bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peran Knowlege Sharing Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Perusahaan Telekomunikasi
Authors: Muizu Wa Ode Zusnita , Titisari Andhita , Sule Ernie T
Published: July 2018

Peneltian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui apakah knowledge sharing berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai di PT Telkom Indonesia. Penelitian ini memiliki dua variabel, yaitu knowledge sharing sebagai variabel independen dan kinerja pegawai sebagai variabel dependen. Data didapatkan melalui wawancara dan penyebaran kuesioner pada karyawan di PT Telkom Indonesia dengan jumlah sampelnya sebanyak 145 orang. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dan metode verifikatif. Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Knowledge sharing berpengaruh positif sebesar 28,9% dalam membentuk kinerja kerja pegawai, yang artinya dengan semakin baiknya pelaksanaan knowledge sharing di PT Telkom, maka akan semakin baik pula kinerja yang dimiliki pegawai. 

Keywords: Knowledge sharing, kinerja pegawai
Peningkatan Daya Saing Perbankan Melalui Efisiensi Biaya Dengan Metoe Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Khalifaturofi’ah Sholikha Oktavi
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini mengkaji tentang efisiensi biaya pada bank umum konvensional dan pengaruhnya terhadap total aset dan profitabilitas. Efisiensi merupakan sesuatu yang sangat penting bagi perbankan. Adanya inefisiensi merupakan sinyal utama bahwa terjadi masalah pada perbankan. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan stochastic frontier, didapatkan hasil bahwa ratarata tingkat efisiensi biaya pada bank umum konvensional adalah 93.21%. Data panel pada 17 bank umum konvensional menunjukkan bahwa efisiensi berpengaruh positif tetapi tidak signifikan terhadap profitabilitas dan berpengaruh negatif tetapi tidak signifikan terhadap total aset. Total aset dan ROE dipengaruhi oleh CAR, LDR, dan NIM sedangkan ROA dipengaruhi oleh NIM. Penelitian ini mengimplikasikan bahwa perbankan harus menjaga kecukupan atas modal, besarnya pembiayaan, dan tingkat suku bunga kredit supaya dapat meningkatkan total aset dan profitabilitas. 

Keywords: SFA, efisiensi biaya, total aset, profitabilitas, bank umum konvensional
Pengaruh Kualitas Layanan Online Terhadap Kepuasan, Komitmen, Dan Loyalitas Nasabah Internet Banking Di Kota Denpasar
Authors: Sudirman I Made Stevana Adi Santhika , Suasana I Gusti Agung Ketut Gede
Published: July 2018

Pelayanan melalui internet merupakan salah satu isu, terkait dengan strategi ekspansi bisnis perbankan. Kualitas layanan secara online terbaik dapat menentukan loyalitas nasabah terhadap suatu bank. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk; menjelaskan pengaruh kualitas layanan online yang dibentuk oleh dimensi-dimensi e-service quality terhadap kepuasan nasabah; menjelaskan pengaruh kepuasan terhadap loyalitas nasabah pengguna internet banking, baik secara langsung maupun melalui mediasi komitmen nasabah. Subjek penelitian adalah nasabah bank umum di Kota Denpasar yang memanfaatkan fasilitas layanan internet banking. Anggota sampel terdiri dari para nasabah Bank Mandiri, BCA, Bank Permata, Bank CIMB Niaga, dan Bank Commonwealth di Kota Denpasar, dengan ukuran sampel sebesar 200 orang. Penentuan sampel menggunakan metode non probability sampling, yaitu purposive sampling. Data dianalisis dengan teknik analisis Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Validitas data diuji menggunakan konfirmatori first order dan second order, sedangkan uji reliabilitas menggunakan construct reliability. Hasil analisis konfirmatori full model struktural terhadap tujuh dimensi eservice quality, menunjukkan bahwa kualitas informasi website, kualitas interaksi website, kualitas desain website, kehandalan, ketanggapan, jaminan dan empati, berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan nasabah. Hasil lain juga ditemukan bahwa kepuasan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas nasabah, baik secara langsung maupun melalui mediasi secara parsial komitmen nasabah. Pengembangan layanan internet banking perlu memperhatikan dengan seksama dimensi-dimensi e-service quality sebagai pembentuk kualitas layanan online. Perbaikan terhadap dimensi-dimensi e-service quality diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kinerja layanan internet banking sesuai dengan harapan nasabah demi tercapainya kepuasan, komitmen, serta loyalitas nasabah. 

Keywords: kualitas layanan online, kepuasaan nasabah, komitmen nasabah, loyalitas nasabah, internet banking
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Jasa Dan Kualitas Harga Terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen Pada Hotel Purnama Dimediasi Oleh Kepercayaan
Authors: Sawitri Dyah , Rozi Wisma Miftahur , Wahyono Gendut Budi , Siswandoyo Eko Budi
Published: July 2018

Latar belakang penelitian adalah Salah satu kegiatan yang menunjang pariwisata Kota Batu adalah penyediaan akomodasi berupa tempat-tempat penginapan yang memadai bagi wisatawan yang masuk Kota Batu. Puluhan Hotel berbintang dan ratusan hotel non bintang seperti homestay dan vila, siap menyediakan fasilitas akomodasi bagi pengunjung Kota Wisata Batu. Peningkatan jumlah hotel tersebut merupakan indikator yang menunjukkan semakin tingginya persaingan jasa perhotelan. Salah satu indikator keberhasilan hotel dalam memperoleh pelanggan adalah dengan memberikan jaminan kepuasan. kepuasan konsumen adalah perasaan senang atau kecewa seseorang yang muncul setelah membandingkan kinerja (hasil) produk/jasa yang dipikirkan terhadap kinerja (hasil) yang diharapkan. Kepusan merupakan salah satu indicator keberhasilan dalam kinerjanya sehingga dapat menjamin terjadinya loyalitas pelanggan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah : (1) Untuk mengetahui dan menganalisa pengaruh yang signifikan kualitas pelayanan jasa terhadap kepuasan konsumen pada Hotel Purnama, (2) Untuk mengetahui dan menganalisa pengaruh yang signifikan kualitas harga terhadap kepuasan konsumen pada Hotel Purnama, (3) Untuk mengetahui dan menganalisa pengaruh yang signifikan kualitas pelayanan jasa terhadap kepercayaan konsumen pada Hotel Purnama, (4) Untuk mengetahui dan menganalisa pengaruh yang signifikan kualitas harga terhadap kepercayaan konsumen pada Hotel Purnama. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan merupakan penelitian kuantitatif, dengan jumlah sampel penelitian sebanyak 87 pelanggan, analisis data menggunakan model struktur (Inner Model). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan variabel kualitas pelayanan, kualiats harga berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan pelanggan. 

Keywords: Kualitas pelayanan, kualitas harga, kepuasan pelangan
Reaksi Pasar Modal Dan Pasar Uang Dunia Terhadap Pemilihan Presiden Amerika Serikat 2016 (Studi Pada 8 Pasar Saham Dunia dan 14 Kurs Mata Uang Teraktif )
Authors: Yusniar Meina Wulansari , Jikrillah Sufi
Published: July 2018

Peristiwa Pemilihan Presiden Amerika Serikat selalu mendapat perhatian dari dunia karena akan memberikan dampak terhadap perekonomian dunia. Penelitian merupakan penelitian event study yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah Pasar Modal dan Pasar Uang dunia bereaksi terhadap peristiwa pemilihan Presiden Amerika Serikat pada tanggal 8 November 2016. Metode yang digunakan adalah uji beda dengan periode pengamatan 5 hari sebelum peristiwa dan 5 hari setelah peristiwa. Data yang digunakan adalah Harga Saham Gabungan dari 8 negara dan 14 nilai mata uang asing terhadap dollar. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan indeks harga saham gabungan sebelum dan sesudah peristiwa. Namun terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan kurs nilai mata uang sebelum dan sesudah peristiwa. 

Keywords: studi peristiwa, pemilihan presiden, harga saham gabungan, nilai tukar
The Pros and Cons of the Use of Laser Ablation Synthesis for the Production of Silver Nano-Antimicrobials
Authors: Sportelli Maria Chiara , Izzi Margherita , Volpe Annalisa , Clemente Maurizio , Picca Rosaria Anna , Ancona Antonio , Lugarà Pietro Mario , Palazzo Gerardo , Cioffi Nicola
Published: July 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known for their antimicrobial effects and several groups are proposing them as active agents to fight antimicrobial resistance. A wide variety of methods is available for nanoparticle synthesis, affording a broad spectrum of chemical and physical properties. In this work, we report on AgNPs produced by laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS), discussing the major features of this approach. Laser ablation synthesis is one of the best candidates, as compared to wet-chemical syntheses, for preparing Ag nano-antimicrobials. In fact, this method allows the preparation of stable Ag colloids in pure solvents without using either capping and stabilizing agents or reductants. LASiS produces AgNPs, which can be more suitable for medical and food-related applications where it is important to use non-toxic chemicals and materials for humans. In addition, laser ablation allows for achieving nanoparticles with different properties according to experimental laser parameters, thus influencing antibacterial mechanisms. However, the concentration obtained by laser-generated AgNP colloids is often low, and it is hard to implement them on an industrial scale. To obtain interesting concentrations for final applications, it is necessary to exploit high-energy lasers, which are quite expensive. In this review, we discuss the pros and cons of the use of laser ablation synthesis for the production of Ag antimicrobial colloids, taking into account applications in the food packaging field.
Lipid Peroxidation-Derived Aldehydes, 4-Hydroxynonenal and Malondialdehyde in Aging-Related Disorders
Authors: Barrera Giuseppina , Pizzimenti Stefania , Daga Martina , Dianzani Chiara , Arcaro Alessia , Cetrangolo Giovanni Paolo , Giordano Giulio , Cucci Marie Angele , Graf Maria , Gentile Fabrizio
Published: July 2018

Among the various mechanisms involved in aging, it was proposed long ago that a prominent role is played by oxidative stress. A major way by which the latter can provoke structural damage to biological macromolecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins, is by fueling the peroxidation of membrane lipids, leading to the production of several reactive aldehydes. Lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes can not only modify biological macromolecules, by forming covalent electrophilic addition products with them, but also act as second messengers of oxidative stress, having relatively extended lifespans. Their effects might be further enhanced with aging, as their concentrations in cells and biological fluids increase with age. Since the involvement and the role of lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes, particularly of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), in neurodegenerations, inflammation, and cancer, has been discussed in several excellent recent reviews, in the present one we focus on the involvement of reactive aldehydes in other age-related disorders: osteopenia, sarcopenia, immunosenescence and myelodysplastic syndromes. In these aging-related disorders, characterized by increases of oxidative stress, both HNE and malondialdehyde (MDA) play important pathogenic roles. These aldehydes, and HNE in particular, can form adducts with circulating or cellular proteins of critical functional importance, such as the proteins involved in apoptosis in muscle cells, thus leading to their functional decay and acceleration of their molecular turnover and functionality. We suggest that a major fraction of the toxic effects observed in age-related disorders could depend on the formation of aldehyde-protein adducts. New redox proteomic approaches, pinpointing the modifications of distinct cell proteins by the aldehydes generated in the course of oxidative stress, should be extended to these age-associated disorders, to pave the way to targeted therapeutic strategies, aiming to alleviate the burden of morbidity and mortality associated with these disturbances.
Understanding the Positional Binding and Substrate Interaction of a Highly Thermostable GH10 Xylanase from Thermotoga maritima by Molecular Docking
Authors: Yang Jiangke , Han Zhenggang
Published: July 2018

Glycoside hydrolase family 10 (GH10) xylanases are responsible for enzymatic cleavage of the internal glycosidic linkages of the xylan backbone, to generate xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and xyloses. The topologies of active-site cleft determine the substrate preferences and product profiles of xylanases. In this study, positional bindings and substrate interactions of TmxB, one of the most thermostable xylanases characterized from Thermotoga maritima to date, was investigated by docking simulations. XOS with backbone lengths of two to five (X2–X5) were docked into the active-site cleft of TmxB by AutoDock The modeled complex structures provided a series of snapshots of the interactions between XOS and TmxB. Changes in binding energy with the length of the XOS backbone indicated the existence of four effective subsites in TmxB. The interaction patterns at subsites −2 to +1 in TmxB were conserved among GH10 xylanases whereas those at distal aglycone subsite +2, consisting of the hydrogen bond network, was unique for TmxB. This work helps in obtaining an in-depth understanding of the substrate-binding property of TmxB and provides a basis for rational design of mutants with desired product profiles.
The Tip of an Iceberg: Replication-Associated Functions of the Tumor Suppressor p53
Authors: Gottifredi Vanesa , Wiesmüller Lisa
Published: July 2018

The tumor suppressor p53 is a transcriptional factor broadly mutated in cancer. Most inactivating and gain of function mutations disrupt the sequence-specific DNA binding domain, which activates target genes. This is perhaps the main reason why most research has focused on the relevance of such transcriptional activity for the prevention or elimination of cancer cells. Notwithstanding, transcriptional regulation may not be the only mechanism underlying its role in tumor suppression and therapeutic responses. In the past, a direct role of p53 in DNA repair transactions that include the regulation of homologous recombination has been suggested. More recently, the localization of p53 at replication forks has been demonstrated and the effect of p53 on nascent DNA elongation has been explored. While some data sets indicate that the regulation of ongoing replication forks by p53 may be mediated by p53 targets such as MDM2 (murine double minute 2) and polymerase (POL) eta other evidences demonstrate that p53 is capable of controlling DNA replication by directly interacting with the replisome and altering its composition. In addition to discussing such findings, this review will also analyze the impact that p53-mediated control of ongoing DNA replication has on treatment responses and tumor suppressor abilities of this important anti-oncogene.
The Potential Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Tanzania: A Review
Authors: Bishoge Obadia , Zhang Lingling , Mushi Witness
Published: July 2018

Currently, renewable energy development is emphasized for sustainable development goals accomplishment and the better realization of sustainable development globally. Tanzania, like other developing countries, is striving to adopt different ways of ensuring affordable and accessible energy supply to its socioeconomic and political sectors to achieve renewable energy development. To secure affordable and accessible energy in the country, renewable energy is termed as an alternative energy source because of it is environmentally friendly. If renewable energy is produced and utilized in a modern and sustainable manner, it will help to eliminate energy problems in Tanzania. Thus, this study aims to review the current potential renewable energy for the achievement of sustainable development in Tanzania. Moreover, challenges of renewable energy development are examined.
Effect of Adding UV Absorbers Embedded in Carbonate Calcium Templates Covered with Light Responsive Polymer into a Clear Wood Coating
Authors: Queant Caroline , Blanchet Pierre , Landry Véronic , Schorr Diane
Published: July 2018

The limited durability of clear coatings is a major issue for the coating and wood industry. The addition of organic UV absorbers improves coating resistance by the absorption and the conversion of the UV radiation into harmless heat. Organic UVAs are prone to degradation and can migrate in the binder of coatings. In this study, commercial UVAs and HALS have been entrapped into CaCO3 templates coated with stimuli responsive polymers. Microspheres were incorporated into a clear acrylic water-based coating formulation. The formulation was applied on glass and wood panels and was placed into an artificial UV chamber. This study presents a comparison between the aesthetic behavior of coating formulations with free and encapsulated commercial UVAs and HALS during the accelerated ageing test. Encapsulation of UVAs was confirmed by XPS and TGA analysis. Results have shown that the coating’s aesthetic was slightly improved when using the encapsulated products.
Dry Fuel Jet Half-Angle Measurements and Correlation for an Entrained Flow Gasifier
Authors: Kus Francis , Hughes Robin , Macchi Arturo , Mehrani Poupak , Duchesne Marc
Published: July 2018

Reduced order models (ROMs) are increasingly applied to entrained flow gasification development due to reduced computational requirements relative to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. However, they require greater a posteriori knowledge of the reactor physics. A significant parameter influencing ROM outputs is the jet half-angle of the solid fuel and oxidant mixture in the gasifier. Thus, it is important to understand the geometry of the jet in the gasifier, and how it is dependent on operating parameters, such as solid and carrier gas flow rates. In this work, an existing model for jet half-angles, which considers the ratio of surrounding gas density to jet core density, is extended to a dry solids jet with impinging gas. The model is fitted to experimental jet half-angles. The jet half-angle of a non-reactive flow was measured using laser-sheet imaging for solid fluxes in the range of 460–880 kg/m2·s and carrier gas fluxes in the range of 43–90 kg/m2·s at the transport line outlet. Jet half-angles ranged from 5.6° to 11.3°, increasing with lower solid/gas loading ratios. CFD simulations of two reactive conditions, with solid and gas fluxes similar to experiments, were used to test the applicability of the proposed jet half-angle model.
A Study on the Improvement of Smart Grid Security Performance and Blockchain Smart Grid Perspective
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyu , Huh Jun-Ho
Published: July 2018

Interest in green energy has increased worldwide. Therefore, smart grid projects to form a more efficient and eco-friendly intelligent grid by combining information technology (IT) technology with the existing grid are actively being conducted. In Korea, a national-level smart grid project road map has been confirmed, and an action plan has been prepared. Despite such actions, there may appear various threat scenarios in the application of the IT to the grid as a reverse function. Security technology is a measure to respond to such threats effectively. The security technology of a smart grid is an important factor that is directly related to the success or failure of the smart grid project. A smart grid is a new type of next-generation grid born of the fusion with IT. If the smart grid, the backbone of the power supply, is damaged by a cyberattack, it may cause huge damage, such as a nationwide power outage. In fact, there is an increasing cyberattack threat, and the cyber security threat to the smart grid is not insignificant. Furthermore, the legal system related to information protection is also important in order to support it systematically. In this paper, the necessity of the smart grid is examined, and the industry’s initiative toward the smart grid security threat and threat response is examined. In this paper, we also suggest a security plan of applying Rainbowchain, the Blockchain technology, to the smart grid and energy exchange. We propose achieving superior performance and security functions by using Rainbowchain, which contains seven authentication techniques among existing Blockchain technologies, and propose the ecosystem and architecture necessary for its application.
Reduction of Fuel Consumption and Pollution Emissions in Inland Water Transport by Application of Hybrid Powertrain
Authors: Łebkowski Andrzej
Published: July 2018

The article presents the analysis of application of hybrid propulsion systems combining conventional diesel with electric drive for units used in inland transport. The answer is given to the question: to what extent will the use of different configurations of hybrid systems, affect the reduction of fuel consumption and reduce poisonous gases to the atmosphere? Various configurations of propulsion systems have been proposed: liquefied natural gas (LNG)-Diesel, LNG-Diesel-Electric, LNG-Diesel-Battery-Electric, against the background of the current state of inland waterway transport in central Europe. The announced plans to expand the network of existing international water routes in this region of Europe (E30, E40, E70), prompts a reflection on the simultaneous possibility of building modern low-emission and energy-efficient inland transport vessels. As an example of a modern drive system design, LNG-Diesel-Battery-Electric was proposed for which simulations were carried out using Modelica software. The conducted research has shown the possibility of reducing energy consumption by approximately 13% in relation to the classical drive system with a diesel engine, and reduction of CO2 emissions by approx. 29% with respect to the conventional diesel drive.
Experimental Assessment of a Methodology for the Indirect in-Cylinder Pressure Evaluation in Four-Stroke Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Romani Luca , Bianchini Alessandro , Vichi Giovanni , Bellissima Alessandro , Ferrara Giovanni
Published: July 2018

Recent innovations in engine control and diagnostics are providing room for development of innovative combustion approaches (e.g., low-temperature combustion) able to minimize the creation of pollutants. To ensure the constant fulfillment of the prescribed thermodynamic conditions, however, a fast real-time monitoring of the in-cylinder pressure is needed. To this end, dynamic pressure sensors, flush-mounted on the cylinder head, are commonly used. With this approach, the measurement accuracy is high, but the durability is limited by the harsh working conditions. The installation on the cylinder head is also complex. The development of robust and effective indirect measurement systems could then represent the enabler of a further development of this technology. In the present study, an innovative methodology to measure the in-cylinder pressure has been conceived and extensively tested on a four-stroke single-cylinder engine. The proposed approach is based on the analysis of the mechanical stress on the engine studs by means of a piezoelectric strain washer. This solution allows the user for a rapid and cost-effective sensor installation, described in the paper along with the signal post-processing techniques. Results showed good accuracy and robustness of the methodology, making the results of practical use for engine control.
Payment for Targeted Grazing: Integrating Local Shepherds into Wildfire Prevention
Authors: Varela Elsa , Górriz-Mifsud Elena , Ruiz-Mirazo Jabier , López-i-Gelats Feliu
Published: July 2018

Wildfires are one of the most prominent risks for Mediterranean forests, reducing the flow of ecosystem services and representing a hazard for infrastructure and human lives. Several wildfire prevention programs in southern Europe are currently incorporating extensive livestock grazers in fire prevention activities to reduce the high costs of mechanical clearance. Among these the Andalusian network of grazed fuel breaks, the so-called RAPCA program, stands out for its dimension and stability over time. RAPCA currently works with 220 local shepherds who, with their guided flocks maintain low biomass levels in almost 6000 ha of fuel breaks in public forests to meet fire prevention standards. This work analyses the institutional design and performance of the RAPCA payment scheme under a payment for environmental services (PES) framework. Results show effectiveness of the payment scheme while efficiency is achieved through savings relative to the mainstream mechanized biomass removal, as well as through reduced information asymmetry. High-level and stable political commitment has been crucial for the emergence and consolidation of RAPCA. Moreover, key intermediaries and sound monitoring practices increased levels of trust amongst involved actors. Beneficial side-effects include social recognition of shepherds’ activities and reduction of their friction with forest managers.
Genome-Wide Identification of NBS-Encoding Resistance Genes in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Neupane Surendra , Andersen Ethan J. , Neupane Achal , Nepal Madhav P.
Published: July 2018

Nucleotide Binding Site—Leucine-Rich Repeat (NBS-LRR) genes encode disease resistance proteins involved in plants’ defense against their pathogens. Although sunflower is affected by many diseases, only a few molecular details have been uncovered regarding pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms. Recent availability of sunflower whole genome sequences in publicly accessible databases allowed us to accomplish a genome-wide identification of Toll-interleukin-1 receptor-like Nucleotide-binding site Leucine-rich repeat (TNL), Coiled Coil (CC)-NBS-LRR (CNL), Resistance to powdery mildew8 (RPW8)-NBS-LRR (RNL) and NBS-LRR (NL) protein encoding genes. Hidden Markov Model (HMM) profiling of 52,243 putative protein sequences from sunflower resulted in 352 NBS-encoding genes, among which 100 genes belong to CNL group including 64 genes with RX_CC like domain, 77 to TNL, 13 to RNL, and 162 belong to NL group. We also identified signal peptides and nuclear localization signals present in the identified genes and their homologs. We found that NBS genes were located on all chromosomes and formed 75 gene clusters, one-third of which were located on chromosome 13. Phylogenetic analyses between sunflower and Arabidopsis NBS genes revealed a clade-specific nesting pattern in CNLs, with RNLs nested in the CNL-A clade, and species-specific nesting pattern for TNLs. Surprisingly, we found a moderate bootstrap support (BS = 50%) for CNL-A clade being nested within TNL clade making both the CNL and TNL clades paraphyletic. Arabidopsis and sunflower showed 87 syntenic blocks with 1049 high synteny hits between chromosome 5 of Arabidopsis and chromosome 6 of sunflower. Expression data revealed functional divergence of the NBS genes with basal level tissue-specific expression. This study represents the first genome-wide identification of NBS genes in sunflower paving avenues for functional characterization and potential crop improvement.
Integration of Site Effects into Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA): A Comparison between Two Fully Probabilistic Methods on the Euroseistest Site
Authors: Aristizábal Claudia , Bard Pierre-Yves , Beauval Céline , Gómez Juan Camilo
Published: July 2018

The integration of site effects into Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) is still an open issue within the seismic hazard community. Several approaches have been proposed varying from deterministic to fully probabilistic, through hybrid (probabilistic-deterministic) approaches. The present study compares the hazard curves that have been obtained for a thick, soft non-linear site with two different fully probabilistic, site-specific seismic hazard methods: (1) The analytical approximation of the full convolution method (AM) proposed by Bazzurro and Cornell 2004a,b and (2) what we call the Full Probabilistic Stochastic Method (SM). The AM computes the site-specific hazard curve on soil, HC(Sas(f)), by convolving for each oscillator frequency the bedrock hazard curve, HC(Sar(f)), with a simplified representation of the probability distribution of the amplification function, AF(f), at the considered site The SM hazard curve is built from stochastic time histories on soil or rock corresponding to a representative, long enough synthetic catalog of seismic events. This comparison is performed for the example case of the Euroseistest site near Thessaloniki (Greece). For this purpose, we generate a long synthetic earthquake catalog, we calculate synthetic time histories on rock with the stochastic point source approach, and then scale them using an adhoc frequency-dependent correction factor to fit the specific rock target hazard. We then propagate the rock stochastic time histories, from depth to surface using two different one-dimensional (1D) numerical site response analyses, while using an equivalent-linear (EL) and a non-linear (NL) code to account for code-to-code variability. Lastly, we compute the probability distribution of the non-linear site amplification function, AF(f), for both site response analyses, and derive the site-specific hazard curve with both AM and SM methods, to account for method-to-method variability. The code-to-code variability (EL and NL) is found to be significant, providing a much larger contribution to the uncertainty in hazard estimates, than the method-to-method variability: AM and SM results are found comparable whenever simultaneously applicable. However, the AM method is also shown to exhibit severe limitations in the case of strong non-linearity, leading to ground motion “saturation”, so that finally the SM method is to be preferred, despite its much higher computational price. Finally, we encourage the use of ground-motion simulations to integrate site effects into PSHA, since models with different levels of complexity can be included (e.g., point source, extended source, 1D, two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) site response analysis, kappa effect, hard rock …), and the corresponding variability of the site response can be quantified.
Risk of Appendicitis among Children with Different Piped Water Supply: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Li Hao-Ming , Liu Shi-Zuo , Huang Ying-Kai , Su Yuan-Chih , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: July 2018

Appendicitis is a common surgical condition for children. However, environmental effects, such as piped water supply, on pediatric appendicitis risk remain unclear. This longitudinal, nationwide, cohort study aimed to compare the risk of appendicitis among children with different levels of piped water supply. Using data from Taiwan Water Resource Agency and National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 119,128 children born in 1996–2010 from areas of the lowest piped water supply (prevalence 51.21% to 63.06%) as the study cohort; additional 119,128 children of the same period in areas of the highest piped water supply (prevalence 98.97% to 99.63%) were selected as the controls. Both cohorts were propensity-score matched by baseline variables. We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of appendicitis in the study cohort compared to the controls by Cox proportional hazards regression. The study cohort had a raised overall incidence rates of appendicitis compared to the control cohort (12.8 vs. 8.7 per 10,000 person-years). After covariate adjustment, the risk of appendicitis was significantly increased in the study cohort (adjusted HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.35, 1.58, p < 0.001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed consistent results that children with low piped water supply had a higher risk of appendicitis than those with high piped water supply. This study demonstrated that children with low piped water supply were at an increased risk of appendicitis. Enhancement of piped water availability in areas lacking adequate, secure, and sanitized water supply may protect children against appendicitis.
Determining Multi-Layer Factors That Drive the Carbon Capability of Urban Residents in Response to Climate Change: An Exploratory Qualitative Study in China
Authors: Wei Jia , Chen Hong , Long Ruyin
Published: July 2018

The active promotion of carbon abatement to mitigate global climate change and protect the environment and public health has become the international consensus. The carbon capability is a key index for measuring the potential reduction of the carbon emissions by urban residents, and thus encouraging residents to exhibit normal and autonomous low-carbon behavior has become an important issue. In this study, based on grounded theory, data from in-depth interviews were encoded at three levels to identify the multi-layer factors that drive the carbon capability of urban residents, and we constructed a theoretical model for policy intervention. The results showed that individual factors, organizational factors, social factors, and social demographic variables were the main variables that affected the carbon capability, and utility experience perception was the main intermediary variable that affected the carbon capability. There was an obvious gap between utility experience perception and carbon capability. Low carbon selection cost was an internal situational variable that regulated the relationship between these factors, and the policy situation and technical situation were external situational variables. There were two-way effects on the carbon capability and utility experience perception. Thus, we explored these driving factors and the role of the carbon capability model. The results of this study may facilitate targeted policy thinking and the development of an implementation path for government in order to formulate effective guiding policies to enhance the carbon capability of urban residents.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Peri-Implant Soft Tissues around Machined and Direct Metal Laser Sintered (DMLS) Healing Abutments in Humans
Authors: Mangano Carlo , Mangano Francesco Guido , Shibli Jamil Awad , Roth Leandro Amadeu , D’ Addazio Gianmaria , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: July 2018

Background: Direct metal laser Sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing technique that allows fabrication of dental implants and related components with a highly porous surface. To date, no human studies have investigated the soft tissue adhesion and presence of inflammatory infiltrate with porous DMLS healing abutments (HAs), nor have they compared these with the classic machined ones. Purpose: To evaluate the degree of cell adhesion (integrin expression) and the quantity/quality of inflammatory infiltrate, on HAs with different surfaces; full DMLS, full machined, and hybrid (half DMLS and half machined). Methods: Fifty implant patients were randomly assigned to receive one of these different Has: T1, full DMLS (11 subjects); T2, machined in the upper portion and DMLS in the lower one (10 subjects); T3, DMLS in the upper portion and machined in the lower one (19 subjects); T4, full machined (10 patients). Thirty days after placement, circular sections of soft tissues around HAs were retrieved for immunohistochemical evaluation. Results: With regard to the adhesion molecules, the samples showed different intensity of integrin expression, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between T1 and the other groups. All the samples were positive for the different clusters related to the inflammatory infiltrate (T lymphocytes, CD3; B lymphocytes, CD20; and macrophages, CD68), but a lower infiltrate was found in T1, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) among the groups. Conclusions: The HA surface seems to influence the degree of cell adhesion and the inflammatory infiltrate of the surrounding soft tissues.
Nitrogen Source Dependent Changes in Central Sugar Metabolism Maintain Cell Wall Assembly in Mitochondrial Complex I-Defective frostbite1 and Secondarily Affect Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Podgórska Anna , Ostaszewska-Bugajska Monika , Tarnowska Agata , Burian Maria , Borysiuk Klaudia , Gardeström Per , Szal Bożena
Published: July 2018

For optimal plant growth, carbon and nitrogen availability needs to be tightly coordinated. Mitochondrial perturbations related to a defect in complex I in the Arabidopsis thalianafrostbite1 (fro1) mutant, carrying a point mutation in the 8-kD Fe-S subunit of NDUFS4 protein, alter aspects of fundamental carbon metabolism, which is manifested as stunted growth. During nitrate nutrition, fro1 plants showed a dominant sugar flux toward nitrogen assimilation and energy production, whereas cellulose integration in the cell wall was restricted. However, when cultured on NH4+ as the sole nitrogen source, which typically induces developmental disorders in plants (i.e., the ammonium toxicity syndrome), fro1 showed improved growth as compared to NO3− nourishing. Higher energy availability in fro1 plants was correlated with restored cell wall assembly during NH4+ growth. To determine the relationship between mitochondrial complex I disassembly and cell wall-related processes, aspects of cell wall integrity and sugar and reactive oxygen species signaling were analyzed in fro1 plants. The responses of fro1 plants to NH4+ treatment were consistent with the inhibition of a form of programmed cell death. Resistance of fro1 plants to NH4+ toxicity coincided with an absence of necrotic lesion in plant leaves.
Effects of Lipid Saturation on the Surface Properties of Human Meibum Films
Authors: Nencheva Yana , Ramasubramanian Aparna , Eftimov Petar , Yokoi Norihiko , Borchman Douglas , Georgiev Georgi As.
Published: July 2018

Elevated levels of acyl chain saturation of meibomian lipids are associated with vastly different effects: from enhanced tear film (TF) stability in infants to shortened TF breakup time in meibomian gland disease patients. Thus it is important to study the effect of saturation on the surface properties of human meibum (MGS). Therefore, MGS films (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 50, 67, and 100% saturation) were spread at the air/water interface of a Langmuir surface balance. The layers’ capability to reorganize during dynamic area changes was accessed via the surface pressure (π)-area (A) compression isotherms and step/relaxation dilatational rheology studies. Film structure was monitored with Brewster angle microscopy. The raise in the % (at ≥10%) of saturation resulted in the formation of stiffer, thicker, and more elastic films at π ≥ 12 mN/m with the effects being proportional to the saturation level. At the same time, at low (≤10 mN/m) π the raise in saturation resulted in altered spreading and heterogeneous structure of MGS layers. The strong impact of saturation on MGS surface properties correlates with our recent spectroscopy study, which demonstrated that saturation induced increase of MGS acyl chain order, phase transition temperature, and cooperativity.
Impact of Fetuin-A (AHSG) on Tumor Progression and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ochieng Josiah , Nangami Gladys , Sakwe Amos , Moye Cierra , Alvarez Joel , Whalen Diva , Thomas Portia , Lammers Philip
Published: July 2018

Fetuin-A is the protein product of the AHSG gene in humans. It is mainly synthesized by the liver in adult humans and is secreted into the blood where its concentration can vary from a low of ~0.2 mg/mL to a high of ~0.8 mg/mL. Presently, it is considered to be a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer, as well as in inhibition of ectopic calcification. In this review we have focused on work that has been done regarding its potential role(s) in tumor progression and sequelae of diabetes. Recently a number of laboratories have demonstrated that a subset of tumor cells such as pancreatic, prostate and glioblastoma multiform synthesize ectopic fetuin-A, which drives their progression. Fetuin-A that is synthesized, modified, and secreted by tumor cells may be more relevant in understanding the pathophysiological role of this enigmatic protein in tumors, as opposed to the relatively high serum concentrations of the liver derived protein. Lastly, auto-antibodies to fetuin-A frequently appear in the sera of tumor patients that could be useful as biomarkers for early diagnosis. In diabetes, solid experimental evidence shows that fetuin-A binds the β-subunit of the insulin receptor to attenuate insulin signaling, thereby contributing to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fetuin-A also may, together with free fatty acids, induce apoptotic signals in the beta islets cells of the pancreas, reducing the secretion of insulin and further exacerbating T2DM.
Miniaturized Biomedical Sensors for Enumeration of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Pulikkathodi Anil Kumar , Sarangadharan Indu , Lo Chiao-Yun , Chen Po-Hsuan , Chen Chih-Chen , Wang Yu-Lin
Published: July 2018

In this research, we have realized a rapid extracellular vesicle (EV) quantification methodology using a high field modulated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility (HEMT) biosensor. The unique sensing structure facilitated the detection of the sub-cellular components in physiological salt environment without requiring extensive sample pre-treatments. The high field operation of GaN HEMT biosensor provides high sensitivity and wide dynamic range of detection of EVs (107–1010 EVs/mL). An antibody specific to the known surface marker on the EV was used to capture them for quantification using an HEMT biosensor. Fluorescence microscopy images confirm the successful capture of EVs from the test solution. The present method can detect EVs in high ionic strength solution, with a short sample incubation period of 5 min, and does not require labels or additional reagents or wash/block steps. This methodology has the potential to be used in clinical applications for rapid EV quantification from blood or serum for the development of diagnostic and prognostic tools.
Asteriscus graveolens Extract in Combination with Cisplatin/Etoposide/Doxorubicin Suppresses Lymphoma Cell Growth through Induction of Caspase-3 Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Tayeh Zainab , Ofir Rivka
Published: July 2018

Chemotherapy drugs action against cancer is not selective, lead to adverse reactions and drug resistance. Combination therapies have proven more effective in defeating cancers. We hypothesize that plant extract/fraction contains many/several compounds and as such can target multiple pathways as cytotoxic agent and may also have chemo sensitizing activities. We designed a study in which, Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less (A. graveolens)-derived fraction that contains sesquiterpene lactone asteriscunolide isomers (AS) will be tested in combination with known chemotherapy drugs. Successful combination will permit to reduce chemotherapy drugs concentration and still get the same impact on cancer cells. Sesquiterpene lactone such as asteriscunolide isomers is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants with anti-cancer properties. The experiments presented here showed that adding plant fraction containing AS permit reducing the concentration of cisplatin/etoposide/doxorubicin in order to reduce mouse BS-24-1 lymphoma cells (BS-24-1 cells) survival. It involved enhancing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), activation of caspase-3 and inhibition of Topoisomerase I activity. Taken together, the results suggest that A. graveolens fraction sensitized BS-24-1 cells to cisplatin/etoposide/doxorubicin through induction of ROS and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.
Direct Cell–Cell Interactions in the Endometrium and in Endometrial Pathophysiology
Authors: Grund Susanne , Grümmer Ruth
Published: July 2018

Cell contacts exhibit a considerable influence on tissue physiology and homeostasis by controlling paracellular and intercellular transport processes, as well as by affecting signaling pathways. Since they maintain cell polarity, they play an important role in cell plasticity. The knowledge about the junctional protein families and their interactions has increased considerably during recent years. In contrast to most other tissues, the endometrium undergoes extensive physiological changes and reveals an extraordinary plasticity due to its crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. These complex changes are accompanied by changes in direct cell–cell contacts to meet the various requirements in the respective developmental stage. Impairment of this sophisticated differentiation process may lead to failure of implantation and embryo development and may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial diseases. In this article, we focus on the knowledge about the distribution and regulation of the different junctional proteins in the endometrium during cycling and pregnancy, as well as in pathologic conditions such as endometriosis and cancer. Decoding these sophisticated interactions should improve our understanding of endometrial physiology as well as of the mechanisms involved in pathological conditions.
DNA Repair Deficient Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells Exhibiting Differential Sensitivity to Charged Particle Radiation under Aerobic and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Cartwright Ian M. , Su Cathy , Haskins Jeremy S. , Salinas Victoria A. , Sunada Shigeaki , Yu Hao , Uesaka Mitsuru , Hirakawa Hirokazu , Chen David J. , Fujimori Akira , Kato Takamitsu A.
Published: July 2018

It has been well established that hypoxia significantly increases both cellular and tumor resistance to ionizing radiation. Hypoxia associated radiation resistance has been known for some time but there has been limited success in sensitizing cells to radiation under hypoxic conditions. These studies show that, when irradiated with low linear energy transfer (LET) gamma-rays, poly (ADP-ribose), polymerase (PARP), Fanconi Anemia (FANC), and mutant Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells respond similarly to the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and the homologous recombination (HR) repair mutant CHO cells. Comparable results were observed in cells exposed to 13 keV/μm carbon ions. However, when irradiated with higher LET spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) carbon ions, we observed a decrease in the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) in all the DNA of repair mutant cell lines. Interestingly, PARP mutant cells were observed as having the largest decrease in OER. Finally, these studies show a significant increase in the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of high LET SOBP carbon and iron ions in HR and PARP mutants. There was also an increase in the RBE of NHEJ mutants when irradiated to SOBP carbon and iron ions. However, this increase was lower than in other mutant cell lines. These findings indicate that high LET radiation produces unique types of DNA damage under hypoxic conditions and PARP and HR repair pathways play a role in repairing this damage.
Hydrotalcite-Type Materials Electrodeposited on Open-Cell Metallic Foams as Structured Catalysts
Authors: Ho Phuoc Hoang , Scavetta Erika , Tonelli Domenica , Fornasari Giuseppe , Vaccari Angelo , Benito Patricia
Published: July 2018

Structured catalysts based on hydrotalcite-derived coatings on open-cell metallic foams combine tailored basic/acidic sites, relatively high specific surface area and/or metal dispersion of the coating as well as low pressure drop and enhanced heat and mass transfer of the 3D metallic support. The properties of the resulting structured catalysts depend on the coating procedure. We have proposed the electro-base generation method for in situ and fast precipitation of Ni/Al and Rh/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type materials on FeCrAlloy foams, which after calcination at high temperature give rise to structured catalysts for syngas (CO + H2) production through Steam Reforming and Catalytic Partial Oxidation of CH4. The fundamental understanding of the electrochemical-chemical reactions relevant for the electrodeposition and the influence of electrosynthesis parameters on the properties of the as-deposited coatings as well the resulting structured catalysts and, hence, on their catalytic performance, were summarized.
Plasma Deflection Interrupter for Pulsed Power Applications
Authors: Majernik Nathan , Lynn Walter , Sakai Yusuke , Rosenzweig James
Published: July 2018

A plasma-based opening switch, capable of handling kiloampere currents at kilovolt potentials on the microsecond timescale, is described and characterized. The principle of operation is the deflection of a laser-induced arc by an external magnetic field to a shunt circuit path. A first-order model of operation is introduced. Finally, the merits of the device, particularly when applied to high-repetition-rate dense plasma focus (DPF) systems, are discussed.