bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Droplet digital PCR for the simultaneous analysis of minimal residual disease and hematopoietic chimerism after allogeneic cell transplantation
Authors: Waterhouse Miguel , Pfeifer Dietmar , Duque-Afonso Jesus , Follo Marie , Duyster Justus , Depner Melanie , Bertz Hartmut , Finke Jürgen 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
Minimal residual disease (MRD) and hematopoietic chimerism testing influences clinical decision and therapeutic intervention in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, treatment approaches to induce complete donor chimerism and MRD negativity can lead to complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and marrow aplasia. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive characterization of the molecular remission status after transplantation.

Methods
We analyzed 764 samples from 70 patients after HSCT for the simultaneous measurement of chimerism and molecular targets used for MRD testing with a digital PCR (dPCR) platform.

Results
Mixed chimerism (MC) was detected in 219 samples from 37 patients. The mean percentage of host derived DNA in these clinical samples was 4.3%. Molecular relapse with a positive MRD marker and/or increased WT1 expression was observed in 15 patients. In addition to WT1 overexpression, other MRD positive markers were: NPM1 (Type A, B, K), DNMT3A (R882H), MLL-PTD, IDH1 (R132H) and KRAS (G12S). Increasing MC was observed in 15 patients. This group of patients showed either a positive MRD marker, increased WT1 expression or both. Next, we analyzed whether MC or the molecular target for MRD was first detected. MC and MRD marker positivity in this group was first detected in six and two patients, respectively. In the remaining seven patients MC and MRD positivity was detected simultaneously.

Conclusions
The combination of MRD and chimerism markers in a dPCR platform represents a practical, sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool for the comprehensive assessment of the molecular remission status of patients undergoing HSCT.
Photovoltaic light valving induced in a vertically aligned nematic liquid crystal on a x-cut Fe:LiNbO3substrate
Authors: Lorenz Alexander , Jiao Lin , Evans Dean R. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Photovoltaic fields induced in x-cut Fe-doped lithium niobate (Fe:LiNbO3)were used to achieve optically induced defect formation and light valving in a vertically aligned nematic liquid crystal. Initially, the optical axis of the LC was vertically aligned (along the surface-normal of the planar, photovoltaic substrates) throughout the whole sample. Samples were exposed with a focused continuous wave laser beam and investigated via microscopic imaging in-between crossed polarizers. The optical axis of the planar, x-cut Fe:LiNbO3 substrates was in the substrate plane and oriented parallel to one of the polarizers, which resulted in an initially dark state. Optically induced surface fields (with high in-plane components) generated within the substrates led to director reorientations and defect formation. Accordingly, the samples were locally switched into a transmissive state. The area affected by exposure was larger (300 μm) than the FWHM of the Gaussian exposure beam (14 μm). Switching from dark to bright states (light valving) could be achieved in the investigated samples much more eficiently than in previously investigated samples with z-cut Fe:LiNbO3-substrates. Realignments of the LC director were induced at lower optical power density (140 mW/cm2) than would be required to excite the intrinsically present nonlinear optical responses in a nematic LC such as the light induced Fredericks transition.
Drug target prediction using chem- and bioinformatics
Authors: Guedes Rita C. , Rodrigues Tiago 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The biological pre-validation of natural products (NPs) and their underlying frameworks ensures an unrivaled source of inspiration for chemical probe and drug design. However, the poor knowledge of their drug target counterparts critically hinders the broader exploration of NPs in chemical biology and molecular medicine. Cutting-edge algorithms now provide powerful means for the target deconvolution of phenotypic screen hits and generate motivated research hypotheses. Herein, we present recent progress in artificial intelligence applied to target identification that may accelerate future NP-inspired molecular medicine.
Durability of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars in wet-dry cycles alkali-salt corrosion
Authors: Liu Jianxun , Li Ning , Chen Meirong , Yang Jianping , Long Biao , Wu Zhishen 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars have been increasingly applied to offshore structures, which are subjected to seawater corrosion and wet-dry cycles during their service time. This study evaluated the alkali-salt resistance performance of BFRP bars with different resin matrix types under wet-dry cycles. The tensile and shear strength of BFRP bars were tested. As a comparison, experiments of BFRP bars under continuous immersion were also conducted. The mechanisms of the two different conditions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A relationship was established between the degradations under continuous immersion and wet-dry cycling. The results demonstrated that the alkali-salt resistance of vinyl resin matrix BFRP bars was superior to that of epoxy resin matrix BFRP bars under wet-dry cycles. Furthermore, according to the data obtained under continuous immersion, a time shift factor for predicting the durability of BFRP bars under wet-dry cycles was proposed.
Stereotyping in representing the “Chinese Dream” in news reports by CNN and BBC
Authors: Wang Jiayu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper examines how the slogan of the “Chinese Dream” is represented in two western news reports on the CNN and the BBC websites. They are among the first news reports which introduce the “Chinese Dream” into the US and the UK, respectively. The analysis of both the verbal news texts and the visuals shows that the reporters use different discursive strategies to manipulate the ideological orientation of the social actors and social actions in discourse. Through the analysis, this study shows how different discursive resources conceptualized in Theo van Leeuwen’s work, Discourse and practice: New tools for critical discourse analysis, are used to stereotype “the other’s” politics and political discourse in BBC and CNN’s news texts, and perpetuate a Eurocentric view on perceiving contemporary Chinese political discourse.
Using Maize Chromosome Segment Substitution Line Populations for the Identification of Loci Associated with Multiple Disease Resistance
Authors: Lopez-Zuniga Luis O , Wolters Petra , Davis Scott , Weldekidan Teclemariam , Kolkman Judith M , Nelson Rebecca , Hooda K S , Rucker Elizabeth , Thomason Wade , Wisser Randall , Balint-Kurti Peter 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSouthern Leaf Blight (SLB), Northern Leaf Blight (NLB), and Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) caused by Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Setosphaeria turcica, and Cercospora zeae-maydis respectively, are among the most important diseases of corn worldwide. Previously, moderately high and significantly positive genetic correlations between resistance levels to each of these diseases were identified in a panel of 253 diverse maize inbred lines. The goal of this study was to identify loci underlying disease resistance in some of the most multiple disease resistant (MDR) lines by the creation of chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) populations in multiple disease susceptible (MDS) backgrounds. Four MDR lines (NC304, NC344, Ki3, NC262) were used as donor parents and two MDS lines (Oh7B, H100) were used as recurrent parents to produce eight BC3F4:5 CSSL populations comprising 1,611 lines in total. Each population was genotyped and assessed for each disease in replicated trials in two environments. Moderate to high heritabilities on an entry mean basis were observed (0.32 to 0.83). Several lines in each population were significantly more resistant than the MDS parental lines for each disease. Multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) for disease resistance were detected for each disease in most of the populations. Seventeen QTL were associated with variation in resistance to more than one disease (SLB/NLB: 2; SLB/GLS: 7; NLB/GLS: 2 and 6 to all three diseases). For most populations and most disease combinations, significant correlations were observed between disease scores and also between marker effects for each disease. The number of lines that were resistant to more than one disease was significantly higher than would be expected by chance. Using the results from individual QTL analyses, a composite statistic based on Mahalanobis distance (Md) was used to identify joint marker associations with multiple diseases. Across all populations and diseases, 246 markers had significant Md values. However further analysis revealed that most of these associations were due to strong QTL effects on a single disease. Together, these findings reinforce our previous conclusions that loci associated with resistance to different diseases are clustered in the genome more often than would be expected by chance. Nevertheless true MDR loci which have significant effects on more than one disease are still much rarer than loci with single disease effects.
Biochemical screen correction possibilities in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Feisa S. V. , Rostoka-Reznikova M. V. , Tovt-Korshynska M. I. , Siksai L. T. 
Published: November 2018

The rationale for this study is the controversial data regarding the efficacy of hepatoprotectors and antioxidants for lipid profile correction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the prevalence of which is increasing especially in association with diabetes mellitus. We examined 100 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients (40–75 years old) with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 73) or without it (n = 27), the groups were standardized by age and gender. In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with diabetes mellitus we revealed significantly higher rates of total cholesterol, triglycerides and atherogenic factor in association with a significantly lower high-density lipoproteins level versus the group of patients without concomitant diabetes. We recommended the modification of lifestyle as basic management of their condition to all patients, hypoglycemic therapy with metformin to persons with concomitant diabetes mellitus and rosuvastatin to patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease without diabetes. In addition, 25 patients received essential phospholipids (2 caps. 3 times a day) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (1000 mg per day) for 3 months; 26 patients – α-lipoic acid (600 mg daily) for 3 months, 22 patients received rosuvastatin (10 mg daily), 27 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease without diabetes mellitus received rosuvastatin (10 mg daily). We evaluated the treatment efficiency after 3 months treatment, and the remote consequences – 12 months after the start of combined treatment. After 3 months, the alanine-aminotransferase rate had decreased by 15.1% in the group taking combined essential phospholipids and ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids and by 12.9% in the group taking alpha-lipoic acid, which was significantly larger than in the rosuvastatin group (7.5%); gamma-glutamate transpeptidase level decreased by 16.7%, 18.7% and 9.4% respectively indicating anticholestatic and hepatoprotective effect of both proposed treatment combinations. The same tendency of cytolysis and cholestasis processes inhibition was observed after 12 months as well. In conclusion, the combination of standard treatment with antioxidant and hepatoprotective agents (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with essential phospholipids or only alpha-lipoic acid) promotes both cytolysis and cholestasis syndromes inhibition in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus.
ESTUDO DA EVOLUÇÃO DO CULTIVO DE COCO EM MUNICÍPIOS DO ESTADO DO PARÁ E NOS PRINCIPAIS ESTADOS BRASILEIROS PRODUTORES
Authors: Alves Keila De Nazaré Amaral , Almeida Gabriela Mourão de , Lobato Whesley Thiago dos Santos , Souza Antonio Maricélio Borges de , Souza Antonio Alan Santos de , Vidal Deice Juane Ferreira , Silva Daniella Amor Cunha da , Pereira Wanderson Cunha 
Published: November 2018

Originária do sudeste asiático a cultura do coco (Cocos nucifera L.) chegou ao Brasil em meados dos anos 50, pelo estado da Bahia e se disseminou pelo litoral brasileiro. Possuindo duas variedades principais, a variedade Typica e a Nana, das quais é possível se obter uma grande variedade de produtos. Com base nisso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a dinâmica da evolução do cultivo de coco nas principais regiões do Brasil, nos principais estados produtores e nas principais cidades produtoras do estado do Pará. Para isso foi realizado um levantamento de dados secundários do IBGE sobre Área Destinada a Colheita (ha), Área Colhida (ha) e Quantidade Produzida (Ton.) dos anos de 2007, 2011 e 2015, para obter uma maior variabilidade e assim observar o crescimento da cultura nos últimos nove anos disponíveis e também pelo fato do ano de 2007 marcar o início de políticas de incentivo para o cultivo do coco. Foi possível perceber que apenas a região Nordeste apresentou crescimento na Área destinada a Colheita, Colhida e Quantidade Produzida. E verificou-se que a Bahia também foi o estado que mais cresceu nesses mesmos aspectos. Enquanto no Pará, Tome-Açu e Moju são os municípios que estão em pleno crescimento de cultivo de coco. Pode-se concluir que Moju município que mais avança em crescimento, devido seu grande potencial de investimento em produtos extraídos do coco. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Economia, Modelagem, Plantio.
Well-Collision-Avoidance Management and Principles
Authors: Sawaryn S. J. , Wilson H.. , Allen W. T. , Clark P. J. , Mitchell I.. , Codling J.. , Sentance A.. , Poedjono B.. , Lowdon R.. , Bang J.. , Nyrnes E.. 
Published: November 2018

Summary
The well-collision-avoidance management and principles presented in this paper are a culmination of the work and consensus of industry experts from both operators and service companies in the SPE Wellbore Positioning Technical Section (WPTS). This is not a new subject, but current guidance is disparate, company-specific, and occasionally contradictory. As a result, the guidance can be difficult to understand and implement. A further aim is to drive the standardization of the well-collision-avoidance rules, process, and nomenclature throughout the industry. Standardization improves efficiency and reduces implementation errors.
The consequences of an unplanned intersection with an existing well can range from financial loss to a catastrophic blowout and loss of life. The process of well-collision avoidance involves rules that determine the allowable well separation, the management of the associated directional planning and surveying activities, and assurance and verification. The adoption of a specific minimum-allowable separation rule, no matter how conservative, does not ensure an acceptably low probability of collision. Many other factors contribute, such as the level of compliance by office and rig personnel with collision-avoidance procedures, and the completeness and correctness of the directional database. All these factors are connected.
The material is split into eight sections, each dealing with a critical element in the collision-avoidance process. Examples are presented to highlight a good-implementation practice. This aligned approach will dispel some of the current confusion in the industry concerning well-collision avoidance; will improve efficiency when planning and executing wells; and will build industry focus on the associated collision risks when drilling. The WPTS is also supporting the current development of API RP 78 (not yet issued).
This is the first of two papers. The second paper (Sawaryn et al. 2018) covers the minimum-allowable separation rule and its application, assurance, and verification.
Impact of Anisotropic Stresses on the Slotted Liners Performance in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Process
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Pang Yu , Montero Jesus , Haftani Mohammad , Fattahpour Vahidoddin , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Nouri Alireza 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Thermal stimulation techniques are widely used to exploit Western Canadian heavy oil assets. These techniques rely on injection of steam into the formation, inducing complex geomechanical stresses in the reservoir and surrounding strata during the life cycle of the project. In SAGD wells, the collapsed oil sand around the liner undergoes a stress buildup which causes gradual sand compaction. The stress buildup is influenced by several factors such as the in-situ stresses, reservoir poroelastic and thermal expansion, and reservoir shear dilation. However, the impact of stress level and anisotropy around the liner is not properly accounted for in previous research on slotted liner design. This paper investigates the effect of anisotropic stress buildup around slotted liners on their sanding and plugging performance under multiphase flow conditions.
A Scaled Completion Testing (SCT) facility was utilized to emulate multi-axial stress and multiphase flow conditions near the sand control liner. Brine, oil, and gas were used as flowing fluids. Sand-pack samples were prepared using commercial sands by matching the particle size, shape and, composition of the McMurray Formation oil sands. A constant lateral stress and several axial stresses were applied to simulate the stress conditions around the liner. The three-phase flow condition was used to evaluate the role of the steam breakthrough on the liner performance.
Experimental results indicate the critical role of stress conditions around the liner on its sanding and plugging responses. Results show gradual sand-pack compaction with the gradual increase of the axial stress. Higher axial stresses result in a smaller amount of produced sand, which can be attributed to the stronger inter-particle frictional resistance, hence, stronger and more stable sand bridges behind the slots. The higher compaction results in a lower porosity and permeability, hence, altering the plugging and sanding response of the liner. Also, higher retained permeabilities are found for stronger anisotropic stress conditions. Besides, it is found that the three-phase flow condition could cause a stronger fines migration and production, compared to single-phase flow.
The results of this study indicate that the stress and multiphase flow effects are crucial factors in the evaluation of slotted liner performance. The findings from the innovative experimental studies provide insights into the practicability of evaluating slotted liner performance with the consideration of sophisticated field conditions and optimizing the selection of the slotted liner aperture for the entire well lifespan.
Addressing Thermal Loading Uncertainties for Liner Design
Authors: Chartier Mark A. , Miller Samantha M. , Kaiser Trent M. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Liners in the unconsolidated sand reservoirs common to SAGD applications are subjected to a unique combination of loads that arise due to re-established formation stresses combined with large temperature changes. Temperature changes that occur following frictional constraint of the liner induce axial strain that can yield the liner, which reduces its capacity to resist ovalisation under non-uniform re-established formation stresses. These types of liner deformations are undesirable because they can restrict wellbore access, compromise other liner functions (e.g., sand or inflow control) or, in the worst case, drive a complete collapse failure.
The magnitude, non-uniformity, and evolution of re-established formation stresses present in SAGD wells remains highly uncertain. Consequently, many of the liner designs deployed in early wells relied on approximations of the re-established formation stresses, for example, from experimental testing and analytical approximations provided by van den Hoek et. al. (2000b).
Industry experience with liners deployed in thermal applications has been mixed. Some projects have indicated very low rates of liner failures. Conversely, other projects in the same formations, or in formations with similar characteristics, have experienced higher failure rates with measured liner ovalisations that suggest re-established formation stress (REFS) distributions can be more severe than previously assumed.
This paper describes how REFS impacts long-term integrity of thermal liners in unconsolidated sand reservoirs and how uncertainty in those stresses can be the difference between success and failure. The sensitivity of thermal liner structural performance of several common liner systems to re-established formation stresses is examined. The results align with field experience and highlight the importance of developing a strong understanding of the downhole loading environment to ensure liner designs promote long-term integrity and sustained production. The paper recommends several activities that will enable industry to more rigorously determine re-established formation stress and proposes refinements to the design and selection basis for liners deployed in thermal wells to manage the risk of deformations that result from thermal loading.
Visualization of Fines Migration in the Flow Entering Apertures through the Near-Wellbore Porous Media
Authors: Ansari Shadi , Yusuf Yishak , Kinsale Lisa , Sabbagh Reza , Nobes David S. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Various slotted liners geometries are used to control the sand production in SAGD operations. The geometry of a slot (shape and size) not only affect sand production but it may also influence fine deposition and scaling at the slot entrance. Failure of SAGD wells due to the deposition of particles is an important issue that needs to be investigated at the pore scale. This study provides a fundamental understanding of fines transport and the plugging potential at the entrance of the slots on slotted liners. Three slot profiles including straight shape, keystone shape and seamed (rolled top) shape are examined experimentally in relation to the preceding conditions of pore spaces in porous media. The potential of slot plugging is also studied from the fluid flow motion perspective. This task is achieved by visualization of the flow passing through the near well bore region of different slot geometries using an optical technique, namely, particle image velocimetry. Motion of small particles (D = 20μm) in the oil flow are captured before entering the slot, at the entrance and after leaving the slot entrance. The changes in the streamlines and velocities are analyzed to estimate the potential plugging locations. The results highlights how changing the entrance geometry of the slots may increase the deposition potential in and around a slot. The flow of the oil within the near wellbore porous media have also indicated that depending on the locations of the porous media within the flow structure, different deposition pattern may take place. Based on the result of this study it can be concluded that among the slots, keystone has the highest potential for the particle build up within and at the entrance of the slot.