suppress the horizontal vibration of high-speed elevator car, better than traditional proportional–integral–derivative controller. This study has opened up a new idea of high-speed elevator vibration damping method, and is of important referential significance for the field of active control of car vibration.
Minimization of weld line movement in heat-assisted forming of tailor welded blanks
Authors: Suresh VVN Satya , Regalla Srinivasa Prakash , Gupta Amit Kumar
Published: November 2018

In this work, the formability aspects in terms of desired cup height during stamping operation of tailor welded blanks have been studied along with minimizing the movement of weld line. Circular sheets were prepared by joining austenitic stainless steel (ASS 304 Grade) and drawing quality mild steel (AISI 1018) materials with tungsten inert gas welding. To reduce the undesirable weld line movement during stamping process, a novel heat-assisted forming method involving localized and controlled heating of the stronger material side (ASS 304 steel) has been carried out. The experimental setup developed for this purpose enabled heating and maintained the selected zone at the desired temperature during the stamping process. The entire process has been simulated using finite element method and the results obtained were in close agreement with the experimental results. The effect of selective heating of tailor welded blank also resulted in the overall improvement in the quality of the product.
Towards a new conceptual framework for psychopathology: Embodiment, enactivism, and embedment
Authors: Nielsen Kristopher , Ward Tony
Published: November 2018

Psychopathology classification is at a conceptual crossroads. It is becoming increasingly accepted that the flaws of the DSM relate to its struggles to pick out “real” entities as opposed to clusters of symptoms. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) was formulated in response to this failure, and attempts to address the concerns confronting the DSM by shifting to a causal and continuous model of psychopathology. Noting key criticisms of neurocentricism and problems with conceptual validity leveled at the RDoC, we argue that they stem from its grounding in the metaphysical position of eliminative materialism, or at least material-reductionism. We propose that 3e cognition (viewing the mind as embodied, embedded, and enactive) offers a superior alternative to eliminative materialism. A 3e-informed framework of mental disorder is sketched out and its advantages as a basis for classifying and conceptualizing mental disorders are considered.
Jurisdiction over ‘matters relating to a contract’ under the Brussels I (Recast) Regulation: No direct contractual relationship required: Joined Cases C-274/16, C-448/16 and C-447/16 flightright GmbH v. Air Nostrum, Líneas Aéreas del Mediterráneo SA, Roland Becker v. Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd and Mohamed Barkan and Others v. Air Nostrum, Líneas Aéreas del Mediterráneo SA, EU: C:2018:160
Authors: Poesen Michiel
Published: November 2018

The Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) flightright ruling further demarcates the concept of ‘matters relating to a contract’ that features in Article 7(1) of the Brussels I Recast Regulation. In its everlasting endeavour to clarify that concept’s reach, the CJEU sheds its light on airplane passengers’ compensation actions. Particular to this case is that instead of suing the contracting airline, which received the booking, the passengers opted to sue the operating airline, that is, the airline that performed the first leg of the flight on behalf of the contracting airline. The CJEU stretches the concept of contract to the extent that such an action is contractual, despite the absence of any direct contractual relationship. Additionally, it is held that the operating airline can be sued in the courts of the final destination even though the final leg of the flight had been operated by the contracting airline. This contribution observes that the concept of ‘matters relating to a contract’ is broadening because of the application of an ‘ancestry test’, which entails that the concept encompasses all actions that originate in a contract. Consequently, ever more actions can be brought into the contractual forum.
Production of Cantonese classifiers in young heritage speakers and majority language speakers
Authors: Kan Rachel TY
Published: November 2018

Aims and Objectives:

This study investigated the production of classifiers in two groups of bilingual speakers: young heritage speakers of Cantonese in the USA and peers in Hong Kong, where Cantonese is the majority language. The role of language background factors in the heritage speakers’ performance was also examined.

Methodology:

The participants included 72 heritage speakers (3;10–11;3) and 61 majority language speakers (5;3–12;4). A picture-naming task was used to elicit the production of noun phrases containing six different target classifiers. A language background questionnaire was administered.

Data and Analysis:

The participants’ production was scored in terms of whether a classifier was produced in each obligatory context, and whether an appropriate form of classifier was used. The scores were analysed using multiple regression.

Findings:

Both groups were able to produce a classifier where required, but the heritage speakers were less accurate in selecting the appropriate classifier. There was a large range of abilities among the heritage speakers, and those with more Cantonese experience and a later age of arrival obtained higher scores.

Originality:

This study found both similarities and differences between heritage speakers and majority language speakers, and identified a potential trend of development in heritage speakers after age 10.

Significance/Implications:

This study showed that the classifier is acquired in heritage speakers, but its functional scope was narrowed to cover only grammatical function.
Identification of roll dynamics of an autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Abtahi Seid Farhad , Alishahi Mohammad Mehdi , Azadi Yazdi Ehsan
Published: November 2018

This article aims to identify the roll channel parameters of an autonomous underwater vehicle. These parameters include hydrodynamic coefficients, motor torque, eccentricity, misalignments and mounting imperfections. In the proposed method, an approximation of the hydrodynamic coefficients is made at first via semi-empirical methods. In the next step, a proportional–integral–derivative controller is designed with respect to the approximated coefficients. Since the approximations can be very uncertain, the robustness of stability and performance of the proportional–integral–derivative controller is evaluated throughout µ-analysis. Finally, the unknown parameters are identified using the recorded data of on-board sensors during motion of the vehicle. The identification is based on minimization of the one-step prediction error. The minimization problem is nonlinear in unknown parameters, and particle swarm optimization is used to find an optimal solution. The performance of the proposed method is exhibited through a 6-degrees-of-freedom simulation of an autonomous underwater vehicle.
Inhibition of Mastermind-like 1 alleviates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats
Authors: Zheng Shaoping , Chen Yixiong , Zheng Shaojiang , He Zhihui , Weng Zhihong
Published: November 2018

Mastermind-like 1 (MAML1) functions in critical transcriptional coactivation in Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways, which participate in hepatic fibrosis. This study is aimed to reveal the potential role of MAML1 in liver fibrosis and identify its underlying mechanism. In present research, the enhanced expression of MAML1 was found in the fibrotic liver tissues in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, and MAML1 expression increased gradually during the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from the normal rat. Further studies showed that blocking MAML1 expression efﬁciently decreased the expression of α-SMA and collagen I (Col1a1) in HSCs. Interestingly, MAML1 may modulate HSCs activation via interrupting both Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal transductions, and the inhibition of MAML1 by a recombinant adeno-associated virus type 1 vector carrying shRNA targeting MAML1 alleviated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. These findings suggest that the selective regulation of MAML1 expression may be a feasible therapeutic approach to reverse liver fibrosis.

Impact statement

Liver fibrosis is a common wound-healing response to all kinds of liver injuries. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is the key event during liver fibrogenesis. Thus, the elucidation of mechanisms for regulating HSCs activation is helpful for identifying novel anti-fibrotic targets and strategies. MAML1, an important component of Notch signal, functions in critical transcriptional coactivation in the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways. In the present study, we investigated the potential function of MAML1 during hepatic fibrogenesis in rats. Our results demonstrated that MAML1 participates in liver fibrosis through modulating HSCs activation via interrupting both the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal transductions. Additionally, the inhibition of MAML1 markedly attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis in rats. Our results shed a light for the exploitation of a new therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis via targeting MAML1.
Health and Wellness Coaching: Providers and Practice—A Commentary on Sforzo and Colleagues (2018)
Authors: Stark Taylor Shannon , Blair Kennedy Ann
Published: November 2018

The field of health and wellness coaching holds great promise for making health behavior change interventions available to more individuals. We assert that the health and wellness literature should recognize the potential of lay persons to provide health coaching and lay person health coach studies should be included in the compendium compiled by Sforzo and colleagues. Limiting the field to current health professionals decreases the number of potential coaches unnecessarily. The compendium will be an excellent resource for researchers to compile the existing data to determine the effectiveness of coaching, what aspects of coaching are effective, for what conditions coaching is effective, and what outcomes coaching improves. We provide commentary that researchers exploring health coaching should recognize the importance of physical activity in improving outcomes for a number of different populations and should health behaviors as outcomes in health coaching intervention studies.
q-Ferguson curves
Authors: Sun Lan-Yin , Zhu Chun-Gang
Published: November 2018

Ferguson’s curves are widely used in airfoil design. We present a kind of Ferguson’s curves with a shape parameter by integrating the classical Ferguson’s curves with the q-derivatives, called q-Ferguson curves. This kind of curves not only preserves the interpolation properties of classical Ferguson’s curves but also has a shape parameter which provides a freedom variable to construct the desired curves satisfying the interpolation or length constraint.
Rapid fatigue life prediction for spot-welded joint of SUS301 L-DLT stainless steel and Q235B carbon steel based on energy dissipation
Authors: Liu Yaliang , Sun Yibo , Sun Yang , Xu Hongji , Yang Xinhua
Published: November 2018

Spot welding of dissimilar materials can utilize the respective advantage comprehensively, of which reliable prediction of fatigue life is the key issue in the structure design and service process. Taking into account almost all the complex factors that have effects on the fatigue behavior such as load level, thickness, welding nugget diameter, vibrational frequency, and material properties, this article proposed an energy dissipation-based method that is able to predict the fatigue life for spot-welded dissimilar materials rapidly. In order to obtain the temperature gradient, the temperature variations of four-group spot-welded joint of SUS301 L-DLT stainless steel and Q235 carbon steel during high-cycle fatigue tests were monitored by thermal infrared scanner. Specifically, temperature variation disciplines of specimen surface were divided into four stages: temperature increase, temperature decrease, continuous steady increase in temperature, and ultimate drop after the fracture. The material constant C that a spot-welded joint of dissimilar material needs to reach fracture is 0.05425°C·mm3. When the specimen was applied higher than the fatigue limit, the highest error between experimental values and predicted values is 18.90%, and others are lower than 10%. Therefore, a good agreement was achieved in fatigue life prediction between the new method and the validation test results.
An analysis of demographic and pregnancy outcome data to explain non-attendance for postpartum glucose testing in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Castling Zora A , Farrell Tom
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To identify significant differences in the demographic and pregnancy factors for women with gestational diabetes mellitus who attended or failed to attend for postpartum glucose testing.

Study design

A database of 1052 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus was reviewed. The sample was divided into those who attended for postpartum glucose testing and those who did not. Demographic and obstetric outcomes for the two groups were compared.

Results

Seventy-four per cent of patients who did not attend for postpartum glucose testing were in the two most deprived quintiles. Smokers, unemployed, younger women, those of higher parity and those who did not breast feed were less likely to attend.

Conclusions

Failure to attend for postpartum glucose testing is associated with demographic factors reflective of deprivation. The opportunity to afford lifestyle changes and diabetes screening in these groups of women has been missed. Targeted patient education and accessible postpartum testing may improve compliance.
Constructing the idea of organization: Thought self-checks and the organizational review of cadres (1952–1960)
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: November 2018

This paper explores the history of state power construction, focusing on the period of regime change and how the state constructed a new governance structure, according to the ideological examinations, work reports, year-end summaries, and organization and examination reports of some cadres in the 1950s. The focus of the article is an attempt to understand how the state constructed a new governance structure during this period of regime change. This paper shows the state used its unique organizational power to carry out a series of administrative activities for cadres and groups: cadres took turns laboring, carrying out self-thinking clean-ups, and organizing the group to exchange learning activities and to implement and systematically organize the trial and handling procedures, the trial of the cadres of the ideological performance of the classification, the formation of written records, and the establishment of a new assessment approach to cadre behavior to institutionalize the organization of personnel work. These processes laid the foundations for the initial institutionalization of the cadre selection and management system, followed by the development of principles that have been consolidated and refined. The obvious effect of this process was that the new behavior requirements and employment standards became widely practiced by urban cadres, the new standards were used to shape the cadres' own concerns and work ethics, and the cadres and new organizations were gradually constructed. These activities not only established organizational governance authority, but have also had a far-reaching influence on the behavior of cadres and their overall characteristics in terms of expression.
A novel FAS mutation with variable expressivity in a family with unicentric and idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Baker Turner S. , Gambino Kristyne J. , Schriefer Lawrence , Lim Jung-Yeon , Steinberg Karyn Meltz , Fajgenbaum David C. , Martín García-Sancho Alejandro , Byun Minji
Published: November 2018

Key Points

FAS can be mutated in individuals diagnosed with unicentric and idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease. Defective lymphocyte apoptosis may be a pathological mechanism shared between Castleman disease and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.
Neoadjuvant (Chemo)radiotherapy With Total Mesorectal Excision Only Is Not Sufficient to Prevent Lateral Local Recurrence in Enlarged Nodes: Results of the Multicenter Lateral Node Study of Patients With Low cT3/4 Rectal Cancer
Authors: Ogura Atsushi , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Cunningham Chris , Garcia-Aguilar Julio , Iversen Henrik , Toda Shigeo , Lee In Kyu , Lee Hong Xiang , Uehara Keisuke , Lee Peter , Putter Hein , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Beets Geerard L. , Rutten Harm J.T. , Kusters Miranda ,   on behalf of the Lateral Node Study Consortium
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Improvements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery, and the use of (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT) have improved local control of rectal cancer; however, we have been unable to eradicate local recurrence (LR). Even in the face of TME and negative resection margins (R0), a significant proportion of patients with enlarged lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) suffer from lateral LR (LLR). Japanese studies suggest that the addition of an LLN dissection (LLND) could reduce LLR. This multicenter pooled analysis aims to ascertain whether LLNs actually pose a problem and whether LLND results in fewer LLRs.

Patients and Methods

Data from 1,216 consecutive patients with cT3/T4 rectal cancers up to 8 cm from the anal verge who underwent surgery in a 5-year period were collected. LLND was performed in 142 patients (12%). MRIs were re-evaluated with a standardized protocol to assess LLN features.

Results

On pretreatment MRI, 703 patients (58%) had visible LLN, and 192 (16%) had a short axis of at least 7 mm. One hundred eight patients developed LR (5-year LR rate, 10.0%), of which 59 (54%) were LLRs (5-year LLR rate, 5.5%). After multivariable analyses, LLNs with a short axis of at least 7 mm resulted in a significantly higher risk of LLR (hazard ratio, 2.060; P = .045) compared with LLNs of less than 7 mm. In patients with LLNs at least 7 mm, (C)RT plus TME plus LLND resulted in a 5-year LLR of 5.7%, which was significantly lower than that in patients who underwent (C)RT plus TME (5-year LLR, 19.5%; P = .042).

Conclusion

LLR is still a significant problem after (C)RT plus TME in LLNs with a short axis at least 7 mm on pretreatment MRI. The addition of LLND results in a significantly lower LLR rate.
Role of Donor Clonal Hematopoiesis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Frick Mareike , Chan Willy , Arends Christopher Maximilian , Hablesreiter Raphael , Halik Adriane , Heuser Michael , Michonneau David , Blau Olga , Hoyer Kaja , Christen Friederike , Galan-Sousa Joel , Noerenberg Daniel , Wais Verena , Stadler Michael , Yoshida Kenichi , Schetelig Johannes , Schuler Esther , Thol Felicitas , Clappier Emmanuelle , Christopeit Maximilian , Ayuk Francis , Bornhäuser Martin , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Ogawa Seishi , Zemojtel Tomasz , Gerbitz Armin , Wagner Eva M. , Spriewald Bernd M. , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Kuchenbauer Florian , Kobbe Guido , Wiesneth Markus , Koldehoff Michael , Socié Gérard , Kroeger Nicolaus , Bullinger Lars , Thiede Christian , Damm Frederik
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) occurs in the blood of approximately 20% of older persons. CHIP is linked to an increased risk of hematologic malignancies and of all-cause mortality; thus, the eligibility of stem-cell donors with CHIP is questionable. We comprehensively investigated how donor CHIP affects outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

We collected blood samples from 500 healthy, related HSCT donors (age ≥ 55 years) at the time of stem-cell donation for targeted sequencing with a 66-gene panel. The effect of donor CHIP was assessed on recipient outcomes, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), cumulative incidence of relapse/progression (CIR/P), and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 92 clonal mutations with a median variant allele frequency of 5.9% were identified in 80 (16.0%) of 500 donors. CHIP prevalence was higher in donors related to patients with myeloid compared with lymphoid malignancies (19.2% v 6.3%; P ≤ .001). In recipients allografted with donor CHIP, we found a high cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD (cGVHD; hazard ratio [HR], 1.73; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.49; P = .003) and lower CIR/P (univariate: HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.97; P = .027; multivariate: HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.98; P = .042) but no effect on nonrelapse mortality. Serial quantification of 25 mutations showed engraftment of 24 of 25 clones and disproportionate expansion in half of them. Donor-cell leukemia was observed in two recipients. OS was not affected by donor CHIP status (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.321; P = .434).

Conclusion

Allogeneic HSCT from donors with CHIP seems safe and results in similar survival in the setting of older, related donors. Future studies in younger and unrelated donors are warranted to extend these results. Confirmatory studies and mechanistic experiments are warranted to challenge the hypothesis that donor CHIP might foster cGVHD development and reduce relapse/progression risk.
Cullin-3–KCTD10-mediated CEP97 degradation promotes primary cilium formation
Authors: Nagai Tomoaki , Mukoyama Sachiho , Kagiwada Harumi , Goshima Naoki , Mizuno Kensaku
Published: November 2018

Primary cilia are antenna-like sensory organelles that transmit various extracellular signals. Ciliogenesis requires the removal of CP110 and its interactor CEP97 from the mother centriole for initiating ciliary axoneme extension, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that, upon serum starvation, CEP97 is partially degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. CEP97 was polyubiquitylated in serum-starved cells, and overexpression of a non-ubiquitylatable CEP97 mutant effectively blocked CP110 removal and ciliogenesis induced by serum-starvation. Through several screening steps, we identified the cullin-3–RBX1–KCTD10 complex as the E3 ligase that mediates CEP97 degradation and removal from the mother centriole. Depletion of each component of this E3 complex caused aberrant accumulation of CEP97 on the centrosome, suppressed the removal of CEP97 and CP110 from the mother centriole, and impaired ciliogenesis. Moreover, KCTD10 was specifically localized to the mother centriole. These results suggest that CEP97 degradation by the cullin-3–RBX1–KCTD10 complex plays a crucial role in serum-starvation-induced CP110 removal and ciliogenesis.
Elongated mitochondrial constrictions and fission in muscle fatigue
Authors: Lavorato Manuela , Loro Emanuele , Debattisti Valentina , Khurana Tejvir S. , Franzini-Armstrong Clara
Published: November 2018

Mitochondria respond to stress and undergo fusion and fission at variable rates, depending on cell status. To understand mitochondrial behavior during muscle fatigue, we investigated mitochondrial ultrastructure and expression levels of a fission- and stress-related protein in fast-twitch muscle fibers of mice subjected to fatigue testing. Mice were subjected to running at increasing speed until exhaustion at 45 min–1 h. In further experiments, high-intensity muscle stimulation through the sciatic nerve simulated the forced treadmill exercise. We detected a rare phenotype characterized by elongated mitochondrial constrictions (EMCs) connecting two separate segments of the original organelles. EMCs are rare in resting muscles and their frequency increases, albeit still at low levels, in stimulated muscles. The constrictions are accompanied by elevated phosphorylation of Drp1 (Dnm1l) at Ser 616, indicating an increased translocation of Drp1 to the mitochondrial membrane. This is indicative of a mitochondrial stress response, perhaps leading to or facilitating a long-lasting fission event. A close apposition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to the constricted areas, detected using both transmission and scanning electron microscopy, is highly suggestive of SR involvement in inducing mitochondrial constrictions.
Localization of all four ZnT zinc transporters in Dictyostelium and impact of ZntA and ZntB knockout on bacteria killing
Authors: Barisch Caroline , Kalinina Vera , Lefrançois Louise H. , Appiah Joddy , López-Jiménez Ana T. , Soldati Thierry
Published: November 2018

Professional phagocytes have developed an extensive repertoire of autonomous immunity strategies to ensure killing of bacteria. Besides phagosome acidification and the generation of reactive oxygen species, deprivation of nutrients and the lumenal accumulation of toxic metals are essential to kill ingested bacteria or inhibit the growth of intracellular pathogens. Here, we used the soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, a professional phagocyte that digests bacteria for nutritional purposes, to decipher the role of zinc poisoning during phagocytosis of nonpathogenic bacteria and visualize the temporal and spatial dynamics of compartmentalized, free zinc using fluorescent probes. Immediately after particle uptake, zinc is delivered to phagosomes by fusion with ‘zincosomes’ of endosomal origin, and also by the action of one or more zinc transporters. We localized the four Dictyostelium ZnT transporters to endosomes, the contractile vacuole and the Golgi complex, and studied the impact of znt knockouts on zinc homeostasis. We show that zinc is delivered into the lumen of Mycobacterium smegmatis-containing vacuoles, and that Escherichia coli deficient in the zinc efflux P1B-type ATPase ZntA are killed faster than wild-type bacteria.
CAP1-mediated actin cycling via ADF/cofilin proteins is essential for asymmetric division in mouse oocytes
Authors: Jin Zhe-Long , Jo Yu-Jin , Namgoong Suk , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: November 2018

Dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is fundamental to a number of cellular events, and various actin-regulatory proteins modulate actin polymerization and depolymerization. Adenylyl cyclase-associated proteins (CAPs), highly conserved actin monomer-binding proteins, have been known to promote actin disassembly by enhancing the actin-severing activity of the ADF/cofilin protein family. In this study, we found that CAP1 regulated actin remodeling during mouse oocyte maturation. Efficient actin disassembly during oocyte maturation is essential for asymmetric division and cytokinesis. CAP1 knockdown impaired meiotic spindle migration and asymmetric division, and resulted in an accumulation of excessive actin filaments near the spindles. In contrast, CAP1 overexpression reduced actin mesh levels. CAP1 knockdown also rescued a decrease in cofilin family protein overexpression-mediated actin levels, and simultaneous expression of human CAP1 (hCAP1) and cofilin synergistically decreased cytoplasmic actin levels. Overexpression of hCAP1 decreased the amount of phosphorylated cofilin, indicating that CAP1 facilitated actin depolymerization via interaction with ADF/cofilin during mouse oocyte maturation. Taken together, our results provide evidence for the importance of dynamic actin recycling by CAP1 and cofilin in the asymmetric division of mouse female gametes.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Case Report: Dentigerous cyst marsupialization for a child with Hunter’s syndrome
Authors: Sabry Shaimaa , Moheb Dalia , El Shahawy Osama
Published: November 2018

Hunter’s syndrome or mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II is an inherited disorder caused by enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase deficiency. It is characterized by involvement of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems, along with numerous oral manifestations. This is a case report of an eight year-old girl diagnosed with Hunter’s syndrome, who was referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University with a chief complaint of hard swelling related to the lower left posterior area. Radiographic examination revealed well defined corticated radiolucency surrounding an unerupted lower left first molar. Aspiration was done and cytopathologic examination revealed cystic fluid mixed with blood. The case was diagnosed as a dentigerous cyst. Cyst marsupialization was done under general anaesthesia.  From this case report we concluded that in Hunter’s syndrome patients more conservative approaches are more valuable. Regular dental follow up is advised to maintain good oral hygiene, and to detect any complications as early as possible.
Asset Growth, Profitability, and Investment Opportunities
Authors: Cooper Ilan , Maio Paulo
Published: November 2018

We show that recent prominent equity factor models are to a large degree compatible with the Intertemporal CAPM (ICAPM) framework. Factors associated with alternative profitability measures forecast the equity premium in a way that is consistent with the ICAPM. Several factors based on firms’ asset growth predict a significant decline in stock market volatility, thus being consistent with their positive prices of risk. The investment-based factors are also strong predictors of an improvement in future economic activity. The time-series predictive ability of most equity state variables is not subsumed by traditional ICAPM state variables. Importantly, factors that earn larger risk prices tend to be associated with state variables that are more correlated with future investment opportunities or economic activity. Moreover, these risk price estimates can be reconciled with plausible risk-aversion parameter estimates. Overall, the ICAPM can be used as a common theoretical background for recent multifactor models.

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.
INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS AND STRATEGIC COMPETENCES IN DEVELOPING THE HUMAN RESOURCE POLICY IN CONTEMPORARY RUSSIA
Authors: Baranov Aleksey , Mikhail Ovakimyan , Olga Kotlyarova
Published: November 2018

This article provides the results of research and projection of the current and innovative models of competences for modern civil servants. The principal aim of the study is to identify the interdependence of the human resource policy instruments and the current and innovative models of competences for a modern civil servant. The study objectives are fourfold: 1) describe the existing three-cluster competence model of a civil servant; 2) identify competences that update the professional potential of modern civil servants; 3) project an innovative model for a modern civil servant based on the results of a foresight analysis involving sessions with representatives of the state administration in the Rostov and Vladimir regions; and 4) identify the digital economy factors influencing the development of the civil service system in modern Russia. The methodological basis of this work is a large-scale foresight analysis using an expert survey carried out among representatives of the state administration of the Rostov and Vladimir region. This includes data analysis and classification of 302 individual questionnaires. The main purpose of the work is to identify the interdependence of strategic competences and technological skills for determining the dynamics of the Russian state human resource policy, as well as defining digital economy factors influencing the development of the civil service system in modern Russia.
CHINA’S MARKET AND GLOBAL ECONOMIC FACTORS
Authors: Bohdalová Mária , Greguš Michal
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to analyze the causal relation between the Chinese stock market and the US market. We investigate the dependence structures between two Chinese stock markets (Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index (SHCOMP) and Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSCEI) markets) and global economic factors such as SP 500 stock markets, volatility index VIX, crude oil and gold. We have used data based on a period from January 2000 to June 2017. The aim of this paper is to explore the causal link between the Chinese market and global economic factors. We have discovered asymmetric causal relations between stock returns and global risk factors based on a quantile regression.
RUSSIA’S IMPACT ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF OTHER EAEU MEMBER STATES WITH RESPECT TO TRADE IN HIGH-TECH GOODS
Authors: Falkowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2018

The main objective of this article is to determine the influence of Russia (in terms of their exports to Russia) on the competitiveness of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the international trade of high-tech goods in 2000-2016 in the context of the overall competitiveness of these countries in the international trade in this goods category. To this end, the author’s formula was used, which is a modification of the method of analysis of revealed comparative advantages in foreign trade of a given country developed by B. Balassa, while taking into account a hypothetical situation of total exclusion of exports to a country whose impact on the competitiveness of a given country is under examination. The analysis clearly shows that the influence of Russia (in terms of their exports to Russia) on the international competitiveness of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the area of high-tech goods trade in 2000-2016 was generally positive, although it differed in terms of strength of the impact, with the strongest being the case of Belarus and the weakest being the case of Armenia. However, this did not change the overall uncompetitive position of the analysed EAEU countries in the total international trade of high-tech goods.
WATER POLICY IN GREECE: MANAGEMENT AND PRICING UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EUROPEAN WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE 2000/60/EC
Authors: Farmaki Polytimi , Tranoulidis Apostolos
Published: November 2018

This paper is related to Greece’s water policy as it was formulated after the incorporation of Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60. We examined the status and evolution of constitutional provisions for the protection and management of water resources spanning from the first Greek Constitution of 1843 up to the current constitutional text of 1975 as formulated in 2008 with the incorporation of its third revision. In parallel, we investigated the Greek water pricing legal framework in accordance with Article 9 "Recovery of costs for water services" of the WFD. We compared the actual rates of water services as set by Municipal Water Supply Sewerage Companies (DEYAs) operating in 11 cities across Greece. The findings reveal that there are considerable problems and delays in the implementation of WFD. Regarding municipal water pricing policies, we concluded that DEYAs do not follow a unified and structured pricing scheme. Furthermore, several companies do not discriminate between data costs either per service (water supply, sewerage) or per use (water supply, irrigation, etc.). Finally, it is evident that none of them has yet adopted the relevant provisions set by the European directive for full cost recovery and water pricing reflecting financial, environmental and water resources costs.
TOURISTS’ MOTIVATIONS AND OBSTACLES FOR CHOOSING GLAMPING: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: Filipe Sandra , Santos Claudia Amaral , Barbosa Belem
Published: November 2018

Although still little-known, glamping has become a nature-based tourism option for people who want a higher level of comfort. The offer of this type of accommodation is growing, namely in Portugal, but there are still few studies that address the motivations and other relevant factors explaining its adoption or refusal by consumers. The present study applied a qualitative approach aimed at exploring consumers’ motivations or obstacles for choosing glamping, and their perceptions as tourists on the differences between glamping and camping. Data were collected through the conduction of focus groups held in 2017 and content analysis techniques for contextualized interpretations were used. The most important motivational driver to go glamping is the direct contact with nature. Glamour, comfort, privacy and a different experience are also important aspects that consumers appreciate. Inversely, the main obstacles are the cost, the limited offer, the lack of knowledge, and the non-authenticity, compared to camping, of the offer.
EMPLOYERS DEMANDS ON E-SKILLS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors: Gašová Katarína , Mišík Tomáš , Štofková Zuzana
Published: November 2018

The digital era is a society- and worldwide affair culminating in change in every sphere of people’s lives and life. The people of the Slovak Republic are not exempt. Modern trends that determine employers’ demands for digital literacy include the Digital Single Market, Industry 4.0, automation, and digitalization. The potential for usability of digital technologies depends on whether people can perceive their benefits, know how to handle them, and use them in practice. One of the prerequisites for an individual in the ‘information society’ or the ‘knowledge society’ is the acquiring, renewing and deepening of digital skills. Universities augment these processes. This paper analyses the primary sources of acquiring digital skills nationally and compares the digital skills of students from the University of Žilina. The proficient use of information and communications technology for problem solving, teamwork, and communication is the most required skill by employers. This study’s survey results suggest that the education system does not sufficiently reflect the current demands of a rapidly changing labor market. Also, the education system does not meet students’ expectations for e-skills acquired during their study and this result should be a matter of forthcoming discussions.
COMPARING THE USE OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN TOURISM
Authors: Genzorová Tatiana , Čorejová Tatiana , Stalmašeková Natália
Published: November 2018

People today are more willing to spend money on travel than ever before. Because of new possibilities, traveling is easier and travelers can choose options quicker for immediate travel. Today, their decisions are influenced by the use of mobile applications in tourism, which can help with finding accommodation the world over. Travelers do not need to check special hotels in a chosen destination and compare prices to find the most suitable or cheapest option. Mobile applications in tourism can do that for them, making traveling much simpler. The aim of this paper is to describe trends in tourism in Slovakia. The first part of the paper contains a general framework of digital platforms and the second part describes the current situation of tourism in Slovakia compared with that in the Czech Republic. The paper highlights attitudinal differences between countries regarding the use of mobile applications in tourism. The final part of the paper contains research about new customs of Slovaks in tourism.
PRODUCING OR PLAYING? INVESTIGATING INTERNET INFLUENCE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Konopielko Łukasz , Demchenko Oleksandr
Published: November 2018

This paper is focused on determining the effects of increase in the Internet usage on economic development of two groups of countries: OECD and NON-OECD countries. Two separate Vector Autoregression models were used. The hypotheses were inspired by claims that GDP per capita and trade, including trade in services, have a positive correlation with Internet usage growth. The hypotheses were tested on a set of 26 OECD and 21 NON-OECD countries for a period of 20 years, from 1995 to 2015. Results of the paper do not confirm the existence of a direct positive correlation between GDP per capita and Internet users. For all countries, a direct comparison of the chosen variables show a negative correlation. For OECD countries, trade in services has a positive correlation with Internet usage growth, while for NON-OECD countries both trade and trade in services showed a positive correlation with Internet usage growth.