bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indirect engine sizing via distributed hybrid-electric unmanned aerial vehicle state-of-charge-based parametrisation criteria
Authors: Wang S , Economou JT , Tsourdos A
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a design process for the challenging problem of sizing the engine pack for a distributed series hybrid-electric propulsion system of unmanned aerial vehicle. Sizing the propulsion system for hybrid-electric unmanned aerial vehicles is a demanding problem because of the two different categories of propulsion (the engine and the motor), and the electrical system characteristics. Furthermore, what adds to the difficulty is that the internal combustion engine does not directly drive the propellers, but it is connected to an electrical generator and therefore provides electrical power to the electric motors and propellers. Hence there is a clear distinction from the traditional engine solutions which are mechanically coupled to the propeller. This paper addresses this specific distinction and proposes an indirect solution based on properties on the electrical part of the system. In particular, a novel parametric characterisation engine sizing approach is presented using the battery pack state-of-charge during a realistic unmanned aerial vehicle flight scenario. Five candidate engine options were considered with different starting conditions for the electrical system. The results show that by using the state-of-charge properties it is possible to select an appropriate size of engine pack while carrying a suitable electrical propulsion pack. However, the solutions are not unique and are appropriate for given design criteria clearly indicated in the paper.
Chasing Documents at the Ottoman Archive: An Imperial Circumcision Festival Under Scrutiny
Authors: Erdoğan Işkorkutan Sinem
Published: April 2019

In 1720, the Ottoman court staged a grand public circumcision in Istanbul, with festivities lasting for three weeks. Although this imperial festival, celebrated in two separate sites, has been attracting the interest of Ottoman scholars for five decades, previous researchers have only accessed the event through narrative and pictorial sources, which provide information solely on the morphology of the festival and some of its rites.

Recently, however, comprehensive research in the Ottoman archives has unearthed the most extensive archival source concerning an Ottoman festival that historians have ever discovered. Composed of thousands of documents of different types, the registers and individual records studied by the present author strikingly illuminate the social, material and financial aspects of the festival. In addition, they illustrate the organisational plan and the day-to-day coordination by which the Ottoman bureaucracy retained control of this event. While the discovery presented here demonstrates the great potential of archival research for the study of Ottoman festivals, at the same time it will be useful to scholars working on other sub-fields of Ottoman studies—to say nothing of historians working on celebrations in other cultural contexts.

This article discusses the type, content and format of the documents recording the 1720 festival, while also elucidating their discovery process at the Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives in Istanbul.
Destination Attributes to Measure Tourist Revisit Intention: A Scale Development
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Singh Janmejay
Published: April 2019

Tourists revisit intention (TRIs) is an important factor in achieving success in a highly competitive tourism marketplace. To support tourism marketers, this study developed a scale that measures the destination attributes associated with TRIs. Following a rigorous scale development procedure, the study found a 10-dimensional construct that affects TRIs. The data support internal consistency as well as validity (i.e., content, construct, convergent and discriminant) of the scale and the dimensional structure of destination attributes affecting TRIs. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study’s result are discussed. This study also enables destination managers to have practical information about the tourists and to increase TRIs by providing better services. To recognize and to understand the destination attributes that strongly affect TRIs and resulted in positive word of mouth, the article begins with reviewing existing literature on memory, experience and TRIs.
The Link Between Sales Promotion’s Benefits and Consumers Perception: A Comparative Study Between Rural and Urban Consumers
Authors: Sinha Somesh Kumar , Verma Priyanka
Published: April 2019

The purpose behind the development of this research article is to assess the difference in consumers’ perception for sales promotion’s hedonic and utilitarian benefits in rural and urban areas. To achieve the objective of this research a comparative study is conducted based on the data collected from the rural and urban areas of central India. Research utilized the variance-based structure equation modelling and multi-group analysis techniques to assess the difference. The findings suggest that urban consumers give more importance to sales promotion’s hedonic benefits while rural consumers are more attracted by sales promotion’s utilitarian benefits. The findings of this research provide important insight for development of an effective sales promotion plan considering the difference in consumers’ psychology between rural and urban consumers. The significance of this study lies in developing insight regarding the different impacts of sales promotion’s hedonic and utilitarian benefits on rural and urban consumers’ perception.
Modelling the Link Between Developmental Human Resource Practices and Work Engagement: The Moderation Role of Service Climate
Authors: Ahmed Umair , Kura Kabiru Maitama , Umrani Waheed Ali , Pahi Munwar Hussain
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between developmental human resource (HR) practices and work engagement by focusing on the moderating role of service climate. Specifically, employee training opportunities, career developmental opportunities, and developmental performance appraisal were cast as the key dimensions of developmental HR practices. We used cross-sectional data with survey from 277 employees in six large banks in Pakistan. The results suggest that each of the dimensions of developmental HR practices was positively related to work engagement. Also, service climate was found to moderate the relationship between training opportunities and work engagement. Similarly, results showed that service climate moderated relationship between career developmental opportunities and work engagement. Regarding the practical implications, results suggest that policymakers should consider enriching HR factors by providing supportive environment, feedback and service climate to enhance employee engagement. In terms of originality, we contended that, to date, there is paucity of empirical study linking developmental HR practices to employees’ work engagement. Hence, the present study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between developmental HR practices and work engagement, as well as the boundary condition on these relationships.
Minding their Ps and Qs; the Royal Navy purser and accounting and governance, 1731–1808
Authors: McBride Karen
Published: April 2019

This research explores the accounting regulations imposed on sea officers, particularly the purser, on board Royal Navy ships between 1731 and 1808. This was a period in which the Royal Navy grew to become one of the largest enterprises in Europe with operations throughout the world. The governance, control and accountability practices imposed upon pursers are analysed. The Regulations for accounting records to be kept by pursers indicate that accounting changed very little in the analysis period, until 1808, when it became substantially more detailed. Drawing on institutional theory, it is argued that this was due to external pressures for increased governance following the impeachment of Melville (First Lord of the Admiralty), public spending administrative and accounting reforms and political disapproval of ‘offices of profit’. The article provides important insights to the development of accounting, governance, audit and accountability within the Royal Navy, and enhances understanding of the historically unique role of pursers.
Thyroid-Like Follicular Carcinoma of the Kidney With Extensive Sarcomatoid Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jenkins Taylor M. , Rosenbaum Jason , Zhang Paul J. , Schwartz Lauren E. , Nayak Anupma , Cooper Kumarasen , Tickoo Satish K. , Lal Priti
Published: April 2019

Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney (TLFCK) is an extremely rare primary renal malignancy that typically has an indolent course and good prognosis. Histologically, this tumor mimics follicular carcinoma of the thyroid; however, typical thyroid markers are negative. There are fewer than 40 cases reported in the literature, and thus, the prognosis and course of disease is not well understood. Sarcomatoid differentiation has never been reported in a case of TLFCK. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with an aggressive TLFCK with extensive sarcomatoid differentiation and metastatic disease at presentation. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing of both the thyroid-like component and the poorly differentiated sarcomatoid component using our solid tumor panel to evaluate for any disease-associated mutations and to better understand the molecular profile of these tumors.
Virtual reality and augmented reality applications and simulation in vascular access management with three-dimensional visualization
Authors: Yokoyama Itsuo , Sarai Tsuyosi , Asai Toshinori , Kitou Nobuyuki , Nozaki Hirotaka , Kondo Yuki , Nomura Yusaku , Morizane Atsushi , Sekikawa Michi , Liu Dage
Published: April 2019

Obtaining adequate and precise anatomical information is mandatory to prevent vascular access–related complications in dialysis patients. For this purpose, we underwent Doppler ultrasound, vascular access angiogram, and plain computer-assisted tomography scan of the arm with vascular access. With the use of computer graphics software, the anatomical structure of the vascular access can be visualized three dimensionally which is shared among the staffs for precise and better recognition. Furthermore, created object is applicable for virtual reality and/or augmented reality presentation that provides useful means for education and practical procedures in the management of vascular access.
Current state of dialysis access management in Korea
Authors: Kim Yong-Soo , Kim Yaeni , Shin Seok Joon , Lee Hyung Seok , Kim Sung Gyun , Cho Seong , Na Ki Ryang , Kim Jin Kuk , Kim Seung Jung , Kim Young Ok , Jin Dong-Chan
Published: April 2019

The prevalence rate and the incidence rate of hemodialysis and functioning kidney transplant recipients have continuously increased; on the contrary, those of peritoneal dialysis have continuously decreased since 2006. Dialysis patients have been getting older and have been maintained on dialysis longer. Diabetic nephropathy was the leading cause of end stage renal disease. The type of hemodialysis vascular access has been stable during the last 5 years (arteriovenous fistulas 76%, arteriovenous grafts 16%, central venous catheters 8% at 2016). Peritoneal dialysis catheter was mostly inserted surgically (67%), and swan neck straight tip peritoneal dialysis catheter was the most commonly used (48%). Vascular access was managed by radiologists and surgeons, and the management was fragmented among them in the past. However, since the nephrologists became interested in and knowledgeable about the vascular access, they began to play roles in vascular access management. Vascular access has been mostly created by vascular surgeons (≈60%); tunneled central venous hemodialysis catheter insertion and endovascular intervention such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and thrombectomy have been mostly performed by radiologists (≈70%). Tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion and endovascular intervention by nephrologists have slowly but consistently increased. Recently, the number of central venous hemodialysis catheter insertion has decreased, and tunneled hemodialysis catheter has been inserted more than non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter, indicating that vascular access has been created timely and the vascular access team has been educated about and following international guidelines.
The flow-difference feedback iteration method for aerostatic thrust bearings and its convergence characteristics
Authors: Li Yazhe , Zhou Kai , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2019

The flow-difference feedback iteration method for aerostatic thrust bearings is proposed to the flow balance-based iteration, and two modification methods are further provided to improve the adaptability. The bearing capability calculated by the proposed method is validated by the experimental data. Moreover, the influence of convergence rate factors, iterative initial values, and mesh grids on the iteration ratio is investigated. Compared with the conventional iteration methods, the proposed method with appropriate convergence rate factors provides a higher convergence efficiency. In addition, good convergence behavior under different iterative initial values and the mesh grid size is shown, and the convergence rate is insensitive to the finite difference method parameters. A series of calculations are conducted to investigate the generality of the proposed methods.
Coupled vibration characteristics of a submarine propeller-shaft-hull system at low frequency
Authors: Chen Feng , Chen Yong , Hua Hongxing
Published: April 2019

The coupled longitudinal and transverse vibration characteristics of a submarine propeller-shaft-hull system at low frequency are studied in this paper. Two substructures, which are the propeller-shaft subsystem and the submarine hull, are first modelled using the finite element method. The two substructures are then connected through bearings, which are simplified as longitudinal and lateral springs and dampers. The modes, the natural frequencies and the coupled vibration characteristics of the two substructures and their synthesized system are simulated. An experiment studying the dynamic characteristics of a large-scale submarine test-rig is proceeded and compared with the numerical results, showing great consistency. Finally, transfer path analysis of the low frequency excitation forces using power flow method is discussed.
Hot Districts, Cool Legislation: Evaluating Agenda Setting in Climate Change Bill Sponsorship in U.S. States
Authors: Bromley-Trujillo Rebecca , Holman Mirya , Sandoval Andres
Published: April 2019

What factors influence agenda setting behavior in state legislatures in the United States? Using the localized effects of climate change, we examine whether notable changes in temperature can raise the salience of the issue, thus encouraging a legislative response. To evaluate the behavior of individual legislators around climate policy, we utilize an original data set that includes geographic mapping of climate anomalies at the state legislative district level and incorporates individual, chamber, district, and state characteristics to predict climate bill sponsorship. Using a multilevel model that estimates climate change bill sponsorship among 25,000 legislators from 2011 to 2015, we find a robust relationship between temperature anomalies and bill sponsorship for Democratic members of state legislators while Republicans are unresponsive to such factors. Our data and methodological approach allow us to examine legislative action on climate change beyond final policy passage and offers an opportunity to understand the motivations behind climate innovation in the American states.
Philadelphia versus Baltimore: City Planning and Aesthetic Character in Two Antebellum American Cities
Authors: Reinberger Mark
Published: April 2019

Philadelphia and Baltimore, close economic rivals in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, had strikingly different processes of planning, patterns of growth, and resulting urban characters. This article examines these aspects of the two cities and elucidates them with travelers’ comments and urban views of the period and the aesthetic theory underlying these viewpoints.
Measuring the Spiritual, Character, and Moral Formation of Seminarians: In Search of a Meta-Theory of Spiritual Change
Authors: Porter Steven L. , Sandage Steven J. , Wang David C. , Hill Peter C.
Published: April 2019

Theological schools are well situated to create intentional cultures for the purpose of spiritual formation. Indeed, most schools of theology have this goal as an essential part of their mission as well as a requirement for continued accreditation. And yet, the measurement of spiritual formation over time is fraught with challenges. This article seeks to address some of these challenges by means of developing a meta-theory of positive change/growth which would eventually serve as a theoretical basis for the development of a generalizable and reliable measurement tool.
Color Perception in Protanomalous Female Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Widayati Kanthi A. , Saito Atsuko , Suryobroto Bambang , Mikami Akichika , Koida Kowa
Published: April 2019

Protanomalous females with X chromosome-linked color vision deficiency exhibit mild abnormalities, whereas dichromats show a distinct deficiency in discriminating certain color pairs. Dichromats have an advantage in detecting a textured target when it is camouflaged by red-green colors, owing to their insensitivity to these colors. However, it is not certain whether protanomalous females possess a similar advantage in breaking camouflage. Here, we introduce an animal model of dichromatic macaque monkeys and protanomalous females. We examined whether protanomalous females have the same advantage in breaking color camouflage as shown by dichromatic macaques. We also tested whether they could discriminate a certain color pair that trichromats could, where the dichromats are confused. Our experiments show that protanomalous macaques can break color camouflage, similar to dichromats, and can discriminate colors similarly to trichromats. Protanomalous females are thus thought to have the combined ecological advantages of being both trichromats and dichromats.
“Deep” vertical Mohs and closure with a tumor-free flap for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A case report
Authors: John Ann M , Francisco Gina , Srivastava Radhika , Bhatti Hamza , Rao Babar K
Published: April 2019

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon low-grade malignant tumor that can invade locally and rarely metastasize. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has a high rate of local recurrence due to incomplete excision, especially in deep tissues. Morbidity is often related to multiple local recurrences and removal of excessive tissue with large, complex repairs. We present a case of incompletely excised dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans after initial wide local excision. We subsequently employed a “deep” vertical Mohs micrographic surgical technique to remove the remaining tumor while creating a flap with the tumor-free superficial portion to preserve tissue and avoid a complicated repair. The patient is tumor-free for 7 years.
Protective effect of Traditional Chinese medicine Shuangwu Zhentong Capsule on collagen-induced arthritis in rats and possible mechanisms
Authors: Tian Dandan , Sun Jianhua , Li Jun , Xie Guoqi , Hao Shaojun , Niu Jun , Zhang Xuhui , Ma Junjie , Mao Libin , Zhang Zhengchen
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Traditional Chinese medicine Shuangwu Zhentong Capsule (SZC) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and the possible mechanisms. Sixty rats were randomly divided into control and model: low-, medium-, and high-dose SZC and prednisone acetate (PA) groups, with 10 rats in each group. The CIA model was established in later 5 groups. The rats in low-, medium-, and high-dose SZC groups were intragastricallly administered with SZC, with dose of 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, respectively. The PA group was intragastricallly administered with 5 mg/kg PA. The treatment was performed for 3 weeks. Before treatment and after treatment, the paw swelling degree and polyarthritis index score of rats were measured. At the end of experiment, the serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined. The expressions of Ras and Raf-1 protein in synovial tissue were detected. Results showed that, after treatment, compared with model group, in high-dose SZC and PA groups, the paw swelling degree, polyarthritis index score, serum TNF-α, IL-1β and NO levels, and synovial tissue Ras and Raf-1 protein levels were significantly decreased, respectively ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, SZC has obvious protective effects on CIA in rats. The mechanisms may be related to its resistance of inflammatory reaction and down-regulation of Ras and Raf-l protein expressions in synovial tissue.
Sense of Coherence: Notes on Some Challenges for Future Research
Authors: Hochwälder Jacek
Published: April 2019

Antonovsky introduced the salutogenic model whose aim is to explain the origins of health and to describe how health can be promoted. Sense of coherence (SOC) is the core concept in the model and is defined as the degree of meaningfulness, comprehensibility, and manageability that people feel in their life. The aim of this article is to bring attention to some topics on SOC that need to be explored in future research. First, SOC and how it is measured are briefly described. Thereafter, there is a brief discussion of the following seven topics: (a) the dimensionality of the SOC scale, (b) SOC as the causal variable, (c) SOC as the outcome variable, (d) general SOC versus domain-specific SOC, (e) the concept of boundary in the measurement of SOC, (f) SOC as a continuous versus a dichotomized or trichotomized variable, and (g) the importance of relating SOC to salutogenic outcome measures. In conclusion, the salutogenic model, with its core concept of SOC, is an excellent guide for research on health and well-being, but there are still some parts of this model that deserve further theoretical and empirical attention.
The Perception of Disability Among Mothers Living With a Child With Cerebral Palsy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohamed Madi Sanaa , Mandy Anne , Aranda Kay
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of disability among Saudi mothers and to understand the implication of the meaning for the mothers of children with disability. A critical ethnographic approach was employed using focus groups and follow-up interviews with the mothers. Three primary themes were identified that specifically influenced and affected the mothers’ experiences: (a) culture and religion, (b) motherhood and disability, and (c) community stigma and discrimination. The study reveals much-needed knowledge and sheds light on a topic, the details of which are rarely available in research literature from the Middle East. The findings further endorse the need for clinicians to listen to the mothers to consider their beliefs and the impact of these beliefs on their experiences. This, in turn, may provide a valuable conceptual lens for health care practitioners to use the family-centered model when working with cerebral palsy children.
Assessment of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Training to Interprofessional Health-Care Students
Authors: Pervanas Helen C. , Landry Eric , Southard Douglas R. , DiNapoli Pamela P. , Smith Paula , Towle Jennifer , Barta Kate Semple , Fjeld-Sparks Kristina , Stalnaker-Shofner Devona
Published: April 2019

Substance abuse and addiction are responsible for an assortment of health and financial concerns in the United States. Tools to identify and assist at-risk persons before they develop a substance use disorder are necessary. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) can be utilized by health-care professionals to identify those at risk to minimize health-related complications and the potential of developing a substance use disorder. The primary objective of this study was to provide educational training sessions on SBIRT to health-care students utilizing interprofessional education activities and assess perceptions of the training sessions and activities with regard to confidence to utilize SBIRT in at-risk patients and overall student satisfaction with SBIRT instruction. The research protocol enrolled students of pharmacy, nursing, medicine, behavioral health, and physician assistant studies who received interprofessional SBIRT training. Students completed an anonymous posttraining online survey, measuring student perceptions of knowledge gained and confidence to utilize training. A total of 303 students completed the SBIRT training. Approximately 70% of students were satisfied with the training materials, instruction, quality, and experience. After training, 78% were confident that they could perform screening for substance abuse, conduct a brief intervention (80%), and when to refer to treatment (71%). A total 73% of students reported that the asynchronous online-based activity was extremely effective in increasing knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of other disciplines and providing opportunities to interact with students from other health professions. Interprofessional education-trained students from multiple health-care disciplines feel comfortable performing SBIRT to identify persons at risk for substance misuse in practice.
A Rare Cause of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Banda Himanshu K. , Dang Sabin , Grand M. Gilbert
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

We describe a branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in a pregnant woman and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as a dye-free alternative to assess retinal vasculature in this population.

Methods:

Serum lipids, blood sugar, carotid duplex, and transthoracic echocardiogram were collected. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, autofluorescence, and OCTA were used as imaging modalities. OCTA demonstrated a flow defect along a cilioretinal artery branch.

Results:

An atrial septal aneurysm was identified on transthoracic echocardiography. The patient was placed on anticoagulation for the duration of her pregnancy. Transesophageal echocardiogram postpartum revealed an atrial septal defect.

Conclusions:

Association of BRAO and atrial septal aneurysm with patent foramen ovale have not been described in pregnancy. Furthermore, OCTA has not been used in pregnancy to demonstrate retinal artery occlusion. OCTA can safely characterize retinal vasculature in pregnancy without the use of intravenous dye.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed stable DNA methylation status during decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Maekawa Ryo , Tamura Isao , Shinagawa Masahiro , Mihara Yumiko , Sato Shun , Okada Maki , Taketani Toshiaki , Tamura Hiroshi , Sugino Norihiro
Published: April 2019

Background

During decidualization in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), expressions of a number of genes and epigenetic modifications of histones are altered. However, there is little information about whether DNA methylation, which is another epigenetic mechanism, also changes during decidualization. Here, we examined the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in ESCs during decidualization and their associations with the changes of gene expressions and histone modifications.

Results

ESCs were incubated with estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate for 14 days to induce decidualization. The genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were compared between the non-decidualized ESCs and the decidualized ESCs. Of 482,005 CpGs, only 23 CpGs (0.0048%) showed different DNA methylation statuses. The DNA methylation statuses of the differentially expressed genes and the regions with different histone modifications (H3K4 tri-methylation and H3K27 acetylation) were also compared between the ESCs. In the upregulated and downregulated genes in decidualized ESCs, DNA methylation statuses around the promoter region of the genes did not significantly differ between the ESCs. In the regions with different histone modification, DNA methylation statuses did not differ between the ESCs. The differentially expressed genes and the differential histone modification regions were hypomethylated.

Conclusions

Culturing ESCs with estrogen/progesterone did not distort the physiological pattern of DNA methylation, although mRNA expression and histone modifications were dynamically altered. A genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed stable DNA methylation statuses during decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells. DNA hypomethylation is maintained for the variable changes of histone modifications and gene expression during decidualization.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Hsa_circ_0005379 regulates malignant behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma through the EGFR pathway
Authors: Su Wen , Wang Yufan , Wang Feng , Sun Shuai , Li Minghua , Shen Yuehong , Yang Hongyu
Published: April 2019

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an oral and maxillofacial malignancy with a high incidence worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a vital role in modulating tumor development. However, the mechanism of circRNA action in human OSCC remains largely unknown.

Methods

By using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing technology, we conducted a comprehensive study of circRNAs in human OSCC. The effect of circRNA hsa_circ_0005379 on OSCC tissues and cell lines was monitored by qRT-PCR, Transwell assay, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis. Xenograft mouse models were used to assess tumor growth and animal survival.

Results

We found that circRNA hsa_circ_0005379 expression is significantly lower in OSCC tissue compared to paired non-cancerous matched tissue and is associated with tumor size and differentiation. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0005379 effectively inhibits migration, invasion, and proliferation of OSCC cells in vitro and suppresses OSCC growth in nude mice in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that hsa_circ_0005379 may be involved in the regulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Furthermore, we found that high expression of hsa_circ_0005379 could significantly enhance the sensitivity of OSCC to the cetuximab drug.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that hsa_circ_0005379 regulates OSCC malignancy and may be a new therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.
Measuring implementation in global mental health: validation of a pragmatic implementation science measure in eastern Ukraine using an experimental vignette design
Authors: Haroz E. E. , Bolton P. , Nguyen A. J. , Lee C. , Bogdanov S. , Bass J. , Singh N. S. , Doty Benjamin , Murray L.
Published: April 2019

Background

There is mounting evidence supporting the effectiveness of task-shifted mental health interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). However, there has been limited systematic scale-up or sustainability of these programs, indicating a need to study implementation. One barrier to progress is a lack of locally relevant and valid implementation measures. We adapted an existing brief dissemination and implementation (D&I) measure which includes scales for acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and accessibility for local use and studied its validity and reliability among a sample of consumers in Ukraine.

Methods

Local qualitative data informed adaptation of the measure and development of vignettes to test the reliability and validity. Participants were veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs) recruited as part of a separate validity study of adapted mental health instruments. We examined internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct and criterion validity for each scale on the measure. We randomly assigned half the participants to respond to a vignette depicting existing local psychiatric services which we knew were not well regarded, while the other half was randomized to a vignette describing a potentially more well-implemented mental health service. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing scores on each scale by vignette and by overall summary ratings of the programs described in the vignettes.

Results

N = 169 participated in the qualitative study and N = 153 participated in the validity study. Qualitative findings suggested the addition of several items to the measure and indicated the importance of addressing professionalism/competency of providers in both the scales and the vignettes. Internal consistency reliabilities ranged from α = 0.85 for feasibility to α = 0.91 for appropriateness. Test-rest reliabilities were acceptable to good for all scales (rho: 0.61–0.79). All scales demonstrated substantial and significant differences in average scores by vignette assignment (ORs: 2.21–5.6) and overall ratings (ORs: 5.1–14.47), supporting criterion validity.

Conclusions

This study represents an innovative mixed-methods approach to testing an implementation science measure in contexts outside the United States. Results support the reliability and validity of most scales for consumers in Ukraine. Challenges included large amounts of missing data due to participants’ difficulties responding to questions about a hypothetical program.
Work participation, mobility and foot symptoms in people with systemic lupus erythematosus: findings of a UK national survey
Authors: Stevens M. J. , Walker‐Bone K. , Culliford D. J. , Alcacer‐Pitarch B. , Blake A. , Hopkinson N. , Teh L. S. , Vital E. M. , Edwards C. J. , Williams A. E. , Cherry L.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether foot and lower limb related symptoms were associated with work participation and poor mobility in people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Method

A quantitative, cross‐sectional, self‐reported survey design was utilised. People with SLE from six United Kingdom (UK) treatment centres and a national register were invited to complete a survey about lower limb and foot health, work participation and mobility. Data collected included work status and the prevalence of foot symptoms. The focus of the analyses was to explore potential associations between poor foot health work non‐participation.

Results

In total, 182 useable surveys were returned. Seventy‐nine respondents reported themselves as employed and 32 reported work non‐participation. The remaining were retired due to age or reported work non‐participation for other reasons. Work non‐participation due to foot symptoms was significantly associated with difficulty walking (p = 0.024), past episodes of foot swelling (p = 0.041), and past episodes of foot ulceration (p = 0.018). There was a significant increase in foot disability scores amongst those not working (mean 18.13, 95% CI: 14.85–21.41) compared to those employed (mean 10.16, 95% CI: 8.11–12.21).

Conclusions

Twenty‐nine% of people with SLE reported work non‐participation because of lower limb or foot problems. Our results suggest that foot health and mobility may be important contributors to a persons' ability to remain in work and should be considered as part of a clinical assessment.
Comment on “Earthquake-induced prompt gravity signals identified in dense array data in Japan” by Kimura et al.
Authors: Vallée Martin , Ampuero Jean Paul , Juhel Kévin , Bernard Pascal , Montagner Jean-Paul , Barsuglia Matteo
Published: April 2019

A recent work by Kimura et al. (Earth Planets Space 71:27, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-019-1006-x) (hereafter referred to as K19) claims to provide the first observational constraints on the prompt elastogravity signals (PEGS) induced by an earthquake. To make their claim, the authors argue that the observations shown in Vallée et al. (Science 358:1164–1168, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aao0746) (hereafter referred to as V17) are spurious and their modeling inaccurate. Here we show that K19’s claim is invalid because it is based on flawed data processing. In fact, K19’s analysis involves an incomplete correction of the instrument response of broadband seismic sensors, which essentially dismisses low-frequency components of the data that are critical for the detection of intrinsically low-frequency signals such as PEGS. As a direct consequence, signals are much more difficult to observe than in V17, where the low part of the signal spectrum is carefully taken into account. This deficient data processing also explains why the signal amplitude reported by K19 after stacking data from multiple stations is lower than the individual signals reported by V17. Moreover, failing to take appropriate measures of data quality control, K19 used signals from low-quality sensors to call into question the signals detected by high-quality sensors. Finally, K19 use an inadequate simulation approach to model PEGS, in which the important effect of the ground acceleration induced by gravity changes is ignored. In summary, K19 do not show any viable arguments to question the observations and modeling of PEGS presented in V17.
Wnt signaling mediates new nephron formation during zebrafish kidney regeneration
Authors: Kamei Caramai N. , Gallegos Thomas F. , Liu Yan , Hukriede Neil , Drummond Iain A.
Published: April 2019

Zebrafish kidneys use resident kidney stem cells to replace damaged tubules with new nephrons: the filtration units of the kidney. What stimulates kidney progenitor cells to form new nephrons is not known. Here, we show that wnt9a and wnt9b are induced in the injured kidney at sites where frizzled9b- and lef1-expressing progenitor cells form new nephrons. New nephron aggregates are patterned by Wnt signaling, with high canonical Wnt-signaling cells forming a single cell thick rosette that demarcates: domains of cell proliferation in the elongating nephron; and tubule fusion where the new nephron plumbs into the distal tubule and establishes blood filtrate drainage. Pharmacological blockade of canonical Wnt signaling inhibited new nephron formation after injury by inhibiting cell proliferation, and resulted in loss of polarized rosette structures in the aggregates. Mutation in frizzled9b reduced total kidney nephron number, caused defects in tubule morphology and reduced regeneration of new nephrons after injury. Our results demonstrate an essential role for Wnt/frizzled signaling in adult zebrafish kidney development and regeneration, highlighting conserved mechanisms underlying both mammalian kidney development and kidney stem cell-directed neonephrogenesis in zebrafish.
A dual function of FGF signaling in Xenopus left-right axis formation
Authors: Schneider Isabelle , Kreis Jennifer , Schweickert Axel , Blum Martin , Vick Philipp
Published: April 2019

Organ left-right (LR) asymmetry is a conserved vertebrate feature, which is regulated by left-sided activation of Nodal signaling. Nodal asymmetry is established by a leftward fluid-flow generated at the ciliated LR organizer (LRO). Although the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways during mesoderm development is conserved, diverging results from different model organisms suggest a non-conserved function in LR asymmetry. Here, we demonstrate that FGF is required during gastrulation in a dual function at consecutive stages of Xenopus embryonic development. In the early gastrula, FGF is necessary for LRO precursor induction, acting in parallel with FGF-mediated mesoderm induction. During late gastrulation, the FGF/Ca2+-branch is required for specification of the flow-sensing lateral LRO cells, a function related to FGF-mediated mesoderm morphogenesis. This second function in addition requires input from the calcium channel Polycystin-2. Thus, analogous to mesoderm development, FGF activity is required in a dual role for laterality specification; namely, for generating and sensing leftward flow. Moreover, our findings in Xenopus demonstrate that FGF functions in LR development share more conserved features across vertebrate species than previously anticipated.
Novel roles for GATAe in growth, maintenance and proliferation of cell populations in the Drosophila renal tubule
Authors: Martínez-Corrales Guillermo , Cabrero Pablo , Dow Julian A. T. , Terhzaz Selim , Davies Shireen-A.
Published: April 2019

The GATA family of transcription factors is implicated in numerous developmental and physiological processes in metazoans. In Drosophila melanogaster, five different GATA factor genes (pannier, serpent, grain, GATAd and GATAe) have been reported as essential in the development and identity of multiple tissues, including the midgut, heart and brain. Here, we present a novel role for GATAe in the function and homeostasis of the Drosophila renal (Malpighian) tubule. We demonstrate that reduced levels of GATAe gene expression in tubule principal cells induce uncontrolled cell proliferation, resulting in tumorous growth with associated altered expression of apoptotic and carcinogenic key genes. Furthermore, we uncover the involvement of GATAe in the maintenance of stellate cells and migration of renal and nephritic stem cells into the tubule. Our findings of GATAe as a potential master regulator in the events of growth control and cell survival required for the maintenance of the Drosophila renal tubule could provide new insights into the molecular pathways involved in the formation and maintenance of a functional tissue and kidney disease.
Inhibition of IGF-1-PI3K-Akt-mTORC2 in lipid rafts increases neuronal vulnerability in a genetic lysosomal glycosphingolipidosis
Authors: Sural-Fehr Tuba , Singh Harinder , Cantuti-Catelvetri Ludovico , Zhu Hongling , Marshall Michael S. , Rebiai Rima , Jastrzebski Martin J. , Givogri Maria I. , Rasenick Mark M. , Bongarzone Ernesto R.
Published: April 2019

Glycosphingolipid (GSL) accumulation is implicated in the neuropathology of several lysosomal conditions such as Krabbe's Disease, and may also contribute to neuronal and glial dysfunction in adult onset conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. GSL accumulate in cellular membranes and disrupt their structure, however how membrane disruption leads to cellular dysfunction remains unknown. Using authentic cellular and animal models for Krabbe's disease, we provide a mechanism explaining the inactivation of lipid raft (LR)-associated IGF-1-PI3K-mTORC2, a pathway of crucial importance for neuronal function and survival. We show that psychosine, the GSL accumulated in Krabbe's disease, leads to a dose-dependent LR-mediated inhibition of this pathway by uncoupling IGF-1 receptor phosphorylation from downstream Akt activation. This occurs by interfering with the recruitment of PI3K and mTORC2 to LR. Akt inhibition can be reversed by sustained IGF-1 stimulation, but only during a time window before psychosine accumulation reaches a threshold level. Our study shows a previously unknown connection between LR-dependent regulation of mTORC2 activity at the cell surface and a genetic neurodegenerative disease. Our results show that LR disruption by psychosine de-sensitizes cells to extracellular growth factors by inhibiting signal transmission from the plasma membrane to intracellular compartments. This mechanism serves also as a mechanistic model to understand how alterations of the membrane architecture by the progressive accumulation of lipids undermines cell function, with potential implications in other genetic sphingolipidoses and adult neurodegenerative conditions.
STIM1-dependent membrane insertion of heteromeric TRPC1–TRPC4 channels in response to muscarinic receptor stimulation
Authors: Harada Keita , Matsuoka Hidetada , Inoue Masumi
Published: April 2019

Muscarinic receptor stimulation results in activation of nonselective cation (NSC) channels in guinea pig adrenal medullary (AM) cells. The biophysical and pharmacological properties of the NSC channel suggest the involvement of heteromeric channels of TRPC1 with TRPC4 or TRPC5. This possibility was explored in PC12 cells and guinea pig AM cells. Proximity ligation assay (PLA) revealed that when exogenously expressed in PC12 cells, TRPC1 forms a heteromeric channel with TRPC4, but not with TRPC5, in a STIM1-dependent manner. The heteromeric TRPC1–TRPC4 channel was also observed in AM cells and trafficked to the cell periphery in response to muscarine stimulation. To explore whether heteromeric channels are inserted into the cell membrane, tags were attached to the extracellular domains of TRPC1 and TRPC4. PLA products developed between the tags in cells stimulated by muscarine, but not in resting cells, indicating that muscarinic stimulation results in the membrane insertion of channels. This membrane insertion required expression of full-length STIM1. We conclude that muscarinic receptor stimulation results in the insertion of heteromeric TRPC1–TRPC4 channels into the cell membrane in PC12 cells and guinea pig AM cells.
The Comparative Statics of Optimal Hierarchies
Authors: Chen Cheng , Suen Wing
Published: April 2019

Several classes of models of hierarchical organizations share two common properties: the characteristics at different levels of the hierarchy are complementary, but this complementarity does not extend beyond adjacent levels. We propose a unified yet simple approach to study comparative statics of organizational characteristics with endogenous number of hierarchical layers in all these models. We use this new approach to study organizational decision making, and show that increased delay cost incentivizes the organization to empower lower level employees more than upper level employees. (JEL D21, D23, L23, M10)
Policies in Relational Contracts
Authors: Barron Daniel , Powell Michael
Published: April 2019

We consider how a firm’s policies constrain its relational contracts. A policy is a sequence of decisions made by a principal; each decision determines how agents’ efforts affect their outputs. We consider surplus-maximizing policies in a flexible dynamic moral hazard problem between a principal and several agents with unrestricted vertical transfers and no commitment. If agents cannot coordinate to punish the principal following a deviation, then the principal might optimally implement dynamically inefficient, history-dependent policies to credibly reward high-performing agents. We develop conditions under which such backward-looking policies are surplus-maximizing and illustrate how they influence promotions, hiring, and performance. (JEL D21, D82, D86, M51)
Drillability of Titanium Alloy 6246 from Surface Quality Perspective
Authors: DARSIN M. , PASANG T.
Published: April 2019

Drillablity derived from term of machinability, which is applied in drilling. In this study, drillability of titanium alloy 6246 has been investigated through observation of two responses of drilled holes quality, i.e. surface roughness and holes roundness. Taguchi L18 Design Experiment-based approach was used to gain an optimum setting of five drilling parameters: coolant, heat treatment variation, depth of drilling, cutting speed and feed rate. The tool used was TiAlN coated carbide drill insert. Minitab 17 was employed for processing the data; analysis of S/N ratio to find effect of each parameter and ANOVA were employed for analysing the significant of each parameter to the surface quality respectively. ANOVA shows that depth of drilling contributes 55% to the roughness, followed by heat treatment (25%), while coolant only affects the roughness quality by 2%. All the 5 parameters chosen in this research has no statistically significant effect to the roundness. The predicted optimum value of surface roughness of between 0.591 µm to 0.803 µm would be achieved when drilling Ti-6246 at a maximum depth of 10 mm, without coolant, cutting speed of 35 m/min and feed rate of 0.08 mm/min on the as received block.