bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Cooperative Learning Model Types Make a Match toPromote Primary Students’ Achivement in Science
Authors: N Lazim , Aldriyanti Novi , Alpusari Mahmud , Hermita Neni , Mahbubah Khoiro
Published: February 2019

This study aims to promote primary students’ achivement in scince learning utilizing cooperative leraning model types make a match. The method is Classroom Action Research by applying cooperative learning model type make a match. The data collected in this research are observation sheet of teacher activity and student activity and learning result. The average learning outcomes of science obtained before the action was 62.33 increased to 77.67 in first cycle by percentage of 24.61%. In the second cycle increased to 88.00 with a percentage increase of 41.18%. Thus, it can beconcluded that cooperative learning model type make a match efeectively to promote primary students’ achivement in science learning.
The Effect Of Quantum Teaching Learning Model To Enhance Students’ Conceptual Understanding on Characteristic Material Concept
Authors: Dewi Ravita , Alpusari Mahmud , N Lazim
Published: February 2019

This research aims to investigate effect of quantum teaching learning model toenhance students’ conceptual understanding on characteristic material concept.This study method was experiment with quasy experiment. Subject this researchwas fifth grade elementary school. Result of this study found significant score0,000 < 0,05. It is mean that hypothesis of research was accepted. It can beconcluded Quantum Teaching learning model can improve students’ conceptualunderstanding.
TINJAUAN KARAKTERISTIK DANGDUT KOPLO SEBAGAI PERKEMBANGAN GENRE MUSIK DANGDUT
Authors: Setiaji Denis
Published: February 2019

Penelitian ini difokuskan untuk meninjau karakteristik Dangdut Koplo secara tekstual. Riset yang dilakukan menggunakan metode fenomenologi dengan melakukan studi lapangan ke sejumlah wilayah pertunjukan Dangdut Koplo di wilayah Jawa Tengah dan Jawa Timur. Perkembangan dangdut secara historis, dipaparkan melalui sejumlah riset dalam menelusuri karakteristik dangdut yang pada akhirnya berbeda dengan Dangdut Koplo. Sejumlah fakta hasil riset dan studi lapangan menghasilkan sejumlah unsur yang membangun karakteristik Dangdut Koplo berupa, (1) pola permainan khusus pada gendang, (2) kecenderungan tempo cepat, (3) pertunjukan dengan unsur erotisme, (4) Pencampuran aransemen berbagai genre, dan (5) trend variasi berupa jem-jeman yang diikuti senggakan. Pada akhirnya Dangdut Koplo merupakan produk perkembangan dari dangdut sebagai manifestasi dari kreativitas para praktisinya yang menkolaborasikan dangdut dengan pengaruh estetika lokal.
TATA NIAGA ROTAN DI KATINGAN
Authors: Prastiwi Septi Dhanik
Published: February 2019

Harga rotan yang tidak stabil merupakan permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh para petani rotan. Mereka harus menerima harga yang telah ditetapkan oleh pasar. Untuk mengetahui bagaimana kehidupan social ekonomi petani rotan di Katingan, maka permasalahan yang akan dibahas yaitu (1) Bagaimana sistem penjualan rotan di desa? (2) Bagaimana strategi adaptasi yang dilakukan oleh petani rotan menghadapi fluktuasi harga rotan? Penelusuran permasalahan ini dilakukan di desa Talingke, Kecamatan Tasik Payawan, Kabupaten Katingan Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dilokasi tersebut melalui tiga teknik yaitu studi pustaka, observasi dan wawancara. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh data bahwa dalam sistem penjualan rotan di desa, terdapat dua hingga tiga pelaku utama yaitu petani rotan, pemberi panjar dan pemilik modal (pengepul). Ketiga pelaku tersebut membentuk hubungan resiprositas dan sekaligus patron-klien. Dominasi pemilik modal dalam menentukan harga dihadapi petani rotan dengan mencari alternative mata pencaharian lain. Strategi yang dilakukan yaitu dengan memanfaatkan sumber daya alam yang ada di sekitarnya sebagai sumber penghasilan.
PERKEMBANGAN JEMAAT AHMADIYAH QADIANI DI WILAYAH MEDAN – ACEH, 1968-1998
Authors: Rachmad Yopi
Published: February 2019

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk melihat perkembangan dari Jemaat Ahmadiyah Qadiani di wilayah MedanAceh pada 1968-1998. Kajian ini menggunakan metode dan teknik pengumpulan data dengan studi pustaka dengan buku, artikel, dokumen, surat kabar, majalah dan situs website. Penulis juga melakukan penelitian lapangan. Penelitian ini mendapatkan kesimpulan bahwa perkembangan Ahmadiyah Qadiani di wilayah Medan-Aceh selama periode Orde Baru berkembang relatif lamban, walaupun respon pemerintah netral. Ahmadiyah Qadiani di Medan Aceh tidak mampu melakukan banyak hal terhadap perkembangan komunitasnya. Hal ini berhubungan dengan isu dari Majelis Ulama Indonesia Sumatra Utara yang menyatakan bahwa jemaat Ahmadiyah Qadiani merupakan sebuah kelompok di luar Islam
KAMU YÖNETİMİNDE ŞEFFAFLIK VE HESAP VEREBİLİRLİĞİN TOPLUMSAL ALGISI: BİR ALAN ARAŞTIRMASI
Authors: YAZICI Sinan
Published: February 2019

Yeni kamu yönetimi anlayışı; kamu hizmetlerinin özel sektör anlayışı ve uygulamaları ile

sunumunun esas alındığı, daha az bürokrasinin yer aldığı, etkin, verimli, hesap verebilir bir

yönetim anlayışıdır. Küresel bağlamda kamu yönetimi anlayışındaki bu değişim, kuşkusuz Türk

Kamu Yönetimi ve kamu hizmetlerinin sunulmasındaki anlayışa yansımıştır. 1983 yılında Turgut

Özal Hükümeti ile başlayan yeni kamu yönetimi anlayışına yönelik reform ve yasal

düzenlemeler, 2003 yılında kamu yönetiminde yeniden yapılanmayı esas alan Kamu Yönetimi

Temel Kanunu Tasarısı ile hız kazanmıştır. Yeni kamu yönetimi anlayışı içerisinde yer alan iyi

yönetişim, Türk Kamu Yönetimi tarafından da benimsenmiş, Türk Kamu Yönetiminin şeffaf,

hesap verebilir, katılımcı, cevap verebilir, hukukun üstünlüğünün esas alındığı, etkin, eşitliğe

öne veren ve stratejik vizyon sahibi bir yapıya dönüştürülmesini hedeflemiştir.

Bu araştırmada; Türk Kamu Yönetiminde iyi yönetişim ilkelerinden şeffaflık ve hesap

verebilirliğin uygulanmasının, toplumsal algısının ölçülmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç

doğrultusunda 48 ile genelinde 1004 kişiye anket uygulanmış ve araştırmanın birincil verileri

toplanmıştır. Araştırma sürecinde toplanan veriler SPSS. 22.0 İstatistik Paket Programı yardımı

ile analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin analizi sonucunda, araştırmaya katılan örneklem grubunun şeffaflık

ve hesap verebilirlik algılarının genel olarak düşük düzeyde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ancak ulaşılan

sonuçlar katılımcıların kamu yönetiminde şeffaflık ve hesap verebilirlik algılarının negatif yönde

olduğunu, diğer bir ifade ile kamu kurum ve kuruluşlarının her anlamda şeffaf olmadığı ve kamu

yönetiminde hesap verebilirliğin ön planda olmadığını göstermektedir. Verilerin analizi

sonucunda ulaşılan bulgular doğrultusunda; Türk Kamu Yönetiminde şeffaflık ve hesap

verebilirliğin yeterince olmadığı, bu doğrultuda yapılan yasal düzenlemelerin uygulamaya

geçirilemediği veya henüz tam anlamıyla uygulanamadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
PENGARUH PARTISIPASI PENYUSUNAN ANGGARAN TERHADAP BUDGETERY SLACK DENGAN JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION, OPPURTUNISTIC BEHAVIOR, DAN KETIDAKPASTIAN LINGKUNGAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL PEMODERASI
Authors: Huseno Tun
Published: February 2019

This study aims to examine the effect of budgetary participation on budgetery slack with job relevant information, oppurtunistic behavior, and environmental uncertainty as moderating variables. This research is an explanatory research, which is a study that explains the relationship between variables through hypothesis testing. The data analyzed in this study were primary data collected through questionnaires containing a list of structured questions aimed at respondents who were selected purposively namely echelon IV and III officials in the tourism department, education offices, inspectorates, regional development planning agencies, cooperative and SMEs, numbering 70 people. The analysis technique used is the analysis of partial least square (PLS) based on variance. The results of this study are as follows: 1). Budgeting participation has a positive and significant effect on budgetary slack. 2). Job relevant information is not proven to moderate the influence of budgetary participation on budgetary slack. 3). Job relevant information has a positive and significant effect on budgetary slack. 4). Opportunistic behavior is not proven to moderate the effect of budgetary participation on budgetary slack and also has no significant effect on budgetary slack. 5). Environmental uncertainty is proven to moderate the influence of budgeting participation on budgetary slack and is pure moderation.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN FREE TRADE ZONE (KAWASAN PERDAGANGAN BEBAS DAN PELABUHAN BEBAS) DI KABUPATEN BINTAN PROVINSI KEPULAUAN RIAU (Studi Kasus : Peredaran Rokok Khusus Free Trade Zone)
Authors: W Pradito Sony
Published: February 2019

The objective of the research is to know and analyze the Implementation of Free Trade Zone Policy (Free Port of Free Port) in Bintan Regency of Kepulauan Riau Province. The research method used is descriptive research method, with qualitative approach. Data obtained through data collection techniques: interviews and documentation. The results showed that the Implementation of Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Policy In Bintan Regency, Kepulauan Riau Province has not been good. : Standard and FTZ standard clarity in FTZ Special Cigarette Distribution is very clear and has also been supported and integrated with various other programs. Resources in the implementation of FTZ policy in FTZ Special Cigarette Distribution are still inadequate, both financial resources and human resources. Relationship between Ftz policy implementing organizations in FTZ Special Cigarette Circulation is still weak Tactics involved incidental and unscheduled. The characteristics of implementing organizations are quite supportive for the implementation of Ftz policy in FTZ Special Cigarette Distribution. The current social and political conditions are sufficient to support economic conditions not fully supporting the implementation of FTZ policy in FTZ Special Cigarette Distribution. The Implementator is sufficiently aware of the policy implementation policy in FTZ in the FTZ Special Cigarette Distribution. Bintan Registration Agency and Customs and Excise Agency have prioritized customer satisfaction.Keywords: Implementation, Policy, and Free Trade Zone
The Implementation of Regional Tax Collecting Innovation Toward The Increasing of Local Original Revenue
Authors: M. Nurdin Dr. Andi Henny , Khairunnisa Andi Akhirah
Published: February 2019

One manifestation of the implementation of fiscal decentralization is determination sources of revenue for regions that can be extracted and used itself according to their potential. Authority of the local governement realized by collecting taxes and levies regulated in the Law Number 28 of 2009 concerning Regional Taxes and Regional Levies. Authority to collect tax on the Tax Object Regions are divided into two, namely Provincial and Regency / City Taxes. Based on Article 2 paragraph (1) and (2) Law Number 28 of 2009 concerning Regional Taxes and Regional Retribution. The Indonesian tax administrators on behalf of the local government therefore need to establish innovative services which support the taxpayer in submitting the information needed by the tax officers. This needs to do more than just reduce the asymmetric information between taxpayers and tax officers. There needs to be a strong information management infrastructure in order to deal with huge, clerical, routine, and transactional tax information.Innovation on tax collecting must be in accordance with some principles in tax and tax collecting. Indonesia government through local government has been making some innovation to maximize the tax collecting so that able to increase the regional original revenue (PAD).
Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Pembangunan di Kota Balikpapan
Authors: Santoso Eko Budi , Moenek Reydonnizar
Published: February 2019

Abstrak
Optical Design for Novel Glasses-Type 3D Wearable Ophthalmoscope
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Mu , King Tzu-Chyang , Fang Yi-Chin , Hsueh Nai-Wie , Lin Che-Wei
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a new optical design that will cooperate with 3D image technology, infrared spectrum technology, future medical diagnostics, the cloud, and big data analysis. We first conducted image recognition experiments to compare the pros and cons of 2D and 3D frameworks in order to make sure that the optical and mechanical framework of a glasses-type 3D ophthalmoscope would be a better choice. The experimental results showed that a 3D image recognition rate (90%) was higher than a 2D image recognition rate (84%), and hence the 3D mechanism design was selected. The glasses-type 3D ophthalmoscope design is primarily based on the specification of indirect ophthalmoscope requirements and two working spectrums: a near infrared and a visible spectrum. The design is a 2.5x magnification fixed focal telecentric relay system with a right-angle prism, which uses a large aperture to increase the amount of incident light (F/# = 2.0). As the infrared spectrums that have better transmittance towards human eye tissue are 965 nm and 985 nm, so that we took account of the visible spectrum and the near-infrared spectrum simultaneously to increase the basis of the physician’s diagnosis. In this research, we conclude that a wearable ophthalmoscope can be designed optically and mechanically with 3D technology, an infrared and a visible working spectrum and further, possibly in cooperation with the cloud and big data analysis.
Evaluating the Roles of Rainout and Post-Condensation Processes in a Landfalling Atmospheric River with Stable Isotopes in Precipitation and Water Vapor
Authors: Mix Hari T. , Reilly Sean P. , Martin Andrew , Cornwell Gavin
Published: February 2019

Atmospheric rivers (ARs), and frontal systems more broadly, tend to exhibit prominent “V” shapes in time series of stable isotopes in precipitation. Despite the magnitude and widespread nature of these “V” shapes, debate persists as to whether these shifts are driven by changes in the degree of rainout, which we determine using the Rayleigh distillation of stable isotopes, or by post-condensation processes such as below-cloud evaporation and equilibrium isotope exchange between hydrometeors and surrounding vapor. Here, we present paired precipitation and water vapor isotope time series records from the 5–7 March 2016, AR in Bodega Bay, CA. The stable isotope composition of surface vapor along with independent meteorological constraints such as temperature and relative humidity reveal that rainout and post-condensation processes dominate during different portions of the event. We find that Rayleigh distillation controls during peak AR conditions (with peak rainout of 55%) while post-condensation processes have their greatest effect during periods of decreased precipitation on the margins of the event. These results and analyses inform critical questions regarding the temporal evolution of AR events and the physical processes that control them at local scales.
Study on the Construction of Initial Condition Perturbations for the Regional Ensemble Prediction System of North China
Authors: Zhang Hanbin , Chen Min , Fan Shuiyong
Published: February 2019

The regional ensemble prediction system (REPS) of North China is currently under development at the Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, with initial condition perturbations provided by global ensemble dynamical downscaling. To improve the performance of the REPS, a comparison of two initial condition perturbation methods is conducted in this paper: (i) Breeding, which was specifically designed for the REPS, and (ii) Dynamical downscaling. Consecutive tests were implemented to evaluate the performances of both methods in the operational REPS environment. The perturbation characteristics were analyzed, and ensemble forecast verifications were conducted. Furthermore, a heavy precipitation case was investigated. The main conclusions are as follows: the Breeding perturbations were more powerful at small scales, while the downscaling perturbations were more powerful at large scales; the difference between the two perturbation types gradually decreased with the forecast lead time. The downscaling perturbation growth was more remarkable than that of the Breeding perturbations at short forecast lead times, while the perturbation magnitudes of both schemes were similar for long-range forecasts. However, the Breeding perturbations contained more abundant small-scale components than downscaling for the short-range forecasts. The ensemble forecast verification indicated a slightly better downscaling ensemble performance than that of the Breeding ensemble. A precipitation case study indicated that the Breeding ensemble performance was better than that of downscaling, particularly in terms of location and strength of the precipitation forecast.
Global Solutions vs. Local Solutions for the AI Safety Problem
Authors: Turchin Alexey , Denkenberger David , Green Brian Patrick
Published: February 2019

There are two types of artificial general intelligence (AGI) safety solutions: global and local. Most previously suggested solutions are local: they explain how to align or “box” a specific AI (Artificial Intelligence), but do not explain how to prevent the creation of dangerous AI in other places. Global solutions are those that ensure any AI on Earth is not dangerous. The number of suggested global solutions is much smaller than the number of proposed local solutions. Global solutions can be divided into four groups: 1. No AI: AGI technology is banned or its use is otherwise prevented; 2. One AI: the first superintelligent AI is used to prevent the creation of any others; 3. Net of AIs as AI police: a balance is created between many AIs, so they evolve as a net and can prevent any rogue AI from taking over the world; 4. Humans inside AI: humans are augmented or part of AI. We explore many ideas, both old and new, regarding global solutions for AI safety. They include changing the number of AI teams, different forms of “AI Nanny” (non-self-improving global control AI system able to prevent creation of dangerous AIs), selling AI safety solutions, and sending messages to future AI. Not every local solution scales to a global solution or does it ethically and safely. The choice of the best local solution should include understanding of the ways in which it will be scaled up. Human-AI teams or a superintelligent AI Service as suggested by Drexler may be examples of such ethically scalable local solutions, but the final choice depends on some unknown variables such as the speed of AI progress.
Introduction to Peptidyl-Prolyl cis/trans Isomerase (PPIase) Series
Authors: Galat Andrzej
Published: February 2019

About 30 years after the discovery of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases), research on this group of proteins has become somewhat calmer than it used to be, but it still generates lots of interest [...]
Neuromodulation Strategies in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: From Preclinical Models to Clinical Applications
Authors: Gouveia Flavia V. , Gidyk Darryl C. , Giacobbe Peter , Ng Enoch , Meng Ying , Davidson Benjamin , Abrahao Agessandro , Lipsman Nir , Hamani Clement
Published: February 2019

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an often debilitating disease with a lifetime prevalence rate between 5–8%. In war veterans, these numbers are even higher, reaching approximately 10% to 25%. Although most patients benefit from the use of medications and psychotherapy, approximately 20% to 30% do not have an adequate response to conventional treatments. Neuromodulation strategies have been investigated for various psychiatric disorders with promising results, and may represent an important treatment option for individuals with difficult-to-treat forms of PTSD. We review the relevant neurocircuitry and preclinical stimulation studies in models of fear and anxiety, as well as clinical data on the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of PTSD.
The Role of Platelets in the Tumor-Microenvironment and the Drug Resistance of Cancer Cells
Authors: Huong Phung Thanh , Nguyen Lap Thi , Nguyen Xuan-Bac , Lee Sang Kook , Bach Duc-Hiep
Published: February 2019

Besides the critical functions in hemostasis, thrombosis and the wounding process, platelets have been increasingly identified as active players in various processes in tumorigenesis, including angiogenesis and metastasis. Once activated, platelets can release bioactive contents such as lipids, microRNAs, and growth factors into the bloodstream, subsequently enhancing the platelet–cancer interaction and stimulating cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. The mechanisms of treatment failure of chemotherapeutic drugs have been investigated to be associated with platelets. Therefore, understanding how platelets contribute to the tumor microenvironment may potentially identify strategies to suppress cancer angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Herein, we present a review of recent investigations on the role of platelets in the tumor-microenvironment including angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as targeting platelets for cancer treatment, especially in drug resistance.
Mouse-Derived Isograft (MDI) In Vivo Tumor Models I. Spontaneous sMDI Models: Characterization and Cancer Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Jantscheff Peter , Beshay Janette , Lemarchand Thomas , Obodozie Cynthia , Schächtele Christoph , Weber Holger
Published: February 2019

Syngeneic in vivo tumor models are valuable for the development and investigation of immune-modulating anti-cancer drugs. In the present study, we established a novel syngeneic in vivo model type named mouse-derived isografts (MDIs). Spontaneous MDIs (sMDIs) were obtained during a long-term observation period (more than one to two years) of naïve and untreated animals of various mouse strains (C3H/HeJ, CBA/J, DBA/2N, BALB/c, and C57BL/6N). Primary tumors or suspicious tissues were assessed macroscopically and re-transplanted in a PDX-like manner as small tumor pieces into sex-matched syngeneic animals. Nine outgrowing primary tumors were histologically characterized either as adenocarcinomas, histiocytic carcinomas, or lymphomas. Growth of the tumor pieces after re-transplantation displayed model heterogeneity. The adenocarcinoma sMDI model JA-0009 was further characterized by flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and efficacy studies. M2 macrophages were found to be the main tumor infiltrating leukocyte population, whereas only a few T cells were observed. JA-0009 showed limited sensitivity when treated with antibodies against inhibitory checkpoint molecules (anti-mPD-1 and anti-mCTLA-4), but high sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment. The generated sMDI are spontaneously occurring tumors of low passage number, propagated as tissue pieces in mice without any tissue culturing, and thus conserving the original tumor characteristics and intratumoral immune cell populations.
Photocatalytic Reversible Reactions Driven by Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Gong Zheng , Ji Jialong , Wang Jingang
Published: February 2019

In this study, we review photocatalytic reversible surface catalytic reactions driven by localized surface plasmon resonance. Firstly, we briefly introduce the synthesis of 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) from 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4NBT) using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology. Furthermore, we study the photosynthetic and degradation processes of 4NBT to DMAB reduction, as well as factors associated with them, such as laser wavelength, reaction time, substrate, and pH. Last but not least, we reveal the competitive relationship between photosynthetic and degradation pathways for this reduction reaction by SERS technology on the substrate of Au film over a nanosphere.
Alkali and Alkaline Earth Cation-Decorated TiO2 Nanotube-Supported Rh Catalysts for Vinyl Acetate Hydroformylation
Authors: Chuai Hongyuan , Su Penghe , Liu Hongchi , Zhu Baolin , Zhang Shoumin , Huang Weiping
Published: February 2019

Alkali and alkaline earth cation-decorated TiO2 nanotube (TNT)-supported rhodium catalysts were synthesized and characterized by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, surface characterization analyzer, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transforming infrared spectrum, respectively. Their catalytic performances were evaluated by the hydroformylation of vinyl acetate. Results showed that both the conversion rate of vinyl acetate and selectivity for aldehyde were improved after Rh/TNTs were modified by alkali or alkali-earth cations. Such improved selectivity for aldehyde might be attributed to the presence of alkali or alkaline earth cations which enhanced CO adsorption, while the high conversion rate of vinyl acetate was likely due to the proper interaction of Lewis acid–base between cations modified TNTs and vinyl acetate.
Essential Roles for the Non-Canonical IκB Kinases in Linking Inflammation to Cancer, Obesity, and Diabetes
Authors: Shin Chong Hyun , Choi Doo-Sup
Published: February 2019

Non-canonical IκB kinases (IKKs) TBK1 and IKKε have essential roles as regulators of innate immunity and cancer. Recent work has also implicated these kinases in distinctively controlling glucose homeostasis and repressing adaptive thermogenic and mitochondrial biogenic response upon obesity-induced inflammation. Additionally, TBK1 and IKKε regulate pancreatic β-cell regeneration. In this review, we summarize current data on the functions and molecular mechanisms of TBK1 and IKKε in orchestrating inflammation to cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
Apolipoprotein E4 Alters Astrocyte Fatty Acid Metabolism and Lipid Droplet Formation
Authors: Farmer Brandon , Kluemper Jude , Johnson Lance
Published: February 2019

Lipid droplets (LDs) serve as energy rich reservoirs and have been associated with apolipoprotein E (APOE) and neurodegeneration. The E4 allele of APOE (E4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for the development of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since both E4 carriers and individuals with AD exhibit a state of cerebral lipid dyshomeostasis, we hypothesized that APOE may play a role in regulating LD metabolism. We found that astrocytes expressing E4 accumulate significantly more and smaller LDs compared to E3 astrocytes. Accordingly, expression of perilipin-2, an essential LD protein component, was higher in E4 astrocytes. We then probed fatty acid (FA) metabolism and found E4 astrocytes to exhibit decreased uptake of palmitate, and decreased oxidation of exogenously supplied oleate and palmitate. We then measured oxygen consumption rate, and found E4 astrocytes to consume more oxygen for endogenous FA oxidation and accumulate more LD-derived metabolites due to incomplete oxidation. Lastly, we found that E4 astrocytes are more sensitive to carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 inhibition than E3 astrocytes. These findings offer the potential for further studies investigating the link between astrocyte lipid storage, utilization, and neurodegenerative disease as a function of APOE genotype.
Tobacco Use as a Health Disparity: What Can Pediatric Clinicians Do?
Authors: Marbin Jyothi Nagraj , Gribben Valerie
Published: February 2019

Tobacco use is a global health crisis, and has a tremendous and negative impact on health and wellbeing. Tobacco use disproportionately affects members of vulnerable populations, and by acting on multiple socioecological levels, serves to perpetuate and reinforce cycles of poverty. Members of the pediatric medical community can play a key role in interrupting cycles of tobacco use. Providers can serve as powerful allies to vulnerable communities by treating tobacco use in caregivers, counseling youth against using tobacco products, protecting children from the impact of secondhand smoke exposure, and advocating for economic, social, and health policies to disrupt intergenerational smoking.
Laser Surface Blasting of Granite Stones Using a Laser Scanning System
Authors: Penide Joaquín , del Val Jesús , Riveiro Antonio , Soto Ramón , Comesaña Rafael , Quintero Félix , Boutinguiza Mohamed , Lusquiños Fernando , Pou Juan
Published: February 2019

Granite stones are the most abundant rock of the crust. Due to their beauty, durability, and virtually zero maintenance, they have been used widely since ancient times in all types of construction, as a structural or decorative element. Commonly, this material is used with a polished finishing, but there has been an increased interest in giving it a rustic aspect, mainly for decorative or functional reasons, e.g., to reduce slipping. Rough surfaces are usually produced by means of bush hammering, but this is an extremely noisy and inefficient process. In this work we have explored the capabilities and limits of a laser blasting process assisted by a scanning system in order to produce precise and controllable roughness on two varieties of granite plates. It was found that laser blasting of thin granite tiles can be accomplished with processing widths up to 250 mm at medium-low laser power, obtaining a rustic aspect suitable for use in façades, paving, or flooring. Moreover, laser scanner systems are capable of enhancing the productivity of this process up to ten times greater than that found in previous works.
Method of Stabilizing Heavily Spalted Big Leaf Maple as a Decorative Coating Veneer Layer for Engineered Wood Flooring
Authors: Rodrigues de Oliveira Diego , Andersen Claudia C. , Vega Gutierrez Sarath M. , Kamke Frederick A. , Robinson Seri C.
Published: February 2019

Spalted wood, wood colored by fungi, has been popular in woodcraft for centuries. Most spalted wood, however, is found in an advanced state of decay and cannot be utilized. This project describes the use of viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC) to investigate the potential increase in spalted woods’ strength and stiffness, with the main objective of converting so-called “punky” wood into the top layer (veneer layer or “coating”) on commercial flooring. Spalted Acer macrophyllum logs were cut into veneers of size 7 mm × 7.8 cm × 25 cm and were then VTC-treated at 150 °C and 50 psi for 11.5 min. Statistical analysis on the mixed linear models showed significant increases for both the density and hardness of spalted wood (p < 0.0001). Density and Brinell hardness increased by 84% and 209%, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed that the wood polymers present in spalted wood were more susceptible to degradation imposed by the heat of the VTC treatment compared to sound wood. Additionally, the color analysis of the wood specimens showed statistically significant changes in color after the VTC treatment (p < 0.0001), which turned the wood surface darker and redder. The use of the VTC technology to transform spalted wood into wood flooring is viable. However, when exposed to moisture, the VTC-treated spalted wood showed a high percentage of set recovery (78%), which was significantly different from the set recovery of the sound wood (71%, p = 0.004). Successful use of VTC-treated spalted wood for flooring will require addressing of the swelling issue, and additional studies are needed to fully characterize the anatomy of VTC-treated spalted wood.
Corrosiveness of Palm Biodiesel in Gray Cast Iron Coated by Thermoreactive Diffusion Vanadium Carbide (VC) Coating
Authors: Amaya Ariel , Piamba Oscar , Olaya Jhon
Published: February 2019

Palm biodiesel is a currently used biofuel, principally as an additive or substitute of diesel fuel in vehicular internal combustion engines. In the present work, vanadium carbide (VC) coatings were deposited on gray cast iron (GCI) using the thermoreactive diffusion process (TRD) to evaluate the corrosiveness of palm biodiesel and compare it with gray cast iron corrosion behavior. VC coated and uncoated gray cast iron samples were tested by immersion corrosion tests (291 K and 313 K), cyclic oxidation test (CO), and the electrochemical impedance spectrometry test (EIS). The corrosion test showed the reduction of the corrosion rate for the VC coating when compared to gray cast iron. EIS tests of coated samples showed higher values of polarization resistance when compared with uncoated gray cast iron samples. Results confirmed that while biodiesel was more corrosive than diesel on both coated and uncoated gray cast iron, the VC coating was efficient in protecting the substrate exposed to both fuels.
Substituent Effects in the Crystal Packing of Derivatives of 4′-Phenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-Terpyridine
Authors: Klein Y. Maximilian , Prescimone Alessandro , Karpacheva Mariia , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: February 2019

We report the preparation of a series of new 4′-substituted 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines: 4′-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (2), 4′-(3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (3), 4′-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (4), and 4′-(3,5- bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (5). The compounds have been characterized by mass spectrometry, solid-state IR spectroscopy and solution NMR and absorption spectroscopies. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of 3, 5 and 6·EtOH (6 = 4′-(3,5-bis(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) have been elucidated. The molecular structures of the compounds are unexceptional. Since 3 and 5 crystallize without lattice solvent, we are able to understand the influence of introducing substituents in the 4′-phenyl ring and compare the packing in the structures with that of the previously reported 4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (1). On going from 1 to 3, face-to-face π-stacking of pairs of 3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl rings contributes to a change in packing from a herringbone assembly in 1 with no ring π-stacking to a layer-like packing. The latter arises through a combination of π-stacking of aromatic rings and N…H–C hydrogen bonding. On going from 3 to 5, N…H–C and F…H–C hydrogen-bonding is dominant, supplemented by π-stacking interactions between pairs of pyridine rings. A comparison of the packing of molecules of 6 with that in 1, 3 and 5 is difficult because of the incorporation of solvent in 6·EtOH.
Electron Affinity and Bandgap Optimization of Zinc Oxide for Improved Performance of ZnO/Si Heterojunction Solar Cell Using PC1D Simulations
Authors: Hussain Babar , Aslam Aasma , Khan Taj M , Creighton Michael , Zohuri Bahman
Published: February 2019

For further uptake in the solar cell industry, n-ZnO/p-Si single heterojunction solar cell has attracted much attention of the research community in recent years. This paper reports the influence of bandgap and/or electron affinity tuning of zinc oxide on the performance of n-ZnO/p-Si single heterojunction photovoltaic cell using PC1D simulations. The simulation results reveal that the open circuit voltage and fill factor can be improved significantly by optimizing valence-band and conduction-band off-sets by engineering the bandgap and electron affinity of zinc oxide. An overall conversion efficiency of more than 20.3% can be achieved without additional cost or any change in device structure. It has been found that the improvement in efficiency is mainly due to reduction in conduction band offset that has a significant influence on minority carrier current.
Research on Organic Carbon and Elemental Carbon Distribution Characteristics and Their Influence on Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Changchun City
Authors: Wang Ju , Yu Anan , Yang Le , Fang Chunsheng
Published: February 2019

In order to understand the distribution characteristics of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in PM2.5 in Changchun; China; PM2.5 samples were collected from April 2017 to December 2017 using the KC-120H particulate matter sampler; and the NIOSH 5040 method was used for determination. The results showed that the average concentration of PM2.5 in Changchun was 45.92 µg/m3 (45.92 ± 50.17), and the annual average concentrations of OC and EC ranged from 15.69 to 24.32 µg/m3 and from 1.38 to 2.33 µg/m3; respectively. The annual OC/EC ratio range was 8.08–15.44; with an average of 11.70. OC and EC concentrations in spring were the lowest; whereas higher levels of both OC and EC were found in winter. Significant correlations between OC and EC were found in the non-heating period; indicating that there was a consistent or similar source; whereas OC was non-significantly correlated with EC in the heating period; suggesting that contributions of OC were from unrelated combustion sources.
Evaluation of Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Properties of Four Fern Species for Potential Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Farràs Adrià , Cásedas Guillermo , Les Francisco , Terrado Eva María , Mitjans Montserrat , López Víctor
Published: February 2019

Ferns are poorly explored species from a pharmaceutical perspective compared to other terrestrial plants. In this work, the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts, together with total polyphenol content, were evaluated in order to explore the potential cosmetic applications of four Spanish ferns collected in the Prades Mountains (Polypodium vulgare L., Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L., Asplenium trichomanes L., and Ceterach officinarum Willd). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) assays. The potential to avoid skin hyperpigmentation was tested by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, as this causes melanin synthesis in the epidermis. All ferns were confirmed as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase agents, but interestingly hydrophilic extracts (obtained with methanol) were more potent and effective compared to lipophilic extracts (obtained with hexane). Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, and Ceterach officinarum methanolic extracts performed the best as antioxidants. Polypodium vulgare methanolic extract also showed the highest activity as a tyrosinase inhibitor.
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth, Photosynthesis, and Nutrient Uptake of Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino Seedlings under Salt Stress
Authors: Wang Jinping , Fu Zhiyuan , Ren Qiong , Zhu Lingjun , Lin Jie , Zhang Jinchi , Cheng Xuefei , Ma Jieyi , Yue Jianmin
Published: February 2019

Salinity is the primary restriction factor for vegetation conservation and the rehabilitation of coastal areas in Eastern China. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been proved to have the ability to alleviate salt stress in plants. However, the role of AMF in relieving salt stress among indigenous trees species is less well known, limiting the application of AMF in the afforestation of local area. In this study, a salt-stress pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of AMF on Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino, a tree species with significant potential for afforestation of coastal area. The Z. serrata seedlings inoculated with three AMF strains (Funneliformis mosseae 1, Funneliformis mosseae 2, and Diversispora tortuosa) were subjected to two salt treatments (0 and 100 mM NaCl) under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that the three AMF strains had positive effects, to a certain extent, on plant growth and photosynthesis under normal condition. However, only F. mosseae 1 and F. mosseae 2 alleviated the inhibition of growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake of Z. serrata seedlings under salt stress. The two AMF strains mitigated salt-induced adverse effects on seedlings mainly by increasing the leaf photosynthetic ability and biomass accumulation by reducing Na+ content, increasing P, K+, and Mg2+ content, as well as by enhancing photosynthetic pigments content and the stomatal conductance of leaves. These results indicated that AMF inoculation is a promising strategy for the afforestation of coastal areas in Eastern China.
Variability of Aboveground Litter Inputs Alters Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in a Coniferous–Broadleaf Mixed Forest of Central China
Authors: Miao Renhui , Ma Jun , Liu Yinzhan , Liu Yanchun , Yang Zhongling , Guo Meixia
Published: February 2019

Global changes and human disturbances can strongly affect the quantity of aboveground litter entering soils, which could result in substantial cascading effects on soil biogeochemical processes in forests. Despite extensive reports, it is unclear how the variations in litter depth affect soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. The responses of soil carbon and nitrogen to the variability of litter inputs were examined in a coniferous–broadleaf mixed forest of Central China. The litter input manipulation included five treatments: no litter input, natural litter, double litter, triple litter, and quadruple litter. Multifold litter additions decreased soil temperature but did not affect soil moisture after 2.5 years. Reductions in soil pH under litter additions were larger than increases under no litter input. Litter quantity did not affect soil total organic carbon, whereas litter addition stimulated soil dissolved organic carbon more strongly than no litter input suppressed it. The triggering priming effect of litter manipulation on soil respiration requires a substantial litter quantity, and the impacts of a slight litter change on soil respiration are negligible. Litter quantity did not impact soil total nitrogen, and only strong litter fluctuations changed the content of soil available nitrogen (nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen). Litter addition enhanced soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen more strongly than no litter input. Our results imply that the impacts of multifold litter inputs on soil carbon and nitrogen are different with a single litter treatment. These findings suggest that variability in aboveground litter inputs resulting from environmental change and human disturbances have great potential to change soil carbon and nitrogen in forest ecosystems. The variability of aboveground litter inputs needs to be taken into account to predict the responses of terrestrial soil carbon and nitrogen cycling to environmental changes and forest management.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Paeonia veitchii (Paeoniaceae) in China by Incorporating Climate Change into a Maxent Model
Authors: Zhang Keliang , Zhang Yin , Tao Jun
Published: February 2019

A detailed understanding of species distribution is usually a prerequisite for the rehabilitation and utilization of species in an ecosystem. Paeonia veitchii (Paeoniaceae), which is an endemic species of China, is an ornamental and medicinal plant that features high economic and ecological values. With the decrease of its population in recent decades, it has become a locally endangered species. In present study, we modeled the potential distribution of P. veitchii under current and future conditions, and evaluated the importance of the factors that shape its distribution. The results revealed a highly and moderately suitable habitat for P. veitchii that encompassed ca. 605,114 km2. The central area lies in northwest Sichuan Province. Elevation, temperature seasonality, annual mean precipitation, and precipitation seasonality were identified as the most important factors shaping the distribution of P. veitchii. Under the scenario with a low concentration of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 2.6), we predicted an overall expansion of the potential distribution by 2050, followed by a slight contraction in 2070. However, with the scenario featuring intense greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 8.5), the range of suitable habitat should increase with the increasing intensity of global warming. The information that was obtained in the present study can provide background information related to the long-term conservation of this species.
Ionic Fracture Fluid Leak-Off
Authors: Shelukhin Vladimir , Epov Mikhail
Published: February 2019

The study is motivated by monitoring the space orientation of a hydrolic fracture used in oil production. Streaming potential arises due to the leakage of ionic fracking fluid under the rock elastic forces which make the fracture disclosure disappear after pumping stops. The vector of electric field correlates with the fracture space orientation since the fluid leakage is directed normally to the fracture surfaces. We develop a mathematical model for the numerical evaluation of the streaming potential magnitude. To this end, we perform an asymptotic analysis taking advantage of scale separation between the fracture disclosure and its length. The contrast between the virgin rock fluid and the fluid invading from the fracture is proved to be crucial in a build up of a net charge at the invasion front. Calculations reveal that an increase of the viscosity and resistivity contrast parameters results in an increase of the streaming potential magnitude. Such a conclusion agrees with laboratory experiments.
Satellite DNA Mapping in Pseudis fusca (Hylidae, Pseudinae) Provides New Insights into Sex Chromosome Evolution in Paradoxical Frogs
Authors: Gatto Kaleb Pretto , Seger Karin Regina , Garcia Paulo Christiano de Anchieta , Lourenço Luciana Bolsoni
Published: February 2019

In the frog genus Pseudis, previous works found a sex-linked heteromorphism of the PcP190 satellite DNA in the nucleolus organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosome pairs of Pseudis bolbodactyla and Pseudis tocantins, which possess a ZZ/ZW sex determination system. A pericentromeric inversion was inferred to have occurred during W chromosome evolution, moving a chromosomal cluster enriched by the PcP190 from the short arm (as observed in P. bolbodactyla) to the NOR-bearing long arm (as observed in P. tocantins). However, whether such an inversion happened in P. tocantins or in the common ancestor of Pseudis fusca and P. tocantins remained unclear. To assess this question, we mapped PcP190 in the karyotype of P. fusca from three distinct localities. Southern blotting was used to compare males and females. The mitochondrial H1 fragment (which contains the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), tRNAval, and 16S rRNA genes) and cytochrome b gene were partially sequenced, and a species tree was inferred to guide our analysis. Pseudis fusca specimens were placed together as the sister group of P. tocantins, but based on genetic distance, one of the analyzed populations is probably an undescribed species. A cluster of PcP190, located in the long arm of chromosome 7, is sex linked in this putative new species but not in the remaining P. fusca. We could infer that the pericentromeric inversion that moved the PcP190 site to the NOR-bearing chromosome arm (long arm) occurred in the common ancestor of P. fusca, the putative undescribed species, and P. tocantins.
Evolution, Composition and Regulation of Supernumerary B Chromosomes
Authors: Houben Andreas , Jones Neil , Martins Cesar , Trifonov Vladimir
Published: February 2019

Supernumerary B chromosomes (Bs) are dispensable genetic elements found in thousands of species of plants and animals, and some fungi [...]
Insight into the B3Transcription Factor Superfamily and Expression Profiling of B3 Genes in Axillary Buds after Topping in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Xia Fei , Sun Tingting , Yang Shuangjuan , Wang Xiao , Chao Jiangtao , Li Xiaoxu , Hu Junhua , Cui Mengmeng , Liu Guanshan , Wang Dawei , Sun Yuhe
Published: February 2019

Members of the plant-specific B3 transcription factor superfamily play important roles in various growth and developmental processes in plants. Even though there are many valuable studies on B3 genes in other species, little is known about the B3 superfamily in tobacco. We identified 114 B3 proteins from tobacco using comparative genome analysis. These proteins were classified into four subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships, and include the ARF, RAV, LAV, and REM subfamilies. The chromosomal locations, gene structures, conserved protein motifs, and sub-cellular localizations of the tobacco B3 proteins were analyzed. The patterns of exon-intron numbers and arrangement and the protein structures of the tobacco B3 proteins were in general agreement with their phylogenetic relationships. The expression patterns of 114 B3 genes revealed that many B3 genes show tissue-specific expression. The expression levels of B3 genes in axillary buds after topping showed that the REM genes are mainly up-regulated in response to topping, while the ARF genes are down-regulated after topping.