bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral Effects of Large Matrices from Oil Reservoir Simulators on Performance of Scalable Direct Solvers
Authors: Duran Ahmet , Tuncel Mehmet
Published: August 2014

It is important to estimate the elapsed time to solve large sparse linear systems for time-restricted real life decision making applications such as oil and gas reservoir simulators. Challenging matrices should be distinguished and handled separately because they may lead to performance bottleneck. Therefore, we need to examine the spectral effects of large matrices on the performance of scalable direct solvers by using eigenvalues. In this work, we check whether there is relationship between the eigenvalue distribution of a matrix and the performance of the solver. We try to examine the eigenvalue distribution of various sparse matrices. We may find all eigenvalues in order to obtain the distribution graph of eigenvalues, if possible. However, it is very expensive to find all eigenvalues. Therefore, Gerschgorin's theorem may be used to bound the spectrum of square matrices. Several behaviors such as being disjoint, overlapped or clustered of Gerschgorin circles may give clue regarding the distribution of the eigenvalues and the performance of the solver for that matrix.

In this paper, we consider a portfolio of test matrices which include randomly populated sparse matrices and various patterned matrices coming from reservoir modeling from single porosity single permeability to dual porosity dual permeability models (see [10]). We examined our modified HELM2D03LOWER_20K matrix and EMILIA_923 matrix from the University of Florida sparse matrix collection (see [17]), in addition to the patterned matrices from 3 phase black-oil model and 7 component EOS model.

We define an optimal minimum number of cores as the number of cores that provides the minimum wall clock time for a given size of problem, where a right match occurs between the problem size, the spectral effects of matrix and the available resources such as memory, in presence of communication overhead. We find that the optimal minimum number of cores required depends on the sparsity level and size of the matrix. As the sparsity level of matrix decreases and the order of matrix increases, we expect that the optimal minimum number of cores increases slightly.
State-of-the-Art Emerging Technology for Technical Data Mining and Analysis
Authors: Kishore Kaushal , Sharma Puneet , Khanapurkar Pooja
Published: August 2014

The upstream oil and gas industry requires a diverse set of political, personnel, mechanical, and technological capabilities as it possesses innumerable and voluminous data from seismic, drilling, completion, and production. In this competitive field, technical data mining and analysis are key to the creation of intelligent oilfields. However, there are major challenges associated with the generation and consumption of data in intelligent oil and gas fields, including the acquisition, storage, classification, transformation, visualization, and analysis of data.

A service company's technical data mining application platform that has built-in analytical tools should aid field engineers in the retrieval of relevant data, as well as the analysis of data for their own requirements. Such an application, when combined with live notification capabilities, can help improve the operational productivity and lessen time lost during a job failure or any other events contributing to nonproductive time (NPT). It also would help standardize the measurement of key performance indicators across different areas or regions. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of wells, which are the basis for intelligent oilfields, help improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

This paper discusses one service company's state-of-the-art application for big data archiving algorithms and practices that are distinctive for improving data mining in intelligent oilfields. This application acts as an enabler for extracting relevant information to improve predictive models, making more reliable decisions, and, ultimately, sustaining existing business and creating new business opportunities.
Challenges and Opportunities for HPC Cloud in Natural Resources
Authors: Nogueira Alberto C. , Binotto Alecio , Mantripragada Kiran , Tizzei Leonardo P. , Sultanum Nicole , Netto Marco A.
Published: August 2014

Problems in natural resources are currently handled by applications that require High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms. These applications from areas such as agriculture, oil and gas, weather forecast, mining, among others, require complex mathematical models, which rely heavily on compute-intensive methods. Examples of these methods are partial differential equations (PDEs) discretization techniques (e.g. spectral element, finite difference, and finite volume methods), optimization algorithms, and inverse problems. Most of natural resources applications run on HPC clusters or supercomputers. Generally the Total Ownership Costs (TOC) of these infrastructure resources is very high even for medium to large companies. Moreover, small innovative software companies that specialize in computational modeling may not be able to acquire such clusters. Cloud Computing can come as a technology and business model to enable the execution of scientific applications from all companies, while such infrastructure is rented on demand. Initially used for Web applications, Cloud Computing is currently increasing its maturity to execute different types of workloads, including computing-intensive, data-intensive and networking-intensive, scientific and industry applications on HPC resources. This paper describes the challenges we observed while running natural resources applications that require high performance resources, on a Cloud. It also highlights some of the key opportunities that HPC Cloud brings to the natural resources area.
Reservoir Simulation Prototyping Platform for High Performance Computing
Authors: Jauré S.. , Moncorgé A.. , de Loubens R..
Published: August 2014

The size and complexity of reservoir simulation models are growing continuously to better capture the heterogeneities of geological models and to simulate advanced physics. Generally reservoir simulators' speed and efficiency are still major bottlenecks requiring, in many cases, the simplification of the models by the user. We present here some recent insights of High Performance Computing (HPC) prototyping in an In-House Research Reservoir Simulator (IHRRS). Firstly, we explain how we build a cache-efficient Jacobian matrix in the case of a general multi-phase multi-component simulator using numerical discretizations based on Two-Point Flux Approximation (TPFA) or Multi-Point Flux Approximation (MPFA). Secondly, we describe the implementation of two levels of distributed memory parallelism (MPI) in addition to one level of shared memory parallelism (OpenMP). Two levels of distributed memory parallelism are used because some algorithms like AMG-coarsening or parallel I/O of grid data have difficulties to scale with a large number of distributed memory processes, while other parts of the simulator still scale with additional processes. A second level of shared memory parallelism is used in each distributed process. Some numerical validation is presented to investigate the optimum ratio of MPI and OpenMP processes. In addition we test our algorithms on the simulation of a coreflood experiment at an adverse mobility ratio using about 30 million gridblocks in 3D, and on a large-scale model of nearly half a billion cells.
Willingness to pay for improved water supplies in rural Ugandan villages
Authors: Wright Steven G. , Muralidharan Daya , Mayer Alex S. , Breffle William S.
Published: August 2014

The contingent valuation method was used to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for the operation and maintenance of an improved water source in the villages of Kigisu and Rubona in rural Uganda. The survey was conducted in August 2011 and administered to 122 households out of 400 in the community, gathering demographic information, health and water behaviors, and using an iterative bidding process to estimate WTP per 20 L for a public tap. The data were analyzed using an ordered probit model, which predicts monetary intervals for households' WTP. The model predicts a mean WTP of 356 Ugandan shillings (USD 0.183) per 20 L from a public tap. It was determined that the number of children in the home and the distance from the existing source are significant in influencing household's WTP, while income, age, and gender are not.
Assessing domestic water quality in Belén municipality, Iquitos, Peru
Authors: Faldetta Kimberly F. , Reighard Derek A. , Dickinson Katie L. , Wang Chloe Q. , George Daniel R. , Rodriguez Benavides Luis , Strosnider William H. J.
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study was to assess the water collection, treatment, and contamination in Upper and Lower Belén neighborhoods of Iquitos, Peru to address the longstanding prevalence of waterborne disease. Fifty household surveys were performed and 45 water samples were analyzed for fecal coliforms (FC). Most drinking water was untreated at home and negative for FC. Of the FC-positive waters (11.1%), the source was Sedaloreto tap water, the municipally owned water company and treatment facility. No FC-positive samples resulted from residences reporting home treatment. This suggests sufficient sterilization at the point of treatment but contamination within the distribution system or individual homes. Therefore, it is critical to emphasize the importance of home-based treatment until the distribution system can be reliable. Although the prevalence of FC-positive samples were similar in Upper and Lower Belén, residents in Lower Belén remain at increased risk for waterborne disease due to seasonal environmental conditions such as flooding and the lack of home sanitation facilities.
Synthetic organic water contaminants in developing communities: an overlooked challenge addressed by adsorption with locally generated char
Authors: Kearns Joshua P. , Knappe Detlef R. U. , Summers R. Scott
Published: August 2014

Chemical contamination of drinking water sources is a worldwide problem. However, few locally managed, sustainable, and low-cost on-site treatment technologies are available in rural, remote, and emergency/disaster relief/humanitarian crisis situations. Char filter-adsorbers have been used to treat drinking water for thousands of years and are still widely used today. Our studies show that some chars produced by traditional means from a range of feedstocks develop favorable sorption properties for uptake of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a prevalent herbicide and water contaminant. However, more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and scalable production of consistent highly sorptive chars can be accomplished with biomass gasification. Our laboratory studies demonstrate that locally produced char adsorbents derived from surplus agricultural and forestry biomass are effective for adsorbing 2,4-D. A year-long study of field-scale application of chars in Thailand is also presented. Based on these studies we present design recommendations for integrating char adsorbers into low-cost, multi-barrier treatment trains for on-site water provision.
Rheological modelling of fresh human faeces
Authors: Woolley S. M. , Buckley C. A. , Pocock J. , Foutch G. L.
Published: August 2014

An analysis of viscosity data from sets of raw data on the shear rheological properties of fresh human faeces was performed to generate model constants that can be used for the design of faecal treatment processes. The models selected are standard choices in computational fluid dynamics software for shear-thinning fluids. Initial screening for model selection was based on a literature review of similarly viscous materials. Results showed reasonable agreement with Power Law (PL). PL model parameters were proposed for fresh human faeces and correlated against sample properties. A PL model for shear stress as a function of moisture content was proposed.
Bacterial quality of drinking water sources and antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterobacteriaceae in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Bayeh , Kibret Mulugeta , Goshu Goraw , Yimer Mulat
Published: August 2014

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the bacterial quality and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Enterobacteriaceae from drinking water in Bahir Dar city. A total of 140 water samples were collected in the wet and dry periods from springs (n = 4), reservoirs (n = 10) and private tap water at households (n = 126). Bacteriological analysis of water was conducted using multiple tube method. Overall, 21.4%, 18.6% and 17.8% of drinking water samples had total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) and Escherichia coli, respectively. All spring water samples and 29.2% of private tap water had the highest TC load (18 most probable number/100 mL, 95% CI: 100). For FC, 81.4% of the drinking water supplies tested complied with both World Health Organization and Ethiopian Standards. High levels of resistance (98–100%) were observed for ampicillin by Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All P. aeruginosa isolates and 20 (66.7%) of E. coli revealed multiple drug resistance. Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited high levels of antimicrobial resistance. The bacterial quality of drinking water in Bahir Dar city was poor. Microbial surveillance and monitoring with periodic assessment on physical integrity of the water pipelines need to be undertaken.
A study of water and sanitation access trends in Peru: where do inequities persist?
Authors: Eagin Betsy , Graham Jay P.
Published: August 2014

Peru has made significant progress in increasing access to water supply and sanitation (WS&S). It is unclear, however, if improvements have been equitable and whether certain sub-populations are making equivalent progress. This study explored trends in access to WS&S throughout Peru using data from Demographic and Health Surveys. The study focused on the worst forms of household-level WS&S access, including use of untreated surface water and the practice of open defecation (OD). The prevalence of access and the average annual percentage point change in access were analyzed by quintiles of wealth, urban and rural residence, political regions of Peru, and language for the years 2000, 2004, and 2008. The findings indicate that significant progress in access to WS&S has been made in Peru, but that several sub-populations remain underserved. Regions experiencing high levels of OD made dramatic improvements between 2000 and 2008. The poorest urban populations showed an increasing prevalence of OD, and in some cases surpassed poor, rural populations. The use of untreated surface water was reduced between 2000 and 2008, and remained below 5% for the country. An increased focus on targeting high risk populations to improve equity in access is recommended.
Retrofitting arsenic-iron removal plants in rural Bangladesh for performance enhancement
Authors: Sorensen Ingrid M. , McBean Edward A. , Rahman Mujibur
Published: August 2014

As a result of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater, it is estimated that 42–60 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to arsenic at concentrations greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 10 μg/L. Arsenic-Iron Removal Plants (AIRPs) are capable of removing 50–90% of arsenic from groundwater, but are frequently unable to meet the WHO guideline. The effectiveness of three design modifications intended to improve the performance of AIRPs is described: (1) the addition of scrap or locally available iron to the filtration media, (2) raising the intake pipe that connects the two tanks of the AIRP, and (3) introducing baffles to the aeration tank. Total arsenic, iron, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen were measured to determine the impact of each modification. The addition of iron media showed an increase in arsenic removal up to 13%, while raising the pipe intake accounted for a 3% increase in arsenic removal. The installation of both modifications to the same AIRP is expected to reduce the lifetime body burden from drinking water by one-half. The addition of baffles to the aeration tank showed no evidence of improving the arsenic removal capabilities of the AIRP.
The potential for financing small-scale wastewater treatment through resource recovery: experience from Bocas del Toro, Panama
Authors: Tilmans Sebastien , Diaz-Hernandez Ana , Nyman Eric , Davis Jennifer
Published: August 2014

The excreta of more than half of the world's population is discharged into the environment without treatment of any kind. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited public finance for treatment infrastructure, resource recovery from wastewater has the potential to finance part of the costs of sanitation systems. Most assessments of resource-recovering treatment systems in low-income settings have focused on their technical performance. In this study, using data collected from 14 upward-flow anaerobic sludge blanket septic tanks in rural Panama, we estimate the proportion of waste treatment system costs that could be offset by biogas sales. We find that biogas revenues would cover between 26% and 49% of system operation and maintenance expenses, and would improve the net present value of the wastewater system investment by 8% to 15%. Aggregate stated demand for in-home biogas delivery among sample households is more than twice the volume of gas that could be generated by a system treating waste from the entire community. In Panama and other countries where public resources are devoted to subsidizing liquid propane gas, investment in wastewater treatment systems with biogas recovery could reduce the cost of energy provision to households while improving public and environmental health.
Remoteness Modulates the Effects of Emotional Valence on the Neural Network of Autobiographical Memory in Older Females
Authors: Gong Xianmin , Fu Yan , Wang Dahua , Franz Elizabeth , Long Zhiying
Published: August 2014

To better understand the effects of emotional valence on autobiographical memory (AM), the present study compared behavioral performance and neural activation in positive and negative AMs at different levels of remoteness (the time-interval between encoding and retrieving) in a sample of Chinese older females. The behavioral results revealed that older females held a positivity bias in emotional AM in the form of an obvious trend of higher level of vividness when retrieving positive AMs compared with negative AMs. At the neural level, a de-lateralized neural network, covering the core AM system and the affect processing system, was found to be associated with emotional AM. Within the network, increased activation of a prefrontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex (PFC/ACC) control system was found when processing negative recent AMs compared with positive recent AMs; increased activation of the somatosensory area was found with positive remote AMs compared with negative remote AMs. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the positivity bias of the older adults in recent AMs may be due to the use of an emotion regulation or control system (involving PFC/ACC) against negative AMs; in contrast, for remote AMs, the positivity bias may be due to better access to the positive remote memory details than the negative remote memory details.
Risk Factors Related to Cognitive Functioning: A Cross-National Comparison of U.S. and Korean Older Adults
Authors: Lyu Jiyoung , Lee Chae Man , Dugan Elizabeth
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-national comparison of factors related to cognitive functioning in later life in a U.S. and Korean sample. The study sample was comprised of subjects from the HRS ( N = 10,175) and the KLoSA ( N = 3,550). Separate multivariate regression models were employed to examine the impact of socio-demographic, health, and health behaviors on cognitive functioning among older adults. Regression results showed that age, gender, education, wealth, self-rated health, ADL, IADL, stroke, and poor eyesight were significantly associated with cognitive functioning in both countries. However, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, and drinking were significantly associated with cognition only among Americans, while marital status and poor hearing were significantly associated with cognition only among Koreans. In addition, gender-specific models suggested several socio-economic and health factors had significantly different effects by gender in both countries. Cross-national comparative research identified similar risk factors, suggesting robust associations. Unique factors related to cognitive functioning in U.S. and Korean older adults highlight the important role of societal influences on cognitive outcomes.
A New Mourning: Synthesizing an Interactive Model of Adaptive Grieving Dynamics
Authors: Darian C. D. Bagbey
Published: August 2014

The human grieving response is neither categorically simple, nor is it a predictable linear process. A new paradigm of adaptive grieving is emerging in the grief and bereavement research literature that validates diversity of adaptive responses among grievers, yet suggests essential interrelated components of adaptive grieving. However, theoretical models that effectively synthesize and integrate current empirical knowledge regarding the components of adaptive grieving are lacking. This article proposes the model of adaptive grieving dynamics (MAGD)—which synthesizes four types of interrelated grieving responses by their adaptive function and incorporates them as essential components of an interactive, griever-centered model.
The Psychological Impact of Stillbirth on Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Campbell-Jackson Louise , Horsch Antje
Published: August 2014

This systematic review explored the psychological impact of stillbirth (from 20 weeks gestation) on mothers. A search was conducted in the National Library for Health and Web of Science, Cochrane Review, and Google Scholar. A secondary search based on results from the preliminary search was undertaken. A systematic search identified 26 articles (8 qualitative, 18 quantitative studies), which met criteria and were reviewed according to guidelines. The findings revealed that stillbirth is a distressing experience that can result in high levels of psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, distress, and negative well-being. Symptoms appear to be highest in the first few months post loss although there is evidence to suggest that for some, symptoms may persist up to 3 years. The long-lasting impact of stillbirth on women was echoed in the qualitative research. Risk factors for higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms included higher parity at the time of loss and not being married. Social support in particular was identified to be beneficial for women post loss. Longitudinal studies utilizing designs which permit causality to be determined are required to explore the specific experience of stillbirth. Further exploration of risk and protective factors, cultural beliefs, and the impact on partner relationships is needed. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed in light of current guidance.
Grief is Absurd
Authors: Owens Ruchelle L.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this article is to critically examine the journey the author took as she navigated her younger brother's sudden accident, and subsequent death. Through the use of reflective autoethnography, she details her brother's accident-related illness and her family's trials as they took care of him for almost 4 years. Furthermore, she offers her inner thoughts as she struggled to balance her life and come to terms with the tragic situation. Findings may help extend the knowledge of the grieving process, death, illness, autoethnographies, and personal narratives.
The Impact of Eliminating the Form 20-F Reconciliation on Shareholder Wealth: Evidence from U.S. Cross-Listed Firms
Authors: Chen Lucy Huajing , Khurana Inder K.
Published: August 2014

This paper examines shareholder wealth effects in U.S. and home-country markets relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) decision to eliminate the Form 20-F reconciliation. During the period of examined events, we find positive cumulative abnormal returns for the treatment sample of U.S. cross-listed firms that prepare financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), but no such effects for our control sample comprising cross-listed non-IFRS, U.S. domestic, or home-country firms. We find the stock market impact for our treatment sample to be positively related to our proxy for cost savings and negatively related to the pre-adoption reconciliation magnitude from IFRS to U.S. GAAP. This suggests shareholders place some value on reconciliation information, but the costs of preparing and auditing reconciliations generally outweigh concern about information loss. Moreover, we find that information loss is less pronounced for firms having used IFRS for a longer period, suggesting the learning effect mitigates information loss.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the article.
Effects of tibial plateau angle and spacer thickness applied during in vitro canine total knee replacement on three-dimensional kinematics and collateral ligament strain
Authors: Baker Katherine M. , Foutz Timothy L. , Johnsen Kyle J. , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: August 2014

Objective—To quantify the 3-D kinematics and collateral ligament strain of stifle joints in cadaveric canine limbs before and after cranial cruciate ligament transection followed by total knee replacement (TKR) involving various tibial plateau angles and spacer thicknesses.

Sample—6 hemi-pelvises collected from clinically normal nonchondrodystrophic dogs (weight range, 25 to 35 kg).

Procedures—Hemi-pelvises were mounted on a modified Oxford knee rig that allowed 6 degrees of freedom of the stifle joint but prevented mechanical movement of the hip and tarsal joints. Kinematics and collateral ligament strain were measured continuously while stifle joints were flexed. Data were again collected after cranial cruciate ligament transection and TKR with combinations of 3 plateau angles (0°, 4°, and 8°) and spacer thicknesses (5, 7, and 9 mm).

Results—Presurgical (ie, normal) stifle joint rotations were comparable to those previously documented for live dogs. After TKR, kinematics recorded for the 8°, 5-mm implant most closely resembled those of unaltered stifle joints. Decreasing the plateau angle and increasing spacer thickness altered stifle joint adduction, internal rotation, and medial translation. Medial collateral ligament strain was minimal in unaltered stifle joints and was unaffected by TKR. Lateral collateral ligament strain decreased with steeper plateau angles but returned to a presurgical level at the flattest plateau angle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Among the constructs tested, greatest normalization of canine stifle joint kinematics in vitro was achieved with the steepest plateau angle paired with the thinnest spacer. Furthermore, results indicated that strain to the collateral ligaments was not negatively affected by TKR.
Use of an inertial measurement unit to assess the effect of forelimb lameness on three-dimensional hoof orientation in horses at a walk and trot
Authors: Moorman Valerie J. , Reiser Raoul F. , Mahaffey Christie A. , Peterson Michael L. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Kawcak Christopher E.
Published: August 2014

Objective—To determine intralimb orientation changes with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in hooves of horses at a walk and trot after induction of weight-bearing single forelimb lameness and to determine whether hoof orientations are similar to baseline values following perineural anesthesia.

Animals—6 clinically normal horses.

Procedures—3-D hoof orientations were determined with an IMU mounted on the right forelimb hoof during baseline conditions, during 3 grades of lameness (induced by application of pressure to the sole), and after perineural anesthesia. Linear acceleration profiles were used to segment the stride into hoof breakover, stance, initial swing, terminal swing, and total swing phases. Intralimb data comparisons were made for each stride segment. A repeated-measures mixed-model ANOVA was used for data analysis.

Results—Lameness resulted in significant changes in hoof orientation in all planes of rotation. A significant increase in external rotation and abduction and a significant decrease in sagittal plane rotation of the hoof were detected at hoof breakover during lameness conditions. For sagittal plane orientation data, the SDs determined following perineural anesthesia were higher than the SDs for baseline and lameness conditions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study indicated the IMU could be used to detect 3-D hoof orientation changes following induction of mild lameness at a walk and trot. An increase in data variability for a sagittal orientation may be useful for assessment of local anesthesia for hooves. The IMU should be further evaluated for use in clinical evaluation of forelimb lameness in horses.
Microcirculatory effects of intravenous fluid administration in anesthetized dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Silverstein Deborah C. , Cozzi Elizabeth M. , Hopkins Amber S. , Keefe Thomas J.
Published: August 2014

Objective—To assess the microcirculatory effects of IV fluid administration in healthy anesthetized dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.

Animals—49 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were sedated, and anesthesia was induced with propofol and diazepam and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Dogs received lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) IV at rates of 0, 10, or 20 mL/kg/h. Videomicroscopy was used to assess and record effects of LRS administration on microcirculation in the buccal mucosa. Measurements of microcirculatory (total vessel density, proportion of perfused vessels, microcirculatory flow index, and perfused vessel density by vessel size [< 20 μm, ≥ 20 μm, and all diameters]) and other physiologic variables (heart rate, Doppler-measured blood pressure, oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, capillary refill time, and body temperature) were compared among groups at baseline (immediately after anesthetic induction), 30 and 60 minutes afterward, and overall.

Results—Neither the proportion of perfused vessels nor microcirculatory flow index varied among treatment groups at any time point, regardless of vessel size. For vessels < 20 μm in diameter and for all vessels combined, total and perfused vessel density were similar among groups. For vessels ≥ 20 μm in diameter, total vessel density was significantly greater in the 20 mL/kg/h group than in other groups, and perfused vessel density was significantly greater in the 20 mL/kg/h group than in the 0 mL/kg/h group, when all time points were considered. Other physiologic variables were similar among groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Total and perfused vessel density of vessels ≥ 20 μm in diameter (mostly venules) were greatest in dogs that received 20 mL of LRS/kg/h. Further research is required to evaluate clinical importance of these findings.
Evaluation of DNA methylation profiles of the CpG island of the ABCB1 gene in dogs with lymphoma
Authors: Tomiyasu Hirotaka , Fujiwara-Igarashi Aki , Goto-Koshino Yuko , Fujino Yasuhito , Ohno Koichi , Tsujimoto Hajime
Published: August 2014

Objective—To examine the DNA methylation status of the ABCB1 gene in tumor cells of dogs with lymphoma.

Animals—27 dogs with multicentric B-cell high-grade lymphoma (19 chemotherapy-sensitive dogs and 8 chemotherapy-resistant dogs).

Procedures—The DNA methylation profile of the CpG island of the ABCB1 gene was analyzed by use of bisulphite sequencing and real-time methylation-specific PCR assay in lymphoma cells. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay of the ABCB1 gene was conducted to measure the amount of mRNA. Correlation between the amount of ABCB1 mRNA and the methylation rate was examined.

Results—The CpG island of the ABCB1 gene was hypomethylated in most dogs in both the chemotherapy-sensitive and -resistant groups. No significant difference was detected in the methylation rate between the 2 groups, and no significant correlation was detected between the methylation rate and the mRNA expression level.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Expression of the ABCB1 gene was not suppressed by hypermethylation of its CpG island in most dogs with lymphoma regardless of their chemotherapy sensitivity status.
A Study on the Evolution of Tax Pressure in Romania
Authors: Vintilă Georgeta , Ţibulcă Ioana Laura
Published: August 2014

Fiscal pressure is often considered a barometer for the impact and level of taxation experienced by individual taxpayers and businesses. In Romania, the study of the tax burden has been and will remain a highly debated topic in a national as well as European context. Thus, in this article, we conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of the evolution of the tax burden in Romania, and showcased the research results in different graphically expressive ways (maps, tables, graphs), all presented from a dual perspective. On the one hand, we followed the impact of taxation on households, and on the other hand, in a broader approach, we highlighted the tax burden reflected at the county and regional level
On Determining the Optimal Sampling Frequency for Feedback Quality Control Systems
Authors: Kartha C. P.
Published: August 2014

This paper considers the choice of the most profitable sampling frequency for a feedback quality control system. It is assumed that the disturbance can be adequately modeled by a first-order Integrated Moving Average (IMA (0, 1, 1)) process. The cost model includes two terms, one for the cost of being off-target and one for the cost of sampling and adjustment. An analytical solution is obtained and the sensitivity of parameters examined
Variation in Growth Performance and Carcass Yield of Pure and Reciprocal Crossbred Turkeys
Authors: Damaziak Krzysztof , Michalczuk Monika , Zdanowska-Sąsiadek Żaneta , Niemiec Jan , Gozdowski Dariusz
Published: August 2014

This study compared growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate and results of slaughter analysis of slow-growing Bronze turkeys (SG), fast-growing Big 6 turkeys (FG), and their reciprocal crosses (SF and FS). Until 6 weeks of age the birds were kept indoors and afterwards they were allowed to use free ranges. Toms were reared until 21 and hens until 15 weeks of age. The FS turkeys were characterized by higher (P≤0.05) BW and dressing percentage and by lower FCR compared to the SF crosses of both sexes. The analysis of orthogonal contrasts demonstrated that values of most of the slaughter analysis parameters were due to the additive effect of genes. Only weight of skin with fat and of gizzard could result from heterosis. Study results demonstrate that FS crosses constitute better material for the alternative production of turkeys compared to the other analysed groups (SG, SF, FG).
Significance of Nutrient Digestibility in Horse Nutrition – A Review
Authors: Cichorska Barbara , Komosa Marcin , Nogowsk Leszek , Maćkowiak Paweł , Józefia Damian
Published: August 2014

The aim of the review is to present mechanisms of digestion in horses through a functional description of the digestive system’s structure with emphasis on nutrient digestibility. In the era of an increasingly intensive and specialised sport usage of horses, also the significance of balancing their dietary nutrient value in accordance with individual requirements of these animals is gaining in importance. At the same time, it is not possible to meet nutritional requirements of a sport horse without knowledge about feed utilisation. In many farm animal species, digestibility is measured postmortem or via complicated and expensive cannulation of the digestive system. In horses, these methods are not applied due to ethical approaches or other limitations (e.g. sport horses); therefore, the importance of marker-based techniques is growing, although not much data is published in the available literature (Sales, 2012). Moreover, in contrast to other non-ruminants, horses are naturally adapted to a constant intake of large quantities of roughages. However, during intensive sport training, they are primarily fed concentrated diets with high amounts of easily digestible, non-structural carbohydrates and reduced amounts of dietary fibre fractions. Therefore, the risk of metabolic diseases and behavioural disorders in the horse increases.
Discrete thickness
Authors: Scholtes Sebastian
Published: August 2014

We investigate the relationship between a discrete version of thickness and its smooth counterpart.
These discrete energies are deffned on equilateral polygons with n vertices. It will turn out that the smooth
ropelength, which is the scale invariant quotient of length divided by thickness, is the Γ-limit of the discrete
ropelength for n → ∞, regarding the topology induced by the Sobolev norm ‖ · ‖ W1,∞(S1,ℝd). This result directly
implies the convergence of almost minimizers of the discrete energies in a fixed knot class to minimizers of
the smooth energy.Moreover,we show that the unique absolute minimizer of inverse discrete thickness is the
regular n-gon.
A Model of the Dynamic Error as a Measurement Result of Instruments Defining the Parameters of Moving Objects
Authors: Dichev D. , Koev H. , Bakalova T. , Louda P.
Published: August 2014

The present paper considers a new model for the formation of the dynamic error inertial component. It is very effective in the analysis and synthesis of measuring instruments positioned on moving objects and measuring their movement parameters. The block diagram developed within this paper is used as a basis for defining the mathematical model. The block diagram is based on the set-theoretic description of the measuring system, its input and output quantities and the process of dynamic error formation. The model reflects the specific nature of the formation of the dynamic error inertial component. In addition, the model submits to the logical interrelation and sequence of the physical processes that form it. The effectiveness, usefulness and advantages of the model proposed are rooted in the wide range of possibilities it provides in relation to the analysis and synthesis of those measuring instruments, the formulation of algorithms and optimization criteria, as well as the development of new intelligent measuring systems with improved accuracy characteristics in dynamic mode.
Multiple Iterations of Bundle Adjustment for the Position Measurement of Fiber Tips on LAMOST
Authors: Feng Mingchi , Gu Yonggang , Jin Yi , Zhai Chao
Published: August 2014

In the astronomical observation process of multi-object fiber spectroscopic telescope, the position measurement of fiber tips on the focal plane is difficult and critical, and is directly related to subsequent observation and ultimate data quality. The fibers should precisely align with the celestial target. Hence, the precise coordinates of the fiber tips are obligatory for tracking the celestial target. The accurate movement trajectories of the fiber tips on the focal surface of the telescope are the critical problem for the control of the fiber positioning mechanism. According to the special structure of the LAMOST telescope and the composition of the initial position error, this paper aims at developing a high precision and robust measurement method based on multiple iterations of bundle adjustment with a few control points. The measurement theory of the proposed methodology has been analyzed, and the measurement accuracy has been evaluated. The experimental results indicate that the new method is more accurate and more reliable than the polynomial fitting method. The maximum position error of the novel measurement algorithm of fiber tips with simulated and real data is 65.3 μm, and most of the position errors conform to the accuracy requirement (40 μm).
Measurement of the Operating Parameters and Numerical Analysis of the Mechanical Subsystem
Authors: Božek Pavol , Turygin Yuri
Published: August 2014

Submission is focused on completing the information system about quality, operation, automatic testing and new evaluating method of vehicle subsystem. Numeric analysis is carried out on the base of automatic collection and systematic recording of commercial car operation. Proposed new information system about operation and trial process allows verification according to the proposed method. Critical components verified in laboratory conditions are detected by numeric analysis of reliability. Quality level increasing not only for final product, but also related automatic test laboratory for cars is the result of respecting these principles.
Comparison of Molecular Iodine Spectral Properties at 514.7 and 532 nm Wavelengths
Authors: Hrabina J. , Acef O. , Burck F. du , Chiodo N. , Candela Y. , Sarbort M. , Hola M. , Lazar J.
Published: August 2014

We present results of investigation and comparison of spectral properties of molecular iodine transitions in the spectral region of 514.7 nm that are suitable for laser frequency stabilization and metrology of length. Eight Doppler-broadened transitions that were not studied in detail before were investigated with the help of frequency doubled Yb-doped fiber laser, and three of the most promising lines were studied in detail with prospect of using them in frequency stabilization of new laser standards. The spectral properties of hyperfine components (linewidths, signal-to-noise ratio) were compared with transitions that are well known and traditionally used for stabilization of frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser at the 532 nm region with the same molecular iodine absorption. The external frequency doubling arrangement with waveguide crystal and the Yb-doped fiber laser is also briefly described together with the observed effect of laser aging.
Nitrogen-Phosphorous Fertilizers on the Base of Concentrated Ammonium Nitrate Solution and Central Kyzylkum Phosphate Raw Material
Authors: Akhmed Reymov , Shafoat Namazov
Published: August 2014

This article presents obtaining of nitrogen-phosphate fertilizers by reacting ordinary phosphate powder from Central Kyzylkum (Uzbekistan) with 70-90% ammonium nitrate solution at 100ºС. Chemical composition of the fertilizers was determined fully. Relevant consistence of acceptable forms of Р2О5 and СаО in the product extremely decreased by the increase of amount of phosphate raw material (PRM) in reaction mixture. The addition of phosphate additive into ammonium nitrate solution significantly increases toughness of ammonium nitrate granules and their growth velocity proportionally by phosphate powder added. Herewith, initial concentration of ammonium nitrate did not effect practically on the granule’s toughness. It is described that, phosphate additive decreases the speed of solubility of ammonium nitrate granules almost up to 1.83 times. On our opinion, decrease of fertilizer solubility is the result of growing phosphorite share in the products. The more is the phosphorite share, the more slowly dissolution process of the fertilizer granule does occur.
Fabrication of Electrochemical Nanoelectrode for Sensor Application Using Focused Ion Beam Technology
Authors: Łaszcz Adam , Nogala Wojciech , Czerwinski Andrzej , Ratajczak Jacek , Kątcki Jerzy
Published: August 2014

The capabilities and applications of the focused ion beam (FIB) technology for detection of an electrochemical signal in nanoscale area are shown. The FIB system, enabling continuous micro- and nanofabrication within only one equipment unit, was used to produce a prototype of electrochemical nanometer-sized electrode for sensor application. Voltammetric study of electrochemically active compound (ferrocenemethanol) revealed the diffusion limiting current (12 pA), corresponding to a disc (planar) nanoelectrode with about 70 nm diameter of contact area. This size is in a good accordance with the designed contact-area (50 nm × 100 nm for width × thickness) of the FIB-produced nanoelectrode. It confirms that produced nanoelectrode is working properly in liquid solution and may enable correct measurements in nanometer-sized regions.
Flue Gas Desulfurization by Mechanically and Thermally Activated Sodium Bicarbonate
Authors: Walawska Barbara , Szymanek Arkadiusz , Pajdak Anna , Nowak Marzena
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the results of study on structural parameters (particle size, surface area, pore volume) and the sorption ability of mechanically and thermally activated sodium bicarbonate. The sorption ability of the modified sorbent was evaluated by: partial and overall SO2 removal efficiency, conversion rate, normalized stoichiometric ratio (NSR). Sodium bicarbonate was mechanically activated by various grinding techniques, using three types of mills: fluid bed opposed jet mill, fine impact mill and electromagnetic mill, differing in grinding technology. Grounded sorbent was thermally activated, what caused a significant development of surface area. During the studies of SO2 sorption, a model gas with a temperature of 300°C, of composition: sulfur dioxide at a concentration of 6292 mg/mn
3, oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen as a carrier gas, was used. The best development of surface area and the highest SO2 removal efficiency was obtained for the sorbent treated by electromagnetic grinding, with simultaneous high conversion rate.
Motory Emila Zegadłowicza czytane po latach
Authors: Stabro Stanisław
Published: August 2014

Emil Zegadłowicz’s Motors, which was published in 1937, has to read in the context of the writer’s artistic and ideological evolution, marked by his novel cycle, The Life of his Mikołaj Srebrempisany (1927-1935), in particular Mares (1935), as well as the later The Dead Sea (1939). Close attention should also be paid to the autobiographical aspects of all his fictions. The same is true of Motors, the origin of which is deeply rooted in the writer’s biography. How should we read and interpret the novel today? Should we treat it as erotic fiction? Or focus primarily on the main character’s three types of utopian thinking, the utopia of sex, art and left-wing political activism? It seems that the latter approach may well restore to us and reveal a fresh relevance of a book often regarded as a product of a long gone epoch
Exact solutions for bright and dark solitons in spatially inhomogeneous nonlinearity
Authors: Xie Qiongtao
Published: August 2014

We present exact analytical results for bright and dark solitons in a type of one-dimensional spatially inhomogeneous nonlinearity. We show that the competition between a homogeneous self-defocusing (SDF) nonlinearity and a localized self-focusing (SF) nonlinearity supports stable fundamental bright solitons. For a specific choice of the nonlinear parameters, exact analytical solutions for fundamental bright solitons have been obtained. By applying both variational approximation and Vakhitov-Kolokolov stability criterion, it is found that exact fundamental bright solitons are stable. Our analytical results are also confirmed numerically. Additionally, we show that a homogeneous SF nonlinearity modulated by a localized SF nonlinearity allows the existence of exact dark solitons, for certain special cases of nonlinear parameters. By making use of linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulation, it is found that these exact dark solitons are linearly unstable.