bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aligning Athletes’ Career Choices and Graduate Degree Pathways
Authors: Haslerig Siduri J. , Navarro Kristina M.
Published: August 2015

Higher education career development professionals are charged with more than understanding the challenges and needs of a diverse student body, and they must also prepare students for career fields in life after higher education. This empirical study explored the graduate degree choices and career aspirations of 14 college athletes who competed in football at large, highly selective Division I/Research I universities. This study aimed to further understand how life experiences influence graduate degree choice and the subsequent alignment of chosen degree path and future career aspirations. Findings of this study were guided by Savickas’ career construction theory. Personal narratives were collected in semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method. This study presents implications and recommendations for contemporary career development practitioners who work with college athletes as they engage in processes of career exploration, choice, and preparation.
A Qualitative Exploration of Fear of Failure and Entrepreneurial Intent in Singapore
Authors: Chua H. Sheryl , Bedford Olwen
Published: August 2015

Despite Singapore’s huge effort to promote entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial spirit is still lacking. Entrepreneurial intent is especially low among Singaporean young adults who prefer a traditional career path. A psychological barrier, fear of failure (FoF), has been proposed as an explanation. In the entrepreneurship context, FoF is generally assumed to be a unidimensional construct. Although FoF has been examined in relation to the processes of established entrepreneurs, it has not been explored in relation to entrepreneurial intent, and no studies have examined its dimensionality in this context. We explored this possibility using a qualitative approach and the cognitive–motivation–relational theory of emotion. Inductive thematic analysis of 35 semi-structured interviews revealed three main concerns about business failure: financial, psychological, and career. The analysis challenged the prevailing view by supporting the multidimensionality of FoF in entrepreneurship, established its relevance as a barrier to entrepreneurial intent, and highlighted potential cross-cultural variation in FoF.
Towards a shared service centre for telemedicine: Telemedicine in Denmark, and a possible way forward
Authors: Larsen Simon Bo , Sørensen Nanna Skovgaard , Petersen Matilde Grøndahl , Kjeldsen Gitte Friis
Published: August 2015

Although evidence of the effectiveness of telemedicine is accumulating, knowledge of how to make best use of telemedicine is limited. This article presents results from a multi-stakeholder project that developed a new concept, a ‘shared service centre’ for telemedicine that is envisioned as working across different telemedical initiatives to support the implementation and wider adoption of telemedicine. One year of participatory design and analysis of the shared service centre concept involved stakeholders, such as clinicians, patients, technicians, policy makers, lawyers, economists and information technology architects. More than 100 people contributed to the findings. Most of the ideas generated for potential centre support for telemedicine could be categorised under four service categories. The need for such support services was verified in the cases investigated, and by agreement among stakeholders from regional health authorities, municipalities, and general practice. Therefore, it is probable that a shared service centre could help enable the wider deployment of telemedicine.

Definitions

In this article, we use ‘telemedicine’ as an umbrella term for all the ‘tele-’ labels that are sometimes used rather indiscriminately to denote the use of information and technology to support healthcare services, including ‘telehealth’, ‘telemonitoring’, ‘telehomecare’, ‘e-health’, and so on. As per our definition, telemedicine may be synchronous and/or asynchronous, and may apply to any information and technology-based means of connecting healthcare actors and the patient, such as video communication, e-mail, electronic monitoring equipment, and Internet portals. Furthermore, the term ‘telemedical initiative’ covers projects in which telemedicine is conducted by a temporary project organisation, as well as self-contained telemedicine services used in daily, clinical practice in existing organisations.
Comparing the Influence of Dynamic and Static Versions of Media in Evaluating Physical-Activity-Promotion Ads
Authors: Deshpande Sameer , Berry Tanya R. , Faulkner Guy E. J. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: August 2015

Although social marketing promotion efforts are typically evaluated online using either finished video or static images, limited evidence exists whether media type influences audience response. In a posttest-only experimental study with a nationally representative sample of 663 Canadian mothers of 5- to 11-year-old children, participants were randomly assigned to one of two media conditions consisting of Think Again physical-activity Public Service Announcements created by ParticipACTION. Mothers reported campaign recall, ad liking, motivation to respond to the ad (i.e., assist one’s child to get at least 60 min of physical activity every day), and their support behaviors. Data were analyzed using χ2 and independent samples t-tests. Those exposed to the video version of the ad in comparison to the static image reported higher message recall and liking, and motivation to respond. There were no differences in parental support behaviors. Social marketing promotion efforts should be evaluated using the same format as the media message originally used. The study concludes that media type influences findings when evaluating social marketing promotion campaigns.
A new heterologous fibrin sealant as a scaffold to cartilage repair—Experimental study and preliminary results
Authors: de Barros Caio Nunes , Miluzzi Yamada Ana Lúcia , Junior Rui Seabra F , Barraviera Benedito , Hussni Carlos Alberto , de Souza Jaqueline Brandão , Watanabe Marcos Jun , Rodrigues Celso Antônio , Garcia Alves Ana Liz
Published: August 2015

Autologous fibrin gel is commonly used as a scaffold for filling defects in articular cartilage. This biomaterial can also be used as a sealant to control small hemorrhages and is especially helpful in situations where tissue reparation capacity is limited. In particular, fibrin can act as a scaffold for various cell types because it can accommodate cell migration, differentiation, and proliferation. Despite knowledge of the advantages of this biomaterial and mastery of the techniques required for its application, the durability of several types of sealant at the site of injury remains questionable. Due to the importance of such data for evaluating the quality and efficiency of fibrin gel formulations on its use as a scaffold, this study sought to analyze the heterologous fibrin sealant developed from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus using studies in ovine experimental models. The fibrin gel developed from the venom of this snake was shown to act as a safe, stable, and durable scaffold for up to seven days, without causing adverse side effects. Fibrin gel produced from the venom of the Crotalus durissus terrificus snake possesses many clinical and surgical uses. It presents the potential to be used as a biomaterial to help repair skin lesions or control bleeding, and it may also be used as a scaffold when applied together with various cell types. The intralesional use of the fibrin gel from the venom of this snake may improve surgical and clinical treatments in addition to being inexpensive and adequately consistent, durable, and stable. The new heterologous fibrin sealant is a scaffold candidate to cartilage repair in this study.
Decitabine enhances stem cell antigen-1 expression in cigarette smoke extract-induced emphysema in animal model
Authors: He Zhi-Hui , Chen Yan , Chen Ping , He Sheng-Dong , Ye Ji-Ru , Liu Da
Published: August 2015

Stem cell antigen-1 ( Sca-1) is a mouse glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored protein and a cell surface marker found on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Despite decades of study, its biological functions remain little known. Sca-1 is a typical marker of bone marrow-derived HSCs, it is also expressed by a mixture of tissue-resident stem, progenitor cells in nonhematopoietic organs. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) is a subtype of HSC and contributes to endothelial repair by homing in on locations of injury. Abnormal genetic methylation has been detected in smoking-related diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the lung function and histomorphology, the expression of Sca-1 gene in lung tissues, and bone marrow-derived EPCs in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced emphysema mice, and to further determine whether Decitabine (Dec), the most widely used inhibitor of DNA methylation, could protect against the damages caused by CSE. The results of the present study demonstrated that Dec could partly protect against CSE-induced emphysema in mice, enhance Sca-1 expression in lung tissue, and bone marrow-derived EPCs. The results suggested that the depletion of the progenitor cell pool and DNA methylation of Sca-1 gene may be involved in the progression of emphysema in mice.
Investigation into the effect of common factors on rolling resistance of belt conveyor
Authors: Yan Lu , Fu-Yan Lin , Xin-Bo Yu
Published: August 2015

Since indentation rolling resistance accounts for the major part of total resistance of belt conveyor, it is important to compute it using a proper method during the design and application study of the belt conveyor. First, an approximate formula for computing the indentation rolling resistance is offered. In this formula, a one-dimensional Winkler foundation and a three-parameter viscoelastic Maxwell solid model of the belt backing material are used to determine the resistance to motion of a conveyor belt over idlers. With the help of this formula, the authors analyze the effect of common factors on the rolling resistance. Finally, experiments are carried out under certain condition compared with theoretical analysis. A reasonable correlation exists between the experimental results and the theoretical formulae.
Severe chronic primary neutropenia in adults: report on a series of 108 patients
Authors: Sicre de Fontbrune Flore , Moignet Aline , Beaupain Blandine , Suarez Felipe , Galicier Lionel , Socié Gérard , Varet Bruno , Coppo Paul , Michel Marc , Pautas Cécile , Oksenhendler Eric , Lengline Etienne , Terriou Louis , Moreau Philippe , Chantepie Sylvain , Casadevall Nicole , Michot Jean Marie , Gardembas Martine , Michallet Mauricette , Croisille Laure , Audrain Marie , Bellanné-Chantelot Christine , Donadieu Jean , Lamy Thierry
Published: August 2015

Key Points

Severe CPN in adults is a benign entity without secondary myeloid malignancies. Neutrophil count at diagnosis is the only predictive factor of severe infections.
The prognostic value of serum C-reactive protein-bound serum amyloid A in early-stage lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Xue-Yan , Zhang Ge , Jiang Ying , Liu Dan , Li Man-Zhi , Zhong Qian , Zeng Shan-Qi , Liu Wan-Li , Zeng Mu-Sheng
Published: August 2015

Background

Elevated levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reported to have prognostic significance in lung cancer patients. This study aimed to further identify CRP-bound components as prognostic markers for lung cancer and validate their prognostic value.

Methods

CRP-bound components obtained from the serum samples from lung cancer patients or healthy controls were analyzed by differential proteomics analysis. CRP-bound serum amyloid A (CRP-SAA) was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation (IP). Serum samples from two independent cohorts with lung cancer (retrospective cohort, 242 patients; prospective cohort, 222 patients) and healthy controls (159 subjects) were used to evaluate the prognostic value of CRP-SAA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

CRP-SAA was identified specifically in serum samples from lung cancer patients by proteomic analysis. CRP binding to SAA was confirmed by co-IP in serum samples from lung cancer patients and cell culture media. The level of CRP-SAA was significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (0.37 ± 0.58 vs. 0.03 ± 0.04, P < 0.001). Elevated CRP-SAA levels were significantly associated with severe clinical features of lung cancer. The elevation of CRP-SAA was associated with lower survival rates for both the retrospective (hazard ration [HR] = 2.181, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.641–2.897, P < 0.001) and the prospective cohorts (HR = 2.744, 95% CI = 1.810–4.161, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that CRP-SAA was an independent prognostic marker for lung cancer. Remarkably, in stages I–II patients, only CRP-SAA, not total SAA or CRP, showed significant association with overall survival in two cohorts. Moreover, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses also showed that only CRP-SAA could be used as an independent prognostic marker for early-stage lung cancer patients.

Conclusion

CRP-SAA could be a better prognostic marker for lung cancer than total SAA or CRP, especially in early-stage patients.
Direct Arylation Polycondensation of Thienothiophenes with Various Dibromoarylenes
Authors: Kumada Tatsuya , Nohara Yuta , Kuwabara Junpei , Kanbara Takaki
Published: August 2015

C–H direct arylation reactions of thieno[3,2-b]thiophenes (TT) with dibromo-substituted aromatic compounds afforded five different kinds of TT-based conjugated polymers, including donor–acceptor and dye-containing polymers. Although various thiophene-based polymers have been synthesized previously via polycondensation using direct arylation reactions, our research demonstrates the first direct arylation polycondensation procedure using a TT monomer. The physical properties of the obtained polymers were evaluated by using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The dye-containing polymer showed photovoltaic responses in a bulk heterojunction solar cells with a fullerene derivative.
Interaction between Multimeric Sulfated Saccharides and Alzheimer Amyloid β (1-42)
Authors: Fukuda Tomohiro , Matsumoto Erino , Miura Yoshiko
Published: August 2015

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is known to be related to the glycosaminoglycans that are associated with the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. We prepared heparin-mimicking multimeric saccharides and investigated their interactions with Aβ peptides in solution. The results showed that multimeric saccharides, especially the dimeric saccharide, strongly inhibited β-sheeted Aβ aggregation as assessed by the thioflavin-T (Th-T) assay, average zeta potential measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This result suggested that the amyloidosis of Aβ (1-42) was affected by the multivalency of saccharides even in the solution.
Use of Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) Spectroscopy in Direct, Nondestructive, and Rapid Assessment of Developmental Cotton Fibers Grown in Planta and in Culture
Authors: Liu Yongliang , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: August 2015

Cotton fibers are routinely harvested from cotton plants (in planta), and their end-use qualities depend on their development stages. Cotton fibers are also cultured in controlled laboratory environments, so that cotton researchers can investigate many aspects of experimental protocols in cotton breeding programs at reduced expenses. In this work, attenuated total refection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectra of cotton fibers grown in planta and in culture were collected to explore the potential of FT-IR technique as a simple, rapid, and direct method for characterizing the fiber development. Complementary to visual inspection of spectral variations, principal component analysis (PCA) of ATR FT-IR spectra revealed the occurrence of phase transition from primary to secondary cell wall synthesis and also the difference of starting the phase transition between two types of fibers. Like PCA observation, three simple algorithms were capable of monitoring the secondary cell wall formation effectively. Interestingly and uniquely, simple algorithms were able to detect the subtle discrepancies in fibers older than 25 days post-anthesis, which was not apparent from PCA results. The observation indicated the feasibility of FT-IR technique in rapid, routine, nondestructive, and direct assessment of fiber development for cotton physiology and breeding applications.
La lectura como experiencia estético-literaria
Authors: Suárez Viviana
Published: August 2015

Este artículo pretende dar a conocer los resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo era establecer las condiciones pedagógicas requeridas en el aula para que la lectura sea una experiencia estético-literaria. Esto significa que epistemológicamente se asume la literatura desde su condición estética, es decir atendiendo a su poder creativo, imaginativo y sensitivo. Y, al mismo tiempo, se pone el acento en la fuerza figurativa y trascendental del texto literario para una vivencia emocional altamente enriquecedora y liberadora. La investigación es de tipo cualitativo, desde el enfoque de sistematización de experiencias. De los resultados, se pone de manifiesto que la práctica pedagógica que se dirija a contrarrestar las tendencias formalistas y positivistas en relación con la literatura debe generar espacios que permitan que los estudiantes imaginen, creen mundos posibles, compartan con el grupo sus experiencias de lectura y jueguen con el texto literario.
La lectura académica y la teoría sociológica de Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Moreno Mosquera Emilce
Published: August 2015

En este artículo se argumenta que algunas categorías sociológicas desarrolladas por Bourdieu proveen un modelo significativo para la comprensión de las prácticas lectoras dadas en el contexto universitario. Específicamente se retoman las “herramientas de pensamiento” habitus, campo y capital, las cuales se constituyen en categorías que permiten describir y analizar prácticas lectoras en contexto. En ese sentido, esta posición se ubica en la línea de la literacidad situada, en la cual se conciben los eventos y las prácticas de lectura como procesos sociales que dependen de las comunidades en que se generen, de la historia de los grupos, de los niveles educativos y de las necesidades reales que emergen de la dinámica de estos (Barton, 1994; Barton, Hamilton e Ivanic, 2000). Para ello, será importante ubicar la lectura académica como una práctica social, así como, explicarla a la luz de “las herramientas de pensamiento” referidas anteriormente, donde se incluye la noción de capital lector (Luke, 1995, Compton-Lilly, 2007).
La infancia: aportes para pensar los desafíos de la investigación en el contexto latinoamericano
Authors: Barreto Ramírez Martha Helena
Published: August 2015

El escrito aporta algunas hipótesis de trabajo sobre la investigación en infancia a partir de los avances de este tema en la región. Comprende dos apartados: el primero plantea la emergencia del conocimiento sobre la infancia en el contexto latinoamericano, así como los aportes de la psicología social desde el constructivismo para la investigación de las instituciones de la infancia. En el segundo se problematiza la mirada de la infancia vulnerable; para tal fin, se plantea el análisis de tres casos: el conflicto armado, el trabajo infantil y el cuidado como práctica social. Se rescata la importancia de pensar nuevos conceptos para desesencializar la categoría de infancia y plantear así los desafíos de la construcción social e histórica de esta noción, a fin de lograr una mayor visibilidad del carácter heterogéneo de la experiencia de los niños y niñas.
Encuentro con las infancias, sus situaciones y contextos, a través del diálogo con docentes
Authors: Castiblanco Martínez Marisol
Published: August 2015

Bogotá es un escenario donde la atención a la infancia ha tomado gran importancia, lo que se evidencia por la implementación de políticas, programas, planes y proyectos en los que los niños son reconocidos como sujetos de derechos y ciudadanos. El Distrito enfoca sus esfuerzos en atenderlos de manera adecuada e integral, frente a las necesidades que presentan. En este marco, se hace significativo
indagar por las problemáticas percibidas por quienes trabajan con la infancia y comparten con ellos sus realidades, en este caso docentes. El proyecto de investigación “Problemáticas de la infancia en el Distrito: una mirada desde los egresados de la Facultad de Ciencias y Educación de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas”
pretende identificar los problemas y las acciones gubernamentales
en torno a la infancia, con el fin de tener un acercamiento a sus necesidades, situaciones y contextos. Algunos de los hallazgos serán descritos en el siguiente artículo avance de investigación.
Literatura infantil en la contemporaneidad: el mundo real de los niños
Authors: Rojas Camargo Sandra Milena , Saboya Alemán Sandra Hortencia
Published: August 2015

El artículo busca dar a conocer algunos   aportes de teóricos expertos en el tema de la literatura infantil en la contemporaneidad, tópico  de vital importancia para educadores, estudiantes y todo aquel que se apasione por el mundo de las letras.  Dando respuesta a los siguientes cuestionamientos: ¿Qué se entiende por este tipo de literatura? ¿Qué significa ser lector y escritor de literatura infantil? ¿Cómo se caracteriza el libro álbum? Este texto sustenta como  dicha noción está  en construcción. Quienes se adentren en el contenido de este artículo encontrarán los elementos que comienzan a definir un concepto de literatura infantil en la contemporaneidad.  
Análisis del comportamiento de los frenos de disco de los vehículos a partir de la aceleración del proceso de corrosión
Authors: García León Ricardo Andrés , Acosta Pérez María Angélica , Flórez Solano Eder
Published: August 2015

El sistema de frenado de un automóvil debe satisfacer un complejo conjunto de requerimientos, entre los cuales la seguridad es lo más importante. Los frenos deben trabajar en forma segura y predecible en cualquier circunstancia, lo cual implica disponer de un nivel estable de fricción, en cualquier condición de temperatura, humedad y salinidad del medio ambiente.Para un correcto diseño y operación de los discos de freno, es necesario considerar diferentes aspectos, tales como la geometría, el tipo de material, la resistencia mecánica, la temperatura máxima, la deformación térmica, la resistencia al agrietamiento, entre otros. Todos estos aspectos inciden en que el proceso de corrosión se acelere y se genere así desgaste de los componentes de los discos y por ende la inseguridad en el proceso de frenado.
Recomendación de productos a partir de perfiles de usuario interpretables
Authors: Becerra Cortés Claudia Jeanneth , Jiménez Vargas Sergio Gonzalo , González Osorio Fabio Augusto , Gelbukh Alexander
Published: August 2015

Los sistemas de recomendación automática de productos permiten que los usuarios tengan una visión personalizada de grandes conjuntos de productos, lo cual alivia el problema de la sobrecarga de opciones en los sitios de comercio electrónico. Usualmente las recomendaciones se obtienen usando la técnica denominada “filtrado colaborativo”. Esta técnica permite filtrar los productos que el usuario desea de aquellos que no desea, infiriendo las afinidades entre productos, y usuarios, en un espacio de características abstracto. Si bien estas técnicas han mostrado ser de gran valor predictivo, su baja (o nula) interpretabilidad hace que el usuario, al no poder modificar su perfil, quede encerrado en una especie de burbuja, en la cual solo recibe recomendaciones colaborativas condicionadas por su comportamiento histórico. En este trabajo proponemos construir perfiles de usuario definidos en espacios interpretables como el de las etiquetas colaborativas (tags) o bien palabras claves extractadas automáticamente de las descripciones de los productos, que al ser interpretables permitan al usuario modificar su propio perfil. Este modelo se basa en la obtención de perfiles usando modelos lineales, cuyos coeficientes, positivos o negativos, reflejan la afinidad del usuario hacia la etiqueta o a la palabra clave. Para probar nuestra hipótesis, utilizamos el conjunto de datos de investigación en sistemas de recomendación de películas de la Universidad de Minnesota, MovieLens; los resultados obtenidos muestran que la capacidad predictiva del modelo es comparable a la de los métodos no interpretables, con el beneficio adicional de la interpretabilidad.
ANÁLISIS DE TENDENCIAS DE MOVIMIENTO DE ESTACIONES GNSS/GPS MEDIANTE SERIES DE TIEMPO GEODÉSICAS EN COLOMBIA, 2008-2011
Authors: Lizarazo Sindy Carolina , Mora Páez Héctor , Santa Luis Fernando
Published: August 2015

Mediante el empleo de la metodología ARIMA, se realiza el análisis de series geodésicas de tiempo de nueve estaciones de la Red Nacional de Estaciones Geodésicas Espaciales GNSS para investigaciones geodinámicas del Proyecto GeoRED del Servicio Geológico Colombiano, para el período 2008-2011. Los resultados obtenidos permiten identificar las tendencias de movimiento 3D en dichas estaciones geodésicas. Se estableció que en este caso, los modelos univariados presentan poder de predicción limitado, aunque la tendencia del movimiento se conserva, siguiendo el comportamiento habitual enmarcado por los datos bajo análisis, mientras que los modelos multivariados representan en forma más real el pronóstico de movimiento de las estaciones GPS, considerando además la tendencia característica y el elemento de variabilidad inherente a los procesos estudiados. Se concluye además, la necesidad de mayor tiempo de observación para este tipo de análisis, en especial para la componente vertical.
MODELO DE REPRESENTACIÓN DEL ESPACIO GEOGRÁFICO MEDIANTE MATROIDES ORIENTADOS
Authors: Valero Medina José Antonio
Published: August 2015

En el contexto de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) se emplea una noción clásica del espacio que abarca, entre otros, dos conceptos: la continuidad y la externalidad. Estas nociones se encuentran presentes en las dos formas de representación basadas en campo y en objeto. Ya que cualquiera de estas dos formas conlleva básicamente un ejercicio de muestreo, el modelo de la realidad espacial así obtenido carece de exactitud y precisión, además de posición real, en muchas ocasiones. Dadas las deficiencias que tiene la representación de un modelo continuo (basado en los números reales ) implementado en un entorno de computación el cual es finito y no continuo (basado en un subconjunto de los números enteros ), han aparecido propuestas alternativas que pretenden subsanar dichas deficiencias. Una de las más prometedoras son los matroides orientados, esta propuesta está basada en estructuras combinatoriales complementadas con el concepto de convexidad. A lo largo de la presente revisión temática se exponen los conceptos básicos que subyacen a los matroides orientados y se relacionan algunas áreas de aplicación potencial en la representación de conceptos espaciales.
The Influence of the Oenococcus Oeni Malolactic Bacteria in Modelling the Flavor of White Wine
Authors: Lengyel Ecaterina
Published: August 2015

The research investigated the accumulation of malic acid and diacetyl in the white wines during the alcoholic fermentation of must with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeasts isolated by the author and Oenococcus oeni malolactic bacteria in a concentration of 106 CFU/mL. The two aroma compounds were detected and quantified in the resulting wines, making a comparison between the two technological systems, i.e.: co-inoculation of malolactic bacteria and sequential inoculation. Based on our determinations, it was ascertained that the Oenococcus oeni malolactic bacteria co-inoculation system in fermentative processes leads to a substantial reduction of malolactic bacteria and diacetyl concentrations. Thus, harmonious, balanced white wines are obtained, as specific to the area.
Animal Carcass Pricing Grid. Evidences from the Romanian Pigmeat Market
Authors: Savescu Roxana , Ploetz Georg
Published: August 2015

Until the introduction of SEUROP system, price negotiation between pig producers and slaughterhouses was based on two subjective criteria: animal weight and visual inspection of the quality of pigs. To ensure producers a fair payment, European Union created the possibility of binding the price on two objective factors: carcass weight and carcass composition. This paper describes the pricing mechanism developed by Romania in order to respond to European Union requirements for ensuring a fair payment to pig producers. It raises the attention on the difficulties encountered by the producers in understanding the way the commercial value of a pig carcass is calculated in case the selling price is negotiated on a flat rate basis or on a lean content basis (per kg of carcass weight or per kg of live weight).
External Quality Assessment Programs in the US with an emphasis on urinary sediment testing: the College of American Pathologists experience
Authors: Glassy Eric F. , Blomberg David J.
Published: August 2015

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has maintained the highest standards for laboratory medicine through education, evaluation, and certification. One form of External Quality Assurance – proficiency testing (PT) – is the centerpiece of that mission. Over 500 medical and scientific experts oversee CAP PT programs which include more than 600 tests performed by 22,000 laboratories in over 100 countries. It is the most comprehensive laboratory peer-review comparison program in the world. The CAP offers four urine sediment PT products tailored to the needs of different laboratories. Each includes three or four digital images, shipped twice a year. The program is overseen by the Hematology and Clinical Microscopy Resource Committee. Images are graded if there is 80% or greater consensus of either referee or participant laboratories. Failing laboratories must analyze the reasons for the failure, report the results, and initiate corrective action. Over the years, there has been a progressive decline in the number of errors, demonstrating that education and regulatory oversight are major contributors to improved PT performance and, by extension, patient care. The PT urine sediment image databank is a unique resource, representing the consensus of many laboratories. Participant and referee responses identify which morphologic variants are unambiguous and which are more difficult to classify. The PT challenges include discussions of disease pathophysiology and key morphologic features. This teaching component is what helps to set the CAP’s program apart. The discussions formed the basis for the Color Atlas of Urinary Sediment published by the CAP in 2010.
Synthesis, Photo-sensitive and Electrochemical Properties of Rod-like Aromatic Aldehyde with Azo Bridge
Authors: Zheng Minyan , Wei Yongsheng , Geng Wei
Published: August 2015

Eight new rod-like liquid crystal molecules composed by a long rigid core of three six-member rings (cyclohexane ring or benzene ring), azo, ester and terminal aldehyde groups have been prepared. These rod-like liquid crystalline molecules were designed to construct new structures to further study photo-isomerization in their mesophases. All the compounds have been characterized based on their basic spectral data, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and hot stage polarizing optical microscope (HS-POM). The result showed that all the molecules, even those with the shortest terminal methyl group, have liquid crystalline properties. Their mesophases are nematic within the temperature ranges from 85 to 145°C. They exhibit photo-sensitivities not only in methanol solutions but also in a mesophase when exposed to UV light. The highest occupied orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied orbital (LUMO) and the differences between the frontier molecular orbitals (Eg) of these compounds were determined by cyclic voltammetry. The effect of even-odd carbon number of the terminal straight alkyl chain on the UV spectral data and the Eg were observed. The difference between the Eg of these compounds are in excellent agreement with the difference of their maximum absorption wavelength in UV spectra.
Formality and the Lefschetz property in
symplectic and cosymplectic geometry
Authors: Bazzoni Giovanni , Fernández Marisa , Muñoz Vicente
Published: August 2015

We review topological properties of Kähler and symplectic manifolds, and of their odd-dimensional
counterparts, coKähler and cosymplectic manifolds. We focus on formality, Lefschetz property and parity of
Betti numbers, also distinguishing the simply-connected case (in the Kähler/symplectic situation) and the
b1 = 1 case (in the coKähler/cosymplectic situation).
No Neuron Left Behind: A genetic approach to higher precision topological mapping of self-organizing maps
Authors: Gorman Chris , Rogers Clint , Valova Iren
Published: August 2015

Self-organizing maps are extremely useful in the
field of pattern recognition. They become less useful, however,
when neurons fail to activate during training. This
phenomenon occurs when neurons are initialized in areas
of non-input and are far enough away from the input
data to never move toward the input. These neurons effectively
misrepresent the data set. This results in, among
other things, patterns becoming unrecognizable.We introduce
an algorithm called No Neuron Left Behind to solve
this problem.We show that our algorithm produces a more
accurate topological representation of the input space.We
also show that no neuron clusters form in areas of noninput
and that mapping quality of the SOM increases drastically
when our algorithm is implemented. Finally, the
running time of NNLB is better or comparable to classic
SOM without it.
Experimental determination of thermal turbulence effects on a
propagating laser beam
Authors: Ndlovu Sphumelele C. , Chetty Naven
Published: August 2015

The effect of turbulence on propagating laser
beams has been a subject of interest since the evolution of
lasers back in 1959. In this work, an inexpensive and reliable
technique for producing interferograms using a point
diffraction interferometer (PDI) was considered to experimentally
study the turbulence effects on a laser beam
propagating through air. The formed interferograms from
a propagating beamwere observed and digitally processed
to study the strength of atmospheric turbulence. This technique
was found to be sensitive enough to detect changes
in applied temperature with distance between the simulated
turbulence and laser path. These preliminary findings
indicated that we can use a PDI method to detect
and localise atmospheric turbulence parameters. Such parameters
are very important for use in the military (defence
laser weapons) and this is vital for South Africa (SA)
since it has natural resources, is involved in peace keeping
and mediation for other countries, and hence must have
a strong defence system that will be able to locate, detect
and destroy incoming missiles and other threatening atmospheric
systems in order to protect its environment and
avoid the initiation of countermeasures on its land.
A note on certain ergodicity coeflcients
Authors: Tudisco Francesco
Published: August 2015

We investigate two ergodicity coefficients ɸ ∥∥ and τn−1, originally introduced to bound the subdominant
eigenvalues of nonnegative matrices. The former has been generalized to complex matrices in recent
years and several properties for such generalized version have been shown so far.We provide a further result
concerning the limit of its powers. Then we propose a generalization of the second coefficient τ n−1 and we
show that, under mild conditions, it can be used to recast the eigenvector problem Ax = x as a particular
M-matrix linear system, whose coefficient matrix can be defined in terms of the entries of A. Such property
turns out to generalize the two known equivalent formulations of the Pagerank centrality of a graph.
The Capabilities, Uses, and Effects of the Nation's Criminalistics Laboratories
Authors: Peterson JL , Mihajlovic S , Bedrosian JL
Published: August 2015

All criminalistics laboratories in the United States were surveyed and asked to provide information about their service characteristics, personnel, evidence caseloads, involvement in research, and opinions concerning the usefulness of forensic science evidence in administration of justice. The data indicate that the rapid expansion of crime laboratory facilities in the 1970s has subsided, but the number of scientific personnel continues to rise. Laboratories appear to be relatively successful in updating and acquiring new scientific instrumentation. Drug and alcohol cases constitute practically two thirds of laboratory caseloads. Laboratories engage in a minimal level of research and writing. Respondents believe forensic science evidence to have the greatest impact in homicide and rape cases at trial and prosecutors and police investigators to have the best understanding of it.
Fates of Assailants of U.S. Presidents
Authors: Felthous AR
Published: August 2015

Public outrage has been mounting in recent years over the increasing number of violent crimes and assassination attempts. Before the 1982 Hinckley verdict, criticisms over merits of the insanity defense were escalating. Immediately afterwards some inaccurate news reports and hyperbole by public figures added to the popular perception that the insanity defense and psychiatric testimony have allowed notorious offenders more favorable dispositions, or perhaps even to go “scot-free.” Systematic review of fates of prior Presidential assailants demonstrates that both legal and extralegal consequences for their violent acts have been severe. Some inferences are discussed.
A Diagnostic Study of Robbers
Authors: Harry B
Published: August 2015

The author reviews some of the literature on robbers and their offenses, and presents an original study of all 13 robbers referred to a maximum security hospital for pretrial psychiatric evaluation during 1 year. When compared with non-substance-abusers, accused robbers who abused alcohol or drugs tended to be younger, use weapons more often, and commit more robberies as an afterthought to other violent offenses against private citizens. Methods similar to the one used here might be helpful in understanding the relationships between other offenses and diagnoses.
The Retention of Glass Particles on Woven Fabrics
Authors: Brewster F , Thorpe JW , Gettinby G , Caddy B
Published: August 2015

It has been demonstrated that the number of particles of glass transferred to fabric is dependent upon fabric type and particle size but that the loss of particles is primarily determined by particle size.
Discontinuous Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis for Typing Haptoglobin in Bloodstains
Authors: Budowle B , Chow GH
Published: August 2015

A routine method is described for obtaining reproducible haptoglobin patterns from bloodstains by discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By employing a stacking gel, proteins from bloodstain extracts are concentrated into narrow zones, before entering the resolving gel. This effect yields highly resolved haptoglobin patterns. Therefore, laboratories without the specialized equipment and expertise for polyacrylamide gradient gel preparation can still obtain highly resolved haptoglobin patterns from bloodstains.
1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Heroin's D Ring
Authors: Allen AC , Cooper DA , Moore JM
Published: August 2015

The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts and coupling constants of heroin's (1) D ring H-15α, H-15β, and H-16α, and H-16β are presented. These assignments were accessible through the introduction of a double bond (Δ15,16) in heroin. The resulting compound, Δ15,16 didehydroheroin (2), was subjected to deuterium exchange or stereoselective reduction or both. Reduced products d1-16αheroin (3), d2-15α, 15β-heroin (4), and d3-15α, 15β, 16α-heroin (5) are presented. Heroin with deuterated acetyls is also presented for 1H NMR spectral clarity in the D ring area.
An Interesting Gunshot Residue Pattern
Authors: Briner RC
Published: August 2015

The presence of lead, copper, and antimony (Sb, Cu, and Pb) was shown on the left back and right palm by use of anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). These data are consistent with a cross overhand held weapon (left over right). The use of ASV for gunshot residue (trace elements) is an alternative approach in that it allows observation of the entire three element (Sb, Cu. Pb) pattern.
The Assymetrical Remodelling of Two Neurosurgical Burr Holes: A Case Study
Authors: Sauer NJ , Dunlap SS
Published: August 2015

A human skull identified as that of a 16-year-old female who had been reported missing about 3 years before the discovery of the specimen displayed evidence for the assymetrical remodelling of bilateral neurosurgical burr holes. While one of the holes retained its original size and shape, gross evidence for the contralateral lesion had virtually disappeared. Initially, the open lesion was mistakenly suspected to be a recent bullet hole.
Cannabinoids in Blood and Urine after Passive Inhalation of Cannabis Smoke
Authors: Mørland J , Bugge A , Skuterud B , Steen A , Wethe GH , Kjeldsen T
Published: August 2015

To test the possibility that cannabinoids are detectable following passive inhalation of Cannabis smoke the following study was performed. Five healthy volunteers who had previously never used Cannabis, passively inhaled Cannabis smoke for 30 min. Cannabis smoke was provided by other subjects smoking either marijuana or hashish cigarettes in a small closed car, containing approximately 1650 L of air. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could be detected in the blood of all passive smokers immediately after exposure in concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 6.3 ng/mL. At the same time total blood cannabinoid levels (assayed by radioimmunoassay [RIA]) were higher than 13 ng/mL in four of the volunteers. Both THC and cannabinoid blood concentrations fell close to the cutoff limits of the respective assays during the following 2 h. Passive inhalation also resulted in the detection of cannabinoids in the urine by RIA and enzyme multiple immunoassay technique (EMIT®) assays (above 13 and 20 ng/mL, respectively). It is concluded that the demonstration of cannabinoids in blood or urine is no unequivocal proof of active Cannabis smoking.
Brain Concentrations of Cocaine and Benzoylecgonine in Fatal Cases
Authors: Spiehler VR , Reed D
Published: August 2015

Since cocaine in blood rapidly hydrolyzes to benzoylecgonine, cocaine concentrations determined in postmortem blood may not reflect the presence or concentration of cocaine in the body at the time of death. The interpretative value of the determination of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in brain tissue was investigated. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were quantitated by coextraction and formation of the propyl derivative of benzoylecgonine followed by selected ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using electron ion impact ionization. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were found to be evenly distributed throughout the brain. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations were stable in frozen brain tissue (−4°C) on reanalysis after 1 to 3 months of storage, and in refrigerated tissue (10°C) after 30 days of storage. Blood, brain, and liver concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in 37 cocaine overdose cases and 46 cases in which cocaine was incidental to the cause of death were reviewed. The ratios of cocaine/benzoylecgonine in the toxic cases (brain mean 14.7 and blood mean 0.64) were clearly different from those found in the incidental cases (brain mean 0.87 and blood mean 0.27). The brain/blood ratios of cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations generally were characteristic of the time elapsed since cocaine dosing. In cocaine overdose cases, the mean ratio was 9.6 for cocaine and 0.36 for benzoylecgonine. These are within the range found in animal studies for brain/blood ratios of cocaine and benzoylecgonine 0.5 to 2 h after cocaine administration. In incidental cases, the brain/blood ratios were mean 2.5 for cocaine and 1.4 for benzoylecgonine. These ratios confirm the accumulation of benzoylecgonine in brain tissue and its persistence in the body after disappearance of the parent drug.
Female Homicide-Suicide Perpetrators: A Controlled Study
Authors: Fishbain DA , Rao VJ , Aldrich TE
Published: August 2015

The record files of the Dade County Medical Examiner Department were reviewed and 133 homicide-suicides were identified. Of these, ten (or 7.5%) were female perpetrated. The chart data of these 10 female homicide-suicide perpetrators, chart data of 50 female homicide-suicide victims, and 50 female individual suicides systematically selected as controls were tabulated using a standardized instrument. The results were analyzed for differences using simple statistical methods. The comparisons revealed that female homicide-suicide perpetrators were more likely than female homicide-suicide victims to live in mobile homes, kill their lover or ex-lover, have their crime accidentally discovered, leave a suicide note, kill on a weekend, and be depressed, but are less likely than female homicide-suicide victims to live with a spouse. Additionally, female homicide-suicide perpetrators were more likely than individual female suicides to live in mobile homes but less likely to live alone and to be depressed.
Solid Dosage Forms: 1975–1983
Authors: Franzosa ES
Published: August 2015

The changes in the types and drug content of solid dosage forms as analyzed in the ballistics program at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Testing and Research Laboratory from 1975 to 1983 are discussed. Trends and patterns in stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogenic drugs are explained.
An Agarose Gel Electrophoretic Method for Typing Phosphoglucomutase-1, Esterase D, or Glyoxalase I
Authors: Budowle B
Published: August 2015

A conventional agarose gel electrophoretic method was described for typing phosphoglucomutase-1, esterase D, or glyoxalase I as single systems. Bloodstain extracts were absorbed into 1-mm-thick agarose gels via an application mask. The electrode wick distance was 12 cm and electrophoresis was carried out at 400 V at 6°C. The electrophoretic run times were 30 min for glyoxalase and 1 h for esterase D or phosphoglucomutase. This method is reliable and produces highly resolved band patterns. Additionally, the shorter separation times as a result of the increased voltage gradient permitted typing of more samples in a given time period compared with presently used methods. This technique requires little technical expertise and can be incorporated into the laboratory at a minimal cost.
Immunofixation of Complement Component C3 Phenotypes in Bloodstains After Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis
Authors: Morrison R , Noppinger K , Brown MG
Published: August 2015

The determination of the polymorphic C3 phenotypes was accomplished by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate followed by immunofixation. The three common phenotypes resulting from the two common codominant alleles C3S and C3F were clearly distinguishable in blood and bloodstain samples. Storage and degradation of C3 in blood samples as well as the stability of C3 in dried bloodstains is discussed.
A Correlation Between Shoeprint Measurements and Actual Sneaker Size
Authors: VanHoven H
Published: August 2015

Any correlation of shoeprint to sneaker size must first begin with an examination of sneaker measurements and their relationship to sneaker size. Once this has been established, the relationship between sneaker size and shoeprint measurements in various receiving surfaces can be examined. The purpose then, of this paper, is to form some frame of reference to equate shoeprint to sneaker size.