bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Deterministic/Probabilistic Reserve Estimation
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 38803, "An Integrated Deterministic Probabilistic Approach to Reserve Estimation: An Update," by A.G. Nangea, SPE, and E.J. Hunt, SPE, Mobil Technology Co., originally presented at the 1997 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 5-8 October.
Development of a New Steerable PDC Bit for Directional Drilling
Authors: JPT staff _
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 39307, "Development of a New Concept of Steerable PDC Bit for Directional Drilling," by T.S. Roberts, SPE, Hycalog, originally presented at the 1998 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, Dallas, 3-6 March.
Role of Reservoir Management in Carbonate Waterfloods
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 39519, "The Role of Reservoir Management in Carbonate Waterfloods," by G.C. Thakur, SPE, Chevron Petroleum Technology Co., originally presented at the 1998 SPE India Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, New Delhi, India, 7-9 April.
Streamline-Based Production-Data Integration into High-Resolution Reservoir Models
Authors: Datta-Gupta Akhil , Yoon Seongsik , Barman Indranil , Vasco D.W.
Published: February 2015

This paper (SPE 52981) is taken from an original manuscript "Streamline-Based Production-Data Integration into High-Resolution Reservoir Models," submitted at the invitation of the Journal of Petroleum Technology. This paper has not been peer reviewed.
Multivariate Optimization of Field-Development Scheduling and Well-Placement Design
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 49055, "Improved Methods for Multivariate Optimization of Field-Development Scheduling and Well-Placement Design," by Yan Pan, SPE, and Roland N. Horne, SPE, Stanford U., prepared for the 1998 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, 27-30 September.
Towards 2001 (December 1999)
Authors: Colligan John A.
Published: February 2015

President's column - No abstract available.
Career Management Series: Finding a Job After 45 Years of Age
Authors: MacDonald Rick
Published: February 2015

Career Management Series - No abstract available.
Fields of Vision (December 1999)
Authors: Millheim Keith K.
Published: February 2015

Guest editorial - No abstract available.
Reservoir Engineering: Augmented Recovery
Authors: JPT staff _
Published: February 2015

Series sponsored by SPE Foundation.
ATCE '99 One of the Most Successful on Record
Authors: JPT staff _
Published: February 2015

Conference review - No abstract available.
Bit Optimization in Kuwait
Authors: Bybee Karen
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 57552, "Bit Optimization in Kuwait," by Ali Al-Saleh, Kuwait Oil Co., originally presented at the 1999 SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8-10 November.
Computer Optimization of Large, Complex Gas-Gathering Systems
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 56548, "Computer Optimization of Large Gas Reservoirs With Complex Gathering Systems," by Richard Holst, PHH Petroleum Consultants Ltd.; Larry Malowany, SPE, Independent Consultant; and Randy Kopjar, UPRI, originally presented at the 1999 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, 3-6 October.
Geostatistical Modeling in Integrated Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article is a synopsis of paper SPE 53118, "Application of Geostatistical Modeling in an Integrated Reservoir Simulation Study of the Lower Bahariya Reservoir, Egypt," by Ahmed Aly and W. John Lee, SPE, S. A. Holditch & Assocs. Inc.; Akhil Datta-Gupta, SPE, Texas A&M U.; and Khaled Mowafi, SPE, Manuel Prida, and Mahmoud Latif, Khalda Petroleum Co., originally presented at the 1999 Middle East Oil Show and Conference, Bahrain, 20-23 February.
Meta‐Analysis of Wheat QTL Regions Associated with Adaptation to Drought and Heat Stress
Authors: Acuña‐Galindo M. Andrea , Mason R. Esten , Subramanian Nithya K. , Hays Dirk B.
Published: February 2015

Drought and heat are the two most important environmental constraints to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production globally and are predicted to become more severe with global climate change. A number of recent studies have reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) for yield and agronomic traits in drought and heat‐stressed environments and for physiological traits that contribute to improved performance under stress. The objective of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of reported QTL to identify meta‐QTL (MQTL) associated with adaptation to drought and heat stress. In the studies analyzed, QTL were reported for 81 different traits across a range of environments including both field and controlled experiments. A total of 854 individual QTL were reported, with 502 associated with drought stress, 234 with heat stress, and 118 with physiological traits in nonstressed environments. Individual QTL clustered into 66 MQTL regions distributed throughout the genome. There were 43 MQTL that co‐localized for both drought and heat stress, 20 specific for drought stress, 2 specific for heat stress, and 1 MQTL specific for physiological traits in nonstressed environments. Quantitative trait loci for plant height, days to maturity, kernel weight, spike density, and canopy temperature were most significantly associated with QTL for yield. Integration of 137 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for heat‐ and drought‐responsive candidate genes identified 50 SNPs within MQTL confidence intervals, including genes involved in sugar metabolism, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and abscisic‐acid‐induced stomatal closure. Identified MQTL and candidate genes can be targeted for future studies and genetic improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in wheat.
Evaluation of Seed Persistence in Cow Cockle
Authors: Duddu Hema S.N. , Johnson Eric N. , Blackshaw Robert E. , Shirtliffe Steven J.
Published: February 2015

Cow cockle [Vaccaria hispanica (P. Mill.) Rauschert] is an introduced summer annual weed in North America and has been investigated as a potential crop for the Canadian prairies. Seed persistence contributes to volunteers in subsequent crops; therefore, it is undesirable in this prospective crop. To determine whether cow cockle is persistent and forms a seed bank, two comparative experiments (field and laboratory) were conducted from 2008 through 2011. In the field, seedling recruitment and residual seed bank were measured for a cultivated and a weedy cow cockle population under spring and zero‐tillage systems. In the lab, seeds of 15 populations were rapidly aged at elevated temperature and relative humidity (45°C and 60% RH). The time taken in aging days for viability to fall to 50% (p50) was used to determine relative seed longevity. In the field study, the weedy population had higher seedling emergence and a larger residual seed bank in most locations. Populations did not differ in the size of the seed bank under spring tillage, whereas a larger soil seed bank of weedy population was observed in no‐till treatments. In the lab, the populations showed considerable differences in seed longevity. Although the cultivated population showed less seed persistence compared to the weedy population, both field and laboratory studies suggested that a considerable amount of seed of the cultivated population persists in the soil even after 3 yr; and this may pose some concerns for the production of cow cockle as a crop in the Canada.
Sequencing of an Anthracnose‐Resistant Sorghum Genotype and Mapping of a Major QTL Reveal Strong Candidate Genes for Anthracnose Resistance
Authors: Burrell A. Millie , Sharma Arun , Patil Nikhil Y. , Collins S. Delroy , Anderson William F. , Rooney William L. , Klein Patricia E.
Published: February 2015

Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum Henn. ex. Sacc. and Trotter 1913, is an economically damaging disease of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in hot and humid production regions of the world. Control of anthracnose is almost exclusively through the use of genetic resistance. To further elucidate genetic resistance to anthracnose, a recombinant inbred line population derived from the cross of BTx623 (susceptible) and SC748‐5 (resistant) was created. A linkage map was constructed using 117 F5 individuals that were genotyped using Digital Genotyping, a genotyping‐by‐sequencing method developed specifically for C4 grasses, on an Illumina GAIIx. The linkage map consists of 619 single nucleotide polymorphism markers and three microsatellites with a total map length of 1269.9 cM. The population was phenotyped for anthracnose in four different environments. Using both composite interval mapping and inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM), one major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 5 was consistently identified as the source of anthracnose resistance in all environments. Sequencing genomic DNA from SC748‐5 and comparison to BTx623 genomic sequence revealed numerous amino acid changes in annotated disease‐resistance genes located in the area under the anthracnose QTL. This suggests that the genetic architecture for anthracnose resistance in SC748‐5 is not under the control of one gene but, more likely, a linkage block containing several resistance genes.
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Mushroom Shape Demarcation Line Profile After Limited Bowman’s Membrane Removal by Phototherapeutic Keratectomy
Authors: Kymionis George D , Grentzelos Michael A , Klados Nektarios E , Xanthopoulou Niki A , Paraskevopoulos Theodore A , Detorakis Efstathios T
Published: February 2015

Purpose :

To report a corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) mushroom shape demarcation line profile after limited Bowman’s membrane removal by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK).

Methods :

Case report.

Results :

A twenty-one-year-old male with progressive keratoconus underwent mechanical epithelial debridement (at an 8.5 mm zone) followed by PTK (at a 5.0 mm zone and in a 10 μm depth) and CXL. No intra- or early postoperative complications were found. Evaluation of the corneal stromal demarcation line depth using anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed a mushroom shape profile.

Conclusion :

It seems that removal of the Bowman’s layer leads to greater depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line.
Adsorption of 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid from an Aqueous Solution on Fly Ash
Authors: Kuśmierek Krzysztof , Świątkowski Andrzej
Published: February 2015

The adsorption of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) on fly ash was studied. The effects of adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, ionic strength, and temperature on the adsorption were investigated. Adsorption kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo‐first and pseudo‐second order models, and results showed that adsorption kinetics were better represented by the pseudo‐second order model. Adsorption isotherms of 2,4‐D on fly ash were analyzed using the Freundlich and Langmuir models. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The negative values of ΔG° and the positive value of ΔH° indicate the spontaneous nature of 2,4‐D adsorption on fly ash, and that the adsorption process was endothermic. Results showed that fly ash is an efficient, low‐cost adsorbent for removal of 2,4‐D from water.
Health Information Seeking and Implications for the Operative Dentist
Authors: Walker K
Published: February 2015

The steady increase in online health information seeking by patients is ingrained in central notions of patient-centered care and shared decision-making models reflected in operative dentistry and the healthcare industry at large. More patients today seek health information prior to an appointment, communicate their findings with their providers, and expect two-way communication exchanges. This e-consumer trend has many implications for operative dentistry, for which surgery, by its very nature, lends to a confluence of questioning and informational needs. Operative dentists must acknowledge patient information and be prepared to address the breadth of information brought to them. The purpose of this literature review is threefold: 1) to provide the operative dentist with information about the demographics, psychology, and behavior of today's e-health patient; 2) to provide a review of the benefits and challenges of communicating with e-health patients; and 3) to provide recommendations for communicating with e-patients interpersonally and through Internet communication. In so doing, it is hoped that discussion can provide insight useful for improving provider/patient relationships in the progressive communication era.
Effect of flunixin meglumine and firocoxib on ex vivo cyclooxygenase activity in horses undergoing elective surgery
Authors: Duz Marco , Parkin Tim D. , Cullander Rose M. , Marshall John F.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate ex vivo cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and compare in vitro and ex vivo COX-1 inhibition by flunixin meglumine and firocoxib in horses.

ANIMALS 4 healthy horses for in vitro experiments and 12 healthy horses (6 males and 6 females; 5 Thoroughbreds, 5 Warmbloods, and 2 ponies) undergoing elective surgery for ex vivo experiments.

PROCEDURES 12 horses received flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h) or firocoxib (0.09 mg/kg, IV, q 24 h). Blood samples were collected before (baseline) and 2 and 24 hours after NSAID administration. Prostanoids (thromboxane B2, prostaglandin E2, and prostaglandin E metabolites) served as indicators of COX activity, and serum drug concentrations were measured by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. An in vitro coagulation-induced thromboxane B2 assay was used to calculate drug concentration-COX-1 inhibition curves. Effect of time and treatment on COX activity was determined. Agreement between in vitro and ex vivo measurement of COX activity was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS At 2 and 24 hours after NSAID administration, COX-1 activity was reduced, compared with baseline activity, for the flunixin meglumine group only and relative COX-1 activity was significantly greater for the firocoxib group, compared with that for the flunixin meglumine group. There was no significant change in COX-2 activity after surgery for either group. Bland-Altman analysis revealed poor agreement between in vitro and ex vivo measurement of COX-1 activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Compared with flunixin meglumine, firocoxib had COX-1-sparing effects ex vivo in equine patients that underwent elective surgery.
Evaluation of hepatic contrast enhancement with a hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent (gadoxetic acid) in healthy dogs
Authors: Bratton Alexandra K. , Nykamp Stephanie G. , Gibson Thomas W. G. , Cruz-Arámbulo Robert , Kruth Stephen A.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine, by means of MRI, the time to maximal contrast enhancement in T1-weighted images following IV administration of gadoxetic acid in healthy dogs and assess the impact of gadoxetic acid on the signal intensity of T2-weighted images.

ANIMALS 7 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES No hepatic abnormalities were detected during ultrasonographic examination. Each dog was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency for MRI. Transverse T1- and T2-weighted images of the liver were acquired prior to and following (at 5-minute intervals) IV injection of 0.1 mL of gadoxetic acid/kg. Signal intensity of the liver parenchyma was measured in 3 regions of interest in the T1- and T2-weighted images before and at various times point after contrast agent administration. Time versus signal-to-noise ratio curves were plotted to determine time to maximal contrast enhancement and contrast agent–related changes in signal intensity in T2-weighted images.

RESULTS Analysis of T1-weighted images revealed that mean ± SD time to maximal enhancement after gadoxetic acid injection was 10.5 ± 3.99 minutes. Signal intensity of T2-weighted images was not significantly affected by gadoxetic acid administration. No injection-related adverse effects were observed in any dog.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that gadoxetic acid can be used for hepatic MRI in healthy dogs and the resultant hepatic enhancement patterns are similar to those described for humans. Maximal contrast enhancement occurred between 10 and 15 minutes after contrast agent injection; thus, T2-weighted images may be obtained in the interval between injection and maximal enhancement for a more time-efficient clinical protocol.
Systemic absorption and adverse ocular and systemic effects after topical ophthalmic administration of 0.1% diclofenac to healthy cats
Authors: Hsu Kimberly K. , Pinard Chantale L. , Johnson Ron J. , Allen Dana G. , KuKanich Butch K. , Nykamp Stephanie G.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE To quantify plasma concentrations and determine adverse ocular, renal, or hepatic effects associated with repeated topical ophthalmic application of 0.1% diclofenac to healthy cats.

ANIMALS 8 healthy sexually intact male cats.

PROCEDURES A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted. A topical formulation of 0.1% diclofenac was administered 4 times/d for 7 days to 4 cats, and artificial tear (control) solution was administered to the other 4 cats. After a 12-day washout period, cats received the other treatment. Ophthalmic examinations were performed daily. Plasma samples were obtained on days 1 and 7 for pharmacokinetic analysis. A CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, determination of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and determination of glomerular filtration rate were performed before the start of the study and after each 7-day treatment period.

RESULTS Mild conjunctival hyperemia was the only adverse ocular effect detected. Maximal drug concentration and area under the curve were significantly higher on day 7 than on day 1. Diclofenac-treated cats had a significantly lower glomerular filtration rate than did control-treated cats after the second but not after the first treatment period, presumably associated with iatrogenic hypovolemia.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Topical ophthalmic administration of 0.1% diclofenac was well tolerated in healthy cats, with only mild signs of ocular irritation. Detectable systemic concentrations of diclofenac were achieved with accumulation over 7 days. Systemic absorption of diclofenac may be associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate, particularly in volume-contracted animals. Topical ophthalmic 0.1% diclofenac should be used with caution in volume-contracted or systemically ill cats.
Comparison of the protective effect of a commercially available western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid vaccine for dogs against envenomation of mice with western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus), and southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) venom
Authors: Cates Charles C. , Valore Erika V. , Couto Marcelo A. , Lawson Gregory W. , McCabe James G.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effectiveness of a commercially available toxoid manufactured from western diamondback (WD) rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom against envenomation of mice with WD, northern Pacific (NP) rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus), and southern Pacific (SP) rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) venom.

ANIMALS 90 specific pathogen–free female mice.

PROCEDURES Mice were allocated into 3 cohorts (30 mice/cohort). Mice received SC injections of C atrox toxoid (CAT) vaccine (n = 15/group) or adjuvant (15/group) at day 0 and again at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, mice were challenge-exposed with 1 of 3 venoms. Survival until 48 hours was evaluated by use of log-rank analysis of survival curves and the z test for proportions.

RESULTS 6 of 15 WD-challenged CAT-vaccinated mice, 3 of 15 NP-challenged CAT-vaccinated mice, and 0 of 15 SP-challenged CAT-vaccinated mice survived until 48 hours. All adjuvant-only vaccinates survived ≤ 21 hours. Mean survival time of CAT vaccinates was longer than that of adjuvant-only vaccinates for all venoms (1,311 vs 368 minutes for WD, 842 vs 284 minutes for NP, and 697 vs 585 minutes for SP). Results of the z test indicated a significantly increased survival rate for vaccinates exposed to WD rattlesnake venom but not for vaccinates exposed to NP or SP rattlesnake venom. Log-rank analysis revealed a significant difference between survival curves of vaccinated versus unvaccinated mice exposed to NP but not WD or SP venom.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CAT vaccination improved survival rate and survival time after challenge exposure with WD rattlesnake venom and may offer limited protection against NP rattlesnake venom but did not provide significant cross-protection against SP rattlesnake venom.
Dual wavelength digital holography for 3D particle image velocimetry
Authors: Grare S. , Coëtmellec S. , Allano D. , Grehan G. , Brunel M. , Lebrun D.
Published: February 2015

A multi-exposure digital in-line hologram of a moving particle field is recorded by two different wavelengths and at different times. As a result, during the reconstruction step, each hologram can be independently and accurately reconstructed for each wavelength. This procedure enables avoiding the superimposition of particles images that may be close to each other in multi-exposure holography. The feasibility is demonstrated by using a standard particle sizing reticle and shows the potential of this method for particle velocity measurement.
Sorption kinetics of isoproturon and assessment of its Ecotoxicity on Lemna minor
Authors: Quadir Quazi Forhad , Rahman Atiqur
Published: February 2015

The study was carried out to investigate the ecotoxicity of Isoproturon on Lemna minor and the interaction of the EC50 value of the chemical with sorption behaviour of the chemical in soil. The sorption isotherms (Kf and KOC) for Isoproturon were determined for three different soils having various organic carbon and clay content. EC50 for Lemna was determined both with and without soil. Both the Freundlich adsorption coefficient (Kf) and normalized sorption coefficient (KOC) values varied with different types of soil. There was moderate correlation between the log Kf and log KOC existed. The regression study revealed a strong relationship between log KOC and organic carbon and between log KOC and soil clay content. There EC50 value for Lemna grown with soil was higher than that grown without soil. However, the difference was statistically insignificant. Greater degree of inconsistency in various data suggests the reiteration of the study.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22347 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 13-18, Dec 2014
Evaluation of growth, yield and nutrient content of some Boro Rice cultivars
Authors: Akter Sharmin , Hossain Mahmud , Huda Azmul , Islam Mohmmad Rafiqul , Jahiruddin Mohammad
Published: February 2015

A field experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University; Mymensingh during December 2012 to May 2013 to investigate the growth, yield and nutrient content of fifteen widely used boro rice cultivars of Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 15 cultivars having each cultivar replicated three times. The cultivars tested in this experiment were BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan45, BRRI dhan47, BRRI dhan50, BR 3, BR 6, BR 14, BR 15, BR 16, BINA dhan5, IRATOM 24, Bachi boro, Chola boro and Sada boro. BR 15, BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan28 were the three rice cultivars having high potentials for grain and straw production during boro season. The highest yield was recorded 5.26 t/ha which is still very low compared to other rice growing countries of the world. So there is plenty of scope to increase the yield. Chola boro and Sada bore are two local land races having potentials for producing higher number of effective tillers and higher 1000 grain weight. Sada boro and Chola boro, two local cultivars were found very high in grain nitrogen content compared to other test cultivars. These two cultivars could be a nice tool for rice breeder to develop high nitrogen content rice. Chola boro, IRATOM 24 and BR 14 are three high straw-K containing varieties having breeding potentials to make our future rice plant strong. Before using these cultivars for breeding, fine tuning of the research findings is required DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22352 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 19-25, Dec 2014
Screening and characterization of Phosphorus solubilizing Bacteria and their effect on Rice seedlings
Authors: Rahman Md Shahinur , Quadir Quazi Forhad , Rahman Atiqur , Asha Moonmoon Nahar , Chowdhury Md Abul Khair
Published: February 2015

An experiment was carried out to isolate, screen and characterize bacteria collected from an industrially polluted site of Bhaluka under the Mymensingh district and to evaluate their phosphorus (P) solubilizing capacity. About ten plant and soil samples from six different spots were collected from the site. Thirty four bacterial isolates were screened and pure cultures of the different bacterial isolates were prepared. Among the bacterial isolates 25 were gram negative and 9 were gram positive. About 31 bacterial isolates had catalase producing capacity and remaining 3 were negative to catalase test. Bacterial isolates were grown on a NBRIP media to determine their phosphorus solubilizing capacity. About 25 bacterial isolates were shown P solubilizing capacity. Isolate SB8 gave the highest result about 11.42 PSI (phosphorus solubilizing index), whereas other bacterial isolates showed moderate P solubilizing capacity (PSI 1.75-6.35). A plant trial with selected isolates (SB8, SB15, SB25) were also done and SB8 achieved 10% higher P content in comparison with control which supports the in vitro P solubilization assays. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22353 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 27-35, Dec 2014
Advancement in Molecular Genetics to understand the molecular reproduction of Livestock  follicular development
Authors: Sohel Md Mahmodul Hasan , Cinar Mehmet Ulas
Published: February 2015

Follicular development in the mammalian ovary is a complex process which is potentially regulated by an orchestrated action of the pituitary gonadotropins, e.g., follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and local ovarian factors, such as peptide growth factors and steroids. Along with hormonal activation it is necessary to have tight coordination of expression of genes during follicular development. This review highlights the structure and function of ovary, follicle and follicular development. This review also confirms the temporal and spatial expression of the specific genes and miRNAs and their involvement in different modulators, the synthesis of active factors, their interactions, and the dynamics of their receptors on the follicular cell surface may be the ultimate determinants of cellular events which are crucial to coordinated growth and differentiation of follicular cells leading to folliculogenesis and ovulation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22355 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 47-60, Dec 2014
Glutamatergic circuits in the song system of Zebra Finch brain determined by gene expression of Vglut2 and Glutamate receptors
Authors: Karim Mohammad Rabiul , Pervin Munmun , Atoji Yasuro
Published: February 2015

The songbird brain has a system of interconnected nuclei that are specialized for singing and song learning. Electrophysiological findings indicate a role for the glutamatergic neurons in the song system. Vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT2) is considered to be a specific biomarker of glutamatergic neurons in birds. Neurons receiving glutamatergic afferents express mRNA of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits. This study examined expression of vGluT2 and glutamate receptor subunit mRNAs in nuclei of the song pathways of male zebra finch brain by in situ hybridization. VGluT2 mRNA was revealed high density of expression in the song nuclei, namely HVC, lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium, and robust nucleus of the arcopallium. Area X did not show expression of vGluT2 mRNA. Nuclei in the descending motor pathway (dorsomedial nucleus of the intercollicular complex and retroambigual nucleus) were expressed vGluT2 mRNA. Target nuclei of vGluT2 mRNA-expressing nuclei showed hybridization signals for mRNAs of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits. At least one of five subunit mRNAs (GluA1, GluA4, GluK1, GluN1, GluN2A) was expressed in song nuclei. The present findings support the existence of glutamatergic circuits in the song system in songbirds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22356 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 61-70, Dec 2014
The viability of dietary Probiotics (BACTOSAC®) influencing Bacterial colonization of broiler chickens
Authors: Kabir SM Lutful , Islam M Aminul , Kayesh M Enamul Hoque , Hossain KM Mahmud , Mustafa M Murshed Hasan , Rahman M Bahanur , Poonsuk Kriengsak
Published: February 2015

The efficacies of probiotic with regard to clearing bacterial infections and regulating the gut flora have been clearly demonstrated in this study. One hundred day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups as group A (Vaccinated probiotics fed group), B (Non-vaccinated probiotics fed group), C (Vaccinated conventional fed group) and D (Non-vaccinated conventional fed group). Groups A and B were taken as experimental birds fed with commercially available feed with the addition of probiotics as per schedule whereas groups C and D were taken as control birds fed with commercial ration. The ratio of total viable count (TVC) and total lactobacillus count (TLC) obtained from the bacteriological examination of cecum samples of probiotics fed group (vaccinated and non-vaccinated) at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of age were 1:0.96 and 1:0.94; 1:0.97 and 1:0.98; 1:0.99 and 1:0.99 respectively and 1:0.39 and 1:0.41; 1:0.43 and 1:0.43; 1:0.44 and 1:0.41 for conventional fed group (vaccinated and nonvaccinated) respectively. The recovery of TLC obtained from the cecum samples of probiotics and conventional fed broilers were found always on the increase in probiotics fed broilers as compared to conventional fed broilers at the 2nd, 4th and 6th week of age. The present research suggests that vaccination of broilers has no influence on the propagation of intestinal microflora. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22362 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 81-86, Dec 2014
Evaluation of kidney status by ultrasonography in canines: an experimental study
Authors: Barman Ditul , Gaikwad Rajiv V
Published: February 2015

Kidney is a major organ for homeostasis of the body's extracellular fluids by maintaining a constant internal environment. By playing such crucial responsibility kidney remains vulnerable for various diseases and disease condition. Other than laboratory findings, application of ultrasonography can be considered as one of the finest diagnostic tool to determine the architectural detail of kidney. To compare the study, we have taken two groups of canine, namely healthy and clinical. The later grouped was screened based on clinical signs, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Serum Creatinine value. Sonography was performed by using Brightness mode instrument for both the groups. The values were analyzed by Prolate Ellipsoid formula to estimate the volume of kidney. There was significant variation in sizes between the kidneys of both the groups. Moreover, the size of the kidneys of few clinical cases, which has been suffering from renal disorder since long, reveals smaller size kidney than the healthy groups. Thus, this noninvasive method is quite practicable to evaluate the size of kidney amongst various renal failure cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22373 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 105-108, Dec 2014
An overview of Fisheries sector of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mostafa Ali Reza
Published: February 2015

Bangladesh is endowed with a vast expanse of inland open waters characterized by rivers, canals, natural and man-made lakes, freshwater marshes, estuaries, brackish water impoundments and floodplains. The potential fish resources resulting from these are among the richest in the world; in production, only China and India outrank Bangladesh. The inland fish diversity of is attributed to the habitats created by the Bengal Delta wetlands and the confluence of the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Jamuna rivers that flow from the Himalayan Mountains into the Bay of Bengal. There are, however, serious concerns surrounding the slow decline in the condition of open water fish stocks which have been negatively impacted upon through a series of natural and anthropogenic induced changes including large scale abstraction of water for irrigation and the construction of water barrages and dams, human activity resulting in the overexploitation of stocks, the unregulated introduction of exotic stocks and pollution from industry. Also, natural phenomena, regular flooding etc. cause rivers to continually change course creating complications of soil erosion or over siltation of waterways. As a consequence, many Bangladeshi species are either critically endangered or extinct. Aquaculture has increasingly been playing a major role in total fish production of the country and presently more than half of the total production comes from aquaculture. The sector provides living and livelihood for more than 11% people of the country. If the available resources are used sustainably with proper technological assistance, fish produced from aquaculture would efficiently meet the protein demand of growing population of the country. The needs of Bangladeshs poor fisher community to eat what they catch and lack of a legal legislative framework means the situation can only worsen. Hope, however, is offered through several new conservation initiatives including the establishment of fish sanctuaries at strategic points in rivers and floodplains, concerted breeding programmes and the maintenance of captive stocks and cryogenically stored materials. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22375 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 109-126, Dec 2014
Effects of Endoparasitism of Heteropneustes fossilis on condition factor, gonad and blood composition of host
Authors: Khalil Sarker M Ibrahim , Chandra Kirtunia Juran , Das David Rintu
Published: February 2015

Effects of endoparasitism of Heteropneustes fossilis on condition factor, gonad and blood composition of the host was conducted during July 2012 to June 2013. Fish samples were collected from various water bodies of Sylhet region. Total length, body weight, gonad weight and sex of hosts were recorded. Blood sample was collected from each fish. Six different species of parasites were identified from the hosts assessed as i). Euclinostomum multicaecum, ii) Allocreadium handiai, iii). Lytocestus indicus, iv). Pseudocaryophyllaeus heteropneustus, v). Procamallanus heteropneustus and vi). Paracamallanus equispiculus. Gonad weight, condition factors and blood parameters of H. fossilis were greatly affected with moderate infestations. The highest condition factor, 0.59, was found in uninfested fish and lowest, 0.45, in infested fish. Changes in the percent of haemoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also investigated. Percent loss of haemoglobin was 0.43 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 5.19 mm/h. In general the health condition parameter due to effects of endoparasitism of the investigated fish was found negative impact for the culture production of the Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22379 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 159-167, Dec 2014
Weekly Trends in Preschoolers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Childcare
Authors: Vanderloo Leigh , Tucker Patricia
Published: February 2015

This study sought to examine how the physical activity levels and sedentary time of preschoolers attending center-based childcare varied across the week. Sex differences were also explored. Participants (n = 101) wore Actical™ accelerometers (15 s epoch) for five consecutive days during childcare hours only. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate levels of sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) physical activity across the five weekdays. Total physical activity (TPA) was analyzed separately in a univariate repeated measures ANOVA. Sex was entered as an additional between-subjects factor. Levels of sedentary time, LPA, and TPA across the week were found to be statistically significant, and can best be described by quadratic effects. Participants’ activity levels and sedentary time typically peaked mid-week. Levels of physical activity and sedentary time were not found to significantly differ based on sex. Childcare centers may benefit from the introduction and/or modification of active play-based programming and curricula, particularly at the start and end of the week where preschoolers’ activity levels tend to be lower. Additional investigations are required to confirm these findings.
In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Novel Cross-Linked Saccharide Based Polymers as Bile Acid Sequestrants
Authors: Lopez-Jaramillo Francisco , Giron-Gonzalez Maria , Salto-Gonzalez Rafael , Hernandez-Mateo Fernando , Santoyo-Gonzalez Francisco
Published: February 2015

Bile acid sequestrants (BAS) represent a therapeutic approach for the management of hypercholesterolemia that relies on the cationic polymeric nature of BAS to selectively bind negatively charged bile acids. We hypothesized that the cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and saccharides such as starch or dextrin with divinyl sulfone (DVS) yields homo- and hetero-polymeric materials with the ability to trap sterols. Our hypothesis was put to test by synthesizing a library of 22 polymers that were screened to evaluate their capability to sequester both cholesterol (CHOL) and cholic and deoxycholic acids (CA and DCA). Three polymers synthesized in high yield were identified as promising. Two were neutral hetero-polymers of β-CD and starch or dextrin and the third was a weakly cationic homo-polymer of starch, highlighting the importance of the cavity effect. They were tested in hypercholesterolemic male Wistar rats and their ability to regulate hypercholesterolemia was similar to that for the reference BAS cholestyramine, but with two additional advantages: (i) they normalized the TG level and (ii) they did not increase the creatinine level. Neither hepatotoxicity nor kidney injury was detected, further supporting them as therapeutical candidates to manage hypercholesterolemia.
Dose-Dependent Cytotoxic Effects of Boldine in HepG-2 Cells—Telomerase Inhibition and Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Kazemi Noureini Sakineh , Wink Michael
Published: February 2015

Plant metabolites are valuable sources of novel therapeutic compounds. In an anti-telomerase screening study of plant secondary metabolites, the aporphine alkaloid boldine (1,10-dimethoxy-2,9-dihydroxyaporphine) exhibited a dose and time dependent cytotoxicity against hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 cells. Here we focus on the modes and mechanisms of the growth-limiting effects of this compound. Telomerase activity and expression level of some related genes were estimated by real-time PCR. Modes of cell death also were examined by microscopic inspection, staining methods and by evaluating the expression level of some critically relevant genes. The growth inhibition was correlated with down-regulation of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) gene (p < 0.01) and the corresponding reduction of telomerase activity in sub-cytotoxic concentrations of boldine (p < 0.002). However, various modes of cell death were stimulated, depending on the concentration of boldine. Very low concentrations of boldine over a few passages resulted in an accumulation of senescent cells so that HepG-2 cells lost their immortality. Moreover, boldine induced apoptosis concomitantly with increasing the expression of bax/bcl2 (p < 0.02) and p21 (p < 0.01) genes. Boldine might thus be an interesting candidate as a potential natural compound that suppresses telomerase activity in non-toxic concentrations.
Synthesis of Upconversion β-NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ Particles with Enhanced Luminescent Intensity through Control of Morphology and Phase
Authors: Shang Yunfei , Hao Shuwei , Liu Jing , Tan Meiling , Wang Ning , Yang Chunhui , Chen Guanying
Published: February 2015

Hexagonal NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ microcrystals and nanocrystals with well-defined morphologies and sizes have been synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The rational control of initial reaction conditions can not only result in upconversion (UC) micro and nanocrystals with varying morphologies, but also can produce enhanced and tailored upconversion emissions from the Yb3+/Er3+ ion pairs sensitized by the Nd3+ ions. The increase of reaction time converts the phase of NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ particles from the cubic to the hexagonal structure. The added amount of oleic acid plays a critical role in the shape evolution of the final products due to their preferential attachment to some crystal planes. The adjustment of the molar ratio of F−/Ln3+ can range the morphologies of the β-NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ microcrystals from spheres to nanorods. When excited by 808 nm infrared laser, β-NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ microplates exhibit a much stronger UC emission intensity than particles with other morphologies. This phase- and morphology-dependent UC emission holds promise for applications in photonic devices and biological studies.
Facile Synthesis of Well-Defined MDMO-PPV Containing (Tri)Block—Copolymers via Controlled Radical Polymerization and CuAAC Conjugation
Authors: Zaquen Neomy , Vandenbergh Joke , Schneider-Baumann Maria , Lutsen Laurence , Vanderzande Dirk , Junkers Tanja
Published: February 2015

A systematic investigation into the chain transfer polymerization of the so-called radical precursor polymerization of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) materials is presented. Polymerizations are characterized by systematic variation of chain transfer agent (CTA) concentration and reaction temperature. For the chain transfer constant, a negative activation energy of −12.8 kJ·mol−1 was deduced. Good control over molecular weight is achieved for both the sulfinyl and the dithiocarbamate route (DTC). PPVs with molecular weights ranging from thousands to ten thousands g·mol−1 were obtained. To allow for a meaningful analysis of the CTA influence, Mark–Houwink–Kuhn–Sakurada (MHKS) parameters were determined for conjugated MDMO-PPV ([2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)]-1,4-phenylenevinylene) to α = 0.809 and k = 0.00002 mL·g−1. Further, high-endgroup fidelity of the CBr4-derived PPVs was proven via chain extension experiments. MDMO-PPV-Br was successfully used as macroinitiator in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with acrylates and styrene. A more polar PPV counterpart was chain extended by an acrylate in single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP). In a last step, copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) was used to synthesize block copolymer structures. Direct azidation followed by macromolecular conjugation showed only partial success, while the successive chain extension via ATRP followed by CuAAC afforded triblock copolymers of the poly(p-phenylene vinylene)-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PPV-b-PtBuA-b-PEG).
La spiritualité en soins palliatifs adultes en Europe : une recherche de littérature
Authors: Meuli Vania , Zulian Gilbert
Published: February 2015

La spiritualité est un thème important en médecine et soins palliatifs. De nombreux chercheurs se sont penchés sur sa définition, son importance pour les patients en fin de vie, la possibilité d’une prise en charge dans le cadre de soins holistiques. La spiritualité est intrinsèquement liée à la culture. Ce travail est une recherche de la littérature médicale européenne sur le thème de la spiritualité en soins palliatifs chez l’adulte. Les auteurs s’intéressent à la définition, aux besoins, aux outils d’évaluation et aux soins spirituels grâce à des recherches principalement qualitatives. Les patients concernés sont le plus souvent atteints de cancer. Il en ressort que la spiritualité est une question complexe qui est loin d’avoir dévoilé tous ses mystères. Elle est généralement définie comme : 1) une expérience relationnelle et dynamique (relation à soi, aux autres, à Dieu) ; 2) une recherche de sens et de buts dans la vie et 3) une transcendance. Les chercheurs ne sont pas encore parvenus à un consensus international sur sa définition, les besoins des patients ou les soins spirituels à prodiguer. Pourtant, une volonté commune de repenser la philosophie des soins dans une direction holistique, basée sur la relation soignant-soigné et centrée sur la personne au-delà de sa pathologie, émerge de manière à permettre la poursuite des travaux de recherche.
Herméneutique et Eucharistie chez Albert Chapelle
Authors: Comte Alexandre
Published: February 2015

Le problème herméneutique tel qu’il est posé par la modernité consiste à prendre en compte à la fois l’irréductibilité de l’événement et du texte biblique en lesquels Dieu se révèle et la rationalité universelle de l’histoire et du langage humain. Fondée dans l’expérience de la prière, l’herméneutique d’Albert Chapelle permet de comprendre que « la modernité a raison plus qu’elle ne le croit ». L’article montre comment le réalisme eucharistique de cette herméneutique honore jusqu’en son fond la critique rationnelle de la lettre et comment la réalité ultime de l’Eucharistie porte jusqu’à son accomplissement l’aspiration universelle de la raison.
Trinité, humanité du Christ et vision de gloire chez Hans Urs von Balthasar
Authors: Vetö Étienne
Published: February 2015

La pensée de Balthasar renouvelle-t-elle la théologie de la vision béatifique ? Cet article s’attache à manifester l’importance de la médiation christologique et la dimension fortement trinitaire de la visio  : le Père est vu par l’humanité du Christ, dans l’Esprit. L’auteur montre que la notion de « médiation immédiate » et l’inséparabilité de l’essence divine des trois Personnes permet à Balthasar de rejoindre mais aussi d’enrichir la doctrine classique de la « vision immédiate de l’essence divine ».
L'accomplissement, clé de lecture de Vatican II selon Henri de Lubac
Authors: Cholvy Brigitte
Published: February 2015

L’A. examine la cohérence de la pensée théologique d’Henri de Lubac au sortir de Vatican II et en définit l’axe essentiel. La figure de l’accomplissement structure en effet les commentaires que rédigea le jésuite à propos de Lumen Gentium , Dei Verbum et Gaudium et Spes . Cette figure oblige à développer une théologie exigeante, dont l’A. qualifie la méthode de ternaire. Elle conduit à s’interroger sur la pertinence de la classification de « conservateur » souvent attribuée à Henri de Lubac après le Concile.
Les Juifs et la préparation du texte conciliaire Nostra Aetate
Authors: Andrevon Martine-Thérèse
Published: February 2015

En 1960, le pape Jean XXIII confia au cardinal Bea la tâche de rédiger un texte sur les Juifs, dans le cadre de la préparation de Vatican II. Le monde juif y vit une occasion unique pour que l’enseignement de l’Église catholique sur les Juifs soit révisé. De son côté, Augustin Bea désirait mieux connaitre les attentes et préoccupations des Juifs. L’article retrace l’histoire des rencontres du cardinal allemand et de ses collaborateurs avec les organisations juives, à une époque où le dialogue judéo-chrétien balbutiait. L’A. évalue l’influence de ces échanges dans la rédaction du paragraphe 4 de Nostra Aetate .
Ce que « la vie » m'a appris sur « la théologie »
Authors: Doré Joseph
Published: February 2015

L’Archevêque émérite de Strasbourg complète le bilan raconté en 2011 dans son livre À cause de Jésus. Pourquoi je suis demeuré chrétien et reste catholique . Il s’explique sur ce que son expérience personnelle de la vie lui a appris de ce que peut être la théologie. Il explore ainsi son propre « devenir », depuis ses années de jeunesse jusqu’à la charge épiscopale, en passant par le sacerdoce, l’enseignement de la théologie et l’animation de la fameuse collection « Jésus et Jésus-Christ ».