bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nature, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neuroticism
Authors: Barlow David H. , Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Carl Jenna R. , Bullis Jacqueline R. , Ellard Kristen K.
Published: October 2013

We highlight the role of neuroticism in the development and course of emotional disorders and make a case for shifting the focus of intervention to this higher-order dimension of personality. Recent decades have seen great emphasis placed on differentiating disorders into Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses; however, evidence has suggested that splitting disorders into such fine categories may be highlighting relatively trivial differences. Emerging research on the latent structure of anxiety and mood disorders has indicated that trait neuroticism, cultivated through genetic, neurobiological, and psychological factors, underscores the development of these disorders. We raise the possibility of a new approach for conceptualizing these disorders—as emotional disorders. From a service-delivery point of view, we explore the possibility that neuroticism may be more malleable than previously thought and may possibly be amenable to direct intervention. The public-health implications of directly treating and even preventing the development of neuroticism would be substantial.
PT-Flax (phenotyping and TILLinG of flax): development of a flax (Linum usitatissimumL.) mutant population and TILLinG platform for forward and reverse genetics
Authors: Chantreau Maxime , Grec Sébastien , Gutierrez Laurent , Dalmais Marion , Pineau Christophe , Demailly Hervé , Paysant-Leroux Christine , Tavernier Reynald , Trouvé Jean-Paul , Chatterjee Manash , Guillot Xavier , Brunaud Véronique , Chabbert Brigitte , van Wuytswinkel Olivier , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Thomasset Brigitte , Hawkins Simon
Published: October 2013

Background

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an economically important fiber and oil crop that has been grown for thousands of years. The genome has been recently sequenced and transcriptomics are providing information on candidate genes potentially related to agronomically-important traits. In order to accelerate functional characterization of these genes we have generated a flax EMS mutant population that can be used as a TILLinG (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) platform for forward and reverse genetics.

Results

A population of 4,894 M2 mutant seed families was generated using 3 different EMS concentrations (0.3%, 0.6% and 0.75%) and used to produce M2 plants for subsequent phenotyping and DNA extraction. 10,839 viable M2 plants (4,033 families) were obtained and 1,552 families (38.5%) showed a visual developmental phenotype (stem size and diameter, plant architecture, flower-related). The majority of these families showed more than one phenotype. Mutant phenotype data are organised in a database and can be accessed and searched at UTILLdb (http://urgv.evry.inra.fr/UTILLdb). Preliminary screens were also performed for atypical fiber and seed phenotypes. Genomic DNA was extracted from 3,515 M2 families and eight-fold pooled for subsequent mutant detection by ENDO1 nuclease mis-match cleavage. In order to validate the collection for reverse genetics, DNA pools were screened for two genes coding enzymes of the lignin biosynthesis pathway: Coumarate-3-Hydroxylase (C3H) and Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase (CAD). We identified 79 and 76 mutations in the C3H and CAD genes, respectively. The average mutation rate was calculated as 1/41 Kb giving rise to approximately 9,000 mutations per genome. Thirty-five out of the 52 flax cad mutant families containing missense or codon stop mutations showed the typical orange-brown xylem phenotype observed in CAD down-regulated/mutant plants in other species.

Conclusions

We have developed a flax mutant population that can be used as an efficient forward and reverse genetics tool. The collection has an extremely high mutation rate that enables the detection of large numbers of independant mutant families by screening a comparatively low number of M2 families. The population will prove to be a valuable resource for both fundamental research and the identification of agronomically-important genes for crop improvement in flax.
Primary medulla oblongata germinomas: two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Hao Shuyu , Li Da , Feng Jie , Wang Liang , Wu Zhen , Zhang Junting , Zhang Liwei
Published: October 2013

An intracranial germinoma is a tumor that is sensitive to radiotherapy. As medulla oblongata germinomas are extremely rare, determining an accurate preoperative diagnosis is challenging. Two cases of medulla oblongata lesions were surgically treated, and a postoperative diagnosis of germinoma was determined in both of the cases. The tumor in one patient completely resolved after a treatment course consisting of surgical intervention, radiotherapy and chemotherapy; the other patient, who did not receive any type of adjuvant treatment after surgery, suffered from tumor relapse and died from pneumonia 8 months following surgery. A preoperative diagnosis of medulla oblongata germinoma is difficult because of the lack of specific clinical signs and symptoms. If the correct diagnosis is reached, patients can have a favorable prognosis with proper evaluation and treatment. An invasive operation can potentially lesion and impair the function of the medulla oblongata, which is fatal to the patient.
Prevalence and molecular characterisation of Eimeriaspecies in Ethiopian village chickens
Authors: Luu Lisa , Bettridge Judy , Christley Robert M , Melese Kasech , Blake Damer , Dessie Tadelle , Wigley Paul , Desta Takele T , Hanotte Olivier , Kaiser Pete , Terfa Zelalem G , Collins Marisol , Lynch Stacey E
Published: October 2013

Background

Coccidiosis, caused by species of the apicomplexan parasite Eimeria, is a major disease of chickens. Eimeria species are present world-wide, and are ubiquitous under intensive farming methods. However, prevalence of Eimeria species is not uniform across production systems. In developing countries such as Ethiopia, a high proportion of chicken production occurs on rural smallholdings (i.e. 'village chicken production’) where infectious diseases constrain productivity and surveillance is low. Coccidiosis is reported to be prevalent in these areas. However, a reliance on oocyst morphology to determine the infecting species may impede accurate diagnosis. Here, we used cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria oocyst shedding at two rural sites in the Ethiopian highlands.

Results

Faecal samples were collected from 767 randomly selected chickens in May or October 2011. In addition, 110 chickens were sampled in both May and October. Eimeria oocysts were detected microscopically in 427 (56%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 52-59%) of the 767 faecal samples tested. Moderate clustering of positive birds was detected within households, perhaps suggesting common risk factors or exposure pathways. Seven species of Eimeria were detected by real time PCR in a subset of samples further analysed, with the prevalence of some species varying by region. Co-infections were common; 64% (23/36, 95% CI 46-79%) of positive samples contained more than one Eimeria spp. Despite frequent infection and co-infection overt clinical disease was not reported. Eimeria oocysts were detected significantly more frequently in October (248/384, 65%, 95% CI 60-69%), following the main rainy season, compared to May (179/383, 47%, 95% CI 42-52%, p < 0.001). Eimeria oocyst positivity in May did not significantly affect the likelihood of detecting Eimeria oocyst five months later perhaps suggesting infection with different species or immunologically distinct strains.

Conclusions

Eimeria spp oocysts may be frequently detected in faecal samples from village chickens in Ethiopia. Co-infection with multiple Eimeria spp was common and almost half of Eimeria positive birds had at least one highly pathogenic species detected. Despite this, all sampled birds were free of overt disease. Although there was no evidence of a difference in the prevalence of oocysts in faecal samples between study regions, there was evidence of variation in the prevalence of some species, perhaps suggesting regional differences in exposure to risk factors associated with the birds, their management and/or location-specific environmental and ecological factors.
Lymphatic filariasis in Luangwa District, South-East Zambia
Authors: Shawa Sheila Tamara , Mwase Enala T , Pedersen Erling M , Simonsen Paul E
Published: October 2013

Background

Past case reports and recent data from LF mapping surveys indicate that LF occurs in Zambia, but no studies have been carried out to document its epidemiology and health implications. The present study assessed infection, disease, transmission and human perception aspects of LF in an endemic area of Luangwa District, South-East Zambia, as a background for planning and implementation of control.

Methods

Two neighbouring rural communities were registered and a questionnaire survey undertaken. Clinical examination, and sampling of blood for circulating filarial antigens (CFA; marker of adult worm infection) and antibodies to Bm14 antigen (marker of exposure to transmission), were carried out during the daytime. Blood from CFA positive individuals was examined for microfilariae (mf) at night. Vector surveys were carried out in selected households, using light traps.

Results

985 individuals aged ≥ 1 year were registered. The CFA prevalence increased with age from 1.2% in age group 1–14 years to 20.6% in age group 50+ years (overall 8.6%). Wuchereria bancrofti mf were identified in 10.9% of CFA positive individuals (corresponding to a community prevalence of 0.9%). Prevalence and intensity of Bm14 antibodies were much higher in individuals ≥ 30 years than in younger individuals (57.2 vs. 19.3%; 0.594 vs. 0.241 OD-values). Elephantiasis and hydrocele were well known clinical manifestations in the area, but only one case of hydrocele was detected in the study population. Identified potential vectors were Anopheles funestus and An. gambiae.

Conclusion

The study confirmed that LF was endemic in the study communities, but infection and disease prevalence was low. Several indications, including a marked recent decline in CFA prevalence, suggest that transmission in the area is on the decrease, perhaps because of intensive application of malaria control measures targeting the Anopheles vectors. It is recommended that mass drug administration is initiated to accelerate this positive trend of decline in LF transmission in the area.
Evolution of Clinical Trial Design in Early Drug Development: Systematic Review of Expansion Cohort Use in Single-Agent Phase I Cancer Trials
Authors: Manji Arif , Brana Irene , Amir Eitan , Tomlinson George , Tannock Ian F. , Bedard Philippe L. , Oza Amit , Siu Lillian L. , Razak Albiruni R. Abdul
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the use and objectives of expansion cohorts in phase I cancer trials and to explore trial characteristics associated with their use.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE, limiting studies to single-agent phase I trials recruiting adults and published after 2006. Eligibility assessment and data extraction were performed by two reviewers. Data were assessed descriptively, and associations were tested by univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We identified 611 unique phase I cancer trials, of which 149 (24%) included an expansion cohort. The trials were significantly more likely to use an expansion cohort if they were published more recently, were multicenter, or evaluated a noncytotoxic agent. Objectives of the expansion cohort were reported in 74% of trials. In these trials, safety (80%), efficacy (45%), pharmacokinetics (28%), pharmacodynamics (23%), and patient enrichment (14%) were cited as objectives. Among expansion cohorts with safety objectives, the recommended phase II dose was modified in 13% and new toxicities were described in 54% of trials. Among trials aimed at assessing efficacy, only 11% demonstrated antitumor activity assessed by response criteria that was not previously observed during dose escalation.

Conclusion

The utilization of expansion cohorts has increased with time. Safety and efficacy are common objectives, but 26% fail to report explicit aims. Expansion cohorts may provide useful supplementary data for phase I trials, particularly with regard to toxicity and definition of recommended dose for phase II studies.
PRECEDENT: A Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Vintafolide (EC145) and Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) in Combination Versus PLD Alone in Patients With Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Naumann R. Wendel , Coleman Robert L. , Burger Robert A. , Sausville Edward A. , Kutarska Elzbieta , Ghamande Sharad A. , Gabrail Nashat Y. , DePasquale Stephen E. , Nowara Elzbieta , Gilbert Lucy , Gersh Robert H. , Teneriello Michael G. , Harb Wael A. , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A. , Penson Richard T. , Symanowski James T. , Lovejoy Chandra D. , Leamon Christopher P. , Morgenstern David E. , Messmann Richard A.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Vintafolide (EC145) is a folic acid–desacetylvinblastine conjugate that binds to the folate receptor (FR), which is expressed on the majority of epithelial ovarian cancers. This randomized phase II trial evaluated vintafolide combined with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) compared with PLD alone. The utility of an FR-targeted imaging agent, 99mTc-etarfolatide (EC20), in selecting patients likely to benefit from vintafolide was also examined.

Patients and Methods

Women with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who had undergone ≤ two prior cytotoxic regimens were randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to PLD (50 mg/m2 intravenously [IV] once every 28 days) with or without vintafolide (2.5 mg IV three times per week during weeks 1 and 3). Etarfolatide scanning was optional. The primary objective was to compare progression-free survival (PFS) between the groups.

Results

The intent-to-treat population comprised 149 patients. Median PFS was 5.0 and 2.7 months for the vintafolide plus PLD and PLD-alone arms, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.96; P = .031). The greatest benefit was observed in patients with 100% of lesions positive for FR, with median PFS of 5.5 compared with 1.5 months for PLD alone (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.85; P = .013). The group of patients with FR-positive disease (10% to 90%) experienced some PFS improvement (HR, 0.873), whereas patients with disease that did not express FR experienced no PFS benefit (HR, 1.806).

Conclusion

Vintafolide plus PLD is the first combination to demonstrate an improvement over standard therapy in a randomized trial of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Etarfolatide can identify patients likely to benefit from vintafolide.
Biomechanical Comparison of Four C1 to C2 Rigid Fixative Techniques: Anterior Transarticular, Posterior Transarticular, C1 to C2 Pedicle, and C1 to C2 Intralaminar Screws
Authors: Lapsiwala Samir B. , Anderson Paul A. , Oza Ashish , Resnick Daniel K.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

We performed a biomechanical comparison of several C1 to C2 fixation techniques including crossed laminar (intralaminar) screw fixation, anterior C1 to C2 transarticular screw fixation, C1 to 2 pedicle screw fixation, and posterior C1 to C2 transarticular screw fixation.

METHODS:

Eight cadaveric cervical spines were tested intact and after dens fracture. Four different C1 to C2 screw fixation techniques were tested. Posterior transarticular and pedicle screw constructs were tested twice, once with supplemental sublaminar cables and once without cables. The specimens were tested in three modes of loading: flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. All tests were performed in load and torque control. Pure bending moments of 2 nm were applied in flexion-extension and lateral bending, whereas a 1 nm moment was applied in axial rotation. Linear displacements were recorded from extensometers rigidly affixed to the C1 and C2 vertebrae. Linear displacements were reduced to angular displacements using trigonometry.

RESULTS:

Adding cable fixation results in a stiffer construct for posterior transarticular screws. The addition of cables did not affect the stiffness of C1 to C2 pedicle screw constructs. There were no significant differences in stiffness between anterior and posterior transarticular screw techniques, unless cable fixation was added to the posterior construct. All three posterior screw constructs with supplemental cable fixation provide equal stiffness with regard to flexion-extension and axial rotation. C1 lateral mass-C2 intralaminar screw fixation restored resistance to lateral bending but not to the same degree as the other screw fixation techniques.

CONCLUSION:

All four screw fixation techniques limit motion at the C1 to 2 articulation. The addition of cable fixation improves resistance to flexion and extension for posterior transarticular screw fixation.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Adverse Drug Reactions in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Smith Kelly M. , Jeske Chad S. , Young Byron , Hatton Jimmi
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in neurosurgical intensive care patients.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of ADR data obtained from a spontaneous reporting system in a tertiary care university hospital. Reports of suspected ADRs in adult patients admitted emergently or electively to the neurosurgical service were included.

RESULTS:

Over the 3 year period, 3496 neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) patient admissions accounted for 5% of all hospital admissions. A total of 10% of all neurosurgical patients developed a suspected ADR, with three patients experiencing multiple reactions. Other adult ICU patients developed ADRs at a comparable rate (9%, P>0.05). Overall, neurosurgery patients accounted for 12% of all spontaneously reported ADRs. Preventable reactions were observed in 43 (13%) cases, and treatment was required for 76%. The majority (96%) of ADRs resolved or improved at the time of the ADR report. Nausea, pruritus, thrombocytopenia, and vomiting were most frequently noted. Therapies most often associated with reported events were analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and histamine H2 antagonists. The relationship between central nervous system disease and adverse event occurrence is not clear.

CONCLUSION:

Despite the narrow scope of drug regimens in neurosurgical ICU patients, ADRs can complicate therapy in this critically ill population. Neurosurgical ICU patients seem to experience ADRs no more frequently than their adult ICU counterparts.
Acute M2 Bifurcation Stenting for Cerebral Infarction: Lessons Learned from the Heart:Technical Case Report
Authors: Levy Elad I. , Ecker Robert D. , Hanel Ricardo A. , Sauvageau Eric , Wehman J Christopher , Guterman Lee R. , Hopkins L Nelson
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

Acute ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. For patients with NIHSS scores >10 and evaluated within 6 hours, intra-arterial thrombolysis is the treatment of choice. The Merci retriever (Concentric Medical Inc., Mountain View, CA) and IV TPA are currently the only FDA-approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke. For patients who do not meet the criteria for TPA administration and/or in whom the Merci device fails, options are limited. Intracranial stenting for acute ischemic stroke after failed thrombolysis is now possible because of improved delivery systems and appropriately sized stents.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 26-year-old woman presented with an NIHSS score of 11 (right-sided hemiparesis and mixed aphasia) 4 hours from the time of symptom onset. CT perfusion demonstrated increased time to peak in the entire left hemisphere; conventional angiography demonstrated a left M1 occlusion.

INTERVENTION:

After crossing the occlusion with a microcatheter, reteplase (2 units) was administered into the clot. Mechanical thrombolysis was then attempted, without restoration of flow. Two 3 × 12-mm coronary stents were placed from the M1 into the superior and inferior divisions, respectively, with complete restoration of flow (TIMI 3). Within 72 hours, the patient had an NIHSS score of 1, with a small infarction in the external capsule.

CONCLUSION:

Novel stroke interventions need to be developed for patients with acute ischemic stroke in whom traditional interventions fail. We present (to our knowledge) the first case of successful revascularization of an acute M1 occlusion accomplished with placement of two coronary stents.
Endoscopic Extruded Screw Removal after Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion: Technical Case Report
Authors: Lee Wha-Joon , Sheehan Jonas M. , Stack Brendan C.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

Symptomatic complications related to screw migration and extrusion after anterior cervical disc fusion are uncommon.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

We report a case of significant dysphagia owing to late screw migration.

INTERVENTION:

An endoscopic transpharyngeal removal was performed without pharyngeal closure and with relief of symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

A transpharyngeal endoscopic approach to remove loose anterior cervical hardware is feasible and warrants further evaluation.
Unilateral Mydriasis without Ophthalmoplegia—A Sign of Neurovascular Compression?: Case Report
Authors: Albayram Sait , Ozer Harun , Sarici Ahmet , Murphy Kieran , Miller Neil
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to demonstrate the use of neuroimaging studies in vascular compression of the oculomotor nerve.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 24-year-old woman was noted by her dentist to have anisocoria, with the left pupil being larger than the right. After detailed ophthalmologic and neurological examination, we proceeded to peform neuroimaging. T2-weighted images (2 mm) and constructive interference in steady-state (0.3 mm) images were utilized.

INTERVENTION:

Magnetic reasonance imaging showed that duplicated left superior cerebellar artery, a prominent posterior communicating artery, and a posterior cerebral artery combined to compress the superomedial portion of the left oculomotor nerve.

CONCLUSION:

With continued improvements in neuroimaging, we think that more cases of isolated cranial neuropathies previously labeled as “idiopathic” will be shown to result from vascular compression.
Artificial three-dimensional niches deconstruct pancreas developmentin vitro
Authors: Greggio Chiara , De Franceschi Filippo , Figueiredo-Larsen Manuel , Gobaa Samy , Ranga Adrian , Semb Henrik , Lutolf Matthias , Grapin-Botton Anne
Published: October 2013

In the context of a cellular therapy for diabetes, methods for pancreatic progenitor expansion and subsequent differentiation into insulin-producing beta cells would be extremely valuable. Here we establish three-dimensional culture conditions in Matrigel that enable the efficient expansion of dissociated mouse embryonic pancreatic progenitors. By manipulating the medium composition we generate either hollow spheres, which are mainly composed of pancreatic progenitors, or complex organoids that spontaneously undergo pancreatic morphogenesis and differentiation. The in vitro maintenance and expansion of pancreatic progenitors require active Notch and FGF signaling, thus recapitulating in vivo niche signaling interactions. Our experiments reveal new aspects of pancreas development, such as a community effect by which small groups of cells better maintain progenitor properties and expand more efficiently than isolated cells, as well as the requirement for three-dimensionality. Finally, growth conditions in chemically defined biomaterials pave the way for testing the biophysical and biochemical properties of the niche that sustains pancreatic progenitors.
Derivation of lung mesenchymal lineages from the fetal mesothelium requires hedgehog signaling for mesothelial cell entry
Authors: Dixit Radhika , Ai Xingbin , Fine Alan
Published: October 2013

Recent studies have shown that mesothelial progenitors contribute to mesenchymal lineages of developing organs. To what extent the overlying mesothelium contributes to lung development remains unknown. To rigorously address this question, we employed Wt1CreERT2/+ mice for high-fidelity lineage tracing after confirming that Cre recombinase was mesothelial specific and faithfully recapitulated endogenous Wilms’ tumor 1 (Wt1) gene expression. We visualized WT1+ mesothelial cell entry into the lung by live imaging and identified their progenies in subpopulations of bronchial smooth muscle cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and desmin+ fibroblasts by lineage tagging. Derivation of these lineages was only observed with Cre recombinase activation during early lung development. Using loss-of-function assays in organ cultures, and targeted mesothelial-restricted hedgehog loss-of-function mice, we demonstrated that mesothelial cell movement into the lung requires the direct action of hedgehog signaling. By contrast, hedgehog signaling was not required for fetal mesothelial heart entry. These findings further support a paradigm wherein the mesothelium is a source of progenitors for mesenchymal lineages during organogenesis and indicate that signals controlling mesothelial cell entry are organ specific.
Characterisation of Weibel-Palade body fusion by amperometry in endothelial cells reveals fusion pore dynamics and the effect of cholesterol on exocytosis
Authors: Cookson Emma A. , Conte Ianina L. , Dempster John , Hannah Matthew J. , Carter Tom
Published: October 2013

Regulated secretion from endothelial cells is mediated by Weibel-Palade body (WPB) exocytosis. Plasma membrane cholesterol is implicated in regulating secretory granule exocytosis and fusion pore dynamics; however, its role in modulating WPB exocytosis is not clear. To address this we combined high-resolution electrochemical analysis of WPB fusion pore dynamics, by amperometry, with high-speed optical imaging of WPB exocytosis following cholesterol depletion or supplementation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We identified serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivity in WPBs and VMAT1 expression allowing detection of secreted 5-HT as discrete current spikes during exocytosis. A high proportion of spikes (∼75%) had pre-spike foot signals, indicating that WPB fusion proceeds via an initial narrow pore. Cholesterol depletion significantly reduced pre-spike foot signal duration and increased the rate of fusion pore expansion, while cholesterol supplementation had broadly the reverse effect. Cholesterol depletion slowed the onset of hormone-evoked WPB exocytosis, while supplementation increased the rate of WPB exocytosis and hormone-evoked proregion secretion. Our results provide the first analysis of WPB fusion pore dynamics, and highlight an important role for cholesterol in the regulation of WPB exocytosis.
Geochemical Characterization of Jurassic Source Rock from Cuba: 1. Cifuentes Formation in Onshore via Blanca — Boca De Jaruco Oils Fields
Authors: González B.M. , Peralba Maria do Carmo , Barrionuevo Simone , Kalkreuth Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

The present study investigates the principal characteristics of organic matter contained in sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic Cifuentes Formation, Cuba and to assess its hydrocarbon generative potential. The Cifuentes Formation is part of the Placetas Tectono-Stratigrafic Unit (TSU) of the Northern Cuba Petroleum Province and is considered the principal hydrocarbon source rock of the area. A total of 37 core samples collected from 10 petroleum onshore exploration wells were analyzed ranging in depth from 1478 to 4037 m. Analytical methods included total organic carbon (TOC) determinations, Rock Eval, optical analyses and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicate that these rocks have organic carbon contents ranging from 0.52 wt% to 9.91 wt%. The average hydrocarbon generation potential as determined by Rock-Eval pyrolysis (S2) is between 0.34- 83.37 mg HC/g of rock suggesting a fair to good hydrocarbon generation potential for many samples. Hydrogen Indices (HI) and Oxygen Indices (OI) suggest kerogen types ranging from I to II and II/III. Optical analyses based on palynofacies concepts indicate predominance of amorphous organic matter (AOM). Based on biomarker distribution depositional environments is range from anoxic/hypersaline to normal saline. Maturity parameter such as Tmax (°C), vitrinite reflectance (Rrandom %), spore coloration index (SCI) and biomarker ratios suggest the organic matter is immature to marginally mature.
Feasibility Study and Economic Analyses for the Marginal Field Development Using Proxy Models under Uncertainty of Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Jeong Daein , Jeong Kwangseok , Baik Ho , Choe Jonggeun
Published: October 2013

Economical development of marginal fields is one of the key issues for the oil & gas industry. Risk analysis and optimization technique can be applied to ensure the economics of E&P projects in terms of the development scenarios, cost optimization, and production schemes. Depending on the reliability of reservoir data and the easiness of development, a field operator can exploit the whole field at the same time or choose a phased development strategy. Especially for a basement fracture reservoir, which has high uncertainty in connectivity among fractures, it is better to develop and produce oil from more reliable part of reservoir and then extend to the remaining parts. Even through this strategy, it is often necessary to face the difficulty in the determination of the proper development concepts such as a separate wellhead platform or sub-sea completion. The number and locations of wells also should be optimized to increase the net present value of the project. This paper presents a workflow to determine the development feasibility of oil and gas fields under the uncertainty of reservoir characterization using the neural network and Monte-Carlo simulation. In this paper, we focus on the evaluation of risk and uncertainty of a project's economics under the uncertainty with the connectivity of main producing area and the remaining area. Through the application of the proposed method to a real field in Vietnam, we show that the connectivity between adjacent areas in the basement reservoir is critical to estimate ultimate recovery and to evaluate the project economics. The production incremental through the development of the remaining area will be mainly affected by the production of the existing wells depending on the connectivity. From the evaluation of net present values according to the development concept and the schedule, this paper shows that the project's economics can be improved and better bases for decision making can be provided.
Diagenetic Process and Pore Evolution of Jurassic Continental Shale in Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Liu Luofu , Wang Ying , Gao Xiaoyue , Xiao Fei , Ren Zeying , Zhou Changxiao , Xiao Zhengyang
Published: October 2013

The Jurassic shale in the Tarim Basin, as one of the important source rocks within the basin, is identified as a set of typical continental sedimentation with big hydrocarbon-generating potential. The diagenetic process and pore evolution characteristics of the Jurassic shale were studied based on geochemical and reservoir bed properties analyses and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. The results show that the Jurassic shale shows low-porosity and low-permeability, the mineral composition is mainly of clay mineral and quartz; the shale underwent three diagenetic evolutionary stages, namely syngenetic to Period A of early diagenetic stage, Period B of early diagenetic stage and Period A of middle diagenetic stage; during this process, the shale underwent a series of changes such as hydrocarbon generation of organic matter, conversion from original minerals to illite, formation of authigenic minerals, recrystallization and corrosion; meanwhile, porosity and permeability also underwent the evolutionary processes including rapid reduce of primary pore and development of secondary pore. The pore development within shale is mainly controlled from three aspects, namely material composition of rock, diagenesis and later tectonic reworking.
Use Efficiency of Primary Energy Resources in Turkey
Authors: Kasap Yaşar , Duman Fehmi
Published: October 2013

The demand for electrical energy in Turkey, which is increasing due to population growth and industrialization like in the rest of the world, can only be met by either increasing the amount of energy produced with existing resources or by reducing energy consumption, on the basis of energy efficiency at every stage of production to consumption in other words. Use of primary energy resources in Turkey, which has to meet a large portion of its energy needs through imports, between the years 2000–2009 was examined with the Malmquist total factor productivity index (MPI). The analyses determined a decrease of 5.4% in electrical energy production due to inefficient use of indigenous resources and the current installed capacity. This study can be considered as an effort to draw attention to use of indigenous resources in terms of both contributions to the national economy and energy security.
Seismic Analysis of Adjacent Inelastic Structures Connected with Hysteretic Dampers under Near-Fault Earthquakes
Authors: Huang X. , Zhu H. P. , Hu Z. X.
Published: October 2013

Seismic responses of two adjacent structures coupled with non-linear hysteretic dampers subjected to near-fault ground motions were investigated. The nonlinearity of the structure was characterized by the Bouc-Wen model. A series of near-fault earthquakes were simulated via the artificial synthetic method as well. Initially, coupled equation of motion for the two connected inelastic structures was formulated. Then, extensive parametric studies were conducted to investigate the optimum yield force and yield displacement of non-linear hysteretic dampers. Furthermore, the performances of hysteretic dampers in terms of reducing structural responses were investigated. The results show that using non-linear hysteretic dampers to connect adjacent inelastic structures can effectively mitigate the kinetic energy of adjacent structures if the yield force and yield displacement of dampers are appropriately selected. The proper yield force and yield displacement have small differences as adjacent structures are under different near-fault earthquakes with different values of participation coefficient of equivalent velocity pulse.
Statistical Analysis of Basic Dynamic Characteristics of Large Span Cable-Stayed Bridge Based on High Order Perturbation Stochastic FEM
Authors: Huang Bin , Seresh Roohollah Fallahi , Zhu Liping
Published: October 2013

With the quick development of transportation in China, long span cable-stayed bridges have been widely constructed to cross large rivers and deep canyons attribute to their unique structural forms and mechanical properties. For large-scale cable-stayed bridges, how to determine their basic dynamic characteristics or modal data is an important issue on the dynamic analysis of bridge structures. Noting the uncertainty of structural parameters or geometric shape, it is also of significance to find out the statistic dynamic characteristics of uncertain long span cable-stayed bridges. At the present paper, different from traditional low order perturbation stochastic approach, a high order perturbation stochastic FEM called as recursive stochastic finite element method was employed, which is a good practical approximation method compared to the Monte Carlo simulation method. Taking Edong Yangtze River Bridge as a research objective, the recursive stochastic finite element method was employed to solve the modal data of large span cable-stayed bridge with random parameters. Firstly, in the non-orthogonal polynomial presentation, natural frequencies and mode shapes of the random cable-stayed bridge were expressed. Then coefficients of the non-orthogonal polynomial expansion are able to be determined through high order perturbation technique. On the basis of the coefficients obtained, the probability density functions and statistic characteristics of the modal data were straightforward to implement. In accordance with detailed analyzations and discussions on the basic dynamic characteristics of the cable-stayed bridge, it can be found that the randomness of sectional flexural stiffness of the deck beam and bridge towers is very sensitive to many modes of Edong Yangtze River Bridge. However, the elastic stiffness simulating the pile-soil interaction has less influence on the in-plane modes.
Failure Behavior of Axially Loaded Tubular Y-Joints under Fire
Authors: Fei Gao , Hong-Ping Zhu , Xiang-Nan Liu
Published: October 2013

The failure behavior of axially loaded circular hollow section (CHS) tubular Y-joints under fire is investigated. As the plastic yielding at the intersection of the chord and the brace is the most possible failure mode, the yield line theory is adopted to evaluate the joint ultimate capacity. A commercial finite element (FE) package ABAQUS is used to simulate the joint behavior. A sequentially coupled thermal-stress analysis is activated to analyze the stresses of the joint at higher temperatures. The FE model of the joint has been verified against the experimental results of the CHS tubular T-joints under fire. The numerical analysis showed that the joint failed at the location of the intersection between the chord and the brace. The type of failure modes is dependent upon the geometric parameters (θ, β and γ) and the load ratios ( n) of the joint. The critical temperature and the fire resistance limit of the joint under various brace loads are also investigated. It is found that the axial reaction of the chord due to thermal expansion of steel material is greatly larger than that caused by applied load, which seriously affects the fire resistance of the joint.
Time-Dependent Behaviors of Prestressed Concrete Track Girders under Sustained Loads
Authors: Xue Weichen , Liu Ting , Wang Wei
Published: October 2013

Experimental and theoretical studies are conducted to investigate time-dependent behaviors of 4 concrete track girder models (1:5) in rail transit for 1800 days, with an emphasis on effects of types of concrete, stress differences between upper and lower fibers of midspan sections on time-dependent behaviors of prestressed concrete track girders. The test results show that the midspan deflections of the models increase continuously. And smaller time-dependent deflections at midspan are found in the models with HPC or a lower stress difference between the upper and lower fibers of the section at midspan. The theoretical formula based on age-adjusted effective modulus method is proposed to predict time-dependent deflections of prestressed concrete track girders due to creep and shrinkage of concrete and relaxation of prestressed tendons. The deflections at midspan predicted by the formula were compared to the measured values of the girders tested, with close agreement being observed.
Experimental Studies on Seismic Performance of Subsidiary Piers for Long Span Cable-Stayed Bridge with Energy Dissipation
Authors: Sun Limin , Wei Jun , Xie Wen
Published: October 2013

This paper studied a damage-controlled RC bridge pier, which is a sacrificial subsidiary pier, 60 m in height, of a trial designed cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 1400 m. The previous studies have demonstrated that the bridge towers would have tow-hinge type failure, namely plastic hinges occurred both at the tower bottom section and around the cables anchorage section on the upper part of tower, when suffered from strong earthquakes in the longitudinal direction of the bridge. The simulations have illustrated that the damage of bridge towers can be reduced to an acceptable level if the subsidiary piers can be redesigned as energy dissipation structural components. In this study, three 1/10 scale subsidiary pier models, which are one single RC column and two twin RC columns connected by energy dissipation elements, were tested under cyclic quasi-static loads. The energy dissipation members adopted in the subsidiary piers are shear links (SLs) and buckling restrained braces (BRBs). From the experiments, it is found that: 1) Compared to the single column model, the energy dissipation capacity of the twin-column models with energy dissipation members, SLs or BRBs, can be improved significantly. In this study, the deformation capacity of the twin-column model with SLs is better than that with BRBs, indicating that the twin-column pier connected by SLs has the largest energy dissipation capacity among all tested models. 2) The twin-column piers suffer from less damage than the single column pier does due to the helps of energy dissipation members. The energy dissipation capacity of the twin-column piers tested can satisfy the seismic demand of the long span cable-stayed bridge investigated under strong earthquakes.
Structural Nonlinear Damage Identification Algorithm Based on Time Series ARMA/GARCH Model
Authors: Chen Liu-Jie , Yu Ling
Published: October 2013

In recent years, vibration based structural damage detection has been paid more and more attention by many researchers, especially for those based on the time series analysis. However, the traditional methods are mainly based on the linear time series analysis, which cannot deal with nonlinear damages effectively, such as the fatigue cracks that open and close upon dynamic loading. A new algorithm for the nonlinear damage detection is proposed based on a model of autoregressive moving average (ARMA) with generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) (ARMA/GARCH) in this paper. First, a reference ARMA model is constructed with the acceleration responses measured in a reference (healthy) state and the one-step-ahead error prediction are modeled as a GARCH model. Secondly, the new nonlinear damage-sensitive feature (DSF) is defined as the conditional standard deviation of the residual error of GARCH model in the reference and the unknown states, respectively. The performance of the presented algorithm is then evaluated by the experimental data of a three-story building structure provided by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Finally, the new algorithm is compared with the traditional methods based on the standard deviation ratio of the residual error of ARMA model. The illustrated results show that the proposed method can effectively estimate the extent of the nonlinear damage with higher accuracy. It has less computational cost and more robustness against operational and environmental variety. This makes it applicable for structural health monitoring in situ.
Calculation of Dynamic Response Sensitivity to Substructural Damage Identification under Moving Load
Authors: Zhu Hongping , Mao Ling , Weng Shun
Published: October 2013

In traditional structural damage identification methods, it is usually time consuming to identify a large number of unknown parameters on a large-scale structure. This paper proposes a substructural method to identify the local damage of the large and complex systems. The structural damage, the external moving force and interface forces of adjacent substructures are identified simultaneously from the measured dynamic acceleration responses. The dynamic response sensitivities with respect to the structural parameters and the orthogonal factors of the moving force and interface forces are derived in the state space domain. The proposed method is verified by a simple supported beam and a three-storey frame. Numerical results have shown that the external force, interface force and the structural local damages can be identified by the proposed method effectively and efficiently. Since the concerned substructure is independent and the interface from remaining substructures can be identified, the concerned substructure can be singled out to be used for a large number of substructural analysis.
Auditory Streaming Cues in Eighteenth- and Early Nineteenth-Century String Quartets
Authors: Duane Ben
Published: October 2013

This study uses a corpus of excerpts from eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century string quartets to examine how four acoustic cues—onset and offset synchrony, pitch comodulation, and spectral overlap—help to afford the perception of auditory streams. Two types of streams are dealt with: textural streams, which house individual string parts or groups of them that function as single musical units; and music streams, which typically house the music as a whole and distinguish it from other simultaneous sounds of music. The corpus contained real excerpts from classical string quartets as well as synthesized excerpts in which lines from two different quartets were combined. Both the author and ten survey respondents analyzed the corpus, identifying likely textural streams. Each of the four acoustic cues was modeled computationally, in order to assess its prevalence in textural and music streams found in the corpus. The results suggested that some cues are more important than others in establishing textural streams, music streams, or both.
A miRNA signature associated with human metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Santarpia Libero , Calin George A , Adam Liana , Ye Lei , Fusco Alfredo , Giunti Serena , Thaller Christina , Paladini Laura , Zhang Xinna , Jimenez Camilo , Trimarchi Francesco , El-Naggar Adel K , Gagel Robert F
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small, non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting mRNA and triggering either translational repression or RNA degradation. The objective of our study was to evaluate the involvement of miRNAs in human medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and to identify the markers of metastatic cells and aggressive tumour behaviour. Using matched primary and metastatic tumour samples, we identified a subset of miRNAs aberrantly regulated in metastatic MTC. Deregulated miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and validated by in situ hybridisation on a large independent set of primary and metastatic MTC samples. Our results uncovered ten miRNAs that were significantly expressed and deregulated in metastatic tumours: miR-10a, miR-200b/-200c, miR-7 and miR-29c were down-regulated and miR-130a, miR-138, miR-193a-3p, miR-373 and miR-498 were up-regulated. Bioinformatic approaches revealed potential miRNA targets and signals involved in metastatic MTC pathways. Migration, proliferation and invasion assays were performed in cell lines treated with miR-200 antagomirs to ascertain a direct role for this miRNA in MTC tumourigenesis. We show that the members of miR-200 family regulate the expression of E-cadherin by directly targeting ZEB1 and ZEB2 mRNA and through the enhanced expression of tumour growth factor β (TGFβ)-2 and TGFβ-1. Overall, the treated cells shifted to a mesenchymal phenotype, thereby acquiring an aggressive phenotype with increased motility and invasion. Our data identify a robust miRNA signature associated with metastatic MTC and distinct biological processes, e.g., TGFβ signalling pathway, providing new potential insights into the mechanisms of MTC metastasis.