bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity and Instability: Another View of Japanese Suburbs
Authors: Mori Chikako
Published: February 2016

La aparición en la comunidad científica de un análisis crítico sobre el suburbio japonés (relativa al envejecimiento, la delincuencia juvenil, la ausencia de identidad local, entre otros temas) no ha repercutido sobre el mito existente de un espacio homogéneo que está poblado por residentes no extranjeros de clase media. Sin embargo, con la instalación del "precariado", expulsado de la ciudad por la gentrificación, emerge una nueva cara de los suburbios.

El debate más fuerte gira en torno a la vivienda social para población en riesgo de exclusión (especialmente personas mayores que viven solas, personas con discapacidad o familias monoparentales) o vivienda comprada por empresas para sus trabajadores temporales incluido la población extranjera y precaria que conforman un espacio de exclusión caracterizado por la heterogeneidad y la inestabilidad donde se concentra toda la gama de "vidas desperdiciadas". Basado en una encuesta realizada en el área de Nagoya este documento tratará de describir y analizar esta transformación.
Etnoeducación 2.0: Una oportunidad de innovación educativa
Authors: García Carretero Claudia , Alonso Aroz Cristina , Diez Cercadillo Claudia
Published: February 2016

Resumen

El ámbito educativo de España desconoce el término etnoeducación. Se trata de un sistema innovador que trabaja la educación en base a los principios culturales de cada individuo. Tiene como objetivo la recuperación de los mismos y su mantenimiento a lo largo de futuras generaciones. Este método se ha desarrollado de forma notable en zonas concretas de América Latina. El siguiente documento muestra el caso de Colombia equiparándolo a la realidad educativa española con la intención de comprobar su viabilidad en nuestras aulas.

 

Palabras Clave: Etnoeducación, Innovación Educativa, Interculturalidad, Etnocentrismo.
Os efeitos das transferências intergovernamentais nas finanças públicas municipais brasileiras
Authors: De Almeida Renata Neri
Published: February 2016

A Constituição de 1988 promoveu diversas mudanças no federalismo fiscal brasileiro. Os municípios foram reconhecidos como entes federativos, passando a assumir maiores responsabilidades na prestação de serviços de âmbito local e social. Contudo, o fortalecimento financeiro dos municípios deu-se muito mais pelo aumento da sua participação nas transferências constitucionais de recursos financeiros do que pela ampliação de sua capacidade tributária. Nesse
contexto, diversos estudos apontam uma tendência de os recursos oriundos das transferências governamentais serem utilizados para aumentar gastos públicos em vez de serem repassados para os cidadãos, por exemplo, por meio de redução de impostos, fenômeno conhecido na literatura como flypaper effect. O presente estudo busca verificar a ocorrência do efeito flypaper nos municípios brasileiros, nos anos 2002-2010, utilizando dados em painel para o conjunto de 5.507 municípios. Este artigo pretende também superar algumas insuficiências dos estudos sobre a temática, verificando não somente a existência ou não do fenômeno flypaper nas finanças, mas também se este sofre variações em relação às várias espécies de despesas. Os resultados apontam para a existência desse efeito nas finanças municipais brasileiras e, no geral, para a sua implicação nos diversos itens de despesas analisados.
Shiftable Multistage Fracture Completion System Allows for More Options While Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Wellbore Interactions
Authors: Krupala C. T. , Young D. A. , Merron M. J.
Published: February 2016

With the industry focused on highly efficient completions, wells with water-producing and underperforming zones create operational dilemmas that can ultimately reduce profitability. One way to improve efficiency is through the use of shiftable sleeve systems (SSS), which enable operators to stimulate multiple zones; then, later restimulate or produce specific zones without disturbing the entire wellbore. These features, which cannot be achieved with standard plug and perforation (PP) completions, add new options regarding how to best complete and produce the well.

Ball-drop shiftable sleeves (BDSS) provide the same initial stimulation efficiency as other ball-drop sleeves (BDS) but can be shifted multiple times after the initial stimulation. To shut off problem zones, the baffles in the shiftable sleeves typically must be milled out. After the milling operation, a hydraulic shifting tool run on coiled tubing (CT) is used to close the sleeve in the affected zone. The shifter is run on either CT or a work string and positioned either above or below the target sleeve. The shifter is activated hydraulically and pulled or pushed against the baffle to shift the sleeve.

The new high-expansion shifting tool (HEST) was designed to selectively shift BDSSs or shiftable pressure actuated sleeves (SPAS) by using the baffle in the tools as a shifting profile. This tool can shift multiple sleeves open or closed in the same run without the baffles being removed by a milling operation. Sleeves with baffle sizes of 1.800 in. and greater can be shifted with the HEST. When used with dissolvable balls, the HEST provides the ability to shift BDSS without a milling operation. The shiftable sleeve then performs as a standard production sleeve, enabling selective flowback of zones or shut-in of trouble zones, reducing operators’ time, money spent, and additional risks associated with milling operations.

The introduction of several new tools and processes enables operators to reduce downtime and operational risks. Operators can also add new completion options, which have the ability to extend the life of the well in ways not currently used. This paper provides an in-depth description of those tools and processes and highlights the returns and gains achieved with the methods discussed.
Well Surveillance Operation and Data Analysis in Thermal Viscous Crude Project in Kuwait- A Case Study
Authors: Al-Ballam Shaikha , Al-Dashti Hussain , Pandey Dharmesh C. , Al-Ballam Abdulla , Al-Khamees Waleed K.
Published: February 2016

A viscous heavy crude oil bearing unconsolidated sandstone reservoir of Middle Miocene age is located in a supergiant green heavy oil field that is undergoing execution of first phase of full field development in the State of Kuwait. The screening for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods identified Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) followed by Steamflood (SF) as the most adequate combination of EOR methods for the north area of the field.

The field has been undergoing small-scale CSS pilots to evaluate the reservoir potential and to optimize well completion design. To monitor these pilots, well surveillance operations and data analysis are applied and they are playing a critical role in understanding and reducing reservoir uncertainties, a fundamental step for improving recovery and economics of heavy oil field development.

This paper presents a case study of the well surveillance operation performed for well monitoring, well completion design and ultimately production optimization in the ongoing CSS thermal pilots. It describes the different rig less surveillance jobs conducted on the pilot wells utilizing slick line and coiled tubing units (CTU) to monitor sand accumulation and cleaning. This paper also provides details on the tools utilized, their limitations, challenges faced and discusses the interpretation and utilization of the acquired data. Among the tools presented are production logging tools (PLT) which provide data for evaluating steam quality and heat injected into the reservoir. Pressure and temperature surveys assisted in understanding of steam distribution in the reservoir zones. Reservoir saturation tool (RST) are utilized along with dynamic production data for better understanding flow properties in baffle/barrier zone between upper-A and upper-B. Finally cement bond log (CBL) and variable density log (VDL) to gather data for assessing well integrity.

The interpretation of the acquired data assists in further optimization of field development plan.
Design, Development, and Field Use of a Large-Diameter Coil Tubing Downline Solution for Deepwater Pipeline Commissioning Applications
Authors: Turner Alan , Gillings Richard , Cooper Stewart , Lawson Kevin , Donald Gordon
Published: February 2016

This paper describes both the challenges and development of a novel solution involving 3.5-in. diameter coiled tubing (CT) for deepwater pipeline commissioning applications. The work scope required that the complete solution be capable of multiple deployments and recovery operations using a single string of 3.5-in. CT from a floating support vessel. The project began with a detailed analysis of the existing available equipment and tools to determine their suitability and limitations for this application. Factors in this analysis included the limited vessel space available for surface equipment, crane capacity, and the suitability of equipment for working outboard on a vessel. This led to the planning, designing, and sourcing of suitable CT equipment. Trials were performed onshore to optimize the rigup, stackup, vessel layout, and assemblies handling. The combination of pre-operation planning and trials led to confidence in the new tools, work methods, and risk assessments. Because the purpose of the deployment work was to complete the commissioning work on several different marine pipelines and risers, the equipment and work methods had to be easily transferred between vessels. This paper presents and discusses the range of technologies that were developed and successfully applied for the first time globally to complete the project. These include the first fully sealable subsea quick-disconnect for CT, the first pump-through modular clump weight, and the first real-time, high-cycle fatigue (HCF) monitoring system to aid in CT pipe management. The deployment and recovery operations involved a wide range of challenges and led to the development of specific tools and methods for using large-diameter CT equipment. In addition to discussing the design and development of the solution, this paper presents the results and lessons learned from successfully using the large-diameter CT downline solution for deepwater pipeline commissioning applications.
High-Strength Coiled Tubing can be Used Successfully in Sour Environments if Properly Managed
Authors: Graham-Wright T. , Elliott K. , Spoering R. , Hampson R.
Published: February 2016

High-strength coiled tubing (CT) was subjected to sulfide stress cracking (SSC) testing for the purpose of defining acceptable operating zones in sour environments, both with and without inhibition. In this case, 130 ksi specified minimum yield strength tubing was used. This paper presents a summary of the results with conclusions, lesson learned, and recommendations for sour zones of high-strength CT with and without inhibition.

Coupons of CT were tested in accordance with NACE TM0177 Method B (four-point bent beams) (NACE TM0177-2005) to determine if cracking occurred in different sour environments. Sour environments were tested ranging from in-situ pH of 2.8 to 5.5 and H2S partial pressure of 0.005 to 10 bar. Testing was performed both including and excluding chemical inhibition. Coupons tested were removed from as-milled tubing and tubing that had been subjected to low-cycle plastic fatigue under pressure on a laboratory CT fatigue testing machine. Plasma arc bias welds, high frequency induction seam welds, and parent material coupons were tested.

Without inhibition, coupons tested in mild, intermediate, and severe sour environments failed because of sulfide stress cracking. However, when chemical inhibition was mixed into the aqueous environment, coupons tested in severe sour environments produced acceptable results, meaning that no sulfide stress cracking occurred. The acceptable results indicate that, when properly managed, high-strength CT can be used successfully in a manner similar to lower-strength CT when operating in aqueous downhole environments with high sour gas partial pressures. The sour environments tested with and without inhibitor were plotted on a pH versus H2S partial pressure diagram. Based on the failure or no-failure results of the testing, recommended operating zones were then determined and are presented.

The development of a high-strength CT SSC testing program is also presented in this work. Guidelines for the test program include the preparation of bias weld, seam weld, and parent material specimens and also simulation of the cyclic plastic strain and internal pressure typical of CT operations.
Coiled Tubing Friction in Extended-Reach Wells
Authors: Livescu Silviu , Craig Steven , Aitken Bill
Published: February 2016

The lateral reach and residual bottom hole assembly (BHA) loads in extended-reach wells strongly depend on the coiled tubing (CT) mechanical friction. Detailed CT friction modeling becomes crucial in the pre-job planning stage to ensure successful job predictability. However, current numerical simulators consider constant coefficients of friction (CoFs) that are determined from similar operations without taking into account the effects of the operational and downhole parameters on the CoF for a specific operation. This study outlines the modeling of CT friction force, CoF, and axial BHA loads depending on the operational and downhole parameters when a fluid hammer tool is used.

Recent theoretical, laboratory, and field data have established how CoF depends on the downhole parameters (Livescu and Watkins 2014; Livescu et al. 2014; Livescu and Craig 2015). Previously, these effects have not been considered in the CT numerical models, leading to significant CoF differences among available commercial simulators. For instance, the default CoFs in the current pre-job simulations for cased holes, when no lubricant or friction reducing tools such as fluid hammer tools and tractors are used, vary between 0.24 and 0.30 or even higher. This makes it extremely difficult to consistently evaluate and compare the friction reduction effects of lubricants, fluid hammer tools, and tractors in extended-reach wells, especially when the field operator may be consulting with several service companies utilizing different commercial force modelling software.

This study presents the CT force matching and fundamental physics based on modeled fluid forces, including radial forces, drag forces, and most importantly pressure forces on the CT friction forces due to fluid hammer tools. Extending the Method of Characteristics, regularly used for studying pressure pulses in straight pipes, the Perturbations Method also accounts for the helical shape of the CT. The new CT fluid hammer model is validated against laboratory data. This rigorous method for calculating the axial BHA load and reduced CT friction force due to radial vibrations can be easily implemented in currently available tubing force analysis (TFA) software for CT operations.

This novel approach, which uses detailed CT mechanical friction modeling to take into account parameters such as temperature, internal pressure, pumping rate, etc., improves predictions for CT reach in lateral wells. These findings broaden the current industry understanding of the CT mechanical friction modeling in extended-reach wells and show benefits for the industry when considering variable friction modeling in commercial CT simulators.
Operational Improvements with the Expansion of an Intelligent Coiled Tubing System to Include Real-Time Tension, Compression, and Torque Data Monitoring
Authors: Garner Louis , Vacik Lubos , Livescu Silviu , Blanco Diego
Published: February 2016

Real-time monitoring of downhole location, pressure, and temperature is currently available for many coiled tubing (CT) operations. A newly-developed tension, compression, and torque (TCT) data monitoring capability in real-time improves operational efficiency and accelerates well recovery in all types of CT operations. From milling, stimulation, and well cleanouts to gas lifting, camera services, logging and perforating operations, this intelligent coiled tubing (ICT) system can provide accurate, real-time downhole monitoring of high-resolution depth correlation, differential pressure and temperature, and TCT data.

The real-time ICT system consists of a 1/8-in. non-intrusive electrical conductor wire inside the carrying CT, surface hardware and software, and three versions of bottomhole assemblies (BHAs) in different sizes: 2 ⅛-, 2 ⅞-, and 3 ½-in. Each BHA incorporates a conductor release assembly, a casing collar locator (CCL), pressure, and temperature sensor package, and a BHA release function. In addition, a new TCT assembly has been developed for the 2 ⅞-in. BHA. Switching between applications is as simple as changing out the BHA, which reduces the need to rig-up and rig-down and leads to operational time and cost savings. The main advantage of this system is that it eliminates the downhole uncertainties so the CT field crew can react to changing conditions, making decisions based on dynamic downhole events and eliminating missed or wasted runs.

Several case studies have been recently presented (Livescu et al. 2015a,b) using the 2 ⅛-in. BHA. They involved ICT conveyed camera operations; complex cement milling, cleanout, and perforating operations; inflatable plug setting operations for water zone isolation; complex drifting, logging, jetting, zonal isolation, and scale removal operations; and matrix acidizing operations. In this paper the new TCT assembly development and testing are presented showing that combining the TCT data with location, pressure, and temperature data in real-time may increase the job efficiency and control. The new capabilities are important for the differentiation between frictional lock-up and potential obstruction tagging; the effectiveness of extended reach technologies such as fluid hammer tools, tractors, and lubricants related to the weight on bit (WOB); the confirmation of jar activation during fishing jobs; and the milling effectiveness over time, quantifying the mill aggressiveness from the back torque and WOB analysis. In addition, the new TCT data could be used to post-job validate in real-time the pre-job tubing force analysis (TFA).
Ecological study of periphyton diversity in crenic habitat of Sahashradhara (Garhwal Himalayas, India)
Authors: Chauhan Anita , Sharma Ramesh C.
Published: February 2016

A maiden attempt has been made to present a biodiversity of periphyton of the Sahashradhara springs, a group of one thousand springs and one of the most important clusters of limnocrenes and rheocrenes springs located in Doon Valley of Garhwal-Himalayas. The environmental monitoring of periphyton community of Sahashradhara springs was carried out for one complete annual cycle (October 2011-September 2012). Annual percentage composition of periphyton revealed that major contribution was represented by Bacillariophyceae (68-70%) followed by Chlorophyceae (26-28%) and Myxophyceae (3-5%). A total of 29 species of periphyton were recorded from different springs of Sahashradhara. A significant correlation between diversity of periphyton and environmental parameters- temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, alkalinity, FPOM and CPOM was observed. Regression analysis was performed between density of periphyton and physico-chemical variables, which revealed that temperature, conductivity, alkalinity, CO2, TDS, CPOM and FPOM were found to have strong influence on the density and diversity of periphyton of Sahashradhara springs.International Journal of Environment Vol. 5 (1) 2016,  pp: 79-95
Some Operational Features in Bicycle Traffic Flow
Authors: Li Zhibin , Ye Mao , Li Zheng , Du Muqing
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the operational features in bicycle traffic flow on bicycle-only paths. A field investigation was conducted on four bicycle-only paths in the vicinity of bottlenecks in the city of Nanjing, China; two were one-lane paths and two were two-lane paths. The cumulative curve method was used to extract from videos traffic flow information, such as bicycle speeds, flow, and density. The fundamental diagram with free-flow and congested traffic state was constructed with the use of actual traffic data. Data analysis showed that the capacity of bicycle traffic flow on the one-lane and two-lane paths was 3,960 bicycles per hour and 8,100 bicycles per hour, respectively. The critical density was approximately 100 bicycles per kilometer per lane. Average bicycle speed and speed variation decreased as bicycle density increased. The probability of overtaking was highest when bicycle traffic was slightly congested. The observational study showed that even when average speed was quite low, bicycle traffic could still maintain a relatively large flow. This differed from the results of simulation studies. The findings of this study can help traffic engineers better understand the features of bicycle traffic flow and propose measures to improve bicycle operations.
When Do Drivers Yield to Cyclists at Unsignalized Roundabouts?
Authors: Silvano Ary P. , Ma Xiaoliang , Koutsopoulos Haris N.
Published: February 2016

Cycling has grown in popularity during the past decades in many cities in Europe and in the United States because of its environmental and health benefits. However, cyclists are frequently involved in traffic accidents, especially when they interact with vehicles at unsignalized intersections. There is still a lack of evidence and of analysis of what happens in such interactions. This paper explores empirical evidence of vehicle–bicycle interactions on a typical Swedish roundabout and provides insights into factors that influence car drivers' yielding decisions when they interact with cyclists. Vehicle–bicycle interactions were divided into groups (nonconflict, conflict, yield, and nonyield), and their speed differences were analyzed by group. Furthermore, a discrete choice model was developed to estimate behavioral aspects of such interactions. The observed data showed a higher and significant speed variation among vehicles compared with bicycles, which exhibited smaller variation across groups. The modeling results revealed that the probability of yielding decreased when the speed of the vehicle was higher. But a bicycle's speed had little effect on a driver's decision to yield. More important, the probability of yielding was increased significantly by the proximity of the cyclist to the conflict zone. The yielding rate of drivers can be improved by keeping vehicles' speed to less than 20 km/h, as drivers then have the capacity to detect and yield to cyclists.
Assessment of Bicyclist Behavior at Traffic Signals with a Detector Confirmation Feedback Device
Authors: Boudart Jesse , Liu Ryan , Koonce Peter , Okimoto Lisa
Published: February 2016

Bicycling has been increasing in North America, and intersections have been modified to accommodate the increase in cyclists. However, the increase in cycling is outpacing the supply of high-quality cycling markings, signing, signals, and general infrastructure at intersections. For example, recent research indicates that more than 50% of bicyclists do not understand that the 9C-7 bicycle stencil symbol from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) indicates the optimal waiting position for a cyclist to call a green light. Subsequently, people on bicycles may run red lights because they do not understand how the MUTCD 9C-7 pavement marking works. This infrastructure shortcoming illustrates the need to study how new roadway information may affect user behavior and traffic signal compliance. This research documents the effects of an active feedback device on cyclist behavior in an effort to improve the cycling experience. A blue light feedback device was installed at a signalized intersection approach, and its impact on bicyclist behavior was studied. A statistically significant increase in the number of bicyclists who used the MUTCD 9C-7 marking (instead of the existing bicycle push button) occurred after installation of the blue light feedback device and especially after a sandwich board sign was installed that described the purpose of the blue light. These results indicate that a blue light feedback device (accompanied with bicycle detection and the standard marking) could be used effectively in lieu of bicycle push buttons. Also, the effect of the blue light feedback device on bicyclist compliance with traffic signals (red light runners) was negligible.
Modeling the Impact of Pavement Roughness on Bicycle Ride Quality
Authors: Thigpen Calvin G. , Li Hui , Handy Susan L. , Harvey John
Published: February 2016

Many cities and states rely on aggregate seal coats (chip seals) to maintain roads. Chip seals are economical as a surface for lower-volume roads or for preservation treatments on asphalt roads, and the technology for increasing the life span of chip seals is continually improving. Chip seals often have higher macrotexture than do asphalt or concrete surfaces, which provides high skid resistance for motor vehicles. However, bicycling has increased in many parts of the country, for both recreation and commuting, and the high macrotexture of chip seals has led bicyclists to protest that the use of chip seals has decreased the comfort of recreational bicycle rides. In California, recreational bicyclists have contacted the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) regarding the texture of chip seals on popular bicycling routes. Caltrans sponsored research to measure pavement surface macrotexture and roughness, to conduct bicycle ride quality surveys in partnership with six California bicycling clubs, and to do preliminary modeling. These data have been used to develop further a multilevel binomial regression model that indicated that surface macrotexture and roughness have a strong impact on perceived bicycle comfort levels. The model could be used to develop design guidelines for urban and rural bicycle routes.
Using Bicycle Level of Service for Decision Making
Authors: LaMondia Jeffrey J. , Moore Nathan
Published: February 2016

This study used infrastructure and cyclist survey data from Auburn, Alabama, to compare the rankings of common bicycle level-of-service (LOS) measures, perceived bicycle route suitability for different types of cyclists, and roadway characteristics. Specifically, four common types of bicycle LOS measures were identified, and a representative measure from each was calculated for all the major roadway segments within the city. Additionally, results from a survey of cyclists on the perceived bicycle route suitability were collected and summarized. The comparisons highlighted a surprising disconnection between LOS measures and suitability. Namely, suitability was perceived to be the same across different types of cyclists, but those segments that were ranked highly suitable did not correspond to those with high levels of service. Additionally, suitability was evaluated in terms of routes, whereas LOS rankings treated segments independently. The distribution of suitability and LOS rankings were significantly different as well: suitability had a few highly suitable routes and an increasing number of less-suitable locations, but the different LOS measures had varying distributions of what was acceptable or not. Significant recommendations are made on how city and regional transportation planners may make better-informed decisions about bicycle facility improvements.
Recent Progress on PZT Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Technologies
Authors: Kang Min-Gyu , Jung Woo-Suk , Kang Chong-Yun , Yoon Seok-Jin
Published: February 2016

Energy harvesting is the most effective way to respond to the energy shortage and to produce sustainable power sources from the surrounding environment. The energy harvesting technology enables scavenging electrical energy from wasted energy sources, which always exist everywhere, such as in heat, fluids, vibrations, etc. In particular, piezoelectric energy harvesting, which uses a direct energy conversion from vibrations and mechanical deformation to the electrical energy, is a promising technique to supply power sources in unattended electronic devices, wireless sensor nodes, micro-electronic devices, etc., since it has higher energy conversion efficiency and a simple structure. Up to now, various technologies, such as advanced materials, micro- and macro-mechanics, and electric circuit design, have been investigated and emerged to improve performance and conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric energy harvesters. In this paper, we focus on recent progress of piezoelectric energy harvesting technologies based on PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT) materials, which have the most outstanding piezoelectric properties. The advanced piezoelectric energy harvesting technologies included materials, fabrications, unique designs, and properties are introduced to understand current technical levels and suggest the future directions of piezoelectric energy harvesting.
The Ultrasonic Polar Scan for Composite Characterization and Damage Assessment: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Kersemans Mathias , Martens Arvid , Degrieck Joris , Van Den Abeele Koen , Delrue Steven , Pyl Lincy , Zastavnik Filip , Sol Hugo , Van Paepegem Wim
Published: February 2016

In the early 1980’s, the ultrasonic polar scan (UPS) technique was developed to assess the fiber direction of composites in a nondestructive way. In spite of the recognition by several researchers as being a sophisticated and promising methodology for nondestructive testing (NDT) and materials science, little advance was made during the following 30 years. Recently however, the UPS technique experienced a strong revival and various modifications to the original UPS setup have been successfully implemented. This revival has exposed several powerful capabilities and interesting applications of the UPS technique for material characterization and damage assessment. This paper gives a short historical overview of the UPS technique for characterizing and inspecting (damaged) fiber-reinforced plastics. In addition, a few future research lines are given, which will further expand the applicability and potential of the UPS method to a broader range of (damaged) materials, bringing the UPS technique to the next level of maturity.
Tactical Size Unit as Distribution in a Data Farming Environment
Authors: Lappi Esa , Åkesson Bernt
Published: February 2016

In agent based models, the agents are usually platforms (individual soldiers, tanks, helicopters, etc.), not military units. In the Sandis software, the agents can be platoon size units. As there are about 30 soldiers in a platoon, there is a need for strength distribution in simulations. The contribution of this paper is a conceptual model of the platoon level agent, the needed mathematical models and concepts, and references earlier studies of how simulations have been conducted in a data farming environment with platoon/squad size unit agents with strength distribution.
Cimetidine and Clobenpropit Attenuate Inflammation-Associated Colorectal Carcinogenesis in Male ICR Mice
Authors: Tanaka Takuji , Kochi Takahiro , Shirakami Yohei , Mori Takayuki , Kurata Ayumi , Watanabe Naoki , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito
Published: February 2016

Histamine and histamine receptors (Hrhs) have been identified as critical molecules during inflammation and carcinogenesis. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Hrh1-Hrh3 antagonists on inflammation-associated colorectal carcinogenesis. Male ICR mice were treated with azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg bw, i.p.) and 1.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, drinking water for 7 days) to induce colorectal carcinogenesis. The mice were then fed diets containing test chemical (500 ppm terfenadine, 500 ppm cimetidine or 10 ppm clobenpropit) for 15 weeks. At week 18, feeding with the diets containing cimetidine (Hrh2 antagonist) and clobenpropit (Hrh3 antagonist/inverse agonist) significantly lowered the multiplicity of colonic adenocarcinoma. Terfenadine (Hrh1 antagonist) did not affect AOM-DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis. Adenocarcinoma cells immunohistochemically expressed Hrh1, Hrh2, Hrh3 and Hrh4 with varied intensities. Because clobenpropit is also known to be a Hrh4 receptor agonist, Hrh2, Hrh3 and Hrh4 may be involved in inflammation-related colorectal carcinogenesis. Additional data, including the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducible inflammatory enzymes in the colonic mucosa, are also presented.
Evidence on the Adaptive Recruitment of Chinese Cork Oak (Quercus variabilis Bl.): Influence on Repeated Germination and Constraint Germination by Food-Hoarding Animals
Authors: Zhang Yifeng , Shi Yuhua , Sichilima Alfred , Zhu Meilin , Lu Jiqi
Published: February 2016

In drought temperate forest, seedling recruitment is highly dependent on seed burial by native animal dispersers. To prolong seed storage, animals often take measures to impede seed germination. Aiming to understand the strategic balance between the natural seed germination and the role played by animals in the constraint germination procedures, we investigated the stages on the germinated acorns of Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis Bl.) and the rodents’ behavior on the consequential delay in developmental processes of acorns in Mt. Taihangshan area of Jiyuan, Henan, China. The results showed that (1) Apodemus peninsulae Thomas excise radicles from germinated acorns before hoarding; (2) radicle-excised acorns re-germinate successfully if the excised radicle was un-lignified, but reverse if excised radicle was lignified; and (3) seedlings derived from radicle-excised acorns produce more lateral roots than that of sound acorns. We conclude that rodents take the radicle-excision behavior as a deliberate mechanism to slow the rapid germination of acorns; nevertheless, the acorns adaptively respond to this negative treatment and counteract the constraint from rodents by regermination to preserve the viability of the seeds. Consequently, this plays a significant role in forest recruitment. This study proves the new survival model of Chinese cork oak against animal predation, and will broaden theories of animal-forest interaction, forest succession and can be used as a meaningful venture to temperate forest restoration efforts.
Chalcone-Induced Apoptosis through Caspase-Dependent Intrinsic Pathways in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ramirez-Tagle Rodrigo , Escobar Carlos , Romero Valentina , Montorfano Ignacio , Armisén Ricardo , Borgna Vincenzo , Jeldes Emanuel , Pizarro Luis , Simon Felipe , Echeverria Cesar
Published: February 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Chemoprevention of HCC can be achieved through the use of natural or synthetic compounds that reverse, suppress or prevent the development of cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative effects and the mechanism of action of two compounds, 2,3,4′-trimethoxy-2′-hydroxy-chalcone (CH1) and 3′-bromo-3,4-dimethoxy-chalcone (CH2), over human hepatoma cells (HepG2 and Huh-7) and cultured mouse hepatocytes (HepM). Cytotoxic effects were observed over the HepG2 and Huh-7, and no effects were observed over the HepM. For HepG2 cells, treated separately with each chalcone, typical apoptotic laddering and nuclear condensation were observed. Additionally, the caspases and Bcl-2 family proteins activation by using Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were studied. Caspase-8 was not activated, but caspase-3 and -9 were both activated by chalcones in HepG2 cells. Chalcones also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation after 4, 8 and 24 h of treatment in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that apoptosis in HepG2 was induced through: (i) a caspase-dependent intrinsic pathway; and (ii) by alterations in the cellular levels of Bcl-2 family proteins, and also, that the chalcone moiety could be a potent candidate as novel anticancer agents acting on human hepatomas.
Cloning and Characterization of a Flavonoid 3′-Hydroxylase Gene from Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Zhou Tian-Shan , Zhou Rui , Yu You-Ben , Xiao Yao , Li Dong-Hua , Xiao Bin , Yu Oliver , Yang Ya-Jun
Published: February 2016

Tea leaves contain abundant flavan-3-ols, which include dihydroxylated and trihydroxylated catechins. Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H: EC 1.14.13.21) is one of the enzymes in the establishment of the hydroxylation pattern. A gene encoding F3′H, designated as CsF3′H, was isolated from Camellia sinensis with a homology-based cloning technique and deposited in the GenBank (GenBank ID: KT180309). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that CsF3′H was highly homologous with the characterized F3′Hs from other plant species. Four conserved cytochrome P450-featured motifs and three F3′H-specific conserved motifs were discovered in the protein sequence of CsF3′H. Enzymatic analysis of the heterologously expressed CsF3′H in yeast demonstrated that tea F3′H catalyzed the 3′-hydroxylation of naringenin, dihydrokaempferol and kaempferol. Apparent Km values for these substrates were 17.08, 143.64 and 68.06 μM, and their apparent Vmax values were 0.98, 0.19 and 0.44 pM·min−1, respectively. Transcription level of CsF3′H in the new shoots, during tea seed germination was measured, along with that of other key genes for flavonoid biosynthesis using real-time PCR technique. The changes in 3′,4′-flavan-3-ols, 3′,4′,5′-flavan-3-ols and flavan-3-ols, were consistent with the expression level of CsF3′H and other related genes in the leaves. In the study of nitrogen supply for the tea plant growth, our results showed the expression level of CsF3′H and all other tested genes increased in response to nitrogen depletion after 12 days of treatment, in agreement with a corresponding increase in 3′,4′-catechins, 3′,4′,5′-catechins and flavan 3-ols content in the leaves. All these results suggest the importance of CsF3′H in the biosynthesis of 3′,4′-catechins, 3′,4′,5′-catechins and flavan 3-ols in tea leaves.
Intracellular Delivery of Proteins with Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Therapeutic Uses in Human Disease
Authors: Dinca Ana , Chien Wei-Ming , Chin Michael
Published: February 2016

Protein therapy exhibits several advantages over small molecule drugs and is increasingly being developed for the treatment of disorders ranging from single enzyme deficiencies to cancer. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of small peptides capable of promoting transport of molecular cargo across the plasma membrane, have become important tools in promoting the cellular uptake of exogenously delivered proteins. Although the molecular mechanisms of uptake are not firmly established, CPPs have been empirically shown to promote uptake of various molecules, including large proteins over 100 kiloDaltons (kDa). Recombinant proteins that include a CPP tag to promote intracellular delivery show promise as therapeutic agents with encouraging success rates in both animal and human trials. This review highlights recent advances in protein-CPP therapy and discusses optimization strategies and potential detrimental effects.
A Novel Local Structure Descriptor for Color Image Retrieval
Authors: Zeng Zhiyong
Published: February 2016

A novel local structure descriptor (LSD) for color image retrieval is proposed in this paper. Local structures are defined based on a similarity of edge orientation, and LSD is constructed using the underlying colors in local structures with similar edge direction. LSD can effectively combine color, texture and shape as a whole for image retrieval. LSH integrates the advantages of both statistical and structural texture description methods, and it possesses high indexing capability and low dimensionality. In addition, the proposed feature extraction algorithm does not need to train on a large scale training datasets, and it can extract local structure histogram based on LSD. The experimental results on the Corel image databases show that the descriptor has a better image retrieval performance than other descriptors.
Review of Long Wave Dynamics over Reefs and into Ports with Implication for Port Operations
Authors: Van Dongeren Ap , De Jong Martijn , Van der Lem Cock , Van Deyzen Alex , Den Bieman Joost
Published: February 2016

This paper reviews the dynamics of infragravity (long-period) waves over reef systems and the consequences of these waves for operations in ports located behind reefs with particular attention to Western Australia. Swells which originate in the Southern Ocean generate long (infragravity) waves, which propagate to the coast. On the reef edge, the swell waves are largely dissipated, transferring energy to turbulence and heat but also in that process generating long wave energy. The remaining swell waves are dominated by the infragravity waves and propagate towards the mainland and into port basins where they cause moored ship motions with consequences for the operational downtime of the port’s operations. When contemplating solutions to mitigate the impact of the long wave problems, these may be addressed from two sides: from the load side (waves) and the strength side (mooring). The former will be discussed in this paper.
Natural and Human-Induced Dynamics on Big Hickory Island, Florida
Authors: Briggs Tiffany , Elko Nicole
Published: February 2016

Big Hickory Island, located in Lee County along the mixed-energy west Florida coast, experiences high long-term rates of shoreline recession, with much of the erosion concentrated along the central and southern portions of the island. In 2013, approximately 86,300 cubic meters of sand from an adjacent tidal inlet to the north were placed along 457 m to restore the beach and dune system. In an effort to combat erosion, seven concrete king-pile groins with adjustable panels were constructed subsequent to the completion of the beach nourishment. Natural and human-induced dynamics of Big Hickory Island are discussed through analysis of shoreline and morphologic change using historic aerial photographs and topographic and bathymetric field surveys of the recent beach erosion mitigation project. Although much of the long-term anomalously high rates of erosion for the area are related to natural interchanges between the sand resources of the barrier islands and adjacent ebb tidal shoals, additional reduction in sand supply is a result of human-interventions updrift of Big Hickory over the last several decades. The coupled natural and anthropogenic influences are driving the coastal processes toward a different morphodynamic state than would have occurred under natural processes alone.
Investigation of Fumed Silica/Aqueous NaCl Superdielectric Material
Authors: Jenkins Natalie , Petty Clayton , Phillips Jonathan
Published: February 2016

A constant current charge/discharge protocol which showed fumed silica filled to the point of incipient wetness with aqueous NaCl solution to have dielectric constants >108 over the full range of dielectric thicknesses of 0.38–3.9 mm and discharge times of 0.25–>100 s was studied, making this material another example of a superdielectric. The dielectric constant was impacted by both frequency and thickness. For time to discharge greater than 10 s the dielectric constant for all thicknesses needed to be fairly constant, always >109, although trending higher with increasing thickness. At shorter discharge times the dielectric constant consistently decreased, with decreasing time to discharge. Hence, it is reasonable to suggest that for time to discharge >10 s the dielectric constant at all thicknesses will be greater than 109. This in turn implies an energy density for a 5 micron thick dielectric layer in the order of 350 J/cm3 for discharge times greater than 10 s.
Degradable Dextran Nanopolymer as a Carrier for Choline Kinase (ChoK) siRNA Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhihang , Krishnamachary Balaji , Bhujwalla Zaver
Published: February 2016

Although small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy has proven to be a specific and effective treatment in cells, the delivery of siRNA is a challenge for the applications of siRNA therapy. We present a degradable dextran with amine groups as an siRNA nano-carrier. In our nano-carrier, the amine groups are conjugated to the dextran platform through the acetal bonds, which are acid sensitive. Therefore this siRNA carrier is stable in neutral and basic conditions, while the amine groups can be cleaved and released from dextran platform under weak acid conditions (such as in endosomes). The cleavage and release of amine groups can reduce the toxicity of cationic polymer and enhance the transfection efficiency. We successfully applied this nano-carrier to deliver choline kinase (ChoK) siRNA for ChoK inhibition in cells.
Comparing and Combining Remotely Sensed Land Surface Temperature Products for Improved Hydrological Applications
Authors: Parinussa Robert , Lakshmi Venkat , Johnson Fiona , Sharma Ashish
Published: February 2016

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important variable that provides a valuable connection between the energy and water budget and is strongly linked to land surface hydrology. Space-borne remote sensing provides a consistent means for regularly observing LST using thermal infrared (TIR) and passive microwave observations each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The spatial resolution of TIR based LST observations is around 1 km, a major advantage when compared to passive microwave observations (around 10 km). However, a major advantage of passive microwaves is their cloud penetrating capability making them all-weather sensors whereas TIR observations are routinely masked under the presence of clouds and aerosols. In this study, a relatively simple combination approach that benefits from the cloud penetrating capacity of passive microwave sensors was proposed. In the first step, TIR and passive microwave LST products were compared over Australia for both anomalies and raw timeseries. A very high agreement was shown over the vast majority of the country with R2 typically ranging from 0.50 to 0.75 for the anomalies and from 0.80 to 1.00 for the raw timeseries. Then, the scalability of the passive microwave based LST product was examined and a pixel based merging approach through linear scaling was proposed. The individual and merged LST products were further compared against independent LST from the re-analysis model outputs. This comparison revealed that the TIR based LST product agrees best with the re-analysis data (R2 0.26 for anomalies and R2 0.76 for raw data), followed by the passive microwave LST product (R2 0.16 for anomalies and R2 0.66 for raw data) and the combined LST product (R2 0.18 for anomalies and R2 0.62 for raw data). It should be noted that the drop in performance comes with an increased revisit frequency of approximately 20% compared to the revised frequency of the TIR alone. Additionally, this comparison against re-analysis data was subdivided over Australia’s major climate zones and revealed that the relative agreement between the individual and combined LST products against the re-analysis data is consistent over these climate zones. These results are also consistent for both the anomalies and the raw time series. Finally, two examples were provided that demonstrate the proposed merging approach including an example for the Hunter Valley floods along Australia’s central coast that experienced significant flooding in April 2015.