bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La distribución global del ingreso. De la caída del muro de Berlín a la gran recesión
Authors: Lakner Christoph , Milanovic Branko
Published: August 2015

Este artículo presenta una base de datos recién compilada y mejorada de encuestas nacionales de hogares entre 1988 y 2008. En 2008, el índice global de Gini es de un 70,5% después de disminuir en cerca de 2 puntos Gini en este periodo. Cuando se ajusta por el probable subregistro de los ingresos superiores de las encuestas usando la brecha entre el consumo de cuentas nacionales y el promedio de las encuestas junto con una imputación tipo Pareto de la cola superior, resulta un Gini global mucho más alto de casi un 76%. Con tal ajuste la tendencia decreciente del Gini casi desaparece. El seguimiento de la evolución de los deciles-país individuales muestra los elementos subyacentes que impulsan los cambios en la distribución global: China salió de los rangos más bajos, en el proceso se modificó la forma total de la distribución global del ingreso y se creó una importante clase “mediana” global que transformó la distribución de dos picos de 1988 en una de un pico. Los “ganadores” fueron los deciles-país que en 1988 estaba alrededor de la mediana de la distribución global, el 90% de los cuales, en términos de población, son de Asia. Los “perdedores” fueron los deciles-país que en 1988 estaban alrededor del percentil 85 de la distribución global, casi el 90% de los cuales, en términos de población, son de economías maduras.
Un modelo de elección de medidas tributarias. El caso de América Latina
Authors: Castañeda Rodríguez Víctor Mauricio
Published: August 2015

Este artículo presenta un modelo que supone la racionalidad de los políticos y gobernantes cuando fijan las tasas de impuestos de renta y de consumo de cada contribuyente, y sugiere que esas decisiones dependen del tamaño y la movilidad política de los grupos de votantes y de sus expectativas sobre las condiciones económicas, entre otros factores, lo que ayuda a explicar las reformas regresivas adoptadas en América Latina durante las crisis económicas desde los años ochenta. Además, contrasta el modelo con un panel de datos no balanceado de 18 países para el periodo 1980-2010.
¿Hay una burbuja inmobiliaria en Bogotá? Un estudio por segmentos de mercado
Authors: Cediel Sánchez Vanessa
Published: August 2015

En 2014 los precios de la vivienda en Bogotá superaron el promedio histórico y el nivel más alto hasta ahora registrado, lo que hace pensar en una burbuja inmobiliaria. En este artículo se hace una prueba estadística, la prueba de detección temprana de burbujas, que identifica crecimientos explosivos de las series de precios por metro cuadrado. Se detectaron crecimientos exuberantes en la mayoría de las zonas, y se constató que hay diferencias por grupos de zonas. En las más costosas, parte del aumento de precios obedece a la acción de los especuladores; en las de menor valor, los precios obedecen a presiones de demanda y a mejoras en la capacidad de pago, así como a la ayuda del gobierno reflejada en la reducción de las tasas de interés hipotecarias para estos segmentos de la población.
Redes de pymes: una visión desde las teorías de club y de equipo
Authors: Alderete María Verónica
Published: August 2015

La cooperación entre empresas se puede analizar desde diferentes concepciones teóricas. Este artículo analiza las redes de empresas desde el punto de vista de las teorías de clubes y de equipos, cuyo marco teórico es un aporte novedoso paracaracterizar las redes de empresas. Y muestra que para un análisis adecuado de los casos de cooperación es necesario integrar las dimensiones que caracterizan a ambas teorías. Este marco teórico integrado es complementario a los que hoy se utilizan en el análisis de redes.
Gestión del conocimiento para la creación de competencias en la administración de la propiedad intelectual. Estudio de caso de la comunidad de práctica de la oficina de propiedad intelectual de Singapur
Authors: Pabón Cadavid Jhonny Antonio , Yip Rou Jyn , Ong Ming Cong Calvin , Phee Beng Hwee
Published: August 2015

En 2011, la Oficina de Propiedad Intelectual de Singapur (IPOS) creó una comunidad de práctica (CoP) en la gestión de propiedad intelectual con el propósito de aumentar las competencias de los empleados de la administración pública y la capacidad de los ministerios y agencias del Gobierno. La CoP de ipos forma parte de una estrategia amplia en el sector público que abarca planes gubernamentales transversales para dirigir a Singapur hacia una economía del conocimiento que se beneficie plenamente de la propiedad intelectual (pi). Esta iniciativa ha reunido a más de 400 profesionales de la pi de 67 instituciones públicas y es considerada una de las CoP más exitosas en la administración pública en Singapur. El presente estudio de caso utiliza evidencia empírica por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas con diferentes miembros de la CoP de IPOS, para analizar su origen, desarrollo y práctica. Se concluye que la CoP desarrollada por IPOS es un modelo innovador para la creación de competencias en la gestión de la PI que puede ser seguido por otros gobiernos y organizaciones.
Marcas farmacéuticas: un remedio para su regulación
Authors: Sánchez Merino Fredy
Published: August 2015

El artículo aborda el tratamiento de que son objeto las marcas farmacéuticas en nuestro país, toda vez que no es un tema unánimemente tratado por las oficinas de propiedad industrial en otros ordenamientos jurídicos, lo cual representa un problema no solo de carácter teórico sino práctico, al poner en riesgo a los consumidores por razón de la naturaleza de los productos que dichas marcas cubren. El tratamiento que a las mismas se les brinda desde la Organización Mundial de Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI), si bien es apreciable, no es suficiente y menos aún definitivo. Por lo demás, en nuestro ordenamiento interno la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) tampoco ofrece un análisis uniforme de dichas marcas para su acceso al registro.
El régimen de protección jurídica de las obtenciones vegetales en México: propuestas para una mejor adaptación al sistema CUPOV
Authors: Arcudia Hernández Carlos Ernesto
Published: August 2015

El sistema de protección de propiedad industrial en variedades vegetales se encuentra regulado a nivel internacional en el Convenio Internacional para la Protección de Obtenciones Vegetales (CUPOV). Como parte de las obligaciones contraídas por México con la firma del Tratado de Libre Comercio para América del Norte (TLCAN) se encuentra la de dar protección a todas las variedades vegetales según el Acta del cupov de 1978 o la de 1991. Esta obligación se cumplió con la promulgación de la Ley Federal de Variedades Vegetales (LFVV) en 1996. El artículo analiza, en un primer momento, las disposiciones del régimen de protección jurídica de variedades vegetales del cupov en torno al concepto de variedad vegetal; la prohibición de la doble protección; los requisitos para obtener un título de obtención vegetal, así como el contenido de la protección jurídica de la variedad vegetal. En un segundo momento se analiza la trasposición de la normativa del CUPOV a la LFVV con el objeto de sugerir propuestas de mejora a la regulación mexicana más acorde con los intereses nacionales.
El plagio. Especial referencia a la obra cinematográfica
Authors: Báez Jiménez Diana Carolina
Published: August 2015

La investigación busca establecer si es posible delimitar o fijar la frontera entre la idea y la expresión en la obra cinematográfica con el objeto de establecer en qué casos se configura la conducta del plagio. Para este propósito se acude a las fuentes del derecho comparado de países como Estados Unidos, España y Argentina principalmente, por tener una industria cinematográfica consolidada y porque han realizado estudios detallados del plagio de este tipo de obras, construyendo a su vez métodos o tests de comparación que permiten determinar cuáles son los elementos literales o no literales presentes en obras en conflicto y que se encuentran dotados del requisito esencial de la originalidad. El trabajo presenta de manera general el actual panorama colombiano, para posteriormente remitirse a la doctrina y lal jurisprudencia extranjeras y estudiar algunos casos significativos en la jurisdicción norteamericana, lo que permite contar con las herramientas doctrinarias y jurisprudenciales del derecho comparado para proponer un método de cotejo entre obras cinematográficas, o entre estas y otras de diferente género, atendiendo a los elementos susceptibles de protección por parte del derecho de autor.
Mujeres y política. Un panorama sobre la adopción de las cuotas de género y sus efectos en América Latina y Colombia
Authors: Tula María Inés
Published: August 2015

Hace ya varios años, los análisis sobre la participación política de las mujeres advertían una muy baja presencia de estas en los distintos parlamentos del mundo. El diagnóstico de la subrepresentación femenina fue una señal de alerta para los diferentes organismos internacionales, los cuales, a partir de sucesivas convocatorias, comenzaron a planificar una revisión de la situación para que los diversos países se comprometieran a adoptar medidas tendientes a modificarla. El presente trabajo tiene como fin describir el panorama actual sobre mujeres y política en América Latina, con especial atención al caso colombiano, centrándose fundamentalmente en la adopción de cuotas de género como estrategias de discriminación positiva que contribuyan a una mayor participación de las mujeres en la política de la región.
La transferencia de políticas globales de género y su puesta en agenda
Authors: Ruíz Paula
Published: August 2015

Desde la década de los ochenta, el género se incorpora como categoría analítica e  interpretativa que ha venido evolucionado tanto en su desarrollo teórico y metodológico como político y social. En el ámbito académico, por ejemplo, su análisis se ha abordado como una construcción cultural y social, lo cual ha permitido ampliar su espacio de discusión y de estudio como método de investigación dentro de las ciencias sociales. El feminismo, como movimiento social, ha impactado en la construcción de políticas en pro del empoderamiento de la mujer, impulsando a los Estados a suscribir acuerdos que paulatinamente, en la mayoría de sociedades, han mejorado su situación en los distintos ámbitos. La movilización internacional sobre temas blandos de la agenda internacional ha llevado a la transferencia de políticas de un sistema a otro y a su puesta en agenda a nivel local. En este artículo se estudiarán los aportes que el feminismo ha desarrollado en materia de investigación dentro de las relaciones internacionales, así como la influencia que el género ha tenido para la formulación de políticas globales y la implementación de estas a nivel local.
¿Víctimas o victimarias? El rol de las mujeres en las FARC. Una aproximación desde la teoría de género
Authors: Castrillón Gloria Yaneth
Published: August 2015

Este artículo surge a partir de una inquietud personal sobre cómo afecta el conflicto a las mujeres que hacen parte de las FARC. Aplicando la perspectiva de género, e intentando superar los estereotipos que representan a las mujeres como pacíficas y a los hombres como guerreros, se hace un análisis de los diferentes roles asignados a unos y a otras en esta organización, para determinar cuál es el papel que juegan ellas como combatientes. El interés primordial es hacer una reflexión sobre cómo podrán las guerrilleras superar las contradicciones, los vacíos y las rupturas que les deja su participación como cuerpos armados.
El conflicto como vínculo entre el grado de estructuración de problemas y el éxito de la implementación de políticas
Authors: Valdivieso Gustavo
Published: August 2015

Por más de cuarenta años, la investigación de implementación ha intentado explicar por qué las políticas públicas raras veces alcanzan lo que se espera de ellas. Demasiadas variables relevantes han sido identificadas por los investigadores, haciendo casi imposible realizar predicciones basadas en una, o unas pocas de ellas. Es posible, sin embargo, enfocarse en una versión más reducida del concepto ‘implementación’: no lo que se alcanza (los resultados de la política, que son en gran parte determinados por eventos exógenos a la forma en que esta se implementa) sino cómo se alcanza. El modelo aquí planteado propone mirar lo que ocurre con el ritmo de la implementación y la variación en la intervención, y la forma en que son influenciados por la interface entre ambigüedad de la política y grado de estructuración de los problemas. El conflicto es presentado como variable interviniente, y se afirma que es posible realizar predicciones generales sobre los resultados, en términos de ritmo y variación en contextos interorganizacionales, para diferentes combinaciones de nivel de estructuración y ambigüedad de políticas.
La autonomía de las Entidades Territoriales Indígenas
Authors: Baena Samuel
Published: August 2015

Las relaciones entre la civilización occidental y los pueblos indígenas no están exentas de desequilibrios históricos y culturales que ameritan un tratamiento jurídico especial. El punto de partida para lograr una equiparación es, en términos generales, el ordenamiento territorial, y, en términos específicos, el principio de autonomía. Sin embargo, a partir de las construcciones teóricas de la antropología y de una interpretación sistemática de la Constitución de 1991, es viable proponer la existencia de una autonomía reforzada en cabeza de las entidades territoriales indígenas. Es entonces necesario identificar con qué insumos cuenta el ordenamiento jurídico colombiano en la actualidad para permitir la proyección de esa forma especial de autonomía.
Principios de organización administrativa en la estructura institucional del MERCOSUR
Authors: Suñé Natasha
Published: August 2015

A partir de 1994, con la suscripción del Protocolo de Ouro Preto (POP), que otorga al MERCOSUR personalidad jurídica internacional y lo dota de una estructura institucional, surgió el interrogante de si los principios de organización del derecho administrativo serían aplicables a estos nuevos órganos regionales. Nos focalizaremos en entender los principios de organización administrativa que rigen en la estructura institucional del MERCOSUR, basando el análisis en los principios de organización administrativa del derecho administrativo. Veremos cómo esta estructura ha creado sus propios principios ya que no podrían trasladarse de modo supletorio principios y normas de ordenamientos jurídicos ajenos a la estructura regional.
¿Las agencias son unidades administrativas especiales?
Authors: Sarria Olcos Consuelo
Published: August 2015

Al plantearse como tema del artículo el de si las agencias son unidades administrativas especiales, el trabajo debe abordar dos conceptos aparentemente diferentes en cuanto al contenido y la génesis, pues de un lado se tiene conocimiento de las unidades administrativas especiales creadas con la finalidad de realizar actividades propias de un ministerio o departamento administrativo, y que, en consecuencia, siguiendo lineamientos jurisprudenciales, debían formar parte de la estructura de aquellos o estos. No obstante el reproche doctrinal referido a que a ciertas unidades administrativas se les otorgaba personería jurídica, llama la atención el cambio de criterio jurisprudencial que las avaló, y la manera en que a partir de la Constitución de 1991 se regularon unidades con o sin personería jurídica. Al abordar el tema de las agencias del Estado resulta relevante el origen anglosajón del término y la ausencia de características que las identifiquen, y la ausencia de un régimen común. Se hace especial mención a la reforma de 2011 y a cómo se crearon varias Agencias del Estado, algunas definidas como Unidades Administrativas Especiales, ante lo que cabe interrogarse sobre la correspondencia entre ambas nociones.
Integration of Religion and Spirituality Into Trauma Psychotherapy: An Example in Sufism?
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Walid Khalid , Hughes Jamie Hacker
Published: August 2015

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is of significant importance to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Eye movements seem to be the most effective form of BLS in EMDR. A brief summary of the cultural applicability of EMDR is provided, and research which showed the value of incorporating religion and/or spirituality into psychotherapy is highlighted. Islamic Sufism, in common with other traditional religions, has long been known to have a psychotherapeutic perspective and has been used over time to help people to overcome trauma and stress. This article argues that the ritual movements associated with the SufiDhikrmay involve a form of BLS and that this might underline some of the therapeutic effectiveness ofDhikrand Sufism. The authors recommend investigating if the SufiDhikrelement could be incorporated into a modified EMDR protocol. We anticipate that this would give EMDR an even wider and more popular acceptance in the Middle East and the Muslim world.
The Uncertainty Assessment of Threonine Determination in Ginseng and Its Immune Activity
Authors: Qin Jane yuxia , Chen Yan , Gao Dianshuai , Xiong Ye
Published: August 2015

Ginseng is one of famous herbs, which has many medical functions, such as neuroprotective effects, and
anticancer function, because ginseng contains many active substances, and threonine is one important ingredient. In this
study, to establish a mathematical model of uncertainty assessment for Threonine content in Ginseng by the amino acid
assay, the sources of uncertainty in the measurement process were completely concerned, the main sources of uncertainty
were fully analyzed, and evaluated and calculated. The results showed, for 0.2083g sample, the Threonine determination
in Ginseng showed a good linear relationship. IN conclusion, this method developed in this study is suitable for the
Uncertainty factors assessment of threonine measurement in Ginseng by amino acid assay. We also did animal test. To
detect the immune activity of threonine in Ginseng, we detected the CD3+, CD19+ using FACS of mice after oral
administration.
Influence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride on the Ethanol
Fermentation Process of Pichia pastoris GS115
Authors: Huang Wenjing , Tong Yanjie , Huang Wangxiang , Wang Ke , Chen Qiming , Wu Yuanxin , Zhu Shengdong
Published: August 2015

To evaluate the influence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) on the ethanol fermentation
process of Pichia pastoris GS115, this paper investigated the yeast growth, ethanol formation and the fermentable sugars
consumption during the ethanol fermentation process of Pichia pastoris GS115 at different [Bmim]Cl concentrations in
the medium. The results indicated that the [Bmim]Cl had no influence on the ethanol fermentation process at its concentration
less than 0.0001 g.L-1. The [Bmim]Cl inhibited the yeast growth and had a negative effect on ethanol formation at
its concentration higher than 0.0001 g.L-1. The final biomass and ethanol concentration, and the overall ethanol yield from
the fermentable sugars all decreased with its concentration increasing. The yeast growth was very slow and nearly no
ethanol formed when its concentration reached 5 g.L-1. Compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the growth of Pichia pastoris
GS115 was more sensitive to the [Bmim]Cl, and its ethanol fermentation had lower final ethanol concentration and
overall ethanol yield from fermentable sugars at the same [Bmim]Cl concentration. This work provides useful information
on selecting suitable strains for ethanol fermentation containing the [Bmim]Cl in the medium.
Data Interpretation and Continuous Modal Parameter Identification of Cable Stayed Bridge
Authors: Khan Inamullah , Shan Deshan , Li Qiao , He Jie , Nan Fei Long
Published: August 2015

For reliable identification of modal parameters, it is important to distinguish between abnormal data due to defects,
malfunctioning, and anomalies in the sensors, from that of precise data. In case of long-term continuous monitoring
data, it is imperative to identify any defects in the raw data very quickly and accurately to ensure that the identification is
trustworthy. Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) is employed for the purpose of quickly visualizing any defects and anomalies
in the sensor’s data. Outlier analysis is employed to make some data treatment followed by auto and cross correlation
to further elucidate any defects and anomalies in the collected data. Finally, covariance driven stochastic subspace identification
(CO-SSI) with some improvements is employed to carry out the continuous modal parameter identification. The
Sutong Yangtze river bridge, a long span Y-shape pylon cable stayed bridge with a main span of 1088m was chosen as a
case study and the above proposed methods were applied. The result showed that the suggested method is very effective
and can provide better and more accurate real life results in the continuous health monitoring of bridges.
Artificial saliva effect on toxic substances release from acrylic resins
Authors: Kostic Milena , Krunic Nebojsa , Najman Stevo , Nikolic Ljubisa , Nikolic Vesna , Rajkovic Jelena , Petrovic Milica , Igic Marko , Ignjatovic Aleksandra
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim. Acrylic-based resins are intensively used in dentistry
practice as restorative or denture-base materials. The purpose of this study
was to analyze the surface structure of denture base resins and the amount
of released potentially toxic substances (PTS) immediately upon
polymerization and incubation in different types of artificial saliva.
Methods. Storage of acrylic samples in two models of artificial saliva were
performed in a water bath at the temperature of 37 ? 1?C. Analysis of the
surface structure of samples was carried out using scanning electronic
microscopy analysis immediately after polymerization and after the 30-day
incubation. The amounts of PTS per day, week and month extracts were
measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results. Surface design
and amount of PTS in acrylic materials were different and depended on the
types and duration of polymerization. The surfaces of tested acrylates
became flatter after immersing in solutions of artificial saliva. The degree
of acrylic materials release was not dependent on the applied model of
artificial saliva. Conclusion. In order to improve biological features of
acrylic resin materials, it was recommended that dentures lined with soft or
hard coldpolymerized acrylates should be kept at least 1 to 7 days in water
before being given to a patient. So, as to reach high degree of
biocompatibility preparation of prosthetic restorations from
heat-polymerized acrylate was unnecessary.
Association between the SMN2 gene copy number and clinical characteristics of patients with spinal muscular atrophy with homozygous deletion of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene
Authors: Zarkov Marija , Stojadinovic Aleksandra , Sekulic Slobodan , Barjaktarovic Iva , Stojiljkovic Olivera , Peric Stojan , Kekovic Goran , Draskovic Biljana , Stevic Zorica
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive
disease characterized by degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal
cord and the medulla oblongata, causing progressive muscle weakness and
atrophy. The aim of this study was to determine association between the SMN2
gene copy number and disease phenotype in Serbian patients with SMA with
homozygous deletion of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene. Methods. The patients were
identified using regional Serbian hospital databases. Investigated clinical
characteristics of the disease were: patients? gender, age at disease onset,
achieved and current developmental milestones, disease duration, current
age, and the presence of the spinal deformities and joint contractures. The
number of SMN1 and SMN2 gene copies was determined using real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results. Among 43 identified patients, 37
(86.0%) showed homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7. One (2.7%) of 37 patients
had SMA type I with 3 SMN2 copies, 11 (29.7%) patients had SMA type II with
3.1 ? 0.7 copies, 17 (45.9%) patients had SMA type III with 3.7 ? 0.9
copies, while 8 (21.6%) patients had SMA type IV with 4.2 ? 0.9 copies.
There was a progressive increase in the SMN2 gene copy number from type II
towards type IV (p < 0.05). A higher SMN2 gene copy number was associated
with better current motor performance (p < 0.05). Conclusion. In the Serbian
patients with SMA, a higher SMN2 gene copy number correlated with less
severe disease phenotype. A possible effect of other phenotype modifiers
should not be neglected.
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: A report on 15 patients
Authors: Hadzi-Djokic Jovan , Pejcic Tomislav , Basic Dragoslav , Vukomanovic Ivana , Dzamic Zoran , Acimovic Miodrag , Radovanovic Milan
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim. Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) represents a chronic
pathological process characterized by fibrosis which entraps and compresses
the ureters and the great blood vessels in the retroperitoneal space. A
specific form of RPF is idiopathic RPF, an uncommon collagen vascular
disease of unclear etiology. The series of 15 patients which underwent open
surgical repair due to idiopathic RPF is presented herein. Methods. From
1989 to 2012, 11 male and 4 female patients underwent surgery due to primary
RPF. The ureters were entrapped unilaterally (7 patients), or bilaterally (8
patients). Major symptoms included low back pain due to hydronephrosis (9
patients), uremia (4 patients), and urinary tract infection (2 patients).
The diagnosis was based on intravenous urography (IVU), retrograde
ureteropyelography and computed tomography (CT). Results. Surgical
procedures included intraperitoneal ureteral displacement (8 patients) and
ureteral wrapping with omental flap (6 patients). One patient underwent
bilateral ureteral stenotic segments resection and oblique ureterography,
followed by wrapping with omental flap. Pathological examination confirmed
primary RPF in all patients. The mean operative time was 3.5 h (range
2.5-4.5 h). The average intrahospital stay was 21 days (range 16-26 days).
The mean follow up was 32 months (6-46 months). During the follow up, 12
patients had improvement on IVU. Conclusion. Early recognition of signs and
symptoms of RPF is of the utmost importance for the outcome. Surgical
procedures, including ureteral wrapping with omental flap, or
intraperitoneal ureteral displacement, usually represent definitive
treatment.
A morphometric modeling approach to distinguishing among bobcat, coyote and gray fox scats
Authors: Reid Rachel E. B.
Published: August 2015

Coyotes Canis latrans, bobcats Lynx rufus and gray foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus are all common mammalian mesopredators in coastal California and are found sympatrically in much of North America. Scats produced by these three animals are quite similar, but have historically been differentiated largely by morphology. I tested the efficacy of morphological classification of scat to species by building predictive models for species identification with a set of well‐described, DNA‐verified scats. I compiled a database of morphological, biogeochemical and contextual traits for a set of 122 DNA‐verified bobcat, coyote and gray fox scats. I then took two different approaches to predictive modeling, using both discriminant function analysis and random forests to predict scats to species. I found significant differences among species in only three (diameter, mass and C:N ratio) of the 12 variables I considered. Linear discriminant analysis was only 71% predictive with the inclusion of a non‐morphological variable in addition to morphological traits. Random forests similarly had only a 62% correct classification rate. Although scat morphology is not generally diagnostic to species for this set of mammalian mesopredators, these predictive morphometric models may still prove to be useful first‐pass identification tools. The linear discriminant model in particular is able to identify scats with certain traits to species with a high degree of confidence, lending credence to the idea of ‘end member morphologies’ for scats produced by these different animals. I suggest that researchers take similar measurements to either use in the morphometric models presented here, or build similar models for their target species. These results also suggest that some previous studies using morphology‐based scat identifications may have misrepresented or misinterpreted diets and space use by these sympatric mammals.
New records of Orussus minutus Middlekauff, 1983 (Hymenoptera: Orussidae) represent a significant western range expansion
Authors: Skvarla Michael , Tripodi Amber , Szalanski Allen , Dowling Ashley
Published: August 2015

Orussus minutus is an uncommonly collected parasitoid sawfly known from the eastern United States.

We report specimens Orussus minutus Middlekauff, 1983, from Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Manitoba, which represent new state and province records and significantly expand the known range of the species west from previous records; provide collection information for unpublished specimens housed in the United States National Museum collection, which includes new state records for West Virginia and Michigan; and report two specimens housed in the Biological Museum at Lund University that represent new state records for Connecticut.
Effect of live and inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on experimentally induced rhinovirus colds: randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
Authors: Kumpu M. , Kekkonen R.A. , Korpela R. , Tynkkynen S. , Järvenpää S. , Kautiainen H. , Allen E.K. , Hendley J.O. , Pitkäranta A. , Winther B.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate the usability of an experimental rhinovirus model in probiotic trials aiming to assess effectiveness in viral infections, and to provide preliminary data of live and inactivated probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for larger-scale trials utilising the model. 59 subjects were randomised to receive 100 ml of fruit juice supplemented with 109 cfu of live or heat-inactivated (by spray-drying) L. rhamnosus GG or control juice daily for six weeks. After three weeks subjects were intranasally inoculated with experimental rhinovirus. Infection rate (at least one positive culture for challenge virus on five days following inoculation or at least four-fold rise in antibody response to challenge virus) was 14/19 in the group receiving live probiotic strain and 18/20 both in the group receiving heat-inactivated probiotic strain and in the control group (P=0.36). The occurrence and severity of cold symptoms on the five days following the inoculation was lowest in the group receiving live probiotic strain (P=0.45). This trial was the first one dedicated to the investigation of the effect of probiotics using the experimental rhinovirus model. The model showed potential for demonstration of efficacy of probiotics in controlled respiratory viral infections. Occurrence and severity of cold symptoms and number of subjects with rhinovirus infection was lowest in the group receiving live L. rhamnosus GG, but differences were not statistically significant. Further large-scale studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of L. rhamnosus GG in respiratory infections.
Oral treatment with Bifidobacterium longum 51A reduced inflammation in a murine experimental model of gout
Authors: Vieira A.T. , Galvão I. , Amaral F.A. , Teixeira M.M. , Nicoli J.R. , Martins F.S.
Published: August 2015

Gout is an acute inflammatory disease characterised by the presence of uric acid crystals in the joint. This event promotes neutrophil infiltration and activation that leads to tissue damage. We investigated here whether the oral administration of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum 51A (BL) could ameliorate monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced inflammation in a murine model of gout. Mice received oral administration of BL or saline daily for 7 days and then were injected with MSU in the knee cavity. Treatment with BL significantly alleviated the inflammatory parameters, as seen by reduced hypernociception, reduced neutrophil accumulation in the joint and myeloperoxidase activity in periarticular tissue. There was inhibition of the production of CXCL1 and interleukin(IL)-1β in joints. Levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were significantly higher in the knee tissue of mice treated with than control mice injected with MSU. In conclusion, oral BL treatment reduced the inflammatory response in an experimental murine model of gout, suggesting it may be useful as an adjuvant treatment in patients with gout.
The feasibility of an 8-week, home-based isometric strength-training program for improving dressage test performance in equestrian athletes
Authors: Lee J.T. , Soboleswki E.J. , Story C.E. , Shields E.W. , Battaglini C.L.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of an 8-week, home-based isometric strength training program in equestrians. Also, we examined changes in muscular strength, endurance, and riding performance. 18 riders (≥1 year dressage experience, riding ≥1 h/week, otherwise untrained) completed pre-/post-muscular tests and a US Equestrian Federation Training Level Rider Test. A progressive, 3 day/week riding-specific intervention using TheraBands® was implemented. Feasibility was determined as >50% of riders completing ≥18/24 sessions of ≥2 sets/exercise of prescribed volume. Dependent samples t-tests compared pre/post composite muscular strength/endurance, and riding test scores. 55.5% of riders completed ≥75% exercise sessions. Significant improvements were observed for muscular endurance (pre 149.8±82.2, post 209.2±112.2; P=0.003), and for riding test scores (pre 57.8±7.4, post 60.8±5.1; P=0.037). Exploratory analyses revealed a significant correlation between improvements in muscular endurance and riding test score (r2=0.285, P=0.020). The intervention was feasible and produced improvements in muscular strength, endurance, and potentially in riding test performance.
Plasma chemistry before and after two consecutive days of racing in sled dogs: associations between muscle damage and electrolyte status
Authors: Frank L. , Mann S. , Johnson J. , Levine C. , Downey R. , Griffits C. , Wakshlag J.
Published: August 2015

Exercising long distance endurance sled dogs display plasma biochemistry changes characterised by elevations in creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hypoproteinemia, hypoglobulinemia and decreases in sodium and potassium. The aim of this study was to compare resting to day 2 racing plasma biochemistry and associations between electrolytes and markers of muscle damage in well-conditioned sled dogs during a stage-stop race. Blood samples were obtained from 23 dogs prior to the start and on day 2, immediately after racing. Results showed significant decreases in potassium (day 0 – 4.7±0.3 and day 2 – 4.2±0.3 mEq/l), total protein (day 0 – 6.0±0.3 and day 2 – 5.5±0.4 g/dl) and albumin concentrations (day 0 – 3.9±0.2 and day 2 – 3.6±0.3 g/dl). Increases in AST (day 0 – 24±7 and day 2 – 137±97 U/l) and CK activities (day 0 – 129±39 and day 2 – 2,047±2,021 U/l) were also observed. Plasma sodium concentrations were not significantly different after day 2 of racing (day 0 – 153±5.2 and day 2 – 151±4.1). Alterations in plasma electrolytes, and increases in AST, CK, alanine aminotransferase and urea nitrogen were similar to those observed in long distance endurance sled dogs. A strong negative association was observed between plasma potassium and increases in plasma CK activity on day 2 (R2=0.69). The maintenance of sodium concentrations with a concurrent potassium decline, suggests sodium conservation via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway as previously shown in endurance sled dogs. The negative correlation between muscle damage and plasma potassium warrants further investigation regarding its relationship to rhabdomyolysis.
Oestrogenic and (anti)androgenic activity of zearalenone and its metabolites in twoin vitro yeast bioassays
Authors: Stypuła-Trębas S. , Minta M. , Radko L. , Żmudzki J.
Published: August 2015

Selected resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) – zearalenone (ZEA), α-zearalanol (α-ZAL), β-zearalanol (β-ZAL), α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZOL) were investigated for their oestrogenic and (anti)androgenic activity using twoin vitro RIKILT yeast Estrogen and Androgen bioAssays. Our results show that all tested compounds are able to induce hERα-dependent transcription and the rank of their potencies, based on EC50 values is as follows: α-ZOL > α-ZAL > ZEA > β-ZAL > β-ZOL. None of the tested compounds appeared to be androgenic when tested individually at concentrations ranging from 0.1 pM to 0.1 mM. However, all RALs inhibited 17β-testosterone-induced transcriptional activity. The highest antiandrogenic potential showed α-ZOL, β-ZAL and β-ZOL with the IC50 of 6.2 μM, 11.5 μM and 15.2 μM, respectively. When compared with flutamide, for which a relative antiandrogenic potency (RAAP) was assumed as 100%, the corresponding RAAPs for α-ZOL, β-ZAL and β-ZOL were 220, 119 and 89.8%, respectively. In summary, our study revealed that RALs possess not only oestrogenic, but also antiandrogenic activity. Further research is warranted to clarify the role of disruption of androgen receptor signalling in humans and animals.
In vitro effect of ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol on the expression of interleukin 5 and interferon-gamma in broiler chicken lymphocytes
Authors: Lautert C. , Ferreiro L. , Azevedo M.I. , Botton S.A. , Santos J.T. , Gonçalves P.B.D. , Schlemmer K.B. , Machado V.S. , Santurio J.M.
Published: August 2015

Cytokines are proteins secreted by cells of innate and acquired immunity, produced in response to various antigens and responsible for mediating several function of these cells. Our study evaluated the profile of cytokines interleukin 5 (IL-5) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), induced in lymphocytes of broiler chickens in response to secondary fungal metabolites ochratoxin A (OTA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μg/ml. The quantification of the cytokines was analysed at 24, 48 and 72 h after incubation with mycotoxins, using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results obtained showed that OTA induced mRNA synthesis of IL-5 at concentrations 0.001, 0.1 and 1 μg/ml after 24 h of lymphocyte incubation, while at 48 h only the expression of the IL-5 cytokine at a concentration of 1 μg/ml (P<0.05) was detected. DON in a concentration of 1 μg/ml induced the expression of IL-5 in the lymphocytes only at 48 h post-incubation period (P<0.05). Regarding IFN-γ, gene expression was not observed in the lymphocytes of broiler chickens incubated with OTA and DON. The data obtained represent a profile of response mediated by T helper 2 cells to the exposure of broiler chicken immune cells to different concentrations of OTA and DON.
A mycotoxin-dedicated total diet study in the Netherlands in 2013: Part I – Design
Authors: Sprong R.C. , de Wit-Bos L. , Zeilmaker M.J. , Alewijn M. , Castenmiller J.J.M. , Mengelers M.J.B.
Published: August 2015

A mycotoxin-dedicated total diet study (mTDS) allowing assessment of occurrence and dietary exposure to these substances was developed and carried out in the Netherlands in 2013. First, literature was searched to establish the occurrence profile of mycotoxins. Next, foods as consumed according to the Dutch National Food Consumption Surveys (DNFCS) for young children and persons aged 7-69 years, categorised in several food categories, were ranked according to their summed consumption. Subsequently, foods with the highest consumptions were included to cover >85% of the consumption of a particular food category. In some cases, foods other than those contributing to the upper 85% consumption within a food category were included based on their expected high mycotoxin contamination. In some other cases, foods not contributing to mycotoxin exposure were excluded. This resulted in 130 foods to be included in this mTDS. Since a sample size of 12 was established per food, 1,560 food items were purchased for the population aged 7-69 years. Fifty seven additional food items were purchased to take into account the different consumption profile of young children. The 1,617 food items were prepared as consumed based on information available in the food consumption surveys. The prepared food items were combined according to the different consumption forms of the 130 selected foods (e.g. fresh, canned or frozen). This resulted in 213 subsamples, which were proportionally to their consumption further pooled into 88 composite samples. These composite samples covered 87 and 88% of the amount foods consumed by young children and the population aged 7-69 years, respectively. This design allows analysis of mycotoxin occurrence and the subsequent exposure assessment using aggregated food categories reflected by the 88 composite samples, as well as a more refined approach by analysing 213 subsamples.
A mycotoxin-dedicated total diet study in the Netherlands in 2013: Part III – exposure and risk assessment
Authors: Sprong R.C. , de Wit-Bos L. , te Biesebeek J.D. , Alewijn M. , Lopez P. , Mengelers M.J.B.
Published: August 2015

In a mycotoxin-dedicated total diet study (mTDS) performed in the autumn and winter of 2013 in the Netherlands, 48 mycotoxins, including patulin, aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, zearalenone, trichothecenes, ergot alkaloids,Alternaria toxins, beauvericin and enniatins, were quantified. Analyses were performed in 88 composite samples representative for the consumption pattern of the Dutch population. This article presents the results of the exposure assessment and subsequent risk assessment of these mycotoxins. Exposure was assessed by combining individual food consumption data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Surveys (DNFCS) for young children aged 2-6 years and the population aged 7-69 years with the analytical results of the mTDS, using a lower bound and an upper bound scenario for levels below the limit of detection. Wherever possible, exposure estimates were compared with toxicological reference values, including health-based guidance values. The high level of exposure (95th percentile) exceeded the toxicological reference value regardless of the substitution scenario for ochratoxin A in the population aged 7-69 years, for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins for children aged 2-6 years and for alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in both examined populations. The margin of exposure was too small for aflatoxin B1. For the remaining 23 mycotoxins with a toxicological reference value, the estimated exposure was below this level.
Stability of the Functional Cure in Congenital Esotropia
Authors: Ing Malcolm R.
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

To report the stability of the functional cure in a chart review of patients with congenital esotropia.

Methods:

The charts of 31 patients with congenital esotropia, encountered in 2007–2012 with functional cure, were studied. The stability of the cure and duration of follow-up were determined by comparing the first recorded date of cure with the date of the last examination. The mean age of the patients analyzed was 19.5 years.

Results:

Two patients decompensated in the subgroup of 24 patients who did not require hyperopic correction and 1 patient decompensated in the subgroup of 7 patients who required hyperopic correction. All patients with decompensation were realigned by secondary surgery. A small subgroup of 4 patients demonstrated gradual improvement of stereoacuity to 60 arc seconds or better.

Conclusions:

The functional cure of congenital esotropia is relatively stable in patients within the first 20 years. The secondary use of hyperopic correction and secondary surgery increased this stability.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(6):335–338.]
Online Monitoring and Transmission System for Lightning Detection Network
Authors: Shen Ji , Zhang Qiuwen
Published: August 2015

Lightning detection data is a kind of distributed information with high real-timeliness. After the lightning events are detected by the lightning detection network, the original detection data need to be collected and concentrated rapidly and timely for unified management and processing. In this paper, an online monitoring and transmission system for lightning detection information is presented. The system consists of two major components: the remote monitoring module and the response & transmission module. File system watcher (FSW) tool and the trigger mechanism are applied to the remote monitoring module to watch the generation of lightning detection data both in file directory or database. And then the newest origin detection data can be transmitted to the detection center of the lightning detection network by the response & transmit module based on the communication network. The proposed system is developed and exemplified in Wuhan lightning detection network, China. The application results indicates that the system is reliable and reasonable in the online monitoring and transmission for lightning detection data, which can provide a strong support to the lightning detection network
Application of Geophysical Technique in the Coal Mining
Authors: Yue Lei
Published: August 2015

Although coal is one of the most prevalent energy resources in the world, coal production has been a high risk industry due to its frequent accidents, especially in the developing nations. As well known, the main reason for that problem is that the potential disaster sources are not prospected before coal mining. Hence, it is very necessary to be advanced prospecting before the coal mining. Usually, the work of advanced prospecting can be done by the geophysical methods. According to the difference of disasters source physical characters, different geophysical methods can be employed. Because of different geophysical methods owning their advantages and disadvantages, this paper provides a general introduction to the most important methods used in the coal mining. These methods represent a primary tool for advanced prospecting to the disaster source. Although their main application is in prospecting disaster source in the coal mining, the methods are also used in other fields, for example, railway tunnel, environmental engineering and city construction. Consequently, geophysical method is of importance not only to geophysicists but also to geologists, engineers and archaeologists. The paper only covers the basic physical principles, methodology, and application ﬁelds of the various survey methods
Rural Online Distance Education based on Content Delivery Network in Beijing
Authors: Zhao Ji-chun , Liu Shi-hong , Zhang Jun-feng
Published: August 2015

The paper proposed the research on rural online distance education (RODE) based on the Beijing rural network condition, which aimed at helping farmers to get agricultural technology more effectively and sufficiently. This is the first platform that was applied to large-scale rural distance education, which combined with peer to peer (P2P) and content delivery network (CDN). What’s more, it initiates network video transmission into the RODE platform, which could save 80% of the bandwidth. In addition, MD5 encryption algorithm, content pre-reading technology and data logic chip technology were used to ensure the security of video data. It has the following advantages: easily deployed, highly scalable and low-cost.
Research on five axis NC Machining Simulation Based on VERICUT
Authors: Yuan Zhihua , Wang Jipeng , Kong Xiaolong , Hu Yuhui
Published: August 2015

The structure of five axis machine tool is complex and expensive, especially in the processing of complex and sophisticated parts. It is prone to produce the phenomenon of overcutting or undercutting between the machine parts and the knives or the machine tool , which will cause serious damage or even grievous scrap on the machine tool . With the help of VERICUT 7.0 Simulation of NC machine tool, you can modify and optimize the NC program code, shortening the real processing time required and improving the economic benefit of the company remarkably.