bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODEL PELAKSANAAN DISEMINASI INFORMASI PENGINDERAAN JAUH BERBASIS TEKNOLOGI TERBUKA
Authors: Sarno .
Published: February 2018

National Earth Observation System at the Remote Sensing Application Center organize the functions of remote sensing information dissemination to the user. Space Law Number 21 of 2013 Article 22, Paragraph 1, mandates that the use of data and dissemination of remote sensing information shall be based on the guidelines set by the Institution. This research aims to analyze reference implementation of remote sensing information dissemination. The method used in this study is prototyping with an open technology. Stages of research include the identification of technology components and evaluation of the general architecture to simplify the development, design models and implementation of the system by reforming, repeatedly testing and integration of open source software. The results showed that the model or reference implementation has been successfully implemented and tested through prototypes. Application of the prototype into a fully operational system can be developed at low cost and user friendly interface. Abstrak Sistem Pemantauan Bumi Nasional di Pusat Pemanfaatan Penginderaan Jauh menyelenggarakan fungsi diseminasi informasi penginderaan jauh untuk pengguna. Undang-undang Keantariksaan Nomor 21 Tahun 2013 Pasal 22 Ayat 1, mengamanatkan bahwa pemanfaatan data dan diseminasi informasi penginderaan jauh wajib dilakukan berdasarkan pedoman yang ditetapkan oleh Lembaga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis model pelaksanaan diseminasi informasi penginderaan jauh. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purwarupa dengan teknologi terbuka. Tahapan penelitian meliputi identifikasi komponen teknologi dan evaluasi arsitektur umum untuk mempermudah dalam pengembangan, perancangan model dan implementasi sistem dengan melakukan pembaruan, pengujian secara berulang dan pengintegrasian perangkat lunak sumber terbuka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model telah berhasil diimplementasikan dan dilakukan pengujian melalui purwarupa. Penerapan purwarupa menjadi sistem yang beroperasi secara penuh dapat dikembangkan dengan biaya murah dan antarmuka yang ramah.
KLASIFIKASI PENUTUP/PENGGUNAAN LAHAN DENGAN DATA SATELIT PENGINDERAAN JAUH HIPERSPEKTRAL (HYPERION) MENGGUNAKAN METODE NEURAL NETWORK TIRUAN
Authors: Kushardono Dony
Published: February 2018

Hyperspectral remote sensing data has numerous spectral information for the land-use/land-cover (LULC) classification, but a large number of hyperspectral band data is becoming a problem in the LULC classification. This research proposes the use of the back propagation neural network for LULC classification with hyperspectral remote sensing data. Neural network used in this study is three layers, in which to test input layer has a number of neurons as many as 242 to process all band data, 163 neurons, and 50 neurons to process the data band has a high average digital number, and data bands at wavelengths of visible to near infrared. The results showed the use of all the data band hyperspectral on classification with the neural network has the highest classification accuracy of up to 98% for 18 LULC class, but it takes a very long time. Selecting a number of bands of precise data for classification with a neural network, in addition to speeding up data processing time, can also provide sufficient accuracy classification results.ABSTRAKData penginderaan jauh hiperspektral memiliki informasi spektral yang sangat banyak untuk klasifikasi penutup/penggunaan lahan (LULC), akan tetapi banyaknya jumlah band data hiperspektral menjadi masalah dalam klasifikasi LULC. Penelitian ini mengusulkan penggunaan back propagation neural network untuk klasifikasi LULC dengan data penginderaan jauh hiperspektral. Neural network yang dipergunakan 3 lapis, dimana untuk uji coba lapis masukan memiliki jumlah neuron sebanyak 242 untuk mengolah seluruh band, 163 neuron, dan 50 neuron untuk mengolah data band yang memiliki nilai digital rataan yang tinggi, dan data band pada panjang gelombang cahaya tampak hingga infra merah dekat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan penggunaan seluruh band data hiperspektral pada klasifikasi dengan neural network memiliki akurasi hasil klasifikasi tertinggi hingga 98% untuk 18 kelas LULC, akan tetapi waktu yang diperlukan sangat lama. Pemilihan sejumlah band data yang tepat untuk klasifikasi dengan neural network, selain mempercepat waktu pengolahan data, juga bisa memberikan akurasi hasil klasifikasi yang mencukupi.
Kebersyukuran dan Kebermaknaan Hidup pada Penderita Jantung Koroner
Authors: Maulidah Izanatul Laily
Published: February 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan kebersyukuran dan kebermaknaan hidup pada penderita jantung koroner di Poliklinik Penyakit Dalam RSUD Hj. Anna Lasmanah Banjarnegara.   Jumlah partisipan dalam penelitian ini yaitu 65 pasien.Alat pengumpulan data menggunakan skala kebersyukuran dan skala kebermaknaan hidup. Dari uji validitas, diperoleh koefisien validitas skala kebersyukuran bergerak dari 0,252 sampai 0,508 dengan rtabel = 0,244, sementara validitas skala kebermaknaan hidup bergerak dari 0,322 sampai 0,496 dengan rtabel = 0,244. Hasil uji reliabilitas skala kebersyukuran diperoleh nilai sebesar 0,879 dan skala kebermaknaan hidup sebesar 0,890.Analisis data dalam penelitian ini  menggunakan teknik analisis regresi linier sederhana. Hasil uji hipotesis menunjukkan rhitung sebesar 0,726 dan rtabel 0,244 p sebesar 0,000 dengan taraf kepercayaan 99% (α = 0,01), hal ini menunjukkan bahwa rhitung>rtabel (0,726>0,244) maka arah hubungan adalah positif. Dimana semakin tinggi kebersyukuran maka semakin tinggi kebermaknaan hidupnya, begitu juga sebaliknya jika semakin rendah kebersyukuran maka akan semakin rendah pula kebermaknaan hidupnya. Sumbangan efektif variabel kebersyukuran adalah sebesar 52,7% terhadap kebermaknaan hidup, sementara 47,3% merupakan sumbangan efektif dari faktor lain yang tidak diteliti.  Kata Kunci : Kebersyukuran, Kebermaknaan Hidup, Penderita Jantung Koroner
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Authors: Psycho Idea Admin
Published: February 2018

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Uji Validitas Konstrak Tes Minat Indonesia Melalui Aspek Minat Psikis
Authors: Periantalo Jelpa
Published: February 2018

Tes Minat Indonesia (TMI) berbasis budaya Indonesia yang didasarkan atas minat program studi di perguruan tinggi.Penelitian sebelumnya memberikan dukungan validitas konstrak melalui kelompok minat ilmu kesehatan.Penelitian bertujuan melakukan uji validasi konstrak melalui kelompok minat psikis. Minat Psikis terdiri dari minat Psikologi, Teologi, Filsafat, Komunikasi, Manajemen, Anak Usia Dini dan Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus. Validitas konstrak didapat melalui uji teknik konvergen, divergen, diskriminan dan kelompok.Subjek penelitian berasal dari siswa SMP, SMA, mahasiswa maupun umum. Validitas konvergen adanya hubungan positif minat bidang psikis dengan minat Ilmu Sosial Humaniora (rxy 0,453, p=0,000, N=388). Validitas divergen adanya hubungan negatif minat bidang psikis dengan minat Sains dan Teknologi (rxy=0,450, p=0,000, N=388). Validitas diskriminan tidak ada hubungan minat bidang psikis dengan TPA (rxy=-0,032, p=0,747, N=102). Validitas kelompok ditunjukkan mahasiswa ilmu psikis memiliki minat (M=9,33; N=76) lebih tinggi dari mahasiswa ilmu kesehatan (M=6,13; N=113) dengan nilai t=3,968; p=0,000. TMI dapat digunakan untuk mendiagnosis gambaran minat seseorang untuk pengembangan diri, peminatan SMA maupun penjurusan kuliah.Penelitian berikutnya untuk uji validitas kriteria dengan prestasi belajar, kepuasan belajar serta lama studi. Kata kunci : Diskriminan, Divergen, Konstrak, Konvergen, Minat, Validitas
Apakah Calon Pendidik Melakukan Ketidakjujuran Saat Ujian Mid Semester?
Authors: Herdian Herdian
Published: February 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bentuk ketidakjujuran akademik pada calon pendidik PAUD saat mengerjakan ujian MID semester. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini yaitu 42 mahasiswa semester 3, 5, dan 7 pada program studi PG PAUD di Universitas X di Purwokerto.Alat pengumpulan data menggunakankuesioner Vignetteyang digunakan merupakan adaptasi dari penelitian sebelumnya yang dilakukan oleh Lestari dan Asyanti (2015.Analisis data menggunakan content analysis.Hasil penelitian membuktikan bahwa bentuk perilaku tidakjujur terbanyak yang dilakukan oleh mahasiswa pada saat kesulitan mengerjakan ujian mid semester yaitu bertanya/ meminta jawaban dan mencontek..Tujuan pada situasi kesulitan mengerjakan yaitu agar dapat menyelesaikan, terpancing untuk mengingat materi, sulit mengerjakan, nilai baik, dan menjabarkan jawaban.Sedangkan bentuk perilaku tidakjujur saat melihat teman-teman mencontek didominasi oleh hasil ikut teman mencontek, selebihnya bertanya pada teman, dan browsing internet. Tujuan pada situasi melihat teman mencontek yaitu agar soal terjawab semua, dapat menyelesaikan soal, agar adil (ikut teman mencontek), bertanya pada teman terkadang salah (membuka catatan), nilai bagus, dan dapat jawaban yang berbeda.Kata Kunci :Calon pendidik, Kejujuran, Ketidakjujuran akademik
Efektivitas Penggunaan Teknik Token Ekonomi Terhadap Perilaku Prokrastinasi Akademik Mahasiswa Program Studi Psikologi FKIK Universitas Jambi
Authors: Khuzaimah Khuzaimah
Published: February 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas penggunaan teknik token ekonomi terhadap perilaku prokrastinasi mahasiswa Program Studi Psikologi FKIK Universitas Jambi.Penelitian menggunakan metode eksperimental-kuasi dengan desain one-group pretest-posttest. Penelitian dilakukan di Prodi Psikologi FKIK Universitas Jambi, dengan jumlah subjek sebanyak 46 mahasiswa.Penelitian menggunakan skala perilaku prokrastinasi akademik.Uji validitas data menggunakan teknik korelasi product moment, sedangkan uji reliabilitas menggunakan teknik koefisien alpha berstrarta. Hasil try out alat ukur menunjukkan bahwa skala perilaku prokrastinasi akademik memiliki skor validitas yang bergerak dari 0,284 sampai 0,782 dengan 30 butir soal pernyataan yang valid dengan nilai reliabilitas 0,82. Analisis data penelitian ini menggunakan teknik paired data t-test.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan perilaku prokrastinasi akademik mahasiswa sebelum dan sesudah diberikan token ekonomi dengan nilai sig. 0,047.. Perbedaan signifikan 0,007 berupa penurunan perilaku prokrastinasi akademik maladaptif mahasiswa sebelum dan sesudah diberikan token ekonomi, dan terdapat pengurangan mean sebesar 2,58. Tidak ditemukan perbedaan perilaku prokrastinasi adaptif dan nonprokrastinator pada mahasiswa. Perbedaan perilaku ditunjukkan lebih signifikan pada prokrastinasi maladaptif dengan signifikan 5% p=0,007 (p<0,05). Penurunan ini dikarenakan adanya nilai sebagai reward yang dihasilkan jika mengumpulkan tugas tepat waktu dan mendapatkan token. Kata Kunci: Mahasiswa, Prokrastinasi Akademik, Token Ekonomi
Dinamika Kenakalan Remaja pada Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama Darul Ihsan Muhammadiyah Sragen
Authors: Khutbawanti Erie , Dewi Yoan Tricylia , Wicaksono Eko Taris
Published: February 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana dinamika kenakalan remaja dan apa saja faktor yang mempengaruhi munculnya kenakalan remaja pada siswa SMP Darul Ihsan Muhammadiyah Sragen. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus.Informan dari penelitian ini dipilih secara purposive sampling.Jumlah dari informan adalah 4 orang yaitu 3 orang santri putra dan 1 orang pengurus pondok sebagai informan pendukung. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan bahwa dinamika kenakalan remaja pada siswa SMP Darul Ihsan Muhammadiyah Sragen muncul dalam empat aspek, yaitu: (a) orientasi, (b) emosi, (c) interaksi sosial, dan (d) aktivitas. Temuan yang menarik dari penelitian ini adalah dua faktor utama yang menyebabkan munculnya perilaku kenakalan remaja pada siswa SMP Darul Ihsan Muhammadiyah Sragen yaitu waktu dan pengawasan.Kata Kunci :Faktor penyebab, Kenakalan remaja, Siswa sekolah berbasis Islam
Penerapan Bimbingan Kelompok untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Beradaptasi Siswa Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan
Authors: Lusikooy Andretha Mariana
Published: February 2018

This research is a Classroom Action Research which aims to obtain data through cycles in treatment that is done through group guidance approach to adaptation of students. This study was conducted in two cycles with a duration of research for three months. The final result is: From 38 students as the subject is known 36 students or 95% of students are able to solve their problems with the form of adjustment in the classroom, school and community. 2 students or 5% of students still need individual guidance. Thus it is stated that the research using this group guidance method is very effective in solving student persolan through adaptation (adaptation) with the community both in the scope of SMK Negeri 2 Ambon or among student residence.
Aktualisasi Diri Siswa dalam Proses Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen dan Budi Pekerti Berdasarkan Perspektif Carl R. Rogers
Authors: Lesilolo Herly Janet
Published: February 2018

This study aims to examine the application of self-actualization of students according to Carl, R. Rogers in the teaching and learning process of Christian Religious Education and Character Based on the curriculum 2013. Background of research problem is the teaching and learning process of Christian Education and Character Budi Pekerti Based on the 2013 curriculum in the fourth grade of school Basic has not developed self-actualization of students. Teachers have not helped students develop themselves, know themselves as unique human beings and help students realize the potentials that exist within students. As a result students are not critical and sensitive to social reality and have not been able to direct themselves in solving a problem. The objectives of the research are: (1) to describe the way of learning of students who self-actualize in teaching and learning process of PAK and morality based on curriculum 2013, (2) to describe the role of teacher so that students can mengatualisasikan self-learning process of PAK and Budi Pekerti based on curriculum 2013, 3) describe the teaching and learning process of PAK and Budi Pekerti based on the 2013 curriculum that self-actualizes students. The results showed, (1) Students become active learners, students develop thinking skills, communicate, act, and be virtuous; Students seek answers with their own student efforts based on correct facts; Students and teachers show the mutual relationships meet the needs because teachers and students have different roles in the PBM. (2) Teachers are not patronizing, teachers build trust between students and teachers, students with students, teachers invite students to participate, teachers do not patronize, do not restrict students looking and finding, independent of other students pouring ideas. (3) The learning process from the students 'experience, whether cognitive, attitudes, or skills, develops students' courage and skills, active interactional relationships include active communication, media utilization and social relationships so that teachers and students are free to ask or respond to questions or opinions.
Model Konseling Kelompok Cognitive Behavior untuk Penanganan Self-esteem Siswa SMK
Authors: Bakhrudin Habsy All
Published: February 2018

This study aims to test the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Group Counseling to improve Self-Esteem vocational students. This study, using experimental design with pretest and posttest control group design. Based on the measurement results of self-esteem inventory netted twelve students identified as students who have low self-esteem characteristics. Subsequently the selection of subjects for the experimental and control groups was conducted randomly with a total of six students for each group. There are two types of instruments used are treatment and measurement instruments. The treatment instrument is guidance on the implementation of Cognitive Behavior Group Counseling, while the measurement instrument is self-esteem inventory which has a total grain validity value with R value above 0.32, and reliability of 0.945 can be concluded that reliable and feasible self-esteem inventory is used as research instrument . Data were analyzed by non-parametric statistics Two Independent Sample Test Mann Whitney. The result of hypothesis is Z value is -2.242 and Asymp number. Sig. (2-tailed) is 0.025 <0.05, then Ho is rejected, meaning Cognitive Behavior Group Counseling to improve Self-Esteem vocational students. Based on the results of the research can be submitted suggestions: 1) for Counselors: Cognitive Behavior Group Counseling can be applied to improve the Self-Esteem students of SMK, and as a basis for understanding the development aspects of vocational students, 2) Further Research: This research apply Cognitive Behavior Group Counseling with technique Cognitive restructuring, problem solving and home duties, for further research to test their effectiveness by using other relevant techniques.
Penerapan Teknik Analogi dalam Layanan Informasi untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Analitik Siswa SMA
Authors: Resley Izaac
Published: February 2018

Students' analytic thinking skills through counseling services are essential. This ability is needed to solve the problems they face. Accordingly, an eclective model or method of counseling used to improve analytical skills is necessary. Technique analogies in information services can be used to improve students' analytic skills. The purpose of this research is to improve the information service process by practicing students' analytic skills. The research design uses PTK where the lecturer collaborates in research at the school where the BK teacher feels the problem in the information service he provides and then collaborates with the lecturer to solve it. The subjects of the study were students of class XI IPS1 SMA Negeri 5 Ambon as many as 35 people. The study was conducted in 2 cycles. Each cycle takes 4 meetings beyond the time used for pretest at the beginning of the first cycle, and 2 times the postes of analytic skill at once at the end of cycle I and again at the end of cycle II. This study uses a learning scenario as a guide for action implementation. The instruments used are service process observation sheets and inventory of analytic skills. The research produces qualitative and quantitative data analyzed by descriptive statistics and interpreted qualitatively. Research data is analyzed with three steps, namely: data reduction, data presentation, and decision making. The results show that the use of analogy techniques can be used in information services to improve students' analytic skills. Improved analytic thinking skills can be seen from the presence of students with low analytic skills in pre-cycle I tests increased in number on post cyclical I tests, and increased again at the post test cycle II. Such improvements occur also in students with analytic thinking skills are increasing in number to students with high analytic thinking skills when heading the cycle I test, and Cycle II postes. Based on the research findings, it is suggested to counseling teachers to: (1) use analogous techniques in the information services they provide, (2) make creative thinking skills as the objective of learning accompaniment.
Efektifitas Layanan Bimbingan dan Konseling Untuk Mengatasi Masalah Menyontek dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Prestasi Belajar Siswa SMA Negeri 11 Ambon
Authors: Purwatib Purwatib
Published: February 2018

The problem of cheating for learners is not something new in the world of school. When school programs begin to enter the stage of assessment, then there are also various behavior patterns of learners to prepare themselves to face a test or test. In fact, in schools such as SMA Negeri 11 Ambon there are some students of class X IPS do cheat behavior at the time of replication take place. The research was conducted in SMA Negeri 11 Ambon, the result of the research showed that there were differences of learners behavior, before and after the students got guidance and counseling service. Of the 40 respondents who originally cheated, after being given guidance almost all declared no and have abandoned the attitude of cheating.
Peran Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling pada Sekolah Penyelenggara Pendidikan Inklusi
Authors: Lattu Desje
Published: February 2018

The development of contemporary education leads to the model of inclusive education. Almost all developed countries have appreciated, treated and respected children with special needs more detailed and very human. In the United States, for example, inclusive education is growing very rapidly in the presence of various elements of mutual support. In addition, in Japan children with special needs and parents are given the freedom to choose the school according to the wishes of children with special needs. Schools that receive special needs children provide educational services according to their specificity. Inclusive education is now beginning to be developed in Indonesia, with various areas being supported by the goal of implementing inclusive education.
Keberartian Pendidikan Formal dalam Proses Self-Socialization Remaja Dalam Era Digital Pada Abad 21
Authors: Salamor Lisye
Published: February 2018

Changes in society and culture affect youth as part of society. The digital age of the 21st century has contributed enormously to the development of human resources, but from these advances, it also plays a negative impact on the development of human resources, especially adolescents in their development. The virtue of self-socialization in adolescents toward the negative is a shared responsibility between the school as a formal education institution and the family. Partnership in developing youth resources between these two community institutions is very important for the achievement of educational goals in adolescent self-development.
Appropriations of Informed Consent: Abortion, Medical Decision Making, and Antiabortion Rhetoric
Authors: Lakey Heather
Published: February 2018

In this article, I consider how politicians appropriate the informed consent process to disseminate antiabortion ideology in the United States. I expand on research conducted by the Guttmacher Institute to explore critically three rhetorical strategies that align the informed consent process with antiabortion ideology. I situate this cooption within societal practices that demean and dismiss women's moral agency and reproductive autonomy, and I unpack the ethical consequences that follow from the distortion of medical information.
Reduced Gray Matter Volume of the Thalamus and Hippocampal Region in Elderly Healthy Adults with no Impact of APOE ɛ4: A Longitudinal Voxel-Based Morphometry Study
Authors: Squarzoni Paula , Duran Fabio Luis Souza , Busatto Geraldo F. , Alves Tania Correa Toledo de Ferraz
Published: February 2018

Background:

Many cross-sectional voxel-based morphometry (VBM) investigations have shown significant inverse correlations between chronological age and gray matter (GM) volume in several brain regions in healthy humans. However, few VBM studies have documented GM decrements in the healthy elderly with repeated MRI measurements obtained in the same subjects. Also, the extent to which the APOE ɛ4 allele influences longitudinal findings of GM reduction in the healthy elderly is unclear.

Objective:

Verify whether regional GM changes are associated with significant decrements in cognitive performance taking in account the presence of the APOE ɛ4 allele.

Methods:

Using structural MRI datasets acquired in 55 cognitively intact elderly subjects at two time-points separated by approximately three years, we searched for voxels showing significant GM reductions taking into account differences in APOE genotype.

Results:

We found global GM reductions as well as regional GM decrements in the right thalamus and left parahippocampal gyrus ( p < 0.05, family-wise error corrected for multiple comparisons over the whole brain). These findings were not affected by APOE ɛ4.

Conclusions:

Irrespective of APOE ɛ4, longitudinal VBM analyses show that the hippocampal region and thalamus are critical sites where GM shrinkage is greater than the degree of global volume reduction in healthy elderly subjects.
Interactions between Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and ApoE Genotype in Promoting Cognitive Decline in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Falsetti Lorenzo , Viticchi Giovanna , Buratti Laura , Grigioni Francesco , Capucci Alessandro , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: February 2018

Background:

An association between non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and cognitive impairment has been hypothesized.

Objective:

We sought to evaluate whether and how permanent NVAF (pNVAF) is associated with progression of cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the presence of vascular or genetic risk factors.

Methods:

310 consecutive patients affected by mild-moderate AD were included and followed for a 24-month period. At the end of the follow-up, based on the results of the neuropsychological evaluation patients were classified as stable or deteriorated to severe AD. Clinical history, therapy, time in therapeutic range for anticoagulation, Framingham cardiovascular risk profile (FCRP), CHA2DS2-VASc score, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), ApoE genotype, brain CT-scan, carotid ultrasound, and ECG were collected. Binary logistic and path analysis were adopted to assess relationships between pNVAF, ApoE, and cognitive outcome.

Results:

Despite anticoagulant therapy, pNVAF was associated with lower entry MMSE, higher mean intima-media thickness (mIMT) and higher FCRP. Among patients carrying ApoE ɛ4 allele and affected by pNVAF, the lowest MMSE (14.90±7.62) and the highest mIMT (1.16±0.17 mm) and FCRP (26.24±3.96) values were detected. In this group, the risk of cognitive deterioration reached the highest probability. pNVAF was associated with an increased cognitive deterioration in subjects with high FCRP, CHA2DS2-VASc, or mIMT.

Conclusions:

pNVAF seems to identify AD patients with a significant atherosclerotic burden and reduced cognitive performances. The interaction between pNVAF and ApoE ɛ4 genotype, especially with aggregated risk factors and an advanced stage of vascular damage is associated with higher risk of fast cognitive deterioration.
Decreased Prefrontal Activation during Matrix Reasoning in Predementia Progranulin Mutation Carriers
Authors: Alexander Courtney , Zeithamova Dagmar , Hsiung Ging-Yuek R. , Mackenzie Ian R. , Jacova Claudia
Published: February 2018

We tested the potential of task-based functional neuroimaging as a biomarker of emerging prefrontal brain changes in progranulin ( GRN) mutations carriers. Five GRN mutation carriers free of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and 11 non-carriers from families with FTD- GRN underwent functional MRI while solving matrix-reasoning problems. Mutation carriers displayed slower responses for more difficult problems and lower lateral prefrontal activation across all problems. Overall task-evoked posterior ventrolateral prefrontal activation predicted mutation status with 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Volumetric differences did not account for activation differences. Prefrontal activation may have utility as a biomarker in GRN mutation.
Visit-To-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and the Risk of Dementia in Older People
Authors: van Middelaar Tessa , van Dalen Jan W. , van Gool Willem A. , van den Born Bert-Jan H. , van Vught Lonneke A. , Moll van Charante Eric P. , Richard Edo
Published: February 2018

Background:

High visit-to-visit variability (VVV) in blood pressure (BP) is associated with cerebrovascular lesions on neuroimaging.

Objective:

Our primary objective was to investigate whether VVV is associated with incident all-cause dementia. As a secondary objective, we studied the association of VVV with cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods:

We included community-dwelling people (age 70–78 year) from the ‘Prevention of Dementia by Intensive Vascular Care’ (preDIVA) trial with three to five 2-yearly BP measurements during 6–8 years follow-up. VVV was defined using coefficient of variation (CV; SD/mean×100). Cognitive decline was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Incident CVD was defined as myocardial infarction or stroke. We used a Cox proportional hazard regression and mixed-effects model adjusted for sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

In 2,305 participants (aged 74.2±2.5), mean systolic BP over all available visits was 150.1 mmHg (SD 13.6), yielding a CV of 9.0. After 6.4 years (SD 0.8) follow-up, 110 (4.8%) participants developed dementia and 140 (6.1%) CVD. Higher VVV was not associated with increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00 per point CV increase; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.05), although the highest quartile of VVV was associated with stronger decline in MMSE ( β –0.09, 95% CI –0.17 to –0.01). Higher VVV was associated with incident CVD (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04–1.11).

Conclusion:

In our study among older people, high VVV is not associated with incident all-cause dementia. It is associated with decline in MMSE and incident CVD.
Homocysteine and Cerebral Atrophy: The Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore Study
Authors: Tan Bryce , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Vrooman Henri , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Ikram Mohammad Kamran , Chen Christopher , Hilal Saima
Published: February 2018

Background:

Plasma homocysteine levels are increasingly studied as a potential risk factor for dementia. Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked with gray and white matter volume reduction among individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the effects of homocysteine on brain changes in preclinical stages of dementia remain unexplored.

Objective:

To examine the association of elevated homocysteine levels with markers of neurodegeneration, i.e., white and gray matter volume in an elderly population.

Methods:

The study included 768 participants (mean age: 69.6±6.5 years, 51.3% women) from the Epidemiology of Dementia In Singapore study. Participants underwent a brain MRI scan and blood tests. Serum homocysteine was measured using competitive immunoassay. Cortical thickness and subcortical structural volume were quantified using FreeSurfer whereas white matter volume was quantified using a previous validated method.

Results:

Higher homocysteine levels were significantly associated with decreased global white matter volume [mean difference ( β) in volume (ml) per micromole per liter ( μmol/l) increase in homocysteine levels: – 0.555, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): – 0.873; – 0.237], decreased parietal cortical thickness [ β in thickness ( μm) per μmol/l increase in homocysteine levels:– 1.429, 95% CI: – 2.781; – 0.077], and smaller volumes of the thalamus [ β: – 0.017, 95% CI: – 0.026; – 0.008], brainstem [ β: – 0.037, 95% CI: – 0.058; – 0.016], and accumbens [ β: – 0.004, 95% CI: – 0.006; – 0.002].

Conclusion:

Higher homocysteine levels were associated with cerebral atrophy. Further studies are required to assess whether lowering plasma homocysteine levels may prevent neurodegenerative changes or delay progression of clinical symptoms before the development of dementia.
Age-Related Changes in the Spatial Frequency Threshold of Male and Female 3xTg-AD Mice Using OptoMotry
Authors: King Jillian L. , Wong Aimée A. , Brown Richard E.
Published: February 2018

Visual impairments and retinal abnormalities occur in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in mouse models of AD. It is important to know the visual ability of mouse models of AD to ensure that age-related cognitive deficits are not confounded by visual impairments. Using OptoMotry, the spatial frequency thresholds of male and female 3xTg-AD mice did not differ from their B6129SF2 wildtype controls between 1–18 months of age, but females had higher spatial frequency thresholds than males. However, the differences were quite small, and the visual ability of all mice was comparable to that of C57BL/6 mice.
Perspectives on Communicating Biomarker-Based Assessments of Alzheimer’s Disease to Cognitively Healthy Individuals
Authors: Milne Richard , Bunnik Eline , Diaz Ana , Richard Edo , Badger Shirlene , Gove Dianne , Georges Jean , Fauria Karine , Molinuevo Jose-Luis , Wells Katie , Ritchie Craig , Brayne Carol
Published: February 2018

In clinical trials which target pathophysiological mechanisms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, research participants who are recruited based on biomarker test results should be informed about their increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia. This paper presents the results of a qualitative focus group study of attitudes and concerns toward learning information about biomarker-based risk status among healthy research participants in the United Kingdom and Spain and people with dementia and their supporters/caregivers from countries represented in the European Working Group of People with Dementia of Alzheimer Europe. The study identified expectations related to learning risk status and preferences related to the content, quality, and follow-up of the disclosure process. The latter emphasize distinctions between risk and diagnoses, the importance of clear information about risk, and suggestions for risk reduction, as well as expectations for follow up and support. The implications of these preferences for practice are discussed. Providing details of research participants’ experience and views may serve as a guide for the development of processes for the responsible disclosure of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers.
The Role of Verb Fluency in the Detection of Early Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Alegret Montserrat , Peretó Mar , Pérez Alba , Valero Sergi , Espinosa Ana , Ortega Gemma , Hernández Isabel , Mauleón Ana , Rosende-Roca Maitée , Vargas Liliana , Rodríguez-Gómez Octavio , Abdelnour Carla , Berthier Marcelo L. , Bak Thomas H. , Ruíz Agustín , Tárraga Lluís , Boada Mercè
Published: February 2018

Background:

Verb fluency (VF) is the less commonly used fluency test, despite several studies suggesting its potential as a neuropsychological assessment tool.

Objective:

To investigate the presence of VF deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia; to assess the usefulness of VF in the detection of cognitively healthy (CH) people who will convert to MCI, and from MCI to dementia; and to establish the VF cut-offs useful in the cognitive assessment of Spanish population.

Methods:

568 CH, 885 MCI, and 367 mild AD dementia individuals were administered the VF test and a complete neuropsychological battery. Longitudinal analyses were performed in 231 CH and 667 MCI subjects to search for VF predictors of diagnosis conversion.

Results:

A worsening on VF performance from CH, MCI to AD dementia groups was found. Lower performances on VF were significantly related to conversion from CH to MCI/MCI to dementia. When the effect of time to conversion was analyzed, a significant effect of VF was found on the faster conversion from CH to MCI, but not from MCI to dementia. Moreover, VF cut-off scores and sensitivity/specificity values were calculated for 6 conditions (3 age ranges by 2 educational levels).

Conclusion:

The VF test may be a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of cognitive failure in the elderly. Since VF deficits seem to take place in early stages of the disease, it is a suitable neuropsychological tool for the detection not only of CH people who will convert to MCI, but also from MCI to dementia.
Ozone Atmospheric Pollution and Alzheimer’s Disease: From Epidemiological Facts to Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Croze Marine L. , Zimmer Luc
Published: February 2018

Atmospheric pollution is a well-known environmental hazard, especially in developing countries where millions of people are exposed to airborne pollutant levels above safety standards. Accordingly, several epidemiological and animal studies confirmed its role in respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies and identified a strong link between ambient air pollution exposure and adverse health outcomes such as hospitalization and mortality. More recently, the potential deleterious effect of air pollution inhalation on the central nervous system was also investigated and mounting evidence supports a link between air pollution exposure and neurodegenerative pathologies, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The focus of this review is to highlight the possible link between ozone air pollution exposure and AD incidence. This review’s approach will go from observational and epidemiological facts to the proposal of molecular mechanisms. First, epidemiological and postmortem human study data concerning residents of ozone-severely polluted megacities will be presented and discussed. Then, the more particular role of ozone air pollution in AD pathology will be described and evidenced by toxicological studies in rat or mouse with ozone pollution exposure only. The experimental paradigms used to reproduce in rodent the human exposure to ozone air pollution will be described. Finally, current insights into the molecular mechanisms through which ozone inhalation can affect the brain and play a role in AD development or progression will be recapitulated.
Designing an Internet-Based Multidomain Intervention for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: The HATICE Trial
Authors: Barbera Mariagnese , Mangialasche Francesca , Jongstra Susan , Guillemont Juliette , Ngandu Tiia , Beishuizen Cathrien , Coley Nicola , Brayne Carol , Andrieu Sandrine , Richard Edo , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia ,   for the HATICE study group
Published: February 2018

Background:

Many dementia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases in older adults are attributable to modifiable vascular and lifestyle-related risk factors, providing opportunities for prevention. In the Healthy Aging Through Internet Counselling in the Elderly (HATICE) randomized controlled trial, an internet-based multidomain intervention is being tested to improve the cardiovascular risk (CVR) profile of older adults.

Objective:

To design a multidomain intervention to improve CVR, based on the guidelines for CVR management, and administered through a coach-supported, interactive, platform to over 2500 community-dwellers aged 65+ in three European countries.

Methods:

A comparative analysis of national and European guidelines for primary and secondary CVD prevention was performed. Results were used to define the content of the intervention.

Results:

The intervention design focused on promoting awareness and self-management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and overweight, and supporting smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy diet. Overall, available guidelines lacked specific recommendations for CVR management in older adults. The comparative analysis of the guidelines showed general consistency for lifestyle-related recommendations. Key differences, identified mostly in methods used to assess the overall CVR, did not hamper the intervention design. Minor country-specific adaptations were implemented to maximize the intervention feasibility in each country.

Conclusion:

Despite differences in CVR management within the countries considered, it was possible to design and implement the HATICE multidomain intervention. The study can help define preventative strategies for dementia and CVD that are applicable internationally.
Meta-Analysis of Personality Traits in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comparison with Healthy Subjects
Authors: D’Iorio Alfonsina , Garramone Federica , Piscopo Fausta , Baiano Chiara , Raimo Simona , Santangelo Gabriella
Published: February 2018

Background:

The role of specific personality traits as factor risks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been consistently found, whereas personality traits specifically related to AD (after the diagnosis) have not been outlined yet.

Objective:

A meta-analysis of published studies was performed to determine whether AD patients have a distinctive personality trait profile compared to healthy subjects (HC), similar to or different from a premorbid personality profile consistently reported in previous studies.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed using PsycInfo (PROQUEST), PubMed, and Scopus. The meta-analysis pooled results from primary studies using Hedges’ g unbiased approach.

Results:

The meta-analysis included 10 primary studies and revealed that, when the personality was evaluated by informant-rated measures, AD patients had significantly higher levels of Neuroticism, lower levels of Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion than HCs. When the personality was evaluated by self-rated measures, the results obtained from informants were confirmed for Neuroticism, Openness, and Extraversion but not for Agreeableness and Conscientiousness where AD patients and HCs achieved similar scores.

Conclusions:

The meta-analysis revealed that high Neuroticism and low Openness and Extraversion are distinctive personality traits significantly associated with a diagnosis of AD when evaluated both self-rated and informant-rated measures. This personality trait profile is similar to premorbid one, which contributes to development of AD over time. Therefore, our findings indirectly support the idea of specific premorbid personality traits as harbingers of AD.
Longitudinal Modeling of Functional Decline Associated with Pathologic Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Persons without Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wang Dai , Schultz Tim , Novak Gerald P. , Baker Susan , Bennett David A. , Narayan Vaibhav A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Therapeutic research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has moved to intercepting the disease at the preclinical phase. Most drugs in late development have focused on the amyloid hypothesis.

Objective:

To understand the magnitude of amyloid-related functional decline and to identify the functional domains sensitive to decline in a preclinical AD population.

Methods:

Data were from the Religious Orders Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Cognitive decline was measured by a modified version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite. The trajectories of functional decline, as measured by the instrumental and basic activities of daily living, were longitudinally modeled in 484 participants without cognitive impairment at baseline and having both a final clinical and a postmortem neuropathology assessment of AD.

Results:

Individuals with different final clinical diagnoses had different trajectories of cognitive and functional decline. Individuals with AD dementia, minor cognitive impairment, and no cognitive impairment had the most, intermediate, and least declines. While individuals with pathologic AD had significantly more cognitive decline over time than those without, the magnitude of difference in functional decline between these two groups was small. Functional domains such as handling finance and handling medications were more sensitive to decline.

Conclusion:

Demonstrating the functional benefit of an amyloid-targeting drug represents a significant challenge as elderly people experience functional decline due to a wide range of reasons with limited manifestation attributable to AD neuropathology. More sensitive functional scales focusing on the functional domains sensitive to decline in preclinical AD are needed.
Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Szablewski Leszek
Published: February 2018

Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and disease. The alterations in the composition of gut microbiota may cause the onset of certain human pathologies. One of these is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). High-fat diets, administration of antibiotics, lack of probiotics and/or prebiotics in diet increase the risk of AD. On the other hand, modulation of the composition of gut microbiota may decrease the risk of AD and be able to slow down the progression of AD.
A Network of Genetic Effects on Non-Demented Cognitive Aging: Alzheimer’s Genetic Risk (CLU + CR1 + PICALM) Intensifies Cognitive Aging Genetic Risk (COMT + BDNF) Selectively for APOEɛ4 Carriers
Authors: Sapkota Shraddha , Dixon Roger A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Trajectories of complex neurocognitive phenotypes in preclinical aging may be produced differentially through selective and interactive combinations of genetic risk.

Objective:

We organize three possible combinations into a “network” of genetic risk indices derived from polymorphisms associated with normal and impaired cognitive aging, as well as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Specifically, we assemble and examine three genetic clusters relevant to non-demented cognitive trajectories: 1) Apolipoprotein E ( APOE), 2) a Cognitive Aging Genetic Risk Score (CA-GRS; Catechol-O-methyltransferase + Brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and 3) an AD-Genetic Risk Score (AD-GRS; Clusterin + Complement receptor 1 +  Phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein).

Method:

We use an accelerated longitudinal design ( n = 634; age range = 55–95 years) to test whether AD-GRS (low versus high) moderates the effect of increasing CA-GRS risk on executive function (EF) performance and change as stratified by APOE status ( ɛ4+ versus ɛ4–).

Results:

APOE ɛ4 carriers with high AD-GRS had poorer EF performance at the centering age (75 years) and steeper 9-year decline with increasing CA-GRS but this association was not present in APOE ɛ4 carriers with low AD-GRS.

Conclusions:

APOE ɛ4 carriers with high AD-GRS are at elevated risk of cognitive decline when they also possess higher CA-GRS risk. Genetic risk from both common cognitive aging and AD-related indices may interact in intensification networks to differentially predict (1) level and trajectories of EF decline and (2) potential selective vulnerability for transitions into impairment and dementia.
The First Historically Reported Italian Family with FTD/ALS Teaches a Lesson on C9orf72 RE: Clinical Heterogeneity and Oligogenic Inheritance
Authors: Giannoccaro Maria Pia , Bartoletti-Stella Anna , Piras Silvia , Casalena Alfonsina , Oppi Federico , Ambrosetto Giovanni , Montagna Pasquale , Liguori Rocco , Parchi Piero , Capellari Sabina
Published: February 2018

Background:

In 1969, Dazzi and Finizio reported the second observation of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) association in a large Italian kindred affected by an autosomal dominant form of ALS with high penetrance, frequent bulbar onset, and frequent cognitive decline.

Objective:

To expand the original characterization of this family and report the link with the C9orf72 repeat expansion (RE).

Methods:

We followed or reviewed the medical records of thirteen patients belonging to the original family and performed genetic analyses in four individuals.

Results:

Eight patients presented with ALS, four with FTD, and one with schizophrenia. The C9orf72 RE was found in three patients but not in the healthy survivor. Additionally, we found a novel possible pathogenic variant in the ITM2B gene in one patient with a complex phenotype, associating movement disorders, psychiatric and cognitive features, deafness, and optic atrophy. The neuropathological examination of this patient did not show the classical features of ITM2B mutation related dementias suggesting that the putative pathogenic mechanism does not involve cellular mislocalization of the protein or the formation of amyloid plaques.

Conclusion:

We showed that the original Italian pedigree described with FTD/ALS carries the C9orf72 RE. Moreover, the finding of an additional mutation in another dementia causing gene in a patient with a more complex phenotype suggests a possible role of genetic modifiers in the disease. Together with other reports showing the coexistence of mutations in multiple ALS/FTD causative genes in the same family, our study supports an oligogenic etiology of ALS/FTD.