bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of HDL Cholesterol and Estimates of HDL Particle Composition in Future Development of Type 2 Diabetes in the General Population: The PREVEND Study
Authors: Abbasi Ali , Corpeleijn Eva , Gansevoort Ron T. , Gans Rijk O. B. , Hillege Hans L. , Stolk Ronald P. , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: May 2013

Background and Aims:

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) may directly stimulate β-cell function and glucose metabolism. We determined the relationships of fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), plasma apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apoA-II, and HDL-C–to–apoA-I and HDL-C–to–apoA-II ratios, as estimates of HDL particle composition, with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

A prospective study was carried out in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort after exclusion of subjects with diabetes at baseline (n = 6820; age, 28–75 years). The association of HDL-related variables with incident type 2 diabetes was determined by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

After a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 394 incident cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were ascertained (5.8%). After adjustment for age, sex, family history of diabetes, body mass index, hypertension, alcohol, and smoking, odd ratios (ORs) for diabetes were 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.64; P < .001), 0.81 (0.71–0.93; P = .002), 0.02 (0.01–0.06; P < .001), and 0.03 (0.01–0.060; P < .001) per 1-SD increase in HDL-C and apoA-I and in the HDL-C–to–apoA-I and the HDL-C–to–apoA-II ratios, respectively. In contrast, apoA-II was not related to incident diabetes (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90–1.16; P=0.71). The relationships of HDL-C and the ratios of HDL-C to apoA-I and HDL-C to apoA-II remained significant after further adjustment for baseline glucose and triglycerides (ORHDL = 0.74 [95% CI, 0.61–0.88], ORHDL/APO A-I = 0.14 [0.04–0.44], and ORHDL/APOA-II = 0.12 [0.04–0.36]; all P ≤ .001).

Conclusions:

Higher HDL-C, as well as higher HDL-C–to–apoA-I and HDL-C–to–apoA-II ratios are strongly and independently related to a lower risk of future type 2 diabetes.
Altered biometal homeostasis is associated with CLN6 mRNA loss in mouse neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Kanninen Katja M. , Grubman Alexandra , Caragounis Aphrodite , Duncan Clare , Parker Sarah J. , Lidgerwood Grace E. , Volitakis Irene , Ganio George , Crouch Peter J. , White Anthony R.
Published: May 2013

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, the most common fatal childhood neurodegenerative illnesses, share many features with more prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are caused by mutations in CLN genes. CLN6 encodes a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum protein with no known function. We characterized the behavioural phenotype of spontaneous mutant mice modeling CLN6 disease, and demonstrate progressive motor and visual decline and reduced lifespan in these mice, consistent with symptoms observed in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis patients. Alterations to biometal homeostasis are known to play a critical role in pathology in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and motor neuron diseases. We have previously shown accumulation of the biometals, zinc, copper, manganese and cobalt, in CLN6 Merino and South Hampshire sheep at the age of symptom onset. Here we determine the physiological and disease-associated expression of CLN6, demonstrating regional CLN6 transcript loss, and concurrent accumulation of the same biometals in the CNS and the heart of presymptomatic CLN6 mice. Furthermore, increased expression of the ER/Golgi-localized cation transporter protein, Zip7, was detected in cerebellar Purkinje cells and whole brain fractions. Purkinje cells not only control motor function, an early symptomatic change in the CLN6 mice, but also display prominent neuropathological changes in mouse models and patients with different forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Whole brain fractionation analysis revealed biometal accumulation in fractions expressing markers for ER, Golgi, endosomes and lysosomes of CLN6 brains. These data are consistent with a link between CLN6 expression and biometal homeostasis in CLN6 disease, and provide further support for altered cation transporter regulation as a key factor in neurodegeneration.
San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment
Authors: Cagan Ross
Published: May 2013

On 16 December 2012, a group of editors and publishers of scholarly journals gathered at the Annual Meeting of The American Society for Cell Biology in San Francisco, CA, USA to discuss current issues related to how the quality of research output is evaluated and how the primary scientific literature is cited. The outcome of the meeting and further discussions is a set of recommendations that is referred to as the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, published in May 2013. Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) fully supports this initiative. In concordance with the recommendations of the Declaration, DMM provides impact factor alongside a variety of other journal-based metrics, requests an author contribution statement for all research articles, places no restrictions on the reuse of reference lists, and has no limitation on the number of references in research articles.
The iodide transport defect-causing mutation R124H: a δ-amino group at position 124 is critical for maturation and trafficking of the Na+/I− symporter (NIS)
Authors: Paroder Viktoriya , Nicola Juan P. , Ginter Christopher S. , Carrasco Nancy
Published: May 2013

Na+/I− symporter (NIS)-mediated active accumulation of I− in thyrocytes is a key step in the biosynthesis of the iodine-containing thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Several NIS mutants have been identified as a cause of congenital I− transport defect (ITD), and their investigation has yielded valuable mechanistic information on NIS. Here we report novel findings derived from the thorough characterization of the ITD-causing mutation R124H, located in the second intracellular loop (IL-2). R124H NIS is incompletely glycosylated and colocalizes with ER-resident protein markers. As a result, R124H NIS is not targeted to the plasma membrane and therefore does not mediate any I− transport in transfected COS-7 cells. Strikingly, however, the mutant is intrinsically active, as revealed by its ability to mediate I− transport in membrane vesicles. Of all the amino acid substitutions we carried out at position 124 (K, D, E, A, W, N and Q), only Gln restored targeting of NIS to the plasma membrane and NIS activity, suggesting a key structural role for the δ-amino of R124 in the transporter's maturation and cell surface targeting. Using our NIS homology model based on the structure of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus Na+/galactose symporter, we propose an interaction between the δ-amino group of either R or Q124 and the thiol group of C440, located in IL-6. We conclude that the interaction between IL-2 and IL-6 is critical for the local folding required for NIS maturation and plasma membrane trafficking.
Sphingomyelin clustering is essential for the formation of microvilli
Authors: Ikenouchi Junichi , Hirata Megumi , Yonemura Shigenobu , Umeda Masato
Published: May 2013

Cellular architectures require regulated mechanisms to correctly localize the appropriate plasma membrane lipids and proteins. Microvilli are dynamic, filamentous-actin based protrusions of the plasma membrane in the apical membrane of epithelial cells. However, it remains poorly understood how their formation is regulated. In the present study, we found that sphingomyelin clustering underlies the formation of microvilli. Clustering of sphingomyelin is required for the co-clustering of a sialomucin membrane protein podocalyxin-1 at microvilli. Podocalyxin-1 recruits ERM-binding phosphoprotein-50 (also known as NHERF1), which recruits Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin proteins (ERM) and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase beta (PIP5Kbeta). Thus, clustering of PIP5Kbeta leads to local accumulation of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2], which enhances the accumulation of ERM family proteins and induces the formation of microvilli. The present study revealed novel interactions between sphingomyelin and cytoskeletal proteins by which microvilli are formed, and it clarified the physiological importance of the chemical properties of sphingomyelin that facilitate cluster formation.
Architectural User Interfaces: Themes, Trends and Directions in the Evolution of Architectural Design and Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Dade-Robertson Martyn
Published: May 2013

This paper reviews the historical and contemporary relationships between architectural design and Human Computer Interaction (hereafter HCI). Through this discussion the paper focuses on the enduring use of architecture as a metaphor in interaction design and the growing recognition that architectural space shapes the territory within which we interact with computational information. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the History of HCI before examining the relationship between the development of the computer Graphical User Interfaces (hereafter GUIs) and more recent work on Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing. The paper then explores some current themes in HCI with a view to looking for potential overlaps between architectural design and new trends in the design of computational systems.
Whiteness and absorbency of hydroentangled cotton-based nonwoven fabrics of different constituent fibers and fiber blends
Authors: Sawhney Paul , Allen Chuck , Reynolds Michael , Slopek Ryan , Condon Brian
Published: May 2013

The aim of this research is to develop greige (raw/non-bleached) cotton-containing nonwoven fabrics that likely would be competitive in quality, cost and performance to existing products that presently and predominantly use man-made fibers and some bleached cotton for wipes and other similar end-use nonwoven products. Since the whiteness and absorbency of these end-use products generally are the most desired and perhaps even critical attributes, the research was mainly focused on attaining these attributes by exploring various choices and optimum use of a variety of cost-effective cotton fibers and the blends thereof with other fibers. Nonwoven fabrics were produced, via a modern hydroentanglement system, with possible choices of using several types of cotton fibers, including the greige cotton lint and certain of its co-products such as gin motes and comber noils, and their various blends with polyester and nylon staple fibers. Bleached cotton was also used to produce an equivalent fabric for comparison. The research has shown that although the desired and perhaps critical properties of whiteness and absorbency of the selected fibers vary considerably among the various fabrics produced, the blends of greige cotton lint with man-made fibers can provide the fabric whiteness and absorbency comparable to those of say, a, bleached cotton fabric. The research results suggest that the greige cotton lint and/or its co-products in blend with polyester fiber may be sensible approaches to the development of functionally acceptable nonwoven wiping products that are also environment friendly.
Capture of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells in the Liver of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Denève Eric , Riethdorf Sabine , Ramos Jeanne , Nocca David , Coffy Amandine , Daurès Jean-Pierre , Maudelonde Thierry , Fabre Jean-Michel , Pantel Klaus , Alix-Panabières Catherine
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

The incidence and number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of colorectal cancer patients are lower than in other cancer types, which may point to a particular biology of colorectal cancer affecting CTC detection.

METHODS

We detected CTCs in the peripheral and mesenteric blood of colorectal cancer patients by use of 2 independent technologies on the basis of different biological properties of colon cancer cells. Seventy-five patients diagnosed with localized (M0, n = 60) and metastatic (M1, n = 15) colorectal cancer were included. Peripheral and mesenteric blood samples were collected before tumor resection. We performed CTC enumeration with an EpCAM-independent enrichment method followed by the Epispot assay that detected only viable CK19-releasing CTCs. In parallel, we used the FDA-cleared EpCAM-dependent CellSearch® as the reference method.

RESULTS

The enumeration of CK19-releasing cells by the CK19-Epispot assay revealed viable CTCs in 27 of 41 (65.9%) and 41 of 74 (55.4%) (P = 0.04) patients in mesenteric and peripheral blood, respectively, whereas CellSearch detected CTCs in 19 of 34 (55.9%) and 20 of 69 (29.0%) (P = 0.0046) patients. In mesenteric blood, medians of 4 (range 0–247) and 2.7 CTCs (range 0–286) were found with Epispot and CellSearch (P = 0.2), respectively, whereas in peripheral blood, Epispot and CellSearch detected a median of 1.2 (range 0–92) and 0 CTCs (range 0–147) (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable portion of viable CTCs detectable by the Epispot assay are trapped in the liver as the first filter organ in CRC patients.
The Role of Harmonic Resolvability in Pitch Perception in a Vocal Nonhuman Primate, the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Osmanski Michael S. , Song Xindong , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: May 2013

Pitch is one of the most fundamental percepts in the auditory system and can be extracted using either spectral or temporal information in an acoustic signal. Although pitch perception has been extensively studied in human subjects, it is far less clear how nonhuman primates perceive pitch. We have addressed this question in a series of behavioral studies in which marmosets, a vocal nonhuman primate species, were trained to discriminate complex harmonic tones differing in either spectral (fundamental frequency [f0]) or temporal envelope (repetition rate) cues. We found that marmosets used temporal envelope information to discriminate pitch for acoustic stimuli with higher-order harmonics and lower f0values and spectral information for acoustic stimuli with lower-order harmonics and higher f0values. We further measured frequency resolution in marmosets using a psychophysical task in which pure tone thresholds were measured as a function of notched noise masker bandwidth. Results show that only the first four harmonics are resolved at low f0values and up to 16 harmonics are resolved at higher f0values. Resolvability in marmosets is different from that in humans, where the first five to nine harmonics are consistently resolved across most f0values, and is likely the result of a smaller marmoset cochlea. In sum, these results show that marmosets use two mechanisms to extract pitch (harmonic templates [spectral] for resolved harmonics, and envelope extraction [temporal] for unresolved harmonics) and that species differences in stimulus resolvability need to be taken into account when investigating and comparing mechanisms of pitch perception across animals.
Modulation of mGluR-Dependent MAP1B Translation and AMPA Receptor Endocytosis by MicroRNA miR-146a-5p
Authors: Chen Ying-Lin , Shen Che-Kun James
Published: May 2013

The translation of dendritic microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) is exaggerated upon group I mGluR activation leading to AMPA receptor (AMPAR) endocytosis and consequent long-term depression. However, the mechanisms of regulation of MAP1B protein synthesis in the mature dendrites remain unclear. Here we have identified miR-146a-5p that targets the 3′ UTR of MAP1B mRNA and represses its translation. Inhibition of the endogenous miR-146a-5p in mouse cultured hippocampal neurons triggers an increase of the dendritic MAP1B protein as well as the internalization of AMPARs, resulting in a decline in synaptic transmission. Conversely, enforced expression of miR-146a-5p inhibits MAP1B translation and attenuates group I mGluR-induced AMPAR endocytosis. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of MAP1B recovers the impairment of synaptic transmission caused by inhibition of miR-146a-5p. These results reveal that miR-146a-5p modulates the synaptic plasticity via repression of MAP1B protein synthesis.
Understanding the Performance Drivers of Conscious Firms
Authors: Sisodia Rajendra S.
Published: May 2013

This note responds to Chong Wangs article, “Conscious Capitalism Firms: Do They Behave as Their Proponents Say?” (in this issue of California Management Review) that sets out to test certain conjectures regarding the financial performance and the drivers of that performance for so-called “conscious capitalism” firms. It provides an update of our current thinking on the drivers of performance and describes the kind of analysis that is needed to better understand these drivers. It also presents a set of hypotheses that need to be tested by future research.
Phasing-in plasma metanephrines determination
Authors: Brossaud Julie , Gosse Philippe , Gatta Blandine , Tabarin Antoine , Simonnet Guy , Corcuff Jean-Benoît
Published: May 2013

Objectives

We set up plasma normetanephrine (pNMA) and metanephrine (pMA) assays as they demonstrated their usefulness for diagnosing phaeochromocytomas. Our scope is to describe some practical laboratory aspects and the clinical relevance of these assays in our endocrinological or cardiological departments.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the results of MA from a population of in- and outpatients over a 7-year period. Subjects (n=2536) from endocrinological or cardiological departments were investigated (66 phaeochromocytomas). Urinary NMA (uNMA) and pNMA, and urinary MA (uMA) and pMA were assayed by HPLC with electrochemical detection.

Results

pNMA and pMA assays are now more frequently requested than uNMA and uMA. This changed our laboratory work load with improved delivery, sensitivity and reliability of plasma assays as well as reduced apparatus maintenance time.

The pNMA and pMA upper reference limits (URLs) of subjects with no phaeochromocytoma were 1040 and 430 pmol/l respectively. Sensitivity and specificity based on receiver operating characteristic curves optimal points were 83 and 93% for pNMA at 972 pmol/l and 67 and 98% for pMA at 638 pmol/l. Sensitivity and specificity of paired tests of pMA (positive test: at least one analyte above its URLs) were 100 and 91% respectively.

Conclusion

The very low concentration of analytes requires a sustained very good apparatus analytical sensitivity. This can be obtained in an up-to-date laboratory. In terms of clinical performances, assays in plasma or urine are equivalent. Depending on local preferences, populations, strategies or departments, requests for one or the other assay may sustain the need for specifically defined reference ranges.
Health Care Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to Reduce NICU Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Chandonnet Celeste J. , Kahlon Prerna S. , Rachh Pratik , DeGrazia Michele , DeWitt Eileen C. , Flaherty Kathleen A. , Spigel Nadine , Packard Stephanie , Casey Denise , Rachwal Christine , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in NICU result in increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. Our NICU experienced an increase in the number of CLABSIs over a 2-year period. We sought to reduce risks for CLABSIs using health care failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) by analyzing central line insertion, maintenance, and removal practices.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary team was assembled that included clinicians from nursing, neonatology, surgery, infection prevention, pharmacy, and quality management. Between March and October 2011, the team completed the HFMEA process and implemented action plans that included reeducation, practice changes, auditing, and outcome measures.

RESULTS:

The HFMEA identified 5 common failure modes that contribute to the development of CLABSIs. These included contamination, suboptimal environment of care, improper documentation and evaluation of central venous catheter dressing integrity, issues with equipment and suppliers, and lack of knowledge. Since implementing the appropriate action plans, the NICU has experienced a significant decrease in CLABSIs from 2.6 to 0.8 CLABSIs per 1000 line days.

CONCLUSIONS:

The process of HFMEA helped reduce the CLABSI rate and reinforce the culture of continuous quality improvement and safety in the NICU.
Oxygen Saturation Nomogram in Newborns Screened for Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Jegatheesan Priya , Song Dongli , Angell Cathy , Devarajan Kamakshi , Govindaswami Balaji
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To establish simultaneous pre- and postductal oxygen saturation nomograms in asymptomatic newborns when screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) at ∼24 hours after birth.

METHODS:

Asymptomatic term and late preterm newborns admitted to the newborn nursery were screened with simultaneous pre- and postductal oxygen saturation measurements at ∼24 hours after birth. The screening program was implemented in a stepwise fashion in 3 different affiliated institutions. Data were collected prospectively from July 2009 to March 2012 in all 3 centers.

RESULTS:

We screened 13 714 healthy newborns at a median age of 25 hours. The mean preductal saturation was 98.29% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.27–98.31), median 98%, and mean postductal saturation was 98.57% (95% CI: 98.55–98.60), median 99%. The mean difference between the pre- and postductal saturation was −0.29% (95% CI: −0.31 to −0.27) with P < .00005. Its clinical relevance to CCHD screening remains to be determined. The postductal saturation was equal to preductal saturation in 38% and greater than preductal saturation in 40% of the screens.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have established simultaneous pre- and postductal oxygen saturation nomograms at ∼24 hours after birth based on >13 000 asymptomatic newborns. Such nomograms are important to optimize screening thresholds and methodology for detecting CCHD.
Comparative Effectiveness of Acellular Versus Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccines in Teenagers
Authors: Klein Nicola P. , Bartlett Joan , Fireman Bruce , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Baxter Roger
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND:

During the 1990s, the United States switched from combined diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, whole-cell pertussis (DTwP) vaccines to combined acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines because of safety concerns. After a 2010–2011 pertussis outbreak, we sought to evaluate whether disease risk in 10 to 17 year olds differed between those who previously received DTwP from those who received DTaP.

METHODS:

A case-control study among individuals born from 1994 to 1999 who received 4 pertussis-containing vaccines during the first 2 years of life at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). We separately compared pertussis polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive cases with PCR-negative and KPNC-matched controls. We assessed risk of pertussis relative to vaccine type in early childhood (4 DTwPs, mixed DTwP/DTaP, or 4 DTaPs) by using conditional logistic regression stratified for calendar time and adjusted for gender, race, medical clinic, and receipt of reduced antigen content acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

RESULTS:

We compared 138 PCR-positive cases with 899 PCR-negative and 54 339 KPNC-matched controls. Teenagers who had received 4 DTwPs were much less likely to be pertussis PCR-positive than those who had received 4 DTaPs (odds ratio 5.63, 95% confidence interval 2.55–12.46) or mixed DTwP/DTaP vaccines (odds ratio 3.77, 95% confidence interval 1.57–9.07). Decreasing number of DTwP doses was significantly associated with increased pertussis risk (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Teenagers who received DTwP vaccines in childhood were more protected during a pertussis outbreak than were those who received DTaP vaccines.
Pediatric Organ Donation and Transplantation
Authors: Workman Jennifer K. , Myrick Craig W. , Meyers Rebecka L. , Bratton Susan L. , Nakagawa Thomas A.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

There is increasing unmet need for solid organ donation. Alternative donor sources, such as donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD), are needed. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of DCDD on trends in pediatric organ donation and transplantation.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for US organ recipients and donors from 2001 to 2010 stratified according to age, organ, and deceased donor type (DCDD or donation after neurologic determination of death). Additional data included transplant wait-list removals due to death.

RESULTS:

From 2001 to 2010, pediatric organ transplant recipients increased from 1170 to 1475. Organs from DCDD donors were transplanted into children infrequently but increased from 1 to 31. Pediatric donation after neurologic determination of death decreased by 13% whereas DCDD increased by 174% (50 to 137). Recipients of pediatric grafts decreased from 3042 to 2751. Adults receiving grafts from pediatric donors decreased from 2243 to 1780; children receiving pediatric grafts increased from 799 to 971. Transplant recipients receiving pediatric DCDD grafts were few but increased annually from 50 to 128 adults and 0 to 9 children. Pediatric candidates dying waiting for an organ decreased from 262 to 110.

CONCLUSIONS:

From 2001 to 2010, children received more solid organ transplants and fewer children died waiting. Organ recovery from pediatric and adult DCDD donors increased. The number of pediatric recipients of DCDD grafts remains small. Adults primarily receive the direct benefit from pediatric DCDD but other changes in organ allocation have directly benefited children.
A thymidine kinase-deleted bovine herpesvirus 5 establishes latent infection but reactivates poorly in a sheep model
Authors: Cadore Gustavo C. , Weiss Marcelo , Anziliero Deniz , Brum Mário Celso S. , Weiblen Rudi , Flores Eduardo F.
Published: May 2013

The ability of thymidine kinase (tk)-deleted recombinant bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5tkΔ) to establish and reactivate latent infection was investigated in lambs. During acute infection, the recombinant virus replicated moderately in the nasal mucosa, yet to lower titers than the parental strain. At day 40 post-infection (pi), latent viral DNA was detected in trigeminal ganglia (TG) of all lambs in both groups. However, the amount of recombinant viral DNA in TGs was lower (9.7-fold less) than that of the parental virus as determined by quantitative real time PCR. Thus, tk deletion had no apparent effect on the frequency of latent infection but reduced colonization of TG. Upon dexamethasone (Dx) administration at day 40 pi, lambs inoculated with parental virus shed infectious virus in nasal secretions, contrasting with lack of infectivity in secretions of lambs inoculated with the recombinant virus. Nevertheless, some nasal swabs from the recombinant virus group were positive for viral DNA by PCR, indicating low levels of reactivation. Thus, BoHV-5 TK activity is not required for establishment of latency, but seems critical for efficient virus reactivation upon Dx treatment.
Modelo para avaliação de desempenho: aplicação em um orçamento de uma obra de construção civil
Authors: Azevedo Rogério Cabral de , Ensslin Leonardo , Lacerda Rogério Tadeu de Oliveira , França Lisiane Anderson , Jungles Antônio Edésio , Ensslin Sandra Rolim
Published: May 2013

Este trabalho consiste em uma abordagem exploratória de natureza prática que se utiliza dos problemas de desvios de orçamento apresentados por uma construtora brasileira como objeto de estudo, visando apresentar um processo para construir um modelo de avaliação multicritério com vistas a apoiar decisões quanto à orçamentação de uma obra de construção civil. Como instrumento de intervenção faz uso da metodologia multicritério de apoio à decisão - construtivista (MCDA-C), que conduziu à identificação, organização, mensuração e integração dos fatores julgados como relevantes de acordo com a percepção do decisor. Por fim, traz um estudo de caso que ilustra a construção do modelo e como este expandiu o conhecimento do decisor acerca do problema, evidenciando situações vulneráveis em seu processo orçamentário, oportunizando o desenvolvimento de ações de melhoria.
Ortotanásia: uma decisão frente à terminalidade
Authors: Sanchez y Sanches Kilda Mara , Seidl Eliane Maria Fleury
Published: May 2013

A ortotanásia está regulamentada no Brasil pela Resolução 1805/2006. A pesquisa objetivou refletir e discutir, com contribuições da bioética, sobre práticas de limitação ou retirada de suporte vital em situações de terminalidade. Participaram dez médicos oncologistas de serviços públicos de saúde do Distrito Federal. Um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada norteou os eixos temáticos investigados. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo. A quase totalidade dos participantes tinha uma concepção de ortotanásia e de eutanásia compatível com a literatura. Sete médicos conheciam a resolução do CFM e três mencionaram a fragilidade legal de uma regulamentação proveniente de uma entidade de classe. Oito médicos afirmaram que essa regulamentação não afetará sobremaneira a prática cotidiana. Princípios bioéticos, como autonomia, beneficência, não-maleficência e justiça, podem contribuir para a elucidação de dilemas sobre a retirada ou limitação de suporte vital.
Efeitos da inalação de beclometasona e furosemida sobre a função pulmonar e índice de oxigenação de recém-nascidos prematuros
Authors: Foerster Leila Simone , Xavier Paula Cristhina Niz , Palhares Durval Batista
Published: May 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a função pulmonar e o índice de oxigenação de recém-nascidos pré-termo submetidos à inalação endotraqueal de beclometasona e furosemida. Foram avaliados 30 recém-nascidos pré-termo com idade gestacional <36 semanas, sob ventilação mecânica convencional por pelo menos 12 horas. Três inalações sequenciais com as respectivas medicações foram realizadas, com intervalo de três horas entre as mesmas. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue arterial para análise dos gases sanguíneos; após aspiração endotraqueal, a mensuração das variáveis respiratórias foi realizada em dois momentos, antes e após duas horas da última inalação. A complacência dinâmica, assim como o índice de oxigenação, não apresentou diferença estatística significativa entre os momentos antes e após as medicações; no entanto, a resistência de vias aéreas demonstrou redução no grupo beclometasona entre os momentos antes e após a intervenção (p=0,03). Diante desses resultados, não podemos afirmar que a beclometasona e a furosemida inalatória exercem influência significativa na função pulmonar e oxigenação dos recém-nascidos estudados.
Developing and adopting the structural Eurocodes
Authors: Nethercot David A
Published: May 2013

After some 40 years of activity the structural Eurocodes are now a reality throughout Europe, where they form the replacement for all national codes relating to structural design. Something of their history – especially the processes used to secure their production – is reported herein. Attention is also given to the consequences for the structural engineering community in terms of needing to change some of its practices, to master some new skills and to expect to enjoy at least the level of support associated with the previous design environment based on their national codes. The need to recognise, to plan for and to support the transition is emphasised, and illustrations of the varying nature of that support are provided.
Distortional buckling test for steel storage rack columns
Authors: Casafont Miquel , Roure Francesc , Pastor Magdalena , Bonada Jordi , Peköz Teoman
Published: May 2013

An investigation into the test method for distortional buckling of steel storage rack columns is presented. The main problem of the experimental method is to determine the length of the samples to be tested. The paper proposes to solve this problem by performing linear buckling analysis of the columns. Nowadays, linear buckling analysis can be easily carried out by practical designers with the help of newly developed programs based on the finite strip method and generalised beam theory. A simple test procedure is presented and validated in an experimental campaign on four different perforated rack columns. The tests also made it possible to observe the buckling behaviour of such columns, which involves a combination of different buckling modes.
Compositional and urban form effects on residential property value patterns in Greater London
Authors: Chiaradia Alain , Hillier Bill , Schwander Christian , Barnes Yolande
Published: May 2013

The objective of this research is to determine the role of urban street layout design in the process of shaping property values. The effect of spatial accessibility on rent is a classic finding of spatial economics. Using space syntax fine-grained spatial design analysis, which indexes the spatial centrality and accessibility, the patterns of property prices are analysed for a large contiguous sample of over 60 000 residential dwellings in a North London borough, using the council tax band as a proxy variable for the property price. Few studies have examined the effect of spatial contiguity on the housing sub-market classification. The findings demonstrate that the council tax band proxy is a good indicator of residential property sale prices. In addition, a hedonic model framework shows that spatial centrality and accessibility, as indexed by the space syntax spatial design analysis, accounts for the variations in residential property values for single and multiple dwellings when controlling for the property size, relative density and building age. Multivariate analysis is used to establish the weighting of the different variables. The single most important spatial factor is the property size, followed by the ambient density, the local and global spatial accessibility and the building age. Non-residential land use location, the proximity to main arterial roads and the associated traffic and air pollution are shown to inhibit the residential property location.
Effect of Surfactant Partitioning on Mobility Control During CO2 Flooding
Authors: Ren Guangwei , Zhang Hang , Nguyen Quoc P.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a systematic study of the effect of surfactant partitioning between supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) and water on surfactant transport and foam propagation during a two-phase flow. A series of corefloods was conducted on Silurian dolomite cores with different nonionic and anionic surfactants that represent respective wide ranges of partition coefficients and solubility in SCCO2. Foam robustness (i.e., rate of foam development) and displacement efficiency were related to these surfactant properties. Coreflood results and all measured surfactant properties were used in a commercial reservoir simulator to determine the variation of the surfactant-partitioning effect from laboratory to field scale. The optimization of the surfactant-partition coefficient for field-scale foam process was performed with different injection strategies.

The results from this study enable us to tailor the properties of CO2-soluble surfactants (i.e., partition coefficients) to a wide range of reservoir conditions and optimal injection strategies. The understanding of the surfactant-partitioning effect is also important in overcoming technical challenges encountered in the injection of surfactant in CO2.

The partition between CO2 and water phases was much more sensitive to surfactant structure than temperature and pressure. Strong foam development was observed for all nonionic and anionic surfactants, whereas an increase in surfactant-partition coefficient lowered the rate of foam propagation. Field-scale foam simulations indicate that foam performance and surfactant transport are governed not only by constrained injection strategies, but also by a surfactant-partition coefficient.

This novel CO2-soluble-surfactant concept diversifies injection strategies with respect to operational constraints, thus broadening the application of foam process. For a given injection strategy, a surfactant-partition coefficient could be optimized to improve injectivity and sweep efficiency. The optimal partition of the surfactant between the CO2 and aqueous phases minimizes the wasting of expensive surfactant in water that never comes in contact with CO2.
A New Dynamic Wettability-Alteration Model for Oil-Wet Cores During Surfactant-Solution Imbibition
Authors: Kalaei M. Hosein , Green Don W. , Willhite G. Paul
Published: May 2013

Wettability modification of solid rocks with surfactants is an important process and has the potential to recover oil from reservoirs. When wettability is altered by use of surfactant solutions, capillary pressure, relative permeabilities, and residual oil saturations change wherever the porous rock is contacted by the surfactant. In this study, a mechanistic model is described in which wettability alteration is simulated by a new empirical correlation of the contact angle with surfactant concentration developed from experimental data. This model was tested against results from experimental tests in which oil was displaced from oil-wet cores by imbibition of surfactant solutions. Quantitative agreement between the simulation results of oil displacement and experimental data from the literature was obtained. Simulation of the imbibition of surfactant solution in laboratory-scale cores with the new model demonstrated that wettability alteration is a dynamic process, which plays a significant role in history matching and prediction of oil recovery from oil-wet porous media. In these simulations, the gravity force was the primary cause of the surfactant-solution invasion of the core that changed the rock wettability toward a less oil-wet state.
Numerical Simulation in the Time Domain of the Intermittent Gas-Lift and its Variants for Petroleum Wells
Authors: Pestana T.. , Bordalo S.. , de Almeida Barreto Filho M..
Published: May 2013

Currently, hundreds of petroleum wells, mainly in the northeast region of Brazil, are equipped with Intermittent Gas-Lift systems (IGL), due to the high number of mature fields with low reservoir static pressure. Over the years, mathematical models based on integral analysis were developed to predict the behavior of the entire production system of IGL wells. Although these models have evolved, they do not include, in their current forms, models for some important parts and components of the well installation. This paper extends the IGL mathematical model, which was first laid out by T. Liao (1991) and later developed by Carvalho Filho (2004), including specific formulations for topics such as the throttling flow regime for the gas-lift valve, the two-phase flow on the production line, the behavior of the pressure upstream of the motor valve during the injection stage, the behavior of the flowing bottom-hole pressure while the standing valve is closed and evaluation of the gas velocity during the decompression stage.

A mathematical model for the conventional IGL was built, based on Liao’s and Carvalho’s models, including the aforementioned new formulations. This new model was used as the core of a computer program, which was extended to simulate various other variants of the IGL commonly employed by the petroleum producers in Brazil: the Gas-Lift with Plunger, the Inverted Gas-Lift and the Gas-Lift with Chamber. An algorithm was written for each variant and simulations were carried out using hypothetical and real data to test the code and the models. A graphical user interface was also designed and built, making it easier for the users to input the well completion parameters and to read and display the results of the IGL simulations.
Preventing Gas Locking in Sucker Rod Pumps using an Actuated Traveling Solenoid Valve
Authors: Gala R. D. , Priyamvada K..
Published: May 2013

Gas locking has been a problem accompanying the ball and seat Sucker Rod Pump ever since its inception in the oil industry. A gas lock occurs when, contrary to the normal functioning of an SRP, due to a gas influx from the standing valve, the pressure exerted by the fluid below the traveling valve in the closed chamber does not overcome the weight of liquid column lying above the traveling valve in the pump barrel. This fails to lift the ball off the seat.

This paper brings forth the design of a Sucker Rod Pump consisting of a solenoid actuated hydraulic valve in the traveling plunger seat to address this failure. The traveling section contains a hydraulic valve in the plunger seat in conjugation with a solenoid actuator at the surface for executing an open or close mode. The electric supply for the valve is provided through a wire conduit in the polish rod connected to a control system installed at the surface. A sensor is placed to sense the event of beginning of each, up as well as down, stroke of the plunger. Based on this trigger, at the beginning of every down stroke, the solenoid is set on to provide power for the valve to open. This external drive for the valve opening compensates for the negative variation in magnitude of the fluid pressure differential between the traveling and standing sections, thus enabling fluid intake into the pump barrel. When the end of the stroke is sensed, the hydraulic valve piston is seated back for the valve to close. This enables the lifting of the fluid in the pump barrel during the upstroke.

This design aims at latency free synchronization of the valve opening and closing with pump reciprocation under circumstances of gas interference. From first principle, this mechanism of voluntarily open the traveling valve during the downward motion would prevent the problem of gas lock. This would also increase the efficiency by eliminating non producing compression strokes which are also a cause for pump breakdown.
Aggressive Applications: Changing the Failure Rate History in Casabe South Field - Colombia
Authors: Mateus Marin C. F. , Gil Chacon A.. , Monroy Barrios M.. , Martinez E.. , Patino A. E.
Published: May 2013

After numerous artificial lift failures with PC pumping installed in a new development field with high future growth, the production increase and application reliability were achieved through implementation of reciprocating rod lift systems including several optimization key factors.

This new artificial lift application was determined considering primarily: gas production, API, BSW, solid production, well survey and production flow rate, all oriented to get a system which is anticipated the main issues identified in Casabe South field as erosion, abrasion, cavitation, elastomer swelling, rod failures and low volumetric efficiency.

Variable speed hydra-pneumatic units were introduced to solve critical gas and flow rate variations to have change options regarding operational parameters, i.e., speed and stroke length, in instantaneous way to optimize production levels using surface pumping with those advantages.

Gas Separators, Two-Stages Rod Pumps, Double Valves, back pressure valve and Continuous Rod are the other technical components used within the optimization process developed; besides, a strict bottom-hole monitoring and surface follow-up for every well are programmed and carried out, which means down-hole gauges and rod pump controllers.

Change of mind started in March 2011 with Casabe South-4 well as field trial, after 3 interventions in less than 1 months and different problems with PC pumping, the performance of reciprocating rod lift system has shown 715 days run life, no failures and under operating conditions still.
PCP Production Optimization in Real Time with Surface Controller
Authors: Romero Alejandro , Gasparri Alberto , Ferrigno Eugenio
Published: May 2013

During 2011 and 2012 a pilot was made to test the possibility of optimizing and protecting the PCP pump with control systems installed on surface. A tool was searched for that would allow for the detection of changes in the behavior of the contribution of the wells, which leads the wells to sub produce or to have the PCP pump working with low submergence. (below the safety levels suggested by the manufacturers). Water injection shutdowns, erratic changes in the inflow, nearby well shutdowns, among others, are the daily problems of the oilfield. The results of this test are recorded in this document.
Well Data Analysis and Integration System Practices
Authors: Gornatti German , Albertini Gabriela , Ferrigno Eugenio
Published: May 2013

The present work shows the development applied at the site of Cerro Dragon of Pan American Energy (PAE), which implemented a system that collects, integrates and analyzes dynamometer charts and shooting level measurements.

PAE Cerro Dragon field is the largest oil field in Argentina, located in the Golfo San Jorge basin (Patagonia), with 2900 production wells (75% RP, 24% ESP) + 533 injection wells. The current production is almost 90,000 bopd + 1,000,000 bwpd

This work shows how it was faced with the challenge for data consolidation and validation from different sources. One source is data from suppliers who collect dynamometers/shooting levels. Another information source is the automation system from Rod Pumping Controllers. Finally it also uses information from different maintenance and administrative databases.

All information is processed by the software that was developed by the Operator. It is not a standard or commercial product. This tool is a big gateway, database tool, user manager/viewer, and the most remarkable part is the mathematical tools that allow for the processing of all the information, calculating the Downhole analysis and reports.

Before having this tool, there was on one hand software for manual physical measurements, and on the other a pump off software; both independent and often outdated in one or other piece of information. This required the production meetings to refer to both systems, and in other cases obtain independent reports which then had to be consolidated. Another problem was that, although it was not necessary from the operational point of view to have manual measurements of a well with a pump off controller, in practice one was made about every 3 or 4 months, and the information was consolidated in one place, which was then linked to other company databases.

This new tool has replaced both of the old software systems, since it allows for the generation of downhole reports from remote automation sources in addition to the manual sources, and saves them in a single database consolidated and linked to the rest of the organization.

This demanded a complete and responsible reorganization inside the production staff. This paper will present these reorganizational challenges and lessons learned. Approximately 7000 people work in the oilfield (85% contractors).
Gas and Viscous Effects on the ESPs Performance
Authors: Monte Verde W.. , Biazussi J.. , Bannwart A.. , Sassim N. Arrifano , Estevam V..
Published: May 2013

This paper aims at presenting the experimental ESP performance curves (head, brake horsepower and efficiency) when operating with gas-liquid mixtures and viscous fluids.

In order to investigate the ESP performance operating with gas-liquid, a three-stage ESP with some modifications in its casing was used so that we could visualize the flow inside the pump. This pump was tested with gas void fraction varying between 0% and 10%, different liquid flow rate and speed.

Pump tests operating with viscous fluid were conducted in a radial three-stage ESP with viscosity ranging from 1 to 820 cP and different speeds.

Data has shown that it is possible to verify the performance degradation of ESP operating under unfavorable conditions, contributing, therefore, to a better physical understanding of the phenomena involved.