bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Chondrocytes in Cartilage Formation, Progression of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Akkiraju Hemanth , Nohe Anja
Published: December 2015

Articular cartilage (AC) covers the diarthrodial joints and is responsible for the mechanical distribution of loads across the joints. The majority of its structure and function is controlled by chondrocytes that regulate Extracellular Matrix (ECM) turnover and maintain tissue homeostasis. Imbalance in their function leads to degenerative diseases like Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is characterized by cartilage degradation, osteophyte formation and stiffening of joints. Cartilage degeneration is a consequence of chondrocyte hypertrophy along with the expression of proteolytic enzymes. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) are an example of these enzymes that degrade the ECM. Signaling cascades involved in limb patterning and cartilage repair play a role in OA progression. However, the regulation of these remains to be elucidated. Further the role of stem cells and mature chondrocytes in OA progression is unclear. The progress in cell based therapies that utilize Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) infusion for cartilage repair may lead to new therapeutics in the long term. However, many questions are unanswered such as the efficacy of MSCs usage in therapy. This review focuses on the role of chondrocytes in cartilage formation and the progression of OA. Moreover, it summarizes possible alternative therapeutic approaches using MSC infusion for cartilage restoration.
Mechanism of Friction and Wear in MoS2 and ZDDP/F-PTFE Greases under Spectrum Loading Conditions
Authors: Bagi Sujay , Aswath Pranesh
Published: December 2015

Two different greases formulated using MoS2 and a combination of ZDDP and functionalized PTFE (F-PTFE) were examined under spectrum loading conditions where loads, frequency, and duration of the steps were treated as variables. Combination of ZDDP and F-PTFE were synergistic resulting in a significant reduction in the wear and friction under spectrum loading condition. Decreasing the time step during the ramp up and ramp down cycles resulted in larger wear for the grease containing MoS2 particles in comparison to ZDDP/F-PTFE in grease. The tribofilm formed on the surface was analyzed using various characterization techniques like SEM, EDS, and Stereo Optical Microscopy. Tribofilms from MoS2 additives had extensive amounts of abrasive and adhesive wear and showed the formation of MoS2 on the surface on the other hand the tribofilms from ZDDP/F-PTFE had smaller amounts of severe wear and exhibited patchy tribofilms of Zn-phosphates as well as sulfides of Zn and Fe.
Short-Term and Sub-Chronic Dietary Exposure to Aspalathin-Enriched Green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Extract Affects Rat Liver Function and Antioxidant Status
Authors: Van der Merwe Johanna , De Beer Dalene , Joubert Elizabeth , Gelderblom Wentzel
Published: December 2015

An aspalathin-enriched green rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract (GRE) was fed to male Fischer rats in two independent studies for 28 and 90 days. The average dietary total polyphenol (TP) intake was 756 and 627 mg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg body weight (bw)/day over 28 and 90 days, respectively, equaling human equivalent doses (HEDs) of 123 and 102 GAE mg/kg bw/day. Aspalathin intake of 295 mg/kg bw/day represents a HED of 48 mg/kg bw/day (90 day study). Consumption of GRE increased feed intake significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control after 90 days, but no effect on body and organ weight parameters was observed. GRE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol and iron levels, whilst significantly (p < 0.05) increasing alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity after 90 days. Endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver, i.e., catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, was not adversely affected. Glutathione reductase activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased after 28 days, while glutathione (GSH) content was decreased after 90 days, suggesting an altered glutathione redox cycle. Quantitative Real Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed altered expression of certain antioxidant defense and oxidative stress related genes, indicative, among others, of an underlying oxidative stress related to changes in the GSH redox pathway and possible biliary dysfunction.
Transcriptome Assembly and Comparison of an Allotetraploid Weed Species, Annual Bluegrass, with its Two Diploid Progenitor Species, Poa supina Schrad and Poa infirma Kunth
Authors: Chen Shu , McElroy J. Scott , Dane Fenny , Goertzen Leslie R.
Published: December 2015

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is one of the most widespread weed species in this world. As a young allotetraploid, P. annua has occupied diverse environments from Antarctic area to subtropical regions. To unveil the evolutionary mystery behind P. annua's wide distribution, extensive adaptability and phenotypic plasticity needs collaboration from multiple research scopes from ecology and plant physiology to population genetics and molecular biology. However, the lack of omic data and reference has greatly hampered the study. This is the first comprehensive transcriptome study on Poa species. Total RNA was extracted from P. annua and its two proposed diploid parents, P. supina Schrad and P. infirma Kunth, and sequenced in Illumina Hiseq2000. Optimized, nonredundant transcriptome references were generated for each species using four de novo assemblers (Trinity, Velvet, SOAPdenovo, and CLC Genomics Workbench) and a redundancy‐reducing pipeline (CD‐HIT‐EST and EvidentialGene tr2aacds). Using the constructed transcriptomes together with sequencing reads, we found high similarity in nucleotide sequences and homeologous polymorphisms between P. annua and the two proposed parents. Comparison of chloroplast and mitochondrion genes further confirmed P. infirma as the maternal parent. Less nucleotide percentage differences were observed between P. infirma and infirma homeologs than between P. supina and supina homeologs, indicating a higher nucleotide substitution rates in supina homeologs than in infirma homeologs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested the more compatible cytoplasmic environment and cellular apparatus for infirma homeologs as the major cause for this phenomenon.
BOOK ‘PUBLIC TRANSIT PLANNING AND OPERATION: MODELING, PRACTICE AND BEHAVIOR’ REVIEW
Authors: Liu Tao
Published: December 2015

"Book ‘Public Transit Planning and Operation: Modeling, Practice and Behavior’ review." Transport, 30(4), pp. 448–450
THE RESEARCH JOURNAL TRANSPORT: PEER-REVIEWING PROCESS IN 2015
Authors: Prentkovskis Olegas , Junevičius Raimundas
Published: December 2015

"The research journal TRANSPORT: peer-reviewing process in 2015." Transport, 30(4), pp. 451–457
THERMAL AND DEFORMATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF KAOLIN RAW DEPOSITS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: Sergievich Olga A. , Dyatlova Eugenia M. , Popov Rostislav Yu. , Sobachevskii Alexander St.
Published: December 2015

The article gives brief information about the most common kaolin raw deposits of the Republic of Belarus. Thermal and dilatometric characteristics of natural kaolins and kaolins enriched by clarification method of “Sitnitsa” and “Dedovka” deposits are studied in detail. It is found that these raw materials are industrially prospective in terms of its using in the production of silica-alumina refractories (semiacid and chamotte).
POSSIBLE DEFECTS IN WOOD, WOOD PARAMETERS VARIABILITY AND SOME OF ITS INFLUENCE ON QUALITY OF BUILDING STRUCTURE
Authors: Malesza Jaroslaw
Published: December 2015

Paper specifies the wood-framed with sheathing construction including phases of realization and exploitation. Methods of investigation based on practice and theory has been employed where practical identification of processes and their phases were presented with theoretical description of structure deformation within the exploitation period. Obtained results of investigations are presented in the form of technologic and mechanic of structure diagrams for buildings with adequate algorithms of analysis. Paper presents practical systematic of construction stages, technological problems and hazards in respect of loading and construction technology with method of computation of vertical deformations of building. Paper presents evaluation of contribution of wood defects in response to loading in the wood-framed residential building in exploitation process. Location of knots, allocation of pith in the elements cross section, defects of slope of grain and influence of moisture decreasing is examined in the paper. The wood-framed with sheathing in the form of large panel or modular three dimensional 3D elements are the most often used technology. This kind of buildings are actually constructed up to four story as a multifamily or varying universal buildings like school, kid-garden or offices. Low dead load from 0.30 to 1.00 kN/m2 and its favorable proportion to the live load increase energy saving factor in realization and within the exploitation time. Low own weight of structure enables complete prefabrication of wall, floor and roof panels, improving quality of construction and shortening time of construction. Process of prefabrication, wide assortment and variety of factory production does not require time consuming processes and complicated moulds or shuttering indispensable in precast RC structural elements.
LUNAR OCCULTATIONS OF 18 STELLAR SOURCES FROM THE 2.4 m THAI NATIONAL TELESCOPE
Authors: Richichi A. , Tasuya O. , Irawati P. , Soonthornthum B. , Dhillon V. S. , Marsh T. R.
Published: December 2015

We report further results from the program of lunar occultation (LO) observations started at the 2.4 m Thai National Telescope (TNT) in 2014. We have recorded LO events of 18 stellar sources, leading to the detection of four angular diameters and two binary stars. With two exceptions, these are first-time determinations. We could resolve angular diameters as small as 2 milliarcseconds (mas) and projected separations as small as 4 mas. We discuss the individual results, in the context of previous observations, when available. The first-time angular diameters for o Psc, HR 6196 and 75 Leo are in good agreement with expected values, while that of π Leo agrees with the average of previous determinations but has a higher accuracy. We find a new secondary in o Psc, as previously suspected from Hipparcos data. We also obtain an accurate measurement of the companion in 31 Ari, revealing inconsistencies in the currently available orbital parameters. The TNT, equipped with the fast ULTRASPEC imager, is the leading facility in Southeast Asia for high time resolution observations. The LO technique at this telescope achieves a sensitivity of i′ ≈ 10 mag, with a potential to detect several hundreds of LO events per year.
THE SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE SURVEY OF THE ORION A AND B MOLECULAR CLOUDS. II. THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF DUSTY YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS
Authors: Megeath S. T. , Gutermuth R. , Muzerolle J. , Kryukova E. , Hora J. L. , Allen L. E. , Flaherty K. , Hartmann L. , Myers P. C. , Pipher J. L. , Stauffer J. , Young E. T. , Fazio G. G.
Published: December 2015

We analyze the spatial distribution of dusty young stellar objects (YSOs) identified in the Spitzer Survey of the Orion Molecular clouds, augmenting these data with Chandra X-ray observations to correct for incompleteness in dense clustered regions. We also devise a scheme to correct for spatially varying incompleteness when X-ray data are not available. The local surface densities of the YSOs range from 1 pc−2 to over 10,000 pc−2, with protostars tending to be in higher density regions. This range of densities is similar to other surveyed molecular clouds with clusters, but broader than clouds without clusters. By identifying clusters and groups as continuous regions with surface densities ≥10 pc−2, we find that 59% of the YSOs are in the largest cluster, the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC), while 13% of the YSOs are found in a distributed population. A lower fraction of protostars in the distributed population is evidence that it is somewhat older than the groups and clusters. An examination of the structural properties of the clusters and groups shows that the peak surface densities of the clusters increase approximately linearly with the number of members. Furthermore, all clusters with more than 70 members exhibit asymmetric and/or highly elongated structures. The ONC becomes azimuthally symmetric in the inner 0.1 pc, suggesting that the cluster is only ∼2 Myr in age. We find that the star formation efficiency (SFE) of the Orion B cloud is unusually low, and that the SFEs of individual groups and clusters are an order of magnitude higher than those of the clouds. Finally, we discuss the relationship between the young low mass stars in the Orion clouds and the Orion OB 1 association, and we determine upper limits to the fraction of disks that may be affected by UV radiation from OB stars or dynamical interactions in dense, clustered regions.
GLOBULAR AND OPEN CLUSTERS OBSERVED BY SDSS/SEGUE: THE GIANT STARS
Authors: Morrison Heather L. , Ma Zhibo , Clem James L. , An Deokkeun , Connor Thomas , Schechtman-Rook Andrew , Casagrande Luca , Rockosi Constance , Yanny Brian , Harding Paul , Beers Timothy C. , Johnson Jennifer A. , Schneider Donald P.
Published: December 2015

We present griz observations for the clusters M92, M13 and NGC 6791 and gr photometry for M71, Be 29 and NGC 7789. In addition we present new membership identifications for all these clusters, which have been observed spectroscopically as calibrators for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)/SEGUE survey; this paper focuses in particular on the red giant branch stars in the clusters. In a number of cases, these giants were too bright to be observed in the normal SDSS survey operations, and we describe the procedure used to obtain spectra for these stars. For M71, we also present a new variable reddening map and a new fiducial for the gr giant branch. For NGC 7789, we derived a transformation from T
eff to g–r for giants of near solar abundance, using IRFM T
eff measures of stars with good ugriz  and 2MASS photometry and SEGUE spectra. The result of our analysis is a robust list of known cluster members with correctly dereddened and (if needed) transformed gr photometry for crucial calibration efforts for SDSS and SEGUE.
Besoin et droit de parole. L’empathie d’un père pour son enfant autiste
Authors: Sadoun Patrick
Published: December 2015

Dans cette conférence, Patrick Sadoun témoigne, avec émotion et subtilité, de l’insoutenable souffrance d’un parent devant son enfant autiste. Et de l’aide qu’il a pu recevoir. Depuis sa place de père, ainsi que depuis celle de président fondateur d’un Rassemblement d’associations de parents qu’il a créé, il plaide pour que les prises en charge proposées aux enfants souffrant de tsa – et à leurs familles ! – tiennent compte de la dimension de la souffrance psychique qui y est attachée. Il nous présente, enfin, la charte qu’il a écrite pour ce rassemblement, le raahp (Rassemblement pour une approche des autismes humaniste et plurielle).
Pédagogies critiques du bien commun dans une Europe en crise
Authors: Guisan Catherine
Published: December 2015

Les dirigeants de l’Union européenne (UE) invoquent fréquemment la réconciliation comme un « bien commun » des Européens, tant et si bien que le terme réconciliation en est presque devenu un cliché. Mais les pratiques concrètes qui ont facilité l’établissement de la paix en Europe restent peu explorées. L’UE soutient des programmes d’enseignement sur l’histoire de l’intégration au niveau universitaire, et prône une mémoire basée sur la Shoah plutôt que les réconciliations d’après 1945, alors les États membres de l’Europe de l’Est insistent plutôt sur une mémoire collective qui prenne en compte leur expérience du stalinisme. En outres, les chercheurs ont négligé l’apport de la société civile aux réconciliations européennes de même qu’une analyse critique du contenu des témoignages des fondateurs. Cependant quelques jeunes universitaires, des enseignants du niveau secondaire et l’Office franco-allemand pour la Jeunesse se tournent vers le passé et ses témoins. Leurs démarches pédagogiques révèlent des pratiques et des idées qui pourraient aider à raviver une solidarité européenne propre à construire la paix aujourd’hui.
Something Important Escapes Us
Authors: Piasecki Ryszard , Woroniecki Jan
Published: December 2015

Jusqu’à aujourd’hui, nous avons l’Union européenne sans les Européens. La majorité des citoyens de l’UE traite l’adhésion d’une manière instrumentale (Schengen, Erasmus, fonds européens, etc.). L’attachement à l’UE doit être établi et consolidé. Il va acquérir une importance clé si nous voulons que l’UE joue un rôle important et affirmé sur la scène internationale. En fait, l’UE attire des gens de l’extérieur et se soucie peu de son image auprès de ses propres habitants. De nombreux experts perçoivent ce problème en ce qui concerne l’avenir de l’UE. Une avancée pourrait peut-être venir d’un progrès dans le sens d’une union politique, comme aux États-Unis après la proclamation de l’indépendance, et simultanément d’une union sociale fondée sur des obligations communes qui découleraient de la citoyenneté européenne.
Un Quijote de cine para niños grandes: Donkey Xote (José Pozo, 2007)
Authors: Bonilla Cerezo Rafael
Published: December 2015

La fortuna del Quijote en la historia del cine infantil se cifra actualmente en un total de siete películas que van desde el periodo mudo, como la dirigida por Émile Cohl (1909), que supuso el debut del ingenioso hidalgo en la gran pantalla, al corto animado de Up Iwerks (Don Quixote, 1934) y un pequeño rosario de filmes que abrocha por ahora Las aventuras de Don Quijote, de Antonio Zurera (2010). Este artículo analiza con detalle el contexto de producción y recepción de un largometraje de Filmax Animation, Donkey Xote (José Pozo, 2007), que se estrenó en nuestras salas con más pena que gloria, incidiendo en su estructura, narradores, ecos de las cintas de DreamWorks, en especial de Shrek, y, sobre todo, en su cultísima fidelidad –que pasará desapercibida a la mayor parte de los niños (y de sus padres)– al Siglo de Oro español y a la segunda parte de la inmortal novela de Cervantes.
De la anomalía a lo extraordinario: nobleza, linaje y escritura genealógica en Castilla (siglos XIII-XIV)
Authors: Dacosta Arsenio
Published: December 2015

A partir del problema del retraso de la literatura genealógica castellana respecto de otros ámbitos europeos, en este trabajo se discute la pertinencia del uso de ciertas categorías historiográficas, muy en particular la de «linaje», para explicar una de las formas de sociabilidad básica de la nobleza bajomedieval. El artículo se hace eco de las principales discusiones teóricas en este terreno, relacionándose también con la cuestión de la oralidad y la escritura. Finalmente, se proponen algunas líneas de investigación como el análisis del concepto de linaje en las fuentes castellanas y peninsulares, en qué manera dicho concepto trató de ser capitalizado política y socialmente por Alfonso X, o cómo se concibe el linaje en los textos producidos por la nobleza castellana y su entorno en los siglos finales de la Edad Media.
El confesor del Emperador: la actividad política de fray García de Loaysa y Mendoza al servicio de Carlos V (1522-1530)
Authors: Nieva Ocampo Guillermo
Published: December 2015

A lo largo del siglo XV los confesores de los monarcas castellanos de la dinastía Trastámara, en general dominicos, habían acrecentado su influencia política. De allí que la actividad de fray García de Loaysa en la corte de Carlos V a partir del año 1522, como confesor regio y luego como Presidente del Consejo de la Inquisición y del Consejo de Indias, si bien no resulta extraña, no deja de suscitar admiración, justamente a raíz de la importancia de los cargos que ocupó en la corte, habiendo sido con anterioridad Maestro General de su propia orden religiosa. El presente artículo tiene como objeto abordar el estudio de este influyente y versátil personaje político, de su ascendiente carrera en la Orden de Predicadores y de su desempeño gubernamental en la corte de Carlos V, sobre todo en colaboración con la facción castellana de dicha corte, liderada por el secretario Francisco de los Cobos, mientras ejerció como confesor del emperador. Para ello nos valdremos de las crónicas de época, así como de una copiosa documentación reunida en los archivos españoles (Simancas y Nacional) y en los archivos de la Orden de Predicadores.
Yesca y fuego. Condicionantes de la conducta sexual del servicio doméstico español en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Baldellou Monclús Daniel Santiago , Alfaro Pérez Francisco José
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo analiza a los empleados del servicio doméstico en el siglo XVIII y principios del XIX con el objetivo de conocer y determinar sus posiciones ante la necesidad de conservar su honra en un espacio extraño y, por otro lado, el imperativo social o biológico de buscar pareja y colocación. El servicio doméstico español del Antiguo Régimen, especialmente el femenino, estaba expuesto a multitud de riesgos, entre los que se hallaba muy presente el del sexo desde su versión más romántica a la más cruel. En este estudio analizamos algunas de las conductas más usuales a partir de documentación procesal de los siglos XVII y XVIII mediante el análisis de los conflictos reflejados en dichas fuentes. La precariedad de las criadas, los recursos legales que las amparaban, el uso que se hacía de ellos, la visión de la sociedad o las estrategias de los pretendientes son cuestiones tratadas en el texto con el fin de contextualizar de forma precisa los peligros del sexo y sus consecuencias. Los resultados reflejan un notable papel de la tradición y los tribunales como recursos femeninos para defender sus intereses y las estrategias de estas criadas en un ambiente hostil.
¡Padre, no se ande en eso! Borracheras y conversión: los pehuenche de Rucalhue bajo la mirada vigilante de Fray Matud (1760-1761)
Authors: Jiménez Juan Francisco , Alioto Sebastián Leandro , Villar Daniel
Published: December 2015

En 1761, el misionero franciscano Juan Matud envió un informe al gobernador del reino de Chile en el que reseñaba las actividades que, en los meses previos, había llevado a cabo en convivencia con los pehuenche del valle de Rucalhue. Allí, Matud había refundado una misión, la Purísima Concepción, próxima al lugar en que pocos años antes miembros de su misma orden instalaron otra que debió ser abandonada a causa de los rumores de rebelión indígena, destruida luego por un incendio. Ese documento inédito –aquí reproducido‒ está actualmente incorporado al fondo del Colegio Apostólico de Misioneros de Chillán, en Santiago de Chile. Su contenido trasunta la manera en que los seráficos concebían la tarea evangelizadora y su percepción acerca de las costumbres indígenas, entre las que borracheras y poliginia constituían el mayor obstáculo que se oponía al progreso de aquella. El programa conversional, basado en la cercanía cotidiana de misioneros y neófitos, prescribía una intervención permanente dirigida a que se abandonasen prácticas que los catequistas consideraban inaceptables. Los nativos, a su vez, persuadidos de la conveniencia e irrenunciabilidad de las mismas, no estaban dispuestos a tolerar que personas extrañas, a las que no habían tenido a priori inconvenientes en recibir en su territorio, llevasen la intromisión al extremo de solicitar el auxilio armado de las autoridades fronterizas en su respaldo. La tensa situación creada por la obstinación de uno y la lógica irreductibilidad de otros se resolvió al fin en el alejamiento del misionero, revelador de las limitaciones ideológicas y metodológicas del plan de acción de los seráficos y también de las razones de su generalizado fracaso.
Investigation and Parametric Analysis of Steel Perforated Sheet Metal (PSM) for Optimum Forming Process
Authors: Kothari Kartik D. , Jhala R.L.
Published: December 2015

This research paper deals with the finite element analysis of forming process of Steel perforated sheet metal (PSM). Simulations are conducted to scrutinize the impact of material thickness, type of blank, blank shape, shape & pattern of perforation, pitch of perforation etc on stress and load-displacement curve for set of results. Modeling of part files are done on software CATIA V5 which is later imported to FEA software package. Numerical method is used to determine optimum results with reference to process parameters as blank thickness punch velocity and stress distribution during the process on the sheet metal. Weighted Principal Component Analysis a multi response objective optimization method is used to derive best parameters for minimizing the induced stress value.
Characterization of Surfactant Flooding for Light Oil Using Gum Arabic
Authors: Taiwo Oluwaseun , Bello Kelani , Mohammed Ismaila , Olafuyi Olalekan
Published: December 2015

Surfactant flooding, a chemical IOR technique is one of the viable EOR processes for recovering additional oil after water flooding. This is because it reduces the interfacial tension between the oil and water and allows trapped oil to be released for mobilization by a polymer.In this research, two sets of experiments were performed. First, the optimum surfactant concentration was determined through surfactant polymer flooding using a range of surfactant concentration of 0.1% to 0.6% and 15% of polymer. Secondly, another set of experiments to determine the optimum flow rate for surfactant flooding was carried out using the optimum surfactant concentration obtained. Lauryl Sulphate (Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate, SDS), an anionic surfactant, was used to alter the interfacial tension and reduce capillary pressure while Gum Arabic, an organic adhesive gotten from the hardened sap of the Acacia Senegal and Acacia Seyal trees, having a similar molecular structure and chemical characteristics with Xanthan Gum, was the polymer used to mobilize the oil.The results show that above 0.5%, oil recovery decreases with increase in concentration such that between 0.5 and 0.6%, a decrease of (20% -19%) is recorded. This suggests that it would be uneconomical to exceed surfactant concentration of 0.5%. It is shown in the result of the first set of experiments that a range of oil recovery of 59% to 76% for water flooding and a range of 11.64% to 20.02% additional oil recovery for surfactant Polymer flooding for a range of surfactant flow rate of surfactant concentration of 0.1% to 0.6%. For the second sets of experiments, a range of oil recovery of 64% to 68% for water flooding and a range of 15% to 24% additional oil recovery for surfactant flooding for a range of surfactant flow rate of surfactant flow rate of 1cc/min to 6cc/min. The Optimum surfactant flow rate resulting in the highest oil recovery for the chosen core size is 3cc/min. It's highly encouraged that the critical displacement rate is maintained to prevent the development of slug fingers.In summary, an optimum Surfactant flow rate is required for better performance of a Surfactant flooding.
Lean Manufacturing Implementation in a Gear Shaft Manufacturing Company Using Value Stream Mapping
Authors: Nallusamy S.
Published: December 2015

Nowadays, Lean manufacturing application is reported for manufacturers in global level.Those reports have exposed that this application has enabled the companies to become competitivethrough the elimination of wastes while producing products and offering services. Various tools like5S, Poka Yoke, Kaizen, Kanban, JIT, etc have been used while implementing lean manufacturingmodel in various types of organization. Recently, both researchers and practitioners have found thatValue Stream Mapping (VSM) technique serves as a powerful vehicle in enabling organizations toimplement lean manufacturing model. Meanwhile, it is found that lean manufacturing model is yet tobe applied in the case of certain manufacturing products. One among those products is gear shaft. Inthis background the theoretical proposition of implementing lean manufacturing model in the case ofmanufacturing a gear shaft has been investigated in this article.
A new deal for Advances in Oceanography and Limnology (AIOL Journal)
Authors: Pusceddu Antonio , Salmaso Nico
Published: December 2015

With this first double issue of 2015, Advances In Oceanography and Limnology (AIOL Journal) is facing an important regime shift. Published in house until 2007 by the Italian Association of Oceanography and Limnology (AIOL, www.aiol.info) as the Proceedings of the AIOL National Congress, it has been transformed starting from 2011 in a regular scientific journal with the aim of offering a new publication outlet for oceanographers and limnologists....
Lettera ai soci
Authors: Pennacchio Francesco
Published: December 2015

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Diagnostic Path of a Genetic Disease: A Case of Williams-Beuren Syndrome in Burkina Faso
Authors: Barro Makoura , Sanogo Bintou , Kissou Aimée S. , Ouattara Ad Bafa Ibrahim , Nacro Boubacar
Published: December 2015

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a set of somatic, psychological, and behavioral abnormalities, which is caused by a deletion of several genes. Herein we report a 6 year-old boy, who presented with mental retardation and psychological disorders. The result of the first clinical examination was poor, since it didn’t detect any dysmorphic feature which is a major component for the clinical diagnosis of WBS. Despite the multidisciplinary and the multicenter approaches used, the diagnosis of WBS (deletion of chromosome band 7q11. 23) was established more than 3 years after the first medical consultation. Rare partial forms of WBS have been recently described and they are both clinically and genetically difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, this disorder is still little known by health professionals.
Minaccia dellautostima e fantasie grandiose nel narcisismo non patologico
Authors: Veronese Guido , Ruggiero Giovanni Maria , Sassaroli Sandra , Castiglioni Marco
Published: December 2015

The study explored the qualitative features of: a) memories of threat to self-esteem, b) grandiose fantasies and c) relaxing scenarios, experimentally induced in a non-clinical participant sample. A group of 103 young university students produced and transcribed personal memories of threat to self-esteem, grandiose fantasies and relaxing scenes. A five point scale was designed ad hoc to enable three independent raters to assess the biological, psychological and relational contents of each of the texts. Inter-rater agreement was satisfactory. Memories of threat to self-esteem and grandiose fantasies were mainly socio- relational, while relaxing scenarios were characterised by both relational and biological elements. With reference to the biological dimension, there was also significant correlation between memories of threat to self-esteem and grandiose fantasies.
La ricerca in psicoterapia: il contributo del Gruppo di lavoro della Cattedra di Psicologia Dinamica (base) della Seconda Universitdi Napoli
Authors: Caviglia Giorgio , Perrella Raffaella , Sapuppo Walter , Del Villano Nadia
Published: December 2015

Lo scopo del presente lavoro Ã¨ quello di illustrare i contributi passati e gli attuali interessi del Gruppo di ricerca della Cattedra di "Psicologia Dinamica" (corso di base) della FacoltÃ  di Psicologia della Seconda UniversitÃ  di Napoli, nonchÃ© di presentare e argomentare le pubblicazioni scaturite negli ultimi anni dalle quelle ricerche. I lavori si inseriscono nelle aree relative alla Teoria dell'Attaccamento, alla valutazione psicologica, allo studio della psicopatologia connessa ai Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, alla ricerca in psicoterapia "single case".
Filoni di ricerca in psicoterapia nella Facoltdi Psicologia dellUniversitdi Padova
Authors: Lis Adriana , Sambin Marco , Ferruzza Emilia , Marogna Cristina , Rocco Diego , Salcuni Silvia
Published: December 2015

Il moltiplicarsi di proposte di intervento psicologico e la crescente richiesta da parte degli utenti e delle istituzioni di cura di misurare efficacy ed effectiveness delle psicoterapie, rende necessaria una valutazione empirica dei modelli di intervento applicati, attraverso lo studio di ciÃ² che avviene in psicoterapia e dei relativi meccanismi di cambiamento e azione. Scopo del presente lavoro Ã¨ introdurre il lettore ai diversi disegni di ricerca per la valutazione empirica della psicoterapia nel complesso contesto di alcuni servizi Universitari dellâ€™Ateneo Patavino. L'interesse sarÃ  posto sui diversi progetti e strumenti per la valutazione dellâ€™esito, dei macro e dei micro processi di cambiamento di terapie ad indirizzo psicodinamico, caso singolo e di gruppo, anche in relazione alle neuroscienze.
The Psychotherapy Process Q-set from the Perspective of the Italian Research in Psychotherapy: Commentary on a Paper by J. Stuart Ablon, Raymond A. Levy, and Lotte Smith-Hansen
Authors: Lingiardi Vittorio , Bonalume Laura , Colli Antonello , Gentile Daniela , Tanzilli Annalisa
Published: December 2015

In their review, Ablon, Levy, and Smith-Hansen (2011) showed that the Psychotherapy Process Q-set (PQS; Jones, 2000) has been applied to a large range of studies with different methods and aims, from Randomized Control Trials (RCT) to naturalistic studies and single-case designs. Focusing on our colleaguesâ€™ work, we will highlight the contribution of the PQS to research in psychotherapy, not only in process-outcome studies, but also into the therapeutic action debates, the specific vs common factors discussion, and the insight vs relation dialect. According to our studies, PQS has played the most relevant and innovative role in psychoanalysis. Ablon et al. (2011) showed how Jones left the clinical inheritance of his empirical method. One of PQSâ€™s strengths deals with the Q-sort methodology (Stephenson, 1953; Block, 1961) that enables both an empirical study of human subjectivity (McKnown & Thomas, 1988) and the application of rigorous data analysis for single-case designs, such as the P-technique and time series analysis. PQS, as colleagues have shown, is useful in single-case designs that, despite their limitations in the generalization of the findings (Kazdin, 2002), capture the richness and complexity of the clinical dialogue and describe the uniqueness of the patient and therapist dyad and interaction structures.
The Emergence of Innovative Moments in Narrative Therapy for Depression: Exploring Therapist and Client Contributions
Authors: Cunha Carla Alexandra Castro , Spìnola Joana , Goncalves Miguel M.
Published: December 2015

According to the narrative framework, clients seek therapeutic help due to the constricting nature of problematic self-narratives and psychotherapy should contribute to the elaboration of narrative novelties and innovative self-narratives. We term these narrative novelties as innovative moments (IMs) and developed the Innovative Moments Coding System (IMCS) to study them in psychotherapeutic discourse, differentiating five types of IMs: action, reflection, protest, reconceptualization and performing change IMs. Previous research studies using the IMCS with narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy and client-centered therapy show that action, reflection and protest IMs appear in good (GO) and also in poor outcome (PO) cases while, reconceptualization and performing change IMs are more typical of good outcome (GO) cases. In this study, we will address how these IMs are co-constructed in the therapeutic dialogue through the discussion of three particular forms of IMsâ€™ emergence in psychotherapy. These forms of emergence refer to different degrees of client and therapist participation: (1) IMs produced by the therapist and accepted by the client; (2) IMs prompted by the therapist and developed by the client; and (3) IMs spontaneously produced by the client. The exploratory analysis of three initial, three middle and three final sessions of contrasting cases (a GO and a PO) of narrative therapy for depression showed that IMs produced by the therapist were more associated to the PO case, while IMs prompted by the therapist were more associated to the GO case.
Therapeutic Cycles and Referential Activity in the Analysis of the Therapeutic Process
Authors: Lo Verde Rossella , Sarracino Diego , Vigorelli Marta
Published: December 2015

The present study was designed to show the usefulness of a process analysis based on a joint use of two computerized methods â€“ Mergenthalerâ€™s Therapeutic Cycle Model (TCM) and Bucciâ€™s Italian Weighted Referential Activity Dictionary (IWRAD). This analysis focused on the transcripts of six sessions from the first eight months of a three-year, face-to-face psychodynamic psychotherapy. Both qualitative and quantita-tive analyses were conducted. Results showed the presence of specific indicators of a good outcome, according to the two approaches, such as the patientâ€™s ability to link re-flective processes and felt emotions, the occurrence of referential cycles, and the pres-ence of organized and coherent narratives.
Interaction Structure and Transferential Patterns in Brief Psychotherapy: A Single-case Study
Authors: De Bei Francesco , Montorsi Andrea
Published: December 2015

Nowadays it is sufficiently accepted that the therapeutic action of psychotherapy is expected to lie at the interface between two dimensions: identification and interpretation of the patient's dysfunctional relationship patterns arising in the relationship with the clinician. This can only happen, however, if there is a temporal space where the transference-countertransference reactions to be explored and understood can emerge (Jones, 2000). The limited number of sessions characterizing short-term psychotherapy does not seem to allow the unfolding of these dynamics, thus suggesting that the therapeutic action of this approach lies outside the patient-therapist relationship. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility that, even within the few sessions that characterize short-term psychotherapy, the dynamics of transferencecountertransference typical of the patient's dysfunctional relationship patterns do in fact emerge. For this purpose, a study has been made of the patterns of patient-therapist interaction, measured by the Psychotherapy Process Q-set. The patterns identified are related to the change found in the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme, allowing reflection on the role played by alternating interaction patterns in the variation of the patient's intrapsychic conflicts in this psychotherapy model.
Dropout from cognitive behavioural treatment in a case of bulimia nervosa: The role of the therapeutic alliance
Authors: Sarracino Diego , Garavaglia Alice , Gritti Emanuela S. , Parolin Laura , Innamorati Marco
Published: December 2015

Despite the refinement of the cognitive treatment for eating disorders, relatively high dropout rates represent a major problem for therapists and researchers. This study investigated the case of a patient with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, who dropped out of outpatient CBT after 28 weekly sessions. In addition to standard clinical outcome assessment, we examined how patient's psychological functioning and therapeutic alliance changed across sessions by applying observer-rating scales to the therapy transcripts. Although the patient reported some improvement at the six-month retest, observer ratings showed persistence of impaired functioning and frequent ruptures in the patient-therapist relationship throughout the treatment. We concluded that a thorough examination of the therapy process might help to understand the factors that lead to premature treatment termination.
Simple methods for enhancing patient outcome in routine care: Measuring, monitoring, and feedback
Authors: Lambert Michael J. , Lo Coco Gianluca
Published: December 2015

While highly effective, psychotherapy outcome studies suggest 5?14% of clients worsen while in treatment and that therapists are unable to identify a substantial portion of such cases. Methods to systematically track client mental health functioning over the course of treatment and adjust treatment through the use of problem-solving tools are described. We summarize meta-analyses of the effects of a feedback system indicating that the number of psychotherapy patients who deteriorate can be cut in half. We conclude with a series of practice implications, including that clinicians seriously consider making formal methods of collecting client feedback a routine part of their daily practice.
Development and Characteristics of the Therapeutic Alliance in a Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: A Descriptive Case Study
Authors: Rocco Diego , Gennaro Alessandro , De Bei Francesco , Zanelli Diego , Condino Valeria
Published: December 2015

Despite the long tradition in psychotherapy research literature concerning the role of therapeutic alliance (TA), both in terms of process and outcome in clinical inter-vention, little is known about its specific characteristics in short term dynamic psy-chotherapy (STDP). Accordingly, the main aim of the present work is to focus on the formal features of TA in a good outcome STDP. We applied the Collaborative Interaction Scale (Colli & Lingiardi, 2009) to verbatim transcripts in order to track macro and micro evolution of TA while considering the interplay of both therapist and patient contributions. Data were analyzed in terms of TA general trend, TA climate onset and high impact session TA characteristics. Results sustain the STDP theory of technique (Davanloo, 1990) concerning the general process, the onset fea-tures and patient therapist interplay from a TA perspective.
Clinical efficacy and therapeutic alliance in a time-limited group therapy for young adults
Authors: Lenzo Vittorio , Gargano Maria Teresa , Mucciardi Massimo , Lo Verso Girolamo , Quattropani Maria C.
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of a time limited psychodynamic therapy for a group of young adult patients in terms of outcome and process. The results register a favourable outcome that does not concern only the gravity of patients' initial symptoms  but the structural personality changes and attachment style too. In an exploratory perspective this study investigated the connection between the outcome of the treatment and therapeutic alliance measured by CALPAS-G into three different time intervals of therapy. A correlational analysis highlighted a relevant connection between the Patient Commitment scale assessed at the beginning and the final outcome of the therapy. Working Strategy Consensus and Group Understanding and Involvement assessed in the middle of the therapy course, show significant correlations with the final outcome of  therapy.
Can MBTI Dimensions Predict Therapy Outcome: Differences in the Thinking-Feeling Function Pair in CBT
Authors: Jinkerson Jeremy , Masilla Audrey , Hawkins Raymond C.
Published: December 2015

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is often used in psychotherapy for multiple purposes, including outcome prediction. However, the empirical basis for the MBTIâ€™s prediction of outcome is minimal. In the current study, psychological type (assessed via the MBTI), current Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and cognitive-behavioral therapy were used to predict psychotherapy outcome as measured by change in GAF within a sample of outpatient psychotherapy clients (N = 525). Linear regression analyses were used to identify whether the 16 MBTI psychological types and/or which dichotomous attitude and function pairs best predicted psychotherapy outcome. The Thinking-Feeling function was found to be a significant predictor of psychotherapy outcome, such that individuals who prefer Thinking demonstrated greater improvement in GAF than did individuals who preferred Feeling. However, four-letter personality type was not a significant predictor of psychotherapy outcome. Overall, the results indicated that individuals preferring the Thinking function showed greater benefit from cognitive-based CBT than individuals preferring Feeling.
Preface: Matthean Perspectives
Authors: Viljoen Francois P.
Published: December 2015

No abstract available.
Editorial foreword
Authors: Breed Gert
Published: December 2015

No abstract available.
Outcomes of patients with large middle cerebral artery infarct treated with and without intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Dharmasaroja Pornpatr A. , Muengtaweepongsa Sombat
Published: December 2015

Background: Many thrombolytic studies showed that severe stroke was associated with death and having symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and inversely related to a favorable outcome. Aims: The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients with acute large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction with and without intravenous recombinant-tissue-plasminogen activator (rtPA) treatment. Methods: Patients with acute, large MCA infarction (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] >15) who were treated during 2011–2014 were studied. The demographic data and the outcomes were compared between patients with and without intravenous rtPA treatment. Results: Two hundred and forty patients were included. Mean NIHSS score was 20. One hundred and twenty patients were treated with intravenous rtPA treatment. The patients with rtPA treatment had higher rates of favorable outcomes (39% vs. 17%, P < 0.001) and lower mortality rate (16% vs. 51%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (6% vs. 4%, P = 0.715). Conclusions: The study showed the benefit and safety of intravenous rtPA treatment in patients with acute large MCA infarct.
Feasibility and efficacy of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: A study from National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Lekhjung , Shrestha Shikher , Shrestha Pratyush , Bhattarai Suman , Gongal D. N. , Devkota U. P.
Published: December 2015

Background: Stroke is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The number of stroke patients receiving recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), also known as Alteplase, in the developing world is extremely low. We aim to study the feasibility and efficacy of thrombolysis for the 1st time in our country. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study (July 2012-August 2015), acute ischemic stroke patients who were thrombolyzed within 3 h of stroke onset were included. Their demographic profiles, clinical profiles, risk factors, type of thrombolytic used, and outcomes were systematically recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 9 patients were thrombolyzed. The mean time from the onset of stroke symptoms to first dose of rt-PA (onset to treatment) was 1.2 h. Six patients had good neurological outcome as measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The median mRS at discharge was 3. Thrombolysis-related post treatment complication was noted in 44.4%, of which nonfatal intracranial bleed occurred only in 2 patients (22.2%). None of the patients receiving intravenous tenecteplase had thrombolysis-related complications, and none of the patients had fatal intracranial bleed. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrates the beginning of a feasible and effective thrombolysis in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in Nepal.