bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upaya Kantor Pos Jakarta Utara Dalam Menjaga Eksistensi Dan Daya Saing Pelayanan Publik Melalui Beragam Inovasi
Authors: Dwianto Agung Surya
Published: June 2018

Dewasa ini, semua organisasi yang ada, baik organisasi profit atau organisasi nirlaba dihadapkan pada persaingan yang tinggi. Salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan daya saing organisasi, yang selalu melahirkan gagasan baru (inovasi) untuk diterapkan dalam proses dan operasional organisasi. Inovasi merupakan tantangan besar bagi organisasi manapun termasuk organisasi penyedia layanan publik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan bentuk inovasi, keberhasilan dan kegagalan inovasi, serta faktor pendorong dan penghambat inovasi Kantor Pos Jakarta Utara dalam menjaga eksistensi dan daya saing pelayanan publik. Inovasi yang harus dijalankan oleh PT. Pos Indonesia - Kantor Pos Jakarta Utara menghadapi tantangan organisasi, adalah inovasi produk dan proses.Sementara itu, pembaharuan yang berhasil dilakukan oleh Pos Indonesia terhadap produk dan proses yang ada, meliputi layanan Pos Express, Pos Payment, Wesel Pos Instant, Pranko Prisma, dan sebagainya. Pembaharuan atau inovasi memiliki sifat baru yang lebih efektif dan efisien dengan memanfaatkan teknologi jaringan online sehingga dapat diterima oleh masyarakat. Namun, inovasi yang ada saat ini belum mampu menjawab semua tantangan organisasi yang dihadapi Kantor Pos Jakarta Utara, hal tersebut dikarenakan inovasi produk dan proses belum mampu mengatasi permasalahan organisasi yang dihadapi terkait dengan kualitas dan kuantitas SDM. Di lingkungan internal Kantor Pos Jakarta Utara, faktor yang mendorong pengembangan inovasi adalah terkait dengan SDM serta visi dan misi, sementara itu faktor penghambat yang ada di lingkungan internal adalah sarana dan prasarana serta biaya operasional. Sedangkan faktor yang mendorong pengembangan inovasi dari lingkungan eksternal adalah kebijakan pemerintah, kemajuan teknologi, dan munculnya jasa pengiriman swasta.
Pengaruh Penerapan Absensi Online Terhadap Disiplin Kerja Karyawan Pada UKM Purple Express Laundry Jakarta
Authors: Safudin Mahmud
Published: June 2018

Perkembangan IPTEK dewasa ini hampir dirasakan seluruh bidang kehidupan masyarakat, salah satunya adalah penerapan sistem absensi online di suatu instansi atau organisasi yang mana bertujuan untuk memudahkan sistem absensi baik saat penggunaan, pengawasan maupun pelaporannya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh penerapan absensi online terhadap disiplin kerja karyawan Purple Express Laundry Jakarta.Data dikumpulkan dengan cara menyebar kuisioner terhadap 30 karyawan dan analisis datanya menggunakan SPSS versi 23. Metode yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linear sederhana. Diperoleh hasil bahwa penerapan absensi online berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap disiplin kerja karyawan
Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan YPI Cempaka Putih Jakarta
Authors: Nelfianti Fera , Yuniasih Idah , Wibowo Ary Iswanto
Published: June 2018

Manusia yang berkualitas diukur dari hasil yang telah dicapainya selama ini, salah satunya dengan cara penilaian kinerja. Kinerja sangat penting bagi organisasi atau perusahaan karena kinerja merupakan salah satu upaya dalam pencapaian tujuan perusahaan itu sendiri.. Kinerja merupakan suatu fungsi dari motivasi dan kemampuan untuk menyelesaikan tugas atau pekerjaan seseorang sepatutnya memiliki derajat kesediaan dan kesediaan tingkat kemampuan tertentu. Salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi kinerja adalah budaya organisasi. Budaya organisasi adalah campuran nilai-nilai kepercayaan dan norma-norma yang ditetapkan sebagai pola perilaku dalam suatu organisasi. Penulisan ini ditujukan untuk menganalisis pengaruh budaya organisasi terhadap kinerja karyawan pada YPI Cempaka Putih Jakarta. Metode yang di gunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif kuantitatif dengan mengumpulkan data primer dari Kuesioner yang di sebar ke responden yang ada di YPI Cempaka Putih. Manfaat penelitian ini adalah sebagai bahan masukan untuk manajemen perusahaan dan juga sebagai bahan rujukan dan referensi masyarakat untuk dikembangkan lebih lanjut. Berdasarkan hasi penelitian kriteria yang berlaku pada analisis korelasi, maka hubungan antara Budaya Organisasi dengan Kinerja memiliki hubungan yang Sedang. Artinya Budaya Organisasi memiliki pengaruh yang cukup terhadap kinerja karyawannya. Dari uji Hipotesis menyatakan bahwa budaya organisasi berpengaruh signifikan dan Positif terhadap kinerja karyawan. Hasil penelitian membuktikan terdapat pengaruh antara budaya organisasi terhadap kinerja karyawan. Dengan demikian diharapkan Yayasan dapat lebih meningkatkan penanaman budaya organisasi terhadap karyawannya.
Implementasi Rough Neural Network dalam Identifikasi Kepuasan Konsumen Mediasi Bisnis
Authors: Trivanni Ikrimah Afifah
Published: June 2018

Data mining menjadi topik hangat yang sangat bermanfaat di era saat ini. Sistem Artificial Neural Network (ANN) dan rough set yang merupakan metode data mining dapat digabungkan yang selanjutnya disebut sebagai metode Rough Neural Network (RNN). Siste, roughset dalam RNN berfungsi untuk mereduksi atribut untuk optimalisasi informasi sedangkan ANN berfungsi untuk membentuk jaringan dari kumpulan data reduksi tersebut. Metode ini dapat digunakan di berbagai bidang misalnya bisnis yakni dalam mengidentifikasi kepuasan konsumen. Perlindungan hak maupun kewajiban dalam bisnis adalah hal penting di negara maju, contohnya New York yang telah membentuk Departement of Consumen Affairs (DCA). Ribuan mediasi tercatat telah dilakukan oleh DCA New York sehingga pendekatan struktur terhadap kepuasan konsumen merupakan hal penting dalam meninjau apakah layanan mediasi yang dilakukan telah baik. Oleh karena itu, tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengimplementasikan metode RNN pada suatu dataset komplain konsumen terhadap pelayanan mediasi DCA New York. Hasil penelitian pada proses awal, rough set menunjukkan bahwa atribut yang efektif untuk menghasilkan kepuasan konsumen yang optimal adalah atribut Business State, Complaint Result, Duration of Mediation, dan Complaint Type. Eror yang dihasilkan pada jaringan tiruan kepuasan konsumen (Satisfaction) sebesar 345,828 dengan langkah yang dilalui untuk mencapai model yang mungkin adalah sebanyak 65137 langkah. Model RNN menunjukkan selisih eror yang kecil antara data latih dan data tes, artinya model RNN konsisten dalam memprediksi kepuasan konsumen untuk kedepannya.
Risk of brain herniation after craniotomy with lumbar spinal drainage: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Motoyama Yasushi , Nakajima Tsukasa , Takamura Yoshiaki , Nakazawa Tsutomu , Wajima Daisuke , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Matsuda Ryosuke , Tamura Kentaro , Yamada Shuichi , Yokota Hiroshi , Nakagawa Ichiro , Nishimura Fumihiko , Park Young-Su , Nakamura Mitsutoshi , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar spinal drainage (LSD) during neurosurgery can have an important effect by facilitating a smooth procedure when needed. However, LSD is quite invasive, and the pathology of brain herniation associated with LSD has become known recently. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of postoperative brain herniation after craniotomy with LSD in neurosurgery overall.

METHODS

Included were 239 patients who underwent craniotomy with LSD for various types of neurological diseases between January 2007 and December 2016. The authors performed propensity score matching to establish a proper control group taken from among 1424 patients who underwent craniotomy and met the inclusion criteria during the same period. The incidences of postoperative brain herniation between the patients who underwent craniotomy with LSD (group A, n = 239) and the matched patients who underwent craniotomy without LSD (group B, n = 239) were compared.

RESULTS

Brain herniation was observed in 24 patients in group A and 8 patients in group B (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.36–8.46, p = 0.005), but the rate of favorable outcomes was higher in group A (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.18–2.76, p = 0.005). Of the 24 patients, 18 had uncal herniation, 5 had central herniation, and 1 had uncal and subfalcine herniation; 8 patients with other than subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Significant differences in the rates of deep approach (OR 5.12, 95% CI 1.8–14.5, p = 0.002) and temporal craniotomy (OR 10.2, 95% CI 2.3–44.8, p = 0.002) were found between the 2 subgroups (those with and those without herniation) in group A. In 5 patients, brain herniation proceeded even after external decompression (ED). Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk of brain herniation related to LSD increased with ED (hazard ratio 3.326, 95% CI 1.491–7.422, p < 0.001). Among all 1424 patients, ED resulted in progression or deterioration of brain herniation more frequently in those who underwent LSD than it did in those who did not undergo LSD (OR 9.127, 95% CI 1.82–62.1, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain herniation downward to the tentorial hiatus is more likely to occur after craniotomy with LSD than after craniotomy without LSD. Using a deep approach and craniotomy involving the temporal areas are risk factors for brain herniation related to LSD. Additional ED would aggravate brain herniation after LSD. The risk of brain herniation after placement of a lumbar spinal drain during neurosurgery must be considered even when LSD is essential.
Complications following pediatric cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Rocque Brandon G. , Agee Bonita S. , Thompson Eric M. , Piedra Mark , Baird Lissa C. , Selden Nathan R. , Greene Stephanie , Deibert Christopher P. , Hankinson Todd C. , Lew Sean M. , Iskandar Bermans J. , Bragg Taryn M. , Frim David , Grant Gerald , Gupta Nalin , Auguste Kurtis I. , Nikas Dimitrios C. , Vassilyadi Michael , Muh Carrie R. , Wetjen Nicholas M. , Lam Sandi K.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

In children, the repair of skull defects arising from decompressive craniectomy presents a unique set of challenges. Single-center studies have identified different risk factors for the common complications of cranioplasty resorption and infection. The goal of the present study was to determine the risk factors for bone resorption and infection after pediatric cranioplasty.

METHODS

The authors conducted a multicenter retrospective case study that included all patients who underwent cranioplasty to correct a skull defect arising from a decompressive craniectomy at 13 centers between 2000 and 2011 and were less than 19 years old at the time of cranioplasty. Prior systematic review of the literature along with expert opinion guided the selection of variables to be collected. These included: indication for craniectomy; history of abusive head trauma; method of bone storage; method of bone fixation; use of drains; size of bone graft; presence of other implants, including ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt; presence of fluid collections; age at craniectomy; and time between craniectomy and cranioplasty.

RESULTS

A total of 359 patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients’ mean age was 8.4 years, and 51.5% were female. Thirty-eight cases (10.5%) were complicated by infection. In multivariate analysis, presence of a cranial implant (primarily VP shunt) (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.17–4.98), presence of gastrostomy (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.03–5.79), and ventilator dependence (OR 8.45, 95% CI 1.10–65.08) were significant risk factors for cranioplasty infection. No other variable was associated with infection.

Of the 240 patients who underwent a cranioplasty with bone graft, 21.7% showed bone resorption significant enough to warrant repeat surgical intervention. The most important predictor of cranioplasty bone resorption was age at the time of cranioplasty. For every month of increased age the risk of bone flap resorption decreased by 1% (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99, p < 0.001). Other risk factors for resorption in multivariate models were the use of external ventricular drains and lumbar shunts.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest study of pediatric cranioplasty outcomes performed to date. Analysis included variables found to be significant in previous retrospective reports. Presence of a cranial implant such as VP shunt is the most significant risk factor for cranioplasty infection, whereas younger age at cranioplasty is the dominant risk factor for bone resorption.
Mediterranean Diet, Its Components, and Amyloid Imaging Biomarkers
Authors: Vassilaki Maria , Aakre Jeremiah A. , Syrjanen Jeremy A. , Mielke Michelle M. , Geda Yonas E. , Kremers Walter K. , Machulda Mary M. , Alhurani Rabe E. , Staubo Sara C. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Lowe Val J. , Jack Clifford R. , Roberts Rosebud O.
Published: June 2018

Background:

There is accumulating evidence suggesting that diet may play a role in preventing or delaying cognitive decline and dementia, but the underlying biological mechanisms are not well understood.

Objectives:

To examine the cross-sectional associations of the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and its components with 11C-PiB-PET scan measures of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition.

Methods:

The study consisted of 278 Mayo Clinic Study of Aging participants 70+ years old, who were cognitively unimpaired (CU) at the time of completion of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and when they underwent PET imaging. Adherence to the MeDi was assessed by computing the MeDi score for each participant. All scans were performed after the FFQ completion; median [IQR] time between FFQ and Aβ PET was 3.5 (1.4) years. Z-scores were created for component, macro- and micronutrients measured. Linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele carrier status, time interval between the FFQ completion and PET scan, and total energy intake.

Results:

Participants’ median age at FFQ was 77.7 years (55.8% men; 26.6% with an APOE ɛ4 allele). Higher MeDi score (linear regression slope (beta):–0.035, p = 0.012; per standard deviation increase), vegetable intake (beta:–0.043, p = 0.002), intake of vitamin A (beta:–0.041, p = 0.003) or β-carotene (beta: –0.039, p = 0.005) from food sources and moderate alcohol consumption (beta: –0.074, p = 0.03) were associated with lower 11C-PiB standardized uptake value ratio.

Conclusion:

Findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that higher adherence to a MeDi pattern and higher vegetable consumption are associated with better neuroimaging biomarker profile. Prospective studies are needed to validate current findings.
Translating experimental evidence to finding novel ways to promote motor recovery in stroke patients – a review
Authors: Zhao Chuansheng , Könönen Mervi , Vanninen Ritva , Pitkänen Kauko , Hiekkala Sinikka , Jolkkonen Jukka
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in basic research have revealed the complex structural plasticity associated with the spontaneous motor recovery after stroke. Various rehabilitative interventions seem to act through the same repair mechanisms to further enhance recovery processes. In this review, we first summarize the current understanding on brain plasticity and repair after stroke. We then outline experimental approaches for studying stroke rehabilitation in rodents and review current rehabilitative practices in stroke patients. Although experimental approaches are valuable in providing details regarding mechanisms and proof-of-concept data, relatively modest treatment effects in stroke patients highlight the translational gap. Further studies will be needed to find optimal treatment paradigms through emerging knowledge of brain repair, whilst appreciating the important differences between rodent and patient studies that complicate the translation of experimental data.
Improvement in upper-limb UPDRS motor scores following fast-paced arm exercise: A pilot study
Authors: Levy-Tzedek Shelly , Arbelle Dan , Forman Dan , Zlotnik Yair
Published: June 2018

Background:

The symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been shown to improve when they perform fast-paced rhythmic cycling movements with their lower limbs.

Objective:

Our goal in this pilot experiment was to test the feasibility and the benefits of a short exercise program involving fast-paced rhythmic movements of the upper limb for patients with PD.

Methods:

We used an experimental procedure that elicits large, fast-paced movements by the participants without the direct instructions to do so by the experimenter. Ten participants with PD (71.0±6.5 years old) performed a 50-min fast-paced rhythmic exercise of the upper limb after withdrawal from PD medication for at least 12 hours.

Results:

Participants improved their kinematic performance, in terms of accuracy and combined speed and amplitude ( p < 0.02), as well as their upper-limb MDS-UPDRS motor scores ( p = 0.023).

Conclusions:

The results demonstrate the feasibility of using the described apparatus to perform an exercise session of approximately 50 min with both arms, and give a preliminary indication of the potential benefit of such an exercise program.
Kinematic and kinetic benefits of implantable peroneal nerve stimulation in people with post-stroke drop foot using an ankle-foot orthosis
Authors: Berenpas Frank , Schiemanck Sven , Beelen Anita , Nollet Frans , Weerdesteyn Vivian , Geurts Alexander
Published: June 2018

Background:

Contralesional ‘drop foot’ after stroke is usually treated with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). However, AFOs may hamper ankle motion during stance. Peroneal functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an alternative treatment that provides active dorsiflexion and allows normal ankle motion. Despite this theoretical advantage of FES, the kinematic and kinetic differences between AFO and FES have been scarcely investigated.

Objective:

To test whether walking with implanted FES leads to improvements in stance stability, propulsion, and swing initiation compared to AFO.

Methods:

A 4-channel peroneal nerve stimulator (ActiGait ®) was implanted in 22 chronic patients after stroke. Instrumented gait analyses were performed during comfortable walking up to 26 weeks ( n = 10) or 52 weeks ( n = 12) after FES-system activation. Kinematics of knee and ankle (stance and swing phase) and kinetics (stance phase) of gait were determined, besides spatiotemporal parameters. Finally, we determined whether differences between devices regarding late stance kine(ma)tics correlated with those regarding the swing phase.

Results:

In mid-stance, knee stability improved as the peak knee extension velocity was lower with FES (β = 18.1°/s, p = 0.007), while peak ankle plantarflexion velocity (β = –29.2°/s, p = 0.006) and peak ankle plantarflexion power (β = –0.2 W/kg, p = 0.018) were higher with FES compared to AFO. With FES, the ground reaction force (GRF) vector at peak ankle power (i.e., ‘propulsion’) was oriented more anteriorly (β = –1.1°, p = 0.001). Similarly, the horizontal GRF (β = –0.8% body mass, p = 0.003) and gait speed (β = 0.03 m/s, p = 0.015) were higher. An increase in peak ankle plantarflexion velocity and a more forward oriented GRF angle during late stance were moderately associated with an increase in hip flexion velocity during initial swing (rs = 0.502, p = 0.029 and rs = 0.504, p = 0.028, respectively).

Conclusions:

This study substantiates the evidence that implantable peroneal FES as a treatment for post-stroke drop foot may be superior over AFO in terms of knee stability, ankle plantarflexion power, and propulsion.
Transferrable Surveys: Natural History from the Hebrides to South India
Authors: Menon Minakshi
Published: June 2018

In 1807 the English East India Company published a report by Dr Francis Buchanan (1762–1829), a Scottish medic in its employ. The report, titled A Journey from Madras, marked an important moment in colonial savoir faire – the emergence of the statistical survey as a form of natural historical knowledge-making in colonial India. What is not generally known is that Buchanan, who received his MD from the University of Edinburgh, had learnt the procedures he employed in his report in the natural history course taught there by the Rev. John Walker (1731–1803). This chapter seeks to explain why and how Walker's teaching travelled to India with Buchanan, and helped him justify British colonisation of south India.
Scots, Settler Colonization and Indigenous Displacement: Mi'kma'ki, 1770–1820, in Comparative Context
Authors: Reid John G.
Published: June 2018

This article notes that while sophisticated study of Scottish intellectual analyses of global Indigenous societies and their significance has been longstanding among historians, until recently less attention has been given to the implications of Scottish settlement for specific Indigenous peoples. Historians have debated whether there is a distinctly Scottish pattern of dealings with Indigenous populations, or whether such interactions are best understood as a subset of imperial-Indigenous affairs on a global basis. Through exploring the case of Mi'kma'ki, and offering brief comparisons with Scottish-Indigenous relations elsewhere, the chapter will conclude by arguing that, while the question does invite continuing global study, nevertheless no paradigm will be found. The shifting relationships among factors such as land encroachment, intellectual argument, Indigenous displacement, and Indigenous response, ensure that historiographical as well as historical complexity will prevail.
Leaf Development Monitoring and Early Detection of Water Deficiency by Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation in Nicotiana tabacum Plants
Authors: Sorin Clément , Mariette François , Musse Maja , Leport Laurent , Cruz Florence , Yvin Jean-Claude
Published: June 2018

Drought is the main abiotic stress worldwide affecting harvest quality and quantity of numerous crops. To enable better water management, low field NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) relaxometry was assessed as a developmental marker and a new method for early detection of water deficiency. The effect of a foliar biostimulant against water stress was also investigated. Two leaves of different ranks (four and eight) were studied. The leaves of different ranks were characterized by different NMR T2 spectra which validated the ability of NMR to describe the developmental stage of tobacco. Results also showed that T2 NMR relaxation spectra allow the detection of mild water stress (80% of the field capacity) through the precise characterization of the leaf water status while other water stress markers (relative water content, photosynthetic related parameters…) were not yet impacted. The agricultural impact of the mild water stress was determined through the nitrogen rate in shoots and amino acids assay six weeks after the beginning of the stress and results shows that foliar application of biostimulant limits the negative consequences of drought. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of NMR to detect slight changes triggered in the leaf by water stress at the tissue level.
The Topology of the Leg Joints of the Beetle Pachnoda marginata (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) and Its Implication for the Tribological Properties
Authors: Vagts Steffen , Schlattmann Josef , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: June 2018

Locomotion of walking insects is exceptionally efficient. The function of their leg joints in different movement scenarios depends on their kinematics and contacting conditions between moving parts. The kinematics was previously studied in some insects, but contact mechanics within the joints remains largely unknown. In order to understand the complex topology of the contacting surfaces of the leg joints in the Congo rose beetle Pachnoda marginata peregrina (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae), we have investigated the shape, the waviness, and the roughness of the joint base and its counter body by applying confocal laser scanning microscopy and white light interferometry. Additionally, we performed nanoindentation tests on the contacting joint surfaces, in order to analyze material properties (elasticity modulus and hardness) of the joint cuticle. We found two topological design principles of the contact surfaces that might be considered as adaptations for reducing frictional drag during leg movements. First, the contact pairs of all leg joints studied consist of convex and concave counterparts. Second, there is a smooth and a rough surface in contact in which microprotuberances are present on the rough surface. These principles might be potentially interesting for technical implications, to design bioinspired joints with both reduced friction and wear rate.
Dysregulated HAI-2 Plays an Important Role in Renal Cell Carcinoma Bone Metastasis through Ligand-Dependent MET Phosphorylation
Authors: Yamasaki Koji , Mukai Shoichiro , Sugie Satoru , Nagai Takahiro , Nakahara Kozue , Kamibeppu Toyoharu , Sakamoto Hiromasa , Shibasaki Noboru , Terada Naoki , Toda Yoshinobu , Kataoka Hiroaki , Kamoto Toshiyuki
Published: June 2018

MET, a c-met proto-oncogene product and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, is known to play an important role in cancer progression, including bone metastasis. In a previous study, we reported increased expression of MET and matriptase, a novel activator of HGF, in bone metastasis. In this study, we employed a mouse model of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) bone metastasis to clarify the significance of the HGF/MET signaling axis and the regulator of HGF activator inhibitor type-2 (HAI-2). Luciferase-transfected 786-O cells were injected into the left cardiac ventricle of mice to prepare the mouse model of bone metastasis. The formation of bone metastasis was confirmed by whole-body bioluminescent imaging, and specimens were extracted. Expression of HGF/MET-related molecules was analyzed. Based on the results, we produced HAI-2 stable knockdown 786-O cells, and analyzed invasiveness and motility. Expression of HGF and matriptase was increased in bone metastasis compared with the control, while that of HAI-2 was decreased. Furthermore, we confirmed increased phosphorylation of MET in bone metastasis. The expression of matriptase was upregulated, and both invasiveness and motility were increased significantly by knockdown of HAI-2. The significance of ligand-dependent MET activation in RCC bone metastasis is considered, and HAI-2 may be an important regulator in this system.
The Synthetic Potential of Fungal Feruloyl Esterases: A Correlation with Current Classification Systems and Predicted Structural Properties
Authors: Antonopoulou Io , Dilokpimol Adiphol , Iancu Laura , Mäkelä Miia , Varriale Simona , Cerullo Gabriella , Hüttner Silvia , Uthoff Stefan , Jütten Peter , Piechot Alexander , Steinbüchel Alexander , Olsson Lisbeth , Faraco Vincenza , Hildén Kristiina , De Vries Ronald , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: June 2018

Twenty-eight fungal feruloyl esterases (FAEs) were evaluated for their synthetic abilities in a ternary system of n-hexane: t-butanol: 100 mM MOPS-NaOH pH 6.0 forming detergentless microemulsions. Five main derivatives were synthesized, namely prenyl ferulate, prenyl caffeate, butyl ferulate, glyceryl ferulate, and l-arabinose ferulate, offering, in general, higher yields when more hydrophilic alcohol substitutions were used. Acetyl xylan esterase-related FAEs belonging to phylogenetic subfamilies (SF) 5 and 6 showed increased synthetic yields among tested enzymes. In particular, it was shown that FAEs belonging to SF6 generally transesterified aliphatic alcohols more efficiently while SF5 members preferred bulkier l-arabinose. Predicted surface properties and structural characteristics were correlated with the synthetic potential of selected tannase-related, acetyl-xylan-related, and lipase-related FAEs (SF1-2, -6, -7 members) based on homology modeling and small molecular docking simulations.
Multi-Decadal Trend and Decadal Variability of the Regional Sea Level over the Indian Ocean since the 1960s: Roles of Climate Modes and External Forcing
Authors: Han Weiqing , Stammer Detlef , Meehl Gerald A. , Hu Aixue , Sienz Frank , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2018

Previous studies suggest that anthropogenic warming has affected the multi-decadal trend patterns of sea level over the Indian Ocean (IO). This effect, however, has not been quantified. Using observational datasets combined with large ensemble experiments from two climate models, this paper assesses the effects of natural internal variability versus external forcing on the observed, multi-decadal trend pattern and the decadal sea level anomaly (SLA) of the IO since the 1960s. Because the global mean sea level rise (SLR), which results largely from external forcing, has been removed before the examination, the paper focuses on the regionally uneven distribution of trend and SLA. The impacts of climate modes are quantified using a Bayesian Dynamic Linear Model. For the regional trend pattern of 1958–2005, the effects of internal variability dominate external forcing. Over the Seychelles area where sea-level variations obtain the maximum, internal variability (external forcing) contributes 81% (19 ± 2.4%) of the observed trend. For decadal SLA, internal variability is the predominant cause, with a standard deviation (STD) ratio of externally forced/observed SLA being 18 ± 17% over Seychelles and 17 ± 11% near the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) area. Climate modes account for most observed SLA during boreal winter, with the total effects of decadal ENSO, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and monsoon accounting for 78–86% of the observed STD near the Seychelles region, ITF area, and coasts of Sumatra and the Bay of Bengal. During summer, climate modes explain 95% of observed STD near the ITF but only 58–67% in other regions. Decadal ENSO dominates the SLA in the south tropical IO for both seasons and near the coasts of Sumatra and the Bay during winter. Decadal IOD and monsoon, however, control the coastal SLA during summer. Remote and local winds over the IO are the main drivers for decadal SLA, while the Pacific influence via the ITF is strong mainly in the southeast basin.
Improvement of Corrosion Resistance for Gray Cast Iron in Palm Biodiesel Application Using Thermoreactive Diffusion Niobium Carbide (NbC) Coating
Authors: Amaya Ariel , Piamba Oscar , Olaya Jhon
Published: June 2018

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel consisting of alkyl esters, which show a higher corrosive behavior when compared with a diesel fuel. The corrosive processes by biodiesel affects the processing infrastructure of this biofuel and mechanical parts of automotives. Valves, engine blocks, and cylinder liners are gray cast iron components affected by biodiesel corrosion. The corrosion resistance of niobium carbide (NbC) coatings deposited using thermoreactive diffusion (TRD) on gray cast iron in continuous contact with diesel fuel and palm biodiesel was studied. Both coated and uncoated samples were subjected to immersion tests, cyclic oxidation at 473 K, and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test. The coatings were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both the rate of corrosion by immersion and the resistance to polarization via EIS showed the favorable behavior of niobium carbide coatings against the corrosion of palm biodiesel. The corrosion rate on samples coated with niobium carbide was three times lower than that of the gray casting samples. These results allow the conclusion that niobium carbide coatings could be a viable alternative to lessening the corrosive effects of palm biodiesel in the applications where gray cast iron is used in continuous contact with biofuel.
Relationship between Dislocation Density and Oxygen Concentration in Silicon Crystals during Directional Solidification
Authors: Ide Tomoro , Harada Hirofumi , Miyamura Yoshiji , Imai Masato , Nakano Satoshi , Kakimoto Koichi
Published: June 2018

This paper reports the relationship between oxygen concentration and dislocation multiplication in silicon crystals during directional solidification using numerical analysis. Based on the Alexander–Haasen–Sumino model, this analysis involved oxygen diffusion from the bulk to dislocation cores during crystal growth and annealing processes in a furnace. The results showed that the dislocation density mainly increased during cooling process, rather than crystal growth, when the effect of oxygen diffusion to dislocation cores was ignored. On the contrary, the dislocation density increased during both crystal growth and cooling processes when the effect of interstitial oxygen diffusion was considered. At a dislocation density larger than 1.0 × 105 cm−2, the interstitial oxygen concentration in bulk decreased due to the diffusion process, if interstitial oxygen atoms were between dislocations, whereas the concentration at dislocation cores increases.
Mechanical Fault Diagnosis of High Voltage Circuit Breakers Utilizing EWT-Improved Time Frequency Entropy and Optimal GRNN Classifier
Authors: Li Bing , Liu Mingliang , Guo Zijian , Ji Yamin
Published: June 2018

The mechanical fault diagnosis results of the high voltage circuit breakers (HVCBs) are mainly determined by the feature vector and classifier used. In order to obtain more remarkable characteristics of signals and a robust classifier which is suitable for small sample classification, in this paper, a new mechanical fault diagnosis method is proposed. Firstly, the vibration signals of HVCBs are collected by a designed acquisition system, and the noise of signals is eliminated by a soft threshold de-noising method. Secondly, the empirical wavelet transform (EWT) is adopted to decompose the signals into a series of physically meaningful modes, and then, the improved time-frequency entropy (ITFE) method is used to extract the characteristics of the vibration signals. Finally, a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) is used to identify four types of vibration signals of HVCBs, while the smoothing parameter δ of GRNN is optimized by a loop traversal method. The experimental results show that by using this optimal classifier for fault diagnosis, the proposed fault diagnosis method has the better generalization performance and the recognition rate of unknown samples is over 95%, and the signal features obtained by the ITFE method are more significant than those of the traditional TFE method.
Response to Comments by Yaolin Lin and Wei Yang “Development of a Data-Driven Predictive Model of Supply Air Temperature in an Air-Handling Unit for Conserving Energy”. Energies 2018, 11, 407
Authors: Hong Goopyo , Kim Byungseon
Published: June 2018

We would like to thank Yaolin Lin and Wei Yang for their comments [...]
Power Generation Expansion Optimization Model Considering Multi-Scenario Electricity Demand Constraints: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Chunsheng , Hu Yukun , Varga Liz , Wang Wei
Published: June 2018

Reasonable and effective power planning contributes a lot to energy efficiency improvement, as well as the formulation of future economic and energy policies for a region. Since only a few provinces in China have nuclear power plants so far, nuclear power plants were not considered in many provincial-level power planning models. As an extremely important source of power generation in the future, the role of nuclear power plants can never be overlooked. In this paper, a comprehensive and detailed optimization model of provincial-level power generation expansion considering biomass and nuclear power plants is established from the perspective of electricity demand uncertainty. This model has been successfully applied to the case study of Zhejiang Province. The findings suggest that the nuclear power plants will contribute 9.56% of the total installed capacity, and it will become the second stable electricity source. The lowest total discounted cost is 1033.28 billion RMB and the fuel cost accounts for a large part of the total cost (about 69%). Different key performance indicators (KPI) differentiate electricity demand in scenarios that are used to test the model. Low electricity demand in the development mode of the comprehensive adjustment scenario (COML) produces the optimal power development path, as it provides the lowest discounted cost.
A New Hybrid Approach Using the Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation Method for the Optimal Allocation of Electrical Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Carpinelli Guido , Mottola Fabio , Noce Christian , Russo Angela , Varilone Pietro
Published: June 2018

This paper deals with the optimal allocation (siting and sizing) of distributed electrical energy storage systems in unbalanced electrical distribution systems. This problem is formulated as a mixed, non-linear, constrained minimization problem, in which the objective function involves economic factors and constraints address the technical limitations of both network and distributed resources. The problem is cumbersome from the computational point of view due to the presence of both constraints of an intertemporal nature and a great number of state variables. In order to guarantee reasonable accuracy-although limiting the computational efforts-a new approach is proposed in this paper: it is based on a Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) method and on an innovative inner algorithm, which allows it to quickly carry out the daily scheduling (charging/discharging) of the electrical energy storage systems. The proposed method is applied to a medium voltage (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) IEEE unbalanced test network, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure in terms of computational effort while preserving the accuracy of the solution. The obtained results are also compared with the results of a Genetic Algorithm and of an exhaustive procedure.
Mapping Progression and Severity of a Southern Colorado Spruce Beetle Outbreak Using Calibrated Image Composites
Authors: Woodward Brian , Evangelista Paul , Vorster Anthony
Published: June 2018

An ongoing spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby.) epidemic in southern Colorado has resulted in the death of thousands of acres of forests primarily dominated by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry.). To evaluate the ecological and economic impacts of this massive mortality event, researchers and land managers need to efficiently track its progression, spread, and severity across large spatial extents. In this study, mortality severity (0–100% dead) was successfully mapped at the Landsat pixel scale (30 × 30 m) across a large (5000 km2), persistently cloud-covered study area using multi-sensor (Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)) harmonized tasseled cap image composites as spectral predictors of gray stage spruce beetle mortality. Our maps display the distribution and severity of this landscape-scale mortality event in 2011 (R2 = 0.48, root mean squared error (RMSE) = 7.7) and 2015 (R2 = 0.55, RMSE = 11.6). Potential applications of this study include efficient landscape-scale forest health monitoring, targeted forest and timber management, and assessment of ecological impacts of bark beetle outbreaks.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Nonstationary Flood Frequency across a Forest Watershed: Linkage with Rainfall and Land Use Types
Authors: Huang Xu-dong , Wang Ling , Han Pei-pei , Wang Wen-chuan
Published: June 2018

Understanding the response of flood frequency to impact factors could help water resource managers make better decisions. This study applied an integrated approach of a hydrological model and partial least squares (PLS) regression to quantify the influences of rainfall and forest landscape on flood frequency dynamics in the Upper Honganjian watershed (981 km2) in China. The flood events of flood seasons in return periods from two to 100 years, wet seasons in return periods from two to 20 years, and dry seasons in return periods from two to five years show similar dynamics. Our study suggests that rainfall and the forest landscape are pivotal factors triggering flood event alterations in lower return periods, that flood event dynamics in higher return periods are attributed to hydrological regulations of water infrastructures, and that the influence of rainfall on flood events is much greater than that of land use in the dry season. This effective and simple approach could be applied to a variety of other watersheds for which a digital spatial database is available, hydrological data are lacking, and the hydroclimate context is variable.
Mechanical Properties of a Water Hyacinth Nanofiber Cellulose Reinforced Thermoplastic Starch Bionanocomposite: Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration during Processing
Authors: Asrofi Mochamad , Abral Hairul , Kasim Anwar , Pratoto Adjar , Mahardika Melbi , Hafizulhaq Fadli
Published: June 2018

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) reinforced by 1 wt % nanofiber cellulose (NFC) reinforcing from water hyacinth was produced. Ultrasonic vibration time (UVT) was applied to bionanocomposites during gelation for 0, 15, 30 and 60 min. Morphology of the NFC was investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests were performed to identify the fracture surface and determine the mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites, respectively. The Crystallinity index (CI) of untreated and treated bionanocomposites was measured using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The average diameter of NFC water hyacinth was 10–20 nm. The maximum tensile strength (TS) and modulus elasticity (ME) of the bionanocomposite was 11.4 MPa and 443 MPa respectively, after 60 min UVT. This result was supported by SEM which indicated good dispersion and compact structure.
Workflow for the Targeted and Untargeted Detection of Small Metabolites in Fish Skin Mucus
Authors: Ivanova Lada , Tartor Haitham , Grove Søren , Kristoffersen Anja B. , Uhlig Silvio
Published: June 2018

The skin mucus of fish is in permanent contact with the aquatic environment. Data from the analysis of the chemical composition of skin mucus could potentially be used for monitoring the health status of the fish. Knowledge about mucus composition or change in composition over time could also contribute to understanding the aetiology of certain diseases. The objective of the present study was the development of a workflow for non-invasive sampling of skin mucus from farmed salmon (Salmo salar) for the targeted and untargeted detection of small metabolites. Skin mucus was either scraped off, wiped off using medical wipes, or the mucus’ water phase was absorbed using the same type of medical wipes that was used for the wiping method. Following a simple filtration step, the obtained mucus samples were subjected to hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Post-acquisition processing included the targeted analysis of 86 small metabolites, of which up to 60 were detected in absorbed mucus. Untargeted analysis of the mucus samples from equally treated salmon revealed that the total variation of the metabolome was lowest in absorbed mucus and highest in the scraped mucus. Thus, future studies including small-molecule metabolomics of skin mucus in fish would benefit from a sampling regime employing absorption of the water phase in order to minimize the bias related to the sampling step. Furthermore, the absorption method is also a less invasive approach allowing for repetitive sampling within short time intervals.
DNA Barcoding for Identification of Consumer-Relevant Fungi Sold in New York: A Powerful Tool for Citizen Scientists?
Authors: Jensen-Vargas Emily , Marizzi Christine
Published: June 2018

Although significant progress has been made in our understanding of fungal diversity, identification based on phenotype can be difficult, even for trained experts. Fungi typically have a cryptic nature and can have a similar appearance to distantly related species. Moreover, the appearance of industrially processed mushrooms complicates species identification, as they are often sold sliced and dried. Here we present a small-scale citizen science project, wherein the participants generated and analyzed DNA sequences from fruiting bodies of dried and fresh fungi that were sold for commercial use in New York City supermarkets. We report positive outcomes and the limitations of a youth citizen scientist, aiming to identify dried mushrooms, using established DNA barcoding protocols and exclusively open-access data analysis tools for species identification. Our results indicate that the single-locus nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA barcoding approach allowed for identification of only a subset of all of the samples at the species level, although the generated high-quality DNA barcodes were submitted to three different databases. Our results highlight the need for a curated, centralized, and open access ITS reference database that allows rapid third-party annotations for the benefit of both traditional research as well as the emerging citizen science community.
Multi-Wavelength Observations and Modeling of Loop I
Authors: Shchekinov Yuri
Published: June 2018

The article aims to overview the origin and current dynamical state of a giant structure on the northern galactic sky—the radio Loop I extending from ≈ − 45 ∘ to ≈ + 45 ∘ in longitudes and up to ≈ 80 ∘ in latitudes over the Galactic center (GC). The main issue addressed here is a description of possible sources of mass and energy able to build up the Loop I and associated structures seen in X-ray, 21 cm, far infrared (FIR), and maintain them on long timescales. This region of the sky is highly crowded, such that contaminations from many projected structures can be tangled, and not always current direct observations look sufficient to disentangle them. At such conditions indirect arguments based on analysis of underlying star formation (SF) rate, morphological features in radio, X-ray and FIR may be important for understanding the origin of Loop I. Simple estimates show that the observed rather weak SF rate is able to create and maintain Loop I, and under certain circumstances can provide the observed east-west asymmetry. However, an explanation of an apparent coexistence of morphologically similar HI and FIR filaments close to Loop I is challenging, indicating that most likely they may belong to the foreground. Recently discovered absorptions in diffuse interstellar bands seem to confirm this picture.
Recent Development of the Atomic Line List
Authors: Van Hoof Peter
Published: June 2018

The Atomic Line List is an online database of wavelengths and transition probabilities of atomic lines. It is primarily set up as a tool to help identify unknown spectral features. This paper briefly describes the web interface, how the line list is constructed, and what development is currently being undertaken for the next release.