bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting virus mutations through statistical relational learning
Authors: Cilia Elisa , Teso Stefano , Ammendola Sergio , Lenaerts Tom , Passerini Andrea
Published: September 2014

Background

Viruses are typically characterized by high mutation rates, which allow them to quickly develop drug-resistant mutations. Mining relevant rules from mutation data can be extremely useful to understand the virus adaptation mechanism and to design drugs that effectively counter potentially resistant mutants.

Results

We propose a simple statistical relational learning approach for mutant prediction where the input consists of mutation data with drug-resistance information, either as sets of mutations conferring resistance to a certain drug, or as sets of mutants with information on their susceptibility to the drug. The algorithm learns a set of relational rules characterizing drug-resistance and uses them to generate a set of potentially resistant mutants. Learning a weighted combination of rules allows to attach generated mutants with a resistance score as predicted by the statistical relational model and select only the highest scoring ones.

Conclusions

Promising results were obtained in generating resistant mutations for both nucleoside and non-nucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The approach can be generalized quite easily to learning mutants characterized by more complex rules correlating multiple mutations.
Self-assembly behaviors of thermal- and pH- sensitive magnetic nanocarriers for stimuli-triggered release
Authors: Kuo Chih-Yu , Liu Ting-Yu , Hardiansyah Andri , Lee Chia-Fen , Wang Man-Sheng , Chiu Wen-Yen
Published: September 2014

In the present work, we prepare thermo- and pH-sensitive polymer-based nanoparticles incorporating with magnetic iron oxide as the remote-controlled, stimuli-response nanocarriers. Well-defined, dual functional tri-block copolymer poly[(acrylic acid)-block-(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-(acrylic acid)], was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization with S,S′-bis(α,α′-dimethyl-α″-acetic acid)trithiocarbonate (CMP) as a chain transfer agent (CTA). With the aid of using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, the surface-modified iron oxides, Fe3O4-NH2, was then attached on the surface of self-assembled tri-block copolymer micelles via 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinamide (EDC/NHS) crosslinking method in order to furnish not only the magnetic resources for remote control but also the structure maintenance for spherical morphology of our nanocarriers. The nanocarrier was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet–visible (UV/Vis) spectral analysis. Rhodamine 6G (R6G), as the modeling drugs, was encapsulated into the magnetic nanocarriers by a simple swelling method for fluorescence-labeling and controlled release monitoring. Biocompatibility of the nanocarriers was studied via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which revealed that neither the pristine nanocarrier nor the R6G-loaded nanocarriers were cytotoxic to the normal fibroblast cells (L-929 cells). The in vitro stimuli-triggered release measurement showed that the intelligent nanocarriers were highly sensitive to the change of pH value and temperature rising by the high-frequency magnetic field (HFMF) treatment, which provided the significant potential to apply this technology to biomedical therapy by stimuli-responsive controlled release.
Cytotoxic compounds from Laurencia pacifica
Authors: Zaleta-Pinet Diana A , Holland Ian P , Muñoz-Ochoa Mauricio , Murillo-Alvarez J Ivan , Sakoff Jennette A , van Altena Ian A , McCluskey Adam
Published: September 2014

Background

The current investigation sought to explore the nature of the secondary metabolites in the algae, Laurencia pacifica.

Results

This report details the first isolation of the sesquiterpenes isoaplysin (1), isolaurenisol (2), debromoisolaurinterol (3), debromoaplysinol (4), laur-11-en-10-ol (5), 10α-hydroxyldebromoepiaplysin (6), and the previously unknown 10-bromo-3,7,11,11-tetramethylspiro[5.5]undeca-1,7-dien-3-ol (7) from the algae, Laurencia pacifica. Isoaplysin (1) and debromoaplysinol (4) showed promising levels of growth inhibition against a panel cancer-derived cell lines of colon (HT29), glioblastoma (U87, SJ-G2), breast (MCF-7), ovarian (A2780), lung (H460), skin (A431), prostate (Du145), neuroblastoma (BE2-C), pancreas (MIA), murine glioblastoma (SMA) origin with average GI50 values of 23 and 14 μM.

Conclusions

Isoaplysin (1) and debromoaplysinol (4) were up to fourfold more potent in cancer-derived cell populations than in non-tumor-derived normal cells (MCF10A). These analogues are promising candidates for anticancer drug development.
Combined Treatment With GH and IGF-I: Additive Effect on Cortical Bone Mass But Not on Linear Bone Growth in Female Rats
Authors: Sundström Katja , Cedervall Therese , Ohlsson Claes , Camacho-Hübner Cecilia , Sävendahl Lars
Published: September 2014

The growth-promoting effect of combined therapy with GH and IGF-I in normal rats is not known. We therefore investigated the efficacy of treatment with recombinant human (rh)GH and/or rhIGF-I on longitudinal bone growth and bone mass in intact, prepubertal, female Sprague-Dawley rats. rhGH was injected twice daily sc (5 mg/kg·d) and rhIGF-I continuously infused sc (2.2 or 4.4 mg/kg·d) for 28 days. Longitudinal bone growth was monitored by weekly x-rays of tibiae and nose-anus length measurements, and tibial growth plate histomorphology was analyzed. Bone mass was evaluated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In addition, serum levels of IGF-I, rat GH, acid labile subunit, IGF binding protein-3, 150-kDa ternary complex formation, and markers of bone formation and degradation were measured. Monotherapy with rhGH was more effective than rhIGF-I (4.4 mg/kg·d) to increase tibia and nose-anus length, whereas combined therapy did not further increase tibia, or nose-anus, lengths or growth plate height. In contrast, combined rhGH and rhIGF-I (4.4 mg/kg·d) therapy had an additive stimulatory effect on cortical bone mass vs rhGH alone. Combined treatment with rhGH and rhIGF-I resulted in markedly higher serum IGF-I concentrations vs rhGH alone but did not compromise the endogenous secretion of GH. We conclude that rhIGF-I treatment augments cortical bone mass but does not further improve bone growth in rhGH-treated young, intact, female rats.
Molecular Classification of Endometriosis and Disease Stage Using High-Dimensional Genomic Data
Authors: Tamaresis John S. , Irwin Juan C. , Goldfien Gabriel A. , Rabban Joseph T. , Burney Richard O. , Nezhat Camran , DePaolo Louis V. , Giudice Linda C.
Published: September 2014

Endometriosis (E), an estrogen-dependent, progesterone-resistant, inflammatory disorder, affects 10% of reproductive-age women. It is diagnosed and staged at surgery, resulting in an 11-year latency from symptom onset to diagnosis, underscoring the need for less invasive, less expensive approaches. Because the uterine lining (endometrium) in women with E has altered molecular profiles, we tested whether molecular classification of this tissue can distinguish and stage disease. We developed classifiers using genomic data from n = 148 archived endometrial samples from women with E or without E (normal controls or with other common uterine/pelvic pathologies) across the menstrual cycle and evaluated their performance on independent sample sets. Classifiers were trained separately on samples in specific hormonal milieu, using margin tree classification, and accuracies were scored on independent validation samples. Classification of samples from women with E or no E involved 2 binary decisions, each based on expression of specific genes. These first distinguished presence or absence of uterine/pelvic pathology and then no E from E, with the latter further classified according to severity (minimal/mild or moderate/severe). Best performing classifiers identified E with 90%–100% accuracy, were cycle phase-specific or independent, and used relatively few genes to determine disease and severity. Differential gene expression and pathway analyses revealed immune activation, altered steroid and thyroid hormone signaling/metabolism, and growth factor signaling in endometrium of women with E. Similar findings were observed with other disorders vs controls. Thus, classifier analysis of genomic data from endometrium can detect and stage pelvic E with high accuracy, dependent or independent of hormonal milieu. We propose that limited classifier candidate genes are of high value in developing diagnostics and identifying therapeutic targets. Discovery of endometrial molecular differences in the presence of E and other uterine/pelvic pathologies raises the broader biological question of their impact on the steroid hormone response and normal functions of this tissue.
Fasting-Induced Changes in Hepatic Thyroid Hormone Metabolism in Male Rats Are Independent of Autonomic Nervous Input to the Liver
Authors: de Vries E.M. , Eggels L. , van Beeren H.C , Ackermans M.T. , Kalsbeek A. , Fliers E. , Boelen A.
Published: September 2014

During fasting, profound changes in the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis occur in order to save energy and limit catabolism. In this setting, serum T3 and T4 are decreased without an appropriate TSH and TRH response reflecting central down-regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Hepatic thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism is also affected by fasting, because type 3 deiodinase (D3) is increased, which is mediated by serum leptin concentrations. A recent study showed that fasting-induced changes in liver TH sulfotransferases (Sults) and uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugts) depend on a functional melanocortin system in the hypothalamus. However, the pathways connecting the hypothalamus and the liver that induce these changes are currently unknown. In the present study, we investigated in rats whether the fasting-induced changes in hepatic TH metabolism are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. We selectively cut either the sympathetic or the parasympathetic input to the liver. Serum and liver TH concentrations, deiodinase expression, and activity and Sult and Ugt expression were measured in rats that had been fasted for 36 hours or were fed ad libitum. Fasting decreased serum T3 and T4 concentrations, whereas intrahepatic TH concentrations remained unchanged. D3 expression and activity increased, as was the expression of constitutive androstane receptor, Sult1b1, and Ugt1a1, whereas liver D1 was unaffected. Neither sympathetic nor parasympathetic denervation affected the fasting-induced alterations. We conclude that fasting-induced changes in liver TH metabolism are not regulated via the hepatic autonomic input in a major way and more likely reflect a direct effect of humoral factors on the hepatocyte.
miR-142–3p Down-Regulation Contributes to Thyroid Follicular Tumorigenesis by Targeting ASH1L and MLL1
Authors: Colamaio Marianna , Puca Francesca , Ragozzino Elvira , Gemei Marica , Decaussin-Petrucci Myriam , Aiello Concetta , Bastos André Uchimura , Federico Antonella , Chiappetta Gennaro , Del Vecchio Luigi , Torregrossa Liborio , Battista Sabrina , Fusco Alfredo
Published: September 2014

Context:

A previous micro-RNA expression profile of thyroid follicular adenomas identified miR-142 precursor among the miRNAs downregulated in the neoplastic tissues compared to normal thyroid gland.

Objective:

The aim of this work has been to assess the expression of miR-142–3p in a large panel of follicular thyroid adenomas and carcinomas and evaluate its effect on thyroid cell proliferation and target expression.

Design:

The expression of miR-142–3p was analyzed by qRT-PCR in thyroid follicular adenomas and carcinomas, compared to normal thyroids. MiR-142–3p expression was restored in WRO cells and the effects on cell proliferation and target expression were evaluated.

Results:

Here we show that miR-142–3p is downregulated in FTAs, FTCs, and FVPTCs. MiR-142–3p was demonstrated to reduce the proliferation rate of WRO and FTC133 cells, supporting its tumor suppressor role in thyroid cancerogenesis. Moreover, this microRNA was able to downregulate the expression of ASH1L and MLL1, by direct and indirect mechanisms, respectively. Consistently, an inverse correlation between miR-142–3p expression and ASH1L and MLL1 proteins was found in thyroid follicular adenomas and carcinomas. ASH1L and MLL1, which belong to the Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins and are major regulators of Homeobox gene expression, maintain active target gene transcription by histone 3 lysine 4 methylation. Interestingly, we found that FTCs and FTC cell lines express tumor specific, shorter forms of the two proteins. The capability of miR-142–3p to modulate the levels of these tumor-associated forms and to reactivate thyroid-specific Hox gene expression, likely contributes to its tumor suppressive function.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that miR-142–3p downregulation has a role in thyroid tumorigenesis, by regulating ASH1L and MLL1.
Sulfonylurea Treatment Before Genetic Testing in Neonatal Diabetes: Pros and Cons
Authors: Carmody David , Bell Charles D. , Hwang Jessica L. , Dickens Jazzmyne T. , Sima Daniela I. , Felipe Dania L. , Zimmer Carrie A. , Davis Ajuah O. , Kotlyarevska Kateryna , Naylor Rochelle N. , Philipson Louis H. , Greeley Siri Atma W.
Published: September 2014

Context:

Diabetes in neonates nearly always has a monogenic etiology. Earlier sulfonylurea therapy can improve glycemic control and potential neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with KCNJ11 or ABCC8 mutations, the most common gene causes.

Objective:

Assess the risks and benefits of initiating sulfonylurea therapy before genetic testing results become available.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

Observational retrospective study of subjects with neonatal diabetes within the University of Chicago Monogenic Diabetes Registry.

Main Outcome Measures:

Response to sulfonylurea (determined by whether insulin could be discontinued) and treatment side effects in those treated empirically.

Results:

A total of 154 subjects were diagnosed with diabetes before 6 months of age. A genetic diagnosis had been determined in 118 (77%), with 73 (47%) having a mutation in KCNJ11 or ABCC8. The median time from clinical diagnosis to genetic diagnosis was 10.4 weeks (range, 1.6 to 58.2 wk). In nine probands, an empiric sulfonylurea trial was initiated within 28 days of diabetes diagnosis. A genetic cause was subsequently found in eight cases, and insulin was discontinued within 14 days of sulfonylurea initiation in all of these cases.

Conclusions:

Sulfonylurea therapy appears to be safe and often successful in neonatal diabetes patients before genetic testing results are available; however, larger numbers of cases must be studied. Given the potential beneficial effect on neurodevelopmental outcome, glycemic control, and the current barriers to expeditious acquisition of genetic testing, an empiric inpatient trial of sulfonylurea can be considered. However, obtaining a genetic diagnosis remains imperative to inform long-term management and prognosis.
Sgo1 recruits PP2A to chromosomes to ensure sister chromatid bi-orientation in mitosis
Authors: Eshleman Heather D. , Morgan David O.
Published: September 2014

Sister-chromatid bi-orientation on the mitotic spindle is essential for proper chromosome segregation. Defects in bi-orientation are sensed and corrected to prevent chromosome mis-segregation and aneuploidy. This response depends on the adaptor protein Sgo1, which associates with pericentromeric chromatin in mitosis. The mechanisms underlying Sgo1 function and regulation are unclear. Here, we show that Sgo1 is an APC/C substrate in budding yeast, and that its mitotic destruction depends on an unusual D-box-related sequence motif near its C-terminus. We find that the removal of Sgo1 from chromosomes before anaphase is not dependent on its destruction but rather on other mechanisms responsive to tension between sister chromatids. Additionally, we find that Sgo1 recruits protein phosphatase 2A-Rts1 to the pericentromeric region prior to bi-orientation, and that artificial recruitment of Rts1 to this region of a single chromosome is sufficient to perform the function of Sgo1 on that chromosome. We conclude that in early mitosis, Sgo1 associates transiently with pericentromeric chromatin to promote bi-orientation, in large part by recruiting the Rts1 isoform of protein phosphatase 2A.
Catalytic Organic Reactions on the Surface of Silver(I) Oxide in Water
Authors: Ueno Masaharu , Tanoue Arata , Kobayashi Shū
Published: September 2014

We have developed Ag2O-catalyzed allylation reactions of aldehydes with allylsilanes in water, providing homoallylic alcohols in high yields with high anti-selectivities. It was found that the reactions proceeded not in the water solution but on the surface of Ag2O. We could reduce the amount of the catalyst to less than 0.01 mol %. Moreover, an asymmetric allylation reaction was performed in water with high yield and moderate enantioselectivity by using a chiral phosphine ligand.
Deletion of ENTPD3 does not impair nucleotide hydrolysis in primary somatosensory neurons or spinal cord
Authors: McCoy Eric , Street Sarah , Taylor-Blake Bonnie , Yi Jason , Edwards Martin , Wightman Mark , Zylka Mark
Published: September 2014

Ectonucleotidases are membrane-bound or secreted proteins that hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides.  Recently, we identified three ectonucleotidases that hydrolyze extracellular adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine in primary somatosensory neurons.  Currently, it is unclear which ectonucleotidases hydrolyze ATP and ADP in these neurons.  Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (ENTPDs) comprise a class of enzymes that dephosphorylate extracellular ATP and ADP.  Here, we found that ENTPD3 (also known as NTPDase3 or CD39L3) was located in nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and in free nerve endings in the skin.  To determine if ENTPD3 contributes directly to ATP and ADP hydrolysis in these tissues, we generated and characterized an Entpd3 knockout mouse.  This mouse lacks ENTPD3 protein in all tissues examined, including the DRG, spinal cord, skin, and bladder.  However, DRG and spinal cord tissues from Entpd3-/- mice showed no reduction in histochemical staining when ATP, ADP, AMP, or UTP were used as substrates.  Additionally, using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), adenosine production was not impaired in the dorsal spinal cord of Entpd3-/- mice when the substrate ADP was applied.  Further, Entpd3-/- mice did not differ in nociceptive behaviors when compared to wild-type mice, although Entpd3-/- mice showed a modest reduction in β-alanine-mediated itch.  Taken together, our data indicate that deletion of Entpd3 does not impair ATP or ADP hydrolysis in primary somatosensory neurons or in dorsal spinal cord.  Moreover, our data suggest there could be multiple ectonucleotidases that act redundantly to hydrolyze nucleotides in these regions of the nervous system.
Morphometric variations of three species of harvested cephalopods found in northern sea of Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: MUCHLISIN ZAINAL ABIDIN , ZULKARNAINI BATMI , PURNAWAN SYAHRUL , MUHADJIER ACHMAD , FADLI NUR , CHENG SAMANTHA H.
Published: September 2014

Muchlisin ZA, Zulkarnaini B, Purnawan S, Muhadjier A, Fadli N, Cheng SH. 2014. Morphometric variations of three species of harvested cephalopods found in northern sea of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 15: 142-146. The purpose of the present studywas to evaluate the morphometrics of three harvested cephalopods, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Sepia officinalis and Uroteuthis sp. found innorthern sea of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Sampling was conducted for six months from July to December 2012 in one week interval. Atotal of 318 cephalopods; 139 Sepioteuthis lessoniana, 139 Uroteuthis sp. and 40 Sepia officinalis were analyzed for morphometricstudy and 13 anatomical characters were measured to the nearest 0.01 mm using a digital caliper. Morphometric measurements weresignificantly different between the different species of cephalopods (ANOVA, p<0.05). S. officinalis differed in six morphologicalcharacters (head length, head width, tentacles length, gladius width, rancis width and length) from the squid species. Fin width andlength were significantly greater in S. lessoniana than in S. officinalis and Uroteuthis sp. On the other hand, Uroteuthis sp. hadsignificantly greater mantle lengths, standard lengths and gladius lengths than the other two cephalopod species (Duncan Test, p<0.05).However, fin width was similar between S. lessoniana and Uroteuthis sp., while eye diameter was similar between S. officinalis andUroteuthis sp. A Discriminant Function Analysis scatter plot successfully discriminated the three species indicating significantdifferences in morphological variation. This analysis also indicates that morphometrically, S. lessoniana and S. officinalis are moresimilar to each other despite being in different orders.
Vegetation analysis of Samin watershed, Central Java as water and soil conservation efforts
Authors: MARIDI MARIDI , AGUSTINA PUTRI , SAPUTRA ALANINDRA
Published: September 2014

Maridi, Agustina P, Saputra A. 2014. Vegetation analysis of Samin watershed, Central Java as water and soil conservation efforts. Biodiversitas 15: 215-223. Samin watershed in Central Java is one of 282 Indonesian watersheds which are in critical condition.Nowadays, the sustainability of forest resources in the upstream of Samin watershed is threatened by exploitation of forest by people. Asa result, erosion and sedimentation are occurring in this area that may pose a threat of flooding and landslide. Therefore, we need seriousmeasures to maintain the function of Samin watershed, one of which is through the monitoring of vegetation in watershed. The purposeof this research was to analyze the structure and composition of vegetation in Samin watershed to support soil and water conservation.The survey of vegetation was conducted in 3 areas of Samin watershed based on geophysical conditions namely upstream, midstream,and downstream. At each sampling area, 37 sampling plots were randomly distributed in six observation stations. Vegetation analysiswas carried out in both the lower crop community (LCC) and the tree. Results showed that the number of LCC species found in theupstream, midstream, and downstream areas were 21, 34, and 28 respectively. The species diversity indexes of LCC vegetation in theupstream, midstream, and downstream areas were 1.04, 1.34, and 1.23 respectively. Based on this result, LCC vegetation in Saminwatershed was categorized in medium condition. The number of tree species found in the upstream, midstream, and downstream areaswere 27, 18, and 12 respectively. The species diversity indexes of tree vegetation in the upstream, midstream, and downstream areaswere 1.31, 1.15, and 0.97 respectively. Based on this result, the tree vegetation in Samin watershed was categorized in mediumcondition for the upstream and midstream areas, and low condition for the downstream area. Vegetation in Samin watershed must be preserved in order to maintain the sustainability of Samin watershed.
Do the Flags Related to Immature Granulocytes Reported by the Sysmex XE-5000 Warrant a Microscopic Slide Review?
Authors: Eilertsen Heidi , Hagve Tor-Arne
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

The Sysmex XE-5000 instruments (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) count immature granulocytes (IGs) and use the “Imm Gran?” flag to signal unreliable results. This study investigated the usefulness of the “Imm Gran?” flag and the analytical and diagnostic performance of the IG measurements in a side-by-side evaluation.

Methods:

In total, 408 samples were analyzed on three XE-5000 instruments. The IG count and the “Imm Gran?” flag reports from all three instruments were used for reproducibility studies. The diagnostic performance of the automated IGs and the “Imm Gran?” flag were studied by comparing the XE-5000 results with the results of the manual differential.

Results:

The reproducibility of the “Imm Gran?” flagging between instruments was poor (қ, 0.75–0.80). The most significant contributor to the report of the “Imm Gran?” flag was bands, and the flag played a minor role in detecting blasts. The interinstrument reproducibility of the IG counts was high (intraclass correlation, 0.99). The IG count reported by XE-5000s was higher than the manual IG count (36%–55%), and the difference and the variability tended to increase with increasing levels of IGs.

Conclusions:

The “Imm Gran?” flag has a poor analytical quality and gives no substantial information on the presence of blasts in the sample. We therefore suggest reporting the automated IG count without initial microscopic slide review.
The Perils of Marketing Weight-Management Remedies and the Role of Health Literacy
Authors: Bolton Lisa E. , Bhattacharjee Amit , Reed Americus
Published: September 2014

This research explores the impact of weight-management remedy marketing on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Three studies demonstrate that exposure to drug (but not supplement) marketing for weight management encourages unhealthy consumer behavior as a result of consumers' reliance on erroneous beliefs about health remedies. The authors explore the possible mitigating role of two dimensions of healthy literacy: nutrition knowledge and remedy knowledge. Whether measured or manipulated, the results show remedy knowledge to be more effective than nutrition knowledge at lessening the effect of weight-management drug marketing on unhealthy behavior. The authors close with a discussion of the theoretical and substantive implications of this research for consumer welfare.
Seeing What Others Miss: A Study of Women Entrepreneurs in High-Growth Startups
Authors: Neill Stern , Metcalf Lynn , York Jonathan L.
Published: September 2014

A pressing question in entrepreneurial research is where opportunities come from. Prior research indicates that some opportunities stem from known parameters and outcomes; some are discovered through engagement with unknown but knowable factors; and others are unknowable until brought into being through a creative process. This paper explores the second and more prevailing view in entrepreneurial research – that individuals discover business opportunity – and examines how high-growth entrepreneurs perceive opportunity through engagement with the world. Survey results, based on responses from 165 women entrepreneurs in high-growth startups, indicate that individuals with a strong discover mindset act and think in ways that support opportunity perception. Coupled with a belief in her abilities, the entrepreneur is more likely to move from opportunity perception to new venture creation. Results from semi-structured interviews with women from the same population elucidate the survey findings and yield implications for entrepreneurial theory and practice.
Production of functionally graded SiC/Al-Cu-Mg composite by centrifugal casting
Authors: Savaş Ömer , Kayıkcı Ramazan , Fiçici Ferit , Çolak Murat , Deniz Gürhan , Varol Faruk
Published: September 2014

This study is aimed at investigating the production and wear properties of a functionally graded (FG) silicon carbide (SiC)-reinforced composite material, which was produced by stir casting followed by centrifugal casting. SiC powder (5 wt.%) was added into liquid aluminum at 750°C via stir casting, at which temperature a centrifugal force was applied to the mixture to drive the SiC particles toward the outer region of the mold. The results showed that two distinct regions formed in the cast samples after the centrifugation process. The outer region showed approximately 25% SiC particles resulting in almost SiC particle-free area in the internal region of the FG SiC-reinforced composite material. The test results showed that higher hardness and higher wear resistance could be obtained at the SiC-rich periphery of the cast FG composite material.
The changing dynamics of US inflation persistence: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Wolters Maik H. , Tillmann Peter
Published: September 2014

We examine both the degree and the structural stability of inflation persistence at different quantiles of the conditional inflation distribution. Previous research focused exclusively on persistence at the conditional mean of the inflation rate. As economic theory provides reasons for inflation persistence to differ across conditional quantiles, this is a potentially severe constraint. Conventional studies of inflation persistence cannot identify changes in persistence at selected quantiles that leave persistence at the mean of the distribution unchanged. Based on post-war US data we indeed find robust evidence for a structural break in persistence at all quantiles of the inflation process in the early 1980s. While prior to the 1980s inflation was not mean reverting, quantile autoregression based unit root tests suggest that since the end of the Volcker disinflation the unit root can be rejected at every quantile of the conditional inflation distribution.
FATTY ACID CONTENT IN BROILER´S ROSS 308 MEAT MUSCLES AFTER USING BEE POLLEN AND PROBIOTIC AS SUPPLEMENTARY DIET INTO THEIR FEED MIXTURE
Authors: Haščík Peter , Elimam Ibrahim , Garlík Jozef , Bobko Marek , Tkáčová Jana , Trembecká Lenka , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: September 2014

The present experiment was aimed to study the effect of the bee pollen and probiotic on broiler´s meat fatty acid. A total of 120 one day old chicks, which were divided into 4 groups (n=30). Central, E1 (400 mg.kg-1 bee pollen), E2 (3.3 g probiotic) and E3 (400 mg.kg-1 bee pollen + 3.3 g probiotic) of complete feed mixture, the probiotic has been added through drinking water. After 42 days broiler has been slaughtered to determine meat fatty acid concentrations. We found that the probiotic was increased about (78.9%) of the essential fatty and bee pollen was increased about (68.4%) of essential fatty acid in the experimental groups and there were found significant differences (P≤0.05) in monounsaturated acid (MUFA), heptadecanoic acid and omega-6 between control and E1groups. The mixed between bee pollen and probiotic were reduce the content of the essential fatty acid. However, bee pollen and probiotic were decreased nonessential fatty acid in broiler meat muscles and they were found significant difference (P≤0.05) in saturated fatty acid (SFA) between control and E1, also between control and myristic acid. It was concluded that the bee pollen and probiotic have increased the fatty acid and decrease the non essential fatty acid in broiler meat muscles.
Land Transportation Contractor Management: A Case Study from Egypt
Authors: Soliman Yasser , Diaa Mohamed
Published: September 2014

Land transportation represents one of the highest concerns regarding employee safety in the oil and gas industry. This routine activity has led to many road traffic incidents, frequently caused by third-party drivers. An oilfield services company has introduced processes and tools aimed at reducing risk in all aspects of its land journeys. This paper focuses on the management of land transportation contractors (LTCs) and presents results from the company's operations in Egypt. LTC management is mandatory in order to achieve full compliance with the oilfield service company's HSE directives. This paper examines the four key elements of the company's LTC management: contractor driver training and qualification, contractor vehicle specifications and inspection, demand planning, and contractor performance monitoring.

Contractor driver training and qualification includes pre-hire driver interview and screening, driver training courses, and engaging contractor drivers in HSE campaigns. Penalties are applied for non-compliance and good practice is rewarded. Contractor vehicle specifications and inspection includes vehicle inspection training and tools for the LTC to self-check that its vehicles conform to defined standards. Demand planning minimizes the use of call-out contractors by challenging the necessity of trips and considering alternative dedicated resources. If no alternative is identified, preference is given to a pool of trained call-out drivers, and portable in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMSs) are used to identify non-compliance. Contractor performance monitoring is achieved through monitoring the history of reported incidents, contractor audits, key performance indicators (KPIs), service quality meetings, applying remedial work plans, and LTC participation in safety meetings.

This paper discusses how the oilfield services company has applied its LTC management processes since starting work with a land transport contractor in Egypt in 2008. In 2012, the company utilized more than 250 of the LTCs vehicles, both leased and on call-out. During a four year period, the LTCs automotive accident rate per mile of catastrophic, major, and serious (CMS) incidents in Egypt has decreased by 100%.
Pre-emptive Integrated Well Control Risk Management
Authors: Cuthbert Andy , Waters John
Published: September 2014

Although industry regulatory risk management practices relating to well control are generally adhered to, unrealistically optimistic assumptions about the ability to control and contain a catastrophic event are still held by some. This is not necessarily a fault of the risk processes per se, but exposes an industry deficiency when expectations of any given risk assessment lead to a false sense of security, especially when history has shown that when stress-tested some contingency plans have failed to deliver.

Historically, in the aftermath of a disaster, lobbying for tighter legislation and regulation has been the reaction; more enlightened operators, in reviewing their overall health safety and environment (HSE) culture realize and understand the need to incorporate a well-constructed Emergency Response Plan (ERP) including a Well Control Contingency Plan (WCCP) in to the pre-execution phase of their well planning and to keep these plans updated throughout the execution of the well.

As insurance premiums to underwrite an endeavour become increasingly cost prohibitive the approach towards prevention rather than cure becomes paramount, and more emphasis and energy is placed on constructing a robust and comprehensive risk assessment as part of the overall risk management of a well, regulatory requirements notwithstanding.

To this end operators would benefit from leveraging from both within and without the operator's organization the years of practical expertise at hand, to assist in assembling a comprehensive and vigorous risk prevention and mitigation approach. This might include auditing an existing plan or building one from scratch using a qualified body that specializes in the complexities that constitute an emergency response, mitigating insurance underwriting costs and ensuring that contingency planning is established at the earliest opportunity.
Current Helicopter Underwater Egress Knowledge: Are we Prepared for the Next Ditching?
Authors: Taber Michael J.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the current helicopter underwater egress knowledge available from various online sources. Publicly available online sources were used as a way of ensuring that anyone with Internet access would be able use the information as opposed to a private library of technical documents or exclusive access to particular journal databases. Given that more than 30 years of underwater egress training has been completed, it was expected that the majority of the papers/reports available would be directed at training methodologies, ditching statistics, and factors affecting survival. A total of 18,862 entries were identified from six different search engines. Of the nearly 19,000 items, only 112 (1%) were considered relevant. From the directed search, it appears that a considerable amount of work has been carried out to identify the factors affecting egress as well as in the area of accident investigation. Surprisingly however, only 14% of the 112 selected documents address aspects of underwater egress training and just 2% directly address the retention of skills. A total of 10 (9%) consider ditching statistics, and 49 (44%) address the factors affecting egress. Based on the findings from this focused examination of available underwater egress literature, it is clear that further work needs to be directed toward how to best prepare the global offshore workforce for a ditching/water impact.
Using an Ecosystem Approach to Manage Environmental Risk in The Al Shaheen Oil Field off the Coast of Qatar
Authors: Bach Steffen S. , Ahmed Ali A. , Lawson William A. , Reeves Catherine E. , Eegholm Mads E. , Lueders Sebastian von , Al-Jeidah Mohammed , Nour El-Din Nehad M. , Al-Hajri Salma H. , Al-Emadi Ameera M. , Al Malki Ameena Abdullha , Robinson David
Published: September 2014

The Al Shaheen oil field is located approximately 80 km north-east off the coast of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf. It is the largest offshore oil field in Qatar and it is operated by Maersk Oil on behalf of its partner Qatar Petroleum. The Al Shaheen area is a highly productive marine environment due to a combination of complex nutrient rich currents and high temperatures. The diverse marine ecosystem is exemplified by one of the world's largest aggregations of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) that return to this area every summer. The whale shark is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is the largest fish in the world. Having to operate in an area that hosts such a unique natural event poses a challenge to the parties involved but after years of dedicated research the secret behind the annual aggregation of the whale sharks in the Al Shaheen field is now better understood. The knowledge that has been gleaned is currently being used to help prevent significant disturbance to these majestic species and at the same time, maintain an efficient operation. Seismic operations have been scheduled for periods outside of the known aggregation season, and vessel traffic has been restricted in certain areas of the field. These initiatives have revealed that cost effective environmental risk management is achieved by gaining the best possible understanding of the ecosystem that is being impacted. Unless substantial published information is available for the area of concern this will most often require dedicated and continued research efforts. The reward in taking an "Ecosystem Approach", however, is an opportunity to establish collaboration between the industry, regulators and academia, resulting in effective and well-documented mitigation measures.
Real-Time Transparency Financial Simulation
Authors: Christou Chariton
Published: September 2014

Diagnose the conflicts in production sharing contracts between oil companies and government is of key importance in oil & gas industry. Among the principal creation of such problems are the recoverable costs. However, this is a property that is difficult to observe. On the other hand, transparency from the production of a field is a crucial point to the audit. If the government has a clear view of the production of a field such conflicts could be avoided.

The research work presented herein demonstrates the design and the development of a real time financial simulation, using basic principles of the industry aims to contribute toward this issue. The scope of the study is to give to the government a clear view of the economics from a particular field. At any time both parties could have a view of the production, the income, the costs and the taxes. Such simulation could help companies and governments to cooperate and bring a transparency to the industry; which appears not to be in our days. In addition it will provide a clear view of the economic aspect of the oil price according to the production and it costs only.

The method proposed exploits the flow meter tools in a real based approach to give the production of a field that it's coming from the pipeline. It interacts with the main console and the principles that have been inserted so it will give to the user the appropriate information. The main input is that and some other inputs are the material costs, the labor and the equipment, which are inserted automatically also.

The simulation was validated with a real case scenario and the production of a field to help us understand the calculations and the results. The validation was based on known profits, costs, taxes, etc. and shown results that there was close to those who where simulated. The PSC that has been simulated is the Cyprus government contract for its EEZ.

As for the application of this simulation, it can be very useful for the governments to check their sharing percentages and bring a transparency to the industry but also to the companies which can have a clear view of the economics of a field at any time.

The goal of this work is to bring a transparency to the industry, help governments understand the oil pricing of the companies, help the real time decision of the user using the economics of the production.
Designing Behaviours. An Innovative Approach to Driving Organisational Safety Culture.
Authors: Matkin Darren , Scotti Davide
Published: September 2014

Saipem has worked tirelessly since 2006 to deploy its safety leadership program, both shaking the mind and hitting the heart of people with a particular focus toward ‘Leading Behaviours’, going beyond traditional communications to propagate safety culture.

Five simple and transferable ‘non-negotiable’ behaviours, carefully developed by a HSE and Operational Management Workgroup, were injected into the workplace over a nine-month period for embedment into the DNA of everyday actions and decisions, disrupting a cycle of unsafe behaviour.

Following the CEO's campaign launch companywide, Management and Line-Supervisors cascaded the behaviours through high influence events to their Workforce; supported by multimedia communications and incorporating ‘peer-conformity’ mechanisms of story-telling, widely evidencing behaviours translated into action by employees, encouraging others to follow and conform.

The 9-month strategy releases a behaviour every six-weeks, maintaining long-term focus which allows practice of each behaviour before the next is released. The campaign concludes with a twenty-minute hard-hitting film which follows the life of a Saipem employee, visibly demonstrating how the Leading Behaviours can be interwoven into working and home life in simple terms.

This innovative emotional and behavioural based approach has paid dividends, reflected in the accident frequency reduction of over 50%, and increased proactive safety observations by 70%.

Humans are resistant to change but highly susceptible to peer-to-peer influence, easily adapting to behavioural change when those around are involved in the process.

In order to accelerate the cultural development an innovative and inspiring campaign ‘Leading Behaviours’ was introduced during 2011, focusing on visible behavioural change, peer-to-peer conformity, and incorporated a bottom-up and top-down strategy, actively engaging the workforce.

This methodology along with management passion and commitment and workforce engagement is truly industry excellence which could easily be replicated, and will be of interest to managers aiming for zero-accidents within multicultural contexts.
Laboratory Evaluation of Gas-Injection EOR for the Heavy-Oil Reservoirs in Suriname
Authors: Bhoendie K. S. , Moe Soe Let K. P. , Li T.. , Zitha P. L.
Published: September 2014

Staatsolie conducted several screening studies in the past decade to explore the potential of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) for its heavy oil fields in Suriname. The latest screening study was performed in 2011. It indicated that combined gas and water injection could be a highly efficient method to extend the life of the fields beyond primary recovery. To validate this conclusion further, an area of the Tambaredjo heavy oil field was selected for a feasibility study comprising laboratory tests and field scale reservoir simulation studies. This paper presents a series of core-flood tests done to evaluate the potential of several CO2 and N2 injection schemes and to gather data for the further numerical simulations. CO2, N2, and brine were injected either (1) on continuous mode or (2) in a water-alternating-gas (WAG) mode into Bentheimer sandstone cores previously saturated with Tambaredjo heavy oil, having a viscosity in the range of 650 to 1,100 cP and a density ranging from 16 to 17 °API. The injection strategies tested resulted in substantial incremental oil recovery (relative to OIIP), but values hereof varied from strategy to strategy. The core-flood test with continuous CO2 injection following extensive water flooding resulted in an incremental recovery of 31.1% over tertiary CO2 flooding stage. Continuous N2 and CO2 injection in a secondary mode resulted in incremental recoveries of respectively 14.8% and 24.5% over secondary drainage stage. Subsequent long water slugs resulted in both cases in further increase of the recovery by 48.1% and 29.2%. N2 and CO2 WAG with WAG ratios and slug sizes chosen based on optimized reservoir simulations resulted in similar recovery factors. Overall recoveries for five schemes used in core-floods were in the range of 49.6 to 65.9%. The paper discusses the mechanism responsible for the oil displacement for each injection strategy and presents how the core-flood tests can be used to model gas injection for a sector of the heavy oil reservoirs of Suriname.
Integration of NMR and Conventional Logs to Evaluate High-Permeability Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Nandlal Soerin , Graanoogst Fabian , Oedietram Jasvant , Quintavalla Claudio
Published: September 2014

Heavy oil refers to oils having an API gravity lower than 20° and viscosity at formation conditions above 100 centipoise (cp). These hydrocarbons generally pose challenging production problems and are marketed at a discounted price. However, the combination of improved technology and higher oil prices make the exploitation of heavy-oil deposits more economically feasible. Besides the quantity of production and processing problems associated with heavy oils, evaluating petrophysical properties from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging measurements can be problematic because of a number of issues, such as heavy oil NMR responses are similar to signals from capillary-bound water.

Additionally, heavy-oil chemistry can be conducive to a wettability alteration that can lead to a misinterpretation of water content from conventional and NMR logs. These phenomena make it difficult to quantify and type fluid volumes in heavy-oil reservoirs from NMR measurements alone.

NMR logging instruments sometimes do not fully capture heavy-oil signals because they operate at inter-echo spacings that make them unable to adequately sample important rapid decay components when viscosity exceeds ~1000 cp. This situation causes the indicated NMR porosity to be somewhat small, as though the reservoir fluid had a hydrogen index (HI) smaller than one, as occurs in gas reservoirs.

These factors make it necessary to apply advanced interpretation methods to find indications of altered wettability and evaluate petrophysical quantities, such as fluid volumes, permeability, and apparent in-situ oil viscosity.

The method consists of combining NMR and conventional wireline logs to measure the signal loss and estimate the oil's viscosity where the in-situ viscosity is larger than a few hundred cp. Additional combinations with conventional logs can be formed with NMR diffusion measurements to infer movable and capillary-bound water volumes. These volumes can then be used to refine interpretations of resistivity logs, indicate altered wettability, and provide an improved estimate of permeability in heavy-oil reservoirs.

This paper shows the validation of this method implemented in over 20 wells in the Suriname-Guyana basin. The average well depth is approximately 1,000 ft, bottomhole temperature (BHT) is ~100°F, and gravity is in the range of 10 to 20 API. The results are validated with production data.