bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH PEMAHAMAN PRODUK (FAMLIARITY) PERBANKAN SYARIAH TERHADAP NASABAH MENABUNG DI iB HASANAH PT. BANK BNI SYARIAH CABANG PONTIANAK
Authors: Triana Neni , Mahdi Fadhil
Published: January 2018

ABSTRAKTujuan penelitan ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemahaman produk Bank Syariah (familiarity) terhadap keputusan nasabah menabung di iB Hasanah PT. Bank BNI Syariah Cabang Pontianak. Pada penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif serta pendekatan rumusan masalah penelitian asosiatif dengan hubungan kausal sebagaimana yang dijelaskan oleh Sugiyono. Jumlah responden dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 100 orang dengan karakteristik: responden di dominasi oleh perempuan sebesar 52 %, dan sebagian besar responden baru menjadi nasabah kurang dari 1 tahun (<1 tahun) sebanyak 53 %. Berdasarkan uji koefisien normalitas, uji validitas dan reliabilitas adalah masing-masing data terdistribusi dengan normal (0,717 > 0,05) dan seluruh item pernyataan kuesioner yang mewakili tiga variabel bebas: objective knowledge (X1), subjective knowledge (X2), dan experience (X3) dan satu variabel terikat keputusan nasabah menabung (Y) dinyatakan valid dan reliabel. Hasil uji determinasi (R2) menunjukkan bahwa terdapat fakotr lain sebesar 48,2 % diluar penelitian ini. Hasil uji F menunjukkan bahwa F hitung lebih besar daripada F tabel (31,995 > 2,699 ) berarti masing–masing variabel X (familiarity) secara simultan atau bersama–sama memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap variabel Y, sedangkan variabel yang secara parsial paling dominan memengaruhi variabel Y adalah variabel X1 (objective knowledge).Kata Kunci: familiarity,objective knowledge,subjective knowledge,experience, keputusan menabung  ABSTRACTThe aim of this research is to investigate the effect of familiarity of sharia banking product on customers’ decision to deposit in IB Hasanah PT. Bank BNI Syariah Pontianak branch. Qualitative method and associative research are carried out on an-going basis with causal relationship as explained by Sugiyono. The respondents of the research consisted of 100 people characterized by the domination of women with 52%, and most of the respondents are categorized new customers less than a year (<1 year) of 53%. Based on normality coefficient test, validity and reliability test, the data are respectively distributed normal with (0,727 > 0,05), and the whole items of questionnaire which represent three independent variables: objective knowledge (X1), subjective knowledge (X2), dan experience (X3), and one dependent variable on customers’ decision to deposit (Y) are stated valid and reliable. The test result of determination (R2) showed that there are other factors out of the scope of this research. The F result test also discovered that F value of 48,2% is bigger than F table (31,995 > 2,6999) which means each X variable (familiarity) has a significant effect on Y variable simultaneously, while parsially dominant variable influences the Y variable which is X1 (objective knowledge) variable. Keywords: familiarity, objective knowledge, subjective knowledge, experience, decisons to deposi
Perbandingan Kinerja Keuangan dari Koperasi unit desa Sawit Raya, Sawit Mekar Jaya,dan Sawit Abadi Kabupaten Sambas
Authors: Suryadi Edy , Widadi Bambang
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the financial performance of the three Koperasi Unit Desa (KUD), namely Sawit Jaya, Sawit Mekar Jaya, and Sawit Abadi, in Sambas district. The method used is to calculate financial ratios by cross sectional method approach. Data obtained from the company's financial statements for the years 2009-2011. Based on calculations from 2009 - 2011, liquidity, profitability, and solvency ratios of the KUD Sawit Jaya better than KUD Sawit Mekar Jaya dan Sawit Abadi. As for the ratio of the activity, KUD Sawit Abadi better as compared to other cooperatives.Keywords: Kinerja Keuangan, Rasio Likuiditas, Rasio Profitabilitas, Rasio Solvabilitas, Rasio Aktivitas.
Analisis Keputusan Nasabah Menggunakan Produk Pembiayaan Bank Muamalat Makassar
Authors: Kapriani Kapriani
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect, cultural, social, personal, psychological and financial products to the customer's decision to use financing at Bank Muamalat in Makassar. Primary and secondary data collection through interviews and questionnaires. Total sample of 100 customers. The results showed that based on multiple linear regression analysis showed that cultural variables (X1), social (X2), personal (X3) and experience (X5) has a positive influence on customer decisions. While the psychological variables (X4) have a negative influence on the decision to use a product financing. Based on the coefficient of determination (R2) financing decisions using the product described by the cultural, social, personal, psychological, and experience of 96.7%. Based on t test results indicate that that the cultural variables (X1), social (X2), psychological (X4) and experience (X5) significantly influence the customer's decision to use a product financing. While the private variable (X3) does not affect the customer's decision to use a product financing. F test indicates that the variable cultural, social, personal, psychological and simultaneously experience a significant influence on  customer decision variables using financing products.Keyword: kebudayaan, sosial, pribadi, psikologis, pengalaman dan keputusan nasabah.
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PERILAKU KONSUMEN DALAM PEMBELIAN TABLOID NOVA DI KOTA PONTIANAK
Authors: Sam Samsuddin
Published: January 2018

This study aims to determine the factors Cultural, Social, Personal and psychology affect consumer behavior in purchasing tabloid Nova in the city of Pontianak. This study is a survey method, whose population is all consumers tabloid Nova in Pontianak and 100 of whom were sampled were selected based on purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed with the Validity and Reliability Testing Instruments, factor analysis (Factor Analysis) which is used to determine the factors that influence consumers in the purchase Tabloid Nova in Pontianak. Test Bartlett's Test of Spehericity amounted to 795.181 less than the value α of 0.05 (5%), so Ho rejected and Ha accepted. Test Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy amounted to 0,703 this value indicates the number is greater than required, amounting to 0.5-1.0 means of factor analysis suitable for use and there is a closeness between the variables in the population. Factors that influence the consumer's decision to buy tabloids Nova in Pontianak is reflecting social class, lifestyle, perceptions of news delivered and decision-making with the conscious, rational and deliberate, easily available and alternative options on the product, reading habits and customs in the neighborhood , the experience of families and benefits and will always buy. because of the influence of friends, adjust to the income and the drive to buy. The five factors that influence the consumer's decision to buy tabloids Nova in Pontianak has a cumulative percentage of variance (cumulative percentage of variance) of 67.948%. This shows that 5 (five) factors are able to explain the factors that influence the consumer's decision to buy tabloids Nova in Pontianak at 67.948%, while the remaining 31.239% is explained or influenced by other factors.Keywords: consumer behavior, cultural factors, personal, psychological
Analisis Kepuasan Konsumen Dalam Menggunakan Jasa Pengiriman Paket Pos Optima Pada PT. Pos Indonesia (persero) Cabang Pontianak
Authors: Arini Syarifah
Published: January 2018

Research to analyze customer satisfaction at optimal postal parcel delivery service at PT Pos Indonesia (Persero) Branch Pontianak. Dimension-imensi examined are reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangibles. This study used survey methods, data collection techniques, namely: observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation study. Samples used as many as 100 people by using purposive sampling. analysis using Cartesian diagram. The results of this study indicate that the majority of respondents were satisfied with the service of PT Pos Indonesia (Persero) Branch Pontianak with an average satisfaction level of 3.91 and the value of the average rate of interest of 4.34 dimension of service quality the most satisfied customers is assurance dimension and physical evidence, where the majority of respondents' votes are in quadrant B, which means that the interest and customer satisfaction are at a high level and in accordance with the wishes of the consumer. Dimensional quality of services that they are in quadrant A, which means the consumer is not satisfied then it should be further enhanced by the company. While the dimensions of the quality of services that are in quadrant C and D in which the interests of consumers are at a low level is considered normal practice even though consumers are satisfied because it is not very important.Keywords: Satisfaction, Service Quality Dimensions Services
From Border Pedagogy to Treaty Pedagogy: Canadian Exceptionalism in a Canadian Film Studies Classroom
Authors: Easton Lee , Hewson Kelly
Published: January 2018

When, how, and why does the forty-ninth parallel come into view in our classrooms? And, from there, by what means can we map out a pedagogy that accounts for the specificity of the Canada-US border? Whether the border is seen or not, how it is seen, and why, is obviously contingent upon viewers' cultural assumptions, affective experiences, and socio-political contexts. Drawing on data from our most recent study, we closely examine participants' responses to argue for a further reconceptualizing of border pedagogy north of the forty-ninth parallel. Referring to what Rachel Bryant calls “Canadian exceptionalism,” we suggest that teaching students about the Canada-US border requires more than a (modified, Canadianized) border pedagogy. We conclude by turning to tenets of treaty pedagogy, which offer teaching strategies that acknowledge and respect a variety of borders equally.
A 25.78-Gbit/s × 4-ch Active Optical Cable with Ultra-Compact Form Factor for High-Density Optical Interconnects
Authors: Kohmu Naohiro , Takai Toshiaki , Chujo Norio , Arimoto Hideo
Published: January 2018

A 25.78-Gbit/s × 4-ch active optical cable (AOC) with an ultra-compact form factor is proposed. The size of the proposed AOC is 5.2 cm3, which is 55% smaller than the standard form factor of Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP28), and 45% smaller than that of Micro Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (μQSFP). As a result of utilizing a high-efficiency heat-dissipation structure and optimizing signal transmission lines and ground vias, the proposed AOC achieves high-heat dissipation and low-crosstalk characteristics. Furthermore, the proposed AOC demonstrated 25.78-Gbit/s error-free optical transmission over a 100-m Optical Multimode 3 (OM3) multimode fiber under all-channels (4-ch) operation and case temperature (Tc) of 70 °C.
Spatial Patterns and Temporal Changes in Atmospheric-Mercury Deposition for the Midwestern USA, 2001–2016
Authors: Risch Martin , Kenski Donna
Published: January 2018

Spatial patterns and temporal changes in atmospheric-mercury (Hg) deposition were examined in a five-state study area in the Midwestern USA where 32% of the stationary sources of anthropogenic Hg emissions in the continental USA were located. An extensive monitoring record for wet and dry Hg deposition was compiled for 2001–2016, including 4666 weekly precipitation samples at 13 sites and 27 annual litterfall-Hg samples at 7 sites. This study is the first to examine these Hg data for the Midwestern USA. The median annual precipitation-Hg deposition at the study sites was 10.4 micrograms per square meter per year (µg/m2/year) and ranged from 5.8 µg/m2/year to 15.0 µg/m2/year. The median annual Hg concentration was 9.4 ng/L. Annual litterfall-Hg deposition had a median of 16.1 µg/m2/year and ranged from 9.7 to 23.4 µg/m2/year. Isopleth maps of annual precipitation-Hg deposition indicated a recurring spatial pattern similar to one revealed by statistical analysis of weekly precipitation-Hg deposition. In that pattern, high Hg deposition in southeastern Indiana was present each year, frequently extending to southern Illinois. Most of central Indiana and central Illinois had similar Hg deposition. Areas with comparatively lower annual Hg deposition were observed in Michigan and Ohio for many years and frequently included part of northern Indiana. The area in southern Indiana where high Hg deposition predominated had the highest number of extreme episodes of weekly Hg deposition delivering up to 15% of the annual Hg load from precipitation in a single week. Modeled 48-h back trajectories indicated air masses for these episodes often arrived from the south and southwest, crossing numerous stationary sources of Hg emissions releasing from 23 to more than 300 kg Hg per year. This analysis suggests that local and regional, rather than exclusively continental or global Hg emissions were likely contributing to the extreme episodes and at least in part, to the spatial patterns of precipitation-Hg deposition in the study area. Statistically significant temporal decreases in weekly precipitation-Hg concentrations in the study area between the periods 2001–2013 and 2014–2016 were observed, coinciding with reported reductions in Hg emissions in the USA required by implementation of national Hg emissions-control rules. These decreases in atmospheric-Hg concentrations are believed to have resulted in the reduced atmospheric-Hg deposition recorded because precipitation depths between the two periods were not significantly different. The Hg-monitoring data for the study area identified an atmospheric deposition response to decreased local and regional Hg emissions.
Rough Neutrosophic Digraphs with Application
Authors: Sayed Sidra , Ishfaq Nabeela , Akram Muhammad , Smarandache Florentin
Published: January 2018

A rough neutrosophic set model is a hybrid model which deals with vagueness by using the lower and upper approximation spaces. In this research paper, we apply the concept of rough neutrosophic sets to graphs. We introduce rough neutrosophic digraphs and describe methods of their construction. Moreover, we present the concept of self complementary rough neutrosophic digraphs. Finally, we consider an application of rough neutrosophic digraphs in decision-making.
Report on the Symposium “Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Neurodegeneration”
Authors: Pentón-Rol Giselle , Cervantes-Llanos Majel
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is currently a major concern in public health because of the lack of neuroprotective and neuroregenerative drugs. The symposium on Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Neurodegeneration held in Varadero, Cuba, updated the participants on the basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration, on the different approaches for drug discovery, and on early research results on therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s disease and in silico research were covered by many of the presentations in the symposium, under the umbrella of the “State of the Art of Non-clinical Models for Neurodegenerative Diseases” International Congress, held from 20 to 24 June 2017. This paper summarizes the highlights of the symposium.
IRF4 Mediates the Oncogenic Effects of STAT3 in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Bandini Cecilia , Pupuleku Aldi , Spaccarotella Elisa , Pellegrino Elisa , Wang Rui , Vitale Nicoletta , Duval Carlotta , Cantarella Daniela , Rinaldi Andrea , Provero Paolo , Di Cunto Ferdinando , Medico Enzo , Bertoni Francesco , Inghirami Giorgio , Piva Roberto
Published: January 2018

Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are a category of T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas which can be divided into anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive and ALK negative subgroups, based on ALK gene rearrangements. Among several pathways aberrantly activated in ALCL, the constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is shared by all ALK positive ALCL and has been detected in a subgroup of ALK negative ALCL. To discover essential mediators of STAT3 oncogenic activity that may represent feasible targets for ALCL therapies, we combined gene expression profiling analysis and RNA interference functional approaches. A shRNA screening of STAT3-modulated genes identified interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) as a key driver of ALCL cell survival. Accordingly, ectopic IRF4 expression partially rescued STAT3 knock-down effects. Treatment with immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) induced IRF4 down regulation and resulted in cell death, a phenotype rescued by IRF4 overexpression. However, the majority of ALCL cell lines were poorly responsive to IMiDs treatment. Combination with JQ1, a bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family antagonist known to inhibit MYC and IRF4, increased sensitivity to IMiDs. Overall, these results show that IRF4 is involved in STAT3-oncogenic signaling and its inhibition provides alternative avenues for the design of novel/combination therapies of ALCL.
Cutting Performance of Low Stress Thick TiAlN PVD Coatings during Machining of Compacted Graphite Cast Iron (CGI)
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji , Abdoos Majid , Paiva Jose , Stolf Pietro , Beake Ben , Rawal Sushant , Fox-Rabinovich German , Veldhuis Stephen
Published: January 2018

A new family of physical vapor deposited (PVD) coatings is presented in this paper. These coatings are deposited by a superfine cathode (SFC) using the arc method. They combine a smooth surface, high hardness, and low residual stresses. This allows the production of PVD coatings as thick as 15 µm. In some applications, in particular for machining of such hard to cut material as compacted graphite iron (CGI), such coatings have shown better tool life compared to the conventional PVD coatings that have a lower thickness in the range of up to 5 μm. Finite element modeling of the temperature/stress profiles was done for the SFC coatings to present the temperature/stress profiles during cutting. Comprehensive characterization of the coatings was performed using XRD, TEM, SEM/EDS studies, nano-hardness, nano-impact measurements, and residual stress measurements. Application of the coating with this set of characteristics reduces the intensity of buildup edge formation during turning of CGI, leading to longer tool life. Optimization of the TiAlN-based coatings composition (Ti/Al ratio), architecture (mono vs. multilayer), and thickness were performed. Application of the optimized coating resulted in a 40–60% improvement in the cutting tool life under finishing turning of CGI.
Structural Analysis of a Modern o/w-Emulsion Stabilized by a Polyglycerol Ester Emulsifier and Consistency Enhancers
Authors: Dahl Verena , Friedrich Achim , Meyer Jürgen , Venzmer Joachim , Belkoura Lhoussaine , Strey Reinhard , Mayer Christian , Michel Raphael , Gradzielski Michael
Published: January 2018

The aim of our work was to study the structure of a typical modern cosmetic oil-in-water emulsion (o/w-emulsion), based on the emulsifier polyglyceryl-3 dicitrate/stearate and glycerylstearate/stearyl alcohol as consistency enhancer. We have used a systematic approach building up the cosmetic emulsion step by step, characterizing all systems by using Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Freeze Fracture Transmission Electron Microscopy (FF-TEM), light microscopy and rheology. The starting point was the pure emulsifier in water, which was shown to form lamellar stacked bilayers with a spacing of 7 nm, coexisting with polydisperse unilamellar vesicles in the sub-µm range. Upon addition of consistency enhancer, also multilamellar vesicles could be obtained. Then, oil has been added stepwise, until finally a complete cosmetic o/w-emulsion was obtained. In the final emulsion, oil droplets with sizes in the µm range are surrounded by multiple, irregularly spaced bilayer structures and vesicles. Approximately 30% of the water present in the system shows a restricted mobility (“encapsulated water”) according to PFG-NMR. Crucial for the viscosity build-up is the presence of the oil droplets; a cream-like consistency is obtained by steric interaction of oil droplets and crystalline bilayer structures in the aqueous phase of the emulsion.
Monoclinic Paracetamol vs. Paracetamol-4,4′-Bipyridine Co-Crystal; What Is the Difference? A Charge Density Study
Authors: Du Jonathan , Lai Felcia , Váradi Linda , Williams Peter , Groundwater Paul , Platts James , Hibbs David , Overgaard Jacob
Published: January 2018

Paracetamol (PCM) has two well-documented polymorphic forms at room temperature; monoclinic Form I is more stable than the other orthorhombic Form II. Form II exhibits improved tabletting properties compared to Form I due to low shearing forces; however, difficulties in its manufacture have limited its use in industrial manufacture. Previous studies have found that the introduction of a co-former to form co-crystals would allow the PCM molecule to exist in a conformation similar to that of the orthorhombic form while being more stable at room temperature. Experimental charge density analysis of the paracetamol-4,4′-bipyridine (PCM-44BP) co-crystal system, and its constituent molecules, has been carried out to examine the forces that drive the formation and stabilisation of the co-crystal, while allowing PCM to maintain a packing motif similar to that found in Form II. It is hoped studies on this well-known compound will help apply the knowledge gained to other drug molecules that are less successful. The PCM molecules in the co-crystal were found to exhibit similar packing motifs to that found in Form I, however, intercalation of the 44BP molecule between the PCM layers resulted in a shallower angle between molecular planes, which could result in the required lateral shear. Topological analysis identified more weak interactions in the co-crystal compared to the individual molecules, thus allowing for greater stability as evidenced by the lattice energies. Weak interactions in the PCM-44BP co-crystal were found to range in strength from 4.08–84.33 kJ mol−1, and this variety allowed the PCM-44BP planes to be held together, while a weak π–π interaction (15.14 kJ mol−1) allowed lateral shear to occur, thus mimicking the planes found in Form II PCM and offering the possibility of improved tabletting properties. A comparison of integrated atomic charges between partitions of the PCM molecules in the single and co-crystal found that the hydroxyl and amide groups were involved in greater hydrogen bonding in the co-crystal, resulting in a charge redistribution across the molecule evidenced by a larger molecular dipole moment (µ = 12.34D). These findings, in addition to the co-crystal having the largest lattice energy, form a potential basis with which to predict that the co-crystal exhibits improved solubility and stability profiles. It is anticipated that these findings will contribute to improvements in the formulation and other physical properties of PCM and other pharmaceutical compounds.
Non-Gaussian Closed Form Solutions for Geometric Average Asian Options in the Framework of Non-Extensive Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Zhao Pan , Zhou Benda , Wang Jixia
Published: January 2018

In this paper we consider pricing problems of the geometric average Asian options under a non-Gaussian model, in which the underlying stock price is driven by a process based on non-extensive statistical mechanics. The model can describe the peak and fat tail characteristics of returns. Thus, the description of underlying asset price and the pricing of options are more accurate. Moreover, using the martingale method, we obtain closed form solutions for geometric average Asian options. Furthermore, the numerical analysis shows that the model can avoid underestimating risks relative to the Black-Scholes model.
Studies on a Hybrid Full-Bridge/Half-Bridge Bidirectional CLTC Multi-Resonant DC-DC Converter with a Digital Synchronous Rectification Strategy
Authors: Zhang Shu-huai , Wang Yi-feng , Chen Bo , Han Fu-qiang , Wang Qing-cui
Published: January 2018

This study presents a new bidirectional multi-resonant DC-DC converter, which is named CLTC. The converter adds an auxiliary transformer and an extra resonant capacitor based on a LLC resonant DC-DC converter, achieving zero-voltage switching (ZVS) for the input inverting switches and zero-current switching (ZCS) for the output rectifiers in all load range. The converter also has a wide gain range in two directions. When the load is light, a half-bridge configuration is adopted instead of a full-bridge configuration to solve the problem of voltage regulation. By this method, the voltage gain becomes monotonous and controllable. Besides, the digital synchronous rectification strategy is proposed in forward mode without adding any auxiliary circuit. The conduction time of synchronous rectifiers equals the estimation value of body diodes’ conduction time with the lightest load. Power loss analysis is also conducted in different situations. Finally, the theoretical analysis is validated by a 5 kW prototype.
Modelling and Simulation of a Hydrostatic Steering System for Agricultural Tractors
Authors: Zardin Barbara , Borghi Massimo , Gherardini Francesco , Zanasi Nicholas
Published: January 2018

The steering system of a vehicle impacts on the vehicle performance, safety and on the driver’s comfort. Moreover, in off-road vehicles using hydrostatic steering systems, the energy dissipation also becomes a critical issue. These aspects push and motivate innovation, research and analysis in the field of agricultural tractors. This paper proposes the modelling and analysis of a hydrostatic steering system for an agricultural tractor to calculate the performance of the system and determine the influence of its main design parameters. The focus here is on the driver’s steering feel, which can improve the driver’s behavior reducing unnecessary steering corrections during the working conditions. The hydrostatic steering system is quite complex and involves a hydraulic circuit and a mechanical mechanism to transmit the steering to the vehicle tires. The detailed lumped parameters model here proposed allows to simulate the dynamic behavior of the steering system and to both enhance the understanding of the system and to improve the design through parameters sensitivity analysis.
Data Analysis of Heating Systems for Buildings—A Tool for Energy Planning, Policies and Systems Simulation
Authors: Noussan Michel , Nastasi Benedetto
Published: January 2018

Heating and cooling in buildings is a central aspect for adopting energy efficiency measures and implementing local policies for energy planning. The knowledge of features and performance of those existing systems is fundamental to conceiving realistic energy savings strategies. Thanks to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) development and energy regulations’ progress, the amount of data able to be collected and processed allows detailed analyses on entire regions or even countries. However, big data need to be handled through proper analyses, to identify and highlight the main trends by selecting the most significant information. To do so, careful attention must be paid to data collection and preprocessing, for ensuring the coherence of the associated analyses and the accuracy of results and discussion. This work presents an insightful analysis on building heating systems of the most populated Italian region—Lombardy. From a dataset of almost 2.9 million of heating systems, selected reference values are presented, aiming at describing the features of current heating systems in households, offices and public buildings. Several aspects are considered, including the type of heating systems, their thermal power, fuels, age, nominal and measured efficiency. The results of this work can be a support for local energy planners and policy makers, and for a more accurate simulation of existing energy systems in buildings.
Isoform Sequencing and State-of-Art Applications for Unravelling Complexity of Plant Transcriptomes
Authors: An Dong , Cao Hieu , Li Changsheng , Humbeck Klaus , Wang Wenqin
Published: January 2018

Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing developed by PacBio, also called third-generation sequencing (TGS), offers longer reads than the second-generation sequencing (SGS). Given its ability to obtain full-length transcripts without assembly, isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) of transcriptomes by PacBio is advantageous for genome annotation, identification of novel genes and isoforms, as well as the discovery of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). In addition, Iso-Seq gives access to the direct detection of alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation (APA), gene fusion, and DNA modifications. Such applications of Iso-Seq facilitate the understanding of gene structure, post-transcriptional regulatory networks, and subsequently proteomic diversity. In this review, we summarize its applications in plant transcriptome study, specifically pointing out challenges associated with each step in the experimental design and highlight the development of bioinformatic pipelines. We aim to provide the community with an integrative overview and a comprehensive guidance to Iso-Seq, and thus to promote its applications in plant research.
A New Degassing Model to Infer Magma Dynamics from Radioactive Disequilibria in Volcanic Plumes
Authors: Terray Luca , Gauthier Pierre-J. , Salerno Giuseppe , Caltabiano Tommaso , La Spina Alessandro , Sellitto Pasquale , Briole Pierre
Published: January 2018

Mount Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy) is the place where short-lived radioactive disequilibrium measurements in volcanic gases were initiated more than 40 years ago. Almost two decades after the last measurements in Mount Etna plume, we carried out in 2015 a new survey of 210Pb-210Bi-210Po radioactive disequilibria in gaseous emanations from the volcano. These new results [

(

210

Po

/

210

Pb

)
=
42

and

(

210

Bi

/

210

Pb

)
=
7.5

] are in fair agreement with those previously reported. Previously published degassing models fail to explain satisfactorily measured activity ratios. We present here a new degassing model, which accounts for 222Rn enrichment in volcanic gases and its subsequent decay into 210Pb within gas bubbles en route to the surface. Theoretical short-lived radioactive disequilibria in volcanic gases predicted by this new model differ from those produced by the former models and better match the values we measured in the plume during the 2015 campaign. A Monte Carlo-like simulation based on variable parameters characterising the degassing process (magma residence time in the degassing reservoir, gas transfer time, Rn-Pb-Bi-Po volatilities, magma volatile content) suggests that short-lived disequilibria in volcanic gases may be of use to infer both magma dynamics and degassing kinetics beneath Mount Etna, and in general at basaltic volcanoes. However, this simulation emphasizes the need for accurately determined input parameters in order to produce unambiguous results, allowing sharp characterisation of degassing processes.
Successful Aging: Illness and Social Connections
Authors: Carver Lisa , Beamish Rob , Phillips Susan
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to examine the role of social determinants of health: gender, income, education, housing, and social connections in successful aging in older adults aging with illness. Participants were 50 adults aged 65–90 years, all aging in place in their own home, and reporting at least one illness. This pilot study used non-probability sampling and employed both online and in-person interviews. The majority (82%) were aging “successfully” or “somewhat successfully” as reported on the single item successful aging scale and demonstrated by their scores on the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Correlations were not significant between SAI and gender, income, education, or housing. A significant negative correlation was found between SAI and community activity. However, there were significant positive correlations between SAI and religious activity and relationships. The regression model was a linear combination of participants’ community and religious activity and relationships. The majority of older adults aging with illness consider themselves to be aging successfully, but their scores are influenced by relationships with others as well as religious and community activity. Frequent community activity had a suppressor effect on successful aging.
Sidewalk Landscape Structure and Thermal Conditions for Child and Adult Pedestrians
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Lee Chanam , Kim Jun-Hyun
Published: January 2018

Walking is being promoted for health and transportation purposes across all climatic regions in the US and beyond. Despite this, an uncomfortable microclimate condition along sidewalks is one of the major deterrents of walking, and more empirical research is needed to determine the risks of heat exposure to pedestrians while walking. This study examined the effect of street trees and grass along sidewalks on air temperatures. A series of thermal images were taken at the average heights of adults and children in the US to objectively measure the air temperatures of 10 sidewalk segments in College Station, TX, USA. After controlling the other key physical environmental conditions, sidewalks with more trees or wider grass buffer areas had lower air temperatures than those with less vegetation. Children were exposed to higher temperatures due to the greater exposure or proximity to the pavement surface, which tends to have higher radiant heat. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the configuration of trees and grass buffers along the sidewalks helped to promote pleasant thermal conditions and reduced the differences in ambient air temperatures measured at child and adult heights. This study suggests that street trees and vegetated ground help reduce the air temperatures, leading to more thermally comfortable environments for both child and adult pedestrians in warm climates. The thermal implications of street landscape require further attention by researchers and policy makers that are interested in promoting outdoor walking.
Double Heterozygosity for BRCA1 Pathogenic Variant and BRCA2 Polymorphic Stop Codon K3326X: A Case Report in a Southern Italian Family
Authors: Palmirotta Raffaele , Lovero Domenica , Stucci Luigia , Silvestris Erica , Quaresmini Davide , Cardascia Angela , Silvestris Franco
Published: January 2018

Here, we describe a patient with bilateral breast cancer and melanoma, and with a concomitant double variant, namely p.Gln563Ter in BRCA1 and p.Lys3326Ter in BRCA2. The BRCA2 p.Lys3326Ter (K3326X) (rs11571833) mutation identified in our patient is a debated substitution of thymidine for adenine which is currently regarded as benign polymorphism in main gene databases. Recent studies, however, describe this variant as associated with breast and ovarian tumors. Based on the observation of the cancer’s earliest age of onset in this subject, our purpose was to reevaluate this variant according to recent papers indicating a role of powerful modifier of the genetic penetrance. Genetic testing was performed in all consenting patient’s relatives, and in the collection of the clinical data particular attention was paid to the age of onset of the neoplasia. Following our observation that the our patient with double heterozygosis had an early age of onset for cancer similar to a few rare cases of double mutation for BRCA1 and BRCA2, we also performed an extensive review of the literature relative to patients carrying a double heterozygosity for both genes. In line with previous studies relative to the rare double heterozygosity in both BRCA1/2 genes, we found the earlier onset of breast cancer in our patient with both BRCA1/2 mutations with respect to other relatives carrying the single BRCA1 mutation. The presence of the second K3326X variant in our case induces a phenotype characterized by early onset of the neoplasia in a manner similar to the other cases of double heterozygosity previously described. Therefore, we suggest that during the genetic counseling, it should be recommendable to evaluate the presence of the K3326X variant in association with other pathogenic mutations.
Apoptotic and Nonapoptotic Activities of Pterostilbene against Cancer
Authors: Chen Rong-Jane , Kuo Hsiao-Che , Cheng Li-Hsin , Lee Yu-Hsuan , Chang Wen-Tsan , Wang Bour-Jr , Wang Ying-Jan , Cheng Hung-Chi
Published: January 2018

Cancer is a major cause of death. The outcomes of current therapeutic strategies against cancer often ironically lead to even increased mortality due to the subsequent drug resistance and to metastatic recurrence. Alternative medicines are thus urgently needed. Cumulative evidence has pointed out that pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxystilbene, PS) has excellent pharmacological benefits for the prevention and treatment for various types of cancer in their different stages of progression by evoking apoptotic or nonapoptotic anti-cancer activities. In this review article, we first update current knowledge regarding tumor progression toward accomplishment of metastasis. Subsequently, we review current literature regarding the anti-cancer activities of PS. Finally, we provide future perspectives to clinically utilize PS as novel cancer therapeutic remedies. We, therefore, conclude and propose that PS is one ideal alternative medicine to be administered in the diet as a nutritional supplement.
BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Influence the Function of Reprogrammed T Cells: Consequences for Adoptive T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Dörrie Jan , Babalija Lek , Hoyer Stefanie , Gerer Kerstin , Schuler Gerold , Heinzerling Lucie , Schaft Niels
Published: January 2018

BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), the standard treatment for patients with BRAFV600 mutated melanoma, are currently explored in combination with various immunotherapies, notably checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive transfer of receptor-transfected T cells. Since two BRAFi/MEKi combinations with similar efficacy are approved, potential differences in their effects on immune cells would enable a rational choice for triple therapies. Therefore, we characterized the influence of the clinically approved BRAFi/MEKi combinations dabrafenib (Dabra) and trametinib (Tram) vs. vemurafenib (Vem) and cobimetinib (Cobi) on the activation and functionality of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transfected T cells. We co-cultured CAR-transfected CD8+ T cells and target cells with clinically relevant concentrations of the inhibitors and determined the antigen-induced cytokine secretion. All BRAFi/MEKi reduced this release as single agents, with Dabra having the mildest inhibitory effect, and Dabra + Tram having a clearly milder inhibitory effect than Vem + Cobi. A similar picture was observed for the upregulation of the activation markers CD25 and CD69 on CAR-transfected T cells after antigen-specific stimulation. Most importantly, the cytolytic capacity of the CAR-T cells was significantly inhibited by Cobi and Vem + Cobi, whereas the other kinase inhibitors showed no effect. Therefore, the combination Dabra + Tram would be more suitable for combining with T-cell-based immunotherapy than Vem + Cobi.
Effect of Novel Quercetin Titanium Dioxide-Decorated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite on Bacillus subtilis Biofilm Development
Authors: Raie Diana , Mhatre Eisha , El-Desouki Doaa , Labena Ahmed , El-Ghannam Gamal , Farahat Laila , Youssef Tareq , Fritzsche Wolfgang , Kovács Ákos
Published: January 2018

The present work was targeted to design a surface against cell seeding and adhering of bacteria, Bacillus subtilis. A multi-walled carbon nanotube/titanium dioxide nano-power was produced via simple mixing of carbon nanotube and titanium dioxide nanoparticles during the sol-gel process followed by heat treatment. Successfully, quercetin was immobilized on the nanocomposite via physical adsorption to form a quercetin/multi-walled carbon nanotube/titanium dioxide nanocomposite. The adhesion of bacteria on the coated-slides was verified after 24 h using confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Results indicated that the quercetin/multi-walled carbon nanotube/titanium dioxide nanocomposite had more negativity and higher recovery by glass surfaces than its counterpart. Moreover, coating surfaces with the quercetin-modified nanocomposite lowered both hydrophilicity and surface-attached bacteria compared to surfaces coated with the multi-walled carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide nanocomposite.
Solid-State NMR Study of New Copolymers as Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Daigle Jean-Christophe , Arnold Alexandre , Vijh Ashok , Zaghib Karim
Published: January 2018

We report the analysis of comb-like polymers by solid-state NMR. The polymers were previously evaluated as solid-polymer-electrolytes (SPE) for lithium-polymer-metal batteries that have suitable ionic conductivity at 60 °C. We propose to develop a correlation between 13C solid-state NMR measurements and phase segregation. 13C solid-state NMR is a perfect tool for differentiating polymer phases with fast or slow motions. 7Li was used to monitor the motion of lithium ions in the polymer, and activation energies were calculated.
Simple Fabrication and Characterization of an Aluminum Nanoparticle Monolayer with Well-Defined Plasmonic Resonances in the Far Ultraviolet
Authors: Aguilar-Del-Valle María , Cruz-Manjarrez Héctor , Rodríguez-Gómez Arturo
Published: January 2018

Currently, aluminum plasmonics face technical challenges for the manufacture of reproducible structures by simple and low-cost techniques. In this work, we used a direct current (DC) sputtering system to grow a set of quasi-spherical aluminum nanoparticles with diameters below 10 nm. Our particles are uniformly distributed over the surface of quartz and nitrocellulose substrates. We review in detail the methodology for the determination of adequate deposition parameters to allow great reproducibility in different production runs. Likewise, we carry out an exhaustive nanostructural characterization by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The latter allowed us to identify that our depositions are nanoparticle monolayers with thicknesses equal to the average particle diameter. Finally, by means of absorbance spectra we identify the presence of a very well-defined plasmonic resonance at 186 nm that is associated with the dipolar mode in particles smaller than 10 nm. Due to the sharpness of their plasmonic resonances as well as their great manufacturing simplicity and high reproducibility, our aluminum nanoparticles could be used as optical sensors.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Ultrafast Laser Fabrication for Lab-on-a-Chip
Authors: Martínez Vázquez Rebeca , Osellame Roberto
Published: January 2018

Ultrafast laser microfabrication is a very powerful method for producing integrated devices in transparent materials [1].[...]
Following the Amphibolite to Greenschist Metamorphic Path through the Structural Parameters of Spinels from Amsaga (Mauritania)
Authors: Lenaz Davide , Skogby Henrik , Rigonat Nicola , Berger Julien
Published: January 2018

We investigated the crystal and structural behavior of several Cr-bearing spinels from the Archean chromitites of Amsaga (Mauritania). The chemical and structural data testified a retrograde metamorphism from amphibolite to greenschist facies, witnessed by relative changes in the amount of all the major oxides (Cr, Al, Mg, Fe2+, Fe3+), the relative proportion of Fe3+/Fetot as well as the structural parameters, including the cell edge and the oxygen coordinate. The general agreement between electron microprobe and Mössbauer data indicates that the analyzed spinels are stoichiometric. The structural data revealed that the oxygen positional parameter of amphibole-bearing samples is the highest observed among Cr-bearing spinels with similar Cr# and Mg#. Consequently, it is suggested that a structural study of detrital Cr-spinels could be important in discriminating an amphibole-chromitite source from an ophiolite source.
A Comparison of the Chemical Composition, In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Rice Bran and Its Dietary Fibres
Authors: Zhao Guanghe , Zhang Ruifen , Dong Lihong , Huang Fei , Liu Lei , Deng Yuanyuan , Ma Yongxuan , Zhang Yan , Wei Zhencheng , Xiao Juan , Zhang Mingwei
Published: January 2018

The composition, in vitro bioaccessibility and antioxidant activities of the phenolic compounds in defatted rice bran (DRB) and its soluble and insoluble dietary fibres were systematically evaluated in this study. The total phenolic content of insoluble dietary fibre from DRB (IDFDRB) was much higher than that of the soluble dietary fibre from DRB (SDFDRB) but was 10% lower than that of DRB. Bound phenolics accounted for more than 90% of the total phenolics in IDFDRB, whereas they accounted for 34.2% and 40.5% of the total phenolics in DRB and SDFDRB, respectively. Additionally, the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities were significantly different in DRB, SDFDRB and IDFDRB. The phenolic compounds in IDFDRB were much less bioaccessibility than those in DRB and SDFDRB due to the higher proportion of bound phenolics in IDFDRB. Considering that bound phenolics could be released from food matrices by bacterial enzymes in the large intestine and go on to exert significant beneficial health effects in vivo, further studies on IDFDRB are needed to investigate the release of the phenolics from IDFDRB via gut microbiota and the related health benefits.
A Review on Recent Advances in Stabilizing Peptides/Proteins upon Fabrication in Hydrogels from Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Raza Faisal , Zafar Hajra , Zhu Ying , Ren Yuan , -Ullah Aftab , Khan Asif , He Xinyi , Han Han , Aquib Md , Boakye-Yiadom Kofi , Ge Liang
Published: January 2018

Hydrogels evolved as an outstanding carrier material for local and controlled drug delivery that tend to overcome the shortcomings of old conventional dosage forms for small drugs (NSAIDS) and large peptides and proteins. The aqueous swellable and crosslinked polymeric network structure of hydrogels is composed of various natural, synthetic and semisynthetic biodegradable polymers. Hydrogels have remarkable properties of functionality, reversibility, sterilizability, and biocompatibility. All these dynamic properties of hydrogels have increased the interest in their use as a carrier for peptides and proteins to be released slowly in a sustained manner. Peptide and proteins are remarkable therapeutic agents in today’s world that allow the treatment of severe, chronic and life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis. Despite few limitations, hydrogels provide fine tuning of proteins and peptides delivery with enormous impact in clinical medicine. Novels drug delivery systems composed of smart peptides and molecules have the ability to drive self-assembly and form hydrogels at physiological pH. These hydrogels are significantly important for biological and medical fields. The primary objective of this article is to review current issues concerned with the therapeutic peptides and proteins and impact of remarkable properties of hydrogels on these therapeutic agents. Different routes for pharmaceutical peptides and proteins and superiority over other drugs candidates are presented. Recent advances based on various approaches like self-assembly of peptides and small molecules to form novel hydrogels are also discussed. The article will also review the literature concerning the classification of hydrogels on a different basis, polymers used, “release mechanisms” their physical and chemical characteristics and diverse applications.