bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEATURES OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE DURING VIRAL INFECTION
Authors: Borisov G. A. , Savchenko A. A. , Kudryavtsev Igor V.
Published: July 2016

The aim of the investigation was to select using cluster analysis and comparatively characterize immune disorders types in acute and chronic viral infections. Patients with acute and chronic viral infections (n = 896) were examined: 77 patients with acute viral hepatitis B, 94 — chronic viral hepatitis B, 119 — chronic hepatitis C, 531 — recurrent herpes, 75 — human papillomavirus infection. Healthy persons (n = 466) were examined as control. The research of blood lymphocyte phenotype was performed by flow cytometry. Four-color immunophenotyping were used in the following panels: Т-lymphocytes (CD3+CD19–CD16/56–CD45+), Т-helpers (CD3+CD4+CD45+), cytotoxic Т-cells (CD3+CD8+CD45+), NKcells (CD3–CD16/56+CD45+), B-lymphocytes (CD3–CD19+CD16/56+CD45+). Absolute values were obtained on a dualplatform technology using the results of haematological analysis. The immunoglobulin concentrations were determined by ELISA. The clustering was performed by a single linkage method. The number of clusters was determined on the basis of calculating the values of the Euclidean distance between the mean group values. It was found that the parameters, characterizing the functional state of the various parts of the immune system in acute and chronic viral infections, considerable diversity values. Custer analysis allows to allocate 6 immunotypes defined different states of innate and adaptive immunity: characterized by activation of the innate (increasing the number of neutrophils and NK-cells) and adaptive immunity humoral response (increasing the concentration of IgG), characterized by hyperreaction of adaptive immunity (a significant increase in the concentration of IgG), discoordinated (multidirectional changes in the values of immunological parameters), immunodeficiency and unresponsiveness (did not differ from the control parameters) immunotypes. It is proved that in patients with viral infections most often determined by the “unresponsiveness” immunotype (40,5%), as well as humoral immunodeficiency (24,9%) and adaptive immune reaction (24,5%). A group of patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C is allocated separately in which more than 10% of the detected adaptive immunity overreaction that is probably due to the development of chronic hepatitis. These immunotypes can be regarded as different pathogenetic variants of the course of acute and chronic viral infections. Healthy people often had unresponsiveness or immunodeficiency immunotypes, that is their immune system is out of activation. Stratification of patients with viral infections by immunotypes will increase the effectiveness of treatment and implement personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the immune system.
SENSITIZATION TO STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES AT CHILDREN OF EARLY AND PRESCHOOL AGE WITH RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS — PREDICTORS OF RHEUMATIC PATHOLOGY
Authors: Shabaldina E. V. , Shabaldin Andrey V. , Tyumenev A. V. , Ryazantsev S. V. , Simbirtsev A. S.
Published: July 2016

Streptococcus pyogenes is the reason of rheumatism and a post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Primary colonization of mucosal with this microorganism develops in the period of early ontogenesis. It was confirmed that at a carriage of this microorganism children at them activate immunopathological reactions. Clinic and immune features of the children with recurrent respiratory infections of early and preschool age having the immune response to S. pyogenes were studied. Position of risk of formation of rheumatic diseases at these children was studied. 771 children, in an age interval of 2–6 years are examined. Immune and clinical indicators in two groups of the children having the immune response to S. pyogenes (n = 306) and not having it (n = 465) were analyzed. It was shown that in group of the children with immune response to S. pyogenes were authentically higher: point of an hereditary predisposition, expressiveness of placental insufficiency and a fetal hypoxia during the real pregnancy, and in the post-natal period degree of a thymomegaly, a pharyngeal lymphoid ring hypertrophy, skin manifestations of food allergy on the first year of life, the frequency of sharp respiratory infections within one year — in comparison with control. The group of the children having the immune response to S. pyogenes had a high level in a nasal secret of TNFα, IL-4, IFNα, and in blood — ASL-O, ASG, RF, CRP and immunoglobulin E. It was shown that at the children with a sensitization to S. pyogenes were lowered in peripheral blood: the general leukocytes, lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes (CD3 positive), T-helpery (CD3 and CD4 positive), an immunoregulatory index (the relation of CD4 of positive lymphocytes to CD8 to positive lymphocytes), phagocytosis (in test with nitro blue tetrazolium chloride — NBT) and immunoglobulin A — in comparison with control. The atopic immune response to S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. vulgaris, K. pneumoniae, H. influenzae took place in the main group. The average logarithmic cultivation titer of these microorganisms was also authentically higher at children of the main group. The conducted research showed that hyper productive immune reactions mainly on humoral type which can provide induction of rheumatic pathology are associated with the immune response to S. pyogenes; and detection of IgG antibodies to S. pyogenes can be screening for identification of group of risk on formation of rheumatic diseases among children with recurrent respiratory infections and a pharyngeal lymphoid ring hypertrophy.
THE LEVEL OF INTENSITY OF IMMUNITY TO DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS AMONG THE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA
Authors: Karimov Iskander Z. , Gorovenko M. V. , Penkovskaya N. A. , Midikari A. S. , Shmoylov D. K. , Kozlovsky O. A. , Los-Yatsenko N. G.
Published: July 2016

Investigation of state and assessment of population immunity to diphtheria and tetanus play important role in the study of the existing epidemic situation, development of preventive measures and the prognosis of tendencies of development of epidemic process. The aim of this work was the studying of level and estimation of intensity of immunity to diphtheria and tetanus in the population of the Crimean Republic. The concentration of antibodies measured in IU/ml was accepted to the main indicator of antidiphtherial and antitetanic immunity. In 2013, in total, there were observed 525 persons, 239 of them — city dwellers and 286 — from the rural area. Indicators of concentration of anti-toxin in examined serums were determined by the RPHA method with using of the standardized erythrocyte diphtheritic and tetanic diagnosticums. The assessment of immunity level was performed according to WHO recommendations on following criterias: concentration of antibodies within 0,015–0,06 IU/ml — conditional protection, 0,1–0,5 IU/ml — moderate protection; more than 1,0 IU/ml — high immunity. Antibodies concentration 0,1 IU/ml was taken as minimal protective level for both antidiphtherial and antitetanic antibodies. Research of intensity of antidiphtherial and antitetanic immunity in the population of Crimea allowed to reveal some decrease in level of immune protection in 2013 in comparison with 2012. The highest number of the seronegative and conditionally protected persons against tetanus in 2013 were noted among pregnant women and newborns — 31,8% and 27,8% respectively. The quantity of unprotected and conditionally protected population among children is 11,1%, among teenagers — 10,5%. The greatest layer of the seronegative persons among adults revealed in age group from 58 and older (15%), and conditionally protected — in the 48 to 57 age group (19,2%). The total number of the seronegative population in relation to diphtheria increased for 5,7%, to tetanus — for 1,7%. Decrease in number of highly immune persons was noted. However sufficient level of antidiphtherial immunity have 77,2% of observed population, antitetanic immunity — 88,2%. Thus, providing of immunobiological preparations of treatment and prophylactic establishments, activity of antivaccinal campaign, the level of sanitary and educational work have affected on condition of antidiphtherial and antitetanic collective immunity in the Republic of Crimea.
ACTIVITY OF THE PARASITIC INFECTIONS DEPARTMENT DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR
Authors: Tokarevich N. K. , Stoyanova N. A.
Published: July 2016

ACTIVITY OF THE PARASITIC INFECTIONS DEPARTMENT DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR
NEW METHOD FOR DETERMINING HEPATITIS B VIRUS RESISTANCE MUTATIONS M204I/V TO NUCLEOS(T)IDE ANALOGUES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B
Authors: Elpaeva E. A. , Komissarov A. B. , Pisareva M. M. , Grudinin M. P. , Kiselev O. I.
Published: July 2016

Аnalogues of nucleos(t)ides (AN) such as lamivudine (LAM), telbivudine (TBV), adefovir (ADP), entecavir (ENT) are widely used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the prolonged treatment using these drugs often leads to the development of drug resistance. The most common substitutions in the reverse transcriptase are methionine for valine (rtM204V), or methionine for isoleucine (rtM204I) at position 204. Early AN-resistant mutations detection is of great importance to determine the treatment strategy of patients with CHB. Currently there are many highly sensitive methods for detection of drug resistance mutations, such as next-generation sequencing, reverse hybridizationbased line probe assay (LiPA), mass spectrometry. However, these methods require expensive equipment and reagents, and they are not widely used in clinical laboratories. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and accurate real-time PCR method for detection of rtM204I/V mutation. This method showed high specificity and sensitivity (1000 copies/ml), it is less laborious and does not require additional equipment, fast and cost effective compared to other methods. HBV mutations of resistance to AN were determined in 5 groups of patients with CHB. Patients of the first group received monotherapy with pegylated interferon (n = 12), the second group — lamivudine (n = 10), the third group — telbivudine (n = 7), the fourth group — entecavir (n = 15). The fifth group consisted of patients who did not receive antiviral therapy (n = 3). The frequency of mutations in HBV polymerase YMDD-motif was determined among 47 patients with CHB: it was 10% for lamivudine treated patients, 20% — for entecavir, 28% — for telbivudine. YIDD/YVDD motifs were identified in two patients and YMDD/YIDD — in one patient. Real-time PCR method for the detection of AN-resistant rtM204I/V mutations in HBV polymerase can be used in routine diagnostics for primary screening of patients not responding to AN treatment. The application of this method can reduce the number of samples for in-depth study of primary and compensatory mutations of resistance to AN by sequencing method. The developed method versus Sanger-sequencing is fast, economical, and provides the detection of minor variants of HBV populations.
Rgg-LIKE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATORS IN STREPTOCOCCUS spp.
Authors: Dmitriev A. V. , Chaussee M. S. , Kalinina O. V.
Published: July 2016

An ability of pathogenic bacteria to survive in different ecological niches, to successfully adapt to changing environments, to colonize different organs and tissues, and to cause numerous diseases in human and animals including severe invasive diseases is provided, in particular, by the presence of specific proteins involved in regulation of gene transcription. This review summarizes the current data on the Rgg-family (TIGR01716 family, The Institute for Genomic Research, http://www.jcvi.org) of regulatory proteins encoded by some of the low G+C gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus suis and Streptococcus pyogenes. Proteins of this family has helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif at N-terminus which is able to bind promoter regions of the genes and regulate their transcription. The mechanisms of Rgg-dependent transcriptional regulation and the role of certain amino acids for functioning of Rgg-like proteins are discussed. The Rgg-like regulators have evolved to regulate diverse set of genes associated with virulence, metabolism, stress response, competence, biofilm formation, etc. The Rgg-like regulators are also involved in quorum sensing. Rgg-like proteins regulate not only the genes located adjacently to rgg, but also distantly located genes. Rgg-like proteins of different bacterial species have certain sequence similarity, and it is suggested that their genes are horizontally acquired. Rgg-dependent transcriptional regulation varies in a strainand species-specific manner that supports the hypothesis of the complexity of transcriptional regulation in gram-positive bacteria. The current review also discusses the role or Rgg-like regulators in control of virulent properties of gram-positive bacteria and their interaction with human host. Given the importance of Rgg-like regulators for virulence, these proteins (their genes or transcripts) can be considered as targets for development of the novel selective agents against different bacterial infections.
Bahiagrass Tolerance to Aminocyclopyrachlor in Florida
Authors: Abe Daniel G. , Sellers Brent A. , Ferrell Jason A. , Leon Ramon G. , Odero D. Calvin
Published: July 2016

Two varieties of bahiagrass were evaluated under Florida conditions for forage tolerance to the new herbicide, aminocyclopyrachlor (ACP), which is essential for product development decisions. Herbicide treatments included ACP alone at 70 and 140 g ai ha−1, ACP + chlorsulfuron at 69 + 27 and 138 + 54 g ai ha−1, ACP + 2,4-D amine at 70 + 532 g ai ha−1 and 140 + 1,064 g ai ha−1, ACP + triclopyr-amine at 70 + 140 g ai ha−1 and 140 + 280 g ai ha−1, and ACP + metsulfuron at 46 + 7, 78 + 12, and 168 + 26 g ai ha−1, and also included a nontreated check. ‘Argentine’ bahiagrass was the most tolerant forage species, and ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass was sensitive to ACP + metsulfuron and initially to ACP + chlorsulfuron. Herbicide applications using ACP, when labeled, will likely provide good to excellent control of several weed species, with little long-term impact on bahiagrass forage production when the cultivar is known.
protVirt: simulação da dosagem de proteínas por espectrometria auxiliando as aulas práticas de Bioquímica
Authors: Hornink Gabriel Gerber
Published: July 2016

As aulas práticas no ensino de Bioquímica podem trazer grandes contribuições para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, sendo que a compreensão destas pelos estudantes dependem, geralmente, de conceitos prévios sobre o experimento e procedimentos realizados. Apresenta-se neste trabalho o software educacional protVirt, o qual pode ser utilizado como uma inovação pedagógica no método de aulas práticas envolvendo dosagem de proteínas, com foco no desenvolvimento de habilidades para compreensão das atividades. Desenvolveu-se o software no Adobe Flash, com possibilidade de uso online ou offline. Apesar das possibilidades de uso do protVirt em diversas modalidades de ensino, destaca-se o uso em cursos a distância, nos quais os estudantes desenvolvem, comumente, as atividades nos polos sem o professor, acompanhados de monitores e tutores.
Development of a practical methodology for the analysis of gravity dams using the non-linear finite element method
Authors: Durieux J , van Rensburg B
Published: July 2016

For many decades the 'classical' method has been used to design gravity dams. This method is based on the Bernoulli shallow beam theory. The finite element method (FEM) has become a powerful tool for the dam design engineer. The FEM can deal with material properties, temperatures and dynamic load conditions, which the classical method cannot analyse. The FEM facilitates the design and optimisation of new dams and the back analysis of existing dams. However, the linear elastic FEM has a limitation in that computed stresses are sensitive to mesh density at 'singularity points'. Various methods have been proposed to deal with this problem. In this paper the Drucker-Prager non-linear finite element method (DP NL FEM) yield model is presented as a method to overcome the problem of the stress peaks at singularity points, and to produce more realistic stresses at the base of the dam wall. The fundamentals of the DP NL FEM are presented. Benchmark studies of this method demonstrate the method's viability to deal with zones in a structure with stresses beyond the elastic limit where yielding of the material occurs. A case study of a completed gravity dam is analysed, comparing several analysis techniques. The service and extreme load cases are investigated. Different material properties for the concrete and rock, including weathered material along the base of the wall, are considered. The application and merits of the DP NL FEM are presented. The calculation of the critical factor of safety against sliding is done with a more realistic determination of the conditions along the base of the wall.
A qualitative model study on the effect of geosynthetic foundation reinforcement in sand overlying very soft clay
Authors: Jones B , Jacobsz S , van Rooy J
Published: July 2016

A centrifuge model study was carried out investigating the effects of the inclusion of geogrid reinforcement in a sand layer constructed over a thin, very soft clay layer to facilitate the construction of warehouse floors supporting product stockpiles. The use of geogrid reinforcement allowed larger surcharge loads to be applied for a given amount of settlement by allowing load to be spread over the footprint area of the geogrid due to the tension membrane effect and its associated benefits. A lower-bound calculation of the load at which the tensile reinforcement starts to function is presented. Upper-bound solutions were found to overestimate allowable surcharge loads, as they are associated with unacceptable deformations. The reinforcing effect of the geogrid was found to have been fully mobilised at 5% vertical compression of the clay layer.
Teacher Satisfaction in High Poverty Schools: Searching for Policy Relevant Interventions in Estonia, Georgia, and Latvia
Authors: Smith William , Persson Anna
Published: July 2016

Provided the shared post-soviet context and the rapidly declining school age population, this comparative study of teachers in Estonia, Georgia, and Latvia can shed light on alternative approaches to increased teacher satisfaction for countries in similar contexts that are unable to make across the board increases in teacher salary. The focus on high poverty schools is essential in these countries as the changing demographics and present school funding mechanisms disproportionately affect rural schools which are often high poverty. This study addresses two pressing research questions, exploring each independently for Estonia, Georgia, and Latvia: 1) How does teacher satisfaction and other teacher characteristics differ by school poverty level? 2) What policy relevant factors are related to increased satisfaction for teachers in high poverty schools? Data from the 2013 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) were used in this study. Given the dichotomous measures of the outcome variable (teacher satisfaction), hierarchical generalized linear modeling (HGLM) was the primary method of analysis. Although the policy  implementation and internalization process is challenging, this study indicates that simplistic, externally driven policy solutions, such as introducing induction programs or changing the contract status of teachers, are not as effective in increasing teacher satisfaction as investments that contribute to a positive school climate where teachers feel valued and included as professionals.
The Effects of Apprenticeship of Observation on Teachers Attitudes towards Active Learning Instruction
Authors: Kuzhabekova Aliya , Zhaparova Raina
Published: July 2016

Active learning instruction is promoted by the most recent version of the National Program for the Development of Education in Kazakhstan as it is believed to provide more meaningful learning and deeper understanding compared to traditional instruction. In order to achieve greater utilization of the instructional approach at schools, teachers must be aware of active learning techniques and know how to use them. The paper studies whether ‘apprenticeship of observation’ during a graduate course using active learning techniques had an impact on novice and experienced teachers’ attitudes towards active learning instruction. The study used data from a survey of students taking the course, which was focused on educational issues rather than methodologi cal training. The results of the study confirmed the hypotheses that ‘apprenticeship of observation’ has an influence on teachers not only during pre-service training, but also at later stages of their careers, when they become involved in professional development or continuing education. This influence was especially obvious for teachers with no or little exposure to professional development. Based on these results the paper also suggests some practical implications. Limitations and biases that could affect results are also mentioned.
The Anxiety of Influence: Towards the Early History of Soviet Schools with the Advanced Study of Foreign Languages (late 1940s–early 1960s)
Authors: Mayofis Mariya
Published: July 2016

Through the analysis of published and archived documents the author seeks to discern the reasons that impelled the Soviet government to establish schools with the advanced study of foreign languages. These reasons seem to be particularly interesting when taking into account that the said schools were founded in the period known by harsh fighting against “cosmopolitanism” and “kowtowing to the West.” Graduates of the new schools were expected to alleviate the acute shortage of experts with foreign language skills, so the focus was put on speaking skills first, while the common secondary school syllabus was restricted to reading and translating. The author believes the conception of schools with the advanced study of foreign languages was self-contradictory from the very beginning and analyzes the resource, social, methodological and  deological restrictions that had to be forced on the language school project. The era of “fighting against cosmopolitanism” left an imprint on the teaching philosophy: all learning materials had to pass numerous ideological filters, as Soviet leaders feared foreign languages would have underlying negative effects on students.
Unusual case of a midline neck swelling in a fifty year old female
Authors: Agarwal Akshay , Sahu Shilpi , Dhar Reeta
Published: July 2016

Goitrous enlargement of the thyroid can present as a massive enlargement of the neck. It can be so huge as to obscure detection of an underlying malignancy. Poorly differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland is very rare. A 50 year old female patient who was diagnosed preoperatively as having colloid goiter underwent near total thyroidectomy was diagnosed with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma on histopathological examination. This case report highlights the various architectural patterns, azzopardi phenomenon with emphasis on immunohistochemical stains and an aberrant rhabdoid phenotype of tumor cells along with review of literature.
Bilateral submandibular gland agenesis with bilateral parotid hypertrophy: a rare presentation
Authors: Kumari Rakhi , Chakraborty Priyanko , Pradhan Sidharth , Joshi Purnima , Jain Rajiv Kumar
Published: July 2016

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism are two of the much discussed major complications Bilateral submandibular gland aplasia associated with bilateral hypertrophy of parotid gland is one of the rarest case presentation. The enlargement of parotid gland is mostly due to a compensatory mechanism of submandibular aplasia. This case report describes a 45 year female presented with diffuse swelling over bilateral preauricular and infraauricular area. CECT of face confirmed diffuse bilateral parotid gland enlargement associated with absence of submandibular gland.
PARA QUEM O BEHAVIORISMO ESTÁ MORTO?
Authors: Micheletto Nilza
Published: July 2016

Em seu último texto, apresentado na Convenção Anual da Associação Americana de Psicologia em 1990, Skinner esclarece sua proposta para a análise do comportamento. Ele apresenta o modelo de causalidade de seleção pelas consequências e a resposta à pergunta “Pode a psicologia ser a ciência da mente?”. Para Skinner, assim como as visões criacionistas recusaram a teoria de Darwin para manter o papel de um criador, a psicologia cognitivista – “ciência criacionista da psicologia” – busca manter o papel de uma mente, ou eu criador. Nesta apresentação, oferece-se ao leitor uma rápida descrição do repertório do próprio Skinner, desde seus primeiros experimentos até completar sua proposta conceitual para uma ciência do comportamento.Palavras-chave: behaviorismo, psicologia, modelo de seleção pelas consequências.
Percepción de la política exterior colombiana desde un enfoque biologista de género
Authors: Monroy Hernández María Catalina
Published: July 2016

El feminismo en las relaciones internacionales (RI) reclama la invisibilidad de las mujeres en asuntos relacionados con la política exterior de los Estados (Tickner, 1992; Hudson y Leidl, 2015). Y dada su naturaleza crítica, sostiene que los enfoques teóricos tradicionales fallan en proveer explicaciones holísticas al ignorar la perspectiva femenina, siendo las ri una disciplina esencialmente masculina. De forma que, ignorar el enfoque teórico feminista impide explorar las contribuciones de las mujeres en el escenario internacional (Hudson y Leidl, 2015). Considerando lo anterior, el artículo tiene como propósito relacionar algunos de los postulados más relevantes del feminism y el estudio de la política exterior, derivados de un enfoque biologista de género, con la percepción de conocedores y practicantes de la política exterior colombiana. Este ejercicio nos permitirá explorar en qué medida las diferencias biológicas entre hombres y mujeres logran impactar o no las decisiones que se toman en materia de política exterior. Se trata de una primera aproximación para dilucidar, a través de un estudio de percepción, de qué manera se evidencian los postulados del feminism aplicado al estudio de la política exterior. Tal es el desafío teórico y práctico de este estudio, con la visión de promover la incorporación de un enfoque de género al estudio de las relaciones internacionales y la política exterior en Colombia.
Special Issue on Innovative Actuators
Authors: Morita Takeshi ,   Associate Professor, Dr. Eng., Kanda Takefumi , Takemura Kenjiro
Published: July 2016

Actuators are defined as transducers that convert electrical energy to mechanical movement. Similar to sensors and control systems, actuators are essential devices in various industrial applications, such as robotics, precise positioning systems, and automobiles. The performance required of each actuator depends on its practical application, and the actuators may determine the total performance of the systems. Various types of actuators have been proposed, not only for high efficiency, torque, and power output but also for flexibility, miniaturization, and drivability under extreme conditions. In the case of fluid-based actuators, the control of the working gas or liquid becomes an indispensable technology. The creation of a device with a simple structure yet multiple degrees of freedom would be quite worthy of research. Such an actuator would lead to future applications, which would in turn enable humanlike movements in robots, ultra-precise positioning systems under extreme high (or low) temperature conditions, or MEMS devices that operate in the human body. This special issue, entitled Innovative Actuators, is a collection of seventeen papers related to these considerations. In addition to electromagnetic motors, various types of actuators, such as piezoelectric, electrostatic, and pneumatic motors. Although the primary focus is on new driving principles, the fabrication process for micro devices and the control system are also involved. These proposals are attractive and sure to stimulate further innovative research. I hope you enjoy this special issue, but beyond that I hope that the papers in it contribute to your future research and innovative breakthroughs. On a final note, I wish to express my appreciation to the authors, reviewers, publisher (Mr. S. Wakai), and two editors (Assoc. Prof. T. Kanda and Assoc. Prof. K. Takemura) for their devoted work on this special issue, Innovative Actuators. Takeshi Morita June 23, 2016
Posture Control Considering Joint Stiffness of a Robotic Arm Driven by Rubberless Artificial Muscle
Authors: Saito Naoki ,   Akita Prefectural University, Satoh Toshiyuki ,   ,
Published: July 2016

This paper describes a joint angle control considering the passive joint stiffness of robotic arms driven by rubberless artificial muscle (RLAM), which is a pneumatic actuator. The contraction mechanism of RLAM is the same as that of the McKibben artificial muscle. Unlike the McKibben artificial muscle, RLAM is constructed using an airbag made of a nonelastic material instead of a rubber tube.

The objective of this study is to realize a soft contact movement of robotic arms by applying the passive compliance characteristics of RLAMs. In this study, we derive a mathematical expression for the relationship between the output of an RLAM and the joint stiffness of a robotic arm. In addition, we suggest a control scheme for each RLAM. We confirm the validity of these suggestions experimentally. From the result, we observe a good control performance of the joint angle. A robotic arm moves smoothly according to the force added from outside by setting the passive stiffness of the arm.
Development of a Hose-Free FMA Driven by a Built-In Gas/Liquid Chemical Reactor
Authors: Wada Akira ,   Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kametani Hidehiro , Suzumori Koichi , Wakimoto Shuichi ,   ,,   Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
Published: July 2016

Although pneumatic rubber actuators have unique advantages, (e.g., compliance, lightness, and cheapness) they require an air compressor, valves, and air supply hoses, limiting their use in portable devices. In our previous paper, we proposed the basic working principle of a novel pneumatic source for rubber actuators. This was based on the reversible chemical reaction of water electrolysis/synthesis, using a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In the current study, we developed a small PEMFC reactor based on this principle and applied it to a flexible micro actuator (FMA), which is a typical pneumatic rubber actuator, thereby realizing a hose-free pneumatic actuator without a compressor. The results of the driving experiments show that the proposed actuator can be successfully controlled by electric current control.
Three-DOF Electrostatic Induction Actuator Providing Translational and Rotational Surface-Drive Motion
Authors: Yamashita Norio ,   The University of Tokyo, Yamamoto Akio ,   ,
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the driving characteristics of a three degree-of-freedom (three-DOF) electrostatic induction actuator, which can demonstrate surface-drive characteristics with translational and rotational motions. It consists of a sheet-type slider without electrodes and a planar stator with an array of three-phase driving electrodes. The electrodes with different orientations are aligned in a regular manner to construct a four-by-four checkerboard pattern. Controlling applied voltage patterns can generate translational or rotational patterns of electrostatic fields, which drive the slider. The performance of the three-DOF actuator with regards to translational and rotational motion was investigated.
Excitation of Surface Acoustic Wave on a Glass Substrate Using a LiNbO3 Piece
Authors: Takasaki Masaya ,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Kotani Hiroyuki , Mizuno Takeshi ,   ,
Published: July 2016

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) are used in many applications. Here, we consider application of SAWs to actuators, which require relatively large vibration amplitudes. In conventional applications, a SAW propagates on a LiNbO3 substrate that serves as an elastic medium. This implies that the maximal size of a SAW transducer is limited by the LiNbO3 wafer size. Better actuators require larger-size SAW transducers. Here, we propose a transducer in which an excited SAW propagates on an inexpensive elastic medium (indirect excitation method). The method combines a piezoelectric material and a non-piezoelectric material substrate. These two materials are coupled. Electric energy is provided by an interdigital transducer (IDT). We designed and studied three different transducer configurations. To determine the optimal configuration, various materials and their combinations were considered with the proposed method. Electrical and mechanical characteristics were quantified in terms of the frequency response of admittance and vibration response, respectively. A suitable combination of materials was determined after measuring and analyzing the properties of different transducers. For this combination, the vibration velocity of the novel transducer was as large as that obtained using the conventional direct excitation method.
Concept of Inflatable Outer Wheel Rover for Exploration of Lunar and Planetary Holes and Subsurface Caverns
Authors: Furutani Katsushi ,   Department of Advanced Science and Technology, Toyota Technological Institute,   ,
Published: July 2016

Three huge vertical holes have been found on the Moon and their scientific explorations are planned by the UZUME (Unprecedented Zipangu (Japan) Underworld of the Moon Exploration) Project. For such explorations, a rover with large wheels is preferred for climbing over bumps. However, the exhaust materials from landers or rovers should be avoided to prevent contamination of the terrain. This paper proposes a rover with inflatable tubes that function as outer wheels. A prototype with one degree of freedom was built. The inflatable wheel was 1000 mm in diameter and 400 mm in width, and weighed 2.0 kg. A small cart, which was used as a weight, was moved on the torus to revolute the rover. Each cart weighed 0.5 kg. The performance of the rover was tested and compared with the calculated results. The climbable step height and slope angle were statistically calculated and were independent of gravity. The climbable step height and slope angle were 15 mm and 9°, and they almost agreed with the calculated results.
Fabrication and Control of Fine Periodic Surface Structures by Short Pulsed Laser
Authors: Kodama Shuhei ,   Tohoku University, Shibata Akihiro , Suzuki Shinya , Shimada Keita , Mizutani Masayoshi , Kuriyagawa Tsunemoto ,   ,,   Dexerials Corporation, Miyagi, Japan
Published: July 2016

Ultrashort-pulsed laser irradiation is a more efficient approach to the fabrication of fine surface structures than traditional processing methods. However, it has some problems: the equipment expenses usually increase as the pulse shortens, and the process principle has not been clarified completely, although the collisional relaxation time (CRT) is assumed to be a major factor. In this study, a 20-ps pulsed laser was employed to fabricate nanometer-sized periodic structures on a stainless steel alloy, SUS304. The pitch length of the fabricated fine periodic structures was similar to the laser wavelength, and the results suggested that periodic structures could be fabricated within a limited range of the laser fluence. In order to expand the effective fluence range (EFR) and to control the pitch length, laser irradiation was carried out with different workpiece temperatures and the laser wavelengths. In this way, CRT was extended and EFR was expanded by cooling the workpiece, and the pitch lengths were approximately equal to the laser wavelengths. As a result, two things were found: it is easier to fabricate the fine periodic structures by cooling the workpiece, and it is possible to control the pitch length of the fine periodic structures by changing the laser wavelength.
Automatic Control and Simulation of an Overhead Crane’s Travel System
Authors: Cao Xuyang ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Zhang Bo , Li Zhiyong , Xi Binghan ,   ,,   United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
Published: July 2016

A low level of automation, low accuracy of control, and high dependence on operator proficiency are general deficiencies of traditional overhead cranes. In order to improve the level of automation of overhead cranes, genetic algorithms and the grid method were applied to plan the global path of an overhead crane in a static environment. An automatic travel control system for an overhead crane was designed on the soft PLC platform CoDeSys. A slip control variable frequency regulating system was used to guarantee the accuracy of the travel system. A Simulink model of the slip control variable frequency regulating system was built with parameters optimized, and the control signal generated by the PLC was input into the model to conduct the simulation, which verified the feasibility of automation and the accuracy of the control system.
Surface Jet Pump Pilot Test for Upstream Applications
Authors: Koleshwar Vilas. S. , Al-Khalifa H. H. , Peeran S.
Published: July 2016

Gas-oil separation plants (GOSPs) consist of two or three separation stages to separate oil, water and associated gas. Oil flows to the stabilization plants and water to injection wells, while associated gas is sent to gas plants for further processing. At Plant A, the high-pressure (HP) gas has adequate pressure to freely flow to gas plants without compression. Gas from intermediate pressure (IP) and low-pressure (LP) stages flows to a nearby stabilization facility, to be compressed along with gases released from the stabilization plant and sent to the same gas plant where HP gases were directed to.

Utilizing a surface jet pump (SJP) at Plant A was found to be an energy saving and economically attractive alternative as it enabled sending the IP gases directly to the gas plant without gas compression by using HP gas as a motive fluid.

This paper will discuss in detail the design basis of this application and few challenges faced during the test. Also, it will cover the wide range of operational envelope that the jet pump covered during the test. The application was found to be successful and resulted in substantial savings in compression cost.

Advantages of using SJPs include using already available fluid energy within a process stream, no moving parts, zero maintenance, zero power or fuel gas usage, small footprint and varying layout configurations. SJPs are well suited to liquid ingestion and to changes in process conditions (without greatly affecting performance). In this paper, other applications of the SJP are also briefly discussed.
Plug Setting Aid Retooled for Improved Downhole Slurry Placement Provides Greater Versatility to the Operator When Planning and Executing Section or Hole Abandonments
Authors: Rogers Hank , Stair Todd , Makowiecki Gary
Published: July 2016

As drilling techniques advance and wellbores become more complex, placing successful cement plugs downhole on the first attempt becomes more challenging. Phenomena and well conditions can have a negative influence on the cement plug performance, significantly impacting well construction/abandonment time and costs. New equipment and procedures developed in recent years have been successfully deployed in hundreds of wells globally to help improve placement accuracy and reliability while also improving the economics associated with plug placement operations. Comparisons are made between various plug cementing operations using both conventional and new equipment to help exemplify options available to the modern drilling engineer.

Mature and newly developed fields require plug cementing operations as part of the life cycle of every well. Modern drilling engineers face new challenges from regulatory bodies and company practices related to best plug cementing practices. Often, regulations or standard practices do not incorporate modern solutions to age-old problems associated with cement placement downhole, such as contamination and fluid movement. Whether cementing operations are for plugback, kickoff, or abandonment, the drilling engineer is tasked with efficiently and effectively using available resources to perform the operation.

This paper documents field practices and tools available to today's drilling engineers that can more effectively enable and ensure slurry placement operations are achieved, and the section or hole abandonment conforms to operator requirements. Further, detailed operational comparisons are provided that compare/contrast how plug cementing operations are performed using conventional pump/pull procedures and the new equipment and procedures developed in recent years.
Role of Wellbore Imaging and Specific Mineralogy Inputs Data in Bit Selection and Design Softwares
Authors: El Sherbeny Wael , Hasan Gasser , Lindsay Bill W , Madkour Ali , Nagy Ahmed , AbuLawi Majed , Mohammad Muntasar S , Richard Aluian
Published: July 2016

Formation drillability is one of the most important aspects for planning and designing a new oil/gas well since the factors affecting the drilling performance have complex relationships between formation properties, drill bit design and operational parameters. In view of the high operating cost of drilling rigs, if Rate of Penetration (ROP) can be enhanced, it will reduce open-hole formation exposure time and complications associated with it, resulting in significant savings in drilling time and cost can be realized.

Normally bit engineers utilize the assumed lithology from mud logs and detailed depth-wise lithology of offset wells. The lithology can also be interpreted from conventional logging data such as Sonic, Gamma and Density. Furthermore, the rock's compressive strength is calculated using Compressional / Shear travel time (Sonic log), Bulk density (Density log) and Shale content (Gamma log).

These utilized tools to detect the lithology and rock mechanical properties have an extent of uncertainty due to effects either related to the borehole or drilling fluids that require extensive corrections. That degree of uncertainty subsequently can affect the drill bit design criteria, selection and viability of performance-enhancing features.

This present paper reveals a new practical approach as a solution to minimize uncertainty in terms of bit design and selection by utilizing wellbore imaging either LWD and/or Wireline borehole images and lithology & mineralogy from either wireline mineralogy logs "Pulsed Neutron" and/or ROQSACN instrument to precisely deliver an accurate input data to the drill bit design/selection software modules.
Modeling Coupled Effects of Dissolved Salts (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, SO42-) Concentration on Multiphase Flow and Dissolution of CO2 in Saline Aquifer
Authors: Vivek R. , Kumar G. Suresh
Published: July 2016

Dissolution trapping plays imperative role in immobilization of injected CO2 in saline aquifer. However, dissolved salts concentration in saline brine plays critical role in influencing solubility of CO2. The present work numerically investigates the effect of dissolved salts concentration in brine on dissolution of CO2. The present work also investigate the coupled effect of injection induced flow and distribution of CO2 in brine and brine salinity on solubility of CO2. Towards objective, a numerical model governing two phase immiscible fluid flow with associated capillary interphase has been developed. The solubility of CO2 into brine at the interphase is computed by the developed solubility model. Validated numerical model has been used to investigate the coupled effect of flow and dissolution. The observed results suggest that as pressure of the system increases solubility increases, whereas salinity of brine has inverse effect on solubility. It has been observed that, injection of CO2 in porous system results in drastic pressure buildup at the near well bore region and CO2 phase propagates along the length of the porous media. The coupled effect of flow and distribution has significant effect on dissolution and it has been observed that about 15.95% of dissolved mass fraction has been dissolved after 96 hours in injection.
Gravity Water Injectors; Highlights from Saudi Aramco's 51 Years of Experience in a Mature Field
Authors: Al-Hajri Nasser M. , Al-Subaie Fehead M. , Al-Ajmi Mohammed D. , Al-Mujaljil Saleh R. , Al-Ageel Ibraheem M.
Published: July 2016

Saudi Aramco has used gravity water injectors extensively as a reservoir pressure maintenance means to support oil production from a mature field. Gravity water injectors in Field-A are perforated in a highly productive and shallow water producing aquifer. The aquifer pressure and hydrostatic column, between producing and injecting formations, complement each other to achieve gravity injection into a deeper formation. The particular completion of gravity water injectors in Field-A calls for novel approaches to reservoir surveillance as well as well integrity monitoring.

Many unconventional petroleum engineering practices were conceived and applied to responsibly handle gravity water injectors in Field-A. The implemented practices are best in class to monitor gravity water injector injection performance and safeguard the downhole integrity of the injectors. Frequently deployed flowmeter logs were utilized as the main survey source of Field-A's gravity water injectors. Performance indicators and downhole well integrity issues obtained from flowmeter logs are presented throughout this paper.

This paper will also discuss items of interest related to special rigless well intervention practices associated with the nature of gravity water injector completions. The rigless procedures are meant for achieving objectives such as injectivity enhancement, well revival, and wellbore mothballing designed for this type of water injectors. Additionally, a means of regulating injection rates through the installation of down-hole choke valves is going to be described as a case study in this literature.

Finally, various noteworthy aspects of gravity water injector workover operations will be outlined. The aspects associated with gravity water injector workovers include recompilation (conversion) into regular power water injectors as well as regular maintenance workovers.