bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transgenic Overexpression of Tissue‐Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNAP) in Vascular Endothelium Results in Generalized Arterial Calcification
Authors: Savinov Alexei Y. , Salehi Maryam , Yadav Manisha C. , Radichev Ilian , Millán José Luis , Savinova Olga V.
Published: December 2015

Background

Ectopic vascular calcification is a common condition associated with aging, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and/or chronic kidney disease. Smooth muscle cells are the best characterized source of osteogenic progenitors in the vasculature; however, recent studies suggest that cells of endothelial origin can also promote calcification. To test this, we sought to increase the osteogenic potential of endothelial cells by overexpressing tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (
TNAP
), a key enzyme that regulates biomineralization, and to determine the pathophysiological effect of endothelial
TNAP
on vascular calcification and cardiovascular function.

Methods and Results

We demonstrated previously that mice transgenic for

ALPL

(gene encoding human
TNAP
) develop severe arterial medial calcification and reduced viability when
TNAP
is overexpressed in smooth muscle cells. In this study, we expressed the

ALPL

transgene in
endothelial cells
following endothelial‐specific
Tie2‐Cre
recombination. Mice with endothelial
TNAP
overexpression survived well into adulthood and displayed generalized arterial calcification. Genes associated with osteochondrogenesis (
Runx2, Bglap, Spp1, Opg, and Col2a1
) were upregulated in the aortas of
endothelial TNAP
animals compared with controls. Lesions in coronary arteries of
endothelial TNAP
mice showed immunoreactivity to Runx2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and collagen
II
as well as increased deposition of sialoproteins revealed by lectin staining. By 23 weeks of age,
endothelial TNAP
mice developed elevated blood pressure and compensatory left ventricular hypertrophy with preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusions

This study presented a novel genetic model demonstrating the osteogenic potential of
TNAP
‐positive endothelial cells in promoting pathophysiological vascular calcification.
Death and Environmental Taxes: Why Market Environmentalism Fails in Liberal Market Economies
Authors: MacNeil Robert
Published: December 2015

This article aims to explain why market-based climate policies (carbon levies and emissions trading) have had limited success at the national level in “liberal-market economies” like Australia, Canada, and the United States. This situation is paradoxical to the extent that market environmentalism is often thought to be a concept tailored to the political traditions and policy paradigms in these states. I argue this occurs because precisely in such economies, workers have been the least protected from the market and the effects of globalization, leading to a squeeze on incomes and public services, and providing fertile ground for a virulently antitax politics. When coupled with the disproportionately carbon-intensive lifestyles in these states and the strength of fossil fuel interests, it becomes extremely easy and effective for opponents of climate policy to frame carbon prices as an onerous tax on workers and families. The article explores how this strategy has functioned at a discursive level and considers what this situation implies for climate policy advocates in carbon-intensive, neoliberal polities.
Explaining Transatlantic Policy Divergence: The Role of Domestic Politics and Policy Styles in Nanotechnology Risk Regulation
Authors: Justo-Hanani Ronit , Dayan Tamar
Published: December 2015

In this study, we seek to explain a growing divergence between the US and EU regulatory policies over nanotechnology environmental, health, and safety risks. Faced with significant scientific and regulatory uncertainties, incremental approaches have been taken in both regulatory systems, but substantial differences are evident in terms of both policy processes and stringency. While the EU exhibits a regulatory integration process with stringent adjustments of existing legislative frameworks, the US is far less engaged in regulatory adaptations. We have carried out a comparative analysis of the EU and US regulatory policies. We suggest that literature perspectives that focus on differing public attitudes, economic interests, and advocacy pressure groups do not suffice to explain the regulatory policy divergence. We argue that a combined effect of domestic politics and policy styles provides the most powerful explanation of why the US and EU currently differ with respect to their regulatory responses to nanotechnology risks and uncertainties.
Pervious Drugs
Authors: Pordié Laurent
Published: December 2015

What makes it possible for ayurvedic pharmaceutical objects to come into being? To answer this question, this paper takes an ontological route in line with local epistemologies, in which the objectness of the thing is itself taken as quite porous and susceptible to circumstances. This approach has much in common with science and technology studies: objects acquire meaning in a specific context, itself embedded in a relational network at a specific point in time and space. Here too, objects are unstable, transient and circumstantial. This has serious consequences since the connections around objects question, even destabilise, the very idea of objectivity. This article examines what is omitted in the discussions and practices on objectivity in technologically driven ayurvedic drug discovery and manufacturing. It discusses innovation processes within and beyond the lab and the way in which pharmaceutical objects absorb ideas, epistemologies, materials, or even policies. These considerations will provide a useful methodological framework to appreciate the kind of uncertainties and heterodoxies that characterise these therapeutic products.
Two new species of Ctenitis (Dryopteridaceae) from South America and taxonomic notes on similar species
Authors: Stauffer Viveros Raquel , Salino Alexandre
Published: December 2015

Two new species of Ctenitis (Dryopteridaceae) from South America are described and illustrated: Ctenitis christensenii is endemic to southeastern Brazil and C. glandulosa occurs from southeastern to northeastern Brazil and in Guyana. An identification key and notes about the distribution, habitat and taxonomy of the new species, C. falciculata and allies are provided. Moreover, seven lectotypifications and two new synonyms are proposed.
A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the limestone forest of Khammouane Province, central Laos
Authors: LUU VINH QUANG , CALAME THOMAS , Nguyen Truong QUang , BONKOWSKI MICHAEL , ZIEGLER THOMAS
Published: December 2015

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus on the basis of three specimens from Khammouane Province, Laos. Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by the combination of the following characters: adult SVL 69.2–70.0 mm; dorsal head and neck with dark blotches; nuchal loop present; dorsum with five brown bands between limb insertions; 19 or 20 irregular rows of dorsal tubercles; 32 or 33 ventral scale rows; ventrolateral folds present, with distinct tubercles; dorsal surface of hind limbs with tubercles; 29 precloacal and femoral pores in a continuous row in males, precloacal pores absent in the female; enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; 4 or 5 postcloacal tubercles; and subcaudals transversely enlarged. The new species most closely resembles Cyrtodactylus jaegeri and Cyrtodactylus roesleri in overall coloration and pattern. However, they can be clearly distinguished from each other in the number of dorsal tubercle rows, ventral scales, and femoral and precloacal pores. Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki is the 16th species of Cyrtodactylus known from Laos.
Two new species in the leafhopper genus Pythamus Melichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) from China
Authors: WANG YANG , ZHANG YALIN
Published: December 2015

Two new leafhopper species, Pythamus hainanensis sp. nov. and Pythamus rufus sp. nov. from China, are described and illustrated. Their diagnostic characteristics are compared with similar species. One new combination, Riseveinus chiabaotawow (Huang, 1992) n. comb., is also proposed. In addition, P. biramosus and P. bispinosus are illustrated based on paratypes. A key to known species of Pythamus is provided, excluding three species for which placement cannot presently be confirmed.
Tropical Temperature and Precipitation Responses to Large Volcanic Eruptions: Observations and AMIP5 Simulations
Authors: Meyer A. , Folini D. , Lohmann U. , Peter T.
Published: December 2015

Tropical land mean surface air temperature and precipitation responses to the eruptions of El Chichón in 1982 and Pinatubo in 1991, as simulated by the atmosphere-only GCMs (AMIP) in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), are examined and compared to three observational datasets. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal was statistically separated from the volcanic signal in all time series. Focusing on the ENSO signal, it was found that the 17 investigated AMIP models successfully simulate the observed 4-month delay in the temperature responses to the ENSO phase but simulate somewhat too-fast precipitation responses during the El Niño onset stage. The observed correlation between temperature and ENSO phase (correlation coefficient of 0.75) is generally captured well by the models (simulated correlation of 0.71 and ensemble means of 0.61–0.83). For precipitation, mean correlations with the ENSO phase are −0.59 for observations and −0.53 for the models, with individual ensemble members having correlations as low as −0.26. Observed, ENSO-removed tropical land temperature and precipitation decrease by about 0.35 K and 0.25 mm day−1 after the Pinatubo eruption, while no significant decrease in either variable was observed after El Chichón. The AMIP models generally capture this behavior despite a tendency to overestimate the precipitation response to El Chichón. Scatter is substantial, both across models and across ensemble members of individual models. Natural variability thus may still play a prominent role despite the strong volcanic forcing.
Indirect Aerosol Effect Increases CMIP5 Models’ Projected Arctic Warming
Authors: Chylek Petr , Vogelsang Timothy J. , Klett James D. , Hengartner Nicholas , Higdon Dave , Lesins Glen , Dubey Manvendra K.
Published: December 2015

Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) climate models’ projections of the 2014–2100 Arctic warming under radiative forcing from representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) vary from 0.9° to 6.7°C. Climate models with or without a full indirect aerosol effect are both equally successful in reproducing the observed (1900–2014) Arctic warming and its trends. However, the 2014–2100 Arctic warming and the warming trends projected by models that include a full indirect aerosol effect (denoted here as AA models) are significantly higher (mean projected Arctic warming is about 1.5°C higher) than those projected by models without a full indirect aerosol effect (denoted here as NAA models). The suggestion is that, within models including full indirect aerosol effects, those projecting stronger future changes are not necessarily distinguishable historically because any stronger past warming may have been partially offset by stronger historical aerosol cooling. The CMIP5 models that include a full indirect aerosol effect follow an inverse radiative forcing to equilibrium climate sensitivity relationship, while models without it do not.
Boosting Belligerence
Authors: Van de Vyver Julie , Houston Diane M. , Abrams Dominic , Vasiljevic Milica
Published: December 2015

Major terrorist events, such as the recent attacks in Ankara, Sinai, and Paris, can have profound effects on a nation’s values, attitudes, and prejudices. Yet psychological evidence testing the impact of such events via data collected immediately before and after an attack is understandably rare. In the present research, we tested the independent and joint effects of threat (the July 7, 2005, London bombings) and political ideology on endorsement of moral foundations and prejudices among two nationally representative samples (combined N = 2,031) about 6 weeks before and 1 month after the London bombings. After the bombings, there was greater endorsement of the in-group foundation, lower endorsement of the fairness-reciprocity foundation, and stronger prejudices toward Muslims and immigrants. The differences in both the endorsement of the foundations and the prejudices were larger among people with a liberal orientation than among those with a conservative orientation. Furthermore, the changes in endorsement of moral foundations among liberals explained their increases in prejudice. The results highlight the value of psychological theory and research for understanding societal changes in attitudes and prejudices after major terrorist events.
Sonic hedgehog controls enteric nervous system development by patterning the extracellular matrix
Authors: Nagy Nandor , Barad Csilla , Graham Hannah , Hotta Ryo , Cheng Lily , Fejszak Nora , Goldstein Allan M.
Published: December 2015

The enteric nervous system (ENS) develops from neural crest cells that migrate along the intestine, differentiate into neurons and glia, and pattern into two plexuses within the gut wall. Inductive interactions between epithelium and mesenchyme regulate gut development, but the influence of these interactions on ENS development is unknown. Epithelial-mesenchymal recombinations were constructed using avian hindgut mesenchyme and non-intestinal epithelium from the bursa of Fabricius. These recombinations led to abnormally large and ectopically positioned ganglia. We hypothesized that Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a secreted intestinal epithelial protein not expressed in the bursa, mediates this effect. Inhibition of Shh signaling, by addition of cyclopamine or a function-blocking antibody, resulted in large, ectopic ganglia adjacent to the epithelium. Shh overexpression, achieved in ovo using Shh-encoding retrovirus and in organ culture using recombinant protein, led to intestinal aganglionosis. Shh strongly induced the expression of versican and collagen type IX, whereas cyclopamine reduced expression of these chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans known to be inhibitory to neural crest cell migration. Shh also inhibited ENCC proliferation, promoted neuronal differentiation, and reduced expression of glial-derived neurotrophic factor, a key regulator of ENS formation. Ptc1 and Ptc2 were not expressed by ENCCs, and migration of isolated ENCCs was not inhibited by Shh protein. These results suggest that epithelial-derived Shh acts indirectly on the developing ENS by regulating the composition of the intestinal microenvironment.
Role of Securin, Separase and Cohesins in female meiosis and polar body formation in Drosophila
Authors: Guo Zhihao , Batiha Osamah , Bourouh Mohammed , Fifield Eric , Swan Andrew
Published: December 2015

Chromosome segregation in meiosis is controlled by a conserved pathway that culminates in Separase-mediated cleavage of the α-kleisin Rec8, leading to dissolution of cohesin rings. Drosophila has no gene encoding Rec8, and the absence of a known Separase target raises the question of whether Separase and its regulator Securin (Pim in Drosophila) are important in Drosophila meiosis. Here, we investigate the role of Securin, Separase and the cohesin complex in female meiosis using fluorescence in situ hybridization against centromeric and arm-specific sequences to monitor cohesion. We show that Securin destruction and Separase activity are required for timely release of arm cohesion in anaphase I and centromere-proximal cohesion in anaphase II. They are also required for release of arm cohesion on polar body chromosomes. Cohesion on polar body chromosomes depends on the cohesin components SMC3 and the mitotic α-kleisin Rad21 (also called Vtd in Drosophila). We provide cytological evidence that SMC3 is required for arm cohesion in female meiosis, whereas Rad21, in agreement with recent findings, is not. We conclude that in Drosophila meiosis, cohesion is regulated by a conserved Securin–Separase pathway that targets a diverged Separase target, possibly within the cohesin complex.
Will Coal save Japan and the World?
Authors: Kimoto Kyoji
Published: December 2015

The central dogma is critically evaluated in the anthropogenic global warming (AGW) theory of the IPCC, claiming the Planck response is 1.2K when CO2 is doubled. The first basis of it is one dimensional model studies with the fixed lapse rate assumption of 6.5K/km. It is failed from the lack of the parameter sensitivity analysis of the lapse rate for CO2 doubling. The second basis is the Planck response calculation by Cess in 1976 having a mathematical error. Therefore, the AGW theory is collapsed along with the canonical climate sensitivity of 3 K utilizing the radiative forcing of 3.7W/m2 for CO2 doubling. The surface climate sensitivity is 0.14–0.17K in this study with the surface radiative forcing of l.lW/m2. Since the CO2 issue is removed, coal will be the energy for the future of many nations in terms of the amount of resource and production cost.
Spatially Differentiated Features of Coal Resource Utilisation Efficiency in China
Authors: Lin Xueqin , Wang Dai , Si Yuefang
Published: December 2015

This study analyses the evolution of the spatial patterns of coal utilisation efficiency in Chinese provincial administrative units from 2000 to 2010 basing on the Super-Efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) model. China?s total factor coal efficiency (TFCE) is generally low, and decreased during this time period. Specially, the TFCE decreases from the eastern coastal areas to the inland areas. The variation coefficient of TFCE in different administrative units increased from 0.437 in 2000 to 0.464 in 2010, indicating that spatial differences had increased. Technological advances have not significantly enhanced Chinese coal resource utilisation efficiency; however, pure efficiency and, more importantly, scale efficiencies have given impetus to the promotion of coal utilisation efficiency. Important external factors impacting these changes include market segmentation, environmental regulation and supervision, and the degree of openness with respect to sharing of knowledge and information.
Influence of Damage and Degradation Index on Steel Frame under Severe Earthquakes
Authors: Wang Meng , Shi Yongjiu , Yang Weiguo , Wang Yuanqing
Published: December 2015

In order to quantitatively describe the effect of strength and stiffness degradation on seismic behaviors of steel frame, numerical models (the equivalent constitutive model considering damage and steel hysteretic constitutive model without considering damage) for predicting seismic behaviors of steel frame structures were described. Three frame models of five-floor, ten-floor and fifteen-floor frames were analyzed. Eight earthquake records were selected for time history analysis. The differences of inter-story drift ratio distribution calculated by two constitutive models were compared. The influencing laws and degrees of damage and degradation on seismic behaviors were also obtained. Finally, a prediction curve of degradation index was proposed, which could be used for damage control. Preliminary evaluation methods for seismic performance of steel frames considering damage and degradation were discussed. The analysis of the results showed that: the inter-story drift ratios of the three frames calculated by damage model were obviously larger than the results of non-damage model, showing that damage and degradation amplified the structural deformations. With the increasing of floors, the differences of inter-story drift ratio between damage model and non-damage model were gradually reduced. The weak stories of three models were located at 0.4 to 0.5 times of structural height, which should be paid more attention in design process.
New Environmental Bituminous Mixture for Slab Track Design in Tram Networks
Authors: Herráiz Teresa Real , Domingo Laura Montalbán , Martinez Jesus H. Alcañiz , Prieto Jose Manuel Berenguer , Herráiz Julia I. Real
Published: December 2015

New mobility needs in urban areas combined with eco-friendly transport modes development and urban integration requirements have promoted urban tram lines. This urban transportation system provides important benefits but also damaging effects. Among these effects, vibration and noise may be highlighted. This may cause an important impact for both residents and structures located in the surrounding areas. In order to mitigate these inadequate effects, bituminous mixtures with different percentages of crumb rubber or Polyethylene Terephthalete are proposed in this research to substitute the concrete in the slab track design. Different laboratory tests were conduced so as to check the good mechanical and physical properties of these mixtures according to the European Normative. Finally, a stone mastic asphalt mixture with 0.5 %wt of Polyethylene Terephthalete is proposed as a new material with high vibration attenuation capacity and, moreover, a high stiffness which avoids excessive track deflections.
Analysis and Seismic Performance Evaluation of Flexure-Dominated Interlocking Compressed Earth Block Walls
Authors: Qu Bing , Stirling Bradley J. , Laursen Peter T. , Jansen Daniel C.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents development and validation of three analytical models for flexure-dominated Interlocking Compressed Earth Block (ICEB) walls, which are based on classic mechanics of materials, inelastic truss elements, and phenomenological hysteretic model, respectively. Based on the testing results from a prior experimental investigation, it is shown that the first two models provide reasonable estimates for the lateral load resistance of flexure-dominated ICEB walls and the third model captures the inelastic behavior of flexure-dominated ICEB walls under cyclic loading. Using the third model, incremental dynamic analyses were conducted and performances of two demonstration single-story buildings consisting of flexure-dominated ICEB walls were evaluated for three construction sites with different levels of seismicity. Computer simulation results show that both demonstration buildings are able to avoid earthquake-induced collapse. It is also found that the current design and construction of flexure-dominated ICEB walls may be overly conservative for a site with relatively low seismicity.
Case Report: A case report of unstable Hangman fracture in a eighty year old male
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Bhattarai Binod
Published: December 2015

Herein we discuss a rare variant of hangman’s fracture in an eighty year old male with good Karnofsky performance score. We performed X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine to confirm the diagnosis. The patient was placed on a gentle cervical traction which showed good reduction. Despite being on a resource limited setup,  we performed posterior occipitocervical fusion with bone graft fusion followed by early mobilization. A postoperative scan showed good reduction and purchase of the screws. This case highlights the importance of choosing the correct therapeutic attitude for the management of the geriatric population especially in those who do not have any significant co-morbid conditions.
Green Economy As a Guarantor of Achieving Sustainable Development
Authors: Макиева  , Makieva E.
Published: December 2015

This article deals with interrelations of concepts of sustainable development,

green economy, and economic growth. The author provides a description of

the most important features inherent in green economy, assesses opportunities

for investments into clean technologies and the natural infrastructure of

the Russian Federation, reveals a need for transformation of the global economy,

stimulation of its greening.
New Approaches to the Formation and Management Personnel
Authors: Красавина  , Krasavina E.
Published: December 2015

The main forms of work with the personnel of the company were studied in

this article, methods of assessment personnel in modern organizations were

studied in this article too, automated information system personnel, which is

very popular today, were studied in this article.
Management System Occupational Health and Safety in the Quality Management System of the Organization
Authors: Баурина  , Baurina Svetlana
Published: December 2015

This article is devoted to the study of management systems occupational

health and safety in the quality management system of the organization.

Discusses the basic elements and processes of management systems of

occupational health and industrial safety. The paper describes the methodology

of the international standard OHSAS 18001:2007. Marked the main stages of

implementation of management systems occupational health and safety in

modern enterprises.
Implementing a nurse-led paracentesis service to improve patient care and experience in a day case unit
Authors: Chivinge Aquiline , Wilkes Emilie , James Martin , Ryder Steve , Aithal Guru , Simpson Deborah , Vivier Fazlin
Published: December 2015

For many patients suffering from liver disease with ascites, symptomatic management of tense ascites (paracentesis) is a key element of their palliative care. A complete service review of a day case unit was conducted to identify areas for improvement in its paracentesis service. The evaluation used a structured questionnaire survey of patients and nurses, and semi-structured interviews with senior hepatology doctors. All important stakeholders were involved at various stages. It was deemed appropriate that a competence nurse training package be devised to enable nurses to perform paracentesis, and this was approved by the relevant hospital committees. Within 12 months of the service implementation, nurses had performed 385 procedures. The change has improved patient care, and waiting time has been reduced from an average of 2 hours to 17 minutes. This article will explore the background to the need for a nurse-led paracentesis service, and discuss the steps taken to implement it.
Collecting Patient Reported Outcomes: Lessons from the California Joint Replacement
Registry
Authors: Chenok Kate E. , Teleki Stephanie , SooHoo Nelson F. , Huddleston III James , Bozic Kevin J.
Published: December 2015

Context: While patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have long been used for research,
recent technology advancements make it easier to collect patient feedback and use it for
patient care. Despite the promise and appeal of PROs, substantial barriers to widespread
adoption remain—including challenges in interpreting privacy regulations, educating
patients and physicians about the power that PRO collection can provide to
patient-centered care.Case Description: This article describes lessons learned from the
California Joint Replacement Registry’s (CJRR) five-year effort to collect PROs from
patients undergoing total hip and total knee replacement surgeries. CJRR is a voluntary,
multi-institutional registry in California that collects clinical and device
information, as well as PROs from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and
total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries.Proposed Solutions: The CJRR encountered and
developed solutions to overcome several key issues: (1) limitations of electronic PRO
collection, (2) challenges in patient recruitment and tracking, (3) challenges in
encouraging patients to complete PRO surveys, (4) real and perceived administrative
burden to clinic and hospital staff, (5) surgeon engagement, and (6) survey
costs.Conclusion: The CJRR’s field experience can inform growing numbers of providers
and researchers who seek to more fully understand the impact of care from the patient’s
perspective. In addition, the authors believe that these challenges can best be
addressed through a combination of policy changes and increased incentives.
La distribución del agua en el regadío tradicional de la huerta de Mula (Región de Murcia, España)
Authors: López Fernández José Antonio
Published: December 2015

Durante siglos, la escasez de agua ha propiciado el desarrollo de una importante arquitectura hidráulica en los espacios con posibilidad de riego en el Sureste de la península ibérica. Uno de los elementos característicos son los partidores de agua, construcciones destinadas a distribuir los caudales disponibles en las tradicionales áreas regadas. En este trabajo, intentamos poner de manifiesto la variada tipología de estas infraestructuras tras comparar diferentes espacios regados. Y destacar, entre ellos, los existentes en el regadío tradicional de Mula (Región de Murcia), por su complejidad y sistemas de protección. Todo ello, a través del estudio de bibliografía y, sobre todo, un extenso trabajo de campo.
Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Leishmania-Seropositive Dogs
Authors: Ulchar Igor , Celeska Irena , Stefanovska Jovana , Jakimovska Anastasija
Published: December 2015

Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is vector-born severe enzootic disease in dogs. It includes a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, but the most characteristic are alterations in the hematopoetic system and renal failure. Also, infected animals could be asymptomatic, so the manifestation of L. infantum infection depends on many factors, including host’s immunological status. The aim of this survey was to find parameters related with hematopoetic and renal failure (hematology, biochemical parameters - urea, creatinine, serum proteins) in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs seropositive for canine leishmaniosis. Within the hematological parameters, we found significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs in the erythrogram and platelet count, but not in the leukogram. Significant differences between the two groups were found also for urea, creatinine, serum albumin and globulin, but not in serum total protein and A/G ratio. These findings indicate individual variability of the host’s response to infection with L. infantum.
Spatial Diversification Of Living Standards In The Former Communist Countries Of Central And Eastern Europe And The Balkans
Authors: Karmowska Grażyna , Marciniak Mirosława
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper is to present the results of research on the variation in the standard of living and quality of life of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern European and the Balkan countries previously belonging to the Soviet sphere of influence. Nineteen post-communist countries were selected for this research, including: seven from the group of post-socialist countries, seven post-Soviet countries, and five from former Yugoslavia. The research procedure adopted involved static (comparative analysis of life quality indexes - Quality of Life Inde X(QLI) and Human Development Index (HDI) and dynamic (assessment of standard of living based on synthetic taxonomic measures for the years 2007 and 2012) data analysis. The findings indicate a significant variation in the living standards among the inhabitants of post-communist countries. Depending on the scope and accuracy of the quality life measures used, the countries’ ranking positions show a slight variation, though in all cases similar trends are noticeable. The countries of former Czechoslovakia (the Czech and the Slovak Republics) show the highest standard of living. Other countries belonging to the EU also ranked relatively high. Such Balkan states as Albania, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked poorly. The results of multidimensional analysis confirmed these findings and, moreover, allowed for the determination of the trends in living conditions in particular countries. In 2007 a higher-than-average standard of living was identified in nine countries, whereas in 2012 this was the case for 10 countries. As compared to 2007, GDP growth was observed in 16 countries, as well as improvements in health care (increases in health care outlays) and increases in the number of Internet users. However, some phenomena may be disturbing – the rise in unemployment (16 countries), decline in population growth (9 countries) and growing inflation (7 countries). To recapitulate, the standard of living enjoyed by the population of postcommunist countries is gradually improving, though the pace of changes and trends vary across those countries. What’s more, the results show that with the exception of those countries which are EU members, belonging to specific groups of post-communist countries (post-socialist, post-Soviet and former Yugoslavia) does not affect significantly their populations’ standard of living and quality of life.
European Microfinance – Relevance, Efficiency And Impact
Authors: Fila Joanna
Published: December 2015

Microfinance aims at providing basic financial services such as loans, savings and insurance to socially and financially excluded persons and microentrepreneurs. Among these services, microcredit is the most recognizable instrument of microfinance. Microcredit supplies financial means to start up businesses and to finance microenterprises. Microfinance originated in poor countries. In recent years, however, it has also gained some recognition in European countries. This article presents the relevance, efficiency and impact of microfinance policy and its policy instruments with respect to support for microenterprises in the European Union.
Accuracy of PARTwear Inertial Sensor and Optojump Optical Measurement System for Measuring Ground Contact Time During Running
Authors: Ammann Rahel , Taube Wolfgang , Wyss Thomas
Published: December 2015

Ammann, R, Taube, W, and Wyss, T. Accuracy of PARTwear inertial sensor and Optojump optical measurement system for measuring ground contact time during running. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2057–2063, 2016—The aim of this study was to validate the detection of ground contact time (GCT) during running in 2 differently working systems: a small inertial measurement sensor, PARTwear (PW), worn on the shoe laces, and the optical measurement system, Optojump (OJ), placed on the track. Twelve well-trained subjects performed 12 runs each on an indoor track at speeds ranging from 3.0 to 9.0 m·s−1. GCT of one step per run (total 144) was simultaneously obtained by the PW, the OJ, and a high-speed video camera (HSC), whereby the latter served as reference system. The sampling rate was 1,000 Hz for all methods. Compared with the HSC, the PW and the OJ systems underestimated GCT by −1.3 ± 6.1% and −16.5 ± 6.7% (p-values ≤ 0.05), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients between PW and HSC and between OJ and HSC were 0.984 and 0.853 (p-values < 0.001), respectively. Despite the constant systematic underestimation of GCT, analyses indicated that PW successfully recorded GCT over a wide range of speeds. However, results showed only moderate validity for the OJ system, with increasing errors when speed decreased. In conclusion, the PW proved to be a highly useful and valid application, and its use can be recommended not only for laboratory settings but also for field applications. In contrast, data on GCT obtained by OJ during running must be treated with caution, specifically when running speed changes or when comparisons are made with GCT data collected by other measurement systems.
G Allele of the IGF2 ApaI Polymorphism Is Associated With Judo Status
Authors: Itaka Toshio , Agemizu Kenichiro , Aruga Seiji , Machida Shuichi
Published: December 2015

Itaka, T, Agemizu, K, Aruga, S, and Machida, S. G allele of the IGF2 ApaI polymorphism is associated with judo status. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2043–2048, 2016—Previous studies have reported that the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) ApaI polymorphism is associated with body mass index, fat mass, and grip strength. Competitive judo requires high levels of strength and power. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the IGF2 ApaI and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms and judo status. The subjects were 156 male judo athletes from a top-level university in Japan. They were divided into 3 groups based on their competitive history: international-level athletes, national-level athletes, and others. Genomic DNA was extracted from the saliva of each athlete, and the maximal isometric strength of the trunk muscles and handgrip strength were measured. Genotyping by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect IGF2 (rs680) and α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) (rs1815739) gene polymorphisms. The genotype frequencies of the 2 gene polymorphisms were compared among the 3 groups of judo athletes and controls. International-level judo athletes showed a higher frequency of the GG + GA genotype of the IGF2 gene than that of the national-level athletes and others. There was an inverse linear correlation between the frequency of the IGF2 AA genotype and level of judo performance (p = 0.041). Back muscle strength relative to height and weight was higher in subjects with the GG + GA genotype than in those with the AA genotype. Conversely, the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was not associated with judo status. Additionally, no differences were found in back muscle or handgrip strength among the ACTN3 genotypes. In conclusion, the results indicate that the IGF2 gene polymorphism may be associated with judo status.
Active Contours for Measuring Arterial Wall Diameter of Astronauts from Ultrasound Images
Authors: Deglint Jason , Gawish Ahmed , Zuj Kathryn , Wong Alexander , Clausi David , Hughson Richard L.
Published: December 2015

The non-invasive assessment of cardiovascular changes with spaceflight
often involves the measurement of blood vessel dimension
using ultrasound imaging. However, many commonly used measurement
techniques are often manually intensive and dependent
on the individual making the measurements. We propose a new
automated method for measuring the vessel dimensions which involves
creating a smoothed edge map of the image and using active
contours to converge to the upper and lower vessel boundaries.
Preliminary results show that we are able to use this method
to detect vessels walls for vascular measurements from ultrasound
images.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Markers of Root Modality in EU Maritime Affairs and Fisheries vs. Agriculture and Rural Development Reports and Studies: An Overview
Authors: Molina-Plaza Silvia
Published: December 2015

This paper examines different options used by writers in reports and studies to control information from two departments of the European Commission: EU Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Agriculture and Rural Development, using the web as corpus. These two Directorates or Commissions have the power of initiative, are responsible for policy formulation and policy implementation. Two comparable sub-corpora of reports and studies have been selected from the two Directorates. Fifteen markers related to key areas of root modal expression are presented: modal-evaluative adjectives like essential, necessary, suitable and appropriate (Van linden 2012); the semi- modals (e.g. have to, be able to, be supposed to, need to) (Leech et al. 2009); the emerging modal want to (Verplaetse 2010) and expressions with comparative adverbs (e.g. had better, would rather) (van der Auwera et al. 2013). The study of these markers reveals that shared norms and action in these two EU areas are constantly collectively established. Root modals are one of the rhetorical strategies of legitimization and persuasion used in EU’s political discourse by the different parties involved.
Authentic materials in the Business English classroom: Annual Reports
Authors: Ruiz-Garrido Miguel F. , Palmer-Silveira Juan Carlos
Published: December 2015

International firms are interested in getting the best possible professionals, those who are able to communicate accurately at the workplace. To help them, the use of authentic materials in the classroom can enhance students’ options to succeed in their prospective working environment. From a genre-based perspective, annual reports can be useful for that purpose, as they offer a real corporate image of the companies, helping students to understand better how firms work. This paper shows a practical implementation of three activities that are carried out among three different groups of students at a Spanish public university to promote their communicative skills. To do so we have followed a multimodal approach, so that our students can experience, conceptualize and apply meaning to a genre (annual report), completing some tasks in which they have to communicate in English the information appearing in those texts. The final pedagogical recommendations enhance the benefits of using authentic materials in the English for business communication classroom. The combination of multimodality and genre-based pedagogy lead students to understand the current meaning construction in professional settings.
Neepisteminis modalumas lietuvių ir anglų mokslo kalboje: kiekybiniai ir kokybiniai vartosenos ypatumai | Nonepistemic modality in English and Lithuanian academic discourse: quantitative and qualitative perspectives
Authors: Šinkūnienė Jolanta
Published: December 2015

Straipsnyje aptariamas modalinių veiksmažodžių should ir turėti kiekybinis pasiskirstymas humanitarinių ir (bio)medicinos mokslo sričių tekstuose lietuvių ir anglų kalbomis ir šių veiksmažodžių atliekamos funkcijos, kai jie vartojami neepistemine reikšme. Analizei naudojamas Šiuolaikinės amerikiečių anglų kalbos tekstynas (COCA) ir Lietuvių mokslo kalbos tekstynas CorALit. Kiekybinės analizės rezultatai rodo, kad turėti yra vienodai dažnas abiejose mokslo srityse, jose taip pat vyrauja teigiamos turėti formos. Humanitarinių mokslų tekstuose posesyvinis ir modalinis turėti pasiskirsto maždaug tolygiai, biomedicinos mokslų diskurse dažnesnė posesyvinė turėti vartosena. Abiejose mokslo srityse dažniausiai vartojama turėti forma yra trečiojo asmens. Anglakalbių autorių mokslo kalboje should dažniau renkasi medicinos srities mokslininkai, nei humanitarai. Analizuojamų veiksmažodžių dažnio palyginimas su must ir privalėti kiekybine vartosena rodo, kad must vartojamas beveik vienodai dažnai kaip ir should humanitarų tekstuose, tačiau ženkliai rečiau medicinos srities tekstuose, kur dominuoja should. Tai gali būti siejama su dažna rekomendacine should atliekama funkcija medikų moksliniame diskurse. Lietuvių mokslo kalboje privalėti yra beveik nevartojamas. Kokybinė neepisteminių should ir turėti vartosenos atvejų analizė atskleidė keturis should ir turėti funkcinius tipus: abu veiksmažodžiai gali būti panaudojami reikšti moralinį į(si)-pareigojimą, teikti rekomendacijas, duoti instrukcijas, ir organizuoti diskursą.
FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES PARA A EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E TECNOLÓGICA A DISTÂNCIA DA REDE FEDERAL DE EDUCAÇÃO BRASILEIRA: ANÁLISE DAS PRODUÇÕES ACADÊMICAS
Authors: Pasqualli Roberta , Vieira Josimar De Aparecido , Mascarello Vieira Marilandi Maria
Published: December 2015

Com o olhar atento para as propostas da Rede e-Tec Brasil, observa-se que a ampliação da oferta de cursos e vagas por meio da modalidade de educação a distância (EAD) tem levado para as salas de aulas, presenciais ou virtuais, um número expressivo de bacharéis docentes, com formação técnica, atendendo ao que demandam os editais de contratação de professores, mas com pouca ou nenhuma formação pedagógica para o exercício da atividade docente a distância. Sendo assim, o presente artigo buscou catalogar as produções acadêmicas dos últimos seis anos acerca da formação de professores para a educação profissional e tecnológica (EPT) a distância na Rede Federal de Educação Brasileira, apresentados em Programas de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu e em eventos científicos. Constatou-se a quase inexistência de pesquisas relacionadas à problemática anunciada. Timidamente surgem trabalhos que iniciam discussões sobre a formação de professores para a EPT e em maior proporção para a EAD. Indica-se a urgência de que se aprofundem as discussões e pesquisas acerca desta temática.
Editorial
Authors: Medeiros Neta Olivia Morais de , Moura Dante Henrique
Published: December 2015

Neste número da Revista Brasileira de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica reunimos artigos que têm como temática a produção do conhecimento em Educação Profissional.

No Brasil, o campo da Educação Profissional (EP) foi se constituindo a partir de estudos que remetiam as variáveis que cortam a EP como modalidade de ensino, mas que na última década sofreu expressivo aumento na produção e difusão do conhecimento.

Esse é um campo de investigação que ainda é recente no Brasil. Mas, ganha contornos com eventos como esse, o Colóquio Nacional – A produção do conhecimento em Educação Profissional, com o aumento de publicações em livros e revistas sobre EP, e a criação de Programas de Pós-Graduação, como o de Educação Profissional do IFRN.

Assim, esse número apresenta artigos que (re)pensam a constituição do campo da EP, a exemplo dos trabalhos A produção do conhecimento sobre educação profissional e Estado do conhecimento da Educação Profissional e Tecnológica na pós-graduação, stricto sensu, em Serviço Social, da região Centro-oeste.

Nessa mesma perspectiva, ainda compõe esse número os artigos Formação de professores para a educação profissional e tecnológica a distância da rede federal de educação brasileira: análise das produções acadêmicas e Análise da produção científica nos cursos técnico de nível médio do IFRN Campus Pau dos Ferros: estudo de caso das turmas 2012.1 (2012-2015).

Esperamos com esse número instigar novos olhares sobre a produção do conhecimento sobre Educação Profissional no Brasil e, dessa maneira, colaborar com a (re)configuração desse campo.

À leitura!

 

 

 
Autoridades de transporte terrestre de pasajeros en el contexto de la conurbación: una necesaria visión regional de la actividad en el ejercicio de las competencias
Authors: López Gómez Andrés Felipe
Published: December 2015

En este documento, conscientes de que las necesidades de movilización de las personas solo pueden ser adecuadamente satisfechas en una concepción integrada de los servicios de transporte –la que conlleva una visión regional de la actividad que no desconozca la autonomía de las entidades territoriales–, nos aproximamos a las competencias que para la organización del transporte han sido dispuestas en estos contextos. En esta tarea, luego de un breve recuento de las implicaciones del principio de autonomía territorial, se describe la clasificación que ha recibido el interés que en la actividad de transporte se ve involucrado, con base en el cual se han distribuido las competencias que enseguida dibujamos y respecto de las cuales, finalmente, abordamos las condiciones que para su ejercicio se imponen en dirección a la articulación regional de los servicios. Lo anterior nos permite fijar una posición en relación con la autoridad regional de transporte, recientemente dispuesta en el artículo 183 de la Ley 1753 de 2015.
Del campo de batalla a las calles: el derecho a la intimidad en la era de los drones
Authors: Ramírez López Santiago
Published: December 2015

Si bien la tecnología de los drones (desde ahora Unmaned Aircraft Systems o UAS) no es nueva en el mundo militar y se encuentra ampliamente documentada, en los últimos años se ha dado un inesperado incremento en la venta de este tipo de equipos, ahora destinados a actividades civiles o para recreación y entretenimiento. Esto ha generado problemas jurídicos sin precedentes, especialmente desde el punto de vista de la privacidad, que han hecho necesario que países como Estados Unidos limiten el uso de UAS. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo hacer un análisis del derecho a la intimidad y la privacidad en el uso de los UAS desde la óptica estadounidense y colombiana, planteando conclusiones y posibles caminos a seguir.