bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real Time Velocity and Pore Pressure Model Calibration in Exploration Drilling
Authors: Kemper Julia , Richards Martin , Taylor Matthew , Kelsall Neil , Turner Marcus , Puech Jean Claude
Published: September 2013

When drilling in remote areas, in the absence of offset data, pore pressure is determined as a function of seismic rock velocity. The velocity model and corresponding pore pressure model form the basis for exploration well planning. These models directly impact the casing design, number of sections, and mud weight plan. For frontier exploration drilling, the relationship is not well established; this reliance is high risk and can benefit from a high-technology approach to reduce this risk.

This study examines how velocity and pressure models updated using real-time measurements from a high-tech logging-while-drilling suite can enable key drilling decisions to be made, reducing risk and the time taken to drill the well.

Seismic-while-drilling technology provides checkshot data while drilling, which is used to update the velocity model. The velocity model updates in the shallow sections allow modification to the forward trajectory to ensure targets are intercepted. Furthermore, real-time updates enable geostopping by refining the predicted depths of targets or marker horizons and ensuring no accidental penetration of bright seismic amplitudes that may be associated with potential pore pressure abnormalities.

In addition, formation-pressure-while-drilling technology can be added to the seismic and sonic technologies to calibrate the predrill pore pressure model. The acquired formation pressures, coupled with the while-drilling petrophysical data, allow for the velocity to pore pressure transform and normal compaction trend lines to be calibrated and reduce the uncertainty of the pore pressure model ahead of the bit.

The calibrated models permit the operator to confidently make decisions and continue drilling in a single section to intercept key targets, potentially eliminating casing strings, with the assurance that the kick tolerance and safe overbalance are maintained at an optimal level to reduce the risk of mud losses or kicks.
Relative Permeability Characterization for Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) Injection in Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Shahverdi H. , Sohrabi M. , Fatemi S. M.
Published: September 2013

Large quantities of oil usually remain in oil reservoirs after conventional water floods. A significant part of this remaining oil can still be economically recovered by Water- Alternating-Gas (WAG) injection. WAG injection involves drainage and imbibition processes taking place sequentially, hence the numerical simulation of the WAG process requires reliable knowledge of three-phase relative permeability (kr) accounting for cyclic hysteresis effects.

In this study, the results of a series of unsteady-state two-phase displacements and WAG coreflood experiments were employed to investigate the behaviour of three-phase kr and hysteresis effects in the WAG process. The experiments were carried out on two different cores with different characteristics and wettability conditions.

An in-house coreflood simulator was developed in order to obtain three-phase relative permeability values directly from unsteady-state WAG experiments by history matching the measured recovery and differential pressure profiles. The results show that three-phase gas relative permeability is reduced in consecutive gas injection cycles and consequently the gas mobility and injectivity drops significantly with successive gas injections during the WAG process, under different rock conditions. The trend of hysteresis in krg partly contradicts the existing hysteresis models available in the literature. The three-phase water relative permeability (krw) of the water-wet core does not exhibit considerable hysteresis effect during different water injections, whereas the mixed-wet core shows slight cyclic hysteresis. This may indicate a slight increase of the water injectivity in the subsequent water injections in the WAG process under mixed-wet conditions. Insignificant hysteresis is observed in the oil relative permeability (kro) during different gas injection cycles, for both water-wet and mixed-wet rocks. However, a considerable cyclic hysteresis effect in kro is observed during water injection cycles of WAG, which is attributed to the reduction of the residual oil saturation during successive water injections. kro of the water-wet core exhibits much more cyclic hysteresis effect than that of the mixed wet core. No models currently exist in reservoir simulators that can capture the observed cyclic hysteresis effect in oil relative permeability for the WAG process.

Investigation of relative permeability data obtained from these displacement tests at different rock conditions reavealed that there is a significant discrepancy between two-phase and three-phase relative permeability of all fluids. This highlights that not only the three-phase relative permeability of the intermiate phase (oil), the three-phase kr of the wetting phase (water) and non-wetting phase (gas) are also functions of two independent saturations.
Successful Approach to Push ERD Limit, Optimize Production, and Optimize Reserve Recovery of an Extended Reach Oil Field
Authors: Zou Xiaoping , Huang Yingshi , Zeng Youliang , Li Xiuying , Yu Guoda , Tran Thanh , Halomoan Palindungan Monris , Bisain Amarjit Singh , Denichou Jeanmi
Published: September 2013

An operator in offshore South China planned to develop a new oil field comprising multiple thin oil-bearing zones. It was decided to develop the field by upgrading an existing drilling rig on a platform rig 6 km away to drill extended reach horizontal wells. The objective was to place long lateral drains in a thin-pay reservoir. However, the foreseen risk of high drilling torque against the backdrop of the drilling rig that has maximum 42,000 ft-lbf drilling torque capacity limited this option. In addition, subsurface challenges constrained the ability to access the target reservoir optimally for production and reserve recovery optimization.

The latest fit for purpose logging-while-drilling applications were used to overcome the drilling challenges—limited rig capacity and subsurface challenges—in these extended reach horizontal wells and to optimize ultimate recovery and the economics of each additional well drilled. The efforts were performed in real time while drilling and aimed to place the well optimally within the thin pay zone by delineating and mapping the top and bottom pay zone boundaries simultaneously. With this ability, the lateral could be placed accurately without making unnecessary trajectory adjustment that can result in additional drilling torque.

Two wells were completed successfully. Application of the technology resulted in significantly higher production compared to the set target. The reserve recovery was optimized by placing the well 0.5 m below the top. The drilling torque was minimized, thus increasing the ability to drill farther and capture additional reserves. Significant savings in total drilling cost were attained by ensuring smooth drilling operations free from unnecessary adjustment and sidetracks. A similar approach could address the challenges in other, similar complex and hard to reach reservoirs targeted in exploration and development activities in offshore operations.
Field Testing Parameter Sensitivity of the Two‐Term Infiltration Equation Using Differentiated Linearization
Authors: Bagarello Vincenzo , Iovino Massimo
Published: September 2013

Knowledge of the hydraulic conductivity of the vadose zone is important in many agronomic, engineering, and environmental areas. Transient tension infiltrometer experiments can be used to estimate the hydraulic conductivity, K0, corresponding to a given pressure head by a transient single‐test (TST) method that uses the coefficients C1 and C2 of the two‐term infiltration equation. A differentiated linearization (DL) method was previously proposed to estimate these coefficients when a layer of contact material is used for the experiment. A field test of the DL and TST methods was conducted on a sandy loam and a clay soil. Eliminating the early‐time influence of the contact layer was easy when the sorptivity of the contact material was 10 to 12 times higher than the soil sorptivity. In other cases a transition zone, which complicated application of the DL method, appeared between the decreasing and increasing portions of the data set. Therefore, applicability of the DL method required large differences in capillary forces between the contact material and the soil. Estimates of K0 varied by up to 650% with the duration of the experiment and <50% with the time interval between readings at the water reservoir. Sensitivity of K0 to the experiment duration was particularly remarkable for the sandy loam soil for short durations. Considering a minimum duration of the experiment of approximately 1 h caused estimates of K0 to vary by a maximum of 40% with the duration of the experiment.
A Functional Mathematical Model to Simulate the Single-Breath Nitrogen Washout
Authors: Barbini Paolo , Brighenti Chiara , Gnudi Gianni
Published: September 2013

A nonlinear dynamic model is proposed to reproduce and interpret the influence of pulmonary inhomogeneities on the single-breath nitrogen washout (SBNW) curve. The model is characterized by two parallel zones. In each zone, the upper airways are described by a Rohrer resistor. Intermediate airways are represented as a collapsible segment, the volume of which depends on transmural pressure. Smaller airways are described by a resistance which increases when transpulmonary pressure decreases. The respiratory region is modeled as a Voigt element. Three different conditions were simulated: a reference case, characterized by airway-parameter values for normal conditions, and two pathological states corresponding to different levels of disease. In the reference case, a straight line was a good approximation of SBNW phase III and the last point of departure of the nitrogen trace from this line unambiguously identified the onset of phase IV. The slope of phase III rose with disease severity (from a 1.1% increase in nitrogen concentration per 1000 ml of expired volume in the reference case to 3.6% and 7.7% in the pathological cases) and the distinction between phases III and IV became less evident. The results obtained indicate that the slope of phase III depends primarily on nitrogen-concentration differences between lung zones, as determined by different mechanical properties of the respiratory airways. In spite of the simplified representation of the lungs, the similarity of the simulation results to actual data suggests that the proposed model describes important physiological mechanisms underlying changes observed during SBNW in normal and pathological patients.
Potentials and Risks of Collaboration: Two Sides of the Same Coin or the Same Side of the Coin? A Response to Vassiliki Papatsiba
Authors: Barnett Ronald
Published: September 2013

In collaborative ventures in higher education are to be seen both potentials and risks. But how, then, is collaboration to be understood? Is it simply a matter of a point of view, with individuals focusing more on the potentials or more on the risks, depending on their dispositions? The risks and potentials of collaboration, it might be suggested, are just two sides of a coin, and either sighting is as valid as the other. Such a relativism, however, should be eschewed here. Žižek's metaphor of the Möbius strip is potent. The risks and potentials of collaboration run into each other and both are real. But perhaps the image of the Möbius strip is itself too limited. Collaboration in higher education is more like a curling strip, forming many tendrils extending into the distance. Possibilities unfold here, in which risks and potentials are held together, those possibilities formed largely by the imagination.
Baseline survey of progress by veterinary medical colleges in implementing recommendations from the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium
Authors: Andrews Ken , Chaddock Mike , Osburn Bennie I.
Published: September 2013

A survey was conducted to assess progress by accredited veterinary medical colleges in the United States and Canada with regard to implementation of recommendations from the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC). Results indicated broad support for many of the recommendations and a willingness among stakeholders in veterinary medical education to accelerate their implementation. Respondents also expressed a desire for evidence-based decisions and detailed implementation planning. Many colleges of veterinary medicine reported progress on initiatives started prior to the meetings of the NAVMEC that closely aligned with NAVMEC recommendations. Only isolated progress toward implementation of system-wide recommendations that required coordination among multiple colleges of veterinary medicine and other stakeholders was identified. Survey results confirmed the need for changes to the current veterinary medical education paradigm and a commitment among many stakeholders to work together to effect these changes.
Use of vacuum-assisted closure to maintain viability of a skin flap in a dog
Authors: Bristow Poppy C. , Perry Karen L. , Halfacree Zoe J. , Lipscomb Vicky J.
Published: September 2013

Case Description—A 4-year-old sexually intact male Labrador Retriever-Poodle mix was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a wound in the left thoracic region. The wound had been debrided and primary closure had been performed by the referring veterinarian 4 days previously.

Clinical Findings—The dog had a 20-cm-long wound covered by a large flap of skin that extended caudally from the scapula over the left side of the thorax. A 3-cm defect was evident at the cranioventral aspect of the wound, from which purulent material was being discharged. The skin flap was necrotic, and the skin surrounding the flap was bruised. Signs of pain were elicited when the wound and surrounding region were palpated. Other findings, including those of thoracic radiography, were unremarkable.

Treatment and Outcome—The wound was debrided, and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was initiated for 3 days until a healthy bed of granulation tissue developed. A reconstructive procedure was performed with a rotation flap 3 days after VAC dressing removal. The VAC process was reinitiated 2 days following reconstruction because of an apparent failing of the skin flap viability. After 5 days of VAC, the flap had markedly improved in color and consistency and VAC was discontinued. Successful healing of the flap occurred without the need for debridement or additional intervention.

Clinical Relevance—Use of VAC led to a good overall outcome for the dog, with complete healing achieved. Additional evaluation of this technique for salvaging failing skin flaps is warranted in dogs, particularly considering that no reliable method for flap salvage in veterinary species has been reported to date. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243:863–868)
Attachment Pattern and Cognitive Skills: An Exploratory Study in an Italian Non-Clinical Sample
Authors: Delvecchio Elisa , Pazzagli Chiara , Di Riso Daniela , Chessa Daphne , Mazzeschi Claudia
Published: September 2013

Bowlby (1973) stated that the attachment relationship between a child and parents might help the child learn many skills important for survival, with a lifelong effect. However, there is a scarcity of research into attachment and intelligence in adulthood. This study examines the relationship between attachment status and cognitive skills in an Italian non-clinical sample of 101 young adults ( M age = 22.6 yr.; SD = 1.8). The Adult Attachment Projective Picture Stimuli and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised were administered to participants and four-way attachment classifications were analyzed regarding participants' IQ. Statistically significant differences were found for Full Scale IQ and Verbal IQ, with Dismissing participants scoring higher than Unresolved participants. Similar results were obtained for two-way attachment patterns with Resolved participants scoring higher than Unresolved. Implications regarding different attachment patterns and the concept of trauma are discussed.
Veridicality of Self-Concept of Strength in Male Adolescents
Authors: Schmidt Mirko , Valkanover Stefan , Conzelmann Achim
Published: September 2013

Changes in physical self-concept and veridicality (i.e., the appropriateness of one's self-perceptions to reality) during childhood and adolescence are related to performance in physical fitness, exercise, and global self-esteem, particularly in male adolescents. This cross-sectional study examined the relation between the self-concept of strength and actual strength in groups of male adolescents ages 12 to 15 years. For this purpose, 889 male adolescents ( M age = 13.2 yr., SD = 1.0) were questioned about their self-concept of strength, after which a test of strength was carried out. The results showed that the correlation between self-concept of strength and actual strength was higher in older (14- and 15-year-old) than younger (12- and 13-year-old) adolescents. There was a statistically significant association between age group and veridicality, indicating that realistic self-concept is under-represented among younger, but overrepresented among older adolescents. No association was found between the adolescents' physical activity and veridicality. The consequences for further research on the development of veridicality in the physical domain are discussed.
Permeability Theory and Palace Athena
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: September 2013

Permeability theory suggests that safety in environments depends on how far and how easily one can perceive or move through environments. Parts of environments that limit perception or retard locomotion elicit impressions of being enclosed, so properties of environments that influence perceived enclosure are important in permeability theory. One prediction of permeability theory is that the more permeable the boundary, the less enclosed the region within that boundary will seem to be. Another prediction is that boundary depth will have little influence on perceived enclosure. These predictions were tested in the venue of Greek temples. 30 participants were tested (14 men, 16 women; M age = 40 yr.), who rated perceived enclosure for 18 stimuli. The stimuli were constructed using a virtual scene from the Tholos in Delphi with the positions of the columns forming the boundaries. The boundaries were designed to have different levels of permeability and depth. Data were analyzed in terms of effect sizes and focused comparisons. Results indicated that perceived enclosure was most strongly influenced by the visual permeability of the boundary, while depth of boundary had a much smaller effect on perceived enclosure.
Validation of the Omni Scale of Thermal Sensations
Authors: Goss Fredric L. , Robertson Robert J. , Gallagher Michael , Haile Luke , Morley Julia , Suyama Joe , Hostler David
Published: September 2013

Concurrent and construct validation of the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations was examined in a sample of 16 adult men and 5 adult women. Concurrent validity was established by regressing OMNI ratings of thermal sensation against core and skin temperatures obtained during treadmill walking while wearing firefighter thermal-protective clothing in temperatures between 33 and 35°C. Construct validity was established by regressing the OMNI scale against a construct-specific visual analogue scale. OMNI scale responses accounted for statistically significant variance in both skin temperature and core temperature (48% and 51%, respectively) and visual analogue scale responses (84%). Concurrent and construct validity were established for the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations in healthy adults performing treadmill walking while wearing fire fighter thermal protective clothing.
Występowanie dolegliwości bólowych dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa i nawyków ruchowych u osób prowadzących siedzący tryb życia
Authors: Kaczor Sabina , Bac Aneta , Brewczyńska Paulina , Woźniacka Renata , Golec Edward
Published: September 2013

Streszczenie

Obecnie dolegliwości bólowe kręgosłupa lędźwiowo-krzyżowego stanowią istotny problem zdrowotny, społeczny i ekonomiczny. Celem pracy była ocena dolegliwości bólowych dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa i nawyków ruchowych u osób prowadzących siedzący tryb życia, wynikający z charakteru wykonywanej pracy zawodowej.

Badania przeprowadzono w okresie od listopada 2010 do lutego 2011. Materiał badawczy stanowiły 2 grupy osób: 57 pracowników biurowych (w tym 40 kobiet i 17 mężczyzn) oraz 43 kierowców autobusów i taksówkarzy (wyłącznie mężczyźni). W pierwszej grupie prze- dział wiekowy mieścił się w granicach od 21 do 60 lat, a w drugiej między 21, a 63 lat. Narzędzie badawcze stanowiła autorska ankieta składająca się z czterech części. Pierwsza i druga część zawierała pytania dotyczące danych osobowych oraz informacji na temat wykonywanej pracy. W trzeciej zapytano o ewentualne dolegliwości bólowe dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa, natomiast w czwartej o nawyki ruchowe, znajomość profilaktyki i sposób spędzania czasu wolnego.

Uzyskane wyniki świadczą o częstszym występowaniu dolegliwości bólowych dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa wśród kierowców (62,8%). Problem ten dotyczy również częściej osób z wysokim nieprawidłowym BMI (25 i powyżej). Więcej nieprawidłowości w postawie ciała pojawiało się w grupie pracowników biurowych niż wśród kierowców.

Prevalence of low back pain and motor habits in individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle
Neuroplasticity in rehabilitation after central nervous system damages – computational models
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia , Mikołajewski Dariusz
Published: September 2013

Increasing survival rates in severe illnesses and traumatic injuries can lead to an increase in the number of disabled people with central nervous system (CNS) damages. Motor training after CNS damage is an important part of neurorehabilitation. It can partially reverse the loss of cortical representation after lesion thanks to neuroplasticity. Patients may regain some motor functions in the months following damage due both to spontaneous recovery and physical therapy interventions targeted at further improvement of function. The neural correlates of motor training after CNS damage have been investigated in animals with motor cortex lesions and in humans using fMRI, TMS, etc. However it is hard to fully explain all mechanisms of neuroplasticity. One of ways to increase knowledge and clinical experience is developing of computational models. To refine a lot of hypotheses existing in the area of CNS neuroplasticity there are useful computational models of lesions and following recovery due to neurorehabilitation. The models based on artificial neural networks are novel solution, but in some cases can provide effectivity and biological plausibility.

This article aims at investigating the extent to which the available opportunities are being exploited, including models as a first step in the development of adaptive and cost-effective rehabilitation methods tailored to individuals with CNS deficits.
Rehabilitation protocol of „runner’s knee” (Iliotibial Band Syndrome - ITBS) – a case study
Authors: Biernat Ryszard , Czaprowski Dariusz
Published: September 2013

Introduction:„Runner’s knee”, in other words Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is the second, after PFPS, in terms of incidence frequency overuse injury amongst runners - 8.5 %. It is the most common cause of lateral knee pain. It mainly occurs in middle aged athletes, in the second decade of life. Cyclists, skiers, weight lifters, soccer and tennis players are next groups, where this clinical entity occurs. ITBS is typical overuse injury which results from cyclic friction (or compression) of iliotibial band on lateral epicondyle of femur. Training errors are main risk factors. Biomechanical disorders leading to this entity are: weakness of gluteus medius, lack of functional hip mobility, weakness of knee flexors and extensors, shortness of hip adductors, limited hip internal rotation. Improper saddle height, frame size or incorrect pedal position can cause ITBS among cyclists.

Case study:Professional cyclist was referred to Rehabilitation Centre, complaining about severe pain located at lateral side of the right knee, lasting from 4 months. The pain was described as burning, sharp, increasing during biking, finally disabling him to continue sports activity. After biomechanical analysis we introduced functional re-education training correcting disbalances, the causes of injury. The role of tri-planar, eccentric exercises rotating the pelvis is underlined. After 7 weeks of aggressive, functional rehabilitation resumed sports activity without pain and functional limitations.

Conclusions:An early diagnosis of ITBS allows for shorter rehabilitation time. It’s necessary to precisely determine biomechanical disorders leading to ITBS. 7-week rehabilitation, with functional, three dimensional exercises is effective mean of ITBS treatment. We recommend to continue this kind of exercises for 6-12 months to prevent injury recurrence
The automorphism groups of foliations with transverse linear connection
Authors: Zhukova Nina , Dolgonosova Anna
Published: September 2013

The category of foliations is considered. In this category morphisms are differentiable maps sending leaves of one foliation into leaves of the other foliation. We prove that the automorphism group of a foliation with transverse linear connection is an infinite-dimensional Lie group modeled on LF-spaces. This result extends the corresponding result of Macias-Virgós and Sanmartín Carbón for Riemannian foliations. In particular, our result is valid for Lorentzian and pseudo-Riemannian foliations.
BAYANAL code in geotechnical design based on Eurocode 7
Authors: Rabarijoely Simon , Jabłonowski Stanisław , Garbulewski Kazimierz
Published: September 2013

BAYANAL code in geotechnical design based on Eurocode 7. Geotechnical problems that are characterized by a high degree of complexity and uncertainty with respect to the input data are solved recently, using the Bayesian analysis (for instance the problem of a cautious estimation of the geotechnical characteristic parameters according to the Eurocode 7 requirements). The applicability of the Bayesian approach to geotechnics via a simple examples related to determination of characteristic values of geotechnical parameters for design structures is in the paper addressed. In order to select the characteristic parameters for the geotechnical design a new numerical code called BAYANAL was developed. Example of applying the BAYANAL code to analyse the DMT tests demonstrates that it is a powerful and promising tool in evaluation of ground properties and geotechnical parameters.
Cryotherapy and its Correlates to Functional Performance. A Brief Preview
Authors: Domingues Márcio Luís Pinto
Published: September 2013

Objective:To search the English language literature for original research addressing the effect of cryotherapy on motor performance and recovery.Data Sources:We searched MEDLINE, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SPORT Discus, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Reviews database, from 1976 to 2009 to identify randomized clinical trials of cryotherapy, systematic reviews, original articles and methods of cryotherapy. Key words used were cryotherapy, return to participation, cold treatment, ice, injury.Data Synthesis:Brief review including assessment of cryotherapy as a tool of performance and a recovery method.Conclusions:Most studies suggest that a short rewarming time would be beneficial (a couple minutes), which is very reasonable in sports. Also, cooling techniques differ in its result accordingly to the procedures and objectives used. Finally, the type of tissue cooled plays a large role (ie. Joint vs. Muscle).
In vitro study of environmental and nutritional factors on the hatching and development of eggs of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Khatun F , Begum N , Akter S , Mondal MMH
Published: September 2013

To determine the in vitro effects of environmental and nutritional factors on the development and hatching of eggs of Haemonchus contortus, eggs were cultivated at different temperatures, humidity and pH, in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), tap water, or normal saline, with and without faecal material and soil. No development of eggs occurred at 4ºC up to 15 days. Hatching was maximum (40.7%) at 30ºC on Day 5. Maximum hatching (39.5%) was observed on Day 6 at pH 6 and hatching was minimum (3.3%) on Day 4 at pH 3. Hatching did not occur at pH 2. At a relative humidity of 80 - 90%, maximum hatching (42.2%) was recorded on Day 5. Light had no effect on development and hatching. Maximum proportion of eggs hatched in PBS containing faecal material (40.1%). It is suggested that PBS containing faecal material may be used for the incubation of eggs of Haemonchus contortus. Best results may be obtained at 30ºC, pH 6 and relative humidity 80 - 90%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16279 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 1, 1-9
Construct and validation of progesterone-responsive luciferase reporter plasmid to detect progestogenic and anti-progestogenic activity
Authors: Ahmed HMM , Cheng WTK , BR Ou
Published: September 2013

Chemical and immunological analyses used to detect progesterone and its agonists and antagonists are unable to detect biological activities of unknown compounds. The objective of the experiment was to develop a progesterone-responsive reporter plasmid to detect progestogens and anti-progestogens. Progesterone-responsive luciferase reporter plasmid, pGL3-2PRE-TATA, was constructed by inserting two progesterone-response elements (PRE) and the TATA box at the multiple cloning site of pGL3 basic vector. T47D human breast cancer cells were co-transfected with c pGL3-2PRE-TATA and pCH110 plasmid. The transfected cells were exposed to progesterone, anti-progesterone, herb extracts or animal serum to induce the luciferase gene expression. Cells were lysed, and cell lysates were used to measure the luciferase and ?-galactosidase expression level as well as total protein content. Luciferase activity was normalized by ?-galactosidase activity and total protein content. The constructed plasmid was sensitive to progestogens and anti-progestogens in a dose-responsive manner. The pGL3-2PRE-TATA plasmid can be used to detect the progestogenic and anti-progestogenic activity of known and unknown compounds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16280 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 1, 10-19
Effects of probiotics on haematology and biochemical parameters in mice
Authors: Salahuddin M , Akhter H , Akter S , Miah MA , Ahmad N
Published: September 2013

Probiotic organisms are live microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the host. To know the effect of probiotic supplemented food on haemato-biochemical parameters in mice, a total of 20 two-month-old Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A was control, fed commercial mouse pellets, and others were treated with 5 g (group B), 10 g (group C) and 20 g (group D) probiotics (curd), respectively, in mouse pellets for 45 days. Total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration were significantly (P<0.01) higher in treated group than in controls. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein values decreased significantly (P<0.01) in treated groups. Serum uric acid value was significantly higher (P<0.01) in treated groups. It is suggested that probiotics help improve haematology and lipid profile but not kidney function. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16281 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 1, 20-24
Effects of autosomal dwarf gene on growth and shank length of chicken
Authors: Yeasmin T , Howlider MAR
Published: September 2013

A partial diallel crossing of Rhode Island Red (RIR), White Leghorn (WLH), Fayoumi (FO), Desi normal (DN) and Desi dwarf (DD) produced RIR, WLH, FO, DN, DD, RIR x DD, WLH x DD and FO x DD offspring. A total 709 chicks, 75 RIR, 130 WLH, 100 FO, 70 DN, 66 DD, 80 RIR x DD, 80 WLH x DD and 108 FO x DD were reared for studying growth performance up to 18 weeks of age. At 19 weeks, the crossbreds RIR x DD, WLH x DD and FO x DD were separated into normal and dwarf genetic groups on the basis of shank length and thus 11 genetic groups, RIR, WLH, FO, DN, DD, RIR x DD normal, RIR x DD dwarf, WLH x DD normal, WLH x DD dwarf, FO x DD normal and FO x DD dwarf were obtained. Day-old weight differed significantly (P<0.05) between genotypes. When crossed with Desi dwarf, the day-old weight of RIR, WLH and FO decreased by 7.0, 8.7 and 15.3%. DD chicks had 9.2% lower day-old weight than DN. All DD and DD crossbred chicks had lower feed intake (P<0.01) at all stages of growth. There were no significant differences in daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality between genotypes (P>0.05). The shank length differed significantly between genotypes at all ages regardless of sex (P<0.01) and differences between genotypes increased at older ages. Shank length of pure breeds and normal crossbreds were similar and much longer than in dwarf crossbreds DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16282 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 1, 25-32
Effects of high voltage electrical stimulation on the rate of pH decline, meat quality and colour stability in chilled beef carcasses
Authors: Mombeni EG , Mombeini MG , Figueiredo LC , Siqueira LSJ , Dias DT , Mombeini AG
Published: September 2013

Fifty beef carcasses were used to determine the effects of High Voltage Electrical Stimulation (HVES, 800 Volts) on pH and meat quality. Meat from M. longissimus dorsi was examined for pH and temperature at 1, 2, 5, 10 and 24 hours, while tenderness and colour were examined seven days after slaughter. HVES decreased the pH of the meat and accelerated rigor mortis (P<0.05). HVES improved tenderness and colour compared with the control group across the ageing period at 4oC. It is suggested that HVES had positive effects on tenderness and colour. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16283 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 1, 33-38
Congenital malformation of liver in a West African dwarf goat
Authors: Ikpegbu E , Nlebedum UC , Nnadozie O
Published: September 2013

Abstract not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16284 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 1, 39-40
Classification of Algebraic Properties of Chromatic Polynomials
Authors: Rao R. V. N. S. , Rao J. V.
Published: September 2013

This manuscript attempts to introduce the concept of chromatic polynomials of total graphs using Mobius inversion theorem. In fact it studies various algebraic properties of chromatic polynomial using Mobius inversion theorem. Keywords: Bond lattice; Chromatic polynomial; Mobius function; Poset.  © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.11634 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 469-477 (2013)
Direct Numerical Simulation in Two Dimensional Homogeneous Isotropic Turbulence Using Spectral Method
Authors: Mallik M. S. I. , Uddin M. A. , Rahman M. A.
Published: September 2013

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) in two-dimensional homogeneous isotropic turbulence is performed by using the Spectral method at a Reynolds number Re = 1000 on a uniformly distributed grid points. The Reynolds number is low enough that the computational grid is capable of resolving all the possible turbulent scales. The statistical properties in the computed flow field show a good agreement with the qualitative behavior of decaying turbulence. The behavior of the flow structures in the computed flow field also follow the classical idea of the fluid flow in turbulence. Keywords: Direct numerical simulation, Isotropic turbulence, Spectral method. © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.12665 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 435-445 (2013)
Synoptic Analysis of a Heavy Rainfall Event over Southeast Region of Bangladesh Using WRF Model
Authors: Ahasan M. N. , Mannan M. A. , Debsarma S. K.
Published: September 2013

Synoptic analysis of the heavy rainfall event of 7 September 2011 was carried out using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. This extraordinary rainfall event was localized over the southeast region of Bangladesh and recorded rainfall was 331 mm at Chittagong and 226 mm at Sandwip within a span of 24-h. The model was run at 9 km horizontal resolution using KF CPS with YSU PBL scheme. The model performance was evaluated by examining the different predicted parameters like mean sea level pressure, upper and lower level circulations, wind shear, relative vorticity, convergence, moisture and rainfall. The rainfall was validated with TRMM 3B42RT and observed rainfall data. The results indicate that the WRF model was able to simulate the heavy rainfall event, and associated synoptic features reasonably well, though there are some biases in the rainfall pattern. The results suggest that the highly localized heavy rain over southeast Bangladesh was the result of an interaction of the large scale monsoon system with cyclonic disturbances and required moisture have been supplied from the Bay of Bengal. The low level flow facilitated strong convergence over the region due to horizontal wind shear, which resulted in maintenance of the storms. Keywords: Heavy Rainfall; WRF Model; Simulation; Validation; TRMM. © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.13171 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 421-434 (2013)
Heterologous Expression and Purification of ? Galactosidase Protein Using Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Alam M. Z. , Ragionieri L. , Santos M. A. S. , Iqbal A.
Published: September 2013

Enzymes and other protein purification using recombinant DNA technology have become popular due to scarcity of natural protein. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a demanding host, since it facilitates protein expression by its relative simplicity, safe organisms, inexpensive and has many properties of eukaryotic expression system. As an alternative host we express E. coli lacZ gene with GST tag in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and successfully purified from soluble extracts. The concentration of soluble GST-? galactosidase protein was approximately 0.57 mg/ml of elution buffer yielded from 50 ml yeast cell culture. The ?-galactosidase protein from insoluble extract was low due to the increasing solubility of GST tag. Keywords: ?-galactosidase; Heterologous expression; GST tag; Affinity chromatography. © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.13820 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 499-513 (2013)
Preventive Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on Paracetamol-induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Hossain S.
Published: September 2013

The effect of Ganoderma lucidum in paracetamol-induced acute hepatotoxicity was investigated on Wistar rats in the present study. Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of paracetamol (500 mg/kg of body weight) for 7 consecutive days. The extent of liver damage was studied by assessing biochemical parameters comprising of plasma aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TB) and total plasma total protein (TP). Oral administration of paracetamol significantly increased the plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH with concomitant decrease of TP. The feeding of G. lucidum (1% powder with basal food) significantly reversed the plasma levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, and TP nearly to those of the normal rats. Thus, the results of the present demonstrate that the G. lucidum has significant hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.
Comparative Biochemical Composition of Natural and Fattened Mud Crab Scylla serrata
Authors: Sarower M. G. , Bilkis S. , Rauf M. A. , Khanom M. , Islam M. S.
Published: September 2013

The biochemical composition (proteins, lipid, ash and moisture) of different parts of the body (gill, meat, egg) of fattened and natural mud crab Scylla serrata was determined. Twenty four samples of S. serrata (12 from wild & 12 from fattening farm) of different sizes and sexes (half of the sample is male) were used in this study. The mean protein and lipid contents are significantly (p<0.05) higher in fattened crabs than natural in natural crabs regardless of size and sexes.  Moisture and ash were higher in natural crab than in fattened ones. The highest and lowest moisture content was noticed in gills and eggs in both natural and fattened crabs. Protein and lipid contents were comparatively higher in eggs than in other body parts. Female crabs contained high protein and lipid than males in both natural and fattened crabs.  From the results of this study it may considered that fattened crab might be comparatively superior to natural crabs as they appear to provide higher levels of protein and fat  for human nutrition. Keywords: Biochemical composition; Natural and Fattened mud crab; Scylla serrata   © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14082 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 545-553 (2013)
Imbalance in Life Table: Effect of Infant Mortality on Lower Life Expectancy at Birth
Authors: Fazle Rabbi A. M.
Published: September 2013

Life expectancy at birth is a well-known demographic measure of population longevity. Rationally, life expectancy at birth should be higher than life expectancy at any particular age. However, historically, lower life expectancy at birth is observed than that of age one, which diminishes the feature of life expectancy at birth as a prominent indicator of longevity. High infant and child mortality rates result in lower values of life expectancy at birth than at older ages. This imbalance in life table disappears only when the crossover occurs and it happens when the inverse of the infant mortality becomes equal to the life expectancy at age one. For Matlab Health and Demographic surveillance system of Bangladesh, life expectancy at age one is still higher than life expectancy at birth. Required infant mortality rate to achieve crossover suggests further decline in infant mortality for Matlab HDSS to attain crossover of life expectancy at birth and age one. Keywords: Life expectancies; Developing countries; Imbalance; Life table.  © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14105 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 479-488 (2013)
Relationship Between High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein and CagA Positive Helicobacter pylori in Cardiac Syndrome X
Authors: Rasmi Y. , Seyed-Mohammadzad M. H. , Raeisi S.
Published: September 2013

Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) may induce a persistent systemic inflammatory response in cardiac syndrome X (CSX). We aimed to evaluate relationship of CagA status and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in CSX patients. Sixty CSX patients and 60 gender matched controls were enrolled. Plasma samples were tested in terms of the presence of IgG antibody to Helicobacterpylori (anti-H. pylori) and CagA (anti-CagA) using ELISA method. Also, plasma level of hs-CRP was measured by ELISA method. CSX patients were detected to have significantly higher plasma hs-CRP level in comparison with the control ones (3.64 ± 3.07 vs. 0.54 ± 0.49, µg/ml, P = 0.0001). Plasma levels of hs-CRP in CSX patients with anti-CagA+ were significantly higher than those in anti-CagA(-) (CSX: 4.66±3.63 vs. 2.58±1.95 µg/ml, P = 0.011). Also, plasma levels of hs-CRP in the controls with anti-CagA+ were significantly higher than those in anti-CagA- (1.05±0.68 vs. 0.32±0.31 µg/ml, respectively, P = 0.004). The present data suggested that CagA status was probably associated with susceptibility to severe CSX by causing inflammation. The evidence for this hypothesis indicated that levels of hs-CRP increased in anti-CagA+ patients compared to the anti-CagA- ones. Keywords: Cardiac syndrome X; Helicobacter pylori; Inflammation ; hs-CRP, Cytotoxin-associated gene A. © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14171 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 527-533 (2013)
Piper velaudhanii (Piperaceae), a New Name for P. Pseudonigrum Velay. & Amalraj
Authors: Kumar E. S. S. , Mathew S. P.
Published: September 2013

A new name, Piper velaudhanii, is proposed for Piperpseudonigrum described by K. C. Velayudhan and V. A. Amalaraj from Kerala, India, which happens to be a later homonym of P. pseudonigrum C.DC. from Vietnam. Keywords: Piper velayudhanii; New name; India.  © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14237 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 579-580 (2013)
Micro-structural and Microhardness Study of Ni-Zn Ferrite Using Si Additive
Authors: Uzma G
Published: September 2013

Mixed Ni-Zn ferrites (x = 0.66, 0.77, 0.88, 0.99) were prepared by the double sintering ceramic method. Locally available low cost Fe2O3 with 0.5wt% of Si additive was used for this purpose to reduce the process price markedly and to improve the properties of the ferrite produced. Micro structural and micro hardness properties along with density and porosity have been investigated. Hardness increases with increase in metal contact, x of NixZn1-xFe2O4. SEM and optical micrograph shows very similar morphology of the particles with the amount of Si (0.5 wt %), must be low enough to prevent growth of large grains.   © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14467 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 415-420 (2013)
Dynamics of Boundary Graphs
Authors: Mariumuthu G. , Saraswathy M. S.
Published: September 2013

In a graph G, the distance d(u,v) between a pair of vertices u and v is the length of a shortest path joining them. A vertex v is a boundary vertex of a vertex u if for all The boundary graph B(G) based on a connected graph G is a simple graph which has the vertex set as in G. Two vertices u and v are adjacent in B(G) if either u is a boundary of v or v is a boundary of u. If G is disconnected, then each vertex in a component is adjacent to all other vertices in the other components and is adjacent to all of its boundary vertices within the component. Given a positive integer m, the mth iterated boundary graph of G is defined as A graph G is periodic if for some m. A graph G is said to be an eventually periodic graph if there exist positive integers m and k >0 such that We give the necessary and sufficient condition for a graph to be eventually periodic.  Keywords: Boundary graph; Periodic graph. © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14866 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), xxx-xxx (2013)