bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trafficking Networks and the Mexican Drug War
Authors: Dell Melissa
Published: June 2015

Drug trade-related violence has escalated dramatically in Mexico since 2007, and recent years have also witnessed large-scale efforts to combat trafficking, spearheaded by Mexico's conservative PAN party. This study examines the direct and spillover effects of Mexican policy toward the drug trade. Regression discontinuity estimates show that drug-related violence increases substantially after close elections of PAN mayors. Empirical evidence suggests that the violence reflects rival traffickers' attempts to usurp territories after crackdowns have weakened incumbent criminals. Moreover, the study uses a network model of trafficking routes to show that PAN victories divert drug traffic, increasing violence along alternative drug routes. (JEL D72, D85, K42, O17, Z13)
Government Policy with Time Inconsistent Voters
Authors: Bisin Alberto , Lizzeri Alessandro , Yariv Leeat
Published: June 2015

Behavioral economics presents a “paternalistic” rationale for benevolent government intervention. This paper presents a model of public debt where voters have self-control problems and attempt to commit using illiquid assets. In equilibrium, government accumulates debt to respond to individuals' desire to undo their commitments, which leads individuals to rebalance their portfolio, in turn feeding into a demand for further debt accumulation. As a consequence, (i) large (and distortionary) government debt accumulation occurs, and (ii) banning illiquid assets could improve individuals' welfare. These results offer a new rationale for balanced budget rules in constitutions to restrain governments' responses to voters' self-control problems.(JEL D2, D72, D78, H62, H63)
Sensorimotor learning deficits observed in children with sports-related concussion
Authors: Wang Jinsung , Thomas Danny , Cho Young Ik
Published: June 2015

Mild traumatic brain injury, commonly known as concussion, occurs frequently in children while playing sports. Whereas the negative impact of sport-related concussions on cognitive function is well known, the effects of concussions on sensorimotor function, especially in children, remain largely unknown. In this observational study, we investigated the association between neurocognitive function, assessed using a trail making test, and sensorimotor function, assessed using a visuomotor adaptation task, in three children who suffered from a concussion while playing sports. For the trail making test, children drew lines to connect numbers and letters alternately on a page. For the visuomotor adaptation task, children performed targeted reaching movements repeatedly under a novel visuomotor condition in which the visual display of reaching movements was rotated 30 degrees about the start position. Their neurocognitive and visuomotor performances were compared to those obtained from three children without a concussion. Results showed that only one of the three concussed children showed a score from the trail making test that was worse than those obtained from control subjects. However, the pattern of visuomotor adaptation observed in the concussed children was different from that observed in the control subjects in several ways. These data indicate that the concussed children may have some deficits in terms of their sensorimotor function as compared to the control subjects. Our findings collectively suggest that children with concussion may have sensorimotor impairments even when they do not seem to have neurocognitive impairments.
Expert’s Opinion Evaluation and Use of Forensic Examination Results in Criminal Cases Related to Penal Institutions
Authors: Nazarkin Evgeniy
Published: June 2015

The article reveals general criteria for evaluating expert’s opinion, in particular, expert’s participation at the end of the preliminary investigation (inquiry) and during drafting of the indictment (crime bill), interaction between the investigator and the expert in identification and remedy of causes and conditions that facilitated the commission of the crime. The article considers two different methods of assessing expert’s opinion: the internal, which is confined to logical analysis of the opinion, understanding consistency of the scientific and technical means and methods of the research, applied by the expert, the nature of the identified features and their role in justification of the drawn conclusions; and the external, that assesses the opinion in the legal, procedural respect, and observance of the rights of the participants in a criminal case, as well as in relation to all criminal case files. Expert’s participation at the end of the preliminary investigation (inquiry) and during drafting of the indictment (crime bill) comes down to advice about the performed examinations, determination of the place and importance of the expert’s opinion in the totality of the available evidence collected for the criminal case. The interaction between the investigator and the expert in remedy of causes and conditions that facilitated the commission of the crime in penitentiary system of Russia is regarded as a daily routine in penal crimes’ investigation and a remedial measure with the purpose of prevention such crimes in future. As part of the study the author analyzed 60 files of criminal investigation on penalty crimes in various regions of Russia. The author highlights peculiarities and suggests conclusions after considering case studies on the issue. The research methodology involves the use of such techniques as analysis, synthesis, induction, interviewing and others.
Corporate Legal Relationship: Essence and Specific Features of Regulation
Authors: Sinitsyn S.
Published: June 2015

Theoretical issues of the concept, classification, types, structure and system of subjective corporate rights have not been studied properly. As a result, scientists try to interpret subjective corporate rights within the framework of the law of property, and the law of obligation; to use analogy methods in their judgments that testifie to an attempt of applying existing scientific concepts to describe and reveal intrinsic specificity of legal relationship, whose legal regulation is just at the initial formation stage. The concepts of civil legal relationship, subjective civil law, and corporation that are currently far from being uniform in their interpretation by the juridical community should become fundamental and initial concepts in determining the independence of corporate legal relationship and subjective rights. Taking into account the definitions of the law in force, one cannot see solid grounds for defining common features, concept and system of corporate legal relationship. This demonstrates imperfection and defects in the Russian civil legislation with regard to regulation of corporate legal relationship. But without comprehensive detailed regulation of this relationship it is impossible to create a fully functional legal regulation system neither at present nor in future.
Experience of Use New Surgical Method of Gastroesophageal Reflux Desease Treatment
Authors: Баулин  , Baulin V. , Ивачев  , Ivachev A. , Баулина  , Baulina O. , Баулин  , Baulin A.
Published: June 2015

The paper presents the experience of use a new surgical technique in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which consists of laparoscopic fixing of the His angle by using new biological material - xenopericard made in the form of tape. The access, the sequence and progress of surgical intervention, the advantages of plastic material – calfspericard - are described in details. The implant has a high mechanical strength, a smooth sliding surface, antigenic resistance, bio-resistance while contact with the surrounding tissues and high bio-integration with esophagus, that allowing to prevent possible the prosthesis associated complications, and to obtain good functional results. The anti-reflux surgery is performed using endoscopic original universal access, allowing to performing simultaneous operations. Method is technically simple, non-invasive, absence of stage of mobilization of the stomach and excludes damage to the branches of the vagus nerve, thus prevent the occurrence of postoperative evacuation disorders. Result of the operation using the new method is the restoration of normal topographic anatomical relationships between structures of the esophagogastric junction and recreation of a reliable anti-reflux mechanism. The clinical observation and generalized results of treatment of 36 patients demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A New Tecnique of Surgical Treatment of Hallux Valgus Toe in the Patients of Elderly and Senile Age
Authors: Калашник  , Kalashnik A. , Хурцилава  , Khurtsilava N. , Бровкин  , Brovkin S. , Петров  , Petrov N. , Ларионов  , Larionov A. , Кавалерский  , Kavalerskiy G. , Карев  , Karev A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the study is the problem of treatment of patients of elderly and senile with valgus deformity of the 1st toe. Still unresolved issues are: which of low-impact operations in the area of the 1st metatarsal bone and main phalanx 1 finger is more effective. Today the influence of operations sparing resection of the head of the 1st metatarsal on the function of the foot insufficiently studied. The need to develop a new operation with a comprehensive assessment of its results in elderly patients is the basis for this study. Materials and Methods: the study is based on the clinic analysis and the results of surgical treatment of hallux valgus toe 1 in 72 patients of both sexes. Sparing resection of the metatarsal head 1 was performed in all patients. Results: after sparing resection metatarsal head 1 there was a decrease in the number of cases overload medial edge of the foot, a decrease of the transversal size of the foot and an increase of longitudinal size of the foot. Conclusion: examination of the results of operations on the head of the 1st metatarsal has allowed to establish that the function of the foot has undergone some positive changes. In patients deformation disappeared, gait became smooth, the load on both feet became uniform. Because of this, patients were able to use the normal shoes, their household activity increased.
System Fatigue Mechanisms at Exercises of Circular Orientation
Authors: Вагин  , Vagin Yu. , Фудин  , Fudin N. , Пигарева  , Pigareva S.
Published: June 2015

Mechanisms of fatigue during exercise of circular orientation of various volume and intensity are analyzed from the position of functional systems theory. Peculiarities of fatigue anaerobic metabolism in high-speed sports, aerobic-anaerobic metabolism in sports disciplines connected with high speed endurance and aerobic metabolism in running the long and very long distances are considered. Sprint is dominated by anaerobic processes in working skeletal muscles and central mechanisms of fatigue. Central fatigue is ahead of peripheral fatigue of neuromuscular system. Anaerobic and aerobic oxidation processes occur when running athlete on medium distances. The effects of hypoxia, hypocapnia and accumulation of oxidation products from the working muscles begin to emerge. Disorders in respiratory and cardiovascular system appear. At long distances deep metabolic aerobic changes come, toxic products of metabolism accumulate, water-salt balance impairs, the cellular and molecular processes of excitation in the central and peripheral nervous system change. A combination of different disabilities leads to decrease the athlete neuromuscular system efficiency. System approach enables to reveal the fine line between achieving the body of a new quality level of adaptation to physical loads and breakdowns of compensatory mechanisms associated with the stress of functional systems for ensuring the work.
To the Question of Comprehensive Treatment in the Patients with Ovarian Cancer III-IV Stages by Autohemochemotherapy Associated with the «Melaxen»
Authors: Козырева  , Kozyreva S. , Козырев  , Kozyrev K. , Карсанов  , Karsanov S.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the positive characteristics of preoperative autohemochemotherapy associated with the drug "Melaxen” as a synthetic analogue of the epiphysial hormone melatonin, produced by Unipharm-USA in the complex treatment of patients with ovarian cancer on the stage III-IV. The authors emphasize that the "Melaxen" has a powerful antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and adaptogenic action, reduces stress response and regulates neuroendocrine function and biological rhythms. The authors believe that neoadjuvant autohemotherapy by the "Melaxen" with a powerful immunomodulatory and lipoic effects, improves general non-specific resistance of the organism, has a positive effect on the immediate and remote results of complex treatment of patients. In comparison with polychemotherapy, the autohemotherapy in combination with the “Melaxen" has the advantages. This therapy is significant in several basic methods of treatment of malignant tumors of the localization.

It was found that with autohemochemotherapy by the "Melaxen" improves efficiency polychemotherapy, reduces its toxicity, consequently, clinically warranted and expedient in this connection, can be used as subsidiary means complex treatment of ovarian cancer recurrence in the spread process. The drug allows to improve the quality of life, to increase its duration in critically ill patients.
The Changes of Oxidative Status Markers in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Hiv/Aids-Associated Lung`S Tuberculosis after the Course of Treatment
Authors: Ясинский  , Yasinskiy R. , Литвиненко  , Litvinenko E.
Published: June 2015

The changes in oxidative status indicators in patients with newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS-associated pulmonary tuberculosis after the treatment depending on the course of the therapy were evaluated. It was found the increasing in the levels of protein peroxidation markers in spontaneous and induced oxidation and of lipid peroxidation markers in patients who treated with standard anti-TB and antiretroviral therapy in the dynamics. Its indicates the rise of the oxidative stress severity and disruption of adaptive-compensatory mechanisms, that exacerbates the disease. There were decreased levels of oxidative stress markers in dynamics and in comparison with indicators of other patients after 3 months of treatment in patients, who received the additional treatment with additional pathogenetic therapy with the inclusion of Contrycal, Glutoxim and laser therapy. The antioxidant protection indicators in patients, who received the additional pathogenetic treatment returned to normal or increased in the dynamics and these levels were higher, than that of other patients. In patients, treated with standard therapy, most indicators decreased in dynamics and in comparison with rates in control patients, and patients from the1 group. This suggests an imbalance in the oxidative status in the body after the standard treatment appointment and necessity of its pathogenetic correction.
The Use of Substance of the Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha for the Correction of the Healing Process (Literature Review)
Authors: Русак  , Rusak Yu. , Нургожин  , Nurgozhin T. , Кравченко  , Kravchenko I. , Масычева  , Masycheva V. , Ольшницкая  , Olshnitskaya O. , Гуляев  , Gulyaev A.
Published: June 2015

Currently a significant place in the list of already existing and developing medicines that are associated with high hopes, take drugs created through genetic engineering and modern biotechnology. The foundations of these drugs are genetically engineered drugs on the basis of the substance of cytokines. A new trend in the system of medical correction of the course of wound process in recent years is the use of tumor necrosis factor. Development of dosage forms for external use, combining the structure of the active substances and excipients, acting on the wound healing process is the actual problem, in which one of the main places is local treatment with ointments, gels and liniments. The research presented in this article allows to confirming the hypothesis that “the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha) is a key mediator in the process of wound healing, especially in protracted and chronic variants course of inflammation". The authors note that one of the directions in the creation of new forms of drugs TNF-alpha is the use of different polymers. Modified-polymers TNF-alpha are being actively studied, for example, in Japan and China. Currently, in many countries the development and extensive research on new forms of TNF-alpha are aimed at creation of effective new generation medications.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Sapropel from the Lake Glubokoe (Tatarstan)
Authors: Хадарцев  , Khadartsev A. , Платонов  , Platonov V. , Фридзон  , Fridzon K. , Чуносов  , Chunosov S.
Published: June 2015

Detailed information about qualitative and quantitative composition of individual components of the group sapropel from the lake Glubokoe (Tatarstan), as well as on the biological activity of different sapropel preparations were obtained by means of the methods Fourier spectroscopy, UV/Vis, NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, preparative Thin-layer chro-matography (TLC) with witnesses, elemental and functional analysis. Sequential scheme of extraction, acid-alkaline hydrolysis, preparative TLC source of sapropel and individual components of organic matter was developed. Amino acids, sugars, carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, flavonida, n-, ISO - and cycloalkanes, vitamins, derivatives of phenol, naftalan, chlorophyll, carotenoids, quinones, anthocyanins, metalloporphyrins were identified. Most of them have close genetic relationship with the source material, which is involved in sapropel formation, having a high biological activity. Biological testing of different sapropel preparations using bacteria St. Aureus, E. Coli, C. Diphythriac gravis, the fungi of the Candida albicans type were made. Significant bactericidal effect of sapropel preparations was established and it is comparable to those for synthetic antibiotics type hydro-cortisone, prednisolone.
Information Sharing in a Supply Chain with a Common Retailer
Authors: Shang Weixin , Ha Albert Y. , Tong Shilu
Published: June 2015

We study the problem of information sharing in a supply chain with two competing manufacturers selling substitutable products through a common retailer. Our analysis shows that the retailer’s incentive to share information strongly depends on nonlinear production cost, competition intensity, and whether the retailer can offer a contract to charge a payment for the information. Without information contracting, the retailer has an incentive to share information for free when production economy is large but has no incentive to do so when there is production diseconomy. With information contracting, the retailer has an incentive to share information when either production diseconomy/economy is large or competition is intense. We characterize the conditions under which the retailer shares information with none, one, or both of the manufacturers. We also show that the retailer prefers to sell information sequentially rather than concurrently to the manufacturers, whereas the manufacturers’ preferences are reversed.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Project Characteristics, Incentives, and Team Production
Authors: Fu Richard , Subramanian Ajay , Venkateswaran Anand
Published: June 2015

We develop a model to show how agency conflicts, free-rider effects, and monitoring costs interact to affect optimal team size and workers’ incentive contracts. Team size increases with project risk, decreases with profitability, and decreases with monitoring costs as a proportion of output. Our predictions are consistent with empirical evidence that firm-specific risk has increased over time, average corporate earnings have declined, and firms’ organizational structures have also flattened. The predicted effects of monitoring costs on team size are supported by evidence that improvements in information technology likely to lower monitoring costs lead to larger teams. Further, firms with relatively more intangible assets, where monitoring costs are likely to be higher, are smaller. Optimal incentive intensities decrease with risk and increase with profitability. The endogenous determination of team size accentuates the positive effects of a decline in risk and an increase in profitability on incentives.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Effect of Trajectory Prediction and Stochastic Runway Occupancy Times on Aircraft Delays
Authors: Nikoleris Tasos , Hansen Mark
Published: June 2015

This paper examines aircraft delays when arriving flights have been assigned specific times to land by air traffic control. It shows that the benefit from aircraft meeting their prescribed times of arrival with higher precision is moderated if it is not complemented by accurate predictions of runway occupancy times (ROTs) after touchdown. A single server queueing system is considered, in which the server corresponds to an airport’s runway. Landing aircraft are assigned scheduled times of arrival at the runway, which they meet with some stochastic error. The time for an aircraft to clear the runway is included as a random variable in the model. A recursive queueing model is formulated and expressions are derived for the mean and variance of aircraft delays. The analysis then focuses on the effect of unpunctual arrivals on delays and how that is affected by dispersion in aircraft ROTs. A simplified situation, in which model parameters are the same for all aircraft, shows that dispersion in ROTs causes significant losses in throughput efficiency, substantially reducing the benefit of precise trajectory adherence in many cases.
Practical issues surrounding microchips and the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations
Authors: Scott Peter , Hack Paula , Heneghan Kathryn
Published: June 2015

The article outlines the basic structure of RFID microchips used for identification of animals. It reviews the recent legislation and its impact on implanters and others, looking at some issues surrounding training of implanters, microchip placement, the Microchip Adverse Event Reporting Scheme and the interaction with MRI. The practice of microchipping of animals for identification purposes has been developed considerably since the mid-1980s when Destron/idENTICHIP brought their original FDX-A 10 digit microchips into the UK.
Nutrition — lizards and snakes
Authors: Pellett Sarah , Wissink-Argilaga Nathalie
Published: June 2015

Reptiles are now seen frequently in general practice, and knowledge of correct nutrition and husbandry for these animals is essential. The second of this nutrition series describes the basic nutritional requirements for the lizards and snakes seen most commonly in practice.
Understanding and treating hyperhidrosis
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: June 2015

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Jean Watkins explains the causes of this condition and how it can be managed
Do we meet the needs of children in asylum-seeking families?
Authors: Hardwick Louise , Hardwick Tom
Published: June 2015

First among the principles underpinning the Children Act 1989 is that the welfare of the child is of primacy concern. To this end, local authorities have a duty to provide services to support children deemed ‘in need’. However, despite this, they struggle to deliver services appropriately, especially in deprived areas. This article explores this deficit through the lens of children in asylum-seeking families who represent the extreme on the spectrum of need.
Silenced stories of social work with minority ethnic families in Norway
Authors: Ylvisaker Signe , Rugkåsa Marianne , Eide Ketil
Published: June 2015

This article draws on 160 cases of actual practice with minority ethnic families provided by child protection workers in Norway who were enrolled on the postgraduate course ‘Child welfare in a minority perspective’. This course is part of a programme launched by the Norwegian government aimed at developing knowledge-based child protection practice. The article discusses the ways in which social workers construct stories about who their clients are and the reasons for their clienthood. Particular attention is given to parenting and the ways in which race, class and gender serve as overt, subtle or muted stories constructed in and through social work theory and practice.
ADAPTIVE REUSE FOR NEW SOCIAL AND MUNICIPAL FUNCTIONS AS AN ACCEPTABLE APPROACH FOR CONSERVATION OF INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Fetisov Oleg
Published: June 2015

The present paper deals with a problem of conservation and adaptive reuse of industrial heritage architecture. The relevance and topicality of the problem of adaptive reuse of industrial heritage architecture for new social and municipal functions as the conservation concept are defined. New insights on the typology of industrial architecture are reviewed (e. g. global changes in all European industry, new concepts and technologies in manufacturing, new features of industrial architecture and their construction and typology, first results of industrialization and changes in the typology of industrial architecture in post-industrial period). General goals and tasks of conservation in context of adaptive reuse of industrial heritage architecture are defined (e. g. historical, architectural and artistic, technical). Adaptive reuse as an acceptable approach for conservation and new use is proposed and reviewed. Moreover, the logical model of adaptive reuse of industrial heritage architecture as an acceptable approach for new use has been developed. Consequently, three general methods for the conservation of industrial heritage architecture by the adaptive reuse approach are developed: historical, architectural and artistic, technical. Relevant functional methods' concepts (social concepts) are defined and classified. General beneficial effect of the adaptive reuse approach is given. On the basis of analysis results of experience in adaptive reuse of industrial architecture with new social functions general conclusions are developed.
TEMPERATURE HETEROGENEITY OF TRAVELLING FIRE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON COMPOSITE STEEL-CONCRETE FLOOR
Authors: Horová Kamila , Wald František
Published: June 2015

In order to follow modern trends in contemporary building architecture, which is moving offthe limits of current fire design models, assumption of homogeneous temperature conditions usedfor structural fire analysis needs to be revised. In this paper fire dynamics of travelling fire isinvestigated experimentally by conducting fire test in two-storey experimental building. To evaluatethe impact of travelling fire on the mechanical behaviour of a structure, the spatial and temporalevolution of the gas temperature calculated in NIST code FDS, which was validated toexperimental measurements, is applied to the composite floor of dimensions 9.0 m by 9.0 m.Mechanical behaviour of the composite slab highly affected by regions of high temperatures andareas with only elevated temperatures is solved in code Vulcan. To highlight the severity ofspreading fire causing non-uniform temperature conditions, which after-effects differ fromtraditional methods, a comparison of both methods is introduced. The calculation of mechanicalbehaviour of the composite floor is repeated in a series of three different thermal loading cases.Results of all cases are then compared in terms of vertical displacement and axial force in severalpositions of the composite floor.
Project Inner Brick - Colorful Plastic Bricks in Psychotherapy - An Introduction to Methodology
Authors: Neidert László , Bíró Kinga
Published: June 2015

PIB is a research project pertaining to the psychotherapeutic potential of Lego bricks. This is based on Lego Group’s own method called Lego Seriousplay and Eric Berne's transactional analysis as a theoretical background. If we see it from the Lego’s aspect, our plan is a training like LSP. It is only alike because of the special application. We made a lot of modifications according to the original methodology. In this document we would like to present details of our research we have been working on for almost two years. The characteristics of our methodology will be illustrated, too.
Positive School Climate (A Theoretical Empirical Conspectus)
Authors: Hanuliaková Jana , Barnová Silvia
Published: June 2015

A school climate is the product of a specific social group. It influences the work of both teachers and students; it is a reflection of the objective reality in schools. It is experienced, evaluated and perceived by the actors of school life subjectively. In agreement with the current approaches to education (neuropedagogy, neuroscience), the importance of a positive school climate is accentuated. It is a part of school environment in the emotional, social and physical contexts. We put an accent on the interconnection and mutual determination of the climate and some selected determinants - inappropriate behaviour, interaction and safe educational environment. Nowadays, the notion of the school climate is joined with the adjective “optimal”. Based on the undertaken research, we make a conspectus of empirical findings which are related to school environment and school climate.
Micropatterned freestanding magnetron sputtered Mg-alloy scaffolds
Authors: Haffner David , Zamponi Christiane , de Miranda Rodrigo Lima , Quandt Eckhard
Published: June 2015

Freestanding scaffolds were fabricated of Mg5W (wt.% yttrium) alloy using magnetron sputtering technology. Appropriate method was found to produce scaffolds with high reproducibility, spatial resolution of 1 μm and good mechanical properties. Two different techniques were used for surface finishing, microblasting and chemical polishing. SEM investigation showed high surface quality after chemical polishing while microblasting influenced mechanical properties of the Mg5W alloy. Magnetron sputtering offers a high potential for the production of microstructured scaffolds.
Centre Symmetry Sets of Families of Plane Curves
Authors: Giblin Peter , Reeve Graham
Published: June 2015

We study centre symmetry sets and equidistants for a I-parameter family of plane curves where, for a special member of the family, there exist two inflexions with parallel tangents. Some results can be obtained by reducing a generating family to normal forms, but others require direct calculation from the generating family.
Polynomial Mappings with Small Degree
Authors: Jelonek Zbigniew
Published: June 2015

Let Xn be an affine variety of dimension n and Yn be a quasi-projective variety of the same dimension. We prove that for a quasi-finite polynomial mapping ƒ : Xn → Yn, every non-empty component of the set Yn\ ƒ (Xn) is closed and it has dimension greater or equal to n μ(ƒ), where μ(ƒ) is a geometric degree of ƒ. Moreover, we prove that generally, if ƒ : Xn → Yn is any polynomial mapping, then either every non-empty component of the set

is of dimension ≥ n μ(ƒ) or ƒ contracts a subvariety of dimension ≥ n μ(ƒ) + 1.
Gauss-Manin Connections for Boundary Singularities and Isochore Deformations
Authors: Kourliouros Konstantinos
Published: June 2015

We study here the relative cohomology and the Gauss-Manin connections associated to an isolated singularity of a function on a manifold with boundary, i.e. with a fixed hyperplane section. We prove several relative analogs of classical theorems obtained mainly by E. Brieskorn and B. Malgrange, concerning the properties of the Gauss-Manin connection as well as its relations with the Picard-Lefschetz monodromy and the asymptotics of integrals of holomorphic forms along the vanishing cycles. Finally, we give an application in isochore deformation theory, i.e. the deformation theory of boundary singularities with respect to a volume form. In particular, we prove the relative analog of J. Vey's isochore Morse lemma, J .-P. Fran~oise's generalisation on the local normal forms of volume forms with respect to the boundary singularity-preserving diffeomorphisms, as well as M. D. Garay's theorem on the isochore version of Mather's versa! unfolding theorem.
On the Links of Simple Singularities, Simple Elliptic Singularities and Cusp Singularities
Authors: Kasuya Naohik
Published: June 2015

This is a survey article about the study of the links of some complex hypersurface singularities in ℂ3 . We study the links of simple singularities, simple elliptic singularities and cusp singularities, and the canonical contact structures on them. It is known that each singularity link is diffeomorphic to a compact quotient of a 3-dimensional Lie group SU (2), Nil3 or Sol3 , respectively. Moreover, the canonical contact structure is equivalent to the contact structure invariant under the action of each Lie group. We show a new proof of this fact using the moment polytope of S5 . Our proof gives a new aspect to the relation between simple elliptic singularities and cusp singularities, and visualizes how the singularity links are embedded in S5 as codimension two contact submanifolds.
Study of antiurolithiatic activity of a formulated herbal suspension.
Authors: Saxena Nishi , Argal Ameeta
Published: June 2015

Urolithiasis is the process of formation of stone in the urinary tract by crystal nucleation, aggregation and retention in the urinary tract. Traditional medicinal plants have been successfully used to overcome urolithiasis. Hence, herbal formulation containing a mixture of plant extracts was prepared and evaluated for the antiurolithiatic activity. This formulation contained alcoholic extracts of fruit of Tribulus terrestris, root of Boerhavia diffusa and leaves of Azadirachta indica Studies were performed in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model using Cystone as a standard drug. Ethylene glycol increases the level of calcium, oxalate and phosphate which are responsible for urolithiasis. The herbal suspension decreased the level of calcium, oxalate and phosphate significantly at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg when compared to the negative control group. Creatine, uric acid and urea were also decreased significantly at all dose levels. Histopathology has supported these results. The level of LD50 was found to be higher than 2000 mg/kg. Therefore, the prepared formulation has appreciable significant antiurolithiatic activity and is safe for use.
Differential diagnosis and management issues of idiopathic angiooedema and their resolution
Authors: Zanichelli Andrea , Mansi Marta , Wu Maddalena A. , Azin Giulia , Cicardi Marco
Published: June 2015

Angiooedema is a local and self-limiting swelling of the subcutaneous and sub mucosal tissues, produced by vasoactive peptides that temporary increase the vascular permeability.

It is recognized that recurrent angiooedema exposes patients to the risk of fatalities and reduced quality of life, being in some circumstances associated with a critical condition.

Angiooedema can occur with or without wheals. The first symptom is urticaria, the second is a distinct nosologic entity. In absence of an identifiable cause, recurrent angiooedema without wheals can be defined as idiopathic and marked“idiopathic histaminergic angiooedema” when it is responsive to anti histamine treatment, and “idiopathic non-histaminergic angiooedema” when it is not. Furthermore, idiopathic non-histaminergic angiooedema can be diagnosed as hereditary or sporadic by family history.

In this review, we summarize the approaches to diagnose and treat different forms of idiopathic angiooedema.
Leeches (Clitellata: Hirudinida) of an upland stream: taxonomic composition in relation to habitat conditions
Authors: Cichocka Joanna , Jabłońska-Barna Izabela , Bielecki Aleksander , Buczyńska Edyta , Buczyński Paweł , Stryjecki Robert , Pikuła Dorota
Published: June 2015

Hirudinida comprise a constant component of benthofauna in running waters and their taxonomic composition is often analyzed to evaluate the environmental quality. However, the indicatory role of particular species is still arguable. Thus, it is very important to provide more detailed information on the impact of environmental parameters on the species structure within this group of invertebrates. Representatives of nine species were found in the investigated upland stream including mainly Erpobdella vilnensis and E. octoculata. The research has demonstrated that the hydromorphological conditions and feeding behavior are the main factors determining the taxonomic composition of leeches in particular sections of a watercourse.
Observations of presumable groundwater seepage occurrence in Puck Bay (the Baltic Sea)
Authors: Matciak Maciej , Bieleninik Sylwia , Botur Aleksandra , Podgórski Michał , Trzcińska Karolina , Dragańska Katarzyna , Jaśniewicz Damian , Kurszewska Anna , Wenta Marta
Published: June 2015

We report the results of recent field measurements of seawater thermohaline structure and transparency carried out in early summer 2014 in Puck Bay. Near-bottom, less saline waters occurred almost in the entire study area. Their occurrence in the shallow part of Puck Bay was accompanied by an increase in the seawater transparency. The most likely explanation of these observations is a submarine fresh groundwater discharge.
Does Patent Quality Drive Damages in Patent Lawsuits? Lessons from the French Judicial System
Authors: Dumont Béatrice
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the link between patent damage awards and patent quality, based on information from suits filed during the period 2008–2013 in France. Our results show that civil damage awards attributed by French judges are significantly linked to patent quality, as assessed from a statistical point of view, but this link is imperfect.
Are US real house prices stationary? New evidence from univariate and panel data
Authors: Zhang Jing , de Jong Robert , Haurin Donald
Published: June 2015

Many papers in the housing literature treat the intertemporal evolution of the logarithm of US real house prices as a unit root process. They also study the cointegration relationship among the logarithm of real house prices and fundamental economic variables such as income and they apply an error correction specification for modeling and forecasting real house prices. This paper argues that the logarithm of US real house price is not a unit root process. Instead, the evidence from a 120-year national dataset and metro area level and state level panel data sets supports the notion that US house prices are trend stationary. One result of this conclusion is that the validity of analyses of US house prices based on cointegration and error correction models needs to be reconsidered.
Dynamics of Line Preserving Field Line Motions
Authors: Figura Przemysław , Macek Wiesław M.
Published: June 2015

We develop the theory of line preserving flows and the magnetic reconnection using the Euler potentials formalism. In addition to our recently proposed model, we formulate new equations describing the time evolution of the Euler potentials in the line preserving regime. We also look at a special case of the flows represented by the ideal plasma flows. We consider the magnetic reconnection as a breakage of the line preservation regime. Because general solutions of the obtained dynamics equations do not have their closed-form expressions, we provide two different approaches to the possible solutions, in particular, a linear approximation and a solution by finding a Lagrangian and a Hamiltonian that generate the dynamics equations. We also provide some simple examples of the physical interpretation of the solutions obtained.
Essential oil composition, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of cultivatedSatureja rechingeriJamzad at different phenological stages
Authors: Alizadeh Ardalan
Published: June 2015

Satureja rechingeriis a rare endemic and endangered species found in Iran. Its propagation, variations in essential oil and phenolic content, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities at different phenological stages are reported in this study. The chemical composition of essential oils obtained by hydro-distillation from the aerial parts were determined by GC and GC-MS. A total of 47 compounds were identified in the essential oils ofS. rechingeriat different phenological stages. The major components of all oils were carvacrol (83.6%–90.4%),p-cymene (0.8%–2.9%) and γ-terpinene (0.6%–2.4%). The total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, respectively. Total phenols varied from 35.5 to 37.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (dw), and IC50values in the radical scavenging assay ranged from 46.2 to 50.2 mg/mL, while those in the FRAP assay were between 49.6 and 52.5 μM quercetin equivalents/g dw. By the disc diffusion method and by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), the essentials oils of the various phenological stages were found to have high activities against four medically important pathogens.
A novel C25 sterol peroxide from the endophytic fungus Phoma sp. EA-122
Authors: Chen Zi-Ming , Fan Qiong-Ying , Chen He-Ping , Li Zheng-Hui , Feng Tao , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: June 2015

A novel C25 sterol peroxide, phomasterol A (1), together with two known compounds (2–3), was isolated from the endophytic fungus Phoma sp. EA-122. The structure of phomasterol A (1) was elucidated by MS, 1D, and 2D NMR data analyses. Phomasterol A (1) was evaluated for its inhibitory activities against protein-tyrosine phosphatases MEG2 and PTP1Bc, showing moderate activities with identical IC50 values of 25 μM.
Assessment of Surface Heterogeneity: a Route to Correlate and Quantify the 1st Cycle Irreversible Capacity Caused by SEI Formation to the Various Surfaces of Graphite Anodes for Lithium Ion Cells
Authors: Placke Tobias , Siozios Vassilios , Rothermel Sergej , Meister Paul , Colle Claudia , Winter Martin
Published: June 2015

The formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the
corresponding irreversible capacity (C
irr) of graphite
negative electrodes in lithium-ion batteries strongly depend on the
surface morphology and surface chemistry of the respective graphite
material. In particular, not only the BET specific surface area but
also the absolute and relative extent of the basal plane and the
“non-basal plane” surface area play a crucial role in SEI
formation, as the transport of lithium ions into/from the anode
during the charge/discharge operation mainly takes place via the
prismatic surfaces. In this work, we report on the assessment of the
graphite surface heterogeneity and the correlation between the amount
of the different graphitic surfaces and the irreversible
capacity. Based on the analysis of gas sorption data, we will show the
influence of graphite surface groups on the adsorptive potential
distribution of graphitic materials, in particular on the high energy
surface sites (above 60 K), i.e. the so-called “defect”
surfaces. These are related to polar carbon surface groups, such as
carboxylic groups, alcohol groups or lactone groups. In contrast, less
polar surface groups like quinone groups seem not to be related to the
“defect” surface area, but belong to the prismatic surface area
(below 50 K). Furthermore, we will demonstrate that the
irreversible capacity of the first charge/discharge cycle is nearly
proportional to the “non-basal plane” surface area, independent
from the type of graphitic material.
Material Characterization of Heat Shrinkable Film
Authors: Kalkan-Sevinc Zehra S. , Strobel Caitlin T.
Published: June 2015

Shape memory polymers represent a class of polymers that display properties of shape change under stimulus. The presented research focused on material characterization of thermally stimulated shape memory polymers, more specifically heat shrinkable bands often used as packaging in the food and the medical industry. Increasingly, regulatory agencies are pushing for the use of non-PVC materials industry wide. This study represented an experimental approach for evaluation of polyester shrink bands (non-PVC) in comparison with PVC with regard to thermomechanical and shrinkage properties.
Mahler's Early Summer Journeys through Vienna, or What Anthropomorphized Nature Tells Us
Authors: Kangas Ryan R
Published: June 2015

In the early summers of 1895 and 1896 Gustav Mahler left behind his obligations as an operatic conductor and traveled from Hamburg through Vienna to the countryside, where he composed his Third Symphony. By situating Mahler's Third Symphony in the context of his summer travels, this article proposes that the symphony's construction of natural spaces is thoroughly bound up with that of urban spaces, especially Vienna. Heeding Mahler's suggestion that the programs for his symphonies be used as “signposts and milestones” on the listener's journey, my hermeneutic method explores the resonances between the symphony, its programs, the preexisting material it references, and Mahler's personal experience of Vienna and the Austrian countryside. The use of marches and the programmatic reference to a mob in the first movement to depict the arrival of summer resonates with the political crisis surrounding Karl Lueger's struggle to be confirmed as mayor of Vienna. Similarly, the portrayal of birds as musical entertainers in “Ablösung im Sommer,” the song on which the third movement is based, paired with a posthorn signaling the arrival of mail echoes Mahler's frustration with the business of opera and his desire to be called to a new position in Vienna.
Glutamine promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation through the mTOR/S6 pathway
Authors: Yuan Lingqin , Sheng Xiugui , Willson Adam K , Roque Dario R , Stine Jessica E , Guo Hui , Jones Hannah M , Zhou Chunxiao , Bae-Jump Victoria L
Published: June 2015

Glutamine is one of the main nutrients used by tumor cells for biosynthesis. Therefore, targeted inhibition of glutamine metabolism may have anti-tumorigenic implications. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of glutamine on ovarian cancer cell growth. Three ovarian cancer cell lines, HEY, SKOV3, and IGROV-1, were assayed for glutamine dependence by analyzing cytotoxicity, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cell stress, and glucose/glutamine metabolism. Our results revealed that administration of glutamine increased cell proliferation in all three ovarian cancer cell lines in a dose dependent manner. Depletion of glutamine induced reactive oxygen species and expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins. In addition, glutamine increased the activity of glutaminase (GLS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) by modulating the mTOR/S6 and MAPK pathways. Inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin or blocking S6 expression by siRNA inhibited GDH and GLS activity, leading to a decrease in glutamine-induced cell proliferation. These studies suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.