bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of stanniocalcin 1 binding and signaling in gill cells of Japanese eels
Authors: Gu J , Law A Y S , Yeung B H Y , Wong Chris K C
Published: April 2015

Stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) is a hypocalcemic hormone that is known to play an important role in calcium metabolism in teleost fish. An increase in blood Ca2+levels stimulates its synthesis and release. The biological action of STC1 inhibits gill Ca2+transport (GCAT), but we as yet have no clear understanding of how STC1 inhibits GCAT. In the present study, we characterized the binding, signaling, and action of STC1 on gill cells. Treatment of gill cell cultures with the extracts of corpuscles of Stannius or recombinant STC1 proteins (STC1–V5) led to an increase in cytosolic cAMP levels. Usingin situligand-binding assays, we demonstrated that STC1–V5 binds to both lamellar and inter-lamellar regions of gill sections. The binding sites were significantly increased in gill sections obtained from fish adapted to high-Ca2+(2 mM) freshwater (FW) as compared with those from fish adapted to low-Ca2+(0.2 mM) FW. Receptor-binding assays illustrated specific binding of STC1-alkaline phosphatase to plasma membrane (Kdof 0.36 nM), mitochondria (Kdof 0.41 nM), and nuclear (Kdof 0.71 nM) preparations from gill cells. STC1 binding capacity was significantly greater in the plasma membrane preparations of gills obtained from fish adapted to high-Ca2+FW. Using isolated pavement cells and mitochondria-rich cells in cAMP assays, we obtained results indicating that both cell types responded to STC1. To illustrate the biological action of STC1, we conducted Ca2+imaging experiments to demonstrate the effects of STC1 on thapsigargin-induced elevation of cytosolic Ca2+. Our results indicated that STC1 exerted its inhibitory action via a cAMP pathway to lower intracellular Ca2+levels. Intriguingly, we were able to block the action of STC1 using an inhibitor, NS-398, of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is known to stimulate the activity of sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA). A follow-up experiment in which gill cells were incubated with STC1 revealed a downregulation of the epithelial Ca2+channel (ecacl) but an upregulation ofcox-2expression. The ECaCl is a gatekeeper for Ca2+entry, whereas COX-2 mediates an activation of SERCA. Taking these results together, the present study is, to our knowledge, the first to provide evidence of STC1 binding and signaling as well as the first to decipher the mechanism of the effect of STC1 on fish gills.
Saturniidae and Sphingidae (Lepidoptera, Bombycoidea) assemblage in Vossoroca, Tijucas do Sul, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: SANTOS FÁBIO L. , CASAGRANDE MIRNA M. , MIELKE OLAF H.H.
Published: April 2015

The richness and abundance of the assemblage of species in a community are a way to understand the patterns of diversity found around the world. This study describes the assemblages of Saturniidae and Sphingidae in an area of Montana Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, Tijucas do Sul, Paraná, Brazil, 880m, 25º50'8.93"S, 49º 02'55.20"W. Samples were collected between November 2010 and September 2011 during two nights at the twelve new moons periods with a light trap equipped with black light lamp (ultraviolet) of 46 watts between two mercury mixed-light lamps HWL 250 watts from 6:00 p.m to 06:00 a.m. The sampling effort totaled 288 hours. This sampling effort was responsible for the capture of 1235 specimens, distributed in 124 species: 858 specimens and 86 species of Saturniidae, and 377 specimens and 38 species of Sphingidae. It is noteworthy the sampling of 10 new species: one of Automerella Michener, 1949, two of Hylesia Hübner, [1820], one of Lonomia Walker, 1855 and six of Periga Walker, 1855, that will be described.
ESTIMATIVA DA EROSIVIDADE DE CHUVAS NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ PELO MÉTODO DA PLUVIOMETRIA: ATUALIZAÇÃO COM DADOS DE 1986 A 2008
Authors: Waltrick Paulo Cesar , Machado Marco Aurélio de Mello , Dieckow Jeferson , Oliveira Dalziza de
Published: April 2015

Três estimativas de erosividade de chuvas no Estado do Paraná foram feitas nas décadas de 1980-90, mas nenhuma outra depois. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram atualizar, numa quarta estimativa, as informações de erosividade anual das chuvas para o Paraná, com dados pluviométricos de 1986 a 2008; e gerar informações de erosividade mensal para identificar a distribuição temporal da erosividade. Foram utilizados os métodos pluviográfico e pluviométrico de determinação de erosividade. O primeiro serviu para revalidar equações prévias de correlação entre erosividade por pluviografia e por pluviometria, isso feito em três localidades; já o segundo, para calcular o coeficiente de chuva em 114 localidades, utilizando-se dados de precipitação média mensal e anual, e então a erosividade, com as equações de correlação revalidadas. Mapas de erosividade anual e mensal foram gerados por interpolações geoestatísticas. A erosividade variou entre 5.449 e 12.581 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 ano-1 e aumentou no sentido oeste, a partir da região metropolitana de Curitiba; e no sentido sul, a partir do noroeste paranaense. Isso resultou em maiores erosividades nas regiões centro-sul (Guarapuava), centro-ocidental (Campo Mourão), oeste (Cascavel) e, principalmente, sudoeste (Pato Branco). Também houve incremento de erosividade a partir da região metropolitana de Curitiba, no sentido leste, indicando o litoral como outra região crítica em termos de erosividade. A maior erosividade mensal ocorreu em janeiro (média estadual de 1394 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 mês-1), seguida por tendência de diminuição até agosto (331 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 mês-1), quando então tornou a aumentar. Porém, ocorrem dois importantes repiques de erosividade: um em maio e outro em outubro (843 e 1.173 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 mês-1, respectivamente), principalmente nas regiões sudoeste e oeste. Esses repiques coincidem com períodos de implantação de culturas de inverno ou de verão nessas regiões. Em relação à última estimativa de erosividade anual, feita em 1993, houve aumento da área delimitada pela linha isoerodente de 11.000 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 ano-1 nas regiões sudoeste e oeste e um deslocamento das linhas isoerodentes de 7.000 e 8.000 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 ano-1 para o sentido leste nas regiões norte pioneiro, centro-oriental e sudeste, sugerindo elevação da erosividade nessas regiões. Tais alterações de erosividade podem estar associadas às eventuais mudanças no clima da região, mas também ao simples fato de este estudo estar considerando maior quantidade de dados em relação aos estudos anteriores. Concluiu-se que as equações de correlação determinadas entre os métodos pluviográfico e pluviométrico, obtidas para o Paraná em trabalhos anteriores, continuam válidas; os meses críticos quanto à erosividade são janeiro, maio e outubro; e as menores erosividades ocorrem nas regiões noroeste e metropolitana do Estado.
LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDES: NANOMATERIALS FOR APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Benício Luíz Paulo Figueredo , Silva Rejane Alvarenga , Lopes Júnia Aparecida , Eulálio Denise , Santos Rodrigo Morais Menezes dos , Aquino Leonardo Angelo de , Vergütz Leonardus , Novais Roberto Ferreira , Costa Liovando Marciano da , Pinto Frederico Garcia , Tronto Jairo
Published: April 2015

The current research aims to introduce Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) as nanomaterials to be used in agriculture, with particular reference to its use as storage and slow release matrix of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant growing. Structural characteristics, main properties, synthesis methods and characterization of LDH were covered in this study. Moreover, some literature data have been reported to demonstrate their potential for storage and slow release of nitrate, phosphate, agrochemicals, besides as being used as adsorbent for the wastewater treatment. This research aims to expand, in near future, the investigation field on these materials, with application in agriculture, increasing the interface between chemistry and agronomy.
[18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Standardized Uptake Value as a Predictor of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Benefits in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Hsieh Te-Chun , Hsieh Ching Yun , Yang Tse Yen , Chen Tzu Ting , Lin Chen Yuan , Lin Ching-Chan , Hua Chung Hung , Chiu Chang-Fang , Yeh Su-Peng , Sher Yuh Pyng
Published: April 2015

Background.

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is controversial, and the identification of adequate predictive factors is warranted. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the mean standardized uptake value (SUV) measured on [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) could predict the survival benefits for NPC patients that receive adjuvant chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods.

The data for 174 NPC patients who underwent PET/computed tomography before chemoradiation between January 2004 and January 2012 were reviewed. The SUV75% was recorded for primary tumors. All patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of 3 cycles of 75 mg/m2 cisplatin and 1,000 mg/m2 fluorouracil for 4 days.

Results.

The optimal cutoff value was 8.35 for SUV75%, with 112 (64.4%) patients having lower SUV75% and 62 (35.6%) having higher SUV75%. Patients with lower SUV75% had significantly better 5-year overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis-free survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor stage, SUV75%, and adjuvant chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors for OS. Patients with higher SUV75% had significantly higher 5-year OS rates with adjuvant chemotherapy than without adjuvant chemotherapy (84.3% vs. 32.4%, respectively; p < .001). However, in the lower SUV75% group, no differences in 5-year OS were observed between patients who received and those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (92.4% vs. 93.3%, respectively; p = .682).

Conclusion.

The SUV75% on FDG PET for primary tumors could successfully identify NPC patients who may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Low and atmospheric plasma polymerisation of nanocoatings for bio-applications
Authors: Bhatt Sudhir , Pulpytel Jerome , Arefi-Khonsari Farzaneh
Published: April 2015

There exists an abundant literature on polymers used for biomedical applications. However, the research described in this article deals with the plasma (co)polymerisation of different organic precursors for surface modifications of a variety of substrates in order to tailor the physico-chemical properties of the substrates for tuneable biomolecule–surface interactions. The major part of the work presented focuses on the low-pressure inductively excited plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition of organic precursors for the functionalisations of material. In the second part of the article, an open-air custom-made atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet is discussed for the anti-fouling applications. This special focus aims to elaborate the state of the art of different low and atmospheric pressure plasma-deposited polymers for anti-fouling applications, cell–surface interactions and tissue engineering applications.
SENSORY GARDEN AS INTEGRAL PART OF THE TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES AND RECREATIONAL OF PUBLIC ACCESS
Authors: DINEEVA Anna Mikhaylovna
Published: April 2015

This article draws a parallel between the historical experience of therapeutically oriented sensory space and current understanding of sensory garden as integral part of the territorial organization of rehabilitation facilities and recreational areas of public access. Established modular structure of sensory standards (as a dynamic structure that responds to the demands of social, economic, political and cultural aspects) will speed up the process of adaptation of the person with disabilities in society.
SOLVING OF ENERGY-SAVINGS PROBLEM IN MAJOR REPAIRS OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF FLAT BUILDINGS
Authors: SABUROV Valery V. , GALITSKOV Stanislav Ya. , ALESHIN Andrey N.
Published: April 2015

For the purpose of solving of energy saving problem in housing and utility sector the ways of overcoming of contradictions between modern requirements for energy supply systems and the Rules of electric installation design, between standard rate of consumption and actual electric loads in modern fl ats are viewed. The severization of requirements for electric shock protection effi ciency, the ground systems upgrading, the indoor systems engineering status modernization, the infl uence of automatic management and control systems of water and heat supply, the using of security and fault detection systems in major repairs of electricity supply systems of fl at buildings are analyzed.
A biophysical basis for patchy mortality during heat waves
Authors: Mislan K. A. S. , Wethey David S.
Published: April 2015

Extreme heat events cause patchy mortality in many habitats. We examine biophysical mechanisms responsible for patchy mortality in beds of the competitively dominant ecosystem engineer, the marine mussel Mytilus californianus, on the west coast of the United States. We used a biophysical model to predict daily fluctuations in body temperature at sites from southern California to Washington and used results of laboratory experiments on thermal tolerance to determine mortality rates from body temperature. In our model, we varied the rate of thermal conduction within mussel beds and found that this factor can account for large differences in body temperature and consequent mortality during heat waves. Mussel beds provide structural habitat for other species and increase local biodiversity, but, as sessile organisms, they are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Identifying critical biophysical mechanisms related to mortality and ecological performance will improve our ability to predict the effects of climate change on these vulnerable ecosystems.
Health Awareness Days: Sufficient Evidence to Support the Craze?
Authors: Purtle Jonathan , Roman Leah A.
Published: April 2015

Health awareness initiatives are a ubiquitous intervention strategy. Nearly 200 health awareness days, weeks, and months are on the US National Health Observances calendar, and more than 145 awareness day bills have been introduced in Congress since 2005.

We contend that health awareness days are not held to appropriate scrutiny given the scale at which they have been embraced and are misaligned with research on the social determinants of health and the tenets of ecological models of health promotion. We examined health awareness days from a critical public health perspective and offer empirically supported recommendations to advance the intervention strategy.

If left unchecked, health awareness days may do little more than reinforce ideologies of individual responsibility and the false notion that adverse health outcomes are simply the product of misinformed behaviors.
Risk Associated With The Decompression Of High Pressure High Temperature Fluids - Study On Black Oil
Authors: Figueroa D.C. , Fosbøl P. L. , Thomsen K.
Published: April 2015

Fluids produced from deep underground reservoirs may result in exponential increase in temperature. It is a consequence of adiabatic fluid decompression from the inverse Joule Thomson Effect (JTE). The phenomenon requires analysis in order to avoid any operational risks. This study evaluates the JTE upon decompression of black oil in high pressure-high temperature reservoirs. Also the effect caused by the presence of water and brine on the black oil is studied.

The final temperature is calculated from the corresponding energy balance at isenthalpic and non-isenthalpic conditions. It is found that the final temperature of black oil increases upon adiabatic decompression. In the case of the isenthalpic process at initial conditions of the reservoir, e.g. 150°C and 1000 bars, it is found that the final temperature can increase to 173.7°C. At non-isenthalpic conditions the final temperature increases as well, but the increase is less. The effect of water is studied at different water fractions; it results in lower increase of the final temperature than observed for black oil. The presence of brine in black oil is also studied at different brine fractions. The addition of brine increases the final temperature but the increase is less than for pure black oil. Therefore, the presence of water and brine in black oil diminishes the heating effect observed initially for black oil.
Performance Step Change in Deviated Hole Enlargement While Drilling; Planning and Advanced Downhole Measurements Implementation in 17 1/2 X 20-in. and 14 3/4 X 17 1/2-in. Sections, Offshore Norway
Authors: Koberg Ulrich , Harmer Richard , Hassan Haitham Khalil , Labrousse Sebastien , Belmouloud Hichem
Published: April 2015

The Gullfaks field was discovered in 1979 and has been developed via three production platforms. To meet objectives the well designs require 20-in. and/or 17 ½-in. hole sections drilled to high angle (50° to 80° inclination), through the Utsira and Sotra formations and into the top of the Stord.

The Sotra member within the Hordaland group, contains intervals of claystone and sandstone with a significant strength contrast, some thin intervals of dolomite may also be present. Performance under-reaming-while-drilling the 20-in. section has been variable, typically requiring between two to four bit runs due to cutting structure, drillstring and downhole tool failures.

In an attempt to fully evaluate the downhole drilling environment, a new technology providing a comprehensive suite of advanced real-time and recorded-mode measurements of the drilling process was introduced. This information was used in the execution phase with remote interpretation support from drilling analysts. The higher resolution recorded data were analyzed in detail and used to calibrate models of the drilling process.

The information obtained enhanced understanding of the Sotra formation and the downhole behavior of the drilling system. This increased understanding resulted in changes to operational procedures and bottom hole assembly design, which reduced the risk of drillstring and downhole tool failures. For the first time this hole section was drilled in one bit run, validating the feasibility of this approach, which was then transferred into the hole opening while drilling operations within a satellite field.

Examples are included with novel insight into the response of under-reaming assemblies as the reamer encounters formation changes, an in-depth analysis of the static and dynamic loads placed on the bottom hole assemblies, and the impact of refinements to drilling procedures.
Interactions of Fines with Oil and its Implication in Smart Water Flooding
Authors: Chakravarty Krishna Hara , Fosbøl Philip Loldrup , Thomsen Kaj
Published: April 2015

Migration of fines has been observed during water flooding in chalk reservoirs and has been suggested to play a key role in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). But, the exact role of fines is not well studied for carbonate reservoirs. This study shows that addition of water and crude oil on calcite fines leads to formation of soluble oil micelles in the water phase. Formation of these micelles and its implication in EOR has been experimentally analyzed.

To study this phenomenon different water insoluble salts were used as fines including, Li2CO3, MgCO3, CaCO3, CaSO4, SrSO4 and BaSO4 to which oil and water was added. To study conditions of oil micelles formation, design oil was used consisting of hexane and hexadecane. Heptanoic acid and stearic acid were doped in various compositions to mimic the acid number of the oil. Experiments were conducted for pure crude oil and doped oil to understand its implications in EOR. Composition of initial and final floating oil was obtained through gas chromatographic (GC) analysis. The two were thereafter compared to obtain the composition of micelles formed.

The experiments showed that oil micelles are only formed when polar hydrocarbons are present in the oil. Different mixtures of alkanes did not produce any micelle. In oil containing stearic acid it was observed that around 95% of the initial stearic acid was accumulated in the micelles and only 5% was found in the floating oil. In oil samples containing heptanoic acid only 50-60% of its initial amount was accumulated in the micelles. This indicates heavier acids can form more stable micelles. Oil micelles were produced in all the different fines used, but the composition of these micelles where dependent on the salt anions. In all carbonates, lighter acids preferred micelles formation with lighter alkane, (indicated by intensification of heavier alkane in the floating oil compared to the initial oil) and vice versa for heavier acids. While no such selectivity in micelles formation was observed in any of the sulfates. Results obtained with crude oil and doped oil and designed oil were consistent. These results show that fines (of insoluble carbonate) released during core fracturing, or (sparingly soluble sulfates) formed during smart water flooding can form mixed wet water soluble oil micelles and help in mobilization of trapped oil along with increasing sweep efficiency.

The results clearly show oil micelles formation in the water phase from the interactions of oil with fines, and also provide a detailed understanding of its composition under different conditions. The study highlights the significance of fines during smart water flooding in carbonate reservoirs and shows how its role in EOR can be mistakenly underestimated.
Possibilities, Limitations and Pitfalls in Using Real-Time Well Flow Models During Drilling Operations
Authors: Bjørkevoll Knut Steinar , Daireaux Benoit , Berg Per Cato
Published: April 2015

The paper discusses possibilities, limitations and pitfalls in using advanced real time mathematical models during drilling operations, and in particular the real time calibration of such models vs. available sensor data. Examples from recent MPD operations in the North Sea, as supported by real-time model-based interpretation and automation are shown and discussed.

Real time mathematical models for drilling, including hydraulic and mechanical models at different levels of sophistication, are used to provide decision support and to automate parts of operations. This is often combined with managed pressure drilling (MPD) as the pressure margins are very small, operations are complex, and robust automation may help a lot to improve performance and robustness of the overall system.

An important part of successful use of real time mathematical models is robust calibration of models, in particularly when there is significant deviation between the model prediction and the measured data. Reasons for deviation include inaccurate data for fluid properties, string and well geometry, survey data, temperature profile etc. In addition real time data may be inaccurate or delayed, and the mathematical model itself may be inaccurate under the actual conditions. Whenever data deviate from model and are considered sufficiently reliable, the mathematical model should be adjusted to meet measurements; manually, automatically or a combination.

There are many pitfalls and challenges related to model calibration, especially when done automatically or from predefined procedures by an inexperienced operator, accordingly efforts to develop robust procedures or algorithms are important. The paper will contribute to this development by discussing challenges in detail, and experience from real operations will be described to illustrate the points. Focus will be on when and what parameters to be calibrated, rather than the calibration technique.

The work presented shows that models can add significant value to operations, but robust implementation and procedures are necessary to avoid the pitfalls, which a.o. include use of inaccurate configuration data, invalid real time data, misinterpretation and inferior action when model deviates from measured data.

The paper analyses use and calibration of advanced real time models for decision support and automation, and illustrates the discussion with field experience from a recent, successful North Sea operation. The paper is thus a useful reference and guidance for people working with model based decision support and automation, including experience and analysis not published earlier.
Innovative Approach to Workover Operations Utilize Field Proven Premium Stage Cementing Solutions
Authors: Davis Tim , Frisby Ray , Stewart P.E. John
Published: April 2015

To maximize the value of aging assets, workover operations are often required to extend the producing life of the wells within a given field. In many of these cases, symptoms such as sustained casing pressure (SCP) and lost production arise indicating a loss of wellbore integrity. Regardless of the root cause, industry regulations or internal, operator-specific requirements routinely mandate that wellbore integrity is reestablished for the remaining life of the well. These operations can often be extremely challenging as there is typically a high level of uncertainty in regards to the condition of the casing, cement, and other downhole components.

Many field assets have exceeded the original anticipated life span. Wells are typically designed for a 25- to 30-year lifespan with an expectation they will no longer be economically viable after that amount of time. As recovery technology has advanced, many of these fields still have profitable volumes of oil in place if the well integrity and infrastructure of the asset remains viable. Extending well life by 15 – 25 years is not uncommon now for some operators (1). There are typically some number of wells in the inventory which have integrity issues. To extend the life of the asset and allow continued production, an investment in well integrity and/or alteration of well design must be addressed. This paper will provide examples of real challenges operators have faced to ensure well integrity in order to extend the life of a well in aging fields.
Facies Parameterization and Estimation for Complex Reservoirs - The Brugge Field
Authors: Chang Yuqing , Stordal Andreas S. , Valestrand Randi
Published: April 2015

Data assimilation using ensemble-based inversion methods has been successfully applied for parameter estimation in reservoir models. However, in certain complex reservoir models, it remains challenging to estimate the model parameters and preserve the geological realism simultaneously. In particular, when handling special reservoir model parameters such as facies types concerning fluvial channels, geological realism becomes one of the key concerns. The main objective of this work is to address this issue on a real field with a newly extended version of a recently proposed facies parameterization approach coupled with ensemble-based data assimilation techniques. The proposed workflow combines the new facies parameterization and the IAGM filter into the data assimilation framework for channelized reservoirs. In order to handle discrete facies parameters, we combine probability maps and truncated Gaussian fields to obtain a continuous parameterization of the facies fields. For the data assimilation we use the Iterative Adaptive Gaussian Mixture (IAGM) Filter, which is an efficient history matching approach that incorporates a resampling routine which allows us to regenerate facies fields using information from the updated probability maps. This workflow is evaluated, for the first time, on a complex field case - the Brugge field. This reservoir model consist of layers with complex channelized structures and layers characterized by reservoir properties generated with variograms. With limited prior knowledge on uncertain facies models, this workflow is shown to be able to preserve the channel continuity while reducing the reservoir model uncertainty with IAGM. When applied to complex real field studies, it provides a geologically consistent and realistic reservoir model which leads to improved capability of predicting subsurface flow behaviors.
A Novel Angiogenesis Inhibitor Bevacizumab Induces Apoptosis in the Rat Endometriosis Model
Authors: Soysal D. , Kızıldağ S. , Saatlı B. , Posacı C. , Soysal S. , Koyuncuoğlu M. , Doğan Ö. E.
Published: April 2015

Our aim was to investigate the effects of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody Bevacizumab on endometrial explants and on apoptotic gene expression levels in the rat endometriosis model. Endometriotic implants were surgically formed, and rats treated with (i) 1 mg/kg single subcutaneous injection of depot leuprolide acetate; (ii) 2.5 mg/kg of single intaperitoneal injection of bevacizumab; (iii) intraperitoneal injection of saline. Histopathologic scores and adhesion scores of endometriotic foci and levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Cytochrome c (Cyt-c), B-cell lymphoma/ leukemia 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) mRNA gene expressions of endometriotic foci. Bevacizumab treatment decreased the endometriotic explant size compared with control. Bevacizumab-treated rats had lower total adhesion scores when compared with the control group. Semiquantitative evaluation of the persistence of endometrial epithelial cells in the explants showed a lower score in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist-treated rats compared with control rats. In Bevacizumab increased expression of Bax 3.1-fold, Cyt-c 1.3-fold and decreased expression of Bcl-2 0.4-fold, Bcl-xl 0.8-fold compared with the control group. The GnRH agonist increased expression of Bax 3.0 fold, Cyt-c 1.3 fold and decreased expression of Bcl-2 0.4-fold, Bcl-xl 0.8-fold, compared with the control group. This study suggests that a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab is as effective as GnRH agonist in the regression of the endometriotic lesions in rat endometriosis model. One possible mechanism of this effect is the induction of apoptosis.
Sum-Frequency-Generation-Based Laser Sidebands for Tunable Femtosecond Raman Spectroscopy in the Ultraviolet
Authors: Zhu Liangdong , Liu Weimin , Wang Yanli , Fang Chong
Published: April 2015

Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) is an emerging molecular structural dynamics technique for functional materials characterization typically in the visible to near-IR range. To expand its applications we have developed a versatile FSRS setup in the ultraviolet region. We use the combination of a narrowband, ~400 nm Raman pump from a home-built second harmonic bandwidth compressor and a tunable broadband probe pulse from sum-frequency-generation-based cascaded four-wave mixing (SFG-CFWM) laser sidebands in a thin BBO crystal. The ground state Raman spectrum of a laser dye Quinolon 390 in methanol that strongly absorbs at ~355 nm is systematically studied as a standard sample to provide previously unavailable spectroscopic characterization in the vibrational domain. Both the Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectra can be collected by selecting different orders of SFG-CFWM sidebands as the probe pulse. The stimulated Raman gain with the 402 nm Raman pump is >21 times larger than that with the 550 nm Raman pump when measured at the 1317 cm−1 peak for the aromatic ring deformation and ring-H rocking mode of the dye molecule, demonstrating that pre-resonance enhancement is effectively achieved in the unique UV-FSRS setup. This added tunability in the versatile and compact optical setup enables FSRS to better capture transient conformational snapshots of photosensitive molecules that absorb in the UV range.
Emissions of Escherichia coli Carrying Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Resistance from Pig Farms to the Surrounding Environment
Authors: Gao Lili , Tan Yeke , Zhang Xiaodan , Hu Jiaqing , Miao Zengmin , Wei Liangmeng , Chai Tongjie
Published: April 2015

The dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) from food-producing animals to the surrounding environment has attracted much attention. To determine the emissions of ESBL-producing E. coli from pig farms to the surrounding environment, fecal and environmental samples from six pig farms were collected. In total, 119 ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated from feces, air samples, water, sludge and soil samples. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the ESBL-producing isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics and isolates of different origin within the same farm showed similar resistance phenotypes. Both CTX-M and TEM ESBL-encoding genes were detected in these isolates. CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-15 were the predominant ESBL genes identified. ESBL producers from feces and environmental samples within the same farm carried similar CTX-M types. The results indicated that the ESBL-producing E. coli carrying multidrug resistance could readily disseminate to the surrounding environment.
Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Enterococcus Species Isolated from Hospital and Domestic Wastewater Effluents in Alice, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Iweriebor Benson , Gaqavu Sisipho , Obi Larry , Nwodo Uchechukwu , Okoh Anthony
Published: April 2015

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms are on the increase worldwide and are responsible for substantial cases of therapeutic failures. Resistance of species of Enterococcus to antibiotics is linked to their ability to acquire and disseminate antimicrobial resistance determinants in nature, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be one of the main reservoirs of such antibiotic resistant bacteria. We therefore determined the antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of some common Enterococcus spp that are known to be associated with human infections that were recovered from hospital wastewater and final effluent of the receiving wastewater treatment plant in Alice, Eastern Cape. Methods: Wastewater samples were simultaneously collected from two sites (Victoria hospital and final effluents of a municipal WWTP) in Alice at about one to two weeks interval during the months of July and August 2014. Samples were screened for the isolation of enterococci using standard microbiological methods. The isolates were profiled molecularly after targeted generic identification and speciation for the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Results: Out of 66 presumptive isolates, 62 were confirmed to belong to the Enterococcus genusof which 30 were identified to be E. faecalis and 15 E. durans. The remaining isolates were not identified by the primers used in the screening procedure. Out of the six virulence genes that were targeted only three of them; ace, efaA, and gelE were detected. There was a very high phenotypic multiple resistance among the isolates and these were confirmed by genetic analyses. Conclusions: Analyses of the results obtained indicated that hospital wastewater may be one of the sources of antibiotic resistant bacteria to the receiving WWTP. Also, findings revealed that the final effluent discharged into the environment was contaminated with multi-resistant enterococci species thus posing a health hazard to the receiving aquatic environment as these could eventually be transmitted to humans and animals that are exposed to it.
Conductive Polymer Porous Film with Tunable Wettability and Adhesion
Authors: Teng Yuqi , Zhang Yuqi , Heng Liping , Meng Xiangfu , Yang Qiaowen , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2015

A conductive polymer porous film with tunable wettability and adhesion was fabricated by the chloroform solution of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyricacid-methyl-ester (PCBM) via the freeze drying method. The porous film could be obtained from the solution of 0.8 wt%, whose pore diameters ranged from 50 nm to 500 nm. The hydrophobic porous surface with a water contact angle (CA) of 144.7° could be transferred into a hydrophilic surface with CA of 25° by applying a voltage. The water adhesive force on the porous film increased with the increase of the external voltage. The electro-controllable wettability and adhesion of the porous film have potential application in manipulating liquid collection and transportation.
Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble CD163 in Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: Associated with Macrophage Infiltration in Muscle Tissue
Authors: Peng Qing-Lin , Zhang Yin-Li , Shu Xiao-Ming , Yang Han-Bo , Zhang Lu , Chen Fang , Lu Xin , Wang Guo-Chun
Published: April 2015

Objective.

To investigate serum levels of soluble CD163 (sCD163) in patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), and to correlate these to clinical manifestations and laboratory data.

Methods.

Serum levels of sCD163 were detected in 24 patients with PM, 84 patients with DM, and 46 healthy controls by using the ELISA method. Immunohistochemistry staining of macrophage infiltration in muscle tissue using anti-CD163 monoclonal antibody was conducted on muscle biopsy specimens from 13 patients with PM and 17 with DM.

Results.

Serum levels of sCD163 were significantly increased in patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) had statistically higher sCD163 levels than patients without ILD (p < 0.001). High serum sCD163 levels were associated with increased incidence of antinuclear antibody (p < 0.05), higher serum levels of immunoglobulin G (p < 0.01) and immunoglobulin A (p < 0.05), and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rates (p < 0.01). Serum sCD163 levels were inversely correlated with CD3+ T cell counts in peripheral blood of patients (r = −0.306, p < 0.01). Cross-sectional assessment and longitudinal study revealed a significant correlation between serum sCD163 levels and disease activity. Patients with high serum sCD163 levels showed a higher incidence of CD163+ macrophage infiltration in muscle tissue than patients with normal sCD163 levels (chi-square value = 10.804, p < 0.01).

Conclusion.

Serum levels of sCD163 were significantly elevated and correlated with disease severity in patients with PM/DM, suggesting serum sCD163 as a promising biomarker in the disease evaluation of PM/DM. Our finding of elevated serum sCD163 levels associated with muscle macrophage infiltration highlights the role activated macrophage plays in the pathogenesis of PM/DM.
Graduate unemployment in South Africa: Perspectives from the banking sector
Authors: Oluwajodu Faith , Blaauw Derick , Greyling Lorraine , Kleynhans Ewert P.J.
Published: April 2015

Orientation: South Africa is experiencing growth in its graduate labour force, but graduateunemployment is rising with the overall unemployment rate. Graduate unemployment isproblematic, because it wastes scarce human capital, which is detrimental to the economy inthe long run.Research purpose: This study explores the perceived causes of graduate unemployment fromthe perspective of the South African banking sector.Motivation for the study: Researchers have conducted various studies on graduateunemployment in South Africa and across the globe, but few studies have beenconducted on the causes of graduate unemployment. There appear to be some gaps in theliterature; therefore, other problems and solutions to graduate unemployment have to beexploredResearch approach, design and method: The researchers followed a survey design. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used as research instruments to identify theperceived causes of graduate unemployment in the banking sector of South Africa. Researchparticipants were unemployed graduates, recently employed graduates and graduaterecruitment managers in the banking sector.Main findings: The study shows that several factors are perceived to be the causes of graduateunemployment in the South African banking sector. These include: skills, institution attendedby graduate and differences in expectations from employers and graduates.Practical/managerial application: The findings have implications for educational institutionsand companies that are encouraged to consider possible solutions to resolving the causes ofgraduate unemployment.Contribution/value-add: This study is one of the first papers to investigate the causes ofgraduate unemployment in the South African banking sector. It provides a rich platform forfurther studies and replication in other sectors, especially within the African context.
A new paradigm in facial reanimation for long-standing palsies?
Authors: Ahuja Rajeev B. , Chatterjee Pallab , Gupta Rajat , Shrivastava Prabhat , Gupta Gaurav K.
Published: April 2015

Background: A chance observation of return of excellent facial movement, after 18 months following the first stage of cross-face nerve grafting, without free functional muscle transfer, in a case of long-standing facial palsy, lead the senior author (RBA) to further investigate clinically. Patients and Methods: This procedure, now christened as cross-face nerve extension and neurotization, was carried out in 12 patients of very long-standing facial palsy (mean 21 years) in years 1996-2011. The mean patient age and duration of palsy were 30.58 years and 21.08 years, respectively. In patients, 1-5 a single buccal or zygomatic branch served as a donor nerve, but subsequently, we used two donor nerves. The mean follow-up period was 20.75 months. Results: Successive patients had excellent to good return of facial expression with two fair results. Besides improved smile, patients could largely retain air in the mouth without any escape and had improved mastication. No complications were encountered except synkinesis in 1 patient. No additional surgical procedures were performed. Conclusion: There is experimental evidence to suggest that neurotization of a completely denervated muscle can occur by the formation of new ectopic motor end plates. Long-standing denervated muscle fibres eventually atrophy severely but are capable of re-innervation and regeneration, as validated by electron microscopic studies. In spite of several suggestions in the literature to clinically validate functional recovery by direct neurotization, the concept remains anecdotal. Our results substantiate this procedure, and it has the potential to simplify reanimation in longstanding facial palsy. Our work now needs validation by other investigators in the field of restoring facial animation.
Hydrological model parameter dimensionality is a weak measure of prediction uncertainty
Authors: Pande S. , Arkesteijn L. , Savenije H. , Bastidas L. A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper shows that instability of hydrological system representation in response to different pieces of information and associated prediction uncertainty is a function of model complexity. After demonstrating the connection between unstable model representation and model complexity, complexity is analyzed in a step by step manner. This is done measuring differences between simulations of a model under different realizations of input forcings. Algorithms are then suggested to estimate model complexity. Model complexities of the two model structures, SAC-SMA (Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting) and its simplified version SIXPAR (Six Parameter Model), are computed on resampled input data sets from basins that span across the continental US. The model complexities for SIXPAR are estimated for various parameter ranges. It is shown that complexity of SIXPAR increases with lower storage capacity and/or higher recession coefficients. Thus it is argued that a conceptually simple model structure, such as SIXPAR, can be more complex than an intuitively more complex model structure, such as SAC-SMA for certain parameter ranges. We therefore contend that magnitudes of feasible model parameters influence the complexity of the model selection problem just as parameter dimensionality (number of parameters) does and that parameter dimensionality is an incomplete indicator of stability of hydrological model selection and prediction problems.
Modernization, Aging and Coresidence of Older Persons: the Sri Lankan Experience
Authors: De Silva Amarasiri , Welgama W.M.J.
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the effects of the modernization on the living arrangements of elderly people in six selected communities representing urban, semi-urban, estate, rural, colonized settlement and fishing villages in Sri Lanka. The paper concludes that the modernization of the economy and society has exacerbated an intergenerational rift leading to an intensification of tensions between elderly people and other family members, despite the fact that the percentage of older people living with their children remains high. Such coresidence or intergenerational living comprises many types of living arrangements, and leads to mixed results for care of the elderly. Many elderly people have developed mechanisms to counteract the negative effects of coresidence: seeking independence during old age, by earning their own income and living alone or living with the spouse, indulging in behaviors such as drinking, spending time outside the home with friends of similar age, or creating their own living space within coresidence.
Grandmother Power, A Global Phenomenon
Authors: Gianturco Paola
Published: April 2015

None
Book Review: Rethinking Collection Development and Management
Authors: Nelson Miriam
Published: April 2015

Rethinking Collection Development and Management is an anthology of essays authored by professionals active in the field, broadly conceived. The treatment of each topic is highly contemporary and carries with it the distinct perspective of personal experience. This pronounced subjectivity distinguishes this volume from more directly instructive texts such as Peggy Johnson’s Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management, 3rd ed. (ALA Editions, 2014). Indeed, the publisher recommends the volume as a supplement to its more traditional textbook counterparts.1 Taken as a whole the volume seeks to situate contemporary collection development and management as a field evolving in many directions at once.
A Simple and Efficient Approach to Cellulose/Silica Composite Aerogel with High Silica Utilization Efficiency
Authors: Lin Chong , Li Ang , Cao Yang , Lu Lingbin
Published: April 2015

Cellulose aerogel is a fascinating material with high porosity, low density and biocompatibility. However, cellulose aerogel lacks sufficient thermal stability. Recombination between cellulose aerogel with silica is efficacious for enhance the cellulose aerogel’s thermal stability. This work described a simple and efficient approach to the cellulose/silica composite aerogel via a dropwise manner, using tetraethoxysilane as silicon source and NaOH solution as cellulose solvent. The result showed that the thermal stability of cellulose aerogel was enhanced by introducing silica. And by this manner, the utilization efficiency of silica was up to 95%. The composite aerogel had a low density and a high porosity, which promised the material a good heat insulation performance, and the thermal conductivity of the composite aerogel was low to 0.0161W/(m·K). Moreover, by adjusting cellulose concentration and tetraethoxysilane amount, the density, porosity and thermal conductivity of the composite aerogel could be controlled. This work contributed to improving the utilization efficiency of silica for the composite aerogel with better performances.
Los sitios web como servicios de información al ciudadano: un estudio sobre los 308 ayuntamientos de Portugal
Authors: Cardoso de Miranda Eduardo Alfredo , Muñoz Cañavate Antonio
Published: April 2015

Las Administraciones Públicas han establecido desde la aparición de Internet nuevas forma de comunicación, a través de los portales web,  para gestionar la información que generan y que es de interés al ciudadano. Estos portales pueden formar parte de sistemas de información de las Administraciones, en los que se gestiona tanto la información interior (back-office) como la información que se lanza al exterior (front-office), y han abierto un nuevo ámbito de trabajo para los profesionales de la información, y de investigación para el ámbito académico.El estudio que se presenta en este trabajo es resumen de una amplia tesis doctoral presentada en 2012 que ha analizado con detenimiento los servicios de los portales web en Internet de los ayuntamientos de los 308 municipios de Portugal. Son los servicios de información, los servicios de comunicación y los servicios de transacción, aplicados a tres ámbitos: vida cotidiana, administración a distancia y participación política.