bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetoelectric hysteresis of a bilayered magnetoelectric composite
Authors: Zhou Yun , Wang Su-Su , Gao Tian-Xiang , Wang Jian-Feng , Chen Miao-Gen , Jiao Zhi-Wei , Wu Liang
Published: April 2019

A bilayered magnetoelectric composite has been fabricated by bonding a magnetostrictive layer Terfenol-D and a piezoelectric layer Pb(Zr0·52Ti0·48)O3 together. The magnetoelectric hysteresis behavior of the magnetoelectric composite has been investigated. The results show that the magnetoelectric voltage coefficients of the composite are strongly affected by the bias magnetic field and test period. The magnetoelectric voltage coefficients with the bias magnetic field exhibit hysteresis over a test period, forming hysteresis loops with an anticlockwise direction sweep. The test time hysteresis caused by a fast varying bias magnetic field can be reduced by prolonging the test period. The observed coercive field, remanence and ratio of the remanence of the magnetoelectric hysteresis loops with the test period obey an exponential decay law. In addition, the bias magnetic field dependence of magnetoelectric hysteresis loops is found to be associated with magnetic hysteresis loops. These findings provide some ideas not only for practical applications, but also for the magnetoelectric effect examinations of magnetoelectric composites.
Fen Bilimleri Öğretmen Adaylarının Eğitimde Çizgi Filmin Kullanımına İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: BERBER Asiye , ANILAN Burcu , ODABAŞ İzel Nur , ALKAN Dilan
Published: April 2019

Öğrencilerin

çizgi film seçiminde doğru seçimler yapabilmeleri için öğretmenler yol

gösterici olmalıdır. Araştırmamızda, fen bilimleri öğretmen adaylarının

eğitimde çizgi filmlerin kullanılmasına ilişkin görüşleri belirlenmeye

çalışılmıştır. Bu araştırmada nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından fenomenolojiden

(olgubilim) yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri, görüşme türlerinden yarı

yapılandırılmış görüşme ile toplanmıştır. 

Verilerin analizinde betimsel analiz tekniği kullanılmıştır. Öğretmen

adayları,  çizgi filmlerin seçiminde

eğlenceli ve dikkat çekici olmasına, 

izlenilen çizgi filmlerin alt yaş gruplarında çocuğun dünyası ile onun

yaşam şeklinin biçimlendirileceği dikkate alınarak uygun konu, karakter ve

davranışları sergilemesi gerektiğine vurgu yapmışlardır.
Mammalian Calling Cards Quick Start Guide v1
Authors: Moudgil Arnav , N. Wilkinson Michael , Chen Xuhua , D. Mitra Robi
Published: April 2019

Transposon calling cards can identify transcription factor (TF) binding sites. This involves fusing your favorite TF (YFTF) to the hyperactive piggyBac transposase (HyPBase). This is delivered to cells in conjunction with a piggyBac transposon. The TF will visit sites in the genome and YFTF-HyPBase will deposit transposons near binding sites. We then generate sequencing libraries to map the genome-wide localization of transposons. Finally, we identify significant clusters of insertions to identify TF binding sites.
Detection of bacterial pathogens and drug resistance markers using Rolling circle amplification v1
Authors: Kühnemund Malte , Hernandez Ivan , Istiaq Sharif Mohd , Cornaglia Matteo , A.M. Gijs Martin , Nilsson Mats
Published: April 2019

Here is described the protocol used to detect bacteria and antibiotic resistance markers using padlock probes and Rolling circle amplification. This method allows for single-molecule/digital quantification in a semi-quantitative way.
Metodología utilizada para predecir el perfil metabólico de un paciente definido por los polimorfismos en el gen CYP2C9 v2
Authors: guerrero salazar abidan
Published: April 2019

Un gran número SNPs se localizan en genes que codifican enzimas metabolizadoras de fármacos y transportadores, todos ellos importantes para determinar la respuesta clínica a tratamientos farmacológicos. La familia de proteínas del citocromo P450 representan las enzimas más importantes en la metabolización de los fármacos, ya el metabolismo implica una interacción compleja entre las diferentes enzimas oxidando una serie de sustratos endógenos y xenobióticos, incluyendo varios carcinógenos, toxinas y más del 90% de fármacos. Diversos estudios han demostrado una amplia variación en el contenido y actividad hepática del citocromo P450. Se sabe que algunas mutaciones genéticas pueden afectar la expresión enzimática y la actividad de muchos P450, particularmente los genes CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 y CYP2B6, que además son de los más polimórficos. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la metodología utilizada para predecir el perfil de metabolismo de un paciente definido por los polimorfismos presentes en el gen CYP2C9. Se extraerán 5 mL de sangre periférica en tubo con tapón lila con EDTA. Posteriormente, el ADN se obtiene por el método de “salting out”. La pureza del ADN extraído se determinará mediante espectrofotometría con el equipo NanoDrop 1000®. Para la genotipificación se utilizará un microarreglo comercial Axiom® Precision Medicine Research Array de Affymetrix; además del análisis de datos obtenidos de secuenciación de nueva generación.
PXR un receptor activador de las vias de señalización del Citocromo P450 v1
Authors: Guerrero Salazar Abidan
Published: April 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. Un gran número SNPs se localizan en genes que codifican enzimas metabolizadoras de fármacos y transportadores, todos ellos importantes para determinar la respuesta clínica a tratamientos farmacológicos. La familia de proteínas del citocromo P450 representan las enzimas más importantes en la metabolización de los fármacos, ya el metabolismo implica una interacción compleja entre las diferentes enzimas oxidando una serie de sustratos endógenos y xenobióticos, incluyendo varios carcinógenos, toxinas y más del 90% de fármacos. Diversos estudios han demostrado una amplia variación en el contenido y actividad hepática del citocromo P450. Se sabe que algunas mutaciones genéticas pueden afectar la expresión enzimática y la actividad de muchos P450, particularmente los genes CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 y CYP2B6, que además son de los más polimórficos. OBJETIVO GENERAL. Identificar un componente en una via de señalización del Citocromo P450 y realizar una busqueda de una técnica de laboratorio que permita identificarlo METODOLOGÍA. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de un componente presente en las vías de señalización del citocromo P450. RESULTADOS PXR es un receptor nuclear que toma un papel importante en la inducción de CYP2C9. El PXR es un receptor clave que regula la expresión de los genes implicados en el metabolismo, la desintoxicación y el y la eliminación de farmacos, incluidas las enzimas que los metabolizan. Se sabe que una amplia gama de fármacos estructuralmente diferentes se unen a PXR e inducen la actividad del CYP3A4. En los seres humanos, el CYP3A4 es la forma dominante de la enzima metabolizadora de fármacos en el hígado y puede explicar el metabolismo oxidativo de más del 60% de todos los fármacos utilizados clínicamente receptor es detectar la presencia de sustancias ajenas a la célula y después activar los componentes que permitan la eliminación del sustrato. Según la similitud de secuencia, es probable que PXR sea el homólogo de ratón a hPAR. Una de las técnicas que se pueden utilizar para el estudio del receptor PXR es el uso de espectrofotometría.
Five things you need to know about PD-1 inhibitor v1
Authors: Brown Alex
Published: April 2019

PD-1 inhibitors, including PD-1 antibodies and PD-L1 antibodies, are a new drug for tumor immunotherapy. Unlike surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and targeted drugs, the PD-1 inhibitor itself does not directly kill cancer cells, but rather activates the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. The first clinical trial of PD-1 inhibitor began in 2006 and it was first officially marketed in September 2014. Since then, it has been selected by Science and the American Society of Clinical Oncology as the “Biggest Progress of the Year”. The inventor of PD-1 inhibitors has also won the Lasker Award, which is known as the "Nobel Prize in Medicine".
Descripción de variantes asociadas a la enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob y la predicción de sus efectos usando PolyPhen-2 en una población de estudio v1
Authors: Washington González Méndez Guillermo
Published: April 2019

Las enfermedades priónicas son un conjunto de enfermedades neurodegenerativas que afectan tanto a los humanos como a los animales. Estas enfermedades se caracterizan por la acumulación anormal de proteína priónica (PrPSc) en el sistema nervioso central (SNC); la característica principal de estas patologías es la conversión de la proteína priónica celular (PrPC) a su versión patogénica PrPSc . Las enfermedades priónicas incluyen kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) y el insomnio familiar fatal (FFI). Aproximadamente del 10% - 15% de las enfermedades priónicas son heredadas y causadas por una mutación en el gen (PRNP), y menos del 1% son adquiridas. La enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob es un trastorno cerebral degenerativo poco común causado por proteínas priónicas patológicas (PrP) codificadas por el gen PRNP que lleva a una disminución rápida de la función mental y del movimiento. Una de sus causas principales es una proteína llamada prión que provoca un doblamiento anormal de las proteínas, afectando la funcionalidad de otras. En esta metodología, realizaremos una asociación de las variantes relacionadas al gen PRNP y sus efectos.
HISTORICAL EYES OF CONFLICT RESEARCH AND ITS INTERDISCIPLINARY CHARACTER
Authors: Zavarika G.
Published: April 2019

The scientific category of conflict is considered. The development of knowledge about the conflict in different historical formations is highlighted. It is found that the conflict is interdisciplinary and uses methods of research of various Sciences. The points of view on the place of conflict in the social life of scientists of different eras and specializations are analyzed. It was proved that the theme of the conflict was actual in different stages of the historical development of society. The importance of the study of the conflict in the period of formation of the Ukrainian conflictology is revealed. It is established that at the present stage in Ukraine the analysis and development of foreign experience is carried out, there are original theoretical and methodological developments of various aspects of the conflict. Today, science faces an important problem related to the emergence of conflicts – the study of factors that contribute to their emergence. Scientific interest is largely related to the growth of tension in various spheres of socio-economic and socio-political interaction, aggression and terrorism, ethnic conflicts. Our society, political elite, political scientists were unprepared for this difficult situation. Orientation to the” conflict-free ” development of society made the problems of conflicts unpromising. This led not only to its de facto exclusion from the field of scientific research but also to the fact that society has not formed mechanisms for predicting the emergence of conflicts. Attempts to copy the experience of foreign conflictologists in the field of socio-political problems are not designed for universal complement in any socio-cultural conditions, are unsuccessful. This contradiction lies in the awareness of the need for scientific understanding and practical work on the issue related to the collection of information, it’s systematization, analysis and forecasting of possible conflicts. The practical significance of the work lies in the conclusions about the need for a more in-depth and comprehensive approach to the study of factors contributing to the emergence of conflicts by effective, qualitative methods on the basis of knowledge of history, political science, sociology, psychology, social geography, political economy, political marketing in order to prevent and quickly eliminate them.
The state of art and prospects for development of symbiogenetics
Authors: Provorov Nikolai A. , Tikhonovich Igor A.
Published: April 2019

The modern stage of development of symbiogenetics, a biological discipline that addresses the formation of super-species genetic systems, is associated with the study of molecular mechanisms and environmental consequences of combining the hereditary factors of prokaryotes and eukaryotes into functionally integrated symbiogenomes, which, as partners lose their ability to autonomous existence, are transformed into structurally integrated hologenomes. The loss by intracellular symbionts of eukaryotes of their genetic individuality, determined by the ability to independently maintain and express the genome, representing a key step in symbiogenesis which results in the transformation of bacteria into cellular organelles. Genetic reconstruction of symbiogenesis provides the broad prospects for its artificial reproduction aimed at the synthesis of new organisms and biosystems possessing the predetermined sets of practically significant features.
Kadınların İş Yaşamındaki Konumunun Hofstede’nin Kültür Boyutları Açısından İncelenmesi
Authors: Küçükkömürler Sanem , Kırımer-aydınlı Fulya
Published: April 2019

İşgücü alanında
yaşanan cinsiyet eşitsizliğini birçok toplumda gözlemlemek mümkün olmakla
birlikte cinsiyet eşitsizliği oranları toplumdan topluma farkılılık
göstermektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı kültürel boyutlardaki çeşitlilikler ile
kadınların işgücündeki yerine dair toplumsal yaklaşımları incelemektir. Bu
amaçla farklı ülkelere ait açık veri setlerinden alınan değerler
birleştirilmiştir. Kültürel etkiler için Hofstede’nin kültür boyutları ve
kadının iş yaşamındaki konumu için Dünya Değerleri Veri Setinden alınan ilgili
maddeler kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada hiyerarşik regresyon analizi uygulanmış,
gayri safi milli hasıla ve ekonomiye katılım kontrol değişkenleri olarak
analize dahil edilmiştir. Sonuçlara göre, (1) kadınların eşlerinden daha fazla
para kazanması bireycilik düzeyinin yüksek olduğu toplumlarda sorun olarak
görülmemektedir, (2) kadınların iş sahibi olmaları belirsizlikten kaçınan
toplumlarda bağımsızlık göstergesi olarak algılanmaktadır ve (3) belirsizlikten
kaçınan toplumlar iş kısıtlılığı durumunda işi erkeğin hak edeceği görüşünü
desteklememektedir.
Prevention of Occupational Burnout
Authors: Gökkaya Füsun
Published: April 2019

The prevention of burnout can only be achieved
on both individual and organizational levels. Employees who experience less
burnout were found to have higher self esteem, feel more sufficient, and to be
less affected by their environment. Alongside these, individuals resistant to
burnout were stated to be individuals with hobbies, strong social relations,
and the ability to draw social support from the people in their environment. In
the light of these findings, prevention efforts on an individual level can be
realized through ensuring self-esteem, regulating relations to others,
providing hobbies, teaching to say no, and the provision of skills such as
stress management. This can be achieved through groups working at the same or
different occupational field receiving psychological support (for example,
relaxation techniques, stress management, psychodrama). Occupational burnout is
an important problem that needs to be understood and prevented where the fields
of organizational and clinical psychology need to work in cooperation.
Educación superior y economía solidaria hacia un enfoque territorial
Authors: Pérez Muñoz Colombia , Gómez María Edilma , Hernández Arteaga Isabel , García Porras Sonia
Published: April 2019

La crisis evidente en las dimensiones sociales, económicas y ambientales ha convocado a la definición de estrategias desde las universidades, los gobiernos y las organizaciones de la sociedad civil, entre ellas, las de la economía social y solidaria, para crear condiciones que propicien una mejora en la calidad de vida y el desarrollo sostenible. El artículo presenta el avance en el desarrollo de la propuesta de educación en y para la economía solidaria en la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, la cual tiene un enfoque por competencias orientado a la activación de ciudadanía, el conocer y hacer visible a la economía solidaria y promover el emprendimiento y la innovación social con impactos en la comunidad interna y externa. El acompañamiento y monitoreo de este proceso, orientado por la metodología de investigación acción revela buenas prácticas, oportunidades de mejoramiento y grandes retos, especialmente en lo que se refiere a los territorios donde la universidad tiene su campo de acción. Seguir avanzando en el fortalecimiento de esta estrategia, cobra especial relevancia por la reciente firma del acuerdo de paz entre la guerrilla de las FARC-EP y el gobierno nacional de Colombia, que invita a un mayor compromiso ciudadano e institucional con la construcción de territorios solidarios para la paz.
Un estudio fenomenológico de la violencia en la vida cotidiana infantil
Authors: Morales Vasco Maria Leonor
Published: April 2019

Este documento resulta del estudio realizado en 2012 con niños entre los 5 y 10 años de edad, estudiantes de básica primaria de una institución educativa del municipio de La Tebaida â€“ Quindío. Su propósito era lograr una descripción del mundo de sentido de los chicos, para develar los â€˜códigosâ€™ con los que leen las situaciones cotidianas y entienden el conflicto y la violencia, de allí que se hiciera uso de herramientas cualitativas para adentrarse en esa cotidianidad: entrevistas personales en profundidad, entrevistas grupales, observación y registro en diario de notas, revisión de documentos (anecdotarios, fichas familiares, actas de seguimiento, documentos institucionales, entre otros). El artículo presenta algunas generalidades sobre los estudios en torno a la violencia, luego aborda la cotidianidad como espacio de estudio y la fenomenología como instrumento para adelantar esa indagación; culmina con las conclusiones, algunas atinentes a las condiciones concretas de la Institución Educativa que albergó el estudio y otras más generales, por ejemplo, en la discusión fenomenológica sobre la consolidación de esquemas de acción e interpretación, esta investigación lo que muestra es que los niños poseen tales esquemas, no en etapa embrionaria, sino esquemas estructurados a lo largo de sus años de vida, que requieren refinamiento y precisión y eso le deja a la educación enormes posibilidades de proponer formas distintas a la violencia para dirimir los conflictos.Â
Decyzja jako dowód w postępowaniu podatkowym
Authors: Willenberg Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Autorka porusza problematykę dopuszczalności wykorzystania decyzji podatkowej jako dowodu w innym postępowaniu podatkowym. Przedmiot szczegółowych rozważań stanowi kwestia uznania decyzji podatkowej za dokument urzędowy oraz tego konsekwencje. W świetle regulacji ustawowej (art. 194 Ordynacji podatkowej) decyzja, jak każdy dokument urzędowy, korzysta z domniemania zgodności z prawdą. To domniemanie jest wzruszalne za pomocą każdego przeciwdowodu, ponieważ najważniejsza w postepowaniu podatkowym jest realizacja zasady prawdy materialnej (art. 122 Ordynacji podatkowej). Domniemanie wiarygodności nie obejmuje całej treści decyzji. Zgodnie z dominującą w ostatnich latach tendencją w orzecznictwie sądów administracyjnych, domniemanie zgodności z prawdą ogranicza się do sentencji decyzji. W rezultacie okoliczności faktyczne, zawarte w jej uzasadnieniu, przestały być objęte tym domniemaniem. Dla organu podatkowego ta zmiana ma istotne znaczenie praktyczne. Uniemożliwia traktowanie „cudzych” decyzji podatkowych za jedyny i wystarczający dowód przy formułowaniu rozstrzygnięcia wraz z uzasadnieniem faktycznym „własnej” decyzji.
Działalność badawczo-rozwojowa przedsiębiorstw w Polsce na tle Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Kwiecień Kamil
Published: April 2019

We współczesnej gospodarce innowacyjność, zarówno na poziomie państw, jak i przedsiębiorstw, ma istotne znaczenie. Jest to czynnik znacząco wpływający na koniunkturę i rozwój gospodarczy. Do najważniejszych mierników poziomu innowacyjności zalicza się wskaźniki dotyczące działalności badawczo-rozwojowej. Ze względu na swoją istotę działalność badawczo-rozwojowa odgrywa kluczową rolę w przedsiębiorstwach. Celem artykułu jest analiza struktury i wielkości nakładów na działalność badawczo-rozwojową w Polsce, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem sektora przedsiębiorstw, w odniesieniu do Unii Europejskiej.
The Idea of a “For-Profit” Private Christian University in South Africa
Authors: Diederiks Morné
Published: April 2019

The one-sided focus of Christian higher education in South Africa on the field of theology and the lack of integrating faith and learning in other subjects emphasizes the need for a Christian university in South Africa. The question addressed in this article is whether a Christian university can also be for-profit, considering the fact that all Christian private higher education institutions in South Africa are non-profit. There are numerous criticisms against for-profit higher education institutions. The greatest of these are that for-profit private higher education institutions miss the purpose of what it means to be a university and that profitable higher education institutions exploit students. The church also has numerous criticisms of the profit motive, but from the Bible it is clear that there are two lines of thought regarding profit. The one is that profit is dangerous and that it easily becomes an idol; the other is that people are called to be profitable. This article concludes that there is room for a for-profit Christian higher education institution in South Africa. This for-profit Christian higher education institution should be imagined in terms of its understanding of profit regarding its mission, students, faculty and governance.
Crimen y configuración urbana: una evaluación de precios de propiedades y bienestar en equilibrio general para la ciudad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Chisari Omar O. , Ramos María Priscila , León Sonia
Published: April 2019

Antecedentes: la inseguridad es uno de los flagelos que mayormente preocupan a los habitantes de Latinoamérica, una de las regiones más inseguras del mundo, debido a la violencia y a la falta de seguridad. Buenos Aires (Argentina) no es ajena a este fenómeno, dado que sus estadísticas recientes muestran una tendencia creciente de delitos contra las personas. La pobreza puede provocar una mayor virulencia del crimen; sin embargo, este último también acarrea costos sociales y económicos que impactan negativamente sobre el bienestar y la pobreza. Este trabajo aborda esa segunda relación a partir del estudio de los cambios en la configuración urbana y su consecuente impacto sobre el bienestar de los hogares y las firmas debido al incremento del crimen en la ciudad de Buenos Aries.Metodología: se desarrolló un modelo de equilibrio general computado (EGC) con características urbanas para Argentina en 2011, con el fin de medir los cambios de bienestar generados por el crimen y los costos que éste produce sobre el mercado inmobiliario. Se tomaron los precios de los inmuebles como el mecanismo de transmisión entre el crimen y el bienestar y, con base en esto, se estimaron elasticidades entre el crimen y el precio de la vivienda a partir de un modelo econométrico hedónico.Resultados: frente a un incremento de la tasa de crimen de 10%, los precios de los inmuebles en la zona norte de la ciudad, relativamente más rica, pueden caer hasta 4%, mientras que en la región sur caen menos de 1%. El efecto neto es una caída significativa del valor promedio de los inmuebles en la ciudad, dado que en el norte se concentra la mayor parte de los inmuebles y de mayor valor. Estos resultados asimétricos entre zonas de la ciudad también se observan en los resultados de bienestar de los hogares, se reduce 8% en el norte y 1% en el sur. Dichos resultados sobre los precios de los inmuebles y del bienestar de los hogares inducen la relocalización de los hogares hacia el sur y de las firmas hacia el norte, lo que altera la configuración urbana inicial. Los resultados coinciden con los hallazgos para otras ciudades de América del Sur.Conclusiones: un aumento en el crimen en la ciudad de Buenos Aires genera costos de bienestar no desdeñables para las familias, produce incentivos para la relocalización, no sólo de las familias sino también de las firmas. En consecuencia, el crimen no resulta neutral para la configuración urbana y regional, dadas las interacciones entre la ciudad de Buenos Aires y el resto del país. Tanto las conclusiones como los resultados cuantitativos resultan útiles para el diseño de políticas públicas relativas a la seguridad y su impacto sobre la configuración urbana.
Employees’ Organizational Commitment in Higher Educational Setting
Authors: Kassaw Endris , Golga Dawit Negassa
Published: April 2019

Employees’ organizational commitment is considered to be a critical issue in higher educational setting for the success of its visions and goals, as well as to keep its employees motivation granted for achieving better work performance.  This subject has therefore, been studied so as to draw attention to enhance effectiveness of higher educational institution in Ethiopia, particularly in reference to Haramaya University.  The major objective of study was to find out the level of academic staffs’ commitment. The study assessed whether significant difference exist in academic staffs’ commitment level in terms of their gender and level of education. Researchers used cross-sectional research design and both primary and secondary data sources were used for the study; 242 participants were selected using stratified sampling technique. Questionnaire, focus group discussion and document review were used to collect data. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; and the qualitative data were also analyzed using narration methods of analysis. Study result showed there was moderate level of in overall commitment and in specific commitment dimensions among academic staffs. The study further indicated that there is no significance difference in commitment of academic staffs with reference to gender; however, a significant difference in commitment was existed in reference to level of education. 
Pectic Polysaccharides have Relatively Potent Immunomodulatory Activity Compared to their Hydrolysates from Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Husk
Authors: Sathyanarayana Shakuntala , Pramod Kumar Puttaswamy , Harish Prashanth Keelara Veerappa
Published: April 2019

In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of Pectic Polysaccharides (PPs) extracted sequentially using ammonium oxalate and ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid (PP-AO and PP-EDTA) and their oligosaccharides (PO-AO and PO-EDTA) from chickpea husk, characterized in our previous study, was investigated using the macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 at different concentrations. Results showed that treatment with 12.5-100 μg/mL of PP-AO, PP-EDTA, PO-AO and PO-EDTA stimulated macrophage proliferation, nitric oxide production and phagocytosis. The proliferation rate was observed to be increased as the production of nitric oxide increased at time intervals of 48 h and 72 h, respectively. Furthermore, TNF-α, IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokine expression profiles were measured by ELISA 24 h following the treatment. Pectic Polysaccharides (PPs) and Pectic Oligosaccharides (POs), demonstrated an elevation in cytokine levels as compared to control. Pectic polysaccharide extracts (PP-AO and PP-EDTA) are relatively potent immunomodulatory complex by inducing iNOS expression as compared to their respective hydrolysates (PO-AO and PO-EDTA) may be due to a high degree of polymerization or high amount of uronic acid as well as acetyl groups. The presence of higher content of complex xylogalacturonan with relatively more galactan side chains of PP-AO compared to EDTA isolated PPs (data not shown) made them exhibit as a potent immunomodulatory. These results suggest that pectic polysaccharides from chickpea husk can improve immunity by enhancing immune function and could be explored as a potential immunomodulatory agent in functional foods.
Complementary Feeding Practices among Children (6-23 months) in Rural Lucknow, North India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rastogi Tuhina , Srivastava Geetanjali , Awasthi Shally
Published: April 2019

Malnutrition is widely prevalent in India. Improper complementary feeding (CF) practices contribute to child malnutrition resulting in growth failure, high morbidity and mortality. Objective of the study was to assess CF practices and associated factors among children (6-23 months) in rural India. This cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers of eligible children. Mothers were identified using systematic random sampling and only those who consented to participate and were permanent residents were included. Children whose mother was unavailable were excluded. Data on socio-demographic, maternal characteristics and CF indicators was collected from June to October, 2017.Data was analyzed using SPSS. Mothers of mean age 24.98+3.91 years participated. 58.3% of mothers terminated breastfeeding before recommended duration. Of 85.3% children that received CF, 35.9%, 45.6% and 18.4% children had timely, early and delayed CF. Risk of untimely introduction of CF was higher among children of general category. Maternal education, religion, family type, child‘s gender, birth weight and birth order were not significantly associated with untimely CF practices. A large proportion of children did not consume sufficient diverse complementary foods to meet energy and micronutrient requirements. Study findings show that CF practices were suboptimal. Considerable gap existed between WHO recommendations and breastfeeding continuation, initiation of CF and meal frequency and quantity. Behavioral interventions involving mothers may improve CF practices and ensure better survival.
Integrated Approach to Evaluate Rock Brittleness and Fracability for Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization in Shale Gas
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed , Salah Mohamed , Coskuner Yakup , Ibrahim Mazher , Pieprzica Chester , Ozkan Erdal
Published: April 2019

A fracability model integrating the rock elastic properties, fracture toughness and confining pressure is presented in this paper. Tensile and compressive strength tests are conducted to define the rock-strength. Geomechanical rock properties derived from analysis of full-wave sonic logs and core samples are combined to develop models to verify the brittleness and fracability indices. An improved understanding of the brittleness and fracability indices and reservoir mechanical properties is offered and valuable insight into the optimization of completion and hydraulic fracturing design is provided. The process of screening hydraulic fracturing candidates, selecting desirable hydraulic fracturing intervals, and identifying sweet spots within each prospect reservoir are demonstrated.
Do We Need an Intelligent Makeup Solution for Modern Rotary Shouldered Connections?
Authors: Teodoriu Catalin
Published: April 2019

The accurate makeup of Rotary Shouldered Connections (RSC) is a critical step in optimizing the connection lifetime under complex downhole conditions. The makeup torque value of RSC depends on the friction coefficient of the assembly and the lubricant, which cannot normally be individually measured or determined, so that the API RP7G gives a recommended makeup torque based upon an assumed, yet constant, friction coefficient while a certain safety margin is considered. Therefore, the field induced stress state of the connection may differ from the connection optimum torque under reference conditions. This will lead to the following consequences: the lifetime of each connection is not maximized based on its drillstring position and the torque and axial force that can be transferred through the connection is different from the technical maximum limit.

Due to the technological development, a wide spectrum of power tongs can accommodate the increasing interest in mechanized operations at the rig floor today. The importance of a torque-turn recording was stated in many papers as a good control method of the makeup process, especially for casing running applications. However, we believe that the reliability of a drill string can be improved by using feed back of torque turn recordings. State-of-the-art devices not only allow the precise mechanized makeup of connections, but they also provide sufficient data to analyze the quality of the connection make-up. The motivation behind the research is the desire to make use of the data that is already provided for the benefit of increased lifetime of the connections and the reduction of drill string failures, especially for drilling under extreme downhole conditions like long horizontal, HPHT or deep water.

This paper presents a short overview of the state-of-the-art of current technology followed by a discussion of how technological advances can be used to improve the drill string reliability. Also, the readers are challenged to find the answer to the title question: "Do we need an Intelligent Makeup Solution for Rotary Shouldered Connections?"
Mechanisms for Huff-n-Puff Cyclic Gas Injection into Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Hoffman B. Todd , Rutledge Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2019

Unconventional oil reservoirs such as the Eagle Ford have had tremendous success over the last decade, but challenges remain as flow rates drop quickly and recovery factors are low; thus, enhanced oil recovery methods are needed to increase recovery. Interest in cyclic gas injection has risen as a number of successful pilots have been reported; however, little information is available on recovery mechanisms for the process. This paper evaluates oil swelling caused by diffusion and advection processes for gas injection in unconventional reservoirs.

To accurately evaluate gas penetration into the matrix, the surface area of the hydraulic fractures needs to be known, and in this work, three different methods are used to estimate the area: volumetrics, well flow rates and linear fluid flow equations. Fick's law is used to determine the gas penetration depth caused by diffusion, and the linear form of Darcy's law is used to find the amount from advection. Then, with the use of swelling test information from lab tests, we are able to approximate the amount of oil recovery expected from cyclic gas injection operations.

During the gas injection phase, gas from the fractures can enter the matrix by both advection (Darcy driven flow) and diffusion. We estimate that over 200 million scf of gas can enter the matrix during a 100 day injection/soak period. Using typical reservoir and fluid parameters, it appears that 40% is due to diffusion and 60% is due to advection. Sensitivity analysis shows that these numbers vary considerable based on the parameters used. Analytical models also show that during a 100 day production timeframe, over 14,000 stock tank barrels (STB) of oil can be produced due to huff-n-puff gas injection.

Both gas injection and oil recovery amounts are compared to recent Eagle Ford gas injection pilot data, and the model results are consistent with the field pilot data.

By determining the relative importance of the different recovery mechanisms, this paper provides a better understanding of what is happening in unconventional reservoirs during cyclic gas injection. This will allow more efficient injection schemes to be designed in the future.
Elastic Friction Reducer Facilitates Proppant Transport and FR Residual Analysis Provides Insight into Potential Formation Damage
Authors: Xu Liang , Ogle James , Collier Todd , French Jeremy , Nichols Rome , Simmons Brian
Published: April 2019

High viscosity friction reducers (HVFRs) are an important component of slickwater hydraulic fracturing applications. To continue to treat multiple clusters effectively within longer laterals, even for stages near the toe area, a high molecular weight HVFR polymer, such as polyacrylamide, is commonly used to overcome pipe friction at 1 gal/Mgal or lower. To carry proppant into fractures, it is commonly assumed that the higher viscosity the HVFR yields, the better the proppant transport, necessitating higher HVFR concentrations than 1 gal/Mgal. However, a field study within the Anadarko Basin demonstrates that viscosity is not necessarily the best indicator of how efficient HVFRs carry proppant. Instead, HVFR elasticity might play a more important role during proppant transport.

Secondly, HVFRs 1 gal/Mgal or higher could potentially plug the proppant pack or form a filter cake on the rock surface, causing formation damage. Although previous laboratory methods to determine potential formation damage exist, results are difficult to correlate with field applications; hence, the conclusions remain elusive. A relatively new analysis procedure yielding improved assessments of residual HVFR concentrations for both flowback and produced waters, which aid understanding potential formation damage after hydraulic fracturing, is discussed.
Self-Adjusting Anomaly Detection Model for Well Operation and Production in Real-Time
Authors: Snyder Jon , Scott Stuart , Kassim Rashid
Published: April 2019

Plunger lifted, and free-flowing gas wells experience a wide range of issues and operational inefficiencies such as liquid-loading, downhole and surface restrictions, stuck or leaking motor control valves, and metering issues. These issues can lead to extended downtime, equipment failures, and other production inefficiencies. Using data science and machine-learning algorithms, a self-adjusting anomaly detection model considers all sensor data, including the associated statistical behavior and correlations, to parse any underlying issues and anomalies and classifies the potential cause(s). This paper presents the result of a Proof of Concept (PoC) study conducted for a South Texas operator encompassing 50 wells over a three-month period. The results indicate an improvement compared to the operators’ visual inspection and surveillance anomaly detection system. The model allows operators to focus their time on solving problems instead of discovering them. This novel approach to anomaly detection improves workflow efficiencies, decreases lease operating expenses (LOE), and increases production by reducing downtime.
Validity of Mini-Fluid Challenge for Predicting Fluid Responsiveness Following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Mukhtar Ahmed , Awad Maha , Elayashy Mohamed , Hussein Amr , Obayah Gihan , Adawy Akram El , Ahmed Mai , Dahab Hisham Abul , Hasanin Ahmed , Elfouly Amr , Abdo Mostafa , Abdelaal Amr , Teboul Jean
Published: April 2019

Background

Mini-fluid challenge is a well tested and effective tool to predict fluid responsiveness under various clinical conditions. However, mini-fluid challenge has never been tested in patients with end-stage liver disease. This study investigated whether infusion of 150 ml albumin 5% can predict fluid responsiveness in cirrhotic patients following liver transplant.

Methods

Fifty patients receiving living donor liver transplant were included in the analysis. Mini-fluid challenge composed of 150 ml of albumin 5% administered over 1 min in three consecutive 50-ml fluid boluses. An additional 350 ml was then infused at a constant rate over 15 min (for a total of 500 ml). Stroke volume (SV) was measured as the product of the subaortic velocity time integral (VTI) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in SV by ≥15% after the infusion.

Results

Fifty patients were enrolled in the study. Fourteen patients were classified with Child A, 15 patients with Child B, and 21 patients with Child C cirrhosis. Thirty four patients were fluid responders and 16 patients were fluid non-responders. After 150 ml of albumin 5%, the SV increased significantly in our cohort. The area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) was 0.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–0.8, P = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, the SV increased significantly after mini fluid challenge in the Child A group (P = 0.017) but not Child B or C groups (P = 0.3 and 0.29, respectively). The AUROC for mini-fluid challenge in the Child A group was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–0.9, P = 0.0004), while mini-fluid challenge failed to discriminate between responders and non-responders in Child B and C groups.

Conclusion

A mini-fluid challenge of 150 ml albumin 5% can predict fluid responsiveness in liver transplant patients with fair sensitivity and specifiicty. Subgroup analyis revealed that minifluid challenge can predict fluid responsiveness in patients with Child A cirrhosis but not patients with Child B or C cirrhosis

Trial Registration Number

NCT03396159. (Prospective registered). Initial registration date was 10/01/2018
Boundary element method in numerical study of three-dimensional Stokes flows in channels of arbitrary shape
Authors: Itkulova Yu.A.
Published: April 2019

In the present work creeping three-dimensional flows of a viscous liquid in a cylindrical tube and a channel of variable cross-section are studied. A qualitative triangulation of the surface of a cylindrical tube, a smoothed and experimental channel of a variable cross section is constructed. The problem is solved numerically using boundary element method in several modifications for a periodic and non-periodic flows. The obtained numerical results are compared with the analytical solution for the Poiseuille flow.
Is Human Paraoxonase 1 the Saviour Against the Persistent Threat of Organophosphorus Nerve Agents?
Authors: Iyengar A. R. Satvik , Pande Abhay H.
Published: April 2019

Nerve agents have been used extensively in chemical warfare in the past. However, recent
use of Novichok agents have reignited the debate on the threat posed by Organophosphorus
Nerve Agents (OPNAs). The currently available therapy for OPNA toxicity is only symptomatic
and is potentially ineffective in neutralizing OPNAs. Hence, there is a dire need to develop a prophylactic
therapy for counteracting OPNA toxicity. In this regard, human paraoxonase 1 has
emerged as the enzyme of choice. In this review, we have focussed upon the recent and past events
of OPNA use, their mechanism of action and toxicity. Further, we have emphasized upon the potential
of enzyme based therapy and the various advances in the development of paraoxonase 1 as a
countermeasure for OPNA poisoning. Finally, we have elaborated the shortcomings of paraoxonase
1 and the work that needs to be undertaken in order to develop human paraoxonase 1 as a prophylactic
against OPNA poisoning.
Amyloid-Negative Dementia in the Elderly is Associated with High Accumulation of Tau in the Temporal Lobes
Authors: Takeuchi Jun , Kikukawa Takayuki , Saito Haruna , Hasegawa Itsuki , Takeda Akitoshi , Hatsuta Hiroyuki , Kawabe Joji , Wada Yasuhiro , Mawatari Aya , Igesaka Ami , Doi Hisashi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Shimada Hitoshi , Kitamura Soichiro , Higuchi Makoto , Suhara Tetsuya , Itoh Yoshiaki
Published: April 2019

Background:

We previously reported that among cases clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the proportion of amyloid beta (Aβ) -negative case increases in the elderly population. Tauopathy including Argyrophilic Grain Disease (AGD) and Neurofibrillary Tangle-Predominant Dementia (NFTPD), may be the leading causes of such dementia.

Objective:

To evaluate the involvement of tau, we studied tau accumulation in Amyloid-Negative Dementia Cases in the Elderly (ANDE) with Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

Methods:

Seven cases with slowly progressive dementia who were older than 80 years and were negative for Aβ were studied. In one case, autopsy obtained 2 years after the PET examination revealed neurofibrillary tangles limited around the parahippocampal gyrus. Four cases showed strong laterality in magnetic resonance imaging atrophy (clinical AGD), while the other three cases had no significant laterality in atrophy (clinical NFTPD). Age-corrected PET data of healthy controls (HC; n = 12) were used as control. Tau accumulation was evaluated with [11C]PBB3-PET.

Results:

High accumulation was found in the lateral temporal cortex in ANDE. In autopsy case, scattered neurofibrillary tangles were found in the parahippocampal gyrus. In addition, there was a very high accumulation of PBB3 in the large area of bilateral parietal lobes, although no corresponding tau component was found in the autopsied case.

Conclusion:

Relatively high burden of tau deposition was commonly observed in the lateral temporal cortex and parietal cortex of ANDE, part of which may explain dementia in these subjects. [11C]PBB3 may be useful in detecting tauopathy in ANDE.
Comparison of G-guide and Image-free Navigation System in Accuracy of Stem Anteversion Assessment During Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Fujihara Yuki , Fukunishi Shigeo , Fukui Tomokazu , Nishio Shoji , Takeda Yu , Okahisa Shohei , Yoshiya Shinichi
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

We have developed and utilized the Gravity-guide (G-guide) as a simple manual instrument for intraoperative assessment and adjustment of stem anteversion (AV). Since 2013, we simultaneously measured stem AV using the G-guide and image-free navigation during THA procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare the measurement accuracy of the G-guide and navigation system using the postoperative CT results as a reference.

Methods:

In total, 59 hips in 56 patients who underwent primary THA using both the G-guide and image-free navigation system were included in the study. All patients underwent postoperative CT examination, and the femoral stem AV was assessed using a 3D image analysis system (Zed hip, LEXI, Japan). The AV angle derived from the postoperative CT image analysis was used as the reference value to assess the accuracy of the two intraoperative measurement systems.

Results:

The discrepancy between the G-guide and the postoperative CT-measured values averaged 5.0° ± 3.9°, while the corresponding value for the navigation system was 5.2° ± 4.1°. Acceptable accuracy with a measurement error of less than 10° was achieved in 86% and 90% of the cases for the G-guide and navigation measurements respectively.

Conclusion:

Consequently, it was shown that both navigation and G-guide measurements can achieve comparative accuracy and are clinically useful.