bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of the Accelerative Learning Cycle to the Design and Delivery of Safety Leadership Programs for Personnel of Onshore and Offshore Upstream Oil Assets
Authors: Kucherov Valery , McDonald Amy , Ivanov Ivan , Rose Janet
Published: October 2015

This paper will summarize an approach for developing and rolling out high-impact safety leadership training programs to managers and employees of onshore and offshore upstream oil assets. The main objective of the paper is to illustrate how to integrate the Accelerative Learning (AL) methodology in the design of safety leadership trainings in order to enable people throughout the organization to understand and act upon HSE priorities for their company with the ultimate goal to improve safety performance, achieve cost savings, reduce risk and raise employee safety awareness and motivation.

The approach to design and delivery of safety leadership trainings uses the AL Methodology, which is considered to be one of the state-of-the-art learning approaches that are in use today, and which is based on the latest research on reconciliation between the brain physiology and the learning process. The method is based on addressing the Auditory (A), Visionary (V) and Kinaesthetic (K) learning modalities through the AL Cycle. The incorporation of this methodology in the safety training programs design and delivery effectively seeks to de-mechanize and re-humanize the learning process and make it mind and body experience, achieving maximum level of information retention and enhancing a transition from safety management approach to safety leadership mindset.

Incorporation of both active (practice by doing, discussion groups, immediate use of learning) and passive (lecture, reading, audio visual and demonstration) methods of engagement under the AL philosophy into the design and delivery of safety leadership programs helps to achieve up to 95% retention of information, leading to higher competency outcomes and immediate linkage of the concepts back to everyday realities in the field. The following results were achieved with the application of this concept to safety leadership development of personnel in onshore and offshore upstream assets: ▪Developing ability to understand motivational and behavioural profiles of personnel and apply relevant tools to influence, engage and create positive change in the safety performance of organizations (achieving an up to 70% improvement);▪Developing ability to demonstrate visible and felt safety leadership from front-line level-personnel up to the management teams;▪Enhancing personal leadership capability to build safety into newly established teams, and prepare them for new responsibilities to pave the road for operational success.
Bioremediation Plan on Contaminated Soil Shiraz Oil Refinery Site: Identification of Heavy Hydrocarbon Degrading Micro-organisms
Authors: Koohestani M. , Koohestani N. , Sadeghi S.
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose

Heavy hydrocarbons such as toluene are one of the main petrochemical and oil products that due to high toxicity and carcinogenic properties, are now considered as a widespread contaminant. Meantime, the capabilities of some micro-organisms to change or degrade oil products are proven. The purpose of this study as the first step of our Bioremediation plan is the identification of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria from the contaminated soil Shiraz oil refinery site.

Materials and Methods

After sampling the refinery contaminated soil at three points from three stations in spring and summer, determining the distribution of toluene-degrading bacteria was performed through microbial count test by variable plate count method as an indicator of microbial activity. Toluene-degrading bacteria in MSM saline medium with toluene as a carbon source were isolated. After screening and identification of superior strains through biochemical and molecular detection method (16SrRNA), the growth curve of various concentrations of toluene was studied during 8 days.

Results

The numbers of bacteria per cfu / ml per gram of soil were 6.4 ×106, 3.4× 106, 3.2×106 in spring and 3.3×108, 5.4×108, 6.4×109 in summer, respectively. Identified strains belonged to the Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas genus. Klebsiella had the highest growth in concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 mol per liter over 8 days. Statistical analysis between strains by ANOVA and DUNCAN tests indicated a meaningful difference at the 0.05 level.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated the capability of the local mentioned strains as the first aim in degrading heavy hydrocarbons. In addition Identification of diversity and efficiency of the local micro-organism for the next stage of bioremediation plan was considered.
Subsea Technology Enabling Cost Effective Developments – Subsea History and Perspective of the Subsea Future
Authors: Nilsen Per Arne
Published: October 2015

Since the beginning of the global subsea history, TOTAL has been among the leaders in using Subsea technology in field developments. During this time, TOTAL has gained a significant track record of installing/operating ground breaking subsea systems – shallow water and deep water.

The start of the global subsea history is by many considered to be a subsea well installed by Shell in the Gulf of Mexico in 1961. Just a few years later, TOTAL installed their first subsea wells in Africa. In the 1980's the use of subsea technology as an enabling and enhancing technology, started to gain higher momentum globally. But it was maybe not until the early to mid to late 1990's that Subsea technology achieved a more significant global business volume. Since then (with some peaks and troughs) the global subsea business has steadily grown.

With the large variety of challenges encountered around the world, the experience to select the optimum subsea field architecture and associated technology is crucial. Parameters like water dept (shallow, deep and ultra deep), complicated and challenging reservoirs (HP, HT, sour services, CO2 etc), flow assurance issues, long distances, rough weather and/or remote regions, regions with undeveloped infrastructure etc – they are all challenges that may require technology innovations as well as requiring an experienced operator. There are many ground breaking developments that could be used to demonstrate this, and a few selected projects operated by TOTAl will be mentioned.

And today the industry is facing an additional challenge – escalating costs has resulted in significant challenges in creating developments that will be economical. More and more advanced technology may be required to conquer the increased challenges. With the current high cost levels in the industry (combined with lower commodity prices) it is critical to take actions that will enable a continued use and further development of subsea technology in new developments. Subsea Technology is considered to maintain being a key for future safe and cost effective development of offshore assets, whether this is shallow, deep or remote. In addition to improved and efficient technology, increased efficiencies in work methods and business processes are thought to be necessary to achieve a new lower and sustainable cost level.
Channel Fracturing Technique Increases Oil Production up to 30% from Jurassic Formations in Kogalym Area
Authors: Yudin A. V. , Klimenko V. N. , Golovanev A. S. , Potryasov A. A. , Makienko V. V. , Valiullin A. S.
Published: October 2015

Oil fields in Western Siberia, Russia are well-known for their diversity in size, formations, permeability and accessibility. Target of our research will be the set of oil fields around city of Kogalym. Paper will describe in details trial campaign with innovative stimulation technique and it's positive effect on operational reliability and wells productivity.

Main challenges of the Jurassic formations are low permeability and high heterogeneity. Hydraulic fracturing is required for economic wells exploitation. Historically, hydraulic fracturing in Kogalym oil fields was developing towards aggressive designs with cleaner fractures, although increased risk of premature screenouts is encountered with such approach. To further improve efficiency and economics of stimulation treatments, a logical step in conductivity enhancement was made implementing channel fracturing technique. Channel fracturing allows for heterogeneous proppant placement leaving open channels inside proppant pack. Thus, conductivity of the system increases significantly. Channels also help to better clean out fracture from fluids and polymers increasing an effective fracture half-length, which is important in low-permeability formations. Another important advantage of the new technique is minimized risk of screenouts.

First step in implementing channel fracturing to Kogalym fields was made in 7 newly drilled wells showing productivity increase of up to 30% when compared to conventional fracturing. Best production results were obtained from Jurassic formations of Vatieganskoe and Tavlinsko-Russkinskoe oil fields.

The paper contains detailed description of channel fracturing technique implementation to upper Jurassic formations of several oil fields. Comprehensive analysis of pilot campaign and wells productivity together with lessons learned description allow extending channel fracturing implementation to other oil fields with similar geological challenges.
Deployment of Downhole Fibre Optical Sensing Technology in the Karachaganak Field, Kazakhstan
Authors: Etuhoko Mike , Viti Massimo , Zmeyevskiy Sergey , Hutson Peter , Itisheva Zhanna , Hyland Connor
Published: October 2015

The electronic Permanent Downhole Gauges (PDHG) has traditionally been used in the Karachaganak field to monitor downhole pressures and temperatures, for reservoir management. The overall performance and quality of the data from some of the Permanent Downhole Gauges (PDHG) installed in the Karachaganak field was not satisfactory. Hence, fibre optics has been investigated as an alternative technology due to the reliability, calibration and cost concerns related directly to the Permanent Downhole Gauges (PDHG).

This paper will discuss the implementation and installation of the first fibre optic pressure and temperature monitoring system installed in the Karachaganak field.

A dual fibre optic pressure and temperature system (rated to 200°C and 20Kpsi) was installed to a depth of approximately 5000m with a maximum inclination of about 35°. The metallurgy for the fibre optics system was Inconel 718 due to the presence of H2S. The surface equipment comprised of a Zone 2 rated Wellhead Data Acquisition Unit which has direct connection to the operation base providing ‘real time’ pressure and temperature updates (up to one second update rate).

The paper will highlight some of the design and implementation considerations that were addressed to combat issues which had been experienced with more conventional monitoring systems such as reliability, accuracy and data communication issues. It will also describe the process that was undertaken to meet the stringent Kazakhstan Metrology requirements that are required to be obtained prior to the deployment of a subsurface measurement system. This process involved meeting the requirements for GOST-K for Safety and Quality and the Metrological Certificate which ensures that all measuring instruments are of stated accuracy and resolution and are acceptable to an accredited Institute of Metrology.

It will discuss the detailed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and System Integration Tests (SIT), as part of the critical planning process prior to the field installation.

The paper will also cover the challenges during installation and subsequent use. The deployment data interface requirements and associated benefits during well stimulation, well testing and subsequent production will be described in full.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise Interventions on Body Composition in HIV+ Adults
Authors: Leach L.L , Bassett S.H , Smithdorf G , Andrews B.S , Travill A.L
Published: October 2015

Over the years, physical activity and exercise have been used to positively impact the health and quality of life of persons infected with HIV and, more recently, has been associated with a spectrum of body composition changes. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of various exercise interventions on body composition in HIV positive adults, using a search strategy of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review was performed by five independent reviewers using a predetermined protocol adapted from previous research for assessing the articles for inclusion, the extracted data, and methodological quality. Eight RCTs involving 430 (26% female) HIV positive adults performing exercise a minimum of thrice weekly for at least six weeks were finally selected: Four were progressive resistance training (PRT) studies, three were aerobic training (AT) studies, and one involved yoga. In the PRT studies, there were significant increases in three anthropometric measures, namely, body mass, sum of skinfolds and sum of limb girths. In the AT studies, significant decreases were found in seven anthropometric measures, namely, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body mass, triceps skinfold, waist circumference and sum of skinfolds. With yoga, the changes were non-significant. Exercise contributes to improved body composition and, when applied safely, appears to be beneficial for adults living with HIV/AIDS. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the relatively few RCTs published to date. Future studies would benefit from increased attention to sample size, female participants, participant follow-up, complete statistical analysis and intention-to-treat analysis.
Berlin without Borders? Urban Anthems in Twenty-First-Century Popular Music
Authors: Simpson Patricia Anne
Published: October 2015

Popular Berlin “anthems” both attest and contribute to the social, political, and cultural tensions that accompany the complex process of identity formation in the urban capital and the projection of its global image. An integral aspect of its cosmopolitan identity, Berlin hosts an international party scene that incorporates the city's history of divisions and borders into a discourse about its own brand of “hipness.” This article analyzes several Berlin-based musicians and the songs that reflect a process of deterritorialization, recoding, and reterritorialization, consciously inserting Berlin-specific signifiers into the syntax of cultural globalization. These contemporary anthems acknowledge social realities while recoding musical genres in the service of a more multicultural, creative, and tolerant metropolis. The marketing and mainstreaming of edgy, urban soundscapes include the dislocations characteristic of a globalizing capital. Increasingly, songs about Berlin engage in remapping the local, provincial, and subcultural onto Berlin as a world media city.
Arteriovenous malformation of the filum terminale: an exceptional case
Authors: Troude Lucas , Melot Anthony , Brunel Hervé , Roche Pierre-Hugues
Published: October 2015

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the spine display a variety of different locations, angioarchitectures, and clinical presentations. The authors describe an exceptional case of a filum terminale AVM that is not described in any classification and discuss the origin and management of this malformation. A 59-year-old woman was admitted in June 2012 for cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging and spinal angiography revealed an AVM of the filum terminale, located below the conus medullaris, fed by the anterior spinal artery. After an unsuccessful attempt to reach the nidus with a microcatheter, the AVM was resected. At 20 months after surgery, the patient was fully independent and radiological images confirmed the exclusion of the malformation. AVMs that originate from the filum terminale are exceptional. According to updated classifications, AVMs of the filum terminale should be categorized as a separate entity.
Farmers land tenure arrangements and technical efficiency of growing crops in some selected upazilas of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MA , Maharjan KL
Published: October 2015

There are different land tenure arrangements in crop cultivation in Bangladesh. It is needed to detect how farmers could maximize the benefits from proper utilization of their resources and technologies in these prevailing different land tenure arrangements in crop cultivation. The main quest of this study is to analyze the actual production level and how much is deviated from maximum attainable production level in terms of technical efficiencybased on average gross revenue of output ha-1 in the cultivated various types of crops among different categories of farmers and identifies the impact of the factors associated with technical efficiency.In search of this research question a case study was conducted in two Upazilas (Sub districts) in Bangladesh based on cross section data. This data were collected from January to March, 2013. Age of the household head, education, farm size, off-farm income and other concerned issues were assessed. Maximum likelihood estimation and ordinary least square regression techniques were used to estimate the parameters of the stochastic production frontier.Ordinary least square regression was used to identify the factors associated with technical efficiency. The study reveals that the technical efficiency varied among different categories of farmers. But land rent (0.0575) and weed management (0.0838) had significant positive impact on technical efficiency. This detects the potentiality to improve the technical efficiency by taking proper measures in land tenure arrangements in consideration of land rent andprovide required weed management support for the farmers.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(3): 347-361, September 2015
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients
Authors: Sultana Nafisa , Kabir Md Saifullah , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Chowdhury Jesmine , Begum Shahara , Datta Raj , Hossain Syed Zakir , Rahman Md Saidur
Published: October 2015

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the four leading causes of death globally. An important risk factor for IHD is metabolic syndrome. The definition of metabolic syndrome is not universally agreed. The most commonly used definition was proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program  Adult Treatment panel III ( NCEPATP III ), where metabolic syndrome defined as involving three or more of the following criteria: Blood pressure > 130/85 mm of Hg, fasting blood sugar > 100 mg / dl, triglyceride level > 150mg / dl, high density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C) < 40mg / dl in men and < 50mg/ dl in women, and abdominal circumference > 102 cm in men and > 88 cm in women.I- which is characterized by clustering of central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. This cross sectional analytical study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical college. The samples were collected from the Department of Cardiology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Bangladesh Institute of Research on Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Disorder (BIRDEM), and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, during the period from July 2009 to June 2010. Age distribution of study group shows that majority of the IHD patients with or without metabolic syndrome were in 41-60 years of age group. In the present study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in IHD patients was found to be 30%. Prevalence was higher in less then 50 years of age group. The prevalence was also higher in female than male.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.2, October, 2014, Page 157-160
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Hepatic Metastases of Malignant Diseases with Cytopathological Correlation
Authors: Sultana Farhana , Al Azad Salahuddin , Sattar Asifa , Hossain Mohammed Zaid , Deepa Zereen Sultana , Chatterjee Sutapa
Published: October 2015

Objective: A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic metastasis and also to preoperative determination of hepatic metastasis and its validity in diagnostic process.Methods: A total of 52 patients having hepatic metastasis were enrolled in this study taken from Department of Hepatology of two tertiary level medical institutions. After sonographic evaluation of the metastatic lesion, cytopathology was done in all these patients. With written informed consent they were taken care of from the admission up to diagnosis of the hepatic metastasis, and subsequent management in hepatology unit.Place and period of study: Department of Radiology & Imaging, Department of Pathology and Department of Hepatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital and of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), during the period between July 2006 and June 2007.Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.20±11.9 years, ranging from 21 to 69 years. The highest incidence was in 60-69 years age group. The male and female ratio was 3.7:1. The most common symptom was pain with upper abdominal mass (73.1%), and others were anorexia and nausea with weight loss (67.3%), jaundice (28.8%) and ascites (23.1%). Only the right lobe of the liver was involved in 51.9% cases, left lobe in 28.8% and in 19.2% both lobes of the liver were affected. Hepatic metastasis was found as unifocal lesion in 7.7% and multifocal lesions in 92.3% cases. The echopattern was found 57.7% hyperechoic, 28.8% hypoechoic, and rest 13.5% mixed pattern. All cases were metastasis in sonography findings whereas 90.4% cases were metastasis and 9.6% other lesions in cytopathological findings. The validity of ultrasonography were determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value which were 93.6%, 80.0%, 92.3%, 97.8% and 57.1% respectively.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.2, October, 2014, Page 239-244
A Case Report and Literature Review on Pregnancy with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia with DIC
Authors: Ara Tasneem , Khan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Afrose Salma , Islam Md Manirul , Ali Mohammad , Nazneen Humayra , Akhter Maftuha , Uddin Abu Yousuf Md Nazim
Published: October 2015

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)-FAB-AML-M3 is now the most curable subtype of acute myeloblastic leukemia. The incidence of acute leukemia in pregnancy is rare. The occurrence of acute promyelocytic leukemia in pregnancy is also a very rare but management is very critical as APL is associated with life threatening hemorrhagic diathesis. Acute promyelocytic leukemia in pregnancy has not been reported in Bangladesh. Here we report a case of APL with DIC diagnosed during pregnancy. Clinical data and therapeutic approaches are presented. Her response to treatment was excellent resulted in a live birth and complete remission of her leukemia.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.2, October, 2014, Page 262-265
Nuclear power plant in Bangladesh: concern over health and safety issues
Authors: Laskar MS
Published: October 2015

Abstract not availableMediscope Vol. 2, No. 2: July 2015, Pages 1-4
Treatment seeking behavior of filariasis patients in a selected endemic area of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman KMM , Laskar MS , Basu BK , Chowdhury S
Published: October 2015

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 respondents from the rural area in Parbatipur Upazilla under Dinajpur district with the objectives to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and gender discrimination of filariasis patients using a semi structured questionnaire through face to face interview. After collection of data, they were checked, verified, edited for consistency and entered into a computer. The statistical calculation and analysis were done to fulfill the objectives of the study. All the respondents were adult, age ranged from 20 to 71 years; mean (SD) was 41.3 (11.6). Among them 59.0% were female and 41.0% were male, about 90.5% were married, 68.5% were illiterate and 4.0% had higher secondary education. About 78.5% of the respondents in the studied area had no knowledge about the disease. All the respondents had incorrect concept about the causes of the disease. About 85% of the respondents mentioned that the symptoms of the disease was swelling of the hand and feet, 12.6% reported no specific symptoms or had no knowledge on symptoms of the disease; 67.8% of the men reported swelling of the scrotum. About 94% of the respondents did not know the easiest method of prevention. About 73.8% of the respondents delayed in receiving the treatment and 26.3% received treatment immediately after appeared of symptoms. About 51.5% respondents did not take the disease seriously and 48.5% did not receive advice from any one. From the respondents, 89.5% received treatment from homeopaths, 83.5% from kabiraj, and 7.8% from doctors with MBBS (from private clinics) and 0.3% from government hospitals. Analysis revealed that female respondents received different pattern of treatment than male counterpart. Active community participation should be ensured in designing community based education campaigns to make them socially acceptable and effective. Health workers, NGO workers, teachers, religious leaders, community leaders can play a key role convincing the patients to take modern treatment and enhancing the intake of full course of drugs against filariasis by the patients. Further study is needed using a large scale patients to observe the actual status of treatment seeking behavior of filariasis patients in the community.Mediscope Vol. 2, No. 2: July 2015, Pages 5-15
A comparison between palonosetron and ondansetron in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Gafur A , Noor L , Motin A , Alam M , Karim M
Published: October 2015

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications after anesthesia and surgery and is associated with adverse outcome. This study was designed to compare the effects of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV in patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This prospective double-blind study included 60 female patients randomly assigned to the palonosetron group (n = 30) or the ondansetron group (n = 30). Palonosetron 0.075 mg was injected intravenously as a bolus in the palonosetron group. Ondansetron 8 mg was injected intravenously as a bolus in the ondansetron group. The incidences of nausea and vomiting and side effects was recorded after 30 min, 60 min, 2 hrs, 8hrs, 24 hrs postoperatively. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was maximal during immediate postoperative period particularly initial 4 hrs of postoperative period. The complete control of postoperative nausea and vomiting was seen in 30% patients of ondansetron group in first 12 hrs of postoperative period and 90% in palonosetron group. Safety profile was more with palonosetron. The effects of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV were compared in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and it was found that palonosetron was better in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.Mediscope Vol. 2, No. 2: July 2015, Pages 33-38
Impacts of temperature, relative humidity and total number of fruits on cucurbit fruit fly infestations under field condition
Authors: Rahman MM , Sultana T , Uddin MM , Shahjahan M
Published: October 2015

The research was carried out in the field laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University during April to July 2013 to correlate the temperature, relative humidity and number of fruits with the level of fruit infestations by cucurbit fruit fly, Bactrocerea cucubitae. Three cucurbitaceous vegetables namely bitter gourd (BARI Karola-1), ridge gourd (BARI Jhinga-1), and snake gourd (Local Chichinga) were taken as host crops. Percent fruit infestations were compared with the natural variation of temperature, relative humidity and number of fruits under field condition. Fruit infestations varied significantly with the variation of temperature, relative humidity and total number of fruits among three selected vegetables. Increasing of temperature had profound positive role in bitter gourd fruit infestation whereas negative relationship was found for ridge gourd infestation. However, statistically insignificant but positive effect of temperature was observed in snake gourd infestation. Fruit infestation of ridge gourd and snake gourd increased with the increase of relative humidity while negative relationship was observed in case of bitter gourd. Percent fruit infestations by cucurbit fruit fly were also found to be affected by total number of fruits. Positive but weak relationships were found between percent fruit infestations and total number of fruits of all three vegetables used in the experiments.Progressive Agriculture 26:1-5, 2015
Current status of subclinical form of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle at Rangpur district in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman ASMS , Sumon SMMR , Khan MAHNA , Islam MT
Published: October 2015

Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are important tick borne diseases and they are responsible for significant economic losses for livestock industry worldwide. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected 400 cattle at two upazilas of Rangpur district in Bangladesh, to estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors of Babesia and Anaplasma infections. Microscopic examination of Giemsas stained blood films was carried out for the tentative diagnosis of infections. Multiplex PCR was also performed to confirm microscopically positive samples. To identify the risk factors, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The overall prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma infections were 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The prevalence of Babesia infections recorded in Gangachara and Pirgachaupazilas were 1.3% and 1.7%, respectively while it was 3.8% and 3.3%, respectively for Anaplasma infection. Insignificantly higher prevalence of both infections was recorded in crossbred cattle than those of indigenous cattle. Female cattle had insignificantly higher infection (3.8%) with Anaplasma than the male cattle (2.3%) while no infection with Babesia was found in any male cattle. None of the calves (?1 yr) had infection with either organism. However, infection with both organisms was more prevalent in young cattle (>1-2.5 yr) than those of adult cattle (>2.5 yr). The availability of blood sucking ticks was one of the potential risk factors for both infections (OR = 6-7). Age (>1-2.5 yr) was identified as another important risk factor which had significant association with the occurrence of Anaplasma infection (OR = 4.36). The information generated from this study could be useful as basic information for further advanced epidemiological study and formulation of control measures of the tick borne diseases.Progressive Agriculture 26:51-59, 2015
ATM-Dependent Phosphorylation of All Three Members of the MRN Complex: From Sensor to Adaptor
Authors: Lavin Martin , Kozlov Sergei , Gatei Magtouf , Kijas Amanda
Published: October 2015

The recognition, signalling and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) involves the participation of a multitude of proteins and post-translational events that ensure maintenance of genome integrity. Amongst the proteins involved are several which when mutated give rise to genetic disorders characterised by chromosomal abnormalities, cancer predisposition, neurodegeneration and other pathologies. ATM (mutated in ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) and members of the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (MRN complex) play key roles in this process. The MRN complex rapidly recognises and locates to DNA DSB where it acts to recruit and assist in ATM activation. ATM, in the company of several other DNA damage response proteins, in turn phosphorylates all three members of the MRN complex to initiate downstream signalling. While ATM has hundreds of substrates, members of the MRN complex play a pivotal role in mediating the downstream signalling events that give rise to cell cycle control, DNA repair and ultimately cell survival or apoptosis. Here we focus on the interplay between ATM and the MRN complex in initiating signaling of breaks and more specifically on the adaptor role of the MRN complex in mediating ATM signalling to downstream substrates to control different cellular processes.
Carbon Materials from Lignin and Sodium Lignosulfonate via Diisocyanate Cross-Linking and Subsequent Carbonization
Authors: Leitner Sebastian , Gratzl Günther , Paulik Christian , Weber Hedda
Published: October 2015

Applications for lignin and lignosulfonates are limited today due to the undefined structure and varying properties of the substance. However, lignin, as the second most abundant bio-resource besides cellulose and the bio-resource with one of the highest natural carbon contents, has the potential to act as a precursor for carbon materials. In this study we have applied a Kraft lignin and a sodium lignosulfonate with the cross-linker toluene-2,4-diisocyanate. The reaction mixture was molded to form small cylindrical shaped paddings. Cross-linked lignin-polyurethane and lignosulfonate-polyurethane networks were analyzed via elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis and finally carbonized. The carbon material was analyzed for its BET surface area and its surface structure via scanning electron microscopy. Surface areas between 70 and 80 m²·g−1 could be reached. Moreover, the material was tested for its adsorption potential of crude oil from water and could take up to twice its own weight. For better understanding of the core chemistry of the cross-linking reaction, we have studied the reaction with model substances to define the reactive groups and the influence of sulfonate groups in the cross-linking reaction of lignin and lignosulfonates with toluene-2,4-diisocyanate.
Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Pediatric Medulloblastoma
Authors: Huang Sherri , Yang Jer-Yen
Published: October 2015

Medulloblastoma (MB), a primitive neuroectomal tumor of the cerebellum, is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The cause of MB is largely unknown, but aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is responsible for ~30% of MB. Despite aggressive treatment with surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy, 70%–80% of pediatric medulloblastoma cases can be controlled, but most treated patients suffer devastating side effects. Therefore, developing a new effective treatment strategy is urgently needed. Hh signaling controls transcription of target genes by regulating activities of the three Glioma-associated oncogene (Gli1-3) transcription factors. In this review, we will focus on current clinical treatment options of MB and discuss mechanisms of drug resistance. In addition, we will describe current known molecular pathways which crosstalk with the Hedgehog pathway both in the context of medulloblastoma and non-medulloblastoma cancer development. Finally, we will introduce post-translational modifications that modulate Gli1 activity and summarize the positive and negative regulations of the Hh/Gli1 pathway. Towards developing novel combination therapies for medulloblastoma treatment, current information on interacting pathways and direct regulation of Hh signaling should prove critical
A Comparison of Techniques for Reducing Unicast Traffic in HSR Networks
Authors: Tien Nguyen , Nsaif Saad , Rhee Jong
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates several existing techniques for reducing high-availability seamless redundancy (HSR) unicast traffic in HSR networks for substation automation systems (SAS). HSR is a redundancy protocol for Ethernet networks that provides duplicate frames for separate physical paths with zero recovery time. This feature of HSR makes it very suited for real-time and mission-critical applications such as SAS systems. HSR is one of the redundancy protocols selected for SAS systems. However, the standard HSR protocol generates too much unnecessary redundant unicast traffic in connected-ring networks. This drawback degrades network performance and may cause congestion and delay. Several techniques have been proposed to reduce the redundant unicast traffic, resulting in the improvement of network performance in HSR networks. These HSR traffic reduction techniques are broadly classified into two categories based on their traffic reduction manner, including traffic filtering-based techniques and predefined path-based techniques. In this paper, we provide an overview and comparison of these HSR traffic reduction techniques found in the literature. The concepts, operational principles, network performance, advantages, and disadvantages of these techniques are investigated, summarized. We also provide a comparison of the traffic performance of these HSR traffic reduction techniques.
Embedding an Identity-Based Short Signature as a Digital Watermark
Authors: Fiore Ugo , Rossi Francesco
Published: October 2015

Digital watermarking aims at protecting multimedia content by hiding into it some data that can be used for such purposes as, for example, intellectual property protection or integrity control. Sometimes, the owner of an image would prefer to not transmit, publish, or hand to a cloud service the original image, but rather an encrypted version of it. Encrypted images allow for less embedding room with respect to their unencrypted counterparts, as there is less spatial correlation to leverage upon. An architecture for embedding as payload the digital signature of an encrypted image, by means of a reversible watermarking technique, is presented in this work. A noteworthy point is the use of an identity-based cryptosystem to avoid certificate management and improve performance. In addition, the use of IBS-1, a recently proposed signature scheme, allows for a reduction in the size of the signature.
Salience and Strategy Choice in 2 × 2 Games
Authors: Leland Jonathan , Schneider Mark
Published: October 2015

We present a model of boundedly rational play in single-shot 2 × 2 games. Players choose strategies based on the perceived salience of their own payoffs and, if own-payoff salience is uninformative, on the perceived salience of their opponent’s payoffs. When own payoffs are salient, the model’s predictions correspond to those of Level-1 players in a cognitive hierarchy model. When it is the other player’s payoffs that are salient, the predictions of the model correspond to those of traditional game theory. The model provides unique predictions for the entire class of 2 × 2 games. It identifies games where a Nash equilibrium will always occur, ones where it will never occur, and ones where it will occur only for certain payoff values. It also predicts the outcome of games for which there are no pure Nash equilibria. Experimental results supporting these predictions are presented.
Perceived and Objective Measures of Neighborhood Walkability and Physical Activity among Adults in Japan: A Multilevel Analysis of a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Hanibuchi Tomoya , Nakaya Tomoki , Yonejima Mayuko , Honjo Kaori
Published: October 2015

Although associations between a person’s neighborhood and their health have been studied internationally, most studies have been limited to a few cities or towns. Therefore, we used a nationally representative sample to explore whether perceived and objective neighborhood walkability was associated with the physical activity of residents. Data were analyzed from the Japanese General Social Surveys of 2010 (n = 2395; 1114 men and 1281 women). Perceived walkability was scored using factor analysis for the respondents’ perceptions of neighborhood conditions, while objective walkability was measured using the geographic information system approach. Finally, multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to examine whether neighborhood walkability was associated with the frequency of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among respondents. We found that perceived walkability was positively associated with the frequency of LTPA (odds ratio of the highest quartile was 1.53 (1.14–2.05) compared with the lowest quartile); however, objective walkability showed no association. When stratified by gender, an association between perceived walkability and LTPA was observed among women, but only a marginally significant association was present between objective walkability and LTPA among men. We conclude that the association between neighborhood walkability and LTPA can be partially generalized across Japan.
Threshold Dose of Three Types of Quantum Dots (QDs) Induces Oxidative Stress Triggers DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Mouse Fibroblast L929 Cells
Authors: Zhang Ting , Wang Yiqing , Kong Lu , Xue Yuying , Tang Meng
Published: October 2015

Although it has been reported that fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have obvious acute toxic effects in vitro, their toxic effects at low doses or threshold doses are still unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the biological histocompatibility and in vitro toxicity of three types of QDs at threshold doses. Also, we compared the toxic effects of QDs with different raw chemical compositions and sizes. The results showed that low concentrations of QDs (≤7 μg/mL) had no obvious effect on cell viability and cell membrane damage, oxidative damage, cell apoptosis or DNA damage. However, QD exposure led to a significant cytotoxicity at higher doses (≥14 μg/mL) and induced abnormal cellular morphology. In addition, when comparing the three types of QDs, 2.2 nm CdTe QDs exposure showed a significantly increased proportion of apoptotic cells and significant DNA damage, suggesting that size and composition contribute to the toxic effects of QDs. Based on these discussions, it was concluded that the concentration (7 μg/mL) may serve as a threshold level for these three types of QDs only in L929 fibroblasts, whereas high concentrations (above 14 μg/mL) may be toxic, resulting in inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis and DNA damage in L929 fibroblasts.
Probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Kenya and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Household Survey
Authors: Jenkins Rachel , Othieno Caleb , Omollo Raymond , Ongeri Linnet , Sifuna Peter , Mboroki James , Kiima David , Ogutu Bernhards
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and its associated risk factors in a general household population in Kenya. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional household survey of mental disorders and their associated risk factors. The participants received a structured epidemiological assessment of common mental disorders, and symptoms of PTSD, accompanied by additional sections on socio-demographic data, life events, social networks, social supports, disability/activities of daily living, quality of life, use of health services, and service use. The study found that 48% had experienced a severe trauma, and an overall prevalence rate of 10.6% of probable PTSD, defined as a score of six or more on the trauma screening questionnaire (TSQ). The conditional probability of PTSD was 0.26. Risk factors include being female, single, self-employed, having experienced recent life events, having a common mental disorder (CMD)and living in an institution before age 16. The study indicates that probable PTSD is prevalent in this rural area of Kenya. The findings are relevant for the training of front line health workers, their support and supervision, for health management information systems, and for mental health promotion in state boarding schools.
Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease Induced by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kayama Yosuke , Raaz Uwe , Jagger Ann , Adam Matti , Schellinger Isabel , Sakamoto Masaya , Suzuki Hirofumi , Toyama Kensuke , Spin Joshua , Tsao Philip
Published: October 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). DM can lead to multiple cardiovascular complications, including coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure (HF). HF represents one of the most common causes of death in patients with DM and results from DM-induced CAD and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Oxidative stress is closely associated with the pathogenesis of DM and results from overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS overproduction is associated with hyperglycemia and metabolic disorders, such as impaired antioxidant function in conjunction with impaired antioxidant activity. Long-term exposure to oxidative stress in DM induces chronic inflammation and fibrosis in a range of tissues, leading to formation and progression of disease states in these tissues. Indeed, markers for oxidative stress are overexpressed in patients with DM, suggesting that increased ROS may be primarily responsible for the development of diabetic complications. Therefore, an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms mediated by oxidative stress is crucial to the prevention and treatment of diabetes-induced CVD. The current review focuses on the relationship between diabetes-induced CVD and oxidative stress, while highlighting the latest insights into this relationship from findings on diabetic heart and vascular disease.
MicroRNA-214 and MicroRNA-126 Are Potential Biomarkers for Malignant Endothelial Proliferative Diseases
Authors: Heishima Kazuki , Mori Takashi , Ichikawa Yukie , Sakai Hiroki , Kuranaga Yuki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Tanaka Yuiko , Okamura Yasuhiko , Masuzawa Mikio , Sugito Nobuhiko , Murakami Mami , Yamada Nami , Akao Yukihiro , Maruo Kohji
Published: October 2015

Malignant endothelial proliferative diseases including human angiosarcoma (AS) and canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) are serious diseases with a grave prognosis. Establishing liquid biopsy-based biomarkers for screening has definite clinical utility; however, plasma miRNAs up- or down-regulated in these sarcomas have been unclear. For identifying possible diagnostic plasma miRNAs for these sarcomas, we investigated whether plasma miR-214 and miR-126, which miRNAs play important roles in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, were elevated in malignant endothelial proliferative diseases. For this investigation, human angiosarcoma and canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines and clinical plasma samples of canine hemangiosarcoma were examined by performing miRNA qRT-PCR. We report here that human angiosarcoma and canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines over-secreted miR-214 and miR-126 via microvesicles; in addition, their levels in the plasma samples from canines with hemangiosarcoma were increased. Moreover, the surgical resection of primary tumors decreased the levels of plasma miR-214 and miR-126. Our findings suggest that these malignant endothelial proliferative diseases over-secreted miR-214 and miR-126, thus suggesting that these miRNAs have potential as diagnostic biomarkers for malignant endothelial proliferative diseases in canine and possible in human angiosarcoma.