bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking Ultra Tight Gas Reservoirs – Cased-Hole Mini DST with Wireline Formation Tester – A Case Study of Longest Pumping Time ever in Pakistan
Authors: Bari Abdul , Samir Magdy , Dar Usman , Zubair Talha , Javed Qasim , Shah Syed Firasat , Aslam Muhammad Adeel , Khan Imran , Siddique Faisal Anwar
Published: November 2016

Formation testers are being widely used worldwide in open hole, especially in exploratory wells where fluid identification, downhole sampling, determining pressure and mobilities are very critical. Sometimes, due to tight formations, unconsolidated sands or excessive borehole washouts/breakouts, it is not advisable to pump, because with longer stationary times there is high risk of differential sticking. In this scenario, cased-hole formation tester comes into play. The whole operation involves perforating 1 foot interval in casing, then isolating the perforated interval with straddle packers (3.28 ft or 1m apart). This is followed by pumping to establish fluid type and representative sampling. Later, extended buildup is acquired for reservoir characterization until transient reaches the radial flow regime (Mini-DST).

Well A is located in XYZ Block, Pakistan and is operated by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL).Pressures and mobilities were obtained with wireline formation testing probe module across open-hole which found the formation to be ultra-tight. Pumpout could not be acquired with probe module due to formation tightness, therefore the question of fluid type was unanswered. Additionally, across the prospective zone washouts were observed. Due to these factors, the well was cased to establish fluid type and reservoir characterization (permeability, skin and pressure) through cased-hole dual packer formation tester. After 10 hours of pumping, first gas breakthrough was observed on downhole fluid analyzer. Pumping was carried out for almost 22 hours in order to get representative samples. This was the longest pumping time ever on any well in Pakistan. Later, buildup was acquired since hydrocarbon presence was established (Mini-DST).

Cased-hole formation testing is very helpful when dealing with layered reservoirs as testing of each individual layer on a full-fledge DST operation would be very costly, especially if the layers end up being declared as water bearing. Similarly, conventional DST operation for ultra-tight formations can cost a lot of rig days, whereas mini-drillstem testing can conclude the same with reasonable amount of rig time. The most important benefit of cased-hole formation testing is its capability to pump for longer durations with no risk of differential sticking, thereby expanding the possibilities for formation testing and sampling.
AASP flooding as a Substitute of ASP Flooding for Chemical EOR in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Kalwar S. A. , Elraies K. A. , Abbas G. , Kumar S. , Farouque K.
Published: November 2016

Alkali-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) flooding is the most effective Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) method applied in sandstone reservoirs. After the successful results in sandstone formations, its usage has been widened to carbonate reservoirs as well. However, ASP application in carbonate reservoirs is less well understood. The main limitation of ASP flooding in carbonate reservoirs is the presence of carbonate minerals. These minerals react with the added chemicals to form insoluble materials called precipitations. Therefore, an ASP formulation was developed by incorporating acrylic acid as a precipitation inhibitor to overcome the precipitation problems.

The performance of the Acrylic Acid (AA) with an ASP formulation was evaluated using sodium metaborate, surfactant and polymer. Feasibility of applying AA with ASP formula was demonstrated by comprehensive fluid-fluid compatibility tests, interfacial tension tests, viscosity measurements and coreflooding experiments. Hardbrine composition of 59,940 ppm was used to prepare the ASP formulations in the presence and absence of AA. All the chemicals including, alkalis, surfactants, and polymers were compatible with the hard brine used in this study. The presence of acrylic acid exhibited excellent properties in preventing precipitations as the all solutions remained clear for 30 days at 80°C.

The weight ratio of optimum acid concentration of acid to alkali was found to be 0.6:1.0. No precipitation was observed when using this acid to alkali ratio. Interfacial tension and viscosity tests screened the best chemical formulations which were validated by coreflooding. The core flooding tests showed significant improvement in the oil recovery with the use of AASP and ASP flooding by accomplishing a total oil recovery of 75.7% and 88.7% OOIP respectively.

Although, total recovery efficiency of AASP formulation is relatively lower than with ASP, the new AASP formulation can be prepared with any water source such as formation water or seawater. The precipitation inhibitor makes the conventional ASP system more flexible and advantageous for offshore applications by eliminating the need of softening or desalting the seawater. Furthermore, there is no need to remove the calcium and magnesium ions from the injected water as it can be done by using the appropriate concentration of acid and alkali. This eliminates the cost of water treatment equipment and minimizes the use of surface equipment as well.
Comparing Conventional, Hybrid, and Distance Learning Courses in Horticulture
Authors: Sciarappa William J. , Quinn Vivian , Ward Daniel L.
Published: November 2016

In a conventional sophomore level course entitled “Organic Farming and Gardening,” 114 undergraduate students registered from years 2007 to 2009. Due to high demand and insufficient classroom space, this conventional curriculum was reformatted with identical course content into both a hybrid and a fully online version in which 361 students registered from years 2010 to 2012 and 336 students from 2013 to 2015. In comparing conventional instruction with hybrid and fully online versions over a 9-year period, few significant differences were found in final grades involving 811 students. Final class grade averages of these three learning systems ranged from 85.5% to 89.6% over their first 3-year spans. Over their 6-year span, the conventional class average of 89.6% was higher compared with 88.3% for the hybrid format and 86.8% for the online format. Student evaluation surveys assessed faculty performance with eight evaluative questions on a 1 to 5 scale from years 2012 to 2014. No significant difference existed between teaching in person vs. remotely, averaging 4.35 for the hybrid and 4.17 for the online. An additional eight questions measured educational methodology, technology, student confidence, and class satisfaction. There were no significant differences in comparing the combined averages of 4.12 for the hybrid format and 4.00 for the online version. Student responses indicated a significant preference overall for hybrid and online course formats compared with conventional methods. Registration numbers indicated an overwhelming choice for online education with an average class enrollment of 91.0 students compared with 38.0 students for conventional classes and 25.2 students for the hybrid format.
Application of quantitative real-time PCR compared to filtration methods for the enumeration of Escherichia coli in surface waters within Vietnam
Authors: Vital Pierangeli G. , Van Ha Nguyen Thi , Tuyet Le Thi Hong , Widmer Kenneth W.
Published: November 2016

Surface water samples in Vietnam were collected from the Saigon River, rural and suburban canals, and urban runoff canals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and were processed to enumerate Escherichia coli. Quantification was done through membrane filtration and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mean log colony-forming unit (CFU)/100 ml E. coli counts in the dry season for river/suburban canals and urban canals were log 2.8 and 3.7, respectively, using a membrane filtration method, while using Taqman quantitative real-time PCR they were log 2.4 and 2.8 for river/suburban canals and urban canals, respectively. For the wet season, data determined by the membrane filtration method in river/suburban canals and urban canals samples had mean counts of log 3.7 and 4.1, respectively. While mean log CFU/100 ml counts in the wet season using quantitative PCR were log 3 and 2, respectively. Additionally, the urban canal samples were significantly lower than those determined by conventional culture methods for the wet season. These results show that while quantitative real-time PCR can be used to determine levels of fecal indicator bacteria in surface waters, there are some limitations to its application and it may be impacted by sources of runoff based on surveyed samples.
ASSESSMENT OF INSULIN PRODUCING FUNCTION OF THE PANCREAS AND THE MARKER OF INSULIN RESISTANCE IN LOW-PROGRESSIVE AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES IN ADULTS (LADA) PATIENTS
Authors: Tykhonova T. M.
Published: November 2016

It were examined 262 patients, among which there were 121 patients with low-progressive autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), 60 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 81 patients with diagnosed type 2 DM. It was performed comparative analysis of C-peptide level and indicators of insulin resistance (IR) in patients in the monitoring groups. It was installed the authentic reduction of C-peptide level in the blood of LADA patients and type 1 DM patients compared with type 2 DM patients. It wasn’t established in the absence of significant differences on this index between LADA patients and type 1 DM patients, despite on a significant reduction in C-peptide in patients LADA compared with controls, significant differences in this case. According to the results of calculating several coefficients, that are recommended for the determination of IR, it was confirmed the presence of this state in patients LADA. At the same time indicators of IR in LADA patients were significantly lower than in type 2 DM patients. These data indicate that the disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in LADA patients are caused by the decrease in the insulin secretion in pancreas β-cells, and also by the presence of IR.
FEATURES OF DYSLIPOPROTEINEMIA IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS WITH PRIOR MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Altunina N. V.
Published: November 2016

he article presents the results of a study of lipid metabolism in postmyocardial infarction patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was identified atherogenic dyslipoproteinemia characterized by a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and its protein apolipoprotein A-1, moderate hypertriglyceridemia, increased levels of low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein B. The study was found that the combination of postinfarction cardiosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus observed deeper lipid metabolism changes than in isolated during disease. The data shows that the change in indexes such as triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein B is largely determined by the influence of diabetes.
ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT DILATION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES WITH MICROANGIOPATHY, ILL SINCE CHILDHOOD AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH OBESITY
Authors: Mogylnytska L. A.
Published: November 2016

In the result of the study it was revealed the attenuation of endothelium dilation in patients with type 1 diabetes with microangiopathy, ill since childhood and young adults with obesity. It was found that weakening endothelium dilation with type 1 diabetes with microangiopathy associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. In young obese patients the attenuation of endothelium dilation is associated with body mass index, an indicator of insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Detect changes point to the development of endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes with microangiopathy, ill since childhood and young people with obesity, as well as its possible factors.
CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL MARKERS OF SLOWLY PROGRESSIVE AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES IN ADULTS (LADA)
Authors: Tykhonova T. M.
Published: November 2016

262 patients were examined, among which there were 121 patients with slowly progressive autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), 60 type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and 81 patients with a diagnosis of type 2 DM. Based on a comparative analysis of anamnesis in patients of observation groups to the clinical features of manifestation LADA in addition to the slow nature of the manifestation it is assigned a combination of specific diabetic complaints with gradual weight loss, frequent detection of disease (64,46 %) by appealability, high blood glucose levels at diagnosis (14,12 ± 4,57 mmol/l), the possibility of episodes acetonuria without acute ketoacidotic states. It is grounded the necessity of determining at least two kinds of antibodies for the final verification of this type of diabetes. The most evidential are GAD ab and IA-2a ab. Influence of age and sex is set on frequency of presence of ICA ab and IA-2a ab. For the female patients regardless of age it is characteristically combination of positive level of GAD ab and ICA ab.
MODEL TO DETERMINE THE FORECAST OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN PATIENTS WITH OBESITY GIVEN THE COPEPTIN’S AND TROPONIN’S I LEVEL
Authors: Iermak A. S.
Published: November 2016

It was examined 50 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and obesity, among which in 10 patients developed recurrent AMI during the first week of illness. It was established that it is advisable to use a model according to the level of copeptin to predict recurrence of AMI in patients with obesity. Combining in model of prognosis of copeptin and troponin I concentration and allows to increase the specificity of 80 % in terms of high sensitivity (80 %). Obtained results on the predictor properties of copeptin and troponin in the ratio of relapse of AMI in patients with obesity can be considered as indicators of recurrence of AMI in patients with accompanying obesity.
INTERRELATION OF VITAMIN E ISOFORMS AND ATHEROGENESIS MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS (literature review and own results)
Authors: Gorshunska M. Y.
Published: November 2016

The review is dedicated to the biological role of two the most commonly encountered vitamin E forms, i. e. alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol. Literature data provide evidence of vitamin E capability to have influence on gene activity as well as processes associated with cardiovascular complications progression. In our study gamma tocopherol was determined as minor form of vitamin E in Ukrainian (Kharkiv) population. However increase of gamma tocopherol in examined patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on the background of identified proinflammatory and proatherogenic characteristics of gamma tocopherol makes the case for dietary adjustment in such patients’ cohort. Relative deficit of alpha tocopherol revealed in examined patients gives evidence of perspective of complex antioxidative therapy administration for cardiovascular complications progression prevention/suppression.
COMBINED EFFECTS OF SMOKING AND DECREASED FOOD DURING PREGNANCY ON SOMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIRST GENERATION OF OFFSPRING
Authors: Sokolova S. S. , Yakovtsova I. I. , Sergyenko L. Yu. , Selyukova N. Y. , Nestertsov V. A.
Published: November 2016

It was shown the review of the world literature about the role of smoking and decreased food during pregnancy, as the most important environmental factors that cause intrauterine growth retardation and delayed development of children and their incidence in later life. The results of our experimental research of authors demonstrated that the combined effect of passive smoking and reducing food during pregnancy without affecting on body weight of offspring at birth, clearly inhibits on their somatic development in the early period afternatal and leads to profound metabolic, hormonal changes, manifested in a significant percentage animal deaths in the first month of life.
De novo characterization of the Lycium ruthenicum transcriptome and analysis of its digital gene expression profiles during fruit development and ripening
Authors: Peng Yong , Ma Huiqin , Chen Shangwu
Published: November 2016

Lycium ruthenicum Murr., which belongs to the family Solanaceae, is a resource
plant for Chinese traditional medicine and nutraceutical foods. In this
study, RNA sequencing was applied to obtain raw reads of L. ruthenicum fruit at
different stages of ripening, and a de novo assembly of its sequence was
performed. Approximately 52.45 million 100-bp paired-end raw reads were
generated from the samples by deep RNA-seq analysis. These short reads were
assembled to obtain 164814 contigs, and the contigs were assembled into
84968 non-redundant unigenes using the Trinity method. Assembled sequences
were annotated with gene descriptions, gene ontology, clusters of
orthologous group and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes)pathway
terms. Digital gene expression analysis was applied to compare
gene-expression patterns at different fruit developmental stages.
These results contribute to existing sequence resources for Lycium spp. during
the fruit-ripening stages, which is valuable for further functional studies
of genes involved in L. ruthenicum fruit nutraceutical quality.
Glucose Metabolism After Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: Weight Loss Effect
Authors: Holter Marlena M. , Dutia Roxanne , Stano Sarah M. , Prigeon Ronald L. , Homel Peter , McGinty James J. , Belsley Scott J. , Ren Christine J. , Rosen Daniel , Laferrère Blandine
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

The superior effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on glucose control compared with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is confounded by the greater weight loss after RYGB. We therefore examined the effect of these two surgeries on metabolic parameters matched on small and large amounts of weight loss.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Severely obese individuals with type 2 diabetes were tested for glucose metabolism, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity after oral and intravenous glucose stimuli, before and 1 year after RYGB and LAGB, and at 10% and 20% weight loss after each surgery.

RESULTS

RYGB resulted in greater glucagon-like peptide 1 release and incretin effect, compared with LAGB, at any level of weight loss. RYGB decreased glucose levels (120 min and area under the curve for glucose) more than LAGB at 10% weight loss. However, the improvement in glucose metabolism, the rate of diabetes remission and use of diabetes medications, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function were similar after the two types of surgery after 20% equivalent weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Although RYGB retained its unique effect on incretins, the superiority of the effect of RYGB over that of LAGB on glucose metabolism, which is apparent after 10% weight loss, was attenuated after larger weight loss.
Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Clinimetric Testing of Instruments Used to Assess Patients With Ankle Sprain in the Brazilian Population
Authors: da Cunha Ronaldo Alves , Hazime Fuad Ahmad , da Silva Martins Maria Cecília , Ferreira Mateus , de Castro Pochini Alberto , Ejnisman Benno
Published: November 2016

Study Design

Clinical measurement study.

Background

Ankle sprain is a common condition. Therefore, translated, culturally adapted, and clinimetrically tested instruments for measuring the ankle are needed.

Objectives

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Sports Athlete Foot and Ankle Score (SAFAS) and the global rating of change (GROC) into Brazilian Portuguese. This study also aimed to test the measurement properties of the SAFAS, the GROC, and the existing Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the numeric pain-rating scale (NPRS) and the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) in a group with ankle sprain.

Methods

The SAFAS and GROC instruments were cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese and pretested in this population (n = 18). The measurement properties of the SAFAS, GROC, NPRS, and AOFAS (internal consistency, ceiling and floor effects, construct validity, reproducibility, and responsiveness) were tested in a test-retest design in patients with ankle sprain at baseline (n = 63) and at follow-up periods of 48 to 72 hours (n = 53) and 4 weeks (n = 43) after baseline.

Results

The SAFAS, GROC, NPRS, and AOFAS yielded considerable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha ranging from .76 to .97), moderate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1 ranging from 0.59 to 0.80), and dubious agreement (percentage of the standard error of measurement ranging from 13% to 22.43%). The highest correlations on construct validity were observed among the 4 SAFAS subscales (Pearson r = 0.75 to 0.86, P<.01), but statistically significant values appeared in the intercorrelation of instruments. There were no observed floor or ceiling effects in any of the instruments. All of their scores of change showed moderate correlation with the GROC (r = −0.48 to 0.30, P<.05) and could be classified as responsive.

Conclusion

The Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the SAFAS, GROC, NPRS, and AOFAS had acceptable measurement properties in high-performing athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(12):1042–1050. Epub 8 Nov 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6218
Placing Wellbeing
Authors: Ferraro Emilia , Barletti Juan Pablo Sarmiento
Published: November 2016

Abstract

In this thematic issue we offer anthropologically-informed snapshots of the different forms that wellbeing takes when approached from place-based perspectives. We are interested in highlighting and engaging with the undermining of place in the literature on wellbeing, which has produced a lack of appreciation for the role that culture plays in forming and informing different discourses, understandings and practices of wellbeing, as well as wellbeing scholarship itself. Our articles examine place as part of a project that aims at generating new contexts from which to ‘think otherwise’ about social policy, politics, the creation of knowledge, and, ultimately, existence.
Home and Away
Authors: Thin Neil
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Worldwide, people’s attachments to places are typically ambivalent, and complemented by desires for mobility and scene-changing. So to understand relationships between place and wellbeing, we need to look beyond the simple idea that some kinds of place, local characteristics and place attachments make people’s lives go better. Places matter, but wellbeing is not environmentally determined, it is a complex outcome of lifelong interactions between people and places. Some of these are conscious and deliberate, and some involve deliberate relocation as well as processes of attachment. This article supplements the environmental determinism of ‘good place’ theories, and the social constructionism of ‘healthy place attachment’ theories, with recommendations for a systematic approach to mapping and analysing how wellbeing happens. It pays particular attention to deliberate ‘place appreciation’, which refers to these dynamic interactions through which people actively derive value from places. Ethnographic examples of deliberate ecological self-improvement in later life are explored to highlight three kinds of place-related wellbeing strategies: place-making, local mobility and relocation. A simple analytical system is proposed to highlight the potential relevance to policy and practice of a systematic sociocultural ecology of wellbeing.
Teachings of Tara
Authors: Miles-Watson Jonathan
Published: November 2016

Abstract

This article presents the case for a rethinking of the academy’s approach to sacred space through a demonstration of the way that a focus on unskilled actors reconfigures established approaches and interpretations. The article opens with an auto-ethnographic account of the powerful effect of Shimla’s Tara Devi temple on personal wellbeing and from this starting point spirals out to explore how Tara (and her sacred places) are connected to wellbeing both in the Himalayan region of Shimla and beyond. Through this process, arguments that I have previously made, concerning both the relation of sacred places to happiness (2010) and the way that sacred places operate in Himalayan North India (2012), are significantly complicated, leading to a reappraisal of the role that unskilled actors play in the constitution of sacred space. The article concludes by drawing these ethnographic reflections and theoretical considerations together to develop a key set of recommendations that call for policy-makers to engage sensitively with sacred places in the contemporary, post-secular city.
Michel Houellebecq's ‘Materialist Horror Stories’: A Study in the Death of God
Authors: Betty Louis
Published: November 2016

This article examines Michel Houellebecq's work from a point of view that most scholars have yet to consider: its religious, metaphysical and existential concerns. I first argue that Houellebecq's novels are in large part an exploration of the psycho-social consequences of materialism. I then go on to discuss three vectors of ‘materialist horror’ that Houellebecq evokes: the body, nature and space. I also suggest a lineage between the ‘horror’ elements of Houellebecq's fiction and the writing of H. P. Lovecraft and Blaise Pascal. Finally, I point out that Houellebecq's vision of a materialistic and post-religious Europe is more polemical fantasy than reality, as extant measures of European religiosity are higher than one might assume from a reading of Houellebecq's novels.
‘Auto-analyse’ and the Ethics of Memory in Assia Djebar's Nulle part dans la maison de mon père (2007)
Authors: Brisley Lucy
Published: November 2016

Recent transdisciplinary attempts to theorize an ethics of memory have centred on concepts such as melancholia, haunting and trauma. Despite being pathological states, they have paradoxically been posited as markers of ‘remembrance’ that signal the subject's ethical refusal to ‘move on’. If Algerian author Assia Djebar's literary output has, since 1995, been concerned with such tropes, I argue that her most recent narrative, Nulle part dans la maison de mon père (2007), marks a shift away from such thinking. Rather than focusing on the spectralized others of Algerian history, Djebar's autofictional narrative enacts a return to the self. In doing so, it postulates a new model of relationality between self and other that moves beyond the limitations of melancholic possession, haunting and the traumatic acting out of the past. Drawing on the recent work of Judith Butler, this article demonstrates how Djebar's narrative seeks an ethical mode of remembrance that refuses to fetishize the traumatic condition.
Cylindrical Three-Dimensional Porous Anodic Alumina Networks
Authors: Resende Pedro , Sanz Ruy , Ruiz-de Clavijo Alejandra , Caballero-Calero Olga , Martin-Gonzalez Marisol
Published: November 2016

The synthesis of a conformal three-dimensional nanostructure based on porous anodic alumina with transversal nanopores on wires is herein presented. The resulting three-dimensional network exhibits the same nanostructure as that obtained on planar geometries, but with a macroscopic cylindrical geometry. The morphological analysis of the nanostructure revealed the effects of the initial defects on the aluminum surface and the mechanical strains on the integrity of the three-dimensional network. The results evidence the feasibility of obtaining 3D porous anodic alumina on non-planar aluminum substrates.
Polarized Light Microscopy Study on the Reentrant Phase Transition in a (Ba1 – xKx)Fe2As2 Single Crystal with x = 0.24
Authors: Liu Yong , Tanatar Makariy , Timmons Erik , Lograsso Thomas
Published: November 2016

A sequence of structural/magnetic transitions on cooling is reported in the literature for hole-doped iron-based superconductor (Ba1 − xKx)Fe2As2 with x = 0.24. By using polarized light microscopy, we directly observe the formation of orthorhombic domains in (Ba1 − xKx)Fe2As2 (x = 0.24) single crystal below a temperature of simultaneous structural/magnetic transition TN ~ 80 K. The structural domains vanish below ~30 K, but reappear below T = 15 K. Our results are consistent with reentrance transformation sequence from high-temperature tetragonal (HTT) to low temperature orthorhombic (LTO1) structure at TN ~ 80 K, LTO1 to low temperature tetragonal (LTT) structure at Tc ~ 25 K, and LTT to low temperature orthorhombic (LTO2) structure at T ~ 15 K.
Role of Teriparatide in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ)
Authors: Kwon Yong-Dae , Kim Deog-Yoon
Published: November 2016

While the optimal treatment concept of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is still in debate, several adjunct therapies have been introduced. Among these adjunctive measures, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH, teriparatide) seems to be the most promising treatment modality. Several studies have presented the beneficial effect of short-term teriparatide; they have shown an improved level of bone markers and radiographic evidence of bone healing. Although clinical validation by a controlled trial with prospective design would be essential, short-term teripratide therapy would be a good treatment option for MRONJ patients with impaired bone remodeling.
Comparison of Cooling System Designs for an Exhaust Heat Recovery System Using an Organic Rankine Cycle on a Heavy Duty Truck
Authors: Stanzel Nicolas , Streule Thomas , Preißinger Markus , Brüggemann Dieter
Published: November 2016

A complex simulation model of a heavy duty truck, including an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) based waste heat recovery system and a vehicle cooling system, was applied to determine the system fuel economy potential in a typical drive cycle. Measures to increase the system performance were investigated and a comparison between two different cooling system designs was derived. The base design, which was realized on a Mercedes-Benz Actros vehicle revealed a fuel efficiency benefit of 2.6%, while a more complicated design would generate 3.1%. Furthermore, fully transient simulation results were performed and are compared to steady state simulation results. It is shown that steady state simulation can produce comparable results if averaged road data are used as boundary conditions.
Radionuclides (210Po and 210Pb) and Some Heavy Metals in Fish and Sediments in Lake Bafa, Turkey, and the Contribution of 210Po to the Radiation Dose
Authors: Manav Ramazan , Uğur Görgün Aysun , Filizok Işık
Published: November 2016

The pollution level of Lake Bafa was investigated by collecting fish samples {Dicentrarchus labrax (sea bass), Liza ramada (mullet) and Anguilla anguilla (eel)}, surface sediment, and core samples. In all these samples, 210Po and 210Pb concentrations were estimated, and total annual dose rates were obtained for each species. Some heavy metal (Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe, and Zn) concentration levels were obtained for the fish and a core sample. The sediment mass accumulation rate was found to be 3.27 g·m−2·day−1 (0.119 g·cm−2·y−1) from a core sample. The heavy metal concentrations in the vertical profile of samples from the core were also observed. The measured concentration of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr were between the ERL (effects range low) and ERM (effects range median) limits, while Ni concentrations were higher than the ERM limit. The observed concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in fish samples did not exceed the limits in accordance with Turkish Food Regulations. Further, the maximum effective dose equivalent of 210Po in the area was found to be 1.169 µSv·y−1.
Recognition of Repetitive Movement Patterns—The Case of Football Analysis
Authors: Feuerhake Udo
Published: November 2016

Analyzing sports like football is interesting not only for the sports team itself, but also for the public and the media. Both have recognized that using more detailed analyses of the teams’ behavior increases their attractiveness and also their performance. For this reason, the games and the individual players are recorded using specially developed tracking systems. The tracking solution usually comes with elementary analysis software allowing for basic statistical information extraction. Going beyond these simple statistics is a challenging task. However, it is worthwhile when it provides a better view into the tactics of team or the typical movements of an individual player. In this paper an approach for the recognition of movement patterns as an advanced analysis method is presented, which uses the players’ trajectories as input data. Besides individual movement patterns it is also able to detect patterns in relation to group movements. A detailed description is followed by a discussion of the approach, where different experiments on real trajectory datasets, even from other contexts than football, show the method’s benefits and features.
Impact of the Exhaust Geometry on Flow Losses in a High-Pressure Steam Turbine
Authors: Musch Christian , Hecker Simon , Gloss Daniel , Steinhoff Ruben
Published: November 2016

The design of modern steam turbines for power plant applications is steering towards higher efficiencies. A considerable contribution to this aim is expected from a reduction of flow losses in turbine intakes and exhausts. The present study therefore deals with the optimisation of the exhaust of a high-pressure (HP) turbine. In the first part of this study a numerical model is presented which allows for a precise representation of the exhaust flow. This computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been validated with a fair amount of experimental data from a test rig. For the second part of the study comprehensive numerical investigations have been carried out, considering the major geometrical parameters of such a geometry. In order to minimize the effort in design time and preprocessing a fully parametric 3D model of the geometry is created to prepare the different design variations. The results of these simulations allow to assess the performance differences of given exhaust designs in the early design phase without the need for expensive CFD simulations. Finally a potential for improvement of 300 kW for a 800 MW power plant is shown by means of a comparison of an optimised design to the baseline geometry.
Who Leads Advocacy through Social Media in Japan? Evidence from the “Tsukuba Civic Activities Cyber-Square” Facebook Page
Authors: Okura Sae , Kaigo Muneo
Published: November 2016

Although the importance of advocacy activities by civil society organizations (CSOs) in policy and decision-making procedures has been greatly emphasized in the literature of political science and social policy, we have relatively little understanding of the relevance and impact of the leading actors who structure the diverse networks and discourses through social media; further recognition is needed in both fields. The purpose of this study is to analyze civil society organizations at the local government level involved in advocacy activities through the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Our study focuses on a specific Japanese Facebook community page—the “Tsukuba Civic Activities Cyber-Square”—aimed at enhancing civil society activities in Japan. This page is operated by the municipal government of Tsukuba, in collaboration with the University of Tsukuba and Intel Corporation. Our findings indicate that social networking services such as Facebook can provide civil society organizations with: (1) more political opportunities to advocate; (2) more chances to connect with the local government; and (3) create opportunities to exert greater presence, despite their limited financial and political resources.
Electro-Deformation of Fused Cells in a Microfluidic Array Device
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Xiaoling , Chen Mengdi , Yin Danfen , Yang Zhong , Chen Xi , Wang Zhenyu , Xu Jie , Li Yuanyi , Qiu Jun , Hu Ning , Yang Jun
Published: November 2016

We present a new method of analyzing the deformability of fused cells in a microfluidic array device. Electrical stresses—generated by applying voltages (4–20 V) across discrete co-planar microelectrodes along the side walls of a microfluidic channel—have been used to electro-deform fused and unfused stem cells. Under an electro-deformation force induced by applying an alternating current (AC) signal, we observed significant electro-deformation phenomena. The experimental results show that the fused stem cells were stiffer than the unfused stem cells at a relatively low voltage (<16 V). However, at a relatively high voltage, the fused stem cells were more easily deformed than were the unfused stem cells. In addition, the electro-deformation process is modeled based on the Maxwell stress tensor and structural mechanics of cells. The theoretical results show that a positive correlation is found between the deformation of the cell and the applied voltage, which is consistent with the experimental results. Combined with a numerical analysis and experimental study, the results showed that the significant difference of the deformation ratio of the fused and unfused cells is not due to their size difference. This demonstrates that some other properties of cell membranes (such as the membrane structure) were also changed in the electrofusion process, in addition to the size modification of that process.
Flavonoids-Rich Orthosiphon stamineus Extract as New Candidate for Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibition: A Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Shafaei Armaghan , Sultan Khan Md , Aisha Abdalrahim F. A. , Abdul Majid Amin , Hamdan Mohammad , Mordi Mohd , Ismail Zhari
Published: November 2016

This study aims to evaluate the in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity of different extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) leaves and their main flavonoids, namely rosmarinic acid (RA), sinensetin (SIN), eupatorin (EUP) and 3′-hydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF). Furthermore, to identify possible mechanisms of action based on structure–activity relationships and molecular docking. The in vitro ACE inhibition activity relied on determining hippuric acid (HA) formation from ACE-specific substrate (hippuryl-histidyl-leucine (HHL)) by the action of ACE enzyme. A High Performance Liquid Chromatography method combined with UV detection was developed and validated for measurement the concentration of produced HA. The chelation ability of OS extract and its reference compounds was evaluated by tetramethylmurexide reagent. Furthermore, molecular docking study was performed by LeadIT-FlexX: BioSolveIT’s LeadIT program. OS ethanolic extract (OS-E) exhibited highest inhibition and lowest IC50 value (45.77 ± 1.17 µg/mL) against ACE compared to the other extracts. Among the tested reference compounds, EUP with IC50 15.35 ± 4.49 µg/mL had highest inhibition against ACE and binding ability with Zn (II) (56.03% ± 1.26%) compared to RA, TMF and SIN. Molecular docking studies also confirmed that flavonoids inhibit ACE via interaction with the zinc ion and this interaction is stabilized by other interactions with amino acids in the active site. In this study, we have demonstrated that changes in flavonoids active core affect their capacity to inhibit ACE. Moreover, we showed that ACE inhibition activity of flavonoids compounds is directly related to their ability to bind with zinc ion in the active site of ACE enzyme. It was also revealed that OS extract contained high amount of flavonoids other than RA, TMF, SIN and EUP. As such, application of OS extract is useful as inhibitors of ACE.
Core/Shell Structure of Ni/NiO Encapsulated in Carbon Nanosphere Coated with Few- and Multi-Layered Graphene: Synthesis, Mechanism and Application
Authors: Ghaemi Ferial , Abdullah Luqman , Tahir Paridah
Published: November 2016

This paper focuses on the synthesis and mechanism of carbon nanospheres (CNS) coated with few- and multi-layered graphene (FLG, MLG). The graphitic carbon encapsulates the core/shell structure of the Ni/NiO nanoparticles via the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The application of the resulting CNS and hybrids of CNS-FLG and CNS-MLG as reinforcement nanofillers in a polypropylene (PP) matrix were studied from the aspects of mechanical and thermal characteristics. In this research, to synthesize carbon nanostructures, nickel nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO3)2·6H2O) and acetylene (C2H2) were used as the catalyst source and carbon source, respectively. Besides, the morphology, structure and graphitization of the resulting carbon nanostructures were investigated. On the other hand, the mechanisms of CNS growth and the synthesis of graphene sheets on the CNS surface were studied. Finally, the mechanical and thermal properties of the CNS/PP, CNS-FLG/PP, and CNS-MLG/PP composites were analyzed by applying tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively.
A Matlab-Based Testbed for Integration, Evaluation and Comparison of Heterogeneous Stereo Vision Matching Algorithms
Authors: Correal Raul , Pajares Gonzalo , Ruz Jose
Published: November 2016

Stereo matching is a heavily researched area with a prolific published literature and a broad spectrum of heterogeneous algorithms available in diverse programming languages. This paper presents a Matlab-based testbed that aims to centralize and standardize this variety of both current and prospective stereo matching approaches. The proposed testbed aims to facilitate the application of stereo-based methods to real situations. It allows for configuring and executing algorithms, as well as comparing results, in a fast, easy and friendly setting. Algorithms can be combined so that a series of processes can be chained and executed consecutively, using the output of a process as input for the next; some additional filtering and image processing techniques have been included within the testbed for this purpose. A use case is included to illustrate how these processes are sequenced and its effect on the results for real applications. The testbed has been conceived as a collaborative and incremental open-source project, where its code is accessible and modifiable, with the objective of receiving contributions and releasing future versions to include new algorithms and features. It is currently available online for the research community.
Forms of Urban Expansion of Chinese Municipalities and Provincial Capitals, 1970s–2013
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Zengxiang , Wang Xiao
Published: November 2016

Urban expansion form is the most direct manifestation of urban expansion in space. Although it has been widely and vigorously studied, relatively little attention has been paid to reveal its spatiotemporal characteristics at the administrative level over a long timeframe. In this study, 31 Chinese municipalities and provincial capitals were selected as subjects to identify the urban expansion forms of provincial and higher level cities in China. First, urban expansion processes of these cities in the past four decades were reconstructed using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) technology. Then, the overall characteristics of urban expansion were presented to scientifically determine the urban expansion forms of the provincial and higher level cities in China. Afterwards, the annual expansion area per city (AEAC) index was employed to describe the urban expansion processes and determine the important time nodes of the 31 cities. Lastly, the urban expansion type (UET) index was adopted to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of urban expansion forms. Results indicate that (1) from the 1970s to 2013, urban lands in provincial and higher level cities in China expanded dramatically, with the central built-up area increasing by over 5 times, and urban expansion demonstrating an apparent spatial difference. The expansion rate of cities in East China was fastest with an AEAC of 13.78 km2, followed by that in Central China (AEAC = 9.67 km2). The urban expansion rate was slowest in West China (AEAC = 7.11 km2); (2) Affected by the national macro policies, urban expansion processes successively experienced four different stages: a slow expansion period (1970s–1987), an accelerating expansion period (1987–1995), a slowdown expansion period (1995–2000), and a high-speed fluctuating expansion period (after 2000); (3) The urban expansion forms of municipalities and provincial capitals were mainly edge-expansion supported by infilling expansion. The leapfrog form contributed minimally to urban expansion; (4) The edge-expansion form surged before 2010 and gradually slowed down after 2010. By contrast, infilling expansion kept increasing in the past four decades. Lastly, the rate of urban expansion via the leapfrog form fluctuated from the 1970s to 2013.
A Longitudinal Study of Changes in Fluctuating Asymmetry with Age in Jamaican Youth
Authors: Palestis Brian , Trivers Robert
Published: November 2016

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), random deviation from perfect bilateral symmetry, is an indicator of developmental stability. Examining the ontogeny of FA can illustrate whether symmetry is actively maintained as the organism grows or breaks down as perturbations accumulate with age. Previous studies of changes in human FA with age have been cross-sectional studies and give conflicting results. We analyzed data from a longitudinal study of bodily FA in Jamaicans, using a composite index of seven paired traits. In addition, 288 children (ages 5–12) were first measured in 1996, and many were re-measured in 2002 and 2006 (maximum age = 22 years). Both within-individual longitudinal comparisons and between-individual comparisons across age groups demonstrate changes in FA with age. In males and females, FA increased until around age 13, but the pattern of change differed between the sexes. In males, FA increased rapidly approaching adolescence and then slightly declined into early adulthood. The increase in female FA was more gradual and then leveled off. The patterns observed likely reflect accumulation of developmental errors over time, rapid physical changes during puberty (especially in boys), and then regulation of symmetry when transitioning into adulthood. Although most changes in symmetry over time probably reflect random processes, the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in an individual at one point in time tended to be positively (though weakly) related to asymmetry in later years, pointing to underlying differences among individuals in developmental stability.
Ethos in E-Health
Authors: Bakke Abigail
Published: November 2016

The proliferation of medical information online, without physicians or peer reviewers as gatekeepers, has made e-health an important focus for credibility research. Web 2.0, enabling lay users to contribute content, has complicated patients' challenge of deciding who to trust. To help inspire trust, an e-health website must convey a credible ethos in its homepage and other pages that constitute a user's first impression of a site. This chapter compares the visual and textual ethos strategies of three major e-health sites that represent a continuum from informational to interactive: a government site, a commercial site, and a patient social networking site. The findings reveal a variety of features, such as scientific imagery, privacy seals, and video of patient stories, that can ultimately contribute to an ethos based in expertise and/or in community. This study has implications for the design and evaluation of trustworthy e-health communication.