bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconventional Polycrystalline-Diamond-Bit Design Allows Significant Performance Gains
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2015

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 156961, ’Departure From the Norm in Polycrystalline-Diamond-Bit Design Allows Significant Performance Gains in Highly Erosive and Abrasive Formations,’ by Aron Deen, Jason Maw, Craig Knull, and John Clegg, SPE, Ulterra Drilling Technologies, prepared for the 2012 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 8-10 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

This paper discusses the design, manufacture, and application of a contiguous blade of polycrystalline diamond (PCD). This bit has full-length, contiguous PCD coverage, without gaps between cutters on each blade, as in a conventional PCD-compact (PDC) bit design. The implementation of this bit represents a step change in bit design.

Drill-Bit Damage

The traditional view has been that PCD cutters are the most important part of the PDC bit because they are required to engage the formation and maintain their geometrical properties long enough for shear drilling to be economical. The bit body, then, is necessary only in order to hold the cutters in their arranged layout, and to convey mechanical and hydraulic power to remove the rock in their path.

PCD cutters are very hard and resistant to abrasion, but are susceptible to damage from their relative lack of toughness. Bit-body materials, whether made of steel or tungsten carbide composite hard facing or infiltrated matrix, are more prone to failure in the drilling environment. One drill-bit design limitation is a requirement for sufficient body material to exist to create a pocket to which the PCD cutter will be brazed. In the case of the webbing be-tween the cutters, depicted in Fig. 1, this puts the body material in a position where it is likely to engage either the formation or high-velocity fluid flow.

Invention and Hypothesis

The premise that there has to be enough body material to constitute a braze pocket leads to the conclusion that there has to be a webbing between the cutters. The resulting engineering problem was to optimize this webbing, on the basis of the need for cutter exposure and material strength of the body material. But does a braze pocket need to be constructed entirely from body material?

Erosion and Abrasion. The first obvious benefit of this new design philosophy should be that, given that there is no weak point of webbing subjected to abrasive or erosive wear, intercutter or cross-blade abrasion and erosion will be mitigated. The webbing between the cutters is the area most susceptible to this mechanism along the fluid path.

Abrasion occurs because of the same design weakness—the webbing—but be-cause of a different mechanism. As illustrated in Fig. 2, abrasion is more uniform because of the rotation of the bit. It occurs when the bit body contacts the formation and is worn away. The result, though visibly different from erosion, shares a similarity in terms of location.
Cyclic-Production-Scheme Performance Evaluated Using Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2015

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 164168, ’Appraising the Performance of a Cyclic-Production Scheme Through Reservoir Simulation: A Case Study,’ by Tariq Al-Zahrani, Saudi Aramco, prepared for the 2013 SPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference, Manama, Bahrain, 10-13 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Many strategies have been implemented to mitigate the problem of high water-production rates seen in mature fields. One of these is the cyclic-production scheme (CPS). This strategy, which requires alternately shutting and flowing wells with high water cut over a predetermined time, enhances sweep efficiency and pressure maintenance and reduces water-handling costs. In a reservoir-simulation model of a mature oil field evaluating a total of 93 wells, simulation runs involving several scenarios showed significant advantage in applying a CPS. 

Introduction

Water management has become a key strategy in fields that have entered a high-water-cut development period. As fields mature, there is a natural tendency for water volumes to increase as aquifer and injected water advances toward the producers. Furthermore, increasing levels of water production can impair oil-production rates, in some cases to the point at which the well ceases to be economical to produce. Although injected water is an enabler for improved hydrocarbon recovery, it is essential to control water-production volumes and the flood front. High water production may limit oil production in a rate-limited well, increasing water-treatment and -disposal costs.

One option to reduce water production from high-water-cut wells is to convert to cyclic production. Cyclic wells are alternated between shut-in and producing phases that normally last for 6 months each.  The result of closing in these wells is significant water reduction with minimal impact on oilfield production. The main benefit of the cyclic strategy is the reduction of water production, which allows optimization of the water-injection process, minimizing recirculation and allowing a better displacement of the waterflood front to the updip offset producers. Because less injected water is recirculated, the operational handling costs decrease and the economic efficiency of the water-injection project improves.

This study was implemented in a mature field as a part of water-management efforts to reduce water production. In this study, a reservoir-simulation model was developed on the basis of very fine geological characterization, and the field-performance history was matched. The model’s history matching was constantly updated by use of up-to-date reservoir-surveillance, pressure, water-saturation (for flood-front detection), and new-infill-well data. The predictive capability of the reservoir-simulation model is very good. Simulation runs were conducted to analyze and optimize the impact of a CPS on the production performance of the field.
Vehicle Seat Structure Optimization in Front and Rear Impact
Authors: Yang Yali , Chen Hao , Zhang Ruoping , Chen Haining , Qiang Xuhua
Published: February 2015

Seat is one of the important parameters for occupant safety during an impact. The occupant injury characteristics
are vital for better seat development. For improving occupant safety during impact, the research on the seat structure
optimization in front and rear impact was conducted in this paper. Dummy-seat finite element simulation model was
established and analyzed by using HyperMesh and LS-DYNA software. The model was verified with test data before further
application. Then, the model was simulated to determine its performance on the head, chest and neck injury of the dummy in
the frontal and rear impact. The simulation results showed that the original model cannot provide effective protection
according to CNCAP regulation. Thus, modification should be carried out. On the basis of previous study, seat side plate,
lower bracket under cushion, and back lock member were modified by implementing orthogonal experiment design method
to determine the best option. The optimized solution A4B4C2 was gained through range analysis and integrated balance
method. After simulation, chest compression reduced 17.21%, 3ms resultant acceleration reduced 21.16%, dummy neck FX
decreased 15.44%, MZ value decreased 3.13%, and backrest angle decreased 46.1%. It was indicated that the optimized
structure can improve passenger protection. It was illustrated that the model based method combining HyperMesh and LSDYNA
was an effective way for seat development and for conducting occupant injury study.
The Effect of Time and Storage Environment on Dimensional Changes of Acrylic Resin Post Patterns
Authors: Sabouhi Mahmoud , Nosouhian Saied , Dakhilalian Mansour , Davoudi Amin , Mehrad Ramin
Published: February 2015

Introduction : Post and core are needed to regain retentions and functions after endodontic therapies. Also, risk of cross contamination from dental prosthesis is so high. The aim of this study was to compare dimensional changes of acrylic resin patterns (ARP) in three different storing environments. Materials and methods : conventional root canal therapy was done on one first premolar tooth and the canal filled with Guttapercha. 2/3 of the filling was expelled and 30 direct APRs were prepared by Duralay. The samples were divided into 3 groups based on storing environments: water, NaOCl 5% and air. Finally dimensional changes in coronoapical length (CAL), coronal (CD) and apical diameter (AD) of APRs were measured in 7 consecutive times (immediately after polymerization, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 hours later). All the data were analyzed by Paired T-test and Duncon test using SPSS software ver.13 at significant level of 0.05. Results : After 24 hours, the ARPs, which were stored in air, contracted 0.07, 0.06 and 0.12 mm in AD, CD and CAL; the ARPs, which were stored in water, showed 0.03, 0.06 and 0.12 mm decrease in AD, CD and CAL; But the ARPs, which were stored in NaOCl 5%, showed significant expansion in AD, CD and CAL (0.03, 0.06 and 0.10 mm) (all P values < 0.01). Conclusion : It is better not to use NaOCl for disinfecting; also the best time for storing APRs is 8 hours for water and 2 hours for air environments after setting time.
Portable Medical Equipment Holder Assists Pediatric Venipuncture
Authors: Strehle Eugen-Matthias , Needham Thomas William
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

Phlebotomy and venous cannulation are common, technically challenging and potentiallydistressing procedures in pediatrics. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether a novel medical equipment holdercould be a useful adjunct for venipuncture in children.

Methods:

Doctors and nurses at a district general hospital were asked to analyze the portable medical equipment holderand complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of twelve questions regarding seniority of the practitioner andtheir opinions of the device.

Results:

Fifty-three questionnaires were completed by a variety of pediatric health professionals. Overall, 98% ofparticipants rated the device as useful, 2% assumed a neutral position and no practitioner described the device as notuseful. A positive first impression was shared by 92% of the participants. A non-disposable device was preferred over thedisposable alternative. The square shape and plain colour of the prototype were considered suitable by the majority ofparticipants. Plastic was the preferred material. The modal price range suggested for a non-disposable device was £5 ($8)or less. Several modifications to the design were suggested.

Conclusion:

The portable medical equipment holder was well received by the pediatric staff. Design modifications putforward by the participants progressed to the development of an improved device. Further clinical research, preferably in amulti-centre study, is required.
Self-Disclosure on Social Networking Sites
Authors: Varnali Kaan , Toker Aysegul
Published: February 2015

Our aim was to contribute to the understanding of self-disclosure behavior on social networking sites (SNS). Participants (N = 1,294) completed online surveys comprising measures of willingness to disclose personal information on SNS, self-esteem, SNS affinity, self-disclosure,
honesty of self-disclosure, subjective norm, self-monitoring skills, and public self-consciousness. Our findings suggest that self-disclosure mediates the impact of communication-based personality characteristics on the use of SNS, and that subjective norm and SNS affinity also have significant
independent effects.
Powerful or Powerless When Change is Needed: Effects of Power on Escalation of Commitment
Authors: Li Hongchang , Wang Zhongming
Published: February 2015

We investigated how either lack or possession of power affects the individual's escalation of commitment (EOC), that is, the decision to continue the original course of action when confronted with negative feedback. We differentiated the motivational and cognitive approaches to EOC,
and argued that both lacking power (being powerless) and possessing power (being powerful) would intensify the effects of these two approaches so that high-power individuals and low-power individuals would be more prone to EOC than were those with a moderate degree of power. We conducted two
studies with university students as participants. We used different measures of EOC; in the first study we measured general sense of power and in the second we primed power. In both studies results showed that there was a quadratic relationship between power and EOC. The implications for the
research on EOC, de-escalation, and power are discussed.
Mental Disorders and Related Factors in College Students from Nontraditional Families in China
Authors: Li Yahong , Xu Zhipeng
Published: February 2015

Little is known about mental disorders and related factors in college students from nontraditional families in China. We administered the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (Chinese version) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R; Chinese version) to 3,338 college
students, 2,745 from traditional families and 593 from nontraditional families. The results showed that students in a stepfamily had the highest SCL-90-R scores, and students in an adoptive family had the lowest scores. The SCL-90-R factor scores were negatively correlated with current cohesion
and adaptability scores. Poor economic status and loneliness were independent risk factors, and high current cohesion and adaptability were preventive factors for mental disorders. These findings indicate that reducing poverty and loneliness, and maintaining good family functioning may decrease
the risk of mental disorders among college students.
The Relationships Among Students' Achievement Goals, Willingness to Report Academic Dishonesty, and Engaging in Academic Dishonesty
Authors: Huang Chiao-Ling , Yang Shu Ching , Chen An-Sing
Published: February 2015

Using canonical correlation analysis (CCA), we investigated multivariate relationships among achievement goals, willingness to report academic dishonesty (AD), reasons for engaging in AD, and engagement in various AD behaviors. The sample included 431 Taiwanese university students.
The CCA showed that, compared to others, students with a mastery approach or a performance approach/avoidance and greater willingness to report peers' AD were less likely to report feeling incompetent as a reason for engaging in AD, but were more likely to report that they engaged in AD because
of self-promotion and self-interest. The CCA also showed that students who had less of a mastery approach and greater tolerance of AD tended to engage in various types of AD.
Adolescent Peer Pressure, Leisure Boredom, and Substance Use in Low-Income Cape Town Communities
Authors: Hendricks Gaironeesa , Savahl Shazly , Florence Maria
Published: February 2015

The aim in this study was to determine whether or not peer pressure and leisure boredom influenced substance use among adolescents in low-income communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Nonprobability sampling was used to select 291 adolescents aged between 16 and 18 years who were attending
schools in 2 low-income communities in Cape Town. The research instruments were the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, the Resistance to Peer Influence measure, and the Leisure Boredom Scale. Multiple regression analysis showed that the combined influence of peer pressure and leisure
boredom predicted substance use among the adolescents. Of the two factors, peer pressure was the stronger predictor of substance use.
Analysis of discrete fractional operators
Authors: Atici Ferhan , Uyanik Meltem
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we introduce two new monotonicity concepts for a nonnegative
or nonpositive valued function defined on a discrete domain. We give examples
to illustrate connections between these new monotonicity concepts and the
traditional ones. We then prove some monotonicity criteria based on the sign
of the fractional difference operator of a function f, ??f with 0 < ? < 1. As
an application, we state and prove the mean value theorem on discrete
fractional calculus.
Big Data Analytics in Financial Statement Audits
Authors: Cao Min , Chychyla Roman , Stewart Trevor
Published: February 2015

SYNOPSIS

Big Data analytics is the process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling Big Data to discover and communicate useful information and patterns, suggest conclusions, and support decision making. Big Data has been used for advanced analytics in many domains but hardly, if at all, by auditors. This article hypothesizes that Big Data analytics can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of financial statement audits. We explain how Big Data analytics applied in other domains might be applied in auditing. We also discuss the characteristics of Big Data analytics, which set it apart from traditional auditing, and its implications for practical implementation.
Evidence on Contagion in Earnings Management
Authors: Kedia Simi , Koh Kevin , Rajgopal Shivaram
Published: February 2015

We examine contagion in earnings management using 2,376 restatements announced during the years 1997–2008. Controlling for industry and firm characteristics, firms are more likely to begin managing earnings after the public announcement of a restatement by another firm in their industry or neighborhood. Such contagion is absent when the restating firm is disciplined by the SEC or class action lawsuits, suggesting deterrent effects of enforcement activity. Contagion among peers is observed (1) in the same account as the one restated by the target firm, or (2) when larger target firms restate or the restatement is prominently disclosed, or (3) when the target firm's restatement is less severe. Contagion stops during the years 2003–2005, possibly due to the enforcement associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), but reappears during 2006–2008, perhaps because the sting associated with SOX has worn off. In sum, peers' actions appear to affect a firm's earnings management decisions.
Exercise Strategies for Hypoglycemia Prevention in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yardley Jane E. , Sigal Ronald J.
Published: February 2015

IN BRIEF Fear of hypoglycemia is one of the main barriers to physical activity for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Recent studies indicate that anaerobic forms of exercise (i.e., resistance exercise/weight lifting, sprints, and high-intensity intervals) can attenuate exercise-related declines in blood glucose both during and after exercise in young, healthy adults with type 1 diabetes. These responses might vary based on age, sex, and fitness level and in the general safety of relying on them to prevent hypoglycemia.
Materialist Value Orientations as Correlates of the New Ecological Paradigm among University Students in China
Authors: Chang Genying
Published: February 2015

The new ecological paradigm is an ecocentric view of the relationship between humanity and nature. This study analyzed the correlates of the new ecological paradigm in China using the responses of 1,148 university students to a questionnaire. The participating students were from Lanzhou University and Liaocheng University in China and ranged in age from 16 to 26 years. This study showed that two materialist value orientations, economic precedence over the environment and trust in technology, were negatively correlated with the new ecological paradigm. The correlates of basic values with the new ecological paradigm were mediated by economic precedence over the environment. Female students were more concerned about the environment than were male students.
Spatial distribution and cluster analysis of a leishmaniasis outbreak in the south-western Madrid region, Spain, September 2009 to April 2013
Authors: Gomez-Barroso D , Herrador Z , San Martín J V , Gherasim A , Aguado M , Romero-Maté A , Molina L , Aparicio P , Benito A
Published: February 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Comparative safety evaluation of 7-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccines in routine paediatric vaccinations in four Italian regions, 2009 to 2011
Authors: Trotta F , Rizzo C , Santuccio C , Bella A ,   the Pharmacovigilance Study Group on Pneumococcal Vaccination in Children
Published: February 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Neuroprotective effect of Scutellaria baicalensis flavones against global ischemic model in rats
Authors: Gaire Bjakta Prasad , Kim Young Ock , Jin Zhen Hua , Park Juyeon , Choi Hoyoung , Bu Youngmin , Kim Hocheol
Published: February 2015

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB) is the medicinal plants mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory syndromes including respiratory disease, fever and gastric ulcer in traditional Eastern medicine and its major components; baicalin, baicalein and wogonin; were reported to have various biological effects. The aim of this study was to isolate the neuroprotective flavones from the root of S. baicalensis (SB) by bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. baicalensis methanol extract (SBME). Neuroprotective effect of isolated flavones, namely was studied on global ischemic model in rat by 4-VO. SBME was fractionated with different solvent and resulting fractions were administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg to the rat and potent neuroprotective fractions were sub-fractionated. At a dose of 10 mg/kg, isolated compounds, wogonin, and baicalein inhibited the hippocampal neuronal cell death by 78.6% and 81.0% respectively. Our study suggested that SB and its isolated flavones have potential neuroprotective effect and these findings may be one of the alternative therapies for the management of stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v27i1.12144 Journal of Nepal Pharmaceutical Association 2014 Vol.XXVII: 1-8
Assesment of 28 days repeated adminstration toxicity profile of dexamethasone palmitate injection
Authors: Sharma Ganesh N , Rasania Shaili , Dadhaniya Paresh , Patel Chintan , Vachhani Kapil
Published: February 2015

Although, the dexamethasone have been used for the managements, against various ailments as single API or in combination with other drugs as acetate or palmitate salt. However, Dexamethasone as palmitate salt has not been investigated so far for sub acute toxicity on intravenous administration. Therefore, an attempt has been made to investigate sub-acute toxicity of dexamethasone palmitate injection. The drug was administered in experimental animals at different dose levels (0.07, 0.18 and 0.44 mg/kg, b.w.), for 28 days, and alteration in biochemical and haematological parameters was recorded along with histological examinations. The result data revealed that intravenous administration of dexamethasone palmitate does not causes any significant alteration in experimental animals examined at different levels. The observed changes were either well established adverse effects of Dexamethasone or were in laboratory reference range limit. The intravenous administered doses of drug were found safer, although somewhat adverse reactions may be observed at higher dose level (s). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v27i1.12145 Journal of Nepal Pharmaceutical Association 2014 Vol.XXVII: 9-19
Investigations of phytochemical, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Ixora pavetta Andrews leaf
Authors: Mondal Sumanta , Raja S , Prasad PNVSS , Suresh Padilam
Published: February 2015

Ixora pavetta Andrews, (var.: I. Parviflora Vahl.) is a small tree or evergreen shrub belongs to the family Rubiaceae, and is used for many ailments, especially for the treatment of to treat chronic wounds, urinary diseases, skin infection, pulmonary troubles, liver disorder, hair tonic, sedative, diuretic, diarrhoea, dysentery, leucorrhoea and veneral diseases. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanol exract of I. pavetta leaf showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponin glycoside. In the analgesic activity, ethanol extract provoked a significant reduction of the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing response, also significantly reduced the licking time in both phases of the formalin test and highest analgesia in hot-plate test (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated employing the both carrageenan and arachidonic acid -induced hind-paw oedema in rats and results of the study revealed the extract to have significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory effects at a dose of 400 and 600 mg/kg p.o., rats in both the models. The antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia in rats and the extract showed significant lowering of body temperature in rats at doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg p.o., and no promising results with 200 mg/kg dose level. These findings suggest that ethanol extract of I. pavetta leaves possess potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretics effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v27i1.12146 Journal of Nepal Pharmaceutical Association 2014 Vol.XXVII: 20-27
Fagonia: A potential medicinal desert plant
Authors: Puri Dinesh , Bhandari Anil
Published: February 2015

Desert plants are unique adaptation from environmental conditions. Fagonia is a genus of plant in the family zygophyllaceae with about 20 species around Mediterranean to India, S. Africa, California, Chili. The local name of fagonia is dhamasa. They are traditionally well known for the treatment of hemorrhoids, inflammation, sores, leprosy, open wounds and fever in the form of internal and external conventional formulation. When the powder that is made up of the whole plant of F. schweinfurthii is dusted on boils and skin eruptions, it causes healing, when the whole plant is boiled in water, its bath is useful for allergies and other skin diseases and decoction is given orally as blood purifier. The other species like Fagonia bruguieri its aqueous extract is claimed for anti-allergy. Methanolic extract of Fagonia cretica is claimed for good antimicrobial potential and it exhibited strong free radical scavenging properties against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The other effects of Fagonia species include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and thrombolytic activities are observed. Many chemical constituent's, such as triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoid glycosides, etc., have already been reported in different Fagonia spp. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v27i1.12147 Journal of Nepal Pharmaceutical Association 2014 Vol.XXVII: 28-33
Pharmacological studies of Neopicrorrhiza scrophularii-flora and its antidiabetic effect
Authors: Manandhar Nayan
Published: February 2015

Neopicrorrhiza srophulariiflora (NS), locally known as “kutki / katuki” in nepali is available in 3500-4800 m of Nepal. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic property of NS in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic model rats. NS dried rhizomes, was extracted with 80% ethanol and water by cold percolation method. The extracts were administered at a dose of 1.25gkg-1 body weight for 21 consecutive days to type 2 diabetic male Long-Evans rats, bred at BIRDEM animal house. Serum glucose was estimated by GOD PAP method. Ethanol extract of N. srophulariiflora significantly (p<0.05) improved oral glucose tolerance in type 2 rats in comparison to control group. The water extract and ethanol extracts significantly lowered serum glucose level of type 2 diabetic rats in both prandial states (simultaneously with oral glucose load p<0.05; at 75min and 30 minutes prior to oral glucose load p<0.05; at 105min) compared to control group. N. srophulariiflora is beneficial for treating Type 2 diabetes and therefore needs further exploration and researches, both chemically and biologically to identify the active principle(s) and mechanism of action. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v27i1.12148 Journal of Nepal Pharmaceutical Association 2014 Vol.XXVII: 34-39
Extraction, isolation and evaluation Trigonella foenum-graecum as mucoadhesive agent for nasal gel drug delivery
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra , Singhal Aditi , Bansal Sumedha , Gupta SK
Published: February 2015

The purpose of the study is to formulate and evaluate a new, cheap and effective natural mucoadhesive agent that can be used as an effective alternative for traditional mucoadhesive agent. The study procedure involved extraction of mucoadhesive agent from the Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds, solubility testing of the mucilage obtained, phytochemical testing, determination of swelling index, preparation of nasal gel, measurement of viscosity, The study showed that the extraction of fenugreek seeds had 36% w/w of mucoadhesive agent. The natural mucoadhesive agent was soluble in hot water and cold water. The swelling index was found to be 160%.Fenugreek seeds produce high viscosity mucilage at low concentration levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v27i1.12149 Journal of Nepal Pharmaceutical Association 2014 Vol.XXVII: 40-45
Sustainability and Asia
Authors: van Dongen Els , Liu Hong
Published: February 2015

What is the added value of investigating the contested concept of “sustainability” in tandem with the geographical marker of “Asia” in today’s world? To answer this question, we need to return to the formulation of the problematique of “sustainability” and “sustainable development” several decades ago. The Our Common Future report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED)—also known as the Brundtland Commission—put forward the most commonly recognized and most frequently used definition of “sustainable development” (SD) in 1987.1 Development could be made sustainable, so the report stated, “to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (WCED 1987: 15). The report further proclaimed that there were limits to development, but that improvements in technology and social development could “make way for a new era of economic growth” (ibid.).
Anti-Glycation Activities of Phenolic Constituents from Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) Flower in Vitro and on Human Explants
Authors: Shin Seoungwoo , Lee Jung-A , Kim Minkyung , Kum Hyunwoo , Jung Eunsun , Park Deokhoon
Published: February 2015

Glycation is an ageing reaction of naturally occurring sugars with dermal proteins, with clinical signs appearing in vivo around age 30, and increasing steadily/regularly with age. The suppleness of the dermis is affected by the formation of bridges between proteins and sugars (Maillard’s reaction). The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in skin plays a very important role in skin ageing. Therefore, natural compounds or extracts that possess antiglycation activities may have great anti-ageing potential. In the present study, Silybum marianum flower extract (SMFE) was demonstrated to possess antiglycation activity. We found that SMFE inhibits glycation reaction between BSA and glucose. In addition, antiglycation activity of SMFE was confirmed in a human skin explants model. SMFE reduced Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) expression, whereas SMFE stimulated fibrillin-1 expression compared to treatment with methyglyoxal. An active ingredient contributing to the observed activities was identified as silibinin. The antiglycation activity of silibinin was dose-dependent. The beneficial effects of silibinin may be applied to prevention or management of AGE-mediated pathologies, targeting in a pleiotropic and complementary way the biochemical and cellular bases of skin aging.
Farmacovigilância em tuberculose: relato de uma experiência no Brasil
Authors: Da Rocha Jorge Luiz , Silva Claudia Hermínia de Lima e , Cyriaco Caroline Silveira Santos , Cury Maria Eugênia Carvalhaes , Oliveira Márcia Gonçalves de , Gasparotto Fernanda Simioni , Penido Carolina Souza , Silva Leandro Roberto da , David Cristiane Angeli , Bartholomay Patricia , Johansen Faber Katsume , Costa Fernanda Dockhorn , Lima Josué Nazareno de , Barreira Draurio , Trajman Anete
Published: February 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment frequently causes adverse reactions, because on one hand, it employs at least four drugs and on the other hand, these drugs are often used in association with other drugs, such as antiretroviral and glucose-lowering drugs, that interact with antitubercular agents. The Brazilian National Tuberculosis Control Program and the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) developed a partnership to implement a pilot pharmacovigilance project to encourage the reporting of adverse reactions to antitubercular agents. Training followed by monitoring visits was conducted by three reference health services for TB treatment. Among the bottlenecks identified, we found limitations in access to the information system (NOTIVISA), slow Internet connection, poor adverse event reporting in medical records, lack of multidisciplinary integration and involvement of managers, and fragility of information flows. As a consequence, technical instructional materials were developed, the NOTIVISA form was improved and shortened, indicators for monitoring notifications were proposed, and information flows were reset. We conclude that the partnership was successful and suggest a similar strategy for other programs. Integration of health teams as well as development of simplified notification tools are challenges to be overcome if pharmacovigilance actions are to be sustainable in the country.
Processus morphogénétiques originaux liés à l'hydrolithosphère sur Mars (Morphologic processes in relationship with lithospheric water - hydrolithosphere - on Mars)
Authors: Battistini René
Published: February 2015

Abstract. - Liquid water is concentrated, on Mars, under the icy upper hydro-lithosphere which is a rigid and probably practically impervious crust. The distribution of the Mars ridges shows a good coïncidence with hydrolithosphere : unlike to moon ridges, they are not related to volcanism. Outflows, and various geomorphologie features related to sapping by underground aquifers, indicate instability of the lithospheric water and of a part of the pervious rocks containing the water under the permafrost.
L'activité économique dans le bassin d'Ueda (Economic activity in the Ueda basin)
Authors: Smolaz Bruno
Published: February 2015

Résumé. - Le bassin d'Ueda, au cœur du Japon, présente un bon exemple de l'évolution de la campagne japonaise. Les agriculteurs «alternants » (double-actifs), y sont désormais majoritaires.
The Long Journey of TCL1 Transgenic Mice: Lessons Learned in the Last 15 Years
Authors: Pekarsky Yuri , Drusco Alessandra , Kumchala Prasanthi , Croce Carlo M. , Zanesi Nicola
Published: February 2015

The first transgenic mouse of the TCL1 oncogene was described more than 15 years ago, and since then, the overexpression of the gene in T- and B-cells in vivo has been extensively studied to reveal the molecular details in the pathogenesis of some lymphocytic leukemias. This
review discusses the main features of the original TCL1 models and the different lines of research successively developed with particular attention to genetically compound mice and the therapeutic applications in drug development.
Role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (HNF4α) in Cell Proliferation and Cancer
Authors: Walesky Chad , Apte Udayan
Published: February 2015

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is an orphan nuclear receptor commonly known as the master regulator of hepatic differentiation, owing to the large number of hepatocyte-specific genes it regulates. Whereas the role of HNF4α in hepatocyte differentiation is well
recognized and extensively studied, its role in regulation of cell proliferation is relatively less known. Recent studies have revealed that HNF4α inhibits proliferation not only of hepatocytes but also cells in colon and kidney. Further, a growing number of studies have demonstrated
that inhibition or loss of HNF4α promotes tumorigenesis in the liver and colon, and reexpression of HNF4α results in decreased cancer growth. Studies using tissue-specific conditional knockout mice, knock-in studies, and combinatorial bioinformatics of RNA/ChIP-sequencing data
indicate that the mechanisms of HNF4α-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation are multifold, involving epigenetic repression of promitogenic genes, significant cross talk with other cell cycle regulators including c-Myc and cyclin D1, and regulation of miRNAs. Furthermore, studies
indicate that posttranslational modifications of HNF4α may change its activity and may be at the core of its dual role as a differentiation factor and repressor of proliferation. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of HNF4α in cell proliferation and highlights the
newly understood function of this old receptor.
Large size and high light do not lower the cost of reproduction for the Neotropical herb Goeppertia marantifolia
Authors: Matlaga David P. , Horvitz Carol C.
Published: February 2015

• Premise of the study: Sexual reproduction is often associated with a cost in terms of reduced survival, growth, or future reproduction. It has been proposed that plant size and the environment (availability of key resources) can sometimes lower or even nullify the cost of reproduction.

• Methods: We address this issue experimentally with the Neotropical herb Goeppertia marantifolia, by manipulating sexual reproductive effort and measuring the demographic performance of plants and of their clonal offspring, in the context of natural variation in light availability.

• Key results: Plants in the high‐reproductive‐effort treatment grew less between seasons but did not differ in their probability of flowering the second season or in inflorescence size compared with plants in the low‐effort treatment. Reproductive effort of parent plants influenced the leaf area of their clonal offspring. Plants that invested less in sexual reproduction produced clonal offspring that were initially larger than those produced by plants that invested more in reproduction. The magnitude of this effect was greater in parent plants that received two seasons of the manipulated reproductive effort than in those that received a single season. The trade‐off between reproductive modes dampened with time, leading to smaller differences in clonal offspring leaf area between treatments over time.

• Conclusions: We found evidence of a cost of reproduction and trade‐offs between reproductive modes, although the magnitude of these costs was small. However, we found no evidence of lower costs of reproduction for larger plants or for plants in higher‐light environments over our 2‐yr study period.
Clostridium difficile infection: a Serbian single-center experience
Authors: Korac Milos , Milosevic Ivana , Markovic Marko , Popovic Natasa , Ilic Milena , Markovic Aleksandar , Nikolic Jelena , Jevtovic Djordje
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. Severity of CDI is associated with advanced age and co-morbidities. The clinical spectrum varies from mild watery diarrhea to severe fulminant pseudomembranous colitis with complications. Methodology: This study conducted over a six-year period (2008 to 2013) included 510 patients treated at the University Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade, Serbia. In patients with a history of previous hospitalization and/or treatment with antimicrobial agents who developed diarrhea, the diagnosis was established with rapid tests for C. difficile toxin A and B and by stool culture for C. difficile (454 patients) or by endoscopic examination and histological analyses of the biopsy samples taken from the colonic mucosa (56 patients). Results: The mean age of patients was 67.71± 13.34 years. A total of 67.8% patients were older than 65 years. Over half (58.7%) of the patients were female. 93% had been previously hospitalized and/or had surgical interventions, during which they had been treated with antibiotics. In the clinical presentation spectrum, pseudomembranous colitis occurred in 51.0% .The mean duration of illness after the introduction of specific antibiotic therapy was 7.10 ± 4.88 days. Complications developed in 14 patients. The disease relapsed in 43 (8.4%). Thirty-two (6.3%) patients died, mostly due to co-morbidities. Conclusions: CDI is the most important cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in Serbia. The disease mainly affects elderly patients with co-morbidities. The incidence of complications is low and prognosis is age dependent and related to pre-existing diseases.
In vitro emergence of carbapenem resistance in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates
Authors: Villar Hugo E , Santana Gabriela , Jugo Monica B , Perren Patricia , Hidalgo Mariana , Alonso Patricia , Maccallini Gustavo
Published: February 2015

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Recommended advanced techniques for waterborne pathogen detection in developing countries
Authors: Alhamlan Fatimah S , Al-Qahtani Ahmed Ali , Al-Ahdal Mohammed N. Ahmed
Published: February 2015

The effect of human activities on water resources has expanded dramatically during the past few decades, leading to the spread of waterborne microbial pathogens. The total global health impact of human infectious diseases associated with pathogenic microorganisms from land-based wastewater pollution was estimated to be approximately three million disability-adjusted life years (DALY), with an estimated economic loss of nearly 12 billion US dollars per year. Although clean water is essential for healthy living, it is not equally granted to all humans. Indeed, people who live in developing countries are challenged every day by an inadequate supply of clean water. Polluted water can lead to health crises that in turn spread waterborne pathogens. Taking measures to assess the water quality can prevent these potential risks. Thus, a pressing need has emerged in developing countries for comprehensive and accurate assessments of water quality. This review presents current and emerging advanced techniques for assessing water quality that can be adopted by authorities in developing countries.
Enseignements empiriques et éthiques d'une biffe sociologique parmi les éboueurs parisiens
Authors: Le Lay Stéphane
Published: February 2015

Cet article propose une discussion méthodologique de l’observation participante partiellement incognito qui a été mise en œuvre dans le cadre d’une enquête de terrain menée en tant qu’éboueur de la ville de Paris. Il s’agit de fournir, à la manière des travaux d’ethnographie réflexive, des éléments de compréhension sur la manière dont a été appréhendé le rapport au métier, et à expliciter la façon dont les activités ont peu à peu affaibli l’observateur participant, jusqu’à le pousser à abandonner le terrain. En particulier, l’article insiste sur les liens, du point de vue du sociologue, entre engagement du corps, éthique et santé au travail. En engageant sa subjectivité en une configuration professionnelle éprouvante et inconnue de lui, ce dernier se place certes dans une posture favorable à la compréhension de certains phénomènes (comme la « biffe »), mais en le faisant sur un terrain dont il est socialement et culturellement éloigné et dans des conditions éthiques potentiellement critiquables, il court le risque de se trouver dans l’incapacité d’accéder à l’ensemble des ressources permettant aux travailleurs de faire face à leurs activités quotidiennes.
Assessing Sustainability of InSHAPE Participants’ Fitness Activities in a Community Mental Health Setting
Authors: Lesley Marsha L. , Livingwood Kristi
Published: February 2015

InSHAPE (Self Help Action Plan for Empowerment), an exercise and nutrition wellness program, is gaining national recognition for its success in helping individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) improve physical fitness and dietary habits. Although gains have been reported in objective measures of fitness as participants progressed through the year-long program, there is little information about what happens with participants after program completion. To address this gap in knowledge, the authors conducted a longitudinal qualitative study in which 11 InSHAPE participants were interviewed both near the end of their year in the program and 9 months later. Participants identified the trainer’s ability to contain their initial feelings of distress and form a working alliance as factors that contributed to their exercise persistence. Current findings suggest that individuals with SMI may need a longer period of time working closely with fitness trainers to sustain physical activity levels achieved during the program. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(2), 46–53.]
Citius, Altius, Fortius
Authors: Pinheiro Rómulo
Published: February 2015

The European Union's Lisbon Strategy (2000-2010) set a bold vision of a “Europe of Knowledge” where universities are seen as central actors. A modernisation agenda of universities has been promoted in recent years, focusing on the contribution of the sector to reaching regional and national economic goals. This chapter takes stock of ongoing national reforms across 17 European Union countries. Data pertaining to two key elements—societal relevance (in the form of university-industry relations) and scientific excellence—is analysed. The author discusses the findings in the light of conceptualisations surrounding the relevance-excellence nexus in higher education, as well as current policy dynamics and scholarly debates across the region. The chapter concludes by recommending future research directions.
Tracing the Use of Communication Technologies in Higher Education
Authors: Ramos Fernando , Pinto Marta , Coelho Dalila , Raposo Rui , Pombo Lúcia , Pedro Luís , Almeida Pedro , Batista João , Morais Nídia , Souza Francislê , Balula Ana , Lucas Margarida , Moreira António
Published: February 2015

This chapter presents a comprehensive view of the main activities and findings of a research project entitled TRACER-Portuguese Public Higher Education Use of Communication Technologies, which focused on how the information about the use of Communication Technologies in Higher Education Institutions can be collected, systematized, processed, and deployed to stakeholders. The project was carried out between 2011 and 2014 and its main results are a consolidated proposal of an analysis model to address the use of Communication Technologies in Higher Education institutions, as well as the U-TRACER® tool. This Web-based tool provides support to the process of collecting, processing, and deployment of data related with the use of Communication Technologies in a specific Higher Education or in a group of institutions, based on institutional or geographical criteria.
Case Study of a Hybrid Undergraduate Elementary Certification Program
Authors: Popa Carmen , Laurian Simona , Bochis Laura , Fitzgerald Carlton J. , Birle Delia , Bonchis Elena
Published: February 2015

The goal of this study was to assist instructors and leadership of a hybrid weekend pre-service teacher education program at the University of Oradea to improve their effectiveness with students. Specifically, this study sought to gather and analyze data from three program constituents: students, instructors, and program leadership. The preschool and primary weekend education program at the University of Oradea was developed to be suitable for students who for various reasons cannot attend the traditional day classes. In 2011, the weekend program was changed into a hybrid program in an effort to more directly meet the needs of the student population. In order to more effectively meet the needs of the students, it became obvious that the pedagogy and structure of the program needed refinement. The data gathered in this study allowed the research team to develop recommendations for program, pedagogical, and textbook improvements.