bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Synaptic Integration in Adult Lamina I Projection Neurons Following Neonatal Tissue Damage
Authors: Li Jie , Kritzer Elizabeth , Craig Paige E. , Baccei Mark L.
Published: February 2015

Mounting evidence suggests that neonatal tissue damage evokes alterations in spinal pain reflexes which persist into adulthood. However, less is known about potential concomitant effects on the transmission of nociceptive information to the brain, as the degree to which early injury modulates synaptic integration and membrane excitability in mature spinal projection neurons remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that neonatal surgical injury leads to a significant shift in the balance between synaptic excitation and inhibition onto identified lamina I projection neurons of the adult mouse spinal cord. The strength of direct primary afferent input to mature spino-parabrachial neurons was enhanced following neonatal tissue damage, whereas the efficacy of both GABAergic and glycinergic inhibition onto the same population was compromised. This was accompanied by reorganization in the pattern of sensory input to adult projection neurons, which included a greater prevalence of monosynaptic input from low-threshold A-fibers when preceded by early tissue damage. In addition, neonatal incision resulted in greater primary afferent-evoked action potential discharge in mature projection neurons. Overall, these results demonstrate that tissue damage during early life causes a long-term increase in the gain of spinal nociceptive circuits, and suggest that the prolonged consequences of neonatal trauma may not be restricted to the spinal cord but rather include excessive ascending signaling to supraspinal pain centers.
Anatomical Changes at the Level of the Primary Synapse in Neuropathic Pain: Evidence from the Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus
Authors: Wilcox Sophie L. , Gustin Sylvia M. , Macey Paul M. , Peck Chris C. , Murray Greg M. , Henderson Luke A.
Published: February 2015

Accumulated evidence from experimental animal models suggests that neuronal loss within the dorsal horn is involved in the development and/or maintenance of peripheral neuropathic pain. However, to date, no study has specifically investigated whether such neuroanatomical changes also occur at this level in humans. Using brain imaging techniques, we sought to determine whether anatomical changes were present in the spinal trigeminal nucleus in subjects with chronic orofacial neuropathic pain. In 22 subjects with painful trigeminal neuropathy and 44 pain-free controls, voxel-based morphometry of T1-weighted anatomical images and diffusion tensor images were used to assess regional gray matter volume and microstructural changes within the brainstem. In addition, deterministic tractography was used to assess the integrity of ascending pain pathways. Orofacial neuropathic pain was associated with significant regional gray matter volume decreases, fractional anisotropy increases, and mean diffusivity decreases within the spinal trigeminal nucleus, specifically the subnucleus oralis. In addition, tractography revealed no significant differences in diffusivity properties in the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve, the spinal trigeminal tract, or the ventral trigeminothalamic tracts in painful trigeminal neuropathy subjects compared with controls. These data reveal that chronic neuropathic pain in humans is associated with discrete alterations in the anatomy of the primary synapse. These neuroanatomical changes may be critical for the generation and/or maintenance of pathological pain.
Responses to Conflicting Stimuli in a Simple Stimulus–Response Pathway
Authors: Baljon Pieter Laurens , Wagenaar Daniel A.
Published: February 2015

The “local bend response” of the medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana) is a stimulus–response pathway that enables the animal to bend away from a pressure stimulus applied anywhere along its body. The neuronal circuitry that supports this behavior has been well described, and its responses to individual stimuli are understood in quantitative detail. We probed the local bend system with pairs of electrical stimuli to sensory neurons that could not logically be interpreted as a single touch to the body wall and used multiple suction electrodes to record simultaneously the responses in large numbers of motor neurons. In all cases, responses lasted much longer than the stimuli that triggered them, implying the presence of some form of positive feedback loop to sustain the response. When stimuli were delivered simultaneously, the resulting motor neuron output could be described as an evenly weighted linear combination of the responses to the constituent stimuli. However, when stimuli were delivered sequentially, the second stimulus had greater impact on the motor neuron output, implying that the positive feedback in the system is not strong enough to render it immune to further input.
Functional Cooperation between the IP3Receptor and Phospholipase C Secures the High Sensitivity to Light ofDrosophilaPhotoreceptorsIn Vivo
Authors: Kohn Elkana , Katz Ben , Yasin Bushra , Peters Maximilian , Rhodes Elisheva , Zaguri Rachel , Weiss Shirley , Minke Baruch
Published: February 2015

Drosophilaphototransduction is a model system for the ubiquitous phosphoinositide signaling. In complete darkness, spontaneous unitary current events (dark bumps) are produced by spontaneous single Gqα activation, while single-photon responses (quantum bumps) arise from synchronous activation of several Gqα molecules. We have recently shown that most of the spontaneous single Gqα activations do not produce dark bumps, because of a critical phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) activity level required for bump generation. Surpassing the threshold of channel activation depends on both PLCβ activity and cellular [Ca2+], which participates in light excitation via a still unclear mechanism. We show here that in IP3receptor (IP3R)-deficient photoreceptors, both light-activated Ca2+release from internal stores and light sensitivity were strongly attenuated. This was further verified by Ca2+store depletion, linking Ca2+release to light excitation. In IP3R-deficient photoreceptors, dark bumps were virtually absent and the quantum-bump rate was reduced, indicating that Ca2+release from internal stores is necessary to reach the critical level of PLCβ catalytic activity and the cellular [Ca2+] required for excitation. Combination of IP3R knockdown with reduced PLCβ catalytic activity resulted in highly suppressed light responses that were partially rescued by cellular Ca2+elevation, showing a functional cooperation between IP3R and PLCβ via released Ca2+. These findings suggest that in contrast to the current dogma that Ca2+release via IP3R does not participate in light excitation, we show that released Ca2+plays a critical role in light excitation. The positive feedback between PLCβ and IP3R found here may represent a common feature of the inositol-lipid signaling.
Single-Unit Recordings in the Macaque Face Patch System Reveal Limitations of fMRI MVPA
Authors: Dubois Julien , de Berker Archy Otto , Tsao Doris Ying
Published: February 2015

Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of fMRI data has become an important technique for cognitive neuroscientists in recent years; however, the relationship between fMRI MVPA and the underlying neural population activity remains unexamined. Here, we performed MVPA of fMRI data and single-unit data in the same species, the macaque monkey. Facial recognition in the macaque is subserved by a well characterized system of cortical patches, which provided the test bed for our comparison. We showed that neural population information about face viewpoint was readily accessible with fMRI MVPA from all face patches, in agreement with single-unit data. Information about face identity, although it was very strongly represented in the populations of units of the anterior face patches, could not be retrieved from the same data. The discrepancy was especially striking in patch AL, where neurons encode both the identity and viewpoint of human faces. From an analysis of the characteristics of the neural representations for viewpoint and identity, we conclude that fMRI MVPA cannot decode information contained in the weakly clustered neuronal responses responsible for coding the identity of human faces in the macaque brain. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between information decodable from fMRI multivoxel patterns versus single-unit populations for other variables in other brain regions, our result has important implications for the interpretation of negative findings in fMRI multivoxel pattern analyses.
A Novel Size-Based Sorting Mechanism of Pinocytic Luminal Cargoes in Microglia
Authors: Chen Cong , Li Hui-Quan , Liu Yi-jun , Guo Zhi-fei , Wu Hang-jun , Li Xia , Lou Hui-Fang , Zhu Liya , Wang Di , Li Xiao-Ming , Yu Li , Cao Xuetao , Lu Linrong , Gao Zhihua , Duan Shu-Min
Published: February 2015

Microglia are the resident immune cells in the CNS and play diverse roles in the maintenance of CNS homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that microglia continually survey the CNS microenvironment and scavenge cell debris and aberrant proteins by phagocytosis and pinocytosis, and that reactive microglia are capable to present antigens to T cells and initiate immune responses. However, how microglia process the endocytosed contents and evoke an immune response remain unclear. Here we report that a size-dependent selective transport of small soluble contents from the pinosomal lumen into lysosomes is critical for the antigen processing in microglia. Using fluorescent probes and water-soluble magnetic nanobeads of defined sizes, we showed in cultured rodent microglia, and in a cell-free reconstructed system that pinocytosed proteins become degraded immediately following pinocytosis and the resulting peptides are selectively delivered to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) containing lysosomes, whereas undegraded proteins are retained in the pinosomal lumen. This early size-based sorting of pinosomal contents relied on the formation of transient tunnel between pinosomes and lysosomes in a Rab7- and dynamin II-dependent manner, which allowed the small contents to pass through but restricted large ones. Inhibition of the size-based sorting markedly reduced proliferation and cytokine release of cocultured CD4+T cells, indicating that the size-based sorting is required for efficient antigen presentation by microglial cells. Together, these findings reveal a novel early sorting mechanism for pinosomal luminal contents in microglial cells, which may explain how microglia efficiently process protein antigens and evoke an immune response.
Life Extension Factor Klotho Prevents Mortality and Enhances Cognition in hAPP Transgenic Mice
Authors: Dubal Dena B. , Zhu Lei , Sanchez Pascal E. , Worden Kurtresha , Broestl Lauren , Johnson Erik , Ho Kaitlyn , Yu Gui-Qiu , Kim Daniel , Betourne Alexander , Kuro-o Makoto , Masliah Eliezer , Abraham Carmela R. , Mucke Lennart
Published: February 2015

Aging is the principal demographic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Klotho is a key modulator of the aging process and, when overexpressed, extends mammalian lifespan, increases synaptic plasticity, and enhances cognition. Whether klotho can counteract deficits related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, is unknown. Here we show that elevating klotho expression decreases premature mortality and network dysfunction in human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) transgenic mice, which simulate key aspects of AD. Increasing klotho levels prevented depletion of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunits in the hippocampus and enhanced spatial learning and memory in hAPP mice. Klotho elevation in hAPP mice increased the abundance of the GluN2B subunit of NMDAR in postsynaptic densities and NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation, which is critical for learning and memory. Thus, increasing wild-type klotho levels or activities improves synaptic and cognitive functions, and may be of therapeutic benefit in AD and other cognitive disorders.
Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Somatic Hybrid Introgression Lines Between Wheat and Tall Wheatgrass
Authors: Liu Shuwei , Li Fei , Kong Lina , Sun Yang , Qin Lumin , Chen Suiyun , Cui Haifeng , Huang Yinghua , Xia Guangmin
Published: February 2015

Broad phenotypic variations were induced in derivatives of an asymmetric somatic hybridization of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum Podp); however, how these variations occurred was unknown. We explored the nature of these variations by cytogenetic assays and DNA profiling techniques to characterize six genetically stable somatic introgression lines. Karyotyping results show the six lines similar to their wheat parent, but GISH analysis identified the presence of a number of short introgressed tall wheatgrass chromatin segments. DNA profiling revealed many genetic and epigenetic differences, including sequences deletions, altered regulation of gene expression, changed patterns of cytosine methylation, and the reactivation of retrotransposons. Phenotypic variations appear to result from altered repetitive sequences combined with the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and/or retrotransposon transposition. The extent of genetic and epigenetic variation due to the maintenance of parent wheat cells in tissue culture was assessed and shown to be considerably lower than had been induced in the introgression lines. Asymmetric somatic hybridization provides appropriate material to explore the nature of the genetic and epigenetic variations induced by genomic shock.
Distribution of Promops davisoni Thomas, 1921 (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Peru with a new record and southward range extension
Authors: Flores Marisel Giuliana , Mamani Giüseppy Calizaya , Pacheco Víctor , Alvarado Giovanni Aragón
Published: February 2015

Promops davisoni is a poorly known insectivorous bat represented by fewer than two dozen specimens in collections. These species are endemic from the Andean western slopes of Ecuador and Peru where it is known from the Mongoya River, province of Manabí, central Ecuador to the Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejia, Arequipa department, southwestern Peru. We report a new record of P. davisoni from Pampa Alta, Tacna department, Peru. This new specimen documents a 125 km range extension and the southernmost record of P. davisoni from Peru.
2d And 3d Acoustic Metamaterials Using Space Coil Design
Authors: Maurya Santosh K. , Sahay Manu , Shukla Shobha , Saxena Sumit
Published: February 2015

Various promising applications such as acoustic cloaking, sub-wavelength imaging, acoustic wave manipulation, transmission or reflection control etc. are feasible because of the ability of manipulating sounds and vibrations using artificially engineered “Acoustics meta-materials”. Recent works on space-coiling acoustic metamaterials show their extreme constitutive parameters like large refractive index, double negativity and zero mass density. Three dimensional structures have a wide application in sub-wavelength broadband acoustic wave suppression due to huge attenuation. Here we report the study of propagated and transmitted wave through 3D acoustic metamaterials structure using finite element method. Our simulations on 3D structure show a huge absorption/damping over few hundreds kilohertz frequency range.
Plasma Deposition of Biomolecules for Enhanced Biomedical Applications
Authors: O’Neill Liam , Twomey Barry , Dobbyn Peter , O’Donoghue John
Published: February 2015

Biomolecules have been traditionally immobilised onto surfaces using wet chemical techniques for various medical applications. Recent decades have seen plasma methods being used to prepare these surfaces through various forms of surface modification, but the direct exposure of biomolecules to plasma has been avoided due to fears that the molecules would be denatured by the energetic plasma species. Recent results are now demonstrating that direct plasma deposition of biomolecule coatings can be achieved. This creates the possibility to directly modify the surface of implants without any form of surface pre-treatment and this opens up the possibility to alter the healing processes. Materials such as collagen, chitosan, catalase and heparin can be effectively deposited onto surfaces with minimal impact on biological performance and without any chemical binders, linkers or impurities. The performance of these materials has been characterised using both in vitro and in vivo methodologies. In a further step, the results of a preclinical trial are presented which reveal that direct deposition of biomolecules onto open wounds can also be achieved and the impact of this on wound healing is measured in an immunocompromised animal model. A non-thermal plasma device was used to deliver collagen on to chronic wounds and the treatment was shown to promote wound closure in a rabbit wound healing model.
X-ray Topography Studies of Relaxation during the Homo-Epitaxy of 4H-SiC
Authors: Wang H. , Dudley M. , Zhang J. , Thomas B. , Chung G. , Sanchez E. K. , Hansen D. , Mueller S. G.
Published: February 2015

A review is presented of Synchrotron X-ray Topography and KOH etching studies carried out on n type 4H-SiC offcut substrates before and after homo-epitaxial growth to study defect replication and strain relaxation processes and identify the nucleation sources of both interfacial dislocations (IDs) and half-loop arrays (HLAs) which are known to have a deleterious effect on device performance. We show that these types of defects can nucleate during epilayer growth from: (1) short segments of edge oriented basal plane dislocations (BPDs) in the substrate which are drawn by glide into the epilayer; and (2) segments of half loops of BPD that are attached to the substrate surface prior to growth which also glide into the epilayer. It is shown that the initial motion of the short edge oriented BPD segments that are drawn from the substrate into the epilayer is caused by thermal stress resulting from radial temperature gradients experienced by the wafer whilst in the epi-chamber. This same stress also causes the initial glide of the surface half-loop into the epilayer and through the advancing epilayer surface. These mobile BPD segments provide screw oriented segments that pierce the advancing epilayer surface that initially replicate as the crystal grows. Once critical thickness is reached, according to the Mathews-Blakeslee model [1], these screw segments glide sideways under the action of the mismatch stress leaving IDs and HLAs in their wake. The origin of the mismatch stress is shown to be associated with lattice parameter differences at the growth temperature, arising from the differences in doping concentration between substrate and epilayer.
Area-Selective Electroless Deposition of Gold Nanostructures on SiC Using Focused-Ion-Beam Preprocessing
Authors: Itasaka Hiroki , Nishi Masayuki , Shimizu Masahiro , Hirao Kazuyuki
Published: February 2015

Area-selective electroless deposition of gold nanostructures on a 6H-SiC substrate is demonstrated. Gold nanostructures selectively grow on a focused ion beam (FIB)-irradiated area on the 6H-SiC substrate when the substrate is exposed to a pure HAuCl4 aqueous solution. The nucleation of gold was more favorable on the Si face than on the C face. Quantitative evaluation of the amount of gold grown both on SiC and silicon is conducted to discuss the growth of gold, where silicon is a substrate we used in our previous study on this method. We reveal the mechanism of the growth of gold nanostructures as follows: Dangling bond defects formed in the FIB-irradiated area initiate the nucleation of gold by reducing Au ions in the solution at the surface. Once the SiC-gold or the silicon-gold boundary, which meets the Schottky contact condition, has formed, electrons in the non-FIB-irradiated region under/around the FIB-irradiated one also reduce Au ions on the gold surface through the boundary.
Green synthesis of CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dot nanophosphors and its Poly methyl methacrylate composite thin film in the visible spectral range
Authors: Mohan Sneha , Soman Theertha , Oluwafemi Samuel. O. , George Soney. C. , Miska Patrice , Rouxel Didier , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: February 2015

We herein report the synthesis of highly-fluorescent CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) nanophosphors via a simple, non-phosphine and one pot synthetic method in the absence of an inert atmosphere. The as-prepared nanocrystallites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM). The obtained CdSe/ZnS QDs were of high quality with sharp absorption peaks, bright luminescence, narrow emission width and high PL quantum yield (up to 74 %) without any size sorting. The structural analysis showed that the as-synthesised QDs are small and spherical in shape with narrow size distributions while the presence of the lattice fringe in the HRTEM image confirmed the crystallinity of the material. The dispersion of the obtained core-shell QDs in PMMA matrix resulted in the fabrication of highly fluorescent PMMA- CdSe/ZnS core shell QDs polymer nanocomposite film.
Determining the Efficiency of Fast Ultrahigh-density Writing of Low-Conductivity Patterns on Semiconducting Polymers
Authors: Keivanidis Panagiotis E. , di Donato Andrea , Mencarelli Davide , Esposito Alessandro , Ye Tengling , Lanzani Guglielmo , Venanzoni Giuseppe , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Morini Antonio , Farina Marco
Published: February 2015

We present a nano-patterning process for semiconducting polymeric composites that could potentially be utilized for the development of polymer-based data storage devices. Nano-patterning (writing) operates on the basis of the mechanical interaction between the electrically unbiased tip of an atomic force microscope and the surface of polymeric composite films. Via friction forces, the tip/sample interaction produces a local increase of molecular disorder in the polymer matrix, inducing a localized lowering in the conductivity of the organic semiconductor. Herein we suggest a figure of merit for quantifying the efficiency of pattern formation and we address the dependence of the writing process on the thermal annealing temperature of the composite film. Control experiments on composite films deposited on substrates with different roughness suggest that the writing effect is invariant to the roughness of the substrate. The potential storage density of the writing process depends on the tip curvature.
The real effects of credit line drawdowns
Authors: Berrospide Jose M. , Meisenzahl Ralf
Published: February 2015

Do firms use credit line drawdowns to finance investment? Using a unique dataset of 467 Standard and Poor's COMPUSTAT firms with credit lines, we study the purpose of drawdowns during the 2007-2009 financial crisis. Our data show that credit line drawdowns had already increased in 2007, precisely when disruptions in bank funding markets began to squeeze aggregate liquidity. Consistent with theory, our results confirm that firms use drawdowns to sustain investment after an idiosyncratic liquidity shock. Using an instrumental variable approach based on institutional features of credit line contracts, we find that a one standard deviation increase in credit line drawdown is associated with an increase of 9 percent in average capital expenditures. Low aggregate liquidity amplifies this effect significantly. During the financial crisis, the effect of drawdowns on investment increased to 16 percent. The effect was even larger for smaller and financially constrained firms. We find only limited evidence, mostly for large and investment grade firms, that drawdowns were used to boost (precautionary) cash holdings during the crisis.
Editorial
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro
Published: February 2015

I am pleased to introduce the first issue of the second year of the IJSG presenting the special issue dedicated to the Games and Learning Alliance Conference (GaLA Conf), that was held in Bucharest in July 2014. The best conference papers were selected and invited for an extended version – with at least one third unpublished content - to be submitted in the regular IJSG evaluation process. In the end of the flow, I am proud to present four papers dealing with learning analytics, user studies for assessing effectiveness of SGs and of their components, and integration of game-based learning in curricula. The issue includes as well one regular paper and a communication for a special issue on mathematics learning games.
Forestación de isletas de dragado utilizando dos especies de mangles, en una laguna costera del Golfo de California, México
Authors: Benitez-Pardo Daniel , Flores-Verdugo Francisco Javier , Casas-Valdez Margarita , Hernández-Carmona Gustavo , Valdez-Hernández Juan Ignacio , Gómez-Muñoz Víctor
Published: February 2015

El propósito del presente estudio fue generar información en torno a la posibilidad de estabilizar isletas de dragado mediante la plantación de halófitas, particularmente con la creación de nuevas áreas de manglar. Para esto, fue construido un vivero para producir plantas de Avicennia germinans y Rhizophora mangle , a la vez que se obtuvieron individuos del medio natural para ambas especies. Para su plantación se consideró el intervalo de mareas, áreas de baja energía, salinidad, zonación de cada especie y un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar. Los resultados indicaron una mayor supervivencia y crecimiento de las plantas de vivero que las extraídas del medio natural. La supervivencia de plantas de A. germinans (78% con contenedor, 72% sin contenedor, 34% medio natural) fue mayor que la de R. mangle (43% con contenedor, 34% sin contenedor, 2% medio natural). De igual manera, el crecimiento en altura de las plantas de A. germinans , tanto de las producidas en vivero (3.2 cm mes-1), como las extraídas del medio natural (1.5 cm mes-1), fue mayor que las de R. mangle (producidas en vivero: 1.4 cm mes-1; extraídas del medio natural: 0.8 cm mes-1). No se presentó colonización natural durante el periodo de estudio, por lo que son recomendables las plantas de vivero para iniciar la forestación de isletas artificiales, considerando las mareas, la zonación natural local, áreas de baja energía y sobre todo, el hidroperiodo.
Proliferación natural de Laelia rubescens (Orchidaceae) en un área suburbana de Pinar del Río, Cuba
Authors: García-González Alfredo , Riverón-Giró Frander B.
Published: February 2015

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Effects of Hardness and Cosurfactant on Phase Behavior of Alcohol-Free Alkyl Propoxylated Sulfate Systems
Authors: Puerto Maura C. , Hirasaki George J. , Miller Clarence A. , Reznik Carmen , Dubey Sheila , Barnes Julian R. , van Kuijk Sjoerd
Published: February 2015

The effect of hardness was investigated on equilibrium phase behavior in the absence of alcohol for blends of three alcohol propoxy sulfates (APSs) with an internal olefin sulfonate (IOS) with a C15–18 chain length. Hard brines investigated were synthetic seawater (SW), 2*SW, and 3*SW, the last two with double and triple the total ionic content of SW with all ions present in the same relative proportions as in SW, respectively. Optimal blends of the APS/IOS systems formed microemulsions with n-octane that had high solubilization suitable for enhanced oil recovery at both ≈25°C and 50°C. However, oil-free aqueous solutions of the optimal blends in 2*SW and 3*SW, as well as in 8 and 12% NaCl solutions with similar ionic strengths, exhibited cloudiness and/or precipitation and were unsuitable for injection. In SW at 25°C, the aqueous solution of the optimal blend of C16–17 7 propylene oxide sulfate, made from a branched alcohol, and IOS15–18, was clear and suitable for injection. A salinity map prepared for blends of these surfactants illustrates how such maps facilitate the selection of injection compositions in which injection and reservoir salinities differ. The same APS was blended with other APSs and alcohol ethoxy sulfates (AESs) in SW at ≈25°C, yielding microemulsions with high n-octane solubilization and clear aqueous solutions at optimal conditions. Three APS/AES blends were found to form suitable microemulsions in SW with a crude oil at its reservoir temperature near 50°C. Optimal conditions were nearly the same for hard brines and NaCl solutions with similar ionic strengths between SW and 3*SW. Although the aqueous solutions for the optimal blends with crude oil were slightly cloudy, small changes in blend ratio led to formation of lower phase microemulsions with clear aqueous solutions. When injection and reservoir brines differ, it may be preferable to inject at such slightly underoptimum conditions to avoid generating upper phase, Winsor II, conditions produced by inevitable mixing of injected and formation brines.
Capillary Injection Tubing Anchor Technologies
Authors: Matthews Randy , Frazier Shad
Published: February 2015

There are many oil and gas fields across the United States which have been producing for over 100 years or more. The barriers that exist to prevent such extended field life are many. Those issues include: rod and rod pump failures, damage to the tubing, paraffin/scale deposition salting and corrosion. All of these can present challenges of how to deal with the problem and correct it, while maintaining economic visibility of a field.

Tackling these issues has mostly been done using batch treatments with various preventative chemicals which over the years have proved to be expensive and not very effective as it cannot pinpoint the problem directly. More recently the use of capillary injection strings attached to the outside of the production tubing has helped to improve this situation by providing a means of injecting smaller volumes of chemicals and fresh water closer to the source of the problem. However, on rod pump wells the point of injection can only be made above the tubing anchor; thus failing to protect the pump and internals of the tubing string. A new design of tubing anchor is now becoming available which incorporates a pass through capability for a capillary injection string thus enabling chemical and fresh water treatment capabilities for the pump as well as the rods and tubing.

In this paper the author will review the history of chemical treatment methods and describe the use of a new tubing anchor design that addresses the shortcomings of current chemical injection techniques.
HEALS Hypertension Control Program: Training Church Members as Program Leaders
Authors: Dodani Sunita , Beayler Irmatine , Lewis Jennifer , Sowders Lindsey A
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

Health disparities related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including stroke have remained higher in the African-Americans (AAs) than in other populations. HEALS is a faith-based hypertension (HTN) control program modified according to AA community needs, and delivered by the church-lay members called church health advisors (CHAs). This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of training CHAs as HEALS program leaders.

Design:

Four CHAs completed a 10-hour HEALS program training workshop at the Church, conducted by the nutrition experts. Workshop was evaluated by CHAs on their level of satisfaction, clarity of contents covered and comfort in delivery the program to the church congregation.

Results:

The overall six main HEALS curriculum components were completed. Workshop was highly evaluated by CHAs on length of training, balance between content and skills development, and level of satisfaction with program delivery.

Conclusion:

Church-based culturally modified health promotion interventions conducted by the community lay members may be a way to reduce health disparities in ethnic minorities.
Convolution of distributions in sequential approach
Authors: Mincheva-Kaminska Svetlana
Published: February 2015

A new class of special upper approximate units together with the known
Vladimirov class of special approximate units are used to consider various
sequential conditions of convolvability of distributions. The equivalence of
these conditions to the known conditions of convolvability given by C.
Chevalley and L. Schwartz is proved together with the equivalence of the
corresponding definitions of the convolution of distributions.
On weak and strong convergence of an explicit iteration process for a total asymptotically quasi-I-nonexpansive mapping in Banach space
Authors: Kiziltunc Hukmi , Purtas Yunus
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we introduce a new class of Lipschitzian maps and prove some
weak and strong convergence results for explicit iterative process using a
more satisfactory definition of self mappings. Our results approximate common
fixed point of a total asymptotically quasi-I-nonexpansive mapping T and a
total asymptotically quasi-nonexpansive mapping I, defined on a nonempty
closed convex subset of a Banach space.
Boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional q-difference (integral) equations with two fractional orders and four-point nonlocal integral boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Nieto Juan , Alsaedi Ahmed , Al-Hutami Hana
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates the existence of solutions for nonlinear fractional
q-difference equations and q-difference integral equations involving two
fractional orders with four-point nonlocal integral boundary conditions. The
existence results are obtained by applying some traditional tools of fixed
point theory, and are illustrated with examples.
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of mononuclear/binuclear organotin(IV) complexes with 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol: Comparative studies of their antibacterial/antifungal potencies
Authors: Parveen Bushra , Bukhari Iftikhar , Shahzadi Saira , Ali Saqib , Hussain Shabbir , Ali Kulsoom , Shahid Muhammad
Published: February 2015

A series of di and triorganotin(IV) complexes of the general formula,
R2(Cl)SnL (R= Me: 1; Bu: 2) and R3SnL (R = Bu: 3; Ph: 4) have been
synthesized by refluxing equivalent molar ratios of orgnotin(IV) chlorides
(R2SnCl2/R3SnCl) with the 1H-1,2,4-Triazole-3-thiol (LH) in dry methanol. The
synthesized complexes (1-4) were further treated with CS2 and R2SnCl2/R3SnCl
in 1:1:1 molar ratio to yield the homobimetallic complexes of the types
R2(Cl)SnLCS2Sn(Cl)R2 (R = Me: 5; Bu: 6) and R3SnLCS2SnR3 (R = Bu: 7; Ph: 8).
The ligand and the complexes have been characterized by elemental
microanalysis (CHNS), FT-IR and multinuclear NMR (1H&13C), and electron
ionization mass spectrometry. IR data demonstrates that the dithiocarbamate
donor site of the ligand acts in a bidentate manner and there isa trigonal
bipyramidal geometry around Sn(IV) in solid state. 1H and 13C NMR data
supports the tetrahedralgeometry with thiol donor sites of the ligand while
tetra and penta coordinated environments around dithiocarboxylate bound
tin(IV) in solution state. Mass spectrometric data supported well the
structures of the synthesized complexes. The homobimetallic derivatives were
found more active than mononuclear organotin(IV) compounds and free ligand
against various strains of bacteria and fungus.
Similarities and differences in business culture in the people’s Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Zakic Katarina , Xinquan Sun
Published: February 2015

World economic crisis has affected the whole world including Serbia. Among
various strategies used for improving this difficult situation, Serbian
Government primarily focuses on attracting foreign investments. One of the
possible future investors could be, among other countries, the People?s
Republic of China. At present, Serbian Government is trying to help Chinese
investors in Serbia, but there is still a need for better understanding of
how Chinese businessmen work, negotiate and make deals. The main goal of this
paper is to present similarities and differences in business culture in China
and Serbia in order to define possibilities for mutual cooperation. The
methodology of this paper is based on cultural dimensions research made by
Hofstede. His national dimensions of culture can be used for explanation of
specific types of business culture in China and Serbia. The data from this
research will show similari?ties and differences in business culture in these
two countries, and also some suggestions are made with regard to improving
mutual understanding and doing business.
Thunder and lightning in folk beliefs in Belgrade and its surroundings
Authors: Radovanovic Milan , Marjanovic Vesna , Todorovic Nedeljko
Published: February 2015

Transmission of folk traditions and beliefs related to lightning strikes, the
appearance of lightning, lightning in the sky, etc., as far as we know, has
not been noted in our literature in terms of foundation on the real, observed
data. In order to determine how much the traditions related to the mentioned
phenomena are based on the reasonable grounds, the analysis of the occurrence
of thunder and lightning was carried out for the period 1975-2009 for the
Meteorological Observatory in Belgrade. The results should be taken
conditionally, because the relatively limited space they refer to, as well as
because of the climate changes that reflected differently, particularly in
relation to the observed period of time.
Why Serbia is asked to recognize Kosovo with comparative examples of Bangladesh and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Mirovic Dejan
Published: February 2015

In the context of public international law and relations between principles
of territorial integrity and right to self-determination, independence of
Kosovo will never be legal if it is not recognized by Serbia. This can be
concluded from the examples of violent secession of Bangladesh and Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus. That is why Serbia still has a right to decide
about the independence of Kosovo and Metohija despite signing Brussels
Agreement and the fact that 100 UN member states recognized Kosovo as an
independent state. Forty years after the secession of northern part of the
island, Nicosia has not recognized Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus, which
caused that this secessionist creation does not become a member of the UN.
Its independence is not full from the perspective of international law, and
this fact that cannot be disputed in spite of the factual occupation of the
northern part of island by Turkey. On the other side, Pakistan recognized the
independence of Bangladesh and forever lost half of its population and state
territory. In return, half of its foreign debt was written off, 90,000
prisoners were released and 13,000 square kilometers of territory in western
part of Pakistan, controlled by India, were returned. However, no one is
offering anything similar to Serbia to recognize the independence of Kosovo.
Debts of Kosovo towards IMF and World Bank are paid by Serbia. In addition,
if Serbia recognized the independence of Kosovo, Serbia would lose about
100,000 Serbs living on that territory and about 1,200 square kilometers of
territory in the northern part of Kosovo which is not controlled by Pristina.
In that context, it is clear that principles of territorial integrity are
still stronger in international law then right to self-determination.
Postmodernist theories have a goal to hide that fact. Key of the independence
of so-called ?Kosovo? is still in hands of Belgrade. That is why there are so
many persistent attempts and strong pressures from the West to recognize the
independence of ?Kosovo?. Example of Cyprus shows how to resist those
attempts within the framework of public international law (by applying the
principles of territorial integrity). However, if in the future Serbia
chooses the same approach as Pakistan in the case of Bangladesh, Kosovo will
be lost forever. At that moment, it would be clear that the relations of
great powers in the world have changed.
Extension of the process boundaries for the soldering of elongated interconnectors with a simultaneous energy deposition
Authors: Britten Simon W. , Fiedler Wolfgang , Olowinsky Alexander , Gillner Arnold
Published: February 2015

Soldering processes are used to bond elongated interconnectors to metallized silicon wafers, e.g., for the production of solar cells. In order to obtain a cost-effective production cycle, a minimal process time is required. The minimal process time is expected to be limited due to the thermoshock induction in the substrate, the required time for the energy deposition, and the wetting process of the solder. The simultaneous energy deposition realized with a diode laser and a line generating optic lowers the process time for interconnectors with a joining length of 140 mm below 1 s. Furthermore, the selective energy deposition on the interconnector is expected to reduce the temperature-induced stress in the substrate. We evaluate the soldering process with a high-speed camera and compare them with the characteristic temperature profile measured with a pyrometer. Different process times and the effect of short-term overheating to reach process times below 0.5 s are investigated. The minimum process time is assessed regarding the development of the process stages and the effect on the solder quality.
Risk factors for urolithiasis in dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts: 95 cases (1999–2013)
Authors: G. Caporali Evelyn H. , Phillips Heidi , Underwood Lucy , Selmic Laura E.
Published: February 2015

Objective—To identify risk factors for urolithiasis in dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSSs) and to determine whether portoazygos shunts were associated with increased risk of urolithiasis at the initial evaluation for EHPSS.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—Dogs (n = 95) with EHPSSs confirmed via CT angiography or surgery.

Procedures—Medical records from 1999 to 2013 were reviewed. Variables of interest included signalment, previous medical management, and results of urinalysis, urolith analyses, and diagnostic imaging. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses for assessment of risk factors for urolithiasis at the time of initial EHPSS evaluation were performed.

Results—The dogs’ median age was 0.9 years (range, 0.2 to 12.6 years). Among the 95 dogs, 27 (28.4%) and 68 (71.6%) had portoazygos and portocaval shunts, respectively. Urinalysis was performed for 79 (83.2%) dogs, 29 (36.7%) of which had crystalluria (mainly ammonium urate and struvite crystals). Uroliths were present in 34 of 95 (35.8%) dogs; 16 of 17 uroliths analyzed were composed of ammonium urate. Portoazygos shunts were not associated with significantly increased odds of urolithiasis at the time of the initial evaluation for EHPSS. However, the odds of urolithiasis was significantly increased for male dogs, older dogs, and dogs that received previous medical treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs with EHPSS, shunt morphology was not associated with increased odds of urolithiasis at the initial evaluation. Male dogs, older dogs, and dogs having received medical management for EHPSS prior to initial evaluation should be considered at increased risk for development of urolithiasis.
Housing Condition of Coastal Area in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Kutubdia, Coxs Bazaar
Authors: Mohiuddin M , Latif MB
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted to determine the contamination of E. coli and Salmonella for different types of foods in Chittagong city area. In case of laboratory examination, almost half (49.58%) of the samples were contaminated where 28.75% positive for E. coli. and 20.83% for Salmonella. The positive cases for type A sample was 20 out of 96 constituting 20.83% whereas the positive cases for type B sample was 49 out of 144 constituting 34.03% for E. coli. The positive cases of type A sample was 15 out of 96 making up 15.63% and for type B sample was 35 out of 144 making up 24.31% for Salmonella.A chi-square (?2) test was used to examine the equality of observed proportions for E. coli and Salmonella of each item of both types of food where significant difference among the observed proportion for E. coli (p-value<0.01) and Salmonella (p-value=0.032) for different items of A type and for E. coli (p-value<0.01) for different items of B type were observed and an odds ratio (OR) was measured for association between exposure and outcome where the probability of contaminated by E. coli of type B food is higher than contaminated of type A food (OR= 1.96 and CI:1.07-3.58). The probability of contaminated by Salmonella of type B food was higher than type A food (OR= 1.73 and CI: 0.89-3.39).The comparatively high bacteria in type B samples indicated contamination from water, practice of inadequate hygienic measures, mishandling, improper storage, inadequate cooking and above all unhygienic condition of the retail shops.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22034 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 15-20 2013
Efficiency of Different Dose of Zinc on Growth, Productivity and Economic Returns of Mustard in AEZ 11 of Bangladesh
Authors: Azam MG , Mahmud JA , Ahammad KU , Gulandaz MA , Islam M
Published: February 2015

An experiment was carried out in the farmers field at the MLT site Tularampur, Narail (AEZ-11) during the rabi season of 2011-12 to evaluate the performance of newly released mustard varieties to Zn fertilization. Three levels of zinc 2, 3 and 4 kg/ha from zinc sulphate was used in BARI Sharisha-14. The experiment was carried out in a tree with 6 dispersed replications. Response of mustard to zinc fertilizer was significantly evident for yield. The highest yield (1.42 t/ha) was obtained from T1(3 kg Zn/ha) which was statistically higher than T2 (4 kg Zn/ha) yielding 1.37 t/ha. Both the treatments gave higher yields over the control. From the economic analysis, the highest gross margin was observed (Tk. 47695/ha and Tk. 44595/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) (1.57 and 1.45) obtained from T2 treatment followed by T3 treatment, respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22037 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 37-40 2013