bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Lift Selection Strategy to Maximize Unconventional Oil and Gas Assets Value
Authors: Oyewole Peter
Published: September 2016

The challenges of producing and lifting unconventional oil and gas economically is no doubt the most daunting phase of unconventional oil and gas development. The traditional approach of lift selection is no longer sufficient to effectively manage unconventional wells, with high decline rates between 40 to 80% in the first year. Slug flow, high free gas production, solid (proppant, scale, paraffin), horizontal wellbore geometry, surface pad for multi-well in a cellar, and other unique unconventional wells problems are continuously testing the limit of our existing artificial lift systems. As it might be expected, this is invariably, affecting the economic viability of unconventional oil and gas production.

This paper presents an exceptional Artificial Lift selection process, required to maximize unconventional oil and gas asset value. The presentation includes a case study of Permian Delaware basin unconventional formations. The lift evaluation process which includes, a combination of several output from various models (reservoir, well and economic models) developed to analyze the economic impact of various artificial lift selection on the well-life is also presented.

Three distinct periods are defined for the analysis:

Managed Flow-Back Managed Production (Managed Drawdown) End of Life

The overarching impact of lift selection and application, on Lease Operating Expense (LOE), Net Present Value of Cash Flow, Overall Asset Value Rate of Return on Investment and other Economic Indicators, for oil and gas operators is highlighted in this paper.

Artificial Lift Types were evaluated based on several criteria through elimination and selection techniques. Artificial Lift is phased over the life of the well according to current and expected production rate requirement and lift method capability. Other major consideration includes flexible rate delivery, solid handling, and failure frequency - repair cost and operational expense and initial lift cost and required infrastructure. The output from the type of curve/production forecast, combined with well performance modeling was used to determine future well and reservoir performance. Formation was grouped into various categories based on reservoir characteristics and fluid properties

The results showed cases of lift type selection for various types of unconventional formation. Actual well performance and lease performance results are also presented.

The managed production (drawdown) period has a major deciding factor on the artificial lift selection strategy. Combination of traditional artificial lift selection processes with several other model output to create artificial lift selection strategy for Permian Delaware basin unconventional formation is applicable in other unconventional basins
Fiber-Optic Monitoring in Electrical Submersible Pump Systems
Authors: Cooper Daniel , Rutter Risa , Forsberg Michael , Martinez Ignacio
Published: September 2016

Fiber-optic technology provides operators the ability to monitor temperature and vibration at multiple locations in electrical submersible pump (ESP) components using a single optical fiber. Conventional accelerometers and thermocouples have limited use downhole because of their size and issues with electrical interference. Intrinsic fiber-optic sensors are small enough for installation inside the equipment at optimal sensing positions in protected areas and are immune to electrical interference. In addition, conventional accelerometers and thermocouples provide single- point measurements rather than spatially distributed measurements. The distributed sensing ability of fiber-optic technology enables better understanding of equipment performance downhole. This work consisted of an investigation of fiber-optic systems for obtaining distributed temperature and vibration measurements of ESP components.

Prototype ESP motors and a seal were manufactured to enable fiber-optic monitoring of internal temperature throughout the equipment. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors interrogated using Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) enabled temperature measurements every 2 cm along the ESP assembly during operation as well as during epoxy cure. Separate prototype vibration sensors derived from FBG pairs were used to measure vibration of an ESP pump. Like the temperature measurements, these sensors were interrogated using OFDR. The prototype sensors were attached along the pump housing with accelerometers and measurements at multiple speeds and flow rates were taken. Vibration spectra and mode shapes were calculated from the fiber and accelerometer measurements and compared.

Motor temperature test results showed that the FBG sensors are capable of monitoring winding temperatures throughout entire length of the motor as well as at the bearing. In addition, the sensors were able to detect the location of insulation failure before the motor shorted. During epoxy curing FBG sensors were used to monitor curing temperature across the stator to ensure the consistent temperature distribution across the stator, preventing uneven heating and curing issues. In the seal the sensors demonstrated the ability to measure internal temperature along the shaft and at the thrust bearing, enabling accurate calculation of oil volume expansion rates. The vibration results show that the fiber-optic vibration sensors successfully measured the vibration frequency and the vibration modes of the pump. Together, vibration and temperature measurements enable the monitoring of ESP equipment health as well as detection of abnormal operating conditions, providing improved reliability as well as scheduled interventions.
Sucker Rod Lift System Optimization of an Unconventional Well
Authors: Orji Enyinnaya , Lissanon Janvier , Omole Oluwole
Published: September 2016

Optimizing a well requires an understanding of all the parameters that govern the existing production rate, as well as an understanding of the production potential. The challenge in unconventional reservoirs is that the reservoir deliverability governing the existing rate changes with time. Hess's unconventional acreage in the Bakken field (tight oil, in this instance) spreads across North Dakota, with over 1,000 wells on artificial lift. The addition of an artificial lift system adds to the complexity of understanding a well's performance. The objective for well optimization in this paper is to understand current well performance and quantify potential production gains from changing operating parameters. This paper proposes a new approach to modeling and optimizing the well performance of an unconventional well that captures the flow hydraulics from the sandface to the sales point using an Integrated Production Model from the Petroleum Experts suite of software.
The Association Between Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and Surgical Site Infection Following Cesarean Section
Authors: Çınar Mehmet , Timur Hakan , Güzel Ali İrfan , Tokmak Aytekin , Ersak Burak , Saygan Sibel , Uygur Dilek
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics of surgical-site infections (SSIs) following cesarean section (CS) and to identify infection rates and risk factors associated with SSIs following cesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 197 patients who underwent cesarean and complicated with SSIs was evaluated during hospital stay or within 30 days following cesarean section by readmission to the hospital or by post discharge survey. The clinical characteristics, subsequent microbiological culture results and management were recorded. RESULTS: There were 34 (17.25%) patients complicated with preeclampsia and 26 (13.17%) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the study group. Preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) rate was 17.31% and mean rupture period were 6.61 hours. In the study population, 66 patients had positive culture results. The most isolated microorganism was S. Aureus (n=13, 19.7%). Preeclampsia, GDM and PROM rates were statically significant high in patients with positive culture results (p<0.05). There were 31 patients complicated with PROM in the study group. The rates of positive culture results were significantly increased by PROM (mean 45%, p<0.05).CONCLUSION:  Independent risk factors for post-cesarean SSIs are younger age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, premature rupture of membranes. Information regarding higher rates of SSIs should be provided to obese women undergoing cesarean delivery, especially when diabetes and hypertension coexists.
Transferencia de conocimiento dentro de la empresa: análisis de variables precursoras en un entorno lean-kaizen
Authors: Máynez Guaderrama Aurora Irma , Cavazos Arroyo Judith , Valles Monge Leticia
Published: September 2016

Introducción: La manufactura esbelta es un enfoque sistemático que identifica y elimina el desperdicio, a través del mejoramiento continuo. Una actividad común en ella son los eventos kaizen, los cuales impactan a los subsistemas técnico y humano de la organización, pero desafortunadamente son pocos los trabajos que indagan sobre su efecto en el segundo subsistema. Por ello, este trabajo busca contribuir con evidencia empírica de variables asociadas al mismo, particularmente las relaciones entre la cultura organizacional y la transferencia de conocimiento tácito dentro de la empresa, a través de la mediación de la comprensión de la necesidad de kaizen, el espíritu de trabajo y el compromiso afectivo organizacional.Método: Se diseñó una investigación cuantitativa, empírica y de sección transversal, basada en la revisión literaria del espíritu de trabajo, la comprensión de la necesidad de kaizen, el compromiso afectivo, la cultura organizacional y la transferencia de conocimiento tácito dentro de la empresa. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se aplicaron 100 encuestas en una empresa localizada en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, que labora en un entorno lean y donde cotidianamente se llevan a cabo eventos kaizen. Como técnica de análisis estadístico se utilizó la modelación a través de ecuaciones estructurales [SEM] con base en mínimos cuadrados parcializados [PLS], por su utilidad para estimar modelos que utilizan variables latentes.Resultados: Se encontró que la cultura organizacional influye de forma directa e indirecta a la transferencia de conocimiento tácito dentro de la empresa. La cultura organizacional ayuda a la comprensión de la necesidad de kaizen [condición que apoya al éxito de los eventos kaizen], y ésta incide favorablemente sobre el espíritu de trabajo de los empleados. Por otra parte, el compromiso afectivo, recibe influencia positiva y significativa, tanto del espíritu de trabajo como de la cultura organizacional, e influye sobre la transferencia de conocimiento tácito dentro de la empresa.Discusión o Conclusión: La cultura organizacional crea un círculo virtuoso que influye a la comprensión de la necesidad de kaizen, al espíritu de trabajo, al compromiso organizacional, y a la transferencia de conocimiento tácito dentro de la empresa. Los resultados evidencian que en un entorno cultural que favorece el aprendizaje no solo incide sobre el subsistema técnico de la empresa, sino que también lo hace sobre el subsistema humano. Luego, kaizen no puede estar desvinculado de una cultura organizacional que tenga entre sus elementos distintivos la mejora continua y el aprendizaje.
Hydrological and environment tritium investigation to evaluate groundwater in capital territory of Pakistan
Authors: Ghaffar Abdul , Tariq Tehmina , Mashiatullah Azhar , Ali Syeda Maria
Published: September 2016

The capital territory of Pakistan constitutes twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Islamabad is the capital city, located at the foot of the Margallah Hills, whereas Rawalpindi lies in the Potohar Plateau. Both cities are located in the semi-arid region of Pakistan, where the residents meet their basic need of water through groundwater resources. For the last many years, the quantity and quality of groundwater in these cities has been deteriorating very rapidly. In this study, the foremost recharge source for these cities was identified using tritium and major ion chemistry, and different physiochemical parameters were studied to find out the facts behind the quality deterioration of the groundwater. Tritium values and chemical data suggested that aquifers located in the territory of Islamabad were mainly recharged by upland areas (the Margalla Hills), which accounts for their low electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids contents. A higher sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) suggested an alteration in recharge patterns through soil compaction and cementation (from increased construction activity) that reduced the recharge inputs. The high SAR also disturbs the recharge pattern and had disturbed the natural equilibrium of the groundwater system, deteriorating the quality of the water.
Water footprint of Xiamen city from production and consumption perspectives (2001–2012)
Authors: Kang Jiefeng , Lin Jianyi , Cui Shenghui , Li Xiangyang
Published: September 2016

Providing a comprehensive insight, water footprint (WF) is widely used to analyze and address water-use issues. In this study, a hybrid of bottom-up and top-down methods is applied to calculate, from production and consumption perspectives, the WF for Xiamen city from 2001 to 2012. Results show that the average production WF of Xiamen was 881.75 Mm3/year and remained relatively stable during the study period, while the consumption WF of Xiamen increased from 979.56 Mm3/year to 1,664.97 Mm3/year over the study period. Xiamen thus became a net importer of virtual water since 2001. Livestock was the largest contributor to the total WF from both production and consumption perspectives; it was followed by crops, industry, household use, and commerce. The efficiency of the production WF has increased in Xiamen, and its per capita consumption WF was relatively low. The city faces continuing growth in its consumption WF, so more attention should be paid to improving local irrigation, reducing food waste, and importing water-intensive agricultural products.
An integrated model for simulating and diagnosing the water quality based on the system dynamics and Bayesian network
Authors: Wang Gengzhe , Wang Shuo , Kang Qiao , Duan Haiyan , Wang Xian'En
Published: September 2016

An integrated model for simulating and diagnosing water quality based on the system dynamics and Bayesian network (BN) is presented in the paper. The research aims to connect water monitoring downstream with outlet management upstream in order to present an efficiency outlet management strategy. The integrated model was built from two components: the system dynamics were used to simulate the water quality and the BN was applied to diagnose the reason for water quality deterioration according to the water quality simulation. The integrated model was applied in a case study of the Songhua River from the Baiqi section to the Songlin section to prove its reasonability and accuracy. The results showed that the simulation fit to the variation trend of monitoring data, and the average relative error was less than 10%. The water quality deterioration in the Songlin section was mainly found to be caused by the water quality in the upper reach and Hadashan Reservoir drain by using the diagnosis function of the integrated model based on BN. The relevant result revealed that the integrated model could provide reasonable and quantitative support for the basin manager to make a reasonable outlet control strategy to avoid more serious water quality deterioration.
SAGD process: a match up simulation and grid sensitivity analysis
Authors: Cusandei Rodrigo Mendes Batista
Published: September 2016

The use of fuel from bitumen has become highly demanded in the past years not only in Canada, but in many other countries, and it will still be one of the main sources of energy in the next decades. Also, new technologies for the exploration of these reserves are also being highly stimulated to achieve the huge amount of oil found in these reservoirs. For oil sands in Canada, the SAGD process is vastly used by all companies. It involves two horizontal parallels wells, usually located 5 meters apart from one another, one for the injection of steam, and the other for the producer of the heated oil. In this paper, two cases were analyzed, one is a match up reservoir simulation with a previous case paper, and the other is a grid sensitivity analysis for a new reservoir model. All the simulations were performed by CMG STARS simulator. For the match up case, it is noticed that every parameter is important in order to have similar plots in both simulations. Some parameters were used as default values; therefore, some results were slightly different. For the grid sensitivity case, the grid distribution plays a role in the results. Although the results were slightly shifted to one another, it can be seen that, the finer is the reservoir, the more detailed the results are.  Plots such as cumulative oil, water and oil rates were shown in order to give a complete conclusion about the model in analysis.
Рівень С-реактивного білка в плазмі крові молодих дорослих із соматотропною недостатністю, що виникла в дитинстві
Authors: Bolshova O.V. , Tkachova T.O. , Vyshnevska O.A.
Published: September 2016

У статті наведені дані щодо вмісту високочутливого С-реактивного білка в плазмі крові молодих дорослих із соматотропною недостатністю, що виникла в дитинстві та збереглася в дорослому віці. Встановлено, що тривалий дефіцит ендогенного гормона росту асоціюється з вірогідним підвищенням рівня С-реактивного білка в плазмі крові пацієнтів. Це може значно підсилювати ризик розвитку раннього атеросклерозу та серцево-судинних захворювань у хворих на соматотропну недостатність вже в молодому віці. Терапія препаратами рекомбінантного гормона росту призводить до нормалізації показників С-реактивного білка вже через 3–6 місяців після початку/поновлення терапії.
Кальцитонин, остеокальцин и остеопонтин при раке легкого
Authors: Dumanskyi Yu.V. , Stepko V.A. , Syniachenko O.V. , Taktashov H.S. , Homozova O.A.
Published: September 2016

Актуальность. Маркерами рака легкого являются низкие уровни в крови гормона кальцитонина, а высокие показатели белков остеокальцина и остеопонтина, связанные между собой, отражают процессы костного метастазирования и обладают прогностической значимостью. Цель исследования: оценить уровни в крови кальцитонина, остеокальцина и остеопонтина, факторы, их определяющие, характер взаимосвязей и прогностическую роль в костном метастазировании при разных вариантах течения рака легкого. Материалы и методы. Обследованы 86 больных раком легкого в возрасте от 24 до 80 лет (в среднем 58 лет), среди которых было 84 % мужчин и 16 % женщин. Центральная форма рака имела место в 81 % наблюдений, периферическая — в 19 %. Мелкоклеточный гистологический вариант заболевания установлен у 21 % от числа больных, немелкоклеточный — у 79 %, в том числе аденокарцинома — у 38 %, плоскоклеточная карцинома — у 35 %, крупноклеточная карцинома — у 6 %. IIIA стадия опухолевого процесса отмечена в 12 % случаев, IIIB — в 21 %, IV — в 67 %. Результаты. Рак легкого сопровождается уменьшением в крови у 20 % больных остеоассоциированного гормона кальцитонина на фоне повышения концентраций опухолевых маркеров остеокальцина и остеопонтина (соответственно в 76 и 79 % наблюдений), что тесно связано с морфологическим вариантом (мелко- и немелкоклеточный), стадийностью и тяжестью течения патологического процесса, определяет развитие компрессионного синдрома, прорастание опухоли в грудную стенку, метастазирование в лимфатические узлы и кости, возникновение осложнений химиорадиотерапии в виде лучевого пневмофиброза, легочной гипертензии и миелодепрессии, а показатели остеокальцин- и остеопонтинемии обратно коррелируют с продолжительностью жизни больных. Выводы: кальцитонин, остеокальцин и остеопонтин при раке легкого являются маркерами тяжести течения заболевания, отражают метастазирование опухолевого процесса в скелет и обладают прогностической значимостью.
Новый базальный инсулин Тожео Солостар: увеличенный терапевтический потенциал для контроля дисгликемии при сахарном диабете
Authors: Poltorak V.V.
Published: September 2016

В данном обзоре рассматривается новая формула инсулина гларгин (рекомбинантный) в форме инъекций 300 Ед/мл (Gla‑300, Toujeo®, Тожео®). Gla‑300 представляет собой следующее поколение базального инсулина с новой формулой инсулина гларгин, доставляющей то же количество инсулина, что и Gla‑100 (Лантус®), в 1/3 объема. После подкожного введения фармакокинетический и фармакодинамический профиль Gla‑300 является более стабильным и продленным (более 24 часов) по сравнению с Gla‑100, что связано с более постепенным и продленным выделением гларгина из подкожного депо (Gla‑300 формирует более компактное подкожное депо с меньшей поверхностью в сравнении с Gla‑100). С фокусом на результатах недавних клинических исследований EDITION (3а-фаза) обсуждается клиническая эффективность и безопасность Gla‑300 у лиц, больных сахарным диабетом 1-го и 2-го типа. Gla‑300 демонстрировал сопоставимый гликемический контроль и подобный профиль безопасности в условиях более низкой частоты гипогликемических событий (в первую очередь ночных гипогликемий) по сравнению с Gla‑100. Gla‑300 обеспечивал гибкий режим введения инсулина (24 ± 3 часа или утром vs вечером) и был ассоциирован с меньшим набором веса.
Можливості комплексного медикаментозного лікування при комбінованих травмах гортанних нервів у тиреоїдній хірургії
Authors: Voitenko V.V. , Palamarchuk V.O.
Published: September 2016

Мета роботи. У даному дослідженні за мету поставлено вивчення впливу різних методів медикаментозного лікування в пацієнтів із дисфонічним синдромом після хірургічного втручання на щитоподібній залозі (ЩЗ) унаслідок інтраопераційної травми верхнього гортанного нерва та комбінованої травми верхнього гортанного нерва та поворотного гортанного нерва. Матеріал і методи. Дослідження різних методів медикаментозного лікування було проведене в 47 пацієнтів із дисфонічними проявами після оперативного втручання на ЩЗ. Пацієнти перебували в стані еутиреозу, були оглянуті на всіх етапах лікування лор-лікарем за допомогою відеоларингоскопа. Визначали показники акустичного аналізу голосу та проводили оцінку якості голосу (voice handicap index — VHI‑30). При використанні запропонованої методики застосовували поєднання двох фармакологічних препаратів: лізину (МНН Lysine, код АТХ С05С Х) та холіну альфосцерату (МНН Choline alfoscerate, код АТХ N07A X02). У ранньому післяопераційному періоді при виявленні дисфонічних розладів пацієнтам призначалася відповідна медикаментозна терапія. Визначення показників акустичного аналізу голосу, оцінку якості голосу та картини при фіброларингоскопії проводили в групах пацієнтів на сьому та чотирнадцяту добу після призначення лікування. Результати. Усі хворі були розподілені на чотири групи. У першій та третій групах із діагностованим дисфонічним синдромом проводилася традиційна терапія. У другій та четвертій групах призначали комбіновану терапію лізином та холіну альфосцератом. У результаті проведеного дослідження виявлено, що в другій та четвертій групах пацієнтів відзначається істотна зміна показників у бік майже нормальних порівняно з першою та третьою групами за рахунок збільшення F0 та ∆F0. Суттєвим є покращення якості життя, про що свідчить зниження VHI‑30. Висновки. Використання комбінації лізину та холіну альфосцерату в лікуванні післяопераційної дисфонії є ефективнішим порівняно з традиційною консервативною терапією за рахунок поліпшення психоемоційного стану та відновлення функціональних особливостей голосового апарату гортані. Ця методика рекомендується в комплексному лікуванні паралічів та парезів гортані.
Пути совершенствования профилактики послеродового тиреоидита (обзор и собственные данные)
Authors: Honcharova O.A.
Published: September 2016

Бурный прогресс фундаментальной иммунологии, наблюдаемый в последние два десятилетия, способствовал активации научных исследований, касающихся иммуногенеза аутоиммунных заболеваний, к которым относится и послеродовой тиреоидит (ПТ). В работе проанализированы данные научных публикаций относительно механизмов инициации данного процесса, рассмотрены особенности течения ПТ. Особое внимание уделено путям профилактики ПТ у женщин с факторами риска его развития. С учетом результатов собственных исследований и данных литературы обоснована перспективость использования препаратов селена, который способствует положительной динамике нарушений гуморального и клеточного иммунитета и является антиоксидантом. Установленный автором селенодефицит у населения ряда областей Украины подчеркивает актуальность проблемы.
Сучасні погляди на лікувально-профілактичне харчування та найбільш ефективні європейські дієти при метаболічному синдромі та його компонентах
Authors: Miloslavskyi D.K. , Koval S.N. , Snehurskyi I.A. , Bozhko V.V. , Schenyavska E.N.
Published: September 2016

В огляді наводяться літературні дані про патогенетичні та патофізіологічні механізми розвитку метаболічного синдрому, його основні компоненти, національні рекомендації з харчування для громадян окремих країн, результати багатоцентрових досліджень щодо ролі аліментарного фактора, молекулярні фактори сприятливого впливу окремих нутрієнтів при даній патології. Наведені базові дієтологічні рекомендації, найбільш значущі спеціальні та європейські дієтичні раціони з доведеною ефективністю (середземноморська дієта, DASH дієта, TLC, Орніша Д., дієти Polymeal, Omni Heart, клініки Майо, вагоспостерігачів Weight Watchers), особливості їх призначення при гіпертонічній хворобі, атеросклерозі, дисліпідеміях, порушеннях пуринового обміну, ожирінні, цукровому діабеті 2-го типу, а також короткі рекомендації щодо модифікації способу життя і розширення фізичної активності у даної категорії пацієнтів.
Лікування артеріальної гіпертензії при хворобах нирок
Authors: Dudar I.O.
Published: September 2016

Огляд присвячено питанням лікування артеріальної гіпертензії (АГ) у пацієнтів з гострими ураженнями нирок та хронічною хворобою нирок з протеїнурією та без неї. Підкреслено, що лікування АГ у пацієнтів із хворобами нирок призначається після уточнення типу ураження нирок, наявності протеїнурії, набрякового синдрому, швидкості клубочкової фільтрації. АГ при гострому захворюванні клубочків з набряками потребує видалення рідини сечогінними засобами або, при необхідності, діалізом. У хворих із хронічною хворобою нирок та протеїнурією як терапія першої лінії для лікування АГ використовуються інгібітори ангіотензинперетворюючого ферменту або блокатори рецепторів ангіотензину. Доведено, що олмесартану медоксоміл має найбільш виражені ренопротекторні властивості серед усіх препаратів — блокаторів рецепторів ангіотензину.
Identification and expression of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene family members in tomato exposed to different light spectra
Authors: Chen Zexiong , Lou Juan
Published: September 2016

Light is the source of energy for plants. Light wavelengths, densities and
irradiation periods act as signals directing morphological and physiological
characteristics during plant growth and development. To evaluate the effects
of light wavelengths on tomato growth and development, Solanum lycopersicum
(cv. micro-Tom) seedlings were exposed to different light-quality
environments, including white light and red light supplemented with blue
light (at ratios of 3:1 and 8;1, respectively). Tomatoes grown under red
light supplemented with blue light displayed significantly shorter stem
length, a higher number of flower buds and rate of fruit set, but an
extremely late flowering compared to white-light-grown plants. To illustrate
the mechanism underlying the inhibition of stem growth and floral transition
mediated by red/blue light, 10 trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) genes
were identified in tomato, and bioinformatics analysis was performed. qRT-PCR
analysis showed that SlTPSs were expressed widely throughout plant
development and SlTPS1 was expressed at extremely high levels in stems and
buds. Further analysis of several flowering-associated genes and microRNAs
showed that the expressions of SlTPS1, SlFT and miR172 were significantly
downregulated in tomato grown under red and blue light compared with those
grown under white light, whereas miR156 transcript levels were increased. A
regulatory model underlying vegetative growth and floral transition regulated
by light qualities is presented. Our data provide evidence that light quality
strongly affects plant growth and phase transition, most likely via the
TPS1-T6P signaling pathway.
Numerical study on film cooling and convective heat transfer characteristics in the cutback region of turbine blade trailing edge
Authors: Xie Yong-Hui , Ye Dong-Ting , Shen Zhong-Yang
Published: September 2016

Gas turbine blade trailing edge is easy to burn out under the exposure of
high-temperature gas due to its thin shape. The cooling of this area is an
important task in gas turbine blade design. The structure design and analysis
of trailing edge is critical because of the complexity of geometry,
arrangement of cooling channels, design requirement of strength, and the
working condition of high heat flux. In the present paper, a 3-D model of the
trailing edge cooling channel is constructed and both structures with and
without land are numerically investigated at different blowing ratio. The
distributions of film cooling effectiveness and convective heat transfer
coefficient on cutback and land surface are analyzed, respectively. According
to the results, it is obtained that the distributions of film cooling
effectiveness and convective heat transfer coefficient both show the
symmetrical characteristics as a result of the periodic structure of the
trailing edge. The increase of blowing ratio significantly improves the film
cooling effectiveness and convective heat transfer coefficient on the cutback
surface, which is beneficial to the cooling of trailing edge. It is also
found that the land structure is advantageous for enhancing the streamwise
film cooling effectiveness of the trailing edge surface while the film
cooling effectiveness on the land surface remains at a low level. Convective
heat transfer coefficient exhibits a strong dependency with the blowing
ratio, which suggests that film cooling effectiveness and convective heat
transfer coefficient must be both considered and analyzed in the design of
trailing edge cooling structure.
Performance of meta-material thermal concentrator with sensu-shaped structure through entropy generation approach
Authors: Wang Jiao-Long , Zhang Hao-Chun , Ma Chao , Su Cheng-Shuai , Shen Han , Xie Gong-Nan
Published: September 2016

A meta-material thermal concentrator model was simulated with different
operating modes and different constructions based on sensu-shaped unit. The
temperature and entropy generation rate was obtained by transient
calculation. Thermal concentration ratio was defined with temperature and
entropy production rate, which was used to analyze and evaluate performance.
Thermal concentration ratio had the biggest value and thermal concentrator
had the best effect at initial stage of the process. A larger temperature
difference or smaller center distance leaded to better thermal control
effect.
A new integral transform with an application in heat-transfer problem
Authors: Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2016

In this paper, an new integral transform J[?(?)] =1/? ?0??(?)e??? d? is
proposed for the first time. The integral transform is used to solve the
differential equation arising in heat-transfer problem.
A new numerical method for solving two-dimensional variable-order anomalous sub-diffusion equation
Authors: Jiang Wei , Guo Beibei
Published: September 2016

The novelty and innovativeness of this paper are the combination of
reproducing kernel theory and spline, this leads to a new simple but
effective numerical method for solving variable-order anomalous sub-diffusion
equation successfully. This combination overcomes the weaknesses of piecewise
polynomials that can not be used to solve differential equations directly
because of lack of the smoothness. Moreover, new bases of reproducing kernel
spaces are constructed. On the other hand, the existence of any ?-approximate
solution is proved and an effective method for obtaining the ?-approximate
solution is established. A numerical example is given to show the accuracy
and effectiveness of theoretical results.
A local fractional derivative with applications to fractal relaxation and diffusion phenomena
Authors: Zhao Yang , Cai Yan-Guang , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a new application of the fractal complex transform via a local
fractional derivative is presented. The solution for the fractal relaxation
and time-fractal diffusion equations are obtained based on the
sup-exponential functions defined on Cantor sets.
The integrating factor method for solving the steady heat transfer problems in fractal media
Authors: Chen Shan-Xiong , Tang Zhi-Hao , Wang Hai-Ning
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we propose the integrating factor method via local fractional
derivative for the first time. We use the proposed method to handle the
steady heat-transfer equations in fractal media with the constant
coefficients. Finally, we discuss the non-differentiable behaviors of fractal
heat-transfer problems.
Local fractional Euler’s method for the steady heat-conduction problem
Authors: Gao Feng , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the local fractional Euler?s method is proposed to consider
the steady heat-conduction problem for the first time. The numerical solution
for the local fractional heat-relaxation equation is presented. The
comparison between numerical and exact solutions is discussed.
The local fractional iteration solution for the diffusion problem in fractal media
Authors: Hao Ya-Juan , Yang Ai-Min
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we address the coupling method for the local fractional
variational iteration algorithm III and local fractional Laplace transform
for the first time, which is called as the local fractional Laplace transform
variational iteration algorithm III. The proposed technology is used to find
the local fractional iteration solution for the diffusion problem in fractal
media via local fractional derivative.
Local fractional functional decomposition method for solving local fractional Poisson equation in steady heat-conduction problem
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ying
Published: September 2016

The steady heat-conduction problem via local fractional derivative is
investigated in this paper. The analytical solution of the local fractional
Poisson equation is obtained. The local fractional functional decomposition
method is proposed to find the analytical solution of the partial
differential equation in the steady heat-conduction problem.
Some new applications for heat and fluid flows via fractional derivatives without singular kernel
Authors: Yang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Zhi-Zhen , Srivastava Hari
Published: September 2016

This paper addresses the mathematical models for the heat-conduction
equations and the Navier-Stokes equations via fractional derivatives without
singular kernel.
The local fractional series expansion solution for local fractional Korteweg-de Vries equation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Kai-Li , Lei Yun
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the local fractional series expansion method is used to find
the series solution for the local fractional Korteweg-de Vries equation.
The Laplace series solution for local fractional Korteweg-de Vries equation
Authors: Ye Shan-Shan , Mohyud-Din Syed , Belgacem Fethi
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we consider a new application of the local fractional Laplace
series expansion method to handle the local fractional Korteweg-de Vries
equation. The obtained solution with non-differentiable type shows that the
technology is accurate and efficient.
Aerobic physical exercise in the third trimester in pregnant woman with Hashimoto`s thyroiditis: A case report
Authors: Bubnjevic Ksenija , Ugarkovic Dusan
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Physical exercise and thyroid function affect the course and outcome of pregnancy. Pregnancy conversely has an effect on exercise and the secretion of thyroid hormones. It is recommended that pregnant women without medical or obstetric complications engage in physical exercise, as correct exercise and suitable hormonal therapy reduce the risk of a negative course and outcome of the pregnancy. Case report. A 33- year-old marathon runner with diagnosed Hashimoto?s thyroiditis continued to run until she was ready to give birth. The recorded parameters were body mass, and scope and intensity of running. In the third trimester, additional recorded parameters were blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, prolactin, cortisol and thyroid hormones [thyroxine (T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Foetus growth and development, as well as the status of the subject?s health, were monitored at regular endocrinological and gynaecological examinations. There was an expected increase in body mass during pregnancy, which resulted in a reduction in the running distance and intensity. TSH, cortisol and prolactin blood levels were increased. Statistically, significant correlation has been obtained between TSH and the intensity of running (r = 0.864; p = 0.027). Using the method of cardiotocography (CTG), the average pulse rate in the lower reference range has been recorded (118 bpm). The delivery was induced at the scheduled date. There were no complications in the course and outcome of the pregnancy. Conclusion. Moderate to light aerobic physical exercise had no negative effect on the course and the outcome of the pregnancy in the subject with Hashimoto?s thyroiditis.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and thymus persistens: A case report
Authors: Stevic-Carevic Silvija , Glisic Branislava , Dedovic Jelena
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Thymus plays an important role in the maturation of T-lymphocytes and in the development of immune tolerance. Its involution comes after puberty. If thymic tissue remains preserved in an advanced age it is considered to be the thymus persistens. According to the available data, 5% of patients with a thymoma have some of the autoimmune disorders. Medical data on the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) association with the thymus persistens are scarce. Case report. A 29-year-old patient was diagnosed with SLE at the age of 12. She was treated with continuous doses of corticosteroids and an antimalarial drug (chloroquine). After ten years, the first, and then two more recurrences of the disease with the last recurrence in 2011 occurred. The performed laboratory analyses indicated the disease activity. The radiography of thorax showed a change on the right lung, with enlarged mediastinal shadow. Therefore the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of thorax was made. The pathohistology findings confirmed that the change on the right lung was focus of chronic pneumonitis, while the change in mediastinum was thymus persistens. The thymectomy was performed. Due to pneumonitis, the treatment of SLE was continued with corticosteroids, antimalarial drug and pulse doses of cyclophosphamide. The patient received six monthly and six quarterly pulsed doses of the drug. The remission of the disease maintained all the time. Conclusion. The disorder of thymic function should be considered as a possible cause in the development of SLE. Though the effect of thymectomy is difficult to assess, patients should be carefully monitored.
Predictors of postretention stability of mandibular dental arch dimensions in patients treated with a lip bumper during mixed dentition followed by fixed appliances
Authors: Raucci Gaetana , Pachêco-Pereira Camila , Elyasi Maryam , d'Apuzzo Fabrizia , Flores-Mir Carlos , Perillo Letizia
Published: September 2016

Objective: To identify which dental and/or cephalometric variables were predictors of postretention mandibular dental arch stability in patients who underwent treatment with transpalatal arch and lip bumper during mixed dentition followed by full fixed appliances in the permanent dentition.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients were divided into stable and relapse groups based on the postretention presence or absence of relapse. Intercuspid, interpremolar, and intermolar widths; arch length and perimeter; crowding; and lower incisor proclination were evaluated before treatment (T0), after lip bumper treatment (T1), after fixed appliance treatment (T2), and a minimum of 3 years after removal of the full fixed appliance (T3). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of changes between T0 and T1, as predictive variables, on the occurrence of relapse at T3.

Results: The model explained 53.5 % of the variance in treatment stability and correctly classified 80.6 % of the sample. Of the seven prediction variables, intermolar and interpremolar changes between T0 and T1 (P = .024 and P = .034, respectively) were statistically significant. For every millimeter of increase in intermolar and interpremolar widths there was a 1.52 and 2.70 times increase, respectively, in the odds of having stability. There was also weak evidence for the effect of sex (P = .047).

Conclusions: The best predictors of an average 4-year postretention mandibular dental arch stability after treatment with a lip bumper followed by full fixed appliances were intermolar and interpremolar width increases during lip bumper therapy. The amount of relapse in this crowding could be considered clinically irrelevant.
Biopatterned CTLA4/Fc Matrices Facilitate Local Immunomodulation, Engraftment, and Glucose Homeostasis After Pancreatic Islet Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Gorantla Vijay S. , Campbell Phil G. , Li Yang , Yang Yang , Komatsu Chiaki , Weiss Lee E. , Zheng Xin Xiao , Solari Mario G.
Published: September 2016

Pancreatic islet transplantation (PIT) represents a potential therapy to circumvent the need for exogenous insulin in type 1 diabetes. However, PIT remains limited by lack of donor islets and the need for long-term multidrug immunosuppression to prevent alloimmune islet rejection. Our goal was to evaluate a local immunoregulatory strategy that sustains islet allograft survival and restores glucose homeostasis in the absence of systemic immunosuppression. Nanogram quantities of murine CTLA4/Fc fusion protein were controllably delivered within human acellular dermal matrix scaffolds using an inkjet-based biopatterning technology and cotransplanted with allogeneic islets under the renal capsule to create an immunoregulatory microenvironment around the islet allograft. We achieved long-term engraftment of small loads of allogeneic islet cells with 40% of MHC-mismatched mouse recipients maintaining sustained normoglycemia following pancreatic β-cell ablation by streptozotocin. Biopatterned CTLA4/Fc local therapy was associated with expansion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and shifts in cytokine production and gene expression from proinflammatory to regulatory profiles, thus substantially benefiting islet allografts survival and function. This study is a new paradigm for targeted therapies in PIT that demonstrates the favorable effects of immune alterations in the transplant milieu and suggests a unique strategy for minimizing systemic immunosuppression and promoting islet allograft survival.
Tools for Educational Data Mining
Authors: Slater Stefan , Joksimović Srećko , Kovanovic Vitomir , Baker Ryan S. , Gasevic Dragan
Published: September 2016

In recent years, a wide array of tools have emerged for the purposes of conducting educational data mining (EDM) and/or learning analytics (LA) research. In this article, we hope to highlight some of the most widely used, most accessible, and most powerful tools available for the researcher interested in conducting EDM/LA research. We will highlight the utility that these tools have with respect to common data preprocessing and analysis steps in a typical research project as well as more descriptive information such as price point and user-friendliness. We will also highlight niche tools in the field, such as those used for Bayesian knowledge tracing (BKT), data visualization, text analysis, and social network analysis. Finally, we will discuss the importance of familiarizing oneself with multiple tools—a data analysis toolbox—for the practice of EDM/LA research.
Preventable critical incidents in anaesthesia: a retrospective analysis of two anaesthetic mishaps after inadvertent drug administration
Authors: Meena Shyam Charan , Dulara Suresh Chandra , Meena Samta , Tripathi Archana , Nagar Jitendra
Published: September 2016

Drug errors in anaesthesia can be life threatening. In this article, we report two such mishaps of wrong drug administration. A 12-year-old boy was unintentionally injected atracurium instead of diclofenac for pain relief. He became apneic and did not respond to verbal commands. His trachea was intubated and he was mechanically ventilated. After 40 minutes of sedation, mechanical ventilation and stable hemodynamics, extubation of trachea was done. Another patient was also accidentally injected atracurium in the operating room to provide post-operative analgesia at the end of the surgery. Both the cases had favourable outcome because of a high degree of suspicion, prompt diagnosis and early intubation; very crucial steps in such scenarios. This article concludes that the labels should be carefully checked before drug administration, for the right drug and adequate dosage at the right time.
Steppe by Steppe: Exploring Environmental Change in Southern Ukraine
Authors: Moon David
Published: September 2016

This article examines the environment of the steppe of Southern Ukraine. It is based on a journey across the steppe; what I learned from people, especially scientists, I met; and research in printed sources. The article aims to be an example of how environmental historians can integrate fieldwork with more conventional historical research. The first section considers ‘nature transformed’. Since the conquest by the Russian Empire in the eighteenth century, the steppe grassland has been transformed from pasture for livestock into agricultural land farmed by settlers of European origin. The second section, ‘nature protected’, discusses the Askania Nova biosphere reserve, where an area of native grassland has been protected since the late-nineteenth century. The reserve also contains an artificial woodland park and grazing animals brought from all over the world. The third section, ‘nature destroyed’, is about the Oleshkovskie sands, on the left bank of the estuary of the Dnepr river opposite the city of Kherson. Since ancient times, a pine forest grew on the sands. European settlers cleared much of the forest for grazing, leading to erosion. Trees have since been replanted in a circle surrounding a curious landscape of sand dunes, which have become a habitat for rare plant species. The sands were also used a bombing range for Warsaw Pact air forces during the Cold War.