bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perilaku Sticky Cost Biaya Penjualan, Biaya Administrasi dan Umum Serta Harga Pokok Penjualan Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur
Authors: Ratnawati Lea , Nugrahanti Yeterina Widi
Published: April 2017

The objective of this study is to find the indication of sticky cost behavior in Indonesian manufacturing. The cost stickiness can be indicated by asymetric reaction of costs to changes. This study employs Anderson, Banker, Janakiraman (ABJ) model to identify the sticky cost behaviour on selling expense and general administrative expense. The samples of this study are 351 firm years of manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2009-2012. This study found that selling, general and administrative cost increase 0,475 percent and cost of good sold increase 1,063 percent when sales increase 1 percent. Whereas, the sales and selling, general and administrative cost decrease 0,409 percent and cost of good sold decrease 0,033 percent per1 percent decrease in sales. The research results provide of sticky cost behaviour indication in selling expense, general and administrative, and cost of good sold in Indonesian manufacturing company. The findings support the theory of cost adjustment delay.
Tata Kelola Publik Dan Kinerja Keuangan Pemerintah Daerah Di Indonesia
Authors: Hasthoro Handoko A , Sunardi Sunardi
Published: April 2017

The aims of this study is to examine the effect of public governance implementation on financial performance of Indonesian local governments. Public governance implementation was measured by local government’s transparency, accountability, legal culture, and community participation. Fifty local governments surveyed by Tansparency International Indonesia in 2010 used as a sample. Results from multiple regression analysis show that legal culture which is proxied by corruption perception index, and community participation proxied by number of election voters had positive significant influence in Indonesian local governments financial performance. The result imply that law enforcement and fair election foster public trust to pay taxes that increasing genuine income.

Abstrak

 

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh penerapan tata kelola publik terhadap kinerja keuangan pemerintah daerah di Indonesia. Pelaksanaan pemerintahan umum diukur dengan menggunakan transparansi pemerintah daerah, akuntabilitas pemerintah daerah, budaya hukum, dan partisipasi masyarakat. Sejumlah lima puluh pemerintah daerah yang disurvei oleh Tansparency International Indonesia pada tahun 2010 digunakan sebagai sampel. Hasil dari analisis regresi berganda menunjukkan bahwa budaya hukum yang ditunjukkan oleh indeks persepsi korupsi, dan partisipasi masyarakat yang diwakili oleh jumlah pemilih pemilu memiliki pengaruh signifikan positif pada kinerja keuangan pemerintah daerah di Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penegakan hukum dan pemilu yang adil mendorong kepercayaan masyarakat untuk membayar pajak yang meningkatkan pendapatan asli.
Telaah Kearifan Lokal Terhadap Akuntabilitas Lumbung Desa
Authors: Harjito Yunus , Wibowo Ambang Cahyo , Suhardjanto Djoko
Published: April 2017

This research aims to understand the business of Lumbung Desa Paceklik which based on society’s local wisdom, examining governance, and compare between governance implementation and the governance characteristics by the UNDP. One of the most important aspects in governance practice is accountability. Accountability is implemented as the efforts to maintain the Lumbung Desa Paceklik existence. The accounting practice in Lumbung Desa Paceklik is one measure of accountability implementation. The research data were collected by observation and documentation of related information, gradual interviews, and focus group discussion (FGD). The study was conducted from the beginning of April 2013 until early March 2014 in the Dempel village, Geneng subdistrict, Ngawi district, East Java. The results explained that the governance of the Lumbung Desa Paceklik is quiet well to do. Based on the governance characteristics by UNDP, only the rule of law which is still an obstacle. Moreover, the accountability is interpreted not only as an liability, but also as a need to maintain the Lumbung Desa Paceklik’s existence. Implementation of accounting was not optimal due to the limited understanding and ability of the board to the theory and practice of ideal accounting practice.

Abstrak

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami bisnis Lumbung Desa Paceklik yang berbasis kearifan lokal masyarakat, memeriksa tata kelola, dan membandingkan antara pelaksanaan pemerintahan dan karakteristik pemerintahan oleh UNDP. Salah satu aspek yang paling penting dalam praktek tata kelola adalah akuntabilitas. Akuntabilitas diimplementasikan sebagai upaya untuk mempertahankan keberadaan Lumbung Desa Paceklik. Praktek akuntansi di Lumbung Desa Paceklik merupakan salah satu ukuran pelaksanaan akuntabilitas. Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui observasi, dokumentasi informasi terkait, wawancara bertahap, dan focus group discussion (FGD). Penelitian dilakukan dari awal April 2013 sampai dengan awal Maret 2014 di desa Dempel, Kecamatan Geneng, Kabupaten Ngawi, Jawa Timur. Hasil penelitian menjelaskan bahwa tata kelola Lumbung Desa Paceklik cukup baik dilakukan. Berdasarkan karakteristik pemerintahan oleh UNDP, hanya aturan hukum yang masih menjadi kendala. Selain itu, akuntabilitas diartikan tidak hanya sebagai kewajiban, tetapi juga sebagai kebutuhan untuk mempertahankan keberadaan Lumbung Desa Paceklik ini. Pelaksanaan praktik akuntansi tidak optimal karena terbatasnya pemahaman dan kemampuan pengelola tentang teori dan praktik-praktik akuntansi yang ideal.
Efektifitas Pelatihan Partisipatori Industri Kreatif Batik Tulis
Authors: Suliyanto Suliyanto , Novandari Weni , Setyawati Sri Murni
Published: April 2017

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of training with a participatory approach in batik craft industry in Purbalingga. The subjects of this study are 20 batik artisans in Purbalingga. Data are collected by using focuss Group Discussion (FGD) and questionnaires. To analyze the differences between the perception of knowledge and skills of the trainees before and after the training, this study uses two different test average. Based on the result of analysis, there is an increase in the perception of knowledge and skills after training by using a participatory approach.

Abstrak

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efektifitas pelatihan dengan pendekatan partisipatori pada industri kerajinan Batik tulis di Purbalingga. Subyek penelitian ini adalah 20 pengrajin batik tulis di Purbalingga. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan Focuss Discussion Group (FGD) dan kuesioner. Untuk menganalisis perbedaan persepsi pengetahuan dan perbedaan persepsi keterampilan peserta pelatihan sebelum dan sesudah mengikuti pelatihan dengan pendekatan partisipatori digunakan uji beda dua rata-rata. Berdasarkan hasil analisis terdapat peningkatan persepsi pengetahuan dan persepsi keterampilan setelah mengikuti pelatihan batik tulis dengan pendekatan partisipatori. 
Quantitative Nano-characterization of Polymers Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Radiom Milad , Weder Christoph , Fromm Katharina M. , Kilbinger Andreas F. M. , Maroni Plinio , Ayer Mathieu A. , Di Giannantonio Michela , Kong Phally , Kozhuharov Svilen , Borkovec Michal
Published: April 2017

The present article offers an overview on the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to characterize the nanomechanical properties of polymers. AFM imaging reveals the conformations of polymer molecules at solid– liquid interfaces. In particular, for polyelectrolytes, the effect
of ionic strength on the conformations of molecules can be studied. Examination of force versus extension profiles obtained using AFM-based single molecule force spectroscopy gives information on the entropic and enthalpic elasticities in pN to nN force range. In addition, single molecule
force spectroscopy can be used to trigger chemical reactions and transitions at the molecular level when force-sensitive chemical units are embedded in a polymer backbone.
Error Assessment of Computational Models in Chemistry
Authors: Simm Gregor N. , Proppe Jonny , Reiher Markus
Published: April 2017

Computational models in chemistry rely on a number of approximations. The effect of such approximations on observables derived from them is often unpredictable. Therefore, it is challenging to quantify the uncertainty of a computational result, which, however, is necessary to assess
the suitability of a computational model. Common performance statistics such as the mean absolute error are prone to failure as they do not distinguish the explainable (systematic) part of the errors from their unexplainable (random) part. In this paper, we discuss problems and solutions for
performance assessment of computational models based on several examples from the quantum chemistry literature. For this purpose, we elucidate the different sources of uncertainty, the elimination of systematic errors, and the combination of individual uncertainty components to the uncertainty of a prediction.
Peptide Dendrimer–Lipid Conjugates as DNA and siRNA Transfection Reagents: Role of Charge Distribution Across Generations
Authors: Heitz Marc , Kwok Albert , Eggimann Gabriela A. , Hollfelder Florian , Darbre Tamis , Reymond Jean-Louis
Published: April 2017

Transfection reagents are used to deliver DNA and siRNA into cells to achieve genetic manipulations, and may ultimately enable nonviral gene therapy. Progress in transfection reagents is limited by the fact that such reagents cannot be easily optimized due to their polymeric nature
and/or difficult synthesis. We have developed a new class of well-defined and easily modifiable transfection reagents in the form of peptide dendrimers. These dendrimers self-assemble with DNA or siRNA and lipofectin to form nanoparticles which efficiently enter mammalian cells and liberate
their nucleic acid cargo. By systematically modifying the amino acid sequence of our dendrimers we have found that their transfection efficiency depends on the distribution of positive charges and hydrophobic residues across the dendrimer branches. Positive charges present in all three generations
lead to efficient DNA delivery, whereas siRNA delivery requires charges in the outer two generations combined with a hydrophobic dendrimer core.
Unveiling the Nature of Charge Carrier Interactions by Electroabsorption Spectroscopy: An Illustration with Lead-Halide Perovskites
Authors: Bouduban Marine E. F. , Burgos-Caminal Andrés , Teuscher Joël , Moser Jacques-E.
Published: April 2017

Unravelling the nature of the interactions between photogenerated charge carriers in solar energy conversion devices is key to enhance performance. In this perspective, we discuss electroabsorption spectroscopy (EAS), as the spectral bandshape of the electroabsorption (EA) signal directly
depends on the strength of the charge carrier interactions. For instance, the electroabsorption response in molecular or confined excitonic systems can be modelled perturbatively yielding the Stark effect. In contrast, most solids exhibit weaker interactions, and a perturbative approach cannot
be taken in general. For solids with negligible charge carrier interactions, one resorts to the Franz-Keldysh theory of a continuum in a field, that, in the low-field limit, simplifies to the low-field FKA effect. Alternatively, when the continuum approximation breaks down, the problem of
a Wannier exciton in a field has to be solved, and numerical methods emerged as the best solution. We illustrate our discussion with two examples involving lead-halide perovskites, a new, high-stake solar cell material. In the first example, we discuss the lineshape of the electroabsorption
response for thin-films of lead-iodide perovskite, that sustains the photogeneration of free carriers. In the second example, we address a confined excitonic case with lead-bromide perovskite nanoparticles, and demonstrate the presence of so-called charge-transfer excitons.
From Short Electrospun Nanofibers to Ultralight Aerogels with Tunable Pore Structure
Authors: Deuber Fabian , Adlhart Christian
Published: April 2017

Nanofiber production by electrospinning has made great progress over the past two decades. Recently the research area was revolutionized by a novel post-processing approach. By cutting the endless and intertwined nanofibers into short pieces, it is now possible to reassemble them into
interconnected 3D structures. Such highly porous structures are built from dispersed short nanofibers by freeze-casting. This solid templating process controls the structures' ultimate properties and architecture in terms of primary and secondary pores below 5 ?m and between 10 and 300
?m, respectively. The objective of this review is to provide insight into this young field of research, in particular highlighting the processing steps, materials and current applications, from scaffolds for tissue engineering, acoustics, sensors and catalyst supports to filtration.
Half-space albedo problem with modified FN method for linear and quadratic anisotropic scattering
Authors: Türeci R. G. , Türeci D.
Published: April 2017

One speed, time independent and homogeneous medium neutron transport equation can be solved with the anisotropic scattering which includes both the linear anisotropic and the quadratic anisotropic scattering properties. Having solved Case’s eigenfunctions and the orthogonality relations among these eigenfunctions, some neutron transport problems such as albedo problem can be calculated as numerically by using numerical or semi-analytic methods. In this study the half-space albedo problem is investigated by using the modified FN method.
Swelling Properties and Environmental Responsiveness of a Superabsorbent Composite Microsphere Based on Starch-g-Poly(acrylic acid)/Organo-Mordenite
Authors: Gao P.-Q. , Zhang Y. , Zhao L. , Chen Y.-Z.
Published: April 2017

Starch-g-poly(acrylic acid)/organo-mordenite superabsorbent composite microsphere, was prepared by grafting partially neutralized acrylic acid onto starch in the presence of organo-mordenite as an inorganic component. The morphology was characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The swelling properties of the superabsorbent composite microsphere were evaluated in distilled water, various NaCl solutions, solutions with different pH values, and urea solutions. Swelling kinetics of the superabsorbent composite microsphere in above environments were discussed by means of a Schott's second-order model. The results showed that the incorporation of 10 wt% organo-mordenite enhanced the water absorbency by 144% (from 268 to 655 g · g−1) and possessed the maximum swelling absorbency (75 g · g−1) in the 0.9% NaCl solution and (667 g · g−1) in 0.04 mol · l−1 urea solution. Moreover, swelling of starch-g-poly(acrylic acid)/organo-mordenite (with 10 wt% organo-mordenite) in distilled water and in all other environments followed Schott's second order kinetics. Swelling was extremely environmental-responsive to the concentration of the NaCl solution, the pH values, and urea solutions, respectively. The overall results inferred that the novel superabsorbent composite can be exploited for many potential applications.
Study on Permeability of Porous Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Authors: Jiang B.-Y. , Zhou M.-Y. , Weng C. , Li C.-F.
Published: April 2017

In recent years, porous materials are gaining in popularity for engineering applications, due to their special characteristics, such as low density, large specific surface area, and excellent permeability. In this study, powder processing technique was used to prepare ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMWPE porous materials. Sintering temperature was obtained by combining differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and tensile tests. The surface morphology of sintering necks and tensile fracture were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, single factor tests and orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize three main processing parameters for a better permeability. It is found that the proper sintering temperature range would be from 143 to 153.1°C. According to the significance of influence, processing factors come in the sequence of the particle size, the compaction strength and the sintering temperature. Porous materials were successfully prepared, under the optimized parameters as the particle size >250 μm, the compaction strength of 2.5 MPa and the sintering temperature of 152°C.
Devulcanization of Scrap Tire Rubber with Supercritical CO2: A Study of the Effects of Process Parameters on the Properties of Devulcanized Rubber
Authors: Meysami M. , Tzoganakis C. , Mutyala P. , Zhu S. H. , Bulsari M.
Published: April 2017

A continuous extrusion devulcanization process has been developed by using supercritical CO2. Experiments have been carried out on an industrial scale twin screw extruder to study the effects of processing conditions on the properties of devulcanized rubber. Using a fractional factorial design in three levels, the effects of process temperature, screw speed, and feed rate on the sol fraction, degree of devulcanization, Mooney viscosity, and tensile properties of devulcanized rubber have been investigated. The significance of the effects of the processing conditions decreases in the following order: flow rate, screw speed, and process temperature. Similar trends are noted for different responses with the exception of tensile properties. The observed relationship between the sol fraction and the degree of crosslinking in the rubber samples before and after devulcanization points to a highly selective disruption of the sulfur crosslinks in the rubber network during devulcanization rather than a random network scission. Mooney viscosity has been found to be in excellent agreement with the network structure properties, sol fraction, and degree of devulcanization.
A Generalized 2D Output Model of Polymer Melt Flow in Single-Screw Extrusion
Authors: Pachner S. , Löw-Baselli B. , Affenzeller M. , Miethlinger J.
Published: April 2017

The multidimensional output-pressure behavior of non-Newtonian fluids in single-screw extrusion can only be determined by using numerical methods. We present two methods which employ mathematical models building on analytic equations developed using an evolutionary heuristic optimization algorithm. Both allow fast and stable calculation of the 2-dimensional throughput–pressure gradient relationship of single-screw extruders, rendering cost-intensive CFD simulations of the output-pressure behavior redundant. A performed error analysis showed that our methods yield good approximations of the numerically determined data.
Modification Induced by Gamma Irradiation in Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends
Authors: Nouh S. A. , Benthami K. , Elfadl A. Abou , El-Nabarawy Huda A.
Published: April 2017

The influence of gamma irradiation on the structural and optical properties of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA = 50/50 w/w %) blend films have been investigated. A dose range of 20 kGy to 400 kGy is covered. Applying the viscometry technique, the dose dependence of the intrinsic viscosity was investigated. In addition, the variation of refractive index with gamma dose was studied. The observed increase in the intrinsic viscosity from 0.45 up to 0.69 and the refractive index in the high dose range indicates that the predominant induced process by gamma irradiation is crosslinking, which reduces the free volume and increases the average molecular weight leading to a more compact structure of PS/PMMA samples. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopies were applied to identify the chemical structure and to investigate the major process that is induced by irradiation. Moreover, using UV-vis spectroscopy, optical energy gap, Urbach energy and color changes were evaluated. The results reveal that the optical energy gap has arisen from direct transitions. The color intensity ΔE was significantly decreased with increasing the dose up to 400 kGy.
Ebola
Authors: Ali Md Zulfikar
Published: April 2017

Abstract not availableKYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-2, Jan 2015, Page 494-496
Puerperal sepsis with a rare complication of anterior abdominal wall necrotizing fasciitis- A case Report.
Authors: Sultana Mst Atia , Hossain Mohd Farid , Khatun Masuma , Munira Sirajum
Published: April 2017

We report a case of a previously healthy woman, Mst. Borna Khatun, 25 years old, who developed puerperal sepsis with extensive lower abdominal necrotizing fasciitis after an uneventful home delivery. She presented to us with the complaints of lower abdominal pain, fever & foul smelling per vaginal discharge for 09 days with history of vaginal delivery by an untrained dai at home 13 days back. On general examination she was toxic, her temperature was 103F, and lower left half of abdomen was tender & rigid. On per vaginal examination there were foul smelling discharge & unhealthy lateral vaginal wall with laceration (small), with extensive debridement & daily dressing patient recovered & discharged.KYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-2, Jan 2015, Page 540-542
A New Robust Tracking Control Design for Turbofan Engines: H∞/Leitmann Approach
Authors: Pan Muxuan , Zhang Kaiwen , Chen Ye-Hwa , Huang Jinquan
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a H ∞ /Leitmann approach to the robust tracking control design is presented for an uncertain dynamic system. This new method is developed in the following two steps. Firstly, a tracking dynamic system with simultaneous consideration of parameter uncertainty and noise is modeled based on a linear system and a reference model. Accordingly, a “nominal system” from the tracking system is defined and controlled by a H ∞ control to obtain the asymptotical stability and noise resistance. Secondly, by making use of a Lyapunov function and the norm boundedness, a new robust control with the “Leitmann approach” is designed to cope with the uncertainty. The two controls collaborate with each other to achieve “uniform tracking boundedness” and “uniform ultimate tracking boundedness”. The new approach is then applied to an aircraft turbofan control design, and the numerical simulation results show the prescribed performances of the closed-loop system and the advantage of the developed approach.
Polarization Properties of Laser Solitons
Authors: Rodriguez Pedro , Jimenez Jesus , Guillet Thierry , Ackemann Thorsten
Published: April 2017

The objective of this paper is to summarize the results obtained for the state of polarization in the emission of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with frequency-selective feedback added. We start our research with the single soliton; this situation presents two perpendicular main orientations, connected by a hysteresis loop. In addition, we also find the formation of a ring-shaped intensity distribution, the vortex state, that shows two homogeneous states of polarization with very close values to those found in the soliton. For both cases above, the study shows the spatially resolved value of the orientation angle. It is important to also remark the appearance of a non-negligible amount of circular light that gives vectorial character to all the different emissions investigated.
Dual-Branch Deep Convolution Neural Network for Polarimetric SAR Image Classification
Authors: Gao Fei , Huang Teng , Wang Jun , Sun Jinping , Hussain Amir , Yang Erfu
Published: April 2017

The deep convolution neural network (CNN), which has prominent advantages in feature learning, can learn and extract features from data automatically. Existing polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image classification methods based on the CNN only consider the polarization information of the image, instead of incorporating the image’s spatial information. In this paper, a novel method based on a dual-branch deep convolution neural network (Dual-CNN) is proposed to realize the classification of PolSAR images. The proposed method is built on two deep CNNs: one is used to extract the polarization features from the 6-channel real matrix (6Ch) which is derived from the complex coherency matrix. The other is utilized to extract the spatial features of a Pauli RGB (Red Green Blue) image. These extracted features are first combined into a fully connected layer sharing the polarization and spatial property. Then, the Softmax classifier is employed to classify these features. The experiments are conducted on the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) data of Flevoland and the results show that the classification accuracy on 14 types of land cover is up to 98.56%. Such results are promising in comparison with other state-of-the-art methods.
Shear Strengths of Different Bolt Connectors on the Large Span of Aluminium Alloy Honeycomb Sandwich Structure
Authors: Zhao Caiqi , Zheng Weidong , Ma Jun , Zhao Yangjian
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the shear capacity of aluminum alloy honeycomb sandwich plates connected by high-strength, ordinary, or self-tapping bolts. For that purpose, experimental tests and finite elements are carried out. The failure of a high-strength bolt connector is driven by bending deformations developed in the bolt that deform connection plate and pad openings. In the case of ordinary bolt connectors, stress concentration on the bolt shear surface causes a large shear deformation that finally leads to failure. In the case of self-tapping bolt connectors, the insufficient mechanical bite force of the screw thread yields the bolt misalignment and concentrates shear deformation. As a result, the high-strength bolt connector is the most efficient design solution. If the bolt hole edge distance is more than 1.5 times as much as the bolt diameter, the connection performance becomes insensitive to this parameter. The practical formula for evaluating the connector shear capacity is derived from experimental data.
Rai1 Haploinsufficiency Is Associated with Social Abnormalities in Mice
Authors: Rao Nalini , Abad Clemer , Perez Irene , Srivastava Anand , Young Juan , Walz Katherina
Published: April 2017

Background: Autism is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors; with different degrees of severity in each of the core areas. Haploinsufficiency and point mutations of RAI1 are associated with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS), a genetic condition that scores within the autism spectrum range for social responsiveness and communication, and is characterized by neurobehavioral abnormalities, intellectual disability, developmental delay, sleep disturbance, and self-injurious behaviors. Methods: To investigate the relationship between Rai1 and social impairment, we evaluated the Rai1+/− mice with a battery of tests to address social behavior in mice. Results: We found that the mutant mice showed diminished interest in social odors, abnormal submissive tendencies, and increased repetitive behaviors when compared to wild type littermates. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Rai1 contributes to social behavior in mice, and prompt it as a candidate gene for the social behaviors observed in Smith-Magenis Syndrome patients.
Is Polysialylated NCAM Not Only a Regulator during Brain Development But also during the Formation of Other Organs?
Authors: Galuska Christina , Lütteke Thomas , Galuska Sebastian
Published: April 2017

In mammals several cell adhesion molecules are involved during the pre- and postnatal development of all organ systems. A very prominent member of this family is the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Interestingly, NCAM can be a target for a special form of posttranslational modification: polysialylation. Whereas nearly all extracellular proteins bear mono-sialic acid residues, only a very small group can be polysialylated. Polysialic acid is a highly negatively-charged sugar polymer and can comprise more than 90 sialic acid residues in postnatal mouse brains increasing dramatically the hydrodynamic radius of their carriers. Thus, adhesion and communication processes on cell surfaces are strongly influenced allowing, e.g., the migration of neuronal progenitor cells. In the developing brain the essential role of polysialylated NCAM has been demonstrated in many studies. In comparison to the neuronal system, however, during the formation of other organs the impact of the polysialylated form of NCAM is not well characterized and the number of studies is limited so far. This review summarizes these observations and discusses possible roles of polysialylated NCAM during the development of organs other than the brain.
Working Memory in the Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Funahashi Shintaro
Published: April 2017

The prefrontal cortex participates in a variety of higher cognitive functions. The concept of working memory is now widely used to understand prefrontal functions. Neurophysiological studies have revealed that stimulus-selective delay-period activity is a neural correlate of the mechanism for temporarily maintaining information in working memory processes. The central executive, which is the master component of Baddeley’s working memory model and is thought to be a function of the prefrontal cortex, controls the performance of other components by allocating a limited capacity of memory resource to each component based on its demand. Recent neurophysiological studies have attempted to reveal how prefrontal neurons achieve the functions of the central executive. For example, the neural mechanisms of memory control have been examined using the interference effect in a dual-task paradigm. It has been shown that this interference effect is caused by the competitive and overloaded recruitment of overlapping neural populations in the prefrontal cortex by two concurrent tasks and that the information-processing capacity of a single neuron is limited to a fixed level, can be flexibly allocated or reallocated between two concurrent tasks based on their needs, and enhances behavioral performance when its allocation to one task is increased. Further, a metamemory task requiring spatial information has been used to understand the neural mechanism for monitoring its own operations, and it has been shown that monitoring the quality of spatial information represented by prefrontal activity is an important factor in the subject's choice and that the strength of spatially selective delay-period activity reflects confidence in decision-making. Although further studies are needed to elucidate how the prefrontal cortex controls memory resource and supervises other systems, some important mechanisms related to the central executive have been identified.
Targeting the ATR-CHK1 Axis in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rundle Stuart , Bradbury Alice , Drew Yvette , Curtin Nicola
Published: April 2017

Targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) is a new therapeutic approach in cancer that shows great promise for tumour selectivity. Key components of the DDR are the ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3 related (ATR) and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) kinases. This review article describes the role of ATR and its major downstream target, CHK1, in the DDR and why cancer cells are particularly reliant on the ATR-CHK1 pathway, providing the rationale for targeting these kinases, and validation of this hypothesis by genetic manipulation. The recent development of specific inhibitors and preclinical data using these inhibitors not only as chemosensitisers and radiosensitisers but also as single agents to exploit specific pathologies of tumour cells is described. These potent and specific inhibitors have now entered clinical trial and early results are presented.
Well-Shaped Sulfonic Organosilica Nanotubes with High Activity for Hydrolysis of Cellobiose
Authors: Sun Jing , Liu Xiao , Zhu Xinli , Wang Hua , Rostamnia Sadegh , Han Jinyu
Published: April 2017

Sulfonic organosilica nanotubes with different acidity densities could be synthesized through the co-condensation of ethenyl- or phenylene-bridged organosilane and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by sulfhydryl (–SH) oxidation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiment clearly exhibit the hollow nanotube structures with the diameters of about 5 nm. The compositions of the nanotube frameworks are confirmed by solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that about 60–80% of SH groups were oxidized to sulfonic acid (SO3H). The acid contents were measured by both elemental analysis (CHNS mode) and acid-base titration experiment, which revealed that the acid density was in the range of 0.74 to 4.37 μmol·m−2 on the solid. These nanotube-based acid catalysts exhibited excellent performances in the hydrolysis of cellobiose with the highest conversion of 92% and glucose selectivity of 96%. In addition, the catalysts could maintain high activity (65% conversion with 92% selectivity) even after six recycles.
Microfluidic Electronic Tongue Applied to Soil Analysis
Authors: Braunger Maria , Shimizu Flávio , Jimenez Mawin , Amaral Lucas , Piazzetta Maria , Gobbi Ângelo , Magalhães Paulo , Rodrigues Varlei , Oliveira Osvaldo , Riul Antonio
Published: April 2017

Precision agriculture is crucial for increasing food output without expanding the cultivable area, which requires sensors to be deployed for controlling the level of nutrients in the soil. In this paper, we report on a microfluidic electronic tongue (e-tongue) based on impedance measurements which is capable of distinguishing soil samples enriched with plant macronutrients. The e-tongue setup consisted of an array of sensing units made with layer-by-layer films deposited onto gold interdigitated electrodes. Significantly, the sensing units could be reused with adequate reproducibility after a simple washing procedure, thus indicating that there is no cross-contamination in three independent sets of measurements. A high performance was achieved by treating the capacitance data with the multidimensional projection techniques Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Interactive Document Map (IDMAP), and Sammon’s Mapping. While an optimized performance was demonstrated with IDMAP and feature selection, during which data of a limited frequency range were used, the distinction of all soil samples was also possible with the well-established PCA analysis for measurements at a single frequency. The successful use of a simple microfluidic e-tongue for soil analysis paves the way for enhanced tools to support precision agriculture.
Effects of Al and N2 Flow Sequences on the Interface Formation of AlN on Sapphire by EVPE
Authors: Kishimoto Katsuhiro , Funato Mitsuru , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: April 2017

The interface formation mechanisms of AlN films on sapphire substrates grown by the elementary source vapor phase epitaxy (EVPE) method, which is a new AlN bulk fabrication method using Al and N2 as precursors, are investigated. Supplying N2 after the substrate temperature reaches the growth temperature [Process N2(GT)] causes the interface to become rough due to the thermal decomposition of sapphire. Self-separation occasionally occurs with the Process N2(GT), suggesting that the rough interface generates self-separating films with little strain. On the other hand, supplying N2 beginning at room temperature forms a relatively smooth interface with voids, which can be realized by the reaction between a nitrided sapphire surface and an Al source.
Stochastic Stirling Engine Operating in Contact with Active Baths
Authors: Zakine Ruben , Solon Alexandre , Gingrich Todd , Van Wijland Frédéric
Published: April 2017

A Stirling engine made of a colloidal particle in contact with a nonequilibrium bath is considered and analyzed with the tools of stochastic energetics. We model the bath by non Gaussian persistent noise acting on the colloidal particle. Depending on the chosen definition of an isothermal transformation in this nonequilibrium setting, we find that either the energetics of the engine parallels that of its equilibrium counterpart or, in the simplest case, that it ends up being less efficient. Persistence, more than non-Gaussian effects, are responsible for this result.
In Situ Stress Measurement Techniques on Li-ion Battery Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Cheng Ximing , Pecht Michael
Published: April 2017

Li-ion batteries experience mechanical stress evolution due in part to Li intercalation into and de-intercalation out of the electrodes, ultimately resulting in performance degradation. In situ measurements of electrode stress can be used to analyze stress generation factors, verify mechanical deformation models, and validate degradation mechanisms. They can also be embedded in Li-ion battery management systems when stress sensors are either implanted in electrodes or attached on battery surfaces. This paper reviews in situ measurement methods of electrode stress based on optical principles, including digital image correlation, curvature measurement, and fiber optical sensors. Their experimental setups, principles, and applications are described and contrasted. This literature review summarizes the current status of these stress measurement methods for battery electrodes and discusses recent developments and trends.
Genetic Diversity in Relict and Fragmented Populations of Ulmus glabra Hudson in the Central System of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Martín del Puerto María , Martínez García Felipe , Mohanty Aparajita , Martín Juan
Published: April 2017

Ulmus glabra Hudson, or Wych elm, occurs as fragmented and relict natural populations in the Central System, which acts as a refugium in the Iberian Peninsula. Considering the importance of the Central System populations of U. glabra, the main objective was to assess their genetic diversity using nuclear microsatellite markers. A total of 360 different genotypes were detected in the 427 U. glabra individuals analyzed. Wych elm populations showed a highly significant genetic differentiation (24%; p = 0.0001). Of the 22 populations studied, population of Rozas de Puerto Real (ROZ) showed the highest values of effective number of alleles (2.803), mean Shannon’s diversity (1.047) and expected heterozygosity (0.590). Populations of ROZ and Mombeltrán (MOM) showed the highest values of observed heterozygosity (0.838 and 0.709, respectively), and highly negative values for inbreeding coefficient (−0.412 and −0.575, respectively). Also, most of putative hybrids (50 of 55) were observed in these two populations. Demographic analysis revealed signals for recent (four populations) and ancestral (fifteen populations) bottlenecks. Fragmented populations with diminishing number of individuals, along with anthropogenic intervention and Dutch elm disease (DED), are the main threats to U. glabra populations. From a future perspective, the information generated can be considered in the formulation of conservation strategies for U. glabra populations in the Central System.
Invasive Everywhere? Phylogeographic Analysis of the Globally Distributed Tree Pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae
Authors: Mehl James , Wingfield Michael , Roux Jolanda , Slippers Bernard
Published: April 2017

Fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae are important plant pathogens that persist endophytically in infected plant hosts. Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a prominent species in this family that infects numerous plants in tropical and subtropical areas. We characterized a collection of 255 isolates of L. theobromae from 52 plants and from many parts of the world to determine the global genetic structure and a possible origin of the fungus using sequence data from four nuclear loci. One to two dominant haplotypes emerged across all loci, none of which could be associated with geography or host; and no other population structure or subdivision was observed. The data also did not reveal a clear region of origin of the fungus. This global collection of L. theobromae thus appears to constitute a highly connected population. The most likely explanation for this is the human-mediated movement of plant material infected by this fungus over a long period of time. These data, together with related studies on other Botryosphaeriaceae, highlight the inability of quarantine systems to reduce the spread of pathogens with a prolonged latent phase.
Spatial Heterogeneity of the Forest Canopy Scales with the Heterogeneity of an Understory Shrub Based on Fractal Analysis
Authors: Denny Catherine , Nielsen Scott
Published: April 2017

Spatial heterogeneity of vegetation is an important landscape characteristic, but is difficult to assess due to scale-dependence. Here we examine how spatial patterns in the forest canopy affect those of understory plants, using the shrub Canada buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt.) as a focal species. Evergreen and deciduous forest canopy and buffaloberry shrub presence were measured with line-intercept sampling along ten 2-km transects in the Rocky Mountain foothills of west-central Alberta, Canada. Relationships between overstory canopy and understory buffaloberry presence were assessed for scales ranging from 2 m to 502 m. Fractal dimensions of both canopy and buffaloberry were estimated and then related using box-counting methods to evaluate spatial heterogeneity based on patch distribution and abundance. Effects of canopy presence on buffaloberry were scale-dependent, with shrub presence negatively related to evergreen canopy cover and positively related to deciduous cover. The effect of evergreen canopy was significant at a local scale between 2 m and 42 m, while that of deciduous canopy was significant at a meso-scale between 150 m and 358 m. Fractal analysis indicated that buffaloberry heterogeneity positively scaled with evergreen canopy heterogeneity, but was unrelated to that of deciduous canopy. This study demonstrates that evergreen canopy cover is a determinant of buffaloberry heterogeneity, highlighting the importance of spatial scale and canopy composition in understanding canopy-understory relationships.
Assessment of the Evolution of a Landslide Using Digital Photogrammetry and LiDAR Techniques in the Alpujarras Region (Granada, Southeastern Spain)
Authors: Fernández Tomás , Pérez José , Colomo Carlos , Cardenal Javier , Delgado Jorge , Palenzuela José , Irigaray Clemente , Chacón José
Published: April 2017

In this work a detailed analysis of the temporal evolution of the Almegíjar landslide is presented. It is a rock slide located in the Alpujarras region (Granada, Spain) that has developed over the last 30 years. Six datasets and photogrammetric flights corresponding to the years 1956, 1984, 1992, 2001, 2008, and 2010 were surveyed. The more recent flight of 2010 combined an aerial digital camera and a LiDAR sensor and was oriented by means of in-flight data and tie points. This 2010 flight allowed for the generation of a reliable and high-precision Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The other flights were oriented using second-order ground control points transferred from the 2010 flight, and the corresponding DTMs were prepared by automatic matching and subsequent editing from the stereoscopic models. After comparing the DTMs of different dates, it has been observed that the landslide was triggered after 1984 and since then has evolved in an irregular pattern with periods of variable activity. On average, the ground surface dropped more than 8 m in depleted zones and rose nearly 4 m in the accumulation zones, with a velocity catalogued as very slow (about 15–30 cm/year) over a time span corresponding to a degree VIII of diachroneity. The total volume of the mobilized mass of this large contemporary slide was about 300 × 103 m3.
Does an Empty Nest Affect Elders’ Health? Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Gao Min , Li Yanyu , Zhang Shengfa , Gu Linni , Zhang Jinsui , Li Zhuojun , Zhang Weijun , Tian Donghua
Published: April 2017

The “empty-nest” elderly family has become increasingly prevalent among old people in China. This study aimed to explore the causality between empty nests and elders’ health using effective instrumental variables, including “whether old parents talk with their families when they are upset” and “ownership of housing”. The results showed that empty nests had a significantly adverse influence on elders’ physical health, cognitive ability and psychological health. Furthermore, urban elders’ cognitive ability was more influenced by empty nests than that of rural elders. Additionally, the effects of an empty nest on elders” health were more significant among female, single elders and senior rural elders. “Living resources”, “availability of medical treatment” and “social activity engagement” were found to be significant mediators between empty nests and elders’ health, accounting for 35% of the total effect.
Upscaling of Surface Soil Moisture Using a Deep Learning Model with VIIRS RDR
Authors: Zhang Dongying , Zhang Wen , Huang Wei , Hong Zhiming , Meng Lingkui
Published: April 2017

In current upscaling of in situ surface soil moisture practices, commonly used novel statistical or machine learning-based regression models combined with remote sensing data show some advantages in accurately capturing the satellite footprint scale of specific local or regional surface soil moisture. However, the performance of most models is largely determined by the size of the training data and the limited generalization ability to accomplish correlation extraction in regression models, which are unsuitable for larger scale practices. In this paper, a deep learning model was proposed to estimate soil moisture on a national scale. The deep learning model has the advantage of representing nonlinearities and modeling complex relationships from large-scale data. To illustrate the deep learning model for soil moisture estimation, the croplands of China were selected as the study area, and four years of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) raw data records (RDR) were used as input parameters, then the models were trained and soil moisture estimates were obtained. Results demonstrate that the estimated models captured the complex relationship between the remote sensing variables and in situ surface soil moisture with an adjusted coefficient of determination of R ¯ 2 = 0.9875 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0084 in China. These results were more accurate than the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) active radar soil moisture products and the Global Land data assimilation system (GLDAS) 0–10 cm depth soil moisture data. Our study suggests that deep learning model have potential for operational applications of upscaling in situ surface soil moisture data at the national scale.
Semantic 3D Modeling Based on CityGML for Ancient Chinese-Style Architectural Roofs of Digital Heritage
Authors: Li Lin , Tang Lei , Zhu Haihong , Zhang Hang , Yang Fan , Qin Wenmin
Published: April 2017

Ancient Chinese-style architecture has received increased attention during the last century as a segment of cultural heritage and is of great significance, specifically in regard to the process of digitizing and modeling these buildings to preserve and protect this heritage. Because the roof form reflects the age of the structure, the structural character and the historical culture of the ancient building, constructing a refined model for the roof is a primary aspect of the 3D modeling procedure. To avoid cumbersome traditional modeling approaches that use geometry units, such as points, lines and triangles, a flexible semantic method is proposed in this study to improve modeling efficiency and reduce the professional requirements. In this method, a two-level semantic decomposition of the roof is presented according to the characteristics of ancient Chinese-style architecture. The structural level reveals the basic components that determine its structural shape, and the decorative level refers to the attached components that influence the exterior appearance. The assembly validity of the decomposed elements and the combined diversity of the integrated entities are ensured by topological constraints and derived transformations of the semantic components. This proposed method was implemented by utilizing CityGML (City Geography Markup Language) via the ADE (Application Domain Extension) mechanism and was tested by modeling the principal buildings included in the Palace Museum.