bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parallel signaling pathways regulate excitable dynamics differently to mediate pseudopod formation during eukaryotic chemotaxis
Authors: Tanabe Yuki , Kamimura Yoichiro , Ueda Masahiro 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
In eukaryotic chemotaxis, parallel signaling pathways regulate the spatiotemporal pseudopod dynamics at the leading edge of a motile cell through the characteristic dynamics of an excitable system; however, differences in the excitability and the physiological roles of individual pathways remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that two different pathways, mediated by soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), caused similar all-or-none responses for sGC localization and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate production but with different refractory periods, by undertaking simultaneous observations of the excitable properties of the two pathways in Dictyostelium cells. Owing to the shorter refractory period, sGC signaling responded more frequently to chemoattractants, leading to pseudopod formation with higher frequency. sGC excitability was regulated negatively by its product cGMP and by cGMP-binding protein C (GbpC) through the suppression of F-actin polymerization, providing the underlying delayed negative-feedback mechanism for the cyclical pseudopod formation. These results suggest that parallel pathways respond to environmental cues on different timescales in order to mediate chemotactic motility in a manner based on their intrinsic excitability.
CCDC102B functions in centrosome linker assembly and centrosome cohesion
Authors: Xia Yuqing , Huang Ning , Chen Zhiquan , Li Fangyuan , Fan Guiliang , Ma Dandan , Chen Jianguo , Teng Junlin 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
The proteinaceous centrosome linker is an important structure that allows the centrosome to function as a single microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in interphase cells. However, the assembly mechanism of the centrosome linker components remains largely unknown. In this study, we identify CCDC102B as a new centrosome linker protein that is required for maintaining centrosome cohesion. CCDC102B is recruited to the centrosome by C-Nap1 (also known as CEP250) and interacts with the centrosome linker components rootletin and LRRC45. CCDC102B decorates and facilitates the formation of rootletin filaments. Furthermore, CCDC102B is phosphorylated by Nek2A (an isoform encoded by NEK2) and is disassociated from the centrosome at the onset of mitosis. Together, our findings reveal a molecular role for CCDC102B in centrosome cohesion and centrosome linker assembly.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
BIG DATA: POTENTIAL, CHALLENGES, AND IMPLICATIONS IN OFFICIAL STATISTICS
Authors: Elezaj Ogerta , Tole Dhimitri 
Published: November 2018

The data explosion called “data deluge”, is already starting to transform public institutions redefining their way of producing statistics in response to Big Data. The use of Big Data is considered as an innovation in the production of official statistics facing a range of opportunities, challenges and risks. This “data deluge” requires a number of challenges to be addressed in various domains: technological, legal, methodological, and statistical. Even though big data is changing the paradigm of producing statistics in many public organizations, an open debate still exists involving both IT specialists and statisticians of national statistical institutions. In this paper we will provide an overview regarding the concepts of Big Data as a data source in production of official statistics by government institutions with the main focus on providing a synoptic overview of opportunities, challenges and risks. Following this, in the next section we will analyse a case study related to the potential use of mobile positing data, and how this data could be used to produce national statistical indicators in the country. This study serves as an example to identify some critical issues on challenges and risks, draw conclusions and give recommendations on the proper ways to shift to Big Data paradigm usage in the government sector in Albania.
MODELING THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THE REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors: Pinkovetskaia Iuliia 
Published: November 2018

The object of the study is the consideration of all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are located in each of the regions of Russia. The purpose of the research is the evaluation of two-factor production functions that describe the dependence of the production volume of SMEs from the wage of employees and the fixed assets. The data for this reaseach was obtained from the official statistical observation of activities of all Russian SMEs in the 82 regions of Russia for 2015. The study allowed to determine the factors influencing turnover of SMEs located in all regions, to prove the high quality of approximation of the initial data by the two-factor production functions. The functions which were determined show that the economy of the regions of the country have not yet reached a saturation point with the goods and services of SMEs, and that they have increasing returns of scale in production in addition to considerable reserves for further development. Because sum of the degree values in the coefficients of the production functions is more than 1 and with the increase of both factors production growth is faster than the factors growth. The results of the study, namely new knowledge and tools for assessing production activities of small and medium enterprises in the regions, are of scientific and practical importance. They can be used by government and regional authorities to monitor the efficiency of investment in fixed assets and work resources, as well as the implementation of the Federal strategy for SMEs development for the period up to 2030. The methodology that were used in the research process can be applied to similar researches in countries with a significant amount of territorial (administrative) units.
INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN IN THE SYSTEM OF STATE POLICY MEASURES FOR STIMULATING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RUSSIA IN THE CONTEXT OF GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES
Authors: Zolochevskaya Elena Y. , Cherkasova Tatyana P. , Mishurina Olga V. , Sivakova Yana E. 
Published: November 2018

This article analyzes the features of three groups of institutional factors: institutional and economic, institutional and political, and institutional and social. Influencing these factors by means of sound state policy can initiate economic growth on an innovative basis. An assessment of existing institutional barriers that act as constraints to economic growth in Russia is provided in the paper. In addition, the role of institutional design in optimizing the state policy for stimulating accelerated development and structural reorganization of the main development institutions is defined and an algorithm for implementing institutional design and its direction is proposed.
FUNCTIONAL AND ADHERENCE ASSESSMENT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH THORACIC KYPHOSIS
Authors: Amaricai Elena 
Published: November 2018

Thoracic kyphosis represents a widely spread spinal deviation that affects an increasing number of children and adolescents. It effects not only the development of children but can also have consequences on the ventilatory parameters and on the aerobic functional capacity. The objectives of our study were to assess the respiratory function and functional capacity in children and adolescents with thoracic kyphosis who followed a physical therapy program and to compare these parameters to healthy controls. Another objective was to evaluate the adherence of this category of patients to a supervised exercise program. 20 children and adolescents diagnosed with thoracic kyphosis and 20 gender and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Our patients performed a twelve-week supervised exercise program. They were assessed at the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation by spirometry (forced vital capacity-FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 second-FEV1, peak expiratory flow-PEF and FEV1/FVC ratio) and functional capacity testing (6-minute walk test: 6MWT). A final assessment was conducted with the parents of the children and the adolescents with thoracic kyphosis where they completed an adherence questionnaire. In patients with thoracic kyphosis, their FVC, FEV1, PEF and 6-MWT scores improved significantly after the twelve-week program (p˂0.0001). After rehabilitation there were no differences between the study patients and controls, except for the functional capacity which had lower values in children and adolescents with thoracic kyphosis. Adherence to an exercise-based program could improve the outcomes of the rehabilitation. Besides the respiratory function and functional capacity, assessing adherence to therapy and improving it should be considered when treating pediatric patients suffering from thoracic kyphosis.
ASSOCIATION OF THE ADRB2 GENE POLYMORPHIC VARIANT C79G (rs1072714) WITH THE COURSE OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE PATIENTS
Authors: Stupnytska Ganna , Gorovenko Nataliya , Podolska Svetlana , Kit Zoriana , Sheremet Michael , Kovtun Anatoliy , Nesterovska Olga 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Attention has been paid to studying the role of the sympathetic nervous system and polymorphism of the β2-adrenoceptor genes in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in recent years, but the findings of the studies contradict each other.Objective: To establish an association between the ADRB2 gene polymorphic variant C79G (rs1072714) in obese and non-obese COPD patients.Methods: The study involved 48 obese COPD patients and 52 nonobese COPD patients. The ADRB2 gene polymorphic variant C79G (rs1072714) was genotyped and assessed by the CAT test and the BODE index.Results: It has been established that in obese COPD patients the CAT test was significantly higher in the genotype GG (24.25 ± 4.25) compared to those with obesity and the genotype CC and CG (p <0.05). The BODE index was significantly (p <0.05) lower in obese COPD patients. A strong positive correlation between BMI and FEV1 (r = 0.742, p = 0.014) in nonobese COPD patients with GG genotype has been found.Conclusion: According to the CAT test, the quality of life in obese COPD patients with GG genotype is worse. The BODE index in obese COPD patients with CC and CG genotypes was significantly lower than in those without obesity. A strong positive correlation between BMI and FEV1 in COPD patients without obesity with GG genotype has been established.
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF COTTON FABRICS TREATED WITH 8-HYDROXYQUINOLINE AND BORAX
Authors: Buyukakinci Banu Yeşim , Tezcan Erdem 
Published: November 2018

8-Hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) is a metal chelating agent that also has antibacterial properties against several different bacterial specie, but its use in cotton textile fabrics has not been tested before. 8HQ may be an alternative to heavy metal-based applications for antibacterial textile fabrics therefore, the aim of this research paper was to investigate the antibacterial properties of 8HQ and borax (BX) treated cotton fabrics for the medical textile industry.The homogenous distribution of the treated chemicals was confirmed with SEM/EDX imaging. The antibacterial activities of the fabrics were also tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by mimicking the ISO 20645:2004 Standard Test Method.The highest antibacterial property was observed with the 8HQ+BX (8HB) treated cotton samples. Therefore, the 8HB treated cotton products have a potential for use especially in the medical fields mainly due to the absence of heavy metals and bacterial growth.
STATISTICAL PERFORMANCE OF X ̅ AND R CONTROL CHARTS FOR SKEWED DISTRIBUTION - CASE STUDY
Authors: Czabak-Górska Izabela D. , Lorenc Marcin 
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the article is to determine the Type I error and Average Run Length values for charts and R, for which control limits have been determined based on the Skewness Correction method (SC method), with an unknown probability distribution of the qualitative feature being tested. The study also used the Monte Carlo Simulation, in which two sampling methods were used to obtain random input scenarios - matching theoretical distributions (selected skewed distributions) and bootstrap resampling based on a manufacturing company’s measurement data. The presented article is a continuation of Czabak-Górska's (2016) research. The purpose of the article was to determine Type I error value and ARL type A for chart and R, for which the control limits were determined based on the skewness correction method. For this purpose, measurement data from a company producing car seat frames. Presented case study showed that the chart determined using the skewness correction method works better for the data described by the gamma or log-normal distribution. This, in turn, may suggest that appropriate distribution was selected for the presented data, thanks to which it is possible to determine the course and nature of the process, which is important from the point of view of its further analysis, e.g. in terms of the process capability.
INTRINSIC SAFETY AND POSITIVE SECURITY WITH AN EMBEDDED SOFTWARE SOLUTION FOR EQUIPMENT USED IN SPACES WITH AN EXPLOSIVE POTENTIAL ATMOSPHERE
Authors: Ilcea Gabriel Ioan , Emil Pop , Popa Ionut-Alin 
Published: November 2018

In this paper intrinsic safety and positive security distance control with an embedded software solution used in spaces with an explosive potential atmosphere is approached, in comparison to those which use just hardware technology. In sectors with an explosive potential atmosphere, a combined mixture of flammable materials, oxygen, and the presence of an ignition source (mostly caused by electric devices) can cause an explosion. For this reason, in areas with a risk of explosion the electrical equipment is made using an anti- explosive safety for the inputs and outputs called intrinsic safety. Currently this protection is made using a hardware solution which has a lot of drawbacks. To diminish or to get rid of these drawbacks and to ensure the safety of the workers and reduce material loses, the author developed and presented a method of protection for the electrical equipment using intrinsic safety and positive security combined with a software solution to create a safety area consisting in a device with a single button, controlled by a VLSI chip or PLC device and inserted into a metal housing.
IMPACT OF THE VAT REVERSE-CHARGE MECHANISM ON THE CASH FLOWS OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Kútna Angelika , Gyurián Norbert , Šeben Zoltán 
Published: November 2018

In 2015, the Slovak Parliament adopted the Law on Amendments to the Law on Value-Added Tax. This law came into force on January 1, 2016. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of a reverse-charge for the provision of construction works. A government statement of its positive influence on the business environment is inconsistent with the two-year experience in the building sector. The main goal of this paper is to establish the reason for the practical effects of the value-added tax reverse-charge mechanism on the construction companies. The hypothesis is that the negative effect on the cash flows of the construction companies increases ‘opportunity costs’ connected to excessive deductions. The paper focuses on evaluating and quantifying such an effect. It presents a comparison of the conditions before and after the adoption of the Act. No. 222/2004 Coll., as amended in 2016 and includes factors that influence costs and cash flows of construction companies. It but does not consider factors related to turnover and the economic situation. The reverse-charge mechanism affects the total of tax owing, the total deductible tax, the total excessive deduction, and the construction companies’ cash flows. In this study, the data from the information system of the Slovak Republic, under the condition of anonymity, are analyzed for the period 2014–2017. The effect of the value-added tax is quantified by way of financial interest expenses. These expenses depend on time limits for the excessive deduction, total of tax owing, and on the excessive deduction amount. Indicators of ‘Financial Burden 1’ and ‘Financial Burden 2’ are calculated. The results show that the Law on Amendments of Value Added Tax has significantly affected the constructions companies since January 2016. The reverse-charge system has not changed the delay in excessive deduction payments to the taxpayer’s bank account. It has changed the amount of excessive deduction expressed through money and the total tax owing. Based on the study results, this change markedly affects the financial burden of construction companies and provides an ‘opportunity cost’ Value Added Tax payers‘ construction company.
‘Professionally we’re definitely in this together’
Authors: Petley Julian 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
In early April 2016, the websites Byline and openDemocracy published a number of articles alleging that the Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale, had been involved in a liaison with a prostitute. Remarkably, given most British national newspapers’ obsession with sex scandals, the national press not only refused to pick up the story but also attacked Byline and openDemocracy for running it, arguing that it was not in the public interest. Byline and openDemocracy responded that the nationals had refused to run the story because they did not want to harm Whittingdale, who was known not to be in favour of putting the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry into practice. The nationals hit back by accusing Byline and openDemocracy, which supported Leveson, of trying to undermine Whittingdale and so improve the chances of the Leveson recommendations being adopted. But in the course of this extremely bitter battle between different sections of the news media, it soon became apparent that the nationals had in fact been sitting on not only the prostitute story but a number of other scandals as well concerning Whittingdale. This article will utilize the Whittingdale controversy to argue that most of the British national press puts serving its own interests far above serving the public interest, that it will use every means at its disposal to thwart the creation of the kind of system of press self-regulation proposed by the Leveson Inquiry and that it is far too deeply enmeshed in the political system, and in particular, with Conservative interests, to be considered as a Fourth Estate of the realm.
‘Disruption’ in UK journalism education? A study of narratives of resilience
Authors: Steel John 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This article examines the narratives of journalism relevant to journalism education from the perspective of those who ‘do’ journalism education in the United Kingdom. It draws on interviews with twelve individuals between 2006 and 2016 from within two distinct groups, both of which share a professional interest in journalism education: journalism educators with the UK Higher Education (HE) sector and former practicing journalists from within the industry who have a particular interest in journalism education, either as employers or as trainers within the industry. Drawing on Bourdieu’s field theory and Carlson’s theory of metajournalistic discourse the interviews highlight what Mensing describes as ‘industry-centred journalism education’ as being particularly resilient in the English HE sector. Despite reflexive notions of ‘digital disruption’ from within centres of journalism education, the practice-driven, industry-orientated approach to journalism education remains remarkably resilient over time.
Repairing a fractured field: Dynamics of collaboration, normalization and appropriation at intersections of newswork
Authors: Eldridge II Scott A. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
New patterns of journalistic endeavour have altered the ways in which news and information reach the public, with new technologies enabling new types of journalistic actors to produce news both on their own and in collaborative arrangements with traditional journalists. From these intersections, new questions for understanding journalism amid change ask whether we are facing a fractured or more consolidated journalistic field. This article explores intersections of traditional and emergent news actors as disruptions to the dominant vision of the field. It shows the treatment of autonomous work of digital interlopers in news texts as reinforcing prevailing views of journalism by invoking traditional information authority and paradigmatic news-source relationships. Using field theory and analysis of narratives of journalistic roles in news texts to support its thesis, this article looks at reactions to the emergence of two independent news actors – WikiLeaks and ProPublica – representing distinct approaches to newswork born of a digital age. In its conclusion, this article outlines the initial framework for an ‘appropriation thesis’ that extends paradigm repair in instances when new journalistic actors’ newswork is subsumed under traditional routines, thereby muting narratives of a heterogeneous field that would contradict the field’s dominant vision and authority.
The erasure of female representation in geek spaces as an element for the construction of Geek identity: The case of Warhammer 40.000
Authors: Muñoz-Guerado Alejandro , Triviño-Cabrera Laura 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
In the following article we aim to depict the complex threefold relationship between the phenomenon of the second digital divide that plagues women inside entertainment spaces, the theoretical framework of post-sexism and the construction of Geek identity as a besieged, discriminated space. Our purpose is to highlight how the construction of Geek identity was based on both the exclusion of women from geek spaces and the creation of a melodramatical narrative surrounding such spaces. We do so through the analysis of gender representation within the popular Warhammer 40.000 game. Results show a perfect example of a women-excluding setting, packed with gender representation problems that is trying, as of late, to distance itself from such baggage, taking steps to redefine what it means to be a Warhammer 40.000 fan.
The four board game eras: Making sense of board gaming’s past
Authors: Donovan Tristan 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The history of board games stretches back into pre-history presenting a challenge for examining the full sweep of the medium’s past. In response this article suggests a way of dividing board gaming’s past into four broad phases or eras. These eras are defined by primarily by shifts in production processes rather than game design choices or player tastes. Drivers of each era discussed include intellectual property law, mass-scale printing, plastics and online developments such as crowdfunding. Examples of what games align with which era are given. The article also explores the relationship between video games and board games. The strong influence of board games on early video games is explored as is the question of why relatively few ideas transfer from video games back into board games.