bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENATAAN KELEMBAGAAN DI LINGKUNGAN PEMERINTAH PROVINSI JAWA TIMUR (Implementasi Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 41 Tahun 2007)
Authors: Sutimah Sutimah
Published: November 2018

Perturan Pemerintah no 41 tahun 2007 tentang Pedoman Organisasi Perangkat Daerah dan petunjuk teknisnya yaitu Permendagri No.57 Tahun 2007, didalamnya memberikan landasan untuk menciptakan organisasi yang ramping dan kaya fungsi dengan memperpendek hierarkhis struktural dengan menyediakan ruang bagi berkembangnya jabatan-jabatan fungsional terutama pada lembaga teknis daerah, Inspektorat dan Bappeda serta unit pelaksana teknis dinas dan badan. Dengan sistim tersebut akan menghasilkan organisasi perangkat daerah yang lebih datar (flat), sehingga organisasi birokrasi daerah menjadi lebih ramping, fleksibel, dan adaptif terhadap setiap perubahan dan peningkatan kualitas pegawai (aparatur) dapat berjalan seiring dengan perkembangan karier yang jelas dan pasti melalui jabatan fungsional tertentu dan jabatan fungsional umum. Dalam implemantasi peraturan tersebut kedalam peraturan daerah, Pemerintah Daerah termasuk Pemerintah Provinsi Jawa Timur belum memanfaatkan ketentuan tersebut, namun kedepan sudah saatnya Pemerintah Daerah untuk mensinergikan penataan organisasi perangkat daerah dengan penataan pegawainya dengan sasaran peningkatan kualitas melalui pengembangan jabatan fungsional yang memberi landasan jelas dalam pengembangan karier dan peningkatan kemampuan.
PERBAIKAN RANTAI PASOK PISANG MAS KIRANA DARI WILAYAH AGROPOLITAN SEROAJA DI LUMAJANG
Authors: Andri Kuntoro Boga , Kasijadi F.
Published: November 2018

Hasil pengkajian terhadap rabtai pasok Pisang Mas Kirana dari Lumajang menunjukkan bahwa secara ekonomi agribisnis pisang ini memberikan keuntungan langsung kepada petani stempat dan multiflier effect kepada masyarakat sekitarnya. Sistim pemasaran melibatkan banyak pemain didalamnya yang merupakan kombinsi struktur pasar persaingan sempurna dan kontrak pemasaran. Akan tetapi perlu lebih ditingkatkan nilai tawar dari petani melalui pengembangan kelembagan petani dan perusahaan agribisnis, perlu diarahkan pada suatu legal kontrak yang mengikat lebih kuat kedua belah pihak. Perbaikan teknologi budidaya dan pasca panen perlu terus dilakukan untuk meningkatkan produktivitas dan kualitas produk.
KAWASAN SEBERANG PULAU BALI (Bali & Beyond) SEBAGAI KAWASAN WISATA UNGGULAN DI JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Djati Sasongko R. Widodo
Published: November 2018

Peneliyian ini bertujuan mengetahui dan memahami potensi sumberdaya daerah dan dukungan sektor lainnya, mengetahui efektifitas kebijakan pengembangan pariwisata di tngkat pelaksanaan program, dan menyususn rekomendasi kebijakan strategi pengembangan pariwisata kawasan seberang Pulau Bali di Jawa Timur. Metode penelitian bersifat deskriptif dan analisanya secala kualitatif SWOT, ANACOR, dan Analisis interaktif. Rekomendasi yang ditawarkan berupa beberapa upaya yang harus dilakukan Pemerintah Daerah (Propinsi dan Kabupaten) maupun swasta dngan pengembangan kawasan seberang Pulau Bali sebagai kawasan wisata unggulan di Jawa Timur.
PERILAKU POLITIK PEMILIH MASYARAKAT PERKOTAAN PADA PEMILU LEGISLATIF 2009
Authors: Irtanto Irtanto
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi perilaku politik pemilih pada pemilu legislatif 2009, mengetahui penyebab mereka golput serta mengidentifikasi isu-isu politik dan prioritas program yang menarik pemilih. Merupakan penelitian melalui pendekatan deskriptif. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap pilihan politik mereka antara lain faktor sosiologis berupa latar belakang agama, faktor psikologis berupa kedekatan emosional, kesalehan kandidat, popularitas kandisat, performen, integritas diri kandidat. Kemudian faktor-faktor rasionalitas berupa pengalaman kandidat, status pendidikan, kalangan profesional iklan politik, dan kredibilitas kandidat. Sedangkan yang menjadi penyebab golput di antaranya faktor kepercayaan pada kandidat dan rendahnya kepercayaan pada pihak pemerintah. Isu-isu politik dan prioritas program yang menarik pemilih antara lain, reformasi birokrsi, perbaikan pelayanan, kepastian hukum, pemberantasan KKN, lapangan kerja, dan pengangguran.
PERILAKU POLITIK PEREMPUAN ANGGOTA LEGISLATIF JAWA TIMUR DALAM PROSES PENGAMBILAN KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK
Authors: Setyarahajoe Ratna
Published: November 2018

Implementasi pelaksanaan pasal 65 UU nomor 12/2003 memberi kesempatan yang terbuka bagi perempuan untuk menduduki jabatan legislatif, walau realitas menunjukkan bahwa akomodasi yang diberikan partai terhadap kader perempuannya saat itu masih “setengah hati” atau sekedar memenuhi tuntutan undang-undang. Hasil penelitian terhadap anggota DPRD Jatim perempuan yang bertugas dengan masa bakti 2004-2009 menunjukkan adanya faktor internal dan eksternal yang mempengaruhi perilaku politiknya dalm proses pengambilan kebijakan publik yang hasilnya sebagian besar berperilaku pasif, kurang responsif, dan aspiratif.
MENGOPTIMALKAN SISTEM PERTANIAN PEKARANGAN UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN KETAHANAN PANGAN
Authors: Purnomo Sudarmadi , Baswarsiati Baswarsiati
Published: November 2018

Sistem usahatani pekarangan sama dengan usahatani lahan kering dan menjadi alternatif meningkatkan produktivitas pangan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pangan penduduk yang terus meningkat. Lahan produktif irigasi teknis yang selama ini menjadi tumpuan harapan masyarakat, luasannya semakin berkurang sebagai akibatnya berlanjutnya konversi lahn ke penggunaan non pertanian, seperti perluasan pemukiman, pengembangan industri dan lahan. Optimalisasi sistem pertanian pekarangan selain memberi hasil yang bersifat kebendaan yang dapat memenuhi kiebutuhan jasmaniah, juga menghasilkan yng abstrak yaitu ketenangan, keindahan, dan kedamaian yang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan untuk kesehatan rohaniah. Jenis tanaman yang ditanam di pekarangan sebaiknya tanaman produktif yang dibutuhkan sehari-hari seperti tanaman buah-buahan, sayur-sayuran, bunga-bungaan, tanaman obat-obatan, bumbu-bumbuan, rempah-rempah, kelapa dan lainnya.
POTENSI KELEMBAGAAN LOKAL DALAM MENUNJANG PROGRAM DIVERSIFIKASI PANGAN MENUJU KETAHANAN PANGAN
Authors: Rozi Fachrur
Published: November 2018

Program diversifikasi untuk menuju ketahanan pangan telah cukup lama dilakukan meski belum menunjukkan keberhasilan bahkan bisa dibilang salah arah tujuan diversifikasi pangan lebih pada usaha menurunkan tingkat konsumsi beras, dan hanyadiartikan pada penganekaragaman pangan pokok, tidak pada pangan secara keseluruhan. Upaya yang bisa ditempuh dalam rangka menunjang program diversifikasi pangan adalah melalui peningkatan pemberdayaan kelembagaan di masyarakat. Dalam program ketahanan pangan, fungsi kelembagaan dibagi dua kategori yakni kelembagaan sebagai fasilitator dan motivator, dan kelembagaan pelaksanaan.
KARAKTERISTIK KERAGAAN USAHATANI PADI DILOKASI PRIMA TANI KABUPATEN BLITAR
Authors: Astuti D. W. , Hardini D.
Published: November 2018

Pengkajian dilakukan untuk mengetahui karakteristik usahatani padi di Desa Plumbangan, Kecamatan Doko, Kabupaten Blitar. Data diambil dari 4 lokasi (Plumbangan, Precet, Barek, dan Pagak) Desa Plumbangan yang menjadi lokasi program Prima Tani di Kabupaten Blitar. Data primer diambil secara purposive sampling melalui wawancara dengan 40 petani (7 petani berasal dari kelompok Tani Sido Makmur) menggunakan kuisioner dan data sekunder berasal dari Dinas Pertanian dan BPP. Hasilnya, petani menggunakan benih padi berlabel sebanyak 22.3 kg/ha untuk MH dan 25.3 kg/ha pada MK, dengan sistem tanam pindah. Pengunaan pupuk an-organik sudah mulai berkurang setelah ada program Prima Tani. Beberapa petani menggunakan BWD (Bagian Warna Daun) agar efisien dalam penggunaan pupuk.
DINAMIKA PREFERENSI PETANI DAN PENYEBARAN VARIETAS UNGGUL KEDELAI DI PROPINSI KEDELAI DI PROPINSI JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Heriyanto Heriyanto , Krisdiana Ruly
Published: November 2018

Tujuan utama kajian ini adalah untuk menelaah dinamika preferensi dan penyebaran varietas kedelai. Kajian ini ditulis berdasarkan suatu “review” beberapa studi perilaku petani. Hasil kajian memberikan gambaran bahwa dinamika preferensi petani terhadap varietas kedelai memberikan makna terjadinya pergeseran preferensi petani dari ukuran biji kecil-sedang ke ukuran biji besar di daerah Jawa Timur. Hal ini memberikan implikasi upaya penyebaran varietas unggul kedelai dengan ukuran biji besar mempunyai peluang untuk dapat diterima petani.
MENUJU KAWASAN MADURA SEBAGAI PULAU SENTRA SAPI POTONG TERKEMUKA DI INDONESIA
Authors: Setiasih Setiasih , Wahab M. Ismail
Published: November 2018

Fokus kebijakan pemerintah pusat dalam lima tahun kedepan adalah untuk dapat memenuhi kebutuhan daging sapi sehingga dapat meminimalisasi impor daging maupun ternak potong. Pulau Madura merupakan kawasan sentra sapi potong yang memiliki populasi 22,33% populasi sapi potong di Jawa Timur. Permasalahn utama pengembangan sapi potong di Pulau Madura saat ini adalah belum teradopsinya sistem IB (Inseminasi Buatan) dan keterbatasan pakan terutama di musim kemarau. Strategi yang dapat diupayakan dalam pengembangan sapi potong di Madura antara lain dengan peningkatan akseptor dan kelahiran IB, mempertahankan Sapi Madura sebagai plasma nutfah dan perbaikan kualitas pakan.
PENYEBARAN SAPI POTONG KEMBAR DI JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Hardini Dini , Saraswati Dyah Prita , Wahab Mohammad Ismail
Published: November 2018

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis potensi bangsa (breed) sapa beranak kembar di 17 lokasi sentra sapi potong terdapat di Jawa Timur diantaranya yaitu kabupaten Sumenep, Jember, Tuban, Nganjuk, Situbondo, Probolinggo, Sampang, Pamekasan dan Malang. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode survey secara total sampling pada bulan Mei-Desember 2009. Sampel yang digunakan adalah sapit potong induk beranak kembar dan tunggal, baik hasil kawin alam dan IB.
Antisipasi Fluktuasi Musim Dan Ketersediaan Air Selama Musim Kemarau Dalam Rangka Menjaga Kesinambungan Usaha Budidaya Perikanan
Authors: Romadona Yang Sri , Winarsih Wiwik Heny
Published: November 2018

Dalam budidaya perikanan,kualitas dan kuantitas air yang digunakan sebagai media sangat berpengaruh terhadap keberhasilan suatu usaha budidaya perikanan. Kualitas air berkaitan dengan mutu air yang digunakan. Sedangkan untuk kuantitas air sangat dipengaruhi adanya fluktuasi musim. Pada saat penghujan, sumber air berlimpah. Yang menjadi permasalahan adalah saat terjadi kemarau panjang seperti yang terjadi saat ini. Untuk mengatasinya perlu dilakukan budidaya ikan dengan sistem budidaya senggal pada lahan kering yang berdasarkan pada CBIB. Altenatif sistem yang bisa digunakan adalah sistem resirkulasi dan aquaponik.kedua sistem ini lebih mengutamakan pemanfaatan kembali air kolam terpakai.
Pengembangan Model Kompetensi Plus Tenaga Kerja Indonesia Di Jawa Timur
Authors: Rodiyah Isnaini , Totok Totok , Abadi Totok Wahyu
Published: November 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan aspek-aspek kompetensi plus dari unsure-unsur kompetensi dengan penambahan aspek lain dari unsure life skill sebagai pendukung pengembangan kemampuan dan kualitas Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI).pencapaian tujuan tersebut diawali dengan mengidentifikasi model saat ini berikut kelemahannya dan dilanjutkan dengan pembuatan model kompetensi plus.penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan analisis kualitatif terhadap hasil Forum group discussion (FGD). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan aspek-aspek kompetensi belum dipenuhi calon TKI sementara kebutuhan atas kecakapan hidup calon TKI belum terpola jelas sehingga dibutuhkan aspek kompetensi lain yakni kompetensi life skill (kompetensi plus) yang meliputi kecakapan diri, berpikir, komunikasi, kerjasama, dan vokasional.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Wire Electro Discharge Machining (WEDM) Process Parameters Using Grey-Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Das Partha Protim , Diyaley Sunny , Chakraborty Shankar , Ghadai Ranjan Kumar
Published: November 2018

Wire electro discharge machining (WEDM) is a versatile non-traditional machining process that is extensively in use to machine the components having intricate profiles and shapes. In WEDM, it is very important to select the optimal process parameters so as to enhance the machine performance. This paper emphasizes the selection of optimal parametric combination of WEDM process while machining on EN31 steel, using grey-fuzzy logic technique. Process parameters such as servo voltage, wire tension, pulse-on-time and pulse-off-time were considered while taking into account several multi-responses such as material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). It was found that pulse-on-time of 115 µs, pulse-off-time of 35 µs, servo voltage of 40 V and wire tension of 5 kgf results in a larger value of grey fuzzy reasoning grade (GFRG) which tends to maximize MRR and improve SR. Finally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to check the influence of each process parameters in the estimation of GFRG.
Adsorption of Gold(I) and Gold(III) Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Alguacil Francisco Jose
Published: November 2018

Carbon nanotubes are materials that have been investigated for diverse applications including the adsorption of metals. However, scarce literature has described their behavior in the case of the adsorption of precious metals. Thus, this work reports the efficient adsorption of gold from cyanide or chloride media on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In a cyanide medium, gold was adsorbed from alkaline pH values decreasing the adsorption as the pH values were increased to more acidic values. In a chloride medium, the MWCNTs were able to load the precious metal and an increased HCl concentration (0.1–10 M), in the aqueous solution, had no effect on the gold uptake onto the nanotubes. From both aqueous media, the metal adsorption was well represented by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. In the cyanide medium, the film-diffusion controlled process best fitted the rate law governing the adsorption of gold onto the nanotubes, whereas in the chloride medium, the adsorption of the metal onto the nanotubes is best represented, both at 20 °C and 60 °C, by the particle-diffusion controlled process. With respect to the elution step, in cyanide medium gold loaded onto the nanotubes can be eluted with acidic thiourea solutions, whereas in the chloride medium, and due to that the adsorption process involved the precipitation of zero valent gold onto the multiwalled carbon nanotubes, the elution has been considered as a leaching step with aqua regia. From the eluates, dissolved gold can be conveniently precipitated as zero valent gold nanoparticles.
An Optimal Energy Management Method for the Multi-Energy System with Various Multi-Energy Applications
Authors: Wang Yangzi , Zhang Kai , Zheng Chun , Chen Huiyuan
Published: November 2018

As the development of the multi-energy system (MES), various ME applications are deployed. ME applications not only bring advanced functionalities to the MES, but also show great potentials in promoting the operation performance of the MES, especially improving the accommodation of renewable energy sources (RES). However, the realization of these potentials largely relies on the energy management, which shall facilitate the effective function of each ME application and the coordinated collaboration of all the ME applications. Without a comprehensive energy management methodology, ME applications may mutually interfere, which not only hinder the RES utilization, but also may harm the MES operation performance. In this premise, this paper integrates the energy management model of the combined cooling, heat and power plants, power-to-hydrogen/gas-to-power plants, and demand side management model of the EV charging loads into the energy management model of the MES, and proposes an comprehensive optimal day-ahead energy management framework to simultaneously improve the profit, RES utilization rate, and energy saving performance of the MES. To address the proposed optimization model, Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic algorithm II algorithm is employed to heuristically find the Pareto-optimal results. Finally, case studies prove the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Unification Theories: Examples and Applications
Authors: Nichita Florin F.
Published: November 2018

We consider several unification problems in mathematics. We refer to transcendental numbers. Furthermore, we present some ways to unify the main non-associative algebras (Lie algebras and Jordan algebras) and associative algebras.
Severe Neutropenia is Associated with Better Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Who Receive Modified FOLFIRINOX Therapy
Authors: Yamada Yunami , Fujii Hironori , Watanabe Daichi , Kato-Hayashi Hiroko , Ohata Koichi , Kobayashi Ryo , Ishihara Takuma , Uemura Shinya , Iwashita Takuji , Shimizu Masahito , Suzuki Akio
Published: November 2018

While modified FOLFIRINOX therapy is effective for treating advanced pancreatic cancer, it frequently causes severe neutropenia. The present study investigated the effect of severe neutropenia on clinical outcomes in advanced pancreatic cancer patients who received modified FOLFIRINOX. The study subjects were 51 patients (30 males and 21 females) with advanced pancreatic cancer who received modified FOLFIRINOX (2h bolus injection of oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m2, 2 h bolus injection of L-leucovorin at 200 mg/m2, 90min bolus injection of irinotecan at 150 mg/m2, followed by continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil for 46 h at 2400 mg/m2 without bolus 5-fluorouracil) during the period from January 2014 to May 2018. No patients had prior history of chemotherapy. Adverse events, including neutropenia, were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Median overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint, while median time to treatment failure (TTF), overall response rate (ORR), and the incidence of other adverse events were secondary endpoints. Severe neutropenia (grade ≥3) occurred in 39 patients (76.4%), and Cox proportional hazard analysis identified high total bilirubin level as a significant risk factor. Median duration of OS was significantly longer in patients with severe neutropenia than in those without it (21.3 months versus 8.9 months, p = 0.020). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between OS and the grade of neutropenia (r = 0.306, p = 0.029). ORR tended to be higher, though not significantly, in patients with severe neutropenia. In contrast, the incidence rates of other adverse events were not different between the two groups. Severe neutropenia is an independent predictor of prognosis in advanced pancreatic cancer patients received modified FOLFIRINOX therapy.
Micro-Nano Scale Surface Coating for Nucleate Boiling Heat Transfer: A Critical Review
Authors: Khan Shoukat A. , Atieh Muataz A. , Koç Muammer
Published: November 2018

Nucleate boiling is a phase change heat transfer process with a wide range of applications i.e., steam power plants, thermal desalination, heat pipes, domestic heating and cooling, refrigeration and air-conditioning, electronic cooling, cooling of turbo-machinery, waste heat recovery and much more. Due to its quite broad range of applications, any improvement in this area leads to significant economic, environmental and energy efficiency outcomes. This paper presents a comprehensive review and critical analysis on the recent developments in the area of micro-nano scale coating technologies, materials, and their applications for modification of surface geometry and chemistry, which play an important role in the enhancement of nucleate boiling heat transfer. In many industrial applications boiling is a surface phenomenon, which depends upon its variables such as surface area, thermal conductivity, wettability, porosity, and roughness. Compared to subtractive methods, the surface coating is more versatile in material selection, simple, quick, robust in implementation and is quite functional to apply to already installed systems. The present status of these techniques for boiling heat transfer enhancement, along with their future challenges, enhancement potentials, limitations, and their possible industrial implementation are also discussed in this paper.
Cyclic Peptides: Promising Scaffolds for Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Gang Donghyeok , Kim Do Wook , Park Hee-Sung
Published: November 2018

To date, small molecules and macromolecules, including antibodies, have been the most pursued substances in drug screening and development efforts. Despite numerous favorable features as a drug, these molecules still have limitations and are not complementary in many regards. Recently, peptide-based chemical structures that lie between these two categories in terms of both structural and functional properties have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives. In particular, peptides in a circular form provide a promising scaffold for the development of a novel drug class owing to their adjustable and expandable ability to bind a wide range of target molecules. In this review, we discuss recent progress in methodologies for peptide cyclization and screening and use of bioactive cyclic peptides in various applications.
Spatio-Temporal Differences in Nitrogen Reduction Rates under Biotic and Abiotic Processes in River Water of the Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Guo Jiaxun , Wang Lachun , Guo Xiya , Zhao Gengmao , Deng Jiancai , Zeng Chunfen
Published: November 2018

Understanding spatio-temporal differences in nitrogen (N) transformation, transport and reduction rates in water bodies is critical to achieve effective mitigation of river eutrophication. We performed culture experiments in six rivers in the Taihu Basin using a custom made in-situ experimental apparatus. We investigated spatio-temporal differences in reduce processes and rates of different N forms and assessed the contribution of biological processes to dissolved inorganic N (DIN) reduce. Results showed that biological processes played a major role in N reduction in summer, while non-microbial processes were dominant in winter. We observed significant spatial and temporal differences in the studied mechanisms, with reduction rates of different N compounds being significantly higher in summer and autumn than spring and winter. Reduction rates ranged from 105.4 ± 25.3 to 1458.8 ± 98.4 mg·(m3·d)−1 for total N, 33.1 ± 12.3 to 440.9 ± 33.1 mg·(m3·d)−1 for ammonium, 56.3 ± 22.7 to 332.1 ± 61.9 mg·(m3·d)−1 for nitrate and 0.4 ± 0.3 to 31.8 ± 9.0 mg·(m3·d)−1 for nitrite across four seasons. Mean DIN reduction rates with and without microbial activity were 96.0 ± 46.4 mg·(m3·d)−1 and 288.1 ± 67.8 mg·(m3·d)−1, respectively, with microbial activity rates accounting for 29.7% of the DIN load and 2.2% of the N load. Results of correlation and principal component analysis showed that the main factors influencing N processing were the concentrations of different N forms and multiple environmental factors in spring, N concentrations, DO and pH in summer, N concentrations and water velocity in autumn and N concentrations in winter.
Insulin Receptor Isoforms in Cancer
Authors: Vella Veronica , Milluzzo Agostino , Scalisi Nunzio Massimo , Vigneri Paolo , Sciacca Laura
Published: November 2018

The insulin receptor (IR) mediates both metabolic and mitogenic effects especially when overexpressed or in clinical conditions with compensatory hyperinsulinemia, due to the metabolic pathway resistance, as obesity diabetes. In many cancers, IR is overexpressed preferentially as IR-A isoform, derived by alternative splicing of exon 11. The IR-A overexpression, and the increased IR-A:IR-B ratio, are mechanisms that promote the mitogenic response of cancer cells to insulin and IGF-2, which is produced locally by both epithelial and stromal cancer cells. In cancer IR-A, isoform predominance may occur for dysregulation at both mRNA transcription and post-transcription levels, including splicing factors, non-coding RNAs and protein degradation. The mechanisms that regulate IR isoform expression are complex and not fully understood. The IR isoform overexpression may play a role in cancer cell stemness, in tumor progression and in resistance to target therapies. From a clinical point of view, the IR-A overexpression in cancer may be a determinant factor for the resistance to IGF-1R target therapies for this issue. IR isoform expression in cancers may have the meaning of a predictive biomarker and co-targeting IGF-1R and IR-A may represent a new more efficacious treatment strategy.
Dichloromethane Extracts of Geranium Koreanum Kom. Alleviates Esophagus Damage in Acute Reflux Esophagitis-Induced Rats by Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Nam Hyeon Hwa , Nan Li , Choo Byung Kil
Published: November 2018

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the reflux of gastric acid and stomach contents, and it leads to esophageal damage. Therefore, it is necessary to study the improvement of esophageal damage on a RE-induced model. The present study was accomplished to demonstrate the protective effects of a dichloromethane fraction of Geranium koreanum (DGK) plant on esophageal damage in an acute RE rat model. First, we examined the potential of anti-inflammatory effects of various fractions measured by cell cytotoxicity, morphological changes and nitric oxide (NO) production on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. Then, to evaluate the protective effects on RE, rats were partitioned into the following groups: normal control, RE-induced control and RE rats pre-treated with DGK 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The esophageal mucosal ulcer ratio was measured by the Image J program and histological changes were examined using a hematoxylin and eosin staining of the esophageal mucosa. The expression of pro-inflammatory proteins, cytokines and tight junction proteins involved in the esophageal mucosal damage were investigated using Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit with esophagus tissue. DGK chemical profile and phenolic contents were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results showed that DGK exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-stimulated cells by significantly inhibiting NO production. Additionally, the results in vivo showed that improvement effects of DGK on esophageal mucosal damage. The expression of inflammatory proteins involved in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways and tight junction protein (claudin-4 and -5) were significantly decreased in esophageal mucosa. We found the potential of DGK as source of replacement therapy products for inflammatory and RE disease.
Experimental Analysis of the Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams in Shear Using Steel Plates
Authors: Batti Marília M. Bez , Silva Bruno do Vale , Piccinini Ângela Costa , Godinho Daiane dos Santos , Antunes Elaine Guglielmi Pavei
Published: November 2018

In some situations, it is necessary to strengthen or rehabilitate a structure in the short term, but before doing so, a critical analysis of the underlying causes is required to find the best technique to solve the problem. The structural strengthening is used to increase an element’s ability to resist a stress when it no longer meets the original conditions or new necessities of use due to faults, deterioration, thermal variations, and lack of maintenance. The present article aims to evaluate the strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with 0.75 mm thick SAE 1020 steel plates bonded with epoxy-based structural adhesive. The steel plates were attached to the sheared area before and after the beams were taken to the breaking point load. According to the results, it was possible to conclude the effectiveness of the strengthening applied to healthy beams that had its bearing capacity increased up to 50%. The beam that was strengthened after the shear, with a fissure that was restored with epoxy-based structural adhesive, had its load bearing capacity increased by 49.2%. The beams with fissures that were filled with mortar had their bearing capacity decreased by 58.70% if compared with the reference beams, and thus they presented an unsatisfactory performance.
Resilience of Traditional Livelihood Approaches Despite Forest Grabbing: Ogiek to the West of Mau Forest, Uasin Gishu County
Authors: Chabeda-Barthe Jemaiyo , Haller Tobias
Published: November 2018

This paper is a summary of the findings of research work conducted in two case studies in the Rift Valley, Kenya. This study used the Neo-Institutional theory to interrogate how the rules and regulations (institutions involved) of the agrarian reform process in Kenya are constantly changing and helping to shape the livelihoods of social actors around Mau Forest. The first case study—Ndungulu, is a settlement scheme where the Ogiek ethnic community were resettled between 1995 and 1997 after the land clashes of 1992. The second case study is the Kamuyu cooperative farm, a post-colonial settlement scheme owned by a cooperative society that was founded in 1965 by members from the Kikuyu ethnic group. This study employed qualitative data collection methods intermittently between 2012 and 2017 for a total of two years. A total of 60 interviews were conducted for this research. Thirteen (13) of these were key informant interviews with experts on land. The qualitative interviews were complemented by participant observations and nine focus group discussions. The qualitative data from the interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically. Observations documented as field notes were also analyzed to complement the study findings. In this paper, the challenges, bargaining position and power play between social actors and government institutions implicated in the agrarian reform process in Kenya has been brought to the forefront. For instance, due to the structural issues that date back to the colonial period, the Ogiek have found innovative ways to maintain their daily existence (e.g., maintaining traditional methods of apiculture in Mau Forest). However, constraints in accessing forest land has resulted in them taking desperate measures, namely; selling off land to the Kalenjin in what is called “distress land sales”. On the contrary, the neighboring Kikuyu have maintained their land ownership status despite recurrent ethnic clashes that have occurred during general election years.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Fixed Point Problems for Nonexpansive Mappings and Zero Point Problems for Accretive Operators Using Viscosity Implicit Midpoint Rules in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zhang Huancheng , Qu Yunhua , Su Yongfu
Published: November 2018

This paper uses the viscosity implicit midpoint rule to find common points of the fixed point set of a nonexpansive mapping and the zero point set of an accretive operator in Banach space. Under certain conditions, this paper obtains the strong convergence results of the proposed algorithm and improves the relevant results of researchers in this field. In the end, this paper gives numerical examples to support the main results.
Impact of Sodium N-[8-(2-Hydroxybenzoyl)amino]-caprylate on Intestinal Permeability for Notoginsenoside R1 and Salvianolic Acids in Caco-2 Cells Transport and Rat Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Li Ying , Yang Dandan , Zhu Chunyan
Published: November 2018

For drugs with high hydrophilicity and poor membrane permeability, absorption enhancers can promote membrane permeability and improve oral bioavailability. Sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate (SNAC) is a new kind of absorption enhancer that has good safety. To investigate the absorption enhancement effect of SNAC on non-polar charged and polar charged drugs and establish the absorption enhancement mechanism of SNAC, SNAC was synthesized and characterized. Two representative hydrophilic drugs—notoginsenoside R1 (R1) and salvianolic acids (SAs)—were selected as model drugs. In vitro Caco-2 cells transport and in vivo rat pharmacokinetics studies were conducted to examine the permeation effect of SNAC on R1 and SAs. R1, rosmarinic acid (RA), salvianolic acid B (SA-B) and salvianolic acid B (SA-A) were determined to compare the permeation enhancement of different drugs. The MTT assay results showed that SNAC had no toxicity to Caco-2 cells. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of Caco-2 cell monolayer displayed that SNAC facilitated passive transport of polar charged SAs through the membrane of epithelial enterocytes. The pharmacokinetics results demonstrated that area under the curve (AUC) of RA, SA-B and SA-A with administration of SAs containing SNAC was 35.27, 8.72 and 9.23 times than administration of SAs. Tmax of RA, SA-B and SA-A were also prolonged. The AUC of R1 with administration of R1 containing SNAC was 2.24-times than administration of R1. SNAC is more effective in promoting absorption of SAs than R1. The study demonstrated that SNAC significantly improved bioavailability of R1 and SAs. What’s more, the effect of SNAC on absorption enhancement of charged drugs was larger than that of non-charged drugs. The current findings not only confirm the usefulness of SNAC for the improved delivery of R1 and SAs but also demonstrate the importance of biopharmaceutics characterization in the dosage form development of drugs.
Derivatization of Methylglyoxal for LC-ESI-MS Analysis—Stability and Relative Sensitivity of Different Derivatives
Authors: Fritzsche Stefan , Billig Susan , Rynek Robby , Abburi Ramarao , Tarakhovskaya Elena , Leuner Olga , Frolov Andrej , Birkemeyer Claudia
Published: November 2018

The great research interest in the quantification of reactive carbonyl compounds (RCCs), such as methylglyoxal (MGO) in biological and environmental samples, is reflected by the fact that several publications have described specific strategies to perform this task. Thus, many reagents have also been reported for the derivatization of RCCs to effectively detect and quantify the resulting compounds using sensitive techniques such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). However, the choice of the derivatization protocol is not always clear, and a comparative evaluation is not feasible because detection limits from separate reports and determined with different instruments are hardly comparable. Consequently, for a systematic comparison, we tested 21 agents in one experimental setup for derivatization of RCCs prior to LC-MS analysis. This consisted of seven commonly employed reagents and 14 similar reagents, three of which were designed and synthesized by us. All reagents were probed for analytical responsiveness of the derivatives and stability of the reaction mixtures. The results showed that derivatives of 4-methoxyphenylenediamine and 3-methoxyphenylhydrazine—reported here for the first time for derivatization of RCCs—provided a particularly high responsiveness with ESI-MS detection. We applied the protocol to investigate MGO contamination of laboratory water and show successful quantification in a lipoxidation experiment. In summary, our results provide valuable information for scientists in establishing accurate analysis of RCCs.
Effect of Formulation on the Binding Efficiency and Selectivity of Precipitation Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Lim K. Fremielle , Holdsworth Clovia I.
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the effect of feed formulation: the template:functional monomer (T:fM) and functional monomer:crosslinker (fM:X) ratios as well as the initiator concentration, on the binding performance and selectivity of caffeine (CAF) and theophylline (THP) imprinted polymers obtained by precipitation polymerisation in acetonitrile at 60 °C using methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as functional monomer and crosslinker, respectively. Template incorporation, monitored by quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy, ranged from 8 to 77% and was found to be more favourable at both high and low T:fM ratios, low fM:X ratio and high initiator concentration. The resulting T:fM ratio in most MIPs were found to be lower than their feed ratios. Incorporation of THP into the polymers was observed to be consistently higher than CAF and, for most MIPs, the observed binding capacities represent less than 10% of the incorporated template. Improved imprinting factors were obtained from molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with high crosslinker content, i.e., fM:X ratio of 1:10, and high initiator concentration, i.e., initiator:total monomer (I:tM) ratio of 1:5, while T:fM ratio (1:2 to 1:8) was found not to influence binding capacities and imprinting factors (IF). The NIPs showed no preference for either CAF or THP in competitive selectivity studies while MIPs were observed to bind preferentially to their template with THP displaying higher selectivity (72–94%) than CAF (63–84%). Template selectivity was observed to increase with increasing initiator concentration, with MIPs from I:tM ratio of 1:5 shown to be the most selective towards CAF (84%) and THP (93%). The fM:X ratio only showed minimal effect on MIP selectivity. Overall, for the MIP systems under study, template incorporation, binding capacity, imprinting factor and selectivity are enhanced at a faster rate of polymerisation using an I:tM ratio of 1:5. Polymer particles obtained were between 66 to 140 nm, with MIPs generally smaller than their NIP counterparts, and have been observed to decrease with increasing T:fM and fM:X ratios and increase with increasing initiator concentration.
Differential Effects of the Flavonolignans Silybin, Silychristin and 2,3-Dehydrosilybin on Mesocestoides vogae Larvae (Cestoda) under Hypoxic and Aerobic In Vitro Conditions
Authors: Hrčková Gabriela , Kubašková Terézia Mačák , Benada Oldřich , Kofroňová Olga , Tumová Lenka , Biedermann David
Published: November 2018

Mesocestoides vogae larvae represent a suitable model for evaluating the larvicidal potential of various compounds. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of three natural flavonolignans—silybin (SB), 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHSB) and silychristin (SCH)—on M. vogae larvae at concentrations of 5 and 50 μM under aerobic and hypoxic conditions for 72 h. With both kinds of treatment, the viability and motility of larvae remained unchanged, metabolic activity, neutral red uptake and concentrations of neutral lipids were reduced, in contrast with a significantly elevated glucose content. Incubation conditions modified the effects of individual FLs depending on their concentration. Under both sets of conditions, SB and SCH suppressed metabolic activity, the concentration of glucose, lipids and partially motility more at 50 μM, but neutral red uptake was elevated. DHSB exerted larvicidal activity and affected motility and neutral lipid concentrations differently depending on the cultivation conditions, whereas it decreased glucose concentration. DHSB at the 50 μM concentration caused irreversible morphological alterations along with damage to the microvillus surface of larvae, which was accompanied by unregulated neutral red uptake. In conclusion, SB and SCH suppressed mitochondrial functions and energy stores, inducing a physiological misbalance, whereas DHSB exhibited a direct larvicidal effect due to damage to the tegument and complete disruption of larval physiology and metabolism.
Antiproliferative, Proapoptotic, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Sinapis nigra L. and Sinapis alba L. Extracts
Authors: Boscaro Valentina , Boffa Luisa , Binello Arianna , Amisano Gabriella , Fornasero Stefania , Cravotto Giancarlo , Gallicchio Margherita
Published: November 2018

High Brassicaceae consumption reduces the risk of developing several cancer types, probably due to high levels of glucosinolates. Extracts from Sinapis nigra L. (S. nigra) and Sinapis alba L. (S. alba) have been obtained from leaves and seeds under different conditions using ethanol/water mixtures because their glucosinolates are well accepted by the food industry. The EtOH/H2O 8:2 mixture gives better yields in glucosinolate amounts from ground seeds, mainly, sinalbin in S. alba and sinigrin in S. nigra. The highest antiproliferative activity in both non-tumor and tumor cell lines was induced by S. alba seeds extract. To evaluate whether the effect of Sinapis species (spp) was only due to glucosinolate content or whether it was influenced by the extracts’ complexity, cells were treated with extracts or glucosinolates, in the presence of myrosinase. Pure sinigrin did not modify cell proliferation, while pure sinalbin was less effective than the extract. The addition of myrosinase increased the antiproliferative effects of the S. nigra extract and sinigrin. Antiproliferative activity was correlated to Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases modulation, which was cell and extract-dependent. Cell-cycle analysis evidenced a proapoptotic effect of S. alba on both tumor cell lines and of S. nigra only on HCT 116. Both extracts showed good antimicrobial activity in disc diffusion tests and on ready-to-eat fresh salad. These results underline the potential effects of Sinapis spp in chemoprevention and food preservation.
Regular Practice of Moderate Physical Activity by Older Adults Ameliorates Their Anti-Inflammatory Status
Authors: Ferrer Miguel D. , Capó Xavier , Martorell Miquel , Busquets-Cortés Carla , Bouzas Cristina , Carreres Sandra , Mateos David , Sureda Antoni , Tur Josep A. , Pons Antoni
Published: November 2018

A chronic inflammatory state is a major characteristic of the aging process, and physical activity is proposed as a key component for healthy aging. Our aim was to evaluate the body composition, hypertension, lipid profile, and inflammatory status of older adults, and these factors’ association with physical activity. A total of 116 elderly volunteers were categorized into terciles of quantitative metabolic equivalents of task (MET). Subjects in the first and third terciles were defined as sedentary and active subjects, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, hemograms, and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma or peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs). The active groups exercised more than their sedentary counterparts. The practice of physical activity was accompanied by lower weight, fat mass, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure when compared to a more sedentary life-style. Physical activity also lowered the haematocrit and total leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. The practice of exercise induced a decrease in the IL-6 circulating levels and the TLR2 protein levels in PBMCs, while the expression of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was activated in active subjects. The regular practice of physical activity exerts beneficial effects on body composition and the anti-inflammatory status of old people.
Rosmarinic Acid, a Component of Rosemary Tea, Induced the Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis through Modulation of HDAC2 Expression in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Jang Yin-Gi , Hwang Kyung-A , Choi Kyung-Chul
Published: November 2018

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a main phenolic compound contained in rosemary which is used as tea, oil, medicine and so on, has been known to present anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that play important roles in gene expression by removing the acetyl group from histone. The aberrant expression of HDAC in human tumors is related with the onset of human cancer. Especially, HDAC2, which belongs to HDAC class I composed of HDAC 1, 2, 3 and 8, has been reported to be highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) where it downregulates the expression of p53, resulting in an inhibition of apoptosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of RA in comparison with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an HDAC inhibitor used as an anti-cancer agent, on survival and apoptosis of PCa cell lines, PC-3 and DU145, and the expression of HDAC. RA decreased the cell proliferation in cell viability assay, and inhibited the colony formation and tumor spheroid formation. Additionally, RA induced early- and late-stage apoptosis of PC-3 and DU145 cells in Annexin V assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. In western blot analysis, RA inhibited the expression of HDAC2, as SAHA did. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 were downregulated by RA, whereas p21 was upregulated. In addition, RA modulated the protein expression of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway-related genes, such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) (cleaved) via the upregulation of p53 derived from HDAC2 downregulation, leading to the increased apoptosis of PC-3 and DU145 cells. Taken together, treatment of RA to PCa cell lines inhibits the cell survival and induces cell apoptosis, and it can be used as a novel therapeutic agent toward PCa.
Influence of Stainless Needle Electrodes and Silver Disk Electrodes over the Interhemispheric Cerebral Coherence Value in Vigil Dogs
Authors: Musteata Mihai , Borcea Denis Gabriel , Ștefănescu Raluca , Solcan Gheorghe , Lăcătuș Radu
Published: November 2018

Electroencephalography (EEG) is an objective diagnostic tool in the evaluation of cerebral functionality, both in human and veterinary medicine. For EEG acquisition, different types of electrodes are used, as long as they have no impact on the recorded background activity. However, to date, the influence of electrode type on quantitative EEG and cerebral coherence has not been investigated. Twenty EEG traces (ten with needle electrodes and ten with disk electrodes) were recorded from ten mesocephalic vigil dogs in a monopolar montage. Values for interhemispheric coherence for each frequency band were compared between stainless needle and silver disk electrodes traces. Our results show that the values of interhemispheric coherence in vigil dogs are depending of the type of electrodes used in EEG recordings. In the frontal (FP) channel, for delta and theta frequency bands, the registered coherence is significantly higher when stainless needle electrodes are used. Our results might have important consequences in the field of canine neurology and applied neuroscience, as the frontal channel analysis is preferred in aging and behavior studies.
M2M Communication Assessment in Energy-Harvesting and Wake-Up Radio Assisted Scenarios Using Practical Components
Authors: Rinne Jukka , Keskinen Jari , Berger Paul R. , Lupo Donald , Valkama Mikko
Published: November 2018

Techniques for wireless energy harvesting (WEH) are emerging as a fascinating set of solutions to extend the lifetime of energy-constrained wireless networks, and are commonly regarded as a key functional technique for almost perpetual communications. For example, with WEH technology, wireless devices are able to harvest energy from different light sources or Radio Frequency (RF) signals broadcast by ambient or dedicated wireless transmitters to support their operation and communications capabilities. WEH technology will have increasingly wider range of use in upcoming applications such as wireless sensor networks, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, and the Internet of Things. In this paper, the usability and fundamental limits of joint RF and solar cell or photovoltaic harvesting based M2M communication systems are studied and presented. The derived theoretical bounds are in essence based on the Shannon capacity theorem, combined with selected propagation loss models, assumed additional link nonidealities, diversity processing, as well as the given energy harvesting and storage capabilities. Fundamental performance limits and available capacity of the communicating link are derived and analyzed, together with extensive numerical results evaluated in different practical scenarios, including realistic implementation losses and state-of-the-art printed supercapacitor performance figures with voltage doubler-based voltage regulator. In particular, low power sensor type communication applications using passive and semi-passive wake-up radio (WuR) are addressed in the study. The presented analysis principles and results establish clear feasibility regions and performance bounds for wireless energy harvesting based low rate M2M communications in the future IoT networks.