bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goal disengagement capacities and severity of disease across older adulthood
Authors: Jobin Joelle , Wrosch Carsten
Published: August 2015

This study examined age-related associations between goal disengagement capacities, emotional distress, and disease severity across older adulthood. Given that an age-related increase in the experience of stressors might render important goals unattainable, it is expected that goal disengagement capacities would predict a decrease in the severity of experienced illness (i.e., the common cold) by preventing emotional distress (i.e., depressive symptoms), particularly so among individuals in advanced (as compared to early) old age. This hypothesis was tested in a 6-year longitudinal study of 131 older adults (age range = 64 to 90). Regression analyses showed that goal disengagement capacities buffered 6-year increases in older adults’ cold symptoms, and that this effect was significantly pronounced among older-old participants. Mediation analyses further indicated that changes in depressive symptoms exerted an indirect effect on the age-related association between goal disengagement and changes in cold symptoms. The study’s findings suggest that goal disengagement capacities become increasingly important for protecting emotional well-being and physical health as older adults advance in age.
Comparing C-tests and Yes/No vocabulary size tests as predictors of receptive language skills
Authors: Harsch Claudia , Hartig Johannes
Published: August 2015

Placement and screening tests serve important functions, not only with regard to placing learners at appropriate levels of language courses but also with a view to maximizing the effectiveness of administering test batteries. We examined two widely reported formats suitable for these purposes, the discrete decontextualized Yes/No vocabulary test and the embedded contextualized C-test format, in order to determine which format can explain more variance in measures of listening and reading comprehension. Our data stem from a large-scale assessment with over 3000 students in the German secondary educational context; the four measures relevant to our study were administered to a subsample of 559 students. Using regression analysis on observed scores and SEM on a latent level, we found that the C-test outperforms the Yes/No format in both methodological approaches. The contextualized nature of the C-test seems to be able to explain large amounts of variance in measures of receptive language skills. The C-test, being a reliable, economical and robust measure, appears to be an ideal candidate for placement and screening purposes. In a side-line of our study, we also explored different scoring approaches for the Yes–No format. We found that using the hit rate and the false-alarm rate as two separate indicators yielded the most reliable results. These indicators can be interpreted as measures for vocabulary breadth and as guessing factors respectively, and they allow controlling for guessing.
A Systematic Review of the Outcomes of Posterolateral Corner Knee Injuries, Part 1
Authors: Geeslin Andrew G. , Moulton Samuel G. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: August 2015

Background:

There is a paucity of outcome data to guide the surgical treatment of acute grade III posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to compare clinical outcomes of the treatment for acute grade III PLC injuries.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature including Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, and Embase was performed. The following search terms were used: posterolateral corner knee, posterolateral knee, posterolateral instability, multiligament knee, and knee dislocation. Inclusion criteria were outcome studies of surgically treated acute PLC injuries with a minimum 2-year follow-up, subjective outcomes, objective outcomes including varus stability, and subgroup data on PLC injuries. Two investigators independently reviewed all abstracts. Accepted definitions of varus stability on examination or stress radiographs and the need for revision surgery were used to categorically define success and failure.

Results:

Eight studies with a total of 134 patients were included. The mean patient age was reported in 7 studies (range, 21-31.5 years). The mean time to surgery was reported in 5 studies (range, 15-24.3 days); surgery was performed within 3 weeks in the other 3 studies. Four studies reported International Knee Documentation Committee scores (range, 78.1-91.3); 5 studies reported Lysholm scores (range, 87.5-90.3). Only 3 studies obtained bilateral varus stress radiographs. Based on an objective evaluation with varus stress examinations or radiographs, there was an overall success rate of 81% and failure rate of 19%. In 2 studies, the fibular collateral ligament and popliteus tendon were repaired and staged cruciate reconstruction performed in most patients; there were 17 failures of 45 patients (38%). In the remainder of the studies, patients were treated with local tissue transfer, hybrid repair for amenable structures or reconstruction for midsubstance tears, or reconstruction of all torn structures; the failure rate was 9%.

Conclusion:

The repair of acute grade III PLC injuries and staged treatment of combined cruciate injuries were associated with a substantially higher postoperative PLC failure rate. Further research is required to identify the reconstruction technique that provides optimal subjective and objective outcomes.
A Systematic Review of the Outcomes of Posterolateral Corner Knee Injuries, Part 2
Authors: Moulton Samuel G. , Geeslin Andrew G. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: August 2015

Background:

There are a variety of reported surgical techniques outcomes of chronic grade III posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries. It is unknown if outcomes differ among the various surgical treatments.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature and report subjective and objective outcomes for surgical treatment strategies for chronic grade III PLC injuries to determine the optimal surgical technique.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature including Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, and Embase was performed. The following search terms were used: posterolateral corner knee, posterolateral knee, posterolateral instability, multiligament knee, and knee dislocation. Inclusion criteria were outcome studies of surgical treatment for chronic PLC knee injuries with a minimum 2-year follow-up, subjective outcomes, objective outcomes including varus stability, and subgroup data on PLC injuries. Two investigators independently reviewed all abstracts. Accepted definitions of varus stability on examination or stress radiographs, and the need for revision surgery, were used to categorically define success and failure.

Results:

Fifteen studies with a total of 456 patients were included in this study. The 15 studies included 5 with level 3 evidence and 10 with level 4 evidence. The mean age of the patients in each study ranged from 25.2 to 40 years, the reported mean time to surgery ranged from 5.5 to 52.8 months, and the mean follow-up duration ranged from 2 to 16.3 years. Mean postoperative Lysholm scores ranged from 65.5 to 91.8; mean postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores ranged from 62.6 to 86.0. Based on objective stability, there was an overall success rate of 90% and a 10% failure rate of PLC reconstruction. A variety of surgical techniques were reported.

Conclusion:

Chronic PLC injuries were reconstructed in all studies, and while techniques varied, the surgical management of chronic PLC injuries had a 90% success rate and a 10% failure rate according to the individual investigators’ examination or stress radiographic assessment of objective outcomes. More than half of the 456 patients had a combined posterior cruciate ligament–PLC injury. Surgical techniques included variations of fibular slings, capsular shifts, and anatomic-based techniques (fibular tunnel and tibial tunnel). Further research is needed to determine the optimal surgical technique for treating chronic grade III PLC injuries.
Mind the Gap! Making Stronger Connections Between Hate Crime Policy and Scholarship
Authors: Chakraborti Neil
Published: August 2015

Despite recent progress, our collective responses to hate crime have been undermined by a disconnected approach to scholarship and policy. This article focuses on a series of problems that are created and reinforced through such an approach. This includes the limited reach of hate crime theorizing and specifically the perception that academic work is often too detached from the everyday realities confronting those who respond to—or live with—the consequences of hate crime in the “real world.” Equally problematic is policy that is not empirically driven or linked to academic knowledge, or which is based on tokenistic, cynical or “tick-box” foundations. The article draws from these fault lines to underline the symbiotic relationship between hate crime scholarship and policy formation: one where policy formation needs academic substance to be fit for purpose and where scholarship needs to inform policy to have lasting “real-world” value.
Impact of a Career Exploration Course on Career Decision Making, Adaptability, and Relational Support in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Raysen , Jin Qiuping
Published: August 2015

This is a first initiative to apply career exploration research to understand and assess a career intervention in Hong Kong. In responding to educational and social changes, a one-semester academic career course was designed to foster the participants’ career exploration in a public university in Hong Kong. Data were drawn from about 380 students enrolled voluntarily across three successive semesters in either the career course or another academic course unrelated to career development. The career course served as an intervention to enhance exploration for enrolled students, with students from an unrelated academic course in the same semester included as a comparison group. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to assess the career course’s impact in terms of career decision making, career adaptability, and relational support. The reflection and discussion here focus on the course’s effectiveness and cultural appropriateness as a career intervention tool and its strategic value in higher education in Hong Kong and beyond.
Partisan Cohorts, Polarization, and the Gingrich Senators
Authors: Ragusa Jordan M.
Published: August 2015

Although the “Gingrich Senators” thesis solves a vexing issue, a broader theoretical question remains: Why does the House have a polarizing effect on its members that seems to persist even after a representative wins election to the Senate? In the first section, I propose that lawmakers learn partisan norms in the House and simply continue those extreme behavioral routines after switching chambers. And in the second part, I test possible sources of this effect. Results show that senators who came from the House display greater ideological extremism if they (a) served in the House within an extreme partisan cohort and (b) won election to the Senate after representing a partisan district. In contrast, serving within a polarized chamber and during periods of divided party control have no long-term effects on a senator’s ideological extremism. Robustness checks reveal that the effect of a senator’s House partisan cohort persists even when we control for his/her ideological extremism before winning election to the House as well as selection effects caused by electoral dynamics. Additional analyses show that the partisan cohort effect is the largest determinant of partisan learning, exists throughout most of congressional history, is strongest when the parties are homogeneous, and persists for much of a senator’s career. As a whole, the results show that the House’s effect on Senate polarization is not due to a single person or a function of chamber polarization. Rather, the “Housification of the Senate” is a consequence of cohort socializing effects and is observable throughout congressional history.
The neuronal porosome complex in health and disease
Authors: Naik Akshata R , Lewis Kenneth T , Jena Bhanu P
Published: August 2015

Cup-shaped secretory portals at the cell plasma membrane called porosomes mediate the precision release of intravesicular material from cells. Membrane-bound secretory vesicles transiently dock and fuse at the base of porosomes facing the cytosol to expel pressurized intravesicular contents from the cell during secretion. The structure, isolation, composition, and functional reconstitution of the neuronal porosome complex have greatly progressed, providing a molecular understanding of its function in health and disease. Neuronal porosomes are 15 nm cup-shaped lipoprotein structures composed of nearly 40 proteins, compared to the 120 nm nuclear pore complex composed of >500 protein molecules. Membrane proteins compose the porosome complex, making it practically impossible to solve its atomic structure. However, atomic force microscopy and small-angle X-ray solution scattering studies have provided three-dimensional structural details of the native neuronal porosome at sub-nanometer resolution, providing insights into the molecular mechanism of its function. The participation of several porosome proteins previously implicated in neurotransmission and neurological disorders, further attest to the crosstalk between porosome proteins and their coordinated involvement in release of neurotransmitter at the synapse.
Methodological approach and tools for systems thinking in health systems research: technical assistants’ support of health administration reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo as an application
Authors: Ribesse Nathalie , Bossyns Paul , Marchal Bruno , Karemere Hermes , Burman Christopher J. , Macq Jean
Published: August 2015

In the field of development cooperation, interest in systems thinking and complex systems theories as a methodological approach is increasingly recognised. And so it is in health systems research, which informs health development aid interventions. However, practical applications remain scarce to date. The objective of this article is to contribute to the body of knowledge by presenting the tools inspired by systems thinking and complexity theories and methodological lessons learned from their application. These tools were used in a case study. Detailed results of this study are in process for publication in additional articles. Applying a complexity ‘lens’, the subject of the case study is the role of long-term international technical assistance in supporting health administration reform at the provincial level in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Methods section presents the guiding principles of systems thinking and complex systems, their relevance and implication for the subject under study, and the existing tools associated with those theories which inspired us in the design of the data collection and analysis process. The tools and their application processes are presented in the results section, and followed in the discussion section by the critical analysis of their innovative potential and emergent challenges. The overall methodology provides a coherent whole, each tool bringing a different and complementary perspective on the system.
The Evaluation of Curative Effect of Acupuncture
Authors: Salehi Alireza , Marzban Maryam , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi
Published: August 2015

The present study attempts to critically evaluate previously published research articles on the efficiency of acupuncture in the treatment of diseases. First, 35 systematic reviews or meta-analysis were found in the Cochrane database. Second, 54 related articles were selected by searching important scientific databases. Based on the results obtained regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of various diseases, the articles were divided into 3 groups. The first group of articles confirmed the efficacy of treatment by acupuncture. In the second group of articles, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture was shown; however, further research is required to verify the results. In the third group of articles there is no evidence regarding the therapeutic effect of acupuncture till now. There is an urgent need to design and conduct double-blinded randomized clinical trials with high-quality methodologies. This provides a more careful evaluation of acupuncture efficiency in relation to the treatment of a vast array of diseases, based on scientific evidence.
Study of nanostructured Co and Al co-doped ZnO films fabricated by electroless technique
Authors: Rahman A. , Jayaganthan R.
Published: August 2015

Electroless undoped and Co, Al co-doped ZnO (Zn1 −  x −  yCo xAl yO: x = 0.04, 0.03, 0.02; y = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) nanostructured thin films were deposited on soda lime glass in the present work. Microstructure of the ZnO films was strongly influenced by different doping concentrations of Co and Al into ZnO matrix. X-ray diffraction analysis has confirmed the absence of metallic Co or Al clusters apart from wurtzite type ZnO. The field dependence of magnetisation (M–H) curve of different concentration of Co and Al co-doped ZnO films was measured at room temperature. The ferromagnetism with saturation magnetisation ( Ms) and coercive field ( Hc) of the order of 3.843–4.813 × 10− 3 (emu) and 400.389–436.769 (Oe) respectively were observed for the doped ZnO thin films. The mechanisms for the ferromagnetism at room temperature in Co and Al co-doped ZnO films are discussed.
On monotone pointwise contractions in Banach spaces with a graph
Authors: Alfuraidan Monther Rashed
Published: August 2015

In this work, we give a new definition of G-monotone pointwise contraction mappings in metric spaces endowed with a graph. Then we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of a fixed point for such mappings. The proofs are based on the crucial inequality (GK).
De la revisión a la reescritura: recorridos de las producciones escritas de estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Pereira María Cecilia , Valente Elena
Published: August 2015

Se analiza el recorrido realizado por estudiantes universitarios para elaborar la versión final de un informe de investigación en el contexto de los Talleres de lectura y escritura de la Cátedra de Semiología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se compara la versión inicial y final de un informe elaborado por los alumnos. A fin de destacar la importancia de los procesos de reescritura en las primeras etapas de formación de los alumnos, se exploran las diferencias entre revisión, corrección y reescritura. En la población considerada se pudo observar que la reescritura que los estudiantes hacen de sus trabajos iniciales favoreció tanto la apropiación de las teorías como la adquisición del modo de lectura crítica de textos. Los resultados muestran las fortalezas de propuestas pedagógicas que conciben a la escritura como una práctica situada y estimulan actividades de reescritura derivadas de una reflexión sobre el lenguaje y la discursividad.
Ambivalencia moral en la constitución de la subjetividad política de niños y niñas
Authors: Marín Posada Mary Luz
Published: August 2015

Este artículo esboza la ambivalencia moral a la que se ven abocados un grupo de niños y niñas del barrio 8 de marzo de la ciudad de Medellín, entre 5 y 6 años.   Estos niños y niñas habitan en medio de un contexto conflictivo que restringe, pero que también potencia la vida. Es producto de un estudio hermenéutico que tuvo como interés, comprender las configuraciones morales de niños y niñas y la constitución de su subjetividad política. A partir de los hallazgos de este estudio encontramos como categoría axial la ambivalencia moral en niños y niñas, a la cual pretendo aproximarme con este artículo. 
La investigación y el uso de plantas medicinales visto a través de la escuela
Authors: Reyes Parrado Adriana Elizabeth
Published: August 2015

Las Ciencias Naturales son cruciales para procesos de aprendizaje en temas de conservación, medio ambiente y rescate cultural. Como parte de este proceso, estudiantes campesinos realizaron encuestas etnobotánicas en sus comunidades, encontrando 57 especies de plantas empleadas para diversas aplicaciones medicinales. Aquí se reportan su identidad taxonómica, las formas de preparación y los usos empleados por los habitantes. Las familias más representativas fueron Lamiaceae (19%), Asteraceae (14%), Apiaceae (7%), Rutaceae (5%), Verbenaceae (5%), Umbelliferae (3%) y Fabaceae (3%). Dentro de  las especies más empleadas estaban la Mentha  piperita  (15,3%), Aloe vera (8,3%), Chenopodium  anthelminthium (6,4%), Rosmarinus officinalis  (5,8%), Ocimum michrantum  (5,2%), Ruta graveolens (5%), Melissa officinalis (5%) y Cymbopogon citratus  (5%). Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los conocimientos tradicionales sobre plantas medicinales, está fuertemente arraigado en las comunidades rurales y que a pesar de la ampliación de cobertura en salud estos saberes aún persisten.

 

The Natural Sciences are crucial to learning processes in conservation, environment and cultural recovery. As part of this process, students conducted ethnobotanical surveys in rural communities, finding 57 species of medicinal plants used for various applications. Here are reported taxonomic identity, forms of preparation and applications used by the inhabitants. The most representative families were Lamiaceae (19%), Asteraceae (14%), Apiaceae (7%), Rutaceae (5%), Verbenaceae (5%), Umbelliferae (3%) and Fabaceae (3%). Among the species most used were the Mentha piperita (15.3%), Aloe vera (8.3%), Chenopodium anthelminthium (6.4%), Rosmarinus officinalis (5.8%), Ocimum michrantum (5.2 %), Ruta graveolens (5 %), Melissa officinalis (5 %) and Cymbopogon citratus (5 %). The results show that traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, is deeply rooted in rural communities and that despite the expansion of health coverage this knowledge still persist.

 

 
Lazo comunicativo y lazo social Reflexión sobre algunos aspectos de la colombianidad
Authors: García Dussán Éder
Published: August 2015

El artículo adelanta una discusión sobre algunos de los rasgos más destacados de la identidad social colombiana, que a la vez es una queja y una incomprensión constantes, a saber: la falta de efectos de los actos de habla y sus intercambios en el orden de lo social. Para reflexionar sobre esto, se comienza cuestionando la correlación entre el lazo comunicativo y el lazo social y, a partir de un análisis interdisciplinar de la comunicación en el contrato escolar(teorías sociológica, psicoanalítica y literaria), caso fundador de una hipótesis al respecto, se debate la garantía de la persistencia de socios en los escenarios comunicativos. Se sostiene, entonces, que predomina, más bien un lazo perverso que encaja en el lazo comunicativo, y que esto obedece a un hecho histórico que se instaura con el discurso colonial. El resultado de todo este esfuerzo, relieva una justificación situada a propósito de la tendencia del colombiano a estar solo o, lo que es igual, de su imposibilidad de reconocer el espacio social como máquina dialógica y al otro como interlocutor válido con su lugar propio de enunciación
Efectos de la radiación electromagnética sobre la germinación del maíz
Authors: Armesto Arenas Alexander , Angarita Wilson , Lobo Jácome Ramón
Published: August 2015

En este artículo se evaluó el efecto de radiaciones electromagnéticas sobre la germinación del maíz Zea mays, semilla normalmente cultivada en el municipio de Ocaña, Norte de Santander, Colombia, y cuyo nombre vulgar está descrito como maíz pullita. Se hicieron tres tratamientos, uno con frecuencias de 945 MHz (Megahertz), otros de 440 MHz y la testigo, cada una de estas con tres repeticiones. Dichas emisiones de onda se hicieron con antenas de media onda, situadas a una distancia de 37 centímetros del sustrato donde fueron sembradas las semillas. La radiación electromagnética fue emitida las 24 horas del día, durante ocho días, y los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticas significativas: a los ocho días se observó un porcentaje de germinación de 92%, 80% y 50%, y a los 15 días de 98, 95 y 84%, para los tratamientos con emisiones de onda de 945 MHz, 440 MHz y las testigos, respectivamente. En este mismo orden se observó un bajo porcentaje de cenizas en comparación con las testigos, con unos resultados de 12,69, 16,17 y 18,45%. Con respecto a la altura, se en los primeros días se encontró una ganancia de longitud para las plantas sometidas a la más alta frecuencia, seguido de las más baja frecuencia y la testigo. Finalmente, en el último día se notó una mayor altura para las de menor frecuencia, seguido de la más alta frecuencia y la testigo.
Comportamiento de las ecuaciones de Saint-Venant en 1D y aproximaciones para diferentes condiciones en régimen permanente y variable
Authors: Amarís Castro Gloria Estefany , Guerrero Barbosa Thomas Edison , Sánchez Ortiz Edgar Antonio
Published: August 2015

La importancia del comportamiento de las ecuaciones de Saint-Venant y sus implicaciones en el análisis del flujo aplicado a modelos de tránsito hidráulico es el tema principal de esta investigación. Partiendo de las aplicaciones y usos de dichos modelos matemáticos, se determina y se evalúa el comportamiento de estas ecuaciones en 1D y sus aproximaciones para diferentes condiciones posibles de una situación real mediante la experimentación numérica computacional para un tramo de un cauce con una sección hidráulica prismática, en casos en los cuales la pendiente del canal presenta tres tipos de condiciones: supercrítica, subcrítica y pendiente horizontal, para un caudal de referencia. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es encontrar una demostración de la aplicabilidad de las ecuaciones de Saint-Venant para diferentes condiciones de acercamiento a esta problemática desde el punto de vista de la solución de las ecuaciones de Saint-Venant en una dimensión. Se propone un esquema de solución simple que produzca soluciones útiles a las necesidades de la ingeniería, y se encuentra que dentro del análisis de redes de alcantarillado hay muchos factores que pueden afectar la solución de las ecuaciones de Saint-Venant.
Minería de datos aplicada a la demanda del transporte aéreo en Ocaña, Norte de Santander
Authors: Rosado Gómez Alveiro Alonso , Verjel Ibáñez Alejandra
Published: August 2015

Este artículo muestra la aplicación de la minería de datos para predecir la demanda del servicio aéreo en Ocaña, Norte de Santander, respecto a los pares origen-destino Ocaña-Bogotá, Ocaña-Bucaramanga, Ocaña-Medellín, Ocaña-Cúcuta, Ocaña-Barranquilla; se utilizan datos de estudios realizados para estimar la demanda de un nuevo medio de transporte en la ciudad. Esta investigación sigue las fases del proceso de extracción del conocimiento en bases de datos. En la etapa de minería de datos se seleccionó como técnica los árboles de decisión y como algoritmo el J48. Con la aplicación de este algoritmo se encontró que las personas que viajan mensual y semanalmente eligen el avión, igual que si viajan por motivos de salud; si trabajan y se dirigen a Barranquilla, Bogotá y Medellín, eligen la buseta.
Metodología para la formulación de proyectos basada en la definición del problema
Authors: Trejos Buriticá Omar Iván
Published: August 2015

El presente artículo plantea una metodología muy simple, sencilla y, hasta cierto punto, paramétrica para resolver el que se ha convertido en el problema más grande para los estudiantes de ingenierías que se encuentran en la recta final de su proceso de formación: la formulación del anteproyecto de su trabajo de grado y, a partir de allí, el planteamiento de un derrotero de actividades que permitan culminar exitosamente la propuesta. Durante mucho tiempo el autor ha impartido una gran cantidad de cursos, asesorías y acompañamientos de muchos estudiantes y ha encontrado una metodología simple para que la formulación de un anteproyecto deje de ser un terreno fangoso para convertirse en un camino casi paramétrico. Esa metodología es, precisamente, la que se plantea en este artículo.
INFLUENCIA DE LAS PROPIEDADES FÍSICAS DEL SUELO Y LA TOPOGRAFÍA EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DEL FICUS SOATENSIS (CAUCHO SABANERO) EN EL PARQUE METROPOLITANO EL TUNAL DE LA CIUDAD DE BOGOTÁ D.C.
Authors: Polanco Linda Katherine García , Samudio Pulido Diego Felipe
Published: August 2015

La presente investigación  analiza la relación existente entre las propiedades físicas del suelo y los parámetros topográficos con el desarrollo y crecimiento de 24 individuos de Ficus soatensis (caucho sabanero) localizados en el Parque Metropolitano El Tunal de la  ciudad de Bogotá D.C. teniendo en cuenta el Diámetro a la Altura del Pecho y la altura total como variables forestales. Después de un análisis estadístico descriptivo y de distribución espacial de las propiedades físicas del suelo y las variables topográficas, se aplicó un diseño experimental donde se consideraron como fuentes de variación diferentes rangos de valores en el contenido de humedad, densidad aparente, densidad real, contenido de arena, infiltración básica, conductividad hidráulica, lámina de agua, pendiente, gradiente, curvatura y el aspecto (orientación), de esta forma se analizó la existencia de diferencias significativas tanto en la altura como en el diámetro en función de los tratamientos considerados. La investigación se enmarca dentro de una fase exploratoria  que integra el estudio de campos como la física de suelos, la silvicultura urbana y rural, estableciendo una metodología en estudios como los de índice de sitio.
The Effect of Feeding Neutralizer on the Growth of Bifidobacterium Bifidum
Authors: Shu Guowei , Wang Shuai , Chen He , Hu Man , Qin Tao , Ma Qi
Published: August 2015

In order to investigative the effect of different neutralizers and their feeding time on culture of Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01, and pH, OD and viable count of B. bifidumBB01 in the medium in different time were measured. The results indicated that the NaOH solution was the optimum neutralizer compared with the others, and feeding time of the neutralizer to B. bifidum BB01 was 13 hours after inoculation. Furthermore, the OD value and viable count reached maximum at 21h (OD value= 1.667) and 20h (viable count: (3.52±0.046) ×109 CFU/mL) after the NaOH solution was added to the medium, respectively. In addition, the maximum OD value implied that the logarithmic phase of B. bifidum BB01 was delayed compared with the control and the viable count were 29.26% larger than the control group. The result of the study provides a method and an important basis for improving the viable counts of B. bifidum BB01.
Occurence of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Wheat from Europe – A Review
Authors: Stanciu Oana , Banc Roxana , Cozma Anamaria , Filip Lorena , Miere Doina , Mañes Jordi , Loghin Felicia
Published: August 2015

The quality of cereals is very important for both human and animal nutrition. Fusarium mycotoxins include a great number of compounds. Trichothecenes, zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisins are the major Fusarium mycotoxins occurring in cereal grains, animal feeds and forages. Conditions that predispose to mycotoxin production by Fusarium species include humidity, temperature, aeration and substrate type. Even if a great number of fungal metabolites have been designated as mycotoxins, a small number are known to have significant animal/human health and economic significance. For this, the world-wide impact of mycotoxins on human and animal health is likely underestimated and the future in this area is to identify additional specific biomarkers and group of biomarkers that can be used to establish the exposition of human and animals to individual mycotoxins.
Generalized CreditRisk+ model and applications
Authors: Szotek Jakub
Published: August 2015

In the paper we give a mathematical overview of the CreditRisk+ model as a tool used for calculating credit risk in a portfolio of debts and suggest some other applications of the same method of analysis.
DCT image codec using variance of sub-regions
Authors: Zadeh Pooneh Bagheri , Akbari Akbar Sheikh , Buggy Tom
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a novel variance of subregions
and discrete cosine transform based image-coding
scheme. The proposed encoder divides the input image
into a number of non-overlapping blocks. The coefficients
in each block are then transformed into their spatial frequencies
using a discrete cosine transform. Coefficients
with the same spatial frequency index at different blocks
are put together generating a number of matrices, where
each matrix contains coefficients of a particular spatial
frequency index. The matrix containing DC coefficients is
losslessly coded to preserve its visually important information.
Matrices containing high frequency coefficients
are coded using a variance of sub-regions based encoding
algorithm proposed in this paper. Perceptual weights
are used to regulate the threshold value required in the
coding process of the high frequency matrices. An extension
of the system to the progressive image transmission
is also developed. The proposed coding scheme, JPEG and
JPEG2000were applied to a number of test images. Results
show that the proposed coding scheme outperforms JPEG
and JPEG2000 subjectively and objectively at low compression
ratios. Results also indicate that the proposed codec
decoded images exhibit superior subjective quality at high
compression ratios compared to that of JPEG, while offering
satisfactory results to that of JPEG2000.
Antioxidant enzymes activity of Ferula flabelliloba and Ferula diversivitata extracts / Ferula flabelliloba ve Ferula diversivitata ekstraktlarının antioksidan enzim aktiviteleri
Authors: Lahazi Vajihe , Taheri Ghadir , Jafarisani Moslem
Published: August 2015

Objective: Free radicals are generated during different reactions in cells and are potentially threats to macromolecules such as DNA and protein. Cells have established defense systems to remove these radicals. In some diseases, the systems are defective because of different damages and cells cannot remove the radicals. Plants have been used for a long time as sources of antioxidants for treatment of different diseases. Ferula species have also been used and investigated as a source of antioxidants in Iranian herbal medicine.

Methods: Here, we have studied the antioxidants activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation from aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ferula flabelliloba and Ferula diversivitata plants.

Results: Our results have shown that they have significant antioxidant activity in different parts at different stages.

Conclusion: We can conclude that these plants extracts can be used for more studies as antioxidant sources.
Expression of hCA IX isoenzyme by using sumo fusion partner and examining the effects of antitumor drugs / Sumo füzyon partneri kullanarak hCA IX izoenziminin ekspresyonu ve antitümör ilaçların etkilerinin incelenmesi
Authors: Küfrevioğlu Ömer İrfan , Yerlikaya Emrah , Erdoğan Orhan , Demirdağ Ramazan , Şentürk Murat
Published: August 2015

Objective: In this study, investigating the effects of inhibition of the enzyme activity of some antitumor drugs and the Cancer-Related Human Carbonic Anhydrase IX (hCA IX) isoenzyme expressing as a SUMO fusion protein in an Escherichia coli expression system were aimed.

Methods: hCA IX isoenzyme was expressed using SUMO fusion technology. The fusion protein was expressed in a totally soluble form and the expression was verified by SDS-PAGE analysis. Affinity chromatography was used in the purification processes. The effects of certain antitumor drugs on enzyme activity were investigated in vitro conditions by using esterase activity. IC50 values of drugs showing the inhibitory effect were calculated. Inhibition types and Ki values for antitumor drugs, which inhibit the enzyme, were determined by separately plotting Lineweaver- Burk plots.

Results: The molecular weight of the fusion protein was approximately 85kDa. The optimal induction concentration of IPTG and the growth temperature were found to be 1.0mM and 30°C. The fusion protein was purified at approximately 3.07-fold with a yield of 92.58%, and a specific activity of 43707EU/mg proteins by nickel nitrilo-triacetic acid resin chromatography.

Conclusion: Our work is extremely important because CA IX plays a clinical role as a biomarker in cancer diagnosis and the use of specific inhibitors of the CA IX enzyme will be useful in the fight against cancer. In vitro inhibition studies on the recombinant hCA IX enzyme can shed light on the development of anticancer drugs for cancers overexpressing CA IX.
Kristall- und Molekülstruktur von „Urindigo“ (4,4,4′,4′-Tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyrrolidinyliden-3,3′-dion) und die Strukturverwandtschaft zum Indigo
Authors: Robl Christian , Lüttke Wolfgang , Beck Wolfgang
Published: August 2015

The crystal structure of 4,4,4′,4′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyrrolidinyliden-3,3′-dione (3) („urindigo“ = primordial indigo) was determined by X-ray diffraction. The molecule has thetrans-configuration as indigo itself. Within the parent grouptrans-(OC)(HN)C=C(CO)(NH) the distances and angles of3are very similar to that in indigo: C=C (136.6 pm), C–N (140.9 pm), C–C (145.6 pm), C=O (122.6 pm). The intramolecular N–H···O bonds in3and indigo are similar whereas the intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the former are substantially weaker. The latter observation finds its interesting parallel in the markedly smaller difference between the Vis absorptions of the gaseous and the solid primordial indigo in comparison to that of indigo. The present results support the early view by Lüttke and Klessinger that thetrans-(OC)(HN)C=C(CO)(NH) fragment is the parent chromophor of indigo dyes.
Synthesis, crystal structure and physicochemical characterization of a Hg(II) complex with 6-methoxyquinoline as ligand
Authors: Villa-Pérez Cristian , Ortega Isabel C. , Payán-Aristizábal Angélica M. , Echeverría Gustavo , Valencia-Uribe Gloria C. , Soria Delia B.
Published: August 2015

A new complex of Hg(II) with 6-methoxyquinoline (C10H9NO-6MQ) has been synthesized and characterized. The structure of the complex Hg(6MQ)Cl2 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 3.9139(3), b = 26.3400(2), c = 10.9090(9) Å, β = 89.833(6)°, V = 1124.6(1) Å3 and Z = 4 molecules per unit cell. The coordination geometry of the mercury(II) center can be described as a distorted square pyramid formed by one nitrogen atom of the 6MQ and four chlorine atoms. Fourier transform infrared, Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies have been carried out to characterize the compound, using theoretical calculations for the assignment of the experimentally observed bands. The thermal behavior was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The quantum yield of singlet molecular oxygen production ΦΔ was measured with steady-state methods in ethanol, using 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA) as actinometer and Bengal rose as reference photosensitizer. The resultant singlet molecular oxygen was detected indirectly by photooxidation reactions of DMA. The luminescence properties have also been studied.
Digoxin-Like Immunoreactive Substance in Postmortem Blood of Infants and Children
Authors: Spiehler VR , Fischer WR , Richards RG
Published: August 2015

A digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) has been reported in the serum of infants not receiving digoxin. This study was undertaken to determine if DLIS is present in the postmortem blood and tissues of infants or children and whether the endogenous substance could interfere with forensic toxicological analysis in suspected overdose. Ninety blood specimens taken from the heart at autopsy of children or infants were screened for DLIS using commercial radioimmunoassay kits. The average age at death in these cases was 8.6 months, the median age was 2 months. DLIS equivalent to 0.25 to 2.0 ng/mL digoxin was found in one third of the cases. The incidence of positive findings was 5/6 stillborns, 10/45 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), 10/15 deaths as a result of infection, 4/7 homicides, 1/8 deaths caused by congenital defects, and 0/9 accidental deaths. The body distribution of DLIS was investigated and highest levels were found in the liver. Findings of DLIS in blood were correlated with renal failure, (elevated vitreous urea nitrogen), electrolyte imbalance, and liver trauma. Apparent concentrations were in the equivalent therapeutic range of digoxin and would not be confused with accidental or intentional overdose with digoxin.
The Degree of Deterioration of Associated Death Scene Material
Authors: Morse D , Dailey RC
Published: August 2015

Experiments to determine the rate of deterioration of materials commonly found in association with human skeletonized remains at death scenes are described. Data of this kind can be used as an independent means of estimating time lapse between death and recovery of the victim's remains.
Medical Diagnosis Versus Legal Determination of Death
Authors: Gorman WF
Published: August 2015

This summary of the medical and legal descriptions of death notes that the physician makes a medical diagnosis of death, the physician then makes the legal pronouncement of death, and that statute or the courts make the legal determination of death. Medical diagnosis of death follows either the common law standard of total cessation of cardiac and respiratory function or the medically accepted standards of brain death, the latter being based on irreversible loss of brain function. Cessation of cardiorespiratory function inevitably causes brain death; similarly, brain death inevitably causes cessation of cardiac function. The common law definition of death has been redefined: death is brain death which inevitably causes cessation of the cardiorespiratory functions. Legal determination of death, since the advent of cadaver organ transplantation, has been made by case law, which is briefly summarized, or by statute in most jurisdictions. The history of the Uniform Determination of Death Act is briefly summarized; this observer joins those recommending adoption of this Act. A table gives the rules or statutes that determine death in 36 U.S. jurisdictions.
Determination of Sex with a Discriminant Analysis of New Pelvic Bone Measurements: Part II
Authors: Schulter-Ellis FP , Hayek LC , Schmidt DJ
Published: August 2015

The pelves of 100 white skeletons were measured on both sides for the following: (1) length from the superiormost aspect of the public symphysis to the nearest rim of the acetabulum (PS-A), (2) length from the highest point of the public tubercle to the nearest rim of the acetabulum (PT-A), (3) acetabular diameter (AD), (4) the vertical distance from the anterior aspect of the ischial tuberosity to the farthest rim of the acetabulum (IT-A), and (5) greatest femur head diameter. From these, three indices were derived: AD/PS-A (acetabulum/pubis index), AD/PT-A (acetabular diameter/pubic tubercle-acetabular rim index), and IT-A/PS-A (ischium-acetabulum height/public symphysis-acetabular rim index). The left AD/PS-A ratio and left IT-A height proved statistically to be of greatest discriminating value. Using these two variables, a discriminant function was derived which correctly separated 98% of our sample. The acetabulum/pubis ratio alone correctly assigned 95%. With either the discriminant function analysis of two variables or the acetabulum/pubis index as a single predictor, 97% of our sample of known sex was correctly identified if all specimens that fell within a doubtful or overlapping range of values were sorted by femur head diameter.
Homicide by Intravenous Injection of Naphtha
Authors: Case MES , Poklis A , Ann Mackell M
Published: August 2015

A case of homicide by the intravenous injection of Energine®, a petroleum distillate spot remover, is presented. This case is the only known homicide committed with naphtha. This elderly man had severe natural disease in addition to chest trauma sustained in the assault leading to death; however, the rapid injection of approximately 25 mL of Energine was the overwhelming cause of death.
Pyrolysis Products of Heroin
Authors: Edgar Cook C , Brine DR
Published: August 2015

Heating of heroin hydrochloride or of heroin at 250°C led to extensive degradation. Major components of the pyrolysate were identified as heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, N,6-diacetylnormorphine, and N-acetylnorheroin by comparison of mass spectra and 13C- and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with those of authentic compounds. There was evidence for degradation of the piperidino moiety and the structure 3,4-diacetoxyphenanthrene was proposed for a minor product.
The Forensic Science Use of Reflective Ultraviolet Photography
Authors: Krauss TC , Warlen SC
Published: August 2015

Reflective ultraviolet photography has many forensic science applications particularly in child abuse, rape, homicide, and bite mark cases. The potential of this relatively simple and inexpensive procedure has not been fully explored. The procedure for its use in bite mark cases is presented.
Determination of Cross-Reactant Drugs with a New Morphine Radioimmunoassay Procedure
Authors: Matejczyk RJ , Kosinski JA
Published: August 2015

A study to determine the specificity of a new morphine radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure was performed on 23 drugs of forensic science interest. Spiked whole blood and urine specimens were analyzed and the apparent morphine concentrations determined. All compounds analyzed showed low cross-reactivity, indicating a high specificity for morphine.
Factors Affecting the Refractive Index Distribution of Window Glass
Authors: Brown GA
Published: August 2015

A 400-sample glass refractive index (RI) survey is reported. Differences in RI distribution between sheet and patterned glasses and between glass from old and young buildings are reported and discussed.
A Statistical Method for Assessing Soil Comparisons
Authors: Wanogho S , Gettinby G , Caddy B , Robertson J
Published: August 2015

The soil variables: median particle size, modal class interval of particle size, and percentage of organic matter have been examined in an attempt to discriminate one soil sample from another. Using analysis of variance and the two-sample z test, statistic similarity probabilities for control soil samples as they relate to soil samples of unknown origin have been calculated. This approach has been successful in allocating the correct source of 19 out of 20 soil samples selected at random from a data bank of 100 collected from a single field. Soil from unrelated sources was correctly excluded.
A Technique for the Rapid Isolation and Identification of Psilocin from Psilocin/Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms
Authors: Lee RE
Published: August 2015

A method has been developed for the rapid isolation and identification of psilocin from psilocin/psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Based on the difference in the solubility properties in butyl chloride of psilocin and other constituents present in psilocin/psilocybin-containing mushrooms, psilocin was easily separated in pure form.
Infanticide by Starvation: Calculation of Caloric Deficit to Determine Degree of Deprivation
Authors: Meade JL , Brissie RM
Published: August 2015

A review of medical records and autopsy examination of a six-week-old male revealed the cause of death to be severe malnutrition with dehydration. Weight and caloric deficits were calculated to determine the degree of deprivation, which could be expressed as an interval of days for clear courtroom presentation. These calculations may be useful for quantifying the degree of malnutrition in a variety of child abuse cases.