bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Electrification Program in Indonesia: Comparing SEHEN and SHS Program
Authors: Sambodo Maxensius Tri
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn 2014, the Indonesian government has targets to obtain 80% of electrification ratio and 98.9% of rural electrification ratio. Extending the grid and off-grid connection has been done to obtain the targets. This paper aims to compare two main programs on rural electrification namely Super Extra Energy Saving (Super Ekstra Hemat Energi, SEHEN) that is belong to PLN (state owned company in electricity) and the Solar Home System (SHS) that is financed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR). Indonesia has started the rural electrification program in the late 1950s, but how to provide electricity in a sustainable ways both organizationally and institutionally still become a big challenge. The experiences from East Nusa Tenggara provinces showed that both SEHEN and SHS can instantly improve electrification ratio, but government needs to synchronize the technical, administrative, and financial aspect from the two programs. Without any improvements in designing the program, we argue that the existing program is not sustainable.Keywords: Electrification Ratio; Rural Electrification; SustainabilityAbstrakTahun 2014, Pemerintah Indonesia menetapkan target pencapaian rasio elektrifikasi sebesar 80% dan rasio elektifikasi perdesaan sebesar 98.9%. Perpanjangan jaringan grid dan off-grid telah dilakukan sepagai upaya pencapaian target. Tulisan ini bertujuan membandingkan dua program elktifikasi perdesaan yang utama, yaitu Super Ekstra Hemat Energi (SEHEN) yang dimiliki PLN (Badan Usaha Milik Negara di bidang kelistrikan) dan Solar Home System (SHS) yang didanai Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral. Indonesia telah memulai program elektrifikasi perdesaan sejak akhir 1950an,namun masih menghadapi tantangan dalam menemukan cara elektrifikasi yang berkesinambungan secara organisasional maupun institusional. Pengalaman dari Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur menunjukkan bahwa SEHEN maupun SHS dapat meningkatkan rasio elektrifikasi secara signifikan, namun pemerintah masih harus menyelaraskan aspek teknis, administratif, dan keuangan dari kedua program. Tanpa pembenahan dari sisi rancangan, kami berpendapat bahwa program yang telah ada tidak ada bertahan.Kata kunci: Rasio Elektrifikasi; Listrik Perdesaan; KeberlanjutanJEL classifications: O10; Q40
What are the Challenges in Designing An Effective Personal Income Tax System?
Authors: Raeni Raeni , Sari Astika
Published: March 2018

This article aims to examine the challenges of designing individual’s income tax systems in general and particularly to observe taxpayers’ behaviour in developing countries. This study used case study approach to gain in depth understanding type of taxpayers’ attitude towards personal income tax systems. Based on the analyses, tax behaviour, which comprises the perception of fairness and motivation to comply, attracts urgent challenges in designing effective tax on personal income in every country and mainly underdeveloped countries. Every human being in each country has their social pattern towards tax policy. When the individual perception of fairness is significant, it will harmonise the ’client and service approach’ between taxpayers and governments. This condition would influence tax morale of individuals to comply with the policy and achieve high compliance rate. Therefore, it has argued that personal view of fairness and their motivation to comply with tax systems are becoming vital challenges in designing the tax policy on individual income. AbstrakArtikel ini bertujuan untuk menginvestigasi tantangan-tantangan yang dihadapi dalam merancang sistem perpajakan untuk wajib pajak orang pribadi dan secara khusus menganalisa perilaku wajib pajak di negara-negara berkembang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan studi literatur untuk mendapatkan secara mendalam jenis perilaku wajib pajak penghasilan orang pribadi. Berdasarkan hasil analisis terkait perilaku pajak, yang terdiri dari persepsi keadilan dan motivasi untuk mematuhi memberikan tantangan tersendiri dalam merancang pajak yang berlaku atas penghasilan pribadi di setiap negara dan terutama negara-negara berkembang. Setiap individu memiliki pola yang berbeda ketika berinteraksi terhadap kebijakan pajak. Ketika persepsi individu terhadap keadilan adalah signifikan, hal itu akan menyelaraskan pendekatan ’client and service’ antara pembayar pajak dan pemerintah. Kondisi ini akan memengaruhi semangat individu untuk mematuhi kebijakan dan mencapai tingkat kepatuhan yang tinggi. Oleh karena itu, asumsi bahwa pandangan individu terhadap keadilan dan motivasi untuk mematuhi sistem pajak menjadi tantangan penting dalam merancang kebijakan terhadap wajib pajak orang pribadi.Kata kunci: Pajak Penghasilan Orang Pribadi; Prinsip Keadilan; Moral Wajib PajakJEL classifications: E63
The Existence of Long-Run PPP: A Comparison between Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Iskandar Sulistiadi Dono
Published: March 2018

McNown & Wallace (1989) argued that PPP will tend to holds in less developed countries due to the domination of nominal factors in the economy. In this study we try to investigate the existence of long-run PPP in eight countries consisting four developed and developing countries. Here we show that there is a strong evidence that long-run PPP holds for Germany, United Kingdom, and Chile. Furthermore, the additional tests also show that symmetry and proportionality conditions seem to hold in the three economies. As for other five economies, long-run PPP seems to be absence. Although one step general Error Correction Model and Johansen-Juselius cointegration procedure generates conflicting result, the result of both technique do not show a tendency for PPP to hold in developing countries thus rejecting argument proposed by McNown and Wallace. AbstrakMcNown & Wallace (1989) mengemukakan argumen bahwa PPP akan cenderung berlaku di negara-negara yang belum maju disebabkan adanya dominasi faktor nominal dalam perekonomian. Dalam penelitian ini kami mencoba untuk menyelidiki keberadaan dari long-run PPP di delapan negara yang terdiri dari empat negara maju dan berkembang. Hasil estimasi menunjukkan adanya bukti kuat bahwa long-run PPP berlaku pada Jerman, Inggris, dan Cile. Hasil, tes lanjutan juga menunjukkan bahwa kondisi simetri dan proporsionalitas nampak bertahan di tiga negara tersebut. Sedangkan untuk lima negara lainnya, long-run PPP tidak nampak keberadaannya. Meskipun hasil pada one step Error Correction Model (ECM) dan Johansen-Juselius cointegration procedure menghasilkan hasil yang bertentangan, namun hasil dari kedua metode tersebut konsisten tidak menunjukkan kecenderungan akan eksistensi PPP di negara berkembang.Kata kunci: Purchasing Power Parity; Tes Kointegrasi; Negara Berkembang; Negara MajuJEL classifications: F31; F4
Curious creatures: a multi-taxa investigation of responses to novelty in a zoo environment
Authors: Hall Belinda A. , Melfi Vicky , Burns Alicia , McGill David M. , Doyle Rebecca E.
Published: March 2018

The personality trait of curiosity has been shown to increase welfare in humans. If this positive welfare effect is also true for non-humans, animals with high levels of curiosity may be able to cope better with stressful situations than their conspecifics. Before discoveries can be made regarding the effect of curiosity on an animal’s ability to cope in their environment, a way of measuring curiosity across species in different environments must be created to standardise testing. To determine the suitability of novel objects in testing curiosity, species from different evolutionary backgrounds with sufficient sample sizes were chosen. Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) n = 12, little penguins (Eudyptula minor) n = 10, ringtail lemurs (Lemur catta) n = 8,red tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksia) n = 7, Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) n = 5 and red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) n = 5 were presented with a stationary object, a moving object and a mirror. Having objects with different characteristics increased the likelihood individuals would find at least one motivating. Conspecifics were all assessed simultaneously for time to first orientate towards object (s), latency to make contact (s), frequency of interactions, and total duration of interaction (s). Differences in curiosity were recorded in four of the six species; the Barbary sheep and red tailed black cockatoos did not interact with the novel objects suggesting either a low level of curiosity or that the objects were not motivating for these animals. Variation in curiosity was seen between and within species in terms of which objects they interacted with and how long they spent with the objects. This was determined by the speed in which they interacted, and the duration of interest. By using the measure of curiosity towards novel objects with varying characteristics across a range of zoo species, we can see evidence of evolutionary, husbandry and individual influences on their response. Further work to obtain data on multiple captive populations of a single species using a standardised method could uncover factors that nurture the development of curiosity. In doing so, it would be possible to isolate and modify sub-optimal husbandry practices to improve welfare in the zoo environment.
Experimental Evidence on the Dependence of the Standard GPS Phase Scintillation Index on the Ionospheric Plasma Drift Around Noon Sector of the Polar Ionosphere
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang Q.‐H. , Jayachandran P. T. , Moen J. , Xing Z.‐Y. , Chadwick R. , Ma Y.‐Z. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Lester M.
Published: March 2018

First experimental proof of a clear and strong dependence of the standard phase scintillation index (σφ) derived using Global Positioning System measurements on the ionospheric plasma flow around the noon sector of polar ionosphere is presented. σφ shows a strong linear dependence on the plasma drift speed measured by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network radars, whereas the amplitude scintillation index (S4) does not. This observed dependence can be explained as a consequence of Fresnel frequency dependence of the relative drift and the used constant cutoff frequency (0.1 Hz) to detrend the data for obtaining standard σφ. The lack of dependence of S4 on the drift speed possibly eliminates the plasma instability mechanism(s) involved as a cause of the dependence. These observations further confirm that the standard phase scintillation index is much more sensitive to plasma flow; therefore, utmost care must be taken when identifying phase scintillation (diffractive phase variations) from refractive (deterministic) phase variations, especially in the polar region where the ionospheric plasma drift is much larger than in equatorial and midlatitude regions.
New Caledonia Obducted Peridotite Nappe: Offshore Extent and Implications for Obduction and Postobduction Processes
Authors: Patriat Martin , Collot Julien , Etienne Samuel , Poli Sara , Clerc Camille , Mortimer Nick , Pattier France , Juan Caroline , Roest Walter R. ,   VESPA scientific voyage team
Published: March 2018

One of the largest ophiolitic peridotite masses in the world covers a quarter of the island of Grande Terre, New Caledonia. The Peridotite Nappe was obducted during the Eocene, is weakly deformed, and corresponds to the highest of a structurally simple pile of thrust nappes. We present new marine seismic data that allow us to track the offshore continuation of the Peridotite Nappe along strike for a distance of more than 500 km south of New Caledonia and to image its preobduction, synobduction, and postobduction sedimentary records. Offshore, the Peridotite Nappe underlies a ~150 km wide and 2 km deep basin. Flat‐topped horsts of peridotite are clearly bounded by major normal faults; in contrast, faults are obscure onland. To the east, the Peridotite Nappe roots along the eastern margin of the Félicité Ridge (new name), a ~300 × 25 km dome‐shaped ridge, which we interpret as being the southern extension of the high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphic core complex observed in New Caledonia. Two alternative tectonic models address the relative timing and relationships between Peridotite Nappe emplacement, uplift of a metamorphic core complex, and extensional tectonics. These models provide new ideas for the understanding the formation of the eastern margin of the Zealandia continent. Our results contribute to an understanding of how oceanic mantle is emplaced onto continental margins.
A Novel Electromagnetic Power‐Based Characteristic Mode for Magnetodielectric Materials
Authors: Huang Shaode , Pan Jin , Yang Deqiang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we focus on the characteristics of electromagnetic power of characteristic modes (CMs) for magnetodielectric materials (MDM). A generalized integral form of Poynting's theorem is proposed. Based on the generalized integral form of Poynting's theorem, an explicit formulation for electromagnetic power of traditional volume integral equation‐based CM and Poggio, Miller, Chang, Harrington, Wu, and Tsai‐based CM of homogeneous MDM is presented for the first time. Furthermore, from the concept of electromagnetic power, a novel electromagnetic power‐based CM for MDM is proposed. Numerical results are given to show that the proposed CM is effective in solving scattering problem.
“Ni‐Less” Cathodes for High Energy Density, Intermediate Temperature Na–NiCl2 Batteries
Authors: Chang Hee‐Jung , Lu Xiaochuan , Bonnett Jeffery F. , Canfield Nathan L. , Son Sori , Park Yoon‐Cheol , Jung Keeyoung , Sprenkle Vincent L. , Li Guosheng
Published: March 2018

Among various battery technologies being considered for stationary energy storage applications, sodium–metal halide (Na–MH) batteries have become one of the most attractive candidates because of the abundance of raw materials, long cycle life, high energy density, and superior safety. However, one of issues limiting its practical application is the relatively expensive nickel (Ni) used in the cathode. In the present work, the focus is on efforts to develop new Ni‐based cathodes, and it is demonstrated that a much higher specific energy density of 405 Wh kg−1 (16% higher than state‐of‐the‐art Na–MH batteries) can be achieved at an operating temperature of 190 °C. Furthermore, 15% less Ni is used in the new cathode formula than that in conventional Na–NiCl2 batteries. Long‐term cycling tests also show stable electrochemical performance for over 300 cycles with excellent capacity retention (≈100%). The results in this work indicate that these advances can significantly reduce the raw material cost associated with Ni (a 31% reduction) and promote practical applications of Na–MH battery technologies in stationary energy storage systems.
Growth of MoS2–MoO3 Hybrid Microflowers via Controlled Vapor Transport Process for Efficient Gas Sensing at Room Temperature
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Goel Neeraj , Mishra Monu , Gupta Govind , Fanetti Mattia , Valant Matjaz , Kumar Mahesh
Published: March 2018

A nucleation controlled one‐step process to synthesize MoS2–MoO3 hybrid microflowers using vapor transport process and its application in efficient NO2 sensing at room temperature are reported. The morphology and crystal structure of the microflowers are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. A cathodoluminence mapping reveals that the core of the microflower consists of MoO3, and the flower petals as well as nanosheet are composed of a few layers of MoS2. Further, the MoS2–MoO3 hybrid microflower sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of ≈33.6% with a complete recovery to 10 ppm NO2 at room temperature without any extra stimulus like optical or thermal source. Unlike many earlier reports on MoS2 sensor, this advanced approach shows that the sensor is exhibited a low response time (≈19 s) with complete recovery at room tepmerature and excellent selectivity toward NO2 against various other gases. The efficient conventional sensing of the sensor is attributed to a combination of high hole injection from MoO3 to MoS2 and modulation of a potential barrier at MoS2–MoO3 interface during adsorption/desorption of NO2. It is believed that the modified properties of MoS2 by such composite could be used for various advanced device applications.
Nanoscience‐Based Strategies to Engineer Antimicrobial Surfaces
Authors: Rigo Serena , Cai Chao , Gunkel‐Grabole Gesine , Maurizi Lionel , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jian , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: March 2018

Microbial contamination and biofilm formation of medical devices is a major issue associated with medical complications and increased costs. Consequently, there is a growing need for novel strategies and exploitation of nanoscience‐based technologies to reduce the interaction of bacteria and microbes with synthetic surfaces. This article focuses on surfaces that are nanostructured, have functional coatings, and generate or release antimicrobial compounds, including “smart surfaces” producing antibiotics on demand. Key requirements for successful antimicrobial surfaces including biocompatibility, mechanical stability, durability, and efficiency are discussed and illustrated with examples of the recent literature. Various nanoscience‐based technologies are described along with new concepts, their advantages, and remaining open questions. Although at an early stage of research, nanoscience‐based strategies for creating antimicrobial surfaces have the advantage of acting at the molecular level, potentially making them more efficient under specific conditions. Moreover, the interface can be fine tuned and specific interactions that depend on the location of the device can be addressed. Finally, remaining important challenges are identified: improvement of the efficacy for long‐term use, extension of the application range to a large spectrum of bacteria, standardized evaluation assays, and combination of passive and active approaches in a single surface to produce multifunctional surfaces.
Die molekulare industrielle Revolution: zur automatisierten Synthese organischer Verbindungen
Authors: Trobe Melanie , Burke Martin D.
Published: March 2018

Derzeit kündigt sich ein Wandel von der manuellen Synthese spezifischer Moleküle, die über individuell angepasste Routen verläuft, hin zu automatisch zusammenfügten Verbindungen unterschiedlichster Klassen mit nur einem Knopfdruck an. Die Entwicklung einer Maschine für die Herstellung unterschiedlichster organischer Moleküle je nach Bedarf ist eine komplexe Aufgabe, es sind aber bereits bedeutende Fortschritte auf Basis von zwei komplementären Ansätzen zu verzeichnen: 1) Automatisierung individueller Routen für die Synthese diverser Verbindungen, wobei viele unterschiedliche Reaktionstypen und spezifische Reagentien genutzt werden können, und 2) Automatisierung einer generellen Plattform, die die Herstellung unterschiedlicher Verbindungen ausgehend von diversen Bausteinen, die mit derselben Kupplungsreaktion verknüpft werden, ermöglicht. Fortschritte in diesen Bereichen bieten die Möglichkeit, Synthese‐Engpässe zu vermeiden und den Fokus molekularer Innovation auf die Entwicklung neuer Methoden zu lenken und so eine “molekulare industrielle Revolution” zu beschleunigen.
Polyurethane rheology modifiers for organic compositions
Authors: Birjandi Nejad Hossein , Paczkowski Mark A. , Malajati Yassine , Melkowits R. Brian
Published: March 2018

A need exists for rheological modifiers that provide thickening for organic (oil) phases in the personal care industry. Despite such a significant need, most commercially available oil thickeners have several deficiencies, notably poor efficiency and clarity in formulations. To address this gap, we have developed a novel polyurethane‐based oil thickener (Oil‐Thickener PU) that provides significant thickening (gelation at <1 wt %) and high clarity in a range of natural oils and synthetic emollients. In this work, the structure, thickening mechanism, and viscoelastic properties of neat Oil‐Thickener PU film and Oil‐Thickener in sunflower oil gel are investigated in depth. Results show that the Oil‐Thickener PU provides thickening by forming a physically crosslinked network in oil via hydrogen bonding, resulting in a gel that is shear and temperature sensitive. Given its efficiency and uniqueness, the Oil‐Thickener PU is projected to have use in applications where a thickened organic phase is required. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46372.
Verbunddübelleisten mit Betonausbruchversagen unter Zug‐ bzw. Druckbeanspruchung – Teil 1: Finite‐Elemente‐Analyse
Authors: Claßen Martin , Bielak Jan , Hürth Dennis
Published: March 2018

Die Verbundmittel in Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundkonstruktionen müssen einen ausreichenden Widerstand gegenüber Beanspruchungen orthogonal zur Verbundfuge aufweisen, um einerseits das Abheben der Betonplatte vom Stahlträger, andererseits die gegenseitige Penetration von Stahlträger und Betongurt zu verhindern. Während in der Vergangenheit das Verankerungsverhalten von Kopfbolzendübeln umfassend untersucht und beschrieben wurde, existieren für zug‐ und druckbeanspruchte Verbunddübelleisten bisher keine systematischen Untersuchungen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird daher das Tragverhalten von Verbunddübelleisten unter Beanspruchungen orthogonal zur Verbundfuge durch nichtlineare, dreidimensionale FE‐Untersuchungen analysiert. Das anhand von Versuchen aus der Literatur verifizierte FE‐Modell wird verwendet, um die Tragmechanismen des Zusammenwirkens von Stahldübel und Beton herauszuarbeiten und bisher nicht untersuchte Einflüsse, wie die Wirkung von Querbewehrung im Betondübel und den Maßstabseffekt der Verankerungstiefe, zu klären. Im zweiten der zusammengehörenden Fachaufsätze fließen die hier gewonnenen FE‐Ergebnisse in die Entwicklung von Ingenieurmodellen und Bemessungsansätzen ein.
Verbunddübelleisten mit Betonausbruchversagen unter Zug‐ bzw. Druckbeanspruchung
Authors: Claßen Martin , Schmidt Philipp , Wieneke Katrin
Published: March 2018

Die Verbundmittel in Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundkonstruktionen müssen einen ausreichenden Widerstand gegenüber Beanspruchungen orthogonal zur Verbundfuge aufweisen, um einerseits das Abheben der Betonplatte vom Stahlträger, andererseits die gegenseitige Penetration von Stahlträger und Betongurt zu verhindern. Während für Kopfbolzen und Hinterschnittdübel das Trag‐ und Verankerungsverhalten umfassend erforscht und in DIN EN 1992‐4 geregelt ist, fehlen entsprechende Ansätze für Verbunddübelleisten bislang. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Ingenieurmodelle für das Zug‐ bzw. Drucktragverhalten von Verbunddübelleisten hergeleitet, die auf den Ergebnissen einer umfassenden FE‐Analyse basieren und in einem vorangegangenen Fachbeitrag beschrieben sind [1]. Zusätzlich wurde eine Versuchsdatenbank mit allen in der Literatur beschriebenen Zug‐ und Druckversuchen an Verbunddübelleisten erstellt. Hieran wurde das Ingenieurmodell kalibriert und durch eine statistische Auswertung gemäß Anhang D des EC0 mit Bestimmung des Teilsicherheitsbeiwerts auf das Bemessungsniveau überführt.
The integration between nonsymbolic and symbolic numbers: Evidence from an EEG study
Authors: Liu Ruizhe , Schunn Christian D. , Fiez Julie A. , Libertus Melissa E.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Adults can represent numerical information in nonsymbolic and symbolic formats and flexibly switch between the two. While some studies suggest a strong link between the two number representation systems (e.g., Piazza, Izard, Pinel, Le Bihan, & Dehaene, 2004 Neuron, 44(3), 547), other studies show evidence against the strong‐link hypothesis (e.g., Lyons, Ansari, & Beilock, 2012 Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 141(4), 635). This inconsistency could arise from the relation between task demands and the closeness of the link between the two number systems.

Methods

We used a passive viewing task and event‐related potentials (ERP) to examine the temporal dynamics of the implicit integration between the nonsymbolic and symbolic systems. We focused on two ERP components over posterior scalp sites that were found to be sensitive to numerical distances and ratio differences in both numerical formats: a negative component that peaks around 170 ms poststimulus (N1) and a positive component that peaks around 200 ms poststimulus (P2p). We examined adults' (n = 55) ERPs when they were passively viewing simultaneously presented dot quantities and Arabic numerals (i.e., nonsymbolic and symbolic numerical information) in the double‐digit range. For each stimulus, the nonsymbolic and symbolic content either matched or mismatched in number. We also asked each participant to estimate dot quantities in a separate behavioral task and observed that they tended to underestimate the actual dot quantities, suggesting a need to adjust the match between nonsymbolic and symbolic information to reflect the perceived quantity of the nonsymbolic information.

Results

Using this adjustment, participants showed greater N1 and P2p amplitudes when perceived dot quantities matched Arabic numerals than when there was a mismatch. However, no differences were found between the unadjusted match and mismatch conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that adults rapidly integrate nonsymbolic and symbolic formats of double‐digit numbers, but evidence of such integration is best observed when the perceived (rather than veridical) dot quantity is considered.
UCA1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer by targeting CREB1 sponging to miR‐590‐3p
Authors: Gu Lei , Lu Lie‐sheng , Zhou Dong‐lei , Liu Zhong‐chen
Published: March 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as regulators in a variety of biological processes, including carcinogenesis in human cancer. UCA1 has been reported to be upregulated in gastric cancer (GC); however, the underlying functional roles of UCA1 in GC have not been established. In the current study, we showed that UCA1 is significantly higher in GC tissues and cells compared with adjacent normal tissues and a gastric epithelium cell line, respectively. Higher UCA1 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and poor overall survival (OS) in GC patients. In vitro functional studies confirmed that UCA1 promotes cell proliferation, colony formation ability, and cell invasion in GC cells. We demonstrated that knockdown of UCA1 inhibits tumor growth in vivo. The double luciferase reporter, RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation assay, and RNA pull down assay demonstrated that miR‐590‐3p serves as a target for UCA1. UCA1 promoted cell proliferation and invasion by negatively regulating miR‐590‐3p expression. Moreover, we demonstrated that CREB1 is a downstream target of miR‐590‐3p and UCA1 activates CREB1 expression by sponging to miR‐590‐3p. Thus, these results showed that UCA1 functions as an oncogene in GC and may be a target for treatment of GC.
An incidental windsock diverticulum
Authors: Boppana Vaishnavi , Adike Abimbola , Adike Uche , Pannala Rahul
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Windsock diverticulum is a rare anomalous finding of a true intraluminal duodenal diverticulum. While complications of bowel obstruction, bleeding, and pancreatitis may occur, most patients are asymptomatic. Surgical or endoscopic management may be pursued when complications develop.
Extended use of brentuximab vedotin before autologous stem‐cell transplantation would benefit refractory systemic anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Koh Youngil
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

The optimal number of brentuximab vedotin cycles in the treatment of systemic anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (sALCL) prior to autologous stem‐cell transplantation (ASCT) is unknown. This case illustrates the possible benefit of prolonged brentuximab vedotin before ASCT in sALCL and may help clinical decision‐making, especially in chemorefractory disease.
Severe pertussis in a young infant due to household transmission: the needs of pertussis vaccination boosters in Japan
Authors: Takajo Daiji , Nonoyama Shigeaki
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Household is responsible for a large percentage of pertussis infection in young infants. Japanese vaccine recommendation committee does not recommend any boosters for teens and pregnant women. Because of its high vaccine effectiveness, introduction of vaccination for pregnant women is high priority to prevent pertussis infection in young infants.
The Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Buprenorphine in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Moore Jason N. , Gastonguay Marc R. , Ng Chee M. , Adeniyi‐Jones Susan C. , Moody David E. , Fang Wenfang B. , Ehrlich Michelle E. , Kraft Walter K.
Published: March 2018

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition affecting newborns that are exposed to an opioid in utero. In a randomized, controlled trial assessing the efficacy of buprenorphine and morphine in NAS, blood samples were analyzed from a subset of patients receiving buprenorphine along with NAS scores. The data were used to validate and adapt an existing model of buprenorphine in neonates and to identify relationships between buprenorphine or norbuprenorphine pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy or safety. The time to NAS stabilization was found to decrease with increasing buprenorphine exposure. This pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) relationship was able to be quantified and adequately described with a mathematical model. The findings confirm a previous PK model of buprenorphine and extend the model to describe the PK of norbuprenorphine and to identify a novel PK‐PD relationship of buprenorphine in NAS. This model will allow optimization of dosing strategies in future clinical trials.
Impacts of biomass production at civil airports on grassland bird conservation and aviation strike risk
Authors: Conkling Tara J. , Belant Jerrold L. , DeVault Travis L. , Martin James A.
Published: March 2018

Growing concerns about climate change, foreign oil dependency, and environmental quality have fostered interest in perennial native grasses (e.g., switchgrass [Panicum virgatum]) for bioenergy production while also maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, biomass cultivation in marginal landscapes such as airport grasslands may have detrimental effects on aviation safety as well as conservation efforts for grassland birds. In 2011–2013, we investigated effects of vegetation composition and harvest frequency on seasonal species richness and habitat use of grassland birds and modeled relative abundance, aviation risk, and conservation value of birds associated with biomass crops. Avian relative abundance was greater in switchgrass monoculture plots during the winter months, whereas Native Warm‐Season Grass (NWSG) mixed species plantings were favored by species during the breeding season. Conversely, treatment differences in aviation risk and conservation value were not biologically significant. Only 2.6% of observations included avian species of high hazard to aircraft, providing support for semi‐natural grasslands as a feasible landcover option at civil airports. Additionally, varied harvest frequencies across a mosaic of switchgrass monocultures andNWSGplots allows for biomass production with multiple vegetation structure options for grassland birds to increase seasonal avian biodiversity and habitat use.
The molecular adsorbent recirculating system in posthepatectomy liver failure: Results from a prospective phase I study
Authors: Gilg Stefan , Sparrelid Ernesto , Saraste Lars , Nowak Greg , Wahlin Staffan , Strömberg Cecilia , Lundell Lars , Isaksson Bengt
Published: March 2018

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) represents the single most important cause of postoperative mortality after major liver resection, yet no effective treatment option is available. Extracorporeal liver support devices might be helpful, but systematic studies are lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) in patients with PHLF. Between December 2012 and May 2015, a total of 206 patients underwent major or extended hepatectomy, and 10 consecutive patients with PHLF (according to the Balzan 50:50 criteria) were enrolled into the study. MARS treatment was initiated on postoperative day 5‐7, and five to seven consecutive treatment sessions were completed for each patient. In total, 59 MARS cycles were implemented, and MARS was initiated and completed without major complications in any patient. However, 1 patient developed an immense asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia (without encephalopathy), 1 had repeated clotting problems in the MARS filter, and 2 patients experienced access problems with the central venous line. Otherwise, no adverse events were observed. In 9 patients, the bilirubin level and international normalized ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during MARS treatment. The 60‐ and 90‐day mortality was 0% and 10%, respectively. Among the 9 survivors, 4 still had liver dysfunction at 90 days postoperatively. Five patients were alive 1 year postoperatively without any signs of liver dysfunction or disease recurrence. Conclusion: The use of MARS in PHLF is feasible and safe and improves liver function in patients with PHLF. In the present study, 60‐ and 90‐day mortality rates were unexpectedly low compared to a historical control group. The impact of MARS treatment on mortality in PHLF should be further evaluated in a randomized controlled clinical trial. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:445‐454)
Hygiene practices: Are they protective factors for eczema symptoms?
Authors: Ferrandiz‐Mont David , Wahyuniati Nur , Chen Hsin‐Jen , Mulyadi Mulyadi , Zanaria Tjut Mariam , Ji Dar‐Der
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Exact etiology and proper treatment of eczema are still unknown. The hygiene hypothesis and epidermal barrier dysfunction hypothesis attempted to give some plausible explanations for these issues but they still remain unclear. The identification of factors, including hygiene practices, related to eczema symptoms (ES) could shed some light on these matters. Therefore, this study aimed to determine risk factors related to ES and the ES prevalence in two disparate areas in terms of urbanization in Aceh, Indonesia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted among schoolchildren living in urban and rural Aceh. Data on ES, socio‐demographic characteristics, environmental factors, partial ablution and other hygiene related factors were collected by parental questionnaires. In addition, children's anthropometric measurements were also collected.

Results

The prevalence of current ES in the study population was 21%. When stratifying by residency, the prevalence of ES in urban and rural area was 20.93% versus 21.05%. Partial ablution was independently associated with a reduced risk of ES (OR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.13–0.96). Important risk factors for ES were paternal history of allergic disease (OR = 4.09%; 95% CI 1.51–11.11) and belonging to the older group of schoolchildren (10–13 years old) (OR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.03–6.40).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the prevalence of ES between urban and rural settings, and partial ablution had a protective effect on ES. These findings support the epidermal barrier dysfunction hypothesis as a possible pathway of eczema.
Enriching the VaR framework to EEMD with an application to the European carbon market
Authors: Zhu Bangzhu , Wang Ping , Chevallier Julien , Wei Yi‐Ming , Xie Rui
Published: March 2018

Unlike common financial markets, the European carbon market is a typically heterogeneous market, characterized by multiple timescales, and affected by extreme events. The traditional value‐at‐risk (VaR) with single‐timescale fails to deal with the multi‐timescale characteristics and the effects of extreme events, which can result in the VaR overestimation for carbon market risk. To measure accurately the risk on the European carbon market, we propose an ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD)‐based multiscale VaR approach. First, the EEMD algorithm is utilized to decompose the carbon price return into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with different timescales and a residue, which are modelled, respectively, using the ARMA‐Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model to obtain their conditional variances at different timescales. Furthermore, the Iterated Cumulative Sums of Squares algorithm is employed to determine the windows of an extreme event, so as to identify the IMFs influenced by an extreme event and conduct an exponentially weighted moving average on their conditional variations. Finally, the VaRs of various IMFs and the residue are estimated to reconstruct the overall VaR, the validity of which is verified later. Then, we illustrate the results by considering several European carbon futures contracts. Compared with the traditional VaR framework with single timescale, the proposed multiscale VaR‐EEMD model can effectively reduce the influences of the heterogeneous environments (such as the influences of extreme events) and obtain a more accurate overall risk measure on the European carbon market. By acquiring the distributions of carbon market risks at different timescales, the proposed multiscale VaR‐EEMD estimation is capable of understanding the fluctuation characteristics more comprehensively, which can provide new perspectives for exploring the evolution law of the risks on the European carbon market.
Digital technologies and youth mobility in ruralZimbabwe
Authors: Gwaka Leon Tinashe
Published: March 2018

The adoption and use of digital technologies (DTs) in rural communities have an impact on several aspects of the society. Using empirical evidence from selected villages of Beitbridge district in Zimbabwe, this study examines the relationship between DTs and youth mobility. The different types, causes, and motifs associated with youth mobilities are explored using qualitative research methods including focus group discussions and community visioning workshops. Study findings reveal challenges facing youths in trying to be mobile including social (mainly gender) inequalities. Thus, women were found to be less mobile. Lack of infrastructure was found to be another key challenge impacting youth mobility. The study however found that DTs are being adopted and this has led to virtual mobilities, which is redefining youth mobility. The opportunities and challenges of integrating virtual mobilities and physical mobilities were explored. The study findings are critical to various actors including ICT, education, and other sectors in that they show opportunities that need to be expropriated to enhance youth mobility, which is key to socio‐economic well‐being of youths, as well as the challenges that can be faced through the ubiquity of DTs.
Removal of the algal toxin microcystin‐LR in permeable coastal sediments: Physical and numerical models
Authors: Danner Kelsey M. , Mave Megan A. , Sawyer Audrey H. , Lee Seungjun , Lee Jiyoung
Published: March 2018

Microcystin is one of the most common toxins associated with freshwater harmful algal blooms, but little is known about microcystin fate in the aquatic environment. Laboratory wave tank experiments were performed to determine whether exchange of surface water and pore water (benthic exchange) removes and dilutes microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) at environmentally relevant concentrations in coastal waters overlying permeable sediments. Over the 100 h experiment, 60% of MC‐LR mass was removed due to interaction with sediment (via adsorption and/or biodegradation), while only 20% was removed in an experiment without sediment. The observed fate and transport of MC‐LR in sediments was adequately described with a one‐dimensional reactive transport model that uses an enhanced diffusion coefficient to represent benthic exchange of solutes. Numerical sensitivity studies showed that MC‐LR removal increases with hydraulic conductivity of sediment and wave height and decreases with water depth. For MC‐LR concentration at the WHO recreational guideline (20 ppb), sandy sediments can remove the equivalent MC‐LR mass in 1 m of surface water under typical nearshore wave conditions within tens of hours. In open water at large depths above a silty bed, removal times are much longer (on the order of weeks). Wave‐driven benthic exchange is therefore an important control on MC‐LR fate in energetic coastal areas but not in deep or calm settings where sediment–water interactions are greatly reduced. The nearshore fate of algal toxins is important to human health and socioeconomic vitality, since recreational activities and direct human exposures are concentrated along coasts.
Regularized Riesz energies of submanifolds
Authors: O'Hara Jun , Solanes Gil
Published: March 2018

Given a closed submanifold, or a compact regular domain, in Euclidean space, we consider the Riesz energy defined as the double integral of some power of the distance between pairs of points. When this integral diverges, we compare two different regularization techniques (Hadamard's finite part and analytic continuation), and show that they give essentially the same result. We prove that some of these energies are invariant under Möbius transformations, thus giving a generalization to higher dimensions of the Möbius energy of knots.
Real Taylor shifts and simultaneous approximation
Authors: Klaja H. , Mouze A.
Published: March 2018

We are interested in the Taylor shift operator acting on the space of infinitely differentiable functions. In particular if we choose a countable family of centers of Taylor expansion, we prove that the associated family of real Taylor shifts fulfills the approximation of any given family of infinitely differentiable functions with a common subsequence of iterates applied on a common vector. We obtain similar conclusions in the context of universal series improving recent statements. Finally we introduce the notion of doubly universal Taylor shift. All these results give new and natural examples of disjoint universality.
Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) mapping by combining quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and quantitative blood oxygenation level‐dependent imaging (qBOLD)
Authors: Cho Junghun , Kee Youngwook , Spincemaille Pascal , Nguyen Thanh D. , Zhang Jingwei , Gupta Ajay , Zhang Shun , Wang Yi
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To map the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) by estimating the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) from gradient echo imaging (GRE) using phase and magnitude of the GRE data.

Theory and Methods

3D multi‐echo gradient echo imaging and perfusion imaging with arterial spin labeling were performed in 11 healthy subjects. CMRO2 and OEF maps were reconstructed by joint quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to process GRE phases and quantitative blood oxygen level‐dependent (qBOLD) modeling to process GRE magnitudes. Comparisons with QSM and qBOLD alone were performed using ROI analysis, paired t‐tests, and Bland‐Altman plot.

Results

The average CMRO2 value in cortical gray matter across subjects were 140.4 ± 14.9, 134.1 ± 12.5, and 184.6 ± 17.9 μmol/100 g/min, with corresponding OEFs of 30.9 ± 3.4%, 30.0 ± 1.8%, and 40.9 ± 2.4% for methods based on QSM, qBOLD, and QSM+qBOLD, respectively. QSM+qBOLD provided the highest CMRO2 contrast between gray and white matter, more uniform OEF than QSM, and less noisy OEF than qBOLD.

Conclusion

Quantitative CMRO2 mapping that fits the entire complex GRE data is feasible by combining QSM analysis of phase and qBOLD analysis of magnitude.
Metformin normalizes the structural changes in glycogen preceding prediabetes in mice overexpressing neuropeptide Y in noradrenergic neurons
Authors: Ailanen Liisa , Bezborodkina Natalia N. , Virtanen Laura , Ruohonen Suvi T. , Malova Anastasia V. , Okovityi Sergey V. , Chistyakova Elizaveta Y. , Savontaus Eriika
Published: March 2018

Hepatic insulin resistance and increased gluconeogenesis are known therapeutic targets of metformin, but the role of hepatic glycogen in the pathogenesis of diabetes is less clear. Mouse model of neuropeptide Y (NPY) overexpression in noradrenergic neurons (OE‐NPYDβH) with a phenotype of late onset obesity, hepatosteatosis, and prediabetes was used to study early changes in glycogen structure and metabolism preceding prediabetes. Furthermore, the effect of the anti‐hyperglycemic agent, metformin (300 mg/kg/day/4 weeks in drinking water), was assessed on changes in glycogen metabolism, body weight, fat mass, and glucose tolerance. Glycogen structure was characterized by cytofluorometric analysis in isolated hepatocytes and mRNA expression of key enzymes by qPCR. OE‐NPYDβH mice displayed decreased labile glycogen fraction relative to stabile fraction (the intermediate form of glycogen) suggesting enhanced glycogen cycling. This was supported by decreased filling of glucose residues in the 10th outer tier of the glycogen molecule, which suggests accelerated glycogen phosphorylation. Metformin reduced fat mass gain in both genotypes, but glucose tolerance was improved mostly in wild‐type mice. However, metformin inhibited glycogen accumulation and normalized the ratio between glycogen structures in OE‐NPYDβH mice indicating decreased glycogen synthesis. Furthermore, the presence of glucose residues in the 11th tier together with decreased glycogen phosphorylase expression suggested inhibition of glycogen degradation. In conclusion, structural changes in glycogen of OE‐NPYDβH mice point to increased glycogen metabolism, which may predispose them to prediabetes. Metformin treatment normalizes these changes and suppresses both glycogen synthesis and phosphorylation, which may contribute to its preventive effect on the onset of diabetes.
Antidyslipidemic potential of a novel farnesoid X receptor antagonist in a hamster model of dyslipidemia: Comparative studies of other nonstatin agents
Authors: Shinozawa Emiko , Amano Yuichiro , Yamakawa Hiroko , Haba Megumi , Shimada Mitsuyuki , Tozawa Ryuichi
Published: March 2018

We attempted to clarify the therapeutic capability of antagonists of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor that regulates lipid and bile acid metabolism. Herein, we report the antidyslipidemic effects of a novel synthesized FXR antagonist, compound‐T1, utilizing a dyslipidemic hamster model. Compound‐T1 selectively inhibited chenodeoxycholic acid‐induced FXR activation (IC50, 2.1 nmol·L−1). A hamster model of diet‐induced hyperlipidemia was prepared to investigate the antidyslipidemic effects of compound‐T1 through comparative studies of the nonstatin lipid‐modulating agents ezetimibe, cholestyramine, and torcetrapib. In the hamster model, compound‐T1 (6 mg·kg−1·day−1, p.o.) increased the level of plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol (+22.2%) and decreased the levels of plasma non‐HDL‐cholesterol (−43.6%) and triglycerides (−31.1%). Compound‐T1 also increased hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase expression and fecal bile acid excretion, and decreased hepatic cholesterol content. Moreover, the hamster model could reflect clinical results of other nonstatin agents. Torcetrapib especially increased large HDL particles compared with compound‐T1. Additionally, in the human hepatoma Huh‐7 cells, compound‐T1 enhanced apolipoprotein A‐I secretion at a concentration close to its IC50 value for FXR. Our results indicated the usefulness of the hamster model in evaluating FXR antagonists and nonstatin agents. Notably, compound‐T1 exhibited beneficial effects on both blood non‐HDL‐cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol, which are thought to involve enhancement of cholesterol catabolism and apolipoprotein A‐I production. These findings aid the understanding of the antidyslipidemic potential of FXR antagonists with a unique lipid and bile acid modulation.