bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global and Regional Patterns in Cardiovascular Mortality From 1990 to 2013
Authors: Roth Gregory A. , Huffman Mark D. , Moran Andrew E. , Feigin Valery , Mensah George A. , Naghavi Mohsen , Murray Christopher J.L.
Published: October 2015

There is a global commitment to reduce premature cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) 25% by 2025. CVD mortality rates have declined dramatically over the past 2 decades, yet the number of life years lost to premature CVD deaths is increasing in low- and middle-income regions. Ischemic heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of premature death in the world; however, there is wide regional variation in these patterns. Some regions, led by Central Asia, face particularly high rates of premature death from ischemic heart disease. Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia suffer disproportionately from death from stroke. The purpose of the present report is to (1) describe global trends and regional variation in premature mortality attributable to CVD, (2) review past and current approaches to the measurement of these trends, and (3) describe the limitations of existing models of epidemiological transitions for explaining the observed distribution and trends of CVD mortality. We describe extensive variation both between and within regions even while CVD remains a dominant cause of death. Policies and health interventions will need to be tailored and scaled for a broad range of local conditions to achieve global goals for the improvement of cardiovascular health.
The Jurisdiction Criterion in Article 1 of the echr and a Territorial State
Authors: Gałka Katarzyna Urszula
Published: October 2015

The article addresses the question of jurisdiction criterion introduced in article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights in respect to a territorial State. It is inspired by a relatively fresh judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sargsyan v. Azerbaijan case – one of the two cases arisen out of conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, which were simultaneously decided in Strasbourg. The article’s aim is twofold. First, it reconstructs and discusses the methods applied by the Court in the sub judice case in question of territorial application of the echr and potential exemptions. Second, it searches for some general conclusions concerning the jurisdiction criterion in the Convention system. This is dictated by a conviction about usefulness of inclusion to a greater extent a perspective of territorial application of the echr into a debate over the jurisdiction concept, most frequently contextualised by its extraterritorial dimension.
Italy presses forward in educating students with learning disabilities
Authors: Giangreco Michael F. , Doyle Mary Beth
Published: October 2015

Italy has a long history of including students with disabilities in general education classes. Their efforts offer unique perspectives and practices from which other countries may benefit. The article highlights four notable attributes about the Italian approach and discusses implications for American schools.
Poland
Authors: Handke Miroslaw
Published: October 2015

Polish education reforms begun in 1999 have helped dramatically raise that nation’s performance on international examinations. Broad goals set by Poland’s education ministry included improving the overall education level of Polish citizens, equity, and implementing national standards with local autonomy. As part of the new reforms, Poland required students to spend more time on core academics, introduced a national exam system, changed school governance, and expanded communications. Yet the author also said the global lesson of Poland is that it would be unwise for other countries to attempt to adopt the Polish measures whole-scale but rather to adapt parts of the program that might work best for them.
Making early math education work for all children
Authors: Fuson Karen C. , Clements Douglas H. , Sarama Julie
Published: October 2015

Preparing children to be successful in mathematics begins with what they learn before they reach 1st grade. Math knowledge in prekindergarten and kindergarten predicts school achievement in math and in other topics, such as reading. Indeed, early math knowledge is one of the strongest predictors of math grades in high school, high school graduation, and college entry. But children enter kindergarten with a huge range of numerical knowledge and skills. So early educators must be attentive to practices that will aid in closing the gaps in learning. They can attend to this by following the guidance outlined in the National Research Council’s report, Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood: Paths Toward Excellence and Equity, which identified math concepts that young children can and should learn. Especially important are children’s competence with quantity and number, as well as geometry and spatial reasoning. The NRC’s research summary and recommendations helped guide the Common Core State Standards in mathematics for kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Affirm gender and sexual diversity within the school community
Authors: Leonardi Bethy , Staley Sara
Published: October 2015

Schools tend to be unsafe, unsupportive places for LGBTQ youth. Generally, teachers and administrators are provided little professional development (professional development) focused on gender and sexual diversity. Efforts to provide educators with gender and sexual diversity-focused professional development are slowly expanding, but still too focused on individuals. To navigate those challenges the authors have designed a “Teacher Institute” for local teachers, preservice teachers, educational leaders, and teacher educators to participate. The institute focuses on knowledge building, critical self-reflection, dialogue, action, and practice in two, 2.5 hour segments.
Lessons from retrievals: Retrievals help understand the reason for revision of coated hip arthroplasties
Authors: de Villiers Danielle , Hothi Harry , Khatkar Harman , Meswania Jayantilal , Blunn Gordon , Skinner John , Hart Alister
Published: October 2015

Coatings have been applied to all surfaces of hip implants with the majority performing well in the laboratory, but there are few reports of their performance in humans. The rationale for coating the metal-on-metal bearing surfaces includes a reduction in metal ion release and risk of adverse reaction to metal debris; yet there are no reports of retrieved coated metal-on-metal hip implants despite the concern that they may delaminate. The aim of this study was to better understand the performance of coated hip implants in humans through findings of three coated metal-on-metal hip resurfacings, retrieved after failure for unexplained pain. Analysis of these implants included quantification of the amount and mechanism of coating loss which was correlated with clinical, imaging and blood data. In all cases, there were large areas of complete coating loss in which the metal substrate was exposed and found to be rougher than the coated areas. The coating loss gave rise to third body abrasive wear of the coating and the exposed metal, the latter of which led to high blood levels of cobalt and chromium. Coating of the bearing surfaces of metal-on-metal hip resurfacings, therefore, do not prevent metal ion release when implanted into humans. This is an example of a need for increased retrieval analysis of newly introduced implants and expansion of laboratory testing regulations to better reflect the clinical environment.
Unwilling theory: A response to Hughes’ ‘Looking Elsewhere’
Authors: Cluley Robert
Published: October 2015

Jason Hughes’ paper ‘Looking Elsewhere: Howard S. Becker as Unwilling Organization Theorist’ offers a long overdue survey of Becker’s ideas. I hope it will spark renewed interest in the work of Becker among organization theorists.The essay certainly saves us all a lot of time as it ties together Becker’s terminology, theory and methods and contextualizes his work within recent trends in sociology and organization studies. However, while Hughes focuses on the potential of Becker’s ideas as a theory of organizations, in this commentary, I would like to focus on the other part of Becker—the ‘unwilling organization theorist’. What, I want to ask, can we learn from Becker’sunwillingness?
Evolution of the highly networked deubiquitinating enzymes USP4, USP15, and USP11
Authors: Vlasschaert Caitlyn , Xia Xuhua , Coulombe Josée , Gray Douglas A.
Published: October 2015

Background

USP4, USP15 and USP11 are paralogous deubiquitinating enzymes as evidenced by structural organization and sequence similarity. Based on known interactions and substrates it would appear that they have partially redundant roles in pathways vital to cell proliferation, development and innate immunity, and elevated expression of all three has been reported in various human malignancies. The nature and order of duplication events that gave rise to these extant genes has not been determined, nor has their functional redundancy been established experimentally at the organismal level.

Methods

We have employed phylogenetic and syntenic reconstruction methods to determine the chronology of the duplication events that generated the three paralogs and have performed genetic crosses to evaluate redundancy in mice.

Results

Our analyses indicate that USP4 and USP15 arose from whole genome duplication prior to the emergence of jawed vertebrates. Despite having lower sequence identity USP11 was generated later in vertebrate evolution by small-scale duplication of the USP4-encoding region. While USP11 was subsequently lost in many vertebrate species, all available genomes retain a functional copy of either USP4 or USP15, and through genetic crosses of mice with inactivating mutations we have confirmed that viability is contingent on a functional copy of USP4 or USP15. Loss of ubiquitin-exchange regulation, constitutive skipping of the seventh exon and neural-specific expression patterns are derived states of USP11. Post-translational modification sites differ between USP4, USP15 and USP11 throughout evolution.

Conclusions

In isolation sequence alignments can generate erroneous USP gene phylogenies. Through a combination of methodologies the gene duplication events that gave rise to USP4, USP15, and USP11 have been established. Although it operates in the same molecular pathways as the other USPs, the rapid divergence of the more recently generated USP11 enzyme precludes its functional interchangeability with USP4 and USP15. Given their multiplicity of substrates the emergence (and in some cases subsequent loss) of these USP paralogs would be expected to alter the dynamics of the networks in which they are embedded.
Cardiac Bmi1
+ cells contribute to myocardial renewal in the murine adult heart
Authors: Valiente-Alandi Iñigo , Albo-Castellanos Carmen , Herrero Diego , Arza Elvira , Garcia-Gomez Maria , Segovia José C. , Capecchi Mario , Bernad Antonio
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The mammalian adult heart maintains a continuous, low cardiomyocyte turnover rate throughout life. Although many cardiac stem cell populations have been studied, the natural source for homeostatic repair has not yet been defined. The Polycomb protein BMI1 is the most representative marker of mouse adult stem cell systems. We have evaluated the relevance and role of cardiac Bmi1
+
cells in cardiac physiological homeostasis.

Methods

Bmi1CreER/+;Rosa26YFP/+ (Bmi1-YFP) mice were used for lineage tracing strategy. After tamoxifen (TM) induction, yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) is expressed under the control of Rosa26 regulatory sequences in Bmi1
+
cells. These cells and their progeny were tracked by FACS, immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR techniques from 5 days to 1 year.

Results

FACS analysis of non-cardiomyocyte compartment from TM-induced Bmi1-YFP mice showed a Bmi1+-expressing cardiac progenitor cell (Bmi1-CPC: B-CPC) population, SCA-1 antigen-positive (95.9 ± 0.4 %) that expresses some stemness-associated genes. B-CPC were also able to differentiate in vitro to the three main cardiac lineages. Pulse-chase analysis showed that B-CPC remained quite stable for extended periods (up to 1 year), which suggests that this Bmi1+ population contains cardiac progenitors with substantial self-maintenance potential. Specific immunostaining of Bmi1-YFP hearts serial sections 5 days post-TM induction indicated broad distribution of B-CPC, which were detected in variably sized clusters, although no YFP+ cardiomyocytes (CM) were detected at this time. Between 2 to 12 months after TM induction, YFP+ CM were clearly identified (3 ± 0.6 % to 6.7 ± 1.3 %) by immunohistochemistry of serial sections and by flow cytometry of total freshly isolated CM. B-CPC also contributed to endothelial and smooth muscle (SM) lineages in vivo.

Conclusions

High Bmi1 expression identifies a non-cardiomyocyte resident cardiac population (B-CPC) that contributes to the main lineages of the heart in vitro and in vivo.
The standard operating procedure of the DOE-JGI Microbial Genome Annotation Pipeline (MGAP v.4)
Authors: Huntemann Marcel , Ivanova Natalia N. , Mavromatis Konstantinos , Tripp H. James , Paez-Espino David , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Szeto Ernest , Pillay Manoj , Chen I-Min A. , Pati Amrita , Nielsen Torben , Markowitz Victor M. , Kyrpides Nikos C.
Published: October 2015

The DOE-JGI Microbial Genome Annotation Pipeline performs structural and functional annotation of microbial genomes that are further included into the Integrated Microbial Genome comparative analysis system. MGAP is applied to assembled nucleotide sequence datasets that are provided via the IMG submission site. Dataset submission for annotation first requires project and associated metadata description in GOLD. The MGAP sequence data processing consists of feature prediction including identification of protein-coding genes, non-coding RNAs and regulatory RNA features, as well as CRISPR elements. Structural annotation is followed by assignment of protein product names and functions.
Encapsulation of pancreatic islet with HMGB1 fragment for attenuating inflammation
Authors: Jo Eun Hee , Hwang Yong Hwa , Lee Dong Yun
Published: October 2015

Background

Pancreatic islet encapsulation is one way to address the disadvantages of islet transplantation. Not only does encapsulation involve bidirectional diffusion of nutrients, oxygen, and glucose, but also it protects the graft from the recipient’s immune reaction. The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), one of higher expression proteins in islet, can be secreted from transplanted islets and induce the inflammation. Therefore, the regulation of HMGB1-mediated inflammation is very important for successful islet transplantation. In this study, we used the HMGB1 A box, an antagonist of HMGB1 receptor in the immune cells, in the encapsulation of isolated islets as a new strategy.

Result

For co-encapsulation of HMGB1 A box protein with islets, we evaluated the distribution of alginate bead diameter. The average diameter of empty alginate bead was similar to that of alginate bead with islets. When different concentrations of HMGB1 A box protein was co-encapsulated with islets, it did not affect the viability and insulin secretion function of the islets. When the alginate beads with islets plus HMGB1 A box protein were cultured with macrophage, the amount of TNF-α secreted from the macrophages was significantly attenuated when compared to cultivation of unencapsulated islets or encapsulated islets. When the alginate beads with islets plus HMGB1 A box protein were intraperitoneally xenotransplanted into the diabetic mice, the survival rate of the islets was strongly improved with 2-fold.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results suggested that the encapsulation of HMGB1 A box protein might offer a protective effect in islet transplantation.
Preparation and investigation of hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile as a preliminary biomedical hydrogel
Authors: Park Ji Hoon , Tai Guo Zhe , Lee Bo Keun , Park Seung Hun , Jang Ja Yong , Lee Jung Soo , Kim Jae Ho , Park Kwideok , Jang Ju Woong , Kim Moon Suk
Published: October 2015

Background

Hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) ha
s
attracted much attention as a hydrogel for a broad range of biomedical applications
.
Therefore, in this study, we prepared HPAN derivatives with controllable compositions by the radical polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN), methacrylic acid (MAA) and
N
-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomers.

Results

The prepared poly(AN-co-MAA-co-NIPAM) copolymers had different ratios of AN, MAA, and NIPAM and molecular weights ranging from 2000 to 50,000. The copolymers were prepared as films to examine their properties. The prepared copolymer films showed different solubilities, contact angles, and swelling ratios. The properties of the copolymer films were affected by the hydrophobic PAN segments and the hydrophilic PMAA or PNIPAM segments.

Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that introducing PMAA and PNIPAM segments with different ratios and lengths into PAN segments could represent a method of controlling the hydrogel properties of copolymers.
Sustained knock down of PPARγ and bFGF presentation in collagen hydrogels promote MSC osteogenesis
Authors: Shao Shan , Cui Enmei , Xue Huimin , Huang Haiyun , Liu Gangli
Published: October 2015

Collagen hydrogels were considered as
favourable scaffolding for tissue engineering. It was
demonstrated that cytokines and siRNAs could be
efficiently retained by collagen hydrogels for controlled
release thereby enhancing their bioactivities. Basic
fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was a stimulator for
osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
(MSC), and PPARγ was a key regulator in MSC osteogenic
differentiation. However, whether bFGF and PPARγ could
play synergetic roles within a 3D matrix to promote MSC
osteogenic differentiation was unknown. In the study,
bFGF and PPARγ targeting siRNAs were incorporated into
collagen hydrogels for MSC cultivation. Their optimal
concentrations in collagen hydrogels were determined.
The capacity of bFGF/siRNA-carrying hydrogels in
supporting osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was
systematically evaluated with multimodality of methods,
including flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR,
Western Blotting, as well as ALP activity and calcium
content determination. We demonstrated in 3D collagen
hydrogel that both bFGF and siRNA molecules were
efficiently retained, strengthening their effects on the
incorporated MSCs. Osteogenic analysis demonstrated
that the in-situ forming hydrogels carrying bFGF and
siRNAs potently promoted osteogenic differentiation of
incorporated MSCs, significantly superior to pure collagen
and bFGF-carrying collagen. Thus, collagen hydrogels
functionalized with bFGF and PPARγ targeting siRNAs
may be promising in bone tissue engineering.
Biofortification of maize grains with micronutrients by enriched biomass of blackcurrant seeds
Authors: Samoraj Mateusz , Tuhy Łukasz , Baśladyńska Sylwia , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: October 2015

Effect of the application of blackcurrant seed post-extraction residues (BS) enriched via biosorption with Zn(II), Mn(II) and Cu(II) was examined in field tests on maize. As a nominal dose (100%), 2.5 kg of zinc, 1 kg of manganese and 0.5 kg of copper per hectare, were applied. The preparation was applied, also, in higher doses (150%, 200%).

Crop yield and quality were assessed and multielemental analysis of grains was conducted. Grain yield obtained for maize treated with different doses of micronutrients (7.3 and 7.2 Mg ha-1 for BS 100% and BS 200%, respectively) was higher than in control group (6.2 Mg ha-1) and similar to a commercial reference product (7.1 Mg ha-1).

Bioavailability of micronutrients from BS was shown to be higher than from reference commercial fertilizer. The highest content of micronutrients delivered to plants was observed for groups fertilized with BS in nominal dose of micronutrients (1.79, 7.08 and 28.55 mg kg-1 for Cu, Mn and Zn, respectively). The content of each micronutrient was 5.6% (Cu) 12.1% (Mn) and 12.6% (Zn) higher than in untreated group and 8.9% (Cu) 9.7% (Mn) and 8.7% (Zn) higher than commercial reference micronutrient fertilizer. New biocomponents are cheap and biodegradable carriers of nutrients which can be released in controlled way.
Magnetic molecular imprinted polymers as a tool for isolation and purification of biological samples
Authors: Kwaśniewska Katarzyna , Gadzała-Kopciuch Renata , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: October 2015

Technology of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) has become very popular in recent decades. MIPs are primarily used in medical diagnostics, chromatographic separation and solid phase extraction (SPE); also as sensors and catalysts. In recent years there have been reported benefits of combining molecular imprinted polymers with additional features, e.g. magnetic properties, through the build-up of this type of material on magnetite particles (Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer – MMIP). This method produces a multifunctional material which has high selectivity and the ability to isolate the analyte from biological and environmental samples, allowing effective purification from such interferents as proteins and fats. This developing branch of new materials for the preparation and purification of complex sample matrices is an interesting alternative to materials routinely used to date, particularly with regard to the immunosorbents.
This paper summarizes recent reports regarding MMIP preparation and their application for purification and isolation of compounds from biological matrices.
Structural and mechanical defects of materials of offshore and onshore main gas pipelines after long-term operation
Authors: Maruschak Pavlo , Panin Sergey , Danyliuk Iryna , Poberezhnyi Lyubomyr , Pyrig Taras , Bishchak Roman , Vlasov Ilya
Published: October 2015

The study has established the main regularities of a fatigue failure of offshore gas steel pipes installed using S-lay and J-lay methods.We have numerically analyzed the influence of preliminary deformation on the fatigue life of 09Mn2Si steel at different amplitudes of cyclic loading. The results have revealed the regularities of formation and development of a fatigue crack in 17Mn1Si steel after 40 years of underground operation. The quantitative analysis describes the regularities of occurrence and growth of fatigue cracks in the presence of a stress concentration.
Determination of log moisture content using ground penetrating radar (GPR). Part 2. Propagation velocity (PV) method
Authors: Hans Guillaume , Redman David , Leblon Brigitte , Nader Joseph , La Rocque Armand
Published: October 2015

Log moisture content (MC) has been determined based on the propagation velocity (PV) of ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals. This approach is based on measuring the travel time of the GPR signal through the log, from which its PV and the apparent log dielectric permittivity can be retrieved. Linear regression between the log dielectric permittivity and MC was established for each of the investigated wood species (quaking aspen, balsam poplar, and black spruce), log state (thawed and frozen), and direction of measurement [on the log cross-section (CS) and through the bark (TB)]. CS and TB measurements led to different results depending on the log state and wood species. Linear models with different slopes were found for thawed (slope=6.4–9.8) and frozen (slope=12–29) logs due to the difference in the dielectric properties of the frozen and unfrozen water in wood. The models for quaking aspen and balsam poplar were very similar to each other and differed from that of black spruce in terms of slopes and intercepts. Generally, the PV method leads to poorer log MC prediction accuracy than the partial least squares method presented in Part 1 of this study.
Synthesis of platinum(II) complexes of 2-cycloalkyl-substituted benzimidazoles and their cytotoxic effects
Authors: Özçelik A. Berna , Gümüş Fatma , Sağkan Rahşan Ilıkçı , Muşabak Uğur
Published: October 2015

Five novel Pt(II) complexes with some 2-cycloalkyl-substituted benzimidazole carrier-ligands were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against HeLa and OVCAR-3 cell lines. A cell viability test revealed that [dichloro-bis(2-cycloheptylbenzimidazole) platinum(II)] is less cytotoxic than cisplatin, and its cytotoxic effect can be compared with that of carboplatin. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that this complex at 117 μM concentration causes apoptosis in approx. 72 % of the OVCAR-3 cell population. In addition, the complex was found to cause an increase in the SubG1 population of both OVCAR-3 and HeLa cells and to cause less apoptosis in HeLa cells than cisplatin.
Gasto público y complementariedad productiva: un análisis de la economía mexicana, 1980-2012
Authors: Hernández Mota José Luis
Published: October 2015

El propósito de este trabajo es mostrar la transformación del gasto público en la economía mexicana en el periodo de 1980 a 2012. El principio en que se basa el análisis radica en la proposición de que el gasto público productivo puede tener la propiedad de complementariedad productiva en los procesos productivos privados y apoyar la creación de valor, necesaria para el incremento de la competitividad en el proceso comercial mundial que permita la salida de procesos de crisis o estancamiento económico. Tras el examen empírico de la economía mexicana, se llega a la conclusión de que el gasto público no ha cumplido con el papel complementario esperado, debido a que ha sido soslayado de las actividades productivas y se le ha asignado, en cambio, un rol improductivo.
Incidencia de las reglas fiscales en la sostenibilidad de la deuda pública territorial en Colombia
Authors: Chamorro Narváez Raúl Alberto , Urrea Bermúdez Andrés Felipe
Published: October 2015

Este documento aporta evidencia empírica acerca de la incidencia de las reglas fiscales en la sostenibilidad de la deuda pública territorial en Colombia. Mediante la metodología de datos panel, se encontró que el cumplimiento de la Ley 358 de 1997, la dependencia fiscal y la actividad económica influyen de manera positiva en la sostenibilidad de la deuda de las entidades territoriales, medida a través de su capacidad de pago. Entre tanto, el esfuerzo fiscal y los pasivos contingentes inciden de manera negativa. Finalmente, características como la rendición de cuentas, calidad en ejecución de políticas y ciclo político presupuestal, tienen un impacto significativo en la capacidad de pago de la deuda de las entidades territoriales.
Las crisis económicas y el escenario político en la introducción de reformas tributarias. La experiencia argentina (1980-2010) y una constatación para latinoamérica
Authors: Castañeda Víctor Mauricio
Published: October 2015

Este artículo analiza las reformas tributarias en Argentina entre 1980 y 2010, con base en las circunstancias económicas y políticas que las acompañaron. Se establece cómo las crisis económicas y la posición de poder político del gobierno inciden en el tipo de reformas que se promueven; el estudio muestra que en épocas de recesión se favorece el aumento del IVA, aunque ello está limitado por las condiciones que exhibe el escenario político en que se discuten las iniciativas legislativas. Además, este artículo presenta una constatación empírica que va más allá del caso argentino e incorpora a veinte países de América Latina y el Caribe, para identificar con sustento estadístico qué factores inciden en la aprobación de reformas que aumentan el IVA y los impuestos sobre la renta.
Preservación ambiental de la amazonia colombiana: retos para la política fiscal
Authors: Azuero Francisco , Rodríguez Jorge Armando
Published: October 2015

Este artículo explora los retos encarados por la política fiscal en la preservación de la Amazonia colombiana. Se discuten algunos sesgos en contra del gasto público ambiental y se examinan las modalidades de financiación de la función estatal de protección del ambiente en la región. Los autores arguyen que muchas de las herramientas fiscales empleadas en Colombia para el efecto generan incentivos contrarios a los objetivos de conservación. Además de que las externalidades ambientales rebasan allí las jurisdicciones de las entidades territoriales, la eficacia potencial de los gobiernos subnacionales de la Amazonia en el ámbito de la política ambiental es constreñida por su relativamente baja capacidad fiscal. La intervención del nivel nacional de gobierno, acompañada de la acción internacional, es vista como necesaria en el caso de la Amazonia.
Sub-national fiscal policy under cooperative and non-cooperative models
Authors: Melo-Becerra Ligia Alba
Published: October 2015

This article presents a comparative analysis of the optimal fiscal response to shocks in the sub-national public sector in cooperative and non-cooperative models. The analysis is undertaken by comparing models that assume idiosyncratic demandside shocks and sub-national autonomy to collect taxes, with models that assume that the central government collects the taxes of the whole country and redistributes them across regions. Results show that under symmetrical conditions, the non-cooperative solution may result in greater stabilization and lower sub-national public expenditure than the cooperative solution. However, if regional asymmetries are introduced into the model, results may be reversed.
Contenido total de fenoles y actividad antioxidante de pulpa de seis frutas tropicales
Authors: Moreno Elizabeth , Ortiz Blanca L. , Restrepo Luz P.
Published: October 2015

Seis pulpas de frutas tropicales de origen colombiano: curuba (Passiflora tripartida var. Mollissima), gulupa (Passiflora edulis Sims), aguacate variedad Hass (Persea America Mill), lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.), tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea Sendt) y uchuva (Physalis peruviana L) fueron empleadas para realizar el estudio del contenido total de fenoles, por el método de Folin Ciocalteu y la actividad antioxidante por los métodos químicos: DPPH (2,2-difenil-2-picrilhidrazilo) y FRAP (poder antioxidante para reducir iones férricos), y por los métodos biológicos: oxidación de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) e inhibición del estrés oxidativo sobre el crecimiento de Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Se encontró que el extracto de curuba presentó el mayor contenido total de fenoles con un valor de 683,48 ± 18,48 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico/100 g muestra B.H. (Base Húmeda). En cuanto a los ensayos de actividad antioxidante el extracto de aguacate presentó mayor actividad por el método DPPH con un valor de 165,10 ± 4,36 µmol Trolox/100 g muestra B.H., mientras que el extracto de curuba presentó la mayor actividad antioxidante por el método FRAP con un valor de 148,07 ± 12,07 µmol Trolox/g muestra B.H. En el ensayo de oxidación de LDL los extractos de curuba y uchuva presentaron la mayor capacidad de inhibición en la oxidación de dichas lipoproteínas con un valor de 1,61 ± 0,01 y 1,46 ± 0,06 nmol TMP (Tetrametoxipropano)/g muestra B.H., respectivamente. En el ensayo de inhibición del estrés oxidativo sobre el crecimiento de S. cerevisiae los extractos de aguacate, curuba y gulupa tuvieron el mayor efecto protector obteniéndose una concentración celular de 1,96 ×107 células/mL, 1,86 × 107 células/mL y 1,54 × 107 células/mL, respectivamente, comparados con lo encontrado al emplear ácido ascórbico como antioxidante sintético, con el cual se obtuvo 0,99 × 107 células/mL. De los extractos estudiados los que presentaron la mayor actividad antioxidante fueron los correspondientes a las pulpas de frutas de la familia pasiflorácea (curuba y gulupa) y laurácea (aguacate), mientras que de las solanáceas (lulo, uchuva y tomate de árbol), la uchuva presentó la mayor capacidad de inhibición de oxidación de las LDL. Dichas frutas son por lo tanto promisorias para posteriores estudios químicos y biológicos encaminados a su utilización en la industria, además, se puede afirmar que el consumo regular de la uchuva, aguacate, curuba y gulupa puede proporcionar una cantidad significativa de antioxidantes hidrofílicos y lipofílicos que generan beneficios en la salud humana mediante la prevención o mejora de las enfermedades.
L.S. Vygotsky's Principle "One Step in Learning — A Hundred Steps in Development": In Search of Evidence
Authors: Zaretsky V.K.
Published: October 2015

On the basis of L.S. Vygotsky's published works the paper attempts to trace the dynamics of his concepts of child development and to provide evidence supporting Vygotsky's statement that one step in learning equals a hundred in development, which is one of the key principles of cultural-historical theory in its application to child development. This statement is put in a row with two other major principles: one arguing that learning precedes development and the other referring to the zone of proximal development. The paper outlines a multivector model of the zone of proximal development as one of the conceptual tools of the reflective and activity approach to helping children overcome learning difficulties and promoting their development. The paper also describes a case study in which an orphan child with a disability received psychological and educational support that obviously contributed to the child's development. It is argued that L.S. Vygotsky's idea of the specific relationship between learning and development has fundamental theoretical and practical implications, in particular, for working with children with special needs.
Seasonal species interactions minimize the impact of species turnover on the likelihood of community persistence
Authors: Saavedra Serguei , Rohr Rudolf P. , Fortuna Miguel A. , Selva Nuria , Bascompte Jordi
Published: October 2015

Many of the observed species interactions embedded in ecological communities are not permanent, but are characterized by temporal changes that are observed along with abiotic and biotic variations. While work has been done describing and quantifying these changes, little is known about their consequences for species coexistence. Here, we investigate the extent to which changes of species composition impact the likelihood of persistence of the predator–prey community in the highly seasonal Białowiez˙a Primeval Forest (northeast Poland), and the extent to which seasonal changes of species interactions (predator diet) modulate the expected impact. This likelihood is estimated extending recent developments on the study of structural stability in ecological communities. We find that the observed species turnover strongly varies the likelihood of community persistence between summer and winter. Importantly, we demonstrate that the observed seasonal interaction changes minimize the variation in the likelihood of persistence associated with species turnover across the year. We find that these community dynamics can be explained as the coupling of individual species to their environment by minimizing both the variation in persistence conditions and the interaction changes between seasons. Our results provide a homeostatic explanation for seasonal species interactions and suggest that monitoring the association of interactions changes with the level of variation in community dynamics can provide a good indicator of the response of species to environmental pressures.
High-Performance Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Sequestration by Coupling Reservoir Simulation and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Bao Kai , Yan Mi , Allen Rebecca , Salama Amgad , Lu Ligang , Jordan Kirk E. , Sun Shuyu , Keyes David
Published: October 2015

The present work describes a parallel computational framework for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration simulation by coupling reservoir simulation and molecular dynamics (MD) on massively parallel high-performance-computing (HPC) systems. In this framework, a parallel reservoir simulator, reservoir-simulation toolbox (RST), solves the flow and transport equations that describe the subsurface flow behavior, whereas the MD simulations are performed to provide the required physical parameters. Technologies from several different fields are used to make this novel coupled system work efficiently.

One of the major applications of the framework is the modeling of large-scale CO2 sequestration for long-term storage in subsurface geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs and deep saline aquifers, which has been proposed as one of the few attractive and practical solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and address the global-warming threat. Fine grids and accurate prediction of the properties of fluid mixtures under geological conditions are essential for accurate simulations. In this work, CO2 sequestration is presented as a first example for coupling reservoir simulation and MD, although the framework can be extended naturally to the full multiphase multicomponent compositional flow simulation to handle more complicated physical processes in the future.

Accuracy and scalability analysis are performed on an IBM BlueGene/P and on an IBM BlueGene/Q, the latest IBM supercomputer. Results show good accuracy of our MD simulations compared with published data, and good scalability is observed with the massively parallel HPC systems. The performance and capacity of the proposed framework are well-demonstrated with several experiments with hundreds of millions to one billion cells.

To the best of our knowledge, the present work represents the first attempt to couple reservoir simulation and molecular simulation for large-scale modeling. Because of the complexity of subsurface systems, fluid thermodynamic properties over a broad range of temperature, pressure, and composition under different geological conditions are required, although the experimental results are limited. Although equations of state can reproduce the existing experimental data within certain ranges of conditions, their extrapolation out of the experimental data range is still limited. The present framework will definitely provide better flexibility and predictability compared with conventional methods.
Obtaining a Seismic Image Above the Top VSP Level Using Sea Surface Multiple - A Case Study in Nam Con Son Basin, Offshore Vietnam
Authors: Dac The Nguyen , Sanders Michael , Anh Tuan Ngo Nguyen , Solovyov Yuri , Ninh Tran Duc , Binh Kieu Nguyen , Luong Duc Le , Nguyen My T. , Thong Dang Trung , Van Du Dang , Van Dinh Tran , Van Lam Tran , Van Thang Nguyen , Le Quoc Thinh , Trung Nguyen Thanh , Dung Hoang
Published: October 2015

The Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) technique is routinely used to create seismic images near the wellbore and traditionally only the up-going wavefield is used to image the subsurface below the receivers. The standard VSP technique does not give any information of the seismic image above the well trajectory. The objective here is to produce a seismic image above the top receiver depth up to sea floor using the downgoing multiples recorded in the VSP for a more complete seismic to well-tie.

A seismic source is positioned below Mean Sea Level and deployed near the wellhead. The source signal is recorded by a downhole receiver that is moved to cover a large number of depth levels in the well. The upgoing and downgoing arrivals are separated during processing; the up-going wavefield is used for subsurface illumination while the down- going wavefield and multiples are normally excluded from the processing. The standard VSP technique using VSP upgoing wavefield gives a seismic image along the range of receiver depths and below the well trajectory. However, a VSP image can also be obtained from the downgoing multiple sequences.

The main application of processing the sea surface multiple is to obtain a VSP image of formations above the top receiver depth which is unattainable with standard VSP technique. Results show that by using multiples, illumination coverage increases significantly in comparison to using primaries. In addition, reflectors above the shallowest receiver can be imaged by multiples, including the sea bed itself. This can be useful for different purposes such as shallow hazard identification for sidetracks or to avoid the expense of in-fill nodal seismic below the rig. We also show that the image obtained from the VSP multiples can have good resolution comparing to the surface seismic data, with better signal to noise ratio especially for the shallower reflectors. The VSP data is true amplitude, zero-phase and perfectly tied in depth and in time.

By using the sea surface related VSP multiples and the mirror imaging technique, the VSP image was extended successfully above the well trajectory up to the sea floor and shows a good correlation with the surface seismic. In this case study, we present some results of using the sea surface downgoing multiple for this unconventional VSP technique.
Surveillance Helps to Get a Better Understanding of Reservoir Connectivity in Azeri Part of ACG
Authors: Kuramshina Najiya , Ibrahimov Turan
Published: October 2015

Accurate and timely information is essential to monitor, control and manage reservoir and well performance. At the present, production and reservoir engineers as well as production geologists have a challenging task of managing oil and gas reservoirs. This requires a broad knowledge of the reservoir supported by fit-for-purpose integrated technologies and real time access to relevant data. In the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field development, downhole information is commonly acquired through uses of LWD (logging while drilling) tools to obtain a standard log suite and obtain formation pressure measurement, production logging and well testing. In addition, Downhole Temperature Sensors (DTS) has been installed on someACG wells to provide continuous temperature readings across the reservoir so as to obtain critical understanding of reservoir behaviour, connectivity and fluid distribution.
Integration of DTS with Conventional Surveillance Data for Planning a Water Injection Target Location
Authors: Ismayilov Aydin , Sheydayev Ali , Lokke Paul , Rzayev Elshan , Kin Maria Lum
Published: October 2015

Integration of field surveillance data is important to understand reservoir description and dynamics particularly for waterflood schemes in which injector-producer connectivity is necessary for the expected oil recovery improvement. This paper shows an example of integration of DTS with other surveillance data to optimise the placement of a water injector in the complex northern part of the Deep Water Gunashli (DWG) field, Azerbaijan. Some of the dynamic data responses and trends were inconclusive but Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) evidence from two wells were instrumental in showing good pressure communication within the complex north-flank area, and water injection in the lower sands only.
Equipment for Offshore Oil Well Abandonment Operations
Authors: Ismayilov F. S. , Ibadov G. G.
Published: October 2015

For the safe and environmentally sound abandonment of wells in the marine environment it is necessary to insulate the producing formation and sources of cross-flows located aside and the annular pressure, preventing the release of the surface of the reservoir fluids.

A newly developed set of equipment enhances the reliability of abandonment by the hermetic and securely-linked overlap inside the production string at a certain depth below the producing formation, and the conductor's (technical) outside the column at the bottom of the sea.

Complex equipment can be used both for elimination of wells with existing platforms or platform, as well as the abandonment of wells without marine platform or platform, with a curved or broken stem out of the ability to perform the necessary technological tripping operations tubing. The latest version of the liquidation operations are carried out by specially-equipped craft equipped with a team of divers to perform tripping operations with rope techniques and parallel descent and ascent cementing hose to install a cement bridge in production casing.

Installation of liquidation cutting equipment includes a wellbore at 1,0 ÷ 1,2 m from the seabed and directly riser at the seabed.

Installing the packer-plug in the production string is fulfilled by downhole hydraulic jack run by a cable and two high-pressure hose. For reliable covering conductor's (technical) column there are fulfilled the run and installation of mechanical and hydraulic packer at outer surface of conductor packer.

The packaging arrangement allows for molding internal pressure as planted in the production casing packer plug-top and planted on the outer surface of the outer conductor's column packer inside.
Efficiency Improvement of Abrasive Jet Perforation
Authors: Chernyshov Sergey E. , Galkin Sergey V. , Krisin Nikolay I. , Turbakov Mikhail S. , Riabokon Evgenii P.
Published: October 2015

This paper shows and analyzes causes of oil reservoir properties deterioration. It describes changes in rock sate of stress during well drilling and perforation and analyzes existing technologies for oil well perforation. It is shown that abrasive jet perforation is the most efficient gentle method for well perforation. Upgraded abrasive jet perforation technology is proposed.

That takes into account speed of wearing out of nozzles made of composite materials under abrasive jet influence of sand carrier based on mathematical simulation of well conditions. Due to qualitative well perforation proposed technology increases well productivity and decreases energy consumption.
Experience of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods At Azerbaijan Fields
Authors: Ibragimov Kh. M. , Abdullayeva F. , Guseynova N. I.
Published: October 2015

One of the advanced trends of present-day scientific and technological thought is the development of biotechnology, which solve such the challenges of our life as environmental, raw materials, food and energy. Biotechnology widely develops in the oil industry as well. Success of biotechnological stimulation methods is associated with the achievements of the petroleum microbiology. Studies of geochemical activity of microorganisms allow us to formulate and prove stimulation concept, which is based on the use of microorganisms - their ability to generate biogas, surface-active compounds, organic acids, polymers.

Microbial activity under reservoir conditions have a significant effect on physical and chemical properties of reservoir fluids, on the mechanism of the formation micro-processes and as a result affect oil recovery. Especially remarkable results have been obtained in depleted fields where application of conventional physical and chemical displacement methods is inefficient and unprofitable. Application of biotechnology in many advanced oil countries of the world gives positive results.

Due to the fact that onshore fields are in the late stage of development, marked by large residual oil reserves and degradation of their structure and quality, biotechnology is widely used in Azerbaijan. In the proposed report on the basis of long term experience we have provided the material on development and successful use of biotechnologies and their modifications in the oil fields of the republic.