bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
True Formation Resistivity Determination: Fast and Simple Process to Eliminate Polarization Horn Effect on Resistivity Measurements Using Azimuthal LWD Propagation Tool
Authors: Wu Hsu-Hsiang , Tang Yumei
Published: November 2015

True formation resistivity is one of the key parameters that help petrophysicists characterize and develop a reservoir. A continuous resistivity log allows petrophysicists to recognize formation geology; thereby, a wellbore placement can be properly designed for maximum oil production in the reservoir. Propagation wave electromagnetic (EM) logging tools have provided distinct and unique resistivity measurement for different types of formations in real-time applications. However, such resistivity measurement is often problematic in layered formations especially when the tool is used in highly deviated or horizontal wells. So-called polarization horn effect is measured by the resistivity tools and results in misleading petrophysical analysis. In general, model-based inversion schemes are used to resolve the horn effect; however, the process is complicated and results could be unstable and inaccurate.

The paper describes a fast and simple method to significantly improve resistivity measurement quality near a formation boundary between layers, each having very different resistivity values. An example three-layer formation model is presented to address the horn effect on resistivity measurements. Proposed method is applied to synthetic data of the same model with the results showing elimination of polarization horn effects. In addition, field measurements are used to validate the proposed concept, and both modeling and field examples reveal true formation resistivity can be directly decoupled without any inversion process. Furthermore, the described methods can provide better knowledge of an initial model to the formation inversion process; thereafter, helping to improve the inversion results and optimize related real-time applications, such as the distance to bed boundary (DTBB) inversion.
Discussion on the Effects of Temperature on Thermal Properties in the Steam-Assisted-Gravity-Drainage (SAGD) Process. Part 1: Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Irani Mazda , Cokar Marya
Published: November 2015

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is the preferred thermal-recovery method used to produce bitumen from Athabasca deposits in Alberta, Canada. In SAGD, steam injected into a horizontal injection well is forced into the reservoir, losing its latent heat when it comes into contact with cold bitumen at the edge of a depletion chamber. Heat energy is transferred from steam to reservoir, resulting in reduced bitumen viscosity that enables the bitumen to flow toward the horizontal production well under gravity forces. Conduction is the main heat-transfer mechanism at the edge of the steam chamber in SAGD, and reservoir thermal conductivity is a key parameter in conductive-heat transfer. Conductive-heat transfer occurs at higher rates across reservoirs with higher thermal conductivity, which in turn affects the temperature profile ahead of the steam interface. Consequently, a reservoir with higher thermal conductivity will result in higher reservoir-heating rates, which lead to higher oil rates. However, when oil-sand reservoirs are heated from reservoir temperature to steam-chamber temperature, the thermal conductivity can decrease up to 25%, which affects the temperature profile and conductive heating at the edge of the steam-saturated zone known as the steam chamber. This study provides an analytical model that includes a temperature-dependent thermal-conductivity value. This novel approach is the first of its kind to incorporate a temperature-dependent thermal-conductivity value within an analytical SAGD model to predict temperature front, oil production, and steam/oil ratio (SOR).

Furthermore, if Butler's (1985) model is used, the results reveal that the arithmetic average thermal-conductivity values at reservoir and steam temperatures could be used for temperature-profile prediction, which would result in an error of less than 1% for the range of SAGD applications. The results of this study suggest that the minimum error for oil rates depends on the viscosity/temperature correlation. The optimum thermal conductivity should be calculated at the temperature that gives dimensionless temperatures [i.e., (T−Tr)/(Tst−Tr)] varying between 0.75 to 0.85 for m-values [Butler-suggested power constants (Butler 1985, 1991; Butler and Stephens 1981)] between 3 and 5.6. This study also investigates the effect of including temperature-dependent thermal conductivity on SOR variation and suggests that for both laterally expanding and angularly expanding reservoirs the SOR is independent of the thermal conductivity.
Drug-likeness of Phytic Acid and Its Analogues
Authors: Joy Amitha , Balaji S.
Published: November 2015

Inositol hexakisphosphate is known to be the phosphorous reserve in plants particularly in the seeds. Though it
has been known for its antinutrient properties for many years, recent research shed light to reveal it as a novel anticancer
agent. Hence the present study investigates the drug-likeness of phytic acid and its analogues through bioinformatics
methods. Two potential cancer drug targets such as mitogen activated kinase and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor are
included in the study. Out of 50 selected analogues of phytic acid, 42 structures interact well with the chosen drug targets.
The best interacting structures are 1-diphosinositol pentakisphosphate and 2,3,4,5,6-pentaphosphonooxycyclohexyl
dihydrogen phosphate. For both of these structures, the negative binding energy obtained was -49.5 KJ/mol; this affirms
the stability of the complex. ADME properties are also predicted to assess the drug-like properties of the compounds. The
structure activity relationship model is generated for 12 compounds with experimental IC50 values.
High Diagnostic Accuracy of Nitrite Test Paired with Urine Sediment can Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Ferry Sven A. , E. Holm Stig , Ferry B. Magnus , Monsen Tor J.
Published: November 2015

Background:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections dominated by lower UTI in women (LUTIW). Symptoms only are insufficient for diagnosis and accordingly, near patient diagnostic tests confidently confirming significant bacteriuria are desirable. The nitrite test (NIT) has low sensitivity, while bacterial and leukocyte counts disjunctively paired in urine sediment microscopy (SED) have high sensitivity. Similar symptomatic cure rates are found post antibiotic vs. placebo therapy in patients with negative cultures. Consequently, prescription on symptoms only implies unnecessary antibiotic therapy.

Aims:

to evaluate the diagnostic outcomes of NIT, SED and NIT disjunctively paired with SED (NIT+SED) vs. urine culture, with special focus on bladder incubation time (BIT), and to assess if NIT+SED can reduce unnecessary antibiotic therapy.

Methods:

A diagnostic, primary care, multicentre study including 1070 women with symptoms suggestive of lower UTI.

Results:

Significant bacteriuria was found in 77%. The BIT highly influenced the diagnostic outcomes and the optimal duration was 􀀂4h with sensitivity of 66, 90 and 95% for NIT, SED and NIT+SED, respectively. SED performed only in NIT negative specimens could reduce unnecessary antibiotics by 10% vs. prescription on symptoms only. The number needed to test with SED to reduce one unnecessary antibiotic course was five patients at BIT ≥4h and six patients at ≤3h or overall.

Conclusion:

The BIT highly influences the diagnostic outcomes with the highest accuracy of NIT+SED. Diagnosis of LUTIW with NIT+SED can reduce unnecessary antibiotic therapy and subsequently decrease antimicrobial resistance.

Trial registration:

The Swedish Medical Product Agency 1995 03 01:151:01783/94.
The Murine Lung Microbiome Changes During Lung Inflammation and Intranasal Vancomycin Treatment
Authors: Barfod Kenneth Klingenberg , Vrankx Katleen , Mirsepasi-Lauridsen Hengameh Chloé , Hansen Jitka Stilund , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Larsen Søren Thor , Ouwenhand Arthur C. , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki
Published: November 2015

Most microbiome research related to airway diseases has focused on the gut microbiome. This is despite advances in culture independent microbial identification techniques revealing that even healthy lungs possess a unique dynamic microbiome. This conceptual change raises the question; if lung diseases could be causally linked to local dysbiosis of the local lung microbiota. Here, we manipulate the murine lung and gut microbiome, in order to show that the lung microbiota can be changed experimentally. We have used four different approaches: lung inflammation by exposure to carbon nano-tube particles, oral probiotics and oral or intranasal exposure to the antibiotic vancomycin. Bacterial DNA was extracted from broncho-alveolar and nasal lavage fluids, caecum samples and compared by DGGE. Our results show that: the lung microbiota is sex dependent and not just a reflection of the gut microbiota, and that induced inflammation can change lung microbiota. This change is not transferred to offspring. Oral probiotics in adult mice do not change lung microbiome detectible by DGGE. Nasal vancomycin can change the lung microbiome preferentially, while oral exposure does not. These observations should be considered in future studies of the causal relationship between lung microbiota and lung diseases.
Biomedical Applications of Interpenetrating Polymer Network System
Authors: Qadri Mohd Fuzail , Malviya Rishabha , Sharma Pramod Kumar
Published: November 2015

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has been regarded as one of the novel technology in recent years showing the superior performances over the conventional techniques. This system is designed for the delivery of drugs at a predetermined rate and thus helps in controlled drug delivery. Due to its enhanced biological and physical characteristics like biodegradability, biocompatibility, solubility, specificity and stability, IPN has emerged out to be one of the excellent technologies in pharmaceutical industries. This article focuses mainly on the biomedical applications of IPN along with its future applicability in pharmaceutical research. It summarizes various aspects of IPN, biomedical applications and also in-cludes the different dosage forms based on IPN.
Boiling process in oil coolers on porous elements
Authors: Genbach Alexander , Оlzhabaeva Karlygash , Iliev Iliya
Published: November 2015

Holography and high-speed filming were used to reveal movements and
deformations of the capillary and porous material, allowing to calculate
thermo-hydraulic characteristics of boiling liquid in the porous structures.
These porous structures work at the joint action of capillary and mass
forces, which are generalised in the form of dependences used in the
calculation for oil coolers in thermal power plants (TPP). Furthermore, the
mechanism of the boiling process in porous structures in the field of mass
forces is explained. The development process of water steam formation in the
mesh porous structures working at joint action of gravitational and capillary
forces is investigated. Certain regularities pertained to the internal
characteristics of boiling in cells of porous structure are revealed, by
means of a holographic interferometry and high-speed filming. Formulas for
calculation of specific thermal streams through thermo-hydraulic
characteristics of water steam formation in mesh structures are obtained, in
relation to heat engineering of thermal power plants. This is the first
calculation of heat flow through the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the
boiling process in a reticulated porous structure obtained by a photo film
and holographic observations.
Cranial base characteristics in anteroposterior malocclusions: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Aixiu , Li Jing , Wang Zhendong , Li Yuan , Hu Fang , Li Qingyi , Miao Dengshun , Wang Lin
Published: November 2015

Objective: 

To investigate cranial base characteristics in malocclusions with sagittal discrepancies.

Materials and Methods: 

An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. A fixed- or random-effect model was applied to calculate weighted mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to statistical heterogeneity. Outcome measures were anterior, posterior, and total cranial base length and cranial base angle. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted.

Results: 

Twenty studies that together included 1121 Class I, 1051 Class II, and 730 Class III cases qualified for the final analysis. Class III malocclusion demonstrated significantly reduced anterior (95% CI: −1.74, −0.53; P < .001 vs Class I; 95% CI: −3.30, −2.09; P < .001 vs Class II) and total cranial base length (95% CI: −3.33, −1.36; P < .001 vs Class I; 95% CI: −7.38, −4.05; P < .001 vs Class II). Further, Class II patients showed significantly greater anterior and total cranial base length than did Class I patients (95% CI: 0.51, 1.87; P < .001 for SN; 95% CI: 2.20, 3.30; P < .001 for NBa). Cranial base angle was significantly smaller in Class III than in Class I (95% CI: −3.14, −0.93; P < .001 for NSBa; 95% CI: −2.73, −0.68; P  =  .001 for NSAr) and Class II malocclusions (95% CI: −5.73, −1.06; P  =  .004 for NSBa; 95% CI: −6.11, −1.92; P < .001 for NSAr) and greater in Class II than in Class I malocclusions (95% CI: 1.38, 2.38; P < .001 for NSBa).

Conclusions: 

This meta-analysis showed that anterior and total cranial base length and cranial base angle were significantly smaller in Class III malocclusion than in Class I and Class II malocclusions, and that they were greater in Class II subjects compared to controls.
Spectrum of skin adnexal tumors with eccrineand apocrine differentiation – A single institution study of 40 cases with clinicopathological correlation
Authors: Vijayan P , Nayak R
Published: November 2015

Background: Adnexal skin tumors are relatively rare and present diagnostic difficulties in view of the endless morphological spectrum, complex nomenclature and incomplete knowledge of their histogenesis. Since pathologists encounter these lesions rarely, accurate sub classification of these can be challenging. This study intends to study skin adnexal tumors with eccrine and apocrine differentiation with emphasis on their histomorphology.Materials and Methods:The present study is a five year retrospective study with comprehensive analysis of 40 cases of adnexal tumors of skin in a tertiary center in Karnataka, South India. These tumors were reclassified and subtyped according to WHO classification of skin tumors, 2006.Results and analysis:Out the 62 cases of adnexal tumors studied, 40 were tumors with eccrine and apocrine differentiation (77% benign and 23% malignant). Hidradenoma was the most common tumor comprising 37% of all tumors and 45% of the benign tumors followed byspiradenoma, cylindroma and chondroidsyringoma respectively. Head and neck region was the most common site of occurrence, and seventh decade was the most frequent age group of presentation. A definite female preponderance was noted. Pagets disease of the breast was the most common malignant tumor in this group comprising (10%). Conclusion: Histopathology is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of these tumors and so a clear knowledge of the clinical presentation and histomorphology of these tumors is essential to make a correct diagnosis. A diagnostic logarithm based on histomorphology provides a logical approach in the subclassification of adnexal tumors.DOI:
Assessment of Candidal carriage in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lamichhane RS , Boaz K , Natarajan S , Shrestha M
Published: November 2015

Background: It is generally acknowledged that patients with diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to fungal infections, particularly with Candida albicans. Oral infection by Candida can result in a number of clinical lesions, including median rhomboid glossitis (central papillary atrophy), denture stomatitis, squamous cell carcinoma, Radiation therapy, immunocompromised status, etc. Different studies have shown that patients with diabetes mellitus have increased frequency of oral candidal carriage and increased risk of candidiasis, which is related to poor metabolic control, neutrophil dysfunction, reduced salivary flow, high glucose concentration in blood and saliva and in medications.Materials and Methods: Subjects of both the groups were given 10 ml of sterile normal saline and asked to rinse the mouth for one minute. The subjects were then asked to return the oral rinse in a sterile clean, broad-mouthed container which was capped, labelled and taken to the laboratory. The samples were then inoculated onto the culture medium (Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol) with minimal delay (within 6-8 hours of collection of oral rinse). Candidal colonies were counted and compared with non-diabetics.Results: Statistically significant increase in colony forming units (p=0.0324) were obtainedin patients with diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The results indicate significant increase in colonization and carriage of candida in the oral cavity among diabetics when compared with non-diabetics. However, further research using larger samples is required which may lend credibility to the suggestion of increased candidal CFUs in diabetics serving as a surrogate marker of serum glucose levels.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 733-738
FNAC induced histological changes in Warthin tumor mimicking as cancer
Authors: Sinha NK
Published: November 2015

Warthin tumor is the second most common salivary gland tumor affecting male in 6th to 7th decade of life. It can grow in peri- parotid or cervical lymph nodes too. Preoperative FNAC procedure can induce partial to near total infarction and metaplastic changes in tumor masquerading with malignancy, mainly squamous cell carcinoma or low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma.Here, I present a case in which FNAC procedure was performed. Later on histopathology, metaplastic changes in epithelium of Warthin tumor and extensive infarction were noted. Such lesion could have been mistaken as Squamous cell carcinoma or low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Thus acquaintance with morphological alteration caused by FNAC procedure is very important to avoid misdiagnosis.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 778-780
Coexistent squamous cell carcinoma and tuberculosis in cervix - A rare occurrence
Authors: Raje P , Bhandari S
Published: November 2015

Coexistence of squamous cell carcinoma cervix with tuberculosis cervix, as reported in literature, is a rare entity. Only 8 cases have been reported in the world literature so far. Tuberculosis in general is rampant in developing countries, especially in India, and so is carcinoma cervix and hence one would expect a much higher incidence of coexistence of two. However tuberculosis cervix is a rarely reported disease.We report a case of tuberculosis cervix associated with squamous cell carcinomaand regional lymph node involvement in a postmenopausal woman.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 781-783
The Gender Wage Gap in the Canadian Provinces, 1997–2014
Authors: Schirle Tammy
Published: November 2015

This study examines the gender gaps in average hourly wages facing private sector full-time employees in the Canadian provinces, using data from the Canadian Labour Force Survey. Over the 1997–2014 period, all provinces have made progress toward narrowing the gender wage gap, though notably little progress was made in Newfoundland and Alberta. Much of the variation across provinces in the gender gap is eliminated once we account for gender differences in individual and job characteristics in each province. Decomposition results suggest a large portion of the wage gap in each province is explained by gender differences in industry and occupation. The unexplained portion of the wage gap has been reduced in many provinces as gender differences in industry and occupation play an increasingly important role.
The Short-Run Household, Industrial, and Labour Impacts of the Quebec Carbon Market
Authors: Barrington-Leigh Christopher , Tucker Bronwen , Lara Joaquin Kritz
Published: November 2015

Resistance to the implementation of greenhouse gas pricing policies comes in part from fears about the concentrated impacts on certain industries, certain regions, and on less affluent households. These distributional concerns are valid and, to be fair, policy can accommodate some transitional measures to soften the impact of sudden policy changes. However, the carbon pricing policy recently instituted in Quebec, in partnership with California under the Western Climate Initiative, is relatively modest in price targets, gradual in implementation, and has the capacity to spend revenues on transitional and impact-mediating programs for the labour market and households. We analyze the expected short-run impacts of the policy, focusing on equity in two domains: the household income distribution and labour in different industrial sectors. Our analysis focuses on the short-term effects, before capital is significantly reallocated, and before most substitution toward lower-carbon or imported goods has happened. For reasonable prices and pass-through levels, and modelling direct and indirect emissions, we bracket these impacts, finding modest effects in all cases. Generous permit handouts to incumbents are likely to result in some windfall profits. Quebec would benefit from greater transparency in the intended allocation of the Green Fund revenues. Overall, the policy appears tuned to provide a balance of price predictability, steady decarbonisation, and manageable transition costs, but could likely be more aggressive.
15 MeV proton irradiation effects on Bi-based high temperature superconductors
Authors: Alinejad N. , Sohrabi D. , Bolori F.
Published: November 2015

Nowadays, superconducting magnetic coils are used in some tokamaks such as EAST, KSTAR, JT-60, and T-15 to generate strong magnetic fields and also in ITER magnetic fields of about 13 tesla will be produced with the help of superconductors. The tokamak superconductors are exposed to the variety of radiations (neutron, ions beam, and gamma) from plasma nuclear reactions which will affect some of the superconductor properties. Therefore, study of the irradiation effects on the superconductor structure and properties are very crucial from technological and scientific point of view. One of the superconductor irradiation effects to be investigated under different conditions of energy and dosage is the potential resistance of the material used in tokamak reactor magnetic coils against activation by radiation. In this work, pellets of high TcBi-based superconductors have been prepared and after measurement of parameters, a sample of pellet has been irradiated with 15 MeV protons using Karaj cyclotron facility. The sample's parameters have been measured again after irradiation treatment. X-ray diffraction patterns and SEM images of the sample before and after irradiation treatment have been studied.
Estimation of radiation damage of iron by a reactor gamma spectrum
Authors: Tundwal A. , Kumar V.
Published: November 2015

Radiation damage of Iron by a gamma spectrum of a high flux isotope reactor is estimated using our JAIPU Monte Carlo code developed for the estimation of radiation damage by neutron and gamma radiation up to 10 MeV energy. The rate of displacement per atom is estimated to be ∼1.389E-10/sec at 30 cm radial distance in the HB-2 tube of the reactor. Production of displaced atoms is found to be an order of magnitude higher than the number of defects. Ratio of the rates of displacement per atoms by gammas to neutrons of the reactor deduced from calculations is found to be consistent with the earlier reported result.
Astrocytes Release HspB1 in Response to Amyloid-β Exposure in vitro
Authors: Nafar Firoozeh , Williams J. Bradley , Mearow Karen M.
Published: November 2015

Although heat shock proteins are thought to function primarily as intracellular chaperones, the release and potential extracellular functions of heat shock proteins have been the focus of an increasing number of studies. Our particular interest is HspB1 (Hsp25/27) and as astrocytes are an in vivo source of HspB1 it is a reasonable possibility they could release HspB1 in response to local stresses. Using primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes, we investigated the extracellular release of HspB1 with exposure to amyloid-β (Aβ). In order to assess potential mechanisms of release, we cotreated the cells with compounds that can modulate protein secretion including Brefeldin A, Methyl β-cyclodextrin, and MAP kinase inhibitors. Exposure to Aβ (0.1, 1.0, 2.0 μM) for 24–48 h resulted in a selective release of HspB1 that was insensitive to BFA treatment; none of the other inhibitors had any detectable influence. Protease protection assays indicated that some of the released HspB1 was associated with a membrane bound fraction, and analysis of exosomal preparations indicated the presence of HspB1 in exosomes. Finally, immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that the extracellular HspB1 was able to interact with extracellular Aβ. In summary, Aβ can stimulate release of HspB1 from astrocytes, this release is insensitive to Golgi or lipid raft disruption, and HspB1 can be found either free in the medium or associated with exosomes. This release suggests that there is a potential for extracellular HspB1 to be able to bind and sequester extracellular Aβ.
Age and Its Association with Low Insulin and High Amyloid-β Peptides in Blood
Authors: Li Huajie , Zhu Haihao , Wallack Max , Mwamburi Mkaya , Abdul-Hay Samer O. , Leissring Malcolm A. , Qiu Wei Qiao
Published: November 2015

Age is the major risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and modifying age-related factors may help to delay the onset of the disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between age and the metabolic factors related to the risk of developing AD. The concentrations of insulin, amylin, and amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) in plasma were measured. We further measured the activity of serum Aβ degradation by using fluorescein- and biotin-labeled Aβ40. Apolipoprotein E4 allele (ApoE4) and cognitive impairment were characterized. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 60–70, 70–80, and ≥80 years old. We found that the older the subjects, the lower the concentration of insulin (p = 0.001) and the higher the concentration of Aβ1-40 (p = 0.004) in plasma. However, age was not associated with the concentration of another pancreatic peptide, amylin, and only marginally with Aβ1-42. These relationships remained in the absence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, and regardless of the presence of ApoE4 and cognitive impairment. Both age and ApoE4 were inversely associated with, while insulin was positively associated with, the activities of Aβ degradation in serum. Our study suggested that low concentration of insulin and high concentration of Aβ40 are aging factors related to the risk of AD.
Retinal Oximetry Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Einarsdottir Anna Bryndis , Hardarson Sveinn Hakon , Kristjansdottir Jona Valgerdur , Bragason David Thor , Snaedal Jon , Stefánsson Einar
Published: November 2015

Background: Structural and physiological abnormalities have been reported in the retina in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Retinal oximetry detects changes in retinal oxygen metabolism in many eye diseases, where structural changes are seen. Objective: To compare oxygen saturation in retinal blood vessels in patients with AD and a healthy cohort. Methods: Oxygen saturation of hemoglobin was measured in retinal blood vessels, using imaging with spectrophotometric noninvasive retinal oximeter. 18 individuals with mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer-type (stage 3–5 according to the Global Deterioration Scale) and 18 healthy subjects underwent retinal oximetry in a case control study. Results: Retinal oxygen saturation in arterioles and venules in patients with moderate AD was significantly elevated compared to healthy individuals. Retinal arterioles have 94.2 ± 5.4% oxygen saturation in moderate AD compared with 90.5 ± 3.1% in healthy subjects (mean ± SD, n = 10, p = 0.028). Retinal venules were 51.9 ± 6.0% saturated in moderate AD compared with 49.7 ± 7.0% in healthy subjects (mean ± SD, n = 10, p = 0.02). Conclusion: This is the first study of retinal oxygen metabolism in any central nervous system disease. It discovers abnormalities in retinal oxygen metabolism in AD. The findings are similar to those seen in age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Noninvasive retinal oximetry may offer new insights into pathophysiology of AD. Further studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings.
Neuronal Activity and Amyloid Plaque Pathology: An Update
Authors: Ovsepian Saak V. , O’Leary Valerie B.
Published: November 2015

A breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research came with the discovery of the link between activity-dependent release of amyloid-β (Aβ) from neurons and formation of amyloid plaques. Along with elucidating the cellular basis of behavioral-dependent fluctuations in Aβ levels in the brain, insights have been gained toward understanding the mechanisms that warrant selective vulnerability of various forebrain circuits to amyloid pathology. The notion of elevated activity as a source of excessive Aβ production and plaque formation is, however, in conflict with ample electrophysiological data, which demonstrate exceedingly intense activity (both intrinsic and synaptic) of neurons in several brain regions that are spared or marginally affected by amyloid plaques of AD. Thus, the link between the functional load of brain circuits and their vulnerability to amyloidosis, while evident, is also complex and remains poorly understood. Here, we discuss emerging data suggestive of a major role for super-intense synchronous activity of cortical and limbic networks in excessive Aβ production and plaque formation. It is proposed that dense recurrent wiring of associative areas prone to epileptic seizures might be of critical relevance to their higher susceptibility to plaque pathology and related functional impairments.
Molecular Markers of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment among Mexican Americans
Authors: Edwards Melissa , Hall James , Williams Benjamin , Johnson Leigh , O’Bryant Sid
Published: November 2015

Background: Mexican Americans face a significant health disparity when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as they present with higher rates of the disease and develop AD at an earlier age compared to other ethnic groups. Recent work identified a proteomic profile of AD among this population; however, no work to date has sought to examine the biological profile of pre-AD among Mexican Americans. Objective: This study aims to identify an amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) proteomic profile among Mexican Americans. Methods: Data were analyzed from 284 Mexican American participants (aMCI, n = 73; normal controls, n = 211) from the Health & Aging Brain among Latino Elders study. Fasting serum samples were analyzed using a multi-plex biomarker assay platform. A biomarker profile was generated using random forest analyses. Results: Among aMCI cases, the biomarker profile was found to be largely inflammatory with the top three markers shown to include TNFα, IL10, and TARC. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers in detecting aMCI was 96% (sensitivity = 0.82; specificity = 0.97). Inclusion of clinical variables with the selected biomarkers did not impact the overall detection accuracy (area under the curve = 0.96) but led to a slight improvement in specificity (specificity = 0.99) and decrease in sensitivity (sensitivity = 0.74). Conclusion: The biomarker profile of aMCI was shown to be different from our previously generated AD profile among Mexican Americans, which was largely metabolic in nature. The findings implicate a possible interplay between inflammatory and metabolic processes and additional work is needed to further examine this.
Analysis of electromagnetic forming process using sequential electromagnetic-structural coupling simulation
Authors: Kim Jeong , Noh Hak-Gon , Song Woo-Jin , Kang Beom-Soo
Published: November 2015

A sequential coupled field analysis of an electromagnetic free bulging process was performed using the FEM. A 2D axisymmetric electromagnetic model based on the magnetic vector potential is proposed for the calculation of the magnetic field and Lorentz forces, and then, the Newmark integration method is used to calculate the transient dynamic plastic deformation of a sheet during the free bulging process. In the finite element model, the effect of sheet deformation on the electromagnetic field analysis is taken into account. In order to confirm the sequential electromagnetic-structural coupling analysis, an experiment with an electromagnetic forming apparatus was carried out. This showed that the final bulge height of the sheet predicted using the method proposed in this paper was in good agreement with the experimental one.
Influence of non-coaxial alignment on interaction forces for the contactless magnetic driver of a reciprocating motion
Authors: Li Jian-Gang , Tan Qing-Chang , Pei Yong-Chen
Published: November 2015

Using interaction forces between two magnetic sleeves, the contactless magnetic driver changes the rotating motion of a motor into reciprocating motion by a link mechanism. In an ideal state, the two sleeves of the driver are coaxial, but due to manufacturing and/or assembly errors, the real working state is non-coaxial. The air gap and consequently the magnetic field and interaction forces are altered. Therefore, it is very important to predict the changing of interaction force for some application. Assuming that the magnetizations are rigid and uniform, a mathematical model of the interaction force between two axial magnetized sleeves is developed based on the theory of equivalent magnetic charges. The model considers two magnetic sleeves at any relative position and attitude, and is verified experimentally for the two sleeves being coaxial. A numerical solution is implemented to compare interaction forces at the coaxial and non-coaxial states. Through numerical prediction, eccentricity between the sleeves of 0.5 mm generates a radial force approximately 70 N. The modeling method is also applicable to cuboidal magnets.
Effect of Spark Advance on a Gas Run Automotive Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Ehsan Md
Published: November 2015

Petrol engines can run on natural gas, with little modification. The combustion characteristics of naturalgas is different from that of petrol, which eventually affects the engine performance. The performance of atypical automotive engine was studied running on natural gas, firstly at a constant speed for various loadsand then at a constant load for a range of speeds and results were compared with performance using petrol.Variation of the spark advance, consisting of centrifugal and vacuum advance mechanisms, wasinvestigated. Results showed some reduction in power and slight fall of efficiency and higher exhausttemperature, for natural gas. The air-fuel ratio for optimum performance was higher for gas than for petrol.This variation in spark requirement is mainly due to the slower speed of flame propagation for natural gas.For both the cases, the best power spark advance for natural gas was found to have higher values thanpetrol. This issue needs to be addressed during retrofitting petrol engines for running on natural gas.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 42-49
Olive Tree (Olea europeae L.) Leaves: Importance and Advances in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Abaza Leila , Taamalli Amani , Nsir Houda , Zarrouk Mokhtar
Published: November 2015

Phenolic compounds are becoming increasingly popular because of their potential role in contributing to human health. Experimental evidence obtained from human and animal studies demonstrate that phenolic compounds from Olea europaea leaves have biological activities which may be important in the reduction in risk and severity of certain chronic diseases. Therefore, an accurate profiling of phenolics is a crucial issue. In this article, we present a review work on current treatment and analytical methods used to extract, identify, and/or quantify phenolic compounds in olive leaves.
Free Boolean Topological Groups
Authors: Sipacheva Ol’ga
Published: November 2015

Known and new results on free Boolean topological groups are collected. An account of the properties that these groups share with free or free Abelian topological groups and properties specific to free Boolean groups is given. Special emphasis is placed on the application of set-theoretic methods to the study of Boolean topological groups.
Complex Commingling: Nucleoporins and the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Authors: Mossaid Ikram , Fahrenkrog Birthe
Published: November 2015

The segregation of the chromosomes during mitosis is an important process, in which the replicated DNA content is properly allocated into two daughter cells. To ensure their genomic integrity, cells present an essential surveillance mechanism known as the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which monitors the bipolar attachment of the mitotic spindle to chromosomes to prevent errors that would result in chromosome mis-segregation and aneuploidy. Multiple components of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a gigantic protein complex that forms a channel through the nuclear envelope to allow nucleocytoplasmic exchange of macromolecules, were shown to be critical for faithful cell division and implicated in the regulation of different steps of the mitotic process, including kinetochore and spindle assembly as well as the SAC. In this review, we will describe current knowledge about the interconnection between the NPC and the SAC in an evolutional perspective, which primarily relies on the two mitotic checkpoint regulators, Mad1 and Mad2. We will further discuss the role of NPC constituents, the nucleoporins, in kinetochore and spindle assembly and the formation of the mitotic checkpoint complex during mitosis and interphase.
Photovoltaic Systems with and without Radiation Concentrators for Temperate and Tropical Regions
Authors: Sant’Anna Vania , Filho Delly , Egido Miguel , Ribeiro Aristides , Filho Adílio , Ferreira Augusto
Published: November 2015

The industrial development of solar photovoltaic technology has attracted investors and influenced governments to establish public policies for the sector. The present research consisted of studying, building and testing low concentration solar radiation systems for photovoltaic energy conversion. The study used optical nonimaging parameters for the V-trough type radiation concentrator constructed of anodized aluminum, to reflect and to cool. Designed to concentrate radiation by about two times and consisting of a set of photovoltaic modules connected in parallel, they were modeled in the Laboratory of Energy Area in the Department of Agricultural Engineering of the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, at the coordinates 20°45′14′′ S latitude, 42°52′53′′ W longitude and altitude 648.74 m. They were installed to the geographic North, with the same slope as the local latitude. For comparative analysis, it was determined the electrical characteristics for evaluation of the prototype’s performance with and without radiation concentration, the final productivity for cities in tropical and temperate regions and economic analysis for the system. It was concluded that the prototypes allowed for a gain of energy with concentration, about 31.3% more, and therefore a productivity gain for the analyzed cities in, kWh·kWp−1.
Betulinyl Sulfamates as Anticancer Agents and Radiosensitizers in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bache Matthias , Münch Christin , Güttler Antje , Wichmann Henri , Theuerkorn Katharina , Emmerich Daniel , Paschke Reinhard , Vordermark Dirk
Published: November 2015

Betulinic acid (BA), a natural compound of birch bark, is cytotoxic for many tumors. Recently, a betulinyl sulfamate was described that inhibits carbonic anhydrases (CA), such as CAIX, an attractive target for tumor-selective therapy strategies in hypoxic cancer cells. Data on combined CAIX inhibition with radiotherapy are rare. In the human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB231 and MCF7, the effects of BA and betulinyl sulfamates on cellular and radiobiological behavior under normoxia and hypoxia were evaluated. The two most effective betulinyl sulfamates CAI 1 and CAI 3 demonstrated a 1.8–2.8-fold higher cytotoxicity than BA under normoxia in breast cancer cells, with IC50 values between 11.1 and 18.1 µM. BA exhibits its strongest cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 8.2 and 16.4 µM under hypoxia. All three substances show a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis, inhibition of migration, and inhibition of hypoxia-induced gene expression. In combination with irradiation, betulinyl sulfamates act as radiosensitizers, with DMF10 values of 1.47 (CAI 1) and 1.75 (CAI 3) under hypoxia in MDA-MB231 cells. BA showed additive effects in combination with irradiation. Taken together; our results suggest that BA and betulinyl sulfamates seem to be attractive substances to combine with radiotherapy; particularly for hypoxic breast cancer.
Aβ1-25-Derived Sphingolipid-Domain Tracer Peptide SBD Interacts with Membrane Ganglioside Clusters via a Coil-Helix-Coil Motif
Authors: Wang Yaofeng , Kraut Rachel , Mu Yuguang
Published: November 2015

The Amyloid-β (Aβ)-derived, sphingolipid binding domain (SBD) peptide is a fluorescently tagged probe used to trace the diffusion behavior of sphingolipid-containing microdomains in cell membranes through binding to a constellation of glycosphingolipids, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol. However, the molecular details of the binding mechanism between SBD and plasma membrane domains remain unclear. Here, to investigate how the peptide recognizes the lipid surface at an atomically detailed level, SBD peptides in the environment of raft-like bilayers were examined in micro-seconds-long molecular dynamics simulations. We found that SBD adopted a coil-helix-coil structural motif, which binds to multiple GT1b gangliosides via salt bridges and CH–π interactions. Our simulation results demonstrate that the CH–π and electrostatic forces between SBD monomers and GT1b gangliosides clusters are the main driving forces in the binding process. The presence of the fluorescent dye and linker molecules do not change the binding mechanism of SBD probes with gangliosides, which involves the helix-turn-helix structural motif that was suggested to constitute a glycolipid binding domain common to some sphingolipid interacting proteins, including HIV gp120, prion, and Aβ.
Metagenomics: A New Way to Illustrate the Crosstalk between Infectious Diseases and Host Microbiome
Authors: Zhang Yinfeng , Lun Cheuk-Yin , Tsui Stephen
Published: November 2015

Microbes have co-evolved with human beings for millions of years. They play a very important role in maintaining the health of the host. With the advancement in next generation sequencing technology, the microbiome profiling in the host can be obtained under different circumstances. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the alteration of complex microbial communities upon the infection of different pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, influenza virus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, at different body sites. It is believed that the increased understanding of the correlation between infectious disease and the alteration of the microbiome can contribute to better management of disease progression in the future. However, future studies may need to be more integrative so as to establish the exact causality of diseases by analyzing the correlation between microorganisms within the human host and the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
Effect of Vegetation on the Late Miocene Ocean Circulation
Authors: Lohmann Gerrit , Butzin Martin , Bickert Torsten
Published: November 2015

We examine the role of the vegetation cover and the associated hydrological cycle on the deep ocean circulation during the Late Miocene (~10 million years ago). In our simulations, an open Central American gateway and exchange with fresh Pacific waters leads to a weak and shallow thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean which is consistent with most other modeling studies for this time period. Here, we estimate the effect of a changed vegetation cover on the ocean general circulation using atmospheric circulation model simulations for the late Miocene climate with 353 ppmv CO2 level. The Late Miocene land surface cover reduces the albedo, the net evaporation in the North Atlantic catchment is affected and the North Atlantic water becomes more saline leading to a more vigorous North Atlantic Deep Water circulation. These effects reveal potentially important feedbacks between the ocean circulation, the hydrological cycle and the land surface cover for Cenozoic climate evolution.
Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour of Flax-Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Laminates for Industrial Applications
Authors: Pitarresi Giuseppe , Tumino Davide , Mancuso Antonio
Published: November 2015

The present work describes the experimental mechanical characterisation of a natural flax fibre reinforced epoxy polymer composite. A commercial plain woven quasi-unidirectional flax fabric with spun-twisted yarns is employed in particular, as well as unidirectional composite panels manufactured with three techniques: hand-lay-up, vacuum bagging and resin infusion. The stiffness and strength behaviours are investigated under both monotonic and low-cycle fatigue loadings. The analysed material has, in particular, shown a typical bilinear behaviour under pure traction, with a knee yield point occurring at a rather low stress value, after which the material tensile stiffness is significantly reduced. In the present work, such a mechanism is investigated by a phenomenological approach, performing periodical loading/unloading cycles, and repeating tensile tests on previously “yielded” samples to assess the evolution of stiffness behaviour. Infrared thermography is also employed to measure the temperature of specimens during monotonic and cyclic loading. In the first case, the thermal signal is monitored to correlate departures from the thermoelastic behaviour with the onset of energy loss mechanisms. In the case of cyclic loading, the thermoelastic signal and the second harmonic component are both determined in order to investigate the extent of elastic behaviour of the material.
Antihypertensive Effects of Artemisia scoparia Waldst in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Identification of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Cho Jeong-Yong , Park Kyung-Hee , Hwang Do , Chanmuang Saoraya , Jaiswal Lily , Park Yang-Kyun , Park Sun-Young , Kim So-Young , Kim Haeng-Ran , Moon Jae-Hak , Ham Kyung-Sik
Published: November 2015

We investigated the antihypertensive effects of Artemisia scoparia (AS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The rats were fed diets containing 2% (w/w) hot water extracts of AS aerial parts for 6 weeks. The AS group had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels than the control group. The AS group also had lower angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity and angiotensin II content in serum compared to the control group. The AS group showed higher vascular endothelial growth factor and lower ras homolog gene family member A expression levels in kidney compared to the control group. The AS group had significantly lower levels of plasma lipid oxidation and protein carbonyls than the control group. One new and six known compounds were isolated from AS by guided purification. The new compound was determined to be 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoyl (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl benzoate, based on its nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy data.