bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Generalization of Cyclic Amenability of Banach Algebras
Authors: Shojaee Behrouz , Bodaghi Abasalt
Published: July 2015

This paper continues the investigation of Esslamzadeh and the first author which was begun in [ESSLAMZADEH, G. H.-SHOJAEE, B.: Approximate weak amenability of Banach algebras, Bull. Belg. Math. Soc. Simon Stevin 18 (2011), 415-429]. It is shown that homomorphic image of an approximately cyclic amenable Banach algebra is again approximately cyclic amenable. Equivalence of approximate cyclic amenability of a Banach algebra A and approximate cyclic amenability of Mn(A) is proved. It is shown that under certain conditions the approximate cyclic amenability of second dual A∗∗ implies the approximate cyclic amenability of A.
Does the Lowest Bid Price Evaluation Criterion Make for a More Efficient Public Procurement Selection Criterion? (Case of the Czech Republic)
Authors: Ochrana František , Hrnčířová Kristýna
Published: July 2015

Through the institute of public procurement a considerable volume of financial resources is allocated. It is therefore in the interest of contracting entities to seek ways of how to achieve an efficient allocation of resources. Some public contract-awarding entities, along with some public-administration authorities in the Czech Republic, believe that the use of a single evaluation criterion (the lowest bid price) results in a more efficient tender for a public contract. It was found that contracting entities in the Czech Republic strongly prefer to use the lowest bid price criterion. Within the examined sample, 86.5 % of public procurements were evaluated this way. The analysis of the examined sample of public contracts proved that the choice of an evaluation criterion, even the preference of the lowest bid price criterion, does not have any obvious impact on the final cost of a public contract. The study concludes that it is inappropriate to prefer the criterion of the lowest bid price within the evaluation of public contracts that are characterised by their complexity (including public contracts for construction works and public service contracts). The findings of the Supreme Audit Office related to the inspection of public contracts indicate that when using the lowest bid price as an evaluation criterion, a public contract may indeed be tendered with the lowest bid price, but not necessarily the best offer in terms of supplied quality. It is therefore not appropriate to use the lowest bid price evaluation criterion to such an extent for the purpose of evaluating work and services. Any improvement to this situation requires a corresponding amendment to the Law on Public Contracts and mainly a radical change in the attitude of the Office for the Protection of Competition towards proposed changes, as indicated within the conclusions and recommendations proposed by this study.
Citizen Participation and Engagement in Urban Governance: Perception of Finnish and Polish Local Officials1
Authors: Radzik-Maruszak Katarzyna , Bátorová Michaela
Published: July 2015

Participation has recently received renewed attention in the context of governance. This is especially relevant in countries where democratization and decentralization have led to an increased promotion of citizen involvement into the decision-making process. This article suggests that the current debate on civic engagement would benefit from further reflection on how the concept of participation is implemented in contexts, particularly in the Nordic as well as Central and Eastern European countries, where ideas of local democracy, urban governance and involvement can be understood differently. By exploring citizen participation from the perspective of local officials in two European cities – Lublin, Poland and Tampere, Finland, the article seeks to add significant data to the on-going scholarly discussion. Based on qualitative research, it examines advantages and disadvantages of the provisions of the local citizen-participation frameworks, as perceived by the officials of the selected case cities. In the conclusion, the authors point out that although both cities have different democratic institutional systems as well as commonly accepted notions of citizen participation, their city halls frequently face similar problems related to the use of participatory tools.
Individual Consequences of Internal Marketing
Authors: Naghi Remus Ionut , Preda Gheorghe
Published: July 2015

Since the emergence of the concept of internal marketing in the literature there have been almost 40 years. This period was marked by a constant increase of the concerns in the internal marketing area, these efforts being evidenced by the publication of a consistent number of articles (conceptual and empirical) which analyze this subject. Considering the previous empirical studies, most of them have focused on studying the relationship between internal marketing and employee satisfaction and / or organizational commitment. However, the relationship between internal marketing and its consequences has been less analyzed in the context of emergent economies. In this paper we aimed to analyze the individual consequences of the internal marketing in the Romanian economy context, focusing our attention on three constructs: employee satisfaction, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. The research was conducted on a sample of 83 medium and large companies in various sectors of the Romanian economy. In order to proceed with the statistical data analyses we followed these steps: verifying the scales reliability, determining factor loadings and research hypotheses testing. Our research results are consistent with results of previous studies showing that the adoption of internal marketing practice has a positive effect on employee satisfaction, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior
Business Ethics and Integrity a Case Study on 300 U.S. Listed Companies
Authors: Tinjala Diana-Maria , Pantea Lavinia Mirela , Alexandru Buglea
Published: July 2015

Profit-maximizing behavior or moral integrity? Can companies have both? Our study takes a look at 300 U.S. based companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, and their way of dealing with business ethics. The research undertaken focuses on the content analysis method, using the corporate Codes of conduct and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports. The study reveals the evolution of the corporate ethics policies and programs throughout the years 2010- 2014. We also take a look at the most frequent controversies concerning business integrity, by sectors of activity
The Bioeconomy Model in Future Sustainable Development
Authors: Ipate Nicolae , David Katalin Gabriela , Ipate Iudith , Bogdan Alexandru
Published: July 2015

The future of sustainable development is the bioeconomy with the ―global‖ solution; both global and local action for developed the renewable energy generation. When local solutions are implemented is being laid for global solutions are positive affect the national economy. The implementation of the bioeconomy strategy used by society to prevent urgent problems, such as increasing competition for natural resources, climate change, rural sustainable development. The bioeconomy is a new economic and social order and promotes systemic change from using non-renewable resources to renewables. Bioeconomy reveals that production, which involves the transformation of a limited stock of matter and energy, but respecting the same laws that govern entropy closed systems, the entropy or unavailable matter and energy in the forms tend to increase continuously. Economic growth not only increases the apparent output per unit of inputs, which is performed using finite stock of matter and energy in the world. The current economy is based on fossil fuels and other material inputs suffering entropic degradation, both in the raw material extraction and pollution. The production, even if technical progress leads to lower overall yields. The idea of a steady state as the final economic growth that perpetuated indefinitely pendulum model is an impossibility
Characterization of amniotic fluid of Dohne Merino ewes (Ovis aries) and its possible role in neonatal recognition
Authors: Viviers Marlize Z. , Bekker Jan P.I. , Burger Barend V. , le Roux Niel J. , Morris John , le Roux Maritha
Published: July 2015

Amniotic fluid (AF) was investigated as a possible source of the neonatal recognition cue that plays a crucial role in ewe–lamb bonding in sheep. A total of 70 of the 133 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), previously identified in the cranial wool of neonatal Dohne Merino lambs, was also identified in AF collected individually from neonatal twins. As in the case of the wool of neonatal lambs, the VOC profiles (GC-MS) of the AF of twins were remarkably similar. However, the VOC profiles of the AF differed from that of the wool VOCs of the same lambs. The VOCs that best represent the total variance in the AF and wool of neonatal lambs were not identified as ligands of the AF proteins. These observations suggest that it is unlikely that the neonatal recognition cue of sheep could be a maternal label derived from the AF in which a lamb is born, and that the neonatal recognition cue is probably produced by the lamb. Taking cognizance of the temporal changes that take place in the quantitative composition of the cranial wool VOCs, we hypothesize that components of the neonatal recognition cue are already produced by the lamb well before its birth and that the quantitative composition in which these volatiles are released into the AF does not correspond to the composition of the recognition cue of the lamb at its birth. When grooming the newborn lamb, its mother removes AF containing incorrect chemical information from her lamb’s body and this affords her enough time to learn its personal recognition cue.
Identification of Drugs and Other Toxic Compounds from Their Ultraviolet Spectra. Part II: Ultraviolet Absorption Properties of Thirteen Structural Groups
Authors: Siek TJ , Osiewicz RJ
Published: July 2015

This paper continues an effort which was initiated [1] to simplify the identification of drugs and common organic poisons from their ultraviolet (UV) spectra. To accomplish this end, compounds have been placed in groups according to similarities in the molecular structure. More specifically, compounds with the same unsaturated, conjugated parts of the molecule have been placed in the same group. Compounds in each group therefore have similar UV absorption characteristics and show similar pH and solvent effects. Sixteen groups were studied in Part I [1]. This paper will deal with 13 structural groups consisting primarily of drugs and drug precursors presently available legally or illegally in the United States. Practical reviews dealing with approaches to interpretation of UV data are found in Refs 1-6. Theoretical aspects of spectrophotometry are covered in Refs 7–10. References containing a substantial number of illustrated spectra include 11–16.
Experience in the Identification of Abuse Drugs in Urines Collected Under Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime
Authors: Cordova VF , Banford TA
Published: July 2015

Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) is a program through which the federal government has supplied grant funds to local governments to assist them in their efforts to control the criminal activity of drug-dependent individuals. The Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention (SAODAP), the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA), and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) are presently sponsoring 24 of these programs throughout the country.
A Comparative Study of the Applicability of the Scanning Electron Microscope and the Light Microscope in the Examination of Vehicle Light Filaments
Authors: Haas MA , Camp MJ , Dragen RF
Published: July 2015

It is generally conceded that, under ideal circumstances, the best source of information regarding the sequence of events surrounding a vehicular accident lies in accurate, complete, and absolutely reliable eyewitness accounts. When, however, as is most often the case, eyewitnesses are missing or the information which they provide is incomplete or conflicting, it is necessary to rely upon data derived from the evaluation of physical evidence recovered from the accident scene and from the vehicles themselves. Evidence of this kind is likely to include glass, paint, soil, fractured metal surfaces, and, frequently overlooked, headlight and taillight filaments, the microscopic examination of which provides information relating to the operating condition of the vehicles' headlights and taillights before, during, and after the accident.
Psychiatric Screening of Civil Service Candidates with Particular Reference to Police Applicants
Authors: Perr IN
Published: July 2015

As a reaction to the tradition of corruption and reward (“to the victor belongs the spoils”) in the distribution of governmental jobs, a civil service system has developed which regulates the granting of millions of such jobs. Basic qualifications are established for positions (age, education, physical size, special skills). Those eligible then take a written examination; a common practice is to allow a hiring authority to pick among the top three candidates on the basis of the test scores, allowing for some flexibility. In some jurisdictions, veterans are given an arbitrary number of points to add to test scores so that in some cases, the veteran applicant automatically will outscore the nonveteran. In the state of New Jersey [1], applicants are placed on eligible lists in the following order: (1) disabled veterans, (2) veterans, and (3) others.
Sexual Asphyxia in the Female
Authors: Sass FA
Published: July 2015

For many years an interpretation of the strange group of fatalities due to sexual asphyxia has been the cause of investigative difficulty for the police investigator, as well as for the forensic pathologist. We are aware that from a medical standpoint this phenomenon is termed “sexual asphyxia.” The police community has long referred to these situations, particularly when the deceased is suspended by the neck, as “masochistic hangings.” It should be understood, however, that asphyxia may also be a mode of death in other sexual cases, such as with the use of ropes, belts, plastic bags, and other varied accouterments.
A Review of “Handbook of Forensic Pathology”
Authors: Chapman AJ
Published: July 2015

In recent years most of the major advances in the forensic sciences have been in toxicology and other closely related disciplines. Little new or interesting has been written in forensic pathology per se. Unfortunately, most textbooks and monographs—with one notable exception—appear quite inadequate.
A Review of “Arrest, Search, and Seizure”
Authors: Geer JJ
Published: July 2015

According to its preface, Arrest, Search, and Seizure was written for the threefold purpose of providing a basic text for the teacher, student, or police officer on the job; a source of reference materials to facilitate quick research; and a compilation of more complex legal problems for the serious student. All things considered, the author has done a fairably creditable job of meeting his stated goals.
A Review of “Narcotics and Narcotic Addiction”
Authors: Irey NS
Published: July 2015

For the many persons who have an interest in current drug abuse problems, this fourth edition of Narcotics and Narcotic Addiction, by Maurer and Vogel, is a clearly written and comprehensive presentation of this vitally important problem in our modern times and society. The treatment of the multifaceted subject of drug abuse in this book is sufficiently broad that a wide variety of interested persons may gainfully turn to it.
A Review of “Handbook for Dental Identification”
Authors: Sopher IM
Published: July 2015

This book represents the first American-authored text on the rapidly emerging forensic specialty of forensic dentistry, The primary author is Dr. Lester Luntz, a man eminently qualified in the field, one regarded by his professional peers as a pioneer of forensic dentistry, and a gentleman dedicated to the advancement of forensic dentistry in this country.
Quantitative Differential Thermal Analysis of Nitrocellulose Propellants
Authors: DeHaan JD
Published: July 2015

Gunpowder residues have long been important as evidence in the investigation of firearms cases, particularly in the reconstruction of crime scene events. Early work was based solely on the spatial distribution of unburned powder and its relationship to the distance between the target material and the weapon's muzzle. Current refinements have included mathematical analysis of these patterns and the identification of patterns of trace metal transfers of bullet lead, copper, and zinc, or primer lead, barium, and antimony by neutron activation, atomic absorption, or X-ray fluorescence.
Ballistic Studies and Lethal Potential of Tear Gas Pen Guns Firing Fixed Metallic Ammunition
Authors: Jones SR , Stahl CJ , Harriman JJ
Published: July 2015

Contemporary conventional tear gas pen guns that expel a mist or vapor of chloroacetophenone (CN) or orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) are simple, inexpensive devices designed for noninjurious self-protection. These pen guns are not presently classified as firearms by Federal statutes if they have not been modified to accommodate fixed metallic cartridges or shotgun shells [1]. Victims as well as persons firing pen guns, however, have sustained serious injuries, including permanent blindness, from the intentional or accidental discharge of these devices at close range [2–5]. Injurious components include the wadding and, especially, the incompletely vaporized powder of the chemical agent. Nonlethal and lethal wounds caused by firing conventional threaded tear gas cartridges reloaded to simulate miniature shotgun shells have been described [6]. Suicide, homicide, and nonlethal accidental injury caused by illegal older model and foreign-made pen guns firing fixed metallic ammunition have also been reported [7]. Recently a law enforcement officer wounded another officer by accidentally discharging a caliber .38 bullet from a pen gun seized during a routine stop and search. Even more recently a bizarre fatal injury occurred while a man was test-firing a caliber .45 cartridge from a tear gas pen gun. Recoil from the discharge propelled the pen gun backward, out of the operator's hand, through his eye, and into the center of his brain.
The Interpretation of Impact Fractures in Glassy Polymers
Authors: Rhodes EF , Thornton JI
Published: July 2015

The behavior of glass under stress in connection with impact fractures has been the subject of considerable forensic interest. The interpretation of direction of force in impact fractures has found conspicuous application in criminal investigations. The matter has been reviewed by Matwejeff [1], Tryhorn [2], and more recently by McJunkins and Thornton [3].
Automotive Body Primers: Their Application in Vehicle Identification
Authors: Deaken D
Published: July 2015

Investigations involving automotive paints have become a major portion of the cases handled by the Chemistry Section at the Centre of Forensic Sciences. The accelerating trend to imported cars has made the task of automotive paint examination and identification more demanding. The identification of domestic vehicles by their paint has been based on finish coat colors, chemistry, and the primer color combinations. The latter has been somewhat haphazard and undocumented. A more expedient approach is needed.
Prospects for a Cashless and Checkless Society
Authors: Costain JE
Published: July 2015

The object of a document examiner's professional attention is typically some sort of paper instrument representing something of value. Of particular importance to most working examiners are the basic noncash elements of our current money payments system: checks and credit cards. Checks and credit cards on the scale they are used today would not be possible without modern computers, but even modern techniques will be inadequate to cope with continued expansion of the current payment system. The development of a money system without checks, credit cards, or even cash has already begun and should be completed by the end of this century. This presentation will review some of the evidence which suggests we are on the brink of a cashless and checkless society. We will look briefly into the history of checks and credit cards, and then review some recent and incipient developments regarding these aspects of our current money system. On a more speculative level, we will inquire about the realistic prospects for a cashless and checkless society, look at the form such a future money system might take, and briefly consider the impact of such developments on the forensic sciences.
Systematic Analysis of Explosive Residues
Authors: Beveridge AD , Payton SF , Audette RJ , Lambertus AJ , Shaddick RC
Published: July 2015

Examination of bomb scene evidence is an area of increasing involvement for the forensic scientist in which incidents may vary from student mischief to mass murder. To undertake explosive casework responsibilities, the scientist must have personal experience of the type of physical evidence left after explosions, including device remains, characteristic damage, and chemical residues.
Forensic Science Characterization of Sand
Authors: Fitzpatrick F , Thornton JI
Published: July 2015

The occurrence of sand as a separate soil component is common in many desert and beach communities and in streambeds. When it occurs as physical evidence in a crime scene, it therefore becomes important to attempt to characterize sand from the environment from which it has originated.
Analysis of Paraffin Wax in Fire Remains
Authors: Ettling BV
Published: July 2015

Candles are sometimes used for arson because of fairly predictable delay in ignition of other combustibles as the candle burns down. Also, they are easily consumed in the resulting fire. It has been known that residues of paraffin often survive a fire and can be detected by chemical or physical means. Extraction procedures have usually been used to remove paraffin residues from fire remains. The isolated paraffin could then be characterized by infrared spectrophotometry, melting point, or X-ray pattern [1]. There are a number of other analytical procedures that have been used for paraffin wax, although not necessarily with regard to arson investigation. These include differential scanning calorimetry [2], differential thermal analysis [3], mass spectrometry [4], liquid-phase chromatography [5], and vapor-phase chromatography starting with Ogilvie et al [6]. Some of the methods are useful for distinguishing among samples of known waxes but do not give a detailed fingerprint of composition. Vapor-phase chromatography combines simplicity with the best yield of information on wax composition.
Differentiation of Bullets by Spark Source Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Haney MA , Gallagher JF
Published: July 2015

Matching of evidence bullets with a particular suspect is most frequently accomplished by comparing the striations on the evidence bullets with those on test bullets fired from the suspect's gun. This method cannot be used, of course, when the striations are obliterated or when the gun is not available for test-firing. In this case, if unspent bullets are found in possession of the suspect, they may be chemically compared with the evidence bullets. Identical elemental composition is usually taken as evidence that the bullets may have the same origin; that is, they may have come from the same box or lot.
The Comparison of Broken Surfaces: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Matricardi VR , Clark MS , DeRonja FS
Published: July 2015

The comparison of two broken surfaces which have the possibility of being complementary is a frequent task in forensic laboratories. Many types of materials may be examined for this purpose, including broken metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, wood, bone, and teeth.
The Computer's Role in the Laboratories of the Drug Enforcement Administration
Authors: Johnson DW , Gunn JW
Published: July 2015

This year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will analyze about 50,000 exhibits of drug evidence in its seven laboratories. This expensive process, using well-equipped laboratories and experts in drug analysis, necessitates maximum use of every dollar of tax monies spent.
On the Legality of Cannabis: The Responsibility of the Expert Witness
Authors: Lowry WT , Garriott JC
Published: July 2015

The possibility that the genus Cannabis comprises more than one species has been a matter for considerable controversy over a long period of time. The literature on the botany of Cannabis is complicated and confusing because of numerous specific and varietal names, most of which have never been properly published or described according to the rules of botanical nomenclature. Thus, the genus has been considered to be monotypic and most taxonomists have, in the past, agreed that Cannabis sativa Linnaeus included all variants. A recent publication by Schultes et al [1] listed some of the specific epithets which have so far been proposed in the literature: Cannabis americana Houghton et Hamilton in Am. Journal Pharm. 80 (1908) 17, nomen nudum Cannabis erratica Sievers ex Pallas Neue Nord. Beytr. 7 (1796) 174, nomen nudum Cannabis foetens Gilibert Exercit. Phytol. 2 (1792) 450, nomen illegitimum Cannabis generalis E. H. L. Krause in Strum. Fl. Deutchland, Ed. 2, 4 (1905) 199 Cannabis gigantea Crevost in Bull. Econ. Indochine, n.s., 20 (1917) 613 Cannabis indica Larmarck Encycl. 1 (1783) 695 X Cannabis intersita Sojak in Novit. Bot. Del. Sem. Hort. Bot. Univ. Carol Prage (1690) 20 Cannabis lupulus Scopoli Pl. Carniol. Ed. 2, 2 (1772) 263 Cannabis macrosperma Stokes Bot. Mat. Med. 4 (1812) 539 Cannabis pedemontana Camp, J. N. Y. Bot. Gard. 36 (1936) 114, nomen nudum in synon Cannabis ruderalis Janischewsky, Uchenyl Zap. Gas. Saratov. Univ. 2, pt. 2 (1924) 14 Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. (1753) 1027
Comparison of Results for Quantitative Determination of Morphine by Radioimmunoassay, Enzyme Immunoassay, and Spectrofluorometry
Authors: Spiehler VR , Reed D , Cravey RH , Wilcox WP , Shaw RF , Holland S
Published: July 2015

In 1970, Spector and Parker [1] reported the production of antibodies to morphine as a 3-0-carboxymethoxymorphine-bovine serum albumin. They described a method for quantitative determination of morphine in serum by a competitive binding assay using the antimorphine antibody and radio-labeled morphine (radioimmunoassay) [2].
The Examination of Disc and Pin Tumbler Locks for Tool Marks Made by Lock Picks
Authors: Plumtree WG
Published: July 2015

There are many references on the techniques of lock picking (for example, Refs 1 and 2) and on the subject of tool mark examination (Ref 3, for example), yet there are only a few articles published on the tool marks made by lock picks [4–6]. These articles indicate that certain methods of picking locks can be detected. No in-depth study has been published on the types of marks left by different picks, nor to what extent tumbler composition plays in detecting pick marks. It is the purpose of this study to indicate what can be learned from pick marks on cylinder locks. This paper will attempt, through use of photographs, to demonstrate the tool marks often left on pin and disc tumbler locks by various lock picks in use today.
The Use of an Agglomerative Numerical Technique in Physical Evidence Comparisons
Authors: Thornton JI
Published: July 2015

There is an element of subjectivity to virtually all types of examinations conducted in the forensic laboratory. The level of this subjectivity may range from relatively low, as in the interpretation of certain instrumental results, to relatively high, as in the comparison of handwriting or firearms evidence. It is generally held, however, that comparisons of physical evidence should be as objective as possible.
A Review of “The Pathology of Homicide”
Authors: Harris LS
Published: July 2015

The subtitle of this book reads “A Vade Mecum for Pathologist, Prosecutor and Defense Counsel.” It is indeed a vade mecum, in the sense that it is “a book for ready reference” (Def. 1). We do not recommend that it be “regularly carried about by a person” (Def. 2). Weighing nearly 2.6 kg, this handbook is more like a tome.
A Review of “Scapegoat Justice—Lloyd Miller and the Failure of the American Legal System”
Authors: McCrone WC
Published: July 2015

This could well be the most important book ever reviewed in this journal. Certainly its lesson is trenchant for every Fellow the the Academy. The author, a lawyer, details an account of a criminal case which began in 1955 with the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Canton, Ill. As absorbing as Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, he recounts the happenings from the time of the murder until the case against the convicted murderer is closed 16 years later. The story starts with the suspect coerced into a confession and continues with suppressed and falsified evidence by the prosecution, the defense being denied access to evidence or reports, a criminalist falsely testifying in court, an unstable and unreliable witness helped by the prosecution to render perjured testimony, and the suspect being convicted and sentenced to death.
The role of proto-oncogene GLI1 in pituitary adenoma formation and cell survival regulation
Authors: Lampichler Katharina , Ferrer Patricio , Vila Greisa , Lutz Mirjam I , Wolf Florian , Knosp Engelbert , Wagner Ludwig , Luger Anton , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina
Published: July 2015

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is an important regulator of early tissue patterning and stem cell propagation. It was found to be aberrantly activated in numerous types of human cancer and might be relevant in cancer stem cells. The identification of adult stem cells in the pituitary raised the question if tumor-initiating cells and Hh signaling are involved in pituitary adenoma formation. The present study aimed at the evaluation of Hh signaling in relation to stem cell and cell cycle markers in 30 human pituitary adenomas and in cultured murine adenoma cells. Therefore, expression levels of components of the Hh pathway, stem cell marker SOX2, cell cycle regulator tumor-protein 53 (TP53), proliferation marker Ki67 (MKI67) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were evaluated in 30 human pituitary adenomas in comparison to control tissue. Modulation of cell function and target gene expression by the inhibition and activation of the Hh pathway were studied in murine adenoma cells. We show that transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI1) is overexpressed in 87% of all pituitary adenomas. The expression of GLI1 significantly correlated with that of SOX2, TP53, MKI67 and SOD1. Inhibition of GLI1 resulted in the downregulation of the above genes and severe cell death in mouse adenoma cells. On the other hand, activation of the Hh pathway increased cell viability and target gene expression. In conclusion, our findings point toward an alternative, ligand-independent Hh pathway activation with GLI1 playing a major role in the cell survival of pituitary adenoma cells.
Functions of DPLIY motif and helix 8 of human melanocortin-3 receptor
Authors: Yang Zhao , Huang Zhi-Li , Tao Ya-Xiong
Published: July 2015

The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is a member of the family A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The MC3R remains the most enigmatic of the melanocortin receptors with regard to its physiological functions, especially its role in energy homeostasis. The N/DPxxY motif and the eighth helix (helix 8) in the carboxyl terminus of GPCRs have been identified to be important for receptor expression, ligand binding, signal transduction and internalization. To gain a better understanding of the structure-function relationship of MC3R, we performed a systematic study of all 20 residues in this domain using alanine-scanning mutagenesis. We showed that although all mutants were expressed normally on the cell surface, eleven residues were important for ligand binding and one was indispensable for downstream cAMP generation. F347A showed constitutive activity in cAMP signaling while all the other mutants had normal basal activities. We studied the signaling capacity of nine mutants in the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. All of these mutants showed normal basal ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels. The pERK1/2 levels of six binding- or signaling-defective mutants were enhanced upon agonist stimulation. The unbalanced cAMP and pERK1/2 signaling pathways suggested the existence of biased signaling in MC3R mutants. In summary, we showed that the DPLIY motif and helix 8 was important for MC3R activation and signal transduction. Our data led to a better understanding of the structure-function relationship of MC3R.
Modeling Epistasis in Genomic Selection
Authors: Jiang Yong , Reif Jochen C
Published: July 2015

Modeling epistasis in genomic selection is impeded by a high computational load. The extended genomic best linear unbiased prediction (EG-BLUP) with an epistatic relationship matrix and the reproducing kernel Hilbert space regression (RKHS) are two attractive approaches that reduce the computational load. In this study, we proved the equivalence of EG-BLUP and genomic selection approaches, explicitly modeling epistatic effects. Moreover, we have shown why the RKHS model based on a Gaussian kernel captures epistatic effects among markers. Using experimental data sets in wheat and maize, we compared different genomic selection approaches and concluded that prediction accuracy can be improved by modeling epistasis for selfing species but may not for outcrossing species.
Application of gravity and airborne magnetics to structural-magnetic mapping of the metamorphic massive Isla de la Juventud
Authors: Pardo-Echarte Manuel Enrique
Published: July 2015

In an attempt to contribute to the structural mapping of metamorphic massif Isla de la Juventud, with emphasis to acidic magmatism, gravitational-magnetometer data of the territory by means the processing technology Oasis Montaj are used. According to their findings, the presumed postmetamorphic granitic bodies of low density and magnetic susceptibility are located mainly in the central and southwestern part of the massif. On the flanks of Antiform Río Los Indios are mapped rocks of the high part of Cañada Formation, also with low density. The granitic bodies apparently were introduced through the system of longitudinal (synmetamorphic) and transverse (postmetamorphic) faults at the end of the multifolding and metamorphism process of the sequences of the massif, taking a dominant role the zones of longitudinal deep fractures of sublatitudinal direction in the central and southern part of the massif. Late regional dome structure is understand now within the meaning of morfoanticlinal uprising in the region, resulting from the exhumation of metamorphic massif. Does this mean that cracking generated during the evolution of this structure is not affected by acidic magmatism and in consequence for its specific metallogeny of rare and precious metals.
Seismicity in colombian llanos foothills: Characterization, relocation and local seismic tomography
Authors: Muñoz-Burbano Francisco Javier , Vargas-Jiménez Carlos Alberto , Chicangana German
Published: July 2015

An earthquake relocation by seismic simultaneous inversion and double differences methods were done in the Colombian Llanos Foothills from 3° to 5°N and from 73° to 75°W. The data used in this work take account 483 earthquakes registered by The Colombia National Seismological Network (RSNC) between 1993 and 2012. For the events relocation the root mean square (RMS) was reduced and several earthquake clusters were identified. The new locations shows principally at southwestern zone are related with the Eastern Frontal Fault System with faults as the Servitá-Santa Maria fault and the Algeciras Fault. In addition this work shows a 3D velocity model indicating an anomaly in the wave behavior related mainly to the low velocity zone under the Eastern Cordillera and minimum variations in average velocity toward southeast zone related with the Amazon Craton. Finally in southwest region where located the faults shows a Vp high velocity anomaly.
From fish and bushmeat to chicken nuggets: the nutrition transition in a continuum from rural to urban settings in the Tri frontier Amazon region
Authors: Van Vliet Nathalie , Quiceno-Mesa Maria Paula , Cruz-Antia Daniel , Tellez Leady , Martins Cristian , Haiden Enio , Oliveira Michael Ribeiro , Adams Cristina , Morsello Carla , Valencia Lorena , Bonilla Tamara , Yagüe Blanca , Nasi Robert
Published: July 2015

The current contribution of wild animal proteins has been poorly quantified, particularly in the rapidly growing urban centers of tropical forests. Lack of such evidence impairs food security strategies to include the diversity of food supply inherent to traditional food systems. In this study we focus on wild sources of animal protein: wild fish and bushmeat, which have traditionally been important in peopleÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s diets in the Amazon. We analyze their consumption frequencies as compared to domestic and processed meat in a rural to urban gradient in Amazonas, Colombia. Our results show that, despite its geographical position, the region is increasingly dependent on domestic and industrialized sources of animal protein. The frequency of wild fish and bushmeat consumption decreases from rural to urban areas to the advantage of domestic and processed meat/fish. Patterns of animal protein consumption for indigenous children indicate that indigenous families adopt non-indigenous consumption patterns when they move to town. Bushmeat consumption in urban areas is more frequent in wealthier families and could be considered as a luxury product. In urban areas, chicken is the protein of the poor and beef replaces chicken for the families that can afford it. In rural settings, chicken replaces wild sources of animal protein as people increase their income and move away from forest/agriculture dependent livelihoods. The increased consumption of industrial chicken in rural communities poses important food security and ecologic concerns. Despite, the low importance of bushmeat and wild fish in urban areas measured in terms of consumption, we show that these foods continue to play an important role in terms of dietary diversity, which is fundamental to eradicate energy and micronutrient deficiencies. In conclusion our results call for a better attention to the changes observed in diets in the Amazon, given their potential health and nutrition consequences.
Diversity of angiospermic plants in Dhanaulti Region, Uttarakhand: an emerging tourist destination in Western Himalaya
Authors: Srivastav Mansa , Kumar Amit , Hussain Tariq
Published: July 2015

Situated adjacent to Mussoorie, the popular hill station in Uttarakhand state of India, Dhanaulti region is known for its scenic environs amidst the temperate forests. The floristic survey revealed a total of 112 species belonging to 96 genera and 47 families. Poaceae was the largest family with 16 genera and 17 species followed by Rosaceae represented by nine genera and 13 species and Asteraceae with eight genera and eight species. Lamiaceae and Caprifoliaceae had four species each while Brassicaceae, Celastraceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Orchidaceae, Plantaginaceae and Smilacaceae had three species each. Most dominant genus was Rubus with four species followed by Euonymus and Smilax with three species each. Two vulnerable species, Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. and Valeriana jatamansi Jones, were also recorded. This study in addition gives an account on ethnobotanical uses of 51 species. Since Dhanaulti is an emerging tourist destination in Western Himalaya, the study will generate baseline information for management authorities to give due importance to its ecological wealth while planning any development in future.
O desenvolvimento do setor siderúrgico brasileiro entre 1900 e 1940: Crescimento e substituição de importações
Authors: Barros Gustavo
Published: July 2015

Resumo No início do século XX, o setor siderúrgico brasileiro tinha muito pouca expressão prática. Contudo, quando a Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional foi criada, em 1941, como uma resposta ao problema siderúrgico nacional, o setor siderúrgico doméstico já era bem mais significativo. De fato, entre 1900 e 1940, e sobretudo nas décadas de 1920 e 1930, o setor siderúrgico brasileiro foi capaz de conduzir um importante processo de desenvolvimento. A reconstrução desse processo de evolução setorial, centrado no processo global de crescimento da produção siderúrgica, na sua composição e na substituição de importações que o setor foi capaz de realizar, é o objeto deste trabalho. Além disso, o artigo faz uma avaliação crítica dos dados quantitativos disponíveis sobre o setor no período, complementando-os e os expandindo, e procura fazer um uso analítico mais sistemático deles.
Evidências sobre curva ambiental de Kuznets e convergência das emissões
Authors: Ávila Ednilson Sebastião de , Diniz Eliezer Martins
Published: July 2015

Resumo Recentemente, diversos pesquisadores se dedicaram a estudar a relação existente entre crescimento econômico e poluição. Desses estudos surgiram dois enfoques distintos: a Curva Ambiental de Kuznets (CAK) e a convergência das emissões. Neste contexto, Brock e Taylor (2010) desenvolveram um modelo que faz uma ligação entre estas duas metodologias, à medida que a convergência de emissões implica a CAK. O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a CAK (de um modo tradicional) e o modelo de Brock e Taylor (2010) com o intuito de verificar se os resultados se reforçam mutuamente. As estimações da curva foram sensíveis ao modelo escolhido. A estimação do modelo apontou evidências de convergência condicional das emissões per capita e da CAK.
Previsão de Informações para Avaliar Políticas Públicas: O Caso da Inclusão Financeira
Authors: Andrade Marcelo Machado Teixeira de , Diniz Eduardo Henrique
Published: July 2015

Neste artigo, discute-se a importância de se prever a obtenção das informações necessárias para a avaliação de políticas públicas durante a fase de formulação. Entretanto, muitas vezes as políticas vão se redefinindo durante o processo de implementação. Essa característica se manifesta especialmente quando o Estado é o formulador e os implementadores são, em larga escala, agentes independentes, como é o caso da política discutida neste artigo: a inclusão financeira promovida pelo Banco Central do Brasil (BC). Assim como outras políticas do BC, a inclusão financeira foi sendo formulada internamente na instituição e implementada diretamente por agentes do sistema financeiro. Dadas essas características, investigamos o caso à luz de teorias que articulam formulação, implementação e avaliação de políticas públicas. Com base neste estudo concluímos que, apesar da impossibilidade de se fazer uma previsão completa das informações necessárias na fase de formulação, há ganhos para o processo de avaliação se ele for inserido na dinâmica de formulação/implementação das políticas públicas.
Avaliação da aprendizagem de ética no Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Lins Maria Judith Sucupira da Costa
Published: July 2015

O objetivo desta pesquisa qualitativa foi avaliar a aprendizagem de ética no Ensino Fundamental. Hipótese: é possível aprender ética por meio de virtudes no Ensino Fundamental. Nessa pesquisa ficou estabelecido o Método Sucupira Lins que tem base na Escuta Sensível de Barbier, acrescentando-se a ativa participação de pesquisadores que foi estabelecida por Lins. O Método Sucupira Lins fornece apoio aos alunos para que entendam o que estão fazendo e possam melhorar seu comportamento ético. A fundamentação teórica foi a filosofia moral de Alasdair MacIntyre que é baseada na filosofia das virtudes de Aristóteles e a teoria do julgamento moral de J. Piaget também foi considerada. Justiça, Amizade, Honestidade, Perseverança e Temperança foram as virtudes escolhidas para essa pesquisa. Foi observado de que modo crianças praticavam estas virtudes durante as atividades escolares. Os dados foram analisados de acordo com a metodologia de Laurence Bardin. Resultados mostram que as crianças aprenderam estas virtudes. Podemos concluir que a pesquisa respondeu positivamente a hipótese.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO GEOTÉCNICA DOS SOLOS DE PASSO FUNDO E ERECHIM, E GEOLÓGICA DA ROCHA DE PASSO FUNDO
Authors: Sachetti Álisson Silveira , Rojas José Waldomiro Jimenez , Heineck Karla Salvagni
Published: July 2015

Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar a caracterização geotécnica dos solos localizados no munícipio de Passo Fundo e Erechim, e geológica da rocha de Passo Fundo, ambas cidades localizadas no norte do Rio Grande do Sul. Desse modo, foram realizados ensaios que envolvem os seguintes parâmetros geotécnicos para o solo: granulometria por sedimentação e peneiramento, limites de Atterberg, densidade real dos grãos, análises químicas e físicas, e por fim o ensaio de compactação, e os seguintes parâmetros geológicos para a rocha: análises petrográficas de lâminas delgadas e fluorescência de raios X. Com o término de toda a caracterização geotécnica e geológica, os materias foram classificados de acordo com sistemas de classificação encontrados em literatura pertinente. Portanto, a série de ensaios e análises realizadas possibilitou a caracterização dos materiais cujos resultados permitem estabelecer as seguintes conclusões: o solos de Passo Fundo e Erechim, quanto à granulometria, classificam-se como argilosos, e a rocha, a partir dos ensaios de fluorescência de raios X constatou-se que se classifica como ácida do tipo riodacito.
PESQUISA BIBLIOMÉTRICA SOBRE INOVAÇÕES NA CONSTRUÇÃO
Authors: Costella Marcelo Fabiano , Folle Daiane , Pereira Alvaro , Dal Toé Casagrande Michéle , Perizzolo Marcelo Luiz
Published: July 2015

O presente artigo está embasado em uma pesquisa elaborada para a quantificação e classificação de publicações sobre inovação na construção civil, percebendo tendências no crescimento das publicações e identificando autores em um período de 10 anos em 5 periódicos. Para a coleta e quantificação dos artigos foi utilizada a base de dados SienceDirect. Esses periódicos, com excelente índice de avaliação no CAPES e Metrics, foram selecionados a partir de um sistema métrico, onde para a classificação dos artigos, empregou-se 13 divisões em subáreas de gestão e em duas de inovações tecnológicas. Tendo em vista que os resultados foram satisfatórios, os objetivos foram alcançados, devido ao acúmulo de publicações nos últimos anos, obtendo-se consideráveis números de citações dos autores e seus respectivos artigos.
ESTRUTURAÇÃO DO MODELO DE NEGÓCIOS CANVAS PARA SETORES DA CONSTRUÇÃO DE EDIFÍCIOS
Authors: Jacoski Claudio Alcides , Scapin André , Hoffmeister Lissandro , Costella Marcelo Fabiano
Published: July 2015

Este artigo apresenta o uso de tecnologias de modelagem de negócios para propor modelos em setores da construção civil. O modelo de negócios representa uma orientação lógica da formação de valor de uma empresa, agregando parceiros, clientes e concorrentes. O método utilizado Canvas tem como características a possibilidade de relação de subsetores da empresa com o mercado, interagindo a partir do modelo e processo do negócio, gerando um fluxo de controle sistêmico. Quatro setores da construção civil foram escolhidos para a modelagem de negócios: construtora, incorporadora, escritório de projetos e empreiteira. Utilizou-se o quadro Canvas para definição do modelo de negócio, baseado nas exigências dos clientes das empresas do macrossetor da construção de edificações. Observou-se que os setores estudados possuem exigência diferenciadas de mercado, tendo necessidade de usarem ferramentas de modelagem dos processos e TIC (Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação) como propostas de valor e necessidade de relacionamento com seus clientes. Ao estruturar um novo negócio no setor da construção civil, há condições de se estabelecer um padrão inicial de condições apontadas no quadro formulado. Com o quadro Canvas foi possível criar um modelo de empresa integrado entre as interfaces do negócio, estruturando cada empresa/setor de forma sistêmica para satisfação do cliente e definindo de forma estratégica, as melhores condições para atuação competitiva no mercado.
Bourdieu tőkeelmélete és a bolognai folyamat
Authors: Schranz Edit
Published: July 2015

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A romániai magyar szociológia a második világháború után
Authors: Székedi Levente
Published: July 2015

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