bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENENTUAN KEY PERFORMACE INDICATORS PIMPINAN UNIT SATUAN KERJA DENGAN KONSEP BALANCED SCORECARD
Authors: Retnani Endang Dwi
Published: February 2017

Methodology used in this research was qualitative method with case study approach. The method was chosen in order to study in more detail all steps applied in determination Key Performance Indicators by each responsible manager unit within the Private University “STIESIA” based on BSC for boosting the manager to do continuous improvement innovation. Steps used by responsible manager units of Private University “STIESIA” in determination key performance indicators based on BSC consisted of (1) Strategy Good Perspective;(2) Strategy Map;(3) Strategy Management Goals;(4) Strategic Management Scorecards, and (5) Strategic Academic Scorecards.With the establishment of Management Scorecard and Strategic Academic Scorecards, it was an importance step performed by all responsible manager units in Private University “STIESIA” for issuing focused strategy of continuous improvement innovation both in academic and non-academic affairs as to achieve the goal of the Private University “STIESIA” as the best institution. Further steps needed by the top managements of the Private University “STIESIA” - that is the Board of Foundation and the Dean of the Private University “STIESIA”, are to establish guideline for determining yearly work plan and measuring work performances.The guidelines were established based not only on financial perspective,but also on non-financial perspectives that were consisted of customer satisfaction,internal business process and learning and growth factors.In addition,in order to be able to achieve an objective performance measurement for each responsible manager unit,therefore it is necessary to apply a weighted proporsion for each above perspective.
PENGARUH KEWIRAUSAHAAN TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN USAHA SERTA KINERJA USAHA RUMAH MAKAN PADANG DI DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Welsa Henny
Published: February 2017

Current number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia is only 0, 18% or about 400.000 people. The number of entrepreneur in USA was 11, 5 % last year and the number of entrepreneur Singapore that had 4,24 million of population in 2005 was 7,2 %. The objectives of this research are to examine the effects entrepreneurship on business competence and performance of Padang Restaurants in special province of Yogyakarta. This study is expected to increase the number of entrepreneurship and is the solution of the unemployment problem in Indonesia is specially in Yogyakarta.  61 respondents from 72 Padang Restaurants. The data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis. Result of this study proved  Ranidar finding (2004) which mentioned that the existence of  Padang Restaurants is supported by the power of the norms which is from social and culture of Minang based on Islamic teaching (custom is based on Islam, Islam is based on Holy Quran).  This finding also supports the theory of Minang culture.  This theory is the concept of life which was prepared Minang’s anchestor for their generation  who has purpose to reach a happy and prosperous life in this world and here after. (Idrus, 1998).  The business competence has a big role in creating the business perfomance. (Hill and Jones, 1998, Muljadi, 1999). (Kotler 1997).  Enterpreneurship depends on the ability of individual to run the business.  Meredith et. al., (2000) stated that a person is called enterpreneur if he has an ability to see and find the opportunity and he believes in his own ability to plan, take a risk, inovate, and do some actions to get the goal. The finding of this study is important empirical evidence on the development of the theory and the practice of the enterpreneurship in Indonesia
PENGARUH PENERAPAN STRATEGI OUTSOURCING DAN STRATEGI CORE COMPETENCY TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PERUSAHAAN
Authors: Burhany Dian Imanina
Published: February 2017

To survive and win  in tight competitive business environment nowadays, a company must develop and implement the proper strategies. Strategy outsourcing, the strategy where company transferring some of organization’s activities to outside providers, and strategy core competency, the strategy where company concentrate  its  own resources on a set of core competencies, are two strategies can help company to improve its performance. The purpose of this research is to measure the effect of application strategy outsourcing and strategy core competency on company financial performance. The research is performed to nine BUMN which have head office on Bandung City. Respondents are the vice presidents and the heads of strategic planning department of the companies. Data analysis to test the hypothesis is multiple regression analysis by exercising software SPSS 12.0 for Windows. The result of this research shows that simultaneously application strategy outsourcing and strategy core competency have positive and significant effect on  all financial performance indicators of BUMN which have head office on Bandung City. But partially,  application strategy outsourcing has significant effect only on ROE and NPM indicators but has not significant effect on ROA indicator, while strategy core competency has not significant effect on all financial performance indicators.
Dakwah Sinkretis Sunan Kalijaga
Authors: Supriyanto Supriyanto
Published: February 2017

Sunan Kalijaga is one figure from Walisongo that often reconcile Islam with reality. He didn’t destroy tradition orculture. Otherwise, he modifies content and core inside it with Islamic values. This effort often calls as syncretism, or in Gus Durterm ‘pribumisasi’. Wayang tradition, that still exists today amongst Javanese society, actually Hindu-Buddha tradition beforeIslam’s encountering. But with his wit, Sunan Kalijaga was able to insert new content to that tradition, namely Islamic values.
Menggagas Dakwah Penyelamatan Lingkungan
Authors: Hardoyono Fajar
Published: February 2017

Environment has important role for supporting human activity. Basically, Environment gives resources which ishelpful for human activity to increase prosperity by exploring natural resources. As far as now, environmental qualitydegradation occurs in many countries in the world especially in Indonesia. Indonesia, one of the greatest forest areas andthe richest natural resources has been occurring environment degradation caused by irresponsible activity of many people.In several regions in Indonesia, people have to be ready for coming of natural disaster such as flood in rainy season anddrought in wet season, caused by degradation of environmental quality. Illegal logging, unsolvable rubbish management,and global warming are our problem today because we aren’t still fully aware about environment quality surrounding us.However, our religion has been teaching us about awareness in environment such us for keeping cleanness, not wasting ofrubbish arbitrarily, and conserve endangered animals and plants. How to improve our environment? Let’s go to campaignfor saving our environment
Modernitas dan Tantangannya terhadap Pelaksanaan Dakwah
Authors: Asmaya Enung
Published: February 2017

Modernity is viewed differently in western and eastern/Islamic culture. In western, it is associated more on theissue of secularism, the separation between religious affairs and the state. Another issue is the application of economiccapitalistic system, which concerns with the material life and reduces the spirit of sharing. Besides, the development oftechnology has reduced the quality of interpersonal relationship and has caused worries and psychosomatics. Not allMuslims agree with these issues. However, modernity also gives spirit to the progress of Muslim society. It can make peopleuse their optimal thinking to manage natural resources and their potentials so that they can live much better. For that reason,modernity can be a certain challenge to the Islamic preaching.
Microstructural stability of heat-resistant high-pressure die-cast Mg-4Al-4Ce alloy
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Jinghuai , Li Guoqiang , Feng Yan , Su Minliang , Jiao Yufeng , Wu Ruizhi , Zhang Zhongwu
Published: February 2017

The thermal stability of Al-RE (rare earth) intermetallic phases with individual RE for heat-resistant high-pressure die-casting Mg–Al–RE alloys is investigated. The results of this study show that the main strengthening phase of Mg-4Al-4Ce alloy is Al11Ce3, whose content is about 5 wt.% according to quantitative X-ray diffraction phase analysis. The Al11Ce3 phase appears to have high thermal stability at 200 °C and 300 °C, while phase morphology change with no phase structure transition could occur for Al11Ce3 when the temperature reaches 400 °C. Furthermore, besides the kinds of rare earths and temperature, stress is also an influencing factor in the microstructural stability of Mg-4Al-4Ce alloy.
Chemical Interruption of Late Season Flowering to Improve Harvested Peanut Maturity
Authors: Lamb M.C. , Sorensen R. B. , Butts C.L. , Dang P.M. , Chen C.Y. , Arias R.S.
Published: February 2017

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a botanically indeterminate plant where flowering, fruit initiation, and pod maturity occurs over an extended time period during the growing season. As a result, the maturity and size of individual peanut pods vary considerably at harvest. Immature kernels that meet commercial edible size specifications negatively affect quality during processing due to their increased propensity for off flavors, higher moisture and water activity, and variable roasting properties. As peanuts progress toward maturation, late season flowers set within 40 days till harvest will not have sufficient time to develop into mature, marketable pods prior to harvest. Research was conducted to determine the effect of late season flower termination on peanut yield, grade, and seed germination. Diflufenzopyr-Na (Diflufenzopyr) (BASF Biosciences), a synthetic auxin transport inhibitor, and the herbicide glyphosate were applied at three sub-lethal rates along with a “hand flower removal” and a non-treated control in both irrigated and non-irrigated plots. No differences in non-irrigated pod yield across all treatments were detected. Glyphosate at 56 and 112 g/ha increased non-irrigated sound mature kernels plus sound splits (SMK+SS) and decreased other kernels (OK). Non-irrigated seed germination was negatively affected by glyphosate. Diflufenzopyr at 17 and 25 g/ha increased irrigated peanut yield. Glyphosate at 112 and 168 g/ha increased irrigated SMK+SS and decreased OK and germination.
Comparison of posterior fossa volumes and clinical outcomes after decompression of Chiari malformation Type I
Authors: Khalsa Siri Sahib S. , Siu Alan , DeFreitas Tiffani A. , Cappuzzo Justin M. , Myseros John S. , Magge Suresh N. , Oluigbo Chima O. , Keating Robert F.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have indicated an association of Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) and a small posterior fossa. Most of these studies have been limited by 2D quantitative methods, and more recent studies utilizing 3D methodologies are time-intensive with manual segmentation. The authors sought to develop a more automated tool to calculate the 3D posterior fossa volume, and correlate its changes after decompression with surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A semiautomated segmentation program was developed, and used to compare the pre- and postoperative volumes of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and the CSF spaces (cisterna magna, prepontine cistern, and fourth ventricle) in a cohort of pediatric patients with CM-I. Volume changes were correlated with postoperative symptomatic improvements in headache, syrinx, tonsillar descent, cervicomedullary kinking, and overall surgical success.

RESULTS

Forty-two pediatric patients were included in this study. The mean percentage increase in PCF volume was significantly greater in patients who showed clinical improvement versus no improvement in headache (5.89% vs 1.54%, p < 0.05) and tonsillar descent (6.52% vs 2.57%, p < 0.05). Overall clinical success was associated with a larger postoperative PCF volume increase (p < 0.05). These clinical improvements were also significantly associated with a larger increase in the volume of the cisterna magna (p < 0.05). The increase in the caudal portion of the posterior fossa volume was also larger in patients who showed improvement in syrinx (6.63% vs 2.58%, p < 0.05) and cervicomedullary kinking (9.24% vs 3.79%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A greater increase in the postoperative PCF volume, and specifically an increase in the cisterna magna volume, was associated with a greater likelihood of clinical improvements in headache and tonsillar descent in patients with CM-I. Larger increases in the caudal portion of the posterior fossa volume were also associated with a greater likelihood of improvement in syrinx and cervicomedullary kinking.
Preclinical evaluation of convection-enhanced delivery of liposomal doxorubicin to treat pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and thalamic high-grade glioma
Authors: Sewing A. Charlotte P. , Lagerweij Tonny , van Vuurden Dannis G. , Meel Michaël H. , Veringa Susanna J. E. , Carcaboso Angel M. , Gaillard Pieter J. , Peter Vandertop W. , Wesseling Pieter , Noske David , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , Hulleman Esther
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are primary brain tumors with high mortality and morbidity. Because of their poor brain penetrance, systemic chemotherapy regimens have failed to deliver satisfactory results; however, convection-enhanced delivery (CED) may be an alternative mode of drug delivery. Anthracyclines are potent chemotherapeutics that have been successfully delivered via CED in preclinical supratentorial glioma models. This study aims to assess the potency of anthracyclines against DIPG and pHGG cell lines in vitro and to evaluate the efficacy of CED with anthracyclines in orthotopic pontine and thalamic tumor models.

METHODS

The sensitivity of primary pHGG cell lines to a range of anthracyclines was tested in vitro. Preclinical CED of free doxorubicin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) to the brainstem and thalamus of naïve nude mice was performed. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined based on the observation of clinical symptoms, and brains were analyzed after H & E staining. Efficacy of the MTD was tested in adult glioma E98-FM-DIPG and E98-FM-thalamus models and in the HSJD-DIPG-007-Fluc primary DIPG model.

RESULTS

Both pHGG and DIPG cells were sensitive to anthracyclines in vitro. Doxorubicin was selected for further preclinical evaluation. Convection-enhanced delivery of the MTD of free doxorubicin and PLD in the pons was 0.02 mg/ml, and the dose tolerated in the thalamus was 10 times higher (0.2 mg/ml). Free doxorubicin or PLD via CED was ineffective against E98-FM-DIPG or HSJD-DIPG-007-Fluc in the brainstem; however, when applied in the thalamus, 0.2 mg/ml of PLD slowed down tumor growth and increased survival in a subset of animals with small tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Local delivery of doxorubicin to the brainstem causes severe toxicity, even at doxorubicin concentrations that are safe in the thalamus. As a consequence, the authors could not establish a therapeutic window for treating orthotopic brainstem tumors in mice. For tumors in the thalamus, therapeutic concentrations to slow down tumor growth could be reached. These data suggest that anatomical location determines the severity of toxicity after local delivery of therapeutic agents and that caution should be used when translating data from supratentorial CED studies to treat infratentorial tumors.
A rat model of chronic syringomyelia induced by epidural compression of the lumbar spinal cord
Authors: Lee Ji Yeoun , Kim Shin Won , Kim Saet Pyoul , Kim Hyeonjin , Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim Seung-Ki , Paek Sun Ha , Pang Dachling , Wang Kyu-Chang
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

There has been no established animal model of syringomyelia associated with lumbosacral spinal lipoma. The research on the pathophysiology of syringomyelia has been focused on Chiari malformation, trauma, and inflammation. To understand the pathophysiology of syringomyelia associated with occult spinal dysraphism, a novel animal model of syringomyelia induced by chronic mechanical compression of the lumbar spinal cord was created.

METHODS

The model was made by epidural injection of highly concentrated paste-like kaolin solution through windows created by partial laminectomy of L-1 and L-5 vertebrae. Behavioral outcome in terms of motor (Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score) and urinary function was assessed serially for 12 weeks. Magnetic resonance images were obtained in some animals to confirm the formation of a syrinx and to monitor changes in its size. Immunohistochemical studies, including analysis for glial fibrillary acidic protein, NeuN, CC1, ED-1, and caspase-3, were done.

RESULTS

By 12 weeks after the epidural compression procedure, syringomyelia formation was confirmed in 85% of the rats (34 of 40) on histology and/or MRI. The syrinx cavities were found rostral to the epidural compression. Motor deficit of varying degrees was seen immediately after the procedure in 28% of the rats (11 of 40). In 13 rats (33%), lower urinary tract dysfunction was seen. Motor deficit improved by 5 weeks after the procedure, whereas urinary dysfunction mostly improved by 2 weeks. Five rats (13%, 5 of 40) died 1 month postoperatively or later, and 3 of the 5 had developed urinary tract infection. At 12 weeks after the operation, IHC showed no inflammatory process, demyelination, or accelerated apoptosis in the spinal cords surrounding the syrinx cavities, similar to sham-operated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel experimental model for syringomyelia by epidural compression of the lumbar spinal cord has been created. The authors hope that it will serve as an important research tool to elucidate the pathogenesis of this type of syringomyelia, as well as the CSF hydrodynamics of the lumbar spinal cord.
Effectiveness and feasibility of eccentric and task-oriented strength training in individuals with stroke
Authors: Folkerts Mireille A. , Hijmans Juha M. , Elsinghorst Anne L. , Mulderij Yvon , Murgia Alessio , Dekker Rienk
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Strength training can increase function in individuals with stroke. However it is unclear which type of strength training is most effective and feasible.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect and feasibility of an intervention combining eccentric and task-oriented strength training in individuals with chronic stroke.

METHODS: Eleven participants were randomly assigned to a group first receiving four weeks of eccentric strength training and then four weeks of task-oriented strength training (EST-TOST) or vice versa (TOST-EST). Strength and upper limb function were administered with a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) respectively. Feasibility was evaluated with the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), the adherence and drop-out rate.

RESULTS: Significant increases were found in ARAT score (mean difference 7.3; p < 0.05) and in shoulder and elbow strength (mean difference respectively 23.96 N; p < 0.001 and 27.41 N; p < 0.003). Participants rated both EST and TOST with 81% on the IMI, the adherence rate was high and there was one drop-out.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that a combination of eccentric and task-oriented strength training is an effective and feasible training method to increase function and strength in individuals with chronic stroke.
Progressive intervention strategy for the gait of sub-acute stroke patient using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health tool
Authors: Kang Tae-Woo , Cynn Heon-Seock
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides models for functions and disabilities. The ICF is presented as a frame that enables organizing physical therapists’ clinical practice for application.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to describe processes through which stroke patients are assessed and treated based on the ICF model.

METHODS: The patient was a 65-year-old female diagnosed with right cerebral artery infarction with left hemiparesis. Progressive interventions were applied, such as those aiming at sitting and standing for the first two weeks, gait intervention for the third and fourth weeks, and those aiming at sitting from a standing position for the fifth and sixth weeks.

RESULTS: The ICF model provides rehabilitation experts with a frame that enables them to accurately identify and understand their patients’ problems. The ICF model helps the experts understand not only their patients’ body structure, function, activity, and participation, but also their problems related to personal and environmental factors.

CONCLUSIONS: The experts could efficiently make decisions and provide optimum treatment at clinics using the ICF model.
Symptom severity and life satisfaction in brain injury: The mediating role of disability acceptance and social self-efficacy
Authors: Ditchman Nicole , Sung Connie , Easton Amanda B. , Johnson Kristina S. , Batchos Elisabeth
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Although the negative impact of symptom severity on subjective well-being outcomes has been established among individuals with brain injury, the mediating and protective role that positive human traits might have on this relationship has not been adequately explored.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of social self-efficacy and disability acceptance on the relationship between symptom severity and life satisfaction among individuals with brain injury.

METHODS: Hierarchical regression analysis and correlation techniques were used to test a hypothesized dual-mediation model of life satisfaction in a sample of 105 adults with acquired brain injury.

RESULTS: Results indicated that social self-efficacy and disability acceptance fully mediated the relationship between symptom severity and life satisfaction, lending support for a dual-mediation model with disability acceptance being the strongest contributor.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest there may be considerable value for rehabilitation providers to develop strengths-based service strategies and/or specialized intervention programs that focus on capitalizing these positive human traits to promote life satisfaction and well-being for clients with brain injury. Implications for clinical practice and future research direction are also discussed.
Axial rigidity is related to the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Vela-Desojo Lydia , Miangolarra-Page Juan Carlos , Macías-Macías Yolanda
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Rigidity is a cardinal symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is often clinically assessed by passively flexing and extending a patient’s limb. Objective measurements had been employed to examine rigidity in PD subjects, including wrist, elbow or knee.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between an objective measurement of trunk rigidity and risk of falls in patients with mild to moderate PD.

METHODS: An isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 was employed to assess trunk rigidity in 36 patients with mild to moderate PD at a University Department in a cross-sectional study. Risk of falls was measured by the Get Up & Go test (GU&G). Disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr staging score and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III), disease duration and functional status (Schwab & England activities of daily living scale) were also evaluated.

RESULTS: Significant correlations between trunk extensors rigidity at 45°/s and 60°/s and risk of falls were obtained. A correlation between trunk extensors tone at 30°/s and the GU&G test almost reached significant almost reached statistical significance ( r = 0.306; p = 0,066). Significant correlations between trunk flexors-extensors tone and clinical status, disease duration and functional status at 30°/s, 45°/s and 60°/s were also obtained.

CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that the axial rigidity is related to the risk of falls in patients with mild to moderate PD. Further studies are needed with quantitative devices for axial rigidity assessment to determine the relationship between trunk rigidity in PD patients with higher disease severity and risk of falls.
Dielectric Characterization of Chinese Standard Concrete for Compressive Strength Evaluation
Authors: Chung Kwok , Yuan Lei , Ji Songtao , Sun Li , Qu Chengping , Zhang Chunwei
Published: February 2017

Dielectric characterization of concrete is essential for the wireless structural health monitoring (SHM) of concrete structures. Guo Biao (GB) concrete refers to the concrete mixed and cast in accordance with the Chinese standard. Currently, China is the largest producer and consumer of concrete in the world. However, minimal attention has been paid to the dielectric properties of GB concrete. This paper presents the results of the dielectric constant of GB concrete, where three regression models have been used to present the measurement data from 10 MHz to 6 GHz. The objective is to provide a data set of nominal values of the dielectric constant for ordinary GB concrete. The final goal is to facilitate a compressive strength evaluation via the measured dielectric constant. Measurements of the dielectric constant and compressive strength for five types of ordinary concrete have been undertaken, after 28 days of curing. As the main contribution in this work, the correlation model between the compressive strength and dielectric constant of GB concrete is realized.
Experimental Investigation on Soft Galloping and Hard Galloping of Triangular Prisms
Authors: Lian Jijian , Yan Xiang , Liu Fang , Zhang Jun , Ren Quanchao , Yang Xu
Published: February 2017

The studies currently on soft galloping (SG) and hard galloping (HG) are scarce. In this study, SG and HG of spring-mounted triangular prisms in a water channel are investigated experimentally. A power take-off system (PTO), a spring system, additional weights, and different triangular prisms were used to achieve the variations in damping coefficient c, system stiffness K, oscillation mass m and section aspect ratios α, respectively. The present paper proves that the VIV (vortex-induced vibration) lower branch can be observed in the SG response. In SG response, VIV branches are incomplete while the galloping branch is complete, and galloping can be self-initiated only in the self-excited region. On the contrary, in HG response, VIV branches are complete, the galloping branch is incomplete, and galloping can only be initiated by external excitation at a velocity exceeding the critical velocity. As c and m increase, or K and α decrease, the oscillation mode of a triangular prism gradually transitions from SG to CG (critical galloping), and continues to HG. The amplitude in VIV branch is the main reason causing the onset of galloping in SG response. A critical damping coefficient cc, which is dependent on m, K and α, is proposed to predict the occurrences of SG, CG and HG. When c < cc, SG occurs; when c > cc, HG occurs; when c = cc, CG occurs.
Anaphase A: Disassembling Microtubules Move Chromosomes toward Spindle Poles
Authors: Asbury Charles
Published: February 2017

The separation of sister chromatids during anaphase is the culmination of mitosis and one of the most strikingly beautiful examples of cellular movement. It consists of two distinct processes: Anaphase A, the movement of chromosomes toward spindle poles via shortening of the connecting fibers, and anaphase B, separation of the two poles from one another via spindle elongation. I focus here on anaphase A chromosome-to-pole movement. The chapter begins by summarizing classical observations of chromosome movements, which support the current understanding of anaphase mechanisms. Live cell fluorescence microscopy studies showed that poleward chromosome movement is associated with disassembly of the kinetochore-attached microtubule fibers that link chromosomes to poles. Microtubule-marking techniques established that kinetochore-fiber disassembly often occurs through loss of tubulin subunits from the kinetochore-attached plus ends. In addition, kinetochore-fiber disassembly in many cells occurs partly through ‘flux’, where the microtubules flow continuously toward the poles and tubulin subunits are lost from minus ends. Molecular mechanistic models for how load-bearing attachments are maintained to disassembling microtubule ends, and how the forces are generated to drive these disassembly-coupled movements, are discussed.
The Role of Personality Traits through Habit and Intention on Determining Future Preferences of Public Transport Use
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mahdi , Hadji Hosseinlou Mansour
Published: February 2017

A complex set of factors may affect transportation mode choice. While earlier studies have often considered objective factors in determining preferences of public transport use as a sustainable transportation, subjective factors such as personality traits are underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of personality traits on the number of future public transport use. Additionally, “car habit” and “intention toward using public modes” were considered to be important. For this purpose, a case study from departure passengers at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA, Tehran, Iran) was conducted between January and February 2015 at IKIA. Results of structural equation modeling (SEM) shows that only neuroticism and extraversion personality traits were significant in determining future public transportation mode choice. However, the model indicates that these traits indirectly influence intention and car habit. Neuroticism was found to have a total effect of −0.022 on future public transport use, which represents a negative association with public transport use, while extraversion positively influenced future public transport use with a total effect of 0.031. Moreover, the results found interestingly that car access had a better fit to the data than the number of cars in household (NCH); both had significant positive effect on car habit, but only car access had a significant influence on intention. Furthermore, the effect of socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, educational level, income level, and body mass index (BMI) were determined to be significant in identifying choice of future transport mode to airports, which is explained in the discussion section of this paper.
Energy Transfer between Colloids via Critical Interactions
Authors: Martínez Ignacio , Devailly Clemence , Petrosyan Artyom , Ciliberto Sergio
Published: February 2017

We report the observation of a temperature-controlled synchronization of two Brownian-particles in a binary mixture close to the critical point of the demixing transition. The two beads are trapped by two optical tweezers whose distance is periodically modulated. We notice that the motion synchronization of the two beads appears when the critical temperature is approached. In contrast, when the fluid is far from its critical temperature, the displacements of the two beads are uncorrelated. Small changes in temperature can radically change the global dynamics of the system. We show that the synchronisation is induced by the critical Casimir forces. Finally, we present the measure of the energy transfers inside the system produced by the critical interaction.
Structural Breaks, Inflation and Interest Rates: Evidence from the G7 Countries
Authors: Clemente Jesús , Gadea María , Montañés Antonio , Reyes Marcelo
Published: February 2017

This study reconsiders the common unit root/co-integration approach to test for the Fisher effect for the economies of the G7 countries. We first show that nominal interest and inflation rates are better represented as I(0) variables. Later, we use the Bai–Perron procedure to show the existence of structural changes in the Fisher equation. After considering these breaks, we find very limited evidence of a total Fisher effect as the transmission coefficient of the expected inflation rates to nominal interest rates is very different than one.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Climate Change and Geosciences
Authors: Thornbush Mary , Krakauer Nir
Published: February 2017

With increasing interdisciplinarity, more studies are examining environmental problems from an integrated perspective. This is apparent in the geological sciences and physical geography, which incorporate various disciplinary approaches, including biology, pedology, hydrology, geomorphology, and climatology. This Special Issue of Geosciences is comprised of studies relevant to the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere, with terrestrial systems also considered. This Issue takes a geoscience perspective, embracing both geology (Earth science) and physical geography.[...]
Thermophilic Fungi to Dominate Aflatoxigenic/Mycotoxigenic Fungi on Food under Global Warming
Authors: Paterson Robert , Lima Nelson
Published: February 2017

Certain filamentous fungi produce mycotoxins that contaminate food. Mycotoxin contamination of crops is highly influenced by environmental conditions and is already affected by global warming, where there is a succession of mycotoxigenic fungi towards those that have higher optimal growth temperatures. Aflatoxigenic fungi are at the highest limit of temperature although predicted increases in temperature are beyond that constraint. The present paper discusses what will succeed these fungi and represents the first such consideration. Aflatoxins are the most important mycotoxins and are common in tropical produce, much of which is exported to temperate regions. Hot countries may produce safer food under climate change because aflatoxigenic fungi will be inhibited. The same situation will occur in previously temperate regions where these fungi have recently appeared, although decades later. Existing thermotolerant and thermophilic fungi (TTF) will dominate, in contrast to the conventional mycotoxigenic fungi adapting or mutating, as it will be quicker. TTF produce a range of secondary metabolites, or potential mycotoxins and patulin which may become a new threat. In addition, Aspergillus fumigatus will appear more frequently, a serious human pathogen, because it is (a) thermotolerant and (b) present on crops: hence this is an even greater problem. An incubation temperature of 41 °C needs employing forthwith to detect TTF. Finally, TTF in crops requires study because of the potential for diseases in humans and animals under climate change.
UV-Radiation: From Physics to Impacts
Authors: Moshammer Hanns , Simic Stana , Haluza Daniela
Published: February 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has affected life at least since the first life forms moved out of the seas and crawled onto the land. Therefore, one might assume that evolution has adapted to natural UV radiation. However, evolution is mostly concerned with the propagation of the genetic code, not with a long, happy, and fulfilling life. Because rickets is bad for a woman giving birth, the beneficial effects of UV-radiation outweigh the adverse effects like aged skin and skin tumors of various grades of malignancy that usually only afflict us at older age. Anthropogenic damage to the stratospheric ozone layer and frighteningly high rates of melanoma skin cancer in the light-skinned descendants of British settlers in Australia piqued interest in the health impacts of UV radiation. A changing cultural perception of the beauty of tanned versus light skin and commercial interests in selling UV-emitting devices such as tanning booths caught public health experts off-guard. Counseling and health communication are extremely difficult when dealing with a “natural” risk factor, especially when this risk factor cannot (and should not) be completely avoided. How much is too much for whom or for which skin type? How even measure “much”? Is it the (cumulative) dose or the dose rate that matters most? Or should we even construct a more complex metric such as the cumulative dose above a certain dose rate threshold? We find there are still many open questions, and we are glad that this special issue offered us the opportunity to present many interesting aspects of this important topic.
The Effects of Rural Settlement Evolution on the Surrounding Land Ecosystem Service Values: A Case Study in the Eco-Fragile Areas, China
Authors: Li Dongmei , Wang Dongyan , Li Hong , Zhang Shuwen , Tian Wenbo
Published: February 2017

General declines in ecosystem service values (ESV) are acknowledged worldwide; however, rather few studies have quantitatively analyzed the interrelationship between changing rural settlements and values of ecosystem services. This study used the county of Tongyu in West Jilin Province, China, as a case study to analyze how changing rural settlements impact the values of ecosystem services on surrounding land in the eco-fragile areas during 1997–2010. Quantitative analytical techniques mainly include the buffer analysis and an ecosystem services valuation. The results show that as the area of rural settlements increased in 1997–2010, the structure of land ecosystems had changed significantly during this time period, causing a change in ESV that was observed with a decline by 1.87 billion yuan and above 20%. The degradation of grasslands, wetlands, and water areas, as well as the farmland reclamation, were the main drivers of the decreases in ESV. The effects of the increased rural settlements on the distribution and variation of ESV were larger than the decreased rural settlements, especially the new rural settlements whose effect was largest, and the effect of changing rural settlements on the values of ecosystem services on the surrounding land was significant in proximity to these settlements. In conclusion, the effects of rural settlement evolution on the natural environment were obvious in the eco-fragile areas. Thus the encroachment of rural settlements still requires enhanced supervision in land management practices, and the scale and spatial distribution of rural settlements should be befittingly allocated in the eco-fragile areas to reduce the disturbance to the ecosystem.
Proteome Characteristics of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Liver Tissue and Associated Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Kakehashi Anna , Stefanov Vasily , Ishii Naomi , Okuno Takahiro , Fujii Hideki , Kawai Kazuaki , Kawada Norifumi , Wanibuchi Hideki
Published: February 2017

To uncover mechanisms of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated hepatocarcinogenesis, we compared the proteomes of human NASH-associated liver biopsies, resected hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and HCCs of HCV+ patients with normal liver tissue of patients with gastrointestinal tumor metastasis, in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples obtained after surgery in our hospital during the period from 2006 to 2011. In addition, proteome analysis of liver tumors in male STAM NASH-model mice was performed. Similar changes in the proteome spectrum such as overexpression of enzymes involved in lipid, cholesterol and bile acid biosynthesis and examples associated with suppression of fatty acid oxidation and catabolism, alcohol metabolism, mitochondrial function as well as low expression levels of cytokeratins 8 and 18 were observed in both human NASH biopsies and NASH HCCs, but not HCV+ HCCs. Alterations in downstream protein expression pointed to significant activation of transforming growth factor β, SMAD family member 3, β-catenin, Nrf2, SREBP-LXRα and nuclear receptor-interacting protein 1 (NRIP1), and inhibition of PPARs and p53 in human NASH biopsies and/or HCCs, suggesting their involvement in accumulation of lipids, development of fibrosis, oxidative stress, cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in NASH hepatocarcinogenesis. In STAM mice, PPARs inhibition was not obvious, while expression of cytokeratins 8 and 18 was elevated, indicative of essential differences between human and mouse NASH pathogenesis.
BiCuSeO Thermoelectrics: An Update on Recent Progress and Perspective
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxuan , Chang Cheng , Zhou Yiming , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: February 2017

A BiCuSeO system has been reported as a promising thermoelectric material and has attracted great attention in the thermoelectric community since 2010. Recently, several remarkable studies have been reported and the ZT of BiCuSeO was pushed to a higher level. It motivates us to systematically summarize the recent reports on the BiCuSeO system. In this short review, we start with several attempts to optimize thermoelectric properties of BiCuSeO. Then, we introduce several opinions to explore the origins of low thermal conductivity for BiCuSeO. Several approaches to enhance thermoelectric performance are also summarized, including modulation doping, introducing dual-vacancies, and dual-doping, etc. At last, we propose some possible strategies for enhancing thermoelectric performance of BiCuSeO in future research.
Propylene Glycol Alginate Sodium Sulfate Alleviates Cerulein‐Induced Acute Pancreatitis by Modulating the MEK/ERK Pathway in Mice
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Yueyue , Li Linqiang , Liu Hua , Hu Liangkai , Dai Ying , Chen Jianqing , Xu Shuqi , Chen Weimin , Xu Xiaorong , Xu Xuanfu
Published: February 2017

Previous studies have focused on the effects of propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate (PSS) against thrombosis, but the anti‐inflammatory potential is unknown. Therefore, we specifically focused on the protective effects of PSS on cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis (AP) using a mouse model, and investigated the mechanism of PSS on autophagy and apoptosis via the Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Cerulein (100 ug/kg) was used to induce AP by ten intraperitoneal injections at hourly intervals in Balb/C mice. Pretreatment with vehicle or PSS was carried out 1 h before the first cerulein injection and two doses (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) of PSS were injected intraperitoneally. The severity of AP was assessed by pathological score, biochemistry, pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and MEK/ERK activity. Furthermore, pancreatic histological scores, serum amylase and lipase activities, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β interleukin (IL)‐6 levels, and MPO activity were significantly reduced by PSS via up‐regulated MEK/ERK activity. The representative molecules of apoptosis and autophagy, such as Bcl‐2, Bax, Lc‐3, Beclin‐1, P62, were remarkably reduced. Taken together, these results indicate that PSS attenuates pancreas injury by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through a mechanism involving the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Zosteropenillines: Polyketides from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium thomii
Authors: Afiyatullov Shamil , Leshchenko Elena , Berdyshev Dmitrii , Sobolevskaya Maria , Antonov Alexandr , Denisenko Vladimir , Popov Roman , Pivkin Mikhail , Udovenko Anatoly , Pislyagin Evgeny , Von Amsberg Gunhild , Dyshlovoy Sergey
Published: February 2017

Twelve new polyketides, zosteropenillines A–L (1–12), together with known polyketide pallidopenilline A (13), were isolated from the ethylacetate extract of the fungus Penicillium thomii associated with the seagrass Zostera marina. Their structures were established based on spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of zosteropenilline A (1) as 4R, 5S, 8S, 9R, 10R, and 13S was determined by a combination of the modified Mosher’s method, X‐ray analysis, and NOESY data. Absolute configurations of zosteropenillines B–D (2–4) were determined by timedependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations of ECD spectra. The effect of compounds 1–3, 7, 8, 10, and 11 on the viability of human drug‐resistant prostate cancer cells PC3 as well as on autophagy in these cancer cells and inhibitory effects of compounds 1, 2, and 8–10 on NO production in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were examined.
Natural Products as Chemopreventive Agents by Potential Inhibition of the Kinase Domain in ErbB Receptors
Authors: Olivero-Acosta Maria , Maldonado-Rojas Wilson , Olivero-Verbel Jesus
Published: February 2017

Small molecules found in natural products provide therapeutic benefits due to their pharmacological or biological activity, which may increase or decrease the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER), a promising target in the modification of signaling cascades involved in excessive cellular growth. In this study, in silico molecular protein-ligand docking protocols were performed with AutoDock Vina in order to evaluate the interaction of 800 natural compounds (NPs) from the NatProd Collection (http://www.msdiscovery.com/natprod.html), with four human HER family members: HER1 (PDB: 2ITW), HER2 (PDB: 3PP0), HER3 (PDB: 3LMG) and HER4 (PDB: 2R4B). The best binding affinity values (kcal/mol) for docking pairs were obtained for HER1-podototarin (−10.7), HER2-hecogenin acetate (−11.2), HER3-hesperidin (−11.5) and HER4-theaflavin (−10.7). The reliability of the theoretical calculations was evaluated employing published data on HER inhibition correlated with in silico binding calculations. IC50 values followed a significant linear relationship with the theoretical binding Affinity data for HER1 (R = 0.656, p < 0.0001) and HER2 (R = 0.543, p < 0.0001), but not for HER4 (R = 0.364, p > 0.05). In short, this methodology allowed the identification of several NPs as HER inhibitors, being useful in the discovery and design of more potent and selective anticancer drugs.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 8-Morpholinoimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine Derivatives Bearing Phenylpyridine/Phenylpyrimidine-Carboxamides
Authors: Xu Shan , Sun Chengyu , Chen Chen , Zheng Pengwu , Zhou Yong , Zhou Hongying , Zhu Wufu
Published: February 2017

Herein we designed and synthesized three series of novel 8-morpholinoimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives bearing phenylpyridine/phenylpyrimidine-carboxamides (compounds 12a–g, 13a–g and 14a–g). All the compounds were evaluated for their IC50 values against three cancer cell lines (A549, PC-3 and MCF-7). Most of the target compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the three cancer cell lines. Two selected compounds 14b, 14c were further tested for their activity against PI3Kα kinase, and the results indicated that compound 14c showed inhibitory activity against PI3Kα kinase with an IC50 value of 1.25 μM. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) and pharmacological results indicated that the replacement of the thiopyranopyrimidine with an imidazopyrazine was beneficial for the activity and the position of aryl group has a significant influence to the activity of these compounds. The compounds 13a–g in which an aryl group substituted at the C-4 position of the pyridine ring were more active than 12a–g substituted at the C-5 position. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of compounds 14a–g bearing phenylpyrimidine-carboxamides was better than that of the compounds 12a–g, 13a–g bearing phenylpyridine-carboxamides. Furthermore, the substituents on the benzene ring also had a significant impact on the cytotoxicity and the pharmacological results showed that electron donating groups were beneficial to the cytotoxicity.